Salaakhen

Salaakhen

Year: 1998

Runtime: 166 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Guddu Dhanoa

DramaAction

After an upright school teacher bravely testifies against the son of a powerful businessman in a rape case, he is subjected to relentless psychological torment that drives him to suicide. Fueled by grief, his teenage son decides to become judge, jury and executioner, seeking vengeance for his father's death.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Salaakhen (1998)

Trace every key event in Salaakhen (1998) 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

Police hunt Vishal Agnihotri begins

The film opens with police sweeping the city in search of Vishal Agnihotri, suspected killer of four prominent personalities. Investigators chase leads, while the public debates his guilt and motive. The sense of danger and mystery sets the tone for the case that follows.

Present City
2

Vishal negotiates with a top lawyer for Rs.100 million

Vishal offers a deal to a renowned lawyer to secure his innocence in court for a hefty sum. The plan hinges on manipulating witnesses to present a false version of events. The tension builds as the legality of the arrangement hangs in the balance.

Present City
3

The courtroom nears a verdict; Vishal murders his lawyer

As the judge stands ready to deliver the decision, Vishal kills his lawyer and publicly accepts the guilt for the four deaths. The dramatic betrayal exposes the collapse of the supposed innocence ploy. Media and observers reel from the sensational twist.

Present Courtroom
4

Media spread and inquiry committee formed

News of the courtroom violence and the ambiguous confession sweeps the city, fueling sensational headlines. An inquiry committee is established to uncover the other side of Vishal's case. Public opinion becomes polarized between cries for justice and suspicions of political manipulation.

Present City
5

Vishal presents his account to the inquiry panel; flashback begins

Vishal appears before the committee to recount his version of events, triggering the film's main flashback. The panel's questions push him to reveal a different sequence of what happened. The narrative then unfolds to expose deeper corruption and personal loyalties.

Present Committee chamber
6

Sachidanand Agnihotri, the Kandivali schoolteacher, is introduced

The flashback centers on Sachidanand Agnihotri, an honest schoolteacher in Kandivali who fights back against a corrupt system. He becomes embroiled in a high-stakes case involving a powerful family tied to the victim. His moral courage sets the film's moral compass against the backdrop of systemic abuse.

Past Kandivali
7

Sachidanand testifies against Nagesh; Vishal's love grows for Neha

Sachidanand accuses Nagesh, son of the influential Jaspal Rana, of sexual assault and murder, triggering powerful adversaries to mobilize against him. Vishal's feelings for Neha blossom as the case unfolds, adding a personal stake to the upheaval. The tension between truth, loyalty, and desire complicates the narrative.

Past Kandivali
8

Nagesh is arrested; Kamble intimidates Sachidanand

Nagesh is taken into custody as the investigation advances. A corrupt Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kamble, begins a relentless campaign to intimidate Sachidanand and pressure him during the testimony. The psychological assault reveals the personal cost of standing up to power.

Past Kandivali
9

Day of testimony; Sachidanand's breakdown

On the day of the testimony, Nagesh's lawyer Ashok Pradhan confuses Sachidanand, driving him to a breaking point. Overwhelmed by the manipulation and intimidation, Sachidanand kills himself. The tragedy marks a pivotal turn in the case and the lives involved.

Past Courtroom
10

Vishal escapes prison, abducts Nagesh, kills Ashok Pradhan

While jailed for assaulting police officers, Vishal stages a breakout, abducts Nagesh, and advances his personal vendetta. He murders Ashok Pradhan to eliminate a crucial link in the case against him. The line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred as revenge drives the actions.

Past Prison
11

Kamble's intervention fails; Vishal kills Kamble and Jaspal Rana

Kamble arrives to rescue Nagesh, but Vishal ambushes them and eliminates both Kamble and Jaspal Rana. The assault marks a climactic turning point in the flashback and consolidates Vishal's narrative of retribution. The powerful families' grip on justice is exposed as thin veneer.

Past City
12

Present-day verdict: Vishal sentenced to 4 years to life

Back in the present, the court hands Vishal a sentence of four years to life imprisonment after he recounts his version of events. The judge's decision acknowledges the complexity of the case and the consequences of vigilantism. Vishal uses the moment to issue a warning about political figures like Jaspal Rana manipulating justice.

Present Courtroom
13

Closing reflection on justice and reform

The narrative concludes with Vishal reflecting on accountability and the limits of the legal system. The events raise questions about power, corruption, and whether truth can survive within compromised institutions. The film invites viewers to consider what reforms are needed to prevent mob-justice from taking hold.

Present Courtroom

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:41

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Salaakhen Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Salaakhen

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Salaakhen

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Salaakhen Spoiler-Free Summary

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