Saaransh

Saaransh

Year: 1984

Runtime: 137 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Mahesh Bhatt

Drama

A retired school teacher and his wife come to terms with life after the death of their only son in a mugging incident on the streets of New York.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Saaransh (1984)

Trace every key event in Saaransh (1984) 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

Pradhan writes a morning letter to Ajay

The film opens with Pradhan waking early to pen a letter to his son in New York. He voices his longing and the unbearable ache of loss. The moment sets up his fragile emotional state and lack of purpose.

Morning Shivaji Park, Mumbai
2

Ajay's death confirmed by a friend

A friend in New York informs Pradhan that Ajay was killed in a mugging. The news lands with crushing finality as the family tries to process the tragedy. The event anchors the rest of the film in grief and disbelief.

Day of notification Mumbai
3

Three months of grief worry the family

Three months pass and Pradhan shows little will to live while Vishwanath and Parvati worry for him. They fear his sorrow may destroy him or sever their bond with him. The house feels heavy with unspoken grief.

Three months after Ajay's death Mumbai home
4

Sujata rents a room to make ends meet

With no income, Pradhan and Parvati rent a room to Sujata Suman, a budding Bollywood actress. Sujata becomes entangled with Vilas, the son of a powerful politician, adding new tensions to the household. Her arrival stirs hope and complication in equal measure.

Shortly after Shivaji Park apartment, Mumbai
5

Ajay's ashes arrive from the USA

Pradhan receives a registered letter announcing Ajay's ashes and a few belongings have arrived from the USA. He goes to the customs office to collect them but is met with indifference from a Public Relations Officer. The moment highlights the gulf between his personal grief and bureaucratic procedure.

On arrival of Ajay's ashes Customs office, Mumbai
6

Pradhan demands only the ashes; officer relents

Pradhan forcibly enters the customs chief’s office and demands that only Ajay's ashes be handed over. He breaks down in tears, and the officer consoles him and promises the rest of the items will follow. The scene marks a turning point in his resolve to claim his son's memory.

Same day Customs department head's office
7

Ashes entrusted to Parvati; Pandit predicts reincarnation

Parvati takes Ajay's ashes to a Pandit, who tells them Ajay will be reincarnated as a baby nearby. The idea offers a glimmer of consolation that life can continue. Pradhan remains skeptical and emotionally exhausted by the prediction.

Soon after Parvati's home; Pandit's temple
8

Pradhan scatters ashes; suicide attempt

Disillusioned, Pradhan scatters part of Ajay's ashes near a nearby kids park. He then attempts to end his life by stepping in front of a speeding car, but Parvati pleads with him to choose life. The moment crystallizes his breakdown and fragile hope.

Shortly after Nearby kids park
9

Suicide pact interrupted by pregnancy news

Pradhan and Parvati resolve to end their lives together, but Sujata informs Vilas that she is pregnant. Vilas remains indecisive about marriage, turning the moment away from self-destruction toward responsibility and conflict.

Moment before their planned act Mumbai home
10

Pradhan helps Sujata meet Gajanan; pregnancy opposed

Pradhan offers to take Sujata to meet Gajanan Chitre, hoping for approval of the marriage. Gajanan refuses to acknowledge the child and begins to undermine the couple, triggering a new round of battles.

Early in the climax Pradhan's home; Gajanan's influence
11

Gajanan's harassment and abortion plot

Gajanan's goons harass Pradhan by cutting electricity, blocking milk supply, and throwing crackers into the house. He collaborates with a doctor to illegally abort Sujata's baby, intensifying the peril for Sujata and the unborn child. Red tape and fear complicate every path forward.

Mid to late Pradhan's neighborhood; clinic
12

Pradhan appeals to the CM; police action

Desperate, Pradhan storms into Mantralaya seeking justice. The Chief Minister—an old student of his—orders the Commissioner of Police to produce Gajanan and ensure justice is served against him. The scene rekindles Pradhan's faith in authority, even as doubt remains.

Climax Mantralaya (Chief Minister's office)
13

Deciding Sujata and Vilas's fate

Pradhan realizes Parvati's belief will complicate Sujata and Vilas's lives and asks them to leave the city. He also hands over Ajay's belongings, which have been retrieved from the customs, to Sujata. The act symbolizes a reluctant release and permanent change.

Night Pradhan's home
14

Parvati's heartbreak and acceptance

Parvati demands to see Sujata, but Pradhan stops her to preserve Sujata's future. Parvati is heartbroken, yet she begins to accept that Ajay is gone and that their duty was to support Sujata's baby. The moment marks a quiet turning point in her grief.

Night Pradhan's home
15

Final dawn: life goes on

In the final scene, Pradhan and Parvati walk to the park at dawn. Flowers bloom where Ajay's ashes were scattered, and Pradhan proclaims that while life is mortal, life goes on. The film closes on a note of quiet resilience.

Early morning Nearby kids park

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:48

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