Taqdeerwala
A cult-hit fantasy comedy about a man who finds a book of fate.
Taqdeerwala (meaning "The Fortunate Man") is a 1995 Indian Hindi-language fantasy action comedy film. It was produced by D. Rama Naidu under the Suresh Productions banner and directed by K. Murali Mohana Rao. The film stars Venkatesh and Raveena Tandon, with music by Anand–Milind. It is a remake of the 1994 Telugu film Yamaleela. Although it failed at the box office, it became a cult hit after airing on television.
The story follows Suraj, a mischievous man whose mother is disappointed in him. He discovers that his father, a Zamindar who owned Swarna Palace, died in debt, causing the family to lose everything. Suraj vows to buy back the palace and make his mother happy. He falls in love at first sight with Lilly, a greedy petty thief, but she rejects him. A local rowdy named Chhota Ravan often torments Suraj, making him ill.
In hell, Yamraj (the god of death) and Chitragupt misplace a book called Bhavishyavaani, which foretells the future. The book lands on Suraj's roof, and he uses its predictions to become rich, astonishing Chhota Ravan. Lord Brahma warns Yamraj and Chitragupt that they must find the book within a month or lose their powers. On earth, Suraj buys back the palace and takes his mother there. When she asks him to marry, he checks the book and learns his mother will die that night at 10 PM. To fulfill her last wish, he stages a fake marriage with Lilly, but his mother survives, and Lilly reveals the ruse, angering his mother until he promises to truly marry Lilly.
Yamraj and Chitragupt arrive on earth searching for the book but are mistaken for drama troupe actors. Suraj saves them and realizes their true identities; his mother didn't die because they lack the book. To protect her, Suraj traps Yamraj with help from a girl named Lata. Yamraj eventually learns the truth and demands the book, but Suraj refuses. Chhota Ravan beats Suraj to learn his secret, but Yamraj saves him by summoning Bruce Lee's soul into Suraj's body. Understanding Suraj's devotion to his mother, Yamraj agrees to meet her. Suraj unknowingly invites them home, and Yamraj blesses his mother with a complete life.
Chhota Ravan sends Lilly to uncover Suraj's secret. She feigns love, but when forced to choose between her and his mother, Suraj chooses his mother and throws her out. Chhota Ravan then kidnaps Suraj's mother and blackmails him for the book. Yamraj uses this momen
- release_year
- 1995
- language
- Hindi
- genre
- Fantasy action comedy
- producer
- D. Rama Naidu
- director
- K. Murali Mohana Rao
- starring
- Venkatesh, Raveena Tandon
- music_composer
- Anand–Milind
Quick Facts
- Director
- K. Murali Mohana Rao
- Producer
- D. Rama Naidu
- Writer
- Kader Khan (dialogues)
- Story
- S.V. Krishna Reddy
- Starring
- Venkatesh / Raveena Tandon / Asrani / Kader Khan / Anupam Kher / Shakti Kapoor
- Music
- Anand–Milind
- Cinematography
- K. Ravindra Babu
- Editing
- K.A. Martand
- Based On
- Yamaleela (1994)
- Studio
- Suresh Productions
- Released
- 1995 · 5 · 12 · df=yes
- Runtime
- 162 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The plot follows Suraj, a mischievous man whose mother is disappointed in him. He learns that his father, a Zamindar and owner of Swarna Palace, died due to debts, causing the family to lose their property. Suraj swears to buy back the palace and make his mother happy. He falls in love with Lilly, a petty thief, but she rejects him. Meanwhile, in hell, Yamraj (God of death) and Chitragupt misplace a book called Bhavishyavaani, which shows the future of man. The book falls onto Suraj's roof, and he uses it to become rich, surprising his rival Chhota Ravan. Lord Brahma warns Yamraj and Chitragupt that they must find the book within one month or lose their supernatural powers.
Reader's Guide
Taqdeerwala is notable as a Hindi remake of the Telugu film Yamaleela and for its blend of fantasy, action, and comedy. Though it failed at the box office, it achieved cult status after television broadcasts, indicating its enduring appeal with audiences. The film's production included five songs shot in Mauritius with a minimal crew of nine people using only two baby lights and reflectors, which caused dismay for actress Raveena Tandon. Its soundtrack was composed by Anand–Milind with lyrics by Sameer, released on TIPS Audio Company. The film's significance lies in its post-theatrical popularity and its representation of 1990s Indian fantasy cinema.
Did You Know?
- The film is a remake of the 1994 Telugu film Yamaleela.
- Five songs were shot in Mauritius with a crew of only nine people using two baby lights and reflectors.
- Despite being a box office failure, it became a cult hit after being telecast on television.
- The music was composed by Anand–Milind with lyrics by Sameer.
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