Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Comedy thriller

Khaali Peeli (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Khaali Peeli (2020) movie poster

Khaali Peeli is a 2020 comedy thriller directed by Maqbool Khan, starring Ananya Panday as Pooja, Ishaan Khatter and Swanand Kirkire. It runs 1 hour 53 minutes and earned $3,949 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 38/100.

worldwide gross
$3.9K
Echo Score
38
Loading streaming availability…
Khaali Peeli (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 53m (113 min)
Director
Maqbool Khan
Genres
Comedy , Thriller , Romance , Action
Original language
Hindi
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Khaali Peeli About?

The premise of Khaali Peeli without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Two childhood sweethearts, Pooja and Blackie, are separated as children. Years later, Pooja escapes from a brothel with stolen money, seeking freedom. She encounters Blackie, now a resourceful Bombay taxi driver, and convinces him to help her in exchange for a large sum. Their journey becomes a thrilling chase, pursued by both the brothel's goons and the police attempting to apprehend them.

Khaali Peeli Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • cat and mouse chase
  • taxi driver
  • girl
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Khaali Peeli Cast & Characters

Ananya Panday leads the cast as Pooja, with Ishaan Khatter as Blackie and Swanand Kirkire as Choksi Seth. Directed by Maqbool Khan; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Khaali Peeli

· 7 more
Ratings

Khaali Peeli Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 38/100, strongest in sensory experience (48) and weakest in art & craft (30).

38 /100

Khaali Peeli Echo Score Breakdown

The film struggles to leave a strong impression, with several core elements falling short of expectations. Critics highlight a formulaic narrative and uneven direction, while a minority of reviewers commend its occasional freshness and nostalgic flair. Audience reactions are largely unfavorable, describing the experience as repetitive and disappointing, though a small segment finds it an enjoyable diversion. Consequently, the movie registers as a modestly received effort with limited lasting appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 30

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film exhibits an inconsistent tone that hampers its cohesion. Critics note a reliance on flashy set pieces without substantive framing, while a few reviewers appreciate occasional stylistic flair. The editing appears uneven, leading to pacing hiccups. Overall, the craftsmanship falls short of delivering a polished cinematic experience.

  • Character & Emotion 45

    When evaluating performance and character depth, the leads show intermittent chemistry but lack nuanced development. Critics argue the protagonists feel overly polished and insufficiently grounded, reducing emotional resonance. Some positive notes mention moments where the actors spark collective energy. However, the overall portrayal remains superficial, limiting audience investment in the characters' journeys.

  • Story & Flow 35

    The narrative follows a familiar formula, combining romance, crime, and high‑octane action without delivering fresh twists. Critics highlight a half‑hearted non‑linear structure that results in uneven pacing and predictability. A minority of reviewers find occasional entertainment value in its lively sequences. Nonetheless, the storyline’s lack of originality diminishes overall engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 48

    Auditory and visual elements aim for stylized impact, yet they often serve surface‑level glitz rather than immersive atmosphere. Critics acknowledge occasional effective color palettes and energetic soundtrack moments, but overall the sound design and visual cohesion feel secondary to spectacle. Consequently, the sensory experience provides brief thrills without sustaining a memorable aesthetic.

  • Rewatch Factor 38

    The film’s replay value is limited by its formulaic plot and uneven execution. While some viewers appreciate it as light, escapist entertainment suitable for casual viewing, the majority find little incentive for repeat watch due to lack of depth and memorable moments. Thus, its lasting appeal remains modest.

Plot

Khaali Peeli Plot Summary

What happens in Khaali Peeli from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Set in 2007, this drama follows two childhood sweethearts Pooja and Blackie, whose fates intertwine and unravel against a backdrop of crime, choice, and consequence. From a young age, Blackie—born Vijay—has carried a restless, street-smart streak. He helps plan a jewellery heist with his father, a scheme that lands him in trouble, yet he escapes and spends years living on the edge, always on the run. The story sets their paths on a collision course as they navigate a city that is at once generous and unforgiving.

Full summary

The whole story of Khaali Peeli, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Khaali Peeli Box Office

Khaali Peeli grossed $3,949 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.9K

International
$3.9K
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Khaali Peeli?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor portrays the character Blackie (Vijay) in the film?

Seen Khaali Peeli?

FAQ

Khaali Peeli FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Khaali Peeli, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Khaali Peeli?

Khaali Peeli runs 1 hour 53 minutes (113 minutes).

When was Khaali Peeli released?

Khaali Peeli was released on October 2, 2020.

Who directed Khaali Peeli?

Khaali Peeli was directed by Maqbool Khan.

Who is in the cast of Khaali Peeli?

Khaali Peeli stars Ananya Panday as Pooja, Ishaan Khatter as Blackie and Swanand Kirkire as Choksi Seth, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Khaali Peeli make at the box office?

Khaali Peeli grossed $3,949 worldwide.

Does Khaali Peeli have a post-credit scene?

No. Khaali Peeli has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Khaali Peeli in?

The original language of Khaali Peeli is Hindi.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app