Review: Khalbali Records comes with stellar music and performances marred by familiar plot tropes

JioCinema’s Khalbali Records offers a gripping peek into the high-stakes world of the indie music scene, where the pursuit of artistic freedom clashes with the harsh realities of commercial success. It’s a show that captures the energy and emotion of rap culture while exploring deeper themes of integrity, ambition, and family legacies. 

Plot and Premise

The show opens on a shocking and intense note, setting the tone for the narrative that follows. Mauj (played by debutant rapper Prabh Deep), an indie artist on the rise, is tragically killed during a live concert. This sudden death shakes his best friend and manager, Raghav Rai Singh (Skand Thakur), who then decides to leave his father's music label, Galaxy Records. Determined to create a space for true artistic expression, Raghav establishes Khalbali Records, a label with the vision to empower artists and give them control over their craft. This decision inevitably sets up a conflict with his father, Manavendra Rai Singh, also known as MRS (played by Ram Kapoor), the head of Galaxy Records. MRS represents the older generation's profit-driven approach to the music industry, creating a powerful father-son showdown.

At the heart of the series is a family drama intertwined with the challenges of the music industry. The plot dives into themes of loyalty, ambition, betrayal, and the eternal conflict between fame and artistic integrity. Raghav’s journey to challenge his father’s empire and honor Mauj’s vision for a utopia where music thrives free from commercial pressures forms the backbone of the story.

Screenplay and Direction

Directed by Devanshu Singh, Khalbali Records manages to keep viewers hooked throughout its eight-episode arc. Singh deftly balances the intricacies of the music world with the personal dynamics between its characters. Flashbacks to Mauj's journey, his relationship with Lekha (Salonie Patel), and his experiences with Galaxy Records add depth to the narrative and flesh out his character, even after his death.

Performances That Shine

One of the strongest elements of Khalbali Records is its cast. Skand Thakur as Raghav delivers a solid performance, effectively portraying a young man torn between loyalty to his father and his drive to fulfill his late friend’s dream. His character’s emotional depth is evident as he transforms from a dutiful son to a defiant producer determined to shake up the status quo.

Prabh Deep, in his acting debut as Mauj, stands out as a passionate artist who dreams of changing the music industry. Although his character is killed off early, flashbacks and memories of him reverberate throughout the series, and Prabh Deep delivers an emotionally charged performance that keeps his presence alive.

Ram Kapoor, as MRS, is a scene-stealer. His portrayal of a ruthless, business-minded label head is both convincing and chilling. Kapoor infuses his character with a menacing charm, making MRS a powerful antagonist.

Among the female leads, Salonie Patel as Lekha and Saloni Batra as Ananya leave a strong impact.

The supporting cast, featuring talents like Vikas Verma as the aggressive rapper Tashan, and real-life rapper EPR Iyer, Aritro Banerjee, and Varun Bhagat as members of Khalbali Records add depth and authenticity to the portrayal of the music industry's chaotic and often unpredictable environment.

Music as a Character

What truly sets Khalbali Records apart from other dramas is its music. Amit Trivedi’s soulful compositions, combined with tracks from Azadi Records, ground the series in the sounds of indie hip-hop and rap. The music feels raw, authentic, and deeply intertwined with the narrative, making it more than just background sound—it becomes a character in its own right.

Cameos from well-known industry figures like Rekha Bharadwaj, Neeti Mohan, and Palash Sen further enrich the musical atmosphere. 

What Doesn't Work

However, the series is not without its flaws. The storyline, while initially intriguing, becomes somewhat predictable, particularly in its handling of the father-son rivalry. The conflicts between Galaxy and Khalbali Records, though essential to the plot, start to feel repetitive after a few episodes, and some character arcs, despite showing promise, don’t reach their full potential.

The show’s attempts to explore the broader issues within the music industry—such as exploitation, artistic integrity, and the tug-of-war between fame and creativity—are compelling but often overshadowed by family melodrama. At times, the focus on Raghav’s personal journey detracts from the exploration of the larger subcultures within the indie music scene.

The Verdict

While Khalbali Records may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, its execution—especially in terms of music and performance—elevates it to a level that makes it worth watching. For those who are passionate about music, or curious about the inner workings of the industry, the series offers enough intrigue and drama to keep you engaged.

Rating

***(3/5) stars