Guns & Gulaabs Review: Raj and DK’s series a missed shot at promising potential

New Delhi: After the success of “The Family Man” and “Farzi,” directors Raj and DK have made their Netflix debut with the thrilling series “Guns and Gulaabs.”

Storyline

Welcome to the world of “Guns & Gulaabs,” a gripping tale set in the fictional town of Gulaabgunj, which has a notorious reputation for legal opium trading. However, as we know, where there are legal operations, there are hidden illegal activities as well. This town is no exception, as it is also a hub for massive opium smuggling to criminal syndicates. The story revolves around a drug cartel and the intertwining journeys of various characters, including a cop named Arjun (Dulquer Salmaan), a mechanic named Tipu (Rajkummar Rao), a chilling serial killer named Atmaram (Gulshan Devaiah), a dedicated teacher named Chandralekha (TJ Bhanu), and the complex web of politics involving a powerful family led by Ganchi (played by Satish Kaushik and Adarsh Gourav).

Chhota Ganchi (Adarsh) is an ambitious individual eager to prove himself to his father. Arjun (Dulquer) is a Narcotics officer with an interesting mix of traits. The enigmatic 4-cut Atmaram (Gulshan) carries out mysterious acts using his blade. Lastly, there’s the seemingly innocent Paana Tipu (RajKummar) who has more to him than meets the eye.

Highlights

Raj and DK demonstrated remarkable expertise in executing the intricate storyline of the series. Despite its length, they successfully pieced together every aspect of the puzzle, presenting a formidable challenge that they handled with finesse.

Their efforts to revive the fashion trends of the 90s, including costumes, hairstyles, and dialogues, resonated with me personally. It was refreshing to see the significance of that era brought back to life amidst our fast-paced contemporary lives. Elements like love letters, nostalgic songs, and other details served as delightful reminders of the enchanting time that was the 90s.

Overall, Raj and DK’s execution of the series was impressive, showcasing their talent in handling such a complex storyline. Despite the challenges posed by its length, they crafted a cohesive narrative that captivated the audience. Their attention to detail is commendable, adding to the charm and appeal of their work.

Raj and DK have done an excellent job in creating visually stunning scenes that bring their fictional world to life. Their attention to detail is impressive, as they carefully develop the storylines for characters like Arjun, exploring the complexities of human behavior.
Jr. Ganchi’s journey to prove himself is skillfully portrayed, showcasing different shades of his character. The nostalgic music adds another layer of depth to the plot, seamlessly fitting into the overall story.

Moreover, the series has impeccable comedic timing. The cleverly written one-liners keep the momentum of the story going and add to the overall enjoyment of watching the show. The infusion of humor enhances the viewing experience and keeps the audience engaged.

Drawbacks

One of the drawbacks of the series is its length. With each of the seven episodes running for over 40 minutes, the pace starts off decently but becomes a bit dull towards the end, failing to keep us fully engaged.

The storyline of the series becomes chaotic and messy as the plot progresses. There are multiple things happening at once, with various sub-plots running in the background, which can make it confusing to follow.

While the core plot is presented in a unique storytelling format, the screenplay lacks surprise elements and becomes predictable. The events in the screenplay unfold slowly, which gives a feeling of the story dragging along. Unfortunately, the subplot involving Rajkummar Rao’s relationship with his father and love interest, Chandralekha, is not explored well and feels forced in the overall narrative.

Performance

While RajKummar Rao is usually known for delivering stellar performances, his portrayal in this series falls slightly short. However, it’s still enjoyable to see him onscreen as he delivers a decent performance. He plays the role of Tippu, a character with a mix of love-sickness and a darker side.

Dulquer Salmaan, on the other hand, truly stands out with his charismatic presence and retro look. He demands attention with his swag and effortlessly plays the role of an officer with great panache.

Conclusion

“Guns & Gulaabs” falls short of its promising potential, leaving you wanting more. Although the world is well-established in the early episodes, the story becomes somewhat chaotic as it progresses. The final episode is underwhelming and the anticipated twists surrounding the conflict fail to deliver. While the performances and characters shine, the plot itself feels underdeveloped, leaving the overall experience somewhat disappointing.