Mukkabaaz.

Anurag Kahsyap's 'Mukkabaaz' is a triple threat. It is a whistle-blowing sports drama, a commentary on the still prevalent caste hierarchy and a stylish desi-flavoured, well choreographed action/romance entertainer. Kashyap - India's avant-garde director - is in a creative peak as he crafts the film with raw emotions and no-holds-barred dialogues. There is something remarkable in every scene and each song is a folksy gem. However it is the actors - both major and minor - that makes the film all the more impactful and power packed. The first and foremost mention should go to Jimmy Shergill who spews, breathes and speaks evil like it's his second nature, which is also evident in his ever angry eyes. The fact that he gets slapped by our 'hero' in his introduction scene was just an indication of how things were going to get ugly between them. Talking about our hero, Vineet Kumar Singh as the eponymous 'Mukkabaaz' is perfection with a capital P. He kills it in every department be it physical, emotional or matters of the heart. His love interest played by newcomer Zoya Hussain is equally effective despite her being playing a dumb/mute character.

The presence of veteran actors like Ravi Kishan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui (brief appearance in a song) only increases the entertainment value of the film. The former is seen in a toned down role of a boxing coach whose 'lower' caste identity plays a huge role and even makes a bigger statement in the present context of the society. The film is set in UP (Barielly and Vanarasi) and Anurag Kashyap in his expert characteristic style captures all the local flavours, both traditional and modern, to showcase a city bustling with people, colours and energy. 'Mukkabaaz' is a formula film about love, revenge and redemption but as usual it is Anurag Kashyap's auteur touch that makes the film stands out. It is his best work since 'Gangs of Wasseypur'.

Don't miss it! It has repeat value. How rare a quality it is for a film of 2018 to posses. And that too a Bollywood film.

- David Lagachu
lagachu.david63@gmail.com