Rendu (2006) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Shakti was arrested because he is the exact doppelgänger of Kannan, the actual killer. A witness at a murder scene spotted the killer, and later, photographs from the Kumbakonam wedding fire revealed Shakti's face, since they are identical twins in appearance, the police mistakenly identified Kannan as Shakti and arrested the wrong man.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes early on that Shakti and Kannan are lookalikes, which becomes crucial when the murders begin.

• shakti arrested
• mistaken identity
• kannan
• lookalike
• police

Kannan commits the murders as revenge for the tragic fire that killed his family and many others at the wedding. Powerful villains had illegally bought government land and deliberately set the fire to eliminate opposition, destroying the wedding party. Kannan survived with permanent burns on his eyes and vowed to kill each person responsible for the massacre.

Foreshadowing: The fire at Kumbakonam is revealed as the pivotal tragedy that fuels Kannan's quest for vengeance.

• kannan revenge
• kumbakonam fire
• murders
• villains
• justice

Kannan and his brother Ganesh were caterers at a wedding in Kumbakonam. During the ceremony, powerful villains who had illegally purchased government land turned the town against the family. A catastrophic fire broke out in the wedding hall, killing many people inside, including Kannan's family. He and Ganesh escaped, but Kannan was permanently marked by the flames, with his eyes carrying the memory of the tragedy.

Foreshadowing: The film hints at a painful past when Kannan first learns about the investigation.

• kumbakonam wedding
• fire
• kannan
• gane sh
• caterers

Kannan leaps into lava to ensure the chief villain Rakesh cannot escape justice. Rather than letting Rakesh survive and continue harming others, Kannan makes the ultimate sacrifice, pulling Rakesh into the lava with him. This act frees Kannan from his chains of revenge and allows him to reunite with his family and beloved Jothy in heaven.

Foreshadowing: Throughout the film, Kannan is determined to make the villains face consequences, even at personal cost.

• kannan sacrifice
• lava
• rakesh
• death
• redemption

Shakti's face appeared in photographs from the Kumbakonam wedding fire. Since Shakti and Kannan are identical in appearance, the photographs showing Kannan at the wedding were mistaken for Shakti. This photo evidence is what initially led police to believe Shakti was connected to the murders.

Foreshadowing: The doppelgänger connection is established from the beginning but becomes critical later.

• photographs
• kumbakonam
• lookalike
• evidence
• police

After learning Kannan's tragic backstory and the injustice his family suffered, Shakti chooses to help seek justice rather than merely clear his own name. Moved by Kannan's pain and the corruption that allowed the villains to escape consequences, Shakti decides to assist in bringing the real criminals to account instead of just walking away free.

Foreshadowing: Shakti's character is established as courageous and willing to help others in need.

• shakti
• kannan
• justice
• revenge
• assistance

Rakesh is the chief villain who orchestrated the Kumbakonam fire. Along with other criminals, he illegally purchased government land and deliberately set the fire at the wedding hall to eliminate those who opposed them, causing the death of many including Kannan's family. He serves as the main antagonist whom Kannan confronts in the climax.

Foreshadowing: The villains' identity is gradually revealed as Kannan and Shakti investigate.

• rakesh
• villain
• chief antagonist
• land illegal
• fire

Manivannan, the owner of the exhibition grounds, harasses Velli because he desires her and becomes frustrated by her rejections. He uses various pretexts to watch her and eventually abducts her under coercion. This act of kidnapping forces Shakti to intervene and rescue her, which deepens their bond.

Foreshadowing: The tension between Velli and Manivannan is established early through his persistent unwanted attention.

• manivannan
• velli
• abduction
• exhibition
• harassment

Shakti and Velli start as rivals running neighboring stalls at the exhibition, she runs the mermaid display while he helps with his uncle's struggling magic show. They constantly quarrel as she draws crowds away from him. However, after Shakti rescues her from Manivannan's abduction and protects her from a forced marriage, their mutual trust grows into romantic love.

Foreshadowing: Their initial rivalry and growing attraction are visible from early scenes.

• shakti
• velli
• romance
• exhibition
• relationship

Kannan fell in love with Jothy when they met at the Kumbakonam wedding where he was working as a caterer. He initially feared she might be the bride, but later learned she was not, which deepened their connection. After the fire tragedy separated them, he thinks of her throughout his quest for revenge. In the end, they reunite in heaven.

Foreshadowing: Jothy appears in Kannan's backstory as someone he loves and loses.

• kannan
• jothy
• love
• kumbakonam
• reunion