Tezaab (1988)

Ever since his tender years, Mahesh Deshmukh has nurtured dreams of serving his country, a passion that intensifies when his parents tragically fall victim to a vicious bank robbery. His patriotic zeal propels him into the Indian armed forces, where his diligent service earns him accolades. However, life takes a detour during his college years when he crosses paths with the endearing Mohini, a relationship that blooms from a frivolous bet into a profound love. Mohini's life, shadowed by her alcoholic father Shyamlal's expectations, is far from easy. Shyamlal, entrapped in his alcohol-induced delusions, pushes Mohini towards a life of dance and degradation, intending to exploit her earnings for his addiction. But this plan collides with Mahesh's principles, sparking a bitter feud that leads Shyamlal to conspire with the sinister gangster, Lotiya Pathan. In a cruel twist of fate, Mahesh finds himself exiled from his beloved city of Bombay for a year, framed and forsaken by the law. The naive patriot transforms into the city's most feared gangster, Munna, fueled by a burning desire for revenge. When he learns that Lotiya Pathan has kidnapped Mohini, defying his banishment, Munna storms back into the city, assembling an assault on Pathan's stronghold. The bloody battle at the stage show, leading to numerous casualties and Mohini's abduction, draws the attention of Inspector Gagan Singh. The seasoned cop is tasked with unraveling this maelstrom of violence. But as he digs deeper, he discovers a shocking connection - the dreaded Munna is none other than the once idealistic Mahesh Deshmukh. Faced with this revelation, Inspector Singh must not only bring the lawbreaker to justice but also unearth the tragic transformation that turned a devoted patriot into a hardened criminal. In "Tezaab," the lines between love and vengeance blur, as the quiet, determined patriot's journey spirals into a tale of crime, passion, and retribution, set against the high-stakes backdrop of a city teetering on the brink of chaos.

Tezaab is a drama movie featuring Anil Kapoor and directed by N. Chandra.

Tezaab is currently streaming on Mubi.