Nazar (1991)
DirectorMani Kaul
StarringShekhar Kapur, Shambhavi Kaul, Surekha Sikri, Parvez Merchant
Watch onNFDC Amazon Channel
Best for: Viewers who appreciate art-house Indian cinema and character studies anchored in memory.
Where to watch Nazar online in India
Subscription
NFDC Amazon ChannelAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Nazar story (no spoilers)
In Mani Kaul's 1991 Hindi drama Nazar, a middle-aged antique dealer and money lender looks back on his marriage to a 17-year-old orphan girl. The film is built around his recollection of how that union came about and what it meant, told in a quiet, reflective register rather than through big dramatic gestures. The setup is simple: an older man, a young bride, and the weight of memory. The tone is contemplative and character-driven, staying close to the dealer's point of view as he revisits the past.
Should you watch Nazar?
Watch it for
- Mani Kaul directs, bringing his distinctive minimalist approach to a story about memory and marriage.
- Shekhar Kapur plays the middle-aged antique dealer and money lender, a rare acting role for the filmmaker.
- Shambhavi Kaul plays the dealer's young wife, and Surekha Sikri appears as Bua.
- At 84 minutes, it is a compact, focused drama that does not overstay its welcome.
Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced narratives; this is a slow, contemplative drama built on recollection rather than plot twists.
- You are looking for a conventional Bollywood romance; the film's tone and structure are deliberately understated.
- You want clear resolutions; the story stays within the dealer's memory and does not spell everything out.
Nazar cast
Shekhar Kapuras Antique Dealer / Money Lender
Shambhavi Kaulas Antique Dealer's wife
Surekha Sikrias BuaNazar movie details
| Director | Mani Kaul |
|---|---|
| Writer | Mani Kaul, Sharmistha Mohanty |
| Music | Vikram Joglekar |
| Cinematography | Piyush Shah |
| Release date | 6 March 1991 |
| Runtime | 1h 24m (84 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi |
| Original title | नज़र |
Parental guide: is Nazar family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the film's dramatic genre; the story centres on an older man's marriage to a 17-year-old, which may not suit younger viewers. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Nazar is a quiet, memory-driven drama that showcases Mani Kaul's spare style and a rare lead turn from Shekhar Kapur. At 84 minutes, it asks for patience but rewards viewers interested in Indian art cinema. It is not a conventional crowd-pleaser, but it is a thoughtful piece of 1990s Hindi filmmaking.
More Shekhar Kapur movies
FalakFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Nazar online in India?
Nazar is available on the NFDC Amazon Channel in India. It is not listed as free to stream on major Indian OTT platforms.
When was Nazar released?
Nazar was released in India on 6 March 1991.
Who is in the cast of Nazar?
The cast includes Shekhar Kapur as the antique dealer and money lender, Shambhavi Kaul as his wife, and Surekha Sikri as Bua, along with Parvez Merchant, Asha Dandavate and A.A. Baig.
Who directed Nazar?
Nazar was directed by Mani Kaul.
What is the runtime of Nazar?
Nazar runs for 84 minutes.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.