Raees

Raees, a gripping crime drama, released on January 25, 2017, starring Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, is a movie that portrays the rise of a small-town bootlegger who becomes a powerful figure in Gujarat’s illegal liquor trade. Directed by Rahul Dholakia, the film is a perfect mix of action, emotion, and social commentary.

This movie promises a riveting journey with high-stakes drama, memorable dialogues, and intense confrontations. Does it live up to its hype? Here’s a detailed review of Raees, covering its highlights, drawbacks, and overall impact.

2. Plot Summary

Set in the dry state of Gujarat during the 1980s, Raees follows the story of Raees Alam (Shah Rukh Khan), a resourceful and ambitious young man who enters the world of illicit liquor trade. With his sharp mind and daring attitude, he quickly rises to power, earning both respect and enemies.

His life takes a turn when police officer Majmudar (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is assigned to end his empire. The film explores the cat-and-mouse chase between the two while highlighting the consequences of Raees’ choices on his personal and professional life. It’s a story of ambition clashing with morality, leaving viewers pondering the blurred lines between right and wrong.

3. What’s Good?

Stellar Performances

Shah Rukh Khan delivers one of his career-best performances as Raees. He balances charm, intensity, and vulnerability with finesse, making the character both relatable and larger-than-life. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as the relentless cop, is equally impressive, adding layers to the narrative with his sharp dialogue delivery and screen presence. Mahira Khan, in her Bollywood debut, adds a refreshing touch as Raees’ love interest.

Direction and Screenplay

Rahul Dholakia’s direction brings authenticity to the story. The screenplay, co-written by Dholakia, Harit Mehta, Ashish Vashi, and Niraj Shukla, keeps the narrative engaging, with its mix of action sequences, emotional moments, and hard-hitting dialogues. Iconic lines like “Baniye ka dimaag aur Miyanbhai ki daring” remain etched in viewers’ minds.

Cinematography and Production Design

K.U. Mohanan’s cinematography beautifully captures the gritty vibe of Gujarat in the 1980s. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and props makes the era come alive on screen. The dramatic lighting and dynamic camera angles enhance the storytelling, particularly during action-packed sequences.

Music and Background Score

The film’s music by Ram Sampath is a major highlight. Songs like “Laila Main Laila” and “Zaalima” became instant chartbusters, adding to the movie’s appeal. The background score complements the narrative’s intensity, building tension and evoking the right emotions at critical moments.

Social Commentary

Raees doesn’t just tell the story of a bootlegger; it delves into the socio-political dynamics of the time. The film subtly critiques the nexus between politics, crime, and societal hypocrisy, making it more than just an action drama.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Engaging Story: The film’s narrative holds your attention from start to finish.
• Powerful Performances: Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s stellar acting elevate the movie.
• Memorable Dialogues: The dialogues add weight to the storytelling and make several scenes unforgettable.
• Technical Brilliance: The cinematography, production design, and music work together seamlessly to create an immersive experience.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing Issues: The second half, especially the climax, feels slightly rushed and doesn’t give enough time to explore the emotional aftermath of key events.
• Predictable Elements: While the movie has its share of surprises, some plot points follow a conventional trajectory.
• Underutilized Characters: Mahira Khan’s character, while impactful, doesn’t get enough screen time to make a lasting impression.

5. Target Audience

Raees is an ideal watch for fans of crime dramas, action-packed narratives, and socially relevant cinema. Shah Rukh Khan’s admirers will undoubtedly enjoy his intense performance. The movie’s themes of ambition, morality, and loyalty also resonate with audiences who appreciate layered storytelling. However, those looking for lighthearted entertainment might find the film too intense.

6. Box Office Details

Budget and Production Costs

The total production cost of Raees was approximately INR 90 crore, including marketing and promotional expenses.

Day-Wise Box Office Collection:

• Day 1: INR 20.42 crore (India), INR 4.5 crore (Overseas)
• Day 2: INR 26.30 crore (India), INR 5 crore (Overseas)
• Day 3: INR 13.11 crore (India), INR 3.5 crore (Overseas)
• Day 4: INR 15.61 crore (India), INR 4 crore (Overseas)
• Day 5: INR 17.80 crore (India), INR 3 crore (Overseas)

Worldwide Collection

Raees earned a whopping INR 281.44 crore worldwide during its theatrical run. The film performed exceptionally well in international markets, particularly in the UAE and the USA, where Shah Rukh Khan enjoys a massive fan base.

7. Recommendation

Raees is a gripping crime drama that delivers on all fronts: performance, storytelling, and visuals. While it has minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re a fan of intense dramas with a touch of social relevance, this movie is a must-watch. Experience the rise and fall of Raees Alam for a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Genres:

Thriller, Action, Crime

Rating:

6.672/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Shah Rukh Khan	Raees Alam
Mahira Khan	Aasiya
Nawazuddin Siddiqui	IPS Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub	Sadiq, Raees’ friend and confidante
Sheeba Chaddha	Raees’ Mother
Narendra Jha	Musabhai
Uday Tikekar	Pasha Bhai
Anil Charanjeett	Qasim
Sunny Leone	Special Appearance in “Laila Main Laila” Song
Jaideep Ahlawat	Nawab
Atul Kulkarni	Jairaj Seth

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