Shaan

Shaan

Year: 1980

Runtime: 181 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Ramesh Sippy

DramaRomanceThrillerActionCrime

After returning home to his wife Sheetal and their young daughter, DSP Shiv Kumar announces his transfer to Bombay. His two brothers, Vijay and Ravi, already live in the city; they are clever and capable but spend their days idling and conning unsuspecting people, setting the stage for a clash between duty and family.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Shaan 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 – Shaan (1980)

Trace every key event in Shaan (1980) 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

Shiv Kumar returns home and is transferred to Mumbai

Shiv Kumar completes a hostage-resolution operation and returns to his wife Sheetal and daughter Guddi. He informs them that he has been transferred to Mumbai, setting the stage for the brothers' arrival in the city. The family braces for the changes ahead as Shiv's career progresses.

Shiv Kumar's home
2

Vijay and Ravi begin crooked schemes in Mumbai

Vijay and Ravi are clever but opt for con jobs in Mumbai. They lure a corrupt hotel manager by fabricating a tale of Vijay stealing diamonds worth ₹2.5 lakhs, with Ravi acting as a bribe-taking observer. The plan collapses when the police intervene and arrest Vijay and Ravi.

Mumbai
3

Renu, Chacha, and the car loan ruse

After their release, the brothers pursue Renu, who owes money to Chacha. She offers her Porsche as collateral for a loan, and Vijay and Ravi buy the car for ₹30,000, only to discover it is stolen. The deception ends with Vijay and Ravi being arrested again.

Mumbai
4

Abdul helps track the duo and plans to team up

A legless beggar named Abdul helps track down Renu and Chacha. They recover ₹25,000 but have spent ₹5,000, and realize Renu's gang offers a skilled ally, prompting Vijay and Ravi to propose joining forces with them.

Mumbai
5

Diamond necklace heist plan and Sunita's theft

The gang targets Maharani's diamond necklace at a hotel party, but Sunita, a glamorous thief, steals the necklace before them. Vijay manages to pocket the necklace and escape by hiding it in his walking stick, and he falls in love with Sunita, inviting her to join the gang.

Hotel party
6

Sunita joins the gang

Vijay's romance with Sunita grows as she agrees to join the gang, expanding the crew's manpower and daring. The team now consists of Sunita, Renu, Chacha, and the brothers. Their plans become more ambitious with Sunita's expertise.

Mumbai
7

Godmen con backfires and Shiv arrests his brothers

The group stages a water-walking godmen scam with Sunita, Renu, Chacha, and the two brothers, trying to fool the public. Shiv, who is investigating, spots their posters and arrests his own brothers. Later, he releases the reforming Vijay and Ravi from prison, hoping they reform.

Mumbai
8

Shiv uncovers Shakaal and the island lair

Shiv's investigations lead to a reveal of Shakaal, a sadistic international crime lord operating from a remote island. The island is equipped with cameras, hunting dogs, and a crocodile pit, illustrating Shakaal's grotesque control over his empire. Shakaal kills the informant Ranjeet when he learns of his betrayal.

Shakaal's island
9

Shiv is kidnapped and killed during the pursuit

Shiv is kidnapped by Shakaal's henchmen and taken to the island. Shakaal tries to recruit him, but Shiv resists, leading to a chase across the island. In a final act, Shakaal fatally shoots Shiv from a helicopter on the beach, and the body is dumped back in Mumbai.

Shakaal's island
10

Rakesh reveals his tragic backstory and joins the plan

Vijay and Ravi, grieving Shiv's death, are approached by Rakesh, a marksman and former circus performer. Rakesh confesses that Shakaal kidnapped his wife Roma and forced him to kill Shiv, and that Roma died in a fiery car crash due to failed brakes arranged by Shakaal. The trio resolves to join forces with Rakesh to destroy Shakaal's empire and avenge Shiv's death.

Mumbai
11

Abdul is killed amid warehouse strikeback

The trio and Abdul pursue Shakaal's contraband network and blow up a warehouse near Mumbai. Shakaal retaliates by targeting Sheetal and Guddi, prompting Rakesh to rescue them with the help of horses on a farmhouse. Abdul is pursued by henchmen and dies after being thrown off a bridge, tightening the group's resolve.

Mumbai / outskirts
12

The island infiltration and Jagmohan's betrayal

Jagmohan, a henchman beaten by Shakaal, offers his help to the trio to gain entry to the island. Posing as a dance troupe, they, along with Sunita, Renu, and Chacha, infiltrate Shakaal's island only to be captured. Chacha creates a commotion that allows them to escape, and they kill Jagmohan and the remaining henchmen.

Shakaal's island
13

Final showdown with Shakaal and escape

The trio, with their girlfriends and Chacha, fights through booby traps and finally confront Shakaal. Sheetal intervenes to deter killing on moral grounds, and Shakaal retaliates with a gun, forcing the trio to shoot him in self-defense. The island begins to self-destruct, but they escape on a helicopter to safety, marking the end of Shakaal's empire.

Shakaal's island

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:58

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Unlock the Full Story of Shaan

Don't stop at just watching — explore Shaan in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Shaan is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Shaan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shaan, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Shaan Summary

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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Shaan. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shaan

Shaan Spoiler-Free Summary

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