The story seemed to hit the same beats as many movies that have come before it with some different elements that were added in to pander to a desi audience. While “Gully Boy” tries to be an edgy, newwave type of film, it comes off as an appropriation of black culture. Official music video for Apna Time Aayega, one of the most iconic rap songs to emerge from the film The reference to Nas was a nice touch that added some intrigue to the proceedings. This film also has a distinctive rags-to-riches story arc that is common in many fairy tale stories but also seen in gangster films to a certain extent. The slums of Dharavi are very reminiscent of the Compton regions of LA or the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn. These films chronicle the protagonists struggles in the impoverished parts of cities like LA or NYC and show their journey as characters. The film pays homage to many hood films that have come out in Hollywood such as Boyz in the Hood, Menace to Society, Straight Outta Compton and a stark resemblance to the likes of 8 Mile. The film also offers hope for those who may not like the grind of work. The film tries really hard to stay grounded in a reality that most films completely neglect. Clear themes emerge from the tight shots, the set design, the green color tint, the music, the characters, and how they interact. The music numbers are well-integrated into the story and do not come at random.
The music takes place in grimey underground-like places as opposed to the beautiful landscapes that other films feature during musical numbers. The film uses rap, rather than traditional desi music fare, and talks about pain and sorrow, rather than love and dreamy happiness. The story features tough topics such as family abuse, socioeconomic struggles, and passion for the arts. “Gully Boy” differs from most Hindi films in story, in music, and in themes.