A Fúria da Cobra

This movie is definitely a classic. I used to love watching it as a kid. If you are willing to suspend your disbelief or if you are a little kid, you'll like the movie. If you like snakes, you might like the movie. It's about a woman who can turn into a snake. It's great.

Rajiv (Rishi Kapoor) returns home from studying abroad and encounters and falls in love with a mysterious woman, Rajni (played by the incomparable beauty, Sridevi). He finally persuades his mother (Sushma Seth) to agree to the marriage. They don't know that Rajni is harboring a dreadful secret, until the sage Bhairon Nath (Amrish Puri) reveals it.

This horror-drama is surprisingly good. The plot is riveting, with many unexpected twists. The actors are polished and believable, with the snakes being impressively controlled. (Though I will confess to some concern over the welfare of said serpents.) The costumes are good, with Sridevi's being extravagantly beautiful. The makeup was convincing, as well, from death pallor to turquoise eyes. The songs and choreography were, while not exceptional, solid. Overall, this creepy movie is highly entertaining.

(Cast also includes Prem Chopra and Guddi Maruti.)

On a side note: If you have ophidiophobia, don't watch this movie! I am not terrified of them, just moderately afraid, and I had snakes dreams three nights in a row afterwards.

10 stars for unforgettable performance of Sridevi.2 stars deducted as I dont understand why Rajiv hit Nagina when he saw her whirling helplessly.

This movie is great. It has a great story and it is one of the best Hindi movies of all time. It stars Sri Devi, Rishi Kapoor and Amrish Puri. Sri Devi does excellent acting and Amrish Puri portrays the sage perfectly. I think that everybody that likes Hindi movies should watch this.

For me, 'Nagina' is one of the few very enjoyable Hindi films of the 80s. Harmesh Malhotra struggled a lot to find a leading lady for this mythological yet modernized fantasy thriller but all these actresses, not willing to take the risk, turned down the part. It finally went to Sridevi as, one would know after watching the film, 'Nagina' was only meant for her. Many famous Indian actresses, like Reena Roy and Rekha, have been witnessed to play snakewoman on screen but none of them have reached the proportion that Sridevi has with 'Nagina'. Who remembers a Rekha or a Reena Roy in such an avatar. One snakewoman is mentioned then it is Sridevi's 'Nagina' that comes to mind.

The script has its share of flaws. Note that this is an 80's movie (when commercial Hindi films were at their lowest but 'Nagina' shines and manages to stay above). I like how Malhotra sets the tone and lets the events unfold, keeping the viewers engaged. Sridevi is first portrayed as a bubbly village belle but as the plot unfolds, actress slowly peels each layer of her character, catching one by surprise but in a very believable way. Malhotra maintains the suspense and surprise element very well.

The background score is very annoying and the songs (with the exception of the last one) are terrible. 'Main Teri Dushman' is one song that lingers and it is shot quite brilliantly with Amrish Puri's snake charmer tormenting Sridevi's 'Rajni'. It is also well known for Sridevi's energetic performance as she sets the floor on fire with the most famous 'snake dance' on screen.

Clearly, 'Nagina' belongs to the magnificent Sridevi. Without her, there is no 'Nagina'. Whether it's as the mistress of the house who lives a double life, the concerned daughter-in-law, the protective wife or the tormented snakewoman, Sridevi pulls it off with ease and elegance. Sushma Seth is good as the mother and Rishi Kapoor and Prem Chopra are adequate. Amrish Puri is great as the over-the-top evil Bhairon Nath.

Though it has its flaws, 'Nagina' is a gem from the 1980's commercial Hindi cinema. One I tremendously enjoyed as a child, one that I still enjoy today.