Alli Arjuna

Alli Arjuna

Year: 2002

Runtime: More mins

Language: Tamil

Director: Saran

RomanceThriller

Rebellious Arivu (Manoj), constantly at odds with his father, astonishes his family with unexpected bravery in this off‑beat romance. When a wedding he attends falls apart, he steps in to propose to Savitri (Richa Pallod) after the groom disappears. Though she initially spurns the proposal, she later seeks his support after a close friend’s suicide, opening a path toward redemption and love, for both of them.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Alli Arjuna (2002)

Trace every key event in Alli Arjuna (2002) 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

Arivu's upbringing in a privileged, neglectful family

Arivazhagan, a Chennai-born youth, grows up under the influence of his wealthy parents. He is neglectful and more interested in irritating his father than building a future, despite having earned a degree. His attitudes set the tone for his conflicted journey ahead.

Childhood / early adulthood Chennai
2

Family travels to Bangalore for Savitri's wedding

The family travels to Bangalore for Savitri's wedding, setting the stage for social expectations and family tensions. The trip brings together relatives and pressures to secure a proper match. The spark of crisis begins to flicker as plans unfold.

Wedding trip to Bangalore Bangalore
3

Groom disappears; Arivu steps in at the wedding

On the wedding day, the groom disappears and Arivu steps in to take his place on the wedding stage. The arrangement is made to salvage the marriage, thrusting Arivu into an involuntary role in Savitri's life. The moment triggers a cascade of emotional tension and betrayal.

Wedding day Bangalore
4

Savitri elopes, leaving Arivu betrayed

Despite the arrangement, Savitri elopes with someone, leaving Arivu feeling betrayed. The incident fractures the planned union and reshapes Arivu's sense of responsibility. The betrayal drives a wedge between him and his customary life.

Immediately after elopement Bangalore
5

Savitri returns seeking refuge at Arivu's home

Months later, Savitri returns to Arivu's home seeking refuge. He initially lets her stay, but soon moves to live with his friends, and she follows him. Their fragile arrangement evolves into a more complex emotional closeness.

Months later Arivu's home (Chennai)
6

Arivu's feelings for Savitri grow

As they spend time together, Arivu's feelings for Savitri begin to soften, and he finds himself gradually falling in love with her. The evolving romance complicates their earlier betrayal and future decisions. The tension between duty and desire becomes central to the plot.

During their stay together Chennai
7

Nisha seeks Savitri's help for her wedding

In Chennai, Nisha, an accountant, asks Savitri to help arrange her own wedding. Savitri's involvement pulls her into another family's plans and raises stakes for what will unfold. The parallel thread interwinds with Arivu and Savitri's relationship.

During the wedding preparations Chennai
8

Savitri arranges Kishore into Nisha's wedding

Savitri brings Kishore into the plan, and Nisha's wedding is set in motion. The arrangement links the two storylines and sets the path for tragedy. Tensions rise as expectations conflict with darker realities.

Pre-wedding period Chennai
9

Nisha is assaulted and commits suicide

Two days before the ceremony, Nisha becomes a victim of sexual assault. She returns home and, overwhelmed by shame, commits suicide by immolation, while her mother is severely burned trying to save her. The tragedy triggers investigations and a feverish search for the culprit.

Two days before wedding Nisha's home
10

Kishore searches for the assailant

Kishore, Nisha's brother, throws himself into the search for the assailant. He pursues truth while the family grapples with the tragedy. The investigation begins to reveal hidden connections.

Following the incident Chennai
11

Kumar reveals the assault to Kishore

While Savitri is recovering, Kumar tells Kishore that Nisha was sexually assaulted by someone within their circle, adding another layer of tragedy. The revelation shifts the focus from the wedding to accountability and guilt. The family grapples with the implications of the accusation.

After the death Kishore's circle / Savitri's circle
12

Arivu discovers Nisha is Kishore's sister

Arivu ends up at Kishore's house and learns that Nisha is Kishore's sister, shocking him because he previously felt responsible for her death. The revelation reframes his earlier guilt and complicates his relationship with Savitri. Emotions run high as loyalties are tested.

Revelation moment Kishore's house
13

Kishore chases Arivu; Savitri's family intervenes

Kishore, furious, chases Arivu, but Savitri and her parents intervene to calm the confrontation. The confrontation underscores the fragility of the relationships involved. The adults attempt to shield Savitri and resolve the volatile situation.

Following the confrontation Kishore's home / Savitri's family home
14

Ending: Arivu is forgiven but leaves Savitri unresolved

The film ends on a somber note: Arivu is forgiven, but he does not unite with Savitri, and he walks away, leaving the relationship unresolved. The closing mood emphasizes the cost of trauma and the unresolved longing between the two protagonists. The audience is left with a quiet, aching conclusion.

End of film Chennai / Savitri's home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:55

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about tragic redemption like Alli Arjuna

Flawed characters find purpose and change after a devastating personal loss.Discover movies like Alli Arjuna where characters undergo a powerful redemption arc triggered by a tragic event. These stories explore grief, guilt, and personal growth, often resulting in a bittersweet but meaningful transformation. If you liked the journey of Arivu in Alli Arjuna, you'll find similar emotionally heavy narratives here.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically introduce a flawed protagonist living a directionless or contentious life. A sudden, tragic event—often a friend's suicide or an act of violence—shatters their world, forcing them to confront their own failings. The ensuing journey involves seeking justice, supporting other victims, or simply learning to care, leading to a profound but bittersweet personal change.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on redemption born from trauma. They feature a heavy emotional weight, a bittersweet tone, and character arcs where personal growth is inextricably linked to overcoming grief and making amends.

Romantic thrillers with serious themes like Alli Arjuna

Love stories intertwined with dark investigations and serious real-world trauma.Find romantic thrillers similar to Alli Arjuna, where a love story is deeply entangled with a dark investigation into a serious crime like assault or murder. These movies combine relationship drama with tense, emotionally heavy plots, perfect for viewers who like their romance with high stakes and profound themes.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative structure often alternates between the development of an unconventional romantic connection and a parallel investigation into a grim event, such as a sexual assault or murder. These two threads are deeply intertwined, with the relationship being tested and shaped by the pursuit of justice or truth, leading to a climactic convergence where personal and procedural resolutions collide.

Why These Movies?

This thread unites films that successfully merge the emotional engagement of a romance with the tension and gravity of a thriller. They share a high intensity, a variable pacing that shifts between character moments and investigative thrusts, and a tone that is rarely purely happy due to the dark subject matter.

Unlock the Full Story of Alli Arjuna

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Alli Arjuna Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Alli Arjuna, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Alli Arjuna Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Alli Arjuna

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Alli Arjuna. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Alli Arjuna

Alli Arjuna Spoiler-Free Summary

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Alli Arjuna Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Alli Arjuna

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