Chemmeen

Chemmeen

Year: 1965

Runtime: 140 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Ramu Kariat

RomanceDrama

Karutthamma, the daughter of a Hindu fisherman, falls deeply for a Muslim fish trader, and their romance blossoms against the backdrop of the coastal fishing community. Yet entrenched social and religious prejudices threaten to tear them apart, drawing the anger and opposition of both families and neighbours.

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Timeline – Chemmeen (1965)

Trace every key event in Chemmeen (1965) 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

Chembankunju's dream of a boat and net

Chembankunju, a fisherman, longs to own a boat and a net to expand his livelihood. Pareekutty finances this dream on the condition that all future hauls are sold only to him. This alliance seeds power dynamics that drive events later in the story.

fishing village
2

Karuthamma falls in love with Pareekutty

Karuthamma, Chembankunju's daughter, falls in love with Pareekutty, a young fish trader. Chakki warns her daughter about the rigid social codes and the danger of such a relationship. The romance becomes a source of conflict as tradition clashes with desire.

coastal village
3

Karuthamma marries Palani

Karuthamma sacrifices her love and marries Palani, an orphan discovered by Chembankunju during a fishing expedition. She accompanies him to his village and starts a new life as a wife and mother. Chembankunju, furious at the betrayal of the plan, disowns her.

after marriage Palani's village
4

Chembankunju grows greedy and powerful

With new boats and nets at his command, Chembankunju grows greedy and increasingly ruthless. His dishonest practices put Pareekutty into bankruptcy and threaten the livelihoods of others in the fishery. The once-dedicated father now wields wealth as a corrosive force.

fishing operations
5

First wife dies; Chembankunju remarries

The death of Chembankunju's wife leads him to marry Pappikunju, the widow of a man from whom he bought his first boat. Panchami is born as his younger daughter from this second marriage. The new wife and step-daughter dynamics foreshadow later conflict.

after wife's death home
6

Pappikunju helps her son; Chembankunju learns of it

Pappikunju steals money from Chembankunju's savings to support her son who seeks a better life. Panchami uncovers the plan and informs Chembankunju, provoking a crisis in the household. The revelation fuels resentment and sets up further estrangement.

home
7

Chembankunju ousts Pappikunju and descends into madness

Chembankunju expels Pappikunju from the home after the theft. The successive setbacks push him toward madness as his life unravels. His family fractures as trust evaporates.

home
8

Panchami leaves to join Karuthamma

Alarmed by her father's madness, Panchami leaves to join Karuthamma, seeking shelter in the elder sister's family. The two sisters reunite in spirit as they face village life separately. The abrupt departure marks a turning point for both households.

from Chembankunju's home to Karuthamma's family
9

Village gossip damages Karuthamma's reputation

Rumors of Karuthamma's old love with Pareekutty spread through the village. Palani's friends ostracize him and withdraw from fishing with him due to the gossip. Karuthamma endures the scorn while trying to uphold her duties as wife and mother.

village
10

Karuthamma and Palani prosper with a single-man boat

With Karuthamma's support, Palani takes to fishing in a single-man boat and gradually prospers. The couple welcome a daughter, solidifying their hard-won stability. They find a measure of happiness amid community hostility.

coastal village
11

Palani suspects Karuthamma and confronts her

Palani overhears Karuthamma asking Panchami about Pareekutty, and his trust collapses. He accuses her of cheating and resolves to leave for a fishing expedition that night. The suspicion plants a dangerous rift between them.

that night shore and sea
12

Karuthamma and Parekutty rekindle their old love

That same night, Karuthamma and Pareekutty meet again and their feelings are awakened. They confront the reality that their past passion has not vanished. The moment foreshadows the tragedy to come.

that night by the coast
13

Palani dies at sea

Palani, alone at sea, is caught in a huge whirlpool and swallowed by the ocean. His disappearance leaves his family in shock and grief. The narrative ties his fate to the storm of events engulfing Karuthamma and Pareekutty.

that night sea
14

Karuthamma and Parekutty die hand in hand

The next morning, Karuthamma and Parekutty are found dead hand in hand on the shore. Nearby lies the body and remains of the shark Palani had baited earlier. The tragedy completes the circle of loss that began with desire and greed.

next morning shore

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:24

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Chemmeen Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Chemmeen

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