Kalki(1996)
Kalki is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by K. Balachander. The film stars Shruti as the titular character, alongside Prakash Raj, Geetha, Rahman, Renuka, and Suvaluxmi. The story follows Kalki, a modern woman who befriends a divorced singer and decides to teach her abusive ex-husband a lesson by entering a calculated affair with him. The narrative explores themes of marital cruelty, female independence, and unconventional motherhood. The film was noted for its bold subject matter and strong female lead. Shruti won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for her performance. Prakash Raj won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain. The music was composed by Deva. The film was released on 10 November 1996.
Kalki (1996) OTT release date is not officially announced yet — GudVibe tracks its streaming availability daily.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 10 November 1996
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 41m
- Rating
- 4.4/10
Storyline
Kalki is a confident young woman who believes love is a weakness. She befriends Chellamma, a singer who left her abusive husband Prakash. Kalki decides to teach Prakash a lesson by seducing him and treating him with the same cruelty he showed his wives. Her plan leads to unexpected consequences for everyone involved.
“She taught him a lesson he would never forget”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kalki
Cast reunions in this film: Prakash Raj & Deva (13 films together), Prakash Raj & Geetha (3 films together), Rahman & Deva (2 films together), Prakash Raj & K. Balachander (2 films together), K. Balachander & Geetha (2 films together), and Geetha & Deva (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Kalki' refers to the prophesied tenth and final avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who ends the current dark age, symbolizing the heroine's transformative role.
- This was the Tamil film debut for actress Fathima Babu, who played the cook Kokila; she was already a well-known newsreader on Doordarshan.
- Director K. Balachander originally planned to cast a different actress for the lead, but chose Shruti after being impressed by her performance in 'Gentleman'.
- The movie features a cameo by veteran actor Nagesh in a brief but memorable role as a doctor during a key scene in the second half.
- Composer Sirpy's soundtrack included a hit song 'Kadhal Vandhadhum', which was notably picturized without the lead actress Shruti.
- The film's plot, involving a single woman choosing to have a child, was considered a bold and unconventional theme for mainstream Tamil cinema in the 1990s.
- Despite its star cast and director, 'Kalki' had a moderate box office run and is often remembered more for its thematic daring than commercial success.