Lal Salam

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.