Riveting, raw, and relentless, this film is an epic saga that spans generations, exploring the dark underbelly of crime, politics, and revenge. Set in the coal-rich town of Dhanbad and the notorious Wasseypur, this two-part crime drama directed by Anurag Kashyap boasts an ensemble cast that includes Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi, and Tigmanshu Dhulia. The film is set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century India, chronicling the rise of coal mafia and gang warfare in Wasseypur. It’s a genre-defining crime drama, infused with dark humor, that captures the gritty reality of power struggles, revenge, and family dynamics in a lawless society.
The plot revolves around a multi-generational feud between two families—the Khans, led by Shahid Khan, and the Qureshis, with Ramadhir Singh playing a pivotal role in their mutual destruction. The story kicks off with Shahid Khan’s expulsion from Wasseypur after impersonating a legendary dacoit. His expulsion sets off a chain of events that leads to a decades-long blood feud between the Khans and the Qureshis. His son, Sardar Khan (played by Manoj Bajpayee), swears vengeance against Ramadhir Singh, the politician who betrayed his father. Over time, the feud grows, enveloping their descendants and culminating in an intricate web of power plays, betrayal, and violent retribution. The film delves into the lives of the Khan family, portraying their rise to power and the cyclical nature of violence that traps each generation.
One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its stellar cast and powerful performances. Manoj Bajpayee as Sardar Khan stands out with a performance that’s equal parts menacing and charismatic. His portrayal of Sardar, a man consumed by revenge yet oddly principled in his own way, anchors the first part of the film. Bajpayee excels in bringing out the character’s unpredictability, whether he’s intimidating his enemies or displaying moments of raw vulnerability. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance as Faizal Khan, Sardar’s son, in the second part of the saga, is equally impactful. Faizal’s transformation from a quiet, stoner-like character to a feared gangster is one of the film’s highlights. Siddiqui balances the character’s initial aloofness with a simmering intensity that makes Faizal’s eventual rise to power both believable and terrifying.
Direction by Anurag Kashyap is another standout feature. Kashyap expertly weaves together multiple timelines, characters, and narratives, creating a sprawling yet cohesive storyline. His use of dark humor amidst the violence is particularly effective in lightening the heavy, often brutal, tone of the film. Kashyap’s directorial style, heavily influenced by Quentin Tarantino, is evident in the film’s non-linear narrative and its unapologetic approach to violence. The editing, while fast-paced, never feels disorienting, which is crucial given the film’s complex narrative structure. Kashyap allows the story to breathe, giving ample time for each character to develop, yet keeps the plot moving briskly enough to maintain tension and engagement.
The music and soundtrack, composed by Sneha Khanwalkar, play an integral role in setting the film’s mood and capturing the essence of its setting. The soundtrack blends traditional folk tunes with more modern, eclectic sounds, creating an auditory experience that feels authentic yet innovative. Songs like “Womaniya” and “Jiya Ho Bihar Ke Lala” have become iconic, adding layers of regional flavor while complementing the narrative’s emotional undertones. The music punctuates key scenes, amplifying moments of intensity and providing some relief in the film’s lighter, humorous segments.
Cinematography by Rajeev Ravi is a visual triumph. The film’s look and feel are as gritty as the story it tells, with Ravi’s camera capturing the dust, grime, and claustrophobic spaces of Wasseypur in painstaking detail. The use of wide-angle shots juxtaposed with intimate close-ups creates a dynamic visual experience. The action sequences are particularly well-shot, with each bullet fired and each blow landed being felt viscerally by the audience. The color palette, dominated by earthy tones, reflects the bleakness of the lives the characters lead, yet there are moments of vibrancy—especially in scenes that capture the festivals, markets, and rural landscapes of the region.
The theme of revenge is central to the film, but what elevates the narrative is how it intertwines this with the broader commentary on power, corruption, and the cyclical nature of violence. Each generation is trapped by the sins of their fathers, and no matter how hard they try, they cannot escape the destiny carved out by blood and betrayal. This theme of inevitability is reinforced by the film’s sprawling timeline, which stretches across decades and highlights how little changes despite the passage of time. The film doesn’t glorify violence, but rather, it presents it as an inherent part of the characters’ world—a world where power is seized through brutality and maintained through fear.
The portrayal of women in the film is also notable, with characters like Richa Chadha’s Naghma and Huma Qureshi’s Mohsina offering a refreshing counterbalance to the testosterone-fueled violence. Naghma, Sardar’s wife, is not a mere bystander but an active participant in her husband’s world. Her fiery confrontations with Sardar add depth to the film, as she represents the moral compass in a world devoid of clear ethics. Mohsina, Faizal’s love interest, is equally layered—her character development provides emotional grounding for Faizal’s otherwise ruthless persona.
The film’s length—over five hours when both parts are combined—may seem daunting, but it never drags. The narrative is packed with enough twists, turns, and character development to justify the extended runtime. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for rich character arcs and intricate plot developments. The film’s dialogue, filled with wit and regional slang, adds authenticity to the setting and provides moments of comic relief amidst the tension.
In conclusion, this film is an epic in every sense of the word. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, acting, and filmmaking, with Anurag Kashyap creating a gritty, violent, yet deeply human world. The ensemble cast delivers performances that are nothing short of spectacular, particularly Bajpayee and Siddiqui. The direction, music, and cinematography all come together to create a film that is both visually and emotionally impactful. If you’re a fan of crime dramas or simply appreciate well-crafted, character-driven narratives, this is a must-watch. The film is not just a tale of revenge but a powerful commentary on the nature of power, legacy, and the human condition, making it one of the best Indian films in recent years.
