Waqt

Waqt

Year: 1965

Runtime: 178 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Yash Chopra

CrimeRomanceDrama

After an earthquake shatters the life of a wealthy businessman, his family is scattered. Years later they confront each other in a courtroom, where the father and his sons find themselves on opposite sides—one as the accused, another as the defense lawyer, and the third as a key witness—forcing them to relive past wounds, seeking truth.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Waqt 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 – Waqt (1965)

Trace every key event in Waqt (1965) 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

Astrology warning before the tragedy

An eminent astrologer visits Lala Kedarnath and warns him not to boast of past success or blindly chase an uncertain future. He cautions that time is unpredictable and fate can turn in an instant. Lala ignores the warning as preparations for a grand, wealthier future unfold, and the family smiles at the promise of prosperity.

Night of the birthday Lala Kedarnath's home
2

Earthquake erupts and the family scatters

That night, a sudden earthquake rocks the town, leveling Lala Kedarnath's house and destroying the family's sense of safety. In the chaos, the three brothers are separated: Raju ends up in an orphanage, Ravi is found by a wealthy couple, and baby Vijay remains with his mother Laxmi in poverty. The disaster marks the moment the family's old world collapses forever.

Night of the birthday Town center / Kedarnath residence aftermath
3

Raju's escape from the orphanage

Lala Kedarnath traces Raju to the orphanage but discovers he has already run away after being beaten by the manager. The harsh treatment in the institution underscores the family's collapse and the harsh reality faced by the children left behind. The quest to reunite the family becomes more desperate with every passing day.

Shortly after earthquake Orphanage
4

Lala Kedarnath's crime and imprisonment

In a moment of rage and frustration, Lala Kedarnath kills the orphanage manager to prevent further abuse. The act leads to his arrest and imprisonment, cutting him off from his remaining family. The audience sees young Raju growing into Raja during this period.

That night Police custody / jail
5

Raju becomes Raja, a thief

Years later, Raju has grown into Raja, a sophisticated thief who operates in the underworld under Chinnoy Seth. His life on the streets shapes his cleverness and charm, and he meets Meena, with whom he falls in love. The once-separated brothers begin to have parallel lives in a way that will soon collide.

Years later City streets / underworld
6

Raja plans to quit crime for Meena

Raja falls in love with Meena and resolves to give up his criminal ways for a chance at a normal life with her. He sees the possibility of an honest future, but must contend with his past and the danger of his association with Chinnoy Seth. The relationship introduces a wedge between him and Ravi's circle as secrets begin to surface.

Before Ravi-Meena engagement City / Meena's circle
7

The eve of the engagement: Ravi, Meena, and the family

On the night before Ravi and Meena's engagement, Raja contemplates killing Ravi when he discovers their relationship would complicate his own chances with Meena. In a twist, he learns that Ravi is actually his long-lost brother, changing the stakes and forcing him to rethink his plan.

Eve of engagement Meena's circle / Chinnoy Seth's party
8

Meena's parents break off the engagement

Meena's parents discover Ravi's unknown parentage and religion and decide to break off the engagement, fearing the complications of an unknown lineage. The news devastates Ravi and deepens the family tensions. This decision pushes Ravi away from the Meena circle and toward his own future.

After party Meena's home
9

Ravi leaves home

After a heated argument with his foster sister Renu about her relationship with Vijay, Ravi leaves home to seek his own path. The rift widens the family fractures and adds urgency to the search for belonging. Laxmi's health and the siblings' loyalties are tested by distance.

After party Ravi's home
10

Laxmi's illness and Vijay's struggle

Laxmi is diagnosed with stomach cancer, and Vijay takes up the role of a driver to pay for the medical expenses and his mother's treatment. The sacrifice tests his ambitions and the thin resources left to the family. The illness intensifies the drive to reunite the family and reveal hidden truths.

During Ravi's separation Laxmi's home / hospital
11

Balbir's murder and the cover-up

At a party organized by Chinnoy Seth, Balbir Singh drunkenly misbehaves with Meena. In the ensuing chaos, Chinnoy stabs Balbir in self-defense and tries to cover up the crime by framing Raja and hiding Balbir's body in Raja's closet. The act sets off a dangerous chain of events for the underworld families.

Same night Chinnoy Seth's party / Raja's home
12

Courtroom confrontation and testimony

Raja is arrested and asks Ravi to defend him as an advocate, while Vijay initially testifies falsely and then recants after being confronted. Lala Kedarnath also appears in court as a witness who found Raja. The courtroom becomes a battleground for family loyalties and hidden truths.

Trial Courtroom
13

Chinnoy Seth's conviction and the reunion begins

Chinnoy Seth is convicted after he blurts out the truth in court, thanks to Ravi's defense. Laxmi arrives in court to ensure Vijay did the right thing, leading to an emotional moment that brings the family closer. The ties binding the Kedarnath family begin to repair.

Judicial verdict Court
14

The final reveal and family reunion

Raja overhears Lala Kedarnath recounting his orphanage ordeal, and he is finally introduced to Ravi as Lala Kedarnath and Laxmi's son. The two brothers meet and the entire family is reunited in the courtroom. The emotional moment marks the restoration of kinship and forgiveness.

End of trial / reunion Courtroom / Kedarnath home
15

A new home and shared future

In the closing scene, Lala Kedarnath and the rest of the family build a new home where Meena's family and Renu's family join them, symbolizing a collective second chance. The extended clan pledges to live together in harmony and to support one another. The film closes on a note of hopeful unity and renewal.

Ending New family home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:17

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Waqt

Don't stop at just watching — explore Waqt 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 Waqt is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Waqt Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Waqt, 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.

Waqt Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Waqt

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Waqt

More About Waqt

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Waqt: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Waqt

Similar Movies to Waqt

Discover movies like Waqt that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.