Kaali: A nail-biting thrilling original web series on ZEE5

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.

Uncelebrated : Story 4 (microtale) of Sunshine and Wildflowers

Sadly in our country, girls are still treated as a burden by some families. Their education and career are given less preference as those families believe that girls will eventually be married off and have to take care of their family. My grandmother and mother had to face it many years back. 

The sad reality is marriage is still seen as the ultimate destination of a girl's life by some families and society. In all such families, may there be girls like Isha who can convert "being uncelebrated" into "motivation to succeed." May those girls have indomitable power to carve their own path. They are the true alchemists. 

'I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter'

Menstruation (Microtale)

Vodafone felicitates Voice of Kolkata winners on International Women's Week

Me with the goodie bag after the event

On this International Women's week, Vodafone brought an interesting contest known as the Voice of Kolkata. Women from every walk of life were told to send their voice message in 91.9 Friends Fm official WhatsApp number about what they feel about today's women and the state of women in the country. 

I couldn't stop myself from voicing my thoughts and feelings about today's women on Women's Day. This subject is so close to me as I support women empowerment and equality. I am a feminist. 

What I said in my voice message is exactly similar to my blog post that I wrote on Women's Day: Dear beautiful women, let your soul shine bright! If you haven't read it, you can check it out. I recorded the voice message in the morning of Women's Day and then in the afternoon, I thought to share it with the readers of my blog. 

On the afternoon of 13th March, I got a call from 91.9 Friends Fm informing me that I am one of the winners of Voice of Kolkata. They told me to reach the next day for an event at Vodafone Angel Store by 4 pm. 

Vodafone Angel Store is a very unique store because it is completely managed and run by women. I was absolutely delighted on reaching the Vodafone Angel Store. As I reached at 3.30 pm, they told me to wait for some time. 

I met some of the fellow winners of Voice of Kolkata and we hit it off right away. Rituparna and Jayanti were bundles of positive energy. I did not feel that I met them just a few minutes back. We talked like old pals and clicked selfies throughout the event. The reason we bonded so well was perhaps because we were there that day to celebrate women power in all its glory.

Jayanti, Rituparna and I (From L-R)

All the winners reached by 4 pm. I could spot radio jockey Arko who was there to host the event. There was a delicious chocolate cake kept for all the winners. We were invited by the Vodafone staff to cut it together and celebrate women power. 

Just before cutting the cake!

It was wonderful cutting the cake with all the independent and strong women present there. When you are in the company of like-minded people, you can't help but enjoy every single second. You can see the cake-cutting moments and our short interview in this video. 

After the cake-cutting and interview session, we bonded with each other while having our small cake party. Then the zonal head of Vodafone gave us our goodies and thanked us for voicing our strong opinion and thoughts. 

RJ Arko told four of the winners, including me, to give another short interview on 91.9 Friends Fm. We went live on air and absolutely cherished the experience. 

With the coolest RJ

Finally, the lovely evening ended with all the winners posing with RJ Arko for a group picture. 

RJ Arko with all the winners of Voice of Kolkata

I had a great evening. It was a wonderful post women's day celebration. The goodies made me smile. I got a cool backpack that will accompany me on my next vacation, a cute red umbrella, Vodafone ZooZoo mug and couple Inox tickets. 

In the midst of happiness, I wondered what a beautiful world we will have if only women empower and support each other, shedding their judgmental cloaks. 

"I always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success"~ Gloria Vanderbilt

Dear beautiful women, let your soul shine bright!

Most of my stories and poems are inspired by the women that I see regularly around me. Today’s women know their mind and are aware of their rights. They know the world is as much theirs as it is of men. They are aware of their talent, intelligence, and potential. At the same time, they are proud of having a loving heart and a compassionate soul.

I get inspired when I see a woman raising her voice against any injustice taking place with her or around her. I feel proud when I see women empowering each other. To all the wonderful women achievers, whether women filmmakers, writers, artists, doctors or lawyers, I salute you for bringing your authentic self to this world.

And to all the unsung women who are fighting their battles to fulfill their dreams, I salute you for your courage and resilience.

I feel blessed to be a woman because a woman is a nurturer, lover and fighter rolled into one. The best thing is that today, we have got the world listening to what we are saying. Therefore, we should take control of our lives and do something beautiful that we can be proud of. 

Dear beautiful women,

Let's make a promise this Women's Day to honor our individuality and identity. 
Let's not give a single soul the power to dim our light and remove that smile from our face. Let's take pride in our little quirks, loud giggles, overwhelming emotions and the sweet imperfections. Because they make us who we are. 

Let's uplift women who are less privileged than us and get inspired by the ones who live life on their own terms. 

Let kindness be our lyrics and love be our music as we, women, have the capability to love unconditionally. Let's promise to never compromise on our individuality and beliefs because the world needs our light, our authentic self.

Let your soul shine brighter than ever. Happy Women's Day!

Love, 

A woman who looks up to you