Ek Hasina Thi turns 20: Urmila Matondkar looks back at the revenge drama, calls it a ‘game changer’ – Times of India

In the gripping tale of vengeance, “Ek Hasina Thi,” Saif Ali Khan‘s character learned about the wrath of a scorned woman, in the most brutal way. The cult film, celebrating its 20th anniversary on January 16, showcased Urmila Matondkar‘s remarkable transformation from an unsuspecting maiden charmed by a cunning casanova, played by Saif, to a vengeful psychopath. Despite delivering an outstanding performance, Urmila surprisingly missed out on the top actress award that year.

Reflecting on the film’s impact, Urmila told Times Now that Ek Hasina Thi was an absolute game-changer then and now. She further added that just like most of her films, it’s not her opinion but of people from all spheres of life. She also added that Sriram Raghavan, Saif Ali Khan, and she were all at their absolute best and that the film skillfully blended subtlety with intense drama.

In the movie, Saif portrayed a deceitful man who betrays a woman in love and faces punishment in the most brutal of ways. Despite the sinister character, Saif’s portrayal made the antagonist appear suave and compelling.
Interestingly, he was uncertain about how the audience would react to this change in his image, but the response to his negative role was overwhelmingly positive.

In summary, “Ek Hasina Thi” remains a significant film in Saif Ali Khan and Urmila Matondkar’s careers, showcasing their exceptional performances and the enduring impact of the story of revenge. The film’s 20th anniversary marks a milestone in Bollywood cinema, where the portrayal of characters and unexpected twists continue to resonate with audiences.