Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., popularly known as Raj and D.K., have established themselves as proficient filmmakers in modern Indian cinema. With notable projects like “Shor in the City,” “Go Goa Gone,” and “The Family Man,” they have garnered a reputation for their unique storytelling and engaging narratives. Their latest venture, “Guns & Gulaabs,” takes a lighter approach within the realm of crime. In this review, we will explore the various aspects of the series, including its plot, themes, character development, technical execution, and overall impact.
The Plot Unveiled
“Guns & Gulaabs” is set in the town of Gulaabganj, known for its opium farming. The story revolves around the power struggle between two mob bosses, Ganchi and Nabeed, both vying for control of the lucrative opium business. When Ganchi’s trusted goon, Babu Tiger, is killed by Atmaram, a character reminiscent of a Ramsay Brothers film, his son Tipu enters the picture. However, Tipu’s interests lie elsewhere, as he finds himself drawn to Chandralekha, the English teacher at the local school.
Meanwhile, a new police officer, Arjun Varma, arrives in town with his family. Ganchi, already having influence over the local police, seeks to bring Arjun to his side. However, Arjun’s moral compass creates a conflict within him. Amidst this, we encounter a trio of friends, Nannu, Gangu, and Ikhlaq, each dealing with their own personal struggles. The narrative also delves into the life of Ganchi’s son, Jugnu, who fears being trapped in his father’s shadow.
Exploring Themes
Raj, D.K., and their collaborator Suman Kumar touch upon various themes throughout “Guns & Gulaabs.” The character of Ganchi represents overambition, while his rivalry with Nabeed highlights the destructive nature of ego-driven feuds. Jugnu embodies the effects of toxic masculinity, while Tipu symbolizes the struggle of individuals unable to break free from their small-town confines. Arjun’s character showcases the corruption prevalent in both moral and legal spheres, while Gangu’s journey portrays the consequences of a child forced to grow up too soon.
The series also weaves in a high school love story between Nannu and Jyotsna, albeit with unexpected twists. Atmaram, an enigmatic character with supernatural elements, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. However, despite the breadth of these themes, the writers fail to delve deeply into them, often leaving them underexplored. The series meanders at times, leading one to question whether the story could have been condensed into a more concise format.
Female Characters and Representation
One aspect that stands out in “Guns & Gulaabs” is the portrayal of female characters. Unfortunately, the show falls short in this regard. Madhu, Arjun’s wife, is confined to her home and struggles with suspicion of her husband’s infidelity. Chandralekha, despite being an English teacher, is deprived of substantial development. Even Jyotsna, who receives significant screen time, is written in a stereotypical manner that leaves much to be desired. Yamini’s character is limited to a hotel room, further highlighting the lack of agency given to the female characters.
The writers attempt to justify these shortcomings by claiming the portrayal is a throwback to the way women were written in Bollywood movies of the ’90s. However, this reasoning falls short, especially when considering the inclusion of a supernatural character like Atmaram. To address these issues, Raj and D.K. would benefit from including more diverse voices in their writing team, ensuring a more authentic and inclusive representation of women in their narratives.
Technical Brilliance
One area where “Guns & Gulaabs” excels is in its technical execution. The production design, costume design, hair and makeup, and set designs are all impeccable, creating a visually captivating world. Director of Photography Pankaj Kumar employs innovative angles and compositions, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. The editing by Sumeet Kotian effectively paces the plot, preventing it from becoming stagnant. The action sequences are particularly impressive, with the stunt team delivering exhilarating and well-choreographed moments. Raj and D.K.’s dark sense of humor shines through in the music selection, adding depth and entertainment to the series.
Stellar Performances
The cast of “Guns & Gulaabs” delivers stellar performances, with each actor disappearing into their respective characters. Satish Kaushik, Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Vipin Sharma, and Manuj Sharma, among others, showcase their talent and bring authenticity to their roles. However, there is a slight discrepancy in the period accuracy of their performances. While the series aims to be a throwback to ’90s Bollywood films, the actors’ portrayals often feel too modern, lacking the distinctive flavor of the era. One exception to this is Gulshan Devaiah, who fully embraces the classic Bollywood goon archetype, making his character, Atmaram, truly iconic.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, “Guns & Gulaabs” is an average series that showcases the strengths and weaknesses of Raj and D.K.’s storytelling. While the writing lacks depth and fails to fully explore its themes, the technical aspects, performances, and explosive finale make it an interesting watch. The show would benefit from tighter editing and a more focused narrative structure. Raj and D.K. should also prioritize improving the portrayal of female characters by involving diverse perspectives. Overall, “Guns & Gulaabs” has moments of brilliance but falls short of its full potential.
