Guns & Gulaabs Review: Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer & Gulshan Shine in Watchable Series
Guns & Gulaabs, streaming on Netflix, channels the spirit of 1960s Indian cinema, blending elements of violence, crime, love, romance, unflinching brutality, and tender moments. Crafted by the dynamic filmmaking pair Raj & Dk, Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, & Gulshan Devaiah shine in this watchable series, the series also bids a fond farewell to the late Satish Kaushik, gifting him sparkling lines, a mischievous persona, and a heartfelt nod as his name graces a calendar during the closing of the first episode. Scroll out for a detailed review:
Storyline
The show is set in the fictional towns of Gulaabgunj and Sherpur, focusing on two rival gangs fighting for control of the illegal opium trade. Ganchi Sr. (Late Satish Kaushik) leads one gang, while Nabeed (Nilesh Divekar) heads the other. Ganchi Jr. or Jugnu (Adarsh Gourav), heir to the Ganchi family, seeks his own identity in the business. Other key characters include Tipu (Rajkummar Rao), a mechanic distancing himself from his father’s path, and Agent Arjun (Dulquer Salmaan), a new narcotics officer with a seemingly perfect family. Tipu’s romantic interest in the school’s English teacher, Chandralekha (TJ Bhanu), adds complexity.
Guns & Gulaabs Review
The show oozes retro Bollywood charm, courtesy of the talented team, including DOP Pankaj Kumar and Creative Consultant Shhyamali De. This backdrop grants the writers creative freedom, creating an engaging and nostalgic experience. Despite its flaws, the series remains engaging till the very end.
Raj and DK’s ‘Guns and Gulaabs’ transports viewers into an animated, quirky universe brimming with sharp-witted dialogue. The creators’ audacious vision remains a captivating and unique experience.
Star cast & Performances
Rajkummar Rao shines with impeccable comedic timing, embracing the longest arc masterfully. His early moments, like the unforgettable father-flirting mishap, stand out. Adarsh Gourav’s arc is a joy with clever nuances and a powerful climax, though the series struggles with divided attention. Dulquer Salmaan’s cop portrayal exudes integrity, but his character’s complexities feel unnecessary and predictable, including an extraneous adultery subplot. Shreya Dhanwanthary’s unexpected appearance for revenge adds a sharp twist. Gulshan Devaiah is an absolute delight to watch on screen.
Movie’s Selling Point
Guns & Gulaabs delivers an enthralling storyline complemented by exceptional performances. While the main cast shines in their roles, the distinctive portrayals by actors truly stand out.
Weak Point
The duo demonstrates a keen understanding of the streaming audience’s preferences. While ‘Guns & Gulaabs’ doesn’t reach masterpiece status, certain parts of the screenplay seem reliant on convenient elements.
