Lion

Lion

Year: 2006

Runtime: 154 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Joshiy

Drama

The story centers on a prominent socio‑political family led by Education Minister Balagangadhara Menon. Living under his roof are his son B. Krishnakumar, known as Unni and also a politician, Unni’s wife Lakshmi, their three daughters, and the two sons‑in‑law married to the daughters. The film follows their intertwined personal and political lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Lion (2006)

Trace every key event in Lion (2006) 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

Menon's bid to become Chief Minister and push for higher fees

Education Minister Balagangadhara Menon reveals a plan to become Chief Minister by increasing college fees and blaming the current CM, Avarachan, for corruption. Protests erupt across the state as the political game heats up. Menon relies on his loyalists Pavithran and Gopinath IAS to shield his actions and expand his influence.

Pre-election period Statewide, including the state capital
2

Shari and Unni confront the Drinking Water case

Sharika (Shari) and her mother arrive at Menon's house, rekindling a past relationship with Unni that Menon disapproves of. Shari becomes involved in a public Drinking Water Case and seeks Menon's help, but he proves unreliable. They push to take the matter to the Collector and then pursue judicial remedies.

Early crisis phase Menon's residence; Collector's office
3

Meenakshi's romance vs. political marriage alibi

Meenakshi, Unni's sister, loves Prasad, a regular schoolteacher, but Menon and allies refuse the match and press for ASP Harshan to marry her as a political asset. Pavithran's henchmen are sent to target Prasad, and Unni is jailed in an unwarranted case to keep the couple apart.

Pre-election period Family home and state capital
4

Shari exposes evidence to Vijayan; killer arrested

Shari acquires a cellphone belonging to Prasad's murderer and, with Unni's help, presents it to CI Vijayan as proof. The killer is arrested, and Menon is traced via a phone call, exposing his involvement in broader corrupt activities. This deepens the political crisis surrounding him.

Soon after Prasad case developments C.I. Vijayan's office and police station
5

Assembly dissolved; election looms; candidacy conflict

The Governor dissolves the state assembly, triggering a general election. The party initially plans to nominate Krishnakumar from his constituency, not Menon, but Menon pressure shifts the plan to back him as the candidate. Krishnakumar withdraws to run as an Independent on his friends' urging.

Election period State Capitol; party meeting
6

Krishnakumar campaigns and questions opps; slight victory

Krishnakumar campaigns by highlighting his opponents' dramas and donates money obtained from vendors and businessmen as charity. He contests as an Independent and achieves a narrow victory, securing a crucial seat for the coalition.

Election period Election campaign trail
7

Formation of government; Thomman Chakko becomes CM

Following the election, the coalition forms with Thomman Chakko as Chief Minister. Krishnakumar is appointed Home Minister, and he and his allies enter the cabinet to steer governance. The new administration begins reshaping the political landscape.

Post-election State Capital
8

Anti-corruption drive gains momentum

Krishnakumar uses his home portfolio to root out corruption, exposing black money and corrupt assets held by high-ranking politicians. He also transfers Harshan to Bihar, and pressure on Thomman Chakko increases to align with the reformist agenda.

Early governance State agencies; capital
9

Shari and Krishnakumar wed; Menon is ousted

Krishnakumar convinces Shari to marry him; they register their marriage and move into the minister's official residence. Menon reacts with anger, dispels them from the house, and the couple begins a new life within the political hub of power.

Shortly after formation Minister's official residence
10

Pavithran's plots intensify as reform nears

Pavithran escalates efforts to eliminate Unni while Menon contemplates a reform-minded path and plans a press conference to reveal his corrupt practices. Pavithran senses that his wealth and influence could vanish and doubles down on his schemes.

Lead-up to press meet Homes and planned press meet venue
11

Murder by lorry crash; Joseph survives

Pavithran orchestrates a staged lorry crash that kills Menon, portraying it as an accident. Unbeknownst to Pavithran, Menon's P.A. Joseph survives the crash and later informs Krishnakumar of the truth.

On the day of the planned press meet Road near the capital
12

Pursuit of Pavithran and a fatal confrontation

Joseph reveals the murder to Krishnakumar and helps track the killer, but Pavithran attempts to flee. Krishnakumar confronts Pavithran with the police, and in a violent confrontation, Pavithran is slain with Vijayan's gun. The case appears to be headed toward closure.

Immediate aftermath Roadside and police precinct
13

FIR closed; Vijayan consoles the new leader

The F.I.R. is closed under CRPC 130/131, and CI Vijayan consoles Krishnakumar, emphasizing the need for incorruptible leadership. The state begins to move forward under a new era of governance and accountability.

Post-incident Police Headquarters
14

A new dawn: Krishnakumar as a statesman

Ex-CM Avarachan congratulates Krishnakumar on his ascent from a political actor to a statesman. Krishnakumar is hailed as Home Minister with a guiding motto: Leadership is action and not position, signaling a continuing mission for reform.

End State Capitol

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:08

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