Zoya Akhtar's forthcoming film Gully Boy is a much anticipated project for more reasons than one.
First, Zoya has chosen a home grown local subject for the very first time, one rooted in Mumbai's dirt and grit and unique legacy of turning lives around.
Second, it is based in ground research of home grown rapper stories like Naezy and Divine, who have left behind the struggle of slum dwelling riding on their power packed, thumping street poetry. But the biggest reason for watching out for this project is Ranveer Singh, the film's leading man. The story of Ranveer taking on the challenge of playing Gully Boy has an interesting background to it.
Even as Zoya began researching and writing the film, she had only Ranveer in mind for the role. A source close to the project said, "Zoya was quite keen to have Ranveer as the only man to play this role. The character of Gully Boy is edgy, drawn from portions of real life and quite uncommon for today's typical city based hero.
Zoya was so excited about Ranveer playing this part that she met him in Paris while he was shooting for Befikre, to give him a narration. Ranveer immediately agreed to do this role. For him, its an opportunity to display his versatility, reiterating his range as performer. It also brought him a chance to display his rapping skills."
While singing for their films is becoming quite the norm for actors today, rapping is unique. it's not up everyone's alley, as rapping requires unlimited energy ,a sense of rhythm and an ability to connect to street poetry, bringing alive the sound of the street. It is his commitment to pull of rapping with style and swag, that ensured that he got signed up for a somewhat higher pay cheque for this part of Gully Boy.
Another source adds, "Ranveer has been meeting up with Naezy and has also caught up with Divine to crack their rapping styles. Both love the fact that he will be playing this crucial role. He is trying to understand their body language and what drives their music. Knowing Ranveer, he will prepare extensively for this part and become the character like only he can."
To play a quintessential Mumbai boy from slums, who makes his dreams come true, Ranveer is willing to go the extra mile in more ways than one. Gully Boy therefore is well worth watching out for, with this Singh and his swag in charge!