Khudgarz Full Story Explained (1987)
Imagine your best friend suddenly becomes your worst enemy. That is the heart of Khudgarz, a 1987 Hindi action drama directed by Rakesh Roshan. The film stars Jeetendra as Amar Saxena and Shatrughan Sinha as Bihari Sinha. These two childhood friends are like brothers. But a land deal, a greedy worker, and a misunderstanding tear them apart. The movie is based on Jeffrey Archer's novel 'Kane and Abel'. It is a story of friendship, betrayal, revenge, and finally, love between their children. The film was a huge hit and saved Rakesh Roshan from bankruptcy. It has amazing music by Rajesh Roshan and powerful performances. You will laugh, cry, and cheer. This is a classic Bollywood drama that still touches hearts today.
Friends Become Enemies
Amar Saxena and Bihari Sinha are best friends since childhood. Amar is rich, Bihari is poor. But their bond is unbreakable. One day, a land deal goes wrong. A greedy worker named Sudhir lies to both of them. Bihari loses his ancestral home and hotel. He thinks Amar ordered its destruction. Bihari swears revenge. He promises to build a bigger hotel chain and destroy Amar. The friendship is shattered forever.
Full Plot
Khudgarz is the story of two friends from different worlds. Amar Saxena (Jeetendra) is the son of a rich hotelier, Brij Bhushan Saxena (Saeed Jaffrey). Bihari Sinha (Shatrughan Sinha) is a poor, illiterate man living on his ancestral land. Despite their different backgrounds, they are best friends since childhood. Their mothers brought them together. Amar falls in love with Jaya (Bhanupriya), a florist. Bihari marries Lata (Amrita Singh), a labourer. Both couples are happy.
Amar's father Brij Bhushan wants to build a 5-star hotel. The perfect land belongs to Bihari. Bihari has refused to sell it to anyone. But when Amar asks, Bihari agrees out of friendship. Brij Bhushan tricks Bihari. The agreement makes Amar and Brij Bhushan the sole owners. Bihari, being illiterate, puts his thumbprint without reading. He loses his ancestral property.
The hotel is built. On the opening day, guests complain about Bihari's small house and hotel on the same property. They call it an eyesore. Amar, influenced by the comments, offers Bihari a new house. Bihari feels insulted. He slaps Amar. Their friendship breaks. Sudhir (Kiran Kumar), a trusted but corrupt worker of Brij Bhushan, takes advantage. He demolishes Bihari's house and hotel with a bulldozer. He lies to Amar, saying Bihari ordered it. Amar believes him and apologizes to Bihari. But Bihari refuses to forgive. He swears revenge. He will build a chain of hotels and outshine Amar.
Bihari gets shelter from his lawyer friend Batliwala (Kader Khan). He takes a bank loan and builds his first hotel. Sudhir joins Bihari, pretending to be loyal. Bihari fixes his sister Lalita's (Sangeeta Naik) marriage with Sudhir. At the wedding, Sudhir creates a trap. He ensures Amar and Bihari do not meet. In the chaos, Amar's pregnant wife Jaya is injured. She dies after giving birth to their son Kumar. Amar is devastated. He blames Bihari.
Years pass. Bihari becomes very successful. His wife Lata gives birth to a daughter, Jyoti. Sudhir, using Bihari's illiteracy, gets blank papers signed. He becomes an equal partner in Bihari's business. Meanwhile, Kumar Saxena (Govinda) and Jyoti Sinha (Neelam Kothari) grow up. They meet and fall in love, unaware of their families' enmity.
Lata, Bihari's wife, decides to visit Amar's house to stop the children's relationship. There, she overhears a conversation. She learns that all the loans for Bihari's business were secretly backed by Amar. Amar never stopped loving his friend. Lata tells Bihari the truth. Bihari is shattered. He realizes Sudhir was the real villain. He goes to Amar, begs forgiveness, and they reconcile. Together, they confront Sudhir. They beat him but spare his life because he is married to Lalita. The families unite. Kumar and Jyoti get married. The film ends with the message that friendship is the greatest treasure.
Act Breakdown
Childhood Friends
We meet young Amar and Bihari. They become best friends despite their different backgrounds. Amar is rich, Bihari is poor. They grow up and fall in love. Amar marries Jaya, Bihari marries Lata. Their friendship is strong. Amar's father Brij Bhushan wants to build a hotel on Bihari's land. Bihari agrees to sell it for his friend. This sets the stage for conflict.
Friendship Breaks
The hotel is built. Guests complain about Bihari's house. Amar asks Bihari to move. Bihari feels insulted and slaps Amar. Sudhir demolishes Bihari's house and blames Amar. Bihari swears revenge. He will build a bigger hotel chain. The two friends become enemies. The first half ends with their friendship completely broken. The audience is left wondering if they will ever reconcile.
Revenge and Tragedy
Bihari builds his hotel empire with help from Amar's secret loans. Sudhir becomes Bihari's partner and marries his sister. At the wedding, Amar's wife Jaya dies after an accident. Amar blames Bihari. Years pass. Bihari's daughter Jyoti and Amar's son Kumar fall in love. Sudhir plans to kill Bihari. The tension builds. The children's love forces the families to face the past.
Truth and Reconciliation
Lata discovers the truth about Amar's help. She tells Bihari. Bihari is shocked and guilty. He goes to Amar and begs forgiveness. They reconcile. Together, they confront Sudhir. They beat him but spare his life. The families unite. Kumar and Jyoti get married. The film ends with a celebration of friendship and love. The message is that true friendship can overcome anything.
Characters
Amar Saxena
Played by Jeetendra
Amar is a wealthy, kind-hearted man. He loves his childhood friend Bihari deeply. He marries Jaya and has a son, Kumar. After a land dispute, he becomes Bihari's enemy. He secretly helps Bihari succeed by backing his loans. In the end, he forgives Bihari and reunites with him. He is a loyal friend who never stops loving.
Bihari Sinha
Played by Shatrughan Sinha
Bihari is a poor, illiterate but proud man. He values his ancestral land above all. He trusts his friend Amar completely. When he loses his home, he becomes bitter and seeks revenge. He builds a hotel empire. He later learns the truth about Amar's help. He feels deep regret and reconciles with Amar. He is a man of strong emotions.
Jaya Saxena
Played by Bhanupriya
Jaya is Amar's loving wife. She is a florist before marriage. She is gentle and supportive. She gets injured at Bihari's sister's wedding. She dies after giving birth to her son Kumar. Her death deepens the rift between Amar and Bihari. She is a tragic figure who represents lost peace.
Lata Sinha
Played by Amrita Singh
Lata is Bihari's wife. She is a hardworking labourer before marriage. She is loyal to Bihari but also wise. She discovers the truth about Amar's secret help. She tells Bihari, leading to the reconciliation. She is the voice of reason in Bihari's life. She helps heal the broken friendship.
Sudhir
Played by Kiran Kumar
Sudhir is the main villain. He works for Amar's father. He is greedy, cunning, and cruel. He lies to both Amar and Bihari to create enmity. He demolishes Bihari's house. He marries Bihari's sister Lalita and abuses her. He plans to kill Bihari. He is exposed in the end and beaten. He is the true 'khudgarz' (selfish person).
Kumar Saxena
Played by Govinda
Kumar is Amar's son. He grows up knowing his family's enemy is Bihari. He falls in love with Jyoti, Bihari's daughter. He is brave and honest. He represents the new generation that can overcome old hatred. His love for Jyoti helps bring the families together.
Scene Highlights
The Slap That Broke Friendship
Amar and Bihari are in the new hotel. Guests complain about Bihari's small house. They call it an eyesore. Amar, influenced by the comments, offers Bihari a new house. Bihari feels deeply insulted. He cannot believe his friend wants to erase his past. In a fit of rage, Bihari slaps Amar. The slap is loud and shocking. It marks the end of their beautiful friendship. The tension in the room is unbearable.
The Bulldozer Demolition
Sudhir uses a bulldozer to destroy Bihari's house and hotel. Bihari watches helplessly as his ancestral home is crushed. Dust and debris fly everywhere. Bihari screams in agony. He thinks Amar ordered this. The scene is brutal and emotional. It shows the cruelty of Sudhir and the depth of Bihari's loss. This moment fuels Bihari's desire for revenge.
Jaya's Death
At Bihari's sister's wedding, Sudhir creates chaos. He ensures Amar and Bihari do not meet. In the confusion, Amar's pregnant wife Jaya is injured. She is rushed to the hospital. She gives birth to a son but dies. Amar holds her hand as she passes. He is heartbroken. The scene is tragic and silent. It deepens the hatred between the two families. The audience feels Amar's pain.
Lata Discovers the Truth
Lata visits Amar's house to stop the children's relationship. She hides and overhears a conversation. She learns that Amar secretly backed all of Bihari's loans. She is shocked. Her eyes fill with tears. She realizes her husband has been wrong all these years. This scene is a turning point. It sets the stage for the final reconciliation. The truth finally comes out.
The Final Confrontation
Amar and Bihari together confront Sudhir. They corner him in a room. They beat him with their fists. Sudhir begs for mercy. They stop short of killing him because he is married to Bihari's sister. They show that they are better than him. The scene is cathartic. The audience cheers as the villain is punished. The friendship is restored. Justice is served.
Cast & Context
Khudgarz brought together two of the biggest stars of the 1980s: Jeetendra and Shatrughan Sinha. Jeetendra was known for his romantic and action roles in films like Himmatwala and Mawaali. Shatrughan Sinha was famous for his powerful dialogue delivery in films like Kalicharan and Kala Pathar. This was their first major film together as friends turned enemies. Their chemistry was electric. The film also introduced Govinda in a supporting role as the grown-up son. He would later become a huge star. The casting was a major reason for the film's success.
Themes
Friendship vs Betrayal
The film is built on the power of friendship. Amar and Bihari are like brothers. But a greedy man, Sudhir, betrays them both. He uses lies to break their bond. The story shows how easily trust can be destroyed. But it also shows that true friendship can survive even the worst betrayal. In the end, they forgive each other.
Greed and Corruption
Sudhir is the symbol of greed. He wants money and power. He does not care who he hurts. He tricks Bihari into signing papers. He beats his own wife. He even plans to kill his brother-in-law. The film shows how greed corrupts a person completely. It destroys families and friendships. The message is clear: greed leads to ruin.
Class Divide
Amar is rich, Bihari is poor. Their different backgrounds create tension. Amar's father looks down on Bihari. The land deal is a trick by the rich to take from the poor. Bihari's illiteracy is used against him. The film shows the unfairness of the class system. But it also shows that love and friendship can cross these barriers.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The entire second half builds towards forgiveness. Bihari hates Amar for years. But when he learns the truth, he is filled with regret. He goes to Amar and begs for forgiveness. Amar forgives him instantly. The film teaches that holding onto anger is destructive. Letting go and forgiving is the only way to heal. It is a powerful message.
Love Across Enemy Lines
Kumar and Jyoti fall in love despite their families being enemies. Their love is innocent and pure. It forces both families to confront their past. Their relationship is the catalyst for reconciliation. The film shows that love is stronger than hate. The younger generation can heal the wounds of the older one.
Music & Soundtrack
ComposerRajesh Roshan
The music of Khudgarz is timeless. 'Zindagi Ka Naam Dosti' is the anthem of the film. It celebrates the bond between Amar and Bihari. 'Aap Ke Aa Jaane Se' is a beautiful romantic song. It plays during the love story of Kumar and Jyoti. The songs are still popular on radio and streaming platforms. They add deep emotion to every scene.
Similar Films
Directed by Rakesh Roshan, this film also stars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as brothers. It has a similar theme of family bonds, betrayal, and revenge.
This classic film also features a strong friendship between two men (Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra) who face a common enemy. The theme of loyalty is central.
Like Khudgarz, this film explores the conflict between two brothers who become enemies due to circumstances. It is a powerful drama about family and morality.
This film also features a love story between children of feuding families. The theme of love overcoming parental conflict is similar to Khudgarz.
Ending Explained
The ending of Khudgarz is emotional and satisfying. Bihari's wife Lata discovers that Amar secretly backed all of Bihari's loans. She tells Bihari the truth. Bihari is devastated. He realizes he has been hating his best friend for years because of a lie. He goes to Amar's house. He falls at Amar's feet and cries. He begs for forgiveness. Amar, who never stopped loving his friend, forgives him immediately. They hug and their bond is restored. Together, they confront Sudhir, the real villain. They beat him severely. But they stop short of killing him because he is married to Bihari's sister Lalita. They show mercy. The families are united. Kumar and Jyoti, the children, are allowed to marry. The film ends with a celebration of friendship and love. The message is clear: true friendship can overcome any obstacle. Greed and lies will be defeated. The audience leaves with a warm, hopeful feeling.
Khudgarz is absolutely worth watching. It is a classic Bollywood drama that delivers on every level. The performances by Jeetendra and Shatrughan Sinha are powerful. The story is emotional and keeps you engaged. The music is unforgettable. The film has some slow moments in the first half. The comedy scenes with Kader Khan feel a bit forced. But the emotional core of the film is strong. Anyone who loves stories about friendship, betrayal, and family will enjoy this. It is a must-watch for fans of 80s Bollywood. Rakesh Roshan's directorial debut is a triumph.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Khudgarz is not based on a true story. It is based on the 1979 novel 'Kane and Abel' by Jeffrey Archer. The novel is about two men from different backgrounds who become rivals. The film adapts this idea into a Bollywood drama about friendship and betrayal.
Khudgarz was directed by Rakesh Roshan. It was his directorial debut. He also produced the film under his banner Film Kraft. Before this, he was known as an actor. The film was a huge success and saved him from bankruptcy. He later directed many hits like Karan Arjun and Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai.
Khudgarz is a Hindi word that means 'selfish' or 'self-serving'. The title refers to the main villain Sudhir. He is the selfish person who only cares about his own gain. He destroys the friendship between Amar and Bihari for his own benefit. The title is a warning about selfishness.
The music for Khudgarz was composed by Rajesh Roshan. The songs are very popular. 'Zindagi Ka Naam Dosti' is the most famous song about friendship. 'Aap Ke Aa Jaane Se' is a beautiful romantic song. 'Log Kehte Hain Ke' is another hit. The songs are still loved today.
Yes, Khudgarz was remade in several languages. In Telugu, it was remade as 'Prana Snehithulu' in 1988. In Tamil, it was remade as 'Annaamalai' in 1992 starring Rajinikanth. That film was a huge hit. It was also remade in Kannada as 'Gokarna' in 2003.