Andha Naal

Andha Naal

Year: 1954

Runtime: 134 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: S. Balachander

MysteryThrillerCrime

During World War II, radio engineer Rajan is discovered dead in Madras as the city braces for a possible Japanese air raid. CID officer Sivanandham takes the case, questioning Rajan’s wife, his lover, relatives and neighbours, each offering a conflicting account. Their hidden motives and secrets unfold, guiding the investigation toward the killer.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Andha Naal (1954)

Trace every key event in Andha Naal (1954) 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

Bombing of Madras sets wartime tension

On 11 October 1943, Japanese forces bombard Madras, throwing the city into wartime chaos. This backdrop of danger frames Rajan's life and the upcoming investigation.

11 Oct 1943 Madras
2

Rajan's death is discovered

The next morning, Rajan is found shot dead in his own house, apparently by his own handgun. Neighbour Chinnaiya Pillai heard the gunshot and informs the police, triggering the investigation.

12 Oct 1943, morning Rajan's house, Madras
3

Naidu and Sivanandam join the case

Purushothaman Naidu arrives to head the inquiry and is soon joined by CID Officer Sivanandam. Together they begin questioning relatives and friends around Rajan's house to uncover the truth.

12 Oct 1943, late morning Rajan's house, Madras
4

The money theory is challenged

Naidu suggests the killer might be a thief seeking Rajan's money, but the bank passbook with a matched withdrawal undermines that theory. Sivanandam remains unconvinced, sensing a deeper motive behind the murder.

12 Oct 1943, afternoon Rajan's house
5

Usha is questioned

Rajan's wife Usha is the first to be questioned, but she is grief-stricken and largely unable to speak. Her emotional state makes it difficult for the investigators to glean reliable information at first.

12 Oct 1943, afternoon Rajan's house
6

Chinnaiya points to Pattabi

Chinnaiya Pillai points to Pattabi, Rajan's younger brother, arguing a family dispute over property may have driven him to violence. He recalls a confrontation where Pattabi demanded a share Rajan refused, adding tension to the case.

12 Oct 1943, afternoon Rajan's house
7

Pattabi's remorse and confession

Pattabi is questioned and shows remorse for how he treated his brother. He recounts the earlier property quarrel with Hema and hints that she could have killed Rajan for money when anger took over.

12 Oct 1943, afternoon Rajan's house
8

Hema and Ambujam's revelations

Hema is interrogated and reveals Rajan's extramarital affair with Ambujam, who is pregnant with his child. Hema suggests Ambujam could have killed Rajan, given the volatile dynamics around the pregnancy.

12 Oct 1943, evening Rajan's house
9

Ambujam accuses Chinnaiya

Ambujam accuses Chinnaiya of murdering Rajan, saying he grew frustrated and wanted her to stay away. She explains their complicated relationship and how Chinnaiya's control and anger could have led to violence.

12 Oct 1943, evening Rajan's house
10

Usha's backstory and fingerprint trick

During questioning, Usha recounts how she and Rajan fell in love. Sivanandam also demonstrates a trick by asking her to press a leaky fountain pen to collect fingerprints.

12 Oct 1943, evening Rajan's house
11

The fake-bullet interrogation

In a staged exercise, suspects are asked to shoot Rajan with revolvers loaded with fake bullets. Chinnaiya, Pattabi, and Hema comply and shoot as instructed, while Usha hesitates and breaks down.

12 Oct 1943, evening Rajan's house
12

Rajan's espionage past and the accidental kill

Sivanandam explains Rajan's past as a radio engineer who turned spy, selling India's military secrets to Japan. Usha reveals she tried to reform him but ultimately fired the gun, albeit accidentally, and is left devastated.

12 Oct 1943, evening Rajan's house
13

The final clue and the gunshot

Sivanandam reveals that Usha's fingerprints match those found on Rajan's boots, linking her to the crime. When Usha returns to Rajan's room to fetch papers, a moment of silence is followed by a gunshot, and Sivanandam cries out her name.

12 Oct 1943, night Rajan's room, Madras

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:48

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