Following the success of The Freelancer, Disney+ Hotstar’s Hindi content library continues to expand with the addition of Kaala, a thrilling new web series.
Comprising eight gripping episodes, this show boasts a runtime of four hours. Notably, Hotstar’s recent content lineup seems to be dominated by the crime thriller genre.
While these intense stories are undoubtedly captivating, a touch of light-heartedness and romance in their original content would provide a refreshing balance, ensuring the platform doesn’t exhaust its audience’s appetite for thrillers.
However, the pressing question remains: Is Kaala a series worth binge-watching? Allow me to share my review.
Kaala (2023) Synopsis
After thirty years of living as a traitor to the nation, Major Shubhendu Mukherjee’s life takes a fatal turn.
On the other hand, IB officer Ritwik is tasked with thwarting a major financial crime happening on the outskirts of the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Kaala is set against the backdrop of the countries’ fragile border links.
Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, Kaala stars Rohan Vinod Mehra (Shubhendu), Avinash Tiwary (Ritwik), Nivetha Pethuraj (Sitara), Jitin Gulati (Balwant), Elisha Mayor (Alokaa), Taher Shabbir (Naman), Anil Charanjeett (Danish), Saurabh Kushwaha, Hiten Tejwani (Bismil), Danish Aslam (Himanshu), Saurabh Sachdeva, Madhyama Segal, and others.
What Works for Kaala?
Kaala is an intriguing piece of work, to be frank. The series initially stumbles a bit but quickly finds its footing.
Once it does, the narrative takes firm control, enveloping the viewer in a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, guided by the theme of investigative action.
The show offers a well-crafted platter of twists and turns, particularly in its final two hours, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
While Kaala occasionally leans into moments of overdramatic emotion, it manages to maintain a strong emotional undercurrent throughout.
The action sequences are impressively executed, delivering fiery and adrenaline-fueled confrontations, enhanced by a dynamic and impactful background score that intensifies the gunfights.
In terms of plot, Kaala treads familiar ground, pitting an upright officer against a powerful adversary. However, what distinguishes it is the execution.
The natural settings and mysterious elements woven into the storyline serve as effective hooks, preventing the show from becoming a one-dimensional revenge drama.
Furthermore, the screenplay keeps viewers engaged, maintaining a brisk pace that never lets the tension drop to a point of no return.
Kaala also features a soulful and diverse soundtrack in English, Bengali, and Hindi, with some Bengali tunes resonating beautifully and the iconic Zehaal-E-Miskin lingering in the ears long after.
This musical touch adds depth to the somber narrative, further enthralling the audience.
Lastly, the cinematography is skillfully done, capturing the most intense moments with precision and artistry.
How are the Performances?
Rohan Vinod Mehra, in the role of Shubhendu, delivers a masterful performance, embodying his character with exceptional acting prowess.
He seamlessly transitions between vulnerability in emotional scenes and unwavering intensity during moments of violence.
You’d like him sporting a convincingly rugged appearance with a full-grown beard.
Avinash Tiwary, portraying Ritwik, effortlessly connects viewers to the story with his charismatic and believable portrayal of an upright Intelligence Bureau officer.
His mindfulness and articulation make his character relatable, and it’s refreshing that the show doesn’t make him a lone superhero, preserving the authenticity of the narrative.
Nivetha Pethuraj plays Sitara in Kaala. She decodes the essence of her role and quietly transports an affable presentation.
Jitin Gulati’s depiction of Balwant is a revelation, with his impeccable expressions, vocal nuances, and commanding screen presence in the latter part of the series elevating the narrative significantly.
Gulati adeptly brings to life two intricately crafted personalities, contributing to the dynamic momentum of Kaala.
Taher Shabbir as Naman Arya is honest in a restricted role. His larger-than-life depiction never caves into the pressure of holding Kaala together.
The well-known Hiten Tejwani plays Bismil. Though his screen time is limited, Tejwani makes the most of his presence.
What Doesn’t Work for Kaala?
Kaala occasionally exhibits moments of roughness and inconsistency, particularly in its early episodes.
As previously noted, the series requires some time to find its rhythm, which might test the patience of viewers at the outset.
Additionally, the presence of a few predictable twists in the storyline can be anticipated before their official arrival.
However, these moments do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Furthermore, the makers make things look too easy at times.
Killing someone and pretending it to be a suicide, roaming freely when you have lookout notices against you, plus a media circus, etc.
They could have followed these aspects to the final word.
Should You Stream or Skip Kaala?
This Disney+ Hotstar show can be a worthy inclusion in your watchlist.
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