The film constructs its world gingerly, revealing each detail in an organic manner. Twenty-three-year-old Raghav is on his way to meet a woman as part of some seedy arrangement. However, he is in for the most horrifying shock when he finds his fate hanging between a life of ruin, or eternal damnation in a purgatory consumed by only lust. The decision of this outcome is in the hands of the eponymous Gumraaj, the younger brother of Yamraj, whose raison d'etre is to punish and control a humankind gone astray.
While Raghav’s life may be of youth, it is not devoid of darkness, licentiousness, and indulgence dictated by misogyny, unrestricted lust, and objectification of women. By presenting a story that weaves in elements of horror, thrill, and fantasy, the film presents a social commentary on all of these issues. Care is taken to ensure it does not become an overbearing morality tale, instead remaining engaging and thoughtful throughout for the viewer. Consequently, the film’s world-building and storytelling become its most notable strengths. The performances, as well as the chemistry between the two primary characters, further support the endeavor.
The end result loses some points when it comes to the seamlessness of the edit, but it is a small characteristic, easy to overlook in the face of the realm that the film conjures. The developments remain unexpected and meaningul, forever sustaining and maintaining the motivations of its characters as well as the plot that, in turn, keep pushing the film forward.
Read LessWhile Raghav’s life may be of youth, it is not devoid of darkness, licentiousness, and indulgence dictated by misogyny, unrestricted lust, and objectification of women. By presenting a story that weaves in elements of horror, thrill, and fantasy, the film presents a social commentary on all of these issues. Care is taken to ensure it does not become an overbearing morality tale, instead remaining engaging and thoughtful throughout for the viewer. Consequently, the film’s world-building and storytelling become its most notable strengths. The performances, as well as the chemistry between the two primary characters, further support the endeavor.
The end result loses some points when it comes to the seamlessness of the edit, but it is a small characteristic, easy to overlook in the face of the realm that the film conjures. The developments remain unexpected and meaningul, forever sustaining and maintaining the motivations of its characters as well as the plot that, in turn, keep pushing the film forward.
