One of this year’s most anticipated films. But does the Bombay Velvet trailer live up to expectations? If they weren’t sky high, it does keep the anticipation alive.

“Agli dafa yahan dikhai diya na, aisa aankh ke beech mein rakh ke daba dalega...” , threatens Ranbir Kapoor and BANG! enter Bombay of the 1960s.

Bombay Velvet’s sweeping pans of Marine Drive and Victoria Terminus, with trams and art deco buildings intact, transport you right back in time.

Though the plot (from what one can get from the trailer) is basic, the mood it builds is intense. Johnny Balraj wants to be a big shot, along the way he falls in love with jazz singer Rosie. Enter bad guy Khambata, who plays on Johnny’s vulnerability by holding on to a deep dark secret from Rosie’s past. Finally when things spin out of control, Johnny heads all guns blazing into a bloody climax.

Everybody likes an intense love story, and more so if it features a retro Ranbir Kapoor oscillating between grunge and chic. Anushka Sharma looks charmingly seductive enough while Karan Johar keeps it subtle to bring out a cold and devious look. The production design and styling look impeccable. 

Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet has a Martin Scorsese - esque stamp all over it. And yes, Marty’s editor Thelma Coolbert Shoonmaker has collaborated on the film.

What’s missing is the instinctive, improvised surprise element that one usually sees in any Anurag Kashyap creation. Bombay Velvet, from the trailer is too sanitised and rehearsed. No doubt, the film looks niche, which might be a problem considering the budget it has to recover.

The trailer has got mixed reviews online, and while we were neither blown away nor disappointed, we’re certainly hoping Bombay Velvet delivers more than what this teaser promises.

If you haven’t seen it already, catch the trailer here: