Last updated: 16 Jul 2026


Hindi · Comedy, Drama, Romance
3h 0m · 18 May 1984
Writer: Kader Khan, Prakash Mehra, Laxmikant Sharma
Ratings
Our Rating
3
Sharaabi narrates the story of Vicky Kapoor, a wealthy alcoholic who struggles to gain his father's love and approval. Despite his riches, Vicky's life is filled with loneliness and emotional turmoil. The film explores themes of familial neglect, addiction, and redemption as Vicky's journey unfolds from self-destruction to self-realization, aided by the love and support of those around him.
Sharaabi is a quintessential 1980s Bollywood drama that blends emotional storytelling with commercial elements. The content revolves around the tragic life of a wealthy alcoholic, delivering a poignant narrative about loneliness and the quest for paternal affection. The screenplay is engaging, with a strong emotional core that keeps the audience invested throughout.
The pacing of the film is well-balanced; the first half establishes characters and conflicts effectively, while the second half escalates the drama and emotional stakes, culminating in a satisfying resolution. The film’s songs are memorable and well-integrated, enhancing the narrative without disrupting the flow. The music, composed by Bappi Lahiri, features catchy and melodious tracks that became popular hits, contributing significantly to the film's appeal.
The background score complements the emotional tone of the movie, accentuating both the lighter and more intense moments. Cinematography and production values are typical of the era, supporting the storytelling without overshadowing it. Overall, Sharaabi remains a compelling mix of drama, music, and performance, anchored by Amitabh Bachchan’s charismatic portrayal.
Amitabh Bachchan: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of an emotionally troubled alcoholic, delivering both intensity and vulnerability.
Jaya Prada: Graceful and supportive role, providing emotional balance to the narrative.
Bharat Bhushan: Effective in a pivotal supporting role, adding depth to the family dynamics.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Prakash Mehra’s direction effectively balances commercial elements with emotional depth, crafting a film that resonates with audiences through its heartfelt narrative and strong performances.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
The film was well-received for Amitabh Bachchan’s performance and its music. While some critics noted the melodramatic tone, the overall response highlighted the film’s emotional impact and entertainment value.
Final Box-Office Result
Sharaabi (Sharaabi) released on 18 May 1984 (1984).
Sharaabi (Sharaabi) is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Sharaabi (Sharaabi) OTT release date not announced yet.
Sharaabi (Sharaabi) directed by Prakash Mehra. Produced by Satyendra Pal.
Sharaabi (Sharaabi) stars Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Prada, Bharat Bhushan, Chandrashekhar Vaidya, C.S. Dubey.
Tollybo rates Sharaabi (Sharaabi) 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Sharaabi (Sharaabi) — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 180 minutes, Language: Hindi.