Ayothi

Ayothi

Year: 2023

Runtime: 121 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: R. Manthira Moorthy

Echo Score: 85
DramaFamilyMoving relationship storiesEmotional and touching family dramasPowerful stories of heartbreak and suffering

A family of four from Ayodhya, consisting of the devout Balram, his wife Janaki, and their children Shivani and Sonu, embarks on a spiritual journey to Rameswaram. Tragedy strikes when Janaki dies in an accident, and the children face hardship under their father's strict religious beliefs. Two local residents, connected to the cab driver involved in the accident, decide to assist the family in returning Janaki's remains home, overcoming significant challenges along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Ayothi (2023)

Trace every key event in Ayothi (2023) 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 plans pilgrimage and departs from Ayodhya

Balram and his family in Ayodhya decide to undertake a pilgrimage to Rameswaram in November 2021. They prepare for the journey and board a train bound for Tamil Nadu. The plan is to visit religious sites as a family, starting their expedition from Ayodhya.

November 2021 Ayodhya
2

Train arrives at Madurai on the eve of Diwali

Their train reaches Madurai Junction on the eve of Diwali, marking the Tamil Nadu leg of their trip. They hire a cab to continue toward Rameswaram, beginning the road portion of their pilgrimage. The festive occasion adds emotional color to their travel.

eve of Diwali, November 2021 Madurai Junction
3

Conflict with cab driver leads to a crash

Balram's clash with cab driver Kanagu escalates into a road crash on the way to Rameswaram. Janki is severely injured and rushed toward medical care while Balram and the children struggle to communicate due to the language barrier. The accident triggers a cascade of medical and logistical challenges.

November 2021 Tamil Nadu, en route to Rameswaram
4

Janki is admitted to GRH Madurai ICU

Janki is admitted to the intensive care unit of Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), Madurai, as her condition remains critical. Balram and his family find it difficult to navigate medical procedures without language support. A friend of Kanagu volunteers to drive an ambulance to GRH to speed up her treatment.

shortly after crash Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai
5

Janki dies en route and post-mortem debate begins

During transport to GRH, Janki passes away, leaving the family overwhelmed by grief far from home. Balram's faith leads him to oppose a post-mortem, fueling tensions about religious rites and legal procedures. The family faces the immediate reality of death in an unfamiliar setting.

during transport On the road to GRH, Madurai
6

Balram seeks to airlift Janki's body home

Balram opposes performing a post-mortem on his wife, citing religious beliefs. He insists the family be dropped at Madurai Airport so Janki's body can be airlifted back to Ayodhya. The request sets into motion further official steps and protective measures for the remains.

after death Madurai Airport
7

Airport authorities and Perungudi police inquiry

At the airport, Kanagu's friend is stopped by airport authorities and the police, who take the group to a police station in Perungudi for an inquiry into Janki's death. The family and friends are eventually cleared as innocent and are moved to the mortuary for the post-mortem. The procedural detour adds to their stress and delays the flight.

at Madurai Airport incident Perungudi Police Station, Madurai
8

Kanagu's friend returns with help and funds

Kanagu's friend leaves the family but returns after being moved by the children’s plight. He gathers money for Shivani's flight ticket and arranges embalming for Janki, despite Balram's protests. This act marks a turning point in Balram's attitude toward outsiders.

after inquiry Madurai
9

Shivani rebukes Balram; a shift in the father’s outlook

Shivani rebukes her father for his harsh treatment of her mother and for trying to bend legal procedures to hasten departure. Balram confronts his own hypocrisy and begins to mourn Janki’s death for the first time. The family starts to heal as he accepts his loss.

soon after embalming Madurai
10

Flight arrangements lead to a split journey toward Ayodhya

All flight tickets to Lucknow are booked, forcing Shivani to travel to Ayodhya alone with her mother’s remains. Kanagu's friend persuades two passengers to relinquish their seats, allowing Sonu and Balram to board the flight. Shivani travels separately with the remains while her father and brother depart first.

before boarding Madurai Airport
11

Revelation of Abdul Malik; reconciliation begins

It is revealed that Kanagu's friend aiding the family is Abdul Malik, a Muslim. Balram overcomes his intolerance and thanks Abdul Malik for timely help, signaling a shift in their relationship across religious lines. The family boards the flight together toward Ayodhya.

during boarding Madurai Airport / on board to Lucknow
12

Abdul Malik helps in Rameswaram months later

A few months after Janki's death, Abdul Malik helps a stranger in Rameswaram perform the last rites of her mother. The gesture closes a circle of compassion and illustrates the cross-cultural friendship that emerged during the crisis. The act reinforces the film’s message of humanity beyond religious divides.

a few months later Rameswaram

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:22

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