Guns and Gulaabs Review

Plot

Guns & Gulaabs is set in a small town called Gulaabganj in north India during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The story revolves around the town's criminals and cops, with two rival gangs led by Ganchi and Nabeed. Caught in the middle of the gang wars is a mechanic named Tipu, whose only desire is to own his own bike repair shop. The series starts with the murder of Tipu's father, and the body count continues to rise as the story progresses. Alongside the gang wars, there is also a love triangle between two students and their school teacher. The series culminates in a shootout climax with a surprising twist at the end.

Acting

Rajkummar Rao and Adarsh Gourav deliver exceptional performances and seamlessly blend into the nutty and dark comedy without overacting. Rajkummar Rao portrays his character with finesse, bringing intensity and charm to the screen. However, Dulquer Salmaan appears bored with his role, while other supporting actors like Gulshan Devaiah and Sachin Kathuria show better range and expressions.

Cinematography

The cinematography in Guns & Gulaabs is slick and visually appealing. The series successfully captures the nostalgia of the late 1980s and early 1990s through its visuals. The use of vintage cars, rotary phones, cassette players, and other elements from that era adds authenticity to the storytelling. The cinematography beautifully captures the setting of the small town and creates a desi pulp fiction atmosphere.

Direction

Raj & DK's signature style shines through in Guns & Gulaabs. The directors have created an unabashed and over-the-top show that embraces its 90s' influences. However, the execution falls short in bringing something fresh to the table. The balance between humor and seriousness is not always achieved, resulting in some tonal inconsistencies.

Overall Verdict

Guns & Gulaabs entertains in parts but lacks the finesse and freshness that Raj & DK's previous works have showcased. It successfully creates a nostalgic and eccentric world but struggles to find the right balance between its light-hearted tone and high-stakes plot. The talented cast is underserved in some instances, with Gulshan Devaiah stealing the show with his engaging performance. While the series has its moments, it may leave viewers wishing for more kick and excitement.