New Delhi: Reflecting upon luminaries in Indian cinema, one might pinpoint several remarkable performances. However, there are a select few that resonate beyond the silver screen and into the zeitgeist of a nation. As we stand at the five-year milestone since the release of the cult classic ‘Gully Boy’, it is imperative to revisit the tour de force that was Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Murad – a performance that continues to echo in the alleys of fans’ memories.
The film ‘Gully Boy’, under the directorial finesse of Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, opened a window to the fervent world of Mumbai’s underground hip-hop scene in 2019. With heartfelt verses and battling beats, it was more than just a musical drama; it was a movement. Centric to this revolution was Ranveer Singh’s Murad, a character that resolutely found its abode within the audience’s psyche.
Murad, as essayed by Ranveer, became not merely a fictional character but a personification of the hopes of every aspiring artist chained by societal shackles. Ranveer’s transformation into the underdog with a pen mightier than the sword was not only convincing but also catalytic in inspiring a generation to dream. His phenomenal adaptability as an actor was on full display as he navigated through Murad’s multifaceted life – from being a vulnerable son in the gullies of Dharavi to rising as an assertive, self-made artist.
The canvas of Murad’s journey was painted with a spectrum of emotions, each stroke depicting his battles, both personal and societal. Ranveer’s acting was a meticulous blend of intensity and subtlety. The raw, unfiltered moments of struggle were as captivating as his bombastic freestyle rap battles, leaving audiences both spellbound and introspective.
Interestingly, ‘Gully Boy’ is also remembered for showcasing Ranveer’s foray into rapping, proving his versatility as an artist. He absorbed the rhythm and poetry intrinsic to hip-hop, and presented viewers with a heartfelt narrative through his lyrics. The resonant catchphrase “Apna Time Aayega” became an anthem for ambition and perseverance, echoing far beyond the film’s narrative and into the lives of countless viewers.
Ranveer Singh’s dynamism has been a constant in his subsequent roles, where he continues to demonstrate an enigmatic presence that is rare and captivating. His recent performance as Rocky Randhawa in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani’ is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. He immerses himself so deeply into each character that Ranveer and the personas he brings to life become indistinguishable.
As ‘Gully Boy’ commemorates its fifth anniversary, it is pertinent to celebrate not just the film but also the imprint Ranveer Singh’s Murad has left on the cultural fabric. The afterglow of his performance is a testament to cinema’s power to not only entertain but also to lift spirits and fuel aspirations.
Consequently, Murad stands tall as a beacon for many, a symbol of breaking the mold and revolting against the predetermined path society often lays out. The passion and perseverance Ranveer Singh infused into Murad, remain etched as a source of inspiration, reiterating the belief that everyone’s time does come – all one needs is the courage to seize it.
As time progresses and cinema evolves, ‘Gully Boy’ and Murad will endure as emblematic of the very essence of storytelling: to reflect society’s truths and touch the cores of humanity. Five years on, the film and Ranveer’s groundbreaking performance continue to resonate, immortalized for what they represented – an unyielding spirit and a voice that demands to be heard.
