Year: 1991
Runtime: 153 mins
Language: Hindi
Director: Kishore Vyas
Malti sees her husband killed in a knife fight with Rai Bahadur Brijbhushan Sharma. She is arrested trying to pull the knife; Brijbhushan threatens to kill Raju if she testifies. She serves 14 years, then learns Raju, a dancer and singer, is cared for. Raju loves Priya, Brijbhushan’s daughter, but Malti plans to keep them apart.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Dancer yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Dancer (1991), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Raja, a gifted yet struggling dancer, lives a humble, hard-working life in a crowded cityscape with his childhood friend Dattu and Radha, the sister who has loved him since they were kids. As Raja pours his heart into every performance—dancing with precision, singing with soul—Dattu keeps the rhythm on drums, creating a close-knit trio that thrives on shared dreams and daily grind.
Years earlier, tragedy ripped through Raja’s life: his father, Suraj, was killed, and his mother Malti was condemned for the crime. Both parents were celebrated artists, and their fall from grace leaves Raja carrying a heavy legacy. The spark of opportunity comes when Raja spots an advertisement for a renowned auditorium show. He fights against the gatekeepers, finally earns the first prize, and begins to outshine his past, much to the chagrin of Manish—the former first-prize winner who has become Raja’s rival. The contest ignites a new fire in Raja, pushing him to prove himself not just as a dancer but as a genuine artist.
Amid Raja’s rising fame, Priya steps into his life. Priya, drawn to Raja’s talent and his good heart, falls in love with him. Her involvement isn’t just romantic; it also marks the start of a powerful partnership. Priya becomes his dance partner, and together they capture attention across India. They don’t ride this wave alone—their success is supported by Priya’s father, Brij Bhushan Sharma, a man whose wealth and influence can open doors but whose past harbors shadows that threaten Raja and Malti.
Meanwhile, Malti’s fate takes a turn when she is released from jail, re-entering a world that is eager to judge her. Raja, overwhelmed by his feelings for Priya, confides in his mother, who agrees to meet Priya’s father to discuss their future. The encounter reveals a dangerous truth: Brij Bhushan is the man who once attacked Malti and killed Suraj when he tried to defend her. Malti walks away from Brij Bhushan, and in a tense confrontation at a public gathering, she voices her anger and refuses to be bought off by a blank cheque. The crowd brands Brij Bhushan as the antagonist, and his temper erupts; Raja storms out with Malti, their backs heavy with past wounds and present danger.
The plot thickens at a temple meeting organized by Priya. Brij Bhushan’s confidants overhear plans and the tension escalates. In a dramatic turn, Raja is knocked unconscious by an assassin, and Brij Bhushan pressures Priya to marry Manish, hoping to sever Raja’s influence. Priya, frightened but determined, agrees in a bid to escape further torment for Raja. Yet Raja escapes from the room and returns to the stage, where the dance becomes a battleground of loyalties and love. At the same time, Radha, loyal to Raja and distressed by her sister’s plight, manages to slip away with Priya from Brij Bhushan’s grip.
The finale unfolds on stage: Raja and Priya perform with renewed passion and skill, their love hammered out in movement and music. Brij Bhushan arrives with a gang, turning the arena into a battlefield. In the ensuing chaos, Malti is threatened at gunpoint, and Raja is knocked down by Brij Bhushan’s henchmen. In a stunning reveal, Malti identifies Brij Bhushan as her husband’s killer, reigniting Raja’s resolve. Fueled by righteous fury, Raja fights through the melee and finally defeats Brij Bhushan by overpowering him with an improvised, dangerous move involving an electric wire setup.
With the danger behind them, the film closes on a celebratory note: Radha and Raja have supported each other through every peril, and in a moment of mutual consent and joy, Raja and Priya marry as their families and friends look on. Radha’s earlier pain—her desire to protect Raja by any means necessary—finds its resolve in the couple’s union, a quiet testament to resilience and the healing power of art.
forget the past, see the happiness of their children
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:30
Don't stop at just watching — explore Dancer in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dancer is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Dancer with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Dancer that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Dancer (1991) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Dancer (1991) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Dancer (1991) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Dancer – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Dheena (2001) Story Summary & Characters
Deadly Dancer (1990) Full Movie Breakdown
Murder (2004) Detailed Story Recap
Dance with a Stranger (1985) Detailed Story Recap
Dance Dance (1987) Story Summary & Characters
Dancers (1987) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Dancer & the Drummer (1984) Detailed Story Recap
Dancer (1991) Story Summary & Characters
Daag (1973) Full Movie Breakdown
Dance with Death (1992) Story Summary & Characters
Dancer of the City (1970) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Dancers in the Dark (1932) Detailed Story Recap
Dulaara (1994) Film Overview & Timeline
Call Me Dancer (2023) Full Movie Breakdown
Dushmani: A Violent Love Story (1995) Detailed Story Recap