Chhailla Babu

Those days action movies were not very popular . Such roles don't suit RK who has the image of a soft romantic hero . He still manages to leave a mark. Zeenat and Padma do whats expected out of them . Sizzling in tight figure hugging shimmery slit thigh high clothes gyrating dancing prancing . Both look cute and likeable in whatever they do . Over all a nice movie with nice songs. A taunt thriller of those days with floroscent lights , shadowy figures, doubtful silhottes suspicious phone calls ....

Chailla Babu released in 1977 was a runaway hit. It starred Super Star Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman in the lead. This action movie must be watched carefully else one would lose track. The movie has good music by Laxmikant Pyarelal and some numbers were very popular then and still are. Rajesh Khanna is good in the movie and is in various characters all rolled into one. He looks great in action scenes also. Zeenat Aman looks good and performs well. This is a revenge drama told in a different style but as suggested if one is not careful - he would not understand. It is of course a must watch for Rajesh Khanna fans as he shows his skills in all - action, comedy, romance and drama.

Chhailla Babu review,

A much needed hit for Rajesh Khanna in his late 70s phase, Chhailla Babu was an action packed thriller loosely based on the Hollywood film Charade (1963) which was later remade as Zayed Khan's Chura Liya Hai Tumne (2003).

Rajesh was paired with Zeenat Aman and they always struck a great chemistry in all the movies they did together. Khanna did some action scenes as well - not really his fortè but he was passable here.

Om Shivpuri and Ranjeet formed the supporting cast while Kader Khan provided the voiceover for the main villain called 'Scorpion'. The climactic revelation of the real scorpion was carried forward in Amitabh Bachchan's Don (1978) but I dont know who pinched whose plot as both the films were in the making almost simultaneously.

Padma Khanna had an item number where her strip tease reminded you of Johny Mera Naam (1970) though that one was far more raunchy.

Released at Jamuna cinema (Tardeo), Chhailla Babu was a super hit of its time. It still makes for breezy Sunday afternoon watch specially for Rajesh - Zeenat fans. Watch it if you havent!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.