Rihaee(1988)
Rihaee (1988) is a Hindi drama film directed by Aruna Raje. The lead cast includes Vinod Khanna, Hema Malini, Naseeruddin Shah, Neena Gupta, and Ila Arun. The story is set in a Gujarat village where all men have migrated to cities for work, leaving their wives lonely. When a man returns from Dubai, he begins affairs with two married women, leading to pregnancies and a village scandal. The film is notable for its frank depiction of female sexuality and its critique of patriarchal double standards. Hema Malini earned a Filmfare Best Actress nomination for her performance. The film released in 1988 and remains a landmark in Indian parallel cinema.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1988
- Director
- Arunaraje
- Language
- Hindi
- Rating
- 4.6/10
Storyline
In a remote Gujarat village, all the men have left for work in cities and Dubai. The lonely women crave love and touch. When Mansukh returns from Dubai, he pursues Taku, a strong married woman. She resists at first but eventually gives in to her desires. When two women become pregnant, the village panchayat blames them instead of the man.
“Her body, her choice, her liberation.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Rihaee
Cast reunions in this film: Hema Malini & Vinod Khanna (8 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Ila Arun (4 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Neena Gupta (4 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Mohan Agashe (4 films together), and Naseeruddin Shah & Reema Lagoo (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot on location in a real village in Gujarat to capture authentic rural life.
- It was one of the few mainstream Hindi films in the 1980s directed by a woman, Aruna Raje.
- The movie faced censorship issues due to its bold theme of female sexuality and desire.
- Actress Hema Malini played the lead role, which was considered a departure from her usual glamorous image.
- The story was inspired by real-life migration patterns of men leaving villages for city jobs.
- It received mixed reviews but is remembered for addressing women's issues in a rural setting.
- The film's title 'Rihaee' translates to 'liberation' or 'freedom' in English.