Directed by
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan) takes his ailing grandmother Annapurna (Waheeda Rehman) back to their old family home in Old Delhi, where he is immediately immersed in the energetic and chaotic lives of their neighbors. Among them are the cultured Ali Baig (Rishi Kapoor), the feuding siblings Madangopal (Om Puri) and Jaigopal ([Pavan Malhotra]), their wives, and many more vibrant personalities who make up this close-knit community.
Facing a terminal brain tumor, Annapurna has a limited time left, and it is her wish to revisit her roots. Leaving behind his life in the US, Roshan steps in after his father declines to accompany her. The neighborhood is a tapestry of Hindu and Muslim life, vibrant with traditions and beliefs, including a revered tree temple held dear by the locals.
Roshan soon gets acquainted with the neighbors, including Rajjo Bhabhi ([Sheeba Chaddha]) and Vimla ([Supriya Pathak]), and finds himself enchanted by the local culture. He accompanies Annapurna to the lively Ramleelas, indulges in treats from Mamdu’s ([Deepak Dobriyal]) sweet stall, and becomes a familiar face to the local children. However, when Annapurna’s health takes a downward turn one day, Roshan is thrown into the midst of a surprising spectacle as locals gather around a cow in labor, prompting him to confront the deeply embedded social customs that influence their lives.
He discovers that Madangopal’s unmarried sister Rama ([Aditi Rao Hydari]) and Jaigopal’s ailing business epitomize the challenges underpinning their community. The plot thickens with love affairs and secret ambitions: Shashi ([Geeta Bisht]), the wife of the local money lender, is involved with Suresh ([Cyrus Sahukar]), who also has designs on Madangopal’s daughter Bittu ([Sonam Kapoor]), a talented singer with aspirations for the reality show Indian Idol.
As Roshan offers support to Bittu, he finds himself attracted to her, and she begins to return his feelings, despite the looming specter of his imminent departure. When familial pressures threaten Bittu’s dreams, Roshan intervenes, stirring the ire of her father Madangopal. Yet, Bittu determines to pursue her passions, seeking to elope with Suresh, unbeknownst to his deceptive double life.
In the midst of this, the community is shaken by fears of a local miscreant known as the “Kala Bandar” who wreaks havoc, causing fatalities. Roshan’s situation intensifies when he becomes a suspect in the chaos surrounding the Kala Bandar sightings, which further complicates his budding relationship with Bittu.
As tensions rise between Hindus and Muslims, even igniting a local riot that threatens to upend their peaceful coexistence, Roshan finds himself at a crossroads, torn between love and loyalty to his grandmother, who wishes to die in her ancestral home. His cultural heritage becomes a fulcrum for conflict, especially as the mob’s anger escalates, leading to tragic consequences for many.
In a climactic confrontation, disguising himself as the Kala Bandar in a final attempt to disrupt Bittu’s forced marriage, Roshan publicly reveals his feelings for her, only to face backlash from the community. In the chaos, Gobar makes a profound statement that the true Kala Bandar lies within themselves, representing their internal struggles rather than an external enemy.
As Roshan’s life hangs by a thread, he experiences a spiritual awakening, meeting the spirit of his deceased grandfather ([Amitabh Bachchan]) who teaches him about the true nature of hatred and division. Resurrected by the compassion of his community, Roshan ultimately resolves to embrace his new home in Delhi 6, where unity in diversity becomes his guiding principle. He realizes that the true Kala Bandar is not a figure to be hunted but a challenge to be faced from within each soul, declaring that “Who can ever wish to leave Delhi’s lanes?” in a heartfelt affirmation of his commitment to this rich tapestry of life.
Return to Old Delhi
Roshan returns to Old Delhi with his ailing grandmother, Annapurna, fulfilling her wish to revisit their old family home. This marks the beginning of their journey into the vibrant and complex lives of their neighbors, each with unique stories and backgrounds.
Meeting the Neighbors
Upon arriving in their old neighborhood, Roshan quickly interacts with a variety of colorful characters, including the cultured Ali Baig and the feuding siblings Madangopal and Jaigopal. This introduction sets the stage for the rich tapestry of life in their community, showcasing the depth of relationships and social dynamics at play.
Annapurna’s Declining Health
Annapurna's health deteriorates, prompting Roshan to become increasingly involved in the daily life of the community. Her terminal diagnosis hangs over their time together, heightening the urgency of Roshan's commitment to fulfill her wishes and keep her spirits high.
Cultural Immersion
Roshan embraces the local culture by accompanying Annapurna to Ramleelas, indulging in local delicacies, and bonding with neighborhood children. This immersion deepens his appreciation for his roots and the customs that bind the community together.
Confronting Social Customs
When Annapurna's health takes a turn for the worse, Roshan witnesses a local custom involving a cow in labor. This event forces him to confront the intricate social customs and beliefs that govern the community, highlighting the deep connections among its people.
Romantic Developments
Roshan forms a bond with Bittu, Madangopal's daughter, as he supports her dreams of becoming a singer. Their growing attraction flourishes, creating a poignant tension about the future due to Roshan's impending departure.
Familial Pressures Mount
As Bittu attempts to follow her dreams, familial expectations become a major obstacle. Tensions arise when she considers eloping with Suresh, complicating Roshan's role as her supporter and later inciting conflicts with her father, Madangopal.
The Threat of the Kala Bandar
The community is thrown into turmoil by reports of a local miscreant known as the 'Kala Bandar.' This leads to fears and unfortunate events that complicate Roshan's situation and increase community tensions, threatening the fabric of their coexistence.
Escalating Conflicts
Tensions between Hindu and Muslim neighbors escalate into a riot, pitting the community against each other. Roshan finds himself torn between protecting his grandmother's wishes and navigating his budding relationship with Bittu amidst the chaos.
Disguising as the Kala Bandar
In a desperate attempt to disrupt Bittu's arranged marriage, Roshan disguises himself as the Kala Bandar. This act reveals his true feelings for Bittu but also provokes backlash from the community, leading to an intense confrontation.
The True Kala Bandar Revelation
During the chaos, a local character, Gobar, philosophically asserts that the true 'Kala Bandar' lies within the people, representing their inner struggles. This poignant insight brings to light the true nature of their conflicts, challenging everyone to confront their own fears and divisions.
Spiritual Awakening
As Roshan’s life hangs in the balance, he encounters the spirit of his deceased grandfather. This meeting provides him with insights into hate and division, transcending petty grievances and fostering a deeper understanding of unity.
Embracing His New Life
Having endured incredible trials, Roshan chooses to embrace his new home in Delhi 6. He articulates his commitment to the community, understanding that their diverse backgrounds are their greatest strength, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
A Heartfelt Commitment
In a moment of reflection, Roshan expresses that he can never truly wish to leave Delhi's lanes. This statement embodies his realization of the beauty of unity in diversity, solidifying his bond with the community and his grandmother.
Roshan
Roshan is a compassionate young man torn between his life in the U.S. and his family's roots in Old Delhi. He embodies the struggle of reconciling modern aspirations with traditional values, ultimately seeking to honor his grandmother while discovering love. His character navigates the complexities of community dynamics and personal growth.
Annapurna
Annapurna, Roshan's grandmother, is a strong matriarch with deep ties to her ancestral home. Her desire to revisit her roots ignites the story, as her health challenges add emotional weight to Roshan's journey. Her wisdom and cultural connections shape the family's understanding of love and legacy.
Bittu
Bittu is a talented singer with aspirations for a brighter future. Her character symbolizes the clash between societal expectations and personal dreams. The romantic tension with Roshan adds a layer of complexity to her journey, as she navigates familial pressures while striving for independence.
Time period
The narrative unfolds in contemporary India, showcasing the challenges faced by a multi-cultural society. Issues of love, tradition, and social hierarchy weave through the daily lives of the characters, all while facing modern dilemmas. The time period serves as a backdrop for rich storytelling that highlights the intersection of the past and present.
Location
Old Delhi
Old Delhi is a vibrant, historical part of the Indian capital, known for its bustling markets, intricate architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The area is characterized by a close-knit community where Hindu and Muslim traditions coalesce, exemplified by the revered tree temple and local festivities. Its narrow lanes are teeming with life, and its residents share a deep-rooted sense of camaraderie.
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Love & Sacrifice
The theme of love and sacrifice is prominent as Roshan grapples with his affection for Bittu while honoring his grandmother's wishes. It exemplifies the age-old conflict of personal desires versus familial duties. The social pressures that challenge love in a traditional setting offer a poignant reflection on the intricacies of relationships.
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Unity in Diversity
The film underscores the beauty of unity in diversity, showcasing how different communities coexist and celebrate their differences. As tension arises from social and religious divides, the narrative ultimately advocates for understanding and acceptance. Roshan's journey highlights the importance of recognizing shared humanity over discord.
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Conflict & Resolution
Conflict arises from not only personal aspirations but also societal challenges, including the threat posed by the 'Kala Bandar.' This theme encapsulates how external fears can lead to introspection, compelling characters to confront their internal struggles. The resolution emphasizes transformative growth amidst adversity and communal reflection.
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