Tarka (1989) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Akshay escapes from jail and hides in Sudha's house

   Akshay bolts from the jail as sirens wail and is chased through the streets. He ducks into Sudha's house and hides in a closet when Inspector Cowry arrives at the door. While concealed, he discovers the corpse of Sudha's husband Kumar dumped inside the house.

   When

   Present day

   Where

   Sudha's house

2. 2

   Inspector Cowry informs Sudha of Kumar's supposed death in a plane crash

   The officer breaks the news that Kumar's flight to Calcutta crashed, killing all on board. Sudha is stunned and shaken as the reality sinks in. The information sets the stage for the events that follow.

   When

   Present day

   Where

   Sudha's house

3. 3

   Sudha confesses to Akshay and they plan to dispose of the body

   Sudha admits to Akshay that she killed her husband. The two of them hatch a plan to hide the crime by disposing of Kumar's body in an abandoned well on her estate. The arrangement marks a turning point in their uneasy alliance.

   When

   Present day

   Where

   Abandoned well on Sudha's estate

4. 4

   Kumar's schizophrenia and infidelity paranoia revealed (flashback)

   In a series of broken flashbacks, Kumar is shown as paranoid and suspicious of Sudha's fidelity. His condition drives him to push Sudha away and plan ways to catch her with other men. The seeds of violence grow from his unstable delusions.

   When

   Past

   Where

   Past

5. 5

   Kumar's fake trip to Calcutta and confrontation at home

   Kumar fakes a trip to Calcutta and returns to confront Sudha about the alleged infidelity. He attacks Sudha, and in the ensuing chaos dies; Sudha comes to believe that Shashidhar killed him. The incident fuels a long shadow over the household.

   When

   Past

   Where

   Kumar's house

6. 6

   Shashidhar is hit by a police vehicle and hospitalized

   Shashidhar, who had gone to report the matter, is struck by a police vehicle and ends up in a hospital. The accident compounds the tangled web of accusations and fear surrounding Sudha and Kumar's death.

   When

   Past

   Where

   Hospital

7. 7

   Akshay disguises as Harish and consoles the mourners

   In the present, Akshay, adopting the disguise of Harish, moves among the mourners and offers support to Sudha. The ruse helps him stay close and manipulate events without revealing his true role. His presence keeps the tension simmering as police close in.

   When

   Present day

   Where

   Sudha's estate / mourning gathering

8. 8

   Ransom calls and a blackmailer demands ₹2 lakhs

   Sudha begins receiving threatening calls demanding a ransom linked to the murder. The blackmailer directs her to meet at a spot with the demanded amount, adding pressure as investigators close in. The tension escalates as the plot thickens.

   When

   Present day

   Where

   Sudha's residence

9. 9

   Inspector Cowry is revealed as the blackmailer and is arrested

   The pursuit leads to the capture of the blackmailer, who is revealed to be Inspector Cowry. He admits that he saw Sudha and Akshay disposing of the corpse and uses the information to wring a confession. His arrest unravels a key thread in the case.

   When

   Present day

   Where

   Police scene / crime scene

10. 10

    The police identify Akshay as the murderer; he confesses

    Using the gathered evidence, the investigators name Akshay as Kumar's killer. During questioning, Akshay finally confesses to the crime and details the motivation behind Smitha's murder. The confession ties together the past and present events.

    When

    Present day

    Where

    Police station

11. 11

    Akshay recounts Smitha's murder and Kumar's role

    Akshay narrates the tragedy surrounding his girlfriend Smitha, who was murdered by Kumar after she humiliated him. He explains how Kumar's irrational behavior set off a chain of events that culminated in Akshay's actions. The retelling reinforces the motive behind the confession.

    When

    Present day

    Where

    Interrogation room

12. 12

    A few days later: Akshay escapes prison and goes to Kumar's house

    A few days pass before Akshay escapes from prison and heads straight to Kumar's house. He seeks out Kumar and murders him to exact revenge for Smitha's death. The plan unfolds with brutal efficiency as the opportunity presents itself.

    When

    A few days later

    Where

    Kumar's house

13. 13

    Akshay kills Kumar and is arrested with Sudha

    In the ensuing confrontation, Akshay slits Kumar's throat, completing his revenge unseen by Sudha. Moments later, police arrive and arrest both Akshay and Sudha as they are escorted toward a jail vehicle. The case seems to close, but the drama is far from over.

    When

    Moments after the murder

    Where

    Kumar's house / police vehicle

14. 14

    Akshay fights officers and escapes again

    During transport, Akshay tackles the cops and manages another escape from custody. Sudha remains involved in the chaotic developments as authorities chase the pair. The film ends on a note of ongoing pursuit and unresolved tension.

    When

    Present day

    Where

    On the way to jail