Khalbali Records (Jiocinema) Story :-
Following a tragic incident, music producer Raghav Rai rebels against his father Ram Kapoor’s legacy at Galaxy Records and launches ‘Khalbali Records’, a groundbreaking label that prioritizes artists over profits. As the concept reverberates throughout the music industry, which is deeply divided on the issue, Singh encounters significant backlash.
The series showcases an extensive ensemble of 30-35 musicians, featuring renowned artists such as Rekha Bharadwaj, Amit Trivedi, Neeti Mohan, Anu Malik, Shahid Mallya, and Abhijeet Sawant.
Khalbali Records (Jiocinema) Release Date, Trailor, Songs, Cast :-
| Release Date | 12 September 2024 |
| Language | Hindi. Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali |
| Genre | Drama |
| Cast | Skand Sanjeev Thakur, Ram Kapoor, Saloni Batra, Saloni Khanna, Kumar Varun, Prabh Deep, Epr Iyer |
| Director | Devanshu Singh |
| Writer | Devanshu Singh |
| Cinematography | Archit Patel |
| Music | Amit Trivedi |
| Producer | Pushkar Karmalkar |
| Production | Azadi Records, Colosceum Media |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Khalbali Records (Jiocinema) Review :-
Khalbali Records immerses viewers in the thrilling indie music scene, where ambition collides with integrity, vividly portraying the raw energy of rap culture and the formidable challenges of the music industry. At its heart, the series delves into the conflicts between artistic purity and commercial viability, as well as the burdens of family legacies. Promising an authentic experience for music enthusiasts, it features rap battles, soulful tracks, and deep insights into the industry. However, despite its captivating musical elements, the series falters due to predictable plotlines and characters with underdeveloped arcs, resulting in a lack of emotional impact.
The series kicks off dramatically with the tragic death of Mauj (played by Prabh Deep), a rising indie artist killed during a concert. This event prompts his best friend and manager, Raghav Rai Singh (played by Skand Thakur), to depart from his father’s label, ‘Galaxy Records,’ and establish ‘Khalbali Records’—a new label aimed at empowering artists. This decision sets the stage for a tense father-son conflict, pitting Raghav against his father Manavendra Rai Singh (MRS, played by Ram Kapoor), who represents the old-school, profit-driven music industry that Raghav is determined to challenge.
Under the direction of Devanshu Singh, the series unfolds over eight episodes, exploring the intricacies of rap and indie music. It delves into themes of family loyalty, feuds, and the constant struggle between fame and creative autonomy. Flashbacks provide insights into Mauj’s journey, his relationship with Lekha (played by Salonie Patel), and how his path was shaped by his association with Galaxy Records. Meanwhile, Ananya (played by Saloni Batra), MRS’s daughter, serves as a moral compass, torn between her father’s ruthless approach and her own principles of fairness.
Khalbali Records (Jiocinema) Trailor :-
While the storyline remains engaging, the series struggles with repetitive conflicts between Galaxy and Khalbali Records, which can make it feel prolonged at times. The character developments, although promising, do not fully fulfill their potential, resulting in a somewhat muted emotional impact.
In terms of performances, Skand Thakur and debutant Punjabi rapper Prabh Deep shine in their roles as Raghav and Mauj, portraying the passion of artists striving for integrity. Ram Kapoor delivers a compelling portrayal of MRS, portraying him as an arrogant and ego-driven label boss. Vikas Verma convincingly embodies the role of the bold rapper Tashan. Salonie Patel and Saloni Batra deliver strong performances, adding depth to their respective characters.
The ensemble cast, featuring rapper EPR Iyer, Aritro Banerjee, Armaan Khera, Zander Lama, Ahmer Javed, and Varun Bhagat, contributes significantly to the establishment of Khalbali Records. However, Prakash Belawadi’s portrayal of Shetty feels underdeveloped amidst the ensemble. Despite its narrative shortcomings, Khalbali Records excels in its musical offerings. Amit Trivedi’s soulful compositions and indie hip-hop tracks from Azadi Records provide a grounded and authentic musical backdrop for the series. Cameos by industry luminaries such as Palash Sen, Rekha Bharadwaj, and Neeti Mohan enrich the show’s portrayal of the musician’s journey.
In conclusion, Khalbali Records provides a refreshing and enjoyable experience for music aficionados, particularly fans of rap. Despite some storytelling shortcomings, the series’ music and performances make it a worthwhile watch.