One line Review: The film depicts the journey of Raees from meagreness to wealth by indulging into an illegal alcohol business.

Positive Points: Shah Rukh Khan is seen performing some breath-taking action stunts and mouthing charming dialogues. SRK’s charm and performance is the soul of the film. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is his usual best. Raees is shot in a realistic setup and backdrop. Also, it is a complete mass entertainer with all the elements of a wholesome Bollywood film!

Negative Points: The plot does not have an interesting story to narrate hence, there is nothing to look forward to in the film.

Plot: Raees ( Shah Rukh Khan ) is a bright child who manages to learn the tricks of supplying illegal alcohol in the dry state of Gujarat. Soon, the young boy grows out of the shell and starts his own illegal empire of selling alcohol across the state. His charming antics and intelligence makes him conduct his business, to which he calls it Dhanda with utmost pride and gains success. His principals are clear with this dialogue “Dhande Ka Koi Usul Nahi Hota, Dhande Se Bada Koi Dharam Nahi Hota, Jabtak Usse Kisi Ka Bura Na Ho.” Raees does not let anyone come in the way of his alcohol trade, not even the Police and the Politicians.

Until one day when ACP Majumdar ( Nawazuddin Siddiqui ), a no nonsense cop gets transferred to Fatehpur. Then begins the cat and mouse chase between the two. While Raees with his contacts and political connections manages to keep Majumdar at bay for some time. But, this cop is not the one who will easily let go of Raees. Dialogues like “Gujarat ki hawa me wyapar hai, muje toh rok loge par iss hawa ko kaise rokoge”, are the highlights their faceoff. The story further unfolds when Raees’s empire grows further and circumstances lead him to win the elections of his area where people love him for his good deeds. But, as the saying goes, the evil cannot taste victory, Raees also witnesses down fall.

Direction and other Technical Aspects: Rahul Dholakia successfully showcases the grey character of SRK back onscreen with dustings of kindness. The character of Raees was developed beautifully. His journey is described effortlessly. The dialogues at the right timing add the required punch and keep the audience entertained thoroughly. “Din toh logon ke hote hai, Sheron ka toh zamana hota hai”, witty lines like these get whistles and claps across the theatre. The plot does not have an important story to tell but, the performances of the lead hold the film. The editing could have been tighter reducing a few scenes altogether to manage the length of the film. The second half is dragged. The cinematography is apt and the sequences are shot quite realistically. Costumes are perfect and support the narrative.

Performances: Shah Rukh Khan is back and fans are loving his ‘Miyan Bhai Ki Daring’ to the fullest. Needless to say, SRK renders a flawless performance and carries the film on his able shoulders. His charismatic style to utter those punches and dialogues wins whistles and loud applauses. He performs supremely well in all the sequences be it romance, action, drama, just the way it is expected out of him.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui essays a no nonsense cop who is after Raees. He is an eminent performer who steals the show every time he is on screen. It was very interesting to watch the chase between Raees and Majumdar because of Nawazuddin’s superlative performance.

Mahira Khan plays Shah Rukh’s love interest. She had very little to offer and had a limited role. Her presence was mostly restricted to songs and a few emotional scenes.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub pulls off a praise worthy performance rendering appropriate support to the main character. All other supporting actors do justice to their roles.

Music: All the songs are lovable and already a huge hit amongst the viewers and fans. ‘Laila Main Laila’, ‘Zaalima’ and other songs keep the audience thoroughly entertained. The back-ground score is on point. It adds the necessary effect and empowers the visuals.

Final Verdict: Raees celebrates a villainous hero and glamorises the evil. It can be a treat for the SRK fans as Shah Rukh is a total charmer in the film. It can be a one time watch!