S
Sardari Begum(1996)
Hindi116 mins
Sardari Begum (1996) is a 116-minute Hindi film directed by Shyam Benegal. Starring Kumud Mishra, Uttara Baokar and Shri Vallabh Vyas. With an audience rating of 3.6/10, Sardari Begum stands as one of the notable Hindi releases of 1996.
Director:Shyam Benegal
Mood:
emotionaldarkinspiring
Where to watch:
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1996
- Director
- Shyam Benegal
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- GudVibe Rating
- 3.6/10
Storyline
A woman is killed by a stone thrown during a riot. Known as Sardari Begum, she was once a famous singer and courtesan. The story looks back at her younger years, her relationships, and how she lived.
“A life of music, mystery, and a sudden stone.”
Film Details
3.6Rating
116Minutes
HindiLanguage
U/A 13+Certificate
Release Date1 January 1996
Release Typetheatrical
Original TitleSardari Begum
Parental Guide
Violence
Low
Language
Moderate
Sex / Nudity
Moderate
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Low
Vibe & Tags
Mood
emotionaldarkinspiring
Themes
identityfamilycorruptionsurvival
Toneserious
Pacingslow-burn
Complexityrequires-attention
Audiencearthouse
Best Withalone
Violence2
Emotion4
Humor1
Rewatchability3
Reviews & Ratings
Your Rating
3.6/10Rating
Please Register/ Login to rate the movie Sardari Begum
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was originally conceived as a television series but was later adapted into a feature film.
- It is loosely inspired by the life of the real-life courtesan and singer Jaddanbai, who was the mother of actress Nargis.
- The role of the younger Sardari was played by Smriti Mishra, who was primarily a classical singer and not a professional actress.
- The soundtrack uses classical thumri and dadra music forms, which were authentic to the courtesan tradition it depicts.
- The film was shot on location in Lucknow to capture the city's historic ambiance and cultural legacy.
- It was part of director Shyam Benegal's mid-90s trilogy exploring the lives of performing artists, alongside 'The Making of the Mahatma' and 'Mammo'.
- Despite critical praise, the film had a very limited theatrical release and is considered an arthouse gem.
