Movie Name: Kali
Release Date: 4th October 2024
Rating: 3/5
Cast: Prince Cecil, Naresh Agastya, Neha Krishna, Mani Chandana, Madhu Mani, Gundu Sudharshan, Thrinadh Varma, Gowtham Raju, CVL Narasimha Rao, and Kedar Shankar & Others
Director: Shiva Sashu
Producers: Leela Gowtham Varma
Banner: Rudra Creations
Music Director: Jeevan Babu
Cinematographer: Ramana Jagarlamudi, Nishanth Katari
Editor: Vijay Vardhan
Storyline:
Shivaram (played by Prince) is a zoology professor. Vedha (Neha Krishna) falls in love with him and leaves her home to marry him. Despite his goodness, Shivaram is betrayed by everyone around him and becomes entangled in unexpected problems. Even after the birth of their child, Shivaram remains too virtuous, which leads Vedha to leave him, taking their child with her.
As life’s betrayals push Shivaram to the brink of suicide, an unexpected visitor (Naresh Agastya) arrives at his home, seeking shelter from the rain. Shivaram soon discovers that this stranger is none other than Kaliyuga’s ruler, Kali Purushudu. The film explores why Kali Purushudu came to Shivaram, whether Shivaram goes through with the suicide, and if Vedha returns. What role does Kali play in Shivaram’s life? These questions unravel on screen.
Analysis:
The movie addresses the serious issue of suicide, particularly how people, when faced with life’s hardships, may consider taking their own lives. While this is a common theme in cinema, Kali adds a mythological twist by introducing Kali Purushudu, the ruler of Kaliyuga. The film successfully explores what happens after a person contemplates suicide, delivering a message of hope in an engaging manner.
The film’s short runtime, just over 90 minutes, is a plus, although the narrative focuses mainly on the two characters Shivaram and Kali which might feel repetitive at times. However, the scenes about the four Yugas in the beginning and Kali’s residence in the middle of the film are particularly captivating. The screenplay is well-written, keeping the audience engaged, especially once the reveal about Kali is made. Despite the familiar theme of suicide prevention, the film stands out by incorporating mythology to explore the consequences.
Performances:
Prince delivers a restrained performance as a good-hearted man, while Naresh Agastya shines in his portrayal of Kali Purushudu. Both actors bring depth to their roles. Neha Krishna, Mani Chandana, CVL Narasimha Rao, and Kedar Shankar support the leads well, while actress Gayatri Gupta impresses in her brief appearance. The voiceover work by Priyadarshi, Mahesh Vitta, and Ayyappa Sharma adds an extra layer of entertainment.
Technical Aspects:
Most of the film is set in a single location and shot at night, giving it a visually consistent feel. The cinematography captures the scenes effectively, and while the background score is good, it occasionally overpowers the dialogues and scenes. The film’s single song is decent, and the visual effects, particularly the design of Kali and his residence, are impressive. Although the plot is familiar, the director’s fresh take on the narrative makes for an engaging debut. The production values, despite it being a small-budget film, are well-utilized and evident on screen.
Conclusion:
Kali offers an intriguing and thought-provoking take on the theme of suicide, with the added twist of mythology. By introducing Kali Purushudu into the story, the film successfully delivers a message with an entertaining narrative. It’s a solid effort for a debut film.
