Shahenshah (1988) User Reviews

By the books actioner

[simon_booth · 6/10 · 16 March 2003]

Sundays is quite often Amitabh Bachchan day for me these days. It's the only time in the week I can find 3 hours to sit down and watch a Bollywood movie, and my Indian star of choice is definitely Amitabh.

A righteous police officer is framed by the villains he is investigating, and in shame he hangs himself. His son grows up to be a policeman too, but rather unexpectedly he turns out to be something of a coward and a simpleton who takes bribes. At least - that's what he wants you to believe! For by night he adopts a different persona - the one man crime fighting machine, SHAHENSHAH! Endowed with unstoppable power (for reasons never explored) and quite the worst outfit in movie history, Shahenshah is judge, jury and executioner for the criminals the law can't touch.

Amitabh Bachchan gets to play something of a dual role again, reprising the betel-chewing simpleton character and the tough hero characters he's played plenty of times before. It's a good chance to show his range as an actor, but by 1987 there is no question that he was past his prime (and optimum weight) for the angry young man sort of role that made him popular (yet of course still not matured enough for the cool sophisticat Bachchan of today). SHAHENSHAH doesn't ask much of the veteran actor, and certainly can't be considered one of his best roles.

The plot for the movie is rather full of holes, but basically addresses a theme that I find to be exceedingly common in Indian cinema - the failure of the police and politicians to protect the citizens of the country. If Bollywood cinema is to be believed, corruption must be a significant problem, and there is a clear wish for a 'strong hero' that will fight on the side of the poor and the innocent. Preferably quite violently

SHAHENSHAH has a fairly stock villain character, played by Amrish Puri in what may be his 1,000,000th villain role - a role he could do in his sleep with his face. He gets up to the usual sorts of crimes - drugs, murder, bribery and trying to force poor people off their land. Oh, and he is the man responsible for dad's death, naturally. There's also a love interest, played both sassily and sexily by Meenakshi Sheshadri, who thankfully gets a lot more to do than just dance and look pretty in a good role. Mix in patriotic mothers, virginal sisters and noble reporters and you get an idea of what to expect.

There's not a lot of depth or subtlety to the plot, and I'm not sure quite how it gets stretched out to fill 185 minutes. There's quite a few lengthy songs of course, and quite a few action scenes of the "Amitabh waves a fist and 5 guys somersault away in slow motion" type, but few fresh or exceedingly interesting ideas.

The movie definitely looks stuck in the 80's, and unfortunately by the latter half of that decade Amitabh Bachchan's star was definitely fading. SHAHENSHAH is a far cry from such great movies as DON and SHOLAY. It manages to be moderately entertaining, as any movie containing such a basic mix of ingredients will be, but I can't imagine it getting a second watch any time.

"The officer's suit wasn't enough" !

[elshikh4 · 7/10 · 5 May 2010]

I watched it for the first time at the end of the 1980's, right after its first release as a videotape in Egypt. I remember being dazzled. The presence of Shahenshah's character was too captivating. The cinematic halo around it did move us greatly; from the framed appearance in the dark, and the frightful high breath, to the strange outfit, and the white hair. At the moment, I put it on my list of Amitabh Bachchan's best 10 movies, which already had (Amar Akbar Anthony - 1977), (Coolie - 1983) and (Mard - 1985). Over the years, my memory didn't hold well all the events, but I loved the Zorro theme; where there are 2 faces for the lead; one as a clumsy coward that he has to wear in daylight (Vijay), then another one as the public hero at night (Shahenshah). And I kept talking to everybody about how marvelous the climax was. The sight of Amrish Puri hanged in the courtroom, after some action, left me speechless for years.

After 20 years, I re-watched it. I found the plot a real coherent except for some minor problems; how the old witness, who has the only proof that the lead's father was innocent, kept the tape which convicts the bad guys for all of these years unused?, How the lead knew about it?, Why to tape this conversation in the first place? And when the police did arrest the framed inspector, why he didn't ask them to search the room; where sure the real tape was present??? Unlike Zorro, Batman, Superman and whatever any other 2-faced heroes, it would have been better, and more mysterious, if we were left to ask for some time what the real identity of Shahenshah was? Meenakshi Shesadri is supposed to be a poor pickpocket, while wearing flashy dresses and short shorts, doing nothing but singing and dancing in the streets! Simply she was a pure image of the commercial Indian movie's heroine more than a character. Some matters ran randomly near the end; Bachchan didn't have the appropriate time to change his character, the matter of the bloody newspaper was cheesy, and the worst of all was how the bad guy's assassins wore one uniform!

But it got its merits. Shahenshah's characterization was inspiring, with fine background, and special designing with the rope, the bulletproof arm, the leather outfit, the haircut, not to mention the gritty tone. Then, there is a slight metaphor in the story; whereas the law is as corrupted and helpless as Vijay, and it needs not only more idealism and carriage to be effective. In fact, what it desperately needs is a ruthless power, or in other words; a vigilante of a good hero who executes justice by his bare hands.

The direction delivered a fair show. The editing with the script made a tight pace, despite the running time (182 minutes). There weren't the countless far coincidences, "lost and found" stuff, or exaggerated acting. There is plenty of catchy lines: "The moon can't fix its deformities by itself" about how justice is in the need of help to be perfect, "I need a knife to cut the name of your father off your own disgraceful one", and "The officer's suit wasn't enough", along with the lead's loud speech at the end, in which he kind of demands from the law's enforcers - out of the movie - to be partly a Shahenshah against the criminals, and in front of the rotten policemen and politicians too.

The all star cast managed to be memorable. The script gave them images of stereotypes, and as character-actors they were stars. Just put Amrish Puri, Pran, Kader Khan, and Prem Chopra together in anything, and it'll be a hit, or - in the worst cases - a must-watch assembly. Meenakshi Sheshadri was the dream girl of the show, radiating freshness for all the time. As another review referred; Bachchan was the betel-chewing idiot, and the angry young man again, after being both in many previous movies such as (Don - 1978). However, he did it brilliantly, investing the 2 personas in creative way. And when it comes to the title's role, then I must be that dazzled kid once more and maybe forever. The charisma of the big B looked like a thunderstorm as that savior. He was larger than life, raising many eyebrows while walking, talking, or his decisive dealing with the baddies.

No doubts that (Shahenshah) was a peak for Bachchan of the 1980s. Because things wouldn't be in the right track for him after it. He would do the infamous (Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi) and (Toofan). Then his popularity would run low. And in no time, 1992, he would retire from acting again, but not for politics like what he did 3 years before Shahenshah. I believe this time wasn't for resting and restudying matters wisely, it was rather for understanding more the dilemma of his speedily advancing age (if you noticed, Vijay was supposed to be a 20-something man, but Bachchan was 46!). Of course it was tough enough for India's top star, and most famous angry "young" man, to move on to another stage, and type of roles.

It's a combination of fine storyline, good cast, and lovable star, having action, and satire more than melodrama. But while being a peak, it's not the peak. Nevertheless, it vanquished its own problems, proofing itself as a 1988's hit. Plus it is a classic in my book; after 2 decades it's still watchable and distinct. If anybody ever forgot this awesome knight with his shinning armor, smashing walls by the evil guys' bodies, while the impassioned theme song is on--then he, or she, must be one ungrateful person!

Amitabh's Comeback after politics

[superindrajit · 7/10 · 25 January 2012]

Big B went into politics after super hit Aakhree Rasta and flop Inquilaab. This was his comeback into films and the movie went on to become a blockbuster. The movie is another typical film with wrong happening to people and the criminals doing their crimes with ease and the police acting stupid as usual not knowing anything. Big B's dad Kader Khan making his move against the villains and getting falsed accused and sent to jail, him committing suicide, and then the typical young boy grows old and takes his revenge by fighting against crime. Shahenshah's main plot has been told a million times in Hindi films many times where wrong is done and action taken against wrong as action. But, Tinnu Anand's handling is top class which makes the movie entertaining. Though, Bachchan's cop act irritates and the overall comedy in the film is not well extracted, the Shahenshah act of Bachchan and songs of the film keep the movie up. The villains and their plans are well shown, the famous court scene at the end is well demonstrated. Though the film has few rough patches in the plot, the movie still entertains and it doesn't drag like other films. Acting is good, Big B is damn good, his acting is up to standard, Meenaxi is good, Amrish Puri has got to be the best villain, rest are typecast but good. Direction by Tinnu is good, after Kaalia, Tinnu gives Bachchcan another hit. But, Main Azzad Hoon after this was a flop though it was a great film. Overall, Shahenshah is another classic which will definitely be remembered as Big B's good films.

One of Amitabh's overrated films

[silvan-desouza · 3/10 · 24 February 2014]

After KAALIA, Tinnu Anand returned with Big B with Shaheenshah(1988) which was his comeback since his brief exit for politics. Shaheenshah is however very overrated. The film starts off well with Amrish Puri staging a bank robbery with Prem Chopra being along with him(who is the manager in the bank) and Innocent Inspector Kader Khan who catches one of them in a bar is arrested in a case of bribe. He commits suicide leaving behind a son, predictabily Amitabh Bachchan who first is shown as a buffoon raving about his fake encounters but he has a disguise of Shaheenshah who kills people. The handling however is very corny, much akin to cinema in 80s It's very heartening to see Amitabh in the Paan Banaras waala style especially because he was past his prime, overweight and wrinkles but yet some scenes are good especially Shaheenshah beating Muqtar Singh.An ode is given to DON where Amitabh too ate paan and spoke in the dialect There are several stupid scenes like the entire climatic court scene which is too stupid

Direction is okay Music is decent

Amitabh Bachchan does show good comic timing and his role of Paan Speaking Cop(looks similar to DON)but as I said he was past his prime by then(late 40s) and he looks old and overweight.He is good as Shaheenshah though. Meenaxi is okay in her role, To see a talent of her calibre in such roles is odd, but anywayz bollywood had not yet seen her perform in Damini that time. Amongst rest Aruna Irani is good, Rohini Hattangudy(though younger to Bachchan) is good, Pran is good too, Kader Khan leaves a mark in a cameo Aftab is decent as the child artist of Amitabh, Amrish Puri, Prem Chopra are as usual, rest are okay

An awesome action thriller of 80's with brilliant execution. Great Masala Entertainer.

[TheSkeptik · 10/10 · 1 January 2012]

Few days back i saw recently released super hero movie RA.One. And today i got opportunity to look at 80's Masala action movie Shahenshah, whose lead protagonist has shades of super hero. Movie engaged the viewer to glue on screen from start to finish. At the end of show, i simply mesmerized by movie.Today even with great level of technology, how movies are failing big time in execution and story telling. Even though 80's is not known for great movies, but Shahenshah was one of exceptional movies of 80's.

Masala entertainment and Manmohan desai cinema are two sides of one coin, but this movie forced me to think that Masala is not necessarily the cinema which defies logic, even with logical consequences, a great action masala thriller can be made. This movie worked vastly in three departments : 1.Performance by Amitabh 2. Awesome dialogues 3. Commendable direction.

Story is not new, but told in highly entertaining manner with some twists and turns. Story is about revenge drama, with a difference that protagonist is super hero. Vijay is police officer who double crossed the anti social elements by taking bribe from them while on duty, and demolish their nefarious designs in form of Shahenshah. No one knows real identity of Shahenshah. Vijay(Shahenshah) has one agenda in life, to clear the accusations against his father of taking bribe and take revenge from the man(J.K.) who forced him to commit suicide. Amitabh plays both roles as inspector Vijay (with funny bones) and Heart thumping Giant Shahenshah with utmost perfection.Leave alone stars of 80's, even if i think of all bollywood actors till today, i don't see if any one match the magic, perfection and persona of both characters played by Amitabh.

Movie spell binds the audience from start to finish, story though same old revenge drama, still captivate due to brilliant script and awesome dialogues.Whenever Shahenshah comes on screen, magic is seen to believe. All those moments should be written in bold letters in cinema history. Never ever in my life i spell bind with presence and performance, in simple words, no one can turn the eyes from screen whenever Shahenshah comes to rescue. Amrish puri as villain is giant as well and complemented Amitabh equally. Minakshi Sheshadri looks hot and did fine job. Movie reached to pinnacle in climax. I never saw any climax as enthralling as this one. If i have to write top 10 climaxes in cinema history, Shahenshah would probably be in top. What a finale sir, great job. The entire scene from the point when inspector Vijay arrest Amrish puri and put him behind bar to the final court room drama, J.K set free by court and finally J.K. taken back to court by Shahenshah and brilliant turn of events there .. no one can keep eyes off screen in those last 20 minutes. Such a gripping moments and such a energetic performance by Amitabh.

Finally, if any one want to see edge of seat masala genre blended brilliantly with Superhero concept, not going overboard for even a second, Please check this one. I promise you, you will feel sorry for contemporary filmmakers, they can't even come close with this school of film making. Superb entertainer .. 10/10 By me.

Very Thoughlessly made movie

[gurveencodebrew · 1/10 · 10 October 2021]

A completely baseless and without logic movie. Director spent very less time on the story and relied completely on Amitabh Bachan's stardom.

The Desi Superman

[BiswajitSince2005 · 9/10 · 9 March 2007]

Shenshaah is the first ever Superman kind of movie made in India. Like Superman he has a dual life. In first he plays the role of Inspector Vijay (he loves to have the same name in most of his movies), the other being Shenshaah, a menace for the evil.

As the Police Inspector he is corrupt so that he can get close to the baddies of the city and then controls them as Shenshaah. Like the usual Superman movie, there is a heroine who loves Shenshaah not Vijay. And in the typical fashion as in SUperman movies, evil is finished at the end. Here the villain played by Amrish Puri is hanged inside the courtroom by Shenshaah. Shenshaah played by Amitabh Bachchan; this is one of his memorable roles ever. Meenakshi Shesadri plays the love interest of Shenshaah. Rohini Hattangadi plays the role of Vijay's mother. She has done justice to her role.

cinematic masterpiece that continues to be celebrated for its memorable Performance by legendary Amitabh

[fnqysfbyp · 10/10 · 10 August 2023]

"Shahenshah" follows the story of Inspector Vijay, a dedicated and honest police officer who takes on the city's underworld and corrupt officials. When his efforts are met with resistance and tragedy, he decides to adopt a new identity - Shahenshah, a masked vigilante who dispenses justice outside the law. As Shahenshah, he embarks on a mission to clean up the city and bring the culprits to justice.

One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is Shahenshah's entry. With dramatic music building the anticipation, Amitabh Bachchan makes a grand and striking appearance as Shahenshah. The audience is treated to an unforgettable moment as he takes down a group of goons, leading to thunderous applause, whistles, and cheers.

The dialogue "Rishte mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hain, naam hai Shahenshah" is delivered by Amitabh Bachchan with unmatched charisma and intensity. This powerful line became a sensation, resonating with the audience and becoming a defining moment in the film. The delivery of this dialogue evoked a strong emotional response from the viewers, further solidifying Amitabh Bachchan's status as a legendary performer.

The film's gripping storyline, combined with Amitabh Bachchan's exceptional portrayal of both Inspector Vijay and Shahenshah, captivated the audience's imagination. The seamless transition between the two roles showcased his versatility as an actor and added depth to the narrative.

"Shahenshah" remains a cinematic masterpiece that continues to be celebrated for its memorable dialogues, exhilarating action sequences, and Amitabh Bachchan's iconic performance. The movie's impact on the audience, particularly during Shahenshah's entry and the delivery of the famous dialogue, is a testament to the enduring legacy of this classic Bollywood film.

The Last Emperor!!

[nadkarnisumeet · 8/10 · 12 February 2021]

Shahenshah review :

The films title became synonymous with Amitabh Bachchan and he is still referred as the Shahenshah of Bollywood. There are kings and stars in Hindi cinema but Shahenshah is only one!! Directed by Tinnu Anand who had worked with Bachchan earlier in the super hit Kaalia (1981), Shahenshah went through its share of delays and got involved in bit of controversy as a certain political party threatened to ban it in wake of Big B's alleged involvement in the Bofors scam.

Coming nearly two years after his Aakhree Raasta (1986), Shahenshah was highly anticipated by Bachchan's fans and in one of the many such incidences, police had to be called in to control the rampaging crowd for advance booking at Badal Bijlee cinema, Matunga.

The film itself was total paisa vasool with Amitabh playing a seemingly corrupt pan chewing cop Vijay Srivastava as well as his alter ego Shahenshah who is a separate kanoon in himself!! "Rishte mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hai. Naam hai Shahenshah!!" is still mimicked by all and sundry..

Amrish Puri was outstanding as JK, the baddie who frames Vijays police wala dad (Kader Khan in a memorable cameo) and later, emerges wet out of a pool in his short trunks to burn down the neighborhood gareebon ki basti. The whisky guzzler occassionally changes his brand from Chivas Regal to Black dog whenever he spots a gori titli in his regular bar. Haha!!

This is one of the few films where I liked Meenakshi Seshadri, playing a street smart chorni in a complete departure from her bholi bhaali kamzor aurat image!! She looked great here opposite Big B as well.

Tinnu Anand's direction was super competent with focus on Bachchan's mass appeal. Not many may know that the story concept was by Jaya Bachchan. Amar Utpal's dashing musical score - "Jaane do mujhe jaana hai", "Hey you!" and ofcourse the evergreen title song sung by Kishore Kumar - is another positive factor.

Shahenshah remains a favorite of all Amitabh Bachchan fans. The film defines his aura, his style and his super stardom in more ways than one. Unmissable!!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.