Kalank is a largely enjoyable film about partition-era love and loyalty. While the cast and packaging are appealing, the movie falls flat on the social side. While there are a lot of likable characters, the film fails to give much nuance to the Hindu-Muslim equation. Kalank’s portrayal of a ferocious Muslim is unconvincing, and a more nuanced film would have benefited from such an approach.
One of the biggest highlights of the film is the title track, which evokes strong feelings in viewers. Unfortunately, the script isn’t up to par and the performances are rather average. While it features a top-notch cast, Kalank isn’t worth seeing if you’re not a hopeless romantic. Instead, watch this film if you’re an enthusiast of Bollywood romance. For more Bollywood reviews, subscribe to Pinkvilla, the entertainment news website.
The film’s storyline is weak and predictable, but it does have some good moments. The lead actors (Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, and Sanjay Dutt) give the film its heart. It’s also well-acted by Aditya Roy Kapur. The music is impressive, but Kalank’s lack of focus on the plot is disappointing. The final twist is a bit predictable and uninspiring.
The film starts out promisingly, but the first scene in particular reveals a few flaws. While it’s supposed to take place in pre-Independent India, it feels like it was shot in a catalogue. The woman who stands in the doorway of a train, for instance, wails cinematically while gondoliers paddle the moat. This is a bleak scene, but the rest of the film is largely a joyous ride.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is an encounter between two young lovers who fall in love. The glitz and glamour of the former are juxtaposed with the repressive atmosphere of the former. The climax of the movie is when Roop meets Zafar, a young man who has snubbed her for a woman who’s not her type. At this point, the film is not without its problems.
For one, the film portrays Muslims as perpetrators of all manner of violence. It is also incredibly offensive to the Hindu community, because it depicts them in pastel shades. It’s also far too political for some, and the film’s satire on religion has become an icon in India. While it’s not a perfect film, it has plenty of material for a nine-part mini-series.