It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances, special effects and music, but criticised the story, screenplay and direction.

An evil devil-worshipping Vazir (Amrish Puri) seeks to usurp the throne, reviving his "Fauladi Shaitan" (a huge demon-like figure made of stone) and take over the world.

Sultan thrusts it into a pillar (verifying its keenness) and Ameer Baba pronounces that it may be drawn out of the stone again only by a member of the royal family (rather like the Excalibur).

Vazir overhears their discussion, eventually tricks Ameer Baba, steals his Necklace of Immortality, throws him into the dungeon, attempts to murder Sultan and his family and take over the throne.

In the meantime, Vazir blames Ameer Baba for Sultan's murder, takes over the throne and begins ravaging the land, always uttering his slogan Shaitan Zindabad (Long live the Devil).

Ali falls for Rukhsana (Dimple Kapadia), the daughter of Ameer Baba, returned from Hind (to rescue her imprisoned father), while Hassan's affections are for Vazir's Shehzadi Henna (Sonam).

The film was made in the wake of Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980), an earlier Arabian Nights themed Indian-Soviet production (based on the story of Ali Baba) that became a success in both India and the Soviet Union.

The film was a financial success in the Soviet Union,[2] where it was released as Черный принц Аджуба (Black Prince Ajuba)[3] in July 1990.