Gangsters in Mumbai aren’t an old folks’ tale. These individuals live and breathe the same air as any other citizen. Here’s a look at their lives encapsulated in the form of films.
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has recently ordered the premature release of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli, who was serving his life sentence in Nagpur Central Jail. Gawli had been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in August 2012 for the murder of a Shiv Sena corporator in March 2008.
Arun Gawli’s story brings a real-life connection to the film ‘Daddy’, where Arjun Rampal depicts the notorious gangster-turned-politician. Set in the early ’70s, the film delves into the dilapidated conditions of mill and factory workers, a backdrop that forces many into the shadowy underworld. The narrative follows three residents of Dagdi Chawl in Mumbai, who form a gang named B.R.A. and evolve into one of the city’s most feared groups. Rampal’s portrayal is striking, characterized by his Maharashtrian attire and flawless Marathi accent.
In another reel-life reflection of Mumbai’s gangster scene, ‘Haseena Parkar’, Shraddha Kapoor steps into the shoes of the feared ‘Aapa’. As Dawood Ibrahim’s sister, Haseena was thrust into the limelight of crime after being constantly pursued by law enforcement. With 88 cases to her name but only one court appearance, she was rumored to have managed her brother’s Rs.1000-crore underworld empire. The film captures Haseena’s journey from a 17-year-old girl to a 43-year-old woman, showcasing the lengths Kapoor went to physically transform for the role through prosthetics, body suits, and heavy make-up.
Shifting gears yet staying rooted in the gritty reality of Mumbai’s underworld is the 2007 action thriller ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’. Vivek Anand Oberoi stars as Maya Dolas, a notorious figure working for Dawood Ibrahim. The film climaxes with the 1991 Lokhandwala Complex shootout where Dolas was killed.
. The movie not only became known for its intense scenes but also for its music, especially the song ‘Ganpat’, which became a party anthem.
Another compelling tale is told through ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film explores the life of a young woman sold into prostitution who then rises to power in the Kamathipua red-light district. Alia Bhatt delivers a powerful performance that earned her a National Film Award. Ajay Devgn also stars, portraying Rahim Lala, a figure based on the real-life Karim Lala, one of Mumbai’s iconic mafia dons.
The film ‘Shootout at Wadala’ is based on the book “Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia” by Hussain Zaidi. John Abraham stars as Manya Surve, a student who becomes entangled in the gangster life after killing an assaulter in defense of his brother. He escapes prison and forms his gang, eventually gaining notoriety until his fatal encounter with the Mumbai police in 1982 at Wadala.
In ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’, directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ektaa Kapoor, the intricate tapestry of Mumbai’s underworld is further unraveled. The film, which received both critical and commercial success, stars Ajay Devgn as Sultan Mirza, paralleling the life of a well-known gangster. Emraan Hashmi plays Shoaib, originally inspired by Mirza but who later turns into his rival. The movie also shines with its memorable soundtrack, including hits like ‘I am in Love’, ‘Pee Loon’, and ‘Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein’.
Sanjay Dutt’s career-defining role in ‘Vaastav’ deserves mention in any discussion about Mumbai’s cinematic portrayal of gangsters. Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, the film stars Sanjay Dutt as Raghu, a character that earned him his first Best Actor award at the Filmfare Awards. The storyline is reportedly based on the life of Chhota Rajan, another iconic figure in Mumbai’s underworld. Supported by a stellar cast including Namrata Shirodkar, Sanjay Narvekar, and Paresh Rawal, ‘Vaastav’ is an essential addition to the genre.
Gangsters in Mumbai aren’t an old folks’ tale. These individuals live and breathe the same air as any other citizen. Here’s a look at their lives encapsulated in the form of films. As these films illustrate, the saga of Mumbai’s underworld is complex and multifaceted, providing rich narratives that continue to captivate audiences both in India and globally.
