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Besharam (2013) Plot Summary & Timeline

Besharam (2013) movie poster

Besharam is a 2013 comedy and romance film directed by Abhinav Kashyap, running 2 hours 23 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 484 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 5 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Besharam.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
5
themes explained
3
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Besharam (2013) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 23m
Director
Abhinav Kashyap
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Original language
Hindi
No spoilers

What Is Besharam About?

The premise of Besharam in 287 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustling streets of Delhi, a city where tradition clashes with the relentless pulse of modern life, a charismatic young man makes his living by bending the rules that keep the world orderly. Babli is a quick‑witted car mechanic whose carefree attitude and effortless charm allow him to glide through daily encounters with a confidence that feels both rebellious and oddly endearing. The film paints his world with vibrant colors and a kinetic rhythm, letting the audience feel the electric energy of a metropolis that never truly sleeps.

Against this backdrop, the story introduces a tender, if complicated, romance. Tara is a bright, ambitious woman whose aspirations and poise stand in stark contrast to Babli’s laid‑back lifestyle. Their relationship crackles with a blend of humor and vulnerability, hinting at the inevitable clash between a heart that dreams big and a soul that refuses to be tamed. The chemistry between them is a playful tug‑of‑war, suggesting that love can be both a catalyst for change and a mirror that reflects inner truths.

Hovering over their antics are two delightfully eccentric police officers, a husband‑and‑wife duo whose unconventional methods and flamboyant personalities add a layer of comic chaos to the narrative. Chulbul Chautala and Bulbul bring a sense of organized mayhem, their pursuit of Babli becoming as much about personal quirks as about the law. Their interactions weave together tension and laughter, hinting at deeper questions about duty, redemption, and the possibility of finding one’s own moral compass amidst the noise of the city. The film’s tone balances lighthearted mischief with heartfelt moments, inviting viewers to wonder how Babli will navigate the tangled web of love, responsibility, and the ever‑watchful eyes of those who claim to uphold order.

Full plot

What Happens in Besharam?

The complete story of Besharam, from the first scene to the last, in 484 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Bhim Singh Chandel, portrayed by Jaaved Jaafrey, is a well-known don who focuses on Hawala transactions. With the police keeping a close eye on his car, he reaches out to his mechanic to find a new vehicle. The mechanic introduces him to Babli, a skilled car thief based in Delhi.

Babli, played by Ranbir Kapoor, is a charismatic yet small-time thief whose motto is boldly stated as “Na Sammaan Ka Moh, Na Aapmaan Ka Bhay” (No yearning for respect, no fear of humiliation). His heart, however, falls for Tara, a character brought to life by Pallavi Sharda, during a wedding. Unfortunately, Babli’s charm fails to sway her, leading to an embarrassing rejection when he confesses his feelings. To impress her, Babli acquires a new Mercedes for her friends’ wedding.

Bhim travels to Delhi, commissioning Babli to steal a “clean” car, free from police traces. Meanwhile, Inspector Chulbul Chautala, played by Rishi Kapoor, and his wife, Bulbul (Neetu Singh), are actively searching for Babli, who had narrowly escaped their grasp in a previous incident with a stolen vehicle.

In a twist of fate, Babli inadvertently steals Tara’s car, delivering it to Bhim without realizing its true owner. Upon discovery, he proposes a trip to Chandigarh to recover the vehicle from the goons. Tara consents, only to learn that the thief she’s accompanying is none other than Babli himself. Her anger towards him flares as she chastises him for dreaming of marrying someone as successful as her, all while being just a common thief. Babli defends himself, explaining his orphan status and lack of guidance, emphasizing that he’s done his best in tough circumstances.

Babli attempts to breach Bhim’s hideout to reclaim the car but is spotted, forcing him to flee. Determined, he decides to steal the car from Bhim’s premises, unwittingly taking a bag of money belonging to the don. Bhim quickly realizes Babli’s involvement, especially since the thief left behind a stolen scooter at the scene.

Amidst this chaos, Chulbul and Bulbul visit Babli’s orphanage, seeking to adopt a child. Babli shows up with Tara and her car, but this does not bode well for him, as Chulbul arrests him. To secure Babli’s freedom, Tara employs Bhim’s money to bribe Chulbul and Bulbul.

Bhim, tracing Babli back to the orphanage, takes everyone hostage, demanding his money’s return. Desperate, Babli infiltrates Chulbul’s home to retrieve the cash, only to be cornered by the couple. He explains Bhim’s demands, and surprisingly, Chulbul believes him, rallying the forces for a raid on Bhim’s hideout to save the children.

The ensuing raid becomes a comedic chaos, with both the police and Bhim’s henchmen taking turns gaining the upper hand. Ultimately, Babli heroically saves Bulbul, Chulbul defeats Bhim, and all the children are rescued. In a heartwarming conclusion, Chulbul and Bulbul decide to adopt Babli, and he ends up marrying Tara, solidifying a bond that transcends their tumultuous beginnings.

Timeline

Besharam Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Bhim Singh Chandel's Hawala Operations” to “A Heroic Conclusion”. 7 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Bhim Singh Chandel's Hawala Operations

    Bhim Singh Chandel, a notorious don, is deeply involved in Hawala transactions. His operations are under close surveillance by the police, prompting him to seek a new vehicle for his illegal activities.

  2. 2

    Bhim Contacts His Mechanic

    To evade the police attention on his current car, Bhim enlists the help of his mechanic. The mechanic introduces him to Babli, a charming car thief known for his skills in stealing high-end vehicles.

  3. 3

    Babli's Character Introduction

    Babli, portrayed as a small-time thief, is driven by his motto of not seeking respect. His life takes a turn when he meets Tara at a wedding, leading him to develop romantic feelings for her.

    Where:Delhi

  4. 4

    Babli's Romantic Pursuit

    Babli attempts to woo Tara but faces an embarrassing rejection when he confesses his feelings. Undeterred, he tries to impress her by stealing a luxurious Mercedes for her friends' wedding.

    Where:Delhi

  5. 5

    Bhim's Request for a Clean Car

    Traveling to Delhi, Bhim commissions Babli to steal a car that is free from any ties to the police. This sets the stage for an interconnected series of events between the thief and the don.

    Where:Delhi

  6. 6

    Inspector Chulbul's Pursuit

    Inspector Chulbul Chautala, alongside his wife Bulbul, has been actively searching for Babli. Their investigation adds an element of urgency and tension as they uncover Babli's activities.

  7. 7

    The Accidental Theft

    In a twist of fate, Babli unknowingly steals Tara's own car to deliver it to Bhim. This mistake sets off a chain reaction that brings the characters closer while heightening the stakes.

    Where:Delhi

  8. 8

    Babli's Road Trip with Tara

    When Tara discovers her car has been stolen, she joins Babli on a reckless trip to Chandigarh to reclaim it from the goons. The journey is fraught with tension as their complex relationship unfolds.

    Where:Chandigarh

  9. 9

    Confrontation at Bhim's Hideout

    Babli's attempt to retrieve Tara's car at Bhim's hideout goes awry when he is spotted. This forces him to escape, but not before creating a tense interaction with the don.

  10. 10

    The Heist Gone Wrong

    In a desperate move, Babli decides to steal a car from Bhim's lair again but inadvertently takes a bag of money belonging to the don. This blunder reveals his identity to Bhim.

Show the other 5 events of Besharam
  1. 11

    Chulbul and Bulbul's Visit to the Orphanage

    Inspector Chulbul and Bulbul visit Babli’s orphanage under the pretext of wanting to adopt a child. Unbeknownst to them, Babli’s actions may have dire consequences for him.

    Where:Babli's Orphanage

  2. 12

    Babli's Arrest

    As Babli tries to clear up the confusion by bringing Tara and her car to the orphanage, he is arrested by Chulbul. Tara then steps in to secure his release using Bhim’s funds to bribe the police.

  3. 13

    Bhim's Hostage Situation

    Bhim tracks down Babli and takes everyone at the orphanage hostage, demanding the return of his stolen money. His ruthless methods escalate the conflict between them.

    Where:Babli's Orphanage

  4. 14

    The Rescue Operation

    Realizing the urgency of the situation, Chulbul decides to lead a police raid on Bhim's hideout. The operation becomes chaotic as both sides fight for control and the children’s safety hangs in the balance.

  5. 15

    A Heroic Conclusion

    In a climactic turn of events, Babli saves Bulbul and helps Chulbul defeat Bhim. The successful rescue leads to Chulbul and Bulbul deciding to adopt Babli, and he ultimately marries Tara, completing their extraordinary journey.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Besharam?

5 characters, among them Babli, Tara and Inspector Chulbul Chautala: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Ranbir Kapoor as Babli in Besharam

    Babli

    Played by Ranbir Kapoor

    Babli is a charismatic, small-time car thief whose bold personality and humorous outlook often lead him into trouble. Despite his illegal activities, he has a good heart and demonstrates resilience as he navigates life's challenges, particularly in his pursuit of love and acceptance.

    • 🚗 Thief
    • 💖 Romantic
  • Pallavi Sharda as Tara in Besharam

    Tara

    Played by Pallavi Sharda

    Tara is a strong-minded woman who initially rejects Babli's advances. She represents ambition and success, pushing Babli to reflect on his circumstances. As the story unfolds, her character evolves, embracing the complexities of their relationship while challenging societal norms.

    • 👩‍🎓 Ambitious
    • 💔 Rejected
  • IC

    Inspector Chulbul Chautala

    Played by Rishi Kapoor

    Chulbul is a dedicated police officer who is both comedic and earnest in his mission to uphold justice. His character often provides a humorous take on the serious world of law enforcement, becoming an accidental ally to Babli in the end.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Detective
    • 😂 Comedic
  • B

    Bulbul

    Played by Neetu Singh

    Bulbul is Chulbul's wife, who balances her husband's determination with a nurturing side. She plays a crucial role in the family's journey to adopt Babli, adding emotional depth to the narrative. Her compassion highlights the theme of family that permeates the film.

    • ❤️ Caring
    • 👩‍❤️‍👨 Supportive
  • BS

    Bhim Singh Chandel

    Bhim is a notorious don, embodying the darker side of the criminal underworld. His determination to retrieve his stolen money sets off a chain of events that forces Babli and the characters around him to confront their choices and morals.

    • 💰 Don
    • 🔫 Antagonist
Setting

Where and When Is Besharam Set?

Besharam is set in Delhi and Chandigarh. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The film does not specify a particular time period, but it seems to take place in a contemporary setting where modern vehicles and societal norms are prevalent. The dynamics of crime and law enforcement reflect current issues in urban India.

Where

Delhi, Chandigarh

The movie takes place in the bustling cities of Delhi and Chandigarh. Delhi is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant atmosphere, while Chandigarh is famed for its modern architecture and planned urban layout. Both cities serve as a backdrop for Babli's escapades and personal growth.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏞️ Travel
Themes

What Are the Themes of Besharam?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Rejection, Crime and Justice and Family.

  1. 01

    Rejection

    Babli's journey is heavily influenced by his romantic rejection from Tara, which propels him into a series of comedic and chaotic events. This theme emphasizes the impact of unrequited love and the lengths one may go to prove oneself worthy, showcasing both vulnerability and determination.

  2. 02

    Crime and Justice

    The story navigates the thin line between crime and justice, as Babli, a small-time thief, finds himself entangled with a notorious don and the police. It examines the moral complexities of his actions and the consequences that follow while highlighting the interplay between law enforcement and criminal elements.

  3. 03

    Family

    Through Babli's orphan background and his eventual adoption by Chulbul and Bulbul, the film underscores the importance of family and belonging. It suggests that family can be formed through love and support, transcending biological ties.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Besharam?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced, energetic romantic comedy that follows a charming but reckless thief on a journey of redemption, blending car chases, chaotic encounters with eccentric police, and a heartwarming found-family conclusion.

  • energetic
  • romantic
  • playful
  • chaotic
  • charming
  • uplifting
  • redemption
  • thief with a heart of gold
  • found family
  • romantic pursuit

Content notes: hostage situation, criminal activity.

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FAQ

Besharam Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Besharam, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Besharam about?

In the bustling streets of Delhi, a city where tradition clashes with the relentless pulse of modern life, a charismatic young man makes his living by bending the rules that keep the world orderly.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Besharam take place?

Besharam is set in Delhi and Chandigarh. The film does not specify a particular time period, but it seems to take place in a contemporary setting where modern vehicles and societal norms are prevalent.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Besharam?

The story follows Babli (played by Ranbir Kapoor), Tara (played by Pallavi Sharda), Inspector Chulbul Chautala (played by Rishi Kapoor) and Bulbul (played by Neetu Singh); the character guide covers 5 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Besharam?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Rejection, Crime and Justice and Family.

The themes explained

Who directed Besharam?

Besharam (2013) was directed by Abhinav Kashyap and runs 2 hours 23 minutes.

Abhinav Kashyap’s films

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