Released on April 17, 2019, Kalank is a Bollywood period drama directed by Abhishek Varman. Set in the pre-independence era, the movie delves into themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice against a backdrop of societal turmoil. With an ensemble cast including Bollywood heavyweights like Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditya Roy Kapur, the film promised a visual spectacle. The movie was heavily marketed as a grand romance with dramatic twists, but did it live up to the expectations? In this review, we will take a closer look at the plot, strengths, weaknesses, and the overall experience of Kalank.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
Kalank is set in the 1940s in a fictional town named Husnabad. The story revolves around Roop (Alia Bhatt), a young woman caught in a complex web of love, family loyalty, and societal expectations. Roop’s life takes a drastic turn when she is forced into a marriage with Dev (Aditya Roy Kapur), a man with a troubled past. However, her heart belongs to Zafar (Varun Dhawan), a brooding, passionate man with a dark history. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Bahaar Begum (Madhuri Dixit) and the noble but conflicted Satya (Sonakshi Sinha) add layers of mystery and emotion to the narrative. As the characters navigate their personal dilemmas, the film explores the consequences of forbidden love, sacrifice, and the inevitable pain that comes with it.
What’s Good?
Acting
The performances in Kalank are one of its strongest points. Alia Bhatt delivers a powerful portrayal of Roop, capturing the vulnerability and strength of her character. Her emotional depth is evident in every scene, making her one of the film’s most compelling characters. Varun Dhawan, as Zafar, brings intensity to his role, playing the tortured soul with great conviction. His chemistry with Alia Bhatt is palpable, adding a layer of passion to their relationship.
Madhuri Dixit, as the mysterious Bahaar Begum, is a visual delight. Her grace and poise shine through, and her character’s emotional complexity is portrayed beautifully. Sanjay Dutt, playing the role of the patriarch, is solid in his performance, adding weight to the film’s dramatic moments. Sonakshi Sinha also impresses in her role as Satya, balancing the character’s innocence and strength with subtlety.
Direction
Abhishek Varman’s direction is visually stunning, and the film’s grand scale is evident in every frame. The period setting is meticulously recreated, from the costumes to the set designs, transporting the audience to a bygone era. Varman’s ability to blend romance with historical elements is commendable, though the pacing of the narrative falters at times. Despite the occasional slow moments, the direction helps maintain the grandeur of the film.
Music
The music of Kalank is another standout feature. Composed by Pritam, the soundtrack complements the film’s emotional depth. Songs like “Ghar More Pardesiya,” “Kalank,” and “Tabaah Ho Gaye” have a timeless quality, adding to the film’s atmosphere. The music perfectly captures the essence of the film’s period setting, and the lyrics enhance the emotional impact of the scenes.
Cinematography
The cinematography by Binod Pradhan is breathtaking. The film’s visuals are rich and opulent, with sweeping shots of the town, the interiors, and the costumes. The use of light and shadow enhances the mood of the film, and the visual storytelling adds layers to the narrative. Whether it’s the majestic dance sequences or intimate emotional moments, the cinematography elevates the storytelling.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
One of the major strengths of Kalank is its visual appeal. The period drama is a treat for the eyes, with grand sets, intricate costumes, and beautiful cinematography. The performances, especially by Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, are also a highlight. Their chemistry is central to the emotional core of the film, and their individual performances add depth to the characters.
The music is another strength, with songs that linger long after the movie ends. The film’s emotional weight is carried by its soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience. The direction, though not flawless, ensures that the grandeur of the film is maintained, and the pacing is balanced for the most part.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, Kalank suffers from a few issues. The pacing of the film can be uneven, especially in the first half, where the narrative drags at times. The film’s length also feels excessive, and certain scenes could have been trimmed to maintain the momentum. Additionally, while the performances are strong, some of the characters, especially those played by Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Dutt, feel underdeveloped, and their arcs are not as impactful as they could have been.
Another issue is the predictability of the plot. While the film attempts to surprise the audience with twists, they feel somewhat clichéd and lack the emotional punch that was expected from such a grand narrative.
Target Audience
Kalank is a movie for fans of period dramas, romance, and intense emotional storytelling. The film’s grand scale and dramatic elements make it suitable for those who enjoy larger-than-life cinema. Fans of Bollywood’s star-studded cast, especially Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, will find much to appreciate. However, the film’s slow pacing and melodrama may not appeal to viewers who prefer fast-paced action or lighter entertainment. Families and audiences who enjoy historical romance and complex emotional narratives will find Kalank engaging.
Box Office Details
Kalank had a massive budget of approximately INR 150 crores, making it one of the most expensive Bollywood films of 2019. Despite its star power and high production value, the film did not perform as expected at the box office.
The worldwide box office collection for Kalank stood at around INR 146 crores, which was lower than anticipated given the film’s grand scale and star-studded cast. In India, the film earned INR 21.6 crores on its opening day, with the earnings gradually increasing over the next few days. On Day 2, it grossed INR 22.5 crores, and by Day 3, the total earnings had reached INR 24.5 crores. The film’s performance in the overseas market was more promising, with Kalank grossing INR 8.5 crores on its opening day. However, the movie’s box office numbers were disappointing considering the large budget and high expectations.
The film’s box office performance can be attributed to mixed reviews, with some praising the visual spectacle and performances, while others criticized its pacing and predictability.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Kalank is a visually stunning film with strong performances and a grand narrative. While it has its flaws, such as uneven pacing and predictable plot twists, it is still worth watching for fans of historical romance and period dramas. If you enjoy a blend of love, sacrifice, and emotional intensity, Kalank will appeal to you. However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed film, this may not be the right choice.
Genres:
Drama, Romance
Rating:
5.6/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Alia Bhatt | Roop |
| Varun Dhawan | Zafar |
| Aditya Roy Kapur | Dev Chaudhry |
| Sanjay Dutt | Balraj Chaudhry |
| Madhuri Dixit | Bahaar Begum |
| Sonakshi Sinha | Satya Chaudhry |
| Kunal Khemu | Abdul |
| Kiara Advani | Lajjo |
| Achint Kaur | Saroj: Chaudhry household’s housekeeper |
| Pawan Chopra | Dharampal Sami: Roop’s father |
| Hiten Tejwani | Abbas Ahmed Razi: Dev’s colleague |
| Kriti Sanon | Dancer in the song “Aira Gaira” |
| Pavail Gulati | Aditya Khanna: a journalist who interviews and documents Roop’s life story |
| Meera Chopra | |
| Mukesh Rishi |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
