Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, is a spellbinding 2010 Indian period gangster thriller, directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ekta Kapoor. The film stars screen heavy-hitters such as Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Prachi Desai, and Randeep Hooda, that spins a gripping tapestry of crime, love, ambition, and morality in Mumbai's underbelly.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai is a captivating narrative of Mumbai's criminal mafia. The chronicle is set against the 1970s backdrop when the city was still Bombay, beautifully capturing the texture, ethos, charm, and turmoil of that era. It delves into the labyrinth-like world of the mafia in detail, charting their rise, rule, betrayals, and subsequent fall.

The film features the seasoned actor, Ajay Devgn, portraying Sultan Mirza, an invincible Don with a heart of gold, who becomes a messiah for the poor and is essentially a gangster with principles. Emraan Hashmi plays Shoaib Khan, a young, fiery, reckless upstart charmed by the underworld's glitz and glamour. Then there's Kangana Ranaut as Rehana, a successful actress of that era and Sultan's love interest. Prachi Desai portrays Mumtaz, Shoaib's love interest, giving a stunning performance. Finally, Randeep Hooda completes the main cast, playing ACP Agnel Wilson, a dedicated police officer hell-bent on curbing the influence of the underworld.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai is a nod to the quintessential commercial Bollywood film, gilded with rich dialogues, superb performances, a gripping plot, and an engaging soundtrack. This film is stylish and elegant, flaunting set designs that replicate the 70s vividly, from vintage cars to the attires, and from the buildings to the era's popular culture.

The screenwriting prowess of the film is evident in its aptly written characters, making them almost metaphorical. Sultan Miraza embodies nostalgia, power, and honor. He stands for humane principles despite his profession, symbolizing an era where the underworld had a charm and morality of its own. On the other hand, Shoaib Khan is the epitome of raw ambition, anarchy, and rebellion, representing the changing dynamics of power during the flux.

The women characters in the film, played by Ranaut and Desai, offer more than just ornamental value. They bring depth and gravity, representing emotions and sentiments, and serving an instrumental role in shaping the protagonists' journey.

In terms of acting, Ajay Devgn shines as Sultan Mirza. His powerful screen presence and natural charisma make him an ideal fit for the role. Emraan Hashmi gives a forceful performance, unpeeling layers of his complex character with ease and dexterity. Kangana Ranaut excels in her part, blending vulnerability and glamour. Prachi Desai, although in a significantly smaller role, stands out with her talent.

Director Milan Luthria deserves applause for flawlessly capturing the nuances of the 70s era and the underworld while keeping the narrative engaging. He manages to strike a balance between dramatization and reality without losing the authenticity of the period. In addition, the film's music by Pritam enriches the narrative, evoking the right emotions.

In essence, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai is a compelling film that transports viewers to the era of 70s Bombay, exploring the murky lanes of power, deceit, love, and moral ambiguity in the mafia world. This gripping, stylish saga is layered with substance, swagger, and nostalgia, making it an enthralling watch.