Year: 1988
Runtime: 144 mins
Language: Malayalam
Director: Sibi Malayil
MKR, newly sworn chief minister after a fiercely contested election, becomes the target of a sinister plot when his political opponents hire a psychotic killer to eliminate him. Crime Branch officer Perumal is tasked with tracking the assassin, unraveling the conspiracy and preventing the murder before the state descends into chaos.
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Sukumaran plays K. G. Ramachandran, popularly known as KGR, who is elected as the new Chief Minister of Kerala. A reform-minded leader with a clean image, KGR begins enacting changes that shake up the state—dismissing corrupt officers and reshaping liquor policy—while his rival Kazhuthumuttam Vasudevan Pillai, a formidable challenger for the CM’s chair, is brought to life by Prathapa Chandran. After a crucial meeting, Kazhuthumuttam teams up with Aboobacker and Mathai Thomas Pappachan to plot the next move, and Vishwam, a high-profile business tycoon and political sponsor, joins them, his ambitions for the state clashing with KGR’s reformist drive.
Meanwhile, the honest and sharp DYSP Perumal, portrayed by Mammootty, begins to take the threat seriously. A drunken tip from Kazhuthumuttam reaches a journalist named Gopu, and the information is passed along, triggering a real investigation. Perumal’s early arrest of Vishwam yields little, but he soon travels to Madras to press the case, where he learns about Muniyandi Thevar—an undercover Malaysian-based businessman and smuggler—who introduces a professional assassin to carry out the hit. The connection leads Perumal to the shadowy world behind the plot, while Vijayan stands behind the character of Muniyandi Thevar, a man whose wealth and influence mask dangerous schemes. The chase then widens to the hospital where KGR is taking treatment, and the relentless pursuit intensifies as Nicholas, the assassin, makes his move.
Back in Kerala, Perumal closes in on the all-important lead as he guards KGR with heightened security at every turn. Sreenath brings the journalist Gopu back into the narrative, who continues to piece together the puzzle, while K.K. Pillai as the IG oversees the mounting investigation. The plot thickens when Nicholas infiltrates KGR’s environment, moving through the hospital and the guard details, forcing Perumal to stay one step ahead and to keep the CM safe.
As the August 15 ceremony approaches, Perumal expects another attempt and arranges substantial security, insisting that KGR be kept safe even if it means curtailing some public appearances. The tension peaks during the guard of honour, when Perumal discovers Nicholas disguised as one of the guards, a chilling reminder of the classic assassination playbook that inspired the scene (a parallel to the real-life 30 July 1987 event). In a tense sprint from the control room, Perumal is able to shoot Nicholas before he can strike, thereby saving KGR from an explosive fate. Nicholas is buried in the orthodox way, and when Gopu questions how the killer slipped into the guard, Perumal’s quiet answer is simple: he doesn’t know, and if the killer were alive, he would have asked him. The film closes with a sense of vigil and determined justice, underscoring Perumal’s steadfast commitment to protecting the Chief Minister and upholding the rule of law.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:25
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.
When a high-stakes political assassination threatens to destabilize a nation.If you enjoyed the high-stakes political plot of August 1, you'll find more movies like it here. These films feature assassination attempts on politicians, tense investigations, and conspiracies that threaten to tear society apart. They share a fast pace, gripping suspense, and a focus on the dark side of power struggles.
Narratives in this thread follow a clear, urgent trajectory: a plot is discovered, an investigator is assigned, and a race against time begins. The journey involves peeling back layers of a conspiracy, facing political obstruction, and culminating in a last-minute confrontation to save the target. The protagonist's arc is one of professional dedication tested by extreme circumstances.
Movies are grouped here because they share a core premise of a political assassination plot, a procedural investigation, and a tone of high-stakes suspense. They deliver a specific kind of urgent, paranoid vibe where the fate of a leader and the stability of the state hang in the balance.
A dedicated officer hunts a killer with a deadline looming.For viewers who liked the urgent investigation in August 1, this section collects similar movies with a ticking clock. These films follow a detective or officer in a high-pressure manhunt, tracking a criminal to prevent a catastrophe. They are characterized by fast pacing, tense atmosphere, and a focus on police procedure under extreme deadlines.
The narrative pattern is linear and goal-oriented: a threat is identified, a deadline is set, and the investigation unfolds step-by-step against that clock. The protagonist's journey is one of professional competence and perseverance, facing obstacles and red herrings while the tension escalates. The structure is built around the approaching zero hour, creating a predictable but effective crescendo of suspense.
These movies are united by their core structure of a deadline-driven investigation. They share a fast pace, a tense and urgent mood, and a focus on the mechanics of a manhunt. The similarity lies in the visceral experience of a countdown and the catharsis of a last-second resolution.
Don't stop at just watching — explore August 1 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what August 1 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of August 1 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape August 1. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of August 1 that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
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