MUMBAI: Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby’s Gully Boy, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, was met with widespread acclaim upon its release in 2019. After premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 9, 2019, it hit theaters on February 15, receiving praise for its music, cinematography, Zoya Akhtar’s direction, screenplay, dialogues, and powerful performances—especially those of Singh, Bhatt, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Vijay Varma.
As the eighth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019, Gully Boy gained international recognition, winning the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea. It was also India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
As the film marks six years, here’s why Gully Boy remains a modern classic:
1) Powerhouse Performances That Left a Lasting Impact
Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Murad perfectly captured the struggles of an underdog striving for greatness, while Alia Bhatt’s fierce Safeena became one of Bollywood’s most iconic female characters. Siddhant Chaturvedi’s breakout performance as MC Sher made him an instant star, and Vijay Varma’s layered portrayal of Moeen added emotional depth. Supporting actors like Amruta Subhash (Murad’s mother) and Kalki Koechlin (Sky) further enhanced the film’s authenticity, making every character feel real and relatable.
2) A Fresh Take on the Underdog Story
Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti redefined the classic rags-to-riches narrative by infusing it with raw emotion and social commentary. Gully Boy wasn’t just about Murad’s rise in the hip-hop scene—it delved into class struggles, personal conflicts, and self-discovery. From his quiet resilience to his powerful lyrical outbursts, every moment felt deeply personal, making the film much more than just a music drama.
3) Hard-Hitting Dialogues & Immersive Direction
Zoya Akhtar’s vision brought Mumbai’s underground hip-hop culture to life, making the city itself feel like a character. The film captured the essence of street rap, cyphers, and the relentless grind of aspiring artists. Vijay Maurya’s dialogues became instant classics—whether it was Safeena’s fiery “Mere boyfriend se gulu gulu karegi toh dhoptungi na usko” or Murad’s defiant “Tera time aayega.”
4) “Apna Time Aayega” – More Than Just a Song
Some films create memorable songs, but Gully Boy gave birth to a cultural anthem. “Apna Time Aayega” wasn’t just a track—it became a symbol of self-belief and perseverance. Even today, the phrase continues to inspire ambition and resilience, proving the film’s enduring influence.
5) A Social Commentary That Still Resonates
Beyond hip-hop, Gully Boy was a powerful statement on economic disparity, class struggles, and limited opportunities for the underprivileged. Murad’s journey wasn’t just about music; it was about breaking free from societal constraints. This theme of ambition in the face of adversity ensures that Gully Boy remains relevant even today.
Six years on, Gully Boy is more than a film—it’s a movement that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
With its outstanding performances, innovative storytelling, impactful dialogues, and enduring cultural influence, Gully Boy stands as a true modern-day classic. Six years later, it remains a milestone in Bollywood history, proving that "Apna Time Aayega" was more than just a song—it was a promise realized.
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