Ashok Sridharan Raj (Akshay Kumar) is never shy of taking up a daring challenge, usually from his best friend and college mate Bonny (Deepak Tijori). He has never lost a bet to anyone (hence the title of the movie, which means 'player').Raj wagers with his friends Bonny, Neelam (Ayesha Jhulka) and Sheetal (Sabiha) that he can scare the wits out of Sheetal's father (Prem Chopra). The bet involves a fake kidnapping followed by a ransom call to Sheetal's father. The plan goes perfectly to the script until Sheetal gets murdered while the others are away from the cottage they have rented.Needless to say the suspicion will inevitably fall on the three, once the police get wind of what happened. Can the friends unmask the real murderer before they are themselves turned in for murder?A loose remake of the 1975 movie Khel Khel Mein (only the basic idea was borrowed), Khiladi is a gripping, edge of the seat thriller that keeps you guessing right until the very end. Unlike the vast majority of Hindi movies made in the 90s, this movie could hold its own in this day and age.The music by Jatin-Lalit is another plus point. Nearly all the songs in the movie were immensely popular in the 90s. The passage of twenty odd years notwithstanding, they have aged pretty well. On the downside is the fact that the movie takes well over an hour before getting down to business. You can divide the movie into two halves: the first half a rom-com and the second half a murder mystery- not unusual for Hindi movies of that era. It must also be said that the production values look pretty ordinary when viewed today, which was once again characteristic of Hindi cinema in that era.Khiladi was the breakthrough movie for a hitherto little known young actor called Akshay Kumar. Ayesha Jhulka and Deepak Tijori- neither of whom enjoyed any significant success after Khiladi- are to this day remembered for being in this movie. From the point of view of someone watching the movie today, its a good thriller. Keep your expectations low and you'll enjoy the journey.

anthony_fernandes80 Akshay Kumar's first hit is also Abbas-Mustaan's first hit. And probably their best till date. A perfect mix of comedy, then romance, then a murder, drama, suspense, action and a super ending. It is almost impossible to predict who is the killer.The film has shades of the hit film from the 70s Khel Khel Mein, but manages to hold its own. Like that film, you have a college setup, a young star cast, youthful and popular songs, good dosage of comedy, romance and of course, difficult to crack suspense. Abbas-Mustaan have made many suspense thrillers since but this is their best according to me. In every department, the film stands tall, compared to their later works.Akshay Kumar did well in his role, a role which was almost tailor made for him. Ayesha Jhulka was at the peak of her career with films with Aamir, Salman, Akshay and she had signed a film with Shahrukh (which never released or had a limited release, Kisi Se Dil Laga Ke Dekho). She was decent in the film. Sabeeha had limited screen presence. Deepak Tihori managed to make his presence felt despite being relegated to the role of a supporting hero. Shakti Kapoor and Prem Chopra added value to the film as well.Music played a key role in the success of this film. Although Abbas-Mustaan had a successful musical run with Anu Malik in the 90s, Jatin-Lalit delivered a fab score with this film, which continues to remain popular till date, especially the romantic duet, Vaada Raha Sanam. For reasons best known to them, Abbas-Mustaan never repeated Jatin-Lalit, despite classic tunes. All the songs had melody and youth appeal and that's why the songs play on 20 years later.Overall Khiladi was truly suspense at its best. A thorough entertainer! It's a tad lengthy but worth the time.

feroz-mulla I have been on a journey to revisit some old favorites and this weekend's pick was Khiladi. Despite repeat viewing, enjoyed every bit of it. The movie is no where as polished as Hindi movies off late but it represents everything we liked about Bollywood. The humor may be bit crude, romance somewhat clichéd, logic takes a break once in a while but none of this stops from making the movie immensely enjoyable. It reminded me what's missing in Hindi movies of today: such genre bending entertainers which pack in everything from thrill, romance, humor, emotions to action. Akshay Kumar and Deepak Tijori turn in a spontaneous performance. Also, sad to know now that Ayesha Jhulka never made it big but her classic looks and girl next door charm still makes her one of favorite actress. So, if you are still old school at heart, this is a must watch for you.

desiguy_usa This is my favourite Abbas Mustan movie and also their first hit.But it has shades of the old musical thriller "Khel Khel Mein" released way back in 1975.But this movie is good compared to its release in 1992 with good songs,comedy and action.Worth a watch....!!!! Also considering it was Akshay Kumars early movies with is weired hairstyle and dancing skills.Deepak Tijori was great as the friend. also notice Johnny lever in a comic role in his early movie.From this movie he became a regular with Abbas Mustan.Akshay and Ayesha became a good pair after this film.I was so excited to see the film when it was first released.