Raees

"Raees" is a Bollywood crime drama film released in 2017, directed by Rahul Dholakia and starring Shah Rukh Khan in the title role. Here’s an overview of the movie:

Plot Summary:

"Raees" is set in the 1980s and 1990s in the state of Gujarat, India. The film follows the journey of Raees Alam (played by Shah Rukh Khan), a bootlegger who rises to prominence in the underworld.

Key Elements:

• Rise of Raees Alam: The film traces Raees Alam's journey from a humble bootlegger operating in a dry state to becoming a powerful and influential figure in the illegal liquor trade.

• Business and Politics: Raees uses his wit, charisma, and street-smart tactics to expand his bootlegging empire, despite facing opposition from law enforcement and rival gangs.

• Personal Life: The movie delves into Raees's personal relationships, including his marriage to Aasiya (played by Mahira Khan), and explores the conflicts and moral dilemmas he faces as his criminal activities escalate.

Conflict and Resolution:

• Law Enforcement: Raees encounters resistance from the police, particularly from the determined and incorruptible Inspector Majumdar (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui), who is determined to bring him to justice.

• Social Impact: The film examines the impact of Raees's criminal activities on society, highlighting issues of prohibition, corruption, and the nexus between crime and politics.

Climax and Conclusion:

• Confrontation: The climax of "Raees" builds towards a dramatic confrontation between Raees and his adversaries, culminating in a showdown that tests his principles and determination.

• Legacy: The film explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions, portraying Raees as a complex character torn between his aspirations for power and his inherent humanity.

Reception and Impact:

• Critical Acclaim: "Raees" received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for Shah Rukh Khan's performance and the film's gritty portrayal of the underworld.

• Box Office Success: The movie performed well at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2017.

Cultural Context:

• Inspiration: "Raees" is loosely based on the life of Abdul Latif, a Gujarat-based bootlegger and underworld figure known for his illegal activities in the 1980s and 1990s.

In essence, "Raees" is a crime drama that blends elements of action, romance, and social commentary, offering a glimpse into the life of a fictionalized underworld figure while exploring broader themes of power, morality, and justice.

The character of Raees in the film "Raees" draws loose inspiration from the life of Abdul Latif, a notorious underworld figure in Gujarat during the 1980s and 1990s. Here are key points about Abdul Latif's real-life story:

Background:

• Early Life: Abdul Latif was born in Gujarat and became involved in bootlegging, primarily smuggling illicit liquor into the dry state of Gujarat where alcohol was prohibited.

Rise in Crime:

• Bootlegging Empire: Latif built a significant bootlegging empire, smuggling alcohol from neighboring states into Gujarat. His operations expanded due to the high demand for alcohol despite prohibition laws.

• Criminal Network: Latif's activities extended beyond bootlegging to other illegal activities, including extortion, gambling, and reportedly involvement in contract killings.

Political and Police Nexus:

• Alleged Connections: Abdul Latif was known for his alleged connections to politicians and police officials, which reportedly enabled him to operate his criminal activities with relative impunity.

• Controversy: His influence and alleged protection raised concerns about corruption within law enforcement and the political establishment.

Legal Troubles and Escalation:

• Encounters with Law: Latif had numerous encounters with law enforcement, leading to arrests and periods of incarceration. However, his network and influence often allowed him to evade serious legal consequences for extended periods.

Public Perception and Legacy:

• Local Legend: In parts of Gujarat, Abdul Latif was seen as a Robin Hood-like figure, providing patronage to the needy and garnering local support despite his criminal reputation.

• Controversial Figure: Latif's legacy remains controversial, with debates about his impact on society, law enforcement, and the influence of organized crime in Gujarat during his time.

Cultural Adaptation:

• Film Inspiration: The film "Raees" draws from these aspects of Abdul Latif's life, though it takes creative liberties and fictionalizes elements to suit its narrative and cinematic portrayal.

In summary, Abdul Latif's life and activities as a bootlegger and underworld figure in Gujarat serve as the basis for the character of Raees in the film "Raees." While the film is a work of fiction, it reflects certain aspects of Latif's life and the broader socio-political context of Gujarat during the 1980s and 1990s.