Dastak

Dastak

Year: 1996

Runtime: 141 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Mahesh Bhatt

RomanceDrama

Dastak (English: Knock) is a 1996 Hindi‑language Indian feature film directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It marks the debut of Sushmita Sen, who stars in the lead role, and includes Mukul Dev in a supporting part. Sharad Kapoor portrays the film’s psychopathic character, adding a tense edge to the story.

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Timeline & Setting – Dastak (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dastak (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

India, Seychelles

The story primarily unfolds in India's urban landscape, where Sushmita's public life invites scrutiny and danger. Key sequences take place on a remote island in Seychelles, creating a stark contrast with the city. The shift between crowded streets and isolated shores heightens tension and emphasizes the characters' isolation.

🌆 Urban India 🏝️ Seychelles Island 🌍 Thriller Locale

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:08

Main Characters – Dastak (1996)

Meet the key characters of Dastak (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sushmita (Sushmita Sen)

A public figure and Miss Universe who becomes the target of Sharad's obsession. She moves from fear toward resilience as she navigates danger, forming a tentative bond with Rohit. Her vulnerability is matched by resourcefulness as she refuses to break under pressure.

🎤 Celebrity 💔 Vulnerable 🧠 Resilient

Sharad Sule (Sharad S. Kapoor)

A mentally unstable genius whose fixation on Sushmita drives a string of deadly acts. He embodies control and manipulation, unwavering in pursuing his desires. His backstory and ego make him a formidable and tragic antagonist.

🧠 Obsession 🔪 Violent 🌀 Manipulative

Rohit Malhotra (Manoj Bajpayee)

An ACP who protects Sushmita and orchestrates a plan to trap the killer. Despite the danger, he remains calm, strategic, and deeply committed, providing emotional support and romantic tension with Sushmita. His determination drives the pursuit and rescue efforts.

🧭 Detective 💪 Protective 💘 Romantic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:08

Major Themes – Dastak (1996)

Explore the central themes of Dastak (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Obsession

Sharad Sule's fixation on Sushmita drives the entire plot. His obsession distorts reality, pushing him to target her circle and commit violent acts. The film explores how a fixation can consume a person and imperil everyone around them. The relentless pursuit creates a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic between him and the protagonists.

❤️ Love & Protection

Rohit Malhotra's protective instincts contrast with Sushmita's fear, offering a fragile hope amid danger. Their developing bond provides emotional grounding for the thriller and motivates risky moves to safeguard her. The relationship is tested by deception, betrayal, and the sheer scale of the threat. In the end, love becomes a catalyst for resilience and resolve.

🗡️ Violence

Escalating violence surrounds Sushmita, including the murder of her friend and Sharad's brutal pursuit. The film portrays the psychological scars of trauma and the pressure of survival under siege. Self-defense becomes a pivotal moment, culminating in a violent climax that forces a choice between vengeance and mercy. The consequences of violence linger beyond the chase, shaping the survivors' futures.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:08

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Dastak Summary

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Dastak Summary

Dastak Timeline

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Dastak Timeline

Dastak Spoiler-Free Summary

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Dastak Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dastak

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