In 1991, Mahesh Bhatt's Sadak hit the silver screen, and it became a box office phenomenon, grossing ₹10.8 crore against a budget of ₹2.70 crore. The film, starring Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt, wasn't just another Bollywood romance; it was a gritty, action-packed thriller that dared to explore unconventional themes and characters. Several elements contributed to its success, including a unique villain, a poignant father-daughter dynamic, and a memorable musical score.

One of the most discussed aspects of Sadak is its portrayal of a transgender villain, Maharani, played by Sadashiv Amrapurkar. In the film, Maharani runs a brothel and is the antagonist who torments Pooja. This was a departure from the typical Bollywood villain, and Amrapurkar's performance was both chilling and captivating. He won the Filmfare Best Villain Award for his portrayal. Although the character was inspired by a real-life eunuch named Tikku, the representation of a transgender person as a cruel brothel owner has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Some argue that it reinforced negative notions about transgender people being involved in sex work. Despite the criticism, Maharani remains one of Amrapurkar's most unforgettable performances, with his menace commanding the screen.

The on-screen chemistry between Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt was another key factor in the film's success. Pooja Bhatt, daughter of director Mahesh Bhatt, played the role of Pooja, a woman forced into prostitution. Sanjay Dutt played Ravi, a taxi driver who falls in love with Pooja and sets out to rescue her from Maharani's clutches. Ravi's character is driven by a past trauma: his sister's tragic death after being forced into prostitution. This personal connection fuels his determination to save Pooja and gives the film an emotional depth. The film explores the bond between Ravi and Pooja as they navigate a violent and unjust world, resonating with audiences.

Adding to Sadak's appeal was its hit music. The soundtrack, composed by Nadeem-Shravan, sold 5 million units and became one of the best-selling Bollywood soundtracks of 1991. Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal sang many of the film's most popular songs. "Tumhein Apna Banaane Ki," a remake of a Pakistani song, remains a popular Bollywood classic. Other memorable songs include "Hum Tere Bin Kahin Reh Nahin Paate". The music amplified the film's emotional impact and contributed significantly to its commercial success.

Sadak was an unofficial remake of the 1976 American film Taxi Driver. It was remade in Tamil as Appu in 2000. A sequel, Sadak 2, was released in 2020 on Disney+ Hotstar, but it failed to impress critics and audiences. Despite the failure of the sequel, the original Sadak remains a significant film in Bollywood history. It is remembered for its bold themes, strong performances, and unforgettable music.