Adventures of Tarzan

Adventures of Tarzan is a wild tale from the heart of the Indian jungle, released in 1985. The film is an adventure drama, imbued with romance and action. It stars Kimi Katkar, Dalip Tahil, and Om Shivpuri, with Hemant Birje in the title role of Tarzan. Directed by Babbar Subhash, the film is an Indian version of Edgar Rice Burroughs' iconic character, immersing viewers in the mythical, exotic world of the jungle hero, Tarzan.

The story opens up with an international expedition into the heart of the jungle led by the brave and cunning hunter, Heerendra Dhaan (Dalip Tahil). With his thirst for capturing and monetising elusive jungle creatures, Dhaan ventures into the dense forest area that remains cloistered in its mysteries and untouched by humans. The expedition also includes adventurous photographer Ruby Shetty (Kimi Katkar), who is passionate about capturing the wonders of this lush, wild world in her lens. The group soon discover that this jungle is no ordinary place; it's the abode of the mighty Tarzan (Hemant Birje), a wild man with indomitable strength, agility, and primal instincts, who had made the jungle his home since he was a young boy.

The directors do a fantastic job of portraying the character of Tarzan, staying true to the realm of the original. Hemant Birje as Tarzan projects an exotic charm, showcasing both raw power and naivety in equal measure, while Kimi Katkar, as Ruby, puts on an excellent show with her spirited and womanly character. Dalip Tahil as Dhaan is thoroughly engaging with his greed-driven motives supporting the conflict in the story.

As the story unfolds, Ruby becomes determined to explore and understand the man-behind-the-myth of Tarzan. She soon becomes enthralled by Tarzan's connection with the natural world and its creatures. In his jungle habitat, Tarzan is shown to be respectful, compassionate, and fiercely protective of the forest and the animals who are his surrogate family. His animal-like agility and wild strength are captivating, but equally fascinating is his innocence and childlike curiosity about the human world beyond his jungle abode. This building dynamic between Ruby and Tarzan forms the heart of the story.

On the other side, driven by commercial greed and the desire to cash in on nature's bounty, Dhaan's ruthless actions antagonise Tarzan. As the narrative progresses, the lives of Ruby, Tarzan, and Dhaan become entwined by circumstance, the line between friends and foes blur, fostering an intense conflict between the wild and the civilised world.

Adventures of Tarzan is more than just an action-packed jungle adventure. It also alludes to the themes of environmental preservation and respect for nature, subtly critiquing the exploitation of natural resources due to human greed. The plot's underlying thread evokes a sense of poignancy, bringing into focus the inevitable clash between the sanctity of wildlife and the expansion of human civilization.

Interestingly, the movie explores the duality of human nature in the wild and sophisticated society. It underscores the contrast between two worlds - one where man plays the beast, and on the other hand, a beast who is more humane than man. Furthermore, the various sequences of jungle life such as the waterfalls, tree houses, wild animals, and tribal people entice the viewer, offering an immersive experience.

Made memorable by its catchy songs, especially the famous 'Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai' which became popular amongst children and adults alike, 'Adventures of Tarzan' was a significant hit during its release. The soundtracks, composed by Bappi Lahiri, beautifully complement the visual narrative, helping to bring the lush jungle landscapes to life.

Full of thrill, excitement, romance and nuanced storytelling, Adventures of Tarzan is a cinematic romance with the raw, untamed beauty of nature. As much as it's a jungle saga, the movie goes beyond just entertainment to provoke thought about humanity's relationship with nature. The film successfully recreates the magic of Tarzan's world, pushing the envelope for Indian cinema. It’s a great watch for all audiences, especially those who yearn for a taste of adventure and the nostalgia of classic storytelling.