Ungli Movie Review: A Stylish Take on Fighting Corruption

Ungli, the thought-provoking vigilante drama, takes a refreshingly original approach to the age-old issue of corruption in India. Emraan Hashmi leads an ensemble cast in this slick and entertaining film.

“Every revolution starts with a spark.” That’s the opening line of Ungli Movie, and it perfectly encapsulates the film’s central theme. Released in 2014, this gritty vigilante drama follows a motley crew of everyday heroes who decide to take on the deeply entrenched corruption plaguing Mumbai.

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With its stylish direction by Rensil D’Silva, sharp script co-written by Milap Zaveri, and powerhouse ungli movie cast including Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Kangana Ranaut, Sanjay Dutt, Neil Bhoopalam, and Angad Bedi, Ungli Movie packs a potent punch. While it may not have been a huge commercial success, earning just ₹30 crore against a ₹35 crore budget according to Box Office India, it deserves a second look for its nuanced handling of a complex subject.

Plot: Citizen Vigilantes Fight the Good Fight

The story revolves around four friends from different walks of life who form a secret vigilante group to expose the corrupt. There’s Abhay (Hashmi), an ex-journalist; Kalim (Hooda), a mechanic; Maya (Ranaut), a medical student; and Goti (Bhoopalam), a computer hacker. Frustrated by the system’s failings, they anonymously carry out sting operations to name and shame the guilty, leaving their literal thumbprint (ungli) as a calling card.

Their Robin Hood-esque crusade soon attracts the attention of upright cop Kale (Dutt) and his trainee Nikhil (Bedi). A cat-and-mouse game ensues as the vigilantes try to stay one step ahead of the law while awakening society’s conscience. In a neat twist, Kale eventually joins forces with the gang to take down his own corrupt boss.

Characters: An Unlikely Band of Brothers (and Sister)

What makes Ungli Movie work is its well-etched characters, each with their own backstories and motivations:

• Abhay, the disillusioned reporter seeking justice

• Kalim, the working-class hero with a heart of gold

• Maya, the idealistic young doctor who’s seen too much suffering

• Goti, the geeky but gutsy tech wizard

They’re ably supported by the world-weary but principled Kale and the wide-eyed rookie Nikhil. The camaraderie between this unlikely band of brothers (and sister) forms the emotional core of the film, even as they risk everything for a greater cause.

Special mention must go to Emraan Hashmi, who sheds his “serial kisser” image to deliver one of his career-best performances. His Abhay is a man on a mission, haunted by personal tragedy but driven by a fierce sense of justice. Randeep Hooda and Neil Bhoopalam also impress in their respective roles.

Themes: Corruption, Vigilantism, and the Power of Ordinary Citizens

At its heart, Ungli Movie is a scathing indictment of the rampant corruption that permeates every level of Indian society, from petty bribes to big-ticket scams. It raises thought-provoking questions about the limits of the law and the moral ambiguity of vigilantism.

As Abhay puts it in one memorable scene: “The system is blind, deaf and mute. We are its eyes, ears and voice.” The film argues that in a broken system, it falls upon ordinary citizens to be the change they wish to see.

However, it also acknowledges the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands. The vigilantes’ methods may be questionable, but their motives are pure. Ultimately, the film suggests that the real solution lies in reforming the system from within, one small step at a time.

Style and Execution: Slick, Engaging, and Entertaining

Director Rensil D’Silva keeps the proceedings taut and engaging throughout. The film is stylishly shot, with kinetic camerawork and slick editing that lends it a gritty, realistic feel. The use of real Mumbai locations grounds the story in authenticity.

The screenplay by D’Silva and Milap Zaveri strikes a good balance between hard-hitting social commentary and entertaining vigilante thrills. The dialogue is sharp and often darkly humorous, lightening the mood without trivializing the issues.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that the film occasionally veers into heavy-handed messaging territory. A little more subtlety and nuance in the writing would have elevated it further. But this is a minor quibble in an otherwise solid effort.

Music and Songs: Complementing the Mood

The film’s music by Sachin-Jigar is another highlight. The songs “Ungli Pe Nachalein” and “Pakeezah” are catchy and well-picturised, complementing the film’s rebellious spirit. The background score also effectively heightens the tension in key scenes.

All in all, Ungli Movie is a stylish and thought-provoking take on the vigilante genre that deserves more love. It may not be perfect, but it has its heart in the right place. If you’re looking for an entertaining film that also has something meaningful to say, give it a watch.

Thanks to digital platforms like Airtel DTH, it’s now easier than ever to discover hidden gems like Ungli from the comfort of your home. So what are you waiting for? Add it to your watchlist and join the fight against corruption, one thumbs-up at a time!

FAQ

Here are 5 commonly asked questions about Ungli Movie:

1. Is Ungli Movie based on a true story?
   No, Ungli is a fictional story. However, it is inspired by real-life incidents of corruption and vigilantism in India.

2. Where can I watch Ungli Movie online?
   Ungli is available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. You can also find an ungli movie download on Airtel XStream.

3. What is the significance of the movie’s title “Ungli”?
   “Ungli” means “finger” in Hindi. In the film, the vigilantes leave their thumbprint as a signature at their crime scenes, thus literally pointing a finger at the corrupt.

4. Did Ungli Movie win any awards?
   While Ungli received generally positive ungli movie reviews from critics, it did not win any major awards.

5. What is the runtime of Ungli Movie?
   The movie has a runtime of 114 minutes (1 hour 54 minutes).