Kala Pani

Kala Pani (1958) : Brief Review -

Raj Khosla's super-dark world of injustice lit up by Dev Anand and Madhubala's cute chemistry. It wasn't a long time ago when we saw Ranbir Kapoor being ready to do anything for his father in Animal (2023), including having two women in his life. The same was done by Dev Anand back in the late 1950s. Of course, both films differ a lot, but this thing was similar in both films. It isn't just about these two films, but I/you can recall the same son-and-father formula in many Bollywood movies made over the year. I don't remember any such Old Hollywood flicks, but just one or two from the late 30s where a similar idea was seen. Khosla's film tells the story of Karan (Dev Anand), who learns about his jailed father after years. When he goes to meet him, he learns that he was innocent and was framed for the murder he did not commit. Now, Amar's only mission in life is to find proof to prove his father's innocence. During his Hyderabad visit, he falls in love with a female journalist, Asha (Madhubala), and such acute chemistry these two have formed, I can't tell you. One of the cutest chemistries in their individual filmography, I believe. Amar also pretends to be in love with the prostitute, Kishori, who has evidence that can prove his father's innocence. The screenplay for the same is highly impressive, as the narrative keeps unfolding new incidents every half-hour. What slows it down are the songs. Too lengthy and slow. Also, the film is too dark. I couldn't see faces in some scenes; I don't know if it was a print issue or what. Dev Anand looked solid, and Madhubala is breathtaking. Nalini Jaywant steals the show in her unconventional role. Raj Khosla has done a brilliant job of making a dramatic thriller with a slight touch of social awakening against injustice. Though the latter part isn't well explored, the former makes this film a very good affair.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.