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Characters & Themes

Raees (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 143 min · Hindi
Directed by
Rahul Dholakia

In a bustling city where illegal alcohol thrives, Raees Alam has built a powerful empire. However, his reign is threatened by the arrival of ACP Majmudar, a determined police officer intent on bringing him down. To safeguard his business and evade capture, Raees must use every ounce of his intelligence and resourcefulness to stay ahead of the law and maintain control.

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

Where to watch

Where to Watch Raees (2017)

Where can you watch Raees? 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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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Raees Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Raees (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.

  • Raees

    Raees, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, is a driven and resourceful man who transforms from a small-time dealer into a powerful figure within the illegal liquor trade. His determination to succeed often places him at odds with law enforcement, yet he remains committed to his community's welfare, highlighting his complex morality.

    • 👨‍💼 Protagonist
    • 💪 Resilient
  • J. A. Majmudar

    Majmudar, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is an honest and relentless police officer dedicated to eradicating illegal activities. His moral integrity contrasts sharply with Raees' world, and he represents the law's persistent struggle against corruption, ultimately becoming a significant adversary to Raees.

    • 👮‍♂️ Antagonist
    • ⚖️ Justice
  • Aasiya

    Aasiya, portrayed by Mahira Khan, is Raees' love interest who embodies support and nurturing amidst Raees' chaotic life. Her character represents resilience and the human side of Raees, motivating him to dream about a better future for their family and community.

    • 💖 Love Interest
    • 🌼 Supportive
  • Moosa

    Moosa is a pivotal character in Raees' life, initially appearing as an ally but ultimately betraying him. His actions lead to significant turmoil for Raees, showcasing the theme of betrayal and the precarious nature of alliances in the criminal underworld.

    • 🤝 Ally
    • 🔪 Betrayer

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:29

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Setting

Where and When Does Raees Take Place?

The setting of Raees (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

The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the societal issues related to organized crime and corruption in modern India. It explores the dynamics of the illegal liquor trade, showcasing the struggles between crime and law enforcement in the present day.

Location

Fatehpur, Gujarat, Mumbai, Kutch

Fatehpur is a bustling town in Gujarat known for its vibrant culture and emerging trade activities. The movie highlights the challenges and underground operations within the illegal liquor trade in this region. Mumbai serves as a contrast with its metropolitan dynamics, while Kutch represents a more rural area facing its own socio-economic issues.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🚢 Trade

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:29

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3 major themes

Raees Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

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

  • Morality

    The theme of morality is central to Raees' character, illustrating the conflict between his criminal activities and his mother's teachings about dignity in work. As Raees embraces the illegal liquor trade, he grapples with ethical dilemmas that challenge his values, ultimately leading to his downfall.

  • Betrayal

    Betrayal plays a significant role in the narrative, as Raees navigates relationships with those he once trusted. The betrayal by Moosa, who aids in his ruin, ultimately drives Raees to take desperate actions that lead to tragic consequences, emphasizing the volatility of loyalty in the criminal underworld.

  • Ambition

    Ambition fuels Raees' journey, pushing him to rise from an illegal liquor dealer to a figure of authority in his community. His aspirations for better living conditions for his people reveal a complex character who, despite his criminal means, desires positive change and development for those he serves.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:29

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Character & theme questions

Raees Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Raees (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 the movie Raees set?

Raees is primarily set in Fatehpur, a bustling town in Gujarat, India. The film also explores other locations including Mumbai and Kutch, each representing different aspects of Indian society - from urban metropolitan dynamics to rural socio-economic challenges.

  • fatehpur gujarat
  • mumbai
  • kutch
  • settings
  • locations
Q2

When does Raees take place?

Raees unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern-day India and its ongoing struggles with organized crime, corruption, and the illegal liquor trade. The story exists in the present day, showcasing the ongoing conflict between criminal enterprises and law enforcement.

  • contemporary
  • modern
  • time period
  • india
Q3

What is the main theme of Raees?

Morality is the central theme of Raees, exploring the character's constant conflict between his criminal activities and the ethical teachings of his mother about dignity in work. Raees grapples with these ethical dilemmas throughout the film, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.

  • morality
  • ethics
  • crime
  • values
  • conflict
Q4

What does ambition represent in Raees?

Ambition drives Raees' journey from a small-time illegal liquor dealer to a powerful community figure. His aspirations extend beyond personal gain - he seeks better living conditions for his people, revealing a complex character who desires positive change for his community despite his criminal methods.

  • ambition
  • power
  • community
  • rise
  • success
Q5

How does betrayal factor into Raees?

Betrayal plays a crucial role in Raees' story. His ally Moosa ultimately betrays him, leading to Raees' ruin and forcing him into desperate actions with tragic consequences. This theme emphasizes how unstable loyalty is within the criminal underworld.

  • betrayal
  • moosa
  • loyalty
  • crime underworld
Q6

Who is Raees in the movie?

Raees, played by Shah Rukh Khan, is a driven and resourceful man who builds a powerful empire in the illegal liquor trade. Despite his criminal activities, he remains committed to his community's welfare, creating a morally complex character caught between crime and altruism.

  • raees
  • shah rukh khan
  • protagonist
  • liquor trade
Q7

Who is ACP Majmudar in Raees?

ACP J.A. Majmudar, portrayed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is an honest and relentless police officer dedicated to eradicating illegal activities. His strong moral integrity creates a sharp contrast to Raees' criminal world, making him a formidable adversary representing law enforcement's fight against corruption.

  • majmudar
  • nawazuddin siddiqui
  • police
  • antagonist
  • law
Q8

Who is Aasiya in Raees?

Aasiya, played by Mahira Khan, is Raees' love interest who represents resilience and support amid his chaotic criminal life. She motivates Raees to dream of a better future for their family and community, embodying the human side of the protagonist.

  • aasiya
  • mahira khan
  • love interest
  • support
Q9

Who is Moosa in Raees?

Moosa is a pivotal character who initially appears as Raees' ally but ultimately betrays him. His treachery leads to significant turmoil in Raees' life, demonstrating the precarious nature of alliances in the criminal underworld and driving the story toward its tragic conclusion.

  • moosa
  • ally
  • betrayer
  • character
Q10

What does Raees do for a living?

Raees builds a powerful empire in the illegal liquor trade, starting as a small-time dealer and rising to become a dominant figure in Gujarat's underground alcohol business. His operations thrive despite constant police pressure, making him both a criminal kingpin and a community provider.

  • liquor trade
  • crime
  • empire
  • business
  • alcohol

Movie threads

More Movies Like Raees, by Mood & Story

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

Tragic Anti-Hero Crime Sagas like Raees

Compelling stories charting the ascent and inevitable downfall of a charismatic criminal. For viewers who enjoyed the rise-and-fall narrative of Raees, this section features movies with similar story arcs. Explore compelling crime dramas and thrillers about ambitious, charismatic anti-heroes whose pursuit of power leads to a tragic and emotionally heavy conclusion.

  • gritty
  • tense
  • tragic
  • determined
  • atmospheric
  • confrontational
  • Tone: dark, tragic
  • Pacing: steady, linear
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a linear, steady progression from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of power, followed by a slow or sudden unraveling. The protagonist is often charismatic and resourceful, but their moral compromises and the escalating conflict with an equally determined adversary (like the law or a rival) culminate in a sad or bleak ending.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared focus on a singular, powerful anti-hero and their tragic arc. They share a dark tone, high intensity, and a heavy emotional weight, creating a cohesive experience for viewers fascinated by the complexities of ambition and downfall in the criminal underworld.

Gritty Cat-and-Mouse Crime Thrillers like Raees

High-stakes battles of wits between a determined lawman and a cunning kingpin. If you liked the high-stakes battle between Raees and ACP Majmudar, discover more movies with a similar cat-and-mouse dynamic. These gritty thrillers and action dramas pit a cunning criminal against a relentless cop, resulting in tense, atmospheric stories filled with confrontation and rising action.

  • tense
  • gritty
  • confrontational
  • atmospheric
  • determined
  • strategic
  • Tone: tense, confrontational
  • Pacing: steady, suspenseful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is driven by the escalating conflict between two formidable opposites. The narrative structure is a back-and-forth of strategic victories and defeats, building tension towards a final, decisive confrontation. The setting is often a gritty, corrupt world that serves as a battleground for their ideological and personal war.

Why they belong together: This thread unites films based on the core dynamic of a relentless pursuer and a clever target. They share a gritty mood, high tension, steady pacing that builds suspense, and a confrontational atmosphere, making the central duel the compelling heart of the story.

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Movies Like Raees

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Every angle

Raees (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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

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