Venky Atluri’s Lucky Baskhar, starring Dulquer Salmaan and Meenakshi Chaudhary hit the theatres today. Let’s see how well this 90s Mumbai-based financial crime thriller delivers. Lucky Baskhar ambitiously dives into the world of financial scams and greed but falls a bit short on delivery despite its stellar production design and captivating lead performance.
This film isn’t just about one man’s hustle; it’s also a commentary on the financial system and those looking to exploit it, including a figure inspired by the notorious Harshad Mehta.
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The story follows Bhaskar Kumar (played by Salmaan), a struggling middle-class banker with financial troubles and family responsibilities.
Baskhar soon finds himself entangled in a world of high-stakes financial schemes, pushing the limits of ethics and legality to support his family and pride.
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Two elements make Lucky Bhaskar stand out. First, the production design effectively recreates the essence of 1990s Bombay, adding an authentic, nostalgic feel. Second, Dulquer Salmaan’s performance is as magnetic as ever; he fully embodies the character with nuanced expressions and a charisma that keeps audiences glued to the screen. Known for excelling in period roles like Seetharamam, Kammatipaadam, Kurup and Mahanati, Salmaan once again demonstrates his knack for bringing historical drama to life.
Sporting signature 90s curtain bangs, he commands every scene, proving to be the film’s backbone.
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The plot takes an intriguing twist with the entry of Harshad Mehra, a shadowy figure pulling strings through fraudulent bank receipts. While this adds a Scam 1992 vibe, the predictable narrative occasionally dulls the excitement. The story references India’s infamous 1992 financial scandal, where Harshad Mehta manipulated bank receipts to inflate stock prices. Bhaskar, a banking official managing these receipts, finds himself in Mehra’s orbit, capitalizing on the system’s flaws to climb the financial ladder.
While Lucky Bhaskar may feel familiar, Salmaan’s performance and Venky Atluri’s direction keep the story engaging. The film delivers a gripping financial thriller, capturing the essence of a turbulent era and Salmaan’s charm, making it a worthwhile watch.
