Duet

Duet

Year: 1994

Runtime: 156 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: K. Balachander

ComedyDramaFamily

Two musical brothers look for love, only to have their quest end in tragedy for one.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Duet (1994)

Trace every key event in Duet (1994) 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

Opening memory on the bridge

On a bridge spanning the sea, Guna's saxophone sounds fill the air as the present moment frames his memory. He recalls a tragedy that struck his life two years earlier and reshaped his world. The scene sets the melancholic mood that threads through the film.

Present Bridge across the sea
2

Brothers' ascent and quest for love

Guna and Siva run a popular orchestra and are adored for their performances. Both brothers set out to find love, and each finds a different path: Siva wins the affection of his chosen partner, while Guna's beloved insults him for his weight. The pair's romantic pursuits sit atop their rising fame, foreshadowing tensions to come.

Two years ago Their home city
3

Consoling Siva with a move to the city

To console Siva after heartbreak, the brothers relocate to the city along with their sister Seema. The move gives them a fresh start and keeps their music career intact. The brothers' bond is tested as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

Two years ago City
4

Sitamma enters the household

Guna's father had an illicit affair with Sitamma, and on his deathbed promises Guna to accommodate her. Sitamma moves in under the condition that she remains unseen as kin and is introduced as the cook. The arrangement seals a hidden family secret that will ripple through later events.

Two years ago Guna's home
5

Sitamma notices Siva's sensitivity

Sitamma quickly notices Siva's sensitivity and inability to bear defeats. She becomes a quiet, guiding presence in the house as she adapts to life with the brothers. Her understanding of their weaknesses foreshadows later tensions that threaten the family.

Two years ago Guna's home
6

Anjali arrives next door and captivates both

Next to Guna's home sits the choreographer Anjali's house, and both brothers spot her. They fall in love with her, sparking a complicated triangle. Anjali's first attraction comes when she hears Guna play sax, misattributing the music to Siva.

Two years ago Anjali's neighborhood
7

Siva courts Anjali with a ruse

Siva approaches Anjali directly, but he lies, claiming he has all the talents of his brother. Anjali is attracted by what she believes is Siva's skill. Guna remains hopeful, while the deception sows confusion between the brothers.

Two years ago Around Anjali's home
8

The truth unsettles Anjali

Anjali eventually learns that Siva lied about his talents and saxophone ability. She becomes torn between the two brothers as loyalties clash with love. The truth deepens misunderstandings and hard choices.

Two years ago Anjali's thoughts
9

Sirpy's pursuit and the rising tension

Sirpy, film superstar, becomes enamored with Anjali and circles her with possessive closeness. Siva grows increasingly jealous, leading to friction with Guna. Sitamma comments on the mounting tension, warning about how lies can ruin families.

Two years ago Around the film circle / Anjali's area
10

The press coup and the fall of trust

Sirpy stirs the public with a fake statement claiming he and Anjali are in love and planning to marry. Guna lashes out, feeling betrayed by Anjali's supposed infidelity. Anjali is swept up in a web of rumors, while Sitamma's cautions fail to stop the cascade.

Two years ago Public / Press
11

Sitamma's demise during the feud

Sirpy's provocation and the escalating feud lead to Sitamma's demise. The family reels as Sitamma dies, and the rift between Guna and Siva grows wider. The lovers' triangle becomes a family tragedy.

Two years ago Home
12

The showdown on the hill and Siva's death

Sirpy kidnaps Anjali to compel a marriage. Guna confronts Sirpy and rescues Anjali, with Siva returning to back them up. On the hilltop, Sirpy is pulled over the edge by Siva; both fall to their deaths.

Two years ago Hilltop
13

The present memory and Anjali's father's demand

Back to the present, it is the day of Siva's death anniversary at the same hill where Guna plays his sax. Anjali's father argues that Guna must marry Anjali, threatening to harm her if he refuses. The demand underscores the dangerous consequences of the past's entanglements.

Present Hilltop memorial site
14

Final union

Guna and Anjali ultimately unite, honoring Siva's memory and Sitamma's sacrifice. They commit to building a life together despite the traumas that trail behind them. The finale seals a hopeful new chapter built on forgiveness.

Present Present

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:25

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Duet Summary

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Duet Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Duet

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Duet

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Duet Spoiler-Free Summary

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