2018

2018

Year: 2023

Runtime: 150 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Jude Anthany Joseph

Echo Score: 85

Budget: $300M

AdventureThrillerActionHumanity and the world around usIntense political and terrorist thrillers

The film portrays the devastating 2018 Kerala floods, following individuals from diverse backgrounds as they confront sudden, catastrophic loss. Amid rising waters and collapsing homes, strangers and neighbors unite, sharing resources and bravery in a collective fight for survival against the relentless calamity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – 2018 (2023)

Trace every key event in 2018 (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Anoop's life in Aruvikulam and wedding hopes

In 2018, in the small village of Aruvikulam, Anoop, a former military officer haunted by the deaths he witnessed, works at Bhasi's store. He carries the trauma of war and tries to live a quiet life in the community. He also grows fond of Manju, a local government school teacher, and the two begin to contemplate marriage.

Aruvikulam
2

Dubai visa plans and friendship

Anoop seeks a Dubai visa to start a new chapter and enlists his friend Rameshan's help. The two friends navigate the logistical hurdles and hopes tied to leaving their hometown. Rameshan, however, is dealing with a hidden marital crisis that strains their bond.

Aruvikulam
3

Sethupathi meets Noora and a fateful spark

Sethupathi, a truck driver from a drought-stricken Tamil Nadu village, crosses paths with Noora, a TV reporter covering water scarcity. The encounter sets off a chain of events that pulls Noora toward Kerala, where her family faces health challenges. The meeting seeds a precarious turn in their lives.

Tamil Nadu
4

Protests escalate and explosives plot

Dissatisfied protestors grow increasingly angry over media coverage, brewing a violent plan centered on explosives. Sethupathi is given the dangerous task of transporting these explosives to Kerala, blurring lines between crime and relief. The tension foreshadows a festival of danger amid the monsoon season.

Tamil Nadu
5

Disaster management and missing fishermen

Shaji, a government disaster management officer, grapples with the disappearance of fishermen after a severe storm. He coordinates rescue efforts while the seas churn and hope remains framed by uncertainty. The event marks the beginning of a larger struggle against nature.

Kerala coast
6

Mathachan's family rescues stranded fishermen

Mathachan, a fisherman, and his family put themselves at risk to rescue lost fishermen, navigating rough waters and tight conditions. Internal family tensions surface as they balance pride, duty, and fear. Their actions highlight the communal spirit of survival.

Kerala coast
7

Nixon challenges tradition

Nixon, Mathachan's son, defies family tradition by pursuing a modelling career, which strains his relationship with Jiji, Chandy's daughter. The conflict foregrounds generational shifts and personal ambitions clashing with village expectations. The tension tests family loyalties.

Kerala
8

Nixon returns during floods

When floods intensify, Nixon returns home to help his family, signaling a reconciliation as he confronts his earlier choices. His return marks a turning point in the family's dynamics amid the disaster. The act embodies responsibility taking precedence over personal dreams.

Kerala
9

Rameshan's troubles and Anoop's disrupted wedding

Rameshan's family troubles escalate, prompting his return to Kerala to address old disputes and responsibilities. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall disrupts Anoop's plans to marry Manju, delaying the wedding and adding strain to his personal life. The heavy weather begins to dictate the characters' futures.

Aruvikulam, Kerala
10

Floods strike and rescue efforts intensify

The floods wreak havoc across the region as Shaji, Anoop, and Sethupathi throw themselves into large-scale rescue operations. Communities rally to survive the rising waters and collapsing infrastructure. The disaster amplifies the sense of collective duty among locals.

Kerala
11

Mathachan sacrifices his life

During a rescue operation, Mathachan loses his life, underscoring the perilous sacrifices made by those who rush to help others. His deaths reverberate through the village, reminding everyone of the real cost of heroism. The tragedy deepens the sense of loss within the community.

Kerala coast
12

Sethupathi shifts to relief work

Sethupathi undergoes a transformation, abandoning his initial plan to deliver groceries and instead throwing himself into relief efforts. He aligns with other rescuers to maximize impact, reflecting a change from intent to action for the greater good. The switch signals a shared commitment to saving lives.

Kerala
13

Refugees seek shelter at Anoop's house

Koshy, a taxi driver, and a Polish couple seek refuge in Anoop's house as the floods rage. The temporary shelter testifies to the hospitality and resilience of the village under extreme pressure. Trust and camaraderie become crucial in the face of danger.

Aruvikulam, Kerala
14

Anoop's heroic rescues and ultimate sacrifice

Anoop demonstrates heroism by aiding Air Force officers, saving a pregnant woman, and attempting to rescue a distressed family. He even saves Bhasi, the blind shopkeeper, before tragically losing his life while saving others. His actions leave a lasting legacy of selflessness.

Aruvikulam, Kerala
15

Monument to a selfless life

As floodwaters recede, the community honors Anoop's sacrifices with a monument, preserving his legacy for future generations. The tribute embodies communal gratitude and the enduring memory of a life laid down for others. The town channels its grief into a symbol of hope and resilience.

Aruvikulam, Kerala

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:21

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2018 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 2018, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

2018 Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 2018

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 2018

2018 Spoiler-Free Summary

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2018 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 2018

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