Sridevi with Jeetendra in the biggest hit of 1984: Tohfa: A Gift that keeps on Giving!

Sridevi, 20, and Jeetendra, 41, from a still from Tohfa.

Released on February 3, 1984, director K. Raghavendra Rao’s Tohfa emerged as a towering box-office juggernaut. Made on a modest budget of approximately ₹2 to ₹4 crore, the melodrama went on to gross an unprecedented ₹9 crore, beating out heavy-weights starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 1984. Simply based on ROI - return on investment - few films beat this movie's records. 

Its runaway success surprised industry insiders because the early 1980s box office was dominated by gritty, male-dominated action thrillers and revenge sagas. Posters of rugged men holding guns with a background of the screen ablaze... Switch to the dancing shots of Jeetendra-Sridevi-Jaya Prada, it was quite a left turn! A hyper-melodramatic, South-style family tale centered around two self-sacrificing sisters wasn't expected to rule the year's commercial charts.

However, producer D. Ramanaidu had a battle-tested template. Tohfa was a direct remake of Rao's 1982 Telugu blockbuster Devatha. Both Sridevi and Jaya Prada reprised their original roles as sisters in love with the same man (played in Hindi by Jeetendra). Knowing the underlying story possessed proven dramatic heft, the production team spared no expense in translating that emotional core for Hindi audiences.

What truly set Tohfa apart before it even hit theaters was its revolutionary pre-publicity campaign. Ramanaidu flooded major cities with massive, larger-than-life cutouts and towering billboards—a marketing scale rarely seen for social melodramas at the time. Crucially, the publicity leveraged Bappi Lahiri’s electrifying soundtrack. Tracks like "Pyar Ka Tohfa Tera" and "Ek Aankh Maroon To" were aggressively plugged across radio channels and audio cassettes, generating massive pre-release hype. Coupled with the real-life media fascination surrounding the Sridevi–Jaya Prada screen rivalry, audiences flooded theaters. The blend of high-decibel marketing, chart-topping music, and relentless emotional drama turned Tohfa into an enduring pop-culture landmark.

Critically, it was in no danger of being confused as an art-house film, the serious film editors and reviewers hated the film and its flimsy plot - but not a single person in the cast or crew cared; they were laughing all the way to the bank as the movie made more money than any other in India! Nothing succeeds like... success. 

Sridevi and Chiranjeevi's biggest blockbuster: JVAS is one for the ages

 

Sridevi in Feroz Khan's Jaanbaaz: An Adult Film that was a huge hit in 1986

Released on 20 June 1986, Sridevi's extended guest appearance in Feroz Khan's Jaanbaaz was a surprise hit. She had an incredible song in the film, the profoundly lyrical Har kisi ko nahin milta, sung by the mellifluous Sadhana Sargam (a favourite singer) and Manhar Udhas.  

Legend has it that the picturisation of the song, Sridevi in monochrome chiffon saris seductively swaying at the beach, influenced the production and picturisation of the song Kate Nahin Kathe in Mr.India, which released a year later. According to online features (again, not a reliable source but...)  originally, the seductive song on Sridevi was going to be shot in some Arabic costumes but changed entirely after the team saw how gorgeously and simply shot Har kisi ko was. This could be pure internet speculation, but then there is some similarity in styling. The monochroome looks - first red, then all white fabric swaying with Sridevi with minimal accessories is an inspired look in Mr.India too... Either way, Sridevi rocked both songs with such unfiltered sensuality, proving that you can be covered head to toe, and still be considered gloriously sexy. 

An "Adult Film" that was a huge hit in 1986, the movie came with the usual bandwagon of controversies... 

But you know Bollywood; a hit is a hit, is a hit. 

Trying to find photos of the movie premiere but so far, nothing has cropped up - a film that featured reigning queens Rekha, Sridevi and Dimple Kapadia all in one film... what a casting coup! 

Sridevi: Keeps her hat on! 16-year-old Sridevi

Young teenaged Sridevi in the Telugu film... er... anyone recognise the movie?! 

UPDATE: Sridevi from the Telugu film Kaksha back in 1980.  

The 1980 Telugu Action Hit That Marked a Director’s Promising Debut

Kaksha (“Revenge”) emerged as a notable commercial success. Released on 28 March 1980, the film was produced by the legendary D. Ramanaidu under the banner of Suresh Productions and directed by V. C. Guhanathan in his Telugu directorial debut. With energetic action sequences, drama, and strong performances, Kaksha resonated well with audiences, earning a solid box-office verdict as a commercial hit.

The story revolves around themes of revenge and personal vendetta, typical of the era’s high-octane action dramas. The narrative follows a protagonist driven by tragedy and injustice, navigating family conflicts, intrigue, and redemption. The film blends intense action with heartfelt emotional arcs, a formula that appealed to Telugu moviegoers of the time. 

Music by K. Chakravarthy added to its appeal, complementing the dramatic tone. At the heart of Kaksha was a powerful cast led by veteran star Sobhan Babu in the lead role. Sridevi, then a rising young sensation, played the female lead, bringing her brand of charm and youthful appeal to the screen. 

Supporting roles featured talented actors including Jayachitra, Gummadi, Murali Mohan, Kaikala Satyanarayana, and Mohan Babu, among others. 

A striking aspect of the film was the significant age difference between its lead pair. Sridevi, was just 16 years old (turning 17 later that year) during the film’s release—already an established actress transitioning from child roles to lead parts. Her co-star Sobhan Babu, born on 14 January 1937, was 43 years old, showcasing the common on-screen pairings of the period where seasoned heroes shared the frame with youthful heroines.

Kaksha stands as a reminder of Telugu cinema’s 1980s dynamism, where action-packed revenge sagas thrived. The full movie is still available on platforms like YouTube via Suresh Productions, offering viewers a chance to revisit this classic hit. 

Sridevi and Rajinikanth in the Tamil classic Pokkiri Raja (1982)

Trying to understand the phenomenon that is Rajinikanth... its so hard to put into words. Someone like Salman Khan currently is riding the wave of all style no substance, whereas Rajinikanth in his prime, with his wildly mimicked style, had such gravitas. It would be easy--albeit foolish--to write him off for the mannerisms, his suave style, his bag of tricks and gimmicks that he pulled off with such elan, amusing critics, fawning fans... but his choice of films, the messaging, the gut-punch moments in his movies, it elevated this Marathi-born Tamil cinema icon. 

Thankfully there are several books and features about him in print and online. 

Here he is with a signature move on still - from the film Pokkiri Raja, with frequent co-star and friend, the similarly iconic, Sridevi. Aka, "the great Sridevi!"

Sridevi was 19 here, and she wasn't eclipsed by her often senior and legendary co-stars. 

Released on 14 January 1982, the film was a major success. 

 

Sridevi and NTR in Anuraga Devatha (1982)

Young Sridevi 18, with NTR, 58! 

The Telugu hit Anuraga Devatha released back in 1982. A drama directed by T. Rama Rao (Tatineni Rama Rao), produced by Nandamuri Harikrishna under Ramakrishna Cine Studios, it is a remake of the 1980 Hindi blockbuster Aasha, which featured Reena Roy and Jeetendra Everyone remembers the iconic Lata Mangeshkar song from that film, Sheesha ho ya dil ho, an eternal classic. 

Released on 9 January 1982 (some sources mention 7 January), the movie was a commercial hit, part of the successful Sridevi-NTR pairing streak in the early 1980s. 

The age gap between the two, was 40 years; NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) was born on 28 May 1923 and Sridevi was born on 13 August 1963! The film was shot primarily in 1981 (ahead of its January 1982 release) and, at that time,  NTR was around 58 years old, while young Sridevi was around 18 years old! Yes, he was indeed older than Sridevi's lawyer-father!! 

Incredibly enough, Anuraga Devatha is fondly recalled for its emotional story, music, and the on-screen chemistry of NTR and Sridevi despite the significant age difference.

Sridevi's dance costume for Karma: Dripping in gold and a black amrapali

Sridevi's dance costume for Karma: Dripping in gold and a black amrapali 

Released on 8 August 1986, there wasn't a bigger hit that year in this all-star cast film.

Sridevi in the Telugu blockbuster Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990)

Sridevi, 26, in the Telugu blockbuster Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990)
 

Trending meme of Sridevi and Nagina: 38 years of Sri's blockbuster

Trending meme of Sridevi and Nagina: 38 years of Sri's blockbuster

Sridevi and Chiranjeevi in the Telugu blockbuster Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990)

Sridevi in the Telugu blockbuster Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari! 

Released on May 9, 1990, ie 34 years ago today, the movie was the biggest hit of the decade. 

We have soooooooooo many pics from the film in the archive here. 

Sridevi in the Telugu blockbuster Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990)

 

Sridevi in the Telugu blockbuster Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990)

Sridevi and Jaya Prada in Tohfa (1984)

Sridevi and Jaya Prada in Tohfa (1984) 

Released 40 years ago in 8 Feb, 1984, it was the biggest hit of the year. 

 

Jeetendra and Sridevi in Tohfa: Celebrating 40 Years of the Biggest Hit

Jeetendra and Sridevi in Tohfa: Celebrating 40 Years of the Biggest Hit of 1984! 

A typical 80s masala drama with catchy songs and a gorgeous cast-well, Sridevi and Jaya Prada were certainly in fine form-the runaway success of the movie was unprecedented, reviving the flaying career of actor Jeetendra. Jeetendra's survival instincts, business and marketing acumen needs to be studied by this gen. What marketing maestros are doing today, he did back then. 

Tohfa was the rage of 1984, beating out stiff competition easily. Made within budget, in a short period of time, this remake was a run-away success that started a trend of Madra re-makes from the film factory down south. 

40 years of Tohfa: The Biggest Bollywood Blockbuster of 1984: Jeetendra, Sridevi and Jaya Prada's superhit

Ya had to be there. The feverish pitch and excitement for Tohfa, the masala Mumbai musical was astounding back in the early 1980s. After the stupendous success of Himmtawala, the combination of Jeetendra, Sridevi and Jaya Prada in Tohfa (look for the formulaic albeit successful song and dance routines) was pure box-office gold. 

The premise was simple; the film's narrative follows siblings Janki (Jaya Prada) and Lalita (Sridevi) who both fall for Ram (Jeetendra), their mutual friend. When Lalita learns that Janki loves Ram, she steps back and allows her sister to marry him. A remake of Raghavendra Rao's Telugu blockbuster Devatha (1982), with Sridevi and Jaya Prada reprising their roles.

Producer D. Rama Naidu employed huge billboards and cut outs for the film's publicity before its February release to garner considerable public interest in the Hindi-speaking belt of the nation. 

Despite lackluster reviews (we couldn't find a single positive one on Google), it was pure manna when it came to film distributors and exhibitors. Forget awards (corrupt to the point of lunacy) and critical acclaim (pandering to the few), distributors and exhibitors were thrilled as the audience lapped it up. A sign of the times, candy coloured escapism was the need of the nation, and the movie delivered.  

"Tohfa ran for more than 25 weeks and has done humongous business at our property."
Noshir K Marfatia Exhibitor, Majestic Cinema, Ajmer

"Tohfa was a blockbuster and one of the most popular films. The film ran for 50 weeks and also fared spectacular with the returns . Back in the 80's , when cinema was the only mode of entertainment. Queues for tickets would extend up to two to three kms at our cinema "
Rajbir Mallik Exhibitor, Payal Cinema, Dehradun

"Without a doubt, I would say that Tohfa was Jeetendra's best film. Even the songs of this film were hits. Not surprisingly, the film always ran houseful." 
Sandip Tekriwal Theatre Owner, Gorakhpur, UP

"Even the songs from Tohfa were trendsetters. And for the Tohfa song, some theaters were decorated with saris. That's how people were crazy. Tickets were sold in black back then and people used to buy them at any cost." 
Umesh Upadhyay Theater Owner, Sri Ganesh Talkies, Wardha, Maharashtra

"I remember from the 80's, Tohfa ran houseful even during re-runs."
Karan Mengi Exhibitor, Raj Talkies Udhampur, Jammu  

"Tohfa ran for 25 weeks and was a blockbuster. Tohfa was the obvious hit."
Bharat Chandra Hanjdeo, Exhibitor, Keshari Talkies, Bhubaneshwar

"Sridevi did more than 15 Films with Jeetendra. Films like Tohfa was massive hit at our property."
Rajesh Chandan Exhibitor, Novelty, Lucknow 

Sridevi's controversial film with Rajesh Khanna; the blockbuster Masterji

Sridevi's controversial film with Rajesh Khanna; the blockbuster Masterji 

Remembering Kakaji today - on his death anniversary. By the end, Rajesh Khanna had turned so philosophical about his meteoric rise to superstardom and the tragic Grecian fall to infamy (I mean Jaanleva Black Blood his penultimate film, was just a mere indication of how far he had come down from the zenith of national craze and fame to the nadir of cringe)... Bollywood is not for the meek or the weak. It's a daily battle - we appreciate any actor for their longevity more than their success.  

When you see the film now, it's so tame compared to what stars of today wear, but back in 1985, Sridevi received maximum flak for her role in Masterji. So much so, she turned the wheels of her career to another direction; major acting parts, double roles, title roles, above the banner star-vehicles, earning the tag; the biggest female superstar of India. Ever. In a way, she took the constructive criticism on the chin, but had her head held high, never looking back. 

40th Anniversary of Sridevi's first Hindi Blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983)

It's the 40th Anniversary of Sridevi's first Hindi Blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983). 

Released on 25th February, early in the year, absolutely no one expected the film to rock the box-office and ignite the career of a young superstar, Sridevi. 

She resurrected the lackluster career of Jeetendra, while he gave new lease on her Hindi film career. Together they made magic in over a dozen films. 

The film also had a very strong supporting cast - something many have overlooked. Sridevi also worked with those who cropped up many times in her resplendent career including the legendary Waheeda Rehman, comedian/sometime villain Shakti Kapoor, the legendary writer and character actor Kader Khan, Gabbar himself, Amjad Khan and prolific comedian Asrani. 

Sridevi also worked with Arun Govil - who later found national fame in mythological shows on TV. And she worked with Ms India Swaroop Sampat (who went on to marry Paresh Rawal - who also worked often with Sri). 

The swimsuit scene of Sridevi was considered downright scandalous those days and Sridevi was called, of all things, "a sex kitten". A term one can find bizarre and erroneous. 

TBT: Sridevi in her first Hindi blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983)

TBT: Sridevi in her first Hindi blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983)

The costumes, the songs and dances, the 80s makeup and costume jewellery... It was Sridevi that shone through - and never looked back as the film clicked in as the biggest hit of the year. 

 

Sridevi and Rajesh Khanna in Naya Kadam (1984)

Sridevi and Rajesh Khanna in the blockbuster Hindi film Naya Kadam (1984)

Today, 29 Dec, is Rajesh Khanna's birth anniversary. The original superstar of the Indian film industry, India hasn't seen such dizzying heights of superstardom - and the inevitable Grecian fall - ever before or ever since. 

Sridevi and Sobhan Babu in the Telugu film in Kaksha (1980)

Sridevi and Sobhan Babu in the Telugu film Kaksha (1980). The film was a blockbuster in the early 1980s. 

Released on 28 March, 1980

Sridevi and Rajesh Khanna in Maqsad

Sridevi and Rajesh Khanna in Maqsad.