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.
Ism (2016) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview
Get a spoiler-free look at Ism (2016) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where power is bought in smoky backrooms and truth is a commodity more dangerous than any weapon, the story unfolds across the bustling streets of India and the sun‑bleached exile of Tenerife. The atmosphere crackles with a gritty, almost noir sensibility—sharp neon lights juxtaposed with the relentless hum of bureaucracy, and a persistent sense that every conversation could be a trap waiting to snap shut. Beneath the surface, a network of corrupt politicians pulls strings that reach far beyond any single constituency, casting a long shadow over ordinary lives.
Sathya Marthand is an undercover journalist whose relentless drive stems from a personal history tangled with systemic abuse. Raised by a father whose fate was sealed by a fraudulent contractor, he has turned his investigative instincts into a weapon against the entrenched rot that plagues the country. His work is more than a career; it is a quiet rebellion, a promise to expose the hidden mechanisms that keep the underprivileged in perpetual silence. The stakes rise when his pursuit of evidence leads him into the orbit of forces far more dangerous than any ordinary story.
Javed Bhai, a high‑profile gangster who has fled to Tenerife, embodies the other side of the power equation. He moves through his illicit empire with the same charismatic confidence that masks a careful, calculated mind. By his side is his daughter, Alia Khan, a figure caught between loyalty to her father and the pull of a world she barely knows. Their relationship adds a layer of personal tension, hinting at vulnerabilities that contrast sharply with the hard exterior of the criminal underworld.
The collision of these two worlds—Sathya’s quest for accountability and Javed’s shadowed empire—sets the stage for a tense cat‑and‑mouse game. As each character navigates a landscape riddled with deception, alliances, and unspoken codes, the story promises a relentless push‑and‑pull between truth and power, leaving the audience to wonder just how deep the corruption runs and what price will be paid for daring to unveil it.
Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:54
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
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