Dayavan(1988)
Dayavan is a 1988 Indian Hindi-language action crime film directed by Feroz Khan. The film stars Vinod Khanna as Shakti Velu, with Feroz Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Aditya Pancholi in supporting roles. It is a remake of the 1987 Tamil film Nayakan. The story follows a young boy who witnesses his father's murder by a corrupt police officer and grows up to become a benevolent gangster in Bombay. He earns the title Dayavan, meaning the compassionate one, for his kindness to the poor. The film is noted for its bold romantic scenes between Vinod Khanna and Madhuri Dixit. Vinod Khanna's performance is widely regarded as one of his best. The film was released on 21 October 1988.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YuppTV, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 19 October 1988
- Director
- Feroz Khan
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 55m
- Rating
- 5.3/10
Storyline
After watching his father get killed by a corrupt cop, young Shakti Velu runs away to Bombay. He grows up in the slums and becomes a powerful don. He is called Dayavan because he helps the poor. But his kindness to a betrayer destroys his family. Now he must face the cost of his own compassion.
“A don with a heart of gold.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dayavan
Cast reunions in this film: Anupam Kher & Amrish Puri (17 films together), Amala & Amala Akkineni (17 films together), Anupam Kher & Madhuri Dixit (16 films together), Amrish Puri & Aruna Irani (16 films together), Anupam Kher & Alok Nath (15 films together), and Anupam Kher & Aruna Irani (13 films together).
Trivia
- The film is a remake of the Tamil movie 'Nayakan' starring Kamal Haasan, which itself was inspired by the Hollywood classic 'The Godfather'.
- Feroz Khan not only directed and starred in the film, but also produced it under his own banner, F.K. International.
- The movie's soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, features the hit song 'Tere Bina' sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Aziz.
- Despite its star power, the film was a commercial failure at the box office when it was released.
- Madhuri Dixit, who plays the female lead, was still early in her career and this role was a departure from her usual girl-next-door image.
- The film's title 'Dayavan' means 'the compassionate one' in Hindi, highlighting the protagonist's complex character as a benevolent gangster.
- Some scenes were shot in real locations in Mumbai's slums to add authenticity to the gritty setting of the story.