Gully Boy (2019) – Cast, Budget, IMDb Ratings – A Celebration of Dreams and Hip-Hop
Introduction
Released in 2019, Gully Boy is a Bollywood musical drama inspired by the underground hip-hop scene in India. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, the film stars Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles and chronicles the journey of a young man from the slums of Mumbai as he rises to fame as a rapper. With powerful performances, socially relevant themes, and a chart-topping soundtrack, Gully Boy became a critical and commercial success, even representing India at the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.
Key Details of Gully Boy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gully Boy |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| Genre | Drama, Musical |
| Director | Zoya Akhtar |
| Producers | Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Zoya Akhtar |
| Writers | Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti |
| Music Composer | Various Artists (including Divine and Naezy) |
| Cinematography | Jay Oza |
| Runtime | 156 minutes |
| Budget | ₹84 Crores |
| Box Office Collection | ₹238 Crores (Worldwide) |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0/10 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Ranveer Singh | Murad Ahmed, an aspiring rapper from the slums |
| Alia Bhatt | Safeena Firdausi, Murad’s feisty and supportive girlfriend |
| Siddhant Chaturvedi | Shrikant “MC Sher” Bhosle, Murad’s mentor and fellow rapper |
| Vijay Raaz | Aftab Ahmed, Murad’s abusive father |
| Amruta Subhash | Razia Ahmed, Murad’s mother |
| Kalki Koechlin | Sky, an artist who collaborates with Murad |
Plot Summary
Gully Boy is the story of Murad (Ranveer Singh), a young man from Mumbai’s Dharavi slum with dreams of becoming a rapper. Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial struggles, an abusive father, and societal discrimination, Murad finds solace in music.
Encouraged by MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturvedi), Murad hones his skills as a rapper, using his life experiences to write hard-hitting lyrics. His journey leads him to Sky (Kalki Koechlin), a music producer, and together they create music that gains widespread recognition. However, Murad’s ambition strains his relationship with Safeena (Alia Bhatt), his fiercely loyal girlfriend.
The film culminates in Murad performing at a major rap contest, symbolizing his arrival as a voice of the streets and the fulfillment of his dream to rise above his circumstances.
Memorable Aspects of Gully Boy
- Realistic Storytelling: The film portrays the struggles of the urban underclass with authenticity, resonating deeply with audiences.
- Stellar Performances:
- Ranveer Singh shines as Murad, delivering one of his career’s best performances.
- Alia Bhatt impresses with her fiery portrayal of Safeena.
- Siddhant Chaturvedi makes a remarkable debut as MC Sher.
- Powerful Music: The soundtrack, featuring tracks like “Apna Time Aayega”, “Mere Gully Mein”, and “Jahaan Tu Chala”, became a cultural phenomenon.
- Themes of Empowerment: The film highlights themes of self-expression, social mobility, and the power of art to inspire change.
- Visual Appeal: Jay Oza’s cinematography captures the vibrancy and chaos of Mumbai, enhancing the narrative.
Box Office and Legacy
Gully Boy was a massive box office success, grossing ₹238 Crores worldwide. It received widespread acclaim for its direction, performances, and music. The film was India’s official entry for the 92nd Academy Awards and won multiple Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor.
Conclusion
Gully Boy is more than just a film; it’s a cultural movement that brought India’s underground rap scene to the forefront. With its compelling story, unforgettable performances, and inspiring music, the movie stands as a testament to the power of dreams and determination. It’s a must-watch for anyone who believes in chasing their aspirations, no matter the odds.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
