Khalbali Records review: This musical drama hits some high notes, misses others

In the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai’s music scene, Khalbali Records attempts to weave a tale of rebellion and redemption. Directed by Devanshu Singh and featuring a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces, the series explores the clash between artistic integrity and commercial ambition.
Khalbali Records is a musical drama that dares to take on the cutthroat music industry with its fresh perspective. Directed by Devanshu Singh and starring veterans like Ram Kapoor alongside rising stars, it presents a story about defying legacies, reinventing yourself, and, well, rap battles. But does it strike the right chord? Yes and no.
Watch the trailer here:

The series centres around Raghav Rai, a young music producer who decides to break away from his father’s legacy at Galaxy Records to launch Khalbali Records, a label that values artistic integrity over profits. With a music industry now torn apart by this audacious move, Raghav faces both backlash and admiration. The stakes are high, and the drama gets louder as the show progresses.
Let’s start with the acting – because that’s where Khalbali Records hits a solid high note. Ram Kapoor, as the scheming father, absolutely nails his role. Kapoor portrays a businessman, so twisted in his motives, that you can’t help but feel both disgust and pity for his children. The way he gaslights them into believing his manipulation is for their benefit is a subtle masterclass, proving yet again why Kapoor remains a force to be reckoned with.
Then there’s Saloni Batra, who almost matches Kapoor’s screen presence. Her portrayal of a strong, determined woman navigating the male-dominated industry feels raw and real. And, the surprise of the season, supermodel Arjun Zander as Ninja – an underground rapper – brings a cool, authentic vibe to the show. Despite not performing his rap tracks, you’d be convinced he’s lived the life of a battle rapper. For someone new to acting, he doesn’t try too hard, which works in his favour.
The direction by Devanshu Singh is fairly well done. It’s not groundbreaking, but it delivers. Singh knows when to let the actors shine and when to step back, allowing the story to speak for itself. The pacing is steady, though there are moments where it drags, especially in the non-musical segments. The music videos within the show, though, are a different story altogether – dynamic, colourful, and visually stunning. When the camera pans over Ninja’s rap battles, the cinematography pops, giving the feel of real music videos from top-tier artistes.
Speaking of music, Amit Trivedi’s composition alongside Azadi Records adds flair to Khalbali Records. Songs like Naam Ninja and Tham Ja work seamlessly within the show’s context, propelling the story forward. However, for those not into rap, the tracks might appear a bit too aggressive. There’s a distinct niche appeal to the music here – if you’re a hip-hop fan, you’ll vibe. If not, some songs might make you feel like you’ve accidentally tuned into the wrong show.
In the end, Khalbali Records is a bit of a mixed bag. It tries hard to tackle serious themes about legacy, rebellion, and art but sometimes gets lost in its own rhythm. Worth watching? Sure, but maybe not for everyone.