Kalyug (1981 film)

Kalyug is a Hindi film made in 1981 and directed by Shyam Benegal. The film is known as a modernday version of an Indian epic Mahabharat depicted as an archetypal conflict between rival business houses. The film went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Film in 1982.

The film is tale of intrigue, plots and the inevitable war between the two families. Ramchand and Bhishamchand were two pioneering brothers in business. Bhishamchand, a lifelong bachelor, brought up the two sons of Ramchand upon his demise. He also gave the family business a firm foundation. Khubchand Vinod Doshi, the elder son of Ramchand begets two sons, Dhanraj Victor Banerjee and Sandeepraj Akash Khurana. Puranchand, Khubchands younger brother, had died a few years ago. His three sons are Dharamraj Raj Babbar, Balraj Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Bharatraj Anant Nag. Another player in the game is Karan Shashi Kapoor, an orphan brought up by Bhishamchand. A series of events take place that bring the long hidden feud between the two families to light. Despite Bhishamchands efforts to mediate between the two, the situation gets out of hand and events take a tragic turn. Dhanrajs men accidentally kill the young son of Balraj and to take revenge Bharatraj murders Karan. Quite a few skeletons from the family cupboard are brought into the open that only adds to the tensions and hatred, finally culminating in the destruction of the two families, making us ponder on the brittleness of our moral fabric.Anil Dharker, writing for International Film Guide, wrote a positive review to the film, calling it ambitious and noting it as the most complex of Benegals films so far, which is carefully paced and expertly put together. Dharker praised the cinematographic work and the acting Govind Nihalani, Benegals regular cameraman, highlights each shifting mood with skilful lighting. The cast, most of it Benegal regulars, is excellent, with virtuoso performances from Victor Banerjee, and Shashi Kapoor... The film was entered into the 12th Moscow International Film Festival. ........

Source: Wikipedia