Kaala is not a 'Rajinikanth movie': A Dalit-Bahujan reading of the anti-caste politics in Pa Ranjith's film
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala is not a 'Rajinikanth movie': A Dalit-Bahujan reading of the anti-caste politics in Pa Ranjith's film

Firstpost  

The message that Pa Ranjith, the director of Kaala, seems to give in his latest film is that we are the mainstream. Against this backdrop, two important phrases stood out while Hari Dada spoke while on stage: one is ‘Manu Realty’, and the other is ‘Dandakaranya Nagar’, both of which appear in the background. The paramount importance that land holds for Bahujans in contrast to the farce that is development is stressed on — both in the beginning of the movie, as well as during a heated exchange between Kaala and Hari Dada later, where Kaala says to him, “If land for you is power, for us it is life… Even if your gods come between us, they won’t be spared." One such instance is where Parshuram’s painting is shown on one of the walls of Hari Dada’s house, while at the same time there is a book with the title ‘Asura’ on Kaala’s table. There are others who have attempted to make Kaala look like it is devoid of politics, and most specifically of anti-caste politics by projecting it merely as a Rajinikanth film by invisibilising the labour — both intellectual and physical — of its director Pa Ranjith, who is an Ambedkarite, as well as the effort and contributions of so many Dalit-Bahujans who have made the movie possible.

Film Dalit Movie Protest Hari Manu Dharavi Pa Ranjith Bahujan Dada Kaala Bahujans Dandakaranya Zarina Savarnas Hari Dada  politics  hari  kaala  film  ranjiths  rajinikanth  dharavi  reading  anticaste  pa  dalitbahujan  protest  movie  dada  dalitbahujans  savarnas

History of this topic

'Loveyapa' trailer launch: Aamir Khan calls son Junaid Khan’s performance in Netflix's Maharaj ‘kachcha’: 'I couldn’t say it was a flawless...'
2 months, 1 week ago

'Loveyapa' trailer launch: Aamir Khan calls son Junaid Khan’s performance in Netflix's Maharaj ‘kachcha’: 'I couldn’t say it was a flawless...'

Firstpost  

In the recently held trailer of Loveyapa, Aamir Khan shared his honest opinion about Junaid Khan’s performance in Maharaj. He compared it with his debut performance in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan, who is gearing up for the release of Loveyapa, debuted last year with Netflix’s Maharaj. In the recently held trailer of his first theatrical …

From ‘Joram’ to ‘Kaala Paani,’ the changing portrayal of indigenous communities in Hindi cinema
1 year, 2 months ago

From ‘Joram’ to ‘Kaala Paani,’ the changing portrayal of indigenous communities in Hindi cinema

The Hindu  

At a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party’s tribal outreach is paying rich electoral dividends, the entertainment industry is also adjusting its gaze towards a segment of society that constitutes around 8.5% of the population. Depiction in ‘old’ Bollywood The portrayal of tribal people is often sexualised to suit the urban gaze and a perception has been built that when …

Indian cinema and the Dalit identity: Kaala represents resurrection of masses in world of cinematic stories
4 years, 7 months ago

Indian cinema and the Dalit identity: Kaala represents resurrection of masses in world of cinematic stories

Firstpost  

It is not the case that Indian movies have never dealt with political subjects or politics in their stories, but they lacked aesthetics from the lives of the masses. When we whispered out doubts they perked their ears to listen, and sighing, tweaking our ears, told us to shut up, apologise; or else… — Verses by Waharu Sonavane; translated from …

Seetharama Kalyana movie review: When cinema ties knot with politics
6 years, 1 month ago

Seetharama Kalyana movie review: When cinema ties knot with politics

Deccan Chronicle  

Director: A Harsha Cast: Nikhil Kumar, Rachita Ram, Ravishankar, Sarathkumar, Madhoo, Bhagyashree, Chikkanna, Nayana, Sanjay Kapoor After an extravagant debut, Nikhil Kumar, son of the present Chief Minister of Karnataka H.D. Produced under their home banner Channambika Films, the movie is an attempt to further build the image of the actor while it is churned along in the backdrop of …

Exclusive: Huma Qureshi reveals why she was scared of Rajinikanth on Kaala sets
6 years, 9 months ago

Exclusive: Huma Qureshi reveals why she was scared of Rajinikanth on Kaala sets

India Today  

Being a heroine in a Rajinikanth film is not an easy task. Her role is one of the highlights of the film, thanks to director Pa Ranjith for crafting a character with dignity, class and vigour. I was sure that it was a diverse role and I am glad that I got it in Rajini sir's film, which is a …

The politics of Rajinikanth's Kaala: Pa Ranjith film aptly shows the divide between rich and poor, real and reel
6 years, 9 months ago

The politics of Rajinikanth's Kaala: Pa Ranjith film aptly shows the divide between rich and poor, real and reel

Firstpost  

Kaala uses Dharavi as its canvas to provide commentary on modern-day India. Last week, when Rajinikanth visited the Tuticorin hospital, 21-year-old commerce graduate Santhosh Raj embarrassed the Superstar by asking him, “Who are you?’’ and “Where have you come from?’’ Santhosh Raj is one of the active participants in the anti-Sterlite protests and was upset that his favorite actor, who …

Kaala is not just about Rajinikanth. Women empowerment is at its core
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala is not just about Rajinikanth. Women empowerment is at its core

India Today  

Of late, film critics, analysts and feminists have been putting forth that women characters are not being treated with dignity on screen. And seeing director Pa Ranjith do it in superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala is a welcoming change that every director needs to adopt. Apart from Rajinikanth and Nana Patekar, it is the characterisation of the three women in the film, …

Kaala has opened up new avenue for discussion on inequality, says Pa Ranjith
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala has opened up new avenue for discussion on inequality, says Pa Ranjith

India Today  

Director Pa Ranjith must be on cloud nine with the response that has been showered on his latest film Kaala. A few negative responses aside, the film starring Rajinikanth has been receiving positive responses from across the globe. He was also glad that his film has opened up a new avenue for discussion on inequality. ALSO WATCH | Rajinikanth's Kaala …

Kaala opens to a slow start, lowest ever for a Rajinikanth movie
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala opens to a slow start, lowest ever for a Rajinikanth movie

Hindustan Times  

In what could be perceived as a shocking setback to the Rajinikanth legend, his latest release Kaala has opened to an underwhelming response. The opening of Kaala may be on the lower side—I haven’t found the time to check—because his last film with the same director had not been appreciated that much.” However Vishal adds that Kaala may well surprise …

Kaala movie review: Rajinikanth's charisma and style elevate this socially relevant, entertaining film
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala movie review: Rajinikanth's charisma and style elevate this socially relevant, entertaining film

Firstpost  

The story of Kaala is as old as the hills, but the packaging, Rajinikanth’s style factor and dialogue delivery makes the film worth a one-time watch. Karikalan aka Kaala’s family had migrated from Tirunelveli and is now settled in one of the biggest slums in the world – Dharavi in Mumbai. The story is as old as the hills, but …

‘Kaala’ review: an underwhelming film made for Rajinikanth, the politician
6 years, 9 months ago

‘Kaala’ review: an underwhelming film made for Rajinikanth, the politician

The Hindu  

Rajinikanth’s Kabali was a film caught in the middle of two different personalities. While it tried to merge the typical Rajinikanth mass film with the sensibilities of its director Pa. Ranjith, Kabali ended up being a film that’s neither a commercial potboiler nor an intriguing political commentary. Kaala Genre: political drama Cast: Rajinikant, Huma Qureshi, Nana Patekar Director: Pa Ranjith …

Kaala Movie Tweet Review: Rajinikanth and Pa Ranjith's New Release Outshines Kabali
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala Movie Tweet Review: Rajinikanth and Pa Ranjith's New Release Outshines Kabali

News 18  

At the first look Kaala reminds me of Mani Ratnam’s 1987 Nayagan. Loosely based on the life and times of a Tamil don, Varadarajan Mudaliar, who as a boy runs away from his home in Tamil Nadu to what was then Bombay, Nayagan talks about the struggle of Tamils in the big city. Rajinikanth’s Kaala, helmed by Pa Ranjith, also …

Kaala Movie Review: Pa Ranjith is the star of Rajinikanth's gangster film
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala Movie Review: Pa Ranjith is the star of Rajinikanth's gangster film

India Today  

Kaala Movie Review: Make no mistake. Kaala is an absolute Pa Ranjith film, and have no doubts, it is cut from the same cloth as Kabali. But this time, Ranjith seems to have cracked the alchemy of exploiting Rajinikanth's star power for his own good. On its surface, the premise sounds like a done-to-death story, but Pa Ranjith's treatment makes …

Kaala releases in Chennai: Magician Rajinikanth welcomed with crackers and 50-kg cake
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala releases in Chennai: Magician Rajinikanth welcomed with crackers and 50-kg cake

India Today  

"Land is our right and we will not give it up," is the single-line brief you are given for the film Kaala. Kaala, right from its introductory sequence, establishes the theme of the film, which is the fight against corruption and claim for one's land rights. Kaala is a typical masala film with family drama, love, first love, loss of …

Kaala movie reviews: This Rajini-Ranjith film is off to a roaring start
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala movie reviews: This Rajini-Ranjith film is off to a roaring start

India Today  

After a lot of hiccups, Rajinikanth's Kaala has released across the world amid much fanfare and frenzy. On June 7, Tamil Nadu thetares have added special early morning shows for Rajinikanth's fans. SEE: KAALA MOVIE REVIEW Praising the film, Times of India said, " Sparks start flying once the antagonist Hari Dada enters the scene. It looks like the film …

Kaala actress Huma Qureshi: It's a dream to work with Rajinikanth
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala actress Huma Qureshi: It's a dream to work with Rajinikanth

India Today  

With punchlines, a stylish protagonist and romance, the king arrived in style as superstar Rajinikanth starrer Kaala released worldwide today. Kaala's leading lady, Huma Qureshi watched the film with the fans, and was overwhelmed with the fan frenzy. Asked about how the film is perceived after Rajnikanth's political announcement she clearly steers away from the topic and maintains, "I don't …

Kaala Movie 2018 - Kaala (Kaala Karikaalan, Kala) Tamil Movie, Latest Updates, Trailer, Cast & Release Date
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala Movie 2018 - Kaala (Kaala Karikaalan, Kala) Tamil Movie, Latest Updates, Trailer, Cast & Release Date

India TV News  

Rajinikanth starrer Kaala, directed by Pa. Ranjith is all set to hit screens on June 7 and fans of Thalaiva can't keep calm. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce said that distributors and exhibitors refused to screen the movie fearing backlash from pro-Kannada groups. Karnataka Film Chamber has said that they have not asked for a ban but the distributors and …

Rajinikanth fans in Chennai kickstart Kaala celebrations with special cake
6 years, 9 months ago

Rajinikanth fans in Chennai kickstart Kaala celebrations with special cake

India Today  

After two years, Rajinikanth fans will be seeing their Thalaivar on the big screen in the upcoming film Kaala, and with the massive audio launch that the film had, the expectations are soaring high. To celebrate the release of Kaala, a young team from CK Bakery, a new chain of bakery with over 48 outlets across the city, has come …

Kaala Karikalan is everything that Rajinikanth opposes in real life
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala Karikalan is everything that Rajinikanth opposes in real life

India Today  

"Superstaru yaarunu ketaa chinna kolandhayum sollum," goes the hit song from Rajinikanth's Raja Chinna Roja. It was only a few days ago when we heard the same Rajinikanth screaming in the Kaala trailer, "Namma undambuthaan namaku irukara orae aayudham. Many Twitter users pointed out that Rajinikanth sounded more like the villain of Kaala, Nana Patekar, than the hero. ALSO WATCH| …

Kaala vs Kabali trailer similarities: Which Rajinikanth roared louder?
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala vs Kabali trailer similarities: Which Rajinikanth roared louder?

India Today  

Both Rajinikanth and director Pa Ranjith pulled off a surprise when they announced that they'd be teaming up for the second time consecutively. However, Rajinikanth's fans lapped up their demi-god's film as it brought out Rajini's subtle performance after several years. With the teaser and trailer of Kaala, Rajinikanth's fans are quite confident that the film would live up to …

Kaala new trailer gets 2.4 million views in less than 24 hours
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala new trailer gets 2.4 million views in less than 24 hours

India Today  

May 28 was a memorable day for all the ardent fans of Superstar Rajinikanth. To top it off, producer Dhanush of Wunderbar Films released a brand new trailer in the evening. Within 24 hours, the trailer has garnered over 2.4 million views on YouTube. Kaala confesses that he was in love with Zareena, but is also deeply in love with …

Kaala trailer: Rajinikanth plays a charming, colourful local don; Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi's characters revealed
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala trailer: Rajinikanth plays a charming, colourful local don; Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi's characters revealed

Firstpost  

Santosh Narayan’s experimental yet roaring compositions for Kaala come to life in this teaser as Rajini does his trademark walk and throws punch lines, but subtler — this time around. In the trailer of Kaala, released this evening by Dhanush via Wunderbar studios, the action and drama picks up pace — from the teaser released on 2 March earlier this …

Kaala trailer: Rajinikanth stands strong for the oppressed in Pa Ranjith’s new film
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala trailer: Rajinikanth stands strong for the oppressed in Pa Ranjith’s new film

Hindustan Times  

Rajinikanth’s Kaala trailer is finally here. Shared on Monday by Dhanush, the trailer for Pa Ranjith’s new film is full of energy and explosions. The actor’s fans have fallen in love with the trailer and #Kaala is trending on the second position across India on Twitter. Kaala trailer begins on a heavy note with Nana Patekar as the politician giving …

Kaala new trailer: Rajinikanth is back. Keep your leave letters ready
6 years, 9 months ago

Kaala new trailer: Rajinikanth is back. Keep your leave letters ready

India Today  

Rajinikanth's fans must be on cloud nine today. And before the excitement levels of fans could subside, Dhanush announced that a new trailer of Kaala will be launched at 7pm today. Dhanush tweeted, "Wunderbar films #kaala new trailer will be released today evening at 7 pm. Watch the new trailer of Kaala here: In the teaser of Kaala, we saw …

Kaala new poster: Huma Qureshi looks feisty as Rajinikanth's ex-lover
6 years, 10 months ago

Kaala new poster: Huma Qureshi looks feisty as Rajinikanth's ex-lover

India Today  

Director Pa Ranjith's Kaala starring Rajinikanth is gearing up for a worldwide release on June 7. The makers of Kaala released a new poster, which introduces Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi's character in the film. pic.twitter.com/HnaK6cpwIX taran adarsh May 24, 2018 Latest reports suggest that Huma will be seen as a 45-year-old woman named Zareena. At the audio launch of Kaala …

Kaala: Here’s the fresh poster of Pa Ranjith’s film featuring ‘Thalaivar’ Rajinikanth
6 years, 10 months ago

Kaala: Here’s the fresh poster of Pa Ranjith’s film featuring ‘Thalaivar’ Rajinikanth

India TV News  

Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Kaala is certainly one of the most anticipated films of the year. On Friday, Raid actor Ajay Devgn dropped another dazzling poster of the upcoming Pa Ranjith film. He took to Twitter to release the fresh poster and wrote, “Rajini Sir's Kaala #KingOfDharavi in Hindi on 7th June.” We don’t even need to say, Rajinikanth as …

Pa Ranjith: Kaala is a commercial film that will talk about indigenous land laws
6 years, 10 months ago

Pa Ranjith: Kaala is a commercial film that will talk about indigenous land laws

India Today  

Director Pa Ranjith who is usually seen in casual clothes wore a black suit for the audio launch of Kaala. I don't believe in helming a cinematic film, instead I want to do films that will talk about the struggles that people face," he added. Recalling about how Kaala shaped up, he revealed, "Rajini sir called me again asking if …

Kaala: Telugu version of Rajinikanth-starrer reportedly struggling to get distributors due to high price
6 years, 10 months ago

Kaala: Telugu version of Rajinikanth-starrer reportedly struggling to get distributors due to high price

Firstpost  

While every Rajinikanth release becomes a highly anticipated affair, his upcoming Kaala is facing trouble finding distributors for its Telugu rights While every Rajinikanth release becomes a highly anticipated affair, treated like festivities by his fans, the superstar’s upcoming Kaala is facing trouble finding distributors for its Telugu rights, as reported by Deccan Chronicle. The report suggests that this is …

Kaala music review: Santhosh Narayanan’s album evokes a sense of revolution in Rajinikanth’s film
6 years, 10 months ago

Kaala music review: Santhosh Narayanan’s album evokes a sense of revolution in Rajinikanth’s film

Hindustan Times  

Kaala, meaning black, is a film starring superstar Rajinikanth and has been directed by Pa Ranjith. The upcoming film’s album, which was released on Wednesday, however, shows that there is little that is subtle about Kaala. Here’s how they go, “We study under the streetlights, to raise to the top and grow; We may live in poverty and yet we …

Kaala music review: Blend of genres and political messages
6 years, 10 months ago

Kaala music review: Blend of genres and political messages

India Today  

Ever since the film commenced, Kaala has been making the right noises. Composer Santhosh Narayanan announced that the Tamil album will contain nine songs, while the other languages will have eight songs each. And now, with the entire album out, the remaining songs make us sit up and take notice of the underlying political messages in each of them. Semma …

The women of ‘Kaala’
6 years, 10 months ago

The women of ‘Kaala’

Live Mint  

Anjali Patil “I hadn’t seen his films. You told me about his work,” Anjali Patil, who was most recently seen in Newton, remembers when I call her to ask if working on Pa. Ranjith’s Kaala was on the lines of what she had expected. I can’t say I don’t want to be political and I like it when the roles …

Rajinikanth’s Kaala may not open on April 27, makers eyeing a June release
6 years, 11 months ago

Rajinikanth’s Kaala may not open on April 27, makers eyeing a June release

Hindustan Times  

Superstar Rajinikanth’s Kaala, which was confirmed to hit the screens on April 27, is likely to be postponed again, according to reliable sources. Not long ago, Lyca Productions, who will be releasing Kaala, shared a tweet: “We are in sync with the Producers Council and in complete support of the demands. We will comply with the same till the system …

Kaala teaser goes viral, Rajinikanth set to win hearts with his swag and action
7 years ago

Kaala teaser goes viral, Rajinikanth set to win hearts with his swag and action

India TV News  

The teaser of one of the most awaited films of the year, Kaala, featuring actors Rajinikanth and Nana Patekar is here and it seems that cinema lovers are going to get some spectacular performances in the movie. The teasers stars with Nana asking Rajini, “what kind of a name is Kaala?” The superstar mouths a powerful dialogue. “Kaala is the …

Kaala faces legal issue: Rajinikanth, Pa Ranjith receive notice from Madras High Court
7 years, 2 months ago

Kaala faces legal issue: Rajinikanth, Pa Ranjith receive notice from Madras High Court

India Today  

The Madras High Court has issued a notice to actor Rajinikanth, Pa Ranjith, the production house Wunderbar Films, and South Indian Film Actors Association to reply on the charges made against the copyright of the title Kaala by February 12. In his petition, Rajasekharan said that Kaala Karikaalan is the title of his ambitious project that he aspired to make …

Kaala: Huma Qureshi and Nana Patekar confirmed alongside Rajinikanth for gangster film
7 years, 9 months ago

Kaala: Huma Qureshi and Nana Patekar confirmed alongside Rajinikanth for gangster film

Firstpost  

Nana Patekar and Huma Qureshi have been roped in to play a pivotal role in Kaala starring Rajinikanth, produced by Dhanush and directed by Pa Ranjith. Rajinikanth’s next gangster film Kaala Karikaalan has started rolling. The makers of the upcoming Tamil film on Sunday confirmed that Bollywood actor Nana Patekar and Huma Qureshi have been roped in to play a …

As Rajinikanth set to play Kaala, fans wonder if it will be more Baasha than Nayakan
7 years, 9 months ago

As Rajinikanth set to play Kaala, fans wonder if it will be more Baasha than Nayakan

Firstpost  

Rajinikanth’s next film Kaala seems to be a marriage between Baasha, one of Thalaiva’s biggest hits, and Kabali, his last film. It is an interesting fish eye panaroma first look of Rajinikanth’s 164th production, Kaala Karikaalan that was released on Thursday evening. Those in the know say Kaala despite the similarity in the basic texture of Rajini’s character, will not …

Kaala poster released; Rajinikanth channels Kabali-esque don in Pa Ranjith film
7 years, 9 months ago

Kaala poster released; Rajinikanth channels Kabali-esque don in Pa Ranjith film

Firstpost  

Kaala has been in the news because it brings together the hit Kabali team of director Pa Ranjith with superstar Rajinikanth. The film is being produced by Rajinikanth’s son-in-law Dhanush The don with the golden heart, saviour of the common folk, and culprit only in the eyes of the cops — this is a character Superstar Rajinikanth has played with …

Rajinikanth in Pa Ranjith's Kaala plays golden-hearted don, saviour of common folk, yet again
7 years, 9 months ago

Rajinikanth in Pa Ranjith's Kaala plays golden-hearted don, saviour of common folk, yet again

Firstpost  

The title of Superstar Rajinikanth’s 164th film has been revealed and not surprisingly, it is trending worldwide. There were rumours that Rajinikanth was playing well-known gangster Haji Mastan in this film, but those were laid to rest when the gangster’s foster son sent him a legal notice. Actor, producer and director Dhanush, who is Rajinikanth’s son-in-law, is producing this film …

Radhika Apte on 'Kabali' role: 'To be paired with Rajinikanth has been incredible'
8 years, 8 months ago

Radhika Apte on 'Kabali' role: 'To be paired with Rajinikanth has been incredible'

Firstpost  

In this exclusive chat with Firstpost, Radhika Apte talks of Kabali, starring opposite Rajinikanth, and more It’s been a great year for Radhika Apte. Radhika’s Shirish Kunder directed short film Kriti, in which she played Manoj Bajpayee’s psychiatrist has also been talked about. To be frank, there were no mediators or casting agents who normally ask, ‘would you be interested …

Gori Tere Pyaar Mein review: Kareena, Imran make a boring film!
11 years, 4 months ago

Gori Tere Pyaar Mein review: Kareena, Imran make a boring film!

Firstpost  

The lapses in logic are frequent, the loopholes numerous, and the story takes forever to get started only to fall flat. Between Bigg Boss, KBC and Comedy Nights With Kapil, TV watchers have seen Kareena Kapoor Khan and Imran Khan all over the place, shaking their booty-shooties trying to get us excited about their latest release – Punit Malhotra’s Gori …

Discover Related