Raees

Raees is a compelling 2017 action-crime film nestled in the heart of India's bootlegging scene. The movie, directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Gauri Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Farhan Akhtar, under the Red Chillies Entertainment and Excel Entertainment banner, is set in the thriving and unabashed 1980s and 1990s Gujarat. Inspired by true events, the story follows the life of the protagonist with the same name, marking one of the most gripping and unconventional performances of Shah Rukh Khan.

The movie features award-winning actors Shah Rukh Khan, who plays a cunning and cynical bootlegger, Raees, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, showcasing his theatrical prowess as the relentless cop, ACP Majmudar, and Mahira Khan's potent portrayal of Raees's love interest, Aasiya. Bollywood bombshell Sunny Leone sets the screens on fire with her scintillating dance moves in the remake of the classic Bollywood song, Laila Mein Laila, which adds color to the otherwise serious drama.

The narrative revolves around Raees's journey, an astute bootlegger who uses his sly wit, intelligence, and entrepreneurial skills to build an illicit empire in a state where alcohol prohibition is in full force. Afflicted by abject poverty from a young age and provoked by the conviction that "no business is small," Raees embarks on the perilous and challenging path of illicit trade. Contrastingly, he also lives by his mother's philosophy: "No matter what work you do, never hurt anyone."

Driven by his relentless pursuit of success, Raees brings about an innovative change in the bootlegging business. Using his courage and cunningness, he overpowers his competitors and monopolizes the Gujarat liquor market, rising to the top of the state's criminal underworld. However, his life takes a twist when he is challenged by an upright policeman, ACP Majmudar, determined to eradicate crime and corruption.

Running on parallel lines, the movie also delicately explores Raees's emotional journey. His love for his wife Aasiya, played by Mahira Khan, and his kinship with his friend Sadiq, depicted by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, paints an insightful picture of the man behind the liquor baron's image. This emotional angle gives depth to the characters and makes the story more thought-provoking.

Shah Rukh Khan, known as the 'King of Bollywood,' gives a commanding performance as Raees - a complex yet fascinating character with a blend of ruthlessness and compassion, ambition and vulnerability. King Khan’s depiction of Raees's multifaceted personality is compelling and captivates the viewer from beginning to end.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui matches Shah Rukh Khan's vibrance with his impeccable acting prowess. Siddiqui, as the righteous police officer Majmudar, is utterly convincing and brings a sense of balance in this high-stake narrative with his witty one-liners and his unwavering resolve. Mahira Khan, debuting in Bollywood, impresses with her authentic performance and eloquently portrays the role of Raees’s wife Aasiya, a woman of substance.

Amid the dark and gritty narrative, Sunny Leone’s performance as an item girl in the song ‘Laila Mein Laila’ adds a touch of glamor and offers viewers a moment of brevity. The song, a reprise of a famous 1980’s Bollywood number, was a major hit and helped in generating phenomenal buzz around the film.

The film Raees explores themes of ambition, power, corruption, and morality. Enriched with razor-sharp dialogue, intense sequences, and high-powered performances, Raees captures the essence of its era and atmosphere, spotlighting the paradox of a man who is a criminal and a public hero simultaneously.

In addition to the performances, the film's aesthetic elements also contribute to its overall power. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of the 1980s-1990s period and the rustic charm of Gujarat. The production design and costumes also reflect the period depicted, contributing to the distinct atmosphere of the film. Ram Sampath’s gripping music further elevates the drama, making Raees a movie that engages not just the mind but the senses.

In conclusion, Raees is a gripping piece of cinema that deftly combines elements of crime-drama with a robust emotional quotient. The movie offers a unique take on the life journey of an ambitious bootlegger, catapulting you into an era of glamour, danger and moral ambiguity, while keeping you on the edge of your seat. This Bollywood film is a testament to Shah Rukh Khan's versatility and is an absolute must-watch for fans of intense and gritty narratives.