Introduction: Power. Pride. Mumbai.
Directed by Milan Luthria, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai takes us into the smoky alleys and glitzy chaos of 1970s Bombay, where the line between gangster and hero blurs. Like The Godfather, it’s more than a crime film—it’s a layered story of loyalty, legacy, and the seductive pull of power. With magnetic leads, dazzling style, and a haunting soundtrack, this is one of Bollywood’s finest gangster sagas.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story unfolds as DCP Agnel Wilson (Randeep Hooda) recounts the rise and fall of two underworld figures—Sultan Mirza (Ajay Devgn), the principled smuggler with a heart, and Shoib Khan (Emraan Hashmi), his ambitious and reckless protégé.
Sultan rules the docks with charisma and control. Shoib wants it all—fast, flashy, and by any means necessary. As Bombay evolves, so does crime… and so do its kings.
What Works
Ajay Devgn as Sultan Mirza
Quiet intensity. Moral code. Regal presence. Devgn nails the role of a smuggler with a conscience, making Sultan one of Bollywood’s most iconic gangster characters.
Emraan Hashmi’s Transformation
From street-smart to street-dangerous, Emraan’s rise as Shoib Khan is both terrifying and thrilling. His charisma and volatility drive the second half.
Period Look & Feel
The film captures 1970s Bombay in all its sepia-toned glamour. The cars, clothes, and dialogues ooze style.
Timeless Music
Tracks like Pee Loon and Tum Jo Aaye bring soul to the grit. A rare gangster film with a romantic heart.
What Doesn’t Work
Predictable Conflicts: Some gangster tropes follow a familiar arc.
Melodrama in Parts: Certain emotional beats feel a bit theatrical.
Less Grit, More Gloss: It glamorizes the underworld more than exposing its brutality.
Final Thoughts: A Gangster Saga with Soul
Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai is Bollywood’s answer to The Godfather—less blood, more drama, but with the same sense of rise, fall, and legacy. It’s a compelling story of two men shaped by the same city but driven by different desires. With standout performances, striking visuals, and poetic dialogues, it remains a modern cult classic.
It’s not just about crime—it’s about the cost of ambition.
🍿Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Performances: 9/10
Direction: 8.5/10
Storyline: 8/10
Cinematography & Music: 9/10