‘Daddy’ review: Weak narrative overshadows Arjun Rampal’s applause-worthy performance

Movie: Daddy

Cast: Arjun Rampal, Aishwarya Rajesh, Nishikant Kamat, Farhan Akhtar , Rajesh Shringarpure, Anand Ingale

Director: Ashim Ahluwalia

What’s it about

Based on the life of notorious gangster Arun Gawli, Daddy is a biopic shot in the style of a docudrama. Arjun Rampal plays Daddy – the gangster who can’t be labelled or put in a box. The film chronicles his journey from being a small time thug to forming his own gang to taking on the kingpin Dawood Ibrahim who in the film has been named Masood (Farhan Akhtar). Besides the criminal side of Gawli’s life, Daddy also throws light on his human side — showcasing his vulnerability and his God fearing nature. As the film nears its climax, we are given the option of deciding if Gawli is a gangster or a messiah, and the choice isn’t an easy one to make.

What’s hot

Director Ashim Ahluwalia successfully recreates the 80s and 90s of Mumbai which helps the film look real. A lot of attention has been paid to make Daddy a technically sound movie. Dagdi Chawl which later turns into Gawli’s fortress has been beautifully captured by the camera. A performance heavy film, Daddy is a challenge …read more