Lucky Baskhar review: Dulquer Salmaan elevates a solid, safe take on ambition

While promoting his latest movie, Lucky Baskhar, director Venky Atluri claimed that one of his biggest strengths is his talent in screenwriting. However, those closely following his filmography would tell you that his ability to assemble a stellar cast is his greatest asset. He once again showcases this strength with Lucky Baskhar.

Dulquer Salmaan is pitch-perfect as Baskhar Kumar, a working-class bank employee. In the late 80s, Baskhar, like millions of his countrymen, firmly believes that he could overcome his financial struggles by holding an honest, steady job. He is dedicated to his role as a cashier, showing up to work on time every day, the first to arrive and the last to leave. Known for his loyalty, respect for others, and charm, Baskhar embodies the ideal Indian man personality. He works hard for three years in hopes of earning a promotion that could alleviate his family’s middle-class challenges. 

Baskhar first finds luck when Sumathi (Meenakshi Chaudhary), his college sweetheart, falls in love with him and marries him against her family's wishes. She plays the role of the dutiful housewife, a classic archetype: modest, unambitious, and willing to hide her own disappointments. She goes to great lengths to live well below their means, mindful not to add to her husband’s burdens.

However, Baskhar’s low-paying job, rising costs, and family obligations soon push him into debt. His long-desired promotion slips away, thanks to office politics. At this point, he realizes he’s playing a rigged game, designed to keep him struggling. This new clarity drives him to bend the system in his favour.

Venky Atluri draws inspiration from the Harshad Mehta story to set this film against the backdrop of banking and stock market scams. It could be described as Money Heist meets Scam 1992, with hints of an ambition to reveal the ugly side of excessive lifestyles (The Wolf of Wall Street). Yet, Atluri’s conservative storytelling keeps Baskhar likable, never pushing him to extremes. By keeping him relatable, Atluri ensures audiences can easily forgive Baskhar’s transgressions.

That said, Dulquer Salmaan makes it easy for audiences to believe in Baskhar's quick transformations. His entire motivation to "break bad" comes from a denied promotion, and his return to his former self happens just as swiftly in a conversation with a loved one. But Dulquer's committed performance and charm make it work. We want Baskhar to outwit the system and evade punishment.

Meenakshi Chaudhary also shines as the devoted wife, delivering her best performance to date and making us root for her crooked husband’s success. Beyond the talented cast, the film’s greatest strength is Nimish Ravi’s cinematography, beautifully complemented by Vinesh Banglan’s production design, which convincingly recreates 1980s Mumbai. GV Prakash Kumar’s score, coupled with solid acting and visuals, makes this film an engaging watch.

Lucky Baskhar is not groundbreaking, but it’s a well-made movie with several engaging moments.

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