Husnabad in ‘Kalank’ movie is a reference to Heera Mandi

LAHORE: Set in a fictional neighborhood of pre-partition era Lahore, Bollywood movie Kalank has received mixed reviews after it released on April 17.

The film staring Alia Bhatt, Aditya Roy Kapur Varun Dhawan among others is a love story set in Husnabad, a reference to Heera Mandi red-light area which is located inside the Walled City of Lahore.

The market had historically been the centre of the city’s refined tawaif culture since the 15th and 16th centuries.

Set during the partution era of 1940, the movie follows a young girl Roop (Alia Bhatt) who agrees to be the second wife of Dev (Aditya Roy Kapur).

The movie had earned Rs44.65 croer on the box office after three days. The film’s ensemble cast also include superstars like Madhuri Dixit, Sonakshi Sinha, and Sunjay Dutt.

Directed by Abhishek Verman, Kalank had the biggest opening of this year so far, but according to Indian Express critical reception has affected its earnings.