Zalzala (1988)

Zalzala review :

A curry western adapted from Hollywood classic Mackenna's Gold (1969), Zalzala was heavily publicized as being a tough contender to blockbuster Sholay (1975).

The radio programs (popular publicity medium in those days) used to announce : "Aa raha hai Sholay se bhi bada shahkaar. Dekhiye Zalzala."

Comprising the original cast of Ramesh Sippy blockbuster - Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha and Danny - Zalzala also had Rajeev Kapoor thrown in as the third lead while Anita Raj and Vijayeta Pandit had nothing else to do except song and dance. The sexy Kimi Katkar had the better role with grey shades.

Danny was Sona Singh who lusts for a gold laden temple somewhere in Himalayas whose address is known only to Garam Dharam. Thus starts the treasure hunt which is as easy peasy as the ones you play in your picnic spot.

RD Burman's music is a big letdown and the films dialogues lack punch. Cmon, how many times will you cheer for Danny's "Aisa Kya.." or "ZAPATA!!".

Zalzala didnt bring any storm or even a gush of wind at the box office and flopped badly despite being an Eid release of 1988. As for its Sholay aspiration, well, modesty is always good when your product is bad!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.