Revenge and redemption drive this colorful thriller, bringing Bollywood flair to a tale of gun-slinging romance. Starring Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar, Parineeti Chopra, and Govinda, the film unfolds in the gritty, crime-ridden streets of modern-day India, blurring the lines between good and bad, love and loyalty. As a crime-action drama with dashes of romance and comedy, it captures both the dangers of the underworld and the hope for a second chance, balancing thrills with a pop-culture aesthetic.
The story follows Dev (Ranveer) and Tutu (Ali), two orphans raised by Bhaiyaji (Govinda), a feared gangster who has groomed them into skilled assassins. The bond between Dev and Tutu is unbreakable, as they navigate life in the dangerous world of contract killing, fulfilling Bhaiyaji’s sinister orders without hesitation. However, everything changes when Dev falls in love with Disha (Parineeti), a kind-hearted, independent woman who embodies the life Dev secretly yearns for but never thought he could have. As Dev’s attraction to Disha deepens, he begins questioning his violent past and contemplates leaving it behind. But the gangster life isn’t one you can simply walk away from, especially under Bhaiyaji’s command. Dev’s dual life, juggling his love for Disha and loyalty to Tutu and Bhaiyaji, sets up a thrilling conflict that pushes him to make impossible choices.
One of the film’s highlights is Govinda’s performance as Bhaiyaji, a villain with a flair for both brutality and humor. Govinda brings an unexpected charm to Bhaiyaji, his expressions and dialogue delivery making the character memorable without losing the danger he represents. His comic timing blends effortlessly with his menacing persona, breathing life into a role that might have otherwise felt one-dimensional. Every scene with Govinda commands attention; he infuses Bhaiyaji with a mixture of twisted humor and chilling power, making him a figure both feared and enjoyed. His interactions with Dev and Tutu showcase his authority, adding tension as he watches his adopted “sons” with a possessive pride that becomes a significant part of Dev’s internal conflict.
Cinematography and music further enhance the film’s vibrant, edgy style. The cinematographer, Shankar Raman, uses stark contrasts and saturated colors to capture the lively chaos of city life, reflecting the tension in Dev’s journey from darkness to light. The songs, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, add both energy and emotion, with tracks like “Sweeta” and “Bol Beliya” offering insight into Dev’s conflicting worlds. “Sweeta” brings a light-hearted touch as Dev falls in love, while “Bol Beliya” infuses intensity into scenes of Dev’s struggle between loyalty and love. The background score builds tension, especially during action sequences, heightening the stakes without overwhelming the narrative.
While the premise is promising, the direction by Shaad Ali feels inconsistent. The film has a fun, quirky vibe that captures Dev and Tutu’s camaraderie, but this tone shifts abruptly, which can make the narrative feel uneven. Shaad Ali’s attempt to mix action, romance, and humor works in parts, but the flow is sometimes disrupted by tonal shifts that detract from the story’s intensity. For instance, scenes that move from light-hearted romance to dark underworld confrontations could have been blended more smoothly, as the contrast often feels jarring rather than complementary. Ali’s style brings some freshness to the genre but doesn’t entirely balance the different tones, impacting the overall narrative cohesion.
Parineeti as Disha is refreshing, portraying the strong yet vulnerable love interest with authenticity. Her scenes with Ranveer capture the chemistry between them, and her lively presence helps anchor Dev’s character development. Ali’s Tutu, on the other hand, provides balance as the loyal friend who shares Dev’s background yet doesn’t yearn for change. Ali brings a dry humor and stoic toughness to Tutu, his restrained performance contrasting well with Ranveer’s more expressive portrayal. While Parineeti and Ali excel individually, their limited screen time together restricts deeper character exploration, especially with Tutu’s loyalty to Dev, which could have been delved into more to highlight the sacrifice involved in Dev’s transformation.
The action scenes, though limited, are well choreographed, adding excitement without over-the-top drama. Unlike typical Bollywood fare, these scenes focus on realism, with less stylized choreography and more raw, high-stakes tension. The editing during action sequences is tight, keeping the pace brisk and aligning with Dev’s desire to escape the clutches of violence. Costume design also plays a subtle role in conveying Dev’s dual nature, with darker tones in the underworld scenes transitioning to lighter colors as he imagines a future with Disha. The costume choices enhance the narrative without drawing attention to themselves, reflecting Dev’s internal journey visually.
As a whole, the film is an interesting watch, primarily for the performances and unique portrayal of the gangster genre, but it falls short in narrative coherence. Govinda’s performance alone makes it memorable, and Ranveer’s energetic portrayal of Dev adds emotional depth. While Shaad Ali’s direction has moments of brilliance, the uneven tone hampers the experience, leaving viewers divided between the thrilling underworld story and the lighter romance elements. Those who enjoy quirky yet dark thrillers might find the movie’s eccentric approach engaging, while others may struggle with its inconsistent pacing and tone shifts.
For fans of Govinda’s comedic flair with an edge of menace, it’s worth watching just to see him in this refreshing avatar. Viewers drawn to Bollywood crime dramas with romance interwoven might also enjoy the ride, though a tighter narrative would have amplified the experience. As it stands, this film is an entertaining, if somewhat flawed, exploration of love and loyalty in a world ruled by violence and power. With a more refined focus, it could have fully realized its potential, but as it is, it’s still an engaging journey through a unique lens.
