Tezaab

Tezaab

Year: 1988

Runtime: 174 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: N. Chandra

Drama

Mahesh Deshmukh enlists in the Indian armed forces to serve his country. While in college he meets fellow student Mohini; a wager among friends leads both to fall in love. Mohini’s alcoholic father forces her into dancing and prostitution, prompting her to seek refuge with Mahesh. Events lead to Mahesh’s arrest and exile from Bombay. When he returns, he is no longer the patriotic officer but the hardened gangster Munna, intent on settling old scores.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Tezaab (1988)

Trace every key event in Tezaab (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

Nashik bank robbery and family tragedy

A few years before the main events, a bank robbery in Nashik leads to the brutal deaths of Mahesh Deshmukh's parents and several bank employees. The incident establishes the personal vendetta that threads through the story. Inspector Singh later uses this memory to identify Munna when he reappears in the jurisdiction.

years ago Nashik
2

Inspector identifies Munna as Mahesh Deshmukh

While Munna is about to reach Singh's jurisdiction, the inspector checks his record and recognizes the name and backstory. This confirmation rekindles the connection between the detective and the man known as Munna. It sets up the conditional mission that follows.

present Singh's jurisdiction, India
3

Munna's past in Bombay revealed

Munna explains that he and his sister moved to Bombay, where they met Mohini, a poor dancer who supported her father, Shyamlal. He reveals Shyamlal's violence, including an acid attack on his wife that led to suicide, and the underworld debt to Lotiya Pathan. This backstory explains Munna's motives and loyalties.

present Bombay
4

Underworld debt and the Mohini dilemma

Shyamlal owes a huge loan to gangster Lotiya Pathan, and the repayment requires Mohini to dance. Chote Khan, Lotiya's brother and involved in Mahesh's parents' death, is part of this criminal arrangement. The plan ties Mohini's fate to the underworld.

in Shyamlal's youth (Bombay) Lotiya Pathan's underworld network
5

College romance between Mahesh and Mohini

While studying in college, Mahesh and Mohini fall in love, despite the danger shadowing their families. He joins a group of friends, signaling a shift from his past toward a hopeful future. Their romance becomes a driving force for Munna's actions later.

college years Bombay college
6

Chote Khan's attempted rape and Mahesh's self-defense

After Mahesh is released on bail, Chote Khan attempts to rape Jyoti. Mahesh kills him in self-defense and is subsequently imprisoned for a year. Upon completing his sentence, he changes his name to Munna.

after release on bail court/prison
7

Name change to Munna

Upon finishing his sentence, Mahesh adopts the name Munna as he starts a new life away from his old identity. The name change marks a fresh start but hints that his past will still drive his actions.

after release Bombay
8

Munna given conditional mission by Inspector

Inspector Singh allows Munna to complete his mission only under strict conditions, recognizing the complex history he carries. The backstory justifies the cautious trust; Munna agrees to the terms and begins the conditional mission.

present Singh's office
9

Lotiya kidnaps Mohini

Hearing of Munna's return, the gangster Lotiya Pathan abducts Mohini to tighten his grip. Shyamlal pleads for Mohini's rescue and Munna undertakes the mission to save her. The kidnapping escalates the conflict and tests Munna's resolve.

present Lotiya's territory, Bombay
10

Mohini rescued; Munna's painful decision

Munna rescues Mohini from Lotiya's clutches, but she is heartbroken as he asks her to return to her father. He then surrenders to Inspector Singh to face the consequences of his past actions. This marks a turning point toward legal resolution.

present Bombay
11

Surrender and trial; Munna jailed

Munna is tried in court and sentenced to prison, as the legal process unfolds. The events test his commitment to the law and to Mohini. The system begins its formal reckoning with his vigilante past.

present courtroom/prison
12

Retrial leads to acquittal; Goa plan

After a retrial, Munna is acquitted, freeing him to plan a new life in Goa. Jyoti urges him not to abandon Mohini and to build a future with her. The acquittal clears the way for a fresh start.

after retrial Goa; courtroom
13

Munna informs Mohini of his whereabouts

Munna sends his friends Guldasta and Baban to inform Mohini of his whereabouts. The message prompts Mohini to consider her next move, while Shyamlal overhears the plan. The lovers remain connected across distances.

after acquittal unspecified location
14

Shyamlal vs. Mohini plan; conflict erupts

Shyamlal overhears Mohini's escape plan and becomes enraged. In the ensuing clash, Guldasta and Shyamlal are killed, Mohini escapes, and she reunites with Munna. The family-and-crime feud escalates to its climactic moment.

present city
15

Final confrontation with Lotiya; Inspector's intervention

During the final confrontation, Baban sacrifices himself to shield Munna from Lotiya's attack. Inspector Singh arrives, halts Munna from taking vigilante justice, and shoots Lotiya to end the feud. Baban survives this moment and the lovers are left to reunite.

present Bombay

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:33

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