Experience the raw and unfiltered first episode of Kalamanch, where a group of strangers begins a simple acting class that quickly evolves into something much deeper. As their protective walls crack, vulnerabilities surface, and for some, this stage becomes the only space where they can truly be themselves.
Eight strangers. One acting school. A journey none of them expected.
Kalamanch isn’t just about the craft of acting; it’s about confronting one’s own truth. The series has already earned accolades as an official selection at various international film festivals, including the Tasveer Film Festival. It beautifully emphasises that acting is the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances—where an actor is, at most, a poet and, at least, an entertainer.
The Ensemble cast consists of a diverse range of characters to life. Hiten (Amit Poddar) is a young man obsessed with the “Dabangg” persona. Jheel (Siffat Gandhi) is a sophisticated girl from Bandra with a love for Woody Allen and Meryl Streep. Anant (Kanan Srivastava), a quiet student from Shahjahanpur who is in awe of his classmate Sunaina (Rose Sardana) who is an adventurous fashion model with a vibrant personality.
Azim (Neeraj Ganveer) is a “goody-hunk” coffee shop owner who prefers offbeat cinema. Ragini (Sonal Sagore) is a simple girl dealing with deep-seated societal pressures. Adwik (Hridaan Saraswat) is a boisterous fashion model and the school’s self-proclaimed star student. Then we have Kanika Arora (Priya Chauhan) likeable Director of Kalamanch and a former television artist who dreams of winning an Oscar. Interestingly, her husband, Kunal (Sahil Arora), also attends the classes.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
Kanika begins with the fundamentals, teaching that an actor’s primary instruments are the body, voice, emotions, and imagination. To master the craft, one must hone these tools relentlessly.
The series gains significant momentum in the second episode, “The Unboxing.” As the “theatre games” begin, it becomes clear they are more than just exercises. Students are pushed out of their comfort zones to uncover past wounds, silent insecurities, and unspoken fears.
The character dynamics are compelling with Hiten’s common “bhaigiri” clashes with Adwik’s arrogance, while Azim faces an intense inner conflict after discovering a box that revives memories of his late mother. The series highlights the importance of active observation and deep listening as core tenets of the craft.
Truth and Transformation
The third episode, “Storytelling,” takes a poignant turn. After a student narrates a sensitive story, the instructor offers a vital lesson: one cannot stereotype an entire community based on a single individual. The narrative also delves into deep philosophy. One episode explores the “visualisation of a pleasant evening,” only to disrupt it with the harsh reality of being betrayed by a peer. We also see Jheel’s single mother encouraging her to stand on her own feet and pursue her aspirations. Meanwhile, Anant Singh masters the ability to observe minute character details while battling flashbacks of his estranged, demanding wife.
The Power of Vulnerability
One of the most touching segments is the sixth episode, which tackles the discrimination faced by tanned-skin girls in the industry. During a skit, Hiten cruelly belittles Ragini for her complexion—a prejudice mirrored at home by her own mother. This powerful sequence culminates in Ragini’s emotional outburst, questioning why “fair” is equated with beauty. Ultimately, she finds the strength to regain her confidence.
The final episode, “Parting Ways,” brings closure to several arcs. We see Kanika navigating her own marital struggles with Kunal, proving that even teachers have their own battles. The episode reinforces the theory that dialogue is only one part of the craft; actions and subtext are equally vital.
The journey isn’t easy. There are days when an actor must fight the world and their own inner self. As the series suggests, we are all perhaps a bit lonely, but an actor must believe in their own voice. What truly matters is the determination to succeed.
As Kanika beautifully concludes: “Anyone can be an actor. It doesn’t matter where you come from or if you are shy or introverted. The only thing that matters is your talent.”
Watch Kalamanch all episodes free on YouTube –
Cast of Kalamanch:
Kanan Srivastava as Ananth Singh
Neeraj Ganveer as Azim Ansari
Siffat Gandhi as Jheel
Sahil Arora as Kunal Arora
Amit Poddar as Hiten Screwvala
Hridaan Saraswat as Advik Singh
Priya Chauhan as Kanika Arora
Sonal Sagore as Ragini
Rose Sardana as Sunaina Malhotra
Credits of Kalamanch:
Produced by KNVR Productions
Written by Kanan Srivastava and Neeraj Ganveer
Directed by Neeraj Kumar
Director of Photography – Vikas Singh
Credit Song by Jeet Bamniya
Casting by Mayank Bawa Casting
Background score – Adil Rasheed
