Director: Shaad Ali
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Abishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Bollywood have earned praise of Amitabh Bachchan. Following his rise to fame amid the 1970’s, Bachchan has transformed in a legendary Bollywood icon. Whether it’s inspiring teachers, frustrated fathers or patriotic leaders, Bachchan has played many strong characters. Arguably, Bachchan’s best strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare Indian actors that has always had strong presence which has elevated every movie he is in. Through his capabilities to create characters which audience can easily relate to, Bachchan has become a celebrated Bollywood icon that audiences value. Although he is best known for roles in Bollywood, Bachchan has proven he excels in every genre. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Bachchan has never lost long lasting passion for entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, Bachchan has produced countless movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a big fan of Bachchan and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Bunty Aur Babli” certainly stands out as his most underrated movie. Released in 2005, Shaad Ali’s film offered captivating portraits of con-artists. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it is one of the finest Bollywood movies made. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Amitabh Bachchan, embodying a strong police officer that faces tension. Ultimately, what makes “Bunty Aur Babli” a Bollywood classic is universal appeal. Unlike most films made in India, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. A brilliant Bollywood classic about con-artists, there are several reasons why “Bunty Aur Babli” is a film that is worth watching.
“Bunty Aur Babli” tells the story of a pair of con-artists that face adversity. Abhishek Bachchan portrays Bunty, a poor man that seeks to become wealthy. In the desperate attempt to make ends meet, Bunty decides to become a con-artist pulling off a tricky feat. Accompanied by his newfound partner Babli (Rani Mukerji), Bunty seeks to commit scam crimes without any penalty. However, Bunty and Babli come in danger when they are hunted down by a ruthless police officer. Dashrath Singh (Amitabh Bachchan) is an aggressive police officer that is determined to track down con-artists in danger. As all the odds are stacked against their favour, Bunty and Babli wonder how long they can commit crimes without being caught by the police officer.
Shaad Ali is fascinated with the themes of doomed love. A fantastic Indian filmmaker, Ali has often made engaging movies about lovers which face disaster. His iconic movie “Saathiya” offered a powerful portrait of a pair of lovers in destructive marriage facing adversity. With “Bunty Aur Babli”, however, Ali made his first ever crime film. It marked the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of con artists seeking to be wealthy but he succeeded tremendously. Using stunning cinematography, Ali captures the lives of a pair of con-artists facing adversity. Evoking Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me if You Can”, the filmmaker effectively uses montages to capture tensions faced by con-artist with a plan. For instance, montages enhance the con-artist crime scene. During this comedic scene, Bunty and Babli team up to commit a series of con-artists crimes. Using montage, Ali creates a portrait of con-artists which is engaging. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Khan” suggested, montages elevate dysfunctional family dramas. That being said, it works tremendously. Through stunning visuals, Ali captures tensions that con-artists are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Bunty Aur Babli” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies which you will ever see. Inspired with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Devdas”, Ali expertly uses elaborate dance choreography to stage musical sequences that are engaging. For instance, the dance choreography enhances the Kajra Re song scene. During this memorable scene, Bunty and Dashrath share an intimate moment of fun together in a bar. Using elaborate dance choreography, Ali crafts an item song which is engaging. Using stunning production, Ali captures con-artists that engage in crimes causing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Bunty Aur Babli” is a Bollywood film that’s engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the tensions that con-artists are facing. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the police scene. During this intense scene, Bunty and Babli have an argument concerning how to cope with police that is on their trail. Using dramatic monologues, Ali creates a portrait of con-artists which is compelling. Dramatic monologues are tricky techniques to use in most movies. As Aditya Chopra’s “Mohabbatein” proved, dramatic monologues elevate romantic movies about college students. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using a strong screenplay, Ali captures the tensions faced by con-artists in India today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Amitabh Bachchan delivers one of his finest performances as Darshant Singh. Bachchan first earned recognition for playing romantic heroes in celebrated Bollywood films. With “Bunty Aur Babli”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a police officer that seeks to resolve crimes in a doomed city but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and funny in his funniest role. It’s a terrific performance from one of the most commemorated actors that is working in India today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Amitabh Bachchan, the supporting cast is also excellent and worthy of appreciation. Abhishek Bachchan is amazing, capturing the dedication of a con-artist engaging in a life of crime without police detection. Rani Mukerji is remarkable, bringing authority to an impoverished woman which becomes a con-artist to overcome poverty. Lastly, Raj Babbar merits appreciation. As a ruthless con-artist, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Bunty Aur Babli” would deserve the appreciation of everyone for capturing con-artists that seek to be wealthy. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as ambition, mental health and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Indian cultures to appreciate it. Therefore, “Bunty Aur Babli” is one of those rare Indian movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Amitabh Bachchan would definitely appreciate “Bunty Aur Babli” and so would movie-goers seeking bold entertainment. A riveting Bollywood crime drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic Bollywood movie about clever con-artists hunted down by an anxious police officer, it’s a remarkable reminder about a legendary Indian actor that has created a lasting legacy through his abilities to play compelling characters in iconic films that audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 