This movie touches on so many themes so seamlessly, in what is also a beautifully woven story. You will be effortlessly transported into the crowded gullies (alleys) of Mumbai, India and into the minds of its dwellers who dream of a better life. For a Hindi cinema, ‘Gully Boy’ is revolutionary in many ways: in its pitch for freedom for women, its beautification of brown skin, and in how it tackles sensitive issues of class divisions and poverty.

This story is centered on Murad who is also known as ‘Gully Boy’ (Ranveer Singh). Tension mounts after his father brings in a new wife and financial pressure on the family builds. Murad finds escape in music. Loosely based on the lives of Divine and Naezy, two Mumbai rappers, this is a story of Murad’s journey to rap stardom.  

There is not a moment Singh appears anything other than a gully boy who believes in his dreams. The energy he brings to a film set is legendary, and he doesn’t falter in this film as well. Singh manages to perfectly capture the emotional vulnerability of a troubled rapper. In a pivotal scene, when he is denied entry into a night club, for he is only a lowly driver, he is shown listening to a rap song in the car outside, that steely look in his eyes to one day make it big himself.

Alia Bhatt, who plays Ranveer’s love interest Safina, is a rebellious feminist who has been born in a conservative household. Despite this not being advertised as a film with a strong female character, Safina is the feminist we needed to see in Bollywood. She is the backbone of Murad and fighting her own battles at home while trying to achieve her dream of becoming a surgeon, even as her mother only wants to marry her off. She is supportive of Murad’s dreams, telling him she will bring the money, if needed; and is an unabashed lover who breaks beer bottles on the head of any woman who tries to steal her love of 13 years.

 

Who should watch it?

Anyone who understands Hindi. Even those who don’t should watch it with subtitles. Stellar performances, great narrative and breathtaking music, it’s a complete package.

 

Siddhant Chaturvedi, who has debuted with this film, is surely here to stay in Bollywood. He plays MC Sher, a humble and strong street rapper, who is there for Murad at every step. He is Murad’s guide, and even when he loses to the Gully Boy, he is there helping Murad till the end. Other supporting characters also help bring the story to life.

This movie may be based on a cliché of a poor man with talent overcoming various hurdles to achieve his dreams. Yet there are innumerable household dramas and gully fights you find yourself riveted to. Perhaps in a perfect sum-up of the storyline, Murad says to his father that even though his dream and reality do not match, he will change his reality to match his dream.  

There is subtle comedy even in serious moments. The movie also effortlessly blends an 18-track album into the plot of this 2h30m movie.

This is not just a movie, but an emotional rollercoaster that will stay with you long after. Even if you are not a rap fan, in the end you will invariably find yourself humming “Apna time aayega” (the movie’s title track). Watching it once will not be enough!

 

 

Movie: Gully Boy

Genre: Musical drama/ Romance

Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Siddhant Chaturvedi

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Rating: 4.5/5