The Fascination with the Underworld
Crime and morality have forever shared a complicated relationship in Indian cinema. Its gangster films, rendered with brutish realism, are among its most irresistible offerings. What’s especially unsettling about these movies, however, is how closely they resemble real-life events. While characters such as Dawood Ibrahim, Haji Mastan, and Abu Salem not only have been trending names of our time, they’ve also been the subject of some of Bollywood’s most iconic roles and cinema. This article delves deep into the real-life figures who shaped the genre and how filmmakers have transformed fact into cinematic fiction.
Dawood Ibrahim – The Blueprint for the Modern Indian Gangster
Few names strike fear and fascination like Dawood Ibrahim, the alleged mastermind behind the 1993 Bombay blasts and head of the D-Company crime syndicate.
Dawood’s Cinematic Shadow
Dawood has been a direct or indirect inspiration for:
- “Company” (2002) – Ram Gopal Varma’s depiction of the rise and internal split of a powerful gang mimics Dawood’s feud with Chhota Rajan.
- “D-Day” (2013) – Portrays a fictional mission to abduct a character resembling Dawood, known as “Iqbal Seth” in the film.
- “Shootout at Lokhandwala” (2007) and “Black Friday” (2004) – Both indirectly reference Dawood and events linked to him.
Filmmakers often use aliases to sidestep legal or political backlash, yet the parallels are unmistakable.
Haji Mastan – The Charismatic Smuggler Turned Icon
Haji Mastan Mirza was a 1960s–70s Mumbai smuggler and socialite who controlled the docks and had political ambitions.
Bollywood’s Take on Mastan
- “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai” (2010) – Ajay Devgn’s character “Sultan Mirza” is heavily inspired by Mastan, capturing his Robin Hood-like aura and his larger-than-life public persona.
- Mastan’s style immaculate white clothes, gold watches, and a penchant for film stars became visual staples for Bollywood dons.
His evolution from smuggler to pseudo-politician provided a narrative arc that’s more Shakespearean than criminal.
Varadarajan Mudaliar – The Tamil Don of Mumbai
Known as Vardha Bhai, Mudaliar ruled Mumbai’s Matunga area, dominating liquor smuggling and illicit gambling.
Big Screen Reflection
- “Nayakan” (1987) – Mani Ratnam’s Tamil masterpiece, loosely based on Mudaliar’s life, was India’s answer to “The Godfather.”
- Kamal Haasan’s performance as Velu Naicker earned the film a place in Time magazine’s list of the “All-Time 100 Best Films.”
Mudaliar’s story underscores how South Indian gangsters also influenced the underworld narrative, often overshadowed by Mumbai-centric tales.
Arun Gawli – From Gangster to Politician
Arun Gawli, known as “Daddy” in Mumbai’s Dagdi Chawl area, transitioned from extortion rackets to politics, winning elections in Maharashtra.
Movie Representation
- “Daddy” (2017) – Arjun Rampal’s portrayal captures Gawli’s rise, gang wars, and his attempts to reinvent himself politically.
- Gawli is unique for not fleeing India like Dawood and remaining a public figure despite his criminal past.
His journey adds a nuanced layer to the gangster trope highlighting redemption, grey morality, and community loyalty.
Chhota Rajan – The Archrival
Once a Dawood ally, Chhota Rajan turned into his most dangerous enemy after the 1993 bombings, opposing Dawood’s Pakistan-based operations.
On Film
- Referenced in “Company” and “Shootout at Lokhandwala” as the estranged brother-figure who rebels against his mentor.
- Chhota Rajan’s story adds depth to the mentor-protégé betrayal theme, a popular plot device in gangster dramas.
His portrayal is often symbolic of the split in India’s criminal nexus—patriotism vs. terrorism, loyalty vs. betrayal.
Abu Salem – The Don of Bollywood Extortion
Abu Salem is notorious not just for his role in the underworld but also for his involvement in Bollywood’s dark underbelly, especially extortion and the murder of music mogul Gulshan Kumar.
Screen Interpretations
- Salem’s arc finds a loose interpretation in “Shootout at Lokhandwala”, highlighting the mafia’s reach into film financing and intimidation.
- His high-profile extradition and trial inspired various documentaries and news-style dramas.
Salem’s involvement blurred the lines between crime and cinema, making his character an intriguing anti-hero.
The Rise of Indian Noir: Filmmakers Who Made It Real
Directors like Ram Gopal Varma, Anurag Kashyap, and Mani Ratnam have redefined how gangster stories are told.
Black Friday & Beyond
- Anurag Kashyap’s “Black Friday” was a gritty, documentary-style film about the 1993 bomb blasts.
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) – Inspired by coal mafia wars in Dhanbad, it presented a multigenerational crime saga grounded in reality.
These directors brought realism, moral ambiguity, and political context to the genre, moving beyond the glamour of 70s gangster flicks.
Why Audiences Love Real-Life Dons on Screen
Real gangster stories:
- Offer drama without exaggeration – the events are inherently cinematic.
- Satisfy our curiosity for the forbidden – life inside India’s criminal empires.
- Explore morality in shades of grey – humanizing figures who were both feared and revered.
The blend of authenticity, cultural commentary, and thrill makes these movies enduringly popular.
The Thin Line Between Reel and Real
The larger-than-life figure of Dawood Ibrahim alone is enough to keep the guns blazing on celluloid and his recent arrest also gave the Indian industry a reason to rejoice. These are not tabloid tales. They are themselves aspects of the darker realities that lurk beneath the surface of society of corruption and struggle for power, and of destitution and existence. Indian gangster films are, after all, not just about bullets, blood and revenge; they are about identity, betrayal and legacy.
But as storytelling continues to evolve toward a data-driven and analytics-obsessed future, the future of such films may lurch harder into AI-enhanced character arcs, predictive audience modeling and automated storytelling designed to cater to ever-changing viewer interests. But one thing is a surety: as long as the underworld exists, Bollywood will keep illuminating its darkest corners.
FAQ: Real-Life Inspirations Behind Indian Gangster Movies
Q1: Who is the most commonly portrayed gangster in Indian cinema?
Dawood Ibrahim is by far the most referenced, either directly or through fictionalized characters.
Q2: Are gangster movies in India always based on real events?
Not always. While many draw inspiration from real lives, others are fictional or composites of multiple stories.
Q3: Which movie is closest to real events?
“Black Friday” is considered one of the most accurate, based on Hussain Zaidi’s book about the 1993 Bombay blasts.
Q4: Do gangsters influence Bollywood in real life?
Historically, yes. There have been cases of extortion, financing, and threats linked to underworld figures like Abu Salem.
Q5: What makes Indian gangster movies unique compared to Western ones?
Indian gangster films often mix socio-political themes, family drama, and regional elements, making them culturally distinct.
