Subhash Ghai’s ‘Taal,’ viewed after twenty-six years, fails to live up to expectations. It struggles to blend genuine storytelling with a focus on the superficial. A R Rahman’s musical contributions remain a highlight, but the film’s plot struggles to support these musical interludes. The story, exploring the tension between folk and modern musical styles, feels outdated. The narrative, focusing on the relationship between Manav, a city dweller (Akshaye Khanna), and Manasi, a village girl (Aishwarya), presents an updated version of old cinematic themes. Manasi, depicted as innocent, and Manav, as worldly, become central figures.
The narrative progresses as Manasi faces rejection from Manav, prompting her to evolve into a successful singer, mentored by Vikrant (Anil Kapoor). The scenes between Kapoor and Rai fail to generate the necessary romantic sparks. The acting of Khanna often lacks a strong connection with his co-stars. Overall, ‘Taal’ aims to present itself as a significant commentary on cultural preservation and the encroachment of modern influences, however, the film’s execution often misses the mark.