Mr India to Taal - Shades of Anil Kapoor on Zee5 you should not be missing

There are always some actors who stand out in the crowd with their body of work. Their speciality is such that one cannot box them into any category as such. One actor who cannot be boxed into a genre is the forever-young Anil Kapoor. The actor, who still has some tricks left up his sleeve after having spent decades as an active performer, is one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic stars. While the world looks at some of his most commercial performances and how energetically he approaches them all, many do not observe how versatile of a talent he is. When he is not being sold by his wife, he is on a Shekhar Kapur set; when he is not saving the country, he is playing a double role somewhere.

Over the years, Anil Kapoor has given Hindi cinema some gems of movies that speak to varied audiences and offer something for everyone. While he continues to surprise us with new performances, we scouted Zee5 only to realize that the streaming service has some iconic Anil Kapoor performances waiting for you to discover and watch with your OTTplay premium subscription. So, as we move ahead, here are five Anil Kapoor movies you must watch on Zee5. Explore these hidden gems on ShemarooMe

Mr. India (1987)

Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Mr. India is a beloved Bollywood sci-fi action film starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Amrish Puri. The story follows Arun (Kapoor), a kind-hearted man who takes care of orphaned children. His life changes when he discovers a device invented by his father that grants invisibility. Using this power, he fights against the evil Mogambo (Puri), one of Bollywood’s most iconic villains, known for his catchphrase, "Mogambo khush hua!" Sridevi adds charm and humor as a journalist, particularly in the famous "Hawa Hawai" song. The film blends action, comedy, and emotion, making it a timeless entertainer. The special effects were revolutionary for Indian cinema at the time. Mr. India remains a cult classic, remembered for its unique storyline, memorable performances, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s fantastic music, including "Kaate Nahi Kat Te," which showcased Sridevi’s iconic dance.

Judaai (1997)

Directed by Raj Kanwar, Judaai is a drama starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Urmila Matondkar, exploring greed, love, and family dynamics. The film follows Kajal (Sridevi), a middle-class woman who dreams of a luxurious life. When the wealthy Janhvi (Matondkar) offers ₹2 crore to marry Kajal’s husband, Raj (Kapoor), Kajal shockingly agrees, believing wealth will bring happiness. However, as she enjoys material comfort, she realizes she has lost the true essence of love and family. The emotional turmoil that follows makes for a gripping narrative. Sridevi delivers a standout performance, portraying a flawed but deeply human character. The film’s music, including "Mujhe Pyaar Hua," became popular. Judaai was one of Sridevi’s final films before her long hiatus from Bollywood and remains known for its unconventional storyline and emotional depth, questioning the cost of material desires.

Also read: 5 John Abraham movies to watch on ZEE5 with your OTTplay Premium Subscription.

Taal (1999)

Directed by Subhash Ghai, Taal is a visually stunning romantic drama starring Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, and Anil Kapoor. The story follows Mansi (Rai), the daughter of a folk singer, who falls in love with Manav (Khanna), a wealthy businessman’s son. Their love faces opposition due to class differences, and circumstances lead Mansi to become a famous singer under the mentorship of music producer Vikrant (Kapoor), who develops feelings for her. The film explores love, ambition, and self-discovery. Taal is known for A.R. Rahman’s unforgettable soundtrack, featuring hits like "Taal Se Taal Mila" and "Ishq Bina." Its grand cinematography and emotional depth made it a global success. The film was particularly praised for Aishwarya Rai’s graceful performance and Anil Kapoor’s energetic portrayal of Vikrant. With its timeless music and rich storytelling, Taal remains a milestone in Indian cinema.

Virasat (1997)

Directed by Priyadarshan, Virasat is a powerful drama about family, tradition, and duty, starring Anil Kapoor, Tabu, and Amrish Puri. The film follows Shakti (Kapoor), an educated man who returns to his rural home after studying abroad, intending to leave village life behind. However, family obligations and feudal conflicts force him to take charge, following in the footsteps of his father (Puri). As he struggles between modernity and tradition, Shakti’s relationships, especially with his love interest Gehna (Tabu), also suffer. The film is an adaptation of the Tamil classic Thevar Magan and highlights themes of sacrifice and leadership. Anil Kapoor’s transformation from an idealistic youth to a responsible leader is one of his career-best performances. Tabu also shines in her role. The film’s music by Anu Malik, including "Payalay Chunmun Chunmun," adds to its appeal. Virasat remains a critically acclaimed film, appreciated for its depth and realism.

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Bulandi (2000)

A family drama infused with themes of honor and justice, Bulandi stars Anil Kapoor in a dual role alongside Rekha, Raveena Tandon, and Rajinikanth. The story revolves around the powerful and righteous Thakur family, where Arjun Singh (Kapoor) upholds justice in his village. His twin brother, Dharamraj (also Kapoor), is a respected elder whose authority is unquestioned. When enemies seek to undermine their power by targeting their family, Arjun must navigate betrayal, revenge, and duty to maintain their legacy. The film emphasizes traditional values and the importance of leadership in rural society. Anil Kapoor’s commanding presence in both roles is a highlight, and the film features strong supporting performances. While Bulandi follows the familiar Bollywood formula of family honor and action-packed drama, its themes of justice and morality resonate with audiences. The film’s music by Anand-Milind adds emotional weight to this gripping narrative.

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