Randeep Hooda took to his social media on the 9th anniversary of Laal Rang with a heartfelt note that hit straight to the heart — or should we say, the vein. “Saarriya nai hawa mein pranaam”, he wrote, saluting everyone for the enduring love that’s turned a risky cinematic experiment into a full-blown cult classic. “Here’s to the blood, brotherhood, and the bond,” he added, and honestly, we couldn’t have said it better.
Released on April 22, 2016, Laal Rang wasn’t your typical Bollywood crime drama. Directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal, it dove into the grimy world of illegal blood trading in Haryana. Sounds bizarre? It was. Brilliantly so. Randeep Hooda’s character, Shankar Malik, redefined swag in slow motion, pairing morality with menace in a way few Bollywood anti-heroes dare. Alongside Akshay Oberoi and Piaa Bajpai, the film crafted an underdog story soaked in satire, social critique, and an unexpected amount of heart.
While the reviews were mixed back then — some found the pacing sluggish — the film’s gritty tone, earthy humour, and Hooda’s unforgettable performance stuck around. Over the years, Laal Rang quietly built its own fanbase. Not loud, not flashy, just loyal. The kind that quotes dialogues, shares underground fan art, and hopes (still!) for a sequel.
And speaking of Randeep Hooda, he’s not slowing down. After making waves in Jaat, he’s set to leap into international territory with Matchbox — an action-adventure comedy helmed by Extraction director Sam Hargrave. The cast? Oh, just some light names: John Cena, Jessica Biel, Danai Gurira, and more. Hooda is clearly shifting gears — from gritty small-town blood banks to Hollywood’s big-budget playgrounds.
But Laal Rang? That’s the film that bleeds red in the memory of every fan who ever rooted for a dark horse. Nine years later, its pulse still beats strong. Here's hoping the bond — and the bloodline — continues with a part two someday.
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