"Kaala" places strong emphasis on identity politics, particularly around caste and marginalized communities, which, for some viewers, can overshadow traditional hero arcs and plot complexity. Character backgrounds are often foregrounded for ideological impact rather than authentic story growth, making the messaging feel a bit heavy-handed at times.

The film frequently critiques traditional institutions, especially through its portrayal of family unity, religion, and authority. Masculinity is often depicted as a corrupting force, while the protagonist's moral high ground is anchored in modern progressive ideals. There's a clear attempt to reframe Indian culture through a contemporary activist lens.

There’s a strong ideological slant throughout, where alternative or more traditional perspectives are either villainized or not given any meaningful say. Characters representing mainstream values are painted mainly as antagonists, offering little room for pluralism or genuine ideological conflict.