Rajkumar
1996 · India
- Director
- Pankaj Parashar
- Screenplay
- Vinay Shukla
- Music
- Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Cast
What it is about
Rajkumar is a 1996 Hindi-language Indian film that blends historical fantasy, action and romance. The story begins with the killing of Rani Maa's husband, a crime blamed on the king, father of Princess Vishaka, although the real culprit is the neighbouring kingdom's prime minister, Man Singh. Rani Maa vows to avenge the princess, while her son Rajkumar falls in love with Vishaka and resolves to marry her. His mother's determination to oppose the union drives the central conflict of the story.
How it was made
The film was directed by Pankaj Parashar from a screenplay by Vinay Shukla. The music was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi. Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit lead the cast, alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Danny Denzongpa, Reena Roy and Farida Jalal. The song 'Payal Meri' is based on George Michael's 'Faith', and the soundtrack includes performances by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan, among others.
Reception and legacy
Rajkumar was a box-office disaster. India Today's review said the film wanders through witch lairs and palaces without accomplishing much, that Madhuri Dixit's dances feel repetitive, and that the director's occasional flashes of brilliance are not enough to prop up a threadbare script.
Trivia
A song based on George Michael
The track 'Payal Meri' is based on George Michael's 'Faith', making it one of the most recognisable pieces of the soundtrack.
More films by Pankaj Parashar
ChaalBaaz
Banaras: A Mystic Love Story
Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin
Jalwa
Himalay PutraOriginal Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.