Right at the start of the film, we are shown a disclaimer that the film is not based on anyone’s life. I would have to agree with this decision of the censor board considering in other case, it would have been a film celebrating a real life villain.
The first half of the film takes off extremely well, with a great build up to Raees’ character from his childhood and also at setting the milieu. Starting from a lighter note, we are further sucked into the twisted ‘baniya dimaag’ of Raees and also his otherwise Robinhoodesque image. That’s the part that irks, it would have been a treat to watch SRK just as a gangster, we don’t need the heart of gold touch.
The key element to Raees’ story is to keep the audience hooked and it pretty much works here. The film shifts from politics, to romance and action seamlessly, thus keeping a Bollywood fan entertained.
Dialogues are completely, Deewar style and could surely get whistles blowing at most theaters. Particularly, “Main Dharma Ka Dhanda Nai Karta” and “Battery Nai Bolneka” will be major hits. Also, “Aa raha hoon” gets another meaning altogether in the film.
Script wise, the film starts to become dull in the second half when there is too much of heroism portrayed by Raees. Also, the climax is stretched way out of hand and could have been limited.
Shah Rukh Khan looks dreamy as Raees. His kohl eyed look suits him. Coming to the acting bits, he particularly excels in scenes where he shows extreme anger and also the one where he breaks down. Overall, he is in much better a space compared to his previous acts such as Dilwale and Happy New Year. For his fans, this one will be winner!
Mahira Khan’s casting has been the talk of the town. Unfortunately, she does nothing special here and for all we care, any Bollywood actress could have pulled off that role. She even fails to emote appropriately in a few scenes.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a star. Every scene with this man is loaded with entertainment and he is the true key to why this film is a fun watch. Loved him all through!
Zeeshan Ayyub is a great actor and as the sidekick, once again does his job well.
Atul Kulkarni, Sheeba Chadda, Uday Tikekar put up a great supporting cast.
Sunny Leone sizzles in her item number ‘Laila’.
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