Charithram

Philip and Cecily begin their wedding preparations in Kerala. Cecily's curiosity about Philip's dead brother Raju prompts him to recount the family saga. The frame story establishes the frame narrative that drives the rest of the film.

Philip narrates Raju's life, describing a young, vibrant man who falls into drugs and steals to support his habit. He explains how Raju's addiction strains the brothers and leads to intervention and rehab. Cecily listens as the past unfolds.

Raju is admitted to a rehab facility in an attempt to kick the drug habit. For a time, he seems to recover, giving Philip and the family hope. This phase marks a turning point that signals a possible return to normal life.

Raju is sent to Madras (Chennai) for further studies, in the belief that distance and education will help him stay clean. The move raises expectations that he might stay on the right path. Instead, it sets the stage for future relapse later in Chennai.

During a visit to Chennai, Raju relapses and steals money to buy drugs. He also absconds with Philip's car, triggering a dangerous sequence of events. The car crash and explosion claims the life of the driver and marks a turning point in the family tragedy.

Philip learns of the deadly crash and performs the last rites for Raju in Chennai, burning his body beyond recognition. He returns to Kerala with a heavy secret and a sense of guilt that will haunt him. The event cements the family rift and the mystery around Raju's fate.

Months later, a man who looks like Raju returns home alive, creating confusion about his identity. Philip struggles to accept that the man could be his brother, while friends and family begin testing the newcomer. The circle tightens as everyone searches for the truth.

Renu, Cherian's daughter, becomes romantically involved with the returning man, convinced he is Raju. Cherian and John's plan to secure Renu's future involves a proposal for Renu to marry him. Philip remains doubtful but increasingly pressured.

Cherian travels to Chennai to compare skull remains with the returned man, performing a superimposition test. The images do not match, raising questions about the man’s true identity. Yet Philip's doubt persists even with this scientific setback.

Philip finally reveals the truth: Raju died not in a car crash as claimed, but during a failed escape when Philip restrained him. He admits he might be blamed for the death. The confession explains the motive behind his earlier concealment.

To hide the truth, Philip drives to Chennai with Raju's body and pushes the car off a cliff, causing it to explode. He returns to Kerala convinced he has erased the evidence. The act binds him in guilt and secrecy.

Cherian reveals that Akbar, a Chennai police officer, knew about the case. To prove Philip's guilt, they hire Albert, a lookalike of Raju, to impersonate him. The trap is set to force a confession and secure justice.

Philip realizes he has been tricked by the ruse of Albert's impersonation and pretends to confess to the authorities. An ashamed Philip decides to turn himself in, accepting the moral consequences of his actions. Akbar takes him away toward Chennai.

Before being taken away, Philip asks Albert to look after Cecily and arrange a marriage with Renu. He entrusts his complicated life to the stand-in brother's care. The closing note hints at a fragile resolution and future consequences.