Bollywood has a long-standing fascination with the Mumbai underworld, and several films have vividly portrayed its dark and complex reality. These gangster movies often draw inspiration from real-life events and figures, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who operate outside the law in India's financial capital. Here are six Bollywood gangster movies that bring Mumbai's underworld to life:

1. Company (2002): Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, Company revolves around the Mumbai underworld wars and is said to be based on the D-Company, Dawood Ibrahim's mafia organization. The film explores the experiences of Chandu (Vivek Oberoi), a young man who rises through the ranks of the criminal world. With a stellar cast including Ajay Devgan, Mohanlal and Manisha Koirala, Company received positive reviews and became the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2002.

2. Vaastav: The Reality (1999): Mahesh Manjrekar's Vaastav is believed to be loosely based on the life of underworld gangster Chota Rajan. This hard-hitting film delves into the brutal realities of the underworld, showcasing that it consists of human beings capable of emotions, not just violence. Sanjay Dutt's performance is considered one of his best, contributing to the film's success.

3. Shootout at Wadala (2013): Sanjay Gupta's Shootout at Wadala is based on the life of Manya Surve, a Mumbai-based gangster, and dramatizes the first-ever registered encounter of the Mumbai Police, during which Surve was killed. Featuring John Abraham in the lead role, the film was commercially successful and is said to be loosely based on Hussain Zaidi's book Dongri to Dubai.

4. Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010): This film traces the growth of Mumbai's underworld and is reportedly based on the lives of real-life gangsters Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim. Starring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai was a box office hit due to its dramatic narrative and memorable dialogues.

5. Black Friday (2004): Based on the infamous 1993 Mumbai bombings, this film provides a realistic view of the events and the underworld's involvement. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Black Friday is known for its gritty and unflinching portrayal of the tragedy.

While not specifically named in the search results, other notable mentions in this genre may include:

• Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): Although focused on the coal mafia of Dhanbad rather than Mumbai, Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur set a new standard for gangster films in India, earning critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and thrilling plot dynamics.
• D-Day (2013): Nikhil Advani's D-Day features Rishi Kapoor as Iqbal Seth, a Pakistani mobster inspired by a Mumbai criminal. The film follows Indian agents on a mission to capture Seth, offering a fictionalized take on the pursuit of underworld figures.

Additionally, Gangubai Kathiawadi tells the story of a young woman who ran brothels in Mumbai's Kamathipura in the 1960s.

Looking ahead, several upcoming films promise to further explore the gangster genre. Gangs of Mumbai, slated for release in 2025, boasts a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, Bobby Deol, Sanjay Dutt, and Shraddha Kapoor. This crime thriller will delve into Mumbai's underworld, portraying a tale of ambition, power, and betrayal. Other potentially major gangster films are expected to release in the coming years, such as sequels to KGF and Salaar.

These films, both past and present, showcase the enduring appeal of the gangster genre in Bollywood, offering audiences a thrilling and often insightful look into the dark underbelly of Mumbai. However, the connection between Bollywood and the underworld is a sensitive topic, and there are concerns about the potential for criminal proceeds to seep into the film industry.