Raees Movie Review: Cast, Ratings, Director

Raees Movie Review: “Raees” is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language action film that has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. Directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Red Chillies, Entertainment and Excel Entertainment, the film stars features an ensemble cast led by Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Raees Movie Story:

“Raees,” a 2017 Indian Hindi-language action film directed by Rahul Dholakia, unfolds in Gujarat during the 1960. The film explores the life of Raees Alam (Shah Rukh Khan), a resourceful and ambitious man who rises from poverty to become a formidable figure in the illegal liquor trade, defying the state’s stringent prohibition laws.

Raees grows up in a poor neighborhood where he is influenced by his mother, Amina Hussain (Sheeba Chaddha), who teaches him that no work is ignoble if it helps others. This belief shapes Raees’s journey as he enters the bootlegging business. Partnering with his loyal friend, Sadiq Khan (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), Raees quickly expands his operations, gaining the trust and admiration of the local community by addressing their needs and protecting them from exploitation.

Raees’s increasing power and influence catch the attention of ACP Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an unyielding and principled police officer dedicated to eradicating crime. The ensuing battle between Raees and Majmudar forms the crux of the story, creating a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase that showcases the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by both men.

In the midst of his rise, Raees marries Aasiya Qazi (Mahira Khan), whose unwavering support and love provide him with emotional stability. However, Raees’s life becomes increasingly complicated as he faces betrayal from his former mentor, Jairaj Seth (Atul Kulkarni), and navigates the treacherous waters of the underworld.

As Raees’s empire grows, so do his challenges, culminating in a dramatic and tragic finale. The film paints a nuanced portrait of Raees as a man who, despite his criminal activities, strives to uplift his community and live by a moral code instilled in him by his mother.

“Raees” is a powerful exploration of ambition, morality, and the socio-political landscape of Gujarat. It delves into the complexities of an anti-hero’s life, examining how personal ethics intersect with crime and power, making it a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Raees Movie Cast:

1.Shah Rukh Khan as Raees Alam:

Shah Rukh Khan plays the titular character, Raees Alam, a bootlegger in Gujarat whose intelligence, ambition, and ruthlessness help him build an illegal empire. Despite his criminal activities, Raees is portrayed with a sense of morality and care for his community, making him a complex anti-hero.

2.Mahira Khan as Aasiya Qazi:

Mahira Khan, in her Bollywood debut, portrays Aasiya Qazi, Raees’s wife. Aasiya is a supportive and loving partner who provides emotional strength to Raees. Her character adds a layer of personal depth to Raees’s tumultuous life.

3.Nawazuddin Siddiqui as ACP Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar:

Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays ACP Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar, a dedicated and honest police officer determined to bring Raees to justice. His relentless pursuit of Raees creates a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic throughout the film.

4.Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Sadiq Khan:

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays Sadiq Khan, Raees’s loyal friend and confidant. Sadiq stands by Raees through thick and thin, showcasing themes of friendship and loyalty.

5.Sheeba Chaddha as Amina Hussain:

Sheeba Chaddha portrays Amina Hussain, Raees’s mother. Her teachings about the dignity of labor and morality deeply influence Raees’s worldview and actions, despite his involvement in illegal activities.

6.Atul Kulkarni as Jairaj Seth:

Atul Kulkarni plays Jairaj Seth, Raees’s mentor who later becomes his adversary. Jairaj’s betrayal adds a layer of complexity and tension to the storyline, highlighting the treacherous nature of the criminal world.

7.Jaideep Ahlawat as Nawab:

Jaideep Ahlawat portrays Nawab, a key figure in the underworld. His character contributes to the depiction of the criminal network Raees navigates.

8.Nalneesh Neel as Lalji:

Nalneesh Neel plays Lalji, one of the supporting characters who adds to the ensemble cast’s dynamic and the film’s portrayal of the underworld.

9.Raj Arjun as Ilyas:

Raj Arjun plays Ilyas, another supporting character who is part of Raees’s world, adding to the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics.

10.Narendra Jha as Musa Bhai:

Narendra Jha portrays Musa Bhai, a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. His character emphasizes the broader network of illegal activities that Raees is a part of.

11.Uday Tikekar as Pasha Bhai:

Uday Tikekar plays Pasha Bhai, a significant player in the underworld, contributing to the film’s depiction of the interconnected and often dangerous world of crime.

Raees Movie Rating:

“Raees,” the 2017 Indian Hindi-language action film directed by Rahul Dholakia, holds a mixed bag of ratings. IMDb rates it 6.7 out of 10, reflecting moderate viewer approval. Justdial gives it a slightly lower rating of 6.6 out of 10, indicating a similar sentiment among audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 62% score based on critic reviews, highlighting a divided critical reception.

Starring Shah Rukh Khan as Raees Alam, a bootlegger navigating the underworld of Gujarat during prohibition, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as ACP Jaideep Ambalal Majmudar, his formidable adversary, the film explores themes of ambition, morality, and power. While Khan’s performance received praise for its depth and intensity, criticisms centered on pacing issues and ethical considerations. “Raees” remains notable for its engaging performances amidst its varied reception among critics and viewers alike.

Raees Movie Director:

“Raees,” the 2017 Indian Hindi-language action film, was directed by Rahul Dholakia. Known for his nuanced storytelling and ability to blend gritty realism with cinematic flair, Dholakia brought to life the tale of Raees Alam, played by Shah Rukh Khan, a bootlegger navigating the complexities of Gujarat’s underworld during prohibition. Dholakia’s direction captured the essence of the era, depicting both the allure and consequences of Raees’s illegal activities. His approach emphasized character depth and socio-political context, supported by strong performances and atmospheric cinematography. “Raees” stands as a testament to Dholakia’s skill in presenting compelling narratives within the framework of action-packed drama.

Box Office Performance:

“Raees,” released in 2017, achieved significant box office success worldwide, grossing ₹304 crore (US$46.68 million). It emerged as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2017 at the time and one of the top 20 highest-grossing Indian films ever. Despite a strong opening weekend with ₹128 crore globally, it faced challenges domestically. In India, it grossed ₹177 crore (US$27.18 million) but had a net collection of ₹139 crore (US$21.34 million) due to its ₹91 crore budget. The film’s performance was also impacted by piracy, with 62 lakh online file sharers, particularly in India and Pakistan, affecting its box office earnings in the region.

Conclusion:

“Raees” is a multifaceted film that offers a blend of action, drama, and social commentary. Through its complex characters, engaging narrative, and exploration of moral ambiguities, the film provides a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Shah Rukh Khan’s compelling performance as Raees Alam anchors the film, supported by a strong ensemble cast and effective direction by Rahul Dholakia. Despite its mixed critical reception, “Raees” succeeded in making a significant impact on both audiences and the box office, cementing its place in the landscape of contemporary Bollywood cinema.