Nicole

Kaala Paani (Black Water) is about the unraveling of a society under crisis. An epidemic strikes the island, and the show follows characters on disparate journeys as they all come to understand how civility is a thin veneer, and there are different rules for survival in a dystopia. Netflix bills this as their first Indian survival drama, and if that’s what you’re looking for, this delivers.

Kaala Paani remains rooted in Indian drama, with enough familiar Bollywood tropes and super dramatic acting to satisfy (or frustrate, depending on taste). The setting of a near-future Andaman and Nicobar adds a little freshness for seasoned viewers of both Indian dramas and english post-apocalyptic drama (why so many desert wastelands?). But if you like this show, credit is due to the writer’s clarity of idea — the human aspect of epidemic survival — and the director’s focus on execution. The team said yes to liberal use of fable & philosophy tropes, yes to time skips, yes and yes again to flashbacks (make it like Oprah’s giving them away), and no to in-depth explanations of science/procedure/things-that-aren’t-drama. The focus is entirely on the character journeys undertaken by a set of individuals from a distribution of roles across the island society. The actors all did very well, and most have juicy dramatic bits preceded by overlong childhood flashbacks (can you tell my biggest quibble? yet they are a classic Indian trope that can’t be escaped… get it?) to hammer in that character development. This is not a mystery series: there are no twists, no red herrings. But the 7 episodes are meaty with social drama, seasoned with the urgency of a thriller, and light on the boring gristle. Overall, Kaala Paani will hits the spot. And if my review hasn’t put you off it, I think you’ll enjoy it too.

A second season is possible but not required. The epidemic isn’t fully resolved (given the time frame it can’t be anyway), but most characters have reached a climax and denouement to complete their arc. If continued, here’s hoping the writing remains true to concept with new character journeys so that the energy stays high.

As a kid, I read the novel by Tonke Dragt several times. It was one of my favorites. So, I had big expectations for this show. After the first 15 minutes in, it was clear I was in for a disappointment. They made a lot of changes to the story and I question why? Why do we need the heavy emphasis on magic? Why can't a historically correct chappel be good enough to hold a wake during the night, but do we need a weird skull-looking monstrosity? Why does Tiuri need a bunch of sidekicks to join him in his quest instead of just Piak like in the novel? Why can't an adventure story during medieval times just be that? Why do we need all the extra's? Which in my opinion don't add any extra depth to the story?

I always found that part of the charm of the novel was it could have happened during the Middle Ages. The series is pure fictional fantasy. This just shows bigger doesn't always mean better.

If we are not speaking story-wise there is a lot of beautiful scenery and shots of New-Zealand. I liked most of the costume design. Most of the actors did a decent job. I'm not talking Oscar award-winning level here, but it felt better than a lot of similar styled shows.

If you haven't read the book. This is a mediocre fantasy series. Trying to hop on the "LOTR" and "GOT" bandwagon.
If you have read the book and don't want to be as disappointed as I am. You could spend your time better re-reading it and enjoying a beautiful story, than watching this soulless show.