Guns & Gulaabs: A magnificent fusion of small-town noir and '90s nostalgia

'Guns & Gulaabs,' a production by Raj and DK, exhibits exceptional writing, skilful craftsmanship, and impressive performances. This crime drama nostalgically pays homage to the 1990s, delving into the sinister and provocative aspects of individuals, predominantly men but also a few women, who take twisted satisfaction from engaging in acts of murder, chaos, and cruelty.

The Netflix series, characterised by its energetic and agile nature, unfolds within a distorted and hazardous realm inhabited by individuals involved in the trade of opium, armed criminals, a ruthless assassin armed with a knife and possessing multiple lives, a law enforcement officer specialising in combating narcotics with a troubled personal history that eventually resurfaces, and two reserved men burdened by unresolved personal problems.

The title and the name of the little town in which the narrative takes place allude to the gulaabs, who find themselves in the minority inside a morally ambiguous society where both adults and schoolboys derive pleasure from transgressing boundaries. 

A 'line of control' delineates a local dhaba(small restaurant), effectively dividing it into distinct and non-negotiable territories for two rival gangs. 

The small population of individuals residing in Gulaabgunj, a village in a hilly region characterised by opium farms, find themselves vulnerable to the influence and control exerted by two criminal factions. 

One of these factions is based in Sherpur, around 30 kilometres from Gulaabgunj. The parties involved engage in a struggle to gain authority over the profits generated by an illicit opium enterprise that operates independently from the officially sanctioned cultivation of poppy.

The residents of Gulaabgunj and Sherpur have a pervasive tendency to harbour hidden agendas and prioritise their own interests. 

The malevolent intentions of these individuals undergo regular alterations when they engage in pursuits or evasions involving fellow members of their kind. 

In a setting characterised by a fusion of small-town noir and '90s nostalgia, an atmosphere of suspense permeates the air, accompanied by a soundtrack interwoven with excerpts of Hindi film songs dating back three decades.     

The individual who was killed at the onset of Chapter 1 is Babu Tiger, a reliable assistant to Gulaabgunj's criminal leader Ganchi (Satish Kaushik) and the estranged biological father of motorbike mechanic Tipu (Rajkummar Rao). Ganchi has intense anger as a result of the loss of a significant member of the gang, leading him to strategise a retaliatory action. In contrast, Tipu feels relieved upon learning about his father's demise.

Jugnu, portrayed by Adarsh Gourav, does not possess the desired qualities or attributes to become Ganchi'ssuccessor. Arjun Varma, a law enforcement officer affiliated with the Narcotics Bureau, previously held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police in Delhi. He has now been reassigned to Gulaabgunj to implement measures to improve the area's overall condition.

The 'Guns & Gulaabs' series showcases four exceptional performances by Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Gulshan Devaiah, and Adarsh Gourav. The expanded ensemble of performers also contributes significantly, with TJ Bhanu standing out prominently in a predominantly male-oriented series that explores the subject of gender and conceptions of masculinity in unexpected manners. 

Pooja A. Gor and Shreya Dhanwanthary have a somewhat limited role in the context discussed, but their contributions are noteworthy. Vipin Sharma's portrayal of Mahendra, Ganchi's trusted associate, is commendable.

Overall, 'Guns & Gulaabs' is a captivating blend of aesthetic flair and narrative audacity, making it highly enjoyable from start to finish.

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