Daddy is a 2017 Hindi-language biographical crime drama directed by Ashim Ahluwalia and starring Arjun Rampal in the lead role as Mumbai gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli. Arjun Rampal also co-wrote and produced the film. Aishwarya Rajesh plays Zubeida Mujawar/Asha Gawli, while Nishikant Kamat plays Inspector Vijaykar Nitin.
The film presents a dramatized account of Arun Gawli's rise from the working-class neighbourhood of Dagdi Chawl in Mumbai to becoming one of the city's feared gangsters and later entering politics. The story explores the social and economic conditions surrounding Mumbai's textile-mill era and the growth of organised crime in the city.Daddy follows Arun Gawli's journey through several decades of Mumbai's turbulent underworld. As textile mills began shutting down and unemployment increased, Gawli and his associates became involved in gambling and criminal activities. His circumstances gradually drew him deeper into the world of organised crime.
The story takes a darker turn after the death of Rama Naik, Gawli's associate. Gawli takes control of the gang based in Dagdi Chawl and becomes involved in a violent conflict with rival crime figures. At the same time, Inspector Vijaykar Nitin pursues him and attempts to bring him to justice.
The film also focuses on Gawli's relationship with Zubeida Mujawar, who encourages him to leave his criminal life behind. His personal life, rivalry with other underworld figures and eventual transition into politics form important parts of the narrative.
Arjun Rampal underwent a significant physical transformation for the role and portrayed Gawli through different stages of his life. Farhan Akhtar makes a special appearance as Maqsood, a character based on Dawood Ibrahim.
The music of Daddy was composed by Sajid–Wajid, with background music by Naren Chandavarkar and Benedict Taylor. The film also features the recreated song “Zindagi Meri Dance Dance”, originally associated with the 1987 film Dance Dance. Released Date: 8 September 2017 Director: Ashim Ahluwalia Producer: Arjun Rampal, Rutvij Patel Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama, Action Language: Hindi Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 14 minutes Main Cast: Arjun Rampal, Aishwarya Rajesh, Nishikant Kamat, Rajesh Shringarpure, Anupriya Goenka, Anand Ingale Music: Sajid–Wajid Based On: The life of Arun Gawli