One of my all-time favorites. The story is so great along with the execution and the performances are commendable. Its a simple sense, if anyone is watching this movie after 27 years and still loving it then yo do the math, how this movie is !!
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sourish-5619879 April 2020
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abkamalkhan22 April 2020Please see the reviews of this film here. It is a good film, but the writer of this film is Late Mr. S. Khan (Sher Khan). He expired in very early age and is not as famous as he deserves. I hope the producer and the director of this film should correct this fact and give Mr. Sher Khan his credit.
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IndianNeo23 August 2005I saw this film more than 10 times and difference between first time and last time is about 10 years but still i like to watch it.it is typical Indian masala movie with great direction and some good performances.Akshay kumar's first hit film Khiladi later he had played leading role on the name Khialdi examples: Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, Khiladi 420. International Khiladi, Khiladiyon Ka Khladi, Sab Se Bada Khialdi,Me Khiladi Tu Anadi, and 80% of them was hit. so magic of Khialdi starts from here and it's still working for him.Dipak Tijori was good enough for supporting role with Akki.Comedy King Johny Liver was only in 2 scenes but still those scenes are count in best comedy scenes(his 5 chote chote bachhe).Later on Akshay kumar had many films with this pair(Abbas Mastan)Ajanbi(Best Villain Award),Aitraz...overall Abbas Mastan's First Hit movie.
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It was the era where music companies promoted the songs at great lengths resulting in record sales of the cassettes (there were no CD's back then). Audience used to catch the bait of super-hit music and flock to the cinema houses. It goes without saying that Jatin-Lalit's melodious music was backed up with marketing muscle of Venus resulting in a product "Khiladi".
"Khiladi" itself turned out to be a a surprise package as the expectations were nothing more than a romantic flick. The murder and the suspense added novelty to the proceedings resulting in a runaway hit.
Akshay Kumar:: "Khiladi" served as a good platform which could showcased his skills. And yes, he got noticed.
Ayesha Jhulka:: Her fan-following owing to her previous outing "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander" ensured to flock to the cinema halls and contributed the two-cents
Deepak Tijori:: An extended "Aashiqui" role.
Sabeeha:: Gave another go in this movie and then probably left Bollywood for good.
Johnny Lever:: Had a good comedy track and later on went to become a Abbas-Mastan regular.
Rest of the star-cast namely Tinnu Anand, Shakti Kapoor, Beena and Anant Mahadevan were adequate. The college comedy ensures fair share of laughs. Music as I stated earlier was the key-factor.
Quite later I was made aware that the plot was a direct lift of "Khel Khel Mein". The climax had an edge-of-seat excitement (and I wouldn't be surprised if it was plagiarised again).
Verdict: A wholesome entertainer. -
Peter_Young20 November 2023A young group of four college students decide to play a rather vicious prank on the father of one of them, a young girl named Sheetal, threatening him that his daughter would be killed if he did not pay ransom. This prank goes totally bad, as the girl is mysteriously murdered during their hideout. Following the incident they look for ways to clamber out of the situation to avoid being blamed for no fault of their own, and they seem to make every possible mistake in the process. This is the core story of Khiladi, a typical Hindi film of the times in many aspects, but also a cut above the usual fare in others.
The early portions of the film offer some sweet nostalgic throwback right into the early 1990s, and the film feels pretty much like an enjoyable high school romance, filled with a youthful spirit and a lot of comedy. The comedy isn't very original or particularly funny, some of it is actually too obvious and exaggerated and the school excursion sequence in particular is clearly inspired by Some Like It Hot. The youthful feel, however, is quite sweet and pretty well handled. The camaraderie between the group of friends is right on, and some of the early songs feel pretty much like a take-off on Grease.
Once the film enters its suspense/murder mystery mode, it initially falters but recovers very soon. The group's reaction to Sheetal's murder is most unnatural. They don't seem shocked enough, they don't even go into the house checking if the murderer is there. What's more, just within seconds, they are too quick to pull themselves together and start planning what to do with the body! Even more weird is that the one who first initiates getting rid of the body is the guy who's supposed to be the victim's boyfriend. That too, their plans to get rid of the body are so unsophisticated it's almost funny.
This is not to say this part is bad enough to ruin the film, because the story reemerges very soon, and as it turns into a murder mystery thriller cum whodunit, it's enjoyably effective. The viewer is left wondering who could have possibly been the murderer, and this secret is kept really well. Technically, the film is quite okay, the camera and sound are decent, it's okay within the context of the film. The music is excellent, with some youthful numbers decorating the first half, while ballads like the sensuous "Dekha Teri Mast Nigahon Mein" and the melodious "Waada Raha Sanam" stand out and resonate.
A very young Akshay Kumar is perfect for this lead role. It was clear right then that he had everything it took in terms of star quality - very handsome, eminently likable, and with a strong, charismatic screen presence. It goes without saying that his action scenes are superbly performed. What's more, he's a complete natural throughout and is so easy on the camera. Ayesha Jhulka is cute and efficient. Deepak Tijori plays his regular part in those days, that of the main hero's good friend. The rest of the cast do well in their bit parts, and although the acting is typical for a commercial Hindi film, it's generally okay.
Khiladi is overall a very enjoyable experience, and I'm sure for many it bears some great nostalgic value, given the songs and that innocent atmosphere of yesterday's mainstream films, which is somewhat missing in today's more sophisticated cinema. Those were the days when films didn't have much financial or technical advances that prevail today, but they had heart and a strong sense of connection to the Indian culture and to the moviegoing masses. Khiladi actually does a good job of not spoonfeeding the audience to an over-reaching extent, and that's why it's watchable and entertaining even today. -
feroz-mulla13 November 2011I have been on a journey to revisit some old favorites and this weekend's pick was Khiladi. Despite repeat viewing, enjoyed every bit of it. The movie is no where as polished as Hindi movies off late but it represents everything we liked about Bollywood. The humor may be bit crude, romance somewhat clichéd, logic takes a break once in a while but none of this stops from making the movie immensely enjoyable. It reminded me what's missing in Hindi movies of today: such genre bending entertainers which pack in everything from thrill, romance, humor, emotions to action. Akshay Kumar and Deepak Tijori turn in a spontaneous performance. Also, sad to know now that Ayesha Jhulka never made it big but her classic looks and girl next door charm still makes her one of favorite actress. So, if you are still old school at heart, this is a must watch for you.
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m-ramanan12 February 2022RATED 6/10 Language: Hindi Source: Prime Video
Not upto the hype. Songs are OK other than that its utter masala without any logic...I lost interest in the flow in lot of time. Started to watch in Home theatre and finished in Laptop. So brainless and not worth. -
Li_8529 September 2008Khiladi is a fantastic movie that entertains all the way with action, romance , comedy and suspense. This is the movie that gave Akshay Kumar his first step to stardom. Akshay got his nick name Khiladi King from this film. There went on to be many other khiladi named movies after this hit film. This Khiladi is the best no doubt on that as the other ones were poor. Akshay gives a good performance alongside Deepak Tijori. Ayesha Jhulka looks a little cute in this movie and does a good job. The supporting cast are good which include Shakti Kapoor and Johnny Lever. Abbas Mustan have directed this movie beautifully and this is one of their best films. I have seen this film 20 times and never get bored. Recommended to all people.
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silvan-desouza19 November 2013Akshay Kumar debuted with Saughand in 1991, Khiladi was one of his earlier films released in 1992. The film was also one of Abbas-Mustan's first films and together they created magic. The film resembles Khel Khel Mein which released in 1975 while the first half focuses on comedy, college rivalry, friendship and love the story actually begins when the prank takes place and the twist is fantastic. The second half too is well handled though some comedy scenes are out of place which is a regular feature of AM films, they insert comedy when not required, The identity of the killer is surprising and the climax is well handled.
Direction by Abbas Mustan is good Music by Jatin lalit is fantastic, Waada Raha is still famous sung by Abhijeet and Alka Yagnik, Khud ko Kya is a fun college number, rest songs are all good, After this film Abbas Mustan's films had music by Anu Malik mostly.
Akshay Kumar got the Khiladi tag from this film, though he was raw in those days yet he does a good job Deepak Tijori is funny in his sidekick role something he kept doing Ayesha Jhulka is good, Sabeeha is okay Prem Chopra, Sharat Saxena, Anant Mahadevan are good, Shakti Kapoor is good too, Johny Lever is funny, he was a constant fixture in AM films rest are good -
This movie is one of Abbas-Mustan's best movies. The direction is great as is the screenplay. The cinematography is good. The music, on the other hand, could've been better. Akshay kumar has given us a great performance here. Deepak Tijori, Shakti Kapoor, Ayesha Jhukla and Sabeeha give us decent performances. The action is superb; you can't fault it. It is so Akshay Kumar (high kicks, fast punches etc.). This film is an all-round entertainer with action, comedy and a lot of suspense.
Verdict: If you haven't seen it yet, see it and look at what you've missed out on. Thumbs up - 9/10. -
mayank_7826 June 2013Khiladi was a hit suspense film when it was released, directed by Abbas Mustan. The film is well directed and acting is decent, especially by Akshay Kumar(rest are just average).The film's starting 1 hour is mainly concentrated upon college romance and slapstick comedy. The suspense element comes in rather late in the film. As usual with the films of that era, the songs are poorly choreographed(not that they are any good to listen to). The story, howsoever late is starts, is good and the suspense element is kept upto the last. All in all, a decent flick that could be watched for the sake of Akshay's performance and the gripping storyline.
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superindrajit22 December 2011Akshay Kumar debuted from the flop Saugandh, he then moved to disaster Mr.Bond and flop Deedar. Akki was desperately in need of a good film which did happen.Khiladi(1992 Player) was Akki's first successful film. It went on to become a super hit at the box office. The story is something new for a movie during the 90's. The director duo Abbas-Mustan is famous for making thrillers and movies with twists. The story is extremely well told. Akki enters the movie with a comedy scene where he plays a prank on a normal citizen and his brother catches him. He is then seen in college and all those scenes in the first half reminds you of the fantastic college type scenes during the start to interval of the movie. But, before the interval happens the friend dies and the police is hot on trail of whoever was the killer. The direction is top class and the screenplay is good. The killer is successfully hidden until the end where he is caught. The movie is more of a romantic drama with bits of comedy and bits of action. Overall, its a masala movie with all genres except horror. The acting is good, Khiladi Kumar proves he can act after his earlier craps. Deepak Tijori is average, the heroines are good. The villain is good, the others are all good. Overall, Khiladi is another successful and entertaining flick which worked in those days and it will not disappoint today's people. It can be seen a million times for fans and others. It is definitely worth a watch more than 10 times.
Final Verdict: 9/10 not full because of Deepak Tijori(no offence he can't act) -
CriticGirl9130 March 2016This is by far the most insensitive film I have seen. A dear friend dies, and there is no depiction of any trauma of the other friends. They simply get into a desperate frenzy to get the blame off themselves. Except the heroine, nobody seems to feel the least bit of sorrow in treating the body of their friend as a piece of garbage.
The comedy in the initial scenes is not slapstick, but offensive. Women are depicted very poorly in the film, just like in most other Indian films. The music is bad, barring one classic: vada raha Sanam. The characters are very one dimensional, either cheap or stupid. Acting is one of the worst aspects of this film.
As for the suspense, it's again a big let down. There is no clue given to the audience to suspect the person in question. Also, the entire film is wasted in meaningless catch or miss scenes, where it would have been more interesting if directed to the mystery.
Not only a waste of time, but annoying. -
I'd heard a lot about 'Khiladi' and was interested in watching it. The director duo Abbas Mastan are known for making thrillers and unfortunately, for ripping off. I don't know whether 'Khiladi' itself is a ripoff. It is a very Bollywood film and on top of that from the early 90s (so expect some strange dances, out of place songs and weird fashion) but otherwise quite well directed to an extent. They successfully manage to hide the identity of the killer and it does come as a surprise when revealed.
If it were made today, I think it would have been better in the technical department. Other than that, the film starts in a college campus with funny comedy (but some of them are really over the top). The songs are nice but they seem forced in the screenplay, which was the case in many Hindi films of that era.
Akshay Kumar does well. He's very good with the comedy scenes. Deepak Tijori is brilliant as stands out in most of his scenes. His and Akshay's camaraderie is shown with a touch of humour but in a realistic way. As a newcomer, Sabeeha does well. However, Ayesha Jhulka is strictly okay in most scenes and doesn't deliver in others.
I'd say it's one of the better films of it's time as it's quite enjoyable but it ain't no masterpiece. Enjoy it for the funny moments, nice songs (most of which are horribly picturized) and to solve the mystery of who the killer is! -
akumbhar10 April 2020Khiladi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(Akshay) Action 90s ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thrill ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suspense⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suspense thrill best film 90s
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deewanaakkika7 August 2020One of the best thriller of 90s. Akshay Kumar - Ayesha Julka made a cute pair. Music is also awesome.
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gurdeepmann5915 July 2012This movie is a direct lift from KHEL KHEL MEIN (1975)
The movie starts in college campus with some over-the-top comedy scenes like most were in that era
Four college friends namely Raj, Boney, Neelam and Sheetal play a prank on one of their friend Sheetal's dad' but tragedy strikes when Sheetal is killed and the guys become the prime suspects They get rid of all the evidences but discover a conspiracy surrounding the Sheetal's death
The direction and the music are both good Akshay Kumar started his Khiladi persona which was followed by 7 other films 80% of which were hit
The film's climax is quite entertaining If it were made today it would be better in the technical department
Akshay Kumar impresses in this film after the early crap he had done Ayesha Julka looks quite cute and does well with Akshay Deepak Tijori plays Akshay's friend and his chemistry with Akshay is top-notch Sabeeha does well The supporting cast plays their role to perfection -
desiguy_usa24 August 2006This is my favourite Abbas Mustan movie and also their first hit.But it has shades of the old musical thriller "Khel Khel Mein" released way back in 1975.But this movie is good compared to its release in 1992 with good songs,comedy and action.Worth a watch....!!!! Also considering it was Akshay Kumars early movies with is weired hairstyle and dancing skills.Deepak Tijori was great as the friend. also notice Johnny lever in a comic role in his early movie.From this movie he became a regular with Abbas Mustan.Akshay and Ayesha became a good pair after this film.I was so excited to see the film when it was first released.
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harshbhagat-2600117 June 2019Over the top drama. Khiladi is brainless in many ways. Director Abbas Mastan pull off an unconvincing whodunit which is neither thrilling nor captivating. To begin with,the film has some genuine moments,but they are inconsistent.Ayesha Jhulka brings some sweet presence on the screen, Dipak Tijori does a average job, could have been much better in this supporting character which lacks writting and sharp dialogue,its forgettable that actors like Prem Chopra And Tinnu Ananad are wasted,while Shakti Kapoor tries hard to come out of his comfort zone and mostly succeeds. Film's most salvaged and well written character comes from Akshay Kumar,and he does well. Though it could have been better too. Too many needless jokes make this film a brainless-satire. Humor is strictly bad. What is good is music, though many songs make this film lengthy. Akshay Kumar's kicks and brisk action aside, khud ko kya samajti hai song and try-worthy-of-applaud on a subject that has never been touched, khiladi is sporadically watchable and largely forgettable. Though it could have been much better as it already has got a meat-plot that involves college pranks turning into a disaster. This film too soon loses its pace. So its average and below the mark movie. I'll recommend some better movies, Watch it if you love Akshay Kumar, as i do.
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amitmardi-0290422 December 2020A perfect masala film. Akshay Kumar as Khiladi, that's enough to watch this film.
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anthony_fernandes807 December 2012Akshay Kumar's first hit is also Abbas-Mustaan's first hit. And probably their best till date. A perfect mix of comedy, then romance, then a murder, drama, suspense, action and a super ending. It is almost impossible to predict who is the killer.
The film has shades of the hit film from the 70s Khel Khel Mein, but manages to hold its own. Like that film, you have a college setup, a young star cast, youthful and popular songs, good dosage of comedy, romance and of course, difficult to crack suspense. Abbas-Mustaan have made many suspense thrillers since but this is their best according to me. In every department, the film stands tall, compared to their later works.
Akshay Kumar did well in his role, a role which was almost tailor made for him. Ayesha Jhulka was at the peak of her career with films with Aamir, Salman, Akshay and she had signed a film with Shahrukh (which never released or had a limited release, Kisi Se Dil Laga Ke Dekho). She was decent in the film. Sabeeha had limited screen presence. Deepak Tihori managed to make his presence felt despite being relegated to the role of a supporting hero. Shakti Kapoor and Prem Chopra added value to the film as well.
Music played a key role in the success of this film. Although Abbas-Mustaan had a successful musical run with Anu Malik in the 90s, Jatin-Lalit delivered a fab score with this film, which continues to remain popular till date, especially the romantic duet, Vaada Raha Sanam. For reasons best known to them, Abbas-Mustaan never repeated Jatin-Lalit, despite classic tunes. All the songs had melody and youth appeal and that's why the songs play on 20 years later.
Overall Khiladi was truly suspense at its best. A thorough entertainer! It's a tad lengthy but worth the time. -
trampdonald29 August 2020One of the best movies of Akshay Kumar. Awesome performance by actors. Must Watch.
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Raj (Akshay Kumar) is never shy of taking up a daring challenge, usually from his best friend and college mate Bonny (Deepak Tijori). He has never lost a bet to anyone (hence the title of the movie, which means 'player').
Raj wagers with his friends Bonny, Neelam (Ayesha Jhulka) and Sheetal (Sabiha) that he can scare the wits out of Sheetal's father (Prem Chopra). The bet involves a fake kidnapping followed by a ransom call to Sheetal's father. The plan goes perfectly to the script until Sheetal gets murdered while the others are away from the cottage they have rented.
Needless to say the suspicion will inevitably fall on the three, once the police get wind of what happened. Can the friends unmask the real murderer before they are themselves turned in for murder?
A loose remake of the 1975 movie Khel Khel Mein (only the basic idea was borrowed), Khiladi is a gripping, edge of the seat thriller that keeps you guessing right until the very end. Unlike the vast majority of Hindi movies made in the 90s, this movie could hold its own in this day and age.
The music by Jatin-Lalit is another plus point. Nearly all the songs in the movie were immensely popular in the 90s. The passage of twenty odd years notwithstanding, they have aged pretty well.
On the downside is the fact that the movie takes well over an hour before getting down to business. You can divide the movie into two halves: the first half a rom-com and the second half a murder mystery- not unusual for Hindi movies of that era. It must also be said that the production values look pretty ordinary when viewed today, which was once again characteristic of Hindi cinema in that era.
Khiladi was the breakthrough movie for a hitherto little known young actor called Akshay Kumar. Ayesha Jhulka and Deepak Tijori- neither of whom enjoyed any significant success after Khiladi- are to this day remembered for being in this movie.
From the point of view of someone watching the movie today, its a good thriller. Keep your expectations low and you'll enjoy the journey. -
raobahadar19 February 2023I'd heard of this movie a lot today I got a chance to watch it. Idk why it ain't a complete flop maybe because of the era it was released in. Tbh it's very dumb. The plot of story was good but how it was presented was terrible. Akshay and other actors did a great job but the wrong placement of songs, unnecessary humour, body-shaming jokes, hyping the main character too much and presenting others as pawn in the world is so non-sense. Music is also crap. I vehemently forbid you from watching it if your time is valuable for you. Not watchable at all. Director did a very bad job. Logic was nowhere to be found.
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nadkarnisumeet6 June 2022Khiladi review :
A surprise hit of 1992; Khiladi literally kickstarted then fledgling career of Akshay and he is still referred to as Khiladi Kumar by his fans. Till then, Akshay was largely written off by the media and this film literally gave him an identity!! The director duo Abbas Mustan also had a flop called Agneekaal (1990) behind them and it is Khiladi which made them the sultans of suspense thrillers!!
Loosely adapted from the Rishi Kapoor- Neetu Singh hit Khel Khel Mein (1973), the plot revolved around a group of college kiddos whose prank of kidnapping their mate goes horribly wrong when that person gets murdered and all evidences point out towards them...
My personal favorite heroine of the '90s - Ayesha Jhulka made an awesome pair with Akshay and they shared an amazing chemistry in the songs 'Dekha teri mast nigahon mein' and 'Vaada raha sanam' composed beautifully by Jatin Lalit. Yup, this was a musical hit as well. Even the suspenseful 'O Shama main parwana tera' picturised on sexy Kunika is still memorable. Shakti Kapoor surprised in positive role of the investigating officer. He even got Beena as his spouse making 'motichoor ke laddoo'.
Khiladi was a superbly executed suspense thriller where it is extremely difficult to suspect the real culprit and the way he is revealed in the end makes for a nail biting experience. The film packed in all the right elements of suspense, comedy (Johny Lever, hilarious), action (Akshay in the climax is wonderful), and emotions to make it a clean hit at the box office. This Khiladi certainly hit the bullseye!!
Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.