Cast
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Alia Bhatt
as Roop
Varun Dhawan
as Zafar
Aditya Roy Kapur
as Dev Chaudhry
Sanjay Dutt
as Balraj Chaudhry
Madhuri Dixit
as Bahaar Begum
Sonakshi Sinha
as Satya Chaudhry
Kunal Khemu
as Abdul
Kiara Advani
as Lajjo
Achint Kaur
as Saroj: Chaudhry household's housekeeper
Pawan Chopra
as Dharampal Sami: Roop's father
Hiten Tejwani
as Abbas Ahmed Razi: Dev's colleague
Kriti Sanon
as Dancer in the song "Aira Gaira"
Pavail Gulati
as Aditya Khanna: a journalist who interviews and documents Roop's life story
Meera Chopra
as
Mukesh Rishi
as
Crew
Director
- Abhishek Varman
Producer
- Karan Johar
- Apoorva Mehta
- Sajid Nadiadwala
- Hiroo Johar
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Kalank examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Abhishek Varman 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, 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 Kalank took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 166 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 210 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kalank shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Earth, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Kalank offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Like Stars on Earth and Water explore similar territory, Kalank stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 17, 2019
- Runtime: 2h 46m
Where to Watch
