Jalwa (1987)
DirectorPankaj Parashar
StarringAmitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah, Archana Puran Singh, Tejeshwar Singh
Watch onUltraplaybox Amazon Channel
Best for: Fans of 1980s Hindi action thrillers and Naseeruddin Shah.
Where to watch Jalwa online in India
Subscription
Ultraplaybox Amazon ChannelAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Jalwa story (no spoilers)
Kapil's younger brother Buntu dies of a drug overdose, and Kapil responds by joining the police to put an end to drugs and drug-dealers. He rises to the rank of C.I.D. Inspector and lives in Bombay with his mother. His friend from Goa, Albert Pinto, is killed right in front of him, and Kapil vows to avenge the death. The local police won't let him pursue the case and assign it to another inspector. Frustrated, Kapil decides to travel to Goa. The film is a Hindi thriller with action, built around Kapil's personal losses and his determination to take on the drug trade.
Should you watch Jalwa?
Watch it for
- Naseeruddin Shah plays Inspector Kapil, a man driven by his brother's overdose death and a friend's murder.
- Pankaj Parashar directs this 1987 Hindi thriller, which also stars Archana Puran Singh, Dalip Tahil, Saeed Jaffrey and Johny Lever.
- The story moves from Bombay to Goa as Kapil chases the drug trade after the local police sideline him.
- At 134 minutes, it is a compact action thriller from the late 1980s.
Skip it if
- You want a light watch; the plot turns on a drug overdose death and a murder in front of the hero.
- You prefer films with songs; no music credits are listed for Jalwa.
- You avoid 1980s action-thriller pacing; this one runs 134 minutes and stays in that register.
Jalwa cast
Amitabh Bachchanas Self
Naseeruddin Shahas Inspector Kapil
Archana Puran Singhas Jojo / Jyoti
Dalip Tahilas Champ
Saeed Jaffreyas Yakub Saeed
Farah Khanas dancer in the "Feeling Hot Hot" song
Johny Leveras Muthu
A.K. Hangalas Jojo's Father
Satish Kaushik
Cyrus BroachaJalwa movie details
| Director | Pankaj Parashar |
|---|---|
| Release date | 30 June 1987 |
| Runtime | 2h 14m (134 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi |
Parental guide: is Jalwa family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the film's thriller and action genres; it is not a certification. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Jalwa is a 1987 Hindi action thriller with Naseeruddin Shah as a cop pushed into the drug war by his brother's death and a friend's murder. Pankaj Parashar directs a Bombay-to-Goa story that stays focused on Kapil's revenge. It is a solid pick if you like late-80s Hindi thrillers.
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Where can I watch Jalwa online in India?
Jalwa is listed on Ultraplaybox Amazon Channel in India. No free streaming option is listed.
When was Jalwa released?
Jalwa was released in India on 30 June 1987.
Who is in the cast of Jalwa?
The cast includes Naseeruddin Shah as Inspector Kapil, Archana Puran Singh as Jojo / Jyoti, Dalip Tahil as Champ, Saeed Jaffrey as Yakub Saeed and Johny Lever as Muthu. Amitabh Bachchan appears as Self, and Farah Khan appears as a dancer in the "Feeling Hot Hot" song.
Who directed Jalwa?
Jalwa was directed by Pankaj Parashar.
How long is Jalwa?
Jalwa runs 134 minutes.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.