Raj & DK, known for their successful web shows, have recently introduced a black comedy thriller series titled “Guns & Gulaabs,” featuring leading actors Rajkummar Rao and Dulquer Salmaan. Other key roles are played by Adarsh Gourav, TJ Bhanu, and Gulshan Devaiah. Currently available on Netflix in multiple languages, let’s explore the series.
Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Ganchi, a drug dealer in Gulaabgunj, who strikes a significant deal with Kolkata-based businessman Sukantao Chatterjee. Ganchi is tasked with delivering a large quantity of opium to Sukanto within a month. As an honest Narcotics officer, Arjun Varma, portrayed by Dulquer Salmaan, arrives in Gulaabgunj to curb illegal opium trading. Paana Tipu (Rajkummar Rao), the son of a key gang member, gets entangled in the crime world after a personal tragedy. The series unfolds as unexpected challenges arise, leading to Ganchi’s son Jugnu taking charge of completing the deal, weaving the lives of all characters into the central narrative.
Highlights:
Rajkummar Rao and Dulquer Salmaan, two stellar actors in the Indian film industry, deliver compelling performances, making the series a delightful watch. Rajkummar Rao excels in portraying his character with a perfect blend of dark comedy and innocence. Dulquer Salmaan impresses as a Narcotics officer, adding depth to the series. The chemistry between the two leads is noteworthy, and Gulshan Devaiah’s role adds further intrigue. TJ Bhanu, playing the love interest, delivers a good performance, complemented by well-crafted Hindi dialogues by Sumit Arora. The series concludes with a highly entertaining and action-packed last episode.
Drawbacks:
Despite the powerhouse performances, the storyline of “Guns & Gulaabs” falls into the trap of a routine narrative, making it somewhat predictable. The lack of a fast-paced screenplay and unexpected twists may disappoint viewers expecting the usual Raj & DK brilliance. The underutilization of Gulshan Devaiah’s character and some dull mid-episodes contribute to the show’s drawbacks.
Technical Aspects:
Aman Pant’s background score and Pankaj Kumar’s cinematography stand out, providing a retro feel that complements the 90s setting. The art direction effectively transports viewers back in time. While the production values are exceptional, the editing could have been more refined in certain episodes.
Verdict:
“Guns & Gulaabs” offers a partially engaging experience in the crime comedy genre. Raj & DK bring their trademark unique characterizations and extract strong performances from the cast. Despite falling short of the high standards set by their previous works, the series benefits from brilliant acting, well-executed dark comedy, and solid action sequences. Managing expectations is key to enjoying this crime comedy adequately.