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A Gentleman (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

A Gentleman (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 145 min · English
Echo score 44
Directed by
Krishna D.K., Raj Nidimoru
Starring
Zachary Coffin, Rajit Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Darshan Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Amit Mistry

Gaurav seeks a stable relationship, but his pursuit of love is complicated when he meets Kavya, who desires adventure. As duty calls him to Mumbai, their connection is challenged in a blend of romance, comedic moments, and unexpected action sequences. They must navigate their differing desires and the obstacles that arise.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (2)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like A Gentleman
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch A Gentleman (2017)

Where can you watch A Gentleman? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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5 main characters · contains spoilers

A Gentleman Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of A Gentleman (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Gaurav

    played by Sidharth Malhotra

    Gaurav, portrayed by Sidharth Malhotra, is a charming and hardworking man who yearns for a stable life with Kavya. His good intentions are met with challenges as he navigates identity confusion and dangers stemming from Rishi's past. Gaurav evolves from a hopeful suitor to a man fighting for his life, ultimately seeking peace.

    • 😌 Aspirational
    • 😢 Vulnerable
    • 🚀 Determined
  • Rishi Purohit

    played by Sidharth Malhotra

    Rishi Purohit, also played by Sidharth Malhotra, is a notorious assassin entangled in a web of danger and morality. His character grapples with the consequences of his violent past while seeking redemption. Rishi's transformation is central to the story as he adopts Gaurav's identity to escape his former life, showcasing resilience and inherent leadership.

    • 🦸‍♂️ Heroic
    • 🎭 Complex
    • 🔫 Dangerous
  • Kavya

    played by Jacqueline Fernandez

    Kavya, played by Jacqueline Fernandez, is a strong-willed woman who is drawn to adventure. Her initial attraction to danger complicates her relationship with Gaurav. Throughout the film, she grows to understand the true depth of Rishi's character, highlighting themes of perception and personal growth amidst chaos.

    • 💪 Independent
    • 💖 Loving
    • 🎢 Adventurous
  • Colonel Vijay Saxena

    played by Sunil Shetty

    Colonel Vijay Saxena, portrayed by Sunil Shetty, is the authoritative and morally ambiguous leader of Unit X. His relentless ambition pushes Rishi towards a reckoning, as he represents the dark side of power. Saxena's manipulative nature and disregard for his men ultimately lead to his downfall.

    • 👮‍♂️ Villainous
    • 🏆 Ambitious
    • 🔥 Ruthless
  • Yakub

    played by Darshan Kumar

    Yakub, played by Darshan Kumar, is a conflicted member of Rishi's team who embodies desperation and betrayal. His choices lead to dire consequences, making him a pivotal character in the narrative of loyalty and treachery. Yakub's journey challenges the viewer's understanding of desperation in high-stakes situations.

    • 😟 Troubled
    • ⚖️ Betrayed
    • 🔥 Reckless

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:15

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Setting

Where and When Does A Gentleman Take Place?

The setting of A Gentleman (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

2012, 2017

The story spans two significant years, 2012 and 2017. In 2012, Rishi operates as a rogue assassin within a covert organization, navigating the moral complexities of espionage. By 2017, the consequences of his past actions catch up with him, blending his two identities and forcing him to confront a dangerous legacy while striving for a peaceful future.

Location

Miami, Mumbai, Bangkok

The movie unfolds between three distinct locations. Miami serves as a serene backdrop where Gaurav hopes to start a tranquil life with Kavya, while Mumbai is a bustling city filled with intrigue and danger, linking Gaurav to his past and the secretive Unit X. Bangkok features as a significant international location tied to espionage and shady dealings, exemplifying the global stakes at play.

  • 🌴 Tropical
  • 🌆 Urban
  • 🌏 International

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:15

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2 major themes

A Gentleman Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is A Gentleman (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Espionage

    The theme of espionage permeates the film as it explores the dark underbelly of covert operations and betrayal. Rishi's dual life as an assassin and a man seeking peace creates tension as past actions resonate in the present. The narrative challenges perceptions of right and wrong within the high-stakes world of spies and secrets.

  • Love and Sacrifice

    Love and sacrifice are core themes as Gaurav's desire to win Kavya's affection is hindered by his dangerous reality. Rishi’s transformation highlights the sacrifices one makes for love, raising questions about identity, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care for. The emotional stakes deepen as past and present collide.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:15

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Character & theme questions

A Gentleman Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about A Gentleman (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is A Gentleman set?

The movie unfolds across three main locations: Miami serves as a serene backdrop where Gaurav hopes to start a peaceful life with Kavya, Mumbai is a bustling city connecting Gaurav to his dangerous past and the secretive Unit X, and Bangkok features as a key international location tied to espionage and shady dealings. These three cities represent the contrast between the protagonist's desire for normalcy and the global underworld he cannot escape.

  • miami
  • mumbai
  • bangkok
  • setting
  • locations
Q2

What time period is A Gentleman set in?

The story takes place across two significant years: 2012 and 2017. In 2012, Rishi operates as a rogue assassin within a covert organization, navigating the moral complexities of espionage. By 2017, the consequences of his past actions catch up with him, blending his two identities and forcing him to confront a dangerous legacy while striving for a peaceful future.

  • 2012
  • 2017
  • time period
  • setting
  • years
Q3

What are the main themes in A Gentleman?

A Gentleman explores two core themes: espionage and love with sacrifice. The espionage theme delves into the dark underbelly of covert operations and betrayal, challenging perceptions of right and wrong within the high-stakes world of spies and secrets. The love and sacrifice theme examines how the protagonist's desire for a peaceful life with his loved one is hindered by his dangerous reality, raising questions about identity, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care for.

  • themes
  • espionage
  • love
  • sacrifice
  • meaning
Q4

What does the espionage theme represent in A Gentleman?

The espionage theme permeates the film as it explores the dark underbelly of covert operations and betrayal. Rishi's dual life as an assassin and a man seeking peace creates tension as past actions resonate in the present. The narrative challenges perceptions of right and wrong within the high-stakes world of spies and secrets, making the audience question the morality of the characters' choices.

  • espionage
  • spies
  • secrets
  • covert operations
  • moral ambiguity
Q5

What does the love and sacrifice theme explore in A Gentleman?

Love and sacrifice are central themes as Gaurav's desire to win Kavya's affection is hindered by his dangerous reality. Rishi's transformation highlights the sacrifices one makes for love, raising questions about identity, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care for. The emotional stakes deepen as past and present collide, showing how love can both complicate and give meaning to a dangerous life.

  • love
  • sacrifice
  • loyalty
  • identity
  • redemption
Q6

Who are the main characters in A Gentleman?

The film features five key characters: Gaurav, a charming man yearning for stability who becomes entangled in danger; Rishi Purohit, a notorious assassin seeking redemption who adopts Gaurav's identity; Kavya, a strong-willed woman drawn to adventure; Colonel Vijay Saxena, the morally ambiguous leader of Unit X representing the dark side of power; and Yakub, a conflicted team member whose choices lead to betrayal and dire consequences.

  • characters
  • cast
  • main characters
  • protagonist
Q7

Who is Gaurav in A Gentleman?

Gaurav, portrayed by Sidharth Malhotra, is a charming and hardworking man who yearns for a stable life with Kavya. His good intentions are met with challenges as he navigates identity confusion and dangers stemming from Rishi's past. Gaurav evolves from a hopeful suitor to a man fighting for his life, ultimately seeking peace and a chance at a normal future.

  • gaurav
  • sidharth malhotra
  • protagonist
  • character
Q8

Who is Rishi Purohit in A Gentleman?

Rishi Purohit, also played by Sidharth Malhotra, is a notorious assassin entangled in a web of danger and morality. His character grapples with the consequences of his violent past while seeking redemption. Rishi's transformation is central to the story as he adopts Gaurav's identity to escape his former life, showcasing resilience and inherent leadership while navigating the conflict between his two selves.

  • rishi purohit
  • assassin
  • dual identity
  • redemption
  • antagonist
Q9

Who is Kavya in A Gentleman?

Kavya, played by Jacqueline Fernandez, is a strong-willed woman who is drawn to adventure. Her initial attraction to danger complicates her relationship with Gaurav. Throughout the film, she grows to understand the true depth of Rishi's character, highlighting themes of perception and personal growth amidst chaos as she navigates her feelings for both men.

  • kavya
  • jacqueline fernandez
  • heroine
  • love interest
Q10

Who is Colonel Vijay Saxena in A Gentleman?

Colonel Vijay Saxena, portrayed by Sunil Shetty, is the authoritative and morally ambiguous leader of Unit X. His relentless ambition pushes Rishi towards a reckoning, as he represents the dark side of power. Saxena's manipulative nature and disregard for his men ultimately lead to his downfall, making him a formidable antagonist who embodies the corruption within the world of espionage.

  • colonel vijay saxena
  • sunil shetty
  • villain
  • unit x
  • antagonist
Q11

What is Unit X in A Gentleman?

Unit X is a covert organization that Rishi was once part of, operating as a rogue assassin within its ranks. The organization is connected to the dangerous world of espionage depicted in the film. Colonel Vijay Saxena leads Unit X, representing the dark side of power and the corrupt elements within the intelligence world that Rishi seeks to escape.

  • unit x
  • covert organization
  • espionage
  • secret agency
Q12

What is the tone and style of A Gentleman?

A Gentleman balances serious themes of assassination and corruption with lighter romantic and comedic elements. The film features a fast pace driven by mission sequences, chases, and violent confrontations, creating constant tension. The primary dynamic is the contrast between the violent, high-tension world of espionage and the protagonist's desire for ordinary romance and peace, resulting in a blend of action, comedy, and romance genres.

  • tone
  • style
  • action
  • comedy
  • romance
  • genre

Movie threads

More Movies Like A Gentleman, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes A Gentleman tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Double Lives Under Siege like in A Gentleman

Protagonists juggle a dangerous secret life while trying to preserve a fragile normal one. Explore movies like A Gentleman where characters grapple with a double identity. If you enjoyed the high-tension balancing act between a peaceful romance and a dangerous past, discover similar action comedies and thrillers featuring secret agents, undercover operatives, and fugitives.

  • tense
  • high stakes
  • suspenseful
  • action-packed
  • dramatic
  • double life
  • Tone: tense, high-stakes
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a protagonist who has built a new, peaceful life to escape a violent past or demanding profession. Their new happiness is put to the ultimate test when old enemies or obligations resurface, forcing them to use their dormant skills to protect their new world, often without revealing their true nature to loved ones.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared premise of a dual identity at the core of the conflict. They mix intense action with character-driven drama, creating a specific brand of suspense where the emotional stakes are as high as the physical ones.

Action-Romance Comedies like A Gentleman

High-octane thrills and chases seamlessly blended with a central romantic comedy plot. Find movies similar to A Gentleman that masterfully blend romance and comedy with intense action sequences. If you liked the mix of a high-stakes plot with a charming love story, this thread features films where relationships are forged in fire and humor lightens the danger.

  • action-packed
  • romantic
  • suspenseful
  • adventurous
  • humorous
  • high stakes
  • Tone: tense, romantic, humorous
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot structure often involves an ordinary person or a person seeking normality being thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The central romance develops amidst the action, with the danger serving as both an obstacle and a catalyst for the relationship. The tone skillfully pivots between humorous banter, romantic moments, and intense set pieces.

Why they belong together: This thread groups films based on their unique tonal blend. They share a specific recipe of fast pacing, high-intensity action, a strong romantic arc, and consistent comedic relief, creating an energetic and ultimately hopeful viewing experience.

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Movies Like A Gentleman

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Every angle

A Gentleman (2017) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about A Gentleman in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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