Rudaali(1993)
'Rudaali' is a 1993 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Kalpana Lajmi. It stars Dimple Kapadia as Shanichari, with Raakhee, Raj Babbar, and Amjad Khan in supporting roles. The story follows a poor woman in rural Rajasthan who, after a lifetime of tragedy, cannot cry and eventually becomes a professional mourner. The film is based on a short story by Bengali author Mahasweta Devi. It blends the social realism of parallel cinema with songs and emotional drama. 'Rudaali' was a critical and commercial success, winning three National Film Awards including Best Actress for Kapadia. The film was India's official submission to the 66th Academy Awards. Its music, composed by Bhupen Hazarika, became widely popular.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, EpicOn, JioHotstar, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1993
- Director
- Kalpana Lajmi
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 8m
- Rating
- 5.3/10
Storyline
Shanichari is a poor woman in a Rajasthan village who has lost everyone she loved. She cannot cry, no matter how much she suffers. When a professional mourner named Bhikni arrives to mourn a landlord's death, Shanichari shares her life story. The friendship that grows between them forces Shanichari to face a truth she has buried for decades.
“She could not cry for herself.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Rudaali
Cast reunions in this film: Raakhee & Rakhee Gulzar (15 films together), Dimple Kapadia & Raj Babbar (13 films together), Raj Babbar & Amjad Khan (8 films together), Raakhee & Amjad Khan (5 films together), Amjad Khan & Rakhee Gulzar (4 films together), and Raj Babbar & Rakhee Gulzar (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's lead actress Dimple Kapadia learned the local dialect and folk songs from a traditional rudaali who visited the set.
- It was one of the few Hindi films of its time to be jointly funded by the National Film Development Corporation and national television Doordarshan.
- The story is based on a Bengali short story by renowned writer Mahasweta Devi, who often wrote about marginalized women.
- The film's music by Bhupen Hazarika used authentic Rajasthani folk instruments and styles to match the setting.
- Dimple Kapadia won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance as Shanichari.
- The movie was shot on location in Rajasthan to capture the real landscapes and atmosphere of the region.
- Director Kalpana Lajmi was known for focusing on women-centric stories, and this was one of her most acclaimed works.