Dulquer Salmaan
Arjun Varma
Overview
In the cartel-run town of Gulaabgunj, an unprecedented opium deal pulls a big-city cop and a lovesick mechanic into its chaotic clutches.
Seasons
- Status
- Returning Series
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 7 episodes
- First aired
- Aug 18, 2023
Cast
12 people
Reviews
6 min readThe Nineties Never Left—They Just Moved to Gulaabgunj
I keep thinking about the way the opening credits of Guns & Gulaabs unfold: a slow pan across a dusty town square, the camera lingering on a cassette player blasting Kumar Sanu’s “Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen” while a hitman in aviators adjusts his gloves. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a deliberate act of time travel, a promise that the next seven hours will feel like flipping through a photo album you didn’t know you had.
And for a while, it works. The problem isn’t that the show forgets its own rules; it’s that it remembers them too well.
Raj & DK have built their reputation on high-energy, high-stakes thrillers like The Family Man and Farzi, where every scene hums with the tension of a ticking clock. Guns & Gulaabs is their first real attempt to slow down, to let the air out of the tires and coast. The result is a series that feels less like a heist gone wrong and more like a long, meandering road trip with no clear destination. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—until you realize the car’s running on fumes.
The fictional town of Gulaabgunj is a masterclass in world-building by subtraction. There are no smartphones, no GPS, no instant gratification—just landlines that ring at the worst possible moment and motorcycles that sputter out when you need them most. The directors lean into this analog limbo, using the absence of modern tech to dictate the story’s pace.
A chase scene isn’t about speed; it’s about who can hotwire a scooter faster. A negotiation isn’t about leverage; it’s about who can bluff their way through a payphone call. It’s a clever conceit, one that turns the limitations of the 1990s into a narrative strength.
But cleverness, as any gambler will tell you, doesn’t always pay off.
The cast is where Guns & Gulaabs shines brightest, and where it stumbles into its most frustrating contradictions. Rajkummar Rao, as the lovelorn mechanic Tipu, is a marvel of physical comedy—his gangly limbs and perpetually bewildered expression make him the perfect foil to Dulquer Salmaan’s slick, city-slicker cop Arjun Varma. Rao’s performance is a reminder of why he’s one of the most watchable actors working today: he doesn’t just play the fool; he plays the fool who knows he’s the fool, and that self-awareness makes him oddly endearing.
Salmaan, meanwhile, brings a coiled intensity to Arjun, a man who’s spent so long pretending to be in control that he’s forgotten what control even looks like. Their dynamic is the show’s emotional core, a push-and-pull between desperation and delusion that keeps the story from collapsing under its own weight.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Guns & Gulaabs: Raj & DK’s Dark Comedy Crime Thriller
Netflix’s Guns & Gulaabs (2023) is the latest offering from the dynamic duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., the creators behind hits like The Family Man and Stree. Set in the fictional 1990s town of Gulaabgunj, the series blends black comedy, crime, and romance, delivering a quirky yet gritty narrative. But what went into making this offbeat thriller? latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what we know from the limited behind-the-scenes buzz.
The Raj & DK Formula: A Signature Style
Raj & DK have carved a niche for themselves with their unique blend of dark humor, sharp storytelling, and relatable characters. Guns & Gulaabs is no exception, described as a "black comedy crime thriller" 
. The series is set in the 1990s, a decade known for its raw, unfiltered energy, and the creators seem to have leaned into that aesthetic. The fictional town of Gulaabgunj serves as the perfect backdrop for a story that balances romance, action, and dark humor .
While the evidence doesn’t reveal much about the creative process, Raj & DK’s previous work suggests a hands-on approach. They are known for writing, directing, and even producing their projects under their banner, D2R Films . This level of control likely ensures that Guns & Gulaabs stays true to their vision, from the script to the final cut.
The Cast: A Mix of Rising Stars and Veteran Talent
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, led by Dulquer Salmaan and Rajkummar Rao, two of India’s most versatile actors. Salmaan, known for his work in Malayalam and Hindi cinema, plays a mechanic trying to escape his gangster father’s shadow 
. Rao, a master of quirky roles, likely brings his signature charm to the mix. The supporting cast includes Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger), Gulshan Devaiah (Sacred Games), and veteran actor Satish Kaushik, adding depth and star power to the project .
What’s interesting is the inclusion of relative newcomers like TJ Bhanu and Manuj Sharma, alongside established names like Pooja Gor and Vipin Sharma. This blend of fresh faces and seasoned performers suggests a deliberate effort to create a dynamic on-screen chemistry. However, the evidence doesn’t reveal any behind-the-scenes drama or anecdotes about the cast’s interactions—so for now, their collaboration remains a mystery.
Production and Release: A Netflix Original
Guns & Gulaabs is a Netflix original, produced under the banner of D2R Films in collaboration with the streaming giant . The series premiered on August 18, 2023, and consists of seven episodes in its first season . While the evidence doesn’t provide details about the filming process, Raj & DK’s previous projects have often been shot in real locations to capture authenticity. Given the 1990s setting, it’s possible that the team went the extra mile to recreate the era’s vibe, from costumes to set design.
Netflix’s involvement also hints at a global appeal. The platform has been pushing Indian content to international audiences, and Guns & Gulaabs fits neatly into that strategy. The series’ mix of crime, comedy, and romance could attract viewers beyond India’s borders, especially those who enjoy Raj & DK’s signature style.
What’s Missing? The Unanswered Questions
Despite the buzz, there’s a surprising lack of behind-the-scenes gossip or insider details about Guns & Gulaabs. No reports of on-set clashes, creative differences, or fun anecdotes have surfaced in the available evidence. Even the cast’s social media, often a goldmine for BTS content, hasn’t spilled much tea. This could mean one of two things: either the production was smooth sailing, or the team kept things tightly under wraps.
Another gap is the absence of audience or critic reactions in the evidence. While the series is described as a "black comedy crime thriller," we don’t know how it was received upon release. Did it live up to the hype? Did the 1990s setting resonate with viewers? For now, these questions remain unanswered.
The Bottom Line
Guns & Gulaabs is a testament to Raj & DK’s ability to craft compelling, genre-blending stories. With a stellar cast and a unique setting, the series has all the ingredients for success. However, the lack of behind-the-scenes drama or insider details leaves fans craving more. If you’re a fan of dark comedies with a crime twist, this one’s worth a watch—but don’t expect to find much gossip to go with it.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.