Gully Boy is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language musical drama film directed by Zoya Akhtar. The film, inspired by the lives of Indian rappers Divine and Naezy, captures the essence of Mumbai’s underground rap scene. It stars Ranveer Singh as Murad, a young aspiring rapper from the slums of Mumbai, and Alia Bhatt as Safeena, his love interest. Released on February 14, 2019, Gully Boy made waves for its raw storytelling, powerful performances, and its portrayal of the struggles of underprivileged youth trying to break free from their circumstances through music. With a mix of drama, music, and a realistic portrayal of urban life, the movie quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Plot Summary
Gully Boy follows the life of Murad, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, who dreams of becoming a successful rapper. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a difficult home life with an abusive father and the pressures of his social environment, Murad finds solace and expression through rap. His lyrics reflect his struggles, pain, and aspirations. Murad’s journey is further complicated by his love for Safeena, a strong-willed medical student, and his pursuit of recognition in the competitive rap scene. Along the way, Murad befriends other underground rappers and begins to gain attention for his unique style. As he moves forward, the film delves into themes of self-expression, identity, and the power of art as a means of escape and resistance.
What’s Good?
One of the standout aspects of Gully Boy is the acting. Ranveer Singh delivers a career-defining performance as Murad, perfectly embodying the emotional and physical transformation of a young man who rises from adversity. His portrayal of the character is raw, vulnerable, and relatable, making Murad’s journey all the more compelling. Alia Bhatt, as Safeena, brings depth and nuance to her role, playing a fiercely independent woman with her own set of struggles and dreams. The chemistry between Ranveer and Alia is natural and adds emotional weight to the film.
The direction by Zoya Akhtar is another highlight. She captures the essence of Mumbai’s underground rap scene with authenticity, bringing to life the gritty realities of urban life. The film’s pacing is spot on, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. Akhtar’s direction ensures that the narrative is not just about rap but also about the larger social issues that Murad faces, such as class disparity, family dynamics, and the search for identity.
The music of Gully Boy is a major strength. The film’s soundtrack, featuring tracks like “Apna Time Aayega” and “Meri Gully Mein,” plays a crucial role in conveying the emotional and social struggles of the characters. The rap battles and performances are intense, and the lyrics resonate with the audience, making the music an integral part of the storytelling. The cinematography, led by Jay Oza, is also impressive, with vibrant shots of Mumbai’s streets and close-ups that capture the raw emotions of the characters. The use of the camera helps immerse the viewer in the world of the film, making it feel real and unfiltered.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the biggest strengths of Gully Boy is its portrayal of Mumbai’s rap scene, which had not been explored in mainstream cinema before. The film succeeds in showcasing the power of music as a form of self-expression and resistance. The character development is another strength, particularly Murad’s evolution from a young man struggling with self-doubt to a confident rapper who owns his voice. The film’s social commentary on class, inequality, and the challenges faced by marginalized youth adds layers to the narrative, making it more than just a rags-to-riches story.
However, the film is not without its weaknesses. While the narrative is strong, some may feel that the film takes a somewhat predictable route in terms of its plot progression. There are moments where the story feels formulaic, particularly in how Murad’s rise to success unfolds. The pacing, while generally well-executed, can feel slow at times, especially in the second half, where certain plot points are drawn out longer than necessary. Additionally, some viewers may find the film’s focus on rap battles and music a bit overwhelming, especially if they are not familiar with the genre or culture.
Target Audience
Gully Boy will appeal to a wide range of audiences, especially those who enjoy music-driven films and stories about overcoming adversity. Fans of hip-hop and rap music will find the film particularly engaging, as it offers an authentic look at the genre’s rise in India. The film also resonates with those who appreciate coming-of-age stories and narratives about personal growth and self-expression. While the film touches on serious social issues, its universal themes of dreams, love, and resilience make it accessible to a broad audience, including young adults and urban dwellers.
Box Office Details
Gully Boy had a total budget of approximately ₹40 crore (INR). The film was released in over 1,500 screens in India and had a strong opening at the box office. On its opening day, the film earned around ₹19.4 crore in India. Over the first weekend, the movie collected ₹72.4 crore, showcasing its popularity. The film continued to perform well in the following days, grossing ₹28.5 crore on day 4 and ₹31 crore on day 5 in India. Overseas, Gully Boy also performed admirably, earning approximately ₹7.5 crore on its opening day and a total of ₹29 crore by the end of the first week.
Worldwide, the film grossed over ₹238 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2019. Its success was not just limited to box office numbers but also in its cultural impact. Gully Boy was lauded for bringing attention to the underground rap scene in India and for showcasing the struggles of youth in the country’s marginalized communities. The film’s success was further cemented when it was selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Gully Boy is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys powerful performances, authentic storytelling, and a fresh take on music and culture. The film’s portrayal of the struggles of the youth in Mumbai, coupled with its powerful soundtrack, makes it a standout in contemporary Indian cinema. I highly recommend it to viewers who appreciate films with depth and heart.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Drama, Music
Rating:
7.333/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Ranveer Singh | Murad Ahmed / Gully Boy |
| Alia Bhatt | Safeena Firdausi |
| Siddhant Chaturvedi | Shrikant Bhosie / MC Sher |
| Vijay Raaz | Aftab Ahmed |
| Vijay Varma | Moeen Arif |
| Amruta Subhash | Razia Ahmed |
| Ikhlaque Khan | Nasir Firdausi |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Hamida Firdausi |
| Kalki Koechlin | Shweta / Sky |
| Jyoti Subhash | Dadi |
| Vijay Maurya | Ateeq Khan |
| Srishti Shrivastava | Albina Dardarkar |
| Svar Kamble | Suhail |
| Jasleen Kaur Royal | Juhi |
| Kubbra Sait | Scarlett |
| Sambhav Jain | Bandra Boy (uncredited) |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
