Sherni(1988)
'Sherni' (transl. Lionness) is a 1988 Indian Hindi-language action drama film directed by Harmesh Malhotra. The film stars Sridevi in the lead role, with Shatrughan Sinha, Pran, Kader Khan, and Ranjeet in supporting roles. The story follows a young woman who becomes a bandit after her father is murdered by a powerful landlord. The film was the second collaboration between Sridevi and director Harmesh Malhotra after the 1986 hit 'Nagina'. The music was composed by the duo Kalyanji-Anandji. The film is noted for Sridevi's powerful performance as an action heroine. It received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success at the box office. The movie is available on some digital platforms and DVD.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 13 May 1988
- Director
- Harmesh Malhotra
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 27m
- Rating
- 4.2/10
Storyline
A young girl named Durga watches helplessly as a cruel landlord murders her father. She escapes into the jungle and is raised by a kind outlaw. She grows up to become a fierce bandit known as 'Sherni'. Her only goal is to avenge her father's death. But an honest police officer stands in her way, forcing her to choose between revenge and justice.
“She became a lioness for justice.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Sherni
Cast reunions in this film: Shatrughan Sinha & Kader Khan (13 films together), Kader Khan & Tej Sapru (10 films together), Kader Khan & Jagdeep (7 films together), Sridev & Kader Khan (5 films together), Shatrughan Sinha & Harmesh Malhotra (5 films together), and Shatrughan Sinha & Jagdeep (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by the real-life story of Phoolan Devi, a bandit who later became a politician.
- It was one of the first mainstream Hindi films to have a female action hero as the central character.
- The movie's climax was shot in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, known for its dense tiger reserves.
- Actress Dimple Kapadia performed many of her own stunts, including horseback riding and fight sequences.
- The soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, featured a hit song 'Mere Dil Ne Tadap Ke' sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
- The film's title 'Sherni', meaning 'tigress', was chosen to symbolize the fierce and protective nature of the protagonist.
- Despite its action theme, the movie also highlighted social issues like village oppression and gender roles.