"Gunday" is a 2014 Bollywood action thriller film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Aditya Chopra. The film stars Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor in the lead roles, with Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan Khan in supporting roles.
The film is set in the 1970s and follows the story of two best friends, Bikram and Bala, who become coal bandits and rule over the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata). They soon become the most powerful and feared duo in the city's criminal underworld. However, their friendship is tested when they both fall in love with the same woman, Nandita, who is a cabaret dancer.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over ₹1.2 billion at the box office. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of the lead actors and the film's soundtrack, while others criticized the screenplay and direction.
Despite the mixed reviews, "Gunday" was a popular film, especially among fans of action and masala movies. The film's soundtrack, composed by Sohail Sen, was a hit and included songs such as "Tune Maari Entriyaan", "Jashn-e-Ishqa" and "Saaiyaan". The film's choreography, costumes, and set design were also widely appreciated.
The film's performances were also highly praised, especially by its lead actors Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. Their chemistry and camaraderie as Bikram and Bala were a highlight of the film. Priyanka Chopra's portrayal of Nandita was also well-received, although some critics felt that her character was underdeveloped. Irrfan Khan's performance as the investigating officer Satyajit Sarkar was also highly acclaimed.
"Gunday" was a commercial success and a popular film among fans of action and masala movies. It may not have been a critical darling, but it was definitely an entertaining and enjoyable movie for many viewers.
One of the themes explored in the film is the idea of friendship and loyalty. Bikram and Bala's bond is tested when they both fall in love with Nandita, and their conflicting feelings for her put a strain on their relationship. The film also explores the impact of violence and criminality on personal relationships and how it can lead to betrayal and mistrust.
Another theme that "Gunday" explores is the political climate of the time in which the film is set. The film is set in the 1970s, a time of political unrest in India. The coal mafia in Calcutta is shown to have close ties with politicians and government officials, and the film highlights the corruption and lawlessness that was prevalent during that period.
The film also depicts the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Calcutta during the 1970s. The city's architecture, its street food, its music and dance, and its fashion are all showcased in the film, giving viewers a glimpse into what life was like in the city during that time.
"Gunday" may not have been a critical masterpiece, but it was an entertaining and engaging film that explored themes of friendship, loyalty, politics, and culture. The film's soundtrack, performances, and visuals were all highlights, and it remains a popular film among fans of Bollywood cinema.
One of the aspects that made "Gunday" a unique and interesting film was its portrayal of the coal mafia in Calcutta. The film sheds light on the illegal activities and corruption that were rampant in the coal mining industry during the 1970s, and how it affected the lives of ordinary people.
The film also touched upon the topic of immigration, as Bikram and Bala are shown as refugees who fled from Bangladesh during the 1971 war. The struggles of immigrants and refugees in a new country, their fight for survival, and their efforts to build a new life are all explored in the film.
Another notable aspect of "Gunday" was its action sequences. The film's director, Ali Abbas Zafar, is known for his ability to create high-octane action scenes, and "Gunday" was no exception. The film's car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat sequences were all expertly choreographed and executed, and added to the film's entertainment value.
Despite the controversies surrounding the film's portrayal of certain historical events and the criticism it received from some quarters, "Gunday" remains a popular and entertaining film for many. Its themes, visuals, music, and performances continue to be appreciated by audiences, and it has become a cult classic among fans of Bollywood cinema.
In addition to its action sequences and themes, "Gunday" was also praised for its cinematography. The film's director of photography, Aseem Mishra, captured the vibrancy and energy of Calcutta in the 1970s, as well as the starkness of the coal mines and the characters' harsh living conditions. The film's color palette, lighting, and framing all contributed to the film's visual appeal.
The film's costume design was also noteworthy, with the lead actors sporting retro looks that were in vogue during the 1970s. The film's soundtrack, as mentioned earlier, was also a major highlight, and the songs continue to be popular among Bollywood music fans.
One criticism that "Gunday" faced was that it glorified violence and criminal behavior. Some critics felt that the film's portrayal of the coal mafia and its protagonists as anti-heroes sent the wrong message to audiences. However, others argued that the film was simply a work of fiction and should be enjoyed as such.
In conclusion, "Gunday" was a film that divided opinions, but there is no denying that it was a commercial success and a popular film among Bollywood fans. The film's themes, visuals, music, and performances continue to be appreciated by many, and it has cemented its place as a cult classic in Indian cinema.