Dora

Dora

Year: 2017

Runtime: 129 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: Dass Ramasamy

ThrillerHorror

A father and a daughter buy a used car which is possessed by an unknown spirit which yearns for revenge, and gives sleepless nights to a cop and a bunch of criminals.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dora yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Dora (2017)

Trace every key event in Dora (2017) 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

Hospital opening scene

Pavalakkodi lies in a hospital bed while her father Vairakkannu weeps over her misfortune, establishing their deep bond. This moment sets the stakes of her health and their devotion to one another. The scene then cuts to glimpses of their future lives, signaling a shift in time.

Opening scene Hospital
2

Glimpse of their future

The narrative cuts to their futures, hinting at a life shaped by resilience amid hardship. We glimpse a close father-daughter bond and the challenges they will face together. The tone foreshadows the crime and supernatural elements to come.

Flash-forward Unknown / Flash-forward
3

Life at home: father and daughter

Vairakkannu is a single, hardworking father who raised Pavalakkodi in a modest home. She cares for him in his old age and resists marriage, preferring to forge her own path. Their simple, happy life centers on mutual support and affection.

Present Small house
4

Apartment robbery and investigation

Three thieves break into a nearby apartment, rob the jewels, rape and kill the lady. ACP Harish arrives to investigate but finds no clues, with only a Rajasthani blanket pointing to suspects. The case stalls, leaving investigators frustrated.

Night Apartment
5

Temple trip plan and aunt's resistance

Vairakkannu and Pavalakkodi plan to visit their family deity's temple and ask Pavalakkodi's aunt for a car. The aunt refuses, and her husband even tries to hit Vairakkannu, prompting Pavalakkodi to defend their dream. She proclaims that one day she will run a startup taxi service and rise high.

Evening Aunt's home
6

Buying the used Austin Cambridge

They pool their savings and purchase a used Austin Cambridge, hoping it will enable her dream of independence. The car becomes a symbol of mobility and possible entrepreneurship. They prepare for the road ahead with cautious optimism.

Post-purchase night Home / Car purchase
7

Night noises around the car

That night, Pavalakkodi wakes to strange noises around the car and investigates, finding nothing but a stray cat. The eerie moment foreshadows the car's later, inexplicable powers. The tension hints at a supernatural undercurrent.

Night Home driveway
8

Father deceived by a customer

In the morning, Vairakkannu is deceived by a customer and kept waiting, highlighting the vulnerabilities of everyday life. The incident compounds his worries for Pavalakkodi and their financial security. It deepens the sense that danger could be lurking nearby.

Morning Market / street
9

Graveyard confrontation

That night, Vairakkannu is taken to a graveyard and left there, while the car stops suddenly, heightening fear and confusion. He returns home worried for his daughter’s safety and future. The threat to the family intensifies.

Night Graveyard
10

Marriage proposal and virginity challenge

Pavalakkodi receives a marriage proposal from ACP Harish; his parents approve, but Harish refuses to marry her. In anger, she declares she will stay a virgin until he finds a girl more beautiful than her. The scene underscores her determination and pride.

Evening Home
11

Tirupati trip begins and real culprit emerges

Pavalakkodi is assigned a Tirupati trip lasting 20 days and hires a driver to substitute for her father. During this period, the man who sold bedsheets near the original incident is revealed as the real culprit, and Harish begins tracking him. The trip becomes a stage for escalating danger.

20 days Tirupati trip
12

Supernatural car on the road

On the road, the driver loses control as the car's supernatural power surfaces and moves toward the culprit. The vehicle kills the victim and a shadow of a dog appears, signaling Dora's presence. The incident heightens the mystery and stakes for Pavalakkodi.

During drive Road during trip
13

Back to the backyard and possession explained

The car returns to Pavalakkodi's backyard and somehow cleans the blood marks with its wipers. A sorceress explains that the car is possessed by a dog's ghost trying to communicate with Pavalakkodi. The revelation reframes the story as a haunting intertwined with vengeance.

After incident Pavalakkodi's backyard
14

Dora, Aarthi, and a heart-binding backstory

An old man recounts his granddaughter Aarthi's connection to a street dog named Dora, and the brutal attack that left Pavalakkodi bloodied. Aarthi donates her heart to Pavalakkodi, binding their fates as Dora's spirit inhabits the car to seek justice. The emotional backstory deepens the supernatural bond.

Flashback + Present Old villa / Present
15

Final confrontation and Mukesh Yadav's death

Dora, inhabiting the car, helps Pavalakkodi track and punish the criminals, including the main culprit Mukesh Yadav. In the climactic fight, Dora kills Mukesh and saves Pavalakkodi from rape, and they drive home triumphant. The family returns having avenged the victims and reclaimed safety.

Climax Mukesh's hideout / road

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:00

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Dora

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dora in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dora is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dora Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dora, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dora Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dora

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Dora. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dora

Dora Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Dora that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Dora Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dora

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dora: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dora

Similar Movies to Dora

Discover movies like Dora that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.