Released on January 25, 2017, Raees is a gripping action-crime drama directed by Rahul Dholakia. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, the film explores the rise of a small-town bootlegger into a powerful figure in Gujarat’s underworld during the 1980s.
The movie blends elements of action, drama, and emotional depth, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Mahira Khan adding to the star-studded cast. With its mix of gritty storytelling and larger-than-life moments, Raees is a compelling cinematic experience that delves into themes of morality, ambition, and the cost of power.
Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- 1. Shah Rukh Khan’s Power-Packed Performance
- 2. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Role as Majmudar
- 3. Direction and Storytelling
- 4. Music and Background Score
- 5. Action and Cinematography
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget and Earnings
- Day-wise Earnings (First 5 Days)
- Reception
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
- About the Author: Ram
2. Plot Summary
The story follows Raees Alam (Shah Rukh Khan), a resourceful and ambitious man who starts his journey as a bootlegger in Gujarat during the prohibition era. Armed with a sharp mind and a fearless attitude, Raees builds an empire while maintaining his own moral code of “Baniye Ka Dimaag Aur Miyanbhai Ki Daring.”
However, his rise to power doesn’t come without challenges. ACP Majmudar (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a principled and relentless cop, is determined to bring Raees down. The movie explores their cat-and-mouse chase, interspersed with Raees’ personal struggles, relationships, and moral dilemmas.
Raees offers a mix of high-octane action sequences, emotional depth, and moments of introspection, making it an engaging watch.
3. What’s Good?
1. Shah Rukh Khan’s Power-Packed Performance
Shah Rukh Khan delivers a remarkable performance as Raees. He perfectly captures the character’s duality—fierce and ruthless in business, yet compassionate and vulnerable in personal moments. His intensity, dialogue delivery, and on-screen presence elevate the film significantly.
2. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Role as Majmudar
Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines as the honest and relentless police officer. His witty one-liners and calm demeanor provide a perfect foil to Shah Rukh Khan’s fiery persona, resulting in some of the movie’s most gripping scenes.
3. Direction and Storytelling
Rahul Dholakia’s direction ensures that Raees is not just an action-packed entertainer but also a film with emotional depth. The narrative balances Raees’ rise to power with his personal challenges and moral conflicts, creating a well-rounded story.
4. Music and Background Score
The film’s music, composed by Ram Sampath, adds to its appeal. Songs like “Zaalima” and “Laila Main Laila” became instant chartbusters, while the background score enhances the intensity of the action and emotional scenes.
5. Action and Cinematography
The action sequences in Raees are well-choreographed and gritty, reflecting the raw energy of the protagonist. Cinematographer K.U. Mohanan beautifully captures the essence of 1980s Gujarat, bringing authenticity to the film’s setting.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Engaging Performances: Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui deliver standout performances.
- Balanced Narrative: The film strikes a good balance between action, drama, and emotion.
- Dialogues: The impactful dialogues resonate with audiences and add to the film’s mass appeal.
- Authentic Setting: The recreation of 1980s Gujarat feels immersive and realistic.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: The film occasionally drags in the second half, with certain scenes feeling stretched.
- Predictable Plot Points: While the story is engaging, it follows a familiar trajectory of rise-and-fall narratives.
- Limited Scope for Supporting Characters: Despite a strong cast, some supporting characters, including Mahira Khan’s Aasiya, are underutilized.
Overall, Raees succeeds in delivering a gripping tale despite minor flaws.
5. Target Audience
Raees is a film that caters to a diverse audience:
- Action Lovers: Fans of high-octane action sequences will enjoy the film’s intense moments.
- Drama Enthusiasts: The emotional and moral aspects of the story make it appealing to those who enjoy layered narratives.
- Shah Rukh Khan Fans: His electrifying performance is a treat for his admirers.
- Mass Audiences: With its gripping dialogues, powerful action, and engaging music, the film has strong mass appeal.
Whether you’re a fan of Bollywood or simply enjoy well-crafted crime dramas, Raees is worth watching.
6. Box Office Details
Budget and Earnings
- Production Budget: ₹127 Crores.
- Worldwide Box Office Collection: ₹281 Crores.
Day-wise Earnings (First 5 Days)
| Day | Earnings (India) | Earnings (Overseas) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Wed) | ₹20.42 Crores | ₹8 Crores |
| Day 2 (Thu) | ₹26.30 Crores | ₹9 Crores |
| Day 3 (Fri) | ₹13.11 Crores | ₹6 Crores |
| Day 4 (Sat) | ₹15.61 Crores | ₹7 Crores |
| Day 5 (Sun) | ₹17.80 Crores | ₹8.5 Crores |
Reception
Raees was a commercial success, earning praise for its performances, direction, and music. The film performed well both in India and overseas, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2017.
7. Recommendation
Raees is a gripping tale of ambition, morality, and redemption, brought to life by Shah Rukh Khan’s stellar performance and Rahul Dholakia’s engaging direction. With its mix of action, drama, and emotion, the film has something for everyone. If you enjoy intense crime dramas with a heart, Raees is a must-watch.
Genres:
Thriller, Action, Crime
Rating:
6.672/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Raees Alam |
| Mahira Khan | Aasiya |
| Nawazuddin Siddiqui | IPS Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar |
| Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub | Sadiq, Raees’ friend and confidante |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Raees’ Mother |
| Narendra Jha | Musabhai |
| Uday Tikekar | Pasha Bhai |
| Anil Charanjeett | Qasim |
| Sunny Leone | Special Appearance in “Laila Main Laila” Song |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | Nawab |
| Atul Kulkarni | Jairaj Seth |
How is Our Review?
Let us know if you liked our review of Raees through the comment box, so that we can keep creating such content for you.
Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
