Chanakyan

Chanakyan

Year: 1989

Runtime: 145 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: T. K. Rajeev Kumar

Thriller

Madhava Menon, a ruthless politician, falls in love with a woman whose daughter is married to Johnson, and in a fit of vengeance he ruins Johnson’s family. Broke and desperate, Johnson teams up with a talented mimicry artist to plot an elaborate scheme, ultimately exacting a calculated revenge on Menon.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Chanakyan (1989)

Trace every key event in Chanakyan (1989) 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

Johnson's plan to assassinate the Chief Minister using a radio-operated car

Johnson, a technically skilled individual, devises a plan to kill Chief Minister Madhava Menon with a radio-operated car. He believes the device can deliver a decisive blow without direct confrontation. The setup hinges on precise timing and hardware he is capable of handling.

2

The plan is botched by unforeseen circumstances

The assassination attempt fails due to unexpected events that derail the setup. Johnson must cope with the fallout and reassess his next moves. The botch reveals the vulnerability in his plan and sets the story in motion.

3

Johnson meets Jayaram, a mimicry artist claiming to be a government agent

Johnson encounters Jayaram, a mimicry artist who can imitate various celebrities' voices. Jayaram introduces himself as a government agent and offers to help manipulate voices for political ends. This meeting marks a turning point in Johnson's plan.

4

Jayaram proposes faking a Republic Day message

Jayaram asks Johnson to record a bogus Republic Day message filled with fake promises. He explains how an impersonated broadcast could sow chaos and undermine Madhava Menon's credibility. Johnson agrees to the risky impersonation.

5

Tape replacement at All India Radio Station in Thiruvananthapuram

Johnson uses the recorded fake message to replace the authentic tape at the All India Radio Station in Thiruvananthapuram. The broadcast is designed to look like an official appeal from Madhava Menon. The deception sets off a wave of criticism against the Chief Minister.

All India Radio Station, Thiruvananthapuram
6

Madhava Menon faces severe criticism after the broadcast

The forged broadcast shocks Madhava Menon and triggers harsh criticism within his party and among the public. He struggles to respond as questions about integrity surge elsewhere. The incident jeopardizes his political standing and deepens the crisis.

Public arena, Thiruvananthapuram
7

DIG K. Gopalakrishnan Pillai is tasked with investigating

Madhava Menon orders DIG K. Gopalakrishnan Pillai to investigate the case and nab the suspect behind the imposter broadcast. Pillai begins a formal inquiry and tracks the connection to the mimicry artist and Johnson. The stakes rise as the investigation narrows toward the conspirators.

Madhava Menon's office
8

Pillai suspects foul play while listening to the broadcast

While reviewing the broadcast, Pillai senses foul play and begins to connect the dots to a larger plot. He suspects the manipulation goes beyond a one-off prank and points toward a deliberate political conspiracy. The investigation becomes a race to uncover the masterminds.

Police headquarters
9

Jayaram confronts Johnson; Johnson reveals his past

Jayaram confronts Johnson about the escalating plot. In a revealing moment, Johnson discloses his past and the personal blows that led him to this edge. The conversation foreshadows the deeper motives behind the crime.

10

Johnson's relationship with Renuka leads to a devastating fallout

Johnson had been in a relationship with Renuka, Madhava Menon's daughter, which infuriated the Chief Minister. Using his influence, Madhava issues an arrest warrant against Johnson's family on prostitution charges. Grievously, Johnson's family members, including Renuka, commit suicide, devastating him and shaping his vendetta.

Madhava Menon's residence
11

Jayaram joins forces to destroy Madhava's political career

Having learned of Johnson's past, Jayaram decides to help him dismantle Madhava Menon's career. They plot to expose Madhava's character and manipulate public perception. Their partnership marks a shift from individual crime to political revenge.

12

Televised humiliation and funds swindle against Madhava

The duo broadcasts a televised message that vilifies Madhava and targets unemployed youths, with visuals dubbed by Jayaram. Simultaneously, they siphon a large amount of money from a distress relief fund using the altered voice. The double assault aims to erode Madhava's credibility and resources.

Television studio and relief fund office
13

Confrontation ends as Madhava shoots Johnson; the murder is witnessed

Johnson is forced by Madhava to shoot him, and the Chief Minister fires the fatal shot. Johnson dies on the spot, ending his personal vendetta in a violent act. The murder is witnessed by police, dooming Madhava's political career as public outrage consumes him.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 00:47

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Calculated revenge movies like Chanakyan

Intricate vengeance plots where victory comes at a devastating personal cost.If you liked the intricate revenge plot and high emotional stakes of Chanakyan, explore these movies about meticulous vengeance. This list features thrillers and dramas where protagonists execute elaborate schemes against their oppressors, often facing tragic or bittersweet consequences for their quest for justice.

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The narrative follows a protagonist who suffers a devastating wrong, leading them to abandon conventional morality in favor of a complex, long-game plan for revenge. The plot is driven by the meticulous unfolding of this scheme, building tension as the target is systematically dismantled, but the journey typically culminates in significant personal loss for the avenger.

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Narrative Summary

The core conflict pits a vulnerable individual or family against a powerful, corrupt political figure or system. The story unfolds with a fast, tense pace, highlighting the vast power imbalance and the devastating personal cost of challenging the status quo. The tone is consistently dark, with themes of grief, loss, and morally ambiguous justice.

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These films share a dark tone, high intensity, and a central theme of political corruption as the catalyst for tragedy. They feature desperate protagonists, high emotional weight, and a grim view of power, creating a cohesive vibe of tense, high-stakes conflict against an oppressive system.

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Chanakyan Summary

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Chanakyan Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Chanakyan

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Chanakyan

Chanakyan Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Chanakyan

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