Directed by
Rajkumar Hirani
Made by
Fox STAR Studios
Discover the intricate plot of Sanju (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
D. N. Tripathi, a lyricist portrayed by Piyush Mishra, embarks on the ambitious task of writing a biography about Sanjay “Sanju” Dutt, played by Ranbir Kapoor, drawing parallels between Sanju’s life and that of Mahatma Gandhi. However, a surprised Sanju quickly dismisses him from the premises. Following the verdict delivered by the Bombay High Court regarding the 1993 Bombay bombings, Sanju finds himself sentenced to five years in prison under the Arms Act. In a twist of fate, Manyata Dutt (played by Dia Mirza) reaches out to Winnie Diaz (portrayed by Anushka Sharma), a writer based in London, urging her to pen Sanju’s biography to provide his perspective to the world. Initially hesitant, Winnie becomes intrigued when Zubin Mistry (depicted by Jim Sarbh) advises her against the project.
Winnie meets Sanju for the first time, and this leads to a revealing flashback of his tumultuous life. As a young man, Sanju’s father, Sunil Dutt (played by Paresh Rawal), embarks on a quest to establish Sanju’s acting career with the film “Rocky” (1981), where he serves as the director. Bound by his father’s strict rules, including a ban on smoking on set, Sanju is persuaded by his friend Zubin to experiment with drugs. Tragedy strikes when he discovers that his mother, Nargis (enacted by Manisha Koirala), is battling cancer and needs treatment in New York. This personal crisis leads Sanju down a dark path of alcoholism and drug dependency.
While in New York, Sanju befriends Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal Kapasi (portrayed by Vicky Kaushal), a devoted admirer of Nargis. Kamlesh instills hope, praying for Nargis’s recovery, and works to help Sanju overcome his addiction. As Nargis regains her health and the family returns to Mumbai, Sanju learns that his girlfriend, Ruby (played by Sonam Kapoor), is being pushed into an arranged marriage due to his destructive habits. In a bid to salvage their relationship, Kamlesh persuades Ruby to marry Sanju at a registrar’s office. However, after witnessing his intoxicated state, Ruby walks away, leaving Sanju heartbroken. The death of Nargis, just before the release of “Rocky,” devastates him emotionally.
In a dire attempt to reclaim his life, Sanju agrees to check into a rehabilitation center in the United States, where he ultimately finds redemption with the support of his father and Kamlesh. Upon returning to India, he confronts Zubin, who had exploited Sanju’s vulnerabilities by selling him drugs disguised as expensive substances.
Kamlesh, now distanced from Sanju, shares the later chapters of Sanju’s life with Winnie. By the late 1990s, as Sanju channels his energy into bodybuilding, his acting career sees a resurgence. Amid political turbulence following the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, he acquires illegal weapons for his family’s protection, landing him in trouble as he is arrested in 1993 for possession of firearms allegedly supplied by the D-Company.
Sunil Dutt valiantly fights for his son, ultimately securing bail after 452 days. Despite efforts to clear his name, media allegations tarnish Sanju’s reputation, leading even Kamlesh to sever ties, convinced of his guilt. After his release in 1997, Sanju faces a string of unsuccessful films until landing a role in “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” (2003), which revitalizes his image and brings pride to his father. Tragically, Sunil passes away shortly after, leaving Sanju to contend with the fallout of his past.
The Bombay High Court later finds Sanju guilty under the Possession of Arms Act, leading to another arrest in 2013, with an upheld conviction by the Supreme Court. Insistent on his innocence, Sanju discusses the tainted media narrative with Winnie and Kamlesh, eventually released in 2016. Upon his release, he learns of Winnie’s completed biography titled “Kuch Toh Log Kahenge,” named after one of his father’s cherished songs. As his family reconciles with Kamlesh, Sanju reflects on his tumultuous journey, his past mistakes, and newfound hope for the future.
Track the key events of Sanju (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
D. N. Tripathi's Ambition
D. N. Tripathi, a lyricist, begins an ambitious project to write a biography about Sanjay 'Sanju' Dutt. He aims to draw parallels between Sanju's life and that of Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting the complexity of Sanju's experiences.
Sanju Dismisses the Project
Upon being approached by D. N. Tripathi, Sanju responds with surprise and quickly dismisses him from his premises. This encounter sets the stage for the unfolding of Sanju's life story through the eyes of others.
Sanju's Sentencing
Following the verdict of the Bombay High Court related to the 1993 Bombay bombings, Sanju is sentenced to five years in prison under the Arms Act. This marks a significant turning point in his life, leading to dire consequences for his career and personal life.
Manyata's Appeal
Manyata Dutt reaches out to Winnie Diaz, a writer based in London, encouraging her to write Sanju's biography. She hopes that by telling his side of the story, the world will gain a different understanding of Sanju's struggles and resilience.
Winnie's Hesitation
Initially hesitant about taking on Sanju's biography, Winnie becomes intrigued after advice from Zubin Mistry, who warns her against the project. This sets her on a path to uncover Sanju's complex life and circumstances.
Winnie's Meeting with Sanju
Winnie meets Sanju for the first time, which leads to a revealing flashback of his tumultuous life. This encounter brings forth the emotional layers of Sanju's experiences that shaped him as a person.
Sanju's Acting Career Begins
Sanju's father, Sunil Dutt, embarks on a mission to establish his acting career with the film 'Rocky' in 1981. However, bound by strict rules, such as avoiding smoking on set, Sanju finds himself influenced by friends to experiment with drugs.
Tragedy Strikes
Sanju receives devastating news that his mother, Nargis, is battling cancer and needs treatment in New York. This personal crisis sends him spiraling into alcoholism and drug dependency, further complicating his life.
Friendship with Kamlesh
In New York, Sanju befriends Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal Kapasi, who admires Nargis and instills hope within Sanju. Together, they navigate the challenges of recovery while hoping for Nargis's health to improve.
A Heartbreaking Separation
As Nargis's health improves and the family returns to Mumbai, Sanju learns that his girlfriend Ruby is being pressured into an arranged marriage. In a desperate attempt to save their relationship, he seeks to marry Ruby but ultimately faces heartbreak when she leaves him.
Nargis's Death
Tragically, just before the release of 'Rocky,' Nargis passes away. This devastating loss leaves a significant emotional mark on Sanju, who struggles to cope with his grief amidst the pressures of the film industry.
Rehabilitation and Redemption
In a bid to reclaim his life, Sanju checks into a rehabilitation center in the United States. With the support of his father and friends, he begins his journey to recovery, reconnecting with his purpose.
The Fight for Sanju's Freedom
Sunil Dutt fights valiantly for Sanju after his arrest in 1993 for illegal firearms possession due to alleged connections with the D-Company. After 452 days in custody, he finally secures Sanju's bail, showcasing the bond between father and son.
Resurgence and Tragedy
Following his release, Sanju struggles with a series of unsuccessful films until landing the role in 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.' in 2003. This success is bittersweet as he grapples with the recent death of his father, who passed shortly after witnessing his son's achievements.
Final Court Verdict
The Bombay High Court finds Sanju guilty under the Possession of Arms Act, leading to another arrest in 2013. Despite his insistence on innocence, the Supreme Court upholds the conviction, but he is eventually released in 2016, reflecting on the media's impact on his life.
Meet the characters that bring Sanju (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sanjay Dutt 'Sanju' (Ranbir Kapoor)
Sanjay Dutt, known as Sanju, is depicted as a complex character grappling with a turbulent past filled with addiction, loss, and legal battles. His emotional depth and vulnerability are showcased through his relationships with family and friends, particularly the influence of his father, Sunil Dutt. Despite his struggles, Sanju's journey reflects resilience and the pursuit of redemption.
Winnie Diaz (Anushka Sharma)
Winnie Diaz is a pivotal character who transitions from skepticism to intrigue as she embarks on the task of writing Sanju's biography. Her involvement provides an external perspective on Sanju's life, and her character represents curiosity, determination, and the quest for truth amid controversy. She serves as a narrative device that connects the audience to Sanju's experiences.
Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal Kapasi (Vicky Kaushal)
Kamlesh is depicted as a loyal friend and a source of hope for Sanju, encouraging him to face his addiction and personal demons. His unwavering support during tough times illustrates the importance of friendship and compassion in overcoming life's challenges. Kamlesh’s character embodies loyalty and serves as a counterbalance to Sanju's tumultuous behavior.
Sunil Dutt (Paresh Rawal)
Sunil Dutt, as Sanju's father, is portrayed as a guiding force throughout Sanju's ups and downs. His strict yet caring nature drives the narrative's emotional core, as he fights tirelessly for his son’s well-being and reputation. Sunil's character represents the complexities of parental love and the sacrifices made for family.
Nargis Dutt (Manisha Koirala)
Nargis Dutt is depicted as a loving mother whose battle with cancer deeply affects Sanju's life choices and emotional state. Her struggle serves as a crucial emotional anchor for Sanju, reflecting themes of loss and resilience. Nargis represents maternal love, hope, and the pain of separation.
Ruby (Sonam Kapoor)
Ruby is portrayed as Sanju's love interest, whose life is disrupted by his destructive behavior. Her decision to walk away from their relationship highlights the impact of addiction on personal relationships and the challenges faced by partners. Ruby's character adds a layer of emotional complexity and reflects the difficulties in navigating love amid chaos.
Uncover the settings of Sanju (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1980s - 2016
Spanning several decades, the film captures the complex journey of Sanjay Dutt from the early 1980s, marked by his debut film 'Rocky,' through the tumultuous 1990s filled with personal tragedies and legal battles. The narrative extends to his life in the 2000s, showcasing his resurgence in films and addressing the challenges he faces post-release in 2016. This timeframe reflects significant changes in India’s social and political landscape that influence Sanju's life.
Location
Mumbai, New York, London
The movie traverses iconic locations such as Mumbai, known as the heart of the Bollywood film industry, where Sanju Dutt's career flourishes amid personal struggles. New York serves as a pivotal location during Sanju's battle with addiction, highlighting the city's role in his life during a time of crisis. London is introduced through Winnie Diaz, providing a glimpse into the international perspective on Sanju's story.
Explore the core themes of Sanju (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to Sanju's narrative as he battles addiction and personal demons throughout his life. His quest for forgiveness from family and friends highlights the struggle for self-acceptance and the desire to rebuild his identity. The support from loved ones and his eventual return to acting illustrate that redemption is an ongoing journey filled with challenges.
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Tragedy
Sanju's life is marked by significant tragedies, including the death of his mother, Nargis, which profoundly impacts his trajectory. The emotional turmoil he faces due to failed relationships, addiction, and legal troubles underscores the darker facets of fame and the heavy price of personal loss. These tragic elements shape his character and the way he navigates his life choices.
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Legal Struggles
The film vividly portrays Sanju's ongoing legal battles, emphasizing the intersection of celebrity and the law. His experiences with the judiciary, especially concerning the Arms Act and subsequent convictions, highlight the scrutiny faced by public figures in India. This theme brings to light the broader implications of media narratives and public perception in shaping one’s fate.
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