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After remaining locked in time for decades, the multi-star Hum Mein Shahenshah Koun is finally set for a nationwide theatrical release. Produced by Raja Roy (actress Reena Roy’s brother, who earlier produced the 1979 success Muqablawith Sunil Dutt, Shatrughan, Reena and Bindiya Goswami, and the 1982 Lakshmi with Raj Babbar and Reena), the film releases after decades of delay.
From being a Shatrughan Sinha-Rajinikanth film in 1989 then, it is now advertised as a Rajinikanth-Shatrughan Sinha movie now (thanks to their respective market standings!), and the title has been changed from the then-trendy and now-uninspiring Takrao to Hum Mein Shahenshah Koun. The film features Hema Malini (who stepped into Reena’s role following her quitting movies after her wedding), Anita Raj, Prem Chopra, Sharat Saxena, the late Amrish Puri and the late Jagdeep.
Directed by the late Harmesh Malhotra (Beti, Patthar Aur Payal, Sangram and Phaansi in the 1970s and Poonam, Nagina—1986’s biggest hit, Amiri Garibi and Cheetah in the 1980s and 1990s), the film is written by Faiz-Salim (not to be confused with Salim of Salim-Javed). The music is by the legendary Laxmikant–Pyarelal with lyrics by the icon that was Anand Bakshi, and the choreography was by the late Saroj Khan. The film was produced under the banner of Raja Roy Films and presented by Rimex Music Entertainment.
Shot on 35 mm Eastmancolor using Kodak’s classic film stock, Hum Mein Shahenshah Koun carries the visual richness associated with Technicolor-style processing. Despite being fully filmed, the movie was never submitted for certification at the time, leaving the project suspended indefinitely. Its aesthetics, performances, and scale reflect the cinematic ambition of the era in which it was made.
The prolonged delay was shaped by personal tragedy. Following principal photography, producer Raja Roy relocated to London for business, where he suffered the devastating loss of his young son. This setback halted the film’s progress, and subsequent years brought further obstacles, including the demise of director Harmesh Malhotra, which once again stalled the project.
Yet, the story of Hum Mein Shahenshah Kaun is ultimately one of resilience. Associate producers Aslam Mirza and Shabana Mirza remained steadfast in their commitment to reviving the film, navigating technological shifts and industry changes to complete what had once seemed impossible. Leveraging modern advancements, the film has now undergone AI-assisted restoration, 4K remastering, and 5.1 Surround Sound mastering—bringing it up to contemporary theatrical standards without disturbing its original cinematic soul.
“We never lost hope for this film. It has endured grief, setbacks, and long silence,” says producer Raja Roy. “Today, I feel grateful that it will finally meet its audience. This film has survived against all odds, and its release feels like destiny fulfilled.”
Aslam Mirza emphasized that technology was used with restraint and respect. AI tools were applied only for visual smoothening and audio enhancement, ensuring that performances, screenplay, and narrative integrity remained untouched. The goal, he noted, was preservation rather than reinvention.
With the final mastering complete, Hum Mein Shahenshah Kaun now stands as a rare cinematic resurrection—an unreleased legacy film restored for modern audiences while retaining its classic essence. The film is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release, to be followed by multi-platform distribution, finally closing the chapter on one of Hindi cinema’s most remarkable long-pending projects.
Shatrughan and Rajinikanth have already co-starred in Asli Naqli (1986) while Rajinikanth and Hema Malini come together after his Hindi debut in Andhaa Kanoon (1983), in which they played siblings. The L-P-Anand Bakshi team remains Hindi cinema’s most popular, enduring and prolific composer-lyricist combo with over 300 films to their joint credit. This is their 12th film together with the filmmaker, while Bakshi has also done one more film.
Some inordinately delayed films in the past
- Aman Ke Farishtey (2016) was ready in 1992. / Gap: 24 years
- Deewana Main Deewana (2013) was launched in 2003. / 10 years
- Love and God (1986) was delayed by 23 years.
- Love In Bombay (2013) was completed in 1971, but could not release. / 42 years
- Mere Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin (2004) was delayed after being launched in 1994. /10 years
- Mughal-E-Azam (1960) Original shooting began in 1946. New film had changed setup. / 14 years / Blockbuster
- Naam (2024) was stuck due to the death of one producer / 20 years
- Pakeezah (1972) was launched in 1956. / 16 years / Blockbuster
- Sanam Teri Kasam (2009) was ready in 1995. / 14 years
- Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke (2004) was launched in 1994. / 10 years
