Biwi No.1 (1999) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026


Biwi No.1(1999)
Hindi · Comedy, Drama, Romance
2h 20m · 28 May 1999
Writer: Ikram Akhtar, Kamal Haasan, Rumi Jaffery
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Prem is a successful businessman married to the traditional and devoted Pooja. Despite having a happy family with two children, Prem falls for a modern and glamorous model named Rupali. When Pooja discovers the affair, she refuses to grant a divorce and instead decides to teach Prem a lesson. With the help of Prem's friend Lakhan and his wife Lovely, Pooja transforms herself to show Prem the value of a wife versus a mistress, leading to a comedic battle of wits.
Biwi No.1 is a quintessential David Dhawan masala entertainer that perfectly captures the late 90s Bollywood aesthetic. The film relies heavily on its vibrant energy, slapstick humor, and the charisma of its ensemble cast. The first half moves at a brisk pace, establishing the extramarital conflict with a mix of lightheartedness and drama. The screenplay is designed to keep the audience engaged through situational comedy rather than deep emotional resonance.
The second half shifts into a 'battle of the wives' scenario, which provides the bulk of the entertainment. While the plot is predictable and the gender politics are dated by modern standards, the execution remains effective for a commercial potboiler. The pacing is consistent, though some scenes feel stretched to accommodate the large cast. The film's ability to balance family drama with loud comedy was a major factor in its theatrical success.
Music by Anu Malik is one of the film's strongest pillars. Tracks like 'Chunari Chunari', 'Ishq Sona Hai', and 'Biwi No.1' were massive chartbusters that significantly boosted the film's opening and repeat value. The background score is typical of 90s comedies—loud and punctuating every joke—but it fits the over-the-top directorial style of David Dhawan.
Overall, the film succeeds as a commercial package. It doesn't strive for realism but focuses on providing a colorful, musical, and humorous experience. The chemistry between Salman Khan and Karisma Kapoor, contrasted with the sophisticated presence of Sushmita Sen, creates a dynamic that drives the narrative forward effectively.
Karisma Kapoor: Delivers a powerhouse performance, transitioning seamlessly from a traditional housewife to a modern woman. Her comic timing and emotional range are the highlights of the film.
Salman Khan: Plays the flawed protagonist with ease. His charm makes a somewhat unlikable character palatable to the audience.
Sushmita Sen: Stunning and graceful as Rupali. She brought a level of sophistication to the role of the 'other woman' and won several awards for her performance.
Anil Kapoor: As Lakhan, he provides excellent comic relief. His 'Hain' catchphrase and chemistry with Salman Khan are memorable.
Tabu: In a special appearance as Lakhan's wife, she adds grace and humor to the supporting cast.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Chartbuster music album by Anu Malik
- ✓Strong performances by the lead cast, especially Karisma and Sushmita
- ✓High entertainment value and family-friendly comedy
- ✓Vibrant cinematography and production design
Weaknesses
- ✕Regressive themes regarding marriage and infidelity
- ✕Predictable plot progression
- ✕Over-the-top slapstick humor in certain sequences
🎬 Direction & Writing
David Dhawan utilizes his signature 'No. 1' series formula to create a high-decibel comedy. His direction focuses on extracting energetic performances and maintaining a fast-paced narrative. The writing by Ikram Akhtar and dialogues by Anees Bazmee are tailored for the masses, prioritizing laughs over logic.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Sushmita Sen (Winner) |
| IIFA Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Sushmita Sen (Winner) |
| Screen Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Sushmita Sen (Winner) |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Highest grossing Indian film of 1999
- - Massive success in both domestic and overseas markets
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 75% |
| Neutral | 15% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
The film received generally positive reviews from critics upon release, who praised the performances and music while noting the formulaic plot. Public reaction was overwhelmingly positive, making it a massive hit at the box office.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Biwi No.1 release in theatres?▾
Biwi No.1 released on 28 May 1999 (1999).
Is Biwi No.1 a hit or flop?▾
Biwi No.1 is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
What is the budget of Biwi No.1?▾
Budget of Biwi No.1 is approximately ₹12 Crore.
Where to watch Biwi No.1 online? OTT release date?▾
Biwi No.1 is available on Disney+ Hotstar. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Biwi No.1?▾
Biwi No.1 directed by David Dhawan. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Bharat Shah.
Who are the main cast members of Biwi No.1?▾
Biwi No.1 stars Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Tabu.
What is the Tollybo rating for Biwi No.1?▾
Tollybo rates Biwi No.1 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Biwi No.1?▾
Biwi No.1 — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Hindi.
