Begum Jaan

Begum Jaan

Year: 2017

Runtime: 128 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Srijit Mukherji

ActionHistoryDramaPolitics and human rightsBollywood emotional dramas

On the eve of India's Independence, Chairman Cyril Radcliffe is tasked with dividing India and Pakistan. Unbeknownst to the administration, the border cuts directly through the middle of Begum Jaan's brothel, splitting it between the two newly formed nations. This unexpected situation creates significant challenges and complications for Begum Jaan and the women in her care, as they must navigate the shifting political landscape and the uncertain future it holds.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Begum Jaan (2017)

Trace every key event in Begum Jaan (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening bus harrowing moment

A small family and a young couple ride a late-night public bus. Drunken goons board the bus and harass the couple, threatening violence. An elderly woman intervenes by undressing to distract the attackers and shields the girl.

Night (opening) Public bus
2

Partition plan and Radcliffe Line

The film flashes back to 1947, as India gains independence and Cyril Radcliffe is tasked with drawing the border. He splits Punjab and Bengal, creating what becomes the Radcliffe Line. The looming partition sets the historical backdrop for Begum Jaan's story.

August 1947 British India (Punjab and Bengal)
3

Threats to Begum Jaan's brothel begin

With a month's notice to vacate, Begum Jaan's brothel faces eviction. Hari and Ilyas recruit Kabir, a feared killer, to intimidate the women. The crew moves to pressure the residents into leaving.

1947 Brothel, Sonapur
4

Kabir's brutal show of force: killing the dogs

Kabir and his men terrorize Begum Jaan's brood; they kill Begum Jaan's beloved dogs and even feed their meat to the women as a warning. The women are shaken but resolve to resist. The threat marks a turning point toward organized defense.

1947 Brothel
5

Raja Sahib's warning and vacate ultimatum

Raja Sahib returns to deliver the grim news that all efforts to save the brothel have failed. Begum Jaan learns she must vacate, hardening her stance. The eviction ultimatum cements the conflict with the partition authorities.

1947 Brothel
6

Begum Jaan commits to defense; training begins

Despite the looming eviction, Begum Jaan declares she'd rather die in her house than on the streets. She orders Salim to train every girl to fight back with weapons. Intensive practice sessions become the brothel's new heartbeat.

1947 Brothel
7

Kabir kills Sujeet; life-threatening retaliation

Kabir ambushes Sujeet on his way from the market with a few girls, killing him and sacrificing his life. The act deepens Begum Jaan's resolve and escalates the fight for survival. Tensions rise as the group prepares for further confrontations.

1947 Near market / brothel vicinity
8

Masterji's plan to kill Begum Jaan; Gulabo flees

Masterji, Laadli's teacher who loves Begum Jaan, schemes to kill her. He convinces Gulabo to run away from the brothel, betraying Begum Jaan. Gulabo escapes, but the rift within the community widens.

1947 Brothel
9

Gulabo raped; vows vengeance

Gulabo is driven away by Masterji and later is assaulted by his accomplices inside a horse carriage. She survives and vows vengeance against those who betrayed her. The betrayal adds fuel to the fire burning through the brothel.

1947 Horse carriage vicinity
10

Night of partition: attack on the brothel

On the night of partition, Kabir and his men assault the brothel. Laadli, her mother, and Shabnam are attacked by policeman Shyam Singh who seeks personal gain. Laadli undresses herself, triggering a moment of vulnerability that unsettles the attacker.

Partition night 1947 Brothel
11

Gulabo slits Masterji's throat; the attack continues

Gulabo returns during the assault and slits Masterji's throat as he watches the chaos unfold. He is later beaten by his own accomplices, and Gulabo dies from the injuries she has endured. The cycle of violence deepens, sealing many fates.

Partition night 1947 Brothel
12

Fire and fate: the brothel burns

Torches are thrown into the burning building and the brothel is engulfed in flames. Begum Jaan and her surviving companions fight the fire but are overwhelmed. They choose to die in their home, and Amma narrates the tale of Rani Padmavati to honor their valiant stand.

Partition night 1947 Burning brothel
13

Ilyas and Hari's remorse; aftermath

After the carnage, Ilyas and Hari feel remorse for their actions. Ilyas shoots himself, ending the cycle of violence. The brothel lies in ruins, marking the end of Begum Jaan's era.

After partition (1947) Post-partition
14

Present-day twist: Laadli's past revealed; the final rescue

In the present, the old woman revealed to be Laadli undresses to save a couple, echoing the movie's opening. The goons flee in fear, and the elderly Laadli helps the injured couple before fading from view. The circle closes with the same act that started the tale.

Present Present-day city

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:59

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Begum Jaan Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Begum Jaan

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Begum Jaan

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