To be released in cinemas on December 20, the upcoming action entertainer Khadaan (directed by Soojit Dutta) dropped its teaser on Thursday, creating ripples of excitement among Bengali movie lovers. Already trending on social media, the teaser is a mix of fast cuts of action sequences and dramatic moments, with the rough, rustic voice of its hero (Dev) offering clues about the story’s intriguing plotline.
Set to be a saga of power, bloodshed and betrayal, the teaser is an unabashed celebration of the stardom of its lead actor. It is clear that Dev’s character, that of a mafia boss, has been written to appeal to fans of typical masala films. In every frame, Dev builds an aura with his tall, imposing persona and a strong, stoical presence. The leader of land or coal mafia in an industrial town, his character (as also the story) appears to borrow elements from action-themed blockbusters like KGF. In fact, Dev’s bearded look seems to be inspired by Yash’s look in KGF.
The jaw-dropping stunts and action sequences also bear influences of Hindi and South Indian action films. So does its soot-laden monochromatic hues, which reflect its theme of struggle to rise above poverty to a position of power and authority. The teaser also introduces another important character in Khadaan — Jisshu Sengupta, who is an accomplice of Dev’s character and whose character is somewhat of a foil to the latter. Turned out as a Vaishnav in a traditional dhoti and a sacred tilak on his forehead, the incongruous sight of Jisshu riding on a motorbike with Dev to loot a running train, gives merely an indication of the many entertaining and edge-of-the-seat moments the film has to offer to audiences. The attire of both actors (with Dev shown wearing bell-bottom trousers) and a steam engine-driven train point to the film being based in an earlier time period. Hints are also given about possible twists in the plot and a political rivalry and a tussle to gain control over land that will culminate in violence and bloodshed.
Billed as an ‘epic journey of friendship’ where ‘power, greed and vengeance collide’, Khadaan, written and directed by Soojit Dutta and produced by Surinder Films and Dev Entertainment Ventures, also stars Barkha Bisht and Idhika Paul, among others. Full of explosive dialogues and stylised, well-choreographed action scenes, the teaser of what promises to be a full-blown commercial entertainer has raised expectations of movie lovers, who will be waiting eagerly to watch the action unfold on the big screen when Khadaan hits the theatres at the year’s end.
