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Kaalia
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| Kaalia | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Tinnu Anand |
| Written by | Inder Raj Anand Tinnu Anand Santosh Sah Shahjahan Taher |
| Produced by | Iqbal Singh |
| Starring | Amitabh Bachchan Parveen Babi Asha Parekh Kader Khan Amjad Khan Pran |
| Cinematography | Pravin Bhatt |
| Edited by | A. Habib |
| Music by | Rahul Dev Burman Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri |
| Distributed by | Bobby Enterprises Polydor |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Kaalia is a 1981 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film, written and directed by Tinnu Anand, and produced by Iqbal Singh. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan (in the title role), Parveen Babi, Asha Parekh, Kader Khan, Pran, Amjad Khan, K.N. Singh and Jagdeep. The music is by R.D. Burman, while the lyrics are by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
The film was the 8th highest grossing Indian film of 1981.[citation needed]
It was later remade in Kannada in 1984 as Huliyaada Kaala starring Tiger Prabhakar and in Tamil in 1987 as Cooliekkaran starring Vijayakanth.
The film was another classic from Bachchan's "angry young man" era and helped cement his status as a superstar. The film is also remembered for having the classic upbeat song "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai" (sung by Kishore Kumar). It continues to be played at parties and nightclubs, along with being considered one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s.[1] This was the only film that featured Amitabh Bachchan and Asha Parekh together, although they were never paired opposite each other.
Plot
[edit]Kallu lives with his older brother Shamu, sister-in-law Shanti, and their little daughter Munni. He is intelligent but spends his time idly playing with the neighbour's kids. His older brother gets into an accident while at work at the mill and loses his arms. He loses his job and needs money for his treatment. Kallu begs his brother's boss, Shahani Seth, for monetary help, but he refuses. Kallu breaks into Shahani's safe to get the money, but it proves to be too late as Shamu dies. Shahani then throws Kallu in jail for nine months, where he meets the men that teach him crime.
After his release, Kallu gets a different self named "Kaalia", a different as well as a stronger man. He and his accomplices steal the gold that the boss had been smuggling at the mill. Then he burns down the mill as retribution for his brother's death. He goes to jail again, this time for two years. His accomplices lie to his sister-in-law by telling her that he is in America earning money for her and her daughter. They move from poverty to riches. In jail, Kaalia meets the jailor Raghvir Singh, a smart, ethical, strong man, whose daughter was kidnapped by one of the prisoners as a child. After Kaalia is released from prison, he is bent on seeking vengeance and eventually pairs up with a woman named Shalini.
The boss kidnaps Kaalia's niece and forces her mother to testify against Kaalia at a murder trial. He is found guilty for a murder he didn't commit and escapes from prison to find his niece. At first, the warden chases him, but once he knows the true story, decides to help him. They go to the boss's place and not only find the little girl, but also the sister-in-law about to die. The boss reveals to the warden that he was the one who had kidnapped his daughter 20 years ago and now it is the grown up Shalini. They fight with him, the boss gets beaten up, and Kaalia finally chops Shahani's arm off.
Cast
[edit]- Amitabh Bachchan as Kallu / Kaalia
- Asha Parekh as Shanti (Kallu's sister-in-law)
- Parveen Babi as Shalini / Rani Singh
- Kader Khan as Shamu (Kallu's brother)
- Amjad Khan as Shahani Seth / Jaswant
- Pran as Jailer Raghuvir Singh (Shalini's estranged father)
- Purnima as Shalini's Stepmother
- K.N. Singh as Convict
- Sajjan as 2nd Defense Attorney
- Murad as IGP Officer
- Sudhir as Rawat
- Baby Khushbu as Rina, Shalini's Stepsister
- Brahmachari as Gopal
- Ram Sethi as Crippled Prisoner
- Brahm Bhardawaj as Judge
- Ranjit Chowdhry as Boot polisher
- Yunus Parvez as Abdul, Factory Mill Worker
- Dev Kumar as Convict
- Hiralal as Convict
- Jagdeep as car dealer
- Bob Christo as Michael
- Gajanan Jagirdar as Kallu's Defence Lawyer
- Raza Murad as Public Prosecutor
- Mushtaq Khan as Ram Deen
- Anjan Srivastav as Constable in Central Jail (Guest Role)
Soundtrack
[edit]Lyrics were by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
| # | Title | Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai" | Kishore Kumar |
| 2 | "Jab Se Tumko Dekha" | Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle |
| 3 | "Tum Saath Ho Jab Apne" | Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle |
| 4 | "Sanam Tum Jahan Mera Dil Wahan" | Asha Bhosle |
| 5 | "Dil To Dete Nahi" | Asha Bhosle |
| 6 | "Kaun Kisi Ko Baandh Saka" | Mohammed Rafi & Chorus |
Amitabh Bachchan has claimed credit for composing the song "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai."[2] The song "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai" influenced the song "Palat – Tera Hero Idhar Hai", featured in the 2014 film Main Tera Hero.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Jahan teri yeh nazar hai". Indian Song.org. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
- ^ "Amitabh Bachchan reveals he composed Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai". Deccan Chronicle. 10 May 2018.
- ^ "RD Burman's 'Kaalia' number influenced Sajid-Wajid's 'Palat'". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 22 March 2014.
External links
[edit]Kaalia
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and pre-production
Concept and screenplay
The screenplay for Kaalia was collaboratively written by Inder Raj Anand, Tinnu Anand, Santosh Sah, Shahjahan, and Taher, with Inder Raj Anand—father of director Tinnu Anand and a veteran screenwriter known for works like Sangam (1964)—handling the dialogues.[4][7] This team effort shaped the film's core narrative as a revenge-driven action thriller, emphasizing the transformation of an underdog protagonist from a simple, carefree individual into a formidable avenger, catalyzed by profound family tragedy and injustice. The thematic focus on personal loss and retribution echoed the "angry young man" archetype that Amitabh Bachchan had popularized in earlier successes like Deewaar (1975), positioning Kaalia to leverage this established persona. Tinnu Anand conceived the story in the late 1970s while assisting on other projects, spending nearly a year pursuing Bachchan across studios to pitch the script before finally narrating it on the sets of Don (1978).[8] The screenplay was finalized by early 1981, aligning with Bachchan's peak popularity in such roles and enabling swift pre-production. Producer Iqbal Singh, through his banner Bobby Enterprises, greenlit the project despite modest budget constraints; the star's involvement elevated its scope.[8]Casting process
Director Tinnu Anand initially approached Dharmendra for the lead role of Kallu/Kaalia, but the actor was unable to commit due to scheduling conflicts.[9] Vinod Khanna was the next choice, though he had retired from films at the time to pursue spiritual interests.[9] Anand then turned to Amitabh Bachchan, casting him in the dual persona of the vulnerable Kallu and the vengeful Kaalia, capitalizing on Bachchan's established action-hero persona from films like Deewaar and Sholay. Negotiations were finalized following Bachchan's recent successes in similar revenge-driven narratives.[9] The primary challenge in assembling the cast stemmed from Bachchan's packed 1981 schedule, which included multiple high-profile projects; Anand persistently followed him for nearly a year before securing a narration slot on the set of Don, where Bachchan agreed to the role between takes.[9] Parveen Babi was selected as the female lead, Shalini/Rani Singh, drawing on her proven on-screen chemistry with Bachchan from prior collaborations such as Amar Akbar Anthony. Amjad Khan was cast as the antagonist Shahani Seth, building on his iconic villainous portrayal of Gabbar Singh in Sholay, which had solidified his status as a formidable adversary in Bollywood. Supporting roles were filled by seasoned actors to enhance the film's ensemble dynamic, with Kader Khan as Shamu (Kallu's brother) and Pran as Jailer Raghvir Singh, both bringing their expertise in dramatic and authoritative characters.[4] Asha Parekh was chosen for the role of Shanti (Kallu's sister-in-law), marking the only film in which she and Bachchan appeared together, though not as romantic leads.[10] Auditions for minor roles emphasized performers who could convey backstories aligned with the script's central revenge motif, ensuring depth in the ensemble's contributions to the narrative's themes of injustice and retribution.Filming and post-production
Principal photography
Principal photography for Kaalia commenced in late 1980 and extended through much of 1981, under the direction of Tinnu Anand, with Pravin Bhatt serving as cinematographer. The production utilized 35 mm film in spherical cinematographic process, enabling the capture of dynamic action sequences central to the film's thriller narrative.[11][4][12] Filming occurred primarily at studios in Mumbai, including Chandivali Studio, Film City in Goregaon, and Filmistan Studios, where sets were constructed to depict both urban and rural environments for authenticity in village scenes.[13] Outdoor sequences, including key action set pieces, were also shot in the region to support the story's progression from rural origins to urban revenge. The action choreography emphasized hand-to-hand combat and chase sequences, coordinated by stunt director Umesh Khanna, who handled the fight arrangements. Amitabh Bachchan, in the lead role, participated extensively in these physical demands, aligning with his reputation for performing demanding action elements in contemporary films.[4] Production faced challenges, including a notable on-set dispute early in the shoot when Bachchan refused to deliver a scripted dialogue penned by Anand's father, Inder Raj Anand, citing his dissatisfaction; Anand responded by threatening to abandon the project, but the issue was resolved after heated negotiation, with the line ultimately retained and well-received by audiences.[14] Elaborate action setups contributed to logistical complexities, though specific budget details remain undocumented in available accounts. In post-production, editing was overseen by A. Habib, who focused on preserving the film's fast-paced thriller rhythm through tight cuts in action and dramatic segments.[4]Music composition
The music for Kaalia was directed by Rahul Dev Burman, who composed both the original songs and the background score, with lyrics provided by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The compositions were developed in Mumbai studios after the screenplay by Inder Raj Anand was finalized, aligning with the film's production timeline in 1981.[15][16] Burman's style in Kaalia blended pop, folk, and Hindustani elements typical of Bollywood soundtracks, incorporating disco influences and traditional motifs to evoke the 1980s action atmosphere, resulting in five original songs alongside the score.[16] This approach featured upbeat rhythms and melodic structures that enhanced the film's high-energy sequences. A key aspect of the collaboration was Burman's strong professional rapport with lead actor Amitabh Bachchan, exemplified by Bachchan humming the tune for the song "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai," which Burman then fully orchestrated. Lead vocal tracks were sung by Kishore Kumar, whose voice Burman frequently utilized for its emotive range in action-oriented films.[17][15] Recording sessions, held in Mumbai, were completed in mid-1981 using a live orchestra for rhythmic authenticity and were characterized by Burman's signature improvisational techniques during rehearsals and takes. The background score emphasized tense orchestral arrangements for the revenge-driven scenes, augmented by synthesizers to introduce a contemporary edge to the otherwise traditional ensemble.[1]Synopsis and cast
Plot summary
Kaalia introduces Kallu, a simple and carefree young man in 1980s India, who leads a modest but happy life with his devoted brother Shamu, sister-in-law Shanti, and niece Munni, despite their poverty. Their peaceful existence is shattered when Shamu loses both arms in a workplace accident at the mill owned by his unscrupulous employer, Shahani Seth, a ruthless businessman who refuses to provide medical aid or compensation, leading to Shamu's death and forcing Kallu into desperate actions that result in his arrest and imprisonment.[18] While incarcerated for approximately nine months, Kallu undergoes a profound transformation, emerging as the hardened and determined Kaalia, fueled by a burning desire for vengeance against Shahani Seth and his criminal gang responsible for his family's suffering. Amitabh Bachchan embodies this dual portrayal, shifting from the naive protagonist to a fierce anti-hero.[1] The narrative progresses through phases of pursuit, where Kaalia navigates the underworld, forming key alliances—such as with the enigmatic Shalini—to outmaneuver his enemies and build toward intense confrontations, including rescuing his kidnapped niece.[18] The film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the struggles of social underdogs against systemic oppression, all within a runtime of 157 minutes.[1]Principal cast and roles
Amitabh Bachchan stars as Kallu, who transforms into the titular Kaalia, portraying a simple young man framed for theft by his brother's employer and imprisoned, emerging as a vengeful figure driven by family tragedy. His role highlights the protagonist's arc from vulnerable victim to fierce avenger, with Bachchan demonstrating emotional depth in scenes of initial weakness and later intensity during the revenge pursuit.[18][19] Parveen Babi plays Shalini (also known as Rani Singh), Kaalia's romantic interest from a wealthy background who falls in love with him early on and serves as an emotional ally amid his turbulent path. Her character provides a grounding romantic element and support in the revenge-driven narrative.[4][18] Amjad Khan embodies Shahani Seth (also referred to as Jaswant), the ruthless antagonist and head of a criminal gang who orchestrates the framing of Kallu and the destruction of his family, delivering lines with a signature menacing authority that underscores the villain's dominance.[4][18] Kader Khan appears in a pivotal supporting role as Shamu, Kaalia's older brother whose death due to injuries sustained at the hands of Shahani Seth ignites the central revenge motif, blending familial warmth with tragic undertones to balance the film's tension.[18][19] Pran portrays Jailer Raghvir Singh, the stern prison warden who oversees Kaalia's incarceration and mocks his initial frailty, contributing moral and authoritative guidance within the ensemble while highlighting the harsh penal environment. Asha Parekh plays Shanti, Kaalia's devoted sister-in-law who embodies family loyalty and ethical compass, offering subtle emotional support before her fate propels the story forward. Their roles emphasize the ensemble's dynamics in underscoring themes of loss and resilience.[4][18]Soundtrack
Song creation and recording
The soundtrack of Kaalia consisted of six songs, crafted by composer R. D. Burman and lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri to reflect the film's themes of love intertwined with chaos and action, appealing to the 1981 Bollywood audience's taste for melodic variety amid rising disco influences. Burman drew from contemporary trends to infuse energy into the tracks, blending Indian classical elements with Western pop and rhythm sections for broader appeal and syncopated playback during high-tension scenes.[20] One standout track, "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai," was adapted from the Persian song "Hele Mali" (1978) by Zia Atabay and featured flirtatious disco trends popular in early 1980s Indian cinema, with upbeat rhythms and playful lyrics that captured a lighthearted romantic interlude. The song was recorded with singer Kishore Kumar, known for his improvisational flair during sessions with Burman, adding spontaneous vocal nuances to enhance its catchy, danceable quality. In a 2018 interview, lead actor Amitabh Bachchan claimed partial credit for composing the tune, stating it originated from a hummed melody he shared with Burman during pre-production discussions.[21][22][5] Other songs emphasized emotional and dramatic layers to complement the narrative. For instance, "Sanam Tum Jahan" provided emotional depth through Asha Bhosle's soulful rendition, evoking longing and vulnerability in the protagonist's journey. Similarly, "Dil To Dete Nahin," a mujra-style piece sung by Asha Bhosle, delivered dramatic intensity with its qawwali-infused beats and expressive delivery, heightening scenes of intrigue. Recording sessions for the album took place at Recording Centre in Mumbai, where Burman oversaw multiple takes to ensure precise synchronization with the film's action choreography, often directing live instrumentation for authenticity.[23][5]Track listing and reception
The soundtrack of Kaalia features six primary songs composed by R. D. Burman, with lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The album was released by Polydor Records ahead of the film's premiere.[24]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai" | Kishore Kumar | 5:27 |
| 2 | "Jab Se Tumko Dekha" | Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, with chorus by Antara Chowdhury and Usha Rege | 5:48 |
| 3 | "Kaun Kisiko Baandh Saka" | Mohammed Rafi | 5:05 |
| 4 | "Sanam Tum Jahan" | Asha Bhosle | 4:50 |
| 5 | "Tum Saath Ho Jab Apne" | Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle | 4:49 |
| 6 | "Dil To Dete Nahin" | Asha Bhosle | 5:12 |
