In the serene coastal enclave of Alibaug, a tale of intrigue and revenge unfurls beneath the festooned fairy lights celebrating the union of Ahaan Kothari (played by Varun Sood), heir to the wealthy Kothari dynasty, and the mysterious Karmma Talwar (portrayed by Namrata Sheth). As the powerful matriarch of both Alibaug and the Kothari family, the character of Indrani Kothari, brought to life by Raveena Tandon, is skeptical of this engagement. With an intuition sharpened by her affluent societal standing, Indrani forewarns Karmma of the watchful eye destined to follow her every move.
Unforeseen disaster strikes as Indrani’s daughter stumbles upon her brother’s bloodied remains during a seaside escapade. These shocking events are the genesis of ‘Karmma Calling,’ which is director Ruchi Narain’s creative reinterpretation of the 2011 American thriller “Revenge.” The narrative propels forward as Karmma, intent on avenging her father who was wrongfully imprisoned, fixates upon the Kothari clan and Indrani, the linchpins responsible for her shattered life.
Indrani, a formidable force and former silver screen diva, is deftly played by Raveena Tandon whose husband’s roving ways do little to perturb her. Her singular focus on the clout carried by their wealth allows her to overlook his philandering. Presiding over opulent galas so extravagant that on the mist-laden night of ‘karwachauth,’ a helicopter soars with guests to glimpse the moon, Indrani’s sphere of influence extends far beyond her immediate family, who are mere puppets at the behest of her willful command.
The emergence of Karmma as an agent of vengeance disrupts the opulent veneer of high society, turning the gaze of suspicion upon herself, while equally envisioning the downfall of Indrani. This sets the stage for a campy and melodramatic tale that weaves threads of affluent lifestyles, passionate romance, and treacherous deceit into a narrative that, despite its brisk pace, sometimes misses the mark in delivering the suspenseful tightness it promises.
While the premise offers an engaging premise, it is the execution by Namrata Sheth in the role of Karmma that falls short, lacking the nuanced portrayal required to evoke the complex emotions of wrath, suffering, and sorrow her character is synonymous with. Her performance remains flat across varying, emotionally-charged circumstances: confronting Indrani, charming Ahaan, and even in the poignant moment of reuniting with a long-lost pet.
In contrast, Raveena Tandon’s portrayal of Indrani is nothing short of riveting, her formidable on-screen presence and skilled acting providing the saving grace the series so desperately relies upon. Varun Sood, as Ahaan, captivates in his role as the unfortunate heir apparent, earning empathy alongside comparisons to ‘Kissing Booth’ star Jacob Elordi.
Though positioned as a binge-worthy endeavor, ‘Karmma Calling’ presents an experience akin to savoring a meal that lacks the true heat of vengeance its title suggests. Even with the ingredients for an edge-of-your-seat drama, it is a dish served with a tepid aftertaste. While the storyline beckons viewers with the promise of a thrilling vendetta against the glittering backdrop of society’s elite, the lack of depth in a key performance leaves the appetite for dramatic satisfaction somewhat unfulfilled.
Despite its shortcomings, ‘Karmma Calling’ does offer moments that sparkle – most of which owe their brilliance to Tandon’s exceptional performance. Those seeking a foray into a world where high society and personal vendettas collide might find themselves intrigued by the drama’s setup, but should temper their expectations when it comes to the follow-through. Viewers can stream this saga of retribution and family dynamics on Disney+ Hotstar, against the setting of Alibaug’s apparently still waters that run hauntingly deep.
