The Magnetic Pull of India’s Underworld Cinema
Indian gangster movies are about more than bullets and blood. They are gripping tales of twisted affairs, troubled relationships, moral imprecision and raw emotion. Two of the overriding factors which stand out are brotherhood and betrayal, and these do not just provide the impetus of a character but also resonate through the social plexus of the world they inhabit. From Satya to Gangs of Wasseypur, these movies depict a world where alignments are sacred until they’re not.
In this article, we’ll delve into how these two themes define Indian gangster films and why they continue to captivate audiences across generations.
The Roots of Indian Gangster Films
A Brief Historical Overview
The genre began to emerge prominently in the 1970s and 80s, influenced by real-life underworld stories from Mumbai. Films like Deewaar (1975) set the tone for a new kind of anti-hero one who is shaped by poverty, driven by loyalty, and eventually undone by betrayal.
Rise of the Mumbai Noir
Directors like Ram Gopal Varma (Satya, Company) and Anurag Kashyap (Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur) ushered in what critics often call “Mumbai noir”—a gritty, realistic portrayal of the criminal world grounded in journalistic storytelling.
Brotherhood: The Emotional Core of the Underworld
Loyalty Beyond Blood
In Indian gangster films, brotherhood often goes beyond familial ties. It includes sworn alliances, street-level camaraderie, and mentor-protégé relationships. These bonds often define the narrative trajectory.
Example: In Satya (1998), the bond between Bhiku Mhatre and Satya is so intense that it drives most of the film’s emotional weight. Their friendship is built on trust and shared hardship, making Bhiku’s death a devastating turning point.
Brotherhood as Power
These relationships are not just emotional—they’re strategic. Loyalty ensures survival in a world where betrayal is always one bullet away.
Example: In Company (2002), the mentor-protégé relationship between Malik and Chandu mirrors real-life don dynamics, emphasizing how alliances can rise or raze empires.
Betrayal: The Inevitability of the Underworld
From Trust to Treachery
No gangster saga is complete without a betrayal—either for power, revenge, or survival. This theme brings dramatic weight to the narrative and often symbolizes the fragility of moral codes in the criminal world.
Example: Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010) portrays Shoaib’s betrayal of Sultan as a metaphor for generational change from a principled outlaw to a ruthless modern gangster.
The Tragedy of Trust
Betrayals often lead to the protagonist’s downfall, turning them from heroes into tragic figures. This arc reflects the inherent instability of lives built on violence.
Example: In Gangs of Wasseypur, Faizal’s end comes not just from external enemies but from the betrayal and manipulation within his own ranks.
Psychological Depth and Moral Complexity
Indian gangster films excel in portraying internal conflicts. Characters are rarely pure heroes or villains. Their choices are shaped by poverty, systemic injustice, or personal trauma, which makes their betrayals even more poignant.
Example: In Black Friday (2004), based on real events, the depiction of betrayal is less personal and more systemic, showing how law enforcement and underworld networks entangle ordinary people.
Socio-Political Commentary Through Crime
Crime as a Reflection of Society
The genre often uses crime as a lens to critique systemic corruption, economic disparity, and urban decay. Brotherhood becomes a survival mechanism, and betrayal, a path to power in a rigged system.
Example: D (2005) shows how one’s rise in the underworld mirrors the rise in corporate or political ladders, with betrayal as a necessary evil.
Regionalism and Identity
Films like Gangs of Wasseypur also use regional dialects, caste conflicts, and local politics, making the themes of brotherhood and betrayal even more layered and culturally specific.
Cinematic Techniques That Amplify Themes
Narrative Structure
Non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, and parallel plots are often used to contrast brotherhood’s warmth with the cold finality of betrayal.
Symbolism and Metaphor
Guns, trains, shared meals, and even festivals often symbolize deeper emotional bonds and eventual ruptures.
Example: The use of Holi in Raees to mask violent betrayal underscores the contrast between public celebration and private vengeance.
The Enduring Appeal of the Genre
Emotional Resonance
The emotional intensity of friendships and betrayals in Indian gangster films taps into universal human experiences, making the genre resonate across linguistic and cultural lines.
Archetypes and Innovation
While the “loyal friend” and the “backstabbing ally” are classic archetypes, filmmakers constantly find new ways to explore these roles in contemporary settings.
Example: In the OTT era, shows like Mirzapur and Sacred Games continue these themes with modern aesthetics and psychological nuance.
The Future of Indian Gangster Films
As streaming platforms give creators more freedom, the genre is expanding beyond Mumbai to tell underworld stories from Punjab, Bihar, and even the Northeast. Themes of brotherhood and betrayal remain central but are now explored with more psychological depth, gender dynamics, and political commentary.
AI & Data in Filmmaking: The future may also see AI being used for audience targeting and scriptwriting based on narrative preferences enhancing how these themes are developed and presented.
Brotherhood and Betrayal The Soul of Indian Crime Cinema
It isn’t just a theme, but the lifeblood of Indian gangster cinema: Brotherhood and betrayal. They define character arcs, drive narrative tension, and are pathways to broader social commentary. Well, from trust between friends to the inevitable gutting for power, those are the elements that make it so that genre continues to be as exhilarating as it is emotionally riveting.
In so doing, Indian cinema will progress, and the richness and depth of these kinds of stories will only increase, and become possibly even more brutally honest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why are brotherhood and betrayal so common in Indian gangster films? They reflect the emotional and moral complexities of life in the criminal world and serve as a mirror to societal values and breakdowns.
Q2: Which are the most iconic Indian gangster films exploring these themes? Satya, Company, Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai are some of the most celebrated.
Q3: How are these themes different from those in Western gangster films? Indian gangster films emphasize emotional bonds and moral ambiguity more deeply, often connecting crime with social injustice and family honor.
Q4: Are these themes still relevant in modern Indian films and OTT shows? Absolutely. Series like Sacred Games and Mirzapur continue to explore these themes in a modern, more layered format.
Q5: Will AI and automation impact the storytelling of gangster films in the future? Yes, tools like AI and data analytics can help tailor narratives to audience preferences, analyze successful tropes, and even predict emotional impact.
