Abhilasha

Abhilasha

Year: 1983

Runtime: 135 mins

Language: Telugu

Director: A. Kodandarami Reddy

Thriller

The plot follows a determined young lawyer, Chiranjeevi, who lives with his roommate Allu Aravind and becomes obsessed with repealing Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code—the provision that imposes the death penalty. His determination is fueled by his father’s wrongful conviction and execution for adultery under that law.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Abhilasha (1983)

Trace every key event in Abhilasha (1983) 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

Chiranjeevi's vow to abolish Section 302

Chiranjeevi is a struggling lawyer who shares a cramped life with his roommate and dreams of abolishing the death penalty under Section 302. His resolve stems from his father's wrongful execution for a crime he did not commit. Motivated by justice, he seeks a chance to discuss his repeal plan with the powerful lawyer Sarvothama Rao.

City
2

Invitation to Rao's party

Rao hosts a grand party that brings together the city's top lawyers. Chiranjeevi receives the invitation by mistake and decides to attend, hoping to present his proposal in person. He remains anxious but determined to seize the opportunity.

Party venue
3

Restroom encounter and Archana

At the party, Chiranjeevi drinks too much and seeks refuge in the restroom. There, he awkwardly explains his presence and unexpectedly meets Archana, Rao's niece. This chance encounter blossoms into a budding romance.

Party restroom
4

Archana departs for abroad; romance lingers

Archana has to leave for a meeting abroad, pulling the couple apart for a time. Despite the separation, their feelings endure and shape the ensuing actions.

Abroad
5

Chiranjeevi hatches a fake murder plan

With Archana away, Chiranjeevi conceives a bold plan to fake a murder so he can be sentenced to death. He hopes Rao will reveal the truth at the last moment to challenge Section 302. He begins to lay the groundwork to frame himself using the body of a woman.

Chiranjeevi's home
6

The frame and the death sentence

Chiranjeevi is framed with the body of a woman, and the court sentences him to death. Rao's machinations are hidden, while Chiranjeevi maintains his calculated calm despite the looming execution.

Court
7

Vishnu Sharma's puzzlement

In jail, guard Vishnu Sharma is puzzled by Chiranjeevi's calm demeanor as he faces death. The inexplicable composure hints that there is more beneath the surface. The guard's curiosity becomes a thread that will pull at the truth.

Jail
8

Archana's return and Chiranjeevi's ruse

Archana returns and visits Chiranjeevi in jail, only to find him acting as if he committed the crime out of lust. He keeps the true plan secret, leaving her heartbroken and confused about his motivations. The deception sets the stage for future revelations.

Jail
9

Rao's accident en route to the governor

Rao is on his way to meet the governor when an accident threatens to derail the entire plan. The fragile arrangement hangs in the balance as bad luck intervenes. The delay gives Chiranjeevi's side a narrow window to maneuver.

Road/Highway
10

Sharma informs Archana; Rao contacted

Desperate, Chiranjeevi confides in Vishnu Sharma, who rushes to inform Archana. They also manage to contact Rao to ensure the crucial evidence still exists. The network around the case begins to tighten.

Jail and Archana's place
11

Rao survives and delivers evidence

Though injured, Rao provides the evidence needed to save Chiranjeevi from an irreversible fate. His testimony becomes the keystone that could overturn the death sentence. The tension peaks as the truth edges closer.

Hospital
12

Postmortem clues surface

At the celebration that follows, a drunken Obulesu triggers suspicion, and the postmortem reveals the dead woman did not die naturally. The report identifies a killer with four fingers on one hand. Archana recalls a four-fingered goon who attacked her, and Chiranjeevi remembers buying the body from that goon.

Morgue/Hospital
13

Truth emerges: Rao's crime and arrest

Investigation confirms that the dead woman was Rao's daughter from an extramarital affair. Rao is arrested as the mastermind behind the murder plot. The empire of deception collapses around him.

Police station/Court
14

Courtroom verdict and Rao's sentencing

In court, the judge sentences Rao to death, but Chiranjeevi objects that punishment should involve suffering for one's actions rather than simply death. The judge acknowledges the deeper truth and reduces Rao's sentence to seven years in prison.

Court

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:49

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Abhilasha

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