Tahaan (2008)
DirectorSantosh Sivan
StarringPurav Bhandare, Victor Banerjee, Rahul Bose, Ankush Dubey
Watch onShemarooMe, Brew
Best for: Viewers who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven dramas set against politically charged landscapes.
Where to watch Tahaan online in India
Subscription
ShemarooMe
BrewAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Tahaan story (no spoilers)
Set in the rugged landscape of Kashmir, Tahaan is a tender fable about childhood innocence amid the realities of war. The title character is an eight-year-old mountain boy who often hears distant gunfire, a reminder of the territorial conflict between India and Pakistan. His life takes a turn when his beloved donkey is confiscated as payment for his poor family's debts. Determined to reclaim the animal, Tahaan sets out on a quest that draws him toward a violence he has no capacity to understand. The film explores how a child's simple mission becomes entangled with the larger, incomprehensible forces of conflict, all while maintaining a focus on the boy's innocence and the harsh world around him.
Should you watch Tahaan?
Watch it for
- Santosh Sivan directs this 95-minute Hindi drama, bringing his visual storytelling to a story set in Kashmir.
- The cast includes Purav Bhandare as Tahaan, Victor Banerjee as Grandfather, and Rahul Bose as Zafar, among others.
- Taufiq Qureshi's music score accompanies the film's tender fable tone amid a war-torn setting.
- The film's focus on an eight-year-old boy's quest offers a child's-eye view of conflict, distinct from typical war dramas.
Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced action; this is a slow-burn drama centered on a child's journey.
- You are looking for a light-hearted family film; the backdrop of war and violence may be heavy for some.
- You dislike subtitled films; Tahaan is in Hindi with no dubbed versions mentioned.
Tahaan cast
Victor Banerjeeas Grandfather
Rahul Boseas Zafar
Rasika Dugalas Nadira
Rahul Khannaas Kuka Saab
Anupam Kheras Subhan Daar
Sarikaas Tahaan's MotherTahaan movie details
| Director | Santosh Sivan |
|---|---|
| Writer | Santosh Sivan |
| Music | Taufiq Qureshi |
| Cinematography | Santosh Sivan |
| Release date | 5 September 2008 |
| Runtime | 1h 35m (95 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi |
| Original title | तहान |
Parental guide: is Tahaan family friendly?
This is a general guide; the film deals with war themes but focuses on a child's perspective, and is likely suitable for older children with parental guidance. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Tahaan is a quietly powerful drama that uses a child's quest to explore the impact of conflict on innocence. Santosh Sivan's direction and Purav Bhandare's performance anchor the film, though its slow pace may not appeal to all. It's a thoughtful watch for those interested in human stories set against war.
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HomeboundFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Tahaan online in India?
Tahaan is available for streaming in India on ShemarooMe and Brew with a subscription. It is not listed as free on any platform.
What is the release date of Tahaan?
Tahaan was released in India on 5 September 2008.
Who is the director of Tahaan?
Tahaan is directed by Santosh Sivan.
What is the runtime of Tahaan?
Tahaan has a runtime of 95 minutes.
Who plays Tahaan in the film?
Purav Bhandare plays the title character, Tahaan.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.