Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Plot summary

Silence… Can You Hear It? (2021) Plot Summary & Timeline

Silence… Can You Hear It? (2021) movie poster

Silence… Can You Hear It? is a 2021 drama and thriller film directed by Aban Bharucha Deohans, running 2 hours 16 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 531 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 8 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 Silence… Can You Hear It?.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
8
themes explained
3
Loading streaming availability…
Silence… Can You Hear It? (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 16m
Genres
Drama, Thriller
Original language
Hindi
No spoilers

What Is Silence… Can You Hear It? About?

The premise of Silence… Can You Hear It? in 312 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a city where power and reputation intertwine with everyday life, a sudden, high‑profile tragedy pierces the ordinary rhythm of the streets. The unsettling loss of a young woman from a respected family sends ripples through every layer of society, drawing the curious gaze of both the press and the public. Beneath the polished veneer of the city, whispers of hidden motives and unspoken alliances linger, setting the stage for an investigation that promises to peel back layers of secrecy.

The case lands in the hands of ACP Avinash Verma, a seasoned officer from the narcotics division whose reputation for relentless determination precedes him. Though his superiors view him with skepticism, the appeal of his tenacity wins the confidence of retired Justice Chaudhary, who insists that Verma is the only one capable of untangling the web surrounding his daughter’s death. This uneasy partnership places Verma at the crossroads of institutional politics and personal stakes, forcing him to navigate a landscape where official protocol often clashes with the raw need for truth.

As Verma delves deeper, he encounters a cast of individuals whose lives intersect with the victim in ways that are both intimate and ambiguous. From close friends and family members to political figures and enigmatic aides, each encounter hints at concealed histories and motives that may never surface without careful probing. The investigation becomes less a straightforward pursuit and more an intricate dance of interrogations, subtle observations, and the ever‑present pressure of media scrutiny.

The film’s tone balances tense suspense with moments of quiet introspection, inviting viewers to feel the weight of each clue and the mounting urgency that drives Verma onward. In a world where every answer seems to spawn new questions, the story promises a compelling exploration of duty, loyalty, and the elusive nature of justice, all set against the backdrop of a city that holds its secrets tightly.

Full plot

What Happens in Silence… Can You Hear It??

The complete story of Silence… Can You Hear It?, from the first scene to the last, in 531 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

A team of special cops takes on the murder of Pooja Choudhary, the daughter of a respected, retired judge. The investigation is spearheaded by Manoj Bajpayee as ACP Avinash Verma from the narcotics division, a choice not universally favored by the higher-ups, but firmly supported by the elder statesman in the case, Shishir Sharma as Justice Choudhary, who insists Verma is the right person to solve the case and urges his entry onto the investigation. The team’s trail begins after Pooja’s body is found on a hilltop, discovered by four college students, and the forensic report hints at a personal motive, with copper fragments found on her wound that point to someone who knew her intimately.

The night of the murder unfolds through a web of close relationships and timely visits. Pooja had last visited her best friend Kavita’s house to show her something, but Kavita had gone to Pune, leaving Pooja to spend the night there. Kavita’s husband, Ravi Khanna, an MLA, and the family servant Dadu were present when Pooja arrived. Verma’s line of questioning stretches to everyone who might have known Pooja: her close friend Rishabh, his fiancée Kia, Pooja’s own family, Ravi and Kavita, Ravi’s political connections, and a pair of unusual suspects, Sunny and Shrikant. As Verma pieces together testimonies and clues, a clear pattern begins to emerge: Ravi is implicated in the circumstances surrounding Pooja’s death, with Sunny acting as an aide in the broader plot.

The investigation takes a sharp turn when Verma confronts these leads, and the tension rises as Sunny is killed in a clash with an opposition gang and Verma himself is injured. After a period of recovery, Verma returns to the case with renewed determination, navigating continued resistance from Ravi, the pressure of media attention, and bureaucratic hurdles within the department. The truth gradually comes into sharper focus as parallel strands of evidence are sifted and cross-checked.

Ultimately, the case is laid bare for all to see. The relationships that fueled the tragedy are exposed: Pooja and Rishabh were involved in an affair, a fact Kia discovers and resents. In a heated confrontation, Kia grabs a lamp and strikes Pooja, killing her on the spot; terrified by what she has done, Kia flees the scene. In the ensuing chaos, Rishabh enters the house and also flees, while Ravi arrives with the intent to protect his political career by any means, calling in his connections, including Sunny, to help him escape accountability. Kavita’s entry into the unfolding nightmare adds another layer of shock when she is dragged into the scene and ends up comatose after a fall down the stairs. The investigation winds to its close as Kia is arrested for Pooja’s murder, and both Rishabh and Ravi are arrested for tampering with evidence, bringing the tangled web of motives and loyalties to a formal close.

The narrative unfolds with a careful, procedural cadence, highlighting how personal rivalries, political pressures, and quick acts of passion can collide with duty and justice. Throughout, Verma’s persistence—despite every obstacle, from a wary media to a resistant department—drives the story toward its resolution, offering a measured meditation on power, culpability, and the cost of truth.

Timeline

Silence… Can You Hear It? Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Pooja's body found on a hilltop” to “Rishabh and Ravi arrested for tampering”. 14 events name a place, across 8 locations.

  1. 1

    Pooja's body found on a hilltop

    Pooja Choudhary's body is discovered on a hilltop by four college students during a late-night outing. Forensics reveal copper fragments in her wound, suggesting a personal rather than random killer. Police begin a search for someone who knew Pooja.

    When:Late night Where:Hilltop location

  2. 2

    Verma takes charge of the investigation

    ACP Avinash Verma is tasked with leading the murder investigation, despite pressure from higher-ups who don't favor him. Retired Justice Choudhary insists Verma is the best man for the case and persuades the authorities to hire him. Verma begins assembling a team and questioning suspects to uncover the killer's identity.

    When:Following the discovery Where:Police HQ

  3. 3

    Pooja last visits Kavita’s house

    Pooja last visited Kavita's house to show her something, but Kavita had gone to Pune, leaving Pooja to spend the night there. Ravi, Kavita's husband, and Dadu the servant are present when Pooja arrives. The night ends with Pooja staying at Kavita's house.

    When:Late night Where:Kavita's house

  4. 4

    Kavita falls into a coma

    Sometime after Pooja's visit, Kavita slips on the stairs and falls into a coma. Verma notes Kavita's state as a key connection to Pooja's circle, and it complicates the investigation as a crucial witness becomes incapacitated. The coma adds a layer of uncertainty to the case.

    When:Following night Where:Kavita's house

  5. 5

    Interrogations begin

    Verma interrogates everyone who knows Pooja: Rishabh and his fiancée Kia, Kavita, Ravi, and others connected, including Sunny and Shrikant. He examines Ravi's connections and scrutinizes alibis, hoping to map motives and opportunities. Testimonies clash, creating a tangled web of potential culprits.

    When:Over several days Where:Police station

  6. 6

    Verma uncovers possible motive

    Through cross-examinations and clues, Verma deduces that Ravi is involved and that Sunny acted as his aide. The theory shifts to a personal vendetta rather than a random crime, prompting tighter scrutiny of Ravi's political ties. Verma begins to build a case around the two men.

    When:Soon after initial interrogations Where:Police station

  7. 7

    Arrest attempt and violence

    An arrest attempt on Ravi triggers violence when Sunny is killed by an opposition gang and Verma is injured during the raid. The incident inflames media and political pressure while delaying the investigation. Verma vows to continue despite the setback.

    When:During the raid Where:Arrest location

  8. 8

    Verma recovers and presses on

    After recovering, Verma pushes through to uncover the truth, pushing back against interference from Ravi, the media, and departmental inertia. He reevaluates evidence, tracing connections that could implicate the killer's circle. Momentum returns to the case as new leads emerge.

    When:Post-recovery Where:Hospital then police HQ

  9. 9

    Affair revealed

    The investigation uncovers that Pooja and Rishabh were having an affair, a fact Kia discovers. This personal motive explains rising tensions within Pooja's circle. The revelation sharpens the focus on Kia as a potential perpetrator.

    When:Late stage Where:Interrogation rooms

  10. 10

    Kia confronts Pooja

    Enraged by the discovery, Kia visits Pooja at Kavita's house and demands that Pooja stay away from Rishabh. Pooja tells her to speak to Rishabh, not her, escalating the confrontation. The exchange heightens the risk of a violent outcome.

    When:Confrontation moment Where:Kavita's house

Show the other 4 events of Silence… Can You Hear It?
  1. 11

    Pooja killed during confrontation

    During the confrontation, Kia grabs a lamp and strikes Pooja, killing her on the spot. Realizing what she has done, Kia flees the scene. The murder shocks the investigation and confirms the killer's personal motive.

    When:Same night Where:Kavita's house

  2. 12

    Rishabh and Ravi react

    Rishabh enters the scene and then flees to avoid involvement. Ravi, seeking to protect his political career, enlists help from his connections, including Sunny, to cover up the crime. The timeline tightens as more inconsistencies emerge.

    When:Immediate aftermath Where:Kavita's house and Ravi's network

  3. 13

    Kia arrested for murder

    Evidence ties Kia to Pooja's murder, leading to Kia's arrest. The case takes a decisive turn as the primary personal motive is linked to the crime. Verma's team consolidates the narrative of what happened that night.

    When:After investigation Where:Police station

  4. 14

    Rishabh and Ravi arrested for tampering

    Parallel leads result in the arrest of Rishabh and Ravi for tampering with evidence following the crime. Verma ties together personal jealousy and political influence to explain the motivation and cover-up. The timeline closes with these arrests signaling case resolution.

    When:Case culmination Where:Police station

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Silence… Can You Hear It??

8 characters, among them ACP Avinash Verma (Manoj Bajpayee), Pooja Choudhary (Barkha Singh) and Ravi Khanna (Arjun Mathur): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • AA

    ACP Avinash Verma (Manoj Bajpayee)

    Played by Manoj Bajpayee

    Driven and methodical, Verma leads the narcotics division's probe into Pooja's death. Despite pushback from higher-ups, he relentlessly pursues the truth, navigating political and media obstacles. His commitment to evidence and motive makes him a persistent force against a network of influence.

    • 🔎 Investigator
    • 🧭 Strategic
  • PC

    Pooja Choudhary (Barkha Singh)

    Played by Barkha Singh

    The victim whose high-profile status triggers a sprawling investigation. Her affair with Rishabh becomes a key motive thread, and her last known location at Kavita's house ties multiple characters together. Her death exposes jealousy, secrets, and the fragility of reputation.

    • 💔 Victim
    • 🧭 Central figure
  • RK

    Ravi Khanna (Arjun Mathur)

    Played by Arjun Mathur

    A rising MLA whose political power complicates the case. He uses his influence and connections to attempt to derail the investigation and protect his career. His involvement and attempts to tamper with evidence position him as a central antagonist in the pursuit of truth.

    • 🎯 Politician
    • 💼 Power
  • K

    Kavita

    Pooja's best friend who hosted her at Kavita's house the night of the murder. Kavita's own fate becomes a factor as she falls comatose after a troubling sequence, linking her to the case through the events at her residence and her husband Ravi's MLA status.

    • 👩 Best Friend
    • 💤 Comatose
  • R

    Rishabh

    Pooja's close friend and lover who becomes a key piece in the love-triangle revealed by the investigation. His affair with Pooja and his reactions to the subsequent turmoil drive several motives and alibis.

    • 🤝 Friend
    • 💘 Affair
  • K

    Kia

    Rishabh's fiancée who discovers Pooja's affair and confronts complex emotions, contributing to the explosive dynamics surrounding the case.

    • 💔 Fiancée
    • 🗝️ Secret
  • S

    Sunny

    An aide involved in the murder plot who is later killed by an opposing gang, highlighting the danger and volatility of the crime web surrounding Ravi and his associates.

    • 🤝 Aide
    • 🗂️ Co-conspirator
  • S

    Shrikant

    An unusual suspect linked to the case as part of the broader network of people connected to Pooja's death and the ensuing cover-up. His presence adds layers of suspicion and tension to the investigation.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Suspect
    • 🧩 Enigma
Setting

Where and When Is Silence… Can You Hear It? Set?

Silence… Can You Hear It? is set in Pune, India, Hilltop location and Kavita's House (Present-day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Present-day

The events unfold in contemporary India, with current policing methods, forensics, and media dynamics shaping the investigation. The timeline spans from the discovery of Pooja's body to the final reveal, highlighting political influence and personal entanglements. The setting emphasizes modern accountability pressures rather than a bygone era.

Where

Pune, India, Hilltop location, Kavita's House

The story is set in Pune, providing a modern Indian urban backdrop for a high-profile murder investigation. The crime scene is on a hilltop, giving the case a dramatic, secluded location that contrasts with the city. Kavita's house serves as a crucial setting, being the last place Pooja visited before the events escalated.

  • 🏙️ Pune backdrop
  • 🗺️ Hilltop crime scene
  • 🏡 Kavita's House
Themes

What Are the Themes of Silence… Can You Hear It??

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Investigation and Power.

  1. 01

    Justice

    The pursuit of truth clashes with power and influence as investigators uncover motives behind Pooja's murder. Personal relationships and public image complicate what constitutes real justice. The resolution tests who is willing to be held accountable, regardless of status.

  2. 02

    Investigation

    ACP Verma leads a meticulous inquiry, weaving through interviews, forensics, and alibis. The process contends with political pressure, media scrutiny, and internal department hurdles. Clues accumulate as the case tightens around the truth, even as red herrings appear.

  3. 03

    Power

    Political influence and connections shape how the case unfolds, with Ravi's MLA status providing both protection and peril. The narrative examines how power can bias investigations and sway public perception. The clash between ambition and ethics drives much of the tension.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Silence… Can You Hear It??

Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Steady
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Bittersweet

A tense and methodical crime thriller that builds suspense through a persistent investigation into a complex murder, exposing a grim web of personal betrayal and political corruption.

  • suspenseful
  • tense
  • gripping
  • methodical
  • oppressive
  • somber
  • crime investigation
  • political corruption
  • murder mystery
  • deception

Content notes: murder, death, cover-up of crime, political corruption.

Quiz

How well do you remember Silence… Can You Hear It?? Test yourself on the story.

Take the quiz
Loading streaming availability…

Missing a Movie Plot Summary?

Tell us which film you want explained next: the full story, the timeline, the characters and the ending.

Request a summary
FAQ

Silence… Can You Hear It? Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Silence… Can You Hear It?, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Silence… Can You Hear It? about?

In a city where power and reputation intertwine with everyday life, a sudden, high‑profile tragedy pierces the ordinary rhythm of the streets. The unsettling loss of a young woman from a respected family sends ripples through every layer of society, drawing the curious gaze of both the press and…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Silence… Can You Hear It? take place?

Silence… Can You Hear It? is set in Pune, India, Hilltop location and Kavita's House (Present-day). The events unfold in contemporary India, with current policing methods, forensics, and media dynamics shaping the investigation.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Silence… Can You Hear It??

The story follows ACP Avinash Verma (Manoj Bajpayee) (played by Manoj Bajpayee), Pooja Choudhary (Barkha Singh) (played by Barkha Singh), Ravi Khanna (Arjun Mathur) (played by Arjun Mathur) and Kavita; the character guide covers 8 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Silence… Can You Hear It??

The summary picks out 3 themes: Justice, Investigation and Power.

The themes explained

Who directed Silence… Can You Hear It??

Silence… Can You Hear It? (2021) was directed by Aban Bharucha Deohans and runs 2 hours 16 minutes.

Aban Bharucha Deohans’s films

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