“Lucky Baskhar,” the latest Telugu film to grace the big screen, is a testament to the creative storytelling prowess of writer-director Venky Atluri. Employing a unique narrative style, the film intricately weaves tense scenarios followed by surprising twists and then rewinds the clock to unravel the chain of events that unfold. This method not only keeps the audience engaged but also showcases the full potential of Daquer Salmaan in the titular role. Atluri’s method does run the risk of becoming predictable, yet the execution manages to sustain intrigue and deliver satisfaction with each unexpected revelation. Undoubtedly, “Lucky Baskhar” marks a high point in Atluri’s cinematic career, presenting a nuanced tale of human relationships set against the backdrop of a financial scam.
The story launches with Baskhar breaking the proverbial fourth wall—a storytelling device that immediately hooks the audience into a deeply personal account. The setting is meticulously crafted with Banglan’s production design transporting viewers to a lower middle-class neighborhood in Bombay during the years 1989 to 1992. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography traverses the grey-tinted walls and narrow alleys, immersing viewers into the grim yet vibrant life of the cityscape.
At its inception, “Lucky Baskhar” follows a predictable trajectory. The protagonist Baskhar, portrayed by the ever-versatile Dulquer Salmaan, is caught in the web of a hand-to-mouth existence. With responsibilities weighing him down—including caring for his wife, son, two siblings, and an ailing father—Baskhar’s life spirals under economic duress. This dire condition foreshadows his eventual entanglement in financial misadventures. As anticipated, the temptation of quick financial gain draws him in. Here, the narrative does not leave room for ambiguity as it meticulously lays out each aspect of Baskhar’s stealth tactics within the banking world to ensure clarity.
Alongside the financial antics, the film unfolds a parallel relationship drama. Baskhar’s dynamic with Sumathi, played by Meenakshi Chaudhary, reflects a relationship that has withstood adversities. Their bond, initially depicted through a melodious flashback song, acts as a foundation that lends authenticity to their onscreen chemistry.
. Family dynamics are deftly explored, with standout portrayals by supporting characters—namely, the reclusive father and an unexpectedly savvy young son—adding layers to the narrative.
The temporal setting allows Atluri to creatively reference real-world financial events of the time, notably drawing parallels to the infamous stock market manipulations. Through the creation of a Mehta-esque character, Atluri cleverly injects a fictional yet believable spin on the banking fraud storyline, using Baskhar’s early misdemeanors as a metaphor for the luck and laxity of an era devoid of modern surveillance technologies.
As the story progresses to its midpoint, the film shifts gears dramatically. Baskhar acknowledges the narrative’s turning point with a direct address to the audience, catalyzing the plot’s dive into the murky realms of money laundering. With a tight script, Atluri explores the entanglement of various societal layers—from bank officials to small enterprises—into the fabric of large-scale scams. The screenplay simplifies the intricacies of financial deceit without undermining the audience’s intelligence, letting Dulquer’s character evolve from a destitute everyman to a seemingly untouchable mogul, bespeaking both richness and arrogance.
While Sumathi serves as Baskhar’s moral compass, her influence is tested as Baskhar finds himself deeply embroiled in the scam’s clutches. The film utilizes its secondary characters to ignite Baskhar’s introspection. Yet, as the stakes heighten, suspense grips the narrative—will Baskhar emancipate himself from the quagmire, or is he irrevocably ensnared?
Dulquer Salmaan’s performance is a masterclass in versatility. Effortlessly embodying a pauper’s earnestness and transitioning to a potent, confident figure, his portrayal captures the essence of his character’s transformation signaled by his sartorial evolution—all deftly realized by Archana Rao. Dulquer communicates volumes with minimal dialogue, his emotions conveying the intricacies of Baskhar’s internal journey.
In its cast, Meenakshi Chaudhary provides compelling support, with Rajkumar Kasireddy, Maganti Srikanth, Hyper Aadhi, Ramki, Tinnu Anand, and Sachin Khedekar excellently complementing the narrative. Furthermore, the seemingly minute yet impactful interactions through characters like Gayatri Bhargavi etch out Baskhar’s humanity, offering glimpses of his redemption arc.
GV Prakash Kumar’s music score at times presages the plot, though it successfully amplifies emotional crescendos amid critical moments, especially as the narrative approaches pivotal turning points. The film navigates Baskhar’s ethical quandaries with finesse, subtly conveying the importance of discerning when to cease pursuing ambition. In a journey articulated with Baskhar’s own words, “Lucky Baskhar” stands as a commendable cinematic achievement, hailed for its deft storytelling and engaging performances, currently captivating audiences in theaters.
