Kalank (2019)
DirectorAbhishek Varman
StarringAlia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sanjay Dutt
Watch onNetflix
Best for: Viewers who enjoy period-set Hindi dramas with a large ensemble cast and a focus on family secrets and romance.
Where to watch Kalank online in India
Subscription
NetflixAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Kalank story (no spoilers)
Set in 1945, just before India's independence, Kalank moves between two very different worlds: the grand, dignified household of the Chaudhry family and the raw, musical alleys of Hira Mandi. Roop Chaudhry, a woman from the elite side, crosses paths with Zafar, a fearless performer from Hira Mandi, and that meeting begins to pull at secrets the Chaudhrys have kept buried. As Roop gets drawn further into Zafar's world, old betrayals and hidden affairs surface, threatening to bring both the opulent family and the wild underbelly crashing down. The film is a Hindi-language drama with romance at its centre, running 166 minutes, and it builds its tension from the clash between respectability and desire rather than from action. The tone is solemn and lush, with the contrast between the two settings driving the story forward.
Should you watch Kalank?
Watch it for
- Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan play Roop Chaudhry and Zafar, the two characters whose meeting sets the whole conflict in motion.
- The cast also includes Madhuri Dixit as Bahaar Begum, Sanjay Dutt as Balraj Chaudhry, Aditya Roy Kapur as Dev Chaudhry and Sonakshi Sinha as Satya Chaudhry.
- Director Abhishek Varman sets the story in 1945, using the contrast between the Chaudhry family's opulent world and the musical underbelly of Hira Mandi.
- At 166 minutes, the drama has room to unfold its layers of betrayal and buried secrets at a deliberate pace.
Skip it if
- You want a fast-moving film; at 166 minutes, Kalank takes its time with the drama and romance.
- You prefer light-hearted romance without the weight of secrets and betrayal that drive the plot here.
- You are looking for an action film; this is a drama with romance, not an action genre entry.
Kalank cast
Alia Bhattas Roop Chaudhry
Varun Dhawanas Zafar
Aditya Roy Kapuras Dev Chaudhry
Sanjay Duttas Balraj Chaudhry
Madhuri Dixitas Bahaar Begum
Sonakshi Sinhaas Satya Chaudhry
Kunal Kemmuas Abdul
Kiara Advanias Lajjo
Achint Kauras Saroj: Chaudhry household's housekeeper
Pawan Chopraas Dharampal Sami: Roop's father
Hiten Tejwanias Abbas Ahmed Razi: Dev's colleague
Kriti Sanonas Dancer in the song "Aira Gaira"Kalank movie details
| Director | Abhishek Varman |
|---|---|
| Writer | Abhishek Varman, Hussain Dalal, Shibani Bathija |
| Music | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara, Pritam Chakraborty |
| Cinematography | Binod Pradhan |
| Producer | Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Sajid Nadiadwala, Hiroo Johar |
| Release date | 17 April 2019 |
| Runtime | 2h 46m (166 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi |
| Original title | कलंक |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Worldwide box office | $18.0 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Kalank family friendly?
Kalank has a UA certificate in India, so it is aimed at older children and adults; this is a general guide based on the certificate and genre. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Kalank official trailer
Our verdict
Kalank brings together a strong ensemble, including Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Madhuri Dixit, in a 1945 setting that contrasts the Chaudhry family with Hira Mandi. The 166-minute runtime and the drama's focus on secrets and betrayal mean it moves at its own pace. If you like period romance with a large cast, it fits; if you want something quicker, it may feel long.
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HomeboundFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Kalank online in India?
Kalank is available for subscription streaming on Netflix in India.
When was Kalank released?
Kalank was released in India on 17 April 2019.
Who is in the cast of Kalank?
The cast includes Alia Bhatt as Roop Chaudhry, Varun Dhawan as Zafar, Aditya Roy Kapur as Dev Chaudhry, Sanjay Dutt as Balraj Chaudhry, Madhuri Dixit as Bahaar Begum, Sonakshi Sinha as Satya Chaudhry, Kunal Kemmu as Abdul and Kiara Advani as Lajjo.
Who directed Kalank?
Kalank was directed by Abhishek Varman.
What is the runtime and certificate of Kalank?
Kalank runs for 166 minutes and has a UA certificate in India.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.