"Guns and Gulabs" begins its journey with the picturesque beauty of a "gulaab" field, yet swiftly transitions to a world dominated by "guns." While this initial approach is simple, it feels somewhat lacking for the renowned duo behind the series. As a casual viewer, the intended direction of the creators was readily comprehensible, eliminating the need to read between the lines.
The character introductions play a crucial role at the outset, each portraying a sense of menace and determination in their own unique way. However, their subsequent actions fail to consistently live up to this initial impression, barring a few notable exceptions. While this portrayal might reflect the authenticity of ordinary gangsters, it falls short of the engagement required to captivate audiences in a web series. The characters' motivations often lack the necessary depth and conviction, leaving a void in their intent.
We are introduced to Tipu, an unassuming small-time mechanic, masterfully portrayed by RKR, whose life takes an unexpected turn after the tragic death of his father. Fueled by rage, he becomes entangled in a world he never sought. His complex emotions oscillate between love, revenge, and other conflicting desires, making him a instantly likable yet enigmatic character. RKR shines in this role, though amidst the intricate narrative, Tipu's true allegiance and motivations remain unclear, hindering a deep emotional connection. At best, we find ourselves chuckling at his witty remarks.
The portrayal of Mr. Senior Ganchi, portrayed by the late Satish Kaushik ji, the local opium trade lord, is intriguing. However, the extent of his capabilities and the consequences of defying his wishes remain unexplored. The anticipation for a more charismatic and forceful portrayal of a gang lord remains largely unfulfilled.
His son, Chotu, also known as Jugnu or Jr. Ganchi (Adarsh Gaurav), strives to earn his father's approval and carve his own path. Unfortunately, despite encountering unexpected hurdles, the emotional depth expected from such moments is absent. Whether he holds sway over his empire or succumbs to a sense of helplessness lacks the impact required to evoke genuine emotion.
The central theme of the "deal" is recurrent, yet the narrative oscillates unpredictably between sub-plots and the main plot. Regrettably, viewers are not given enough time to invest in these sub-plots, consequently failing to elicit empathy for the overarching deal.
"Aatmaram," portrayed by the charismatic Gulshan Devaiah, is a contract killer characterized by his ruthless spree. Yet, his actions often appear unconvincing due to the absence of genuine obstacles. While his witty one-liners and stylish demeanor are appealing, his character remains underdeveloped.
The inclusion of teenage romance drama intermittently disrupts the narrative's momentum and gravitas. The reliance on stretched situations and sub-plots only perpetuates the sensation of circular storytelling with minimal advancement.
Dulquer Salmaan's portrayal of DCP Arjun, the newly appointed officer, shines as he navigates the intricate world of the town. His unwavering commitment to his family sets him apart, providing a clear and purposeful quest amidst the convoluted web of characters.
The series frequently employs pop culture references that mirror the universal theme of relationships and escape. However, their timing and relevance, particularly "bhag sunil bhag," can be questioned.
While humor and a stellar cast are abundant, the excessive use of coarse language eventually diminishes its impact. The scarcity of effective cliffhangers further undermines the anticipation for each successive episode, contributing to a sense of fatigue as the series progresses.
Spanning six episodes and an extended mini-movie finale, the series gradually loses its allure by the sixth episode, leaving the viewer eager to conclude the journey. While the series does possess moments of amusement and boasts remarkable casting, its reliance on flashback sequences in the finale to justify characters' actions feels like a convenient storytelling ploy.
Ultimately, the storytelling itself warrants critique; a tighter narrative and the trimming of an episode could have elevated the series and maintained its appeal.