“A lure more strong, a wish more faint, makes one a monster, one a saint.”
By the time a person has achieved years adequate for choosing a direction, the die is cast and the moment has long since passed which determined the future
- Zelda Fitzgerald
Being intelligent is not enough, how the youth uses this intelligence is important. People like Dhirubai Ambani, Azim Premji used their intelligence in proper way and people like Deshu used it for nefarious activities. Deshu joined the crime world not because he liked to kill people but to become a powerful person and out of his own choice. He despises being a powerless common man. Hence the lure for power motivates him to become an underworld don and not the glamour or glitz. That killing is part of the job is his defense for slaying his competitors just as big businessmen bump off small traders. Therefore, it’s the milieu where you set your activities in that determine the difference between a bad guy and a good guy.
“D”, touted as a prequel to RGV’s “Company”, explores Deshu’s journey from an over ambitious small time crook to an underworld king.
“D” is about how Deshu manages the underworld in the same way as the CEOs manage their companies. The rules are the same, the only difference is in violent & illegal actions. The intention is the same -power and money- but the difference lies in morality of the proceedings.
“D” is an intriguing depiction of the underworld. It is not about fun, glitz, or glamour, which are just surface gloss. Instead, it's all about greed, money and power.
Synopsis:
Deshu (Randeep Hooda) returns from Dubai when his mother dies. One day he witnesses a murder of a gangster. The police ask him to identify the killers. And the don (Bhai Mangli) on whose behest the killing was done, threatens Deshu of dire consequences if he identifies his men. Deshu does not identify and the police beat him black and blue for this. Deshu then decides to join Hashim Bhai’s (Goga Kapoor) gang, a rival of Bhai Maangli, and challenges him that he will kill Bhai Mangli, which he does and consequently wins Hashim Bhai’s trust. His winning habit makes Hashim Bhai promptly appoint him to head its activities in the underworld. He learns every trick in the book how to run the underworld meticulously. Now all the main work is carried out by Deshu, with his accomplice Raghav (Chunky Pandey) much to the chagrin of Hashim Bhai’s two sons Shabbir (Yashpal Sharma) & Mukarram (Sushant Singh). A film actress (Rukhsar) falls in love with Deshu after he teaches her male co-star a lesson for getting physical with her. Deshu rises high and high with each passing day. Hashim Bhai’s two sons do not like his growing popularity and try to take revenge. What happens next?
PROS:
The train scene, where Deshu is shown standing on the door when he sees some one fall off the train. He looks the whole compartment as to who pushed that man. He sees some shady characters. He gets scared and then stands very far from the door later on.
The scene where he fears the police and the goons, makes him realize the helplessness of a common man.
The above two scenes show Deshu’s common man traits and elicit the reaction of a common man before he becomes a fearless gangster and decides to become a powerful man.
The scene where he kills Mangli Bhai is well executed without resorting to any exaggerated heroics by Deshu.
The scenes showing his modus operandi draw parallel to the working of large business houses. Like hiring of inexperienced but active & daring youths to carry on operations, like weighing options before supporting a politician who can be useful for them in running their activities, etc and the internal rivalry scenes reminds us of the corporate happenings.
The scenes in the second half where killings and counter-killings take place are well picturised.
CONS:
Other than Deshu’s character the other characters are not properly developed.
The police are conspicuous by their absence. In a gangster movie this is a major flaw.
The songs are totally unnecessary particularly the item song featuring Rajpal Yadav and the Khudko Maar daal re song.
STARCAST
Randeep Hooda: He has lived the role of Deshu to perfection portraying his character with dignity. Whether he is showing his vulnerable side, or whether he is deftly managing the Underworld through corporate rules, whether he loves his girlfriend or whether he kills his rivals, Randeep Hooda has manifested these traits in his own inimitable style. The best debut award is his next year. And a nomination in the best actors category can’t be ruled out either.
Chunky Pandey: as Deshu’s trusted partner performs well. But his character is poorly developed giving him no scope to give a memorable performance.
Rukhsar, adds the glamour quotient but as far as performance goes she does not get any chance to show her acting skilss.
Isha Koppikar, Goga Kapoor, Yashpal Sharma, Sushant Singh, Ishrat Ali, etc give able support to the main cast
TECHNICAL TEAM
Director Vishram Sawant shows off visual style combined with substance and his technique matches the flamboyance of the underworld. He has canned some stunning visual coups. Sawant directs with great style, creating a film that is surreal and full of harsh realism, particularly when the violent Deshu pursue his business. The stylistic flourishes are integral to the central theme of underworld, and equal importance is given to the personal drama. Vishram Sawant’s decision to have background music, when the characters begin to have a lengthy chat – about morals, etc, is excellent.
Story & Screenplay is praiseworthy. The fact that it's supposedly based on a real character is probably what makes the plot so interesting. Screenplay is very good. For e.g The scene where Rukhsar chides Deshu for devoting all his time to underworld activities and nothing for entertainment. Deshu replies that he is happy keeping a policeman, who had beaten him in past, guessing as to what he will do to him now after he has become a big don. This is entertainment for him.
Costume Designers are in great form in this movie and the actors are made to wear clothes that gel with their characters.
Cinematography is detailed and cinematographer has beautifully highlighted the glitzy backgrounds of Underworld.
Dialogues give a very real feel of the usage of underworld lingo but mercifully toning down the expletives and foul language. But the opening and closing narrative could not create much impact.
Editing is fast-paced creating an intensified atmosphere thereby holding your interest for two hours.
Musicis okay. But the background music is very loud.
Art Direction is excellent. The sets are first rate and compliment the underworld setting and to the gangsters’ bad taste.
Conclusion
“D'' may not be as great as ''Satya'' or Company but it is as equally honest and scintillating. The movie does not preach nor does it justify violence.
Verdict: If you're a fan of gangster movies then “D” is for you.
Your comments will be highly appreciated.
AMJAD K. MARUF
