Watch Nagina

Nagina is a 1986 Indian fantasy film directed by Harmesh Malhotra and starring Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, and Amrish Puri. The movie revolves around a shape-shifting snake woman, who tries to win back her mate from an evil tantric who wants to use her powers for his own selfish gains. The film opens with Rajiv (Rishi Kapoor) and Rajni (Sridevi) falling in love at their college. However, Rajiv's mother is hesitant of Rajni due to her mysterious origins. Rajni is revealed to be a shape-shifting naagin, brought up by a male snake, and is now searching for her mate to continue her species.

Meanwhile, an evil tantrik, played by Amrish Puri, seeks to capture Rajni's powers for his own purposes. Rajni's naagin form is unveiled in a powerful sequence that sets the pace for the rest of the film. The attention to detail in the snake form and how it interacts with the environment is impressive, particularly for its time. The animation and special effects used to create the illusion of her transformation are still impressive by today's standards.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the villainous tantrik has no empathy and will do whatever it takes to obtain what he wants. He goes to great lengths to ensnare Rajni in his spell, and when he is unsuccessful, he resorts to violence.

The second half of the film is especially engaging as it focuses on the clash between Rajni's naagin form and Amrish Puri's character. It is a battle of wits and strength, with both Rajiv and Rajni at the receiving end of unexpected twists and turns. The climax of the film showcases some of the best special effects seen in Bollywood at the time.

Apart from the engaging storyline, Nagina is also memorable for its songs. "Main Teri Dushman" sung by Lata Mangeshkar remains one of the most iconic songs in Bollywood history. Sridevi's dance moves and expressions are unmatched, making it a standout moment in the film.

As expected, Sridevi keeps you engaged in the movie with her effortless acting and great expressions. She can alternate between being the shy college girl and the powerful snake; displaying range in her acting prowess. Rishi Kapoor is appropriately charming as Rajiv, providing the perfect contrast to Sridevi's enigmatic character. Amrish Puri once again delivers a splendid performance as the sinister tantrik.

Nagina is a classic example of Indian cinema's take on the supernatural. The film's portrayal of naagins adds to the richness folklore in Indian culture. Director Harmesh Malhotra provides an excellent blending of horror, romance, and drama in his direction of the film.

Overall, Nagina is a landmark movie in Bollywood that brought to life the myth of the shape-shifting naagins in Indian cinema. The combination of Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, and Amrish Puri's acting, excellent special effects, and a memorable soundtrack make for an entertaining experience. It's a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema, especially for those interested in its take on supernatural elements.

Nagina is a 1986 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.