Kalank#Soundtrack
{{Short description|2019 Indian Hindi film by Abhishek Varman}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Kalank
| image = Kalank Poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Abhishek Varman
| producer = {{ubl|Karan Johar|Sajid Nadiadwala|Hiroo Yash Johar|Apoorva Mehta}}
| screenplay = Abhishek Varman {{infobox | decat = yes | child = yes | label1 = Dialogues by
| data1 = Hussain Dalal
}}
| story = Shibani Bathija
| starring = {{ubl|Varun Dhawan|Alia Bhatt|Aditya Roy Kapoor|Sonakshi Sinha|Madhuri Dixit|Sanjay Dutt}}
| music = Songs:
Pritam{{cite web|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/cover-story-darshan-raval/|title=Here's an interesting update from Varun Dhawan on Kalank|work=Filmfare|last=Mathur|first=Kajol|date=23 April 2018|access-date=15 June 2018}}
Score:
Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara
| cinematography = Binod Pradhan
| editing = Namrata Rao
| studio = Dharma Productions
Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
| distributor = Fox Star Studios{{cite news |last1=Hooli |first1=Shekhar H. |title=Kalank box office collection: These are the 2 reasons for this multi-starrer multi-crore disaster |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kalank-box-office-collection-these-are-2-reasons-this-multi-crore-multi-starrer-disaster-796348 |access-date=20 August 2019 |work=International Business Times, India Edition |date=21 April 2019 |language=en}}
| released = {{film date|df=yes|2019|4|17|India|ref1={{cite tweet|user=taran_adarsh| author=Taran Adarsh|date=9 March 2019|number = 1104259486619918336 |title=IT'S FINAL... #Kalank to release on 17 April 2019 [was slated for release on 19 April 2019 initially]... Will be a 5-day *extended* opening weekend... Teaser will be out on 12 March 2019.}}}}
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| budget = ₹130 crore{{cite news |title=Box Office: Understanding the Economics of Kalank and why it is not a big loss-making venture for its makers |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-understanding-economics-kalank-not-big-loss-making-venture-makers/ |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=9 May 2019 |access-date=16 May 2022}}
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}146.31 crore{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/kalank/box-office/ |title=Kalank Box Office |access-date=26 May 2019 |website=Bollywood Hungama|date=17 April 2019 }}
}}
Kalank ({{IPA|hi|kəˈləŋk|pron}}; {{lit.}} Blemish or Stigma) is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language period romantic drama film directed by Abhishek Varman and produced by Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, and Apoorva Mehta under Dharma Productions and Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, with Fox Star Studios serving as presenter and distributor. Set in the pre-independence British era of the 1940s, the film features an Ensemble cast including Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sonakshi Sinha, Madhuri Dixit, and Sanjay Dutt.{{Cite web |date=18 April 2018 |title=Kalank: Madhuri-Sanjay To Reunite on Screen Along With Alia, Varun, Sonakshi and Aditya |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kalank-get-ready-for-an-epic-drama-starring-alia-bhatt-varun-dhawan-madhuri-dixit-sanjay-dutt-and-more-1721519.html |access-date=18 April 2018 |publisher=CNN-News18}}{{cite news |date=18 April 2018 |title=Kalank: Varun-Alia, Madhuri-Sanjay to share screen space in Karan Johar's next |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kalank-alia-bhatt-varun-dhawan-madhuri-dixit-sanjay-dutt-5141878/ |access-date=18 April 2018 |work=The Indian Express}}{{cite web |last=Basu |first=Nilanjana |date=28 March 2019 |title=Kalank Trailer: Alia Bhatt's Self-Destructive Quest For Illicit Love With Varun Dhawan |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kalank-trailer-alia-bhatts-self-destructive-quest-for-illicit-love-with-varun-dhawan-2017231 |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=NDTV}} The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and societal judgment against the backdrop of political unrest in Lahore.
Principal photography took place across India, with elaborate sets and period-specific detailing. The film's music was composed by Pritam, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara.
Released theatrically on 17 April 2019 across 5,300 screens worldwide, Kalank became the widest Bollywood release of the year.{{cite tweet |number=1118378634786615296 |user=taran_adarsh |title=#Kalank screen count... India: 4000 Overseas: 1300 Worldwide total: 5300 screens* #Kalank is the widest release for Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. *Also, #Kalank is the widest release of 2019 *so far*. *#MahaveerJayanti [Wed] and #GoodFriday [Fri] holidays will boost biz. |author=Taran Adarsh |date=17 April 2019}} Despite a strong opening, the film underperformed commercially, grossing ₹146.31 crore worldwide and emerging as a box-office disappointment, although it recovered its production costs.{{Cite news |date=3 June 2019 |title=Karan Johar on Kalank's box office failure: Didn't have any breakdown |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/karan-johar-on-kalank-s-box-office-failure-didn-t-have-any-breakdown-1541275-2019-06-03 |access-date=5 March 2020 |work=India Today}} Critical reception was mixed, with praise directed towards its soundtrack, production design, costumes, and performances—particularly those of Dixit and Bhatt—but criticism centered on its screenplay, direction, and length.{{cite web |date=17 April 2019 |title=Kalank Movie Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/kalank/critic-review/kalank-movie-review/ |access-date=18 April 2019 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}
At the 65th Filmfare Awards, Kalank received seven nominations, including Best Supporting Actress (Dixit) and Best Music Director (Pritam), winning two: Best Male Playback Singer (Arijit Singh for "Kalank") and Best Choreography (Remo D'Souza for "Ghar More Pardesiya").
Plot
Satya Chaudhry, diagnosed with terminal cancer, returns to her ancestral home in Rajputana and urges Roop, a young woman from a modest background, to provide companionship to her husband, Dev Chaudhry, a liberal newspaper publisher. Roop initially refuses, deeming the request inappropriate despite her family’s past debts to Satya. Eventually, persuaded by her father, Dharampal, Roop agrees—on the condition that she marry Dev. Satya consents.
After their marriage, Dev makes it clear that he remains devoted to Satya and proposes a platonic relationship with Roop. Isolated and dejected, Roop seeks solace in music, learning from the courtesan Bahaar Begum in the red-light district of Heera Mandi. She also begins assisting at Dev’s publishing house and shows interest in writing about the social realities of the area. During her visits, she meets Zafar, a charismatic but embittered blacksmith.
Zafar, the illegitimate son of Bahaar Begum and Balraj Chaudhry—Dev’s father—seeks vengeance for his abandonment. Aware of Roop’s connection to the Chaudhrys, Zafar aims to seduce her to disgrace Balraj. Unaware of his motives, Roop falls in love with him. Meanwhile, her growing rapport with Dev brings Satya bittersweet satisfaction. Before dying, Satya urges Dev to embrace Roop and forgive Balraj.
Zafar manipulates his radical friend Abdul Khan into stoking communal tensions, advocating for partition along religious lines—an ideology opposed by Dev and Balraj. When Balraj discovers Roop’s affair, he confronts Zafar and Bahaar, who disapproves of her son’s actions and warns Roop about his true intentions. Heartbroken, Roop consummates her marriage with Dev but confesses she cannot love him.
As riots erupt across the city, the Chaudhrys attempt to flee to Amritsar with Zafar's help. During the chaos, their loyal maid Saroj is killed. Zafar confesses that his feelings for Roop eventually turned genuine. While aiding their escape, he is fatally stabbed by Abdul, allowing Roop and Dev to board the train.
A decade later, Roop and Dev recount their story to a journalist chronicling the Partition. The film concludes with Roop reflecting on her past, noting that while both love and hatred are colored in red, it is love that bears the deepest stigma.
Cast
- Varun Dhawan as Zafar, Bahaar and Balraj's illegitimate son; Dev's half-brother; Roop's love interest; Lajjo's love interest
- Alia Bhatt as Roop Sami Chaudhry, Dharampal's daughter; Satya's friend; Balraj's second daughter-in-law; Dev's second wife; Bahaar's student
- Aditya Roy Kapur as Dev Chaudhry, Balraj's son; Satya and Roop's husband; Zafar's half-brother
- Sonakshi Sinha as Satya Chaudhry, Balraj's first daughter-in-law; Dev's first wife; Roop's friend
- Madhuri Dixit as Bahaar Begum, Balraj's former love interest; Zafar's mother; Roop's teacher
- Sanjay Dutt as Balraj Chaudhry, Bahaar's former love interest; Dev and Zafar's father; Satya and Roop's father-in-law
- Kiara Advani as Lajjo, Zafar's love interest; Bahaar's student
- Kunal Khemu as Abdul Khan, Zafar's friend
- Achint Kaur as Saroj, the Chaudhry family's housekeeper
- Pawan Chopra as Dharampal Sami, Roop's father; Dev's father-in-law
- Hiten Tejwani as Abbas Ahmed Razi, Dev's colleague{{cite news |last=Coutinhio |first=Natasha |date=21 June 2018 |title=Hiten Tejwani to feature with Alia Bhatt, Aditya Roy Kapur in Kalank |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/hiten-tejwani-to-feature-with-alia-bhatt-aditya-roy-kapur-in-kalank/articleshow/64670531.cms |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=Mumbai Mirror}}
- Pavail Gulati as Aditya Khanna, a journalist who interviews and documents Roop's life story (special appearance)
- Kriti Sanon as a dancer in the song "Aira Gaira" (special appearance){{cite news |date=12 April 2019 |title=Kalank song Aira Gaira teaser: Kriti Sanon to groove with Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur in this new dance number |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kalank-song-aira-gaira-teaser-kriti-sanon-to-groove-with-varun-dhawan-aditya-roy-kapur-in-this-new-dance-number/story-0tBcwCvw227KbQWakpgi2H_amp.html |access-date=13 April 2019 |work=Hindustan Times}}
Production
File:Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt promoting Kalank.jpg and Alia Bhatt promoting the film]]
= Development =
Kalank was conceptualized by Karan Johar and his father Yash Johar nearly 15 years prior to its release.{{Cite news |date=18 April 2018 |title=Kalank movie announcement highlights: Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt to share screen space after 25 years |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kalank-movie-announcement-live-updates-5141979 |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=The Indian Express |language=en-US}} The role of Bahaar Begum was originally intended for Sridevi, but following her death in 2018, Madhuri Dixit was cast in her place.{{Cite news |title=Karan Johar's Kalank Stars Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt And Many Others. Sridevi, You'll Be Missed |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/karan-johars-kalank-stars-madhuri-dixit-sanjay-dutt-and-many-others-sridevi-youll-be-missed-1839064 |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=NDTV.com}}{{Cite news |date=18 April 2018 |title=Madhuri Dixit replaces Sridevi in KJo's upcoming film 'Kalank' – The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1688747/4-madhuri-dixit-replaces-sridevi-kjos-upcoming-film-kalank/ |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |language=en-US}} Amrita Mahal was appointed as production designer, tasked with recreating an Old Delhi neighborhood, including a palace set constructed in Film City, Mumbai, at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore.{{Cite news |date=26 April 2018 |title=Kalank: Karan Johar recreated Old Delhi in Mumbai but it cost him a fortune |url=http://www.asianage.com/entertainment/bollywood/260418/kalank-karan-johar-recreated-old-delhi-in-mumbai-but-it-cost-him-a-fortune.html |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=The Asian Age}}{{Cite news |title=As Karan Johar's Kalank begins filming, pictures and updates from first day on set |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/as-karan-johar-kalank-begins-filming-pictures-and-updates-from-first-day-on-set/218928 |access-date=1 October 2018 |language=en-GB}} The film marked the reunion of producer Sajid Nadiadwala and actor Sanjay Dutt after Andolan (1995).{{Cite web |date=15 April 2019 |title=Sajid Nadiadwala and Sanjay Dutt come together after 24 years with Kalank |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/sajid-nadiadwala-sanjay-dutt-come-together-24-years-kalank/ |access-date=15 April 2019 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}
= Filming =
Principal photography began on 18 April 2018 at Film City, Mumbai.{{Cite news |title=As Karan Johar's Kalank begins filming, pictures and updates from first day on set |url=http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/as-karan-johar-kalank-begins-filming-pictures-and-updates-from-first-day-on-set/218928 |access-date=16 June 2018 |language=en-GB}} Madhuri Dixit and Aditya Roy Kapur joined the shoot from 31 May.{{Cite news |date=28 April 2018 |title=Madhuri Dixit begins shooting for Kalank |url=http://www.asianage.com/entertainment/bollywood/280418/madhuri-dixit-begins-shooting-for-kalank.html |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=The Asian Age}}{{Cite news |date=31 May 2018 |title=Karan Johar gatecrashes Kalank dance rehearsal; Fawad, Mahira Khan on magazine cover: Social Media Stalker's Guide |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/karan-johar-gatecrashes-kalank-dance-rehearsal-fawad-mahira-khan-on-magazine-cover-social-media-stalkers-guide-4490273.html |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=Firstpost |language=en-US}} An introductory song featuring Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, and Kiara Advani with around 500 background dancers was filmed earlier in May.{{Cite news |title=Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt shoot for the first song in Karan Johar's Kalank with 500 back-up dancers |url=http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/varun-dhawan-alia-bhatt-shoot-for-the-first-song-in-karan-johar-kalank-with-500-back-up-dancers/220533 |access-date=16 June 2018 |language=en-GB}} Rehearsals for another dance number with Dhawan, Kapur, and Kriti Sanon also commenced in late May.{{cite news |last=Coutinho |first=Natasha |date=31 May 2018 |title=Kalank: Kriti Sanon to grove with Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur in a special song |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/musical-reunion-for-kriti-sanon-varun-dhawan/articleshow/64392122.cms |access-date=31 May 2018 |work=Mumbai Mirror}} Leaked stills in early June showed Dixit in traditional attire, including an anarkali and jhumar.{{Cite news |date=30 May 2018 |title=LEAKED! Madhuri Dixit's look as a courtesan from the sets of KALANK |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/leaked-madhuri-dixits-look-courtesan-sets-kalank/ |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=Bollywood Hungama |language=en-US}} Sonakshi Sinha began filming on 14 June for a 15-day schedule; she is paired with Kapur in the film.{{Cite news |date=14 June 2018 |title=Sonakshi Sinha joins 'Kalank' cast after wrapping 'Happy Phirr Bhaag Jayegi' shoot |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/140618/sonakshi-sinha-joins-kalank-cast-after-wrapping-happy-phirr-bhaag-j.html |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Coutinho |first1=Natasha |date=12 June 2018 |title=Sonakshi Sinha joins Aditya Roy Kapur in Abhishek Varman's Kalank |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sonakshi-sinha-joins-aditya-roy-kapur-in-abhishek-varmans-kalank/articleshow/64548148.cms |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=Mumbai Mirror |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Kalank: Looking forward to pair up with Aditya Roy Kapur for the first time, says Sonakshi Sinhha – Mumbai Mirror - |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kalank-looking-forward-to-pair-up-with-aditya-roy-kapur-for-the-first-time-says-sonakshi-sinhha/articleshow/63846181.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616131516/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kalank-looking-forward-to-pair-up-with-aditya-roy-kapur-for-the-first-time-says-sonakshi-sinhha/articleshow/63846181.cms |archive-date=16 June 2018 |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=Mumbai Mirror}} Injuries to Bhatt, Dhawan, and Kapur delayed the third schedule, which was rescheduled and eventually resumed.{{cite web |last1=Darade |first1=Pooja |date=26 July 2018 |title=Kalank: Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt's film's 3rd schedule gets postponed; find out why |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/kalank-varun-dhawan-and-alia-bhatts-films-3rd-schedule-gets-postponed-find-out-why-420918 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731014633/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/kalank-varun-dhawan-and-alia-bhatts-films-3rd-schedule-gets-postponed-find-out-why-420918 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |access-date=30 July 2018 |website=pinkvilla.com}}{{cite news |date=8 January 2019 |title=Sonakshi Sinha completes filming her part in Kalank, posts photo that speaks a thousand words - check it out |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/sonakshi-sinha-completes-filming-her-part-in-kalank-posts-photo-that-speaks-a-thousand-words-check-it-out-alia-bhatt-madhuri-dixit-sanjay-dutt-varun/343881 |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=Times Now}} Bhatt announced the completion of filming on 19 January 2019.{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Shalu |date=9 January 2019 |title=Alia Bhatt is all smiles after wrapping last schedule of Kalank. See pics |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities-alia-bhatt-is-all-smiles-after-wrapping-last-schedule-of-kalank-see-pics-498006 |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=India TV News |language=en}}
The film’s budget has been variously reported. Officially, producers stated a budget of ₹150 crore, inclusive of print and advertising costs.{{Cite news |date=23 April 2019 |title='Kalank' Box Office Collection: Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt starrer fails the Monday litmus test miserably |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-kalank-box-office-collection-varun-dhawan-alia-bhatt-starrer-fails-the-monday-litmus-test-miserably-2742444 |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=DNA}}{{cite news |last1=Goyal |first1=Divya |date=23 April 2019 |title=Kalank Box Office Collection Day 6: Not A 'First Class' Day For Alia Bhatt And Varun Dhawan's Film |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kalank-box-office-collection-day-6-not-a-first-class-day-for-alia-bhatt-and-varun-dhawans-film-2027372 |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=NDTV}}{{Cite web |last=adarsh |first=taran |date=19 April 2019 |title=Is it ₹ 110 cr? Or ₹ 140 cr? Or is it ₹ 160 cr?... There's tremendous speculation about the cost of #Kalank... Various numbers are floating on social media... Let's clear the doubt... The makers had officially shared the costing on the day of release: ₹ 150 cr [CoP + P&A]. |url=https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1119158753272532992}} Other sources estimated the core production budget to be around ₹80 crore.{{cite news |date=17 April 2019 |title=Kalank Box Office Collection Day 1: Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt's film expected to earn over Rs 18 crore |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/kalank-box-office-collection-day-1-varun-dhawan-alia-bhatt-film-expected-to-earn-over-rs-18-crore-186673-2019-04-17 |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=Business Today |language=en}}{{cite news |date=21 April 2019 |title=Kalank box office day 4: Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan film earns ₹54 crore, ₹100 weekend impossible |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kalank-box-office-day-4-alia-bhatt-varun-dhawan-film-earns-estimated-rs-56-crore-rs-100-weekend-impossible/story-XB9LbWbY0xelh0k0FsfrfK.html |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en}}
Soundtrack
{{Main|Kalank (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack of Kalank was composed by Pritam, with lyrics written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It was released by Zee Music Company on 22 March 2019.
The first single, "Ghar More Pardesiya," was released on 18 March 2019, followed by "First Class" on 22 March. The title track, "Kalank," was released on 30 March. Two more singles, "Tabaah Ho Gaye" and "Aira Gaira," were released on 9 April and 13 April, respectively.{{cite web |date=14 April 2019 |title=Kalank – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/kalank/Jv-F,nN0JoY_ |access-date=24 April 2022 |publisher=Jio Saavn}}
Release
=Theatrical=
Kalank was initially scheduled for release on 19 April 2019 but was advanced to 17 April 2019 to capitalize on the extended weekend. A special screening was held for select audiences on 14 April.{{cite web |date=15 April 2019 |title=Photos: Karan Johar, Shweta Bachchan and others attend a special screening of 'Kalank' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/photos-karan-johar-shweta-bachchan-and-others-attend-a-special-screening-of-kalank/articleshow/68882448.cms |access-date=16 April 2019 |website=Times of India}} The film was certified by the British Board of Film Classification and the Australian Classification Board with a runtime of 166 minutes. It was released worldwide on 17 April 2019 across 5,300 screens, making it the widest Indian release of the year.{{cite tweet |number=1117979506453569543 |user=taran_adarsh |title=#CensorNews: #Kalank certified 12A by British censors on 12 April 2019. Approved run time: 165 min, 34 sec [2 hours, 45 minutes, 34 seconds]. #UK #Kalank certified M by Australian censors on 15 April 2019. Approved run time: 166 min [2 hours, 46 minutes]. #Australia |author=Taran Adarsh |date=16 April 2019}}
=Home video=
The film became available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in July 2019.{{cite web |date=July 2019 |title=Kalank |url=https://primevideo.com/detail?gti=amzn1.dv.gti.e4b5a395-b0a8-41a5-18c6-ddf1dd0fe54b&ref_=atv_dp_share_mv&r=web |access-date=1 July 2019 |website=Amazon}}
Reception
=Box office=
Kalank opened to strong initial numbers, earning ₹21.60 crore on its first day, making it the highest opening day collection for a Bollywood film in 2019 at the time.{{Cite news |date=30 April 2019 |title=Varun Dhawan on His First Flop Kalank: The Failure Hit me Hard, Didn't Know How to React |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/varun-dhawan-on-his-first-flop-kalank-the-failure-hit-me-hard-didnt-know-how-to-react-2123123.html |access-date=5 March 2020 |work=News18}} However, it was unable to sustain its momentum in subsequent days. The film eventually grossed ₹95.65 crore in India and ₹50.66 crore in overseas markets, for a worldwide total of ₹146.31 crore.{{Cite web |date=22 April 2019 |title=KALANK: Karan Johar stares at the biggest flop of his career |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kalank-karan-johar-stares-biggest-flop-career/ |access-date=5 March 2020 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} Despite recovering its production costs, the film was ultimately declared a box-office failure due to high expectations and declining audience turnout after the initial days.
=Critical response=
Kalank received mixed reviews from critics. While its visual aesthetics—including cinematography, production design, costume work, and music—were widely praised, the film drew criticism for its screenplay, direction, pacing, and narrative depth.
Rachit Gupta of The Times of India awarded the film 3 out of 5 stars, calling it “a true labour of love” and commending its visual appeal and strong performances.{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Rachit |date=17 April 2019 |title=Kalank Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/kalank/movie-review/68918304.cms |access-date=17 April 2019 |website=Times of India}} Anupama Chopra of Film Companion also rated it 3 out of 5, describing it as “an operatic fantasy” and “visually stunning,” though requiring suspension of disbelief.{{cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=17 April 2019 |title=Kalank Movie Review: The Artificiality Works Because The Emotions Feel Real |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/kalank-movie-review-the-artificiality-works-because-the-emotions-feel-real-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205060003/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/kalank-movie-review-the-artificiality-works-because-the-emotions-feel-real-2/amp/ |archive-date=5 February 2022 |access-date=18 April 2019 |website=Film Companion}}
Raja Sen writing for Hindustan Times gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, praising Madhuri Dixit, Alia Bhatt, and Varun Dhawan's performances but labeling the film “stunning, but soulless.”{{cite news |last=Sen |first=Raja |date=17 April 2019 |title=Kalank movie review: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit shine in a stunning but soulless film |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kalank-movie-review-varun-dhawan-alia-bhatt-madhuri-dixit-shine-in-a-stunning-but-soulless-film/story-3fg9Hrle0bLIcjNbJNNVZM.html |access-date=17 April 2019 |work=Hindustan Times}} Taran Adarsh rated it 2 out of 5, calling the film disappointing despite its strong cast.{{cite tweet |number=1118418251812233216 |user=taran_adarsh |title=#OneWordReview… #Kalank: DISAPPOINTING. Rating:⭐️⭐️ Doesn't live up to the expectations... Writing, music, length play spoilsport... Few dramatic portions work... Second half engaging in parts... Good climax... Varun, Alia, Madhuri, Aditya, Kunal Kemmu top notch. #KalankReview https://t.co/rJgyNi3Ain |author=Taran Adarsh |date=17 April 2019}} Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave it 1.5 stars out of 5, criticizing the film for being overly staged and emotionally inert.{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |date=20 April 2019 |title=Kalank review: All show and no go |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kalank-movie-review-rating-5680369/ |access-date=17 April 2019 |work=The Indian Express}}
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV appreciated the film’s themes of love and reconciliation and praised Bhatt and Dixit's screen presence.{{cite web |last1=Chatterjee |first1=Saibal |date=17 April 2019 |title=Kalank Movie Review: Stunning Alia Bhatt And Luminous Madhuri Dixit Make Film Near-Spotless |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kalank-movie-review-stunning-alia-bhatt-and-luminous-madhuri-dixit-make-film-near-spotless-3-out-of-2024332 |access-date=17 April 2019 |work=NDTV}} Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in felt the film’s elaborate sets and visual grandeur created emotional distance, ultimately detracting from the story's intended impact.{{cite news |last1=Ramnath |first1=Nandini |date=17 April 2019 |title='Kalank' review: Partition-era saga is derailed by a lack of feeling |url=https://scroll.in/reel/920309/kalank-movie-review-an-attempt-to-map-a-love-triangle-onto-the-tragedy-of-the-partition-goes-awry |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=Scroll.in}}
Accolades
| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
! scope="col" style="width:15%;" |Event ! scope="col" style="width:15%;" |Date of Ceremony ! scope="col" style="width:25%;" |Category ! scope="col" style="width:40%;" |Recipient ! scope="col" style="width:15%;" |Result !Ref. |
| rowspan="7" |Filmfare Awards
| rowspan="7" |15 February 2020 |{{nominated}} |
| Best Music Director
|{{nominated}} |
| Best Lyricist
|Amitabh Bhattacharya for "Kalank Nahi" |{{nominated}} |
| Best Male Playback Singer
|Arijit Singh for "Kalank Nahi" |{{won}} |
| Best Female Playback Singer
|Shreya Ghoshal and Vaishali Mhade for "Ghar More Pardesiya" |{{nominated}} |
| rowspan="2" |Best Choreography
| {{Sort |Remo D'Souza for "Ghar More Pardesiya" |{{won}} |
| {{Sort |Remo D'Souza and Saroj Khan for "Tabaah Ho Gaye"
|{{nominated}} |
| rowspan="5" |Zee Cine Awards
| rowspan="5" |13 March 2020 |Pritam |{{nominated}} |
| Best Female Playback Singer
|Shreya Ghoshal for "Ghar More Pardesiya" |{{won}} |
| Best Song of the Year
|"First Class" |{{nominated}} |
| Best Production Design
|Amrita Mahal |{{won}} |
| Best Costume Design
|{{won}} |
| rowspan="3" |Screen Awards
| rowspan="3" |8 December 2019 | rowspan="2" |Best Female Playback Singer |Shreya Ghoshal and Vaishali Mhade for "Ghar More Pardesiya" |{{won}} |
| Shreya Ghoshal for "Tabaah Ho Gaye"
|{{nominated}} |
| Best Choreography
|Remo D'Souza for "First Class" |{{won}} |
| Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, India
|5 January 2020 |Favorite Actor |{{nominated}} |
| Lions Gold Awards
|24 January 2020 |Best Villain (Critics) |{{won}} | |
| rowspan="5" |FOI Online Awards
| rowspan="5" |11 February 2020 |Best Music Director |Pritam |{{nominated}} |
| Best Female Playback Singer
|Shreya Ghoshal and Vaishali Mhade for "Ghar More Pardesiya" |{{nominated}} |
| rowspan="2" |Best Choreography
|Remo D'Souza for "Ghar More Pardesiya" |{{won}} |
| Remo D'Souza and Saroj Khan for "Tabaah Ho Gaye"
|{{nominated}} |
| Best Production Design
|Amrita Mahal |{{nominated}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|India|Film|Bollywood}}
- {{IMDb title|6988116}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes|kalank}}
- {{Bollywood Hungama title|kalank}}
{{Karan Johar}}
{{Dharma Productions}}
Category:2010s historical drama films
Category:2010s Hindi-language films
Category:Films set in the British Raj
Category:Indian historical drama films
Category:Films shot in Jammu and Kashmir
Category:Films set in the partition of India
Category:Fox Star Studios films
Category:Indian films about cancer
Category:Films about courtesans in India
Category:Indian films about revenge
Category:Films set in the Indian independence movement
Category:Films set in Rajput kingdoms
Category:Films set in Amritsar
Category:Indian historical romance films
Category:Indian romantic drama films