Kaala

Power, pride, and the fight for the oppressed.

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Synopsis

Kaala is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Pa. Ranjith, starring the legendary Rajinikanth in the titular role. Set against the backdrop of the Mumbai slums, the story follows Kaala, a powerful don who fights relentlessly for the rights and dignity of his oppressed community. Kaala is not just a gangster but a savior who challenges the corrupt political and real estate powers trying to uproot his people. The film delves into themes of social justice, caste discrimination, and political power struggles, wrapped in an intense, action-packed narrative that highlights Rajinikanth's charismatic presence and mass appeal.

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Reviews

Kaala received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.5/10, indicating a moderately positive reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 57% approval rating, signifying mixed reviews. Critics praised Rajinikanth's stellar performance and the film’s socially relevant themes. The Hindu noted that "Rajinikanth shines when the film addresses social issues, but the narrative feels uneven." Similarly, Times of India gave it 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating the political commentary and action sequences, though criticizing its pacing at times. However, some reviews pointed out that the film's plot was predictable and sometimes lacked depth in character development. Metacritic did not widely aggregate scores for Kaala, but fan forums reveal admiration for the film's strong messaging despite cinematic flaws. Overall, Kaala is seen as a powerful socio-political movie carried mainly by Rajinikanth’s charisma and earnest performances, resonating especially with audiences interested in social justice stories.