Maachis(1996)
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.
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
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
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.
