Mehndi(1998)
Mehndi is a 1998 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Hamid Ali Khan. It stars Rani Mukerji as Pooja and Faraaz Khan as Niranjan. The story follows Pooja, a newlywed woman who faces relentless abuse from her husband and in-laws. After her husband is sentenced to death, she agrees to a mysterious man's demand to save him. Her sacrifice leads to betrayal, her father's murder, and her transformation into a vengeful lawyer. The film explores themes of marital cruelty, revenge, and female empowerment. It was produced by Salim Akhtar and Shama Akhtar under Aftab Pictures. The music was composed by Babul Bose. Mehndi was released on 13 November 1998.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- VI Movies and TV, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, MX Player
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1998
- Director
- Hamid Ali Khan
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 44m
- Rating
- 3.2/10
Storyline
Pooja marries Niranjan hoping for a happy life. But her in-laws torture her daily. When Niranjan is sentenced to death, a stranger offers to save him—if Pooja spends a night with him. She agrees. But instead of gratitude, she is thrown out and called characterless. After her father is murdered in court, Pooja fights back with fire and law.
“A bride's revenge is unforgiving.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Mehndi
Cast reunions in this film: Shakti Kapoor & Asrani (33 films together), Shakti Kapoor & Raza Murad (15 films together), Shakti Kapoor & Himani Shivpuri (12 films together), Shakti Kapoor & Javed Khan (7 films together), Asrani & Raza Murad (7 films together), and Rani Mukerji & Shakti Kapoor (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film was initially banned in several Indian states for its bold take on dowry.
- Director Hamid Ali Khan was a former assistant to veteran filmmaker B.R. Ishara.
- The movie faced legal challenges that delayed its release by over a year.
- It was shot on a very low budget, primarily on real locations in North India.
- The soundtrack, composed by Anand-Milind, included a popular qawwali by Sudesh Bhosle.
- Lead actress Rani Mukerji was only about 20 years old during filming.
- The film's climax was noted for its intense courtroom drama sequence.