Aanaval Mothiram

Aanaval Mothiram

Year: 1991

Runtime: 134 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: G. S. Vijayan

ActionDramaThriller

James (Sreenivasan) is a weary police officer who treats his job as a way to earn a paycheck. After a lab mix‑up leads him to believe a routine blood test shows a fatal disease, he thinks he has only weeks left; eyeing the insurance payout his family would get if he dies in action, he takes on dangerous, impossible missions, hoping for a heroic death.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Aanaval Mothiram (1991)

Trace every key event in Aanaval Mothiram (1991) 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

Introduction of Nandu and James in Thiruvananthapuram

CI James Pallithara is lazy and cowardly, while SI Nandakumar (Nandu) is brave and impulsive. They are close friends with contrasting lifestyles, and James relies on Nandu for many day-to-day needs. James is separated from his wife Annie and lives with his son Biju, while Nandu navigates his own growing romance with Sruthi.

Thiruvananthapuram
2

Nandu's romance and James' caution

Sruthi, a doctor and the daughter of the Home Minister, attracts Nandu's affection. James advises caution about pursuing a relationship with someone linked to such power, reflecting his pragmatic but cautious nature. The two friends balance personal desires against the dangerous world around them.

Thiruvananthapuram
3

Arrival of Alberto Fellaini and the informant Abbas

A narcotics operation is escalating, and international smuggler Alberto Fellaini arrives to assist Guru's gang. Abbas, an informer from the police, informs them at the airport about Alberto's arrival. Nandu and his team track Alberto to a hotel, setting up a tense confrontation.

Airport
4

Alberto's arrest after the hotel pursuit

Following a hotel showdown, Alberto falls into a well during the chase and is arrested. James, trying to hide from Alberto, also falls into the same well, and is credited with arresting Alberto due to rumors—credit he does not deserve. The incident strains Nandu's confidence in the police and highlights James's cowardice.

Hotel and well
5

Abbas is killed in a restaurant

Guru's gang tracks Abbas to a restaurant where James has just treated Nandu to a meal. Guru shoots Abbas under the guise of a peace meeting, and James, overwhelmed by fear, does not subdue Guru at the scene. The incident deepens the rift between James and Nandu's pursuit of justice.

Restaurant
6

First major gang attack near Palayam stadium

Near Chandrashekaran Nair stadium in Palayam, the narcotics gang attacks James and Nandu. James pretends to be unconscious to avoid the confrontation, while Nandu fights valiantly with limited support. The encounter underscores James's cowardice and Nandu's bravery.

Chandrashekaran Nair stadium, Palayam
7

Underwear evidence swapped; Alberto walks free

A key piece of drug evidence—the underwear concealment—gets swapped with a child's underwear, causing the drug case to fall apart. Alberto walks free as the case collapses, exposing corruption or incompetence in the system. The Home Minister's political aims pressurize the investigation.

Court
8

Sruthi kidnapped; political pressure mounts

Sruthi is kidnapped by the gang and used as bargaining leverage to free four criminals held by the police. The Home Minister pushes for aggressive action, straining relations with the Commissioner and the police leadership. James and Nandu prepare to rescue her, aware of the high-stakes political implications.

City
9

Attempt to break into the Minister's house ends in capture

Despite precautions, James and Nandu are caught trying to reach Sruthi at the Home Minister's residence and are beaten by the security forces. The Commissioner distances himself from the incident, threatening dismissal for the pair. Mathew Kuruvilla, the Home Minister's confidant, suggests bringing in Chellappan, a powerful barber, to salvage their careers.

Home Minister's residence
10

Chellappan becomes key ally and the special squad is formed

To salvage their careers, Chellappan negotiates a deal with the Home Minister, convincing him to keep Nandu and James in service as a punishment squad. Chellappan's influence gives them access to dangerous operations that will test their skills. The dynamic shifts as the duo gains real law enforcement responsibilities.

Chellappan's influence circle
11

In hospital: Saravanan injured; blood swap begins

During a narcotics operation, fellow officer Saravanan is injured and James pretends to tend to him to avoid risking his own life. He later injures himself to escape more dangerous duties, a hospital encounter where Kuruvilla secretly swaps his blood with James's. The swap catalyzes the leukemia diagnosis plot.

Hospital
12

Leukemia diagnosis and James's life overhaul

The doctors reveal James has stage 4 leukemia, and Dr. Krishnan Nair gently explains his limited time left. Realizing his family could suffer financially, James resolves to reform: he reconciles with Annie, treats Nandu with respect, and even considers returning his medal to Nandu. He begins to embody a healthier, braver form of courage.

Hospital
13

Alberto escalates to terrorism; James embodies fearless action

Alberto's gang shifts from narcotics to terrorism, destabilizing the city and forcing James to act with fearless resolve. He pursues the criminals with almost reckless abandon, embodying the boost of courage associated with the Aanaval Mothiram.

City
14

Final confrontations and the capture of the gang

James undertakes dangerous missions, talks a bomb-carrying terrorist into releasing hostages, and confronts the criminals with brutal determination. He uses enhanced interrogation to uncover the narcotics supply chain and exposes corruption within the police. Ultimately, James corners Alberto and the gang, earning the respect of his colleagues.

City
15

The truth about James's health remains hidden

Kuruvilla's switch is exposed only after the fact; James learns that his leukemia diagnosis was false. The movie ends with James's transformation continuing, unaware of the deception, as Nandu and Sruthi watch his newfound courage with awe.

Hospital

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:01

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