27 Years of Vaastav

Raghu inspired by Al Pacino

Sanjay Dutt has shared that his character, Raghu, was heavily inspired by Al Pacino`s iconic performance in the 1983 Hollywood classic Scarface.

Real-life underworld producer

The film was produced by Deepak Nikalje, who is the brother of notorious Mumbai underworld don Chhota Rajan.

It is based on a real gangster

Many believe the storyline is inspired by the life of Chhota Rajan, though director Mahesh Manjrekar described the script as an "autobiography of a gangster".

A nod to `Satya`

In a scene where Raghu pretends to be studying, his friend Dedh Footiya whistles the tune of the song "Sapno Mein Milti Hai" from Satya (1998).

The climax shot in two takes

The harrowing, emotional final mercy-killing scene was completed in just 2 takes using 2 cameras simultaneously—one placed inside the house and one outside.

The "50 Tola" dialogue

The famous dialogue where Raghu demands "Pachaas tola! Pachaas tola hai!" while wearing heavy gold jewelry became a permanent part of pop culture.

Mother is older in real life

Veteran actress Reema Lagoo, who played Sanjay Dutt`s strong-willed mother (Shanta), is actually 1 year older than Sanjay Dutt in real life.

Sequel follow-up

The film spawned a 2002 sequel titled Hathyar, which focused on Raghu`s grown-up son Rohit also played by Sanjay Dutt.