Raja Babu

This film could be one of the most underrated film of Bollywood history.This 1994 blockbuster had all of it good performances,music and direction.I remember I was in Allahabad when this movie was running and it was somewhere in March at Holi time , the people there were playing its song "Ooe Amma" at their loudspeakers in highest volume. If someone who likes to watch Some Like It Hot and drools over Marilyn Monroe he should see this movie.Thumbs Up to Govinda.How many of you know that this film was shot in South of India and after Sholay could be one of the very few blockbuter to hit Silver Screen.With films like these Indian comedy could never be dead.

Camp with a capital C. Think of Mask and the Ace Ventura movies -- then multiply by 100. This laugh-a-minute entertainer takes schlock to the level of high art. David Dhawan is a genius and Govinda is beyond description. See it over and over again. I insist.

This is one of my favorite Govinda movies of all time and best film of 1994. David Dhawan does a great job in directing this movie, he makes it funny and adds family drama. Govinda is Excellent as Raja Babu and gives a great performance. Karishma Kapoor is an actress i hate, this film she is a little less annoying but still annoys in some scenes. Kader Khan is a maestro in acting and yet gives a superb performance. Aroona Irani is terrific as the mother and gives a outstanding performance. Shakti Kapoor is brilliant as Nandu the sidekick. This film has Comedy, action, family drama and romance a full on entertainer.

David Dhawan is known for his work in Comedy Films and why not, the veteran filmmaker has given a number of Super-Hits that were laugh riots.

But, 'Raja Babu' is his finest film to date, and this is not a comedy. This is an emotional film, that talks about love, respect & responsibility. 'Raja Babu' is an enlightening watch from Start to End. Dhawan completely succeeds by holding your attention throughout. The Writing as well the Dialogue are pitch- perfect.

Each and Every Actor performs flawlessly. Govinda is Historic as Raja Babu. The superstar of the 90's proves his caliber once again by delivering a performance that is so neat & clean. Kader Khan & Aruna Irani are remarkable. Karishma Kapoor is good. Shakti Kapoor is lovable as Nandu. Prem Chopra & Gulshan Grover are perfect as the baddies. Others also lend good support.

On the whole, 'Raja Babu' is A True Classic. Without a shed of doubt, Two Big Thumbs Up!

Raja Babu review :

"Aa ee oo oo oh. Mera dil naa todo".

Govinda's pelvic thrusts to this iconic song became so notorious that even reputed English magazines covered it lamenting the sad state of Bollywood. A few prudes may have cared but the Indian aam junta lapped up Raja Babu voraciously to make it a super hit at the ticket windows. The rural flavour worked even in the metros like Mumbai. And yup, Govinda was king then..

The 'Sarkailo Khatiya' item number was criticized for its vulgarity but that didnt stop the audience from cheering Karisma Kapoor and Govinda doing those raunchy steps on a desi bed. Personally, I loved this jodi and their onscreen chemistry was sizzling to the hilt. Even in actioners like Muqabla (1993) and Khuddar (1994).

Shakti Kapoor's career got a new lease of life playing the village bumpkin Nandu - Sabka Bandhu. He won the best comedian award that year. After Aankhen (1993), this was another super hit from Govinda - David Dhawan jodi.

Later, David Dhawan tried to repeat the same double entendrè formula in films like Andaz (1994), Eena Meena Deeka (1994) and Yaraana (1995) but unlike Raja Babu, these ventures were rejected by the audience. Even Govinda's Banarasi Babu (1997) with the same theme and a voluptuous Ramya in the main lead, came a cropper at the box office. Well, some formulae only work once!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.