Karma

Karma

Year: 1986

Runtime: 192 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Subhash Ghai

AdventureActionThrillerDrama

When senior police inspector Vishwa Pratap Singh arrests Dr. Michael Dang, leader of the terrorist PSO, the group bombs the jail, killing many inmates, including two of Vishwa’s sons and his daughter‑in‑law, while Dang escapes. Assuming the name Dada Thakur, Vishwa trains three death‑row convicts—Baiju Thakur, Johnny and former terrorist Khairuddin Kisti—to become disciplined hunters and exact revenge on Dang and his gang.

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Timeline & Setting – Karma (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Karma (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

India, Border region near India-Pakistan, Reform prison

The film unfolds across a reform prison in India, a rugged forested frontier near the border, and a fortified terrorist compound. The border region provides a tense backdrop for infiltration and firefights, contrasting with the disciplined environment of the jail. The setting underscores the clash between law enforcement and extremism, driving the mission's high-stakes atmosphere.

🇮🇳 Indian setting 🏞️ Border region 🏢 Prison

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:45

Main Characters – Karma (1986)

Meet the key characters of Karma (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Johnny / Gyaneshwar – Anil Kapoor

Johnny, also known as Gyaneshwar, is a skilled operative recruited by Vishwa for the mission. He forms a strong bond with Baiju during training and demonstrates loyalty under extreme danger. He falls in love with Radha and balances personal emotion with duty. His courage helps drive the infiltration and combat phases.

🗡️ Fighter 💘 Love Interest 🤝 Loyal

Khairuddin 'Khairu' Chishti – Naseeruddin Shah

Khairu is an ex-terrorist with tactical brilliance who volunteers for the mission and urges caution about reformed allies. He challenges the others' risk-taking, and his plan to sacrifice himself signals his view of loyalty over self-preservation. He ultimately sacrifices himself to ensure the destruction of the terrorists' munitions center, securing victory.

🔥 Sacrifice 🤝 Loyalty 🧠 Strategist

Dr. Michael Dang

Dr. Michael Dang is the head of the Black Star terrorist organization, a ruthless mastermind. He is captured and being transported to the reform prison when Black Star terrorists stage a daring break and free him; his escape triggers the attack that destroys the prison and kills Vishwa's family. His thirst for revenge drives the conflict until he is finally confronted in the compound.

🧠 Mastermind ⚔️ Villain 🔥 Terrorism

Baiju Thakur – Jackie Shroff

Baiju is a rugged, loyal soldier recruited for the mission. He forms deep bonds with his teammates and falls in love with Tulsi while maintaining a steadfast focus on the objective. He faces dangerous choices and protects his comrades under fire.

🗡️ Warrior 💘 Love Interest 🤝 Loyal

Tulsi – Poonam Dhillon

Tulsi is a strong, supportive figure who connects with Baiju and shares in the emotional stakes of the mission. She offers resilience and courage in the face of danger, standing by her partner during critical moments.

💖 Love Interest 🌟 Supportive 🫶 Resilient

Radha – Sridevi

Radha is the woman who captivates Johnny, providing emotional support and a personal motivation amid the mission. She stands as a beacon of humanity in the chaos of combat and loss.

💞 Love Interest 🌺 Compassion 🎗️ Strong-willed

Rukmani Singh – Nutan

Rukmani is Vishwa's wife whose speech is taken by the attack, a symbol of the personal cost of the conflict. Her tragedy fuels Vishwa’s resolve and the team’s commitment to ending Black Star.

💔 Tragedy 🗣️ Recovery ❤️ Family

Vishwa Pratap Singh – Dilip Kumar

Rana Vishwa Pratap Singh is a renowned ex-police officer who runs a reform prison program and leads the mission against Black Star. He faces immense pain when his family is killed, but he channels it into a rigorous, morally grounded pursuit of justice. He trains his team and helps them grow into a cohesive unit, ultimately surviving to see the mission’s success.

🛡️ Leader 🎖️ Justice 💔 Grief

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:45

Major Themes – Karma (1986)

Explore the central themes of Karma (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Duty & Justice

Vishwa’s mission frames justice as a duty that transcends personal loss. The pursuit of Dr. Dang is presented as a national obligation, uniting soldiers with a cause larger than themselves. The story toys with the line between vengeance and justice, testing the characters’ resolve under fire. The emphasis on duty anchors the action in a morally charged battlefield.

🤝 Loyalty & Brotherhood

An unlikely fellowship forms among Vishwa, Baiju, Johnny, and Khairu as they train and operate under threat. Their bond deepens as danger mounts, sustaining them when options seem bleak. Personal feelings—Baiju and Johnny’s romances with Radha and Tulsi—add emotional stakes to the mission. The solidarity forged in hardship sustains the team beyond individual goals.

🔥 Sacrifice & Valor

Khairu’s willingness to sacrifice himself to ensure mission success epitomizes ultimate valor. The plan to drive an explosives-filled truck into the heart of the building hinges on personal risk, testing every member’s courage. The story honors sacrifice with medals and recognition, while the survivors’ commitment remains unbroken. Khairu’s legacy frames the victory as both a triumph and a memorial.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:45

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Karma Summary

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Karma Timeline

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