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 From the dark and fascinating mind of Anurag Kashyap comes a film that chronicles the growing underbelly of shady politics and how the innocent quickly become the guilty.
The man is simply incapable of writing a straightforward script. He's unknown to the colorful history of Hindi cinema. He's simply disgusted by the proverbial “box” and is hell-bent on running as far away from it as possible. His thoughts are twisted and his vision is blurred. And I love him for that... Anurag Kashyap's notorious past is well documented. His films have garnered wide speculation and attracted controversy and confusion. Due to their murky content however, they've been unable to reach any sort of commercial success (Dev D. finally breaking this trend to a certain degree). But something tells me that Mr. Kashyap could care less. The dark horse once again saddles the throne to bring us a sinister tale of university politics amidst a deeper ploy for a national revolution. From the ultra-passionate opening speech to the final coup, Kashyap's script remains gripping and dramatically arresting. Synergistically, Kashyap's execution brings the screenplay to stunning life, heavily hinging on an array of unequivocally brilliant performances – led by Kay Kay Menon and newcomer Raj Singh Chaudhary. If you look through Kashyap's portfolio, you'll notice that much of his work shares a similar look...a grim visual tone that almost serves as an added prop to the narrative. Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, responsible for the look of Kashyap's NO SMOKING and DEV D, once again places his trademark tint on this film. Ravi and Kashyap should be given extra-credit considering the plot's setting – Rajasthan. I personally have never visited Rajasthan, and have only seen it through the disillusioned eyes of Bollywood. To me, Rajasthan is nothing but a plush landscape of blossoming colors and tantalizing songs. Keeping with Kashyap's taste, Ravi gives Rajasthan a blatantly dull hue. The visual effect goes miles in adding to the voice of the film.
Kay Kay Menon's Dukey Bana is chillingly brilliant! After his awe-inspiring performances in Kashyap's BLACK FRIDAY and Nishikant Kamat's MUMBAI MERI JAAN, it is clear that Menon excels at avant-garde roles that walk the patriotic lines. Once again, Menon surreptitiously becomes the over-powering revolutionary and steals your breath with each spoken word. Raj Singh Chaudhary, as Dilip Singh, proves to be one of the strongest newcomers we've seen in recent years. Not taking away from Chaudhary's acting ability, Dilip Singh steals the show thanks to the way he has been scripted. The tremendous character development from the shy, new student into the crazed romantic is a sight for sore eyes. Needless to say, the screen was electric when it was tensely shared by both Singh and Bana. Kashyap exploited both power-house performances effectively. The supporting cast is all stellar. GULAAL is exactly what you would expect from the mind of Anurag Kashyap. It's a mysteriously dark tale with layers and layers of undertones, meanings, and interpretations. Like an onion – the more layers you peal...the more it stinks! Caution: This film is NOT for everybody. You've been warned.
Aakash Gandhi is Managing Editor and Senior Writer for PlanetBollywood.com. He also freelances with AVS TV Network at avstv.com.
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Lyricist-turned-Composer, Piyush Mishra, provides a very off-beat musical exposé throughout the backdrops of the film. Virtually unnoticeable off-screen, Mishra's satirical poetry provides extra insight into the script's morals and intertwines itself within the screenplay with appeasing ease.