5 Answers2025-08-27 01:27:53
I got hooked on 'Raees' the minute Shah Rukh Khan showed up on screen, and I’ve dug into what inspired it more than once as a cinephile who loves trivia. In short: 'Raees' is a fictional story, but it’s clearly built from real-world bootlegging and gangster lore from Gujarat. The filmmakers have repeatedly said the lead character is an amalgam — not a biography — drawing on the bootlegging economy that thrived during liquor bans and on the rise of regional mafias in the 1980s and 1990s.
There was a lot of controversy around the film because many viewers and politicians compared the protagonist to known figures like Abdul Latif or even Dawood Ibrahim, which the producers denied. Legally and politically it caused headaches: local authorities and some groups felt the portrayal echoed real people. For me, the film feels like mythmaking — using authentic social conditions (prohibition, poverty, power vacuums) to craft a dramatic, larger-than-life gangster tale rather than trying to be a straight true story.
5 Answers2025-08-27 16:46:42
There's something about Republic Day releases that always feels cinematic, and 'Raees' rode that wave— it hit Indian theatres on January 25, 2017. I went to see it with a small group of friends on the long weekend, and the theatres were packed; the film's release was timed to benefit from the holiday crowd.
I still talk about the buzz in the lobby before the show: Shah Rukh Khan's publicity was everywhere, and people compared it nonstop with the other big film that opened the same day. The date—January 25, 2017—is the simple fact, but the memory is full of soundtracks bleeding into the street as people spilled out of the screens. If you’re looking to rewatch or check release timelines, that Republic Day weekend is the anchor for when 'Raees' reached audiences across India.
5 Answers2025-08-27 21:36:08
There’s a lot to like about 'Raees' beyond the soundtrack, and where it was filmed really helps sell that 1980s–90s Gujarat vibe. The bulk of shooting was done in India, split mainly between Mumbai and multiple locations across Gujarat. Mumbai handled most of the studio work and indoor sets — think Film City–style setups where they rebuilt marketplaces, bars, and offices to match the period look.
On-location work took the crew to several Gujarati cities. Ahmedabad features heavily for its old bazaars and street textures, while places like Jamnagar and Vadodara provided exteriors and some of the rustic, small-town backdrops. You’ll also notice stretches that resemble Kutch’s wide-open areas in a few scenes, used for more expansive exteriors. The filmmakers blended real streets with constructed sets, so what you see onscreen is often a mix of genuine Gujarat locations and carefully dressed Mumbai interiors.
If you like tracing filming spots, go look for the market sequences that scream Ahmedabad’s narrow lanes and the outdoor festival moments that were likely shot in smaller Gujarat towns — it’s fun to spot where reality and set-design meet.
5 Answers2025-08-27 08:49:51
I was rewatching Bollywood crime dramas the other night and got curious about who was behind 'Raees'. It was directed by Rahul Dholakia, a filmmaker who previously made the gritty drama 'Parzania'. Dholakia brought a kind of hard-edged realism to 'Raees' that suited the Shah Rukh Khan-led protagonist's moral ambiguity and swagger.
On the producing side, the film was a joint effort between Red Chillies Entertainment and Excel Entertainment — which means Gauri Khan sat in the producer chair alongside Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. That combo of producers explained the blend of star power, slick production values, and crowd-friendly moments. I remember catching it in a near-empty weekday matinee and being struck by how polished everything looked — credit definitely goes to the producers and Dholakia's direction. If you’re tracing creative fingerprints, those are the names to note, and they’re worth a follow-up if you like behind-the-scenes reads.
5 Answers2025-08-27 15:41:26
I still get a little buzz saying the name 'Raees'—it’s one of those films that stuck with me. The lead was Shah Rukh Khan, who played Raees Alam, and he absolutely carried the film with that mix of charm and menace. Alongside him, Mahira Khan played the female lead, Aasiya, and their chemistry (on-screen and off) was part of the movie’s big conversation when it released.
The cast also included strong supporting players: Nawazuddin Siddiqui had a memorable, pivotal role; Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Atul Kulkarni added depth to the world; and there were other familiar faces in smaller parts that filled out the gritty setting. Director Rahul Dholakia helmed the project and it came out in 2017, so it’s fairly recent in my mind.
If you’re revisiting 'Raees', watch for how Shah Rukh dominates scenes without hogging them—his performance is a neat study in controlled intensity, and the supporting cast really helps the world feel lived-in.
5 Answers2025-08-27 06:07:01
I still get a little giddy whenever someone brings up 'Raees'—that razor-sharp performance and the soundtrack still pop in my head. To the point: there hasn't been any official confirmation of a direct sequel or a formal remake from the makers or Shah Rukh Khan as of mid-2024. I follow a lot of film interviews and trade pages, and what I usually see are rumors, fan wishlists, and occasional talk of spiritual follow-ups rather than a straight Part 2.
That said, Bollywood loves revisiting popular stories in different forms. Producers sometimes explore spin-offs focusing on side characters, or they adapt the vibe into a new story rather than continue the exact plot. If you want the latest, I check the director's and lead actor’s social feeds, reputable outlets like Bollywood Hungama or Variety, and the production house’s announcements. Personally, I’d be excited for a gritty mini-series set in that world—streaming platforms are hungry for that kind of expansion, and it could do justice to the layered characters.
5 Answers2025-08-27 16:45:46
There's a good chance 'Raees' might be on Netflix in some countries, but it's not guaranteed where you are. Streaming rights for Bollywood films bounce around a lot—I've seen 'Raees' show up on Netflix in one region, and then disappear a few months later. When I want to be sure, I first open the Netflix app and type 'Raees' into the search bar; if nothing pops up, that usually means it's not available in my region at the moment.
If Netflix doesn't have it, I check a couple of other places: Amazon Prime Video often has rentals, Google Play / YouTube Movies frequently sells or rents the film, and in India, Disney+ Hotstar has carried many Bollywood releases at different times. I also use a tracker site like JustWatch or Reelgood to see current availability for my country. If you're planning a watch party, double-check subtitle options and whether the version is HD—sometimes only SD is available on secondary services. I prefer paying for a legit rental rather than hunting down dubious streams; it's less hassle and supports the creators, and you usually get better quality and subtitles.
5 Answers2025-08-27 04:07:31
I still hum 'Zaalima' when I'm walking home — that song stuck with me the most from 'Raees'. The soundtrack was composed by Ram Sampath and the main vocal highlights are:
'Zaalima' — Arijit Singh & Harshdeep Kaur
'Udi Udi Jaye' — Nakash Aziz & Jyotica Tangri
'Laila Main Laila' — Pawni Pandey (this is the recreated version from the classic tune)
There are also instrumental cues and theme pieces in the film credited to Ram Sampath, and a few promotional remixes floating around. I love how 'Zaalima' contrasts the upbeat, celebratory vibe of 'Udi Udi Jaye' and the retro glam of 'Laila Main Laila' — it made the movie playlist feel varied. If you want to build a quick 'Raees' playlist, those three tracks are the essential ones to start with and then you can add the film score bits for mood. Personally, I put 'Zaalima' on repeat when I'm in a contemplative mood.