"Plots may be simple or complex, but suspense, and climactic progress from one incident to another, are essential." - H.P. LovecraftBe it a work of fiction or a story based on reality, the movie falls to the ground if the climax fails. On the contrary, a well-executed climax can leave an indelible mark on viewers. So, today let’s talk about the Indian cinematic gems with climaxes that are unexpected, thought-provoking, and are known to make you feel a chill down your spine.
‘Chhaava’ (2025) – A tale of an unsung hero and his valor and sacrifice
Directed by Laxman Utekar, ‘Chhaava’ is a historical drama that brought to the big screen the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Vicky Kaushal delivers a compelling performance as Sambhaji. His portrayal of the Maratha warriors’ strength and resilience is beyond words.
The film's climax is both harrowing and emotionally charged. The climax showed Sambhaji being captured by Mughal forces and subjected to brutal torture. Emperor Aurangzeb, played by Akshaye Khanna, took a personal interest in grilling Chattrapati. He wanted to break the man inside out but despite the excruciating pain, Sambhaji refused to betray his principles or convert to Islam. With unwavering bravery and commitment to his people running through his veins, he didn’t take a knee.
The climax has been widely praised for its emotional depth and historical accuracy, which contributed significantly to the film's box office success.
What made the climax the ultimate champion was not just the story, but how the entire idea was executed. The peeling of skin, pulling of nails, everything appeared real. National Award-winning makeup and prosthetic artist Preetisheel Singh D’Souza was the one who made sure that every wound of Vicky’s character appeared as real as possible.
“I had a lot of discussions with Laxman Utekar ji. He was clear that he wanted to stay true to how Sambhaji Maharaj was tortured, as described in the book. He wanted to maintain that authenticity in the film as well,” said Preetisheel Singh D’Souza in an interview with ETimes.
“When you make films that have such a strong impact on the audience, you want to ensure that your work remains authentic. And hats off to Vicky—this transformation took four and a half hours of makeup. We had to do a full-body transformation, working on his chest, back, legs, and arms. The sequences, like salt being put on his wounds, were built up gradually, and no VFX was used. Vicky would stand, play his playlist, and get into his zone while we worked on him. This was all standing makeup, with a team of 7-8 people working simultaneously. And Vicky who is so true to his art, despite having an arm injury which he suffered during the shot of the film, he never flinched or complained about the time it took to get the make-up done,” she added.
‘Pushpa: The Rise’ (2021) – The ascent of a legend
‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ featuring Allu Arjun in a career-defining role. Though ‘Pushpa 2’ also had its charm, and the box office records say the sequel made more business than the prequel, the climax of the first installment has a different fan base. In fact, its climax is what truly sets the stage for the sequel.
Here’s what happens:
After outwitting his enemies, Pushpa asserts his dominance in the world of smuggling. However, his final confrontation with Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (played by Fahadh Faasil) takes an unexpected turn. What starts as a peace offering, becomes a roast fest, when Shekhawat is humiliated and forced to acknowledge Pushpa’s supremacy. The non-traditional climax, focusing on psychological powerplay rather than brute force, paved the way for a more intensified sequel.
Of course, the masses enjoyed the intense fight sequence before the Shekhawat final roast. True fans know the ultimate battle happened with the mind as the weapon!
'Tumbbad' (2018) – A fable of greed and consequences
With a rare and perfect blend of horror, fantasy, and mythology, ‘Tumbbad’ immersed viewers in a nightmare. The film follows Vinayak, who seeks to harness the power of a hidden treasure guarded by a cursed entity.
In the dramatic final scenes, Vinayak faces a terrible ending, coming to the realization that his avarice has led to his ruin. While his son observes his father's demise, the film conveys a stark message about the perpetual cycle of human greed. The unsettling imagery and unsettling soundtrack enhance the effect of the film's memorable conclusion.
While reviewing the drama, ETimes mentioned “Writers Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Anand Gandhi and Barve, have crafted an excellent tale. The movie serves up a good twist during the climactic portions too, one that fits perfectly with the theme.”
‘Badla’ (2019) – The reversal of the truth
Headlined by Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, ‘Badla’ is a remake of the Spanish film ‘The Invisible Guest.’ In this mystery-thriller, Taapsee’s character, Naina, is accused of murder and she seeks legal counsel from a seasoned lawyer played by Big B.
In the climax, the film delivers a stunning revelation that leaves the audience stunned. They revisit every moment of the story when it is revealed that the lawyer is, in fact, the father of the man Naina killed, who was seeking justice for his son and family through deception. This clever narrative twist ensures ‘Badla’ remains one of the most mind-bending thrillers.
‘Drishyam’ (2015) – The tale of perfect alibi
Usually, the internet loves to stay divided on everything under the sun; however, when it comes to choosing the finest thrillers in Indian cinema, ‘Drishyam’ (and its sequel). It redefined the cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist and the law. Vijay Salgaonkar (played by Ajay Devgn) goes to great lengths to protect his family from a murder accusation.
The climax presents a brilliant twist: just when the police believe they have caught Vijay, they are stunned to discover that he has actually buried the body right beneath the police station. This unexpected turn makes ‘Drishyam’ stand out as a film with one of the most expertly crafted conclusions in Bollywood.
In a nutshell, there are several other movies in the history of Indian cinema that have woven intricate narratives that culminate in captivating climaxes. These films not only entertain but also provoke thought and evoke a range of emotions, showcasing the creativity and depth of storytelling within the industry.