Gurgaon

The gritty and captivating 2017 feature film 'Gurgaon' revolves around the simmering feud and power struggle within the sprawling Kheri family, juxtaposed against the rapidly urbanizing cityscape of Gurgaon on the outskirts of Delhi. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Shanker Raman, Gurgaon boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Akshay Oberoi, Pankaj Tripathi, and Aamir Bashir. This narrative, however, isn’t strictly about the thriving city of Gurgaon but uses it as a metaphor to tell an intense, brooding tale about ambition, power, and fraternal strife against the backdrop of a newly urbanized India.

Set in Gurgaon, the 'Millennium City' of India, the film introduces its dark protagonist Nikki Singh (played by Akshay Oberoi), a seemingly lost soul and the adopted son of a successful realtor Kehri Singh (played by Pankaj Tripathi). Despite being involved in the family-run real estate business, Nikki always feels the pang of neglect and insufficiency as insecurities gnaw at his psyche due to his adoption status. This sense of dissatisfaction propels him deeper into a universe of crime and violence.

Aamir Bashir, on the other hand, plays the Prefect of Police. His persona is stony and unwavering. You might think he is cold-hearted, but this perception slowly unravels as the story unfolds. His character is strategically positioned in the narrative, making Bashir’s role significant in bonding the story together.

The family patriarch, Kehri Singh, portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi, has grown his empire from scratch, giving a pretty in-depth character, compelling in every way. He’s a man of few expressive words, but with eyes that tell tales, Tripathi captivates the audience with his poise and intensity. The extended cast includes other seasoned artists who perfectly fit into this web of power-play.

Gurgaon does a compelling job of exhibiting the binary contradictions of modern Indian society. On one hand, it captures the glitz and glamour of newly urbanized India, replete with skyscrapers, plush establishments, and opulent lifestyle. On the other hand, it delves into the darker underbelly of the city seeped in crime, corruption, and greed. It paints a stark picture of the socio-economic divide, bringing to light the harsh realities shadowed by the shimmering façade of modernization.

One of the arresting features of 'Gurgaon' is its cinematography. It captures the atmospheric interplays of light and shadow in the city's nooks and corners, highlighting the enigmatic and unpredictable aspects of the city. The contrasting images of the cityscape in the foggy dawn and the neon-lit night further underscore the duality in the film's setting and mood.

Shanker Raman’s directorial debut draws you into a murky world full of intrigue, fear, and suspense with an impeccably scripted tale. The narrative of 'Gurgaon' is an assortment of emotions, each one deeper and more intense than the last. The film lets the audience delve into its characters' complex minds, revealing their desires, fears, and insecurities, making this noir thriller engaging and thought-provoking.

With its fascinating turn of events, enthralling characters, and a gripping plot, 'Gurgaon' is more than just a movie. It is a deep probe into the abyss of modern society and human psychology that captivates the viewer till the very end. The film's haunting score composes the perfect ambiance, aiding in building the tension and suspense within the narrative.

In conclusion, 'Gurgaon' is an intense psychological crime-thriller that masterfully excavates the darkness lurking both within the urbanized reality and the human psyche. It is a thrilling journey into the world of crime, power-play, and family feud; a journey that promises to keep the audience glued to their seats. With an atmospheric presentation and an ensemble cast's brilliant performances, 'Gurgaon' is a cinematic experience that any connoisseur of the film medium wouldn't want to miss.