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Crime drama

Kaala (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Kaala (2018) movie poster

Kaala is a 2018 crime drama directed by Pa. Ranjith, starring Rajinikanth as Karikaalan Vengaiyan 'Kaala', Easwari Rao and Nana Patekar. It runs 2 hours 46 minutes and earned $1.5 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Its Echo Score is 68/100.

worldwide gross
$1.5M
Echo Score
68
budget
$20M
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Kaala (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 46m (166 min)
Director
Pa. Ranjith
Genres
Crime , Action , Drama
Original language
Tamil
Budget
$20M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Kaala About?

The premise of Kaala without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Karikaalan consistently fights to keep the people of Dharavi, a slum in Mumbai, safe from the clutches of mighty politicians and the land mafia don, Hari Dhadha.

Kaala Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • city
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Cast & crew

Kaala Cast & Characters

Rajinikanth leads the cast as Karikaalan Vengaiyan 'Kaala', with Easwari Rao as Selvi Karikaalan and Nana Patekar as Haridev Abhayankar 'Hari Dhadha'. Directed by Pa. Ranjith; 24 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Kaala

· 20 more
Show all 24 cast members
From the director

More from Pa. Ranjith

More films directed by Pa. Ranjith: Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, Sarpatta Parambarai, Kabali and Madras.

Full filmography
Ratings

Kaala Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (55).

68 /100

Kaala Echo Score Breakdown

Kaala delivers a mixed cinematic experience that balances strong performances and political ambition with uneven pacing and a polarising soundtrack. While the direction and visual design succeed in portraying the slum setting and the film’s social message, the narrative loses momentum toward the end, leaving the audience divided on its overall impact. The movie’s replay value is modest, appealing mainly to dedicated fans of the lead actor and those interested in its thematic concerns.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, Kaala presents a vivid depiction of the Dharavi environment, employing colorful production design and a distinct animation sequence. The cinematography captures the gritty realism, and editing maintains coherence for most of the runtime. Some reviewers note occasional pacing drag, but the overall artistic execution is deemed commendable, contributing positively to the film’s aesthetic identity.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character work, the lead performance is highlighted as nuanced and compelling, with supporting actors delivering solid portrayals that enrich the story. The chemistry between the protagonists is noted as effective, and antagonist roles are praised for depth. Minor criticisms arise regarding underutilized characters, yet the collective acting quality is regarded as a principal strength of the film.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding the narrative, Kaala offers a politically charged premise and original thematic elements that engage viewers initially. However, several critiques point to a sluggish middle section and an unresolved conclusion that diminish overall coherence. The pacing inconsistencies and perceived lack of a satisfying climax result in a mixed assessment of the story’s structural integrity.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In the sensory domain, the film’s soundtrack receives divergent feedback; some praise the background score’s intensity, while others describe the songs as uneven and forgettable. Visual style remains a highlight, with realistic set pieces and effective color palettes. Sound design supports the atmosphere, but the inconsistent musical impact leads to a moderate overall impression.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    Concerning rewatch potential, Kaala holds appeal for devoted fans of the lead actor and viewers interested in its social commentary. The film’s memorable moments and strong performances encourage repeat viewings for this audience. Conversely, critics who found the narrative unsatisfying deem it less likely to merit multiple watches, resulting in a modest rewatch rating.

Plot

Kaala Plot Summary

What happens in Kaala from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In Mumbai, the Dharavi slum—home to migrants from southern Tamil Nadu living in tight, tough conditions—becomes the battleground for power, profit, and protest. At the center of the storm is Hari Dada Nana Patekar, a ruthless minister whose rise from rough streets to a seat in Parliament and then the Union Ministry fuels a relentless push to evict residents and seize their land. By 2015, the neighborhood sits at the heart of city planning, a test case for a bold redevelopment push backed by a construction outfit tied to government schemes and the support of Hari’s party.

Full summary

The whole story of Kaala, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Kaala Box Office & Budget

Kaala grossed $1.5 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, 8% of what it cost.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.5M

8% of its budget back

International
$1.5M
Budget
$20M
Videos

Kaala Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer and 3 teasers.

Kaala (Tamil) - Official Trailer | Rajinikanth | Pa Ranjith | Dhanush | Santhosh Narayanan
  • Teaser Kaala (Tamil) - Official Teaser | Rajinikanth | Pa Ranjith | Dhanush | Santhosh Narayanan
  • Teaser Kaala (Telugu) - Official Teaser | Rajinikanth | Pa Ranjith | Dhanush | Santhosh Narayanan
  • Teaser Kaala (Hindi) - Official Teaser | Rajinikanth | Pa Ranjith | Dhanush | Santhosh Narayanan
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Kaala?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the titular character Kaala in this 2018 film?

Details

Kaala Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Kaala Karikaalan” and “Kaala Karikalan”.

Also known as
  • Kaala Karikaalan
  • Kaala Karikalan
  • Kaalaa
  • காலா கரிகாலன்
  • கரிகாலன்
  • Karikaalan
  • Каала
  • 卡拉

Seen Kaala?

FAQ

Kaala FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Kaala, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Kaala?

Kaala runs 2 hours 46 minutes (166 minutes).

When was Kaala released?

Kaala was released on June 6, 2018.

Who directed Kaala?

Kaala was directed by Pa. Ranjith.

More films by Pa. Ranjith

Who is in the cast of Kaala?

Kaala stars Rajinikanth as Karikaalan Vengaiyan 'Kaala', Easwari Rao as Selvi Karikaalan and Nana Patekar as Haridev Abhayankar 'Hari Dhadha', among 24 credited actors.

How much did Kaala make at the box office?

Kaala grossed $1.5 million worldwide on a budget of $20 million.

Does Kaala have a post-credit scene?

No. Kaala has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Kaala in?

The original language of Kaala is Tamil.

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