Last updated: 5 May 2026


Hindi · Comedy, Drama, Romance
2h 47m · 1 Feb 1997
Writer: Jainendra Jain, S.V. Krishna Reddy
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Kajal is a greedy woman who, lured by the prospect of immense wealth, agrees to 'sell' her husband Raj to Janhvi, a rich heiress who has fallen in love with him. The story follows the emotional turmoil and domestic consequences that arise from this unusual transaction as Kajal eventually realizes that money cannot buy happiness or replace the presence of a husband.
Judaai is a bold and melodramatic take on the themes of greed and marital sacrifice, serving as a remake of the Telugu hit 'Subhalagnam'. While the concept of a wife selling her husband is far-fetched and regressive by modern standards, the film manages to keep the audience engaged through high-octane emotional drama and strong character motivations. The screenplay moves at a brisk pace, particularly in the first half which builds up to the controversial deal.
Sridevi delivers a powerhouse performance as the materialistic Kajal, making a potentially unlikable character iconic through her sheer screen presence and comic timing. Anil Kapoor provides a solid, grounded foil to the two leading ladies, while Urmila Matondkar shines as the obsessive and glamorous Janhvi. The second half explores the domestic friction and the eventual realization of loss, culminating in a heavy emotional climax.
The music by Nadeem-Shravan was a major highlight of the film, with tracks like 'Mujhe Pyaar Hua' and the title track becoming chartbusters. The background score effectively complements the high-pitched drama. However, the film is occasionally bogged down by loud and dated comedy subplots involving Johnny Lever and Paresh Rawal, which feel disconnected from the main emotional core.
Overall, Raj Kanwar's direction ensures that the film remains a quintessential 90s entertainer. It balances the absurd premise with genuine emotional beats, largely carried by the stellar performances of its lead cast. Despite its moral ambiguity, it remains a memorable entry in Bollywood's family drama genre.
Sridevi: Exceptional; her portrayal of greed and eventual regret is considered one of her most memorable performances.
Anil Kapoor: Subtle and sincere; he plays the victim of the circumstances with great restraint.
Urmila Matondkar: Stylish and effective; she holds her own against Sridevi as the obsessive third wheel.
Johnny Lever: High-energy comic relief, though his track is often seen as a distraction from the main plot.
Paresh Rawal: Funny as the man with a constant habit of asking questions.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Raj Kanwar successfully adapted the Telugu original for a pan-Indian audience, focusing on high melodrama and musical appeal. His direction is commercial and ensures the pacing doesn't slacken.
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| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards | Best Actress (Nomination) | Sridevi |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Supporting Actress (Nomination) | Urmila Matondkar |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Comedian (Nomination) | Johnny Lever |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 75% |
| Neutral | 15% |
| Negative | 10% |
The film received generally positive reviews from critics at the time, specifically for Sridevi's acting. While the plot was criticized for being regressive, the performances and music made it a favorite among the masses.
Final Box-Office Result
Judaai released on 1 February 1997 (1997).
Judaai is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Budget of Judaai is approximately ₹6.5 Crore.
Judaai is available on Vi Movies and TV. OTT date will be updated soon.
Judaai directed by Raj Kanwar. Produced by Surinder Kapoor.
Judaai stars Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Urmila Matondkar, Saeed Jaffrey, Farida Jalal.
Tollybo rates Judaai 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Judaai — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 167 minutes, Language: Hindi.