Khamosh

Khamosh

Year: 1986

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

ThrillerMystery

A classic whodunit set on a movie set, where a young actress is initially believed to have taken her own life during filming. As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear she was murdered, and the culprit turns out to be a member of the crew, exposing hidden motives and intrigue.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Khamosh yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Khamosh (1986)

Trace every key event in Khamosh (1986) 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

Filming unit travels to Pahalgam, Kashmir

The film crew arrives in the hill town of Pahalgam to shoot the next project. Soni Razdan is an emerging actress among the cast, setting the stage for a story that blends glamour with danger. The picturesque Kashmir location frames the looming tension as filming begins.

Pahalgam, Kashmir
2

Razdan's mysterious suicide

Razdan is found dead in what the police describe as a mysterious suicide. The on-set mood shifts as investigators prepare to treat it as an open-and-shut case. A darker plot behind Razdan's rise to fame begins to unfold.

Razdan's hotel room, Pahalgam
3

Shah arrives undercover and nearly arrested

Naseeruddin Shah arrives pretending to be a special officer tasked with the investigation. His cover is quickly blown, and the police move to arrest him as he contemplates exposing a possible murder. The investigation teeters on the edge as he battles to reveal the truth.

Pahalgam, Kashmir (on set / police checkpoint)
4

Shah reveals his true identity and Razdan's letter

Shah discloses that he is Razdan's estranged brother, rejecting the suicide verdict. He explains that Razdan had written to him about winning a prestigious lead role before her death. This revelation shifts the focus from fate to motive and jealousy.

Pahalgam
5

Crew reactions and stalled investigation

The cast and crew reluctantly accept that Razdan had secured the lead, but they are wary about helping the police. Trust frays and cooperation dwindles as investigators press for answers. The on-set investigation drags on while the film production continues around them.

Pahalgam film set
6

Azmi suspects murder, joins the mystery

Azmi's character believes Razdan was murdered after hearing her practice lines late at night. She notices Razdan began speaking English phrases during her rehearsal, revealing hidden tension. Azmi resolves to help Shah uncover the killer.

Hotel room in Pahalgam
7

Azmi and Shah take the investigation forward; new murders occur

Azmi and Shah form a pact to pursue clues together. The killer strikes again, killing Mrs Bhal and then the male housekeeper, escalating the case. A sense that a more deliberate conspiracy is at work settles over the crew.

Pahalgam, Kashmir (on set / hotel vicinity)
8

Vachchani's clue and confession about Kapoor

All evidence points to Vachchani, who finally confesses that his brother Kapoor killed Razdan in a rage after she spurned his advances. He admits he was merely covering for Kapoor and protecting him due to his mental illness. The confession redirects suspicion toward the other prominent figures in the production.

Vachchani's residence, Pahalgam
9

Kapoor kills Vachchani; a shooting spree revealed

Kapoor erupts in a violent outburst, shooting Vachchani during a confrontation. The scene hints that Kapoor's gunplay may be part of a larger ruse to mislead investigators. The volatile dynamic within the production becomes tragically clear.

On set / vicinity in Pahalgam
10

Gun missing from props, and Vachchani's letter to the lawyer

Azmi notes that the gun used in Razdan's murder has vanished from the props and costumes box. At the same time, Vachchani had sent a mysterious letter to his lawyer, hinting at a deeper conspiracy. These clues widen the mystery beyond a single killer.

Props and costumes box / lawyer's office, Pahalgam
11

Palekar revealed as Razdan's killer; accomplice among the production

It is revealed that Amol Palekar killed Soni Razdan, driven by fear of defamation and coercion. He is aided by the producer, who becomes his accomplice, and together they murder Mrs Bhal and the producer, and then dump a waiter in the river to deflect suspicion. The chain of deception grows more shocking as the body count rises.

Producer's office / riverbank, Pahalgam
12

Climax: Shah, Shabana, and Palekar confrontation; Palekar dies

Naseeruddin Shah shoots Palekar after reading Vachchani's letter, ending the killer's spree. Shabana Azmi survives the confrontation, and the truth about Razdan's fate is laid bare at last. The film closes with justice served and the conspiracy unraveled.

Riverside / film set vicinity, Pahalgam

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:40

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Khamosh Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Khamosh

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Khamosh

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