Hey, cinephiles! If you’re into gritty, dust-in-your-teeth dramas about underworld power struggles, Badnaam might just be your next gritty obsession. Directed by Maneesh Chandra Bhatt, this hard-hitting tale dives into the murky world of bootlegging, betrayal, and bloody redemption, set against the bleak landscape of rural India’s alcohol black market. Buckle up—it’s a bumpy, brutal ride.
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The Plot: Vengeance Brews in the Shadows
Fresh out of prison, Arjun (Davvy Singh), a brooding outlaw with a tragic past, returns to his hometown only to find it choked by the iron grip of Raghav (Mukesh Rishi), a ruthless crime lord controlling the illicit liquor trade. Haunted by memories of his family’s destruction at Raghav’s hands, Arjun decides to dismantle the empire built on his suffering. What follows is a brutal game of cat-and-mouse, where loyalty is currency, and every ally could be a hidden enemy.
Cast Performances: Fire and Ice
Davvy Singh smolders as Arjun, blending quiet rage with flashes of vulnerability. His physicality screams danger, but it’s his haunted eyes that steal the show. Opposite him, Mukesh Rishi is terrifying as Raghav—a villain who’s equal parts charm and cruelty. Every scene he’s in crackles with menace, making you wish he’d get more screen time.
Jasmin Bhasin surprises as Meera, a fiery village woman caught between Arjun’s mission and Raghav’s tyranny. She’s no damsel—her grit matches the men blow-for-blow. Meanwhile, Vrajesh Hirjee provides much-needed dark humor as a sleazy middleman, and veteran Nirmal Rishi tugs heartstrings as Arjun’s ailing grandmother.
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That said, some cast members feel underused—Nikki Tamboli’s street-smart informant and Kulvir Soni’s loyal sidekick hint at depth but never fully shine.
Direction & Atmosphere: Blood, Dust, and Desperation
Maneesh Chandra Bhatt crafts a world that feels authentically harsh. The camera lingers on sun-scorched fields, ramshackle distilleries, and claustrophobic village lanes, making the setting itself a character. Action sequences are raw and unpolished—think bone-crunching fistfights and chaotic chases—but they serve the story’s gritty tone.
The pacing stumbles at times, especially in the first act, which spends too long establishing Arjun’s angst. But once the revenge plot kicks in, the film gallops toward a brutal, emotionally charged climax.
Themes: More Than Just Revenge
Badnaam isn’t just about settling scores. It’s a scathing look at systemic poverty, how desperation fuels crime, and the cyclical nature of violence. A haunting scene where villagers defend Raghav’s reign—“He gives us work, even if it kills us”—stings with uncomfortable truth. Arjun’s journey isn’t just about winning; it’s about breaking the chain.
Who’s It For?
- Old-school revenge drama fans: If Gangs of Wasseypur is your jam, you’ll vibe with this.
- Character-driven thriller lovers: The Arjun-Raghav face-offs are electric.
- Moody, atmospheric cinema buffs: The rural setting is chef’s kiss.
Flaws? A Few.
The script leans on tropes—the tragic backstory, the obligatory romance subplot—and some dialogues veer into melodrama (“Zulm ki dukaan band karunga, chahe khoon se nahana pade”). Also, at 2.5 hours, tighter editing could’ve amped up the tension.
Conclusion
Badnaam doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a solid, visceral revenge drama with standout performances and a setting that sticks to your bones. Davvy Singh and Mukesh Rishi’s showdown alone is worth the watch.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Watch it for: The knockout villain, the gritty vibe, and that satisfyingly messy finale.
Catch it on Desi Cinemas if you’re craving something raw—just don’t expect to leave humming a happy tune. And hey, pour yourself a drink first… you might need it. 🥃
PS: Skip if you’re squeamish—this one’s got more bruises than a Friday night bar brawl.