Bulandi (2000) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026


Bulandi(2000)
Hindi · Action, Drama
2h 55m · 7 Jan 2000
DOP: M. S. Prabhu | Writer: Aadesh K. Arjun, Erode Sounder
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
📖 Story
Dharamraj Thakur is a respected village head known for his unwavering sense of justice. He lives with his wife Lakshmi and two younger brothers. The family's peace is shattered when a long-standing grudge held by an estranged relative leads to a false accusation against Dharamraj's younger brother, forcing the patriarch to choose between his family and his principles. The story also reveals a tragic backstory involving Dharamraj's father, Ghajraj Thakur, which shaped the family's legacy.
Bulandi is a faithful Hindi remake of the Tamil hit Nattamai and the Telugu blockbuster Pedarayudu. The film is a quintessential rural family drama that centers on the themes of honor, justice, and sacrifice. The narrative is structured around the 'Panchayat' system, where the word of the Thakur is law. While the plot follows a predictable path common in 90s cinema, the emotional stakes are high enough to keep the audience engaged.
Anil Kapoor anchors the film with a disciplined performance in a dual role, but the highlight is undoubtedly Rajinikanth's extended cameo as the father. His presence brings a distinct energy and 'mass' appeal to the flashback sequences, which are the most impactful parts of the movie. Rekha and Raveena Tandon provide solid support, though their roles are somewhat limited by the male-centric script.
The music by Viju Shah is functional but lacks the chart-busting quality of the original South Indian versions. The pacing is generally good in the first half, but the second half leans heavily into melodrama and traditional tropes that may feel dated to modern viewers. The background score effectively complements the high-voltage dramatic scenes.
Technically, the film is well-mounted with cinematography that captures the rustic charm of the village setting. Rama Rao Tatineni’s direction is straightforward, focusing on delivering a commercial entertainer that appeals to the family audience. Overall, it is a solid drama that succeeds primarily due to its strong cast and emotional core.
Anil Kapoor: Delivers a powerful performance in a dual role, portraying the stoic Dharamraj with great dignity.
Rajinikanth: In an extended cameo, he steals the show with his trademark style and screen presence.
Rekha: Graceful and elegant as Lakshmi, she brings depth to the role of the matriarch.
Raveena Tandon: Provides the necessary commercial appeal and performs well in the musical sequences.
Shakti Kapoor: Plays the antagonist with his usual flair, providing a credible threat to the protagonist.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong performances by the lead cast
- ✓Rajinikanth's charismatic cameo
- ✓Emotional family-oriented storyline
- ✓Powerful dialogues and justice-themed sequences
Weaknesses
- ✕Dated plot and predictable screenplay
- ✕Heavy melodrama in the second half
- ✕Average music compared to the original versions
🎬 Direction & Writing
Rama Rao Tatineni sticks to the successful formula of the original films. His direction is focused on highlighting the nobility of the protagonist and maintaining the emotional tension within the family dynamic. While not innovative, the execution is effective for the genre.
📰 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 (Nominated) | Rekha was nominated for her performance. |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - The film had a decent opening due to the star cast but faced competition from other major releases.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 55% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 20% |
Critics
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Most praised Anil Kapoor's performance and Rajinikanth's presence, while some noted that the story felt repetitive for those familiar with the original South Indian films. Public reception was particularly strong in rural and semi-urban areas.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bulandi release in theatres?▾
Bulandi released on 7 January 2000 (2000).
Is Bulandi a hit or flop?▾
Bulandi is declared a FLOP at the box office.
What is the budget of Bulandi?▾
Budget of Bulandi is approximately ₹7 Crore.
Where to watch Bulandi online? OTT release date?▾
Bulandi is available on SonyLIV. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Bulandi?▾
Bulandi directed by Rama Rao Tatineni. Produced by Yogesh Anand.
Who are the main cast members of Bulandi?▾
Bulandi stars Anil Kapoor, Rekha, Raveena Tandon, Rajinikanth.
What is the Tollybo rating for Bulandi?▾
Tollybo rates Bulandi 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
What is the genre and runtime of Bulandi?▾
Bulandi — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 175 minutes, Language: Hindi.
