Movie Review : Kaalakandi

Kaalakandi

Director

: Akshat Verma
Duration : 112 minutes
Stars : Saif Ali Khan, Sobhita Dhulipala, Deepak Dobriyal, Akshay Oberoi, Kunaal Roy Kapur

Saif Ali Khan is a hoot in this dark comedy!!

Kaalakaandi showcases three parallel tracks — a man who discovers he has terminal illness decides to let go of his principles and live a little; a woman involved in a hit-and-run seeks redemption and two goons must decide if they can trust each other.

When a good guy (Saif) discovers he has cancer, he regrets wasting his whole life being proper. He decides to fulfill his bucket list, which includes tripping on acid and putting his curiosity about the anatomy of a transgender woman (Nary Singh) to rest. 

Only a Saif Ali Khan can make a line as shady as, "humko aapke samaan ke baare mein curiosity hai," sound inoffensive and funny! His portrayal of a broken man is heartbreaking and liberating at the same time. You can feel his pain and his long-standing desire to let loose. 

Saif's heart-warming bond with Nary Singh is the highlight of the film and will go down in the history of Indian cinema as one of the most iconic Queer moments. His portrayal of a broken man is heartbreaking and liberating at the same time. You can feel his pain and his long-standing desire to let loose. 

Akshay Oberoi as Saif's cousin is pleasantly understated. Vijay Raaz stands out as well. However barring Saif Ali Khan (who must be applauded for his bold choices), Kaalakaandi has nothing to offer. What begins as a promising and edgy thriller soon runs out of gas, gags and gravitas. The other two tracks fail to make the desired impact as they lack the ability to evoke humour, thrill or any emotions.

Kaalakaandi may not be for all palates, but the film has enough spice for those in the mood for an off-the-beaten-track Bollywood experience.
  

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