Gully Boy Movie Review: The film promises to create a cinematic revolution by showcasing street rap from the crevices of Mumbai's by lanes and is sure to hit the right notes

Ever since the trailer of Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gully Boy' came out, the hype for the film's release has been skyrocketing. All people could talk about was how versatile Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt are in this tale, and obviously gushing over Singh's rapping skills. So, did this tale do justice to the story of 'Gully' rappers Naezy and Divine? Let's find out! 

Setting the Scene 

The film starts with 22-year-old Ranveer Singh (Murad) trying to survive in a ghetto in Mumbai, given the fact that a few of his friends steal cars and sell them for survival. However, Murad, on the other hand, is working hard to get himself educated, just in order to get a white-collar job. 

Although Murad is a talented boy, and exceptionally good at studies, he is drawn towards the western culture of rapping. After a fest that was held in his college, Murad realises his calling to be a rapper and joins a gang, where he meets Siddhant Chaturvedi (MC Sher) who becomes his mentor. 

On the other hand, while Murad struggles to keep his passion alive, his family's financial status is crumbling, and he has to step up and take up his father's job as a driver to make ends meet. His father (Vijay Raaz) meanwhile brings in a younger woman at home and is quite abusive towards Murad's mother which causes chaos in the household. 

Plot 

 The first half of the film is about Murad's journey of realising his love for rapping and then chasing his impossible dream, under the pressure of family and society. After meeting with MC Sher, Murad becomes his 'Chote', and under his guidance, he films his first video 'Doori' which becomes an instant hit on YouTube. Soon after that, he keeps filming videos and uploads them on social media platforms, which soon starts being recognised by the masses. 

Meanwhile, he also has quite a 'fiery girlfriend' (Alia Bhatt) by his side who has her own problems. She struggles with temper issues and is quick to smack people with glass bottles. However, in this rather driven tale, her role in the film, one can say brings in a sweet balance. 

Through the internet and his videos that by now are creating a massive uproar, he meets Sky (Kalki Koechlin) who wants to film a video with him and MC Sher, given the fact that she has to complete her project in college. In the meantime, Murad's father becomes aware of the fact that his son is rapping, instead of studying and asks him to stop everything immediately. 

Ranveer’s character in the film has been told again and again that his place is in the larger scheme of things which is already decided, but he receives no support from his family and soon believes that a driver’s son will always be a driver and cannot change his destiny no matter how much he wants to. But, after a soul awakening, the 'Gully Boy' realises that “Apna time aayega (Our time will come).”

Verdict 

The film showcases street rap from the crevices of Mumbai's 'Gully' lanes. The rapping in this film has been made keeping in mind the socio-economic condition of the city, that highlights the challenges that have been faced by the disenfranchised youth. One can say that the film is explosive, powerful and sure to bring in a cinematic change. 

Ranveer Singh has clearly proved that he is the master, with his versatility and exceptional rapping skills. Alia Bhatt, one can say has given the performance of the year and should be widely lauded. Kalki Kochelin brings in a sweet twist to Murad (Ranveer Singh) and Alia Bhatt's love-story and creates a perfect balance. 

Everything about this film from cinematography, to screenplay, music and the acting is brilliant and rather exceptional. 

Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Kalki Koechlin, Kubbra Sait and Vijay Raaz

What works: Exceptional performance by the lead cast, Ranveer Singh absolutely stuns us with his impeccable rapping skills. 

What does not work: Everything in this film works, it is brilliant and must be watched by all

Rating 4.5/5