Dastak

In Mahesh Bhatt’s 1996 thriller, the glitter of fame collides with an unsettling undercurrent of obsession, setting a tone that is both glamorous and foreboding. The film introduces a fresh face to Indian cinema, marking the debut of Sushmita Sen, whose presence adds a luminous yet vulnerable quality to the story’s world—a world where public adulation can quickly become a precarious spotlight.

The narrative orbits three central figures. Sharad Sule is a disturbingly brilliant individual whose fascination with a celebrated Miss Universe borders on the compulsive. Sushmita herself steps from the pedestal of global beauty into a life watched by countless eyes, her charisma making her both a symbol of triumph and a target of intrigue. Assigned to safeguard her, ACP Rohit Malhotra carries the weight of duty and the instinct to protect, his methodical approach contrasting sharply with the chaotic currents swirling around the pair.

From the outset, an uneasy tension threads through their interactions. The film builds a cat‑and‑mouse atmosphere, where the lines between admiration and peril blur, and every guarded glance hints at deeper currents beneath the surface. Rohit’s investigation and the subtle power play between protector and protected create a psychological landscape that feels both intimate and expansive, while Sharad’s enigmatic presence injects a persistent, unsettling edge.

Against Bhatt’s atmospheric direction, the story explores themes of obsession, trust, and the fragile balance between public image and private vulnerability. As the characters navigate this charged terrain, the audience is invited to sense the looming danger without ever revealing its full shape, leaving a lingering curiosity that sustains the film’s suspenseful allure.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:38