In the 90s, cinema was not just entertainment but a true celebration in theaters. The action-thriller blockbuster 'Mohra,' directed by Rajiv Rai in 1994, remains a vivid memory for viewers. This film, starring stars such as Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, and Raveena Tandon, was a box office sensation.
However, the real reason for the film's massive success, created on a modest budget of four crores, was not the action hero, but the cunning villain. He portrayed himself as a poor and helpless blind public figure. This refers to the legendary actor Nasiruddin Shah, whose role as 'Mr. Jindal' immortalized this film in history.
Unlike typical villains of that era, who were often aggressive and instilled fear at a glance, Gabbar Singh or Mogambo, the creators of 'Mohra' made an unexpected move. Nasiruddin Shah played 'Mr. Jindal'—a media magnate who appeared completely straightforward and calm while being blind. No one could guess that a sightless man could be the city's most dangerous criminal genius. It was his terrifying performance that stunned the audience in the cinemas.
In the film, Jindal masterfully portrays his helplessness and blindness, causing Vishal Agnihotri (Sunil Shetty), who is in prison, to fall completely for his tricks. Vishal wanted revenge for the death of his wife and sister, and Jindal began using him to eliminate enemies under the guise of purifying society. Jindal controlled him like a pawn. As police inspector Amar Saxena (Akshay Kumar) delves into the investigation, this terrible intrigue is revealed. Before the climax, the truth that the real killer and villain is the blind Nasiruddin shocks the audience.
The film, released on July 1, 1994, won the hearts of the public. Nasiruddin Shah's famous line: 'If you ask for one thing, I will give you a hundred' still resonates in people's minds. This film, created by Gulshan Rai, earned about 23 crores worldwide despite its small budget of four crores. It entered the list of two of the highest-grossing and biggest hits of 1994. However, this huge success was contributed to not only by the songs (such as 'Tu Cheez Badhi Hai Mast Mast') but also by the magnificent suspense and the powerful image of the villain.
After 32 years, this cult classic film is preparing to conquer the big screens again. 'Mohra' will return to theaters in a remastered version on November 6, 2026, 32 years after its premiere. Nevertheless, it faces serious competition during this time. On November 5, 2026, the film 'Ramayana: Part 1' directed by Nitish Tiwari, featuring stars such as Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, is also releasing.
