"Raees" is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language action crime film directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Gauri Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead roles.
The story of "Raees" is set in the 1980s and 1990s in the city of Ahmedabad, India, and follows the rise of Raees Alam, a bootlegger who becomes a powerful and influential figure in the city's underworld. Despite facing opposition from a police officer named Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raees continues to grow his illegal empire and becomes a folk hero to many.
The film received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and cinematography. It also performed well at the box office, grossing over 300 crore rupees worldwide. Shah Rukh Khan's performance in particular was widely praised, as he portrayed a character that was a departure from his usual romantic roles.
Mahira Khan, who played the role of Raees' love interest Aasiya, also received critical acclaim for her performance. The film's music, composed by Ram Sampath, was also well-received, with several songs becoming popular chart-toppers.
However, the film also attracted controversy, with some groups protesting against the portrayal of the lead character, who was seen as a glorification of a criminal. The film was banned in some parts of India, including the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, due to its alleged negative portrayal of the state's politicians and law enforcement officials.
Despite the controversy, "Raees" remains a significant film in the career of Shah Rukh Khan, who had not played a character with such shades of grey in a long time. The film also brought attention to the work of director Rahul Dholakia, who had previously made critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful films.
"Raees" is an engaging and well-made crime drama that explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption. It features strong performances from its lead actors and an atmospheric recreation of the period in which it is set.
In addition to its strong performances and direction, "Raees" also has a socially relevant message. The film highlights the issue of prohibition and how it fuels illegal trade and corruption. It also explores the nexus between the underworld and politics, shedding light on the murky world of power and influence.
Another noteworthy aspect of "Raees" is its visual style. The film captures the essence of Ahmedabad, with its vibrant street life, colorful festivals, and intricate architecture. The cinematography by K.U. Mohanan creates a moody, gritty atmosphere, evoking the era of the 1980s and 1990s.
"Raees" is an entertaining film that blends action, drama, and romance. It features a compelling story, memorable characters, and impressive performances. Whether you're a fan of Shah Rukh Khan or just enjoy crime dramas, "Raees" is definitely worth a watch.
One of the standout features of "Raees" is its music, which is composed by Ram Sampath. The film's soundtrack includes a mix of traditional Indian instruments and modern beats, creating a unique and catchy sound. The song "Laila Main Laila", a remix of a classic Bollywood song, became particularly popular and helped to create buzz for the film.
The film's screenplay, written by Rahul Dholakia, Harit Mehta, Ashish Vashi, and Niraj Shukla, is also well-crafted. The story unfolds at a good pace, with several twists and turns keeping the audience engaged. The dialogue is sharp and witty, adding to the film's overall entertainment value.
In terms of performances, Shah Rukh Khan delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Raees, showcasing his range as an actor. Mahira Khan also shines in her role as Aasiya, bringing depth and vulnerability to her character. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as always, is impressive in his portrayal of the dogged police officer Jaideep.
"Raees" is a well-made film that delivers on both style and substance. It combines elements of action, drama, and romance to create a unique cinematic experience. The film's exploration of the themes of power, corruption, and redemption makes it a relevant and thought-provoking watch. If you haven't seen "Raees" yet, it's definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
Another aspect of "Raees" that deserves a mention is the attention to detail in its period setting. The film recreates the look and feel of the 1980s and 1990s with great care, from the fashion and hairstyles to the technology and vehicles of the time. This adds to the authenticity of the film and helps to transport the viewer to a different era.
In addition to its portrayal of the criminal underworld, "Raees" also explores the human side of its characters. Raees, in particular, is shown to be a complex and multi-layered character, with a troubled past and a strong moral compass. This helps to make him a more sympathetic and relatable protagonist, despite his illegal activities.
The film's action sequences are also well-executed, with realistic stunts and fight choreography. The car chases, in particular, are thrilling and well-shot, adding to the excitement of the film.
Overall, "Raees" is a well-rounded film that offers something for everyone. It has a strong cast, impressive direction, and a compelling story that keeps the audience engaged. The film's exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and redemption, as well as its attention to detail in its period setting, make it a noteworthy addition to the crime drama genre.