Farhana

Farhana

Year: 2023

Runtime: 140 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: Nelson Venkatesan

ThrillerDrama

Farhana, a devout Muslim mother from a modest middle‑class household, secures a call‑center position with her family's blessing. The job grants her a newfound sense of independence, but it also brings her into contact with a charismatic stranger whose alluring behavior pulls her into a perilous situation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Farhana (2023)

Trace every key event in Farhana (2023) 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

Financial strain pushes Farhana to work

Farhana lives in Chennai with her father Ajeez and husband Kareem, and the family struggles as the shoe shop underperforms. To supplement their income, she takes a job at a bank's call centre. This decision marks the beginning of a new chapter that will test her values and family life.

Chennai, home
2

Nabha's hospitalization heightens the crisis

When Nabha is hospitalized, medical expenses loom large over the family budget. Farhana realises she must earn more money to cover the costs and keep the family afloat. The crisis deepens her dependence on the call centre job.

Hospital, Chennai
3

Transfer to the 'friendship' chat line

Nithya's incentive-based transfer to a different department catches Farhana's attention. She requests a move and is reassigned to a 'friendship' chat line where women chat with male callers. The job's nature is uncomfortable, but it promises better pay and incentives.

Call centre, Chennai
4

Shocking explicit conversations

Farhana discovers the explicit sexual nature of the conversations on the chat line, which shocks and disgusts her. She contemplates quitting the job to protect her dignity, but the need for money keeps her there. She endures the discomfort to support her family.

Call centre, Chennai
5

Anonymous caller Dhayalan enters

An anonymous caller begins speaking with her in a warm, engaging manner. Their conversations grow more frequent, and they start speaking nearly every day. He eventually reveals his name as Dhayalan, and Farhana begins to feel drawn to him.

Call centre, Chennai
6

A growing connection with Dhayalan

Dhayalan's calls become a regular, affectionate exchange, and Farhana finds herself looking forward to them. She experiences genuine attraction, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. Their conversations continue almost daily.

Call centre, Chennai
7

A meeting is proposed, but Eid interrupts

Dhayalan asks to meet Farhana, but she postpones because the next day is Eid. She agrees to meet later, risking a breach of company policy by meeting a client outside work. The anticipation fuels her conflicted emotions.

Eid Call centre, Chennai
8

Decision to cut off contact and Sofia's memory

Farhana resolves to stop talking with Dhayalan, thinking of her late friend Sofia who was killed accidentally. Her decision destabilizes her as Dhayalan turns to harassing and blackmail, threatening to leak their calls to Kareem. The pressure escalates, forcing her to seek a way out.

Home, Chennai
9

Dhayalan's blackmail and failed rescue attempts

Dhayalan starts torturing Farhana by threatening to reveal the recordings to Kareem. She seeks help from Nithya and Prithvi, who promise support, and they attempt to locate Dhayalan, but their efforts prove futile. The torment continues as the blackmailer tightens his grip.

Chennai, various locations
10

Kareem supports Farhana and plans to confront Dhayalan

Farhana confesses everything to Kareem, who responds with understanding and unwavering love. He pledges to support her at any cost and proposes they confront the threat together. They devise a plan to lure Dhayalan to a confrontation at his house.

Home, Chennai
11

Confrontation and arrest

The plan leads them to Dhayalan's house, where Farhana discovers a humiliating incident: a girl mistakes him for Isha and slaps him. He claims he loved Farhana, but Kareem and the police arrive and arrest him just in time. The harassment ends with Dhayalan in custody.

Dhayalan's house, Chennai
12

Resolution and return to normal life

With Dhayalan arrested, Farhana returns to her previous job at the call centre and finds contentment. The ordeal leaves her more resilient and focused on her family. She resumes her work with a renewed sense of stability.

Call centre, Chennai

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:29

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Domestic thrillers with moral peril like Farhana

Everyday lives unraveled by a single dangerous choice, testing family bonds.Discover movies similar to Farhana where seemingly safe domestic lives are threatened by external forces. These films explore themes of trust, deception, and resilience, often featuring protagonists who must protect their families from peril they inadvertently brought home. If you liked the tense, personal stakes of Farhana, you'll find more gripping stories here.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a protagonist seeking improvement or escape from their current situation. A seemingly benign opportunity introduces a charismatic but dangerous antagonist. The story escalates through psychological manipulation and increasing risk, building towards a climax where the protagonist must reclaim agency, often by revealing the truth to their family.

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These films are grouped by their shared focus on the violation of domestic safety, the psychological weight of secrets, and the theme of a character's vulnerability being exploited. They blend family drama with thriller mechanics, creating a tense, relatable fear rooted in the protection of one's home and loved ones.

Movies about resilience after coercion like Farhana

Stories of psychological manipulation overcome by strength and family support.If you appreciated Farhana's story of a woman overcoming psychological manipulation, explore these films about resilience. They feature characters who endure emotional blackmail or exploitation but find the strength to fight back, leading to a hopeful and empowering conclusion. These stories balance serious themes with ultimately uplifting resolutions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative arc follows a character who is initially vulnerable or seeking agency. They fall under the control of a manipulative figure who exploits their weaknesses. The middle section is marked by fear and isolation. The turning point comes when the protagonist decides to confront their oppressor, leading to a cathartic resolution that reinforces themes of solidarity and inner strength.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific emotional trajectory: starting with vulnerability, moving through a period of intense psychological pressure, and ending with a reclaiming of power. The key similarity is the blend of a tense, threatening central conflict with a ultimately hopeful and empowering payoff centered on resilience.

Unlock the Full Story of Farhana

Don't stop at just watching — explore Farhana 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 Farhana is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Farhana Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Farhana, 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.

Farhana Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Farhana

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Farhana

Farhana Spoiler-Free Summary

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Farhana Spoiler-Free Summary

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