<Li> Krishna Choudhary as Inspector Sathe </Li> <P> The film was made on a budget of ₹ 38 crore (₹ 28 crore for production and ₹ 10 crore for publicity and advertising). </P> <P> The film depicts the growth of the Mumbai underworld, from crime and smuggling in its early stages to its connection with international terrorism in recent times . It is believed to be based on the lives of real - life gangsters Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, portrayed by the characters Sultan and Shoaib, respectively . Originally Sanjay Dutt was chosen to play the role of Haji Mastan but the role went to Ajay Devgn instead . </P> <P> Rajeev Masand of CNN - IBN rated the film 2.5 out of 5 saying, "The film is watchable and enjoyable in parts even, but it doesn't quite pull off the retro chic tone it was going for". IANS rated the movie 3.5 out of 5 saying, "Rajat Arora's dialogues flow from the storytelling in a smooth flow of poetry and street wisdom ." Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it 4 / 5 and called it "An outstanding Cinematic experience". Nikhat Kazmi of the Times of India gave it 4 / 5 and stated, "Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai offers you both substance and soul, even as it dabbles with a slice of reality". Rediff gave it 4 / 5 and said, "Book your tickets now". </P>

Once upon a time in mumbaai real story