Gangland: The City of Crime (2025) Movie review – A Raw Punjabi Crime Saga

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Director: Savio Sandhu
Cast: Sippy Gill, Nishawn Bhullar, Amiek Virk, Dheeraj Kumar, Kul Sidhu, Hobby Dhaliwal, Vadda Grewal
Production: KV Dhillon, Anmol Sahni, Parteek Sharma
U/A: Suitable for 12+; parental guidance advised due to violence and mature themes.
Language: Punjabi
Runtime: 2h 20m
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Plot Overview

Gangland: The City of Crime unfolds in 1986 Punjab, beginning with two childhood friends—Sultan and Hakam—who lead a six-member robbery gang. After a successful heist, Sultan decides to retire from crime, but Hakam disagrees, leading to a confrontation between the two. Their falling out sets off a cycle of revenge, eventually drawing in new rival gangs and escalating the conflict. The film, adapted from the web series Gangland in Motherland, portrays the impact of crime on individuals and society, with comparisons to Gangs of Wasseypur for its gritty, realistic tone.

Direction & Cinematic Execution

Savio Sandhu’s direction brings a fresh perspective to Punjabi cinema, blending elements of action, crime, and drama seamlessly. The film’s narrative is intense and layered, with well-timed twists that keep the audience engaged. The cinematography captures the rawness of Punjab’s underworld, using moody lighting and realistic settings to enhance the storytelling. The action sequences are choreographed to international standards, adding authenticity to the film’s gritty atmosphere.

Performances

The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances that elevate the film’s impact:

• Sippy Gill: Known for his powerful screen presence, Gill portrays a complex character caught in the throes of crime and loyalty.
• Nishawn Bhullar: Brings depth to his role, effectively capturing the internal conflicts of his character.
• Amiek Virk: Delivers a strong performance, adding intensity to the film’s action sequences.
• Dheeraj Kumar, Kul Sidhu, Hobby Dhaliwal, Vadda Grewal: Each actor contributes significantly, portraying characters that add layers to the narrative.

Music & Sound Design

The film’s soundtrack complements its intense narrative. Songs like the title track by Guri Lahoria, “Jail” by Labh Heera, and “City Gangland” by Deep Jandu and Mijaz enhance the film’s atmosphere, aligning with its gritty tone. The background score intensifies key moments, immersing the audience in the unfolding drama.

What Worked:

1. Gripping Narrative: The story of betrayal, revenge, and loyalty keeps the audience engaged.
2. Strong Performances: Sippy Gill and Nishawn Bhullar deliver intense and emotional performances.
3. Cinematography: The visuals capture the gritty and raw atmosphere of Punjab’s criminal underworld.
4. Sound Design & Music: The soundtrack and background score enhance the film’s intense atmosphere.

What Didn’t Work:

• Limited Emotional Range: The focus on action leaves little room for deeper emotional exploration of the main characters.Final Verdict
• Pacing Issues: Some scenes feel prolonged, slowing down the overall narrative.
• Predictable Plot: Certain story elements are familiar and lack surprises.
• Weak Character Development of Minor Roles: Supporting characters lack depth and emotional complexity.

Final Verdict

Gangland: The City of Crime is a landmark film in Punjabi cinema, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of crime and loyalty. With its strong performances, gripping storyline, and high production values, the film sets a new benchmark for the genre. It’s a must-watch for fans of intense, character-driven dramas

Where to Watch

As of now, Gangland: The City of Crime is available for theatrical viewing. Streaming availability on platforms like Prime Video is anticipated but has not been confirmed yet.