Mumbai, Feb 4:
The makers of the highly anticipated and potentially controversial film “Kalki Sambhal” have officially released the film’s first poster. Directed by Bharat S. Shrinate and produced by Amit Jani, the poster focus remains strictly on character reveals, setting the stage for a narrative that spans decades of unrest in Uttar Pradesh.
From 1978 to 2024: A Tale of Two Villains
The film is rooted in the tragic 1978 Sambhal riots and reportedly explores the ripple effects of violence leading up to the present day. The first look introduces two primary antagonists representing different eras:
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“Abbajaan” (Mahesh Manjrekar): Renowned Bollywood veteran Mahesh Manjrekar portrays ‘Abbajaan,’ a character accused of instigating the 1978 riots for political leverage.
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“Bhaijaan” (Vijay Raaz): Versatile actor Vijay Raaz takes on the role of ‘Bhaijaan,’ the grandson of Abbajaan, who is accused of inciting fresh violence in Sambhal in 2024.
The Secret ‘Hero’: Who is SP Arjun Bishnoi?
While the villains have been unmasked, the makers have added a layer of mystery regarding the protagonist. The role of SP Arjun Bishnoi, the Superintendent of Police in Sambhal, will be played by a “famous Bollywood star” whose identity remains hidden in the current poster. According to the production house, the face of the lawman will be revealed in the second poster launch.
Controversial Track Record
The film is already generating headlines due to the involvement of producer Amit Jani. Jani was previously at the center of a nationwide storm over his project “Udaipur Files,” which dealt with the Kanhaiya Lal murder case. That film faced several legal hurdles and security concerns, and it seems “Kalki Sambhal” is headed for a similarly intense public discourse.
Director’s Vision
Director Bharat S. Shrinate, who also collaborated with Jani on previous projects, stated that the film aims to revisit multiple flashpoints in Sambhal’s history (1978, 2004, and 2024) to tell a story of “justice and demographic shifts.”
“This isn’t just a movie; it’s a documentation of events that shaped a region. Through characters like Abbajaan and Bhaijaan, we show how political greed can haunt generations,” the director remarked during the poster launch.
