When Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar collaborated as co-producers for the first time and the film bombed

It’s been 20 years since Kaal hit the big screen, a film that dared to tread into dark and uncharted cinematic territory. Released in 2005, this supernatural thriller was set in the heart of a deadly jungle and came with high expectations. Today, as Kaal completes two decades, we take a nostalgic trip back to explore the facts, drama, and stories that made this film stand out even if it didn’t strike gold at the box office.

Did You Know? It Was Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar’s First Co-Production

Yes, that’s right. Kaal marked the beginning of Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar’s collaboration behind the camera under their respective banners, Red Chillies Entertainment and Dharma Productions. Until then, Karan had been known for his glamorous family dramas, and this was a sharp turn into the horror-thriller genre. The duo’s decision to support a film so different from their usual fare raised eyebrows and curiosity alike.

A Chilling Premise, But Too Early for Its Time?

The film revolved around a group of friends and wildlife researchers who venture into the fictional Orbit National Park, only to be hunted by a mysterious force. It blended themes of wildlife conservation with supernatural horror, something quite rare in Bollywood back then. Directed by Soham Shah, a then-newcomer, Kaal tried to combine social messaging with suspense. Unfortunately, the daring blend didn’t sit well with the mainstream audience at the time.

Despite a chilling atmosphere, gripping music, and slick production, the film failed to make a mark commercially. Many believe it was simply ahead of its time and that Bollywood wasn’t ready for a horror-thriller that went beyond ghosts and gore.

The Controversy Over the Tigers

Kaal found itself in the middle of controversy when animal rights groups and conservationists raised concerns about how the film depicted wildlife, especially tigers. Some claimed the movie sensationalized the jungle and endangered animals in the name of fiction. However, the filmmakers clarified that they had used CGI and ensured no animals were harmed, and that the intent was to raise awareness about poaching and human interference in natural habitats.

Even though the film didn’t do well commercially, its music struck a chord. Composed by Salim-Sulaiman, with contributions from Anand Raj Anand, the soundtrack had some memorable numbers. "Kaal Dhamaal" and “Nassa Nassa” were hits on music charts and they helped in adding a modern, edgy vibe to the film’s dark theme.

The SRK–Ajay Devgn Feud Rumours

One of the juiciest bits of trivia? Ajay Devgn’s casting raised eyebrows back then. At the time, rumours were swirling about a cold war between Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, partly due to their contrasting personalities, and partly because of the whole 'Kajol' thing.

So, it came as a surprise when Ajay was roped in to play the mysterious, brooding character of Kaali Pratap Singh. Many saw it as a sign of professionalism overcoming personal differences, though neither party ever confirmed any rift publicly.

Though he wasn’t part of the main story, Shah Rukh Khan featured in a stylish item number “Kaal Dhamaal” alongside Malaika Arora. With his trademark charm and energy, SRK’s presence helped generate buzz around the film. The song played during the opening credits and gave the film a glitzy start, which stood in contrast to the grim tone that followed.

Looking back, Kaal was perhaps ahead of its time. It tried something different in an industry that was playing safe. It brought together unlikely collaborators, introduced a fresh genre mix, and attempted to blend entertainment with awareness.

Twenty years later, while it may not be remembered as a classic, Kaal still deserves a nod for its ambition, its cast, and its bold storytelling choices.

So, here’s to Kaal, a film that may have stumbled at the box office, but remains an interesting chapter in Bollywood history.