Vel

Vel

Year: 2007

Runtime: 160 mins

Language: Tamil

Director: Hari

ActionDrama

Two sons that are separated as children grow up in drastically different environments.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Vel (2007)

Trace every key event in Vel (2007) 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

Twin separation at birth

Thiyagarajan and Sharadha travel between Madurai and Chennai when tragedy strikes: one twin is stolen by a beggar who wants the gold chain on the child and the infant is abandoned at the doorstep of a rich feudal landlord. The landlord raises the baby as Vel, and he becomes the darling of Appatha and the family. The other twin grows up on a different path, becoming Vasudevan, a private detective who later falls in love with a television hostess.

shortly after birth Between Madurai and Chennai
2

Vasu's life and love

The other twin, Vasudevan (Vasu), grows up as a private detective and falls in love with Swathi, a television hostess. His life contrasts with Vel's rough upbringing, highlighting the twins' divergent destinies. The stage is set for a reunion that neither could have anticipated.

years later Chennai, Tamil Nadu
3

Vel and Vasu cross paths in Madras

Vel and Vasu cross paths when Vasu travels to Vel's village after learning about him through Swathi. Vasu believes Vel is his long-lost brother and goes to Madras with the intention of meeting the real Vel. The revelation triggers a cascade of identity questions that drive the plot forward.

early in their search Madras (Chennai) and Vel's village
4

Bombs in the canal and a narrow escape

While in a bus, Vasu is targeted by Sakkara Pandi who plants bombs near a canal. The bus passes and Vasu narrowly escapes by jumping off just in time. Vel's family then acts to shelter the stranger, helping him hide in a car and keep his true identity secret.

during the tense pursuit Near a canal; Vel's village
5

The adoption truth comes to light

Vel returns home and meets Vasu, whose presence shocks the family. A volatile confrontation ensues when Vasu's resemblance is revealed and Vel learns of his adoption; Appatha breaks down as the truth sinks in. Vel asserts that Appatha and the entire family are truly his, and tells Vasu to leave.

immediately after the confrontation Vel's house
6

Appatha allows a temporary stay

Vasu asks Vel to come to Madras to meet his birth parents, but Vel refuses to abandon his new family. Vasu pleads to stay a few days, and Appatha reluctantly permits him to remain for a short while. The time together begins to bond the two brothers in a strange, bittersweet arrangement.

shortly after revelation Vel's village
7

Kuzhandaisami shares the truth

During his stay, Vasu grows closer to the family and befriends Kuzhandaisami, who is connected to Vel's foster family. From Kuzhandaisami, Vasu learns who Sakkara Pandi is, and why he has become the arch-enemy of Vel's clan. The revelation deepens the stakes of the brothers' riddle.

during his stay Vel's village
8

Backstory: 15 years ago

A flashback reveals what happened 15 years earlier: Vel's grandfather Velupandi dies; Vel's father Rajapandi, then head of the house, locks Sakkara Pandi away. After release, Sakkara Pandi poisons Rajapandi and Sivagami, killing them while they travel home. The family has since survived on Appatha's homemade meals and the strength of their bond.

15 years ago Vel's ancestral home
9

Role swap: Vel becomes Vasu in Chennai

Vasu and Vel agree to swap roles: Vel travels to Chennai to meet his real parents under Vasu's cover, while Vasu stays in Vel's village to maintain the ruse. The plan lasts ten days, and only Kuzhandaisami knows the truth. Swathi, along with Moorthy, helps keep Vel's deception intact.

for 10 days Chennai and Vel's village
10

Appatha poisoned and the truth surfaces

While Vel is in Chennai, Appatha is poisoned by Sakkara Pandi as part of his bid to break the family. Kuzhandaisami informs Vel of the assault, and the family overhears the revelation that Vel is not Vasu. Vel is disgraced by the exposure and is expelled from the household.

during Vel's stay in Chennai Appatha's home
11

Climactic bombs and final confrontation

Sakkara Pandi plants bombs all over the village and threatens the family. Vel and Vasu team up to disable the bombs; in the pursuit, Vel's leg gets caught on a railway track. He traps Sakkara Pandi, cutting off his leg and pushing him into the blast where the bombs explode, killing the villain.

final confrontation Vel's village; near the railway
12

Vel stays with the family

Vasu's parents arrive and plead with Appatha to give Vel to them, but Appatha tearfully agrees to keep Vel with her family. Vel arrives to find children begging him not to leave, and Vasu pleads with his mother to allow Vel to stay. In a moving moment, Sharadha agrees that knowing Vel is alive is enough, so Vel remains with Appatha and his family.

after the confrontation Appatha's home
13

Ending: a family strengthened

The brothers Vel and Vasu embrace, symbolizing their shared bond and forgiveness. The entire family gathers to worship God, celebrating their unity and newfound peace. The film closes on a hopeful note with love and reconciliation prevailing over past rivalries.

end of story Appatha's home; village temple

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:07

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