Appu Raja 1990 Hindi Movie 111 -
Appu Raja is not a good movie in the conventional sense. It is too long, too tonally confused, and features sequences that range from baffling to offensive. However, it is rarely boring. For fans of Kamal Haasan’s chameleon-like talent or for those interested in the wilder, more experimental fringes of Bollywood (which, technically, this is—it’s a Hindi film produced in Tamil Nadu), it is a must-watch.
Have you watched the "111" version? Do you remember the "Orange Marmalade" death scene? Let us know in the comments below.
is one of the most culturally significant and technologically groundbreaking releases in Indian cinema. Originally created in Tamil as Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989), the film was dubbed and released in Hindi as Appu Raja in 1990. It became an instant box-office sensation, paving the way for the mainstream acceptance of pan-Indian cinema across Hindi-speaking regions. Directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, the movie is globally celebrated for Kamal Haasan’s masterful triple role—most notably his jaw-dropping performance as the dwarf circus clown, Appu. Cinematic Blueprint & Technical Trivia Director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Screenplay & Story Kamal Haasan & Panchu Arunachalam Lead Cast Kamal Haasan, Gautami, Rupini, Srividya, Nagesh Music Composer Ilaiyaraaja Cinematographer P. C. Sriram VFX Innovation Physical camera angles, trench-digging, special shoes The Plot: A Story of Vengeance and Tragedy
No article about Appu Raja would be complete without a deep dive into its magnificent music, which plays an integral role in the film's storytelling. The soundtrack was composed by the legendary , whose background score is particularly haunting and remains beloved to this day. The Hindi lyrics were masterfully penned by Prem Dhawan . The album features five tracks, each a gem that showcases the film's emotional range: appu raja 1990 hindi movie 111
The film was directed by the iconic director and produced by the legendary Kamal Haasan , who also stars in the lead role(s). The musical score was composed by the maestro Ilaiyaraaja .
There are three popular theories regarding this number:
The original film was a massive critical and commercial success. Appu Raja is not a good movie in the conventional sense
The film isn't just about the dwarf Appu. Kamal Haasan played a :
: Kaveri survives but gives birth to twin boys who are separated at birth. Due to the effects of the poison, one twin, Appu , suffers from stunted growth and grows up as a dwarf circus clown. The other twin, Raja , grows up to be a completely normal-sized, quick-witted car mechanic.
The story of the 1990 movie (originally titled Apoorva Sagodharargal in Tamil) is a classic tale of revenge and separated twins, centered on a groundbreaking performance by Kamal Haasan , who played three distinct roles. For fans of Kamal Haasan’s chameleon-like talent or
Appu grows up, but not normally. Due to his mother’s injuries, the boy is a . Living with his grandfather (played by the brilliant Delhi Ganesh), Appu is a circus mechanic who faces a world that laughs at his height. But here is the twist—Appu is a genius. He builds a robotic suit that allows him to transform into a 6-foot-tall "Red Mask" vigilante.
Here is a detailed profile and review of the 1990 Hindi film .
The driving force behind 'Appu Raja' is, without a doubt, Kamal Haasan. He delivered a phenomenal performance in a , playing the father Sethupathi, the mechanic Raja, and the dwarf Appu. His portrayal of Appu was groundbreaking, achieved through advanced visual effects and technical wizardry that were far ahead of their time in Indian cinema. He plays the character with such conviction that you forget about the special effects and simply see a heartbroken, determined little man.
