Khal Nayak

I watched this film because it got one vote for Sight and Sound's once-a-decade list of the best films ever made, probably the only mainstream Bollywood movie ever to have achieved that distinction (though Satyajit Ray's works receive a number of votes). I wouldn't put it on my top 10 list of all time, as that one critic did, but I do think the film is wonderful.

It's not sophisticated. I'm pretty new to Bollywood films, having only watched a few highly-regarded ones so far, but my impression of them is that they are primarily about basic emotions (family, love) deeply felt. Broadly drawn emotions, no subtlety here. But these films seem to get to me, and this one did more than any of the others I've watched.

The sound effects are bad, and there's a small amount of broad humor that I think detracts from the film. The musical parts are pretty good. I think the lead was wonderfully cast, and the women are beautiful, as they invariably are in Indian films.

I still havent made it all the way through this film yet - 3 hours of standard Bollywood storyline. I keep having to rewind the dvd to the song Choli Ke Peeche - the song + the dancing is excellent, everyone should see at least that scene and appreciate how well choreographed Indian films can be!

Khalnayak review :

A film which became mighty successful only for its controversies rather than content. Firstly, Madhuri Dixit cavorting to the double meaning 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya hai?!!" made some prudes call to ban the song. Thankfully, the court didnt agree!! Next, Sanjay Dutt who played the titular role, was arrested in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. Khalnayak got such tremendous hype and publicity from these events that producer- director Subhash Ghai didn't need to spend any substantial amount to promote it. Just a huge cutout of Sanju Baba staring at the audience from behind bars was enough to pull in the audience!!

Indeed, the movie worked only due to Madhuri Dixit's sensuous 'Choli' item number and Sanjay Dutt going to jail around that time. Content wise, Khalnayak was lacking the showman's midas touch visible from Karz (1980) till Saudagar (1991). The plot revolving around a terrorist (Sanju) who falls in love with an undercover cop (Madhuri) with her fellow colleague cum lover (Jackie Shroff) completing the triangle was as old as the hills!! The execution too, left a lot to be desired..

Actually, the film starts off well but loses its way completely after interval. Even the climax appears hurriedly compromised to cater to Dutt's fans. Showman Subhash Ghai's direction was shockingly weak in most places. I would say his Pardes (1997) and Taal (1999) were better products than Khalnayak.

Having said that, the craze for this movie was truly incredible and next only to Amitabh Bachchan's Shahenshah (1988) and Hum (1991). The advance booking was so humongous that I couldn't get tickets at Chitra Cinema, Dadar in its entire first week (The rates in black were simply unaffordable) and finally, caught the film there only on second tuesday when stalls were available in current booking. The initial euphoria for Khalnayak ensured it attained Super Hit status at the box office. Choli aur Controversy ki Jai!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

This really has to be Sanjay's movie, he plays a villain and boy he pulls this role off so well, i loved this movie from day one and you can never get bored of watching it, the music was great too, one of my personal favourite's is "Choli Key Peeche!, god i so love that song, Madhuri danced so well and looked really hot in the song.

Madhuri plays a cop in this film who friends Sanjay, again she acted really well in this film, and Jackie Shorrof is in this movie too, he played his role really well, i can honestly say Subash Ghai did a fantastic job directing this film, the whole film is just amazing, kudos to the 3 main characters and the director., but i personally think that this movie was Sanjay's best performance to date.

this is an awesome movie. legendary performance by Sanju Baba. He is gr8 in this my favourite actor in Bollywood. Also check out Madhuri Dixit (so sexy in the song Choli Ke Peeche) What's Behind The Blouse, That body, those curves, sexy hip shaking etc. This film also has my favourite song Nayak Nahin Khalnayak Hoon Main (I'm Not The Hero, I'm The Villain). words can't describe how moving and powerful this movie plus with English subtitles on the DVD, people who have never watched Bollywood movies b4 should start here and you'll never find a better movie, how i miss the 90's???.

Sanjay is also great in the following movies Vaastav (The Reality) 1999 MunnaBhai (2003) and may more, he really is the best Indian actor ever.

Watch the movie and you'll love it and if you already have, y not post on it

A powerful story about a mother's love for her son, good or evil...

And Remember:

Nayak Nahin Khalnayak Hoon Main (I'm Not The Hero, I'm The Villain)!!!