Mahathma

Mahathma

Year: 1996

Runtime: More mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Shaji Kailas

A 1996 Malayalam action film directed by Shaji Kailas stars Suresh Gopi, Ganesh Kumar, Devan, Rajan P. Dev, Biju Menon and Ramya Krishnan. It chronicles the rise of an underworld don, narrated through flashbacks of the protagonist Devadevan. Though made on a large budget, it failed at the box office and is an adaptation of the 1983 Al Pacino film Scarface.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Mahathma yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Mahathma (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Mahathma (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century to early 21st century

The movie's events unfold over a period that includes the rise of underground crime networks in the late 20th century and their entanglements into modern political and social issues. The timeline reflects the evolving criminal landscape and socio-political climate of India during this era.

Location

Kerala, India, Dubai

The movie is set in Kerala, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, as well as Dubai, a global financial hub. The story spans these locations, highlighting the contrasting environments of rural India and cosmopolitan Dubai, which serve as the backdrop for the gangster's rise and complex relationships.

🌴 Tropical 🕌 Religious 🌇 Urban

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Main Characters – Mahathma (1996)

Meet the key characters of Mahathma (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Devadevan (Devan)

A ruthless underworld gangster who rises to power through criminal activities and alliances. His character embodies resilience, strategic thinking, and internal conflict as he navigates violence, loyalty, and political corruption.

🕵️‍♂️ Gangster 🤝 Leader 💔 Troubled

Nancy

A young actress and the daughter of Khan Sahib's second wife. She quickly falls in love with Devan, representing a softer, emotional side of the otherwise hardened gangster. Her love story adds a human dimension to the narrative.

🎬 Actress 💖 Love interest 💃 Charismatic

Musthafa

Devan’s trusted right-hand man and partner in crime. Loyal and dependable, he plays a vital role in Devan’s rise in the underworld, while also facing personal dilemmas related to love and betrayal.

🕵️‍♂️ Assassin 🤝 Loyalist 🤔 Conflicted

Hari

A childhood friend of Devan who becomes a key player in the criminal network. He is driven by ideals and protest, leading to internal conflict and ultimately betrayal in the criminal hierarchy.

🌱 Activist 🤝 Conflicted 🔥 Rebel

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Major Themes – Mahathma (1996)

Explore the central themes of Mahathma (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💣 Crime & Violence

The film explores the violent world of underworld crime, including smuggling, gang conflicts, bombings, and political corruption. It highlights how violence is intertwined with power struggles and survival within the criminal ecosystem.

🤝 Betrayal & Loyalty

Devan's relationships with Mustafa, Nancy, Hari, and others depict the complex themes of loyalty and betrayal. The characters' decisions often revolve around personal loyalty amid the harsh realities of crime, leading to significant consequences.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Epic Crime Sagas with a Rise and Fall like in Mahathma

Stories of ambitious criminals building empires only to watch them crumble.If you liked the gritty, high-stakes world of Mahathma, explore more movies like it that follow the classic underworld rise and fall narrative. These films feature ambitious anti-heroes, violent power struggles, and a tragic, bittersweet conclusion to their criminal empires.

grittytragicvengefulcorrosiveparanoidbleakanxious

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a determined, often ruthless protagonist from humble or desperate beginnings as they claw their way to the top of a criminal organization. Their success is built on violence and betrayal, which ultimately sows the seeds of their downfall, leading to a destructive and morally ambiguous ending.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the complete arc of a criminal's life—the ambition, the brutal climb to power, the paranoia of maintaining it, and the tragic inevitability of the fall. They share a dark, heavy tone and a fast-paced, complex plot structure.

Thrillers about Political Corruption and Crime like Mahathma

Thrillers where crime and politics intertwine in a web of moral decay.For viewers who enjoyed the political conspiracies and institutional decay in Mahathma, this section highlights similar movies about the corrosive alliance between organized crime and corrupt politicians. Discover films with complex plots, high tension, and a bleak view of power.

corrosiveparanoidanxiousgrittybleaktense

Narrative Summary

Narratives often involve a central figure—a gangster, a cop, or a politician—navigating a dangerous landscape where official power and criminal influence are inseparable. The plot is driven by betrayals, conspiracies, and violent acts that expose the deep-seated moral decay within society's power structures.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their central theme of systemic corruption, where crime syndicates and government officials are partners in a destructive enterprise. They create a pervasive atmosphere of paranoia and bleakness, with complex, fast-moving plots and a heavy emotional weight.

Unlock the Full Story of Mahathma

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mahathma 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 Mahathma is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mahathma Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mahathma, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mahathma Summary

Mahathma Timeline

Track the full timeline of Mahathma with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Mahathma Timeline

Mahathma Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Mahathma that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Mahathma Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Mahathma

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mahathma: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Mahathma