Judaai (1997) is a Bollywood drama that brings together love, sacrifice, and greed in a compelling and emotional story. Directed by Raj Kanwar, the film stars Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles, with memorable performances that explore the complexities of human desires and relationships.
The film revolves around Kajal (Sridevi), a middle-class woman who is dissatisfied with her life despite being married to a loving husband, Raj (Anil Kapoor). Raj is an honest, hardworking engineer who is content with his modest lifestyle, but Kajal yearns for wealth and luxury. Her desires take a dramatic turn when a wealthy young woman named Janhvi (Urmila Matondkar) enters their lives. Janhvi falls in love with Raj and offers Kajal a shocking deal: she will pay her a large sum of money in exchange for marrying Raj.
Blinded by her greed, Kajal accepts the offer, thinking she can have all the material wealth she desires. However, as Raj begins to develop feelings for Janhvi, Kajal soon realizes the true cost of her decision, which leads to heartbreak and turmoil. The film delves into themes of love, morality, and the consequences of material obsession, showing how greed can destroy relationships.
Sridevi shines in her role as the ambitious and conflicted Kajal, delivering a powerful performance that captures the character’s emotional transformation. Anil Kapoor portrays the role of a loving yet bewildered husband with sincerity, while Urmila Matondkar adds depth to the character of Janhvi, who is not a typical antagonist but a woman seeking her own happiness.
Judaai stands out for its unique storyline and emotional depth, making it a memorable Bollywood film from the late 90s. The music, composed by Nadeem-Shravan, also adds to the film’s charm, with songs like “Mujhko Kya Hua” and “Meri Zindagi Ek Pyas” becoming popular hits.
