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In addition to the hype that this movie is based on the real-life underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, it’s another gangster saga from the Varma stable. We also have critics raving about its lead actor.

The story spans the initial years of a deadly ’mafia-man’ -- how he entered and how he established himself in the underbelly of Mumbai. The politics of the place is covered through various incidents that occur. Our protagonist is focussed, unlike others around him. He is determined to succeed and always finds his way out.

The movie moves at a steady pace, interrupted only by the unnecessary insertion of songs, especially in the second half. But even then, it’s a tad short at around one hour and forty minutes. Some of the initial portions are unbelievable. Violence is realistic, unapologetic and doesn’t look to shock. A few twists provide good shock value though. Emotional content is kept to a minimum, enhancing the stark nature of the proceedings.

One isn’t sure if Hooda (earlier seen in a small role in Monsoon Wedding) is the next best thing, but he definitely doesn’t struggle like a new-comer. He lives the role, but in a few instances, his dialogue delivery seems a bit flat and artificial. Singh and Sharma come good, but it’s a bit sad to see them in small roles. Rukhsar is adequate. Pandey and Kapoor make good use of their come-back opportunities. The latter shines especially, in a role where he doesn’t have to do his usual roaring. Koppikar is wasted.

Songs remind you of Satya and Company. The background score gets slightly adventurous. Cinematography stands out among the technical aspects. Watch out for the train scene. Editing, art direction, make-up and costumes are down-to-earth.

With only a few shades of Varma showing up, Sawant stands up to be counted on his debut. Unfortunately, the horde of such movies that the audience has been fed with over the years might induce staleness.