Nagina (1986 film)

Plot

Rajiv (Rishi Kapoor) comes from a wealthy land-owning family, and lives in a palatial home with his mother (Sushma Seth), who would like him to get married to a beautiful young woman named Vijaya Singh, the only daughter of Thakur Ajay Singh (Prem Chopra). Rajiv, however, is in love with Rajni (Sridevi), who is an orphan without connections. When Rajiv informs his mother of his intent to marry Rajni, she refuses to give her blessings, but relents after a favourable meeting with Rajni. The marriage is arranged and they enjoy their marriage - until the arrival of Bhairo Nath (Amrish Puri), a sadhu capable of controlling snakes. He informs Rajiv's mother that Rajni is a shape-shifting venomous snake who has married Rajiv to avenge the death of her spouse during Rajiv's childhood. To remove her from the household, Bhairo and his disciples do a snake dance song, forcing Rajni to dance for them as she is a snake. However, when Rajiv comes into the house, Rajni escapes, only to be caught by Bhairo, who reveals his plot, to control the world with the Mani, a sacred jewel that only Rajni knows is hidden. However, Rajiv comes and engages in a fight with Bhairo. Bhairo is bitten by two snakes and dies. Rajiv and Rajni live happily ever after.

Reception

According to Taran Adarsh, Nagina turned out to be the biggest blockbuster of the year with Box Office India stating that Sridevi remained "the undisputed No.1". The movie was appreciated for its screenplay, dialogues and direction. Named one of the best snake fantasy films by Yahoo, Times of India ranked Nagina as one of the 'Top 10 Snake Films of Hindi Cinema'. Sridevi's climax dance number 'Main Teri Dushman' also remains one of the best snake dances in Bollywood with Desi Hits calling it "one of Sridevi's most iconic dance numbers...that still gives fans goose bumps" and iDiva describing it as "the stuff of movie legends".

In 2013, Sridevi was given the Filmfare Special Award for her performances in Nagina as well as Mr. India (1987) to recognise her work at that time.

Cast

Sequel

This movie was followed by a sequel in 1989 called Nigahen: Nagina Part II.

Soundtrack

The film's music was provided by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, and had classic songs like, Main Teri Dushman which is dubbed by Lata Mangeshker, Song Originally sung by Anuradha Paudawal.