Kaal- the bad time. Review on Kaal

Gone are the days when producers made films on a set pattern and made moolahs at Box Office. Thanks to wider exposure to the entertainment world via satellite channels and bigger inflow of Hollywood films in India, the viewers of Hindi cinema have tasted blood of offbeat cinema.

The previous generation is passing on the baton to new and fresher talent, and you get a complete makeover cinema. Of late, Bollywood has realized the importance of making reality films. 'Kaal' is the new entrant in this realistic cinema, the in thing of world cinema these days. With 'Kaal', new director Soham Shah tries to prove his mettle in direction.

He has been assistant to two directors --- Ram Gopal Verma and Karan Johar, who are poles apart in their filmmaking. Soham Shah tries to bridge the gap between lavish filmmaking and creating the right atmosphere for a story telling film. Soham Shah also brings back nature to celluloid that used to be one of the major components in 70's cinema. Films like 'Mr. Natwarlal', 'Kartavya' and many from J.P.Dutta's camp heavily relied on the natural settings.

In 'Kaal', Soham travels in the forbidden territory of Jim Corbett National Park. The setting is just right for a supernatural thriller like 'Kaal'. With the help of a brilliant technical team, he succeeds in executing a novel idea on screen.

'Kaal' tells the story of a conservationist, Krish, played by John Abraham. He looks into the reasons for making the lives of many persons hell. He gets assistance from his lovely wife Riya (Esha Deol) who is willing to join him in the woods.

Incidentally, she has been on a honeymoon. The traumas of mysterious death have been looming large on the people of the forbidden world for quite some time. However, Krish must find a solution to this as desired by the International Wildlife, so that the innocent cats of the jungle are not to blame.

On the way to their hunt, Krish and Riya meet a band of city guys that has entered the area against their will. Leading the gang is Dev (Vivek Oberoi). He along with a seductive girlfriend (Lara Dutta) plans to go to some farmhouse, but the destiny takes them elsewhere. The groups meet there and before they decide their future course of action, they are forced into a dilemma that is not only fearsome but also creates panic.

The fear of unknown takes them one by one and they are forced to change their target. They want to come out of this forbidden territory of death. A local man, Kali, (Ajay Devgan) promises them a way out for their exit from the deadly woods. They have little time and almost no home to defy death that is 'Kaal'.

Karan Johar takes a leap into a kind of cinema that has not been a regular affair for his production house. His father Yash Johar, founder of Dharma Productions, did make thrillers like 'Dostana', 'Duplicate' and 'Duniya' but it's time for feel good films like 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum' and 'Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai' since Karan Johar has taken over from his father. Now with 'Kaal', Karan Johar delves into a totally new territory.

Though, his buddy and close friend Aditya Chopra, has been promoting new directors in Yashraj Films, this is for the first time after his arrival that Karan Johar has handed over direction to any outside director. 'Kaal' is definitely a new beginning for this prolific filmmaker. Shah Rukh Khan too has put in his money for this project.

He has also helped by doing an item number with Mallaika Arora. Going by the impact of the film, Soham Shah turns out to be a brilliant storyteller. Helping him in his voyage are sound designer Dwarak Warrier, cinematographer Santosh Thundiyil and music director-duo Salim Sulaiman.

This five-man team has made 'Kaal' a film that defies many set norms. Soham reveals his story with myst and tries to keep interest of viewers intact till the end. The film opens with SRK's aptly executed item number (Choreography by none other than Farah Khan). Then John Abraham takes over the charge, and just before the interval the happenings get a new in-charge in Ajay Devgan. With many memorable moments coming one after another and with shock and awe technique, 'Kaal' remains with you even after you have left the cinema hall.

Among actors, John Abraham rectifies his mistakes of 'Karam' in 'Kaal'. He comes out a winner again after 'Dhoom'. The character of a conservationist fits his physique like T. His expressions and interactions are just in tune. With 'Kaal', his search for another hit may come to an end.

Vivek Oberoi must feel happy too as this film will also end his trauma of giving flops after flops. This time he gets a character that is more suitable for him after a long gap since 'Company'. Playing his friends are Dayashanker Pandey, Kushal Punjabi and Vishal Malhotra.

While the latter two support the film aptly, it is Daya Shanakar Pandey who emerges the best among the second rung actors in 'Kaal'. Esha Deol and Lara Dutta do get their share of fame but their roles do not help in the progression of the story.

Among these two, Esha gets more time and meat in the film. On the whole, 'Kaal' has opened with a mix response across India and has got a very good opening in most of the cities. Veterans among viewers may find 'Kaal', a different film to digest; the difference being only in story telling. This makes 'Kaal' a different film to watch.