Aaj Ka Arjun


Aaj Ka Arjun is a 1990 Hindi-language action film directed and produced by K. C. Bokadia and starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Prada. The film which was based on the 1988 Tamil film, En Thangachi Padichava follows the crux of the epic Mahabharata, but with its modified storyline through the perspective of Bhima and Arjuna, a deviation from the Vyasa's original version of the epic Mahabharata.
Upon release, the film took a record opening and was commercially successful at the box office. At the 36th Filmfare Awards, Aaj Ka Arjun received two nominations, including Best Supporting Actress and Best Music Director.

Synopsis

Thakur Bhupendra Singh is a tyrannical landlord trying to usurp the field property of poor farmers to build his alcohol factory. He faces opposition from Laxmi, Bheema’s sister, who is the only educated person in the village. Laxmi gets saved by Ajit, the Thakur’s son and the two fall in love. With Bheema’s blessing, the two get married. But its soon revealed that this was a ploy of Thakur and Ajit to stop her from instigating the villagers. Laxmi overhears their conversation and runs to inform the police but is killed in the village center. Bheema in turn kills Ajit and takes responsibility for his nephew. But Bheema is soon arrested for Ajit’s murder and is imprisoned for 7 years, handing his nephew over to Gauri, the love of his life.
Seven years later, Bheema returns and strongly opposes the Thakur when he troubles the villagers. He gets help from Mohan, Gauri’s brother in fighting the Thakur’s goons and bringing him to justice.

Cast

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Bappi Lahiri and the lyrics were penned by Anjaan. The film has a memorable number "Gori Hai Kalaiyan", tune of which was adapted from the original composition of music director duo Shankar–Jaikishan, with voices lent by Lata Mangeshkar and Shabbir Kumar. The song was recreated in 2025 for the movie Mere Husband Ki Biwi. According to Box Office India, with around 18,00,000 units sold, this film's soundtrack was the year's fifth highest-selling album.