Ism
Year: 2016
Runtime: 130 mins
Language: Telugu
Director: Puri Jagannadh
An undercover journalist finds himself hunted by corrupt politicians and the gangster whose daughter he betrayed in order to obtain evidence against him.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Ism 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 & Setting – Ism (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Ism (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 07:52
Main Characters – Ism (2016)
Meet the key characters of Ism (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 07:52
Major Themes – Ism (2016)
Explore the central themes of Ism (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 07:52
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Undercover Thrillers with High Stakes like Ism
Protagonists living a lie, where every move could mean exposure and death.If you liked the tense undercover mission in 'Ism', you'll find similar movies here. These thrillers feature protagonists embedded in dangerous worlds, where their fabricated identities are constantly tested, leading to high-risk confrontations and heavy moral dilemmas. Discover more films about deep cover operations and the personal cost of deception.
Narrative Summary
The narrative follows an individual who must assume a false identity to infiltrate a powerful, dangerous organization. The central conflict arises from the deepening personal connections they form, which jeopardize the mission and their own safety. The plot is driven by a series of close calls, betrayals, and the psychological toll of maintaining the deception under extreme pressure.
Why These Movies?
These films are grouped by their shared focus on the intense psychological and physical danger of undercover work. They create a specific, claustrophobic tension where the protagonist is isolated and constantly vulnerable, leading to narratives with high intensity, fast pacing, and a heavy emotional weight centered on betrayal and sacrifice.
Crime Thrillers with Bittersweet Endings like Ism
Stories where exposing corruption comes at a devastating personal price.For viewers who appreciated the complex, costly victory in 'Ism', this list features similar crime stories. These movies involve exposing corruption or taking down criminals, but the conclusion is bittersweet—the main threat may be neutralized, yet the larger system remains, and the heroes are scarred by their journey. Find more films where the fight for justice leaves deep wounds.
The Last Days of American Crime
2020
True Crime
1999
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
2009
The Black Book
2023
The Goldfinger
2023
22 Bullets
2010
No Rest for the Wicked
2011
Confession of Murder
2012
Cold Eyes
2013
No Tears for the Dead
2014
Conspirators
2013
New Police Story
2004
The Verdict
1946
Where the Sidewalk Ends
1950
The Shadow's Edge
2025
Narrative Summary
The narrative arc involves a protagonist challenging a deeply entrenched corrupt entity, such as a political machine or crime syndicate. While they may succeed in their immediate objective, the resolution is incomplete; the villain might escape true justice, or the systemic problem persists. The ending emphasizes the heavy cost of the struggle, often leaving the characters to continue their fight from a compromised position.
Why These Movies?
This thread connects movies that share a specific emotional and narrative payoff: a victory that feels hollow or incomplete. The shared experience is one of heavy emotional weight, where the audience is left contemplating the immense sacrifice required for even a small measure of justice, creating a thoughtful and sobering conclusion.
Unlock the Full Story of Ism
Don't stop at just watching — explore Ism 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 Ism is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Ism Summary
Read a complete plot summary of Ism, 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.
Ism Timeline
Track the full timeline of Ism with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
