Khalnayak

''Khal Nayak'' () is a 1993 Indian Hindi-language action crime film written, directed, and produced by Subhash Ghai under his production company Mukta Arts Ltd. The film stars Sanjay Dutt in the titular role, accompanied by the supporting cast of Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, Rakhee Gulzar and Jackie Shroff. The film's plot follows the story of two police officers, Ram and Ganga, as they attempt to apprehend the escaped criminal Ballu.

''Khal Nayak'' released on 6 August 1993 and became a major commercial success. At the 39th Filmfare Awards (1994), the film received 11 nominations, winning Best Female Playback Singer and Best Choreography.

Plot

Balram "Ballu" Prasad, a wanted criminal, is apprehended by Inspector Ram, who is investigating the criminal activities of Roshan Da, Ballu’s mentor. During interrogation, Ballu refuses to disclose information about Roshan Da. While in custody, he escapes with assistance from his associates, which leads to public criticism and Ram's suspension.

To help restore Ram’s reputation, his fiancée and fellow officer, Inspector Ganga, volunteers for an undercover assignment. Disguised as a street performer, she locates Ballu and gradually earns his trust. Through their interactions, she learns about his history and the circumstances that led him to a life of crime.

Ballu develops romantic feelings for Ganga, unaware of her true identity. Upon discovering she is a police officer, he feels betrayed and becomes hostile. Despite this, Ganga continues her mission and refuses to withdraw from the assignment.

Meanwhile, Ram visits Ballu’s mother, Aarti, who reveals that Ballu and Ram were childhood friends. She explains how Roshan Da exploited their family’s difficulties and manipulated Ballu into believing that the police were responsible for his sister, Sunita’s death. This misinformation fueled Ballu’s tendencies to turn to a life of crime.

As the manhunt for Ballu intensifies, Ganga assists him in escaping during a police pursuit. She is subsequently arrested and charged with aiding a fugitive, damaging her professional standing and public image. Ballu, now in hiding, reunites with his mother but is attacked by Roshan Da, who views him as a threat.

Inspector Ram leads a police operation against Roshan Da. During the confrontation, Ballu learns the truth about his sister’s death and Roshan Da’s involvement. Ram kills Roshan Da during the operation, while Ballu manages to flee.

Learning that Ganga is on trial for assisting him, Ballu voluntarily returns, confesses to his crimes, and testifies that Ganga acted under official orders. His testimony leads to Ganga’s acquittal. Ballu is sentenced to imprisonment.

Cast

* Sanjay Dutt as Balaram "Ballu" Prasad; a notorious criminal working for Roshan Da, Navin and Aarti's son, and Sunita's younger brother.
*Madhuri Dixit as Inspector Gangotri "Ganga" Singh; an undercover police officer, Ram's girlfriend, and Ballu's love interest.
*Jackie Shroff as Inspector Ram Kumar Sinha; a hardworking and honest police officer, a former student at Aarti's school, Ganga's boyfriend, and Ballu's childhood friend, "Babla".
* Anupam Kher as Ishwar Pandey; Inspector General of Police and Ram's distant uncle.
* Rakhee Gulzar as Aarti Prasad; a retired teacher, Navin's wife, and mother of Sunita and Ballu.
* Siddharth Randeria as Navin Prasad; the public prosecutor appointed against Roshan Da, Aarti's husband, and father of Sunita and Ballu.
*Aloka Mukherjee as Sunita Prasad; daughter of Navin and Aarti, and Ballu's elder sister.
*Ramya Krishna as Sophia Sulochana; Ballu's mistress.
* Pramod Moutho as Roshan "Roshan Da" Mahanta; Ballu's mentor who lured him into a life of crime and deceit.
* Sushmita Mukherjee as Mrs. Maithili Pandey
* Arun Bali as Police Commissioner Kuljeet Chaddha.
*Anand Balraj as a police inspector.
* A. K. Hangal as Shaukat Bhai.
* Sudhir Dalvi as Shambhu Master; a village school teacher (special appearance).
* Neena Gupta as Champa, a dancer in the song "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai"
* Ali Asgar as Munna, a thug working for Roshan Da.
*Sunil Shende as the Judge of Ganga's trial.
*Hans Dev Sharma as assistant investigation officer to Ram Kumar Sinha.

Production

Director Subhash Ghai initially envisioned the project as an art film starring Nana Patekar. The original concept followed the protagonist's journey from Pune to Mumbai. During production, influenced by a screenwriter's suggestion, Ghai reoriented the film towards the action genre.

Anil Kapoor expressed interest in playing Ballu. However, Ghai advised against it, stating that Kapoor was not suitable for the role and that his casting could jeopardise the film's success. Sanjay Dutt was subsequently cast.

During filming, Dutt was arrested and imprisoned in connection with the 1993 Bombay bombings.

Ghai raised objections at the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) against '' Khal-Naaikaa'', a similarly titled film scheduled for the same release date as ''Khal Nayak''. However, the IMPPA ruled against him, stating that while Ghai could alter his film's release date, the producers of ''Khal-Naaikaa'' were not required to change theirs. Consequently, both films were released on 6 August 1993.

Awards

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of ''Khal Nayak'' was composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal with lyrics by Anand Bakshi.

Reception

''Khal Nayak'' was a major commercial success at the box office, grossing ₹240 million, $7.7 million, worldwide. It ranked as the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, surpassed only by ''Aankhen''.

The film's soundtrack sold 10 million copies in India and became the year's third best-selling music album, behind '' Dilwale'' and '' Darr''. The song "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai" ("What's Behind the Choli") generated controversy due to its suggestive lyrics.

Remakes

''Khal Nayak'' was remade in Telugu as ''Khaidi No. 1'' (1994), in Tamil as ''Hero'' (1994), and in Punjabi as ''Billa'' (2002).

References

External links

*

''Mumbai Mirror'' – "When the Bad Guy Ruled the Box Office"

{{Subhash Ghai

1993 films
1990s Hindi-language films
Indian crime action films
1990s masala films
1990s crime action films
Films scored by Laxmikant–Pyarelal
Films shot in Madh Fort
Films directed by Subhash Ghai
Hindi films remade in other languages
Films about terrorism in India
Indian prison films
Indian police films
Fictional portrayals of the Maharashtra Police
Cross-dressing in Indian films
Films set in Mumbai
Films shot in Mumbai