Movie Name : Lucky Baskhar
Release Date : October 31, 2024
Cast : Dulquer Salmaan, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Tinu Anand, Sachin Khedekar, Sai Kumar etc.
Director : Venky Atluri
Music Director : GV Prakash Kuma
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 3/5
Story:
In the backdrop of an all colourful Mumbai of the late 1980’s, it is Lucky Bhaskar who narrates a story of Bhaskar that is played by Dulquer Salmaan. A diligent bank employee, he continually proves himself on the job and has three years of being a ‘Top performer’. He grew frustrated by seeing that it doesn’t translate into promotions for him.
In a moment of weakness, Bhaskar is involved in a smuggling racket, and the entire incident triggers a chain reaction resulting in far-reaching implications. After siphoning a few crores of rupees from the bank account, he starts to draw cash at an accelerating velocity, which increases his urge for more money. From this newfound wealth, Bhaskar starts trading briskly in the stock exchange and amasses several crores.
However, the insatiable hunger for wealth blinds Bhaskar to the dangers ahead. Lucky Bhaskar follows his journey into chaos and how his choices get him into trouble, which reveals the harsh realities of greed and ambition.
Review:
Dulquer Salmaan does an excellent job in Lucky Bhaskar, and balances the charm with emotional depth required for Bhaskar’s tumultuous journey very beautifully. Expressive features and nuanced gestures capture every element of his character’s struggle and victory, and he is thus both relatable and memorable-be it his success or intense pressure to win at high-stakes games.
Meenakshi Chaudhary impresses as Bhaskar’s wife, casting a spell on the audience with her presence. Sai Kumar is outstanding as the determined CBI officer, while Tinu Anand leaves a mark as the bank’s managing director. The supporting cast, including Sachin Khedekar, adds depth to the film with their strong performances.
The first half of Lucky Bhaskar is very good as it establishes Bhaskar’s financial distress and circumstances that bring him to the poor choices. The journey is very real and relatable, allowing the audience to understand where he’s coming from and what is motivating him.
While this, of course, is but a partial film, that second half of the film slowly gets underway and much later weaves in quite smoothly and artfully this infamous reference to the legendary stock market scam run by Harshad Mehta. It’s this stroke of genius that adds further layers of intrigue and contexts to the movie’s handling of financial malfeasance and keeps viewers interested right through.
In Lucky Bhaskar, Bhaskar’s significant earnings raise little suspicion from his wife, who appears to accept his sudden financial success without much question. Although the film introduces scenes that suggest potential family conflicts, the overall dramatic tension feels like it could have been amplified. The pacing in the second half slows down, yet this lull is ultimately offset by a gripping climax that ties the story together effectively, providing a satisfying resolution for viewers.
Director Venky Atluri has excelled with Lucky Bhaskar, demonstrating his adeptness in both writing and narration. A standout feature of the film is the casting of Dulquer Salmaan, who fits the lead role perfectly, bringing the character to life. G.V. Prakash’s music elevates the film, with every song seamlessly woven into the storyline, while the background score effectively enhances the overall emotional impact. The production design is particularly noteworthy, with carefully crafted sets that capture the essence of late 1980s Mumbai, from the bank interiors to the authentic period props, creating an immersive viewing experience.
In summary, Lucky Bhaskar stands out as one of the most engaging Telugu films in recent memory. The film boasts a compelling backdrop, deep emotional resonance, and plenty of thrilling sequences, all brought to life by Dulquer Salmaan’s outstanding performance. However, it is worth noting that the pacing does lag a bit in the second half.