Ajooba

Ajooba (transl. 'Wonder') is a 1990 superhero film, produced and directed by Shashi Kapoor and co-directed by Soviet filmmaker Gennadi Vasilyev. An Indian-Soviet co-production, it is loosely based on Arabic folklore such as One Thousand and One Nights. The film had a Russian language version released in the Soviet Union, Черный принц Аджуба ('Black Prince Ajuba'), in 1990, before its Indian release in 1991. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan as the titular superhero Ajooba, along with Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Sonam, Shammi Kapoor, Dara Singh, Amrish Puri and Saeed Jaffery in pivotal roles. Made on a budget of ₹8 crore, it was the most expensive Indian film made until then. Ajooba released worldwide on 12 April 1991, on the Eid weekend. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances, special effects and music, but criticised the story, screenplay and direction.