7 Films That Glorified Gangsters in Indian Cinema

Team FC

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010, Hindi)

This film, inspired by the story of real-life Mumbai crime lord Haji Mastan, portrays him as a man with a golden heart, thus making him a sympathetic character.

Baashha (1995, Tamil)

Baashha stars superstar Rajinikanth as an underworld don, contributing to the likeability and charisma of the titular character, who is portrayed as the people's messiah.

Vaastav - The Reality (1996, Hindi)

One of Sanjay Dutt's memorable characters onscreen, Vaastav shows how an innocent man is forced to join the world of crime only due to circumstances, thus justifying his wrongdoings.

KGF series (2018, 2022, Kannada)

The now iconic character of Rocky Bhai is glorified to the hilt with an melodramatic storyline, whistle-worthy dialogues, mass action sequences and background music.

Raees (2017, Hindi)

The film, said to be based on a real-life alcohol mafia lord, whitewashes the central character's wrongdoings by portraying him as a Robin Hood-like figure.

Pushpa: The Rise - Part 1 (2021, Telugu)

Pushpa enters mafia due to poverty and goes onto be a dreadful gangster. The film became a blockbuster with a much-awaited sequel in the making, and earned a National Award for its lead actor.

Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007, Hindi)

This film portrays the police force in a wrong light, who indulge in human rights violation and the gangsters are given emotional storylines, making the audience sympathise with them.

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