Cast
View AllDulquer Salmaan
as Siddharth
Sai Pallavi
as Anjali
Vinayakan
as John
Chemban Vinod Jose
as Chakkara
Soubin Shahir
as Prakashan
V. K. Prakash
as Siddharth's father
Sidhartha Siva
as Service center manager
Vanitha Krishnachandran
as Anjali's mother
Dinesh Panicker
as Anjali's Father
Kunchan
as House owner
Anjali Aneesh Upasana
as Owners Daughter
Sandhya Ramesh
as Siddharth's mother
Ilhan Layiq
as The Kid
Imthiyaz Khader
as Bank manager
Sini Abraham
as Smitha
Crew
Director
- Sameer Thahir
Producer
- Ashiq Usman
- Sameer Thahir
- Shyju Khalid
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Kali distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Sameer Thahir brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Kali took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 429 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kali shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kill Bill: Vol. 1, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Kali offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like A History of Violence and Memento explore similar territory, Kali stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 26, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Revenue: $2,400,000
Where to Watch
