Karmma Calling Review: A Lackluster Revenge Drama In Alibaug, Falters In Delivering Expected Thrills & Suspense
"Karmma Calling" struggles to break free from its unremarkable, by-the-numbers approach
A murder on the beach sets the stage for the seven-part Hotstar Specials series, "Karmma Calling," promising a tale of vengeance in the opulent town of Alibaug. The story follows a young woman with a vendetta, targeting a 1990s Bollywood diva-turned-socialite and her family. Directed by Ruchi Narain, the show delves into dark secrets, pent-up rage, extra-marital affairs, conspiracies, and betrayals, disrupting the carefully constructed facade of the rich enclave.
The plot unfolds through a non-linear narrative, moving back and forth in time to provide context for the revenge saga. However, despite the busy and heated storyline, "Karmma Calling" struggles to break free from its unremarkable, by-the-numbers approach. Adapted from the American series "Revenge," the Indian version lacks the edge-of-the-seat thrill expected from a tale of vendetta.
The show's revenge-seeking protagonist, Karma Talwar (Namrata Sheth), meticulously plans her retaliation against those who wronged her and her father two decades ago. Each episode focuses on a different individual in Alibaug's elite society, revealing the intricate web of deceit and betrayal. Despite the plethora of twists and turns, "Karmma Calling" falls short of being an engaging thriller.
The series unfolds against the backdrop of the picturesque Alibaug, portraying the glamorous lives of its affluent residents. However, the portrayal tends to be inert, stodgy, and dull, missing the mark in delivering a gripping narrative. While the plot has moments of intrigue and impact, they are often fleeting, failing to provide substantial weight to the overall series.
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Raveena Tandon, in her role as Indrani Kothari, attempts to anchor the show with determination, but the lackluster performances from the supporting cast, including Namrata Sheth, diminish its overall impact. The characters' motives and plot points are at times over-explained, blunting the edge of the tale and creating a sense of repetition.
Despite occasional sparks of life, "Karmma Calling" fails to sustain a consistent level of excitement and suspense. Relying heavily on Raveena Tandon's performance, the series struggles to rise above its unremarkable narrative, leaving viewers craving for a more captivating and original storyline.
