Starring : Randeep Hooda, Akshay Oberoi, Rajniesh Duggal, Piaa Bajpai, Meenakshi Dixit, Shreya Narayan, Rajendra Sethi

Producer : Nitika Thakur

Director : Syed Ahmad Afzal

Music :


Review by : Kriti Agarwal

Rating : 3 out of 5

What's about :  Movie is based on serious social issue – blood theft and trading of blood . A bromance based on true events that took place between 2002 and 2007, is a fascinating expose that highlights the illicit blood trade in some parts of India.

In a film about blood banks, donors and stealers, and greedy smugglers, of course there are rivers of the good red stuff . A scary inside view of the kind of skull duggery - that goes on between places and people who are meant to be engaged in saving our lives, and are instead, busy lining their pockets, criminally indifferent to the dangers they pose. 

There is romance, bromance, tears, love, greed, friendship, heartbreak and enough material to make 'fifty shades of sappy'.

Location : Haryana


Story :  Set in Karnal , rural Haryana, Laal Rang revolves around the illegal blood sale racket . Rajesh Dhiman (Akshay Oberoi), joins a college to earn a diploma in medical laboratory science. Rajesh falls in love with Poonam (Pia Bajpai). Shankar (Randeep Hooda),also a student 'blood merchant' and runs an illegal blood racket. Lured by Shankar's lifestyle and seduced by his devilish charm, Rajesh joins Shankar's business and starts earning enough to buy his own bike and to ask Poonam to marry him.

However, greed raises its ugly head and drives a wedge between Rajesh and Shankar.  IPS officer Gajraj Singh (Rajniesh Duggal) makes it his life mission to bring down the blood racket.
Narrated in a non-linear fashion, story skilfully intertwines fate with reality and blends the right amount of humour, drama and seriousness . The Haryanvi dialect adds to the rustic aura of the setting.

The film takes time to get to the point, it is quite entertaining while being realistic at the same time.

The dark humour and the Haryanvi touch to the dialogues, adds to the appeal of the film.  The first half of Laal Rang has been entertaining and engaging throughout.

 There’s an overdone ‘sadhu’. When you hear a spate of Haryanvi non-stop for two hours, it starts coming out of your ears. 

Here's a lesson to learn: Ideas don't make good films, execution does.

Characters : 

Randeep Hooda [  Shankar ] : This negative character is a scene stealer, simply shines. Shankar with sincerity, a swagger in his gait, a wheel on his hip belt which he swirls at dramatic moments and riding a RX 100 Yamaha, he slips into the complex role of the heartless professional and a soft-hearted romanticist with flamboyance and guiltless ease . Criminal with a golden heart.

Akshay Oberoi [ Rajesh Dhiman ] :a treat to watch . With a twinkle in his eyes, Akshay admires Shankar, with enthusiasm and greed, effortlessly.

Rajnesh Duggal [ Gajraj Singh]: Superintendent of Police is perfunctory .

Pia Bajpai [Poonam Sharma] : decent and funny with her accent. Holds her mettle with confidence. Effectively plays the bubbly small town girl, who wants to impress by speaking in broken, "Rapidex" English.

Meenakshi Dixit [ Rashi]- Shankar's star-crossed love interest, Shreya Narayan [Neelam] and the characters playing "Shani Baba", the fake godman, along with Suraj/ Draculla  leave their indelible mark in the narration.

Pros : Dialogues are colloquial, witty and arresting,  Story is engaging and unique. Rich production values with a realistic drama ,Performances, Technical Elements, First Half

Sound is note-worthy. Settings and the frames are realistic. With his top angle, wide lens shots, cinematography captures Karnal in all its elements.

Cons :  Plot , predictable Climax, too slow pace, screenplay during the 2nd half ,Dragged Scenes, Narrative is thin and repetitive, Too much blood, Children should not watch this trailer.

Loo Break : In between the songs could do!

Music : not that memorable . 'Rang ragad ke' song teaser is good.  The heavy instrumental background score, along with the songs "Mera mann" and "Aye khuda" integrate smoothly with the narration which is layered seamlessly .

5 Reasons To Watch Laal Rang :
1. Randeep Hooda as the main lead
2. Akshay Oberoi as the friend
3. Sensitive story
4. Lots of male bonding
5. something new and we need to encourage the effort.

Bottom line :  Laal Rang' is impressive, realistic approach , a new type of a movie.  An entertaining film with a dose of seriousity and has Randeep Hooda pulling off a great role.

A great watch for a well encapsulated story.