Starring
About the film
Maachis (transl. Matchsticks) is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language period political thriller film written and directed by Gulzar. The film stars Chandrachur Singh, Om Puri, Tabu, and Jimmy Sheirgill. The film is set against the backdrop of the Sikh insurgency in Punjab during the 1980s. The plot delves into the personal and political turmoil faced by individuals caught in violence and explores themes of state repression, vengeance, and the radicalization of youth.
The film was released on 25 October 1996. Maachis received critical acclaim for its direction, story, screenplay, dialogue, and music. The film emerged as a commercial success at the box-office, grossing ₹6.19 crore against a production budget of ₹2 crore.
Plot
The story is set during the mid-to-late 1980s in Punjab, India, a period marked by violent insurgency triggered by Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the subsequent 1984 Sikh Massacre. The narrative unfolds through a series of intense flashbacks.
Jaswant Singh Randhawa and his sister, Veerendar "Veeran," live peacefully with their elderly mother, Biji, in a rural village. Kripal Singh, Jaswant’s childhood friend and Veeran’s fiancé, lives nearby with his grandfather. Their tranquil existence is shattered when Assistant Commissioner of Police Khurana and Inspector Vohra arrive in search of Jimmy, who is accused of attempting to murder a member of the Indian Parliament, Kedar Nath.
When interrogated, Jaswant plays a prank by leading the police to his puppy, Jimmy. Infuriated by his defiance, Khurana and Vohra take Jaswant into custody. Kripal desperately searches for Jaswant, visiting several police stations but finding no trace of him. After 15 days, Jaswant returns home, severely beaten and scarred from brutal police torture, all for a harmless prank.
Release
Maachis was originally scheduled to be released on October 18, 1996, but its release was delayed by a week to 25 October 1996.
Controversy
Maachis was banned in Malaysia by the censor board on grounds that "it may hurt religious sentiments."
Soundtrack
The score and soundtrack for Maachis were composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics written by Gulzar. The soundtrack album includes several background score pieces from the film, complementing its intense narrative and themes.
The song "Chhod Aaye Hum" marked the debut of singer KK as a playback singer in Hindi cinema.
Key details
| Release year | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Language | Hindi |
| Director | Gulzar. The |
| Starring | Tabu, Chandrachur Singh, Om Puri, Jimmy Sheirgill |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Maachis released?
Maachis is a Hindi-language film released in 1996, directed by Gulzar. The.
Who directed Maachis?
Maachis was directed by Gulzar. The.
Who stars in Maachis?
Maachis stars Tabu, Chandrachur Singh, Om Puri, Jimmy Sheirgill.
What is Maachis about?
Maachis (transl. Matchsticks) is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language period political thriller film written and directed by Gulzar.
Where can I watch Maachis?
Maachis may be available on major streaming platforms or for digital rental — check current OTT listings for availability in your region.
Reference: Wikipedia
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