Guns & Gulaabs

I'm not a fan of Indian films or shows. They tend to be over the top bollywood style or cringey and remedial.

But this is like 'White Tiger', a more realistic feel to it.

It's corny, colourful, simple, a bit much at times and cheesy in parts. But it's also gripping, funny, detailed, well written and acted. The characters are all likeable or villainous.

The seven episodes flow easily and there's plenty of (sometimes obvious) twists. Overall it was very enjoyable. Its more of a lads style production, but fans of worldly art will like it.

Eventough it's in English, the accents can be a bit hard to understand at times.

The duo of Raj & DK is celebrated for their expertise in crafting interesting characters from scratch, and they are not only well versed in their interplays and discourses but also understand how to make those personalities more relatable to the audience and their latest collaboration with Netflix, "Guns & Gulaabs" is no exception!

We have got a bunch of fascinating individuals with different quirks and traits, and all of them have been given space and time to evolve, albeit to varying extents.

Actors like Rajkummar Rao and Adarsh Gourav had captured most of the spotlight, whereas in Dulquer Salmaan and Gulshan Devaiah's case, things have not gone all smooth and sailing, and they got way less screen time than they merited, given the quality and capability they possess as actors.

And the main reason behind this unjustness was that the creators were too busy playing around with half a dozen sub-plots all moving parallel to each other, which wore them down and, subsequently, their whole execution!

Underplots are critical in storytelling, but having too many of them could jeopardise the entire equation; you have to figure out and respect the limitations.

That being said, I did appreciate the show overall, and that's mainly because of the humour that came organically; rather than coming off superficial, and for that, I would like to applaud the writing as well as Rajkummar Rao because he was sensational with his comic timing; he was without a doubt the highlight of the show.

As an ardent admirer of Raj & D. K's work, including the often overlooked 'A Gentleman,' I couldn't contain my anticipation upon learning about their latest endeavor, 'Guns & Gulaabs.' Boasting an ensemble cast featuring talents like Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan (DQ), Gulshan Devaiah, and Adarsh Gourav, the stage was set for an intriguing and gripping narrative. However, as I reflect upon the seven-episode series, my thoughts inevitably lean toward what might have been.

It's important to clarify that 'Guns & Gulaabs' is far from being a disappointment; it commences on a strong note, and the initial episodes manage to capture the viewer's attention. The climactic episode, replete with twists and adrenaline-pumping thrills, further showcases the show's potential. Regrettably, these engaging moments are sporadically interspersed, leaving much to be desired during the in-between segments.

While the humor occasionally hits its mark, there are instances when the jokes falter, contributing to an overall sense of inconsistency. The pacing of the series, in particular, felt lackluster and, at times, ponderous. It's within these stretches that the show loses some of its allure, struggling to maintain the viewer's engagement.

Despite these shortcomings, the performances shine with brilliance. Every member of the cast brings their respective characters to life with commendable effortlessness. With such a talented ensemble at the helm, the strength of the acting was practically a given.

The unmistakable Raj & DK touch is perceptible throughout the show, offering glimpses of their signature style. However, the consistency needed to elevate 'Guns & Gulaabs' to the echelons of a classic appears to be somewhat elusive.

Summing up, my verdict rests in the realm of decency rather than exceptionalism. While 'Guns & Gulaabs' certainly warrants attention, it falls short of reaching the pinnacle of distinction. Nevertheless, it remains a viable choice if you're seeking a diversion to pass the time.

"Guns and Gulabs" is undeniably a must-watch series that captivates viewers from the very first episode. The show's narrative prowess, coupled with exceptional performances by the entire cast, especially Rajkumar Rao and Satish as Aatmaram, make it a standout in the realm of contemporary entertainment.

Rajkumar Rao's portrayal of his character is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to seamlessly transition between different emotional states brings a sense of authenticity to his role, leaving the audience invested in his journey. Satish's portrayal of Aatmaram adds a layer of complexity to the series, as he brings depth and intrigue to a character that might have otherwise been overlooked.

What truly sets "Guns and Gulabs" apart is its masterful storytelling. The series effortlessly weaves together various side stories, creating a rich tapestry that captures the audience's attention. The interplay between these stories adds layers of depth to the plot, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. The skillful manner in which these stories blend together showcases the creators' commitment to crafting a cohesive and engaging narrative.

One of the standout aspects of the series is its ability to maintain freshness amidst a saturated market. In an era inundated with content, "Guns and Gulabs" manages to break through the noise with its unique storyline and well-crafted characters. The series successfully avoids the pitfalls of predictability, surprising viewers with unexpected twists and turns that keep them eagerly anticipating each new episode.

The chemistry among the ensemble cast is another element that contributes to the show's excellence. The camaraderie and rapport among the actors translate seamlessly on screen, fostering a sense of authenticity that draws the audience into the characters' world. This synergy allows the emotional beats of the series to resonate on a profound level, evoking empathy and eliciting genuine emotional responses from viewers.

"Guns and Gulabs" also shines a light on the technical and creative prowess of the production team. The series boasts stunning visuals that effectively transport viewers to the world it portrays. The cinematography and set design work in tandem to create an atmosphere that is both visually appealing and thematically resonant. This attention to detail underscores the dedication that went into bringing the series to life.

In conclusion, "Guns and Gulabs" is a breath of fresh air in the realm of series, offering an exceptional viewing experience that is both riveting and emotionally charged. The outstanding performances by Rajkumar Rao and Satish, coupled with the ingenious blending of side stories, make for a compelling narrative that holds the audience's attention from start to finish. The series' ability to remain innovative in a competitive landscape showcases its staying power and creative integrity. If you're in search of a series that combines exceptional storytelling with stellar performances, "Guns and Gulabs" is the definitive choice.

'Guns & Gulaabs' is a Dark Comedy, Crime, Thriller Series. It's created by Raj & DK. In the whole series, it reminds some old memories like using telephone, old style haircut, dress, tape recorder, music and etc things. The Directors creates Nostalgia, which is the USP of this series.

Suman Kumar, Raj & DK written by this story. The story structure is not totally new but the Directors presented in a unique way. So nice to see the whole series. Also used an old fashioned background score and some famous old songs which is nice to hear.

Talking about performances, Rajkumar Rao (Paana Tipu), Dulquer Salman (Arjun Verma), Satish Koushik (Ganchi) Gulsan Devaiah (Atmaram), Adarsh Gaurav (Chotu, Jugnu), TJ Bhanu (Chandralekha), Manuj Sharma (Bunty) are the lead actors in this series. Each and every lead actor did the work in a fantastic way. Everyone deserves a round of applause. Dulquer Salman debute his webseries career by this series. A special mention to Satish Koushik who won our hearts by his last performance. Other Supporting Actors portray their characters very well. The Child Actors, Tanishq Chaudhary, Krish Neel, Suhani Sethi and Araham Sawant are shined in this series.

• Rajma Koley.