Year: 1998
Runtime: 125 mins
Language: Hindi
Director: Mahesh Bhatt
Amidst religious riots, a son deals with his mother’s life-threatening injuries, and her last request.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Zakhm 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Zakhm (1998), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Music director Ajay Devgn argues with his wife, Sonali Bendre. Sonia wants to give birth to their child in England, while Ajay insists the birth should happen in India, citing the insecurity stirred by the Mumbai riots.
Ajay soon learns that his mother, Pooja Bhatt, has been badly burned by a mob of rioters while leaving a temple and is in a critical condition. A flashback then unfolds, revealing the private struggles she endured to raise her children. She was in love with Hindu film producer turned director Raman Desai, but their marriage was not allowed to be formalized due to her Muslim faith. Although Raman Desai eventually married her, the union was not documented or publicly acknowledged, and she lived her life as a Hindu, even in front of her son.
After his father’s sudden death in an accident on the day Ajay’s younger brother is born, Ajay realizes that his mother was Muslim. She makes him promise to bury her according to Islamic customs when she dies, believing that only through a proper burial can she find herself reunited with Raman in heaven. She also asks Ajay to keep her true identity a secret from his brother.
Sonia learns about her mother-in-law’s past and decides not to leave Ajay. She stands by him and supports his decision to bury his mother, even as religious tensions rise. Yet Ajay’s task is complicated by a fundamentalist leader, Ashutosh Rana as Subodh bhai, who seeks to weaponize the issue and incite Hindu youth to kill Muslims.
Anand, a youth leader and Ajay’s younger brother, learns of Subodh bhai’s intentions and backs his brother’s plan to bury their mother according to Islamic customs. In accordance with her wishes, her body is laid to rest as she desired, and she reunites with Raman in heaven. In a final, poignant moment, Ajay releases his mother’s Mangalsutra into the sea, signaling the end of a life marked by struggle and a hopeful union with her husband beyond this world.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:22
Don't stop at just watching — explore Zakhm 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 Zakhm is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Zakhm with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Zakhm. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Zakhm 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.
Zakhm (1998) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Zakhm (1998) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Zakhm (1998) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Zakhm – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Haider (2014) Ending Explained & Film Insights
My Zoe (2021) Detailed Story Recap
Little Zizou (2008) Full Summary & Key Details
Zakhmi (2020) Story Summary & Characters
Zubeidaa (2001) Full Movie Breakdown
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Khwahish (2003) Full Summary & Key Details
Dhokha (2007) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) Full Summary & Key Details
Naseem (1995) Movie Recap & Themes
Zabih (1975) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Zor (1998) Complete Plot Breakdown
Aakhri Khat (1966) Full Summary & Key Details
Shehzada (2023) Full Movie Breakdown
Zakhmi Dil (1994) Movie Recap & Themes