Mahira Khan Proves To Be The Madhuri Of Pakistan In 'Raees'

Gear up for a major throwback to a blockbuster based on real life criminals. My first one was Dayavan  (1989) starring Vinod Khanna and Madhuri. Of course, you can never forget the rather impactful role that Madhuri perfected. Similarly, here in 2017 we see Mahira and can't help but compare her to Madhuri, who also does full justice to her role as the gangster’s love interest and wife. She is powerful, yet holds on to the charm of a Hindi film heroine which was missing on the celluloid since the past few years.

Raees is Shahrukh Khan’s version of gangster movies. And, just when I thought Shahrukh is over, he is back with a bang- looking younger and doing what he does best – romancing!

One thing that all of these gangster movies have in common is that they portray the super bad hero to possess a heart of gold and mainly because that is exactly how the dons of that time projected themselves in real life too.

Other such examples include, Sanjay Dutt in Khalnayak who is portrayed as a villain but is genuinely a good person at heart or Ajay Devgan role who wants to get involved in politics to do good for his people and the society on a whole. Those were the times when the janta (masses) believed more in a God Father than the government or police authorities for basic necessities of life.

Carrying that legacy forward, Raees, is based on a story of a bootlegger turned politician played by Shah Rukh Khan.

Guaranteed: If you were missing the old Shah Rukh Khan movies then this one will surely satisfy you!

The ever-so-reliable Nawazuddin Siddiqui steps in with his crackling performance as the policeman. In the trademark Nawaz style, he delivers some comic relief while playing the Tom to Khan’s Jerry.

The chemistry between Mahira and Shahrukh is magical and is evident from the songs Udi Udi or Zaalima. Watching in a cinema full of whistles and claps on Mahira’s entry on the Kaante Mahi Kattay Ye Raat Din from MR. India in a blue chiffon dupatta. It will take you to that era but Mahira owns it. She is brilliant in another scene where she acts a like a gundi and calls Shahrukh “Battery” to piss him off! Her performance throughout is stellar.

The dialogues of the movie are very well written,  the hero grows up mid-action, every second line is meant to show off the character’s swagger, a Helen song (Sunny Leone here) breaks the tension and action sequences compel you to whistle.

Overall the film is a great watch. The movie can be a bit long, but if you’re going for King Khan and Mahira’s performance and some good ol’ popcorn-entertainment, it won't disappoint!