Kisna
The film is set in the India of the tumultuous 1930's when nationalists fighting for the country's independence rose up as one, urging the British to quit. At this time, a young Indian, Kisna befriends and then shields a British girl Katherine, from an enraged mob of nationalists including Kisna's own uncle and brother. Katherine is the young daughter of a ruthless British collector. Kisna takes it upon himself to escort Katherine to the safety of the British High Commission in New Delhi, who will arrange for her to board a ship home. A tender attraction develops between Kisna and Katherine during the journey, a love story that is torn between 'Karma' (the noble deed) and 'Dharma' (the duty). Laxmi, the Indian girl Kisna is engaged to, forms the third point in an emotional triangle involving the Indo-British romantic pair
Insights
Plot Summary
Kisna is a young man from a peaceful village who finds his life drastically changed by the horrors of war and communal unrest. Torn between his love for a woman and his duty to his community, he must confront the violence that threatens to tear his world apart. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and society.
Critical Reception
Kisna received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some appreciated its ambition and the performances, many found the plot convoluted and the execution lacking. The film also struggled to connect with audiences, leading to a lukewarm box office performance.
What Reviewers Say
- The film attempts to tackle complex themes of love and war but is often weighed down by a predictable and melodramatic plot.
- Performances are generally decent, particularly from the lead actors, but they are not enough to salvage the uneven narrative.
- Visually, the film has moments of strong cinematography, but these are not enough to overcome the storytelling deficiencies.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed sentiment, with many finding the film to be a lengthy and somewhat predictable drama. While some appreciated the emotional core and performances, others felt it lacked originality and impact.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Subhash Ghai, also wrote the screenplay and produced Kisna, marking a significant personal investment in the project.
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