Khalnayak (1993) User Reviews

The terrorism of heroism

[youreffortsarefutile · 7/10 · 27 May 2015]

Like many of Bollywood movies from the pre-millienia era, themes of cause and effect are heavy factors in the reality of life in crime driven cities in the world. In this case the anti- hero (Ballu) played by Sanjay Dutt, intensely well. Many scenes seems to parable the realities of his life at that current time and perhaps the inner demons he faced.

In the world of crime, there are puppets and then there are puppeteers, poverty and "purposeful terrorism" in the name of business. Madurai Dixit plays her beautiful self, graceful and fiesty as always. Watch it to understand the cause and effect of crime in poverty driven societies and how we create the villains for our heroes. Perhaps it is the simplest definition of human archetype; conflict.

Good though nothing new

[silvan-desouza · 6/10 · 5 March 2009]

Subhash Ghai is an overrated director, his films barring KARZ and some more were nothing out of the world and had the same themes But some were entertaining enough

KHALNAYAK is one of them

The film has a very old fashioned story and the plot too moves in a predictable manner The way Sanju's character is handled deserves kudos In fact it takes center stage throughout

The entire run away from the jail and scenes with Madhuri and his change of heart towards her is well handled The entire transformation is well handled

The film does get clichéd at many places and tries to be a potboiler of it's times plus something else and hence the mishmash kinda feeling

Many scenes are too formulaic and the scenes towards the end aren't captivating and too filmy there are many flaws too in the film The scenes between Sanju and Jackie are wonderful

Subhash Ghai handles the film well though there are some flaws Music is good enough, CHOLI KE PEECHE and all are good Cinematography is good, editing is okay, though the film is too lengthy

Sanjay Dutt enjoys himself in the role he has done many times but he adds novelty to it, the way he acts though will be called too over the top by others but he handles the role very well His transformation is well handled and he actually overshadows every other actor Jackie Shroff is as usual Madhuri is excellent in her role which is at times not well written Pramod Moutho is okay Rakhee is her irritating self Anupam Kher overacts but does add some funny moments

Disappointing plot with a lot of logical issues

[krishnan357-33-782579 · 6/10 · 7 February 2022]

I had wanted to watch this for a long time. I must say I was quite disappointed. This joins a list of Subhash Ghai films that i haven't liked.

The film lacks logic on so many fronts. Sanjay Dutt plays the character well, but it didn't feel very well developed. For someone who is supposed to be a nationally wanted terrorist, he didn't seem very smart. It's never explained how Madhuri Dixit's character finds him apart from a throwaway line. Overall, I expected a better plot to such a famous film.

Wonderful

[gregfoley · 6 May 2003]

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.

Amazing

[tushargupta-27286 · 7/10 · 26 June 2022]

Khalnayak movie is totally awesome and amazing concept overall movie is totally unique and interesting suspense. I give only seven stars of this movie.

Awesome

[jmorrissey · 10/10 · 15 March 2002]

This movie is one of the best movies I've ever seen in my entire life. It's got everything and a bag of chips. I'm not kidding, if you like drama and music you should definitely not just see this but buy it as well.

It also has a really good message too. The acting is superb and the special effects are up to par with the most sophisticated in the world.

You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll never be the same!

The Movie is recommended to all Late 90's and 2000's born who I'm sure have known about the movie but haven't watched yet

[Hussain-AL-Naseer · 7/10 · 25 April 2020]

Back in days Subhash Ghai was the brand himself every actor wanted to work with him in order to mark themselves as A-Listers. Now about the Movie, Khal Nayak for me is more like a Drama movie roaming around Ballu Balram played by (Sanjay Dutt) a disturbed, rebellious criminal yet has the soft side. The almost 3 hours movie tells you that how extra caring, poverty, unfair society and circumstances impacts perception of youth negatively and how they can be easily exploited by the Mafias. Screenplay with sheer emotional saga blended with some outclass music composed by the duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal is also one of the reason to watch this movie. Songs like Choli ke peche kia hai composed and sung effortlessly along with its choreography and Madhuri nailing it perfectly followed by the Title song of the movie Nayak Nahi Khal Nayak Hoon Mein in which Ballu Balram finally opens up about his past with perfect blend of emotions showed by Dutt. The film will definitely takes you emotionally after its first 1 hour run when characters become familiar to its audience.

Sunjay Dutt's defining role

[mbanwait · 10/10 · 31 May 2003]

Khalnayak is the movie that made Sunjay Dutt into the star he is today. His career is judged as the movies he made before Khalnayak and thereafter.

The film is a pop cultural phenomenon in India. All of the songs are still sung today by the children of Bombay. The role of the villian essayed by Dutt is one of the most memorable characters in Indian cinematic history. This is hard to beleive since Dutt is such a wooden actor.

The film was quite controversial due to one of its songs and the fact a hero was going to play a evil villian. But Ghai (a mediocre director) pulled off an amazing film with a worthy lesson for the vagrants of India.

This movie was one of the decades biggest hits, and will go down in Indian cinema as one of the best action thrillers of all time.

Awesome Awesome Legendary Movie

[thewise1 · 10/10 · 24 February 2011]

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)!!!

Loved it!!!

[Dream_Woman · 10/10 · 7 January 2008]

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.

poor direction

[pamruta · 2/10 · 10 March 2019]

Like most subhash ghai movies - taal, ram lakhan etc, this movie is also a real torture to watch, with very poor direction and poorly written dialogs.. movie tarnished the image of actor sanjay dutt to such an extent that almost everyone started to think of him as a real-life villain.. it's a real pain when people start to compare a horrible director like subhash bhai with the showman of indian cinema, raj kapoor.. the success of this movie probably goes to madhuri's 'choli ke picche' dance - and her ability to not make it look vulgar, despite such explicit lyrics..

he is the villain!

[malamal · 28 January 2002]

Sunjay Dutt is no great actor, infact he is as wooden as they come. A limited actor, Sunjay is often cast as the heavy or underworld kingpin, his role in Khalnayak was billed as the ultimate villain and he managed to portray the title role brilliantly.

Subash Ghai the self proclaimed 'showman' is no great director, his films are always hyped to death and full of hits and missfires, creating just as much commotion when his films flop as when they are hits. Khalnayak however proved to be a massive hit. I must say Ghai has delivered and how!

This is Bollywood masala at its best and it also has a message. Sunjay Dutt plays a renowned terrorist on the run, how he and others like him came to be terrorist's against their own country is told throughout the film in flashbacks. In an ironic twist of fate prior to the release of the movie, the films star Sunjay Dutt was arrested and jailed in real life for terrorism related charges this along with the controversy caused by one of the songs in the film made this one of the most anticipated movies ever made in India.

The film proved to be worth all it's pre release hype and publicity intentional or otherwise with a sensational performance from it's leading lady Madhuri Dixit, an excellent soundtrack and the ever reliable Jackie Shroff this was bound to be hit.

Watch for clinical performance of 'Sanjay Dutt'

[sauravjoshi85 · 10/10 · 27 January 2019]

This indeed the best Sanjay Dutt movie who steals the show despite presence of strong stars like Jackie Shroff and Madhuri Dixit. Directed by one of the greatest directors Subhash Ghai. Songs also shattered the records such as 'Nayak nahi khalnayak ho main' and the controversial 'Choli ke peeche'. A must watch if you are Sanjay dutt fan.

One of the best

[Geeta352 · 10/10 · 6 April 2018]

I love this movie. It is a nineties film with just the right mix of drama, suspense, comedic moment, song and dance. The music and dance were terrific. Jackie Shroff , Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt as modern day personifications of Ram, Sita and Ravanna were equally good, with Sanjay being the absolute best of the three. The supporting cast was great too. Kudos to all!

Great Hindi Masala flick

[bashi-19126 · 10/10 · 29 March 2017]

Khalnayak belongs to Sanjay Dutt a great over the top character played with great swag and vulnerability as only Dutt can. Dutts portrayal of Much celebrated Bollywood Film maker Subhash Ghai's Khal-Nayak an over the top manic almost comic super villain type of character. He is so much fun to watch that he completely over shadows Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff in roles that are also considered amongst there own career best performances. Now you will either love khalnayak or hate it there will be no middle it is loud larger than life and unapologetic its characters, songs, dance sequences, are all larger than life but at its core it is the retelling of the story of Raavan, ram and Sita from the Hindu holy book Bhagvad Gita if I'm right.

Khalnayak a killer film!!

[ami-z-best · 10/10 · 7 March 2018]

Sanjay Dutt did an amazing action packed non-stop clever & canniving job! Magnificent performances. The songs are memorable, as I have just recently seen this movie in its entirety. The story line is unique, khalnayak ........hero or the villain? You decide! Must see movie .....classic of Hindi cinema of the 90's.

Choli aur Controversy ki Jai!!

[nadkarnisumeet · 5/10 · 5 August 2022]

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.

cholli ke peeche?

[nathanjay · 7 November 2002]

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!

Villain on the Run.... Sanjay DUTT

[farazdiana · 10/10 · 4 August 2019]

Villain on the run theme makes a movie watchers want to watch....Watch this movie only if you are Sanjay dutt he is the villain but also the main character his one of the best performance till date..amazing songs amazing performances good location anupam Khmer steals the show in his comedy avatar. The main villain Roshi Mahanta first big role he did justice to his role. Jackie Shroff always at his best. Madhuri steals the show with choli ke peche song. Beautiful songs from the 90s era. The title song still makes me get goosebumps lol Must watch

Stylish and lavishly filmed but hollow in terms of story...

[SumanShakya · 5/10 · 29 October 2022]

The success of "Khal Nayak" was accredited for the arrest of Sanjay Dutt and the controversial song "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai." Besides, its success depicts the 90s taste of formulaic gimmicks and item numbers for which the film became one of the blockbusters of the decade.

The film shows the signature style of Subash Ghai in capturing the long shots and use of vivid colors on the screen, familiar from "Hero," "Karma" or "Saudagar." However, the specialty of the film is limited to technical expertise of Subash Ghai in filming the locations. In terms of narration and character development, it' a let down. The film plays somewhat like a stage play with the characters lacking a veracity, including a very superficial role of Madhuri Dixit, which is far surpassed by the roles of Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt who bring freshness to the screen. The story is very superficial and the narration incoherent which leaves all the impact of the film as soon as it ends.

Rating: 1 star out of 4.

Beautifully handled mess

[banerjeekousik92 · 3/10 · 13 January 2019]

Saw this movie yesterday after 25 years of its release, usual bollywood masala flick like 90s maximum bolltwood movies were used to be, great music, poor character buildup, lot of loopeholes, but great theme. All actors were terrific though.

Trash

[ramanthakursg · 1/10 · 4 July 2022]

This movie is only for people obsessed with madhuri and sanjay dutt's gangster roles. Very bad direction by ghai. Songs are good but the timing of songs are really bad. There is an action scene where Jackie and sanjay fights on the tree like monkeys which makes no sence as being a cop why Jackie didn't use gun? Over all this movie makes no sense.