Badlapur - 2015

Badlapur is a compelling Bollywood film that leaves no stone unturned in exploring the depths of human emotions and the relentless pursuit of vengeance. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this dark and gritty thriller takes viewers on a haunting journey of loss, grief, and the inherent complexities of justice.

The movie begins with a horrifying incident that shatters the life of a seemingly ordinary man, Raghu, played by Varun Dhawan. When tragedy strikes his family, Raghu is consumed by a burning desire for revenge, a desire that sets him on a path of self-destruction and moral ambiguity. As the narrative unfolds, the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred, leaving audiences questioning their own moral compass.

Badlapur challenges traditional Bollywood storytelling by delving into the darkest places of the human psyche. It subverts expectations and breaks free from conventional notions of heroism, instead presenting flawed and complex characters. Varun Dhawan's portrayal of Raghu is a revelation, showcasing his versatility as an actor and capturing the depths of a tormented soul with raw intensity.

With its gripping screenplay, impeccable performances, and a haunting musical score, the movie pushes the boundaries of the genre and immerses viewers in a world where revenge becomes a double-edged sword. It explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of unchecked rage, leaving a lasting impact on the audience's psyche.

In a cinematic landscape dominated by formulaic narratives, Badlapur stands out as a bold and thought-provoking film that lingers in the minds of its viewers, challenging them to contemplate the complexities of human nature and the price one pays for vengeance.

Table of Contents

• Details

• Plot

• Release

• Reviews

• Cast

• Crew

• Character Analysis

• Songs

• Controversy

• Box Office Collection

• Awards

• Interesting Facts

• Conclusion

• How to Book a Personalised Celebrity Message from a Star Similar to the Actors from Badlapur on Tring?

Details

Plot

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The film begins with a happy and content family consisting of Raghu (Varun Dhawan), his wife Misha (Yami Gautam), and their son Robin. However, their lives are shattered when they become victims of a brutal bank robbery orchestrated by two criminals, Liak (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and Harman (Vinay Pathak). In the chaos, Misha is killed, and Raghu is left severely injured. 

Raghu's life takes a dark turn as he seeks justice and revenge for the death of his wife. He learns that Liak, one of the robbers responsible for his family's tragedy, has been sentenced to a 20-year prison term. Raghu manages to find Liak's girlfriend, Jhimli (Huma Qureshi), with the help of a private detective, Mrs. Joshi (Ashwini Kalsekar). But it leads to a dead end.

The story then fast-forwards 15 years, with Raghu's desperation and anger still consuming him. Raghu becomes obsessed with tracking down Liak’s partner and sets out on a mission to make them suffer the same pain and loss he has endured.

Raghu manages to locate Harman, who has transformed into a wealthy businessman named Harman Kapoor. However, as Raghu is about to exact his revenge, he learns that Liak has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has only a few months to live.

Raghu is torn between his desire for vengeance and his growing understanding of the consequences and futility of his actions. He realizes that his pursuit of revenge has consumed him to the point where he has lost touch with his own humanity. Through a series of events, Raghu faces moral dilemmas and is confronted with the consequences of his choices.

The climax of the movie reveals a twist in the narrative, challenging the audience's perception of right and wrong. The lines between the protagonist and antagonist become blurred, highlighting the complex nature of human emotions and motivations.

In the end, Badlapur explores the themes of grief, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence. It raises questions about the morality of revenge and the long-lasting effects it can have on an individual's psyche.

Release

The Bollywood movie Badlapur was released in 2015 and garnered significant attention for its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes. The film hit theaters on February 20, 2015, and made a lasting impact on both critics and audiences alike.

Before its release, Badlapur generated considerable buzz due to its intriguing trailer, which hinted at a dark and intense revenge narrative. The film boasted a talented ensemble cast, including Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam, and Vinay Pathak, who brought their A-game to their respective roles.

Reviews

Badlapur is a gripping and intense Bollywood thriller that captivates viewers with its unconventional storytelling and compelling performances. With its dark and gritty tone, the film delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, offering a thought-provoking exploration of grief, revenge, and moral ambiguity.

The strength of Badlapur lies in its narrative, which takes audiences on a relentless journey of vengeance and redemption. The film effectively establishes the emotional stakes from the beginning, as the tragic event that sets the story in motion leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

Varun Dhawan delivers a standout performance as Raghu, the grief-stricken protagonist consumed by a burning desire for revenge. Departing from his previous romantic-comedy roles, Dhawan showcases his versatility as an actor, immersing himself in the dark and brooding character. His portrayal of Raghu is raw, intense, and emotionally charged, reflecting the character's inner turmoil and descent into darkness.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his impeccable acting skills, once again delivers a stellar performance as Liak, the cunning and morally ambiguous criminal. Siddiqui's nuanced portrayal adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making Liak a captivating and enigmatic character. His chemistry with Dhawan on screen is electrifying, creating a palpable tension that drives the film forward.

The supporting cast, including Huma Qureshi, Vinay Pathak, and Radhika Apte, also delivered solid performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their respective roles. 

Director Sriram Raghavan's masterful storytelling keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. The screenplay, co-written by Raghavan and Arijit Biswas, is tight and meticulously crafted, with each scene contributing to the overall narrative arc. Raghavan's attention to detail and his ability to maintain tension and suspense are prasieworthy, making Badlapur a thrilling and unpredictable ride.

Visually, Badlapur is a treat for the eyes. The cinematography by Anil Mehta beautifully captures the gritty and atmospheric tones of the film, creating a sense of unease and darkness. The music, composed by Sachin-Jigar, complements the visuals and adds to the film's overall mood, heightening the emotional impact of key moments.

However, the film's dark and intense nature may not be for everyone. Badlapur delves into the depths of human emotions and showcases the moral complexities of revenge, which can be unsettling for some viewers. 

In conclusion, Badlapur is a standout Bollywood film that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. With its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and atmospheric presentation, the movie offers a compelling exploration of grief, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. If you're seeking a thought-provoking thriller that leaves a lasting impact, Badlapur is a must-watch.

Cast

• Varun Dhawan as Raghav Purohit a.k.a. Raghu

• Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Liak Mohammed Tungrekar (bank robber #1)

• Huma Qureshi as Janki Dagaonkar a.k.a. Jhimli (Liak's love interest)

• Yami Gautam as Misha Senthil Purohit (Raghu's wife)

• Divya Dutta as Shobha

• Vinay Pathak as Harman Khatri (bank robber #2)

• Radhika Apte as Kanchan Khatri a.k.a. Koko

• Ashwini Kalsekar as Mrs. Joshi

• Murali Sharma as Michael Dada

• Pratima Kazmi as Zeenat Mohammed Tungrekar (Liak's mother)

• Zakir Hussain as Shardul Patil

• Kumud Mishra as Inspector Govind

• Neel Tyagi as Robin Purohit (Raghu's son)

Crew

• Director(s) - Sriram Raghavan

• Screenplay Writer(s) - Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti

• Producer(s) - Dinesh Vijan and Sunil Lulla

• Cinematographer(s) - Anil Mehta

• Editor(s) - Pooja Ladha Surti

• Musician(s) - Sachin-Jigar

Character Analysis

• Raghu (played by Varun Dhawan): The protagonist of the film, Raghu is a loving husband and father whose life is shattered by the tragic deaths of his wife Misha and son Robin. Consumed by the desire for vengeance, Raghu's character evolves from a grief-stricken man to someone willing to cross moral boundaries to exact revenge on the criminals responsible for his family's demise.

• Liak (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui): Liak is one of the two bank robbers responsible for the deaths of Misha and Robin. A cunning and manipulative criminal, Liak is arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Throughout the film, Liak's character serves as a foil to Raghu, as they both grapple with the consequences of their actions and the thin line between good and evil.

• Harman (played by Vinay Pathak): Harman is Liak's accomplice in the bank robbery and the second person responsible for the tragedy that befalls Raghu's family. He becomes a successful businessman. But eventually he has to face the consequences of his crime.

• Misha (played by Yami Gautam): Misha is Raghu's wife and the mother of their son Robin. Her character serves as the catalyst for the film's plot, as her death, alongside that of her son, propels Raghu on his quest for vengeance.

• Kanchan "Koko" (played by Radhika Apte): Kanchan is Harman's wife, who becomes entangled in Raghu's pursuit of revenge. Her character adds complexity to the story, as she is forced to confront the consequences of her husband's actions and the impact of Raghu's quest on her own life.

• Shobha (played by Divya Dutta): Shobha is a social worker who helps Liak during his time in prison. Her character represents a voice of reason and morality, as she tries to guide Liak toward redemption and help Raghu find closure.

• Jhimli (played by Huma Qureshi): Jhimli is a sex worker who has a romantic relationship with Liak. Her character provides an insight into Liak's life outside of his criminal activities, revealing his capacity for love and vulnerability.

Songs

Controversy

The movie stirred some controversy due to its intense and dark content. While the movie received critical acclaim for its unconventional narrative and powerful performances, it also faced scrutiny and generated debates within the industry and among viewers. Here are some of the controversies surrounding Badlapur:

• Censorship and Rating Issues: Badlapur faced challenges with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India regarding its content and suitability for different audiences. The film's mature themes, violence, and explicit scenes led to discussions on whether it should receive an 'A' (adult) rating or be subjected to cuts and modifications. These debates often spark conversations about creative freedom versus societal sensitivities.

• Portrayal of Violence: The intense and graphic depiction of violence in Badlapur triggered debates about the limits of on-screen violence in Indian cinema. Some viewers argued that the film's brutality was excessive and could potentially influence real-world behavior. Others praised the film for its realistic portrayal of the consequences of violence and the impact on individuals' lives.

• Treatment of Female Characters: Badlapur was criticized for the treatment of its female characters. Some viewers felt that the female characters were primarily used as catalysts for the male protagonist's journey, reducing their roles to victims or objects of desire. These discussions raised questions about the representation of women in Bollywood and the need for more nuanced and empowering portrayals.

• Moral Ambiguity: The film's exploration of moral ambiguity, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, generated mixed reactions. While some appreciated the complex characters and the film's departure from traditional notions of heroism, others expressed discomfort with the lack of clear moral guidelines. These discussions often centered around the potential influence of such narratives on society.

• Psychological Impact: Badlapur's dark and intense content raised concerns about its potential psychological impact on viewers. Some argued that the film's portrayal of grief, vengeance, and moral dilemmas could trigger negative emotions or glorify violent behavior. These discussions highlighted the responsibility of filmmakers in balancing artistic expression with ethical considerations.

Box Office Collection

The movie earned ₹32 crore (US$4.0 million) at the domestic box office in five days, with ₹7 Crore (US$880,000) on the opening day. Badlapur has earned a total of ₹48.3 Crore (about $6.0 million) by the end of its third weekend in theatres. By the conclusion of its third week, the film had grossed ₹50 Crore (US$6.3 million) nett in India box offices. According to Box Office India, Badlapur made roughly ₹81.3 Crore (nearly $10 million) in revenue all over the world.

Awards

Interesting Facts

• Nawazuddin Siddiqui improvised many sequences because he wasn't given any dialogue to follow.

• After his first movie, Student of the Year, Varun Dhawan agreed to do Badlapur.

• The Italian Noir novel Death's Dark Abyss by Massimi Carlotto served as the film's primary source of inspiration.

• Varun Dhawan went to Nashik Jail to film Badlapur.

• Badlapur is co-produced by Saif Ali Khan's Illuminati Films.

Conclusion

Badlapur is a gripping and intense revenge thriller that delves into the depths of human emotions. With its nuanced storytelling, complex characters, and powerful performances, the movie challenges conventional notions of good and evil. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked anger and the importance of empathy and redemption in the face of tragedy.

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