Kaal-Not that bad as ppl think. Review on Kaal

Hello all,

I had the chance to see Kaal today as they put it on here just yesterday. It's recommendations were 50-50..but after watching the movie I'm part of those 50 percent that liked it. You already know the story so I won't go in to that..in a nutshell though..National Geographic guy John Abraham and his wife Esha Deol are stuck in a jungle by the name of Orbit park along with Vivek Oberoi, his gf Lara Dutta and his friends..plus there are some other characters thrown in. Ajay Devgan plays Kali Paratap Singh..a mysterious character who helps them in the jungle.

The locales of the movie are breathtaking..some part of the movie has been shot in Bangkok as well I think. The background score by Saleem Sulaiman is haunting and suits the theme of the movie to the T. You can listen to all the sounds of the jungle and for most part of the movie.. you feel like you are in the jungle yourself. The first time director Soham has shot the movie slickly..the touch of Ram Gopal Verma is more evident than Karan Johar. The scene where the tigers come face to face with the touring party will keep you on the edge of your seats and it's easily the best scene of the movie. You will definitely get shocked at three or four places in the movie at least.

The first half of the movie is excellent and keeps the viewer engrossed..specially just before the interval where Ajay Devgan makes his dramatic entry. The second half drags a little bit as for some time the story doesnt seem to be going anywhere but picks up towards the climax.

I read in some of the other reviews about how the black cat comes under the car and it's blood appears on top of the engine itself.. how a half full bucket of water takes Esha Deol in to the well..how one of Viveks friends dies at the bridge. People were wondering how was it all possible..well all these are supernatural things of course..so there are no laws of physics that can be applied here. The spirit that haunts the jungle carries out all these things.

I agree though that the ladiez were scantily clad for a jungle. The topic chosen in the movie is a different one...that is why people are split in their recommendations for the movie. But I do agree that there could have been so much more in the movie. It follows a one dimensional path where you can predict that people are going to die one after another and the climax can be easily guessed before its already there. Some action with animals other than tigers could have been there...there could be some more twists and turns added to the story...although I liked the climax..there could have been something more to the climax. There are a few small loopholes in the plot which can be overlooked for a first time director.

As you know..there are no songs in the movie except one in the beginning and one in the end. SRK and Malalika are both looking good in the opening number Kaal Dhamaal whereas the other number is good too. Performance wise..all the cast does an ok job with no one being exceptionable. Ajay Devgan is better than the rest though given the strong character that he plays.

Overall..it's a well made movie..with some small mistakes.. it's definitely got a Hollywood type feel... it's not a classic.. you wont be totally satisfied with it..but it is definitely worth watching...it's got enough thrills and chills and a hauntingly eerie mood and climax!