In 2017, Hansal Mehta’s Simran movie hit theatres, showcasing Kangana Ranaut in one of her most nuanced roles to date. Loosely based on the real-life story of Sandeep Kaur, the “Bombshell Bandit,” Simran presented a layered character study that allowed Ranaut’s acting chops to shine.
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The Making of Praful Patel
Kangana Ranaut’s Praful Patel is a 30-year-old divorcee living with her Gujarati parents in Georgia, USA. Working as a housekeeper in a hotel, Praful navigates strained family dynamics and a desire for independence. Ranaut imbues the character with a sunny disposition and a no-nonsense approach, making her instantly relatable.
The film’s turning point comes when Praful visits Las Vegas, where beginner’s luck at gambling quickly turns sour. Saddled with debt, she resorts to robbing banks using unconventional methods. Ranaut’s portrayal of Praful’s desperation and resourcefulness is both comical and poignant, showcasing her range as an actor.
A character-driven narrative
At its core, Simran is a character-driven drama that delves into themes of desperation and moral ambiguity. Ranaut anchors the film with her powerful performance, navigating Praful’s journey from a socially criticized individual to an outlaw.
Key moments in the film include:
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Praful’s strained relationship with her critical parents, played by Hiten Kumar and Kishori Shahane
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Her transformative gambling experience in Las Vegas
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The clever, sometimes comical bank robberies
Throughout, Ranaut brings a sense of authenticity to Praful, making her choices, however questionable, feel grounded in reality.
Behind the scenes
Directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani, the movie Simran marked a departure from Mehta’s usual filmmaking style. Known for dark, realistic tales about marginalized people, Mehta aimed for a more light-hearted, celebratory tone with Simran.
The film’s production involved:
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A budget of ₹28 crore
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Shooting locations in Georgia and Las Vegas
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Music composed by Sachin–Jigar
Despite the talented cast and crew, Simran received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised Ranaut’s performance but highlighted issues with the film’s pacing and plot coherence.
Box office and critical reception
Upon its release on September 15, 2017, Simran movie underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately ₹27.25 crore against its ₹28 crore budget. Ranaut’s star power wasn’t enough to overcome the film’s shortcomings.
However, Ranaut’s portrayal of Praful Patel was widely praised, with some critics listing her as the Best Actress of 2017. Her ability to bring depth and nuance to a complex character was a testament to her acting prowess.
On IMDb, Simran holds a rating of 5.2/10 based on over 4,600 user reviews, reflecting its mixed reception.
Did You Know? – Simran is loosely based on the real-life story of the “Bombshell Bandit” – Kangana Ranaut’s character Praful Patel is a 30-year-old divorcee – The film was shot in Georgia and Las Vegas – Despite mixed reviews, Ranaut’s performance was widely praised by critics – Simran grossed ₹27.25 crore against a budget of ₹28 crore |
Where to watch
For those eager to experience Kangana Ranaut’s powerhouse performance, Simran full movie is available to stream on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. With Airtel Xstream Fiber, movie buffs can enjoy seamless streaming of Simran and other Bollywood gems in high quality, without any buffering or lag.
In conclusion, while Simran may have fallen short of commercial expectations, it remains a showcase for Kangana Ranaut’s acting prowess. Her portrayal of Praful Patel, with all her flaws and complexities, is a testament to Ranaut’s ability to bring depth to even the most unconventional characters. For fans of nuanced performances and character-driven narratives, Simran is a must-watch.
FAQs
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Is Simran based on a true story?
Yes, Simran is loosely based on the real-life story of Sandeep Kaur, nicknamed the “Bombshell Bandit.” -
Who directed the Simran movie?
Hansal Mehta directed Simran, marking a departure from his usual filmmaking style. -
What is Kangana Ranaut’s character’s name in Simran?
Kangana Ranaut plays the role of Praful Patel, a 30-year-old divorcee living in Georgia, USA. -
Where can I watch the Simran full movie?
The Simran full movie is available to stream on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. -
How was Kangana Ranaut’s performance in Simran received by critics?
Kangana Ranaut’s performance in Simran was widely praised, with some critics listing her as the Best Actress of 2017.