Last updated: 8 May 2026


The 80's Will Be Back!
Hindi · Action, Comedy, Drama
2h 30m · 29 Mar 2013
Music: Sajid Ali Khan, Sachin Sanghvi, Wajid Khan, Jigar Saraiya | DOP: Manoj Soni | Writer: K. Raghavendra Rao, Sajid Khan, Farhad Samji
Ratings
Our Rating
1
Himmatwala is a remake of the 1983 Telugu film of the same name. The story revolves around a young man who returns to his village to avenge the humiliation faced by his mother at the hands of a ruthless landlord. The film combines elements of action, drama, and romance, showcasing the protagonist's journey to restore his family's honor and bring justice to the oppressed villagers.
Himmatwala attempts to recreate the masala entertainer vibe of the 80s with a mix of over-the-top action, melodrama, and catchy songs. The content is heavily reliant on nostalgia but struggles with outdated storytelling and screenplay that feels stretched and predictable. The pacing is uneven, with the first half focusing on establishing characters and the village setting, while the second half escalates into a series of clichéd confrontations and melodramatic sequences.
The screenplay lacks subtlety and often resorts to slapstick comedy and exaggerated performances, which may not resonate well with contemporary audiences. The songs and music, composed by a team including Sajid Ali Khan and Wajid Khan, try to capture the retro flavor but come across as uninspired and fail to leave a lasting impact. The background score is functional but does not enhance the emotional or dramatic moments effectively.
Overall, the film's attempt to blend old-school charm with modern filmmaking falls short due to weak writing and execution. While it may entertain fans of the original or those looking for a light-hearted masala film, it lacks the finesse and freshness expected in a 2013 release.
Ajay Devgn: Energetic but over-the-top, struggling with the film's outdated tone.
Tamannaah Bhatia: Charismatic but limited by the weak script and underdeveloped character.
Mahesh Manjrekar: Adequate as the antagonist, delivering the required menace.
Adhyayan Suman: Brief and unremarkable.
Zarina Wahab: Emotional presence as the mother, adding some depth.
Leena Jumani: Minor role with limited scope.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Sajid Khan's direction leans heavily on recreating the 80s masala style but fails to adapt it effectively for contemporary viewers. The writing lacks depth and subtlety, resulting in a film that feels dated and uninspired.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.50 / 5 | |
| 2.75 / 5 | |
| 2.50 / 5 | |
| 2.50 / 5 | |
| 2.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 20% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 50% |
Critics largely panned the film for its outdated narrative and lackluster execution. The performances were seen as the only saving grace in an otherwise dull and predictable remake. The music and screenplay were criticized for failing to engage the audience.
Final Box-Office Result
Himmatwala released on 29 March 2013 (2013).
Himmatwala is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Budget of Himmatwala is approximately ₹270880 Crore.
Himmatwala is available on Netflix. OTT date will be updated soon.
Himmatwala directed by Sajid Khan. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Ronnie Screwvala.
Himmatwala stars Ajay Devgn, Tamannaah Bhatia, Mahesh Manjrekar, Adhyayan Suman, Zarina Wahab.
Tollybo rates Himmatwala 1/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for Himmatwala composed by Sajid Ali Khan, Sachin Sanghvi, Wajid Khan, Jigar Saraiya.
Himmatwala — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Hindi.