Streaming platform ZEE5 hosts a rich lineup of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s celebrated films from the 1990s and early 2000s. While the actor established his early reputation by portraying complex, negative characters in thrillers like Darr and Baazigar, his wider filmography from that era spans diverse genres, including emotional family dramas, high-octane action thrillers, romantic epics, and crime sagas. Here is a closer look at 6 of his notable films available on the platform.
1. King Uncle (1993)
Directed by Rakesh Roshan and released in 1993, ‘King Uncle’ remains one of the notable early titles in Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography. The ensemble cast featured Jackie Shroff in the titular role, alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Nagma, Anu Agarwal, Pooja Ruparel, and Paresh Rawal.
The narrative centers on Ashok Bansal, a wealthy and rigid industrialist who prioritizes strict discipline and money above all else. His uncompromising worldview alienates his immediate family members and strains their household ties. The plot turns when an orphan girl named Munna enters Ashok’s life, gradually softening his stern nature and transforming his entire perspective on personal relationships.
2. Karan Arjun (1995)
Released in 1995 under the direction of Rakesh Roshan, ‘Karan Arjun’ marks the first time Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan shared the screen as on-screen brothers. The production boasted a heavyweight supporting lineup that included Raakhee Gulzar, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Amrish Puri, Ranjeet, and Johnny Lever.
The story follows a devastated mother, Durga, whose two sons, Karan and Arjun, are murdered due to the deep-rooted enmity of the village tyrant, Thakur Durjan Singh. Convinced that destiny will bring them back, Durga maintains an unshakable faith in their return. The narrative takes a dramatic reincarnation angle as both brothers are reborn in separate places and eventually begin recollecting their past lives to avenge their deaths. The film was a major commercial blockbuster at the box office and saw a theatrical re-release in 2024, nearly 30 years after its original debut.
3. Army (1996)
Directed by Ram Shetty, the 1996 action drama ‘Army’ brought Shah Rukh Khan together with screen icon Sridevi. While Sridevi played the central protagonist Geeta, Shah Rukh Khan portrayed Major Arjun Singh in a crucial supporting role. The wider cast featured Danny Denzongpa, Mohnish Bahl, Ronit Roy, Sudesh Berry, and Ravi Kishan.
The narrative blends high-stakes action, intense emotion, and a mission of retribution, charting Geeta’s quest for justice against dangerous criminal syndicates following the sacrifice of Major Arjun Singh. The complete movie is available for streaming on ZEE5.
4. Pardes (1997)
Helmed by director Subhash Ghai and released in 1997, the romantic drama ‘Pardes’ holds a prominent spot in Shah Rukh Khan’s string of romance successes. The film marked the acting debut of Mahima Chaudhry, who starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Apoorva Agnihotri. The cast also included seasoned performers such as Amrish Puri, Alok Nath, and Himani Shivpuri.
The storyline explores themes of cultural roots, identity, and the contrast between Indian traditions and Western lifestyles, anchored by memorable musical tracks.
5. Koyla (1997)
Another collaboration with director Rakesh Roshan, the 1997 film ‘Koyla’ saw Shah Rukh Khan depart from conventional romantic roles to play an intense, mute protagonist in a gritty action setting. He starred opposite Madhuri Dixit, with an ensemble supporting cast that included Amrish Puri, Ranjeet, Salim Ghouse, Johnny Lever, and Ashok Saraf. Despite significant pre-release buzz, the film ended up as a box office flop during its theatrical run.
6. Shakti: The Power (2002)
Directed by Krishna Vamsi and released in 2002, ‘Shakti: The Power’ is a dramatic thriller centered on a mother’s desperate fight to protect her child amidst severe familial and criminal turmoil. The film featured Karisma Kapoor and Nana Patekar in lead roles, supported by Sanjay Kapoor, Jaspal Bhatti (Jaya Gidwani), Deepti Naval, and Divya Dutta. Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a special extended cameo role that played a decisive role in the story’s climactic events.
