Kalki (1996)
A bold Tamil drama from master filmmaker K. Balachander, weaving together independence, desire, and consequence through unforgettable characters.
Kalki - Movie Information
- Original Title: Kalki
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: K. Balachander
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Family, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 41m
- Original Language: Tamil
- Spoken Languages: Tamil
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 10, 1996 (India - U)
- Production Companies: Gramco Films, Kavithalayaa Productions
- Production Countries: India
Kalki - Plot
Chellammaa (Geetha), a singer, is wedded to a chauvinistic, sadistic industrialist named Prakash (Prakash Raj). She is unable to beget a child and hence is the target of hurting words from Prakash and his mother. When he prohibits her from singing, it is the last straw for her and they divorce. He marries Karpagam (Renuka), a doormat wife, while Chellammaa stays single, with a cook Kokila (newsreader Fathima Babu in her first movie appearance) around to help her. Kalki (Shruti) works in an ad agency and is relentlessly pursued by co-worker and model Paranjothi (Rahman) but she not only rejects him but debunks love and sentiments. Chellammaa becomes friends with Kalki after a few encounters and Kalki moves in as a paying guest. But she strikes up a friendship with Prakash and as the result of an affair with him, she ends up bearing his child. What happens of this leads up to the climax.
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Kalki - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- K. Balachander
Main Cast
- Geetha
- Prakash Raj
- Renuka
- Shruti
- Rahman
- Priyadharshini Neelakandan
Writers
- K. Balachander
Producers
- Rajam Balachandar
- Pushpa Kandaswamy
Kalki - FAQs
Where can I watch Kalki (1996) online?
You can find current streaming and viewing options for Kalki (1996) on JustWatch, which aggregates availability across platforms in your region. Streaming availability may vary depending on your country, so checking JustWatch is the most reliable way to find where the film is currently accessible.
Who directed the 1996 Tamil film Kalki?
Kalki (1996) was directed by the legendary K. Balachander, one of Tamil cinema's most celebrated filmmakers. Known for his bold storytelling and unconventional characters, Balachander also wrote the screenplay for the film, maintaining his signature auteur approach throughout the production.
What is the film Kalki (1996) about?
Kalki follows Chellamma, a singer who escapes a toxic marriage, and Kalki, a fiercely independent young woman who rejects love and sentiment. When Kalki moves in as Chellamma's paying guest, an unexpected affair with Chellamma's ex-husband sets off a chain of consequences that drives the film toward its dramatic climax.
Who are the main actors in Kalki (1996)?
The principal cast of Kalki (1996) includes Geetha as Chellamma, Prakash Raj as Prakash, Renuka as Karpagam, Shruti as the title character Kalki, Rahman as Paranjothi, and Priyadharshini Neelakandan as Kalki's friend. The film also features newsreader Fathima Babu in her debut film role.
Is Kalki (1996) based on a true story?
Kalki (1996) is not based on a true story. The film is an original screenplay written by director K. Balachander, who crafted the narrative to explore themes of marital abuse, female independence, and moral consequence — hallmarks of his distinctive and socially engaged filmmaking style.
What genre is the Tamil movie Kalki (1996)?
Kalki (1996) is classified as a Romance, Family, and Drama film. True to K. Balachander's style, it blends domestic drama with sharp social commentary, examining the dynamics of marriage, independence, and relationships within a Tamil middle-class setting with emotional depth and nuance.
How long is the 1996 film Kalki?
Kalki (1996) has a runtime of 161 minutes, approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. The film's extended length allows K. Balachander to develop his characters with considerable depth, giving each relationship and moral conflict the space it needs to unfold organically.
When was Kalki released in cinemas?
Kalki was released in India on November 10, 1996, with a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. The film arrived as part of K. Balachander's prolific output during the 1990s and was produced under the Gramco Films and Kavithalayaa Productions banners.
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