Adwaytham

Adwaytham

Year: 1991

Runtime: More mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Priyadarshan

Drama

Advaitham is a 1991 Malayalam film directed by Priyadarshan. The film stars Mohanlal, Jayaram, Revathi Menon and Srividhya in lead roles.

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Timeline & Setting – Adwaytham (1991)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Adwaytham (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s–present

The narrative moves from the 1960s, when Shivaprasad turns to political activism, to the late 1970s, when a new communist government reshapes power structures. It then returns to the present, where Swami Amritananda's life is under security scrutiny and the plot culminates in a dramatic confrontation. The timeline blends personal journeys with shifting political landscapes across decades.

Location

Kerala, India

Set in Kerala, the film unfolds amid communal riots and political rivalries. It highlights the clash between religious leadership and state power, with temple precincts and Devaswom boards serving as battlegrounds for influence. The setting juxtaposes urban centers and temple spaces to mirror the tension between tradition and reform.

🗺️ Kerala 🕊️ Politics 🏛️ Temple Devaswom

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:24

Main Characters – Adwaytham (1991)

Meet the key characters of Adwaytham (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Shivaprasad / Shivan — Mohanlal

Shivan begins as a rebellious son who drifts into the Communist movement and rises to power through illicit acts. His arc traces a fall from crime to influence, and later a transformation into the spiritual Swami Amritananda. He remains driven by loyalty, conflict, and a complicated love life that pits personal history against public duty.

🔥 Anti-Establishment ⚖️ Power 🧭 Transformation

Lakshmi Menon — Revathi

A steadfast District Collector tasked with Swami Amritananda's security. Her past romance with Shivan complicates her professional judgment, and she navigates a web of political manipulation and personal sacrifice. Her ultimate act of sacrifice protects the Swami and reshapes the political landscape.

💔 Romance 🛡️ Duty 🕊️ Sacrifice

Shekharan — M. G. Soman

A political fixer who sees Shivan’s potential as a tool for personal gain. He orchestrates schemes to advance his own power, using religious and political factions to manipulate outcomes. His machinations contribute to both Shivan’s rise and his eventual downfall.

🎭 Manipulation 🧠 Strategy

Vasu — Jayaram

Shivan’s loyal friend who is torn by caste constraints and loyalty. He often mediates conflicts and supports Shivan, yet he is pulled by his own relationships and the social order. His death marks a turning point in Shivan’s transformation.

🤝 Loyalty 👥 Caste and Society

Saraswathy — Srividya

Shivan’s mother who endures hardship and serves as the moral center of the family. Her sufferings and hopes influence Shivan’s spiritual turn, making her the emotional heart of the tragedy.

👩‍👧 Family 🕊️ Motherhood

Pathrose — Captain Raju

An ally of Shekharan and a violent instrument of control who participates in the plot to kill Swami during the Ratha-Yatra. His presence embodies the brutality of political machination.

⚔️ Violence 🕵️‍♂️ Conspiracy

Karthy — Chithra

A party worker with strong naxalite leanings who manipulates Lakshmi and drives key revelations. Her actions show how political agendas can weaponize personal relationships.

💃 Manipulation 🗳️ Political agenda

Sreekanta Poduval — Narendra Prasad

The Devaswom administrator laboring in a tense battle over temple governance. His role reflects the friction between religious authority and the state’s ambitions.

🏛️ Temple 👮 Authority

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:24

Major Themes – Adwaytham (1991)

Explore the central themes of Adwaytham (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Power and Corruption

The film traces how political power is leveraged for personal gain, from petty crime to control of temple affairs. Shivan's ascent is marked by manipulation and intimidation, while rivals try to bend him to their will. The convergence of religion and politics exposes how authority can corrupt communities and destinies.

💔 Love and Betrayal

Lakshmi's past romance with Shivan becomes a political weapon for party factions. Misleading narratives drive Lakshmi to denounce Shivan, triggering his fall and catalyzing a cascade of mistrust. Personal loyalties collide with public duties, widening the rift between characters.

🕊️ Redemption and Transformation

Shivan's transition from a rebellious youth to a spiritual figure anchors the film's moral arc. The story contrasts his earlier violence with later renown as Swami Amritananda, suggesting redemption through spiritual path rather than mere punishment. Yet, the path to peace remains marred by loss and violence.

⚖️ Justice and Duty

Lakshmi embodies duty as she navigates political scheming and the Devaswom governance. The temple's management and the staff's protests highlight the struggle for rightful authority. The resolution emphasizes courage, accountability, and the costs of seeking justice.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:24

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Adwaytham Summary

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Adwaytham Summary

Adwaytham Timeline

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Adwaytham Timeline

More About Adwaytham

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