Sarpatta Parambarai

Sarpatta Parambarai

Year: 2021

Runtime: 174 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: Pa. Ranjith

Echo Score: 84
ActionHistoryDramaEpic heroesUnderdog fighting and boxing stories

In 1970s Chennai, the Sarpatta Parambarai clan faces a perilous do-or-die boxing match. Kabilan, a determined young labourer, finds himself at a crossroads. He must decide whether to step into the ring and fight for his clan's honour, or heed his mother's reservations and navigate the treacherous world of local politics that threatens to engulf them all. His choices will determine not only the outcome of the fight, but also the future of his family and community.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sarpatta Parambarai (2021)

Trace every key event in Sarpatta Parambarai (2021) 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

Kabilan's boxing dream in North Madras

In the early 1970s, Kabilan, a Dalit labourer at the Madras Port, dreams of becoming a prominent boxer like his father Munirathnam. His mother Bakkiyam forbids the sport because his father's death came in an ambush by a rival gang. His Anglo-Indian godfather, Daddy, secretly supports his boxing passion, giving him hope to chase the dream.

early 1970s North Madras
2

Emergency reshapes boxing arena

In 1975, Indira Gandhi's Emergency suspends political freedoms, and a boxing tournament is organized by Rangan, the Sarpatta clan's boxing coach and a DMK member. The tournament sets up fierce rivalries between the Sarpatta and Idiyappan clans. It also places boxing within the larger political turmoil of the era.

1975 Chennai (North Madras)
3

Rangan's controversial pick

Rangan initially chooses amateur Raman to train the Sarpatta fighters, despite his son Vetri's objections. After Raman insults the coach, Kabilan beats Raman to prove his own capability. Impressed by Kabilan's power, Rangan decides to train him in Raman's place.

1975-1976 Rangan's boxing gym
4

Daddy's challenge and Rose's defeat

Daddy challenges the retired Dancing Rose, known for his legendary footwork, to test Kabilan. The boxing world buzzes as fans debate whether the young fighter can truly beat Rose. Kabilan's upset victory over Rose raises the stakes for the upcoming clash with Vembuli.

Late 1975 Boxing arena
5

Kabilan vs Dancing Rose aftermath

As the Vembuli match nears, Vembuli taunts Kabilan and fans dismiss the newcomer as a tomato can. The Idiyappan clan scoffs at the Sarpatta's chances, heightening the rivalry. The anticipation builds for a defining confrontation between the two champions.

Late 1975 Chennai boxing arena
6

Disruption during the final match

The final round of the Kabilan–Vembuli match is halted when the police arrive to arrest Rangan under MISA amid political upheaval. Thaniga's henchmen disrupt the arena, attack Kabilan and the crowd, and strip him naked, forcing the bout to end without a winner. The DMK's political turmoil leads to immediate imprisonment for Rangan and other party members.

Late 1975 Boxing stadium, Chennai
7

Kabilan's retreat and prison

Recovering from a head injury, Kabilan decides to quit boxing and tries to live a modest life with his wife Bakkiyam and Mariyamma. A confrontation with Thaniga triggers a fit of rage, and Kabilan uses a sword against Thaniga, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. The boxing dream seems buried for the moment.

Circa 1976 Chennai
8

Kabilan's turn to liquor business

In 1978, Kabilan partners with Vetri to brew illegal liquor. Vetri leverages his AIADMK connections to legitimize the business and expand, while Kabilan becomes an alcoholic and strains his relationships with his mother and wife. Rangan is released from prison in 1979 and is disturbed by Kabilan's decline.

1978 North Madras
9

Rematch plan and training choices

Raman's defeat by Vembuli highlights the gap between Kabilan's potential and reality. With Daddy's support, Kabilan asks for a rematch, but Rangan considers substituting another boxer due to his fitness problems. Vetri offers Kabilan a more secure position in his business, yet Kabilan remains determined to fight.

1979 Chennai boxing circuit
10

Beedi Rayappan training restored fitness

Daddy arranges for Kabilan to train under Munirathnam's former ally Beedi Rayappan. The new training rebuilds his fitness and sharpens his technique, giving him renewed confidence. The path to the rematch becomes clearer as he regains form.

1979-1980 Beedi Rayappan's gym
11

Final rematch and Vembuli's fall

In the rematch, Vembuli starts strong and dislocates Kabilan's left shoulder. Encouraged by Rangan, Vetri, Meeran, and other Sarpatta members, Kabilan fights through the pain and knocks out Vembuli in the final round. After years of struggle, the Sarpatta clan achieves a prime-match victory.

1980 Boxing arena, Chennai
12

Redemption and triumph for Sarpatta

Kabilan's comeback culminates in the Sarpatta clan's triumph, bringing pride to North Madras and his family. The film emphasizes the mentorship of Daddy and the guidance of Rangan as keys to redemption. The victory signals a new era for the boxing world in Chennai.

1980 North Madras

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:25

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Sarpatta Parambarai

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