Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Underdog Bollywood drama has language, drinking, smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gully Boy
What's the Story?
In GULLY BOY, Murad (Ranveer Singh) shares a small home with his working-class family in Mumbai, but dreams of becoming a rap superstar. When local rapper MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturedi) takes him under his wing, Murad discovers he has real talent and is pulled deeper into the scene. But could pursuing his dream risk losing everything -- including the love of his life, Safeena (Alia Bhatt)?
Is It Any Good?
Chosen as India's entry for the 2020 Academy Awards, though sadly falling out of competition in the early stages, this underdog story is set in the same Mumbai streets as 2008 hit Slumdog Millionaire. In Gully Boy, Singh makes for a charismatic leading man, showing great emotional range as he journeys from shy, frustrated dreamer to finding his self-worth and coming into his own. His on-screen chemistry with Bhatt lights up the screen, her knowing smile and fearless determination making for far more than a love interest.
Though there are serious issues, plenty of playful elements can be found in the central romance, as well as in the raps themselves. The music is full of humor and joy, as well as some hard-hitting truths within the sharply written rap battles performed by the main characters. Mixing the modern with the traditional, the poignant with the whimsical, this is an uplifting film certain to entertain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the nature of dreams and reality as discussed in Gully Boy. How did Murad and his father disagree about Murad's future? What are your dreams for the future and how can you help them become a reality?
How did some of the characters demonstrate perseverance and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
How were women portrayed in the film? Were there differences in the behavior and outlooks of the female characters based on age, nationality, and social standing?
Discuss the drinking, smoking, and drug use. Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things to look cool? What were the consequences?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : April 18, 2019
- Cast : Ranveer Singh , Alia Bhatt , Siddhant Chaturvedi
- Director : Zoya Akhtar
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 154 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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