Criminal(1995)
Criminal is a 1995 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It stars Nagarjuna, Manisha Koirala, and Ramya Krishna in lead roles. The story follows Dr. Ajay Kumar, a kind-hearted doctor who builds a free hospital for the poor. After his wife is murdered, he is framed for the crime and sentenced to death. He escapes from prison and goes on the run to find the real killer. The film is an adaptation of the 1993 American film The Fugitive. It was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi. The Hindi version released on 4 August 1995. The film marked the last appearance of veteran actor Ajit Khan. The soundtrack was composed by M. M. Keeravani and became popular.
Criminal (1995) OTT release date is not officially announced yet — GudVibe tracks its streaming availability daily.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 5 July 1995
- Director
- Mahesh Bhatt
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 4.1/10
Storyline
Dr. Ajay Kumar is a good man who builds a hospital for the poor. His wife Swetha discovers a secret organ-smuggling ring. She is murdered, and Ajay is framed for her death. Sentenced to death, he escapes from prison. Now he must find the real killer before the police catch him. Can he prove his innocence in time?
“Innocent until proven guilty? Not anymore.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Criminal
Cast reunions in this film: Nassar & Ramya Krishnan (15 films together), Akkineni Nagarjuna & Ramya Krishnan (10 films together), Nassar & Akkineni Nagarjuna (8 films together), Manisha Koirala & Gulshan Grover (8 films together), Gulshan Grover & Mahesh Bhatt (8 films together), and Gulshan Grover & Laxmikant Berde (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film was heavily inspired by the 1993 Hollywood movie 'The Fugitive', but adapted the medical malpractice plot to an Indian setting.
- It was one of the first major films for actor Nagarjuna in Hindi cinema, though he was already a superstar in Telugu films.
- Director Mahesh Bhatt reportedly completed the principal photography in a very short, intense schedule.
- The soundtrack by M.M. Kreem became popular, with the song 'Tu Mile Dil Khile' featuring a rare Hindi playback vocal by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam.
- The film's climax and several action sequences were shot in the hilly regions of Coonoor and Ooty in Tamil Nadu.
- Actress Manisha Koirala played a dual role, portraying both the love interest and a police officer, which was a notable casting choice.
- Despite its star cast, the film did not perform well commercially at the box office upon its initial release.