Razia Sultan (1983) was a period biographical film, written and directed by Kamal Amrohi, starring Hema Malini, Parveen Babi, and Dharmendra in pivotal roles. Despite high anticipation, the film became a box-office disaster, largely due to inflated expectations and its lavish production values. Upon release, it was the most expensive Indian film ever made.
The film's art direction by N.B. Kulkarni earned a Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction, but Razia Sultan failed to generate the enthusiasm hoped for among audiences. While Hema Malini and Parveen Babi captivated with their beauty, their performances were criticized for lacking emotional depth. Though the film's visuals were impressive, the storytelling and acting left much to be desired.
The music, composed by Khayyam, garnered some praise. Khayyam received a Filmfare nomination for Best Music Director, with memorable tracks penned by Jan Nisar Akhtar, Nida Fazli, and Kaifi Azmi, the latter two stepping in after Akhtar's death. One of the standout songs, Lata Mangeshkar's iconic Aye Dil-e Nadaan, became one of the singer's personal favourites and remains a classic.
Despite these artistic merits, the film's storyline deviated significantly from historical facts. Instead of focusing on Razia Sultan's leadership and achievements as the only female Sultan of Delhi (1236–1240), the film centered on a speculative romance between Razia and her Abyssinian slave, Jamal-ud-Din Yakut (Dharmendra). This departure from history reduced the legendary figure to a love interest, undermining her political and military legacy.
Hema Malini, at the peak of her career, had high hopes for the film's success. However, it failed to resonate with both critics and audiences, marking a significant setback in her career.
A passion project for Amrohi, Razia Sultan had a budget of ₹7–10 crore and a production timeline of seven years. Yet, it grossed only ₹2 crore, becoming a box-office failure and overshadowing the considerable resources invested. In hindsight, Razia Sultan serves as a cautionary tale that high production value and star power do not always guarantee success. Despite its visually striking appeal and memorable music, the film's lackluster performances and narrative missteps contributed to its failure, making it a significant disappointment in the careers of all involved.