In a world where thrillers are constantly evolving, this film attempts to carve a space for itself with its unique blend of suspense and drama. Gumraah stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Mrunal Thakur, and Ronit Roy in pivotal roles, set against the backdrop of modern-day India, where crime and deception take center stage. The movie falls squarely into the thriller genre, drawing viewers into a tangled web of secrets, mistaken identities, and high-stakes crime-solving.
The story kicks off with a brutal murder that leaves both the police and the audience questioning everyone’s motives. As the investigation begins, we’re introduced to two identical-looking men, Arjun and Sooraj, both portrayed by Aditya, who find themselves at the center of the case. Mrunal plays Shivani Mathur, a no-nonsense cop tasked with solving the case, and Ronit takes on the role of a seasoned investigator. What follows is a classic whodunit scenario where everyone seems guilty, yet none of the clues lead to an easy conclusion. The plot maintains a tight grip on the viewer as twists and turns continually shift suspicions from one character to the next, keeping the audience guessing right up to the end.
One of the standout aspects of the film is Aditya’s performance. Playing two distinct characters, Arjun and Sooraj, Aditya skillfully differentiates their personalities and quirks, making it easy to distinguish between them despite their identical appearance. His portrayal of the suave, calm Arjun contrasts well with the street-smart and brash Sooraj, adding complexity to the film’s narrative. Mrunal, as the determined Shivani, brings a gritty realism to her role, balancing intelligence with emotional depth. Her character is crucial to the unfolding of the story, and her presence on-screen lends credibility to the police investigation. Ronit, with his commanding screen presence, delivers a sharp performance as the senior cop who guides the case, though he plays more of a supporting role compared to the younger leads.
Visually, the film benefits from solid cinematography that heightens the tension in key moments. The camera work during chase sequences and high-stress interrogation scenes is particularly effective, creating a sense of urgency. The use of dimly lit rooms, urban landscapes, and contrasting visuals between the lives of Arjun and Sooraj help emphasize the duality of the story. Special effects are subtle but effective, especially in the action scenes, making them more engaging without overshadowing the plot.
The direction by Vardhan Ketkar keeps the pacing tight for most of the film, though it does lag in the middle. The buildup to the climax is well-executed, but some scenes feel stretched, which slightly detracts from the momentum. The editing could have been crisper, especially in sequences where the narrative drags unnecessarily. However, the director’s focus on the characters’ inner struggles—particularly the duality faced by Aditya’s characters—gives the film emotional depth that elevates it beyond a standard crime thriller.
The music and sound design play an integral role in setting the tone. The background score complements the suspense, intensifying key moments without becoming overpowering. There are no major song sequences to distract from the film’s serious tone, and the sparse use of music helps maintain the focus on the plot. That said, some viewers might miss the emotional release that a strong, thematic soundtrack can provide, especially in a movie where character development is so important.
Another noteworthy aspect is the costume design, which subtly distinguishes Arjun and Sooraj through their attire. Arjun’s sleek, polished wardrobe contrasts with Sooraj’s rugged, casual style, visually reinforcing their differing personalities. The attention to detail in their clothing choices helps the audience immediately recognize who is who, even when the plot is at its most chaotic. This is a clever move by the costume department, ensuring that even if the viewer gets lost in the twists, they’re never confused by the identity of the characters on screen.
Thematically, the film explores the idea of identity—how it shapes perception and how easily it can be manipulated. Through the doppelgänger motif, the story delves into the moral grey areas of both the characters and the situation they find themselves in. It questions not just who committed the crime, but also who is truly innocent, complicating the idea of guilt and justice. These deeper themes resonate well, giving the audience more than just a murder mystery to solve. It forces viewers to reflect on the nature of truth, trust, and deception in relationships, whether personal or professional.
Overall, the film successfully keeps the viewer engaged with its well-crafted plot and strong performances. It’s not without its flaws—the pacing could have been more consistent, and a tighter edit would have enhanced the overall experience. However, the movie makes up for these shortcomings with gripping twists and a final act that delivers on the promise of suspense. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers that offer both edge-of-your-seat moments and thought-provoking themes, this is a solid pick. The strong performances, especially from Aditya in a challenging dual role, make it worth watching.
In conclusion, the film stands out as a decent thriller that provides enough intrigue to keep you hooked. It may not redefine the genre, but it delivers what it promises—an engaging murder mystery with plenty of twists. Fans of the genre and those who enjoy character-driven narratives will find this movie to be a satisfying watch.
