Director: Shahir Raza
Rating: **½
JioHotstar’s latest drama “Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs” dives deep into the troubled lives of a fictional royal family in Bilkaner, offering a gripping spectacle of betrayal, emotional wounds, and power struggles. Created by Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, and directed by Shahir Raza, this eight-episode series unpacks layer after layer of long-buried secrets and explosive revelations — all under the glittering but suffocating roof of the Raisinggh palace.
Set against the backdrop of Chandra Pratap Raisinggh’s 60th birthday, “Kull” opens its doors to high-stakes family drama. Every member of this dysfunctional household brings their own trauma and ambitions to the table, creating a volatile environment primed for implosion.
Power Plays and Personal Battles: Meet the Raisingghs
At the core of this turbulent tale is Chandra Pratap Raisinggh (Rahul Vohra), the authoritative patriarch whose disapproval casts a long shadow over his children. The royal gathering brings together:
Indrani (Nimrat Kaur): The eldest daughter, grappling with childlessness and a strained marriage to the Chief Minister’s son, Vikram (Suhaas Ahuja). She's burdened by duty and haunted by shame.
Kavya (Ridhi Dogra): Ambitious and pragmatic, she plots to lease the palace to an international hotel chain — a move that threatens tradition.
Abhimanyu (Amol Parashar): The arrogant and volatile son who inherits the throne but struggles with authority and personal demons.
Brij (Gaurav Arora): The illegitimate son and Chandra’s favorite, whose mere presence in the palace sparks resentment and outrage, especially from Abhimanyu.
Adding to the tension is a documentary crew chronicling the family’s internal strife, a clever device that amplifies the drama while exposing each character’s vulnerabilities.
Murder, Mayhem, and the Rise of a Flawed King
When Chandra Pratap is mysteriously murdered, the story veers into full-blown thriller territory. The siblings scramble for control, suspicion hangs heavy in the air, and the already strained relationships begin to fracture further. Abhimanyu is crowned the new King, but with power comes unchecked rage and reckless decisions.
In a surprising turn, Amol Parashar delivers a standout performance, portraying Abhimanyu with a bruised ego and desperate need for approval. His layered portrayal adds unexpected depth to what initially seems like a one-note character, making him both detestable and pitiable — and arguably the most compelling figure in the series.
Twists, Turns, and Over-the-Top Drama
“Kull” thrives on its breakneck pace and constant plot twists. Every episode adds another shocking revelation, from hidden affairs to long-kept secrets, often to the point of incredulity. This self-aware excess is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it keeps viewers hooked; on the other, it occasionally sacrifices emotional nuance for shock value.
The writing leans into melodrama, with schemes and betrayals unfolding almost too rapidly. Despite the whirlwind of events, the show rarely offers space for introspection. Characters are constantly reacting, but seldom reflecting — a flaw that prevents viewers from fully connecting with their inner lives.
Performances that Shine Amid the Chaos
Despite the lack of depth in character development, the cast brings gravitas and charm to the screen. Nimrat Kaur, as Indrani, stands out in the latter episodes as she navigates personal and familial crises with restrained emotion and quiet strength. Styled impeccably and exuding poise, she delivers a performance that adds a much-needed emotional anchor to the story.
Ridhi Dogra’s Kavya balances ambition with loyalty, while Gaurav Arora’s Brij exudes a quiet intensity, often acting as the moral compass in a world driven by greed.
Wealth, Vanity, and the Absurdity of Power
Perhaps the most fascinating element of “Kull” is its refusal to condemn or critique the ultra-rich. There’s no anti-capitalist sentiment here — instead, the show revels in the absurdity of wealth and the narcissism it breeds. The Raisinggh family is too obsessed with power and legacy to notice the world beyond their palace gates.
“Kull” cleverly exposes how privilege can insulate individuals from accountability. Therapy is replaced with tantrums; introspection is substituted with manipulation. This satirical undertone adds a darkly humorous layer to the drama, making the audience complicit in enjoying the spectacle of rich people self-destructing.
Conclusion: Is “Kull” Worth Watching?
“Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs” is not for those seeking subtle storytelling or emotional depth. But if you're in the mood for high-stakes family drama, layered performances, and scandalous secrets, this show offers an engaging binge-watch experience. It may not rewrite the rulebook of television drama, but it certainly knows how to keep you watching.
In the end, “Kull” is a chaotic royal saga, gleefully indulgent in its mess and madness — and that’s exactly where its charm lies.
