The 1980 film Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (transl. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves) is a classic action-adventure film co-produced by India and the Soviet Union. Based on the legendary tale from the Arabian Nights, it was directed by Latif Faiziyev and Umesh Mehra, featuring an international cast. Film Overview
Starring: Dharmendra (Alibaba), Hema Malini (Marjina), Zeenat Aman (Fatima), and Rolan Bykov (Abu Hassan).
Plot: The film follows Alibaba, a poor woodcutter who discovers a secret cave belonging to a gang of forty thieves. By using the magic phrase "Khul Sim Sim" (Open Sesame), he gains access to their immense treasure. The story evolves into a battle of wits and strength as Alibaba seeks to protect his village from the tyrannical leader of the thieves, Abu Hassan.
Cultural Impact: The film is celebrated for its grand scale and high-production value, typical of the Indo-Soviet collaborations of that era. It is particularly remembered for its iconic music composed by R.D. Burman. Key Musical Highlights
The soundtrack remains popular, especially the song "Khatouba", performed by Asha Bhosle. Other notable tracks include: "Jadugar Jadoo Kar Jayega" "Sare Shaher Mein Ek Hi Gulab" The Original Tale
For those interested in the folktale that inspired the film:
The Secret Password: The cave's door is controlled by the verbal commands "Open Sesame" and "Close Sesame".
The Brother's Fate: Alibaba's greedy brother, Kasim, learns the secret but is trapped inside the cave after forgetting the password to exit, leading to his demise by the thieves.
The Heroine's Bravery: Often represented as Marjina (or Morgiana), the female lead plays a crucial role in outsmarting the thieves when they attempt to infiltrate Alibaba's home hidden in oil barrels.
You're referring to the classic Bollywood film "Alladdin Aur 40 Chor" (1980), also known as "Ali Baba and 40 Thieves"!
Here are some interesting facts about the film:
Plot: The movie is loosely based on the famous Middle Eastern folk tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". The story revolves around Ali Baba (played by Dharmendra), a poor but kind-hearted man who stumbles upon a secret cave filled with treasures. He befriends a beautiful dancer, Marjina (played by Hema Malini), and together they outwit the 40 thieves, led by the notorious Kasim.
Cast:
Music: The film features a memorable soundtrack composed by R.D. Burman, with popular songs like:
Reception: The film received mixed reviews from critics but performed moderately well at the box office.
Trivia:
Do you have a favorite memory or scene from this film?
The Grand Spectacle: Alibaba Aur 40 Chor Released on May 30, 1980 Alibaba Aur 40 Chor
(Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves) remains one of the most ambitious milestones in Indian cinema history. Far more than a simple retelling of the Arabian Nights fable, this film was a massive Indo-Soviet co-production
that merged the cinematic styles of Bollywood with the technical scale of the Soviet Union A Historic Collaboration The film was a joint venture between Eagle Films (India) Uzbekfilm (USSR) . It was directed by a duo: Indian filmmaker Umesh Mehra and Uzbek director Latif Faiziyev alibaba aur 40 chor -1980-
. This partnership allowed for high production standards, featuring expansive desert landscapes and elaborate sets that were technically superior for their time. Star-Studded Global Cast
The movie featured a blend of top-tier Indian stars and acclaimed Soviet actors: Dharmendra as Alibaba, the kind-hearted woodcutter. Hema Malini as Marjeena. Zeenat Aman as Fatima. Rolan Bykov as the villainous Abu Hassan. Prem Chopra as Shamsher. This film marked the 17th consecutive hit for the iconic on-screen pair Dharmendra and Hema Malini. The Story: Magic and Justice
While staying true to the core myth of the magical cave that opens with the command "Khul Ja Sim Sim"
(Open Sesame), the 1980 version added layers of political intrigue and personal stakes.
: Alibaba discovers the secret hideout of 40 thieves led by Abu Hassan. The Conflict
: Alibaba uses the wealth to help his village of Gulabad but faces the wrath of Abu Hassan, who hides his true identity as a high-ranking official. The Climax
: With the help of Fatima and Marjeena, Alibaba outwits the thieves, eventually exposing the dual identity of Abu Hassan to bring justice to the land. Musical Legacy by R.D. Burman The soundtrack, composed by the legendary R.D. Burman
, was a massive success. Burman infused the music with Arabic instruments to match the film’s setting. "Khatooba Khatooba"
: A cult classic sung by Asha Bhosle that became a rage across both India and the USSR. "Jadugar Jadu Kar Jayega" : A popular duet featuring Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. Box Office and Global Impact
The 1980 film Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (also known as Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves) is a notable Indo-Soviet co-production based on the classic story from One Thousand and One Nights. Directed by Umesh Mehra and Latif Faiziyev, it stands as a grand cinematic collaboration between India's Eagle Films and the Soviet Union's Uzbekfilm. Movie Highlights
Star-Studded Cast: The film features a massive ensemble including Dharmendra as Alibaba, Hema Malini as Marjina, and Zeenat Aman as Fatima. It also stars Soviet actors and Indian veterans like Prem Chopra.
Production & Scale: Known for its "mounted" scale, the movie was filmed in visually striking locations like Baku, Azerbaijan (then part of the USSR) and Jaipur, India. It moved away from typical sets to capture a surreal, expansive fantasy world.
Global Success: It was a major box office hit, particularly in the Soviet Union, where it became one of the highest-grossing domestic films of all time with approximately 52.8 million admissions.
Music: The soundtrack, composed by R.D. Burman with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, includes popular tracks like "Khatouba" and "Sare Shaher Mein". Plot Summary
The film follows the traditional tale but takes creative liberties. It depicts the poor woodcutter Alibaba who discovers a secret cave belonging to a gang of forty thieves. By using the magic phrase "Khul Ja Sim Sim" (Open Sesame), he gains access to untold riches, leading to a dangerous game of wits with the bandits to protect his village.
Witness the grand scale of this Indo-Soviet production and its iconic musical sequences in the following clip:
Released on May 30, 1980, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves) is a landmark Indian-Soviet fantasy adventure film directed by Umesh Mehra and Latif Faiziyev. Produced by Eagle Films in India and Uzbekfilm in the Soviet Union, it stands as one of the most successful international co-productions in Indian cinematic history. Plot and Adaptation
The film is based on the classic tale from the Arabian Nights, set in the fictional town of Gulabad. The storyline expands upon the original folklore to include elements of political intrigue and personal vendettas:
Discovery: Alibaba (Dharmendra), a noble-hearted woodcutter, discovers the secret cave used by 40 ruthless thieves to store their loot, accessible only by the magical phrase "Khul Ja Sim Sim" (Open Sesame). The 1980 film Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (transl
Conflict: The gang is led by the cunning Abu Hasan (played by Soviet actor Rolan Bykov), who is revealed to be the town's ruler in disguise.
Characters: Alibaba rescues Princess Marjina (Hema Malini) and joins forces with Fatima (Zeenat Aman), whose father was murdered by the dacoits, to expose and defeat Abu Hasan. Stellar Cast
The film featured a unique blend of prominent Indian and Soviet actors: Dharmendra: As the fearless hero, Alibaba. Hema Malini: As the courageous Princess Marjina.
Zeenat Aman: As Fatima, a young woman seeking revenge for her father's death.
Rolan Bykov: As the villainous Abu Hasan (voiced by Goga Kapoor in the Hindi version).
Supporting Cast: Included Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, and Zakir Mukhamedzhanov as Alibaba's father, Yusuf. Music and Production Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980) - Intrigue - IMDb
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The Timeless Tale of Alibaba Aur 40 Chor: A 1980 Bollywood Classic
The 1980 Bollywood film "Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" is a beloved adaptation of the classic Arabian Nights tale, "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." Directed by Kedar Kapoor, the movie stars Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Amjad Khan in pivotal roles. This iconic film has captivated audiences for decades with its enchanting story, memorable characters, and timeless music.
The Story
The movie revolves around Alibaba (played by Dharmendra), a poor but kind-hearted woodcutter who stumbles upon a group of 40 thieves, led by the cunning and charismatic leader, Kasim (played by Amjad Khan). The thieves, hiding in a cave filled with treasures, utter the magical phrase "Open, Sesame!" to gain access to their loot. Alibaba overhears this phrase and uses it to enter the cave, becoming an unintentional beneficiary of the thieves' riches.
As Alibaba's fortunes change, so does his life. He uses his newfound wealth to woo the beautiful Mahira (played by Hema Malini) and thwart the plans of the evil Kasim and his gang. Along the way, Alibaba must navigate the complexities of his new status, confront his enemies, and learn valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and the responsible use of power.
The Cast and Crew
The movie boasts an impressive cast, including:
The Music
The soundtrack of "Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" features iconic songs by the legendary music director, R.D. Burman. Some of the notable tracks include:
The Legacy
"Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" has become a cult classic in Indian cinema, with its influence still visible in modern adaptations and reinterpretations of the Alibaba story. The movie's themes of rags-to-riches, the power of kindness, and the dangers of greed continue to resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion
The 1980 Bollywood film "Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" remains a timeless classic, offering a unique blend of adventure, romance, drama, and music. Its memorable characters, catchy songs, and captivating story have cemented its place in the hearts of audiences and in the annals of Indian cinema. If you're a fan of classic Bollywood movies or just looking to explore the rich world of Indian cinema, "Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" is an absolute must-watch.
The 1980 film Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (also titled Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves) is most notable for being a massive Indo-Soviet joint production. It remains one of the most successful international collaborations in Indian cinema history. Key Features of the 1980 Film
Indo-Soviet Collaboration: The film was a joint venture between Eagle Films (India) and Uzbekfilms (USSR), directed by Umesh Mehra and Latif Faiziyev.
Iconic Star Cast: It brought together major Bollywood stars like Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Zeenat Aman alongside prominent Soviet actors.
Legendary Music: Composed by R.D. Burman (with Vladimir Milov), the soundtrack features enduring hits like "Khatouba" and "Saare Shehar Mein Ek Haseen Hain".
Shooting Locations: While parts were shot in Uzbekistan, iconic Indian locations like the Amer Palace in Jaipur were also used for filming.
Global Success: The film was a blockbuster, grossing approximately $28.13 million worldwide at the time, making it one of the highest-earning Indian films of its era. DVD & Accessibility
If you are looking to watch or purchase the film, recent releases like the DEI Single Disc DVD include:
High-Quality Restoration: Enhanced sound and picture quality compared to older formats.
Subtitles: Full English translation for international audiences. Global Compatibility: Region-free (Region 0) playback.
Alibaba Aur 40 Chor Brand New Single Disc Dvd, Hindi Ecuador
Spectacular Sets & Scale – The film was shot in lavish sets (some built in Mumbai’s Famous Studios), with huge cave interiors, trapdoors, and colourful costumes. It aimed for a 1001 Arabian Nights feel.
Music Highlights – The soundtrack is legendary:
Action & Trickery – Unlike more serious adaptations, this one adds comedic and stylized action. Feroz Khan’s Alibaba is a charismatic thief with a heart, not a poor woodcutter.
The “40 Chor” Twist – The leader of the 40 thieves is not just a faceless villain – Amjad Khan (famous as Gabbar Singh from Sholay) brings his signature menacing energy. Prem Chopra’s Abu Hasan adds a layer of betrayal.
Ask any Indian born between 1965 and 1985 about Alibaba, and they will immediately recall three specific visuals from the 1980 version:
The film was a massive commercial success, ranking as one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 1980. While Hollywood released its own famous version (Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in 1944 and 1954), the Indian 1980 version succeeded because it localized the fantasy. It turned an Arabic fable into a desi (local) story of brotherhood, betrayal, and class struggle.
Composed by the duo Kalyanji-Anandji, the soundtrack is legendary: