Pukar is a stylish espionage thriller that carved a new niche in Hindi cinema for international standard action sequences and background score. The story begins in the aftermath of the Kargil war - terrorists have penetrated deeper into India. Jai (Kapoor) an army officer is sent on a mission to capture a dangerous terrorist, Abhrush (Denzongpa) who has kidnapped a minister. Jai is successful and Abhursh is sent into captivity. Meanwhile Jai meets Miss India - cum - super model Pooja (Shirodkar) at a party and they fall in love. Anjali (Dixit), who has been longing for Jai's affections and attention, is heartbroken when she finds out about this relationship and thus the terrorist organisation incite her to steal a secret code from Jai. However Anjali does not know the severity or the consequences of her actions - Jai is suspended and his life deteriorates.

Kapoor was awarded the best actor at the National Film Awards in India and received three further nominations for this role, including a nomination at India's answer to the Academy Awards - The National Filmfare Awards.