Agni Natchathiram

Agni Natchathiram

Year: 1988

Runtime: 146 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: Mani Ratnam

DramaActionCrime

Two stepbrothers, raised by an upright and respected father, take divergent paths—one becomes a police officer, the other a criminal enforcer. Their opposing lives set the stage for a tense conflict as they find themselves on opposite sides of the law, leading to a dramatic confrontation. The narrative follows their personal struggles, family loyalties, and the inevitable clash when duty and crime collide.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Agni Natchathiram yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Agni Natchathiram (1988)

Trace every key event in Agni Natchathiram (1988) 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

Family tensions among Gautham, Ashok and Vishwanath

In Madras, half-brothers Gautham and Ashok openly express anger toward Vishwanath, illustrating a fractured family dynamic. Susheela and Kamala watch the growing rift with concern as the menacing tension between father and sons intensifies. The stage is set for a clash between duty, pride, and family loyalty.

early in the story Vishwanath's home, Madras
2

Gautham begins IPS training and meets Anjali

Gautham begins his IPS training and soon takes up a role in Madras as an officer. During this period he meets Anjali, the Commissioner's daughter, and their relationship gradually blossoms into love.

during training and early career Madras
3

Ashok's romantic turn

Around the same time, Ashok meets a mysterious girl and begins a romantic relationship of his own. Their bond adds another layer of tension as both brothers navigate their loyalties to family and ambition.

same period Madras
4

Vishwanath heads inquiry into Chidambaram

Vishwanath is appointed head of an inquiry commission to investigate the nefarious factory owner Chidambaram. The appointment places him at the center of a dangerous clash with Chidambaram’s interests.

early in the investigation Commission offices, Madras
5

Night confrontation and arrest sequence

One night, Ashok and his friends confront Gautham and Anjali; stones are thrown at Gautham’s house, injuring Susheela. The following day, Gautham arrests Ashok after provoking him into an altercation.

night; following day Gautham's house, Madras
6

Susheela and Kamala arrange bail; family tensions persist

With Vishwanath out of town, Susheela helps Kamala bail Ashok and offers unsolicited advice about raising law-abiding children. The tense mood underscores how personal conflicts spill into official life.

the day of the arrest Madras
7

Chidambaram's bribe attempt and assault plan

Chidambaram repeatedly tries to bribe Vishwanath and orders an assault on him. The pressure shows how far Chidambaram will go to derail the inquiry and protect his interests.

period of the inquiry Vishwanath's vicinity / Chidambaram's influence
8

Mallika's matchmaking day and a family confrontation

During Mallika’s matchmaking day, Vishwanath fails to arrive, causing the groom’s family to question the marriage’s seriousness. Ashok berates Vishwanath at his home, and Gautham throws him out after learning their paternal grandmother has died.

ceremony day; immediate aftermath Vishwanath's home, Madras
9

Train encounter and protective act for Mallika

Mallika runs into Gautham and Anjali on a commuter train; Gautham protects her from ruffians hired by Chidambaram and accompanies Mallika home. Mallika addresses Gautham as elder brother, but Ashok arrives and throws him out.

during the train encounter Commuter train and Mallika's home, Madras
10

Wedding altercation and public brawl

Another altercation occurs at a wedding, escalating into a huge public brawl between the brothers. Vishwanath berates them for their humiliating display, lamenting the damage to his authority and family pride.

the next day Wedding venue, Madras
11

Vishwanath's accident and coma

As Vishwanath leaves his office, he is run over by a truck and falls into a coma. Mutual fear brings the families closer as Susheela and Kamala wait by his bedside, hoping for his recovery.

immediately after the accident Street outside office; hospital, Madras
12

Murder plot unfolds in hospital and ambulance switch

Chidambaram orders Vishwanath's murder in the hospital; when attackers strike, Gautham and Ashok foil the attempt by switching Vishwanath into an ambulance to keep him alive. The hospital becomes a tense battleground as the conspiracy nears exposure.

that night Hospital, Madras
13

Evidence submission and arrest of Chidambaram

The next day, the brothers bring the bandaged Vishwanath to the commission's office to submit evidence of Chidambaram's crimes. Chidambaram is arrested and the brothers share a triumphant high-five, signaling a turning point in the battle against corruption.

the next day Commission's office, Madras

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:35

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Agni Natchathiram Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Agni Natchathiram

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