If you are looking for something with good humor and wit, you can give Guns & Gulaabs a try. This comedy series from Netflix was released in August 2023, and while it makes an effort to keep you entertained with its witty jokes and amusing plot turns, it somehow falls short of the mark.
Guns & Gulaabs is a dark comedy that has a hint of romance. The story is set in the 1990s in the town of Gulaabganj, which is the center of the government’s opium production. Two rival gangs, Ganchi and Nabeed, deal in opium illegally, and the local police and narcotics department are also involved. The rivalry between these gangs also incites conflict among the people of two towns, Gulaabganj and Sherpur, which often results in killings.
The story starts with the murder of Babu Tiger, who is the right hand of the Ganchi gang leader (whose name is also Ganch)i, by the rival Nabeed gang through a contract killer named Atmaram. Babu Tiger’s death brings instability to the operations of the Ganchi Gang as they get a very big order from a Kolkata-based drug cartel leader named Sukanto. Not only that, the new narcotics officer, Arjun has just come into town and does not corroborate with these gangs. As a result, their business gets interrupted. Even though he shows an honest effort to clean up the city from the drug trade, he gets involved in the business later. The whole plot revolves around this deal and has a chilling twist as the story moves on.
The series has a few interesting key components. One of the intriguing aspects of the story is its setting in the early 90s. People’s appearance, cassette players, landline phones, Pink Mamba perfume, 90s romantic songs, and character portrayals are quite accurate. This adds a nostalgic touch to the series and gives viewers a glimpse into the cultural and social aspects of that era.
The show successfully blends humor and romance with a darker undertone, creating a unique viewing experience.
Love affairs are shown between Panna Tipu (Babu Tiger’s son) & Chandralekha, a local school teacher, and Arjun & Yamini. While the romance between Tipu & Chandralekha was budding, Arjun & Yamini were involved in an extramarital relationship, adding the element of forbidden love and complexity to the storyline. We can also see quirky teen romance, love letters, and bookstore and after-school rendezvous that add a lighthearted and nostalgic touch to the overall narrative. These youthful relationships provide a refreshing contrast to the more mature and complicated love affairs, adding to the show’s portrayal of love’s complexities.
Friendship is also a prominent aspect of this series. Throughout this season, we can see a strong bond between the main characters and their loyal group of friends. Tipu’s love, loyalty, and friendship are evident as he joins the Ganchi gang despite his hatred for violence and criminal activities to avenge his best friend’s murder. The friendship dynamics between teen characters are also explored in depth by delving into the challenges and conflicts that arise within these friendships, highlighting the complexities of navigating adolescence together.
In the show, the Ganchi Gang leader’s son, Jugnu (also known as Chhota Ganchi), struggles with his sexual identity. He always felt the pressure to live up to his father’s expectations. When the opportunity arises for him to lead the gang and handle the deal, he fails. Jugnu never wanted to lead the life that society expects of him.
His journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a transgender individual adds a unique layer to the narrative. It also sheds light on the discrimination and prejudice faced by transgender individuals in society.
Guns & Gulaabs is directed by Raj and DK, with cinematography by Pankaj Kumar. Raj and DK have previously directed critically acclaimed series and films such as “The Family Man”, “Go Goa Gone,” and “Stree”, known for their unique storytelling and unconventional themes. The cinematography in this series was appealing. There were a lot of action and shooting scenes, and the visuals were captivating, capturing the story’s intensity and suspense. The set and music are built according to the 1990s aesthetic, with attention to detail in recreating the time’s atmosphere. However, there were high expectations from this series, as the directors had produced some remarkable work before. Compared to that, the show seemed a bit subpar. As the series has many characters, it was difficult to keep track of all of them, and not to mention a new character was introduced in the last episode whose role was ambiguous. The plot had lots of twists and turns, several betrayals, and blackmailings until its last episode, which is pretty engaging and unpredictable. But it lacked coherence at times, with certain subplots feeling disconnected from the main storyline.
The actors did a great job of capturing the essence of the story.
Rajkumar Rao did justice to his role as Panna Tipu; the actor was on point and successfully conveyed the character’s nuanced personality. Dulquer Salman portrayed his character with finesse, bringing depth and authenticity to the role. The villainous characters Atmaram, Ganchi, and Sukanto were also well-performed.
The story of Guns & Gulaabs depicts the opium business, corruption, and power struggles within the criminal underworld. It sheds light on the dark realities of a society where money and influence can dictate one’s fate while also questioning the moral boundaries that individuals are willing to cross for the sake of friendship and justice. Overall, it’s a good show. It indicated a second season by hinting at Atmaram’s survival, but it’s debatable whether the series is worth the wait for another season.