Superstar Rajinikanth’s 2018 socio-political action drama, “Kaala,” directed by the renowned filmmaker Pa Ranjith, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being listed as one of the 25 films of the 21st century in the latest Summer issue of the British Film Institute’s Sight and Sound magazine. This significant recognition places “Kaala” as the sole Indian title to be featured in this prestigious list, which includes a wide array of influential titles from across the globe such as “Old Boy,” “Get Out,” and “Artificial Intelligence.”
According to the BFI’s official website, the meticulously curated list was compiled with the expertise of 25 film critics, each tasked with nominating a film that stands out as both representative and a high watermark of the cinematic achievements from 2000 to 2024. This initiative by BFI aims to celebrate the cinematic journey of the 21st century, ensuring that each selected movie embodies the essence and evolution of modern filmmaking.
“From our vantage point in 2024, we sit one quarter of the way through the 21st century. To acknowledge this milestone, we have enlisted the help of 25 of our finest critics, asking each to nominate a film that is significant within our cinematic era – the kind of film that could be put into a time capsule for the cinephiles of the 22nd century and beyond to marvel at, a movie that is both representative of and a high watermark of the years 2000 to 2024,” reads the insightful blurb on the BFI’s website.
The 25 entries, listed in chronological order, offer a fascinating snapshot of our times through the diverse lens of cinema. This subjective and esoteric collection features films from the UK to Brazil, China to Lesotho, from independent breakthroughs to Hollywood hits, and even the utterly uncategorisable. The BFI’s aim with this feature is to celebrate the brilliance of films produced so far this century.
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“Kaala,” Pa Ranjith’s fourth feature film and his second collaboration with Rajinikanth, presents a gripping narrative centered around Karikalan, also known as Kaala, a man revered by the oppressed slum dwellers of Dharavi, Mumbai. The storyline meticulously portrays Kaala’s valiant fight against a fascist minister and a business mogul named Hari Dhadha, who schemes to seize the lands of Dharavi and displace its residents.
The film’s powerful narrative is complemented by an enthralling musical score composed by Santhosh Narayanan, adding depth and intensity to its dramatic sequences. Apart from Rajinikanth’s compelling performance, “Kaala” also features a stellar ensemble cast including Nana Patekar, Eswari Rao, Huma Qureshi, Samuthirakani, Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil, and Manikandan, all of whom deliver performances that breathe life into their characters.
Debuting in theaters on June 7, 2018, “Kaala” achieved substantial critical and commercial success, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike for its poignant exploration of socio-political themes and its portrayal of resilience and justice.
Meanwhile, among the other esteemed films that made it to Sight and Sound’s list are “The Gleaners and I,” “Artificial Intelligence,” “Divine Intervention,” “Old Boy,” “Anatomy of Hell,” “A History of Violence,” “Inland Empire,” “Unrelated,” “La Rabbia di Pasolini,” “Everyone Else,” “Attenberg,” “Bridesmaids,” “Barbara,” “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,” “The Babadook,” “Cemetery of Splendor,” “Aquarius,” “Get Out,” “This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection,” “Self-Portrait: Window in 47KM,” “Petite Maman,” “Walk Up,” “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World,” and “The Human Surge 3.”
“Kaala’s” inclusion in this distinguished list not only underscores the global recognition of Indian cinema but also highlights the universal appeal and impactful storytelling that transcends cultural and geographical barriers. This accolade for “Kaala” further cements its place in the annals of global cinematic history, serving as a testament to the art of storytelling that resonates across the world.
