Gully Boy belongs to Siddhant Chaturvedi. And just him (Not a review)

A lot of noise in the form of appreciation came on the way for Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt as soon as their recent film Gully Boy released. I was equally excited because it is indeed rare to see not even one person going against the flow. All that one had to say about the film was what a spectacular piece of art and cinema this Zoya Akhtar directorial has proven out to be. In fact, she has been hailed as the best filmmaker of our times.

Of course, all the good words urged me to watch the film but did it stand on my expectations? I would say, no. The hullabaloo around it did not seem worth it.

I went to watch Gully Boy with my family in the very week of its release. The film started with introducing us to Murad (Ranveer), Safeena (Alia Bhatt), Moeen (Vijay Varma) and their life in a slum. As meek as Murad appeared, Safeena was complete opposide. She was strong, bold and someone who did her own thing in life. A perfect case of ying-yang. Moeen, on the other hand, earned his living by stealing cars and selling drugs. Let's say he is that one bad influence that Murad doesn't bow down to but is still friends with.

After the background is set, we are introduced to how Murad voices his anger, sadness and the injustice around him... He writes.  The most fascinating scene of the film is how Zoya flawlessly shows that Murad's knowledge is not bounded by the place he belongs to. There is a sequence where a few foreigners visit Murad's place and he leaves one of them amused when he raps in English.

But I wouldn't shy away from saying that till half of the first half, Gully Boy was like any usual film (for me). Like any film where you are fed the sad stories of families living in a chawl/juggi jhopdi (as said in Hindi). At a point, I felt, what is so great about the film?

When Slumdog Millionaire released, many argued that West sees India as a poor, poverty-stricken country. Many documentaries too narrated the same story. So, how is Gully Boy different?     

                                                                                

The real high of the film comes only with MC Sher aka Siddhant Chaturvedi's entry. His introduction scene where he raps "Sher Aaya" to shut bullies in the crowd is one epic moment. MC Sher brings rhythm to Murad's poetry and makes him the Gully Boy. In his presence, Murad finds his wings and he finally tastes what acceptance and respect feel like.

The Zoya Akhtar film is a rag to riches story with nothing more to offer. It yet again repeats the motto dare to dream but presents it in a cinematic manner. It is beautifully shot but could not grab my interest. The film ends in a snap and with it, even its effect (for me.)

PS: People have loved the film. I loved the performance of Siddhant. This piece is just my point of view. Peace.