Fugly

Fugly, a 2014 Hindi drama movie, directed by Kabir Sadanand and produced by Ashwini Yardi and Alka Bhatia, is an underdog tale seen amid the social-political backdrop of Delhi. The movie revolves around four friends, the central characters, portrayed by Jimmy Shergill, Mohit Marwah, Kiara Advani, and debutants Vijender Singh (a boxer-turned-actor) and Arfi Lamba. They all live their lives independently; however, an incident ties them in a knot of deep trouble and escapades, which forms the crux of the film.

In this drama, Mohit Marwah plays Dev, a young dynamic lad who wants to bring a change in the system, and Kiara Advani as Devi, a free-spirited girl with the middle-class values. Vijender Singh essays the character of Gaurav, a man who loves boxing, and Arfi Lamba plays the role of Aditya or 'Adi,' who has plans to settle in the U.S., estranged from the turmoil and issues existing in India. Jimmy Shergill, a seasoned actor, dons the role of a sinister and opportunistic politician, Chautala, who becomes a rampant force against our young protagonists.

Set in the vibrant cityscape of Delhi, the movie captures the city’s gritty and chaotic essence. The city is more than just a backdrop here; it’s a character in itself. The pulsating energy of Delhi, its alarming crime rate, its sprawling night life, the infamous political scene – Fugly encapsulates them all. The movie unfolds significant issues and problems of our society camouflaged under a cloak of comedy and entertainment, which makes it exciting and thought-provoking.

The story is an amalgamation of friendship, youthful exuberance, passion, and the will to fight against all odds. But, Fugly is not just about these four friends. It's also about the city, its chaotic beauty, its people, and the influential entities such as Chautala with an undying greed for power, controlling the city and reflecting the adversarial face of politics and power.

It deals with a variety of themes — corruption, rape, the dying belief in honesty, rampant commercialisation, growing underbelly of crime in Delhi, and the eroding values and principles of the new generation. The gritty narrative, combined with a fine blend of humour, hyperbole and drama, treats these subjects in a unique way that makes the movie compelling.

Furthermore, Fugly boasts a stellar soundtrack, featuring music by the iconic composers like Yo Yo Honey Singh, Prashant Vadhyar, and Raftaar. Songs like "Dhup Chik" and "Banjarey" not only spice up the onscreen action, but also succeed in taking the narrative forward, establishing moods, locations and characters.

The actors give an incredible performance. Mohit Marwah and Kiara Advani make a great start with Fugly. They bring with them freshness and vibrant energy that is riveting to watch. Vijender Singh, despite his debutant status, shows a promising range of character. Arfi Lamba also impresses with his acting. Jimmy Shergill, already a seasoned actor, easily manages to overshadow his younger co-stars. His vast screen presence and powerful dialogue delivery bring authenticity to his character.

The film manages to catch the attitude of today's youth in a very realistic manner. It shows how the millennial generation, with their fearless and free-minded nature, is ready to rise against system injustices. The characters' trial-and-tribulation-filled journey, their fights, their story, and their behaviours all paint the perfect portrait of the urban youth of our nation.

With Fugly, Kabir Sadanand has tried to bring forward a fresh, unconventional outlook towards commercial cinema. It’s engrossing, it’s rigorous, it's rebellious, and it's full of youthful spirit. Undeniably, Fugly is a fearless film that is humorous, heart-warming, shock-inducing, and thought-provoking at the same time, a cinematic gem that manages to portray the bitter realities of our society without losing its entertainment quotient. Full of fabulous moments of friendship, fun, and thought-provoking ideas, Fugly is a hard-hitting satire that's definitely worth watching for its bold and unflinching portrayal of contemporary Indian society.