The first Kalank review is a mixed bag. The movie’s likeable cast and aesthetically attractive packaging are appealing, but the movie lacks nuance in its portrayal of Hindu-Muslim relations. While a ferocious Muslim is portrayed, a feisty Hindu is not. The film’s ending, however, is well-paced and the action scenes were thrilling. Overall, this film earned a B+.
Despite its flaws, the film begins on a high note. There are glimpses of the film’s crux in the prelude, as a wounded man is helped by a woman in a train. Another scene sees a woman reaching out her hand to a wounded man, only to be seized by her husband, who holds her down. The scene is cinematically shocking, but also uplifting.
The performances in this film are strong. Madhuri Dixit and Kunal Khemu turn in standout performances. Aditya Roy Kapur’s stiff acting does not convey any passion, which is unfortunate, but it does help to convey the character’s uptight nature. Still, Kalank lacks in the emotional department. It’s not a good film, but there are a few bright spots.
In terms of visual detail, Kalank is an excellent movie. Its cast and crew are exceptional, and the setting is a convincing recreation of pre-partition India. There’s a lot of potential in this film, but it’s a bit overstuffed, with too much gore and a few clunky scenes. A little overlong, Kalank is still a good movie and a worthy investment.
One flaw in the movie is its underlying message. Many critics have decried the movie’s portrayal of Muslims as the perpetrators of all violence. While the film portrays Hindu characters in pastel shades, the film’s message is quite clear – Hindus are being discriminated against. In fact, it’s hard to deny that Kalank was made for its worshipful fan base in the 1970s.
A second flaw in Kalank is the movie’s treatment of small businesses. The screenplay paints big businesses as the saviors of the nation, while treating self-employment and small businesses as obsolete. It’s a shame that Bollywood filmmakers continue to overlook the plight of small businesses. That’s because they don’t understand the role of self-employment. This film aims to change that perception.
