Guns And Gulaabs Review: Partly engaging series despite the predictable storyline and draggy middle

Guns And Gulaabs Review: Partly engaging series despite the predictable storyline and draggy middle
Guns And Gulaabs Web Series Rating: 3 Stars

Finally watched Guns And Gulaabs Web Series on Netflix. So, let’s analyze the cast, release date, story, positive/negatives and at last my personal view on this web series.

Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, TJ Bhanu, Gulshan Devaiah, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Pooja A Gor, & late Satish Kaushik
Director: Raj & DK
Release Date: 18th August 2023 on Netflix
Duration: 7 Episodes/ 50 Minutes

Story: Series revolves around the town of Gulaabgunj, home to an opium factory where a significant portion of the yield is supplied to the government. Ganchi (late Satish Kaushik) is the local mafia leader and has collaborated with Police to construct an empire founded upon the illicit opium trade. He signed a big deal with Kolkata-based businessman Sukantao Chatterjee (Rajatava Datta). As per the deal, Ganchi has to deliver a huge quantity of opium to Sukanto in a month’s time.

Among his associates Nabeed (Nilesh Divekar) has severed ties with Ganchi establishing a rival domain in the nearby town of Sherpur. He also planned to sign a deal with Sukanto but it was not possible if Ganchi will be alive, so he hired Chaar Cut Atmaram’s (Gulshan Devaiah) to kill. He first killed Ganchi right hand and Tipu (Rajkummar Rao) father Babu Tiger. He is a mechanic who doesn’t want to enter his father’s profession and sincerely loves schoolteacher Chandralekha (TJ Bhanu).

During this, an honest Narcotics officer Arjun Varma (Dulquer Salmaan) arrives in Gulaabgunj with the aim of controlling the illegal opium trading. He directly witnesses the unlawful opium dealings of both rival factions. Two things happen Ganchi slipped from his home and goes to comma and all responsibility comes to his son Jugnu (Adarsh Gourav) to deliver the opium.

Unexpectedly Tipu kills two people of Chaar Cut Atmaram’s gang who killed his father, but his friend was killed by him and to revenge his friend death he becomes a part of the crime world and started working for Jugnu. Arjun has its past and he needs to give hefty amount to Pratap (Varun Badola). So, he also planned to sign his deal with Sukanto.

Now Jugnu, Nabeed and Arjun starts their planning to deliver the huge quantity of opium to Sukanto. Who will succeed in their attempt?? Will Tipu revenge the death of his friend by killing Atamram?? How the lives of all intertwined form part of the crux of the series.

Positives
1. Excellent Performances
2. Direction
3. Initial episodes
4. Screenplay

Negatives
1. Length
2. Story
3. Too many subplots
4. Climax

Durgesh Tiwary’s View: When I watched the trailer of this web-series, planned to watch this series in my free time as loved the trailer and also liked director previous series.

Two rival gangs attempt to individually strike a deal with a Kolkata-based mafia lord, but things take a turn for the worse when an upright narcotics officer and a mechanic get involved in the already chaotic situation.

Guns & Gulaabs encompasses a multitude of elements, resulting in an experience that evokes wonder, smiles, and a sense of fulfillment. This quirky drama not only pays homage to the 90s era but also weaves in an action-packed and entertaining plot.The biggest strength of this series are the characters. The majority of characters in the series exist within a morally ambiguous space, lending an air of authenticity to the overarching plot, making it all the more believable. There are ample quirks, and shades of grey that keep the interest intact. The core plot is fascinating as there is an attempt to wrap up the template of drug trading in a new format of storytelling. The humor lands well, and those one-liners keep the momentum rolling in the narrative. Filled with ample twists and turns, although the pace momentarily falters in the middle episodes, it regains momentum and ultimately delivers a stunning finale, packing a powerful punch. This crime drama moves forward at a rapid pace, leaving you little time to ponder. It also solidifies Raj and DK’s reputation as distinctive storytellers. At certain junctures within the series, viewers will find themselves recalling the brilliant twist.

While the core plot is presented in a unique format of storytelling, the screenplay is too predictable without any surprise elements. The happenings in the screenplay are on the slower side, which gives the vibe of a drag in proceedings. The entire sub-track of Rajkummar Rao and his equation with his father as also his love interest, Chandralekha, is not explored well and rather force-fitted in the narrative. The nexus of police and politicians is left unexplored. In fact, the writing isn’t gripping enough to keep us on the edge of our seats. With Raj & DK at the helm of the affair, one hopes for the pace to pick up with every passing episode, but that doesn’t happen as the series eventually ends up being a middling affair with some memorable events and exciting arcs.

Overall, series boasts on a captivating plot but also benefits from outstanding performances. It is a middling affair that promises a lot but leaves you wanting for more. Raj & DK have set high standards with their previous works, but it lacks a fast-paced screenplay and twists. Despite the shortcomings, what keeps the series going is the performances of actors and dark comedy. It is a partly engaging crime comedy series. My view on this web-series is Recommended if you are fan of Raj & Dk style.

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