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Kalank is a Bollywood period drama released on April 17, 2019. Directed by Abhishek Varman, the film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditya Roy Kapur. Set in pre-independence India during the 1940s, the movie explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal boundaries against a backdrop of communal tensions and changing times.
With its grand production design, stunning visuals, and soulful music, Kalank aimed to offer an epic cinematic experience. Despite the mixed critical response, the film’s high expectations and big names made it a significant release. Let’s dive deeper into what worked, what didn’t, and whether Kalank lived up to its hype.
Plot Summary
Set in the town of Husnabad, Kalank follows the intertwined lives of several characters caught in a web of love and societal constraints. Roop (Alia Bhatt), a young woman, enters a complicated marriage with Dev (Aditya Roy Kapur) due to unforeseen circumstances. Dev, however, harbors lingering feelings for his wife, Satya (Sonakshi Sinha), who is battling a terminal illness.
Amid this turmoil, Roop crosses paths with Zafar (Varun Dhawan), a blacksmith with a troubled past. Their intense relationship sets off a chain of events that impacts everyone’s lives. Meanwhile, Bahaar Begum (Madhuri Dixit) and Balraj Chaudhry (Sanjay Dutt) grapple with their own secrets and regrets. The story explores themes of forbidden love, family loyalty, and societal prejudice, culminating in a tragic yet poignant climax.
What’s Good?
Visual Grandeur
One of the most striking aspects of Kalank is its visual appeal. The film’s art direction and cinematography are breathtaking, transporting viewers to the opulent world of 1940s India. The intricate set designs, rich costumes, and lavish backdrops create a grandiose atmosphere that’s hard to ignore.
Performances
The performances are another highlight of the movie. Alia Bhatt delivers a compelling portrayal of Roop, capturing her emotional conflicts with finesse. Varun Dhawan’s portrayal of Zafar is intense and layered, showcasing his growth as an actor. Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt bring gravitas to their roles, while Sonakshi Sinha and Aditya Roy Kapur add depth to the supporting cast.
Music
The soundtrack, composed by Pritam, is soulful and memorable. Songs like “Ghar More Pardesiya” and “Tabaah Ho Gaye” stand out, not only for their melodic beauty but also for their stunning choreography and visuals. The background score complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.
Ambitious Storytelling
Kalank deserves credit for its ambitious attempt to tell a multi-layered story. The complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the characters add depth to the narrative. The film’s themes of love and societal boundaries resonate, even if the execution falters at times.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Production Quality: The high production value is evident in every frame, from the sets to the costumes.
- Star Power: The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, adding credibility to the film.
- Music and Dance: The songs and choreography are beautifully executed, leaving a lasting impression.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: At nearly three hours, the film feels overly long, with some scenes dragging unnecessarily.
- Lack of Subtlety: The screenplay tends to be melodramatic, undermining the emotional weight of certain moments.
- Underdeveloped Subplots: Some character arcs and relationships lack depth, leaving viewers wanting more clarity and resolution.
Target Audience
Kalank is ideal for fans of period dramas and romantic sagas. Those who appreciate grand visuals, soulful music, and emotionally charged narratives will find much to enjoy. The movie also appeals to audiences who admire the work of its star-studded cast. However, viewers seeking fast-paced storytelling or light-hearted entertainment may find it less engaging.
Box Office Details
Budget and Earnings
- Total Budget: Approximately ₹150 crore
- Worldwide Collection: Around ₹146 crore
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1: ₹21.60 crore (India) | ₹6 crore (Overseas)
- Day 2: ₹11 crore (India) | ₹4.5 crore (Overseas)
- Day 3: ₹10.50 crore (India) | ₹4 crore (Overseas)
- Day 4: ₹8.50 crore (India) | ₹3.5 crore (Overseas)
- Day 5: ₹6 crore (India) | ₹3 crore (Overseas)
Despite a strong opening, the film struggled to maintain momentum, falling short of recovering its high production costs. Mixed reviews and word-of-mouth publicity contributed to its underwhelming box office performance.
Recommendation
Kalank is a visually stunning film with strong performances and an ambitious narrative. While it falters in pacing and subtlety, its emotional depth and grand scale make it worth a watch for fans of period dramas. If you enjoy love stories set against a backdrop of historical turmoil, Kalank deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Genres:
Drama, Romance
Rating:
5.567/10
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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