Ghayal(1990)
Ghayal (1990) is a Hindi-language vigilante action film written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi in his directorial debut. The film stars Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Seshadri, Amrish Puri, and Om Puri. The story follows Ajay Mehra, a boxer whose brother is murdered by a powerful industrialist. Framed for the crime and betrayed by the legal system, Ajay escapes prison and seeks personal revenge. The film is noted for its intense action sequences, emotional depth, and strong performances. It won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and seven Filmfare Awards. Ghayal was a major box office success, grossing ₹20 crore and becoming the second highest-grossing film of 1990. It was released on 22 June 1990.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Zee5, Netflix, YouTube, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1990
- Director
- Rajkumar Santoshi
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 43m
- Rating
- 6.3/10
Storyline
Ajay Mehra is a young boxer with a happy family. When his brother is murdered by a rich and ruthless industrialist, Ajay is framed for the crime. Betrayed by the law, he escapes prison and becomes a vigilante. He will stop at nothing to bring the real killer to justice.
“When the law fails, the wounded rise”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Ghayal
Cast reunions in this film: Meenakshi Seshadri & Meenakshi Sheshadri (23 films together), Amrish Puri & Dharmendra (13 films together), Amrish Puri & Om Puri (12 films together), Dharmendra & Raj Babbar (12 films together), Amrish Puri & Sunny Deol (11 films together), and Om Puri & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (11 films together).
Trivia
- This was Rajkumar Santoshi's first film as a director, after working as an assistant to Govind Nihalani.
- The film's title 'Ghayal' means 'wounded', reflecting the main character's emotional and physical state.
- Sunny Deol performed most of his own stunts, including the famous scene where he breaks a wall with his bare hands.
- The character Balwant Rai was partly inspired by the ruthless landlords often seen in 1970s Hindi cinema.
- Composer Bappi Lahiri, known for disco music, created the film's dramatic and intense background score.
- The film was a major box office hit and won several Filmfare Awards, including Best Actor for Sunny Deol.
- A scene where a prisoner is hanged was edited in some versions to meet censorship guidelines.