Starcast: introducing: Hemant Birje. Starring: Kimi Katkar, Dalip Tahil, Om Shivpuri and Gorilla Music: Bappi Lahiri Director: B Subhas...
Starcast: introducing: Hemant Birje. Starring: Kimi Katkar, Dalip Tahil, Om Shivpuri and Gorilla
Music: Bappi Lahiri
Director: B Subhash
"Adventures of Tarzan" is a Bollywood action-adventure film that has
attained cult status over the years. Directed by Babbar Subhash, the film which
released on 13 December 1985, is best remembered for its bold
portrayal of the Tarzan legend, the sizzling chemistry between its lead actors,
and its sensational music. Starring Hemant Birje as Tarzan and Kimi Katkar as
Jane, the film was heavily influenced by Hollywood’s "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (1981), which starred Bo Derek. Like its Hollywood counterpart, the Bollywood
adaptation emphasized glamour, romance, and exotic jungle settings while
incorporating elements of Bollywood masala cinema, including action, melodrama,
and chart-topping music.
Storyline:
The film follows the classic Tarzan mythos with a Bollywood twist. Ruby
Shetty (Kimi Katkar), the daughter of an influential businessman, travels deep
into the jungle with a group of adventurers, including her father and a
villainous businessman, D.K. (Dalip Tahil), who has nefarious intentions. In
the heart of the jungle, she encounters Tarzan (Hemant Birje), a man raised by
wild animals. As Ruby and Tarzan develop a romantic bond, they must also face
various dangers, including wild animals, treacherous men, and hostile tribes.
The story unfolds with action-packed sequences, dramatic confrontations, and a
passionate romance that culminates in a grand finale where Tarzan must rescue
Ruby from the clutches of the villain.
Direction and Other Technical Departments:
Babbar Subhash, known for his work in musical hits like "Disco Dancer", brought his signature flamboyance to "Adventures of Tarzan". While the
direction focuses primarily on visual spectacle and commercial appeal, the
storytelling leans on predictable yet engaging Bollywood tropes. The jungle
sequences, though ambitious for their time, appear slightly unpolished due to
budget constraints. The cinematography captures the wild beauty of the forests
and waterfalls effectively, albeit with some inconsistencies in production
quality.
The film’s editing is functional, keeping the pace brisk, though some
scenes, especially the dramatic confrontations, tend to be overextended. The
action choreography, featuring animal encounters and jungle stunts, is
commendable for an 80s Bollywood film, though it lacks the finesse seen in
Hollywood adaptations.
Music:
Bappi Lahiri, the legendary composer, crafted a vibrant and memorable
soundtrack that played a crucial role in the film’s popularity. Songs like Tarzan, My Tarzan, Jee le le , Mere paas Aaoge became iconic, capturing the
sensual and adventurous essence of the film. The music, heavily infused with
disco and synth-pop elements, aligns well with the film’s escapist tone. The
background score, although simplistic, effectively accentuates the film’s
action and romance sequences. The sensual choreography and picturization of the
songs, particularly those featuring Kimi Katkar, further amplified the film’s
appeal.
Performances:
Hemant Birje, in his debut role as Tarzan, delivers a physically
impressive performance, embodying the muscular, wild, yet endearing persona of
the jungle hero. While his dialogue delivery is minimal, his screen presence is
strong enough to make an impact. Kimi Katkar as Ruby (Jane) brings glamour and
charisma to her role, with her sensuous screen presence becoming one of the
most talked-about aspects of the film.
Among the supporting cast, Dalip Tahil as the antagonist delivers a
theatrical but effective performance, ensuring the film retains its
melodramatic conflict. The rest of the cast, including Om Shivpuri as Ruby’s
father and Gorilla, provide adequate support, though their roles remain
secondary to the central romance and adventure.
Influence of Bo Derek’s "Tarzan, the Ape Man"
The influence of the 1981 Hollywood film "Tarzan, the Ape Man", starring
Bo Derek, is evident throughout "Adventures of Tarzan". The Bollywood version
borrows heavily from the Hollywood film’s visual style, particularly in how it
presents its leading lady. Kimi Katkar’s portrayal of Ruby mirrors Bo Derek’s
sensual and liberated take on Jane, with the film incorporating numerous
sequences emphasizing her beauty and vulnerability in the wild. Additionally,
the emphasis on a passionate romance, exotic locations, and an adventurous yet
eroticized narrative structure closely aligns with the Hollywood production.
However, Bollywood's version infuses more music, melodrama, and action, making
it distinct in its execution.
"Adventures of Tarzan" (1985) stands as an audacious Bollywood
adaptation of the Tarzan legend, remembered primarily for its bold
presentation, energetic music, and the on-screen chemistry between its leads.
While the film may not hold up in terms of modern technical finesse, its
nostalgic appeal and cult status remain intact. The film’s unabashed
commercialism, combined with its sensationalized romance and action, ensures
that it continues to be discussed and revisited by Bollywood enthusiasts.
Despite its flaws, "Adventures of Tarzan" remains an iconic example of 80s
Bollywood escapism at its most uninhibited.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
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