Thanedaar (1990) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 23 Apr 2026
Thanedaar (1990) Review
Thanedaar (1990) is a Hindi action, crime, drama film starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Jeetendra. Directed by Raj N. Sippy. Thanedaar is a 1990 Hindi action film directed by Raj N. Sippy and starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Jeetendra, Jaya Pradha and Kiran Kumar. The film is perhaps most remembered for the hit song Tamma Tamma Loge and its quirky dancing moves. It was the first pairing of Dutt and Dixit who went on t... Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 10 Dec 1990. Runtime: 2h 31m.


Thanedaar(1990)
Hindi · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 31m · 10 Dec 1990
Writer: Vinay Shukla
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Thanedaar is a Hindi action drama centered around two brothers separated in childhood who grow up on opposite sides of the law. The story follows their eventual reunion and fight against a common enemy, blending themes of family, justice, and redemption. The narrative incorporates typical masala elements of the era, including intense action sequences, emotional drama, and romance.
Thanedaar delivers a quintessential early 90s Bollywood action entertainer with a strong emphasis on melodrama and high-energy sequences. The screenplay follows a predictable but engaging formula, balancing emotional moments with action-packed scenes. The pacing is uneven; the first half sets up the characters and conflict effectively, while the second half leans heavily on action and dramatic confrontations, occasionally sacrificing narrative depth.
The film’s songs, composed by Bappi Lahiri, are catchy and complement the film’s tone, with 'Tamma Tamma Loge' standing out as a memorable dance number that gained popularity beyond the film. The background score supports the dramatic and action sequences well, enhancing the overall viewing experience. However, the cinematography and production values reflect the period’s typical style without notable innovation.
Overall, Thanedaar is a nostalgic action drama that appeals to fans of the genre and era, with strong performances and iconic music, though it lacks subtlety and modern storytelling finesse.
Sanjay Dutt: Energetic and charismatic, Sanjay Dutt carries the action sequences with ease and brings emotional depth to his role.
Madhuri Dixit: Graceful and vibrant, Madhuri shines in her dance sequences and romantic scenes, adding charm to the film.
Jeetendra: Solid and dependable, Jeetendra delivers a mature performance that anchors the family drama aspect.
Jaya Prada: Effective in her supporting role, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Memorable music and songs, especially 'Tamma Tamma Loge'
- ✓Strong lead performances by Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit
- ✓Engaging action sequences
- ✓Emotional family drama core
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictable and formulaic screenplay
- ✕Uneven pacing, especially in the second half
- ✕Lack of technical innovation in cinematography and production
- ✕Some melodramatic elements feel overdone
🎬 Direction & Writing
Raj N. Sippy delivers a straightforward commercial entertainer that sticks to the tried-and-tested masala formula. The direction focuses on balancing action, drama, and music, catering to the audience’s expectations of the time without venturing into experimental territory.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 5.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 60 | |
| 46 |
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 | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics acknowledged Thanedaar as a typical 90s Bollywood action drama with strong performances and popular music but noted its predictable plot and uneven pacing. The film was appreciated for its entertainment value rather than cinematic innovation.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Thanedaar release in theatres?▾
Thanedaar released on 10 December 1990 (1990).
Is Thanedaar a hit or flop?▾
Thanedaar is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Thanedaar online? OTT release date?▾
Thanedaar OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Thanedaar?▾
Thanedaar directed by Raj N. Sippy.
Who are the main cast members of Thanedaar?▾
Thanedaar stars Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Jeetendra, Jaya Prada, Kiran Kumar.
What is the Tollybo rating for Thanedaar?▾
Tollybo rates Thanedaar 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Thanedaar?▾
Thanedaar — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 151 minutes, Language: Hindi.
