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BARDAASHT (12A) 153 mins Directed by: Vikram Bhatt Starring: Bobby Deol, Lara Dutta, Ritesh Deshmuk, Rahul Dev, Tara Sharma. UK Release 23 April 2004

In Bardaasht, Bobby Deol plays Aditya Srivastav, an ex-army officer who was once in love with his senior officer's daughter, Payal, played by Lara Dutta. He was a brave and promising soldier but was asked to leave the force for not obeying his senior's orders - the reason, a strong difference of opinion. His disobedience and subsequent removal was looked upon so poorly that even Payal had to bid him farewell. He now runs a travel agency and looks after his younger college-going brother Anuj (Ritesh Deshmukh) whilst coming to terms with his disturbing past.

Anuj is a mischief loving daredevil who thrives on thrills. But one day his deeds cross acceptable limits and the college principal warns Aditya of his younger brother's delinquency. When Aditya takes this up with Anuj, they have an altercation over the issue and Anuj leaves the house in a fit of anger.

When Anuj doesn't return the next day, Aditya tries to trace him through friends and colleagues but to no avail, after which he lodges a police complaint, fearing the worst, only to discover that his brother is no more, shot in a police encounter whilst in possession of drugs. Shattered, Aditya simply cannot accept his brother could do something like this and decides to personally uncover the truth behind his brother's death. From here the story takes a new turn.

His search for the truth uncovers the series of terrible events that lead to his brother's death. Aditya then decides to take it upon himself to clear up his dead brother's image when the police refuse to do so. He takes recourse to the justice system and goes to court, taking the help of Payal, who is now a lawyer, and old emotions are slowly rekindled.

However, his adversaries will stop at nothing to ensure that the truth remains and Aditya has no option but take up the gun to prove his brother's innocence.

The film also stars Rahul Dev and Tara Sharma in pivotal roles.