Achanak(1998)
Achanak is a 1998 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Naresh Malhotra. The film stars Govinda as Arjun Nanda and Manisha Koirala as Pooja, with supporting performances from Farha Naaz, Rahul Roy, Johny Lever, and Paresh Rawal. The story follows Arjun, a wealthy businessman whose perfect life shatters when his brother Vijay is murdered and his girlfriend Pooja is falsely accused of the crime. Arjun must choose between his family and his love as he helps Pooja escape from police custody and searches for the real killer. The film blends romance, suspense, and family drama with a twist-filled narrative. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its second-half suspense but criticism for its predictable plot and weak comedy. Achanak was a moderate box office success in India. The film was released on June 12, 1998, and is available on streaming platforms.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, ShemarooMe, Airtel Xstream Play, Plex, Watcho
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1998
- Director
- Naresh Malhotra
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 40m
- Rating
- 3.8/10
Storyline
Arjun Nanda has a perfect life: a loving family, a successful business, and a beautiful girlfriend named Pooja. But when his brother Vijay is murdered, Pooja is accused of the crime. Arjun believes she is innocent. He helps her escape from the police. Now they are fugitives, hunted by the law and rejected by Arjun's family. Together, they must find the real killer before it is too late.
“Love can survive any betrayal.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Achanak
Cast reunions in this film: Paresh Rawal & Sanjay Dutt (15 films together), Paresh Rawal & Govinda (11 films together), Govinda & Farha Naaz (10 films together), Manisha Koirala & Sanjay Dutt (8 films together), Govinda & Sanjay Dutt (7 films together), and Paresh Rawal & Dalip Tahil (6 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Achanak' was also used for a 1973 thriller by director Gulzar, but the two movies are unrelated.
- Actor Govinda was initially considered for the lead role before it went to actor Kumar Gaurav.
- The movie was shot in scenic locations across Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani in Maharashtra.
- It features a special appearance by veteran actor Sadashiv Amrapurkar in a brief but memorable role.
- The film's soundtrack includes a song composed by Anand-Milind, known for their work in 1990s Bollywood.
- Despite being a thriller, the movie underperformed at the box office upon its release.
- Director Naresh Malhotra had previously directed the hit film 'Maine Pyar Kiya' in 1989.