Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' directed by Pa. Ranjith as expected has receieved critical acclaim for the acting and the social commentary in the subtext throughout.  In this special article we take a look at the pillars of 'Kaala' - the men and women who made this sensational film an unforgettable one.

Pa Ranjith : Undoubtedly it is Pa. Ranjith who is the driving force of 'Kaala'.  Having been recognized as a very relevant filmmaker who has a strong hold on his medium, 'Kabali' was a setback as the film ended up as neither his nor Rajini's.  However he has made amends by stamping his authority on every frame of his fourth film boldly taking a stand about dalit politics and exposing on celluloid many real life people in the high command of the country and sensitive issues.

Superstar Rajinikanth :That Rajini is a very underrated actor has been proven many times in the past especially when he took on offbeat roles and excelled in them in films like 'Aval Appadithaan', 'Gayathri', 'Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai', 'Engeyo Ketta Kural', 'Mullum Malarum' and 'Kai Kodukkum Kai' among others.  'Kaala' provides the fodder for Rajini to display his authoritative screen presence, humour, romance, sentiments and only last his style.  The police station scene in which he ridicules and reduces a minister to a nobody or the tad of jealousy that comes to the fore when his wife mentions a man who loved her in her young age, makes one want to beg Rajini out of politics to continue his screen acting.

Dhanush : Apart from being one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Dhanush has an eagle's eye that spots good cinema such as 'Kaaka Muttai', 'Visaranai' , 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan and 'Amma Kanakku' and brings it to the people. It is only due to the freedom that he gave Pa. Ranjith that enabled the film to pursue its vision without compromise even if some parts of it went against Rajinikanth's political ideologies.

Santhosh Narayanan : The background score of Santhosh Narayanan amplifies Pa Ranjith's visuals and he has taken care to let the sounds of the slums take precedence wherever he can.  That the lyrics are totally devoted in conveying the director's theme enhances the whole musical experience.

Nana Patekar: If there is a real life hero it is truly Nana Patekar the consummate actor who has given up a fortune to help farmers through a trust he has formulated.  As Hari Dadha the nemesis of 'Kaala' he provides the might to face a Rajinikanth without flinching an eyelid.  He displays an expression of disgust every time he sees 'Kaala' and words are not needed to convince the audience how much he hates his enemy.

Easwari Rao : There are few instances in which Rajini has glorified his women on film barring 'Nallavanukku Nallavan' , 'Kai Kodukkum Kai' or even the recent 'Kabali'.  He takes it several notches higher in 'Kaala' calling his Selvi his goddess.  The dusky Easwari Rao is worth her weight in gold for playing the role with gutso, maintaining her innocent charm throughout whether admiring, reprimanding or swooning over her man.  She proves the best humour scenes in the film too especially the one in which she threatens her husband that she would go back to her village to meet an old flame.

Anjali Patil : She is already a well respected theater and film artiste and Anjali Patil lives up to her character name Puyal in 'Kaala'.  She has brought to the fore the firebrand activist ever poised to fight only relaxing when she is in private with her boy friend the son of 'Kaala'.  She even addresses 'Kaala' himself with scant respect and her performance deserves the hightest accolades.

'Vikram Vedha' Manikandan : The writer turned actor Manikandan has got a lifetime role fashioned on Micheal the youngest son of Don Corleone in the 'Godfather'.  Initially he is shown as a black sheep in the family preferring the Gandian style of fighting.  Later he shows the transformation after understanding that his father and he are fighting the same enemy.  

Samuthirakani : After Nasser the chameleon tag will best fit Samuthirakani for his uncanny ability to get under the skin of any character with multiple shades.  Here as the constantly intoxicated henchman of 'Kaala' he puts a slant to his gait and scores with his oneliners at regular intervals some of them even targetting the Thalaivar.
 

Huma Qureshi : The 'D-Day' actress plays Zarina the ex-lover of 'Kaala' and everytime they meet she exhibits a certain flame that still exists for him.  Her best scene is when she teaches Nana's character how a woman should be treated.