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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Adwaytham (1991)

Trace every key event in Adwaytham (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

Swami Amritananda arrives in Kerala to restore peace

The present-day Swami Amritananda lands in Kerala amid widespread communal riots. He is revered worldwide, yet he faces persistent death threats from various quarters. Lakshmi IAS is assigned to oversee his security and warns him about the danger waiting outside, while the memories of their past romance linger.

Present day Kerala
2

Lakshmi assigned to Swami's security and memories resurface

Lakshmi is tasked with protecting Swami and managing the tense situation outside his vehicle. Her warning underscores the fragile security environment, and the interaction dredges up old memories of their former romance. The arrangement foreshadows the personal toll of duty on both their lives.

Present day Kerala
3

Shivan's rebellious youth and entry into the Communist movement (1960s)

In the 1960s, Shivan, Saraswathy's son, grows up amid a hostile family atmosphere and becomes a troublemaker. He drifts into the Communist movement and earns the nickname of a goonda by his adversaries. His early crimes set the stage for a collision between family loyalty, political ambition, and personal betrayal.

1960s Saraswathy's home, Kerala
4

Lakshmi's love for Shivan challenges family opposition

Lakshmi, Sreedharan's daughter, falls in love with Shivan despite strong family objections. The romance ties him to a political path that complicates loyalties. Their bond foreshadows a volatile future shaped by love, power, and betrayal.

1960s Family setting, Kerala
5

Karthy fabricates a story; Shivan is arrested

Karthy, a party worker with naxalite leanings, fabricates a story about Lakshmi's supposed relation with Shivan. Believing the tale, Lakshmi informs the police about Shivan's hideout, and he is arrested and sentenced for a couple of years. The arrest reshapes his character, fueling hatred toward Lakshmi.

1960s-1970s Shivan's hideout / police
6

Shivan's release and rise to power in the temple (late 1970s)

In the late 1970s, the political climate shifts and Shivan is released from prison. He is appointed as the chairman of the Temple Devaswom, while Lakshmi becomes an IAS officer and Devaswom Administrator under his watch. He begins a ruthless drive to loot the temple, facing resistance from staff.

Late 1970s Temple Devaswom, Kerala
7

Temple staff resist; Vasu's entry and romance angle

The temple staff protest Shivan's loot, and Vasu is brought in under his aegis to sow division. Vasu, a close friend, falls for the daughter of Thantri Parameshwaran Namboothiri, complicating temple politics with caste and love. Tension rises as loyalty and ambition collide.

Late 1970s Temple Devaswom, Kerala
8

The sacred ornament theft and the Thantri's arrest

Under Shekharan's instruction, Shivan orchestrates the theft of the sacred ornament; during the investigation the Thantri is arrested. Shivan's motive is to reclaim Krishnan Kutty's house, revealing how personal vendetta drives political games. The Thantri's daughter challenges the truth, and the Thantri kills himself in embarrassment.

Late 1970s Temple, Kerala
9

Vasu rises on the Devaswom Board; internal betrayal unfolds

Vasu earns a position on the Devaswom Board and initially sides with the common people in meetings. Shekharan exposes Vasu's hidden motives to the others, leading to his ouster, though he is allowed to stay after repenting. The rift between Shivan and Vasu deepens as power struggles unfold.

Late 1970s Devaswom Board, Kerala
10

Truth about Karthy and Lakshmi's revelation to Shivan

Lakshmi uncovers that Karthy manufactured the affair to damage her and Shivan for party ends. Vasu confronts Shekharan, threatening to reveal the truth to the cops. Pathrose, an associate of Shekharan, sends goons to finish Vasu, forcing Shivan to rush to his aid.

Late 1970s Kerala
11

Vasu's death and Shivan's attempted vengeance

Pathrose kills Vasu before Shivan can reach him, a revelation that shatters Shivan and drives him toward vengeance. After Vasu's death, Shivan attempts to kill Shekharan, but the police intervene and Shivan is arrested. Saraswathy dies in the grief, believing her son killed Vasu.

Late 1970s Kerala
12

Shivan retreats to a spiritual life

Grieved and disillusioned, Shivan leaves home to wander among temples across the country, adopting a spiritual path and eventually becoming a renowned spiritual cult leader. This transformation marks a rebirth of his influence beyond politics and crime.

Post-1970s Various temples across India
13

Present-day climax: Lakshmi's sacrifice and Shivan's revenge

In the present, Shekharan and his accomplices plan to kill Swami Amritananda during the Ratha-Yatra with a bomb. Lakshmi sacrifices her life to save Swami, catalyzing his return to Shivan's avatar. Swami then exacts revenge by killing Shekharan, Pathrose, Krishnan Kutty Menon, and other conspirators, and urges the town to stay united.

Present day Kerala, during Ratha-Yatra

Last Updated: October 10, 2025 at 16:04

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