Cast
View All
Raj Singh Chaudhary
as Dilip Singh
Kay Kay Menon
as Dukey Bana
Abhimanyu Singh
as Rananjay "Ransa" Singh
Piyush Mishra
as Prithvi Bana
Jesse Randhawa
as Anuja
Ayesha Mohan
as Kiran
Aditya Srivastava
as Karan
Deepak Dobriyal
as Rajendra Bhati
Pankaj Jha
as Jarwal
Mukesh Bhhatt
as Bhanwar Singh
Mahie Gill
as Madhuri
Neil Bhatt
as Kesar
Teddy Maurya
as Bahrupiya
Chittaranjan Giri
as Police Inspector
Anurag Kashyap
as Man in the Party
Crew
Director
- Anurag Kashyap
Producer
- Deepak Sharma
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Gulaal examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anurag Kashyap brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Gulaal took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 147 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 173 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 134 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Gulaal shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hera Pheri, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Gulaal subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Great Indian Family and Bad Newz explore similar territory, Gulaal stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 13, 2009
- Runtime: 2h 27m
- Budget: $490,000
- Revenue: $2,000,000
