{
 "id": "epnt6ykkrr",
 "slug": "daraar",
 "title": "Daraar (दरार)",
 "updated": "2026-11-01",
 "topic_path": [
  {
   "id": "culture",
   "label": "Arts and culture",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance",
   "label": "Screen and stage",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance.screen",
   "label": "Film and television",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance.screen.films",
   "label": "Films and standalone screen works",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works",
   "label": "Individual films by title and year",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema",
   "label": "Indian films (individual works)",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s",
   "label": "Hindi films of the 1990s",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films",
   "label": "Action and thriller films",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films"
  },
  {
   "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films.yr-1996-1999",
   "label": "Released 1996 to 1999",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films.yr-1996-1999"
  }
 ],
 "geo": [
  {
   "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films.yr-1996-1999",
   "label": "India · 1946 to 2000: Released 1996 to 1999",
   "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films.yr-1996-1999",
   "path": [
    {
     "id": "geo.ind",
     "label": "India",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946",
     "label": "India · 1946 to 2000",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture",
     "label": "Arts and culture",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance",
     "label": "Screen and stage",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen",
     "label": "Film and television",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films",
     "label": "Films and standalone screen works",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works",
     "label": "Individual films by title and year",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema",
     "label": "Indian films (individual works)",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s",
     "label": "Hindi films of the 1990s",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films",
     "label": "Action and thriller films",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films"
    },
    {
     "id": "geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films.yr-1996-1999",
     "label": "Released 1996 to 1999",
     "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films.yr-1996-1999"
    }
   ]
  }
 ],
 "excerpt": "Daraar (दरार), 1996 Hindi romantic psychological thriller by Abbas–Mustan, starring Rishi Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, and debutant Arbaaz Khan; inspired by Sleeping with the Enemy, a box-office flop that won Khan the Filmfare Best Villain Award.",
 "snippet": "Daraar (दरार), 1996 Hindi romantic psychological thriller by Abbas–Mustan, starring Rishi Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, and debutant Arbaaz Khan; inspired by Sleeping with the Enemy, a box-office flop that won Khan the Filmfare Best Villain Award.",
 "node": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.hindi-films-of-the-1990s.action-and-thriller-films.yr-1996-1999",
 "markdown": "# Daraar (दरार)\n\n**Daraar** (दरार; transl. Rift) is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language romantic psychological thriller directed by the duo Abbas–Mustan and starring [Rishi Kapoor](https://www.edgepedia.org/rishi-kapoor), Juhi Chawla, and [Arbaaz Khan](https://www.edgepedia.org/arbaaz-khan) in his feature film debut.<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup>  It was released in India on 5 July 1996.<sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup> The film follows a woman who escapes her abusive, possessive husband by faking her death and starting a new life in Shimla, only for him to track her down after she falls in love with another man.<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup>\n\n| Key fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Release | 5 July 1996 (India), Hindi language<sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup> |\n| Directors | Abbas Alibhai Burmawalla and Mastan Alibhai Burmawalla (Abbas–Mustan)<sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup> |\n| Lead cast | Rishi Kapoor (Raj Malhotra), Juhi Chawla (Priya Bhatia), Arbaaz Khan (Vikram)<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup> |\n| Key crew | Producer Sujit Kumar; story and screenplay Sachin Bhowmick; dialogue Aadesh K. Arjun; music Anu Malik<sup>[3](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/cast_crew.php?movieid=2780)</sup> |\n| Source material | Inspired by the 1991 American thriller *Sleeping with the Enemy*<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup> |\n| Box office | India net ₹65 million (₹6.5 crore), worldwide ₹105 million (₹10.5 crore); verdict \"Below Average\" (Sacnilk) or \"Flop\" (Box Office India)<sup>[4](https://www.sacnilk.com/movie/Daraar_1996)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[5](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2780)</sup>  |\n| Major award | Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Villainous Role, 1997, to Arbaaz Khan<sup>[6](https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners)</sup> |\n\n## Spoilers\n\n### Plot\n\nVikram (Arbaaz Khan) is a violent, obsessively possessive husband who cannot control his rage and repeatedly beats his new wife, Priya ([Juhi Chawla](https://www.edgepedia.org/juhi-chawla)).<sup>[5](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2780)</sup> During a boat trip to celebrate her birthday, the boat is caught in a storm and Priya escapes; Vikram believes she has drowned, but she swims ashore and runs away to Shimla to begin a new life.<sup>[5](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2780)</sup>\n\nIn Shimla she meets Raj Malhotra (Rishi Kapoor), a wealthy man who falls in love with her.<sup>[5](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2780)</sup> When her mother advises her to tell him the truth about her past, Priya writes a letter explaining her abusive marriage and entrusts it to Raj's servant Hari ([Johnny Lever](https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-lever)), who misplaces it and has a substitute letter containing only a poem delivered instead.<sup>[5](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2780)</sup> Raj learns of the earlier marriage from Priya's mother and leaves her in anger; the misunderstanding is resolved only when Hari finds the original letter, after which Raj forgives her and decides to marry her.<sup>[7](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/daraar/2030348343/)</sup> Vikram, discovering that Priya is alive, traces the couple to Shimla, tries to kill Raj, has him jailed, and goes after Priya.<sup>[7](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/daraar/2030348343/)</sup> In the climax, Raj drowns Vikram in a bathtub, and when Vikram attacks the couple again at a railway station, his foot becomes stuck on the track; seeing Priya try to save him despite his abuse, he pushes her away before a train hits him, saying that she is free.<sup>[8](https://www.moviebuff.com/daraar)</sup>\n\n## Production and casting\n\nDaraar was produced by [Sujit Kumar](https://www.edgepedia.org/sujit-kumar) under the banner Shree Shiv Bhakti Films, with Venus Records & Tapes also credited as a production company.<sup>[3](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/cast_crew.php?movieid=2780)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup>  Sachin Bhowmick wrote the story and screenplay and Aadesh K. Arjun wrote the dialogue; the lyrics were by Shaheen Iqbal, Rani Malik, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Rahat Indori, and [Hasrat Jaipuri](https://www.edgepedia.org/hasrat-jaipuri).<sup>[3](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/cast_crew.php?movieid=2780)</sup> Thomas A. Xavier was the cinematographer and Sandeep Chowta and [Anu Malik](https://www.edgepedia.org/anu-malik) are credited as composers.<sup>[8](https://www.moviebuff.com/daraar)</sup>\n\nThe film marked the feature debut of Arbaaz Khan, younger sibling of [Salman Khan](https://www.edgepedia.org/salman-khan).<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[9](https://groups.google.com/g/rec.arts.movies.local.indian/c/2SHHAmGtWoA)</sup>  In a 1997 Rediff interview, Abbas and Mustan said they had known Arbaaz for some time, felt he suited the role, and wanted a new face that could work both as hero and as villain.<sup>[10](https://m.rediff.com/movies/apr/04abms.htm)</sup> According to a later account, the duo had earlier wanted to launch Arbaaz in *Khiladi* and then in *Baazigar*, but he felt he was not ready; Arbaaz himself told *The Indian Express* that he had been offered [Akshay Kumar](https://www.edgepedia.org/akshay-kumar)'s role in *Khiladi* but could not take it because he was signed with another director.<sup>[11](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/arbaaz-khan-reveals-abbas-mustan-offered-him-akshay-kumar-role-in-khiladi-9160814/lite/)</sup>\n\n## Source material and the Sleeping with the Enemy cycle\n\nThe film's story is inspired by the 1991 American thriller *Sleeping with the Enemy*, and it was one of three Hindi adaptations of that material made around the same time, alongside *Yaraana* (1995) and *Agnisakshi* (1996).<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup> A contemporary review in *The Link* described *Daraar* as completing \"the trilogy of the desi versions of Sleeping With The Enemy\".<sup>[9](https://groups.google.com/g/rec.arts.movies.local.indian/c/2SHHAmGtWoA)</sup> Film scholar Gohar Siddiqui of Clark University treats *Yaraana*, *Agnisakshi*, and *Daraar* as a cycle of domestic-abuse films released within two years, arguing that their shared plot centers domestic violence and carries a critique of patriarchy.<sup>[12](https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_visual_performing_arts/25/)</sup>\n\nThe directors disputed the remake label. In the Rediff interview they said that when the writer of *Daraar* narrated the story, he told them he had been inspired by *A Kiss Before Dying*, and that they deliberately avoided watching the English version so as not to be influenced by it; they also said that when they began shooting *Daraar*, *Agni Sakshi* had not yet gone on the floors and they had never seen it.<sup>[10](https://m.rediff.com/movies/apr/04abms.htm)</sup> In a separate interview, Mustan said that when a script is adapted from Hollywood they make sure not to watch the original, and that during the making of *Daraar* and *Baazigar* they avoided *Sleeping With The Enemy* and *A Kiss Before Dying*.<sup>[13](https://santabanta.com/cinema/bollywood/star-talk/beyond-sexual-harassment-abbas-mustan-3540/)</sup>\n\n## Music\n\nThe music was composed by Anu Malik, with popular tracks including \"Ye Pyar Pyar Kya Hai\" and \"Deewana Deewana\".<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup> The soundtrack album was released in 1996 on Ishtar Music.<sup>[14](https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/daraar-anu-malik/8904228505304)</sup>\n\n## Reception and box office\n\nContemporary response was mixed. The *Link* review praised Juhi Chawla's performance, saying she conveyed \"a natural vulnerability and an innocence\", but criticized the film for straying from its main theme and for a climax that undercut the character's stance against her husband.<sup>[9](https://groups.google.com/g/rec.arts.movies.local.indian/c/2SHHAmGtWoA)</sup> Later aggregators record an IMDb user rating of 5.3/10 from 679 votes.<sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup>\n\nThe film underperformed commercially. Sacnilk reports a budget of ₹52 million (₹5.20 crore), India net collections of ₹65 million (₹6.50 crore), India gross of ₹100 million (₹10.00 crore), overseas of ₹5 million (₹0.50 crore), and a worldwide total of ₹105 million (₹10.50 crore), with a verdict of \"Below Average\".<sup>[4](https://www.sacnilk.com/movie/Daraar_1996)</sup> Box Office India lists a budget of ₹45 million (₹4.50 crore), a total net gross of ₹62.8 million (₹6.28 crore) on 155 screens, and classifies the film as a \"Flop\".<sup>[5](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2780)</sup> B4U's profile likewise says the film was declared a flop despite a moderate budget of approximately ₹45 million (₹4.5 crore).<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup>\n\nThe film's lasting reputation rests on Arbaaz Khan's performance as the abusive husband, which won the [Filmfare Award for Best Actor](https://www.edgepedia.org/filmfare-award-for-best-actor) in a Villainous Role at the 42nd Annual Filmfare Awards (winners of the year 1997), where Juhi Chawla was nominated for Best Actress.<sup>[6](https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[7](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/daraar/2030348343/)</sup>  B4U describes the role as a bold debut that remains well regarded.<sup>[1](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)</sup>\n\n## Versions and runtime\n\nReported runtimes differ substantially across databases: IMDb lists 105 minutes, Box Office India 169 minutes, Rotten Tomatoes 2h 55m, and one catalog entry 175 minutes.<sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[3](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/cast_crew.php?movieid=2780)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[15](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/daraar)</sup> The Times of India lists a certified runtime of 2 hours 3 minutes with a UA certificate.<sup>[16](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/daraar/movieshow/61338452.cms)</sup> The film was later featured in the 2015 film *Dilwale*.<sup>[2](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)</sup>\n\n## References\n\n1. [DARAAR, B4U Entertainment](https://b4uentertainment.com/b4u-plus-uae/daraar)\n2. [Daraar (1996), IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116024/)\n3. [Daraar cast and credits, Box Office India](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/cast_crew.php?movieid=2780)\n4. [Daraar (1996) box office, Sacnilk](https://www.sacnilk.com/movie/Daraar_1996)\n5. [Daraar movie page, Box Office India](https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2780)\n6. [Filmfare Awards Winners List (1954–Present), Filmfare](https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners)\n7. [Daraar – Where to Watch and Stream, TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/daraar/2030348343/)\n8. [Daraar, Moviebuff](https://www.moviebuff.com/daraar)\n9. [DARAAR film review, The Link (July 1996), via rec.arts.movies.local.indian](https://groups.google.com/g/rec.arts.movies.local.indian/c/2SHHAmGtWoA)\n10. [Filmmakers Abbas and Mastan interview, Rediff On The Net (April 1997)](https://m.rediff.com/movies/apr/04abms.htm)\n11. [Arbaaz Khan reveals Abbas-Mustan offered him Akshay Kumar's role in Khiladi, The Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/arbaaz-khan-reveals-abbas-mustan-offered-him-akshay-kumar-role-in-khiladi-9160814/lite/)\n12. [Gohar Siddiqui, \"Behind her laughter…is fear!\" Domestic abuse and transnational feminism in Bollywood remakes, Jump Cut (2013)](https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_visual_performing_arts/25/)\n13. [Beyond Sexual Harassment: Abbas-Mustan interview, SantaBanta](https://santabanta.com/cinema/bollywood/star-talk/beyond-sexual-harassment-abbas-mustan-3540/)\n14. [Daraar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Anu Malik, Qobuz](https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/daraar-anu-malik/8904228505304)\n15. [Daraar, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/daraar)\n16. [Daraar movie details, Times of India eTimes](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/daraar/movieshow/61338452.cms)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Films and standalone screen works › Individual films by title and year › Indian films (individual works) › Hindi films of the 1990s › Action and thriller films › Released 1996 to 1999*\n\n*Initially written Oct 3, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 3, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 3, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n",
 "same_as": [],
 "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar",
 "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar.md",
 "license": {
  "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0",
  "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license",
  "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.",
  "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0"
 },
 "credit": "\"Daraar (दरार)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.",
 "credit_md": "\"[Daraar (दरार)](https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar](https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).",
 "credit_html": "\"<a href=\"https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar\">Daraar (दरार)</a>\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), <a href=\"https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar\">https://www.edgepedia.org/daraar</a>. <a href=\"https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\">Edgepedia Community License 1.0</a>.",
 "speakable": "Daraar, 1996 Hindi romantic psychological thriller by Abbas–Mustan, starring Rishi Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, and debutant Arbaaz Khan; inspired by Sleeping with the Enemy, a box-office flop that won Khan the Filmfare Best Villain Award."
}
