Ek Hasina Thi (2004) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Ek Hasina Thi (2004) Review
Ek Hasina Thi (2004), a Hindi action, crime, drama movie starring Urmila Matondkar, Saif Ali Khan, Seema Biswas, is reviewed here. Directed by Sriram Raghavan. A woman falls for a charming and mysterious businessman. The whirlwind romance turns sour when she is framed for his underworld crimes. Now, finally out of prison she is ready for sweet revenge. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 16 Jan 2004. Runtime: 2h 0m.


Ek Hasina Thi(2004)
Hindi · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 0m · 16 Jan 2004
Music: Amar Mohile | DOP: C.K. Muraleedharan | Writer: Sriram Raghavan, Sidney Sheldon, Pooja Ladha Surti
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Ek Hasina Thi is a dark thriller revolving around Sarika (Urmila Matondkar), a woman who is wrongfully imprisoned due to a conspiracy involving her lover Karan (Saif Ali Khan). The story follows her transformation from a naive, trusting individual into a determined woman seeking revenge against those who destroyed her life. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, justice, and empowerment as Sarika meticulously plans to expose the truth and bring her tormentors to justice.
Ek Hasina Thi stands out for its gripping storyline and taut screenplay, crafted meticulously by director Sriram Raghavan. The film's pacing is well balanced, with a slower, suspense-building first half that effectively sets up the characters and the betrayal, followed by a more intense and fast-paced second half that focuses on Sarika's revenge. The screenplay keeps the audience engaged with its twists and psychological depth.
The music, composed by Amar Mohile, complements the film’s dark tone with a haunting background score that heightens the tension throughout. The songs are minimal and situational, avoiding unnecessary breaks and maintaining the film’s thriller mood. Cinematography by C.K. Muraleedharan adds a gritty and realistic texture to the film, enhancing the noir feel.
Overall, the film’s narrative structure, combined with strong technical elements and a compelling background score, makes it a standout thriller in Hindi cinema. The film’s ability to maintain suspense and deliver a satisfying revenge arc is commendable, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Urmila Matondkar: Powerful and intense portrayal of Sarika, showcasing a convincing transformation from vulnerability to vengeance.
Saif Ali Khan: Charismatic yet menacing as Karan, effectively embodying the antagonist with layered performance.
Seema Biswas: Strong supporting role adding depth and gravitas to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging and tightly written screenplay
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Effective background score enhancing suspense
- ✓Well-executed revenge thriller narrative
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing in the first half may feel slow to some viewers
- ✕Limited use of songs might not appeal to traditional Bollywood audiences
🎬 Direction & Writing
Sriram Raghavan delivers a masterclass in thriller direction, combining sharp writing with a keen sense of pacing and mood. His ability to extract nuanced performances and maintain tension throughout the film is notable.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.75 | |
| 4 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 4 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics widely praised Ek Hasina Thi for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and stylish direction. The film was noted for its departure from typical Bollywood thrillers, focusing on a dark, psychological revenge story. Urmila Matondkar's performance was especially lauded as one of her career-best. Some critics pointed out the slow buildup in the first half but agreed that the payoff in the second half justified the pacing.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ek Hasina Thi release in theatres?▾
Ek Hasina Thi released on 16 January 2004 (2004).
Is Ek Hasina Thi a hit or flop?▾
Ek Hasina Thi is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Ek Hasina Thi online? OTT release date?▾
Ek Hasina Thi OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Ek Hasina Thi?▾
Ek Hasina Thi directed by Sriram Raghavan. Produced by Bharat Shah, Ram Gopal Varma.
Who are the main cast members of Ek Hasina Thi?▾
Ek Hasina Thi stars Urmila Matondkar, Saif Ali Khan, Seema Biswas, Aditya Srivastava, Pratima Kazmi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Ek Hasina Thi?▾
Tollybo rates Ek Hasina Thi 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Ek Hasina Thi?▾
Music for Ek Hasina Thi composed by Amar Mohile.
What is the genre and runtime of Ek Hasina Thi?▾
Ek Hasina Thi — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 120 minutes, Language: Hindi.
