Shahenshah(1988)
Shahenshah is a 1988 Indian Hindi-language vigilante action film directed and produced by Tinnu Anand. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role as Inspector Vijay Kumar Srivastava and the masked crime-fighter Shahenshah, alongside Meenakshi Sheshadri, Pran, Amrish Puri, and Prem Chopra. The story follows Vijay, a cowardly police inspector who secretly fights crime as Shahenshah to avenge his father's death and restore his family's honor. The film is notable for Bachchan's comeback after a three-year political hiatus and his heavy 18-kilogram costume. Shahenshah became the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1988 and is remembered for its iconic dialogue and action sequences.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 12 February 1988
- Director
- Tinnu Anand
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 55m
- Rating
- 5.8/10
Storyline
A young boy watches his honest police officer father hang himself after being framed for corruption. Years later, the boy grows up to become a cowardly inspector named Vijay who secretly fights crime as the masked vigilante Shahenshah. He must take down the powerful crime baron J.K. Verma who destroyed his family, while protecting a woman who holds the key to the truth.
“The Emperor of Justice Returns”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Shahenshah
Cast reunions in this film: Aruna Irani & Jagdeep (16 films together), Aruna Irani & Meenakshi Sheshadri (7 films together), Tinnu Anand & Amitabh Bachchan (5 films together), Amitabh Bachchan & Aruna Irani (5 films together), Tinnu Anand & Aruna Irani (4 films together), and Amitabh Bachchan & Jaya Bachchan (4 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Shahenshah' was also the nickname of actor Amitabh Bachchan's father, poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
- Amitabh Bachchan performed many of his own stunts in the film, including a risky scene where he hangs from a helicopter.
- The iconic dialogue 'Rishte mein to hum tumhare baap lagte hain' became a major catchphrase and is still widely quoted.
- The film's climax was shot in a real palace in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, to give it a grand, royal look.
- Composer duo Amar-Utpal created the background score, but the popular songs were composed by Bappi Lahiri.
- The movie was a major box office success, running in theaters for over 25 weeks in many parts of India.
- Director Tinnu Anand also played a small role in the film as a police officer named D'Souza.