Shastra(1996)
Shastra is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language action film directed by Sanjay Khanna. The film stars Suniel Shetty, Anjali Jathar, Anupam Kher, and Danny Denzongpa. The story follows Vijay Khanna, a young man who spends years waiting for his parents' killer to be released from prison. When he confronts the killer, Babu, he learns that Babu was framed and the real culprit is a powerful businessman named Rana. Vijay and Babu form an unlikely alliance to bring Rana to justice. The film was a box office flop and received low ratings from critics and audiences. It was released on October 4, 1996, and is available on some digital platforms.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1996
- Director
- Sanjay Khanna
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 24m
- Rating
- 3.4/10
Storyline
Vijay Khanna has waited his whole life for revenge. The man who killed his parents is finally out of prison. But when Vijay confronts him, he learns a shocking truth: the killer was framed. Now Vijay must team up with his sworn enemy to hunt down the real mastermind. Trust is dangerous, and the truth may cost him everything.
“Revenge is a weapon that cuts both ways.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Shastra
Cast reunions in this film: Anupam Kher & Sunil Shetty (11 films together), Anupam Kher & Dinesh Hingoo (8 films together), Anupam Kher & Danny Denzongpa (7 films together), Anupam Kher & Mukesh Rishi (5 films together), Sunil Shetty & Mohan Joshi (5 films together), and Sunil Shetty & Danny Denzongpa (4 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Shastra' means weapon in Hindi, but the movie is more about emotional revenge than physical violence.
- This was one of the few 90s action films where the hero's main goal is to prove someone *else's* innocence, not just his own.
- Actor Mukesh Khanna, famous for TV's 'Shaktimaan', played a supporting role, which was rare for him in films at the time.
- The director, Sanjay Khanna, had primarily worked as an assistant director before this, which was his directorial debut.
- The movie's soundtrack, composed by Anand-Milind, did not produce any major hit songs, which was unusual for a 90s masala film.
- Despite its revenge plot, the film incorporated significant comedy tracks, a common formula for Bollywood action films of that era.
- The film's release coincided with a crowded period of bigger-budget action movies, which affected its box office performance.