Mela 2000
Directed by
Dharmesh Darshan
Made by
Mela Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Mela (2000). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Roopa Singh, the only sister of her soldier brother Ram Singh, returns to their village in Chandanpur where a carnival-like plan foreshadows her upcoming marriage. The mood shifts in a brutal moment when a group of terrorists led by Gujjar Singh raids the town, murders a visiting politician, and pursues Roopa as she clings to hope and fear. Gopal, Roopa’s young friend, rushes to her aid along with Ram, but both are cut down by Gujjar as he makes a chilling threat: Roopa will be his mistress, stripped of the bond of brother or lover she once knew.
Heartbreak drives Roopa to a desperate act—she slits her own fate by leaping into a waterfall. She survives, and with a fierce resolve to confront Gujjar, she steals the clothes of a theatre actor named Kishan, who works with his best friend Shankar. Kishan, while searching for his missing clothes and stopping at a restaurant, meets Roopa and is furious at what she’s done. A confrontation with a few goons who harass Roopa soon erupts, and Shankar steps in to rescue Kishan, wrecking the restaurant in the process and settling the reckoning with Kishan’s money.
Roopa trails the pair to Khanpur, slipping into the back of their truck and attracting minimal scrutiny during a police check where Insp. Pakkad Singh eyes them with suspicion but finds nothing amiss, eventually letting them go. Despite the friction, Kishan grows fond of Roopa and decides to cast her as the heroine of their dance show. With no other option, Roopa travels with them, attempting to escape only to be pursued by the gang and a drunken ex-fiancé, the powerful Surendra Pratap Singh. Roopa is saved by Shankar and Kishan, and she pretends to fall for Kishan so the two men will help her return to Chandanpur—though Shankar harbors a growing resentment toward her.
Back in her village, Roopa reveals the truth of her past, and Shankar adopts a protective, brotherly stance, while Kishan is left deeply wounded and withdraws. Shankar rallies the villagers and sets his sights on Gujjar, whose terror has already spread to the quiet heart of Chandanpur. The plan falters, and Kishan returns with Insp. Pakkad Singh, who is temporarily suspended, adding tension to the mission. A second trap is laid around another carnival, but Gujjar’s forces strike first, and the chase is on as Kishan and Shankar pursue Gujjar, only to discover an impersonator in Gujjar’s stead. Roopa is ultimately kidnapped again, dragged to Gujjar’s hideout, and forced into a brutal fight with his men.
Guojar slaps Roopa, mocking her to forget the ties that bind her to Kishan, but Roopa’s defiant courage draws out Shankar and Kishan, who race to her aid. As Gujjar presses his advantage, Kishan fights on, and Roopa rises to intervene once more. The tides turn as Shankar hurls Gujjar aside and the tide shifts toward a fierce, communal defense: the villagers descend, and Kishan lands the decisive blows that end Gujjar’s reign of terror with help from Roopa and Shankar.
In the aftermath, the road of memory and reunion remains open as Shankar, now free of the immediate peril, meets Champakali, the mysterious figure who hints at new chapters beyond the village’s borders. The story closes on this note, a testament to resilience, loyalty, and the complicated bonds that bind a family, a lover, and a village together. Champakali
Mela Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Mela (2000) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Roopa returns to Chandanpur amid carnival mood
Roopa returns to Chandanpur, where a carnival-like mood hints at celebration and a forthcoming marriage. The town buzzes with festivity, yet a sense of danger threads through the celebration. Her homecoming sets in motion a chain of events that will test loyalties and courage.
Terror attack and family tragedy
A group of terrorists led by Gujjar Singh raids the town, unleashing chaos and killing a visiting politician. Roopa watches in fear as Ram Singh and Gopal rush to protect her, but Gujjar ruthlessly cuts them down. The assault leaves Roopa shaken and marked by the predator's chilling promise.
Roopa's desperate leap and vow
Heartbreak drives Roopa to a desperate act, leaping into a waterfall to escape her attackers. She survives the plunge and resolves to confront Gujjar, channeling her pain into determination. This moment marks a turning point as she vows to reclaim her life.
Roopa steals Kishan's clothes and meets him
Roopa steals Kishan's clothes and, wearing them, inserts herself into a restaurant encounter that unnerves him. A group of goons harasses Roopa, provoking a violent rescue by Shankar who wrecks the restaurant and asserts Kishan's money. The chaotic confrontation forges a tenuous alliance between Roopa and Kishan.
Defection to Khanpur and a wary police check
Roopa follows Kishan and Shankar to Khanpur, slipping into the back of their truck as a routine police check passes by. Inspector Pakkad Singh eyes them with suspicion but ultimately lets them go, allowing the trio to continue their uneasy journey. The escape deepens Roopa's dependence on Kishan and Shankar.
Kishan grows fond and outfits a show
Kishan grows fond of Roopa and envisions her as the heroine of their forthcoming dance show. He sees talent, grit, and a fierce spirit in her, despite the danger they face. Roopa's presence quietly shifts the dynamics among the trio and their crew.
Pursuit intensifies: gang and Surendra chase Roopa
The trio is pursued by the gang and Roopa's drunken ex-fiancé, Surendra Pratap Singh, as they struggle to stay ahead. Shankar and Kishan repeatedly rescue Roopa, keeping her alive and connected to their plan. To regain a foothold, Roopa pretends to fall for Kishan, hoping it will buy them safe passage back to Chandanpur.
Return to Chandanpur and truths revealed
Back in Chandanpur, Roopa reveals the truth about her past, and Shankar adopts a protective, almost brotherly stance. Kishan is left wounded by guilt and withdraws from the others, while Shankar rallies the villagers to confront Gujjar. The balance of loyalties begins to tilt toward a united fight.
Second trap and Gujjar's strike
Shankar orchestrates a second trap around another carnival, but Gujjar's forces strike first, triggering a brutal chase. Kishan returns with Insp. Pakkad Singh, whose temporary suspension adds tension to the mission. The plan's fragility becomes clear as Gujjar's menace persists.
Kidnapping and confrontation at Gujjar's hideout
Roopa is kidnapped again and dragged to Gujjar's hideout, where she is forced into a brutal fight against his men. Gujjar mocks her, insisting she forgets her bonds to Kishan, but her defiance draws Shankar and Kishan into the fray. The three allies fight to save Roopa and end Gujjar's tyranny.
Climax: village defense and Gujjar's defeat
As Gujjar presses his advantage, Kishan fights on while Roopa and Shankar provide support and the villagers descend to help defend the town. Shankar hurls Gujjar aside, and Kishan delivers decisive blows with Roopa and Shankar backing him up. The tyrant falls as the community unites to reclaim their home.
Aftermath and new beginnings
In the aftermath, Shankar reunites with Roopa and encounters Champakali, who hints at chapters beyond the village borders. The story closes on a note of resilience, loyalty, and the complex ties that bind a family, lovers, and a village together. The final moment suggests further stories might follow beyond Chandanpur.
Mela Characters
Explore all characters from Mela (2000). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Roopa Singh (Twinkle Khanna)
Roopa is Ram Singh's sister who endures a violent raid on her village and a traumatic sequence that pushes her toward drastic actions. She steals Kishan's clothes to join the troupe, feigns love to navigate danger, and ultimately seeks to confront Gujjar. Her resilience and quick thinking are central to the rescue and revenge arc.
Kishan Pyare (Aamir Khan)
Kishan is a theatre actor who becomes Roopa's ally after she steals his clothes. He is initially angered by Roopa's deception but falls in love with her and volunteers to help her. He joins Shankar in confronting Gujjar and plays a key role in the pursuit and rescue.
Shankar Shane (Faisal Hussain Khan)
Shankar is Kishan's best friend who rescues Kishan when he faces danger and later helps Roopa. He becomes Roopa's brother figure after she reveals her past, mobilizes the village for the final confrontation, and fights Gujjar alongside Kishan.
Gujjar Singh (Tinnu Verma)
Gujjar is the terrorist mastermind who murders a visiting politician, abducts Roopa, and terrorizes the village. He taunts Roopa about her love and dignity, molests her, and ultimately faces Kishan and Shankar in a climactic confrontation.
Ram Singh (Ayub Khan)
Ram Singh is Roopa's soldier brother who returns home but is killed during Gujjar's raid. His death becomes a driving force for Roopa's resolve to confront the threats against her and her family.
Inspector Pakkad Singh (Johnny Lever)
Insp. Pakkad Singh is a police officer who notices Roopa and is initially suspicious of Kishan and Roopa. He is suspended for reasons in the course of the investigation but remains part of the enforcement milieu surrounding Gujjar.
Gopal (Omkar Kapoor)
Gopal is Roopa's young friend who ends up in danger alongside the others. He participates in the action, and his involvement highlights the community’s stake in Roopa's fate.
Champakali (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) (Special Appearance)
Champakali appears in a special appearance at the end, signaling a new development in the world of the story as Roopa and Kishan move forward from their trials.
Surendra Pratap Singh (Parmeet Sethi)
Surendra Pratap Singh is a decadent, drunken fiancé-turned-cop who pursues Roopa and adds to the tension in the village. His presence amplifies the danger Roopa faces before the final confrontation.
Mela Settings
Learn where and when Mela (2000) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Chandanpur, Khanpur
Chandanpur is a rural Indian village where Roopa's marriage arrangements unfold during a vibrant carnival. The nearby Khanpur serves as a transit spot for the traveling theatre troupe, drawing the main characters into the carnivalesque world of performance. The village becomes a battleground of celebration and danger as terrorists threaten its peace.
Mela Themes
Discover the main themes in Mela (2000). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
💘
Love and Loyalty
Roopa's relationships with Kishan and Shankar drive much of the plot, blending romance with peril. The evolving feelings between Roopa and the two men complicate loyalties and choices. Their bond motivates risky plans to protect Roopa and confront the villain. The narrative uses romance to propel action and sacrifice.
🛡️
Resilience
Roopa endures captivity, danger, and social stigma after the attack on her village. She survives a suicide attempt and continues to fight for justice against Gujjar. Her resolve inspires others in the village to rally together. The story centers on reclaiming agency in the face of brutal violence.
🎭
Disguise and Performance
Roopa steals Kishan's clothes and joins his theatre troupe, using disguise to advance her escape and plan. The carnival and stage world intersect with the film’s thriller elements, creating dramatic turns. Performance becomes a tool for survival and pursuit of justice. The plot leverages showmanship to navigate danger and return home.
Mela Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Mela (2000). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the sun‑baked villages of Chandanpur, life moves to the rhythm of festivals, market stalls, and the whisper of old stories carried on the wind. It is a world where tradition and yearning clash, and where every corner seems to hold a secret waiting to be uncovered. The atmosphere is both vibrant and uneasy, a place where laughter can quickly turn into tension, hinting at deeper currents beneath the surface.
Kishen and Shankar, inseparable friends whose camaraderie feels as solid as the ancient fields they grew up in, find their world tilted when they cross paths with Roopa, a determined young woman haunted by a loss that still echoes through her family. Drawn together by a promise to stand by her side, the trio embarks on a mission that feels as much about personal redemption as it is about honoring the bonds of kinship and community. Their differing personalities—Kishen’s impetuous charm, Shankar’s steady loyalty, and Roopa’s fierce resolve—create a dynamic mix that fuels both humor and heartfelt tension.
As they set out, the journey unfolds against a tapestry of rural landscapes and bustling towns, where the line between ally and adversary blurs and the stakes feel as high as the mountains surrounding them. Their friendship is put to the test, each step forward revealing hidden strengths and fragile insecurities. The story promises a blend of pulse‑pounding action, emotional depth, and cultural richness, inviting the audience to wonder how far they will go for justice, for each other, and for the promise of a future that might finally let the past rest.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.