OTT Review: Guns & Gulaabs

Cast : Rajkumar Rao, Dulquer Salman, Gulshan Devaiah, Adarsh Gourav, TJ Bhanu and others.
Directors: Raj & DK
Producers: Raj & DK, Netflix
Music : Aman Pant
Release : August 18, 2023
Streaming On: Netflix

While Raj & DK, the famous Telugu directors duo who are creating ripples in Bollywood, are known for their ‘The Family Man’, the first time they have created something for Netflix and it is the 7-episode crime comedy series “Guns & Gulaabs”. Already the trailer promised a rustic crime drama set in the 90s era amidst opium poppy cultivation backdrop, and here’s how it is.

Synopsis:

In the fictional town of “Gulaabgunj,” two rival groups led by Ganchi and Nabeed from the Sherpur neighborhood are competing to win a deal from the Kolkata drug cartel, represented by Sukanto. The deal requires them to deliver a lot of stock in just a month. A honest narcotics officer named Arjun Varma (Dulquer Salman) arrives, aiming to control the opium syndicate for his own gain. Meanwhile, Tippu (Rajkumar Rao) avenges his father’s death by taking down two thugs who had killed his father, Babu Tiger, a key member of the Ganchi family, and at the same tries to win the heart of Lekha techer (TJ Bhanu). Simultaneously, a contract killer named Four Cut Atmaram (Gulshan Devaiah) is after Tippu and the Ganchi family. The story unfolds as we uncover the mystery of who’s behind the killings and how the high-stakes deal plays out.

Performances:

In “Guns & Gulaabs,” there’s a lineup of anti-heroes, and the standout is Rajkumar Rao, who captivates with his innocent appearance and great comedic timing. Meanwhile, Dulquer Salman’s role as a partly negative and flawed Narcotics officer makes a strong impact. Adarsh Gourav, known for ‘The White Tiger,’ shines as Jr Ganchi, showing cleverness and charm. TJ Bhanu, playing a school teacher and Rajkumar Rao’s love interest, delivers well. Noteworthy is Gulshan Devaiah, who resembles Sanjay Dutt as Four Cut Atmaram, using his unique four-knife method for hits. The rest of the cast also contributes effectively to the series.

Technical Aspects:

Raj&DK transport us to the 90s vibe of Gulaabgunj town effectively, nailing the details from art to vintage music that immerses us in that era. While the camera work and design fit the period well, they might not individually stand out, yet they effectively bring the past to life. For those who grew up or were teens in the 90s, this nostalgic touch strikes a strong chord, creating a deep connection. The music adds a punch to action scenes but falls a bit short elsewhere, missing a distinctive series theme as a notable drawback.

Thumbs Up:

Rajkumar Rao & Dulquer Salman
Some action sequences

Thumbs Down:

Predictable screenplay
Lack of detailing
Uneven pace

Analysis:

Ever since Raj&DK announced this series, there was a lot of anticipation due to the success of their show “The Family Man.” However, “Guns & Gulaabs” doesn’t quite match up with big twists, shocking reveals, or a captivating screenplay. It leans more towards being an entertaining popcorn flick on the OTT platform, offering occasional highs, drama, and sometimes surprising us with gruesome murders. While Raj&DK have reduced the usage of explicit language, violence, and sexual content, they’ve also toned down the dynamic twists and turns in their storytelling.

Right from the Frame-0, the quirky characters steal our attention; they’re neither completely good nor utterly bad. Each has their own way of being right and engages us with their imperfections, but not all of them manage to win our hearts. The entertainment factor is there, but what may detract from the enjoyment for fans of crime comedies on OTT is the liberties taken by the creators in terms of eccentric killings and plot developments, which can hinder the viewing experience.

In comparison to Raj&DK’s previous work like ‘The Family Man,’ ‘Guns & Gulaabs’ falls short of being as innovative, even though the 90s setting is convincingly authentic. While we’re enveloped in nostalgia by hearing RD Burman’s classic tunes, certain cinematic sequences, like a hero sliding under a villain’s legs and shooting his crotch, only for the bullet to pass through without harm and just making a hole in his pant, can be hard to swallow for audiences seeking more grounded content.

While the final episode does deliver some adrenaline and satisfaction, it doesn’t reach its peak either. The back-and-forth storytelling technique sparks intrigue, but the excessive liberties taken with frequent killings, perfectly timed accidents, and improbable survival of key characters in shootouts come across as overly dramatic and forced. “Guns & Gulaabs” might be enjoyable for those seeking light-hearted crime comedies, but for aficionados of intricate crime comedy, it appears like a rehash well-known elements.

Bottome Line: Neither Blazing Gun, Nor Shining Rose

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