Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Anita Raaj, Anuradha Patel, Gulshan Grover, Shafi Inamdar, Swaroop Sampat and Rakesh Bedi Direction: Ajay Kashya...
Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Anita Raaj, Anuradha Patel, Gulshan Grover, Shafi Inamdar, Swaroop Sampat and Rakesh Bedi
Direction: Ajay Kashyap
Music: Annu Malik
Introduction:
Back in the mid-80s, Bollywood was all about
larger-than-life heroes, high-octane action, and stories that blended revenge,
romance, and raw emotions. Jaan Ki Baazi (released on October 25, 1985), directed by Ajay Kashyap, fits
right into this mould, delivering a quintessential masala action flick that’s
entertaining and energetic. Starring Sanjay Dutt in a double role, alongside
Anita Raj, Anuradha Patel, and a menacing Gulshan Grover, the film marked a
significant moment in Dutt’s career. Contrary to popular belief, it was Jaan Ki
Baazi, not Naam (1986), that served as Sanjay Dutt’s true comeback film after
his struggles with drug addiction and a brief hiatus from the industry. Fresh
from rehab in the US, Dutt returned with a vengeance, and this film—his first
release post-recovery—showcased his raw energy and charisma. While it may not
be a cinematic masterpiece, Jaan Ki Baazi is definitely a nostalgic ride that
captures Dutt’s undeniable star power.
Storyline:
The plot of Jaan Ki Baazi is a classic revenge saga
with a generous dose of melodrama and action. Geeta (Anita Raj) is a woman on a
mission, driven by the brutal murder of her father at the hands of a gang of
criminals led by the ruthless Cheetah (Gulshan Grover). Her quest for justice
takes a turn when she meets Inspector Amar (Sanjay Dutt), a charming and brave
policeman who saves her from danger. The two fall in love, marry, and share a
brief period of happiness—until tragedy strikes. Amar is killed in a shootout
with Cheetah’s gang, leaving Geeta widowed and more determined than ever to
avenge both her father and her husband.
Enter Laxman (also Sanjay Dutt), an auto-rickshaw
driver who’s a spitting image of Amar. Rowdy but with a golden heart , Laxman
gets entangled in Geeta’s crusade. As she joins the police force herself,
Geeta’s relentless pursuit of justice—sometimes crossing ethical lines—leads to
her suspension. Undeterred, she teams up with Laxman, who risks everything to
help her take down the villains. The story is packed with twists, emotional
highs, and plenty of fistfights, though it leans heavily on familiar and often
cliched conventions of the era, like the double role and the wronged woman
seeking vengeance.
The narrative isn’t groundbreaking; it’s a
patchwork of 70s-style storytelling but it succeeds in most parts. Some plot
points, like Geeta’s stone-cold vigilante streak or Laxman’s convenient
resemblance to Amar, stretch believability. The film’s energy and Dutt’s dual
performance keep you hooked.
Direction and Other Technical Departments:
Ajay Kashyap, making his directorial debut,
delivers a film that’s unabashedly commercial. His direction is pretty good,
prioritizing action and drama over more layered or symbolic aspects, which
suits the masala genre perfectly. Kashyap, a former assistant to filmmaker
Narendra Bedi, knows how to stage a crowd-pleasing sequence—whether it’s Sanjay
Dutt leaping off buildings or Anita Raj facing off against goons. However, the
pacing falters at times, with some scenes dragging due to unnecessary comic relief.
Technically, Jaan Ki Baazi is a mixed bag. The
cinematography by V. Durga Prasad is nice, capturing the gritty action and
vibrant song sequences with competence. The editing, credited to David Dhawan,
is choppy in places. The action choreography, overseen by
producer-turned-action-director Pappu Verma, is a highlight. The stunts—Sanjay
Dutt hanging from cranes, driving rickshaws on two wheels, and taking on hordes
of thugs—are thrilling. For its time, the action feels visceral and perfectly
in tune with Dutt’s rugged persona.
The production design and costumes reflect the 80s
aesthetic—think loud prints, big hair, and dusty goon lairs. While not
particularly innovative, they add to the film’s retro charm. Overall, the
technical aspects are solid for a mid-budget film but don’t push any
boundaries.
Music:
The soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, is one of
Jaan Ki Baazi’s strongest assets. Malik, still early in his career, delivers a
handful of catchy, energetic songs that elevate the film’s emotional and
dramatic moments. The standout track, “Aate aate aate,” became an iconic
number. Its infectious beat and playful vocals make it a quintessential 80s
romantic track. Other songs, like “Yaara main toh,” and "Bambai ne paida
kiya" add a touch of frolic and attitude, while the background score
amplifies the action sequences effectively.
The songs are well-integrated into the narrative.
The picturization is vibrant, with Sanjay Dutt and Anita Raj’s chemistry
shining through in the romantic numbers, and Anuradha Patel adding spunk in the "Yaara main toh" number. For fans of retro Bollywood music, the album is a treat,
even if it’s not Malik’s most groundbreaking work.
Performances:
Sanjay Dutt is the heart and soul of Jaan Ki Baazi,
and his dual role as Amar and Laxman is a showcase of his versatility and raw
charisma. As Amar, he’s the quintessential heroic policeman—noble, romantic,
and fearless. As Laxman, he dials up the swagger, playing the cheeky,
street-smart rickshaw driver with a twinkle in his eye. Fresh off his rehab
stint, Dutt brings an infectious energy to the screen, whether he’s performing
daring stunts or sharing tender moments with Anita Raj. His performance proved
to audiences and naysayers alike that he was back and ready to reclaim his
place in Bollywood. It’s no wonder the film was his first “genuine” solo hit.
Anita Raj delivers a powerhouse performance as
Geeta, balancing vulnerability and ferocity with ease. She’s convincing as both
a grieving widow and a no-nonsense vigilante, and her chemistry with Dutt
(especially as Amar) is one of the film’s highlights. Anuradha Patel, as
Sundari, brings glamour to her supporting role, though her pairing with Dutt
lacks the same chutzpah. Gulshan Grover is deliciously evil as Cheetah, chewing
the scenery with his trademark villainy. The supporting cast, including Rakesh
Bedi and Shafi Inamdar, adds flavor.
Overall, Dutt and Raj carry the film, making
the emotional beats hit harder than the script deserves.
Conclusion:
Jaan Ki Baazi isn’t a flawless film, but it’s a wildly entertaining slice of 80s Bollywood that captures Sanjay Dutt at his most magnetic. Contrary to the narrative that Naam was his comeback, this was the film that marked his triumphant return after a tumultuous period, setting the stage for his later successes. The story may lean on clichés, and the direction and technical aspects aren’t revolutionary, but the film’s heart lies in its high-energy action, catchy music, and stellar performances. For fans of masala cinema or those curious about Dutt’s early career, Jaan Ki Baazi is a must-watch. It’s a reminder of a time when Bollywood heroes were larger than life, and Sanjay Dutt was just beginning to bloom into a dependable star.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
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