Subhash Ghai’s ‘Taal,’ a film from twenty-six years ago, fails to fully capture the charm expected of a timeless classic. The movie has aged poorly, struggling to navigate the delicate balance between heartfelt storytelling and a more superficial, touristic approach. The film’s strength lies in A R Rahman’s musical score; the songs offer moments of brilliance that somewhat compensate for the narrative’s shortcomings. The core concept, exploring the clash of cultures through music and contrasting characters, appears dated. The central plot revolves around the relationship between the city-bred Manav (Akshaye Khanna) and the village girl Manasi (Aishwarya), echoing themes from older films.
Manasi, representing purity and innocence, contrasts with Manav’s supposedly worldly nature. A pivotal scene where Manasi is insulted by Manav’s father sets the stage for her transformation into a celebrated singer, guided by Vikrant (Anil Kapoor). The relationship between Kapoor and Rai is unconvincing, undermining the central romantic element of the film. The performances of Khanna and Rai often lack the necessary chemistry to make their respective roles compelling. Ultimately, ‘Taal’ attempts to address complex themes but often falls short of its ambitions.