Lucky Baskhar

"Lucky Baskhar," directed by Venky Atluri and released in 2024, is a period crime drama set in the 1980s that delves into the world of financial scams and personal ambition. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan as Baskhar, a charismatic protagonist whose journey through the banking and share market sectors forms the crux of the narrative.

Critics have lauded Dulquer Salmaan's performance, noting his ability to anchor the film with charm and depth. Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu commended the director for balancing the exploration of financial scams with relational dynamics, highlighting Dulquer's superb portrayal. The screenplay employs a non-linear narrative, utilizing flashbacks to reveal Baskhar's foresight in evading challenges. While some viewers found this technique engaging, others felt it became repetitive. A review from constantscribbles.wordpress.com described the film as entertaining but criticized the overuse of deus ex machina elements and the lack of depth in certain characterizations. The period setting has been both praised and critiqued. Rediff appreciated the '80s backdrop, stating that the story keeps viewers hooked from the first frame.

However, constantscribbles.wordpress.com felt the film did not fully immerse the audience in the era, suggesting that the period aspect served more as a plot device than a fully realized setting. Music by G. V. Prakash Kumar received mixed reactions. Some viewers enjoyed the soundtrack's contemporary appeal, while others felt it lacked depth and seemed tailored for social media snippets rather than enhancing the film's emotional landscape. Meenakshi Chaudhary's portrayal of Sumathi, Baskhar's wife, has been a point of contention. Certain critics found the character underdeveloped, with limited agency, and felt that Chaudhary's performance did not add significant value to the narrative.

Overall, "Lucky Baskhar" offers an engaging storyline with strong central performances, particularly from Dulquer Salmaan. While the film succeeds in delivering entertainment and a glimpse into the financial intrigues of the past, some critics believe it falls short in areas such as character development and authentic period immersion. Nevertheless, it stands as a notable entry in contemporary Indian cinema, blending elements of drama, crime, and personal ambition.

-Awishka Aluthwaththa-