Parinda (1989) — Story, Cast & Review
Intro
Parinda (1989) is a Hindi crime drama film directed and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, starring Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, and Nana Patekar in pivotal roles.
Often hailed as India’s first realistic gangster film, Parinda broke away from the formulaic action movies of the 1980s and introduced a gritty, emotional, and human portrayal of crime and brotherhood. Its raw storytelling, haunting music, and unforgettable performances made it one of the most influential films in Indian cinema.
Story — Detailed Synopsis
Set in the dark underbelly of Mumbai, Parinda tells the story of two brothers, Kishen (Jackie Shroff) and Karan (Anil Kapoor), who find themselves on opposite sides of morality and crime.
Kishen, the elder brother, works secretly for underworld don Anna (Nana Patekar), a ruthless and unpredictable gangster who controls much of Mumbai’s crime scene. To protect his younger brother from this dangerous world, Kishen hides the truth about his involvement.
Karan returns from abroad, idealistic and full of dreams, unaware of his brother’s criminal ties. His life takes a tragic turn when his best friend Prakash (Anupam Kher), a police officer, is brutally murdered by Anna’s men.
Driven by grief and vengeance, Karan is drawn into the very world his brother tried to shield him from — leading to a chain of events that test love, loyalty, and fate.
The film builds to a devastating climax, where both brothers must face the ultimate cost of survival in a corrupt and violent world.
Principal Cast & Characters
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Jackie Shroff as Kishen — the conflicted elder brother caught between love and loyalty.
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Anil Kapoor as Karan — the idealistic younger brother seeking justice and revenge.
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Nana Patekar as Anna Seth — a cold, menacing gangster whose intense performance became legendary.
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Madhuri Dixit as Paro — Karan’s love interest, whose innocence contrasts with the film’s grim tone.
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Anupam Kher as Prakash — the honest police officer whose death ignites the story’s emotional core.
Every actor delivers nuanced performances, but Nana Patekar’s portrayal of Anna stands out as one of Hindi cinema’s most chilling villains.
Direction, Screenplay & Performances
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Direction: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s direction is bold and mature, blending emotional storytelling with gritty realism. He paints Mumbai not as a glamorous city, but as a living, breathing character filled with chaos and darkness.
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Screenplay: The script co-written by Chopra and Shiv Subrahmanyam is sharp, emotional, and layered — exploring family bonds within a violent underworld.
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Performances:
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Jackie Shroff won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, perfectly embodying the quiet pain of a man trapped by circumstance.
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Anil Kapoor gives a raw, heartfelt performance as the innocent brother caught in a moral storm.
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Nana Patekar’s terrifying calmness and sudden bursts of rage won him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
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Madhuri Dixit adds warmth and hope to an otherwise tragic tale.
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Music & Cinematography
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Music: Composed by R. D. Burman, the soundtrack is soulful and melancholic. The song “Tum Se Milke” captures fleeting happiness amidst chaos, while the background score deepens the tension and emotional gravity.
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Cinematography: Binod Pradhan’s visuals are atmospheric and moody, with dim lighting, rain-soaked streets, and smoky interiors that enhance the noir tone of the film.
Themes & Symbolism
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Family & Sacrifice: The relationship between the two brothers forms the emotional backbone of the story.
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Crime & Consequence: The film portrays the underworld not as thrilling, but tragic — where every decision comes at a heavy cost.
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Love in a Violent World: The romance between Karan and Paro symbolizes innocence amidst corruption.
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Moral Duality: Each character lives between good and evil, showing how survival blurs moral boundaries.
Reception & Legacy
When Parinda released in 1989, it was a game-changer. Critics hailed it as the dawn of a new era in Indian cinema — one that treated crime and emotion with realism and psychological depth.
The film won several Filmfare Awards, including:
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Best Actor – Jackie Shroff
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Best Supporting Actor – Nana Patekar
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Best Screenplay – Vidhu Vinod Chopra & Shiv Subrahmanyam
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Best Cinematography – Binod Pradhan
Over the years, Parinda influenced numerous later films such as Satya, Company, and Gangs of Wasseypur. It remains one of the most respected crime dramas in Indian film history.
Memorable Moments
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The candle-lit scene where Anna calmly discusses murder — chillingly understated.
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The emotional confrontation between the two brothers.
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The tragic finale — a haunting mix of love, loss, and redemption.
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The subtle yet powerful use of silence and background score.
Who Should Watch It
If you appreciate gritty crime dramas, family-driven emotional stories, or realistic portrayals of the underworld, Parinda is essential viewing. It’s for fans who love films that balance emotion and realism with masterful storytelling.
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Verdict (Short)
Parinda is a landmark Hindi film — a powerful mix of emotion, realism, and tragedy. With stellar performances, haunting visuals, and unforgettable characters, it remains one of India’s greatest crime dramas.
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