Thoovanathumbikal

Thoovanathumbikal

Year: 1987

Runtime: 151 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: P. Padmarajan

DramaRomance

Jayakrishnan falls in love with two girls, Radha (a villager) and Clara (a sex-worker), and fights his confusion about whom he should marry and spend his life with.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Thoovanathumbikal (1987)

Trace every key event in Thoovanathumbikal (1987) 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

Jayakrishnan's dual life

Jayakrishnan leads a double life as a carefree town bachelor and a frugal family man in his village. He navigates the social circles of his friends while keeping his duties at home. This contrast sets up the central tension that drives the plot.

Early in the story Town and Thrissur region village
2

Reacquaintance with Radha on the farm

While tending his farm, Jayakrishnan unexpectedly meets Radha, a distant relative. Her no-nonsense attitude draws him in and rekindles old feelings. The encounter deepens his internal conflict between desire and responsibility.

During farm work Farm
3

Radha rejects the confession

Jayakrishnan goes to Radha's college campus to confess his love. In front of a group of students, she bluntly rejects him, exposing his reputed promiscuity. The humiliation forces him to confront the consequences of his lifestyle.

During the confession Radha's college campus
4

Anonymous letter to Clara

On behalf of his friend Thangal, Jayakrishnan writes a letter to Clara from a 'mother superior' to lure her toward the sex industry. The act happens on a rainy day, foreshadowing the storm his life will endure. He becomes part of a plan that will entangle him with Clara.

Rainy day Near the farm/Thangal's circle
5

Meeting Clara under Thangal's supervision

Clara, a poor girl from a coastal fishing community, agrees to meet Jayakrishnan under Thangal's supervision. The encounter unfolds as rain intensifies, highlighting their difficult circumstances. Clara's decision to escape her home marks a turning point for both of them.

During the rain after the letter Coastal fishing community
6

Jayakrishnan becomes Clara's first client

Urged by Thangal and moved by the moment, Jayakrishnan becomes Clara's first client. The experience is his first sexual encounter and triggers deep inner turmoil. He later learns that Clara is a virgin, which compounds his emotional conflict and sense of obligation.

Following their meeting Clara's place under Thangal's supervision
7

Promise to marry Clara

Feeling guilty and bound by a vow, Jayakrishnan promises to marry Clara if he cannot commit to Radha. He vows to respect her dignity and not use her socially. Clara admires his sincerity but decides to step back to avoid hurting him or his future.

After the first encounter Clara's home / Thangal's circle
8

Radha learns the truth

Radha's brother reveals Jayakrishnan's dual life and his friendship's influence on his actions. She sees the sincerity beneath his flaws and decides to give their relationship a chance. This understanding paves the way for their eventual engagement.

After Clara's departure Radha's home / brother's college
9

Clara's telegram foreshadows a visit

Clara sends a telegram informing Jayakrishnan that she plans to visit again. The message rekindles hope but also threatens the stability of his budding relationship with Radha. Rain motifs return as a symbol of looming choices.

Following Radha's acceptance Unknown location; telegram
10

Clara's visit and acceptance

Clara visits and expresses happiness about Jayakrishnan's relationship with Radha, questioning whether she was the cause of his hesitation. She ultimately chooses not to disrupt their future and steps back. This strengthens the bond between Jayakrishnan and Radha.

During Clara's visit Jayakrishnan's place / Clara's presence
11

Late-night call about Clara

Jayakrishnan receives a late-night call that Clara is coming to see him for a final meeting at Ottapalam railway station. He and Radha debate whether to meet her, but longing and fear pull him toward the station. The impending reunion is steeped in rain and uncertainty.

Late night Ottapalam
12

The final station revelation and union

At the Ottapalam railway station, Jayakrishnan and Radha arrive separately and learn that Clara is now married with a child. Clara explains she is marrying to secure futures, freeing Jayakrishnan to be with Radha. Clara departs, and Radha and Jayakrishnan finally unite, with the rain giving way to their new life together.

Final meeting; rain subsides Ottapalam railway station

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:26

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