Year: 1989
Runtime: 127 mins
Language: Malayalam
Director: Sibi Malayil
Sethumadhavan, known as Sethu, dreams of joining the police force to honor his father's aspirations. Though he has already lost everything, he remains determined. When a violent clash erupts and he steps in to protect his father from a criminal, the incident shatters his plans and thrusts his life into turmoil.
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Achuthan Nair, Thilakan, a steadfast and honest police constable, leads a loving family: his wife Ammu Kaviyoor Ponnamma and their two sons and two daughters. Achuthan Nair wants his elder son Sethumadhavan Mohanlal to become a police inspector, and there’s a warm, cordial bond between father and son that hints at shared pride and unspoken expectations. Sethu is engaged to Devi Parvathi, the daughter of Krishnan Nair, his maternal uncle Sankaradi. The arrangement seems to promise a stable future, weaving together family duty and filial ambition.
One day, a petty case against the son of a Member of Legislative Assembly forces Achuthan Nair to transfer to Ramapuram police station, and his family moves with him. In this new town, a ruthless criminal, Keerikadan Jose Mohan Raj, controls the local market with an extortion racket, instilling fear through brutality and intimidation. When Achuthan Nair steps in during a market scuffle, he is beaten badly by Jose, a blow that pushes the family’s sense of safety to a breaking point. In that moment, Sethu happens to be in the market, and he acts to protect his father by striking back at Keerikadan Jose and his henchmen, leaving the criminal severely wounded and hospitalized. The market erupts in celebration, suddenly seeing Sethu as a new savior, a symbol of strength that could tip the balance in Ramapuram’s harsh streets.
That public admiration quickly spirals into trouble. Sethu’s notoriety is exploited by friends who push him toward trouble, and soon a brawl erupts in a local pub, pulling him deeper into a world where lines between duty and violence blur. Achuthan Nair watches the unfolding events with growing concern, fearing that his son is slipping into a criminal path. He tries to stay out of the fray, but the momentum keeps pulling Sethu into one dangerous situation after another, testing the fabric of their family’s unity and trust.
Into this volatile milieu steps Haidrose [Cochin Haneefa], a local thug who claims to be a henchman for Sethu and begins collecting protection money from traders. Ramanan, Sethu’s brother-in-law [Jagathy Sreekumar], joins Haidrose in what appears to be a troubling alliance. When Sethu learns of this pairing, he confronts them at the market and defeats both men in a display of fierce resolve. At home, Ramanan offers a different account of events, sowing doubt and anger. Achuthan Nair, convinced that his son is in the wrong, asks Sethu to leave the house, and the once-proud son walks out, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. The local police inspector arrests Sethu on another petty charge and cautions him to stay away from further trouble, a warning that only deepens the rift within the family. Keshu [Sreenath], an old friend from Sethu’s past, tries to mediate, but Sethu’s spirit crumbles under the weight of betrayals and mounting pressure.
Meanwhile, Devi’s parents arrange her marriage to a different man, a plan Devi resists with quiet courage. Sethu seeks out Devi, explains his unbearable sense of helplessness, and begs her to honor her parents’ wishes, even as his own heart pleads for a chance at a different future. Devi agrees to marry the other suitor, and she leaves, a decision that leaves Sethu feeling more isolated than ever. After a period of hospitalization, Keerikadan Jose vows revenge, determined to punish anyone who celebrated his supposed death. The town’s fear echoes in Sethu’s home as Jose and his lieutenant Parameshwaran [Kundara Johny] descend, attacking Sethu’s family and forcing him to defend himself with a dagger. Parameshwaran sustains serious injuries and is rushed to the hospital, the violence marking a turning point in Sethu’s life.
The tension between Sethu and Keerikadan escalates again, and the two clash in a brutal confrontation. Sethu, driven by a mix of rage and desperation, moves toward killing Jose, his fury reflected in a crimson glare and a weapon drawn in a desperate bid to end the threat once and for all. In the face of this extreme moment, Achuthan Nair enters the scene and orders Sethu to drop the weapon, a command that tests the depths of a father’s authority and a son’s loyalty. After a protracted, emotional struggle, Sethu complies, dropping the dagger and collapsing to his knees in exhaustion and defeat. The final act of the film is somber and crushing: Sethumadhavan is disqualified from joining the police force, and Head Constable Achuthan Nair reads the Police Verification Report that brands Sethu a “notorious criminal,” sealing a tragic arc that blurs the line between protector and offender and leaves a family to grapple with the consequences of violence and ambition.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:23
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.
Stories of good individuals dragged into criminal life by a single moment.Explore movies like Kireedam that follow a similar narrative of a promising life shattered by circumstance, leading to a bleak criminal identity. If you appreciated the heavy emotional weight of Sethu's downfall, these stories of fateful violence and social pressure will resonate deeply.
These narratives typically begin with a protagonist who has clear, honorable goals. A pivotal event, often involving violence to protect oneself or a loved one, irrevocably alters their path. Society's perception crystallizes around this single act, branding them as a criminal and forcing them to fulfill that role, leading to an inescapable, tragic conclusion.
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'victim of circumstance' arc, where external forces and social judgment crush individual ambition. They share a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and a bleak ending that underscores the theme of shattered dreams.
Dramas where family honor and societal expectations lead to crushing consequences.Discover films similar to Kireedam that delve into the heavy themes of father-son relationships and the crushing weight of social pressure. If you were moved by the conflict between Sethu's dreams and his duty to his family, these emotionally charged dramas about sacrifice and shattered hopes will capture the same vibe.
The central conflict in these films is the protagonist's struggle between their own identity and the roles prescribed by their family and community. The desire to fulfill family honor or meet societal standards creates an oppressive atmosphere, where any attempt to break free or protect loved ones leads to escalating conflict and inevitable personal ruin.
These films are connected by their exploration of how family dynamics and societal norms become oppressive forces that dictate a character's fate. They share a somber, anxious mood, a steady pacing that builds tension, and a focus on the tragic cost of upholding duty over personal desire.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Kireedam 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 Kireedam is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Kireedam with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
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