Kala Pani

Kala Pani

Year: 1958

Runtime: 164 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Raj Khosla

Drama

Based on A.J. Cronin’s novel ‘Beyond This Place’, a young man learns his father was falsely convicted of a 15‑year‑old murder and sentenced to kaala paani. He teams up with a press reporter, a retired police inspector and an unwitting prostitute who holds key evidence, launching a quest to expose the true culprits.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Kala Pani (1958)

Trace every key event in Kala Pani (1958) 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

Karan learns his father is jailed and his mother pretended his death

Karan discovers that his father, Shankarlal, is in prison for a murder he did not commit. He also learns that his mother had been pretending he had died since Karan's childhood. This revelation sets him on a mission to uncover the truth and free his father.

present day Karan's home
2

Karan meets his father in jail and learns the murder accusation is false

Karan visits the prison and meets Shankarlal, who explains that he was framed. He confirms he did not commit the murder. Karan vows to prove his father's innocence and clear his name.

shortly after prison
3

Karan vows to gather proof to reopen the case

Moved by his father's fate, Karan decides to collect evidence and seek witnesses who can testify to the truth. He understands he must reopen the case and clear Shankarlal's name. This commitment launches a long, dangerous search through memory and records.

shortly after city
4

Karan meets witness who spoke for father; learns of Inspector Mehta

Karan travels to meet one of the witnesses who testified for Shankarlal in court. The witness describes the trial and points him toward Inspector Mehta. Mehta reveals there was pressure on the case and hints that a letter could prove Shankarlal's innocence.

soon after witness's location
5

Mehta tells about Kishori, Jumman and a letter

Mehta explains there are other witnesses, Kishori and Jumman, who mention a letter connected to the murder. He confesses that he overheard them speaking of it and fears the truth has been buried. The letter, if found, could be the key to reopening the case.

soon after police station
6

Karan begins wooing Kishori to obtain the letter

Karan tries to win Kishori's trust and affection to obtain the letter she possesses. The pursuit tests trust and reveals how fragile relationships can become under pressure. Kishori's involvement becomes central to unlocking the evidence.

as he starts his search Kishori's area
7

Asha's paying guest house becomes Karan's base; romance blooms

During this time Karan stays at a paying guest house run by Asha, who is a journalist. Romantic feelings bloom between them as they interact more. Asha's presence adds both support and personal stakes to Karan's mission.

during his search paying guest house
8

Karan seeks guidance from prosecutor Jaswant Rai

Karan approaches Jaswant Rai to learn how to reopen the case. Rai advises him to secure the letter first and see what it reveals. The guidance reveals Rai's manipulative disposition rather than impartial help.

before obtaining letter prosecutor's office
9

The prosecutor is revealed as villain; Sardari Lal and Jumman get involved

Rai's true role as a villain becomes clear as he warns Sardari Lal, the actual killer, that Karan is after the letter. Sardari Lal then orders Jumman to warn Kishori. The conspiracy grows more dangerous as Karan closes in on the truth.

mid plot city
10

Kishori confronts Karan; she hands over the letter

Kishori confronts Karan, accusing him of deceit. He explains that his pursuit is to prove his father's innocence. Moved by his mission, she repents and hands over the letter.

after confrontation Kishori's place
11

Karan shows the letter to Jaswant Rai; Rai burns it; Karan protests and is arrested

Karan presents the letter to the prosecutor, hoping to spur action. Jaswant Rai burns the letter, revealing his involvement in the plot. Enraged by the betrayal, Karan protests outside Rai's house and is arrested.

soon after outside Rai's house
12

Asha attempts to publish the truth; editor blocks

Asha tries to publish the truth by writing about the prosecutor, but her editor refuses to run the story without solid proof. She stands firm, determined to expose corruption. Her efforts highlight the challenges faced by truth-seekers in a corrupt system.

after arrest newspaper office
13

Kishori arrives with the original letter

Kishori, aware of the stakes and danger, comes to Karan with the original letter. This strengthens his case to reopen the investigation. The exchange renews hope for justice.

around this time Karan's location
14

Letter submitted; Jaswant Rai confesses

Karan officially submits the letter to reopen the case. Jaswant Rai admits his crime, confirming the conspiracy against Shankarlal. The confession moves the case toward a formal reopening and accountability.

culmination courthouse/office
15

Shankarlal is freed; Karan marries Asha

Shankarlal walks out of prison after being exonerated. Karan and Asha marry, bringing a close to their shared struggle for truth. The film ends on a note of justice and new beginnings.

end prison; wedding

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:32

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