Raees (Cast, Budget, IMDb Ratings) – A Tale of Power, Crime, and Redemption
Introduction
Released in 2017, Raees is a gripping crime drama that chronicles the rise of a bootlegger in Gujarat during the 1980s. Directed by Rahul Dholakia, the film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, supported by a stellar cast including Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Mahira Khan. With a mix of action, emotion, and drama, Raees captures the struggle of a man balancing his principles with his illegal empire.
Key Details of Raees
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Raees |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Genre | Crime, Action, Drama |
| Director | Rahul Dholakia |
| Producers | Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Gauri Khan |
| Writers | Rahul Dholakia, Harit Mehta, Ashish Vashi, Niraj Shukla |
| Music Composer | Ram Sampath, JAM8 |
| Cinematography | K.U. Mohanan |
| Runtime | 143 minutes |
| Budget | ₹127 Crores |
| Box Office Collection | ₹308 Crores (Worldwide) |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8/10 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Raees Alam |
| Nawazuddin Siddiqui | IPS Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar |
| Mahira Khan | Aasiya (Raees’s wife) |
| Atul Kulkarni | Jairaj (Raees’s mentor) |
| Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub | Sadiq (Raees’s best friend) |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Raees’s Mother |
| Sunny Leone | Guest appearance in “Laila Main Laila” |
Plot Summary
Set in 1980s Gujarat, Raees follows the journey of a young boy, Raees Alam, who rises from poverty to become a powerful bootlegger. With his wit, courage, and business acumen, Raees builds an empire, challenging the local liquor prohibition laws. However, his rise attracts the attention of police officer IPS Jaideep Majmudar, who is determined to bring Raees to justice.
Raees, while being a criminal, is shown as a man of principles, who cares deeply for his community and uses his wealth to uplift the underprivileged. As the story unfolds, Raees faces betrayal, political manipulation, and moral dilemmas, leading to a dramatic and poignant climax.
Memorable Aspects of Raees
Shah Rukh Khan’s Stellar Performance
- SRK’s portrayal of Raees is charismatic and intense, showcasing his range as an actor.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Strong Presence
- As the honest and relentless cop, Siddiqui delivers a compelling performance, providing a perfect foil to SRK’s Raees.
Action and Drama
- The film features well-choreographed action sequences, blending them seamlessly with emotional moments.
Powerful Dialogues
- Raees is filled with memorable lines, such as:
- “Baniye ka dimaag aur miyanbhai ki daring.”
- “Dhandha bada ya chhota nahi hota, dhandha dhandha hota hai.”
Music and Dance
- The soundtrack includes hits like “Laila Main Laila” and “Zaalima”, adding vibrancy to the film.
Box Office and Legacy
- Raees was a commercial success, earning over ₹300 Crores worldwide.
- It garnered praise for its engaging narrative, performances, and music.
- The film sparked discussions on morality, law, and community responsibility, adding depth to its mass appeal.
Themes in Raees
- Morality vs. Ambition: Explores the conflict between achieving success and staying true to ethical values.
- Loyalty and Betrayal: Highlights the importance of trust in personal and professional relationships.
- Community and Responsibility: Shows Raees’s efforts to balance his criminal activities with his role as a community leader.
Trivia
- The character of Raees was loosely inspired by Abdul Latif, a real-life gangster from Gujarat.
- This marked the Bollywood debut of Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.
- Sunny Leone’s dance number, “Laila Main Laila,” became a chartbuster.
Conclusion
Raees is a captivating tale of ambition, struggle, and redemption, brought to life by brilliant performances and an engaging narrative. With its blend of action, emotion, and social commentary, the film strikes a chord with audiences, solidifying its place as a memorable addition to Bollywood’s crime-drama genre.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
