Gulaal (2009) Review in 2025
Gulaal is a 2009 Indian drama film that explores the complexities of a rural Indian village, delving into themes of politics, power struggles, and the human condition.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its thought-provoking themes and stunning cinematography, but it may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film revolves around a young man named Dev, who becomes embroiled in a power struggle between two rival factions in his village, leading to a series of tragic events that ultimately change the course of his life.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring complex themes and characters, but it can be slow-paced at times.
acting7.50/10
The acting is solid, with standout performances from Rahul Bose and Abhimanyu Singh, but some of the supporting actors feel miscast.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but some of them feel underutilized, and the dialogue can be cringe-worthy at times.
direction8.50/10
Anurag Kashyap's direction is masterful, using long takes and natural lighting to create a sense of realism and immersion.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of rural India and the harsh realities of rural life.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Gulaal is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes and features stunning cinematography. The direction is masterful, and the performances are solid.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the characters feel underutilized. The dialogue can be cringe-worthy, and some of the supporting actors feel miscast.
Notable Quotes
"Politics is a dirty game, but it's a game that needs to be played."
"The truth is, we're all just pawns in a much larger game."
