Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 2: Subhash Ghai’s 1993 blockbuster Khalnayak has completed 32 years, and it remains one of Bollywood’s most talked-about films—not just for its thrilling storyline but for the real-life drama that unfolded alongside it.

Starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Jackie Shroff, Khalnayak was packed with action, romance, and the unforgettable chartbuster Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai. But what truly made it a national sensation was Sanjay Dutt’s arrest just months before its release in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

While the film’s lead character Ballu was a wanted criminal, Dutt’s real-life brush with the law added an uncanny parallel. His alleged possession of illegal arms and subsequent arrest shocked the nation, casting a shadow over the film’s release. The controversy, however, only added to the film’s allure.

Adding fuel to the frenzy was Sanjay Dutt’s reported off-screen romance with co-star Madhuri Dixit. Their chemistry had already made headlines after Saajan, and Khalnayak further heightened speculation. However, Madhuri distanced herself from Dutt following his arrest, ending one of Bollywood’s most high-profile love stories.

The film also faced heat for its bold lyrics in Choli Ke Peeche, drawing criticism from activists and scrutiny from the censor board. Despite that, it became one of the year’s highest-selling tracks and a cultural talking point.

Khalnayak released on August 6, 1993, amid protests and controversies but emerged as the second-highest-grossing film of the year. The tagline "Yes, I am the villain" (Haan, main hoon khalnayak) struck a chord with audiences, while Sanjay Dutt’s performance sealed his image as Bollywood’s ultimate anti-hero.

Three decades later, the film is still remembered for blurring the lines between reel and real, and for turning a troubled moment in cinema history into a box office triumph.