Most of the gangster films that we have seen in Bollywood have all been inspired from real men of underworld. And when makers of Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai give a supposed indication that the film is a kind of biopic on the 2 famous dons, one might wonder-what will this film show that we haven’t seen or don’t know? And as expected, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai is to a great extent a been-there-done-that affair. However, still it makes for a riveting watch thanks to the brilliant performances and direction and a lot more factors! More about it later!
The story of the movie: The film is set in Bombay of 70s. Sultan Mirza (Ajay Devgn) is a powerful man but on the wrong side of the law. For the poor, he was messiah; for the cops, he’s a smuggler who should be put behind bars and for the bhai-log of Mumbai, he’s the mediator and advisor. Unlike other goons, Sultan doesn’t believe much in bloodshed and wants peace to remain on the streets of the city. He has found a love interest too, Rehana (Kangna Ranaut), a rising superstar of Bollywood. Enters Shoaib Khan (Emraan Hashmi), a ruthless roadside ruffian who gets included in Sultan’s gang. Little does Sultan know that this could be his most fatal mistake!
The first striking and unique feature that you’ll notice about Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai is Ajay’s brilliant characterization which is so different from the rest of the gangsters we have seen on celluloid. Here’s a man who is so bloody rich but yet is always there to help the poor! Here’s a man who is ready to smuggle anything into the city except things which are morally wrong to consume! Here’s a man whose ways of getting things done are so smart and so harmless! Hats off to Sultan Mirza
The entire film is told from the eyes of Inspector Agnel Wilson (Randeep Hooda). The movie gets on track as soon as the flashback commences. The beginning scenes where Ajay removes the tracks and the other where he divides the city among the bhais were brilliant and set the mood. From here, the film hops on a cliché track and this lasts till the end. However, you won’t mind as every second, there’s something or the other happening in the film that’ll keep you gripped!
One won’t have any complaints with the first hour. However, the second half has some share of flaws. The entire hooch episode could have been better treated. The climax was predictable but no doubt leaves a mark. However, the film ends without mentioning what happens to the significant characters of the film later. Also, showing an important character of the film in the last scene18 years later with no change in his looks and features seemed too unbelievable. Notwithstanding all the glitches, the film gives a satisfying experience and that’s what matters!
There’s no doubt that the best performer in the film is none other than Ajay Devgn! Essaying a gangsta role is never easy but Ajay have done it twice (earlier in Company) and both performances are so drastically different from each other! An achievement indeed! Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai is surely another feather in Ajay’s cap! Keep rocking! Emraan Hashmi fails to reach Ajay’s level but still impresses with a rocking performance! His eyes and his expressions oozed evil which was what his character was all about! It was great to see him in full form after a long long time. And the good news is-he’ll soon be seen in 3 films-Crook, Raftaar 24x7 and Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji! Emraan’s face, rejoice!
Special mention should also be made of the kiddos who played kid Ajay-Emraan. Both of them had features which were exactly like two actors and hence it seemed authentic! Kangna Ranaut looks ravishing and as usual gives a top notch performance. The 70s-centric costumes given to her looked beautiful on her! Prachi Desai (as Mumtaz) does a fine job. However, her character doesn’t have much to do in the film. Randeep Hooda gives a stupendous performance. Bollywood is surely going to notice this neglected actor from now on! The one who plays Emraan’s father was terrific. Avtar Gill plays his part well. Gauhar Khan was awesome in the retro item track.
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