Chandni (Chandni) (1989) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 16 Jul 2026
Chandni (Chandni) (1989) Review
Chandni (Chandni) (1989) (Hindi drama, musical, romance) — directed by Yash Chopra. Featuring Rishi Kapoor, Sridevi, Vinod Khanna. Fate leaves Chandni shattered as her love Rohit disappears from her life. She meets Lalit and they befriend each other until Rohit knocks on her door. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Produced by Yash Raj Films, Released: 14 Sept 1989. Runtime: 2h 59m.
Chandni (Chandni)(1989)
Hindi · Drama, Musical, Romance
2h 59m · 14 Sept 1989
Writer: Kamna Chandra, Umesh Kalbagh, Arun Kaul
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Chandni is a romantic drama centered around the life of Chandni, a vivacious and charming young woman, and her complex relationships with two men, Rohit and Lalit. After a tragic accident separates her from Rohit, Chandni finds herself torn between her past love and the new affection she receives from Lalit. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny, set against the backdrop of picturesque locations and emotional turmoil.
Chandni is a quintessential Yash Chopra romantic saga that beautifully blends emotional depth with visual grandeur. The screenplay is well-crafted, balancing moments of romance, drama, and emotional conflict with a smooth narrative flow. The pacing is deliberate, with the first half establishing the characters and their relationships in a heartfelt manner, while the second half delves deeper into the emotional dilemmas faced by the protagonists.
The film's songs are iconic, composed by Shiv-Hari, with melodies like "Mere Haathon Mein" and the title track "Chandni" becoming timeless classics. The music and background score complement the narrative perfectly, enhancing the emotional resonance of key scenes. The cinematography captures the scenic beauty of Switzerland and India, adding a visual charm that elevates the romantic mood.
Overall, Chandni stands out for its elegant storytelling, memorable music, and strong emotional core, making it a landmark film in Hindi cinema's romantic genre.
Sridevi: Sridevi delivers a luminous and heartfelt performance as Chandni, capturing innocence, strength, and vulnerability with grace.
Rishi Kapoor: Rishi Kapoor portrays Rohit with sincerity and charm, effectively conveying the emotional turmoil of lost love.
Vinod Khanna: Vinod Khanna brings depth and warmth to Lalit, adding complexity to the love triangle with his dignified presence.
Waheeda Rehman: Waheeda Rehman provides a subtle yet impactful performance in a supporting role, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Timeless and melodious soundtrack
- ✓Strong performances, especially by Sridevi
- ✓Beautiful cinematography and scenic locations
- ✓Emotional and engaging screenplay
- ✓Yash Chopra's signature romantic direction
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing may feel slow to modern audiences
- ✕Some melodramatic moments may appear dated
- ✕Lack of significant subplots limiting narrative complexity
🎬 Direction & Writing
Yash Chopra's direction is elegant and sensitive, focusing on emotional nuances and romantic idealism. His writing emphasizes character-driven storytelling with poetic dialogues and memorable scenes that have become iconic in Indian cinema.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6.7 | |
| 3.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 68 | |
| 78 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards | Best Film | Won |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Actress | Sridevi - Won |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Shiv-Hari - Won |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Chandni was a major commercial success, celebrated for reviving the romantic genre in Bollywood during its release year.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
Critics
Critics have praised Chandni for its music, performances, and visual appeal, often citing it as a classic romantic film of the late 1980s. While some noted the slow pacing, the film's charm and emotional depth have been widely appreciated.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chandni (Chandni) release in theatres?▾
Chandni (Chandni) released on 14 September 1989 (1989).
Is Chandni (Chandni) a hit or flop?▾
Chandni (Chandni) is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Chandni (Chandni) online? OTT release date?▾
Chandni (Chandni) is available on Prime Video, Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Chandni (Chandni)?▾
Chandni (Chandni) directed by Yash Chopra. Produced by T. Subbarami Reddy.
Who are the main cast members of Chandni (Chandni)?▾
Chandni (Chandni) stars Rishi Kapoor, Sridevi, Vinod Khanna, Waheeda Rehman, Sushma Seth.
What is the Tollybo rating for Chandni (Chandni)?▾
Tollybo rates Chandni (Chandni) 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Chandni (Chandni)?▾
Chandni (Chandni) — Genre: Drama, Musical, Romance, Runtime: 179 minutes, Language: Hindi.