Kalyug(1981)
Kalyug is a 1981 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film directed by Shyam Benegal. It stars Shashi Kapoor, Rekha, Anant Nag, Raj Babbar, and Victor Bannerjee. The film is a modern adaptation of the Indian epic Mahabharata, set in the world of rival business families during the License Raj. It depicts the destructive feud between two branches of a family, leading to betrayal, murder, and total ruin. The film won the Filmfare Award for Best Film and was India's submission to the Academy Awards. It premiered at the Moscow International Film Festival and was released in India on 24 July 1981.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 5 March 1981
- Director
- Shyam Benegal
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 37m
- Rating
- 7.6/10
Storyline
Two related business families are locked in a bitter feud. Greed and jealousy drive them to destroy each other. An orphan named Karan is caught in the middle. A child's death triggers a cycle of revenge. The families tear themselves apart, leaving nothing but ashes.
“When greed destroys everything you love.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kalyug
Cast reunions in this film: Amrish Puri & Om Puri (12 films together), Om Puri & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (11 films together), Rekha & Shashi Kapoor (10 films together), Amrish Puri & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (9 films together), Rekha & Amrish Puri (8 films together), and Rekha & Raj Babbar (7 films together).
Trivia
- The film is a modern retelling of the Mahabharata, with the two brothers representing the Kauravas and Pandavas.
- It was the first Hindi film to feature actress Rekha in a non-glamorous, deglamorized role.
- Shyam Benegal shot the film in a realistic, documentary-like style, unusual for mainstream Hindi cinema at the time.
- The film's title 'Kalyug' refers to the present age of conflict and moral decline in Hindu mythology.
- Actor Shashi Kapoor, who played a key role, also produced the film through his company Film-Valas.
- The soundtrack, composed by Vanraj Bhatia, avoided typical Bollywood songs and used background score to build tension.
- Despite critical praise, the film was not a major commercial success upon its initial release.