As the calendar marks the fifth anniversary of the cult blockbuster ‘Gully Boy’, we reflect on the film that stormed into theaters and the hearts of audiences alike. On this day five years ago, ‘Gully Boy’ featuring the dynamic duo of Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, burst onto the silver screen, garnering a staggering Rs 19.40 crore on its debut. This cinematic gem carved a niche in the annals of film history with its gritty portrayal of the street rap scene in Mumbai.
The visionary direction and a compelling script merited a 4-star review from the venerable Mid-Day, with critic Mayank Shekhar hailing it as a cinematic tribute to the real-life Mumbai hip-hop maestros, Naezy and Divine. Mayank underscored the significance of Ranveer and Alia’s narrative, suggesting that ‘Gully Boy’ could very well be remembered as the definitive high-point or perhaps even the catalyst that propelled desi rap into the mainstream.
As we celebrate this momentous anniversary, it’s impossible not to revisit the dialogues that encapsulated the spirit of the streets and reverberated through the corridors of popular culture. Who could possibly forget the battle cry ‘Apna Time Aayega’, which swiftly transcended the confines of the film to become a rallying anthem for empowerment? The mantra encapsulated a universal message of hope and resilience, sparking a cultural movement that saw merchandize emblazoned with the slogan flying off the shelves.
Amongst the treasure trove of memorable lines, Alia Bhatt’s fiery Safeena stands out with her feisty retort “Mere boyfriend ke saath koi gulu gulu karenga toh dhoptuingi hi na usko.” Her character’s grit and determination are palpable as she claims her ground with a heady mix of moxie and wit, especially when she playfully threatens with “If everything is fine, I can perform a liver transplant on you one day.”
Not to be sidelined, Siddhant Chaturvedi’s character leaves an indelible mark with “Tere ander ka lava faat ke bahar aane de”, advising Ranveer Singh’s character to unleash the fiery passion within. This line serves not just as a piece of advice within the film but as a metaphor for self-expression and the unstoppable force of genuine talent.
Alia’s Safeena also turned a seemingly simple “Mar Jayenga tu” into an unforgettable moment, which naturally found its way onto the endless stream of social media memes, illustrating the film’s pervasive impact on pop culture.
‘Gully Boy’ didn’t just present dialogues; it offered a slice of life, embodying the dreams and struggles of the youth clawing their way out of adversity through the power of art. The authentic representation of the country’s urban underbelly and its aspiring artists struck a chord with a wide audience, earning the movie a spot in India’s official entry for the Academy Awards that year.
Ranveer Singh’s transformation into the character of Murad showcased an actor at the peak of his craft, channeling raw emotion and delivering a performance that has been etched into the memory of film aficionados. Alia Bhatt, for her part, demonstrated the remarkable range of her acting prowess, shifting seamlessly from tender moments to scenes bursting with unapologetic fierceness.
As the lyrical battle cries and poignant scenes still echo in our minds, it’s clear that ‘Gully Boy’ did more than entertain; it inspired. It empowered the voiceless, it celebrated the dreamers, and as we chant ‘Apna Time Aayega’ even in 2024, it’s evident that the legacy of ‘Gully Boy’ continues to thrive, five years on and counting.
