BULLETT RAJA
DIRECTOR: Tigmanshu Dhulia
CAST: Chunky Pandey, Gulshan Grover, Jimmy Shergill, Ravi Kishan, Saif Ali Khan, Sonakshi Sinha,Vidyut Jamwal
CLASSIFICATION: TBA
RUNNING TIME: TBA
RATING: ****
In this fast-changing world, many stars as well as film-makers are experimenting with characters and plots they haven’t tackled earlier. Trudging along the unexplored trail seems to be the new mantra for the dream merchants.
Brand new combinations are getting formed. Innovative and ground-breaking concepts are being attempted. The intention is to offer wide-ranging, all-encompassing entertainment to the up-to-date, insightful viewer.
Reaching out to the pan-India audience and magnetising the Indian diaspora globally also appears to be the objective.
Thanks to Shagird (which was disregarded by cineastes, despite strong merits), Paan Singh Tomar and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Tigmanshu Dhulia has made an indelible impression on the viewer’s psyche.
Consequently, Tigmanshu’s cinema is now anticipated with gusto and zeal by movie aficionados and enthusiasts. However, what raises eyebrows – and logically so – is Tigmanshu’s teaming with mainstream actors (Saif Ali Khan, Sonakshi Sinha) in his new outing.
Furthermore, the gifted director goes all “commercial” to entice that part of the audience – the masses – that enormously adds to the big booty. The promos of Bullett Raja compel you to imagine that this is yet another gangster film with high-octane drama and power-packed dialogues designed for the masses.
The question is, is it one? If true, can Tigmanshu pull it off? Besides, is Bullett Raja Tigmanshu’s big-ticket break?
The movie tells the story of Raja Mishra (Saif Ali Khan), a commoner who becomes a notorious gangster.
A faithful friend and a loyal lover, living life on his own terms, setting his own rules, commanding respect and fearing no one, Raja, in his true inimitable style, takes on the system that creates people like him.
Bullett Raja takes you back to the cinema of yore. A commoner revolts against the system and sets his own rules, shaking the law makers and entrepreneurs in the process.
As he gets more commanding and authoritative, the powers that be decide to clip his wings… and eliminate him.
Like several films made in the 1980s and 1990s, Bullett Raja talks of a commoner who revolts against the very system he once devotedly followed. This is Tigmanshu’s take on camaraderie, matters of the heart and sacrifice.
Tigmanshu’s cinema has often existed in the pragmatic zone, besides being entrenched in the heartland/interiors, and Bullett Raja is no exception. It’s raw, unrefined and harsh, much like Tigmanshu’s earlier endeavours. Sure, the protagonist may bring back memories of characters we’ve watched over and over again on the big screen, but everything happens for a legitimate, justifiable reason.
Notwithstanding the oft-repeated premise, the screenplay has ample twists and turns and leaves you wondering, what’s going to happen next? In fact, the games people play – not just the politicians – only draw you into the action.
The icing on the cake is the twist towards the penultimate moments. Bullett Raja also works thanks to the dialogue (brilliant; also penned by Tigmanshu) and, of course, the casting.
Saif has often stolen the thunder from his contemporaries in varied films (recall Omkara) and the actor, known for stylish, metro-centric characters, is sure to surprise you yet again.
Hiccups? The film stagnates after a brilliant start. The portions in Mumbai and the song that ensues (Tamanche Pe Disco) are off-putting.
Also, while the songs match the tone of the film, the soundtrack is plain ordinary. Technically, this is among Tigmanshu’s more polished and genteel efforts. The background score is effectual, enhancing the drama at key points.
Action sequences are realistic. Saif slips into the unconventional zone without a glitch. The actor delivers an unblemished performance, dominating every scene he appears in.
He seems to have worked hard on getting the diction right, while the body language is impeccable as well. It’s a seamless leap to look the character. Jimmy Sheirgill is admirable, essaying his part with absolute understanding. The bonding between Saif and Jimmy is simply splendid.
Sonakshi Sinha is charismatic and does well in the required space. Bullett Raja is embellished with an exceptional supporting cast and each of them give immense credibility to their respective characters.
Vidyut Jammwal is luminous in a cameo. He adds solid muscle to the post-interval portions. Raj Babbar plays the scheming politician with incredible ease. Gulshan Grover is first-rate.
Ravi Kissen is in terrific form, enacting the negative part with gusto. Chunkey Pandey leaves an impression in a brief role. Vipin Sharma is super. Deepraj Rana, Vishwajeet Pradhan and Sharat Saxena are perfect. Mahie Gill sizzles.
On the whole, Bullett Raja is Tigmanshu Dhulia’s most commercial film yet – one more superior endeavour after the immeasurably acknowledged Paan Singh Tomar the vastly admired Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, both of which belong to completely diverse genres of cinema.
Enjoyable, engaging and distinctive, Bullett Raja is not to be missed. – bollywoodhungama.com