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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dastak (1996)

Trace every key event in Dastak (1996) 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

Sharad Sule's disturbing obsession with Sushmita begins

Sharad Sule, a mentally unstable genius, fixates on Sushmita and begins targeting anyone close to her. His obsession drives him to commit brutal acts, setting a chilling pattern of violence aimed at isolating her from loved ones. The threat looming over Sushmita marks the movie's ominous start.

2

ACP Rohit Malhotra enters Sushmita's life and vows protection

Rohit Malhotra meets Sushmita and offers her high-level security while launching an investigation into the threats against her. He earns her trust and begins coordinating protection across her public appearances. The partnership marks the beginning of a romance that grows under pressure.

Mumbai, India
3

A pivotal event reveals Rohit as Sushmita's childhood friend

During a pivotal event, Sharad's menace looms as Rohit steps in to shield Sushmita. Rohit reveals his identity as her childhood friend who has admired her for years. The moment binds them and shifts their relationship from protection to intimate connection.

Event venue, India
4

Romance blossoms under protection and danger

Rohit and Sushmita grow closer as she feels safer with him by her side. The romance deepens amid constant danger and relentless media scrutiny. She begins to trust him not only as a protector but as a partner.

India
5

Sharad murders Sushmita's best friend

Sharad murders Sushmita's best friend, shattering her sense of security and personal stability. The brutal act confirms the real danger Sharad poses and pushes Rohit to escalate protective measures. Sushmita's emotional collapse raises the stakes for everyone involved.

City, India
6

A plan to relocate Sushmita abroad to trap Sharad

To lure Sharad away from Sushmita, Rohit plans to move her to another country and starts circulating false news. The strategy aims to trap Sharad into following her, under the watch of international authorities. The plan combines security logistics with a desperate bid for safety.

India to abroad
7

Seychelles mission: trap Sharad, Rohit shoots during pursuit

Rohit travels to Seychelles with his trusted sub-ordinate and is supported by local authorities to execute the trap. Sharad follows Sushmita, leading to a tense confrontation on foreign soil. Rohit shoots Sharad during the pursuit, and Sharad collapses, believed to be dead.

Seychelles
8

Sharad survives and kidnaps Sushmita to a remote island

Despite the apparent defeat, Sharad survives and betrays trust by kidnapping Sushmita to a distant isolated island in the Seychelles. Sushmita endures a new round of fear and captivity as Sharad imposes his will on her. The situation becomes a cat-and-mouse ordeal with limited escape routes.

Isolated island, Seychelles
9

Sushmita attempts to reform Sharad from captivity

Sushmita attempts to reform Sharad by appealing to his childhood pain and asking him to face his problems. Sharad refuses, insisting on maintaining control and perpetuating pain. The isolation makes every attempt at escape or negotiation perilously risky.

Isolated island
10

Help signal and deadly pursuit

Spotting a chance, Sushmita writes Help on a speedboat hoping Rohit’s team will see it. Sharad becomes enraged when he realizes the signal and shoots at the pursuing crew. The chase culminates in a brutal firefight that leaves Rohit gravely wounded.

Near Seychelles coast
11

Rohit survives and intervenes in the climactic fight

Rohit survives the gunfire and leaps to protect Sushmita as Sharad closes in. They fight fiercely with Sharad gaining the upper hand briefly and Rohit taking a critical stab wound. Sushmita refuses to give up, driven by love and a determination to end Sharad's terror.

Isolated island
12

Sushmita ends Sharad's reign of terror

Sushmita kills Sharad with an axe in self-defense, ending his reign of terror. The act is driven by fear, fury, and the desire to save Rohit and herself. The isolated island is left in silence as they prepare to return home.

Isolated island
13

Return to India and a hopeful new chapter

Back in India, Sushmita writes a self-help book dedicated to people like Sharad and the survivors of abuse. She and Rohit begin rebuilding their lives together, choosing to stay connected and supported by each other. The ending offers a note of resilience and hope after the ordeal.

India

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:19

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Dastak Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dastak

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Dastak Spoiler-Free Summary

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