What Is RGV’s Secret to Understanding Gangster Psychology?

Director Ram Gopal Varma earned a distinct identity in Indian cinema with films such as Satya and Company, which explored the Mumbai underworld. Rather than portraying gangsters merely as villains, Varma focused on their personal lives, thought processes and the circumstances that led them into the world of crime. Reports suggest that Varma once remarked that he shared a close rapport with gangsters and that they respected him because he understood their psychology. His interest in studying real-life incidents and transforming them into compelling cinematic narratives has helped establish his unique place in the Indian film industry.

However, portraying gangster lives on screen has also attracted criticism, with some arguing that such films can glamorise criminals and give the underworld unwanted publicity. While exploring the darker aspects of their lives can intrigue audiences, it can also raise concerns about presenting criminals in an appealing light. One of the defining features of Varma’s filmmaking is his focus on characters’ behaviour, surroundings and psychological conflicts. His detailed examination of the underworld has made many of his films subjects of discussion. The way he studies gangster psychology and translates it into cinematic storytelling continues to fascinate film enthusiasts.