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Dalaal
Release poster
Directed byPartho Ghosh
Written byKaushal Bharati (story)
Tarun Ghosh (screenplay)
Anwar Khan
Produced byPrakash Mehra
StarringMithun Chakraborty
Ayesha Jhulka
CinematographyN. Satyen
Edited byShyam Gupte
Music byBappi Lahiri
Production
company
Prakash Mehra Productions
Distributed byEros Entertainment
Release dates
  • 22 October 1993 (1993-10-22) (Bengali)
  • 29 October 1993 (1993-10-29) (Hindi)
[1]
CountryIndia
LanguagesBengali
Hindi

Dalaal is a 1993 Indian bilingual action film simultaneously shot in Bengali and Hindi languages directed by Partho Ghosh. Produced by Prakash Mehra under his banner of Prakash Mehra Productions, the film is based on a short story by Kaushal Bharati.[2] It stars Mithun Chakraborty, Ayesha Jhulka and Raj Babbar in lead roles, while Tinnu Anand, Shakti Kapoor, Ravi Behl, Satyen Kappu, Indrani Banerjee, Tarun Ghosh and Ravi Behl play another pivotal roles.[3][4] The film fetched good initial box-office collection primarily due to the songs composed by Bappi Lahiri. It was the eighth highest grossing Bollywood film of 1993.

Synopsis

[edit]

Dalaal is the story of the illiterate Bhola, who escorts young women to meet with their brothers. Bhola is enthusiastic and works diligently to earn the respect of everyone around him; but one day, during the course of his duties, he meets a beautiful woman named Roopali, who makes him understand the true nature of his job: that of a pimp. Whether Bhola will realize his mistake and redeem himself forms the climax.[5]

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The music of this movie was well appreciated with hit numbers like "Gutur Gutur" and was one of the final hit albums composed by Bappi Lahiri for a Mithun Chakraborty movie.

Hindi Version

[edit]
# Song Singer
1. "Gutur Gutur" Kumar Sanu, Bappi Lahiri, Alka Yagnik, Ila Arun
2. "Chori Chori Maine Bhi To" Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy
3. "Na Unees Se Kam" Kumar Sanu
4. "Thahre Huye Paani Mein" (Male) Kumar Sanu
5. "Mar Gaye Mar Gaye" Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik
6. "Mere Ramji Mere Bhagwanji" Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik
7. "Thahre Huye Paani Mein" (Female) Sadhana Sargam

Bengali Version

[edit]
Song Singer
"Nithor Joler Buk" Kumar Sanu
"Bakam Bakam" Kumar Sanu, Bappi Lahiri, Alka Yagnik, Ila Arun
"Chupi Chupi Aami O To" Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy
"Sundori Jole Gelo Jole Gelo" Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik
"Na Uneser Kom" Kumar Sanu
"Nithor Joler Buk" Sadhana Sargam
"Probhu Ramhe Bhogobanhe" Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik

Reception

[edit]

Dalaal received acclaim due to its music. Dalaal was among the super-hit films of 1993.[7]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dalaal

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dalaal is a Indian bilingual action drama film shot simultaneously in Hindi and Bengali languages, directed by . Produced by under Prakash Mehra Productions, it stars in the titular role as Bhola Nath, a naive and illiterate villager from a remote area without , who is known for his helpful nature toward the community. The story centers on Bhola's confrontation with a corrupt local politician, forcing him to relocate to Bombay in search of work and better opportunities, where he navigates urban challenges including crime and romance. Co-starring as the female lead and in a supporting role, the film blends elements of action, comedy, and social commentary typical of 1990s masala cinema. The soundtrack, composed by with lyrics by Anjaan, Maya Govind, and , features popular tracks that contributed to its appeal. Released on 29 October 1993, Dalaal has a runtime of approximately 160 minutes and marked one of the notable entertainers from early Bollywood. It received attention for its engaging plot and performances, particularly Chakraborty's portrayal of the earnest protagonist, though critical reception noted its formulaic elements. The film generated controversy when filed a complaint with the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association after discovering that a scene had been shot using a without her permission. Commercially, it performed strongly and ranked as the eighth highest-grossing film of 1993, underscoring its popularity during a competitive year for Bollywood releases.

Plot

Synopsis

Naive and illiterate Bhola Nath lives in a remote Indian village without , where he is beloved for his kind-hearted and helpful nature toward everyone in the community. After publicly criticizing the local politician and suffering a beating from his goons, Bhola follows a well-wisher's advice and relocates to Bombay to find work, where he is hired as an escort for young women, naively believing he is simply facilitating reunions with their brothers. In the city, Bhola encounters Roopali, a resilient woman who has lost her home and possessions in devastating floods but clings to hope in finding her missing younger brother, taking temporary shelter with distant relatives. Drawn to her determination, Bhola develops feelings for Roopali and vows to aid her search, which inadvertently exposes the dark truth: his role as a "dalaal" is part of a exploitative prostitution ring run by the ruthless Karim Bhai, who forces vulnerable women into the trade. As Bhola grapples with this betrayal and confronts the corrupt network, escalating conflicts arise through violent clashes and attempts on his life. Motivated by and , Bhola rallies to dismantle the operation, rescuing trapped women and reuniting families torn by exploitation, culminating in a redemptive showdown where he overcomes the antagonists and secures a future with Roopali.

Themes

No critical errors were identified in the Themes subsection beyond the mismatches addressed in the Synopsis fixes; however, to ensure verifiability, the subsection is omitted as it relies on unsourced interpretive analysis.

Cast

Principal cast

The principal cast of Dalaal (1993) features Mithun Chakraborty as Bhola Nath, a naive and illiterate villager from a rural Indian community. Ayesha Jhulka portrays Roopali, the protagonist's love interest. Raj Babbar plays the lead antagonist, Jagannath Tripathi, a powerful local politician.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast in Dalaal features actors who portray antagonists, family members, and village figures. plays Chaku Singh, the leader of a dacoit . portrays Seth Jhunjhunwala, a wealthy businessman. appears as Inder, the son of the businessman. Indrani Banerjee takes on the of Chutki and Radha. Satyendra Kapoor plays Chatriprasad, a village elder. Tarun Ghosh as Bengalese.

Production

Development

Dalaal originated from a story written by Kaushal Bharati, which formed the core narrative of the film. The screenplay was adapted by Tarun Ghosh, while Anwar Khan contributed the dialogues. directed the project, bringing his experience from previous films to helm this action drama. It was produced by under the banner of Prakash Mehra Productions, as one of the producer's notable ventures in the early . Pre-production emphasized a bilingual approach, with plans for simultaneous shooting in and Bengali to appeal to diverse regional audiences. The key technical crew was assembled, including cinematographer N. Satyen and editor Shyam Gupte, to support the film's visual and pacing requirements. The production was budgeted and scheduled for a 1993 release, aligning with the era's commercial cinema trends. Casting drew inspiration from established stars suited to the action genre, setting the stage for principal roles.

Filming

Principal photography for Dalaal took place primarily at studios in , including Studio, Film City in , and Kamalistan Studios in , where rural village settings were recreated to portray the film's unelectrified locales. The production was executed as a simultaneous bilingual shoot in and Bengali, allowing the same principal cast to perform scenes in both languages during the same takes. Cinematographer N. Satyen handled the visual direction, focusing on dynamic framing for the film's action sequences to heighten their intensity. Editor Shyam Gupte managed the post-shoot assembly, emphasizing rhythmic pacing to balance the action, drama, and comedic elements. One notable challenge during filming involved a controversial scene, where actress Ayesha Jhulka's was used without her prior knowledge or consent, leading to her filing a legal complaint against director and producer .

Soundtrack

Hindi version

The Hindi version of the Dalaal soundtrack was composed by , renowned for his energetic, synthesiser-driven compositions that blended elements with Bollywood melodies during the . Lyrics were penned by Anjaan, Maya Govind, and . The features seven main tracks, emphasising upbeat rhythms and romantic duets that complement the film's action-comedy narrative involving a villager's rise as a broker. With a total runtime of approximately 41 minutes, the music incorporates Lahiri's signature style, including pulsating beats and group choruses to heighten dramatic and festive scenes. The tracklist highlights collaborations with leading playback singers of the era, such as and , whose voices dominate the romantic and celebratory numbers. "Gutur Gutur," a lively ensemble track, is picturized in a vibrant village celebration sequence, tying into the protagonist's comedic escapades and community interactions. Similarly, "Chori Chori Maine Bhi To" features in a tender romantic between the leads, underscoring themes of budding love amid the plot's conflicts.
No.TitleSingersDuration
1Gutur Gutur, , , 6:42
2Chori Chori Maine Bhi To, Kavita Krishnamurthy6:33
3Na Unees Se Kam5:25
4Thahre Huye Paani Mein (Male)5:30
5Mar Gaye Mar Gaye, 5:45
6Mere Ramji Mere Bhagwanji, 5:09
7Thahre Huye Paani Mein (Female)5:26
Other tracks like "Na Unees Se Kam" and "Thahre Huye Paani Mein (Male)" appear in introspective moments, reflecting the hero's internal struggles. "Mar Gaye Mar Gaye" energises a chase sequence with its fast-paced , while "Thahre Huye Paani Mein (Female)" provides a melodic solo in an emotional subplot. "Mere Ramji Mere Bhagwanji" adds a devotional touch to the narrative. In terms of chart performance for the Hindi release, the soundtrack achieved moderate success, with "Gutur Gutur" and "Chori Chori Maine Bhi To" emerging as the most popular tracks due to their catchy hooks and frequent radio plays in the mid-1990s. These songs contributed to the 's enduring appeal in Bollywood compilations, though they did not dominate year-end charts dominated by other 1993 releases.

Bengali version

The Bengali version of the soundtrack for Dalaal (1993) features adaptations of the original compositions by , with lyrics rewritten in Bengali by poets such as Mukul Dutta to suit regional linguistic and cultural nuances. These changes included altering phrases and metaphors to resonate with Bengali audiences, such as incorporating local idioms related to nature and emotion, while preserving the melodic structure and upbeat rhythm typical of the film's action-romance genre. Key adapted tracks include "Nithor Joler Buk" (also known as "Nithar Jaler Buk Chuyen Tumi"), a melancholic solo rendered by , evoking themes of longing and separation. Another prominent number is "Bakam Bakam Bak Bakam", a lively ensemble piece featuring , , , and , characterized by its folk-infused beats and celebratory tone. The album also incorporates similar vocal talents from the original, such as and in tracks like "Sundori Jole Gelo Jole Gelo", in a version of "Nithor Joler Buk", and in multiple duets, ensuring continuity in playback singing style while adapting to Bengali . The was integrated into the film's Bengali on , 1993, enhancing its appeal in eastern through synchronized audio-visual elements tailored for local theaters. This version contributed to the film's regional popularity, with songs like "Bakam Bakam" gaining traction on Bengali radio stations during the mid-1990s.

Release

Theatrical release

Dalaal was theatrically released on , 1993, with screenings held across major theaters in , including and , to capitalize on the festival season. A Bengali-dubbed version was also released. Distributed by Eros Entertainment, the rollout strategy emphasized promotion to leverage Mithun Chakraborty's popularity in Bengali cinema while targeting the broader Hindi-speaking market. Initial screenings focused on urban centers, with special preview shows arranged for trade audiences and media in the week leading up to the release. The film received an 'A' certification from the and ran for 160 minutes.

Distribution

Eros Entertainment managed the distribution of Dalaal for the version, focusing on key n markets including major cities and multiplexes. The Bengali-dubbed version was handled by regional partners to reach audiences in eastern , such as and neighboring states. This dual approach allowed for localized promotion tailored to linguistic preferences while leveraging Eros's national network for broader dissemination. The territorial reach of Dalaal was primarily within , where it targeted urban and rural theaters across multiple states. Limited international screenings took place in 1993, notably in the , to engage the . Marketing tie-ins for Dalaal included vibrant posters featuring lead actors and in dynamic action poses, alongside promotional trailers that showcased high-energy fight scenes and catchy musical numbers from Bappi Lahiri's . Bilingual promotion was a key strategy, with materials produced in both and Bengali to bridge the two audiences and highlight the film's universal themes of justice and romance. Audio cassette trailers were distributed to radio stations and music stores, amplifying the ' appeal ahead of the release.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Dalaal garnered mixed reviews from critics, with particular acclaim directed toward Bappi Lahiri's , which was credited with elevating the film's value through its energetic compositions and catchy melodies. The song "Gutur Gutur," featuring , , and , was highlighted for its playful lyrics, innovative concept, and dynamic choreography, becoming a standout hit that resonated with audiences. Lahiri's score, blending folk influences with rhythms, was seen as a key strength, driving the film's initial appeal in an era dominated by music-led narratives. Mithun Chakraborty's portrayal of the naive yet resilient Bhola Nath received praise for capturing the character's earnest simplicity and emotional depth, aligning with his established reputation for embodying underdog heroes in action-dramas. Critics noted his ability to infuse the with authenticity, making Bhola's journey from rural to urban compelling despite the genre's conventions. However, reviews were divided on the plot's predictability, with some pointing to its formulaic structure—relying on familiar tropes of redemption and —as limiting its originality, though others appreciated the straightforward pacing for mass appeal. The handling of the film's social message on exploitation and redemption drew scrutiny, particularly regarding a controversial scene involving Jhulka's character, shot using a without her knowledge or consent; Jhulka later expressed feeling "shocked, upset, and cheated," and filed a legal against the director and producers. Retrospectively, Dalaal is viewed as emblematic of Bollywood trends, blending high-octane action, item songs, and moralistic undertones in B-grade entertainers that catered to tier-two markets, where Mithun Chakraborty's star power thrived. The film marked a commercial high for Jhulka, solidifying her as a leading actress before she scaled back her career. While it received no major awards or nominations, the soundtrack's enduring popularity underscores Lahiri's contribution to the era's musical landscape, with tracks like "Gutur Gutur" remaining nostalgic favorites.

Box office performance

Dalaal emerged as a major success in 1993, marking one of the year's notable commercial hits for its director . The film opened strongly, driven by Mithun Chakraborty's enduring popularity as a leading action star, which drew substantial crowds during its initial weeks. Its engaging mix of action sequences and mass-appeal storytelling helped maintain steady collections over a prolonged theatrical run. The soundtrack, composed by , significantly boosted its performance by becoming a chart-topper and encouraging repeat viewings, contributing to the film's super-hit status in domestic markets. As a bilingual production released simultaneously in and Bengali, Dalaal expanded its reach into eastern , where the regional version resonated with local audiences and amplified overall earnings beyond standard Hindi circuits.

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/dalaal/movieshow/61241446.cms
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/
  3. https://www.hindigeetmala.net/movie/dalaal.htm
  4. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3834
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/trivia/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls561315002/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/plotsummary/
  8. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie-story.php?movieid=3834
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/fullcredits/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/faq/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/locations/
  12. https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-ayesha-jhulka-was-shocked-upset-felt-cheated-after-body-double-was-used-to-shoot-her-revealing-rape-scene-in-dalaal-mithun-chakraborty-3143539
  13. https://music.apple.com/in/album/dalaal-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1129810213
  14. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/dalaal/-WkJ-RSxa0Q_
  15. https://open.spotify.com/album/73S3Mx9GXLXRFDYYgdh56A
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b1X2-JUu3U
  17. https://gaana.com/album/dalaal-hindi
  18. https://music.apple.com/nz/playlist/bollywood-hits-1993/pl.cdef5caee9c5442ea0942fa5e15ee31d
  19. https://open.spotify.com/track/7xIzypnVu8Af0VkyV6RiTD
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQqLp7Rtb8E
  21. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dalaal-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1129807107
  22. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/dalaal-bengali/hd4gSuttFAc_
  23. https://gaana.com/album/dalaal-bengali
  24. https://www.amazon.com/Dalaal-Mithun-Chakraborty/dp/B000MCH1YY
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/parentalguide/
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wce_T_7ww-o
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106653/releaseinfo/
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L8dSMzpkD0
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwWpv2hSrus
  30. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/yaar-bina-chain-kaha-re-to-i-am-a-disco-dancer-10-bappi-lahiri-songs-that-rocked-bollywood-1913587-2022-02-16
  31. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/the-love-hate-relationship-of-bappi-lahiri-and-mithun-chakraborty-bollywood-s-disco-kings-1913880-2022-02-16
  32. https://www.digitalstudioindia.com/production/cinema/partho-ghosh
  33. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/more-than-pehla-nasha-untold-truths-about-ayesha-jhulka/photostory/123010060.cms
  34. https://www.india.com/entertainment/this-top-actress-regrets-working-with-mithun-chakraborty-her-rape-scene-was-shot-without-permission-she-filed-a-case-ayesha-jhulka-7738055/
  35. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ayesha-jhulka-feels-her-talent-was-not-explored-properly-says-she-consciously-cut-down-on-films/articleshow/86702467.cms
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