Bandhukkal Sathrukkal

The story is introduced through Sakshi, who appears at key moments to guide the narration. Her presence frames the events and signals whose perspective shapes the plot. The setup introduces two rival money lenders, their families, and the tensions that will unfold.

Damodaran's business is booming while Viswabharan struggles financially and drinks to cope. The brothers symbolize contrasting fortunes, and their households are marked by mounting tension. The wives Kamalakshi and Dakshayani are shown with growing animosity, foreshadowing deeper conflicts.

Viswabharan's daughter Sheela is described as mentally ill with schizophrenia, complicating decisions and relationships. Her condition strains family dynamics and fuels a sense of tragedy within the household. The illness becomes a recurring source of conflict and sympathy as the story unfolds.

Anamala Haridas arrives in the village seeking relatives and a chance to revive his career. He falls in love with Sheela under a mistaken identity, unaware of her illness. His arrival adds a romantic thread that intertwines with the brothers' strained dynamics.

Chandran, the younger son, develops a relationship with Sakunthala, raising the stakes for the family. Damodaran strongly opposes the union, setting up early parental conflict. Uthaman exploits the situation by pressuring Chandran to sign a loyalty document and promising support after marriage.

Uthaman uses the unstable situation to his advantage and marries Sugandhi, daughter of Vasu Contractor, on the first day itself. Sugandhi traps him in a scheme that deepens the family fracture. The alliance shifts loyalties and forebodes further betrayals.

Chandran goes with his father to Sakunthala’s house for the marriage fixation, where Damodaran openly insults her. Haridas raises his voice in defense, highlighting class and status tensions. The insult acts as a catalyst for mounting hostility between the families.

Haridas defends Sakunthala by asserting her lineage and wealth, and he vows to arrange a grand marriage. His insistence underscores the social dynamics driving the union. The scene accelerates the push toward a formal alliance despite opposition.

Chandran and Sakunthala marry, and Sheela unexpectedly takes Chandran by the garland to Haridas, declaring herself married. The community appears to accept the union, while Dakshayani insults Sakunthala. Sakunthala remains steadfast as others eventually yield to the arrangement.

Viswabharan cannot clear the enormous debt and seeks help from Vasu Contractor, a former associate. The request fails, intensifying the financial crisis gripping the families. The failure to secure aid deepens the looming collapse of their fortunes.

Chandran and his wife leave the home after learning that Viswabharan has taken away their property. He confronts his elder brother about the seizure, revealing the flipped fortunes. Viswabharan seeks an apology but dies of a heart attack, marking a tragic turn in the family saga.

Damodaran discovers that Vasu Contractor has seized his assets and even his elder son, leaving him with nothing. Dakshayani's mental state worsens and she becomes violently disturbed, requiring admission. The family endures crushing losses that test their resilience.

Sheela experiences a recovery, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. Chandran calls his father back, but the bank ultimately auctions their home, and Ananda Kuruppu acquires the property. A fragile sense of reconciliation is suggested amid the ruins.

Damodaran slaps Uthaman and disowns him, sealing the rift between brothers. Ananda Kuruppu remarks that even elders can err and that it is time to move on. Sakshi is revealed as the source of updates, and the film closes with a reflective ending.