36 Ghante is a 1974 Hindi film directed by Raj Tilak. It stars Raaj Kumar, Mala Sinha, Sunil Dutt, Vijay Arora, Parveen Babi, Ranjeet, Danny Denzongpa in pivotal roles. It is a remake of the 1955 American film The Desperate Hours, which was adapted from Joseph Hayes' 1954 novel.^[1]

This article needs an improved plot summary. (October 2021)

Three jailed convicts Himmat, his brother Ajit, and Dilawar Khan break out of prison and take over the household of Editor Ashok Rai. The escapees hold Ashok Rai, his wife Deepa Rai, son, Rajoo, and daughter Naina hostage. The convicts plan to continue to hold the family hostage until their associate, Kamini, contacts them in person. The police investigation into their escape is coordinated by Inspector R.D. Wadekar, who has no clue of to the whereabouts of the convicts.

• Raaj Kumar as Editor Ashok Rai
• Mala Sinha as Deepa Rai
• Sunil Dutt as Himmat Singh
• Vijay Arora as Vijay
• Parveen Babi as Naina Rai
• Ranjeet as Ajit Singh
• Danny Denzongpa as Dilawar Khan
• Iftekhar as Vijay's Father
• Urmila Bhatt as Vijay's Mother
• Ramesh Deo as Inspector R. D. Wadkar
• Sonia Sahni as Kamini
• Jankidas as Jankidas
• Surendra as Ajit and Himmat's Step-father
• Deven Verma as Delivery Van Driver

The film's songs were composed by Sapan Chakraborty and the lyrics were written by Sahir Ludhianvi.

• List of films featuring home invasions