Vikram Betaal(1986)
Vikram Vetal is a 1986 Indian Hindi-language fantasy film directed by Shantilal Soni. The film stars Vikram Gokhale as King Vikramaditya and Satish Shah as the ghost Betaal. Deepika Chikhalia, Rajni Bala, and Manher Desai appear in supporting roles. The story is based on the ancient Indian collection Baital Pachisi. It follows King Vikramaditya as he attempts to capture a talking corpse for a yogi. The Betaal tells him stories with moral dilemmas. The film blends adventure, magic, and folklore. It was produced by M.I. Films Combine. The music was composed by Nadeem-Shravan. The film was a moderate success at the box office. It is remembered for its faithful adaptation of the classic tales. The film is available on some streaming platforms.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1986
- Director
- Shantilal Soni
- Language
- Hindi
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
King Vikramaditya must capture a ghost named Betaal from a cremation ground. But the Betaal is clever. It tells stories that force the king to speak. Each time the king speaks, the Betaal escapes. The king must learn patience and wisdom. He also discovers that the yogi who sent him has dark intentions.
“A king, a ghost, and 25 stories.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film is a loose adaptation of the ancient Indian folktale 'Vikram and Vetaal', but set in a modern-day fantasy context.
- It was shot in both Hindi and Telugu simultaneously, with the Telugu version titled 'Vikram' releasing the same year.
- The movie features a rare dual role for lead actor Mithun Chakraborty, playing both the heroic Vikram and the ghostly Vetaal.
- Director Shantilal Soni was primarily known for Gujarati films, making this Hindi fantasy a notable shift in his career.
- The special effects for the ghost sequences were considered quite advanced for a mid-80s Bollywood film on a modest budget.
- The soundtrack, composed by Bappi Lahiri, included the popular dance number 'Pyar Ka Karz' sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle.
- Despite its fantasy genre, the film's plot incorporates elements of a crime thriller, blending mystery with supernatural themes.