Nagina(1986)
Nagina is a 1986 Indian Hindi-language fantasy romance film directed by Harmesh Malhotra. It stars Sridevi as Rajni, a shape-shifting cobra, and Rishi Kapoor as Rajiv. The story follows Rajni who marries a wealthy man to avenge her snake husband's death. An evil saint named Bhairo Nath exposes her secret and tries to steal a sacred jewel called the Mani. The film was a major commercial success, grossing over ₹13 crore. It is credited with establishing Sridevi as the biggest female star of the 1980s. The film was released on 28 November 1986 and remains a cult classic.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 15 October 1986
- Director
- Harmesh Malhotra
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 23m
- Rating
- 5.6/10
Storyline
Rajni is a shape-shifting cobra who marries Rajiv, a wealthy man. She wants revenge for her husband's death. An evil saint discovers her secret. He wants to steal a magical jewel that only she knows about. Rajni must protect her secret and her love.
“Love bites back.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Nagina
Cast reunions in this film: Rishi Kapoor & Prem Chopra (12 films together), Amrish Puri & Rishi Kapoor (10 films together), Amrish Puri & Prem Chopra (10 films together), Amrish Puri & Jagdeep (10 films together), Sushma & Rishi Kapoor (5 films together), and Sridevi & Amrish Puri (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film's climax was shot at the famous Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, known as one of India's most haunted locations.
- Sridevi performed her own snake dance in the song 'Main Teri Dushman', which became an iconic cultural moment.
- The film was originally offered to Rekha, but she turned it down, leading to Sridevi being cast as the Naagin.
- Nagina was one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 1986, despite mixed reviews from critics.
- The special effects for the snake transformations were done using basic camera tricks and practical effects, as CGI was not available.
- Actor Amrish Puri, who played the villain Bhairon Nath, based his look on traditional sadhus but added his own menacing touch.
- The film's success led to a sequel, 'Nigahen', released in 1989, which also starred Sridevi in a similar role.