Thodari

Thodari

Year: 2016

Runtime: 168 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: Prabhu Solomon

ThrillerAction

A pantry worker on a train develops a romance with an actress's makeup artist. Their budding relationship is threatened when an accident derails the train, turning it into an out-of-control force endangering everyone on board. He must find a way to save her and the other passengers while facing the chaos and uncertainty.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Thodari 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!

Thodari (2016) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Thodari (2016), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

At New Delhi Railway Station, Poochiappan, Dhanush, is a railway catering server on duty aboard the New Delhi–Chennai Express. He works with his team member and best friend, Karunakaran (as Vairam), under his supervisor, Thambi Ramaiah (as Chandrakanth). On the journey, he encounters Saroja, Keerthy Suresh, an aspiring singer who dreams of making it big, and who serves as the makeup artist for actress Srisha, Pooja Jhaveri. Poochi confesses his feelings for Saroja, and together with his friend, he hatches a plan to help her along the way. To bolster her confidence, Saroja is made to speak on the phone with Vairamuthu, a voice impersonated by Karunakaran in the role of the famed Tamil poet; the ruse is meant to boost her motivation, even though Saroja herself isn’t yet a strong singer. Despite this, Saroja remains close to Poochi, unaware that the Vairamuthu connection is a fabrication.

Their journey is shaken when the train reaches Jhansi Junction, where Union Minister Rengarajan, Radha Ravi, boards with two bodyguards. One of the bodyguards, Nandhakumar, clashes with Poochi and Saroja, and the minister publicly humiliates him, fueling a personal vendetta. Poochi pushes to secure an apology for Saroja, and the minister agrees to retrieve a gun he had lost, a gun Poochi later discovers is in the minister’s possession. The captain’s threats set off a dangerous escalation, as the minister vows to target Poochi and Saroja. Meanwhile, at Nagpur Junction, a separate disturbance unfolds as robbers secretly board the train, slipping past the crew.

The following morning, Srisha’s mother notices Saroja with Poochi and informs Srisha’s uncle, who demands that the truth be surfaced by contacting Vairamuthu. When the truth about Vairam is exposed, Srisha’s uncle chastises Saroja, who pleads with him not to show his face. In a tense confrontation, Nandhakumar corners the pair and locks the uncle away. A frightening sequence follows when the train derails into a dangerous situation after the engine is compromised—bulls on the track, miscommunications between the guard and the driver, and a misfired brake signal. The deputy driver’s green-flag signal leads the locomotive to accelerate, and Saroja finds herself racing toward danger as she attempts to board the speeding engine while the passenger cars tumble behind.

As the train hurtles forward, burglars strike and hijack attempts escalate the fear among the passengers. Poochi fights back, overpowering Nandhakumar and protecting Saroja, and he equips her with a walkie-talkie to stay connected. Nandhakumar dies in a collision with an oncoming rail tunnel, and news swirls that a terrorist attack has occurred. Authorities conclude the train is hijacked, but they soon realize the real threat is an out‑of‑control train rather than a formal hijack. Realizing they must act fast, planners turn to Poochi and Saroja for guidance on how to stop the train by triggering the emergency brakes. A short circuit foils the brakes, so the plan shifts to detaching the engine from the passenger cars. Poochi makes a perilous jump onto the locomotive to save Saroja, and she comes to recognize her feelings for him.

As the train nears Chennai Central, the station is evacuated, and panic subsides as the separated passenger compartments approach safely. The locomotive crashes into the station, leaving Poochi and Saroja injured but alive, while the passengers emerge unharmed. In the aftermath, the media interviews the duo, and Poochi is hailed as a national hero for saving countless lives. The harrowing journey—a blend of courage, misdirection, and heart—ends with a quiet realization between Poochi and Saroja, cementing their bond even as the world around them applauds their bravery.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:46

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.

Trapped in Chaos movies like Thodari

Ordinary people must survive when disaster strikes in a confined, fast-moving space.If you enjoyed the non-stop survival action of Thodari on a runaway train, you'll love these movies like it. This list features thrilling stories where ordinary people face disaster in confined spaces, from trains and planes to ships, delivering a similar tense and heroic experience.

claustrophobicurgentsuspensefulchaoticheroicanxiousrace against time

Narrative Summary

These stories often begin with a normal situation that rapidly escalates into a life-or-death disaster within a single, contained location. The narrative follows a race against time as characters, often ordinary individuals, must use their wits and courage to survive escalating threats and regain control.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared high-intensity pacing, claustrophobic settings, and focus on survival against a ticking clock. They deliver a consistent feeling of urgent, chaotic action and heroic rescues against seemingly impossible odds.

Accidental Hero action movies like Thodari

An everyday person rises to the occasion to become a courageous savior during a major crisis.Fans of Thodari who loved seeing the pantry worker become a hero will enjoy these movies with a similar accidental hero saving the day. These films feature thrilling rescues and courageous acts by unlikely protagonists, providing the same satisfying and hopeful conclusion.

heroichopefulsuspensefulcourageousunderdogurgenttriumphant

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows an unremarkable protagonist whose life is upended by a sudden, large-scale crisis. Forced into action, they undergo a transformation, using their unique perspective or skills—often overlooked—to outsmart the threat, save others, and emerge as an unexpected champion.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by the compelling character arc of the underdog hero. They blend high-stakes action with a strong, hopeful emotional core, showcasing a transformative journey from ordinary to extraordinary that leaves the audience feeling uplifted.

Unlock the Full Story of Thodari

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

Thodari Timeline

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

Thodari Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Thodari

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Thodari. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Thodari

Thodari Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Thodari 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.

Thodari Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Thodari

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Thodari: 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 Thodari