The Stoneman Murders

The Stoneman Murders

Year: 2009

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Manish Gupta

CrimeThrillers and murder mysteriesSuspenseful crime thrillersIntriguing and suspenseful murder mysteriesNoir and dark crime dramas

In 1980s Bombay, a serial killer starts targeting homeless street dwellers, whilst a suspended police officer attempts to solve the case.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Stoneman Murders (2009)

Trace every key event in The Stoneman Murders (2009) 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

Stoneman's fifth victim and official apathy

The Stoneman claims his fifth victim while the Bombay police show little interest in the case. The authorities seem content to let the pattern go unchecked. Suspended sub-inspector Sanjay Shelar sees an opportunity to prove himself by taking the case into his own hands.

early 1980s Bombay
2

Sanjay seeks support and allies

Sanjay secures secret backing from his patronizing superior AIG Satam to pursue the killer without formal legal help. He turns to Kamble, a trusted aide constable, and asks him to join the private inquiry. Kamble's personal life is unsettled as his wife has run away.

early 1980s Bombay Police Department
3

Official clash between Sanjay and Inspector Kedar Phadke

Inspector Kedar Phadke, the official investigator, clashes constantly with Sanjay. They pursue the case from opposite angles and often work at cross-purposes. The city becomes a battleground of competing theories and egos.

early 1980s Bombay
4

Ghanshu’s tip and the killer’s pattern grows

Ghanshu, Sanjay's informer, tells him about Mohammed, a midnight cab driver suspected of being the Stoneman. Ghanshu is eventually murdered on the footpath by the killer. The ominous pattern of killings on the streets begins to emerge.

Night (early 1980s) Bombay streets
5

Stoneman targets the sleeping on the streets

The Stoneman stalks people sleeping on the roads, including beggars, workers, and sweepers. He kills them with ritual-like brutality. On a close call, the killer tries to strike a beggar but is stopped by Kedar and a patrolling unit.

Night (early 1980s) City streets
6

Kedar suspects Sanjay; vermilion evidence

Kedar sees Sanjay and starts to suspect him of involvement. The Stoneman visits Sanjay’s private investigation room, leaving vermilion smeared around the space. He also learns that Mohammed has fled the city.

During investigation Sanjay’s private room, Bombay
7

Sanjay warns his wife and plans to shield her

Sanjay contemplates possible danger to his wife, Manali, and urges her to leave for her village. He tries to shield her from the danger as the case tightens around him. The worry strains their relationship but underscores his personal stake.

Evening before confrontation Home, Bombay
8

Railway station confrontation and the shooting

At a railway station, the Stoneman again tries to kill a roadside man. Before he can capture him, Kedar and his team arrive and shoot Sanjay in the thigh, mistaking him for the killer. Sanjay escapes and is tended to by his wife Manali.

Night of confrontation Bombay railway station
9

Sanjay goes into hiding and investigators deduce a tantric killer

Sanjay goes into hiding and intensively researches the case. He concludes the killer may be a policeman from the Kusumi Tribe who uses tantric rites requiring human sacrifices. He passes his findings and evidence to AIG Satam via Kamble.

After escape Bombay
10

Mohammed as decoy; Kamble revealed as Stoneman

Sanjay learns Mohammed was a decoy deployed by Kedar to roam the streets. Kamble, his ally, is revealed to be the Stoneman. The revelation reframes the entire investigation as Sanjay braces for a lethal confrontation.

Climax Bombay
11

Hospital trap and Kamble’s capture

The police trap Kamble in a hospital, where he attempts to kill Sanjay but is nabbed. Satam and Phadke decide to hush up the case to avoid scandal. Kamble is shot and buried in the jungle by Sanjay on Satam’s orders, ending his police life.

Finale Hospital; Jungle
12

Rituals continue; killings reach Calcutta

A tantric in Kamble’s village performs a ritual, calling for nine human sacrifices and planning more killings in Calcutta. The narrative ends showing murders in Bombay in 1983 and Calcutta in 1987, suggesting a wider network of fear and ritual violence.

1983 and 1987 Kamble’s village; Calcutta; Bombay

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:05

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Stoneman Murders

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