Khal Nayak at 31: Revisiting Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff's cult classic that defined an era

Celebrating 31 years of Khal Nayak a timeless classic known for its iconic performances and chartbuster hits.

31 years of Khal Nayak

It's been 31 years since the release of Subhash Ghai's Khal Nayak. Even after three decades of release, the film is known for its chartbuster hits and the performances of the lead actors, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Madhuri Dixit. Fans of the 90s who enjoy watching powerful heroes and danceable songs should revisit the action crime film. Khal Nayak is currently streaming on Prime Video and ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).

Khal Nayak plot overview

In the story, subinspector Ram (Shroff) and his police lover Ganga (Dixit) try to catch criminal Ballu (Dutt), but he manages to escape. When a violent mobster an inspector apprehends manages to evade capture and escape from prison, it jeopardises his credibility. His girlfriend goes undercover in an effort to clear her boyfriend's name. She discovers that the mobster turns out to be a kind guy. He tells the story of how, as a result of his poverty, his boss influenced him to become a criminal. The female inspector helps him escape.

ALSO READ: Madhuri Dixit-Sanjay Dutt share the same frame as all Khal Nayak actors reunite – pic

Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the melody, and Anand Bakshi wrote the lyrics. The musical number Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai performed by Ila Arun and Alka Yagnik, is one of Khal Nayak's most famous songs. As per reports, with 10 million copies sold, the Khal Nayak soundtrack was among the best-selling Bollywood albums of the year, right up there with Baazigar. After its release, Khal Nayak fell just short of Aankhen as the top-grossing Hindi film of 1993. The critics were kind, praising the lead stars' script, score, and acting.

Subhash Ghai's reflection

In his reflection on the film's influence, Ghai expressed his deep gratitude to the public for their unending affection for the characters, music, and the entire film, even 31 years after its premiere. The filmmaker stated that it goes without saying that "Ballu Balram" became the most beloved figure in Indian cinematic history, and the film continues to take pleasure in its legacy today as references to it are used all over the world.

Ghai said that the love and admiration for Khal Nayak even after three decades, is humbling. This serves as a powerful reminder of the ability of cinema to surpass the constraints of time. Ballu Balram is still significant because he represents the universal conflict between right and wrong.

ALSO READ: Sunny Deol's Gadar 2 inspires Subhash Ghai as he plans to make Khal Nayak 2 with Sanjay Dutt?

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