With the release of the political crime drama Daddy, once again the underbelly of society finds space on the big screen. Daddy is the biopic of the gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli, starring Arjun Rampal in the titular role. Bollywood has, over the decades, seen many such films like Parinda (1989), Agneepath (1990), Satya (1998), Vaastav (1999), Company (2002), Sarkar (2005), to more recently Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), its sequel, and Raees (2017). The bedraggled underworld has consistently found favour with filmmakers and audiences alike. A peek into the world of grime and crime, and why gangster films are so popular.
Mumbai mafia
As much as the person, it’s the story behind him that’s interesting for the filmmakers. Especially real life stories. For director Milan Luthria, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and its sequel Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara were not just supposedly based on Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, they were also about how the gangsters entered the world of crime. Milan says he found it interesting “They used the sea to their advantage and how smuggling began, about protection, extortion, gambling, and bootlegging.” Rahul Dholakia, who directed Raees, wanted to make something on prohibition and therefore the film happened. The underbelly has always been an integral part of Mumbai and it has always inspired writers and makers. “People want to know the behind-the-scenes and the stories of this side of the city,” says Madhur Bhandarkar, whose National Award-winning film, Chandni Bar dealt with gangsters, too along with bar girls.
Badass is good
The authority these gangsters exude makes them captivating for filmmakers and audiences alike. “Whether it’s Godfather, Untouchables, or Indian films, gangsters have always been fascinating because of their power and romanticism,” Rahul says. Milan adds, “There’s something about being bad that everyone likes. The risk they are willing to take, and the unexpected things they do are appealing.”
Normal is boring
Through every underworld era that we have lived, says Rahul, the gangsters have been formidable personalities. “Gangsters have seemed larger-than-life, very giving, and at the same time, ruthless. They have always been mysterious and hence fascinating.”
Rags to riches
Not just in films, mobsters always have big cars, moolah, glamorous girls and guns. No wonder, the anti-hero is as popular as the hero. Milan says, “The viewer sees these characters as powerful, charismatic, surrounded by hot women and having a lavish lifestyle.” They are sort of a role model because they live life on the edge. Most gangster films are about an underdog reaching the top by any means possible. “Everyone loves a ‘rags to riches’ story. For that matter, even dacoit stories have been successful,” Milan adds. Just like Gawli became a local RobinHood from a humble background.
Glorifying criminals?
While more and more top actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt or Ajay Devgn have played gangsters in films, and now Arjun Rampal in Daddy, these films don’t glorify the baddies. Milan argues, “A filmmaker is not socially committed to doing everything right but to making a good movie.” Rahul adds, “When we made Raees, we made a conscious effort not to glorify the gangster. In the end, he does die at the hands of the cop.” Daddy director Ashim Ahluwalia has gone on record to say that they are not white washing Gawli’s character in the film.
