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Qahar
Qahar
Qahar
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Qahar
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRajkumar Kohli
Written byLalit Mahajan
(story, screenplay and dialogues)
Produced byRajkumar Kohli
Starring
CinematographyThomas A. Xavier
Edited by
Music byAnand–Milind
Production
company
Shankar Movies
Release date
  • 5 December 1997 (1997-12-05)
Running time
161 mins
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Qahar (dominant) is a 1997 Indian Hindi-language action film directed and produced by Rajkumar Kohli. A remake of the 1989 Bengali film Ladai,[1] it stars Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Armaan Kohli, Sonali Bendre, Rambha and Deepti Bhatnagar in pivotal roles.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Amar Kapoor is an honest and diligent police inspector, and the only son of Commissioner Kapoor, assigned to investigate and bring charges against Krishna, and his friend Raja.

During the course of his investigation, he does locate both Raja and Krishna, but discovers that Krishna is his brother, and Raja is involved in fighting the very forces of corruption, namely Velji Patel, his brother Nageshwar Patel, and a corrupt Police Inspector Maroo, who are all responsible for the rape and brutal murder of Neelam, the love of Raja, that he and his dad have a duty to eliminate.

Will they join forces to combat the evil-doers or will fate have something else in store for them?[3]

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The music of the film was composed by Anand–Milind and the lyrics of the songs were penned by Anand Bakshi.

# Title Singer(s)
1 "Maine Dil Se Poochha" Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik,Suniel Shetty,Deepti Bhatnagar
2 "Dil Junglee Kabootar" Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam
3 "Mujhe Bichchhoo Lad Gaya Re" Alka Yagnik,Udit Narayan
4 "Rab Ke Saamane" Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik
5 "Jo Kaam Tune Kiya Tha" Udit Narayan,Chorus
6 "Om Krishna" Mohammad Aziz,Asha Bhosle,Sudesh Bhosle,Sadhana Sargam

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Qahar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Qahar is a 1997 Indian Hindi-language action film directed and produced by under the banner of Kohli Creations. The film stars , and in lead roles, alongside , and Rambha. This marked 's debut as a lead actor. The story revolves around two vigilantes and a police who unite to combat a powerful criminal syndicate seeking revenge for personal losses. It was released on 3 October to mixed reviews, praised for its action sequences but criticized for a convoluted plot.

Plot

Summary

Qahar is a 1997 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film that centers on themes of , brotherhood, and vengeance in a crime-ridden locality. The story follows Inspector Amar Kapoor, an honest and diligent police officer portrayed by Sunil Shetty, who is assigned to investigate escalating criminal activities led by two apparent outlaws: Krishna, played by , and his close associate Raja, enacted by . Initially viewing them as threats due to their involvement in local goings-on, Amar's pursuit reveals deeper truths about their motivations and personal connections. The narrative intensifies with the backstory of Raja and Krishna's alliance, forged in response to profound personal losses. Raja, a noble-hearted figure despite his tough exterior, seeks retribution for the rape and murder of Neelam, his sweetheart played by , by the ruthless gangster Velji, portrayed by . Neelam had witnessed Velji's gang brutally killing her brother and sister-in-law, after which Velji's men raped and killed her; this tragedy galvanizes Raja and his ally Krishna to combat corruption and protect the vulnerable. As Amar arrests Krishna during his investigation, he uncovers that Krishna is his long-lost brother, separated since childhood, shifting his loyalties and creating a moral dilemma. Ultimately, the film builds to a convergence of forces as Amar allies with and Krishna against Velji's empire of crime. Their combined efforts expose the gangster's atrocities and aim to restore order, highlighting the blurred lines between and vigilante justice in the face of systemic failures. Through high-stakes confrontations and revelations, Qahar emphasizes and the fight against powerful criminals who exploit the weak.

Themes

Qahar delves into the theme of as a driving force for its protagonists, who confront a ruthless responsible for brutal and personal tragedies. The narrative centers on characters motivated by the loss of loved ones, such as the killing of family members, leading to a cycle of retribution that pits ordinary individuals against powerful criminal elements. This exploration highlights how personal vendettas can intersect with broader societal conflicts, often blurring the lines between victim and avenger. Central to the film is the pursuit of amid systemic , exemplified by the honest police inspector Amar's struggle against corrupt elements within , including Inspector Maroo's alliance with the antagonist Velji. The story critiques how within enables lords to thrive, emphasizing the moral imperative for individual in the face of institutional failure. Family relationships and form another key theme, as revelations of blood ties—such as the inspector discovering his long-lost brother among the vigilantes—reshape alliances and motivations. Characters like and Krishna, portrayed as criminals with underlying , protect vulnerable individuals like Neelam, reflecting bonds forged through adversity rather than biology. This motif reinforces the idea that familial duty extends beyond traditional structures, serving as a counterbalance to the film's violent confrontations.

Cast

Principal cast

The principal cast of Qahar (1997) centers on three male leads: two brothers and a vigilante friend entangled in themes of justice and revenge, supported by prominent female roles. stars as , a vigilante who takes the law into his own hands to fight corruption. plays Amar Kapoor, the honest and diligent police inspector assigned to investigate the central conflict. Arman Kohli portrays Krishna, the youngest sibling whose loyalty drives key plot developments. features as Neelam, Raja's love interest and a pivotal emotional anchor in the story.
ActorRole
Raja
Amar Kapoor
Arman KohliKrishna
Neelam

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of Qahar features several actors in pivotal secondary roles that drive the film's action-drama narrative. portrays Sapna, a central female character entangled in the protagonists' conflicts. plays , contributing to the romantic and dramatic subplots. appears as Kapoor, the authoritative figure overseeing the investigation. takes on the role of Velji Patel, a scheming adding tension to the central rivalries. Raza Murad appears as Minister Dharam Chand, a villainous figure. These actors, drawn from Bollywood's established talent pool, enhance the movie's themes of vengeance and loyalty without overshadowing the principal leads.

Production

Pre-production

Pre-production for Qahar began in 1994, when director and producer initiated development of the project as a multi-starrer . The screenplay, including story, dialogues, and overall narrative, was written by Lalit Mahajan, focusing on themes of brotherhood, , and confrontation with . The film is a of the 1989 Bengali film Ladai. Originally titled Jeene Nahin Doonga—a nod to Kohli's successful 1984 film of the same name—the project was changed to Qahar during early development. Casting efforts emphasized assembling a strong ensemble of action stars; initial plans included , , , , and in supporting roles, but was later replaced, with , the director's son, elevated to a lead role to advance his career. This adjustment aligned with Kohli's pattern of promoting family members in his productions. The film's title Qahar was secured by through the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), despite another unreleased project by Rajesh Aggarwal bearing a similar name, Qaher. spanned several years, allowing for script refinements and cast finalization before commenced, culminating in the film's release in December 1997.

Principal photography

Principal photography for Qahar took place primarily in , capturing the action sequences and dramatic scenes essential to the film's narrative. The cinematography was overseen by Thomas A. Xavier, who employed standard 35mm film techniques prevalent in mid-1990s Bollywood productions to emphasize the high-energy stunts and confrontations central to the story. Filming occurred under the direction of , with production handled by his banner, Shankar Films, ensuring a focus on practical effects and location shoots to convey the themes of justice and retribution.

Soundtrack

Track listing

The soundtrack of Qahar consists of six songs composed by the duo , with lyrics penned by . The album was released on cassette and CD formats in 1997.
No.TitleSinger(s)
1"Maine Dil Se Poochha",
2"Rab Ke Saamne",
3"Om Krishna"
4"Dil Junglee Kabootar",
5"Mujhe Bichchhoo Lad Gaya Re"
6"Jo Kaam Tune Kiya Tha"

Music composition

The music for the 1997 film Qahar was primarily composed by the duo , consisting of brothers Anand Shrivastav and Milind Shrivastav, sons of the renowned composer , who have composed music for over 200 films. Their work on Qahar blended melodic duets with energetic, crowd-pleasing tracks suited to the film's action-drama narrative, drawing on traditional conventions while incorporating rhythmic elements to heighten dramatic tension. The compositions featured lyrics penned by veteran songwriter , emphasizing themes of love, devotion, and revenge that aligned with the storyline. Notable tracks included the romantic duet "Maine Dil Se Poochha," sung by and , which showcased Anand–Milind's signature harmonious orchestration with subtle string arrangements, and the lively "Dil Junglee Kabootar," performed by and , characterized by upbeat percussion and folk-inspired melodies for mass appeal. Another highlight, "Rab Ke Saamne," also by Narayan and Yagnik, adopted a devotional tone with piano-driven interludes and choral backing, reflecting the duo's versatility in evoking emotional depth. Contemporary reviews praised the soundtrack's balance, noting that songs like "Dil Junglee Kabootar" and "Mujhe Bichchhoo Lad Gaya Re" served as energetic interludes to break the film's intense action sequences, while "Rab Ke Saamne" and "Maine Poochha" provided melodic anchors. Overall, Anand–Milind's contributions to Qahar exemplified their mid-1990s style, prioritizing accessible rhythms and vocal synergy over experimental sounds, which helped the album achieve moderate commercial success upon release under Zee Music.

Release

Theatrical release

Qahar was theatrically released in on 5 1997. The film, produced by Shankar Films, marked a standard for a action drama during that period, with no reported events. In (then Bombay), distribution was handled by Nobel Film Distributors, with the film opening at Dreamland Cinema and 24 other theaters across the city. It screened on approximately 200 theaters nationwide, targeting urban multiplexes and single-screen venues typical for mid-1990s Bollywood releases. The release coincided with the post-Diwali season, a common slot for action films to capitalize on holiday audiences.

Home media release

Qahar was released on in the late 1990s, shortly after its theatrical debut, as evidenced by surviving video rips circulating online. The film received a DVD release by GVI, featuring the original audio and English subtitles in some editions. These DVDs are available for purchase through international retailers such as Amazon and , often as multi-region compatible discs. As of November 2025, Qahar is not available for streaming, rental, or digital purchase on major platforms including , Prime Video, or Disney+. However, unauthorized full-length uploads can be found on .

Reception

Critical response

Qahar received a generally positive verdict from trade analysts upon its release, who viewed it as an effective mass entertainer tailored for action enthusiasts in smaller cinema circuits. The film was praised for its high-octane stunts, with and impressing in special appearances, and delivering a standout performance in fight sequences that highlighted his physical prowess and screen presence. Critics noted the film's reliance on formulaic action tropes, where the plot—centered on two vigilantes protecting the vulnerable from corrupt forces and a police officer's eventual alliance with them—serves primarily as a backdrop for spectacle rather than deep storytelling. The was faulted for taking narrative liberties and failing to evoke emotional depth in its sentimental elements, such as family revelations and sacrifices. Heroines Rambha, , and were seen as underutilized, with limited roles that offered little beyond decorative support. The soundtrack by Anand-Milind was highlighted as a strength, with mass-appealing tracks like "Kabutar" and "Bichhoo" contributing to the film's energetic vibe and potential draw in 'B' and 'C' centers across regions like Delhi-U.P., East Punjab, Bihar, and C.P.C.I. Overall, while not innovative, Qahar was assessed as a solid commercial actioner likely to perform adequately in its target demographic without broader critical acclaim. On , the film holds a rating of 3.8/10 based on 250 user reviews as of November 2025.

Box office performance

Qahar was released on 5 December 1997 across 200 screens in . The film recorded an opening day nett collection of ₹61 . Its first weekend performance reached ₹1.65 nett domestically. Over its full theatrical run, Qahar amassed a total nett gross of ₹6.10 in . This figure positioned it as the 21st highest-grossing film of 1997. Given the star power of leads and , the film's result was deemed average by trade analysts.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251356/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/qahar
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251356/plotsummary/
  4. https://www.indya101.com/c/movies/overview/id_1186/Qahar
  5. https://letterboxd.com/film/qahar/
  6. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie-story.php?movieid=2624
  7. https://www.allmovie.com/movie/qahar-am114104
  8. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/qahar/cast-and-crew
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251356/fullcredits/
  10. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/cast_crew.php?movieid=2624
  11. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/276014-qahar/cast?language=en-US
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251356/fullcredits
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251356/trivia
  14. https://thedailyeye.info/true-review/hit-after-hit/cc0778d832cbb998
  15. https://filminformation.com/featured/flashback-2-december-2022-from-our-issue-dated-6th-december-1997/
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/16974264-Anand-Milind-Anand-Bakshi-Qahar
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/13913303-Anand-Milind-Anand-Bakshi-Qahar
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251356/soundtrack/
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/14003378-Anand-Milind-Anand-Bakshi-Qahar
  20. https://mcai.in/user-info/Milind_Shrivastava
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VicnEcLyW2k
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251356/releaseinfo/
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp2kRN43M88
  24. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Qahar-DVD-Leela-Mishra/dp/B0015N30U8
  25. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/405279483832
  26. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/qahar
  27. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2624
  28. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=1997&pageId=4
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