A Decade Later: The Timeless Appeal of Sriram Raghavan's Johnny Gaddaar

Exploring the Enduring Legacy of Johnny Gaddaar

Sriram Raghavan's film Johnny Gaddaar remains as captivating today as it was upon its release ten years ago. This intricately crafted crime thriller delves into themes of greed and betrayal, showcasing a gradual unraveling of trust among its characters. The story follows Vikram (played by Neil Nitin Mukesh), the youngest member of a criminal gang that pools resources to acquire drugs from a corrupt police officer. Vikram, who harbors feelings for Mini, the spouse of his partner Shardul (Zakir Hussain), decides to abscond with the money. In a twist of fate, he accidentally kills his partner Daya (Dayanand Shetty), triggering a series of tragic events.

While the film illustrates that crime ultimately leads to downfall, it also highlights the allure of its crime-ridden backdrop. The cinematography by Muraleedharan CK and the editing by Pooja Ladha Surti contribute significantly to the film's gripping narrative. In a discussion, Raghavan revealed the various influences that shaped the film, including Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and classic films like The Killing and Rififi.

After completing the script, Raghavan sought feedback, receiving a harsh critique from Kundan Shah, who deemed the film too detached and amoral. However, Johnny Gaddaar stands out for its clinical yet engaging storytelling. The plot intricately follows Vikram's descent into darkness without moralizing. As gang members fall one by one, Vikram emerges as a quintessential neo-noir antagonist, cold and calculating, willing to sacrifice his allies.

Neil Nitin Mukesh's portrayal of Vikram, with his vacant expression, serves as a perfect canvas for Raghavan's vision of the character's moral decline. Vikram's motivations are intertwined with his affection for Mini, yet the film does not allow him to evade the repercussions of his choices.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Dharmendra as the gang leader Sheshadri, Vinay Pathak as the gambler Prakash, Ashwini Kalsekar as Varsha, and Govind Namdeo as the policeman Kalyan. Dharmendra's performance adds depth to Sheshadri, whose character, though brief, leaves a lasting impression. The film cleverly references Bimal Roy's Bandini (1963), with a poignant moment where Sheshadri reminisces about his late wife while the song Mora Gora Ang Lai Le plays in the background.

A standout moment in the film is a ten-minute silent sequence on a train, where Vikram stealthily takes the money intended for the drug deal from Daya. This scene builds tension through striking visuals, precise editing, and minimal dialogue, showcasing Raghavan's narrative style that favors gradual buildup followed by sudden action.

The train scene exemplifies the film's storytelling approach, akin to a card game where Vikram plays his hand without knowing his opponents' responses, often calculating his moves accurately.

As Vikram loses his moral compass, the other characters become tragic victims of his avarice. Raghavan aimed to give each character a distinct presence, stating, "I tried my best to infuse every other character with life. It is a very cold film, the guy [Vikram] doesn’t have a heart, but the other characters do."

Interestingly, the film was not always titled Johnny Gaddaar; an alternative title, Bichde Sabhi Baari Baari, was considered but ultimately discarded. The title pays homage to Johny Mera Naam (1970), a film by one of Raghavan's favorite directors, Vijay Anand. A clever moment occurs when Vikram checks into a hotel under the alias Johnny, coinciding with the film's broadcast on television.

Raghavan included this detail after Neil Nitin Mukesh's father expressed confusion over the title, leading to the memorable scene where Vikram signs in with a false name.

Reflecting on the film's impact a decade later, Raghavan's work continues to resonate with audiences.

Footage courtesy: Reliance Entertainment. Interview: Nandini Ramnath. Video designer: Joel George. Camera: Omkar Phatak. Producer: Astha Rawat.