Year: 2017
Runtime: 160 mins
Language: Tamil
A young journalist dedicated to ethical reporting finds himself at odds with the sensationalism and fabricated news promoted by the entertainment television channel he works for. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must choose between compromise and protest, a decision that ultimately leads to his dismissal. This event marks the beginning of his own journey and a chance to pursue his principles.
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Thilak, played by Vijay Sethupathi, is a hard-hitting news anchor at Zen One TV, a channel owned by Kalyan. Kalyan is a powerful, corrupt media baron who feeds on sensationalism to boost TRP and maintains a tight, lucrative alliance with Dheeran Maniarasu, a formidable politician. The network thrives on getting exclusive scoops while keeping a lid on anything that might hurt their ally, Dheeran, and the newsroom culture is shaped by kickbacks, scripted narratives, and a non-ethical approach to journalism. Within this toxic ecosystem, Malar, the ex-girlfriend of Thilak, also works at Zen One. Though she initially tries to keep her distance, she gradually rekindles the old flame, and they reconcile, finding a fragile balance between their professional duties and personal history.
Kalpana, a social activist, becomes the catalyst for the storm when she is assaulted by Dheeran’s goons after protesting the pesticide factory that has devastated a once-prosperous village. Kalpana’s friend is left facing blame, as Abdul Kader is branded responsible. Kalpana is smuggled out of the hospital by Thilak, Ashok, and Malar, and she agrees to lay out her story on air. The live confession draws massive public support, bolstering Kalpana’s cause and turning up the heat on Zen One and Dheeran. But Kalyan counters with a second video that casts Kalpana as mentally ill, suggesting she is merely trying to tarnish Dheeran with a mental-health defense. This new angle forces Thilak to push back, even as Zen One orders him to frame questions in a way that keeps the sensational narrative intact. A brawl erupts between Thilak and Dheeran, and Thilak ends up assaulting Ashok, the person responsible for producing the defaming video. The clash exposes the newsroom’s corruption, and Thilak is fired and blacklisted across the major networks. Malar, Jagan, and two colleagues—Nishandhini and Aarthi—walk out in solidarity, and they too find themselves barred from the top stations.
With nowhere else to go, Thilak, Malar, Jagan, Nishandhini, and Aarthi join Muthamizh TV, a struggling local outlet steered by Mayilvaganan. The team shifts focus to the pesticide factory’s impact on villagers, airing on Muthamizh and echoing Kalpana’s plight. Thilak gives voice to Abdul and Kalpana’s side, broadcasting their testimonies alongside footage of Dheeran’s assault on Kalpana at the Zen One studio. The exposure shakes Zen One and Dheeran and prompts Kalyan to seek revenge by orchestrating a bomb blast at the DC’s office, with Dheeran’s help, blaming Abdul and casting it as a terrorist attack. The Central Government shuts down Muthamizh’s coverage, branding it as subversive, and Thilak and his allies become targets of state pressure as they fight to keep the truth alive.
On the run, Thilak captures a revelation from Abdul showing he was framed, and he also records a video of Ashok and the police plotting a fake encounter to kill Abdul. With the help of Jagan, Aarthi, and Nishandhini, all three rejoin Zen One long enough to broadcast both videos, turning the tables on Kalyan and Dheeran. The renewed exposure extends to Pillai, the Zen One chief editor who had silently endured the abuses of management. Their incriminating footage is ultimately recorded by the Police Commissioner, who has been working undercover in Muthamizh. Faced with undeniable evidence, Kalyan and Dheeran confess to their crimes, and both are arrested. The group—Thilak, Mayilvaganan, Malar, Jagan, Pillai, Nisha, and Aishwarya—celebrate their hard-won victory, having brought systemic corruption to light and secured accountability for those who treated the truth as a tool for power.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:00
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.
Uncompromising reporters risking everything to expose powerful corruption.If you were captivated by Kavan's high-stakes media battle, explore more movies like it. This list features tense thrillers about reporters exposing corruption, fighting for social justice, and facing powerful adversaries in their quest for the truth.
The narrative typically follows a journalist or whistleblower who discovers a profound injustice. They face escalating threats and ethical dilemmas as they investigate, leading to a climactic confrontation where they must use their skills and evidence to bring the truth to light, often at great personal cost.
These movies are grouped together because they share a core focus on the power and peril of journalism. They create a tense, urgent atmosphere through fast-paced investigations, heavy emotional stakes centered on truth and justice, and empowering arcs of individuals standing up to systemic power.
Gritty, fast-paced battles where the underdog defeats systemic evil.Fans of Kavan's empowering victory over corruption will enjoy these similar movies. Discover gritty, fast-paced thrillers where protagonists face overwhelming odds in fights for justice, leading to deeply satisfying and hopeful conclusions after tense, heavy journeys.
These narratives begin with a protagonist confronting a massive, unjust system. They endure persecution, setbacks, and intense pressure, creating a stressful viewing experience. The story builds towards a decisive climax where the antagonist is defeated, delivering a clear and emotionally rewarding victory that provides a strong sense of release and hope.
This grouping is defined by a specific emotional mix: a tense, high-intensity buildup of frustration and anxiety caused by systemic injustice, followed by a decisive, happy ending that delivers profound catharsis. The shared vibe is one of righteous anger transforming into empowering victory.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Kavan 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 Kavan is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
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