Directed by Venky Atluri, and starring Dulquer Salmaan in the nominal role, this Telgu period crime thriller is set against the revealing backdrop of the late 1980s and early 1990s Bombay, the film digs into the transformative journey of Baskhar Kumar, a middle-class bank cashier grappling with financial pressures and the allure of quick wealth. Let’s check out the review of Lucky Baskhar.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Release Date: 31 October 2024
Genre: Crime
Director: Venky Atluri
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Tinnu Anand, Ramki, P.Sai Kumar, Sachin Khedekar
Plot Overview:
The film opens with a vivid depiction of Baskhar’s daily life, marked by his unfulfilled aspirations and mounting debts. As a bank cashier often overlooked for promotions, Baskhar’s frustrations are palpable. His life takes a dramatic turn when he decides to subvert the very rules he once upheld, plunging into the risky realm of money laundering and stock market scams.
Inspired by the notorious 1992 securities fraud, Baskhar quickly rises through the ranks of the financial underworld, leveraging his position at the bank and his newfound connections. As he navigates the treacherous waters of illegal finance, Baskhar transforms from an honest, humble man to a shrewd, power-hungry individual. This transformation is marked by moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices that weigh heavily on his conscience.
His wife, Sumathi, remains a pillar of support, but their relationship strains under the pressures of Baskhar’s double life. As Baskhar’s schemes grow bolder, he attracts the attention of law enforcement and rival criminals, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game that threatens to unravel his carefully constructed facade.
Character Analysis of Lucky Baskhar
- Dulquer Salmaan’s portrayal of Baskhar is nothing short of brilliant. He captures the nuances of a man torn between his moral compass and the intoxicating lure of power and affluence. Baskhar’s evolution from a humble, honest worker to a shrewd, almost ruthless character is both compelling and unsettling, drawing the audience into his internal and external conflicts.
- Meenakshi Chaudhary, playing Sumathi, Baskhar’s steadfast wife, provides a grounding force to the narrative. Her performance adds emotional depth, showcasing the personal toll of Baskhar’s choices on his family. The supporting cast, including Sai Kumar, Ramki, and Tinnu Anand, contribute significantly, each bringing their characters to life with authenticity and vigor.
Screenplay:
Venky Atluri’s direction and screenplay are commendable. He masterfully balances the period setting with a gripping storyline, making the 1980s and 90s Bombay a character in its own right. The meticulous production design by art director Banglan and the cinematography by Nimish Ravi create a visually stunning recreation of the era. The use of warm tones and film grain enhances the nostalgic feel, immersing the audience in Baskhar’s world.
The dialogues are sharp and effective, adding to the film’s overall impact. Though slightly rushed at the beginning, the narrative pace finds its rhythm in the second half. As Baskhar’s descent into greed and power becomes more pronounced, the film’s tension escalates, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Box Office:
Lucky Baskhar was released globally on October 31, 2024, with Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam dubbings also available. In all languages, the movie made about ₹72 crore in India.
Lucky Baskhar OTT Release Date:
The film made its OTT debut on Netflix on November 28, 2024. Available in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, the movie continues to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative and stellar performances.
Strengths of Lucky Baskhar :
- Dulquer Salmaan’s Performance: He brilliantly captures Baskhar’s transformation from a sincere bank cashier to a cunning mastermind.
- Engaging Direction and Screenplay: Venky Atluri skillfully blends period authenticity with a gripping storyline.
- Authentic Production Design: The film’s recreation of 1980s and 90s Bombay is visually immersive and nostalgic.
- Strong Supporting Cast: Meenakshi Chaudhary and others add depth and authenticity to the narrative.
- Emotional Resonance: The film powerfully portrays the impact of Baskhar’s choices on his family.
Areas for Improvement:
- Initial Pacing: The beginning feels rushed, making Baskhar’s motivations less clear.
- Period Accuracy: Some anachronisms, like incorrect props, disrupt the authenticity.
- Preachy Ending: The moral message becomes too heavy-handed towards the end.
- Character Development: Supporting characters could use more backstory.
- Consistent Tension: Maintaining higher stakes throughout would enhance engagement.
Final Thoughts
Despite minor lapses in period detailing, such as anachronistic elements like Jackie Shroff’s Charminar cigarette hoardings, the film’s overall production quality is impressive. The story risks veering into didactic territory towards the end, but this is mitigated by a powerful moral confrontation between Baskhar and a close confidant.
In summary, Lucky Baskhar is a must-watch. It is a poignant exploration of ambition, the corrupting influence of power, and the cost of bending the rules. With strong performances, an engaging screenplay, and a richly textured nostalgic backdrop, this film is poised to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
