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Action drama

Thugs of Hindostan (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Thugs of Hindostan (2018) movie poster

Thugs of Hindostan is a 2018 action drama directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, starring Amitabh Bachchan as Khudabaksh, Aamir Khan and Ronit Roy. It runs 2 hours 44 minutes and earned $39.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Critics gave it 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.1/10.

IMDb rating
4.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
19%
worldwide gross
$39.6M
Echo Score
48
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Thugs of Hindostan (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 44m (164 min)
Genres
Action , Adventure , Drama , Crime
Original language
Hindi
Budget
$20M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Thugs of Hindostan About?

The premise of Thugs of Hindostan without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan star in this epic action adventure set during British rule in India. The film follows a group of outlaws and thieves who challenge the East India Company’s dominance on the Arabian Sea. Filled with spectacular stunts and thrilling sequences, it’s a swashbuckling tale of rebellion, courage, and a fight for freedom that promises a grand cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.

Thugs of Hindostan Themes & Keywords

· 23 tags
  • traitor
  • pirate
  • thug
  • ship
  • british empire
  • east india company
  • british india
  • sea battle
  • betrayal
  • explosion
  • battle
  • sword fight
+11 more
  • patriot
  • patriotism
  • bow and arrow
  • archery
  • british army
  • british raj
  • anti hero
  • flirting
  • epic adventure
  • epic action
  • based on novel
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Cast & crew

Thugs of Hindostan Cast & Characters

Amitabh Bachchan leads the cast as Khudabaksh, with Aamir Khan as Firangi and Ronit Roy as Mirza Sikander Baig. Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya; 21 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Vijay Krishna Acharya

More films directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, best-rated first: Dhoom 3, The Great Indian Family and Tashan.

Full filmography
Ratings

Thugs of Hindostan Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Thugs of Hindostan 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 48/100, strongest in art & craft (58) and weakest in rewatch factor (41).

48 /100

Thugs of Hindostan Echo Score Breakdown

In its execution, Thugs of Hindostan offers striking visual spectacle yet struggles with narrative cohesion and character engagement. While many praise its elaborate production design and immersive set pieces, critics and viewers alike note recurring plot clichés and inconsistent pacing. Performances receive mixed feedback, with Aamir Khan's charisma offset by uneven character arcs and underutilized ensemble members. The film’s sensory elements stand out, but limited rewatch appeal reflects frustration with its derivative storyline. Overall, the film presents an impressive aesthetic at the expense of storytelling depth, resulting in a moderately mixed experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 58

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its production design and editing, presenting lavish sets and broad compositions. Direction delivers grand action sequences with polished camera work, though moments of visual excess can feel repetitive. While the costume and set detailing reflect significant effort, the overall aesthetic occasionally prioritizes scale over subtlety. The net impression is a competent but uneven artistic presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 48

    When it comes to character and emotion, responses are mixed regarding the depth and portrayal. Aamir Khan’s performance is noted for its charisma, yet other roles, including Amitabh Bachchan’s, feel underdeveloped and burdened by an uneven script. Emotional resonance is sporadic, with some moments of genuine engagement contrasted by flat character arcs. Overall, the character dynamics lack consistent depth and fail to fully engage.

  • Story & Flow 45

    When evaluating story and flow, the narrative maintains grand ambitions but lacks coherence and originality. Critics frequently mention predictable plot turns and derivative elements borrowed from familiar swashbuckling tales. Pacing fluctuates between sluggish exposition and rushed climactic sequences, impeding engagement. While some set pieces capture attention, the overall storyline struggles to build sustained interest. The net outcome is a narrative framework that feels unbalanced and overly familiar.

  • Sensory Experience 56

    In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers vibrant sound design and a dynamic musical score that complement its visual extravagance. Cinematography showcases sweeping landscapes and detailed set pieces, enhancing immersion. However, occasional audio imbalance and an emphasis on spectacle over subtle sound cues undermine the auditory cohesion. Overall, the sensory elements contribute significantly to the film’s appeal but sometimes lack precision.

  • Rewatch Factor 41

    When considering rewatch factor, the film’s limited narrative originality reduces its replay appeal. While the visual scale and musical moments may attract a second viewing for some audiences, the predictability of key plot developments and uneven pacing diminish lasting engagement. The film offers spectacle but lacks enough depth or surprises to encourage repeated viewings. Overall, its rewatch value is constrained by familiar storytelling and sporadic engagement moments.

Plot

Thugs of Hindostan Plot Summary

What happens in Thugs of Hindostan from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the year 1795, the Indian subcontinent, then referred to as Hindustan, was under the oppressive rule of the British East India Company. The brave King Mirza Sikander Baig (Ronit Roy) of Raunakpur tirelessly defended his realm against its greedy designs. The formidable officer John Clive (Lloyd Owen), represents the ruthless ambition of the East India Company, which has its eyes set on conquering Mirza’s kingdom. In a desperate attempt to gain assistance, Mirza sends his loyal general Khudabaksh (Amitabh Bachchan) and his son Aslam (portrayed by Sharad Joshi) to seek help from the allied Kingdom of Durgapur. However, with Khudabaksh delayed in his mission, Mirza feels compelled to take matters into his own hands and preemptively attack the company’s stronghold.

Full summary

The whole story of Thugs of Hindostan, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Thugs of Hindostan Box Office & Budget

Thugs of Hindostan grossed $39.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, 2.0 times what it cost. $1.4 million came from the US and Canada and $38.1 million (96%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$39.6M

2.0× its budget

US & Canada
$1.4M
International
$38.1M
Budget
$20M
US & Canada 4% Rest of the world 96%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Thugs of Hindostan?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who was the ruler of Raunakpur determined to protect his kingdom from the British?

Details

Thugs of Hindostan Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “Бунтовниците на Индия” and “ศึกอันธพาลเรือโหด”.

Also known as
  • Бунтовниците на Индия
  • ศึกอันธพาลเรือโหด
  • 印度暴徒
  • Hindistan Eşkıyaları
  • Rebeldes de Hindostán
  • Банды Индостана
  • Rebelii din Hindostan
  • Thugs of Hindostan - Azaads Rache
  • Thugs de l'Hindostan
  • 서그스 오브 힌두스탄
  • Бандитите на Хиндостан
  • Zbiry Hindostanu
+6 more
  • Rebeldes de Hindostan
  • هندوستان آزاد
  • Hindusztáni banditák
  • 덕스 오브 힌두스탄, ინდუსტანის ბანდები
  • قطاع طريق الهند
  • Kẻ Cướp Vùng Hindostan

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FAQ

Thugs of Hindostan FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Thugs of Hindostan, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Thugs of Hindostan?

Thugs of Hindostan runs 2 hours 44 minutes (164 minutes).

When was Thugs of Hindostan released?

Thugs of Hindostan was released on November 8, 2018.

Who directed Thugs of Hindostan?

Thugs of Hindostan was directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya.

More films by Vijay Krishna Acharya

Who is in the cast of Thugs of Hindostan?

Thugs of Hindostan stars Amitabh Bachchan as Khudabaksh, Aamir Khan as Firangi and Ronit Roy as Mirza Sikander Baig, among 21 credited actors.

How much did Thugs of Hindostan make at the box office?

Thugs of Hindostan grossed $39.6 million worldwide ($1.4 million domestic, $38.1 million international) on a budget of $20 million.

How is Thugs of Hindostan rated?

Thugs of Hindostan has 4.1/10 on IMDb, 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55% on TMDB and 2.2/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Thugs of Hindostan have a post-credit scene?

No. Thugs of Hindostan has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Thugs of Hindostan in?

The original language of Thugs of Hindostan is Hindi.

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