In a year brimming with cinematic offerings, “Lucky Baskhar,” a Telugu film penned and helmed by Venky Atluri, stands out with its unique narrative approach. Masterfully utilizing a technique of building tension followed by unexpected twists, Atluri guides the audience through a gripping journey filled with moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats before rewinding to reveal how each scenario unfolds. The technique, repeated at various intervals throughout the film, presents a delicate balance. There is an inherent risk of predictability, yet the film manages to deliver just enough surprise to maintain engagement and elicit a knowing smile from its audience.
“Lucky Baskhar” intertwines its core relationship drama against the backdrop of a financial scam, showcasing Atluri’s finest directorial work to date. The leading force behind this compelling narrative is none other than Dulquer Salmaan. Known for his versatile acting prowess, Salmaan effortlessly transitions from portraying an everyman burdened by financial woes to embodying a cunning banker driven by the tantalizing prospect of easy money.
The film opens with Baskhar, the protagonist, directly addressing the audience, offering us a heartfelt recount of his life’s trials. The production team’s attention to detail is evident in the vivid depiction of Bombay’s lower-middle-class quarters from 1989 to 1992. With Nimish Ravi’s cinematography illuminating the gritty, narrow lanes and grey-tinted walls, the authenticity of the era envelops viewers in Baskhar’s world.
For the first hour, the narrative treads familiar ground. Baskhar is a man constantly battling financial constraints, struggling to support his family consisting of his wife, son, siblings, and ailing father. Debt is a constant shadow, and even affording simple meals like vada pav becomes a challenge. Predictability comes into play when Baskhar yields to the temptation of quick money, but the thoughtfully crafted screenplay paints a vivid picture of his clandestine dealings at the bank.
The heart of the story is not just the financial arc but the central relationship between Baskhar and his wife, Sumathi, played by Meenakshi Chaudhary. Their chemistry is palpable, forged in the fires of adversity. The genesis of their love story and the ensuing familial tensions are encapsulated in a succinct yet evocative song sequence, ensuring that audiences grasp the emotional landscape without lengthy exposition. The familial dynamics present expected stereotypes, but the nuanced portrayals of select characters breathe fresh life into the narrative. Baskhar’s reclusive father and astute six-year-old son are characters that surprise, providing layers of depth to the familial subplot.
The late-80s, early-90s setting allows the filmmakers to weave in elements of stock market manipulation and money laundering, drawing parallels to infamous figures of the time, such as Harshad Mehta, albeit with creative liberties.
. Atluri crafts his own version of a banking scandal, reflecting on a time when lax surveillance facilitated fraudulent activities. The film’s clever storytelling comes to the fore when Baskhar breaks the fourth wall again, signaling the real beginning of his story.
As the film progresses into its latter half, Atluri shifts gears, delving into the murky waters of money laundering and revealing how an intricate web, connecting bank managers to small businesses, becomes unwitting participants in a grand scam. The screenplay deftly communicates the operational nuances without belittling the audience’s intelligence, allowing Baskhar’s evolution from impoverished individual to affluent, and dangerously ambitious, businessman to unfold. Sumathi serves as a sounding board for Baskhar’s conscience, her presence a moral counterweight in his increasingly greedy pursuits.
Supporting characters play pivotal roles, sometimes nudging Baskhar towards introspection. But as the plot thickens, questions arise—will Baskhar manage to extricate himself from the deepening morass, or is he in too deep? The storyline, crisp and never stagnant, keeps viewers pondering Baskhar’s next move.
Dulquer Salmaan epitomizes Baskhar with impeccable finesse. He captures the essence of the struggling middle-class man while seamlessly exhibiting the arrogance that surfaces with newfound wealth. Archana Rao’s styling aids this transformation, with subtle visual cues, such as Baskhar’s prematurely graying hair, symbolizing his psychological stress. Salmaan shines, conveying complex emotions with minimal dialogue, underscoring the robust writing with a performance that’s both authoritative and authentic. Meenakshi Chaudhary delivers a commendable performance, representing Sumathi’s strength and resolve effectively.
The supporting cast, including Rajkumar Kasireddy, Maganti Srikanth, Hyper Aadhi, Ramki, Tinnu Anand, and Sachin Khedekar, deliver solid performances, enriching the film’s narrative fabric. The dynamic among Baskhar’s colleagues, as portrayed by Gayatri Bhargavi, provides a glimpse into his journey of losing and reclaiming his humanity.
GV Prakash Kumar’s musical score adds a vivid dimension to the film, though its intensity occasionally hints at unfolding plot twists a tad prematurely. One moment near the climax might have benefited from more subtlety to maintain suspense.
With “Lucky Baskhar,” the film does not preach but subtly addresses themes of moral boundaries, underscoring the importance of knowing when and how to draw lines in the pursuit of success. Through Baskhar’s eyes, the film masterfully reflects on the nuances of ambition and consequence. In the words of Baskhar himself, the audience is left applauding a well-executed cinematic journey. Currently, “Lucky Baskhar” is captivating audiences in theaters, leaving an indelible impression.
