Qatl

Qatl

Year: 1986

Runtime: 141 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: R.K. Nayyar

ThrillerAction

Rakesh (Sanjeev Kumar) is a blind man married to the striking Rohini (Sarika), unaware that she is carrying on an affair with Ranjeet (Marc Zuber). When Rohini is found dead in Ranjeet’s house, the police focus on Rakesh as the prime suspect, raising the chilling question of whether a blind man could orchestrate a flawless murder.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Qatl (1986)

Trace every key event in Qatl (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

Rohini caught shoplifting; Ranjeet intervenes

Rohini is caught shoplifting in a shopping complex. Ranjeet, who has been watching her, pretends to be her partner and escorts her out of the venue. Rohini shares her hunger to become an actress, and Ranjeet offers a possible path to stardom through his theatre work.

Shopping complex
2

Ranjeet offers Rohini a route to stardom

Ranjeet reveals that he can make Rohini an actress because he owns a theatre and produces shows. Rohini accepts his offer and begins to see him as a potential mentor and patron. The relationship begins to turn romantic as he makes advances toward her.

Theatre world / city
3

Rohini's talent catches Rakesh's eye

The director of an upcoming play berates Rohini, drawing attention to her raw talent. Rohini's potential is noticed by Rakesh, an actor-director who assists her in refining her acting. This mentorship marks the start of a growing connection between Rohini and Rakesh.

Theatre / stage
4

Rohini and Rakesh fall in love and marry

Rohini and Rakesh fall in love and decide to marry, merging their personal and professional lives. Their relationship becomes a shelter as Rohini strives to balance ambition with devotion to her husband. They build a life together in the theatre world and beyond.

Rakesh's home and theatre
5

Rakesh is blinded in a stage accident

During a freak stage accident, Rakesh is blinded while trying to protect Rohini. He undergoes hospital treatment and therapy to adjust to his new condition. Sita, a nurse, helps him learn to read Braille and move around with a stick.

Hospital
6

Rohini stays by Rakesh; she quits theatre

To support her husband, Rohini quits theatre and dedicates herself to caring for him. Despite his initial depression and disdain for pity, he begins to rely on his wife's love and loyalty. The couple's bond deepens as Rohini sacrifices her career for him.

Home
7

Rohini's affair with Ranjeet is revealed

It is revealed that Rohini has been having an affair with Ranjeet, who had offered her a path back to the stage. Rohini plots to return to theatre to resume the affair while maintaining her relationship with Ranjeet. The betrayal adds tension to Rohini's domestic life.

Ranjeet's circle / theatre world
8

Sita hired as Rohini's nurse; affair kept secret

Rohini hires Sita as a full-time nurse to look after Rakesh so she can work back in theatre. Sita knows about the affair but chooses to keep it to herself, masking the tension behind her professional demeanor. The arrangement ties the fates of all four characters closer together.

Rakesh's home
9

Rakesh discovers the affair

While visiting Ranjeet's house to pick up a package, Rakesh discovers Rohini's affair and is distraught. He swears revenge and begins to plot how he can ruin Rohini's life and protect his own dignity. The seeds of a meticulous plan are planted at this moment.

Ranjeet's house
10

Rakesh plans and equips himself

Rakesh starts planning his revenge, familiarizing himself with Ranjeet's surroundings. He uses a cab for mobility, and practices sound-based targeting in preparation. He purchases a voice recorder from Century Bazaar and fits it to his home telephone to capture conversations.

Various locations; Century Bazaar
11

Sita leaves her job; a helper dog is procured

To help Rakesh move around despite his blindness, Sita leaves her job, and a helper dog is purchased for his mobility. This setup helps him appear more dependent on others while he executes his plan from the shadows.

Rakesh's home
12

The murder at 4 PM; Rohini dies

Rohini and Ranjeet arrange to meet at Ranjeet's apartment at 4 PM after a recorded conversation confirms the plan. Rakesh, in disguise, confronts the pair and kills Rohini with Ranjeet's revolver. The police quickly presume Ranjeet is the murderer.

4 PM Ranjeet's apartment
13

Investigation and confession

Inspector Shatru investigates the murder, initially suspecting Rakesh. Sita confesses to protect Rakesh, but he eventually confesses to the crime himself. The court case reveals the complexities of justice for a blind murderer.

Police station / court
14

Trial, demonstration, and Ranjeet's death

During the hearing, the judge questions whether a blind man could kill unseen. Rakesh demonstrates his sequence of actions, including voice-based targeting, and accidentally shoots Ranjeet when he enters with a new girl. He is sentenced for Rohini's murder but not for Ranjeet's.

Courtroom
15

Release and new beginning

Rakesh serves seven years for Rohini's murder and is released early for good behavior. He goes home with Sita to start a new life, while Inspector Shatru watches them depart. An old fakir singing in the background hints at the film's enduring motifs as the credits close.

Prison / home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:45

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