Most of the people are blaming Kashyap for not maintaining 'reality' in this film. It is shocking to see that very few people are trying to grasp what Kashyap actually tried to convey, that nostalgic feeling. He could have easily made a more 'realistic' period drama like Ashim Ahluwalia's "Miss Lovely", but he did'nt, why? Because he wanted the film to be made according to the structure of the films made in the period with which the film is concerned. On close observation we notice the close similarity of the background synopsis between Bombay Velvet and old age Bollywood mainstream cinemas. Kashyap recreates the atmosphere and the ambiance of the lavish sets in the films of 1960's through the set designs of the Bombay Velvet club in the film. Even in the opening scene Kashyap tried to convey this message by first showing actual scenes of clubs in Mumbai (of that period) and then slowly dissolving into the actual film (The poster of the film is also made in a vintage style). Based on the historian Gyan Prakash's book "Mumbai Fables", Bombay Velvet connects many true events of that period, the character Rosie in the film is inspired by a real Jazz singer in the 50's and 60's. It is also loosely inspired by the famous rivalry between two newspaper editors D F Karaka and Russi Karanjia who published controversial weeklies Current and Blitz at that time.
Moreover it parodies the unrealistic approach of the concept of twins in the films of that time. Kashyap maintains minute details in the film from cars to shops to matchstick boxes, all belonging to that era. The film revolves around the political turbulence of Mumbai in the 60's regarding the domination of land by gangsters and politicians. It also deals with the illegal trade and smuggling of silver, drugs and alcohol (alchohol was banned in Mumbai in the 60's, giving rise to gangsters like Jenabai Daruwali, Haji Mastan and young Dawood). The background scores are perfectly juxtaposed with the film giving a heightened awareness of that period. There are many subtle hints of reference of the type of films made in that period, even in the scene where J. Balraj escapes the police in disguise. This film is being highly misinterpreted by many people. Instead of negatively criticizing it, people must try to see it through Kashyaps' perspective. From the set to story to characters, in everything we can discover a nostalgic feeling of the 60's. Kashyap's imagination dominates the film.
Moreover it parodies the unrealistic approach of the concept of twins in the films of that time. Kashyap maintains minute details in the film from cars to shops to matchstick boxes, all belonging to that era. The film revolves around the political turbulence of Mumbai in the 60's regarding the domination of land by gangsters and politicians. It also deals with the illegal trade and smuggling of silver, drugs and alcohol (alchohol was banned in Mumbai in the 60's, giving rise to gangsters like Jenabai Daruwali, Haji Mastan and young Dawood). The background scores are perfectly juxtaposed with the film giving a heightened awareness of that period. There are many subtle hints of reference of the type of films made in that period, even in the scene where J. Balraj escapes the police in disguise. This film is being highly misinterpreted by many people. Instead of negatively criticizing it, people must try to see it through Kashyaps' perspective. From the set to story to characters, in everything we can discover a nostalgic feeling of the 60's. Kashyap's imagination dominates the film.