Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Review

Once Upon... in Mumbai indeed rewinds Mumbai and how!

Since time immemorial, gangster movies have made a niche for themselves in this part of this world. Movies like Deewaar, Dharmatma, Parinda and more recently Company, D; Gangster and Shoot out at Lokhandwala have excellent recall and review value till today.

Once upon a time in Mumbai recreates the same era and tries to explore more on the subject that has been a topic of fascination and research in the film industry and also amongst curious fact grosser.

So, is once upon a time in Mumbai able to match up the expectations of the moviegoers or even able to meet the quality level with its previous counterparts of the same genre?

Yes, thankfully it does and does that with élan!

The movie is a fascinating tale of how Mumbai got its first lot of defamed mafias. It also depicts the crime graph and scenario in and around the Mumbai city in the 70s and 80s and not to mention the rise of two young boys who rose to rule Mumbai streets.

Contrary to grapevine from media that the movie revolves and is based on the life of past gangsters Haaji Mastan & Dawood Ibraahim but it would not be able to mention its authenticity out here but leave for the people to see and decide.

Cut to the review of the movie, it easily be said that it' s a masterpiece in the terms of its contents and treatment and not to mention the riveting screenplay.

The most important aspect of the flick that makes it a compelling watch is the fall of the king and the rise of the prince.

Alongside the gangster chapter, the movie also has melodious numbers shot beautifully at serene settings.

Romantic track running alongside the original script is the icing on the cake which makes the movie a wholesome entertainer this week.

Final Word? Once upon a time in Mumbai works well and is not be missed. Set a date with the movie and you would have a story to carry home after a long time. Don' t miss it!

Noted film critic Taran Adarsh was quoted as saying on the basic story of the movie as following.

"Once upon a time in Mumbai is not a biopic, but narrates the story through the eyes of a police officer [Randeep Hooda], who traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld. The screenplay encompasses several moments that may compel you to draw parallels with real life, but talking strictly from the movie-going point of view, it satiates you completely. In fact, the writing is cohesive, smart and watertight and there' s never a dull moment. Besides, there' s no time to think whether it' s factual or loosely based on someone' s life or a work of fiction"

"The film, set primarily in 1970s Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan Mirza [Ajay Dvgan] and the conflict that ensues, when his protégé Shoaib Khan [Emraan Haashmi] challenges his supremacy and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai."

Once upon a time in Mumbai relives an era of romance, cabaret, mafia and smuggling and these masalas make it a power-packed outing. Full credit shall be given to the director Milan lutharia and script writer Rajat Aroraa for unfurling such a hard-hitting fanfare.

We are tempted to say that the movie is the director Milan Luthria' s best outing till date. He has managed all scenes with utmost comfort and it' s exemplary.

Also the dialogues penned by Rajat Aroraa deserve special mention and praise that hits you like a hard-hitting hammer. Splendid Work indeed!

Another pivotal aspect working for the movie is the Pritam' s melodious music that runs in synch with the story line of the movie. A special mention for the song crooned by Mohit Chauhan, Pee lun, and that' s already a blockbuster track and soaring up the charts.

Let' s talk about the top notch performances from its ensemble leads.

Ajay Dvgan as Sultan is splendid as usual. His performance is always a flawless each time he essays a gangster role. His eyes speak volume and the role increases the versatility of the actor to a next level of excellence. This is his finest work till date. The actor has grown in the last decade especially and this is evident in his selection of the movie done. Golmaal, Golmaal Returns, Raajneeti, Gangaajal, Apaharan, All The Best are just some of his excellent work and has people going ga-ga over the sheen performances.

Emraan Haashmi is brilliant too and is also able to break his serial kisser image and how! The movie provides him right platform to grow as an actor. His performance in once upon a time in Mumbai is his best work till date. He had shown in Awarapan that he can act and the same got echoed in his new outing. Salutation Emmy!

Kangana Ranaut is a natural performer and essays her role well. Her previous roles in Gangster, Woh Lamhe and Raaz 2 have already proved that she is a class actress in her own and this flick carries her flawless legacy without battling an eyelid.

Prachi Desai is a bundle of talent is in top notch form as well. This small screen belle has shown her good work in Life Partner and must say is getting better with every movie. Way to go beauty!

And now the surprise element, amongst so many class actors, it' s Randeep Hooda who is able to win you with his water tight performance. His previous outing in D as a mafia had won accolades and appreciation and again he blow a movie buff with his enactment of his role Watch Out!

On the whole, once upon a time in Mumbai is an excellent gangster movie blended with right amount of everything to unwind in your memory for a much longer duration.

You need to really leave everything you are doing this weekend to catch this one. Only after you have watched you will get the point as to why we are so candidly vouching for this mafia flick tracking Mumbai like never before. You just can' t afford to miss this one!

From the box-office point of view, the flick will set various records in the days to come because of its cast, content and off course the enchanting music. Recommended!

Rating - ****1/2 (Excellent)

Verdict - once upon... in Mumbai will lure its audiences many times into the theatres!

Movie Review by: Md. Waliur Rahman

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