Rajinikanth’s Kaala listed among 25 Films of the Century by British Film Institute’s Sight and Sound magazine

Pa Ranjith's Tamil film earns a prestigious spot among cinematic greats including Old Boy and Artificial Intelligence.

Chennai | June 19, 2024 04:27 PM IST

2 min read

Rajinikanth in Kaala

In a significant accolade for Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth’s film Kaala has been listed among the Films of the Century by the British Film Institute (BFI). This recognition places the Tamil socio-political dram, directed by Pa Ranjith, alongside some of the most esteemed cinematic works globally like Artificial Intelligence, Old Boy, and Divine Intervention. The list was part of BFI’s Sight and Sound Summer Issue 2024.

Kaala, released in 2018, explores themes of social justice, power dynamics, and urban politics. Rajinikanth portrays the titular character, a leader of the oppressed living in the slums of Mumbai’s Dharavi. The film’s compelling narrative, coupled with Rajinikanth’s performance, resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning it both commercial success and critical acclaim. Now, with the BFI’s inclusion of Kaala in its prestigious list underscores the film’s impact and its contribution to global cinema.

“From our vantage point in 2024, we sit one quarter of the way through the 21st century. To acknowledge this milestone, Sight and Sound have enlisted the help of 25 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,” read the post on BFI about the 25 films.

This honor marks a notable achievement for Indian cinema, particularly for Tamil films, bringing international attention to the regional film.

Also starring Huma Qureshi, Eshwri Rao, Nana Patekar, Manikandan, and Samuthirakani, Kaala is story of the rebellion of the titular hero aginst a power politician who schemes to take over the land of the slum dwellers. The film purported Ambetkarite politics and social justice with a climax that undercut heroism and put forth ideology over idols.

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