Just one word. DRAMA ! And a lot
more DRAMAAA.
The makers of this film probably
lacked loads of drama in their lives that we Indians cannot live without. From
the first moment to the last this film is an exaggerated overdose of drama. Each
frame is a dramatized painting showing off Indian artistry. Large palaces and picturesque
locales of just independant India celebrating the architecture and ornamented
pillars and interiors. The costumes are as dramatic as the acting of the
characters. Madhurii Dixit’s drapes cover three to four flights of stairs and
are longer than the longest dialogue in the entire film. Her dance act was disappointing. She looks old and fragile lacking grace and energy. The protagonist is a cocky armsmith whose big
pecs and large nipples heave as he plays out his pathetic life winging about
his illegitimacy. The characters are not completely defined; only Alia has a
somewhat sensible presence, that too due to the part she plays. The writing is deficient
and half-hearted.
The story is somewhat okay but
not relatable. The story of post independence partition is made irrelevant and disconnected. Every scene and dialogue has no background and build-up making the story haphazard. The over the top frames at some level become ridiculous and comical.
The director has tried too hard to make the cinematography and art direction perfect,
but does not have anything else happening inside that. Basically the film is a
collection of paintings and would have had a better effect if it was just that,
displayed in an art exhibition. The only thing I liked about the film is the
title song ‘Kalank’. Also the costumes look beautiful. If you are a dramatic person
or love drama, which Indians do, then you may, and a big MAY, survive the film.
Rating – 2.5 / 5
