Kahaani (transl. Story) is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language thriller film directed and co-written by Sujoy Ghosh, featuring Vidya Balan as Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata during the Durga Puja festival. She is assisted by Sub-Inspector Satyoki “Rana” Sinha (Parambrata Chatterjee) and Inspector General A. Khan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Created on a modest budget of ₹80 million (US$960,000), Kahaani showcases Ghosh’s innovative approach, utilizing guerrilla filmmaking techniques on the bustling streets of Kolkata to maintain authenticity. The film offers a compelling portrayal of the city and highlights themes of feminism and motherhood within a patriarchal society.
Kahaani - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
| Movie: | Kahaani |
| Genre: | Drama Thriller |
| Language: | Hindi |
| Director: | Sujoy Ghosh |
| Main Cast: | Vidya Balan Parambrata Chatterjee Nawazuddin Siddiqui Indraneil Sengupta Saswata Chatterjee |
| Release Date: | 9 March 2012 |
| Banner: | Viacom 18 Motion Pictures Pen India Limited Boundscript Motion Pictures |
| Music: | Vishal–Shekhar |
| Budget: | ₹80 million |
| Runtime: | 2h 2m |
It also references classic films by Satyajit Ray, such as Charulata (1964) and Aranyer Din Ratri (1970). The musical score was crafted by Clinton Cerejo and Vishal–Shekhar, with cinematography by Setu and editing by Namrata Rao. Released worldwide on 9 March 2012, Kahaani received widespread acclaim for its screenplay, cinematography, and stellar performances, particularly from the lead actors. It grossed ₹1.04 billion (US$12 million) within 50 days, driven by critical praise and strong word-of-mouth. The film garnered several awards, including three National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards, with Ghosh winning Best Director and Vidya Balan earning Best Actress. Kahaani was later remade in Telugu as Anaamika (2014), starring Nayanthara, and a spiritual sequel, Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh, was released on 2 December 2016.
Kahaani Movie Screenshot
Kahaani Movie Story
In a tragic incident, a poison-gas attack devastates a Kolkata Metro Rail compartment, claiming the lives of all passengers on board. Two years later, Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant British-Indian software engineer, arrives in Kolkata from London during the vibrant Durga Puja festivities, determined to find her missing husband, Arnab Bagchi. Police officer Satyoki “Rana” Sinha steps in to assist her. Vidya asserts that Arnab traveled to Kolkata for an assignment with the National Data Center (NDC), but initial investigations reveal no record of his employment there.
Agnes D’Mello, the NDC’s head of human resources, suggests that Arnab might resemble a former employee, Milan Damji, whose file could be found in the old NDC office. Before she can provide further assistance, Agnes is murdered by Bob Biswas, an assassin posing as a life insurance agent. Vidya and Rana manage to break into the NDC office and locate Damji’s file, narrowly escaping an encounter with Bob, who is also after the same information. Meanwhile, their pursuit of Damji’s records catches the attention of two Intelligence Bureau officials in Delhi—Chief Bhaskaran K. and his deputy, Khan. Upon arriving in Kolkata, Khan reveals that Damji was a rogue IB agent linked to the poison gas attack. Despite Khan’s warnings about the dangers ahead, Vidya remains resolute in her search, fearing that Arnab’s resemblance to Damji may have entangled him in perilous circumstances.
Kahaani Movie Review
Vidya completely immerses herself in the character, but it wouldn’t be fair to say the film rests solely on her shoulders. The strong performances from the supporting cast elevate it to a must-watch. In Vidya’s films, there’s a clear shift away from the typical male-centric masala movies, where actresses are often reduced to mere decorative roles. Instead, she brings depth and substance to her performances, showcasing the potential for female-led narratives.
A masterclass from Sujoy Ghosh! Vidya Balan’s brilliance shines throughout the film. While Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance felt a bit over-the-top, likely reflecting his early career, Parambrata Chatterjee was excellent in his role. This is a fantastic movie that will leave you in awe by the time the credits roll.
Kahaani Movie Trailer
FAQ About Kahaani Movie
Q1 – Who Directed Kahaani Movie?
A -Sujoy Ghosh
Q2-What Genre Is Kahaani Movie?
A-Drama Thriller
Q3-Lead Cast of Kahaani Movie?
A-Vidya Balan
Q4- Rating Of Kahaani Movie?
A-13+