Look, there’s very little that can go wrong in a film directed by Sameer Thahir starring Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi about a man who loses his temper at the drop of a hat. And surely enough, flaws are difficult to find. Kali is a story most of us can relate to; how many times have you felt like punching someone because they slapped your back one too many times, excusing it as a friendly gesture? I know I have. Sameer Thahir (almost Hitchcock-esque) switches from a pleasantly funny situation to a terrifying one with succinct ease, focusing entirely on two human beings, one of whom is fighting an internal battle that is very close to destroying him and those who love him. The twists and turns are very reminiscent of his last film, but they are equally well executed in this. The director’s fascination with The Road not only allows for fantastic scenery, but also unfurls a journey that the viewer very willingly becomes a part of. Dulquer Salmaan as Sidharth, the One With His Anger at The Tip of His Nose, is revolutionary. He makes you believe that his anger is absolutely justified, even right in some situations. Just watching him onscreen is a treat. There are very few people who manage to be playmakers as well as gamechangers but I think it’s safe to say after this film as well as Charlie (2015) that Dulquer Salmaan one of those. Much like Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, this film makes you sit upright and want to scream at the screen just as you were relaxing and enjoying the wonderful chemistry Sai Pallavi shares with Dulquer Salmaan. Speaking of which, Anjali’s character is a very interesting breakaway from Malar Miss-she works like antidote to Sidharth’s blinding rage with endearing grace and her million dollar smile. How does she manage that by the way? She’s absolutely gorgeous as Anjali. The supporting cast has my personal favourite Soubin Shahir with his impeccable comic timing as Prakasha and Chemban Vinod Jose, who manages to creep the entire movie theatre out effectively, his stint is as menacing as a bear out looking for his salmon. There are two songs in this film that appear at the perfect time and have beautiful melodies. Good luck choosing a favourite. Kali can be talked about in very many ways. In two words, however, Kunjikka FTW.
