Salaam Bombay!

Salaam Bombay!

Year: 1988

Runtime: 113 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Mira Nair

DramaCrimeMoving relationship storiesViolent crime and drugsShow All…

After destroying his older brother’s motorbike in retaliation for bullying, 11‑year‑old Krishna is sent to a travelling circus to earn money for repairs. The job drags him into Bombay’s poorest slums, where he works at a tea stall, befriends drug dealer Chillum and prostitute Sola Saal, and struggles to raise enough cash to repay his family’s debt.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Salaam Bombay! (1988)

Trace every key event in Salaam Bombay! (1988) 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

Rebellion sparks a path to the Apollo Circus

Krishna burns his elder brother's motorbike, retaliating against the bullying. His angry mother takes him to the Apollo Circus and tells him he must earn 500 rupees to pay for the damage. Krishna agrees and begins working for the circus.

Before the start of the film Home; Apollo Circus
2

Circus leaves Krishna behind

As the circus packs up to move on to its next site, the boss asks Krishna to run an errand. When he returns, the circus has already left, leaving him stranded. With nowhere to go and no money, he heads to Bombay to survive.

Soon after the circus packs up Apollo Circus
3

Arrival in Bombay and first loss

Krishna travels to Bombay and is robbed of his few possessions. He chases the thieves and ends up in Falkland Road, near Grant Road railway station. This marks his entry into the city's harsh underworld.

Upon arrival Bombay (Mumbai); Falkland Road near Grant Road
4

Chillum becomes mentor and tea stall job

Chillum, a drug pusher, befriends Krishna and becomes a mentor. With Chillum's help, Krishna lands a job at the Grant Road Tea Stall. He begins to witness the drug world and its demands.

Shortly after meeting Chillum Grant Road Tea Stall
5

Chaipau and the Sola Saal discovery

Krishna adopts the nickname Chaipau. He continues to live and save money while trying to return home. He notices Sola Saal, a teenage girl sold to the brothel.

Early period Grant Road area; brothel
6

Fire on Sola Saal and capture

Krishna's crush leads him to set fire to Sola Saal's room and attempt to flee with her. They are caught, and Sola Saal denies starting the fire, resisting enslavement. The madame orders Baba to tame her.

One night Brothel
7

Odd jobs and Baba's dismissal

Krishna keeps working at the tea stall and taking odd jobs to save money. Baba sacks Chillum after a disastrous interview with a foreign journalist. Krishna continues to operate within the network while planning for a way out.

Between early events Tea stall and Baba's network
8

Dream of escape leads to robbery

To raise funds, Krishna and his friends break into an elderly Parsi man's house and rob him in broad daylight. They steal the money Krishna had saved, believing it will help him leave.

One night Parsi man's house
9

Chillum's betrayal and death

Krishna discovers Chillum has stolen his savings to fund drugs. Chillum overdoses and dies, removing his misguided mentorship. This blow compounds Krishna's vulnerability in the city.

After the robbery City; Chillum's death site
10

Police capture and escape to the juvenile home

Krishna and Manju are apprehended by the police and sent to a juvenile home. Krishna escapes from the facility and returns to the dangerous world. A new recruit replaces Chillum in Baba's drug operation.

One night after arrest Juvenile home; Baba's network
11

Sola Saal and the doomed reunion

Krishna meets Sola Saal again and tries to convince her to run away with him. She is charmed by Baba's power and shows little interest in Krishna. Sola Saal is forced to service her first client, deepening her entrapment.

After escape Baba's operation near Grant Road
12

Rekha's stand and Baba's downfall

Rekha tries to leave Baba, but Baba beats her. Krishna intervenes, and in a fit of rage he kills Baba. He and Rekha attempt to run away but are separated in a Ganesh festival parade.

Climax Baba's place; Ganesh parade
13

Ending image: Krishna's dejected face

The film ends with a slow zoom in on Krishna's dejected face. His dream of escaping the cycle remains unfulfilled, underscoring his isolation. The final shot leaves his future uncertain.

End of film Ganesh parade scene

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:25

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Salaam Bombay!

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