Episode 277: Chaalbaaz (1989) – Sridevi’s Double Trouble Era

Patreon Bonus this week: Amrita's 5 min catch ups with fun and gossip that are full episodes here (on the Free Tier) Asim's July LetterBxd Video We're also active on Tik Tok so follow us here We’re back with another entry in our 80s Dhamaka series—this time diving headfirst into Chaalbaaz, the iconic 1989 double-role masala starring Sridevi, Sridevi… and also Sridevi. Joined by Rajnikanth, Sunny Deol, Anupam Kher, Rohini Hattangady and Shakti Kapoor at his absolute creepiest, Chaalbaaz is a slapstick remix of Seeta Aur Geeta, and a showcase of Sridevi’s unmatched star power. In this episode, we talk about: Rewatching this classic on VHS and Z Cinema loops How Sridevi steamrolled two massy heroes without even blinking The Bollywood obsession with twin/double roles and what it says about acting in the 80s Sujoy’s VHS-core memories, Amrita’s cosplay confessions, and Asim’s righteous rage at some VERY male-gazey direction choices Whether Chaalbaaz holds up in 2025—and how it compares to other twin films like Judwaa, Kishen Kanhaiya, and Dushman This was a fun one with some deep dives into nostalgia, film tropes, and that uncomfortable undertone of male-written “masala feminism.” This is the penultimate episode in our 80s mini-series before we close out with Mr. India. Next up: Chashme Buddoor! 💖 Join Our Patreon & Get Exclusive Perks! 💖 Love Bollywood? Support Khandaan: A Bollywood Podcast on Patreon and unlock amazing benefits: 🎬 Early Access & Ad-Free Episodes – Be the first to hear our 80’s Dhamaka series without interruptions!💃 A Bollywood-Loving Community – Connect with fellow fans who share your passion!📺 Bonus & Video Content – Get exclusive behind-the-scenes clips, extended discussions, and more!🗳️ Vote in Polls & Pick Movies – Help decide which films and shows we cover next! ✨ Join now and be part of the ultimate Bollywood experience! 🎧 Link in bio! 🌟 Support the Podcast: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to leave us a review and a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more Bollywood fans and keeps us inspired to bring you the best content!