Lucky Baskhar

When a few movies were released during Diwali 2024, I decided to watch only one and chose “Ka” over “Lucky Bhaskar.” But after finally watching Lucky Bhaskar on Netflix, I couldn’t help but wish I’d seen it on the big screen. It’s easily one of the best movies of 2024.

As an engineer with experience in the stock market sector and someone who enjoyed web series like Scam 1992 (based on Harshad Shantilal Mehta), I found the story deeply relatable. The movie is incredibly engaging, with plenty of goosebump-worthy moments throughout.

The plot revolves around a private bank employee struggling to support his family on a modest salary. It follows how he discovers loopholes in the banking system and uses them to amass wealth, leading to a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.

Director Venky Atluri, known for his rom-coms like Tholi Prema, has taken a bold new direction with Lucky Bhaskar. While his recent movie Sir hinted at this shift, this film solidifies it. The story and screenplay are exceptionally crafted. What’s truly remarkable is how the film delivers heroic, adrenaline-pumping moments without relying on fights, loud music, or dramatic dialogues. Some scenes are as impactful as any mass entertainer, and the hero breaking the fourth wall to address the audience felt fresh and unique. It reminded me of House of Cards when Kevin Spacey would speak directly to viewers, explaining the intricacies of his schemes.

Atluri’s research into banking systems shines through, with the film showcasing how bank receipts were exploited and how import taxation loopholes were manipulated. Every 10-15 minutes, there’s a powerful elevation scene that keeps you hooked. Some of the dialogues are so meaningful they could double as life lessons or motivational quotes.

That said, I did have a minor gripe. While it’s understandable that the hero, as a private banker, faces financial struggles, it felt odd that he borrowed money from ordinary people in his colony. As a banker, he should have had better options, like taking loans from colleagues or the bank itself. The way his neighbors humiliate him felt somewhat exaggerated.

There’s also a sequence involving a trip to Goa that seemed like creative liberty. However, if you overlook these minor inconsistencies, the rest of the film—especially how the hero outsmarts stock market players, high-ranking bank officials, and even Harshad Mehta’s PA—is an exhilarating experience.

Dulquer Salmaan delivers an outstanding performance, capturing every nuance of his character’s frustration, cunning, helplessness, and determination. It felt like watching a real person caught in the system. Meenakshi Chowdary also impressed as his wife, continuing to shine in her recent roles. The supporting cast was equally commendable, with everyone adding depth to the story.

G.V. Prakash’s background score is a huge asset, elevating many key moments. The production design deserves applause for beautifully recreating the era on a modest budget, making every frame feel authentic.

Overall, Lucky Bhaskar is a standout Telugu film, tackling the banking and stock market world in a way that even common audiences can understand and appreciate. It proves that you can create thrilling, goosebump-inducing scenes without a drop of blood or lengthy monologues. It’s films like these that make me proud of Telugu cinema.

My rating: 9.5/10.