Plot: In the cartel-run town of Gulaabgunj, an unprecedented opium deal pulls a big-city cop and a lovesick mechanic into its chaotic clutches.
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, TJ Bhanu, Gulshan Devaiah, Goutam Sharma, Gourav Sharma, Krish Rao, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Satish Kaushik, Pooja Gaur
Director(s): Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K.
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Raj & DK’s latest offering “Guns & Gulaabs” teleports us to the bygone era of the 90s in a fictional hill station reminiscent of the likes of Dehradun or Mussoorie. While the retro setting sparks moments of genuine nostalgia, especially with its portrayal of innocent school romance and classroom politics, the question remains – was the 90s setting integral to the story or merely a backdrop for “nostalgia porn”?
Performances: Boasting a powerhouse cast with the likes of Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, and the late Satish Kaushik, the series brims with potential. Rao shines bright with impeccable comic timing, delivering lines that leave a lasting impression. Gourav’s potential, though evident, gets shadowed by the meandering plot. Salmaan, portraying a cop with predictable shades of grey, manages to hold his ground. Meanwhile, the women characters, including TJ Bhanu’s Chandralekha, sadly remain underdeveloped, indicating a missed opportunity to delve deeper into their arcs.
Narrative & Side Plots: The series gets entangled in its myriad of side plots, leading to a scattered narrative. The theme of bearing a father’s legacy and the juxtaposition of Chhota Ganchi and Tipu’s lives holds potential but is diluted by overwhelming sub-plots. The series often feels like a collage of isolated performances rather than a cohesive story.
“Guns & Gulaabs” is a classic case of what could have been. With a stellar cast at its disposal, the series had all the ingredients for a blockbuster. But instead, it drifts into tangents, failing to knit a gripping tale. One can only hope that the next venture by Raj & DK brings more coherence to the table.
Character Dynamics and Development: While “Guns & Gulaabs” promises an intricate exploration of character relationships, it unfortunately stays surface-level. The tension between fathers and sons, especially in the criminal world of Gulaabgang, had the potential to be the spine of the series. The dynamics between Tipu and his father or Chhota Ganchi with the towering figure of his father Ganchi could’ve been a gold mine for emotional exploration. Instead, these relationships become mere plot devices.
Tributes and Missed Opportunities: The late Satish Kaushik’s portrayal deserves a special mention. A tribute to the veteran actor in the end credits was touching, but his character, despite being portrayed brilliantly, seemed constrained by the erratic narrative. Additionally, while the series makes an attempt at humor, it’s a hit or miss. Moments of genuine laughter are overshadowed by scenes that seem forced.
Women in Guns & Gulaabs: The women characters, who could’ve added layers to the narrative, unfortunately, remain in the backdrop. Be it the intriguing character of Chandralekha, a schoolteacher with dark undertones, or Shreya Dhanwanthary’s fleeting yet impactful appearance, their stories seemed hurried and half-baked.
Final Thoughts: “Guns & Gulaabs” had the arsenal but lacked the strategy. While the intent to weave nostalgia with a crime-comedy narrative was evident, the execution didn’t match up to the vision. It’s a series that makes you wonder about the countless possibilities it could’ve explored, had it stayed true to its core.