Ghatak(1996)
Ghatak (subtitled Lethal) is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language action drama film written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The cast includes Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Seshadri, Danny Denzongpa, and Amrish Puri. The story follows Kashi Nath, a wrestler from Banaras who moves to Mumbai with his ailing father. He confronts the tyrannical gangster Katya, who terrorizes the local community. The film is noted for its intense action sequences and emotional father-son bond. It was a commercial blockbuster, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of 1996. It won three Filmfare Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Amrish Puri. The film was re-released in theatres in March 2025.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1996
- Director
- Rajkumar Santoshi
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 32m
- Rating
- 6.2/10
Storyline
Kashi Nath, a kind wrestler, brings his dying father to Mumbai for treatment. He finds love with Gauri but also finds a city ruled by fear. The gangster Katya and his six brothers control the locality. When Katya humiliates Kashi's father, Kashi must choose between peace and revenge. He chooses to fight.
“When rage becomes justice.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Ghatak
Cast reunions in this film: Meenakshi Seshadri & Meenakshi Sheshadri (23 films together), Amrish Puri & Om Puri (12 films together), Amrish Puri & Sunny Deol (11 films together), Tinnu Anand & Danny Denzongpa (7 films together), Danny Denzongpa & Amrish Puri (7 films together), and Tinnu Anand & Om Puri (6 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Ghatak' means 'lethal' or 'deadly' in Hindi, reflecting its intense action.
- Actor Danny Denzongpa, who played the villain Katya, was director Rajkumar Santoshi's first and only choice for the role.
- A major action sequence required a real truck to be set on fire and driven, which was considered risky for the stunt team.
- The film's climax was partly shot in the cold, high-altitude region of Ladakh, adding to the shoot's difficulty.
- Composer R.D. Burman passed away during the film's production, so the remaining music was completed by his assistant, Shantanu Moitra.
- Despite its gritty tone, the film underperformed at the box office upon its initial release.
- The character Kashi, played by Sunny Deol, was named after the holy city Varanasi, symbolizing righteousness.