Gully Boy

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*Gully Boy* is a rare and genuine Bollywood musical inspired by the lives of underground rappers Divine and Naezy. Written by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, and directed by Zoya Akhtar, the film dives deep into the gritty reality of Dharavi and its struggles, presenting a story grounded in authenticity. The songs organically arise from the protagonist's circumstances, offering a stark contrast to Bollywood's usual lip-synced, studio-polished numbers.

Murad (Ranveer Singh), the titular Gully Boy, is a college student and the son of a driver (Vijay Raaz). His family faces turmoil after his father marries a younger second wife, leaving his mother devastated. Murad has been in a secret relationship with Safeena (Alia Bhatt), an ambitious medical student from a slightly better-off family. His life changes when he meets MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturvedi) at a college fest, who inspires him to pursue rap. With guidance from Sher and support from Sky (Kalki Koechlin), a Berkeley student keen to showcase Mumbai's street sound, Murad creates music that gains traction online. As he navigates emotional and financial hurdles, Murad must hold onto his dreams and carve his path in a world of adversity.

The film offers no fairy-tale solutions but emphasizes struggle, growth, and self-acceptance. Its message—that discomfort can fuel creativity and progress—resonates deeply. Zoya Akhtar's direction excels in attention to detail, crafting an emotionally rich narrative with authentic rap battle sequences and deeply reflective moments. Ranveer Singh shines, delivering a performance of quiet intensity that captures Murad’s pain, growth, and triumph. His rap sequences are raw and compelling, and his confrontation with his father is balanced and powerful. Alia Bhatt stands out as Safeena, a jealous and fiery lover, stealing scenes with her nuanced performance. Siddhant Chaturvedi impresses as the seasoned mentor MC Sher, while Vijay Raaz and Vijay Verma bring authenticity to their roles. Kalki Koechlin adds depth to her character as a free-spirited music lover.

The music, central to the film’s identity, is outstanding and bridges the gap between underground rap and mainstream Bollywood. *Gully Boy* isn’t just a film—it’s a celebration of dreams, resilience, and raw talent. With superlative performances and a gripping soundtrack, it’s a must-watch.