The basic plot of Kaala involves a group of cops trying to bust a money laundering racket. And that is all you need to know while venturing into this series that is far too unassuming with its content than what it promised to be early on. Yes, the plot is niche and requires focus particularly with its non-linear narrative that jumps timelines. But if you are willing to sit through it then there are rewards to be had. The screenplay standing at 8 episodes ranging from 20 odd to 50 odd minutes is exhilarating and compelling while also very niche with its narrative style. There would be no middle ground here, either you will love the proceedings or you won’t!

The drama does open on one particular timeline which did act as a foundation for the rest of the drama to follow. The opening premise with the use of drone shots capturing a trunk being set ablaze, while also focusing on a set of gunmen looking towards a supposed soldier escaping the arena, does throw in many questions on what the show is about. Immediately, the action shifts to a timeline closer to the current day and you are introduced to the protagonist and his team who do have intel about a business tycoon being involved in a lot of black money. How the two events are connected does form the rest of the story.

The initial connection between the two timelines might seem simplistic, and I personally thought that things were headed south simply because I had supposedly guessed the link. But credit to the band of writers for adding subplot within subplot across multiple timelines that made for an exhilarating watch. The writers demand your attention by serving plot points through various characters, while providing different perspectives in a lead up to the single incident at the beginning of the show. The frequent jump in the timelines(to and fro) is an age old challenging piece of art that I have always enjoyed, something which does keep me on my toes!

The proceedings are interesting and engrossing featuring multiple twists and turns at various junctures, at times in the form of character motivation thus paving way for the character dynamics in the drama too. Another interesting aspect of the drama was the setting of the drama in Kolkata and Darjeeling while featuring some of the characters from different parts of the country that added a fusion of freshness to the drama. The writers also touch upon a sense of humour along the way, something that they could also have pushed early on in the show. Yet, none of it compromises on the pace of the show that moves at a break neck pace! The issue being addressed was also important and it did touch upon some of the external factors including the politics involved or the role of the media. In between, the LGBTQ angle which plays a major role in the series was represented with sensitivity and normalcy!

The events leading up to the final act were quite indulgent with the narrative style that had already thrown up multiple shocks along the way while nice integrating the two major timelines of the show. As the body count began to rise, and the stakes began to shoot up, the finale act was quite satisfying as well, mostly tying up the loose ends while deliberately keeping a few open for perhaps the next season. Overall, the screenplay is a niche with its narrative style but it accounts for a pulsating thriller that made for one of the most unique watching experiences for me this year!