When was the last time you had watched a nail-biting thriller that didn’t let you blink your eyes? Kaali is a ZEE5 Bengali Original starring popular Bengali stars like Paoli Dam, Rahul Banerjee, and Shantilal Mukherjee. It is directed by Korok Murmu and produced by Parambrata Chattopadhyay. It released on 13th November 2018. The plot revolves around a helpless mother who has to deposit 6lakhs at the hospital for her son’s operation within 12 hours. She is ready to go to any extent to save her son. The action-packed thriller shows the strength of a woman and celebrates her power.
Plot and Characterization
In the first episode, we are introduced to all the main characters. The titular character (Paoli Dam) works as a beautician and lives with her son, Sunny. She has separated from her husband because the latter is involved in illegal activities. Two things happen simultaneously in a day which change the course of the protagonist’s life. One is the accident of her son and another is her husband getting involved in a murder case.
The doctor informs her that her son’s condition is serious and he needs an artificial lung to survive. The surgery will cost 6 lakhs and she has only 12 hours to deposit the money, else her son won’t survive. There are two inspectors who investigate the murder case and the drug trafficking racket. Inspector Aniket Bose (Rahul Banerjee) wants to help the protagonist as he has had feelings for her, whereas the intentions of OC Mitra (Shantilal Mukherjee) seem dubious.
She gets involved with dangerous people as she tries to accumulate money for her son’s operation. As each episode progresses, she gets pulled into the world of drug trafficking. The more the danger increases, the more she becomes dangerous.
How far can a mother go to save her only child?
Acting and Direction
The acting of Paoli Dam who played the titular character is so good that you will root for her with all your heart. There is a scene in Episode 6 when she yells out her son’s name and breaks down in the middle of the street. Her helplessness of not able to get the money for her son’s operation will pierce your heart. She portrayed a mother’s love with complete honesty.
At the same time, the fire and determination in her eyes when she was fighting the goons were worth watching. Rahul Banerjee was apt for the role of Inspector Aniket Bose. I also liked the chemistry between Paoli Dam and Rahul Banerjee.
Overall, the series is pretty fast-paced. There is not a single unwanted scene in the series. The direction is praise-worthy as the director keeps you on your toes constantly. There are various twists and turns thrown into the plot that makes it a perfect thriller. The haunting background score adds to the thrill quotient.
Final Thoughts
The best thing that I liked about the web series is its title. The Hindu Goddess Kali is the goddess of destruction, power, and time. She is worshipped for destroying evil forces. Although she has a fearful appearance, she is the Divine mother who cares for her devotee.
The first season of the web series has 8 episodes, each one of which is named after the 10 Mahavidyas: Kali, Pitambari, Tara, Kamala, Bhuvaneshwari, Matangi, Dhumavati, and Bhairavi. Just like the Hindu Goddess, the protagonist of the web series symbolizes power, death, and destruction when she embarks on her journey to collect 6 lakhs. She is presented as violent and dark when she meets the goons involved in drug trafficking.
The series establishes the truth that there is the power of Goddess Kali in every woman. Enjoy watching a woman unleash her power when her child’s life is in danger. If you want to watch a nail-biting thriller that celebrates woman power, watch Kaali on ZEE5 for an unforgettable experience. Check out the trailer of the web series on YouTube.
