Ajooba(1991)
Ajooba is a 1991 Hindi-language superhero film directed by Shashi Kapoor and co-directed by Soviet filmmaker Gennadi Vasilyev. The lead cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, and Amrish Puri. The story is set in the fictional Afghan kingdom of Baharistan, where a demon-worshipping Vazir usurps the throne. A prince born through divine intervention grows up to become the masked hero Ajooba. The film blends Indian and Soviet production techniques, featuring elaborate sets, magic carpets, and a stone demon. It was the most expensive Indian film at the time of release. Ajooba received mixed reviews and was a commercial failure in India but found success in the Soviet Union. The film was released worldwide on 12 April 1991.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1991
- Director
- Shashi Kapoor
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 50m
- Rating
- 5.1/10
Storyline
A prince named Ali is born through a divine miracle in the kingdom of Baharistan. After a demon-worshipping Vazir kills his father and blinds his mother, Ali is rescued and raised by a blacksmith. He grows up to become the masked hero Ajooba. He must fight the Vazir and his stone demon to reclaim his throne and restore peace.
“The miracle that will save the world”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Ajooba
Cast reunions in this film: Amrish Puri & Dalip Tahil (14 films together), Amrish Puri & Rishi Kapoor (10 films together), Amrish Puri & Amitabh Bachchan (10 films together), Amrish Puri & Saeed Jaffrey (8 films together), Amitabh Bachchan & Shashi Kapoor (7 films together), and Amrish Puri & Dimple Kapadia (6 films together).
Trivia
- Ajooba was a rare India-Soviet Union co-production, shot in both Hindi and Russian.
- The film's director, Gennadi Vasilyev, was a Soviet filmmaker, not from the Indian industry.
- It was one of the most expensive Indian films of its time, with a budget over 10 crore rupees.
- The movie's special effects were created by Soviet technicians using techniques uncommon in Bollywood.
- Amitabh Bachhan performed many of his own stunts for his dual role in the film.
- Despite the high budget, the film was not a major commercial success at the box office.
- The fantasy plot and Soviet-style action made it quite different from typical Bollywood movies of the era.