Raja Babu

One of my favourite actor, Great comedy, Govinda best comedy actor

David Dhawan is known for his work in Comedy Films and why not, the veteran filmmaker has given a number of Super-Hits that were laugh riots.

But, 'Raja Babu' is his finest film to date, and this is not a comedy. This is an emotional film, that talks about love, respect & responsibility. 'Raja Babu' is an enlightening watch from Start to End. Dhawan completely succeeds by holding your attention throughout. The Writing as well the Dialogue are pitch- perfect.

Each and Every Actor performs flawlessly. Govinda is Historic as Raja Babu. The superstar of the 90's proves his caliber once again by delivering a performance that is so neat & clean. Kader Khan & Aruna Irani are remarkable. Karishma Kapoor is good. Shakti Kapoor is lovable as Nandu. Prem Chopra & Gulshan Grover are perfect as the baddies. Others also lend good support.

On the whole, 'Raja Babu' is A True Classic. Without a shed of doubt, Two Big Thumbs Up!

This was my first introduction to the world of Bollywood and I'm now hooked! Okay so it requires adoption of a different mindset to watching US films but once you allow yourself the pleasure of enjoying it for what it is you won't be disappointed. The songs are superb, melodic and very catchy. The actors are visually compelling especially Karisma Kapoor who is surely one of the most beautiful actresses anywhere in the film world. Locations, colour are spellbinding. If you want something different and are looking to be uplifted, cheered up and stimulated I recommend you catch this movie.

This film could be one of the most underrated film of Bollywood history.This 1994 blockbuster had all of it good performances,music and direction.I remember I was in Allahabad when this movie was running and it was somewhere in March at Holi time , the people there were playing its song "Ooe Amma" at their loudspeakers in highest volume. If someone who likes to watch Some Like It Hot and drools over Marilyn Monroe he should see this movie.Thumbs Up to Govinda.How many of you know that this film was shot in South of India and after Sholay could be one of the very few blockbuter to hit Silver Screen.With films like these Indian comedy could never be dead.

Raja Babu review :

"Aa ee oo oo oh. Mera dil naa todo".

Govinda's pelvic thrusts to this iconic song became so notorious that even reputed English magazines covered it lamenting the sad state of Bollywood. A few prudes may have cared but the Indian aam junta lapped up Raja Babu voraciously to make it a super hit at the ticket windows. The rural flavour worked even in the metros like Mumbai. And yup, Govinda was king then..

The 'Sarkailo Khatiya' item number was criticized for its vulgarity but that didnt stop the audience from cheering Karisma Kapoor and Govinda doing those raunchy steps on a desi bed. Personally, I loved this jodi and their onscreen chemistry was sizzling to the hilt. Even in actioners like Muqabla (1993) and Khuddar (1994).

Shakti Kapoor's career got a new lease of life playing the village bumpkin Nandu - Sabka Bandhu. He won the best comedian award that year. After Aankhen (1993), this was another super hit from Govinda - David Dhawan jodi.

Later, David Dhawan tried to repeat the same double entendrè formula in films like Andaz (1994), Eena Meena Deeka (1994) and Yaraana (1995) but unlike Raja Babu, these ventures were rejected by the audience. Even Govinda's Banarasi Babu (1997) with the same theme and a voluptuous Ramya in the main lead, came a cropper at the box office. Well, some formulae only work once!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.