Thikana(1987)
Thikana is a 1987 Hindi crime drama film directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It stars Anil Kapoor, Smita Patil, and Amrita Singh in lead roles. The story follows Ravi Goel, an alcoholic lawyer who refuses to lie in court. He lives with his mother and sister Shashi, who supports the family. When a dancer named Shaila asks for help finding her missing brother, Ravi begins an investigation. He discovers the brother was killed by powerful politician MP Rane. Ravi must overcome his addiction and fear to bring Rane to justice. The film explores themes of corruption, family duty, and personal redemption. It received critical acclaim but was a commercial failure. Smita Patil died shortly after filming due to childbirth complications. The film is available on YouTube.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Ultra Play, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1987
- Director
- Mahesh Bhatt
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 3m
- Rating
- 4.5/10
Storyline
Ravi Goel is a lawyer who has given up on life. He drinks too much and has no clients. His sister Shashi works hard to keep the family alive. When a dancer's brother goes missing, Ravi agrees to help. He uncovers a shocking crime involving a powerful politician. Now Ravi must find the courage to fight for justice. But first, he must stop drinking and start believing in himself again.
“Find your place. Fight for truth.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thikana
Cast reunions in this film: Anupam Kher & Satish Kaushik (23 films together), Anupam Kher & Anil Kapoor (23 films together), Mahesh Bhatt & Avtar Gill (13 films together), Anupam Kher & Mahesh Bhatt (12 films together), Satish Kaushik & Anil Kapoor (12 films together), and Anupam Kher & Avtar Gill (7 films together).
Trivia
- The film was based on a real-life 1980 case known as the 'Kumud Goel murder', where a Delhi University student was killed after witnessing a politician's crime.
- Mahesh Bhatt wrote the script in just three days, drawing from his own struggles with alcoholism and personal turmoil at the time.
- Actor Anupam Kher, who played the alcoholic lawyer, reportedly spent time with real-life recovering alcoholics to prepare for his role.
- The movie featured a cameo by director Mahesh Bhatt's brother, Robin Bhatt, who later co-wrote scripts for films like 'Aashiqui' and 'Baazigar'.
- Despite its serious themes, the film underperformed at the box office, partly due to competition from bigger commercial releases that year.
- The soundtrack, composed by Bappi Lahiri, included a rare philosophical song 'Zindagi Pyar Ka Geet Hai' sung by Kishore Kumar.
- Cinematographer Pravin Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt's cousin, used gritty, realistic lighting to match the film's dark courtroom and urban settings.