Dacait(1987)
Dacait is a 1987 Indian Hindi-language action drama film directed and produced by Rahul Rawail. It stars Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Sheshadri, Raakhee Gulzar, Suresh Oberoi, Raza Murad, and Paresh Rawal. The story is set in the Chambal valley of Madhya Pradesh. It follows Arjun Yadav, an educated young man who returns to his village only to witness his family's brutal destruction at the hands of a cruel landlord and a corrupt police officer. Forced to become a dacoit, Arjun wages a personal war against the oppressors. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of the dacoit culture and the systemic injustice that breeds rebellion. It features a memorable soundtrack composed by R.D. Burman. Despite critical acclaim for its performances and direction, Dacait was a box office disappointment upon its initial release. It was released in India on April 10, 1987.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 10 April 1987
- Director
- Rahul Rawail
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 38m
- Rating
- 4.9/10
Storyline
Arjun Yadav returns to his village after his studies. He wants a peaceful life with his mother, brother, and sister. But the village is ruled by a cruel Thakur and a corrupt police officer. When they destroy his family, Arjun is forced to pick up a gun. He becomes a feared dacoit, a rebel fighting for justice. But his path of revenge leads him to a tragic end.
“A rebel is born from injustice.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dacait
Cast reunions in this film: Meenakshi Seshadri & Meenakshi Sheshadri (23 films together), A.K. Hangal & Rakhee Gulzar (8 films together), Sunny Deol & Rahul Rawail (7 films together), Suresh Oberoi & Rakhee Gulzar (7 films together), Meenakshi Seshadri & Sunny Deol (5 films together), and Sunny Deol & Meenakshi Sheshadri (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by the real-life story of a bandit named Phoolan Devi, who later became a politician.
- It was one of the few films where actor Sunny Deol played a character driven purely by revenge and tragedy.
- Director Rahul Rawail chose to shoot in the ravines of central India to capture authentic landscapes.
- The movie's title 'Dacait' is a Hindi word for 'bandit' or 'outlaw', reflecting the protagonist's transformation.
- Despite its intense action, the film included social commentary on caste and village power dynamics.
- Sunny Deol performed many of his own stunts, including the scenes where he is tied to a tree and beaten.
- The soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, featured a mix of folk songs and dramatic background scores.