36 Ghante () is a 1974 Hindi film directed by Raj Tilak. It stars Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Mala Sinha, 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.
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 Ashok's sister 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.
The film's songs were composed by Sapan Chakraborty and the lyrics were written by Sahir Ludhianvi.