What will happen when an entire city starts living in fear of ‘Ranga Tax’? A tax for which not paying is punishable only by death! When the law kneels down and the voice of the common man gets buried under Ranga’s hunter, then a challenge arises which has the power to liberate the streets of Jamnagar from the militants. Tulsi Comics’ superhit offering “Baaz Ki Lalkar” (Baaz Ki Lalkar) is one such heart-wrenching story of action, suspense and justice.
The scary truth of Jamnagar: Where even breathing is taxed!
The story begins in a town named Jamnagar, where a militant named Ranga has established his own separate rule. Ranga has imposed ‘Ranga Tax’ on the city, be it a petrol pump or a hotel, half of every earning should go into Ranga’s pocket. Whoever opposes it is publicly hanged at the crossroads.
The very opening pages of the story give readers goosebumps when we see how Ranga’s men stand ready to hang innocent people. The whole city is silent, sad and scared. But then a red car runs through the city streets, with a rich Seth sitting inside… Or maybe someone else!
Who is Baaz? Tulsi Comics’ own ‘Batman’!
The main protagonist of this comic is Baaz (Baaz). If you’re seeing him for the first time, his costume and way of working may remind you of Raj Comics’ Bhediya or the international character Batman. Baaz’s real name (alter ego) is Seth Chittaranjan Das.
Chittaranjan Das arrives in the city, posing as a rich businessman, so that he can reach the roots of Ranga’s empire. He creates a stir in the city by giving a hefty ‘tip’ (Tip) to Ranga’s henchmen. His style is such that even Ranga’s commanders cannot understand whether he is a spy or a mad nobleman.
Ranga’s ‘Hunter’ vs Baaz’s ‘Gadgets’
The life of this comic is its action. Baaz has amazing gadgets.
Bullet Reflector: There is a green button on Baaz’s wrist; as soon as it is pressed, the enemy’s bullets turn back and hit them.
Baaz-Chakra: A sharp weapon that cuts the necks of enemies while moving through the air.
Flying Jump: With the help of his cape, Baaz makes such a jump from the buildings that the enemies start considering him an ‘Avatar’.
On the other hand, villain Ranga is also no less. He has a 440-volt electric hunter. Whoever this hunter touches gets such an electric shock that the person dies on the spot. This contest between Baaz and Ranga becomes a battle of ‘technology versus terror’.
The secret of the basement and the web of kidnapping
The story deepens when Baaz learns that Ranga has kidnapped Lady D’Souza, the former chief minister of the city, a famous scientist and a newspaper editor. All of them are imprisoned in a secret basement. Ranga’s real objective is to cut Jamnagar off from the country and make it a separate militant country of his own.
Baaz enters this secret base and begins a tremendous ‘rescue mission’. Here, the wisdom of Baaz and the help of his magical friend ‘Prat Baaz’ (who is visible only to Baaz) add a fantasy element to the story.
Final match: Victory of justice
Baaz and Ranga face off in the climax. Ranga attacks Baaz with his electric hunter, but Baaz cuts off both of Ranga’s hands with his ‘Baaz-Chakra’ (Quite a dangerous action!). With the elimination of Ranga, the dark shadow of ‘Ranga Tax’ is removed from Jamnagar.
Baaz gives a message to the people of the city— “No Ranga Tax will be collected after today!” The people of the city consider Baaz their ‘incarnation’ and messiah.
Artwork and editing: The magic of Vikas Pankaj
This comic has been illustrated by Vikas Pankaj. There is a certain kind of rawness in his artwork, which was the hallmark of Tulsi Comics of the 90s. The muscular body of Baaz and the scary eyes of Ranga are perfectly in tune with the atmosphere of the story. Parshuram Sharma’s writing is fast-paced and does not allow the story to become dull anywhere.
Why read “Baaz Ki Lalkar”?
If you are tired of today’s complex superheroes and want to go back to that period of nostalgia, where the hero fought only for justice, then this comic is for you.
Powerful Villain: Ranga is a villain you will hate.
Fast-Paced Action: The thrill lasts from beginning to end.
Classic Feel: That old paper and printing feel of Tulsi Comics.
“Baaz Ki Lalkar” is a forgotten gem in Indian comics history. This reminds us that whether it is Jamnagar or Delhi, when oppression increases beyond limits, someone definitely rises to challenge it by becoming a ‘Baaz’.
