Gunday

Gunday is an action-packed, heart-thumping drama film that was directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Aditya Chopra. The film stars a skilled ensemble cast including the versatile Ranveer Singh, the dynamic Arjun Kapoor and the breathtakingly beautiful Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

The movie is set in the 1970s and 80s era of Kolkata, India and is steeped in history and relations of India and Bangladesh. It charts the journey of its two protagonists, Bala (Arjun Kapoor) and Bikram (Ranveer Singh), from their early days of deprivation and hunger to their rise as the most powerful black marketing mafia men in the city. The two inseparable friends passionately dream of ruling over the city of Kolkata, as they turn into fearless gundy (outlaws), running various operations in coal, gold, illegal arms and more.

In the midst of their journey to power and wealth, they encounter an enchanting cabaret dancer, Nandita (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), who adds more complexity to their intertwined lives. The result is a dynamic cocktail of action, emotion, romance and revenge, as the connection between these three individuals unfolds and engrosses the audience.

Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor's excellent chemistry is one of the highlights of Gunday. They complement each other perfectly, representing two sides of a coin - one hot-headed and reckless (Ranveer Singh), and the other strategic and sensible (Arjun Kapoor). Singh's charismatic screen presence and Kapoor's stoic intensity draw the audience into their characters' worlds and make for a brilliantly captivating viewing experience.

On the other hand, Priyanka Chopra Jonas brings her own charm as Nandita, the bold, beautiful, and equally enigmatic cabaret dancer. Priyanka's performance is nuanced, layered, and nothing short of mesmerizing as she emanates a mix of allure and vulnerability that adds depth to her character.

Supporting the lead stars is Irrfan Khan, the celebrated versatile actor who plays a robust, gritty cop, ACP Satyajeet Sarkar, appointed to uproot the reign of Bala and Bikram in Kolkata. Khan's restrained yet powerful performance only adds to the stature of the narrative.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar brilliantly brings out the life and flavor of Calcutta (now Kolkata) during the 70s and 80s. The city itself becomes a character of the film, and the audience gets to witness its tumultuous transformation, and how it shapes the destiny of its main characters. Gunday has an aesthetically appealing retro vibe that adds substantially to its narrative.

The movie is not only interesting for its compelling characters and narrative but also for its attention to period detail, cinematography, and its stunning music. The unique textures, vibrant streets, bustling cargo docks are brilliantly captured, creating a visually impressive spectacle. The costumes in the film deserve a special mention for adding authenticity to the era it represents.

Adding charm to the film is a beautiful soundtrack with a perfect blend of songs that range from full-blown Bollywood dance numbers to soul-stirring melodies that aptly converse the mood and emotions of the characters. Songs like "Tune Maari Entriyaan", "Jiya", and "Mann Kunto Maula" are sure to move any music lover.

A beautiful mix of action, friendship, love, deceit, and rivalry, 'Gunday' is a movie filled with animated characters, charming leading performances, and an intriguing storyline. It is a great choice for fans of Bollywood cinema who enjoy high-energy, melodramatic films with an underlying element of history. Above all, Gunday is a power-packed drama that is sure to leave viewers with a thrilling cinematic experience.