Lal Salam

Lal Salam

Year: 1990

Runtime: 146 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Venu Nagavalli

Drama

The film follows three Communist Party of India comrades—Sakhav Nettoor Stephen, Sakhav T.K. Antony and Sakhav Sethulakshmi—through two distinct periods: their early revolutionary activism and the life that follows their imprisonment. It shows how the experience tests and reshapes their ideals and relationships.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Lal Salam (1990)

Trace every key event in Lal Salam (1990) 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

Founding of the party and mobilization

The Three Comrades—Stephen Nettooran, D.K. Antony, and Sethulakshmi—work to mobilize daily wage laborers and peasants in their Kerala village, laying the groundwork for a new political movement even when communism is illegal. They organize meetings, press for worker rights, and challenge the feudal landlords who dominate the region. Their actions spark hope and arouse both admiration and fear among different factions.

Early days of the movement Kerala village
2

Romantic pairings among the leaders

Sethulakshmi and Antony fall in love, while Nettooran and Annamma (the landlord's daughter) also share a bond. These relationships complicate loyalties as personal ties intertwine with political commitments. The romance adds emotional stakes to their revolutionary efforts.

Early days Village / community
3

Uprising and blames on the leaders

During a farmers' uprising, a landlord is killed and the blame is pinned on the three party leaders. The trio must go into hiding as the state cracks down with force. In the pursuit, the police commit atrocities against villagers, heightening the movement's resolve.

During the uprising Countryside village
4

Sethulakshmi arrested; the movement under threat

Sethulakshmi is arrested, and the crackdown intensifies on the party's leadership. Nettooran and D.K. go into hiding to protect the cause. The arrest fragments the leadership but does not extinguish the movement.

After arrest Village / police station
5

Surrender and imprisonment

Nettooran and D.K. surrender to authorities as the state closes in on the trio. All three leaders are convicted and sent to jail, marking a low point in the early struggle. The imprisonment further tests their resolve and the party's future.

Following arrest Court/Jail
6

Release and rising hero status

After serving their sentences, the three are welcomed back as heroes by the party cadre. The party has grown in influence during their absence and now commands significant support. Their release revives the movement with renewed energy.

After release Party center / village
7

Election victory and government roles

With the State Legislative Assembly elections approaching, Sethu and D.K. are unanimously chosen as party candidates. Nettooran and other party members rally behind them, and the party wins by a landslide. Sethu becomes Home Minister and D.K. becomes Finance Minister, cementing the party's control.

Election period State capital / Assembly
8

Annamma's hospitalization and financial worry

Meanwhile, Annamma is hospitalized due to pregnancy complications, placing strain on Nettooran's personal life. He cannot afford the medicine, so he turns to Father Felix, who lends him money to cover the costs. This moment highlights the conflict between ideology and personal responsibility.

Post-election period Hospital; Father Felix's place
9

Advice to diversify and the sabbatical suggestion

Disillusioned by financial strain, Nettooran seeks counsel from Unnithan, who urges him to consider a business venture. Potty suggests that taking a sabbatical from party duties could help stabilize his family finances. The tension between loyalty to the party and family needs drives his next move.

After hospital event Unnithan's home; Potty's place
10

Five-year sabbatical and rise as a businessman

Nettooran takes a five-year break from party activities and resigns from the state committee. He starts a contract works business and, through relentless effort, amasses wealth while remaining connected to his roots. His new role shifts the balance of power and alters his relationship with the party.

Five years later Construction sites / business offices
11

D.K. and Sethulakshmi's conflict and Stella affair exposed

D.K. and Sethulakshmi, still ministers, face a domestic conflict when D.K.'s illicit relationship with Stella is exposed to Sethulakshmi. She protests, testing the couple's public image and the party's discipline. The revelation strains their personal and political partnership.

During tenure Minister's home/office
12

D.K.'s death and Nettooran salutes his grave

In the film's closing arc, D.K. dies, leaving the party and Nettooran to mourn. Nettooran salutes his grave, a quiet culmination of their shared sacrifices and a reflection on the cost of their revolutionary path. The story ends with a somber note on friendship, loyalty, and loss.

Ending Graveyard / memorial

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:02

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Lal Salam Summary

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Lal Salam Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lal Salam

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Lal Salam

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