Starcast: Jeetendra, Sanjay Dutt, Jaya Prada, Madhuri Dixit, Satish Shah, Harish Patel, Sharad Saxena , Mahesh Anand, Tej Sapru, Kunika and ...
Starcast: Jeetendra, Sanjay Dutt, Jaya Prada, Madhuri Dixit, Satish Shah, Harish Patel, Sharad Saxena , Mahesh Anand, Tej Sapru, Kunika and Kiran Kumar
Music: Bappi Lahiri
Direction: Raj N Sippy
Introduction:
Thanedaar released on December 14,1990 is a Bollywood
action comedy that captures the vibrant spirit of Hindi cinema from the era.
Directed by Raj N. Sippy and produced by Sanjay Ray and Sudhir Roy under the
Shiva Arts International banner, the film stars Jeetendra, Sanjay Dutt, Jaya
Prada, and Madhuri Dixit in lead roles. It is a remake of the Tamil film
Anbukku Naan Adimai (1980) and draws partial inspiration from the 1975
Bollywood film Pratiggya, particularly in its themes of revenge and the hero
donning the get up of a cop. Thanedaar blends high-octane action, slapstick
comedy, and emotional drama, making it a crowd-pleaser, becoming the fourth
highest-grossing film of 1990. The film is perhaps best remembered for its
iconic song "Tamma Tamma Loge," which became a cultural phenomenon.
This review delves into the film’s storyline, direction, technical aspects,
music, and performances, evaluating its place in Bollywood’s action-comedy
landscape.
Storyline:
The story of Thanedaar unfolds in Jaalkot village,
where the tyrannical Thakur Ajgar Singh (Kiran Kumar) rules with an iron fist.
Inspector Jagdish Chandar (Dalip Tahil), a righteous police officer, opposes
Ajgar’s oppression, living modestly with his two motherless sons, Avinash and
Brijesh (Birju). Ajgar orchestrates Jagdish’s murder by assassins Lawrence and
Peter, leading to the separation of the brothers: Avinash is adopted by a
police commissioner, while Birju is abducted by thugs. Years later, Avinash
(Jeetendra) grows into a principled police officer, married to Sudha (Jaya
Prada) with a daughter, Babli. Birju (Sanjay Dutt), raised by crooks, becomes a
charismatic thief. The narrative follows their reunion, unaware of their shared
past, as they find themselves on opposite sides of the law. The plot, partially
inspired by Pratiggya (1975), echoes its revenge-driven narrative where a son
seeks justice for his parents’ murder, though Thanedaar infuses more comedy and
action. The story is predictable, with familiar Bollywood cliches of separated
siblings and vengeance, but its fast-paced execution and emotional beats keep
audiences engaged. The comedic interludes, particularly involving Birju’s
antics, are definitely a highlight, though some subplots feel over stretched.
Direction and Other Technical Departments:
Raj N. Sippy, known for hits like Satte Pe Satta
(1982)and Satyamev Jayate (1987), delivers a competent directorial effort in
Thanedaar. His ability to balance action, comedy, and drama caters to the mass
audience. Sippy’s direction leans heavily on Bollywood conventions, with
exaggerated action sequences and melodramatic confrontations that resonate with
1990s sensibilities. The cinematography by Raj Sippy's trusted Anwar Siraj
captures the rustic charm of Jaalkot and the urban chaos effectively. Action
sequences, influenced by martial arts films, feature acrobatic stunts and
choreography that were thrilling for the time, though they appear dated today.
The editing by M. S. Shinde is uneven, with some scenes dragging, particularly
in the second half, but maintains a brisk pace during action and comedy
segments. The production design reflects the era’s modest budgets. Overall, the
technical departments deliver a polished commercial product.
Music:
The music of Thanedaar, composed by Bappi Lahiri,
is a standout feature, with the soundtrack becoming a cultural touchstone. The
song "Tamma Tamma Loge," choreographed by Saroj Khan and inspired by
Mory Kanté’s "Tama" and Janet Jackson’s "Miss You Much"
(1989), is the film’s crown jewel. Its infectious electronic beats, quirky
dance moves, and Sanjay Dutt-Madhuri Dixit chemistry made it a chartbuster,
still celebrated today. Other tracks, like "Aur Bhala Kya Maangu Main Rab
Se" by Pankaj Udhas and Lata Mangeshkar, add emotional depth, while the
comedic "Jab Se hui hai Shaadi" showcases Sanjay Dutt’s playful and
slapstick side. Title song filmed on a spunky Madhuri Dixit is peppy and foot
tapping. "Jeena hai Toh " remains one of the best songs sung by Amit
Kumar in the 90's. The background score enhances the action and emotional
moments, though it occasionally feels overdone. Lahiri’s innovative use of
electronic composition, particularly in "Tamma Tamma Loge," marked a
shift toward modernized Bollywood music, contributing significantly to the
film’s popularity.
Performances:
The ensemble cast of Thanedaar delivers
performances that align with the film’s larger-than-life tone. Sanjay Dutt
shines as Birju, the roguish thief, showcasing his versatility in action,
comedy, and emotional scenes. His comedic timing, especially in scenes like the
broom-thrashing sequence with Madhuri Dixit, is delightful, proving his ability
to surprise audiences accustomed to his action-hero persona. Jeetendra, as
Avinash, plays the upright police officer with conviction, though his role
feels formulaic, limited by the repetitive nature of his characters in similar
films. Madhuri Dixit, as Chanda, brings charm and energy, particularly in dance
sequences, cementing her status as a rising star. Jaya Prada, as Sudha, has a
more subdued role but adds emotional weight to the family dynamics. Kiran
Kumar’s portrayal of Thakur Ajgar Singh is suitably menacing, though the
character lacks depth. Supporting actors like Goga Kapoor and Tej Sapru add to
the villainous flair, while comedic actors like Satish Shah provide
light-hearted moments. The chemistry between Dutt and Dixit is a highlight,
which along with Kanoon Apna Apna(1989) and Khatron Ke Khiladi(1988) paved the
way for future successes like Saajan (1991).
Conclusion:
Thanedaar (1990) is a quintessential Bollywood
entertainer that thrives on its blend of action, comedy, and drama, despite its
reliance on familiar conventions. Partially inspired by Pratiggya (1975), it
reworks the revenge and familial separation themes into a mass-friendly
package, elevated by strong performances and a memorable soundtrack. Raj N.
Sippy’s direction, while not groundbreaking, effectively caters to the era’s
audience, delivering a commercially successful film that resonated widely. Sanjay
Dutt’s charismatic performance and the iconic "Tamma Tamma Loge"
remain the film’s enduring legacies, making it a nostalgic favorite. While it
may not appeal to viewers seeking serious treatment, Thanedaar succeeds as a
time capsule of 1990s Bollywood, offering a fun, escapist experience for fans
of the genre.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
No comments