Key

Key

Year: 2011

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: Telugu

Director: Nagendra Prasad

Thriller

A 2011 Telugu psychological thriller produced by Sukumar Reddy for Dream Theater Entertainments and directed by Nagendra Prasad, starring Jagapathi Babu in the lead. Vijay Kurakula provides the film’s score. The story adapts the premise of the English film Exam, delivering tense, mind‑bending challenges for its characters.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Key (2011)

Trace every key event in Key (2011) 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

Examination setup and opening rules

The Invigilator begins a high-stakes test inside a closed room for a prestigious post. Nine candidates must avoid talking to the Invigilator or Security, must not leave, and must not spoil their paper, all within 90 minutes. The room is locked, and the contestants realize a blank paper has replaced the question.

0 minutes Closed examination room
2

Blank paper and early disqualification

A candidate is deemed ineligible when he spoils the paper by writing God's name. The absence of a question on the page puzzles everyone, forcing them to rethink the challenge.

0-5 minutes Closed examination room
3

Candidates introduce themselves

The participants reveal their professions to offset bias and evince their strengths. The lineup includes a Criminal Lawyer, Professor, Psychologist, Optic Engineer, Scientist, MBA Graduate, Business Consultant, and Journalist.

0-5 minutes Closed examination room
4

Team strategy and collaboration

They choose to work as a team rather than competing, using each member's specialty to deduce the hidden question. They communicate and build trust while adhering to the rules.

5-15 minutes Closed examination room
5

Optic Engineer eliminated for tearing the paper

The Optic Engineer tears the sealed paper in a move that disqualifies him. The group recognizes the breach of rules and removes him from the competition.

15-25 minutes Closed examination room
6

Lawyer's backstabbing and eliminations

The Criminal Lawyer betrays the MBA Graduate and the Business Consultant, removing them from consideration. His suspicion is that only one finalist will remain, so he acts to eliminate potential rivals.

25-40 minutes Closed examination room
7

Journalist confronts the Lawyer; medication issue arises

The Journalist strikes the Lawyer as tensions rise and takes hold of the situation. The Lawyer relies on hourly medication, but it is withheld, sending him toward a dangerous collapse.

40-55 minutes Closed examination room
8

Psychologist seeks help from the Invigilator

The Lawyer's coercion targets the Psychologist, who had previously been a firm employee. She speaks with the Invigilator to de-escalate and safeguard the others.

55-60 minutes Closed examination room
9

Professor intervenes and stabilizes the situation

The Professor remains steady, recovers the medication, and uses wit to turn the situation around. She helps stabilize the Lawyer and maintains a steady course for the group.

60-75 minutes Closed examination room
10

Climax: the gun and the standoff

The Lawyer steals the guard's revolver and warns everyone to leave. He fires at the Journalist, but the shot is revealed as a dummy bullet when the Journalist resumes activities, and the Scientist exits while the Professor pretends to be shot.

75-85 minutes Closed examination room
11

Ejection and regrouping

The guard ejects the Lawyer; the Journalist regains composure as the fake bullet is revealed. The room settles into a tense quiet, signaling the shifting balance of power.

85-90 minutes Closed examination room
12

Invigilator’s verdict and recognition

The Invigilator arrives to congratulate the Professor and states that he was not asking questions but assessing traits, abilities, and crisis management. The Professor emerges as the winner.

90 minutes Closed examination room
13

Appointment and ending

In the final scene, the Invigilator and the CEO appoint the Professor to the post. The film ends with the Professor's victory and the recognition of her leadership.

End CEO's office

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:59

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Key Summary

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Key Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Key

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Key Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Key

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