A day after the motion poster of Brahmastra, starring Alia Bhatt, was released, Karan Johar has shared the first look from his upcoming production, Kalank. Directed by Abhishek Varman, the film is set in the 1940s era, leading up the pivotal moment of India’s Partition. Starring Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Madhuri Dixit, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Sanjay Dutt, Kalank is set to be released on 19 April.
Sharing the picture on his Instagram page, Johar wrote, ‘A film that was born in my heart and mind 15 years ago….a film I passionately believe in…the last film my father worked on before he left us….it was his dream to see this film come through….I couldn’t fulfil his dream then….my spirit was broken….but today his wish has found a relationship with celluloid.’
The image features the profiles of what are likely Bhatt and Dhawan’s characters from behind, as they pass through a serene lotus-filled lake on a shikara. The setting looks suspiciously like Kashmir, with Bhatt framed in an off-white, sheer veil over her head. The sepia tinted frame adds to the vintage, nostalgic quality of the image.
Johar went on to add, “The story of turbulent relationships and eternal love has found a voice….the film has been woven, nurtured and visualised by ABHISHEK VARMAN….and the film Is KALANK! Set in the 40’s but it’s heart lives on…..TOMORROW the journey begins…..am excited …anxious and emotional about this one…I do hope you join us on our path to undying love…..#KALANK [sic].”
The producer also shared another image, along with the cast members, suggesting ‘Kalank will unravel from tomorrow. This suggests the beginning of the marketing push for the film.
Dhawan revealed as much in his playful taunt to Bhatt on Twitter, announcing that she has ‘taken over’ the marketing for the film.