Vardhan Ketkar’s version of the Tamil film Thadam from 2019 masterfully holds your attention from the first moment a murder is committed to the very last moment when the mystery is solved. The investigation officer, Shivani Mathur (Mrunal Thakur), must identify the true offender from two suspects who have doppelganger appearances, Arjun Saigal and Ronnie, making the whodunnit more intriguing. (Aditya Roy Kapur).

The plot runs ahead rapidly for the most part, even when the narrative shifts to flashbacks, thanks to the screenplay by writers Aseem Arora and Magizh Thirumeni and Ketkar’s sharp direction. There are twists waiting to keep up the pace when it does occasionally slow down—mostly in the opening portion as the tale grows. 

The movie is much more intriguing because it is based on true events. The examples provided in the conclusion will persuade you even if the story sounds a little improbable.

The background score by Ketan Sodha ups the suspense, and the album features catchy songs. Particular highlights include the title track by Abhijit Vaghani and Mithoon’s Allah De Bande.

Both of Aditya Roy Kapur’s roles, which are as dissimilar as chalk and cheese, are excellent. He portrays the sharply dressed businessman with the same panache as Ronnie, the streetwise thief. The actor is just as cool when delivering caustic words as when performing stunts and emoting. He cracks up in his sequences with Chaddi (Deepak Kalra). Both Ronit Roy and Mrunal maintain their composure as no-nonsense, shrewd, and industrious police officers.

Whether you should watch it or not?

Gumraah is a compelling drama with unexpected turns and strong storytelling that makes it worthwhile to see in a theatre. Although the reason for the murder may not have been very surprising, the suspense will keep you interested until the very end.