Bombay Velvet

Bombay Velvet is an epic neo-noir historical drama directed by Anurag Kashyap based on American historian Gyan Prakash’s book, Mumbai Fables. Released in 2015, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Karan Johar in significant roles. The movie, with its setting in the mid-1960s Bombay, portrays a tumultuous journey of an ambitious boxer and a jazz singer and their hopes, dreams, and deception.

One of Bollywood's reigning heartthrobs, Ranbir Kapoor, portrays the character of Balraj, a street fighter who enters the city's underbelly with big dreams. His character encapsulates the raw spirit and ambition of youth trying to make it big in the city of dreams, Bombay. Kapoor’s excellent performance paints Balraj's rise from a street fighter to a notorious figure vividly, revealing the desperation and hunger for power that follows him throughout his life.

Anushka Sharma plays the role of Rosie Noronha, a beautiful jazz singer with a traumatic past, carrying her wounded heart along with her strong sense of ambition. Rosie is the object of Balraj's affection, and her dreams collide and intertwine with his in this gritty narrative. Sharma, known for her versatility, skillfully portrays Rosie's existential angst, fears, and dreams as she sings jazz in a world of glamour that conceals squalor beneath its surface.

The film would mark Karan Johar's impressive debut as a full-fledged actor, playing the antagonist Kaizad Khambatta, a shrewd, conniving, and powerful businessman. As a first-time villain, Johar brings a unique charisma to the role that makes Khambatta intimidating and somewhat mesmerizing.

Bombay Velvet is a much-envisioned project of Anurag Kashyap that carries his signature style of raw and real portrayal of characters. The film does not indulge in Bollywood's typical romanticism; instead, it emphasizes real-life experiences, imbued with crime, love, ambition, and tragedy. Kashyap proudly showcases Bombay's heritage, its transformation over years, urban myths, and the underbelly of its rich past.

An important mention here is the film's music, which is sure to touch a chord with fans of the golden era of Hindi music. The film uses jazz as a metaphor for life's unpredictability and mood swings, making it the heart and soul of the narrative. Music director Amit Trivedi and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya have beautifully crafted songs that seamlessly blend into the narrative. Neeti Mohan's stunning vocals lend authenticity to Anushka's character as a jazz singer, enhancing her performance.

Bombay Velvet's plot elegantly captures the tumultuous era of the 1960s, showcasing the rapid urbanization and the consequential moral decline in society. Although it is a crime drama at the forefront, it explores themes of passionate love, ruthless ambition, and existential crisis, resulting in an impacting narrative.

Kashyap pays attention to detail and ensures Bombay Velvet's visual representation is no less than a treat. With the usage of elaborate set designs, crowd-filled busy streets, and beautifully lit up jazz bars, Production Designer Sonal Sawant recreates the nostalgic era of Bombay, envisioning it as a city wrapped in dreams and draped in noir.

The performances of the lead actors have been widely appreciated, with publications praising Kapoor’s standout performance as the intense, temperamental Balraj. Anuska Sharma portrays her character with charm and turmoil, bringing to life Rosie stunningly.

While the film received a mixed critical response, it stands out for its production design, capturing the vintage Bombay ambiance with magnificent grandeur. The movie marked a deviation from typical Bollywood films and narrated a love story set against the backdrop of crime, passion, and ambition.

In summary, Bombay Velvet is a visual spectacle attributing to the cinematic nostalgia of a time gone by, layered with intense performances, soulful music, and a narrative that beautifully entwines ambition, love, and deceit. While it may not be for everyone, it's certainly a must-watch for those who appreciate films that dare to break the Bollywood mold and venture into new territories.