The film was started with Vinod Khanna and Zarina Wahab, but changed due to Khanna leaving for Rajneesh.
The film was originally titled "Karan".
Mahesh Bhatt was to directed the film but opted out once Vinod Khanna left the film.
Kabir Bedi was signed but later replaced by Vijayendra Ghatge.
In 1969, producer Satish Khanna signed Vinod Khanna and Farida Jalal for the film "Iqraar". The director was Nanabhai Bhatt. The film was in the making for years. Finally the title was changed to "Dil Sachcha Chehra Jhoota". The film kept getting delayed for several reasons. Finally Vinod Khanna told the producer to scrap the film and start a fresh film. Director Chand was signed and and new film was announced. Soon that film was also shelved as they did not like the script.Satish Khanna finally launched "Karan" in 1975. Vinod Khanna, Zarina Wahab and Kabir Bedi were signed. Vinod then in the late 70s announced his retirement from films and lost interest in the film. Satish Khanna had waited for years for Vinod Khanna. He kept asking and pleading with Vinod to finish the film. In 1979, the producer started the film under the name "Kaarnama" with Vinod Khanna, Reena Roy, Vijayendra Ghatge and Amjad Khan. The film still saw delays. Finally he got tired and replaced Vinod Khanna with Shatrughan Sinha. He also changed the title to "Kali Basti". Satish Khanna had to scrap the entire film and re shoot with the film with Shatrughan Sinha.