Released on January 25, 2017, Raees is a crime action thriller directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Excel Entertainment, and Pen India Limited. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Mahira Khan, the movie is inspired by the rise and fall of a liquor smuggler in Gujarat during the 1980s.
With its intense action sequences, gripping storyline, and powerful performances, Raees gained popularity among audiences and became one of the biggest Bollywood films of the year. Let’s dive deeper into this thrilling cinematic experience.
Table of Contents
2. Plot Summary
The story follows Raees Alam (Shah Rukh Khan), a bootlegger in Gujarat, where alcohol prohibition exists. With his intelligence, courage, and street-smart tactics, he quickly builds a powerful liquor empire.
However, his growing dominance catches the attention of ACP Majmudar (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an honest cop determined to bring him down. The film explores Raees’ journey, his rise in the world of crime, and the challenges he faces from the police, political influences, and his own moral dilemmas.
The movie is filled with action, drama, and emotional depth, keeping the audience engaged till the very end.
3. What’s Good?
1. Performances
- Shah Rukh Khan shines in the role of Raees, delivering a charismatic and intense performance.
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui is excellent as the sharp and witty cop, making the cat-and-mouse chase thrilling.
- Mahira Khan gives a decent performance in her Bollywood debut, though her role is limited.
2. Direction and Screenplay
- Rahul Dholakia successfully brings the world of 1980s Gujarat to life with great attention to detail.
- The screenplay is engaging, keeping the audience invested in Raees’ journey.
- The dialogues are sharp and impactful, especially Shah Rukh Khan’s powerful one-liners.
3. Cinematography and Action Sequences
- The cinematography by K.U. Mohanan captures the rustic and gritty feel of Gujarat effectively.
- The action sequences are well-executed, making the film exciting for action lovers.
4. Music and Background Score
- Songs like Laila Main Laila and Zaalima became instant hits.
- The background score enhances the intensity of the dramatic and action-packed scenes.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
✔️ Shah Rukh Khan’s Power-Packed Performance – He delivers one of his most intense roles.
✔️ Engaging Storyline – The movie keeps the audience hooked with its twists and turns.
✔️ Strong Villain – Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance adds to the film’s thrill.
✔️ Great Action Sequences – The fight scenes and chase sequences are well-crafted.
✔️ Memorable Dialogues – The film has several impactful dialogues that stayed with the audience.
Weaknesses
❌ Predictable Plot – The story follows a typical gangster-movie formula.
❌ Mahira Khan’s Underdeveloped Character – Her role could have been more impactful.
❌ Slow Second Half – Some parts in the latter half of the movie feel stretched.
5. Target Audience
Mardaani is best suited for:
✅ Shah Rukh Khan Fans – His powerful performance makes the movie worth watching.
✅ Crime Thriller Enthusiasts – Those who enjoy action-packed crime dramas.
✅ Action Lovers – The movie features well-choreographed fight sequences.
✅ Bollywood Music Fans – The film’s soundtrack was a major highlight.
6. Box Office Details
Raees performed well at the box office, emerging as a commercial success.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | ₹127 crores |
| India Box Office | ₹137.51 crores |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹271 crores |
| Opening Day (India) | ₹20.42 crores |
| Opening Weekend (India) | ₹93.24 crores |
| Lifetime Collection | ₹271 crores (worldwide) |
Despite facing box office competition, Raees managed to perform well, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan’s massive fan following and strong word-of-mouth reviews.
7. Recommendation
Raees is a high-energy, action-packed crime thriller that delivers powerful performances, great action, and a gripping story. Shah Rukh Khan’s intense portrayal of Raees makes the movie a must-watch for his fans. If you enjoy thrilling crime dramas with strong characters and dialogues, this is a movie you shouldn’t miss! Highly recommended for action lovers!
Genres:
Thriller, Action, Crime
Rating:
6.672/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Raees Alam |
| Mahira Khan | Aasiya |
| Nawazuddin Siddiqui | IPS Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar |
| Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub | Sadiq, Raees’ friend and confidante |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Raees’ Mother |
| Narendra Jha | Musabhai |
| Uday Tikekar | Pasha Bhai |
| Anil Charanjeett | Qasim |
| Sunny Leone | Special Appearance in “Laila Main Laila” Song |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | Nawab |
| Atul Kulkarni | Jairaj Seth |
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