Karishma Kali Kaa(1990)
Karishma Kali Kaa is a 1990 Indian Hindi-language horror crime film directed and produced by Ashok Punjabi under Manta Movies. The lead cast includes Amrita Singh as Parvati, Shatrughan Sinha as CID Inspector Shiv Kumar, and Roopesh Kumar as Inspector Ganpat Godbole. The story follows a devout village woman who is assaulted by four men and then framed for theft and murder. A holy man blesses her with the mystical powers of Goddess Kali, enabling her to seek justice. The film blends supernatural horror with social commentary on corruption and victim blaming. It features music by Bappi Lahiri. The movie was released in India on August 3, 1990.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1990
- Director
- Ashok Punjabi
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 1m
- Rating
- 3.9/10
Storyline
A kind village woman is brutally assaulted by four wealthy men. They frame her for theft and murder, and the corrupt police arrest her. A holy man gives her the divine powers of Goddess Kali. Now she must use these powers to prove her innocence and bring the real criminals to justice.
“When faith becomes your weapon”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Karishma Kali Kaa
Cast reunions in this film: Shatrughan Sinha & Urmila Bhatt (6 films together), Amrita Singh & Shatrughan Sinha (2 films together), and Shatrughan Sinha & Anil Dhawan (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title is a play on the name of its lead actress, Karishma, and the goddess Kali.
- It was one of the few 1990s Bollywood thrillers centered entirely on a female vigilante seeking divine vengeance.
- Director Shibu Mitra was known for B-movies and this film fit his style of sensational, action-driven plots.
- The movie did not feature any major mainstream stars, relying on its provocative concept to attract audiences.
- Its release coincided with a wave of films exploring tantra and occult themes in commercial Hindi cinema.
- The soundtrack, composed by Bappi Lahiri, included a popular devotional dance number dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Despite its dramatic premise, the film was not a major box office success and remains a relatively obscure title.