Kaala (2018) Review in 2025
Kaala is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Pa. Ranjith, starring Rajinikanth, Nana Patekar, and Eswin Shaw. The movie revolves around a slum dweller who becomes a leader in his community and fights against the corrupt government and corporate interests.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to the high level of violence and mature themes, this movie is not suitable for family viewing.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of action, drama, and thriller genres, and for anyone who wants to see Rajinikanth in a powerful performance.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie is set in the Dharavi slum in Mumbai, where Kaala Karikaalan, a powerful and feared don, rules over the slum with an iron fist. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he is threatened by the government and corporate interests, leading him to take a stand against them and fight for his community's rights.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-written, with a clear message about the struggles of the underprivileged and the importance of standing up against corruption and oppression.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Rajinikanth delivering a tour-de-force performance as Kaala Karikaalan and Nana Patekar bringing a sense of gravitas to his role as the corrupt politician.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Rajinikanth delivering a powerful performance as Kaala Karikaalan.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with Pa. Ranjith bringing a unique perspective to the story and using the camera to great effect to create a sense of tension and urgency.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, but not exceptional, with some scenes feeling a bit over-stylized and others feeling a bit rushed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a powerful message, excellent direction, and superb acting, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Cons
The movie has some flaws in its cinematography and editing, but overall it is a well-crafted film that is worth watching.
Notable Quotes
"Kaala Karikaalan: 'I am not a terrorist, I am a freedom fighter.'"
"Kaala Karikaalan: 'I will not back down, I will fight for my community's rights.'"
