Nagina (Nagina) (1986) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 16 Jul 2026


Nagina (Nagina)(1986)
Hindi · Fantasy, Romance
2h 18m · 28 Nov 1986
Writer: Jagmohan Kapoor, Ravi Kapoor, Achala Nagar
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Nagina is a fantasy thriller revolving around Rajni (Sridevi), a shape-shifting serpent woman (Ichchadhari Naagin) who seeks to protect a sacred gem from evil forces. The story unfolds as Rajni falls in love with Rajiv (Rishi Kapoor), a human, and faces the wrath of villains who want to exploit the mystical powers of the serpent gem. The narrative blends romance, supernatural elements, and revenge in a traditional Bollywood masala format.
Nagina stands out for its unique blend of fantasy and romance, which was relatively novel in Indian cinema during the mid-1980s. The screenplay effectively balances the mythological aspects with emotional drama, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The pacing is steady, with the first half setting up the mystical world and character motivations, while the second half intensifies with action and suspense, culminating in a satisfying climax.
The film's songs, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, are memorable and complement the narrative well, especially the iconic 'Main Teri Dushman' which became a cultural staple. The background score enhances the supernatural ambiance, adding tension and drama at key moments. Cinematography captures the mystical aura effectively, although some special effects appear dated by modern standards.
Overall, Nagina's screenplay and direction successfully create a captivating fantasy tale, supported by strong performances and a compelling soundtrack, making it a landmark film in the genre of Indian supernatural cinema.
Sridevi: Powerful and charismatic portrayal of the shape-shifting serpent woman, blending vulnerability and strength.
Rishi Kapoor: Convincing as the romantic lead, providing a grounded counterpoint to the fantasy elements.
Prem Chopra: Effective as the antagonist, delivering a menacing presence.
Amrish Puri: Strong supporting role adding gravitas to the villainous side.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Unique fantasy storyline with mythological elements
- ✓Sridevi's iconic performance
- ✓Memorable music and songs
- ✓Engaging screenplay with balanced pacing
- ✓Effective background score enhancing supernatural mood
Weaknesses
- ✕Some special effects appear dated
- ✕Supporting characters underdeveloped
- ✕Predictable plot twists
🎬 Direction & Writing
Harmesh Malhotra's direction successfully blends fantasy, romance, and drama, creating a visually engaging and emotionally resonant film. The writing maintains a good balance between mythological lore and mainstream entertainment, though some narrative elements could have been more nuanced.
📰 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 Actress | Sridevi won for her role in Nagina |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Nagina was a commercial blockbuster at the box office, celebrated for its strong run and popularity.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
Critics
Nagina received positive reviews for its originality and Sridevi's performance, though some critics noted the dated special effects and conventional storytelling. It is often praised as a cult classic in Indian fantasy cinema.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nagina (Nagina) release in theatres?▾
Nagina (Nagina) released on 28 November 1986 (1986).
Is Nagina (Nagina) a hit or flop?▾
Nagina (Nagina) is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Nagina (Nagina) online? OTT release date?▾
Nagina (Nagina) is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Nagina (Nagina)?▾
Nagina (Nagina) directed by Harmesh Malhotra. Produced by Harmesh Malhotra.
Who are the main cast members of Nagina (Nagina)?▾
Nagina (Nagina) stars Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Amrish Puri, Sushma Seth.
What is the Tollybo rating for Nagina (Nagina)?▾
Tollybo rates Nagina (Nagina) 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Nagina (Nagina)?▾
Nagina (Nagina) — Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Hindi.
