“Greed is not a financial issue. It’s a heart issue”—Andy Stanley. Various emotions of human beings have been depicted in movies to provide us with both moral and perspective on these emotions. The emotion of greed is often misunderstood and can be both negative and positive depending on how you approach it. This theme has been explored in cinema multiple times, with a connection to finance. A new addition to it is the recently released film “Lucky Baskhar.”
The story is set in the 1990s Mumbai about a honest bank cashier name Baskhar (Dulquer Salmaan), who has simple problems and navigates the daily challenges of supporting his family. Attempting his luck one day leads to something he didn’t anticipate. The story explores how Baskhar’s unexpected financial success alters his outlook and lifestyle. The movie is thoughtful in its exploration of how money can change one’s outlook and how society perceives those without wealth. What will happen to Bhasakr? Will he get lucky or not? The answer lies in this intriguing and well-crafted story.
A Tight, Engaging Narrative fro Venky Atluri
Writer/Director Venky Atluri has written an exceptionally well-crafted and balanced story, which features well-defined characters. He uses the ‘80s and ‘90s references with the sensibilities of time we are in now. Atluri doesn’t hesitate to use financial jargon, but makes sure it’s not too advanced for his general audience. He maintains a tight narrative that engages us.
G. V. Prakash Kumar provides a background score that is very effective. In many sequences—particularly the second half—his score elevates the thrills well. 1980s Bombay was recreated by producers with a reasonable budget, and it is visually appealing. Nimish Ravi, Cinematographer, excels in his work. As Editor, Navin Nooli does a good job as well, but his work in the first half could have been better.
As an actor, Dulquer Salmaan is a remarkable individual who is always willing to accept new challenges and experiences. His filmography reveals that he has always taken challenging roles. Baskhar’s role has exemplified his reputation as one of the top actors of this generation. Whether it’s struggling middle-class families or arrogant rich individuals, he has created a perfect physique and aura. Salmaan’s command extends to speaking the language and enhancing his solid writing in later parts. Even when he doesn’t speak much, he still expresses his emotions through body language and it seems natural.
Portrays Middle-class Struggles Captivatingly
Meenakshi Chaudhary portrays the life of an average middle-class housewife with conviction and shines. Her performance captures her character’s essence in a way that feels genuine and relatable, regardless of whether she’s expressing anger or joy. The film’s addition actors effortlessly fit their roles, leading to a unified and believable team. Every actor enhances the story and contributes to its overall richness, resulting in spot-on performances.
The story of “Lucky Baskhar” is well-crafted and showcases the struggles and triumphs of middle-class individuals in a captivating way. If you find enjoyment in financial crime thrillers, this movie is a must-see. The film’s director, story, and performances are all excellent. It’s also a movie you shouldn’t miss if you’re a fan of This movie is a must-see for those who are fans of DQ.
This film is available for viewing at Indian cinemas, and also in certain regions of the U.S.