From circling around trees and a mainstream storyline, to superheroes and full on action, Indian cinema has been evolving drastically, especially over the last one decade. Romance still sells- however, it’s no longer the only thing that does. People going into the theatres now are a more informed, and in many ways, a more inquisitive audience. This is probably the reason why thought-provoking movies that carry a social or moral message, like Udta Punjab, Pink and more recently, Raees, are doing so well.
King Khan starring Raees, has brought much food for thought to the table. The very first dilemma that the audience faces is whether to call alcohol bootlegger, Raees, a protagonist or an antagonist. The character of Raees is a contradiction unto itself. On the one hand, the notorious alcohol dealer displays shrewd presence of mind and uncanny business sense which makes him one admirable entrepreneur. On the other hand, Raees is an innocent who strives to live the values his late mother has instilled into him- of honest, hard work and a sense of answerability to one’s own conscience. Contrary to what one may feel at first glance, the central character is not a larger than life, unrealistically magnified persona. Instead, he is a refreshing realist who knows which wheels to oil, in order to get the maximum acceleration for his own bread and butter. While this astute, street smart merchant has no qualms about greasing up the corrupt system when the need for such arises, he feels strongly about the society in which he lives and has inclusive ideas about faith and race, manifesting his generosity easily among needy women and hungry people.
On the flipside of the coin, is an uncorrupted investigative police officer, Majmudar, with a pristine sense of respect for the ‘system’ Raees so easily manipulates to his own advantage. What ensues is a sassy cat and mouse game between the two. While the movie is careful to uphold the righteousness of the said system, the surprising ending where the better of the two consciences win, will surely make you question the thin lines between right and wrong, and the inherent goodness that lies within each man.
The movie aims to bridge the gap between religions and strong dialogue delivery by SRK leaves not a moment lackluster. The story is a winner, and there cannot be a better cast than the one that was chosen. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the perfect Majmudar- someone the system will try to pick up and throw out but who refuses to give up on his staunch ideals, however outwitted he is by the drivers of the syndicate. Raees would simply not be Raees without the Midas touch of Shah Rukh Khan. Who better to deliver such compelling dialogues than the one who can speak with both the eyes and the voice?
Watch it to believe it, folks- this may be too early to say it, but out of all potent movies Bollywood is set to bring out this year, Raees will retain a solid ground- if only for its realistically re-watchable script.