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Maachis(1996)

4.7/10
Hindi175 minstheatrical

Maachis is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language period political thriller film written and directed by Gulzar. The cast includes Chandrachur Singh, Tabu, Om Puri, and Jimmy Sheirgill. Set against the Sikh insurgency in 1980s Punjab, the story follows Kripal Singh, a village man who joins a militant group after police torture his friend. The film explores themes of state repression, vengeance, and youth radicalization. It won National Film Awards for Best Popular Film and Best Actress for Tabu. The soundtrack by Vishal Bhardwaj features the debut playback of singer KK. Released on 25 October 1996, the film was a commercial success, grossing ₹6.19 crore against a ₹2 crore budget.

Director:Gulzar
Filmed In:Punjab, India
Mood:
darkemotionalsuspenseful
Where to watch:

Quick Facts

Streaming on
Prime Video, Eros Now, Ultra Play, Hungama
Theatrical Release
1 January 1996
Director
Gulzar
Language
Hindi
Runtime
2h 55m
Rating
4.7/10

Storyline

Kripal Singh's friend Jaswant is brutally tortured by police for a harmless prank. When legal channels fail, Kripal seeks revenge by joining a militant group. He trains for a year and kills the police officer. But his actions set off a chain of violence that destroys his family and his fiancée Veeran.

When justice fails, revenge ignites.

Film Details

4.7Rating
175Minutes
HindiLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date1 January 1996
Release Typetheatrical
Original Titleमाचिस
Filmed InPunjab, India

Parental Guide

Violence
High
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
High

Where to Watch

Vibe & Tags

Mood
darkemotionalsuspenseful
Themes
revengesurvivalcorruptionjustice
Tonegritty
Pacingslow-burn
Complexityrequires-attention
Audiencearthouse
Best Withalone
Violence4
Emotion5
Humor1
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Maachis

Cast reunions in this film: Om Puri & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (11 films together), Tabu & Vishal Bharadwaj (7 films together), Tabu & Om Puri (4 films together), Om Puri & Raj Zutshi (4 films together), Tabu & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (3 films together), and Tabu & Jimmy Shergill (2 films together).

Trivia

  • The film's title 'Maachis' means 'matchsticks' in Hindi, symbolising how small sparks can ignite big fires.
  • Gulzar wrote the script after meeting many young people affected by the Punjab insurgency in the 1980s.
  • This was actor Chandrachur Singh's debut film, and he was chosen after many auditions.
  • The song 'Chhod Aaye Hum' is based on a real poem by Gorakh Pandey, a noted Hindi poet.
  • Cinematographer Manmohan Singh used natural light and real locations to create a gritty, authentic look.
  • The film's release was delayed due to censorship concerns over its sensitive political themes.
  • Tabu won her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in this movie.

Frequently Asked Questions