Anurag Kashyap, the torchbearer of gritty cinema in modern times, is back with Mukkabaaz. The film is the account of the travails of a passionate Rajput boxer in Bareilly who falls in love with the niece of a Brahmin boxing honcho. Enraged, the local Baahubali decides to make life hell for the young man. This is just one of the aspects of this multi-layered film. Mukkabaaz talks about the caste prejudice, corruption, and of course the overall incompetency/sycophancy that determines the lives and aspirations of young people in small town India. All the elements are told through a love story, which has rebellion and passion in equal measure.
What is it about?
Shravan Singh, an aspiring boxer trains in the facility of a local Brahmin boxing head, Bhagwan Mishra. The local lord runs the place like a fiefdom. Shravan rebels against doing household chores for Mishra and falls out of favour. His spirit wins the heart of Mishra’s mute niece Sunaina and their love story begins. While Mishra tries to end his boxing dreams, Shravan finds support from a Harijan boxing coach who gives him wings. Shravan and Sunaina marry despite Mishra’s threats. Life becomes tough for Shravan who has manage a measly job in the railways, pursue his sporting ambitions and keep his young wife happy. He fights to earn sporting glory but things reach a melting point when Mishra kidnaps Sunaina and her parents (his elder brother’s family). (Also Read: I am capturing society’s complexity with my camera: Anurag Kashyap on his upcoming Mukkabaaz)
What’s hot?
Vineet Kumar Singh whom we know as Danish Khan from Gangs of Wasseypur delivers a nuanced performance. It looks and lives the part of the rebellious and constantly browbeaten boxer. Matching him in the acting department is Jimmy Sheirgill as the local Baahubali Bhagwan Mishra. He delivers a knockout performance as the corrupt, prejudiced and megalomaniacal local politician cum gang lord cum sporting authority. Zoya Hussein is competent as the mute but spunky Sunaina. Ravi Kishan does a fine job as the Harijan boxing coach. Shreedhar Dubey as Gopal Tiwari, Vineet’s best friend delivers a whistle-worthy performance. The film is full of dark humour and some of the lines will make you crack up and how. The film is an insightful social critique into the caste system that is so deep-rooted in semi-urban and rural India. The troubles faced by aspiring sportsmen in ground level are shown in a very real manner. And there is no sugar-coating to make things look better. (Also Read: Mukkabaaz trailer: Jimmy Sheirgill’s bloodshot eyes, Vineet Singh’s powerful boxer act; Anurag Kashyap’s film packs a SOLID punch!)
What is not?
The film is a bit too lengthy. We guess the makers added some extra scenes between the couple to bring some relief from the dark tone of the film but they serve no purpose. The climax is too overstretched. Moreover, the love story though fresh in concept does not tug your heartstrings as you did hope it would. A couple of songs are totally unnecessary though the satirical lyrics do complete justice to the film.
Verdict
If you like realistic cinema with some fine writing and kickass performances, Mukkabaaz will not disappoint you a bit. The biggest takeaway is that it is a courageous film that does not shy away from calling a spade a spade. Anurag Kashyap holds together the elements with finesse appealing to all cinema lovers.