Vicharana

Vicharana

Year: 1988

Runtime: 117 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Sibi Malayil

ThrillerDrama

A dedicated lawyer finds his personal, social and professional world upended when he accepts the murder prosecution of a trade‑union leader, only to discover that his own brother‑in‑law is the chief suspect. The case forces him to confront ethical dilemmas, strained family ties and intense public scrutiny.

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Timeline – Vicharana (1988)

Trace every key event in Vicharana (1988) 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

Strike ignites and seeks legal counsel

Johny and activist Kabeer initiate a strike at Govindan Nair's factory and seek legal guidance from Advocate Sethumadhavan. Sethu, an upright young lawyer, is sympathetic to the union's cause while navigating his familial ties. The demand for fair treatment sets the moral tone for the story.

Day of the strike Govindan Nair's factory
2

Sethu's loyalty tested by family and party

Sethu realizes Govindan Nair bears a personal grudge against him, fueled by jealousy of his rise from humble beginnings. Govindan Nair disapproves of Sethu's professional excellence and his marriage to Anita. The conflict strains both personal relationships and political loyalties.

Early stage Govindan Nair's home
3

Kuttappan and Raghu plot to end the strike

Kuttappan and Raghu conspire to undermine the strike by removing Johny. They pressure union members and devise a drastic move to neutralize the leadership. The plan lays the groundwork for a deadly turn of events.

Night Meeting venue / outside Johny's circle
4

Johny is killed by Raghu

One night, Kuttappan lures Johny away on the pretext of a meeting, and Raghu kills him. The murder abruptly ends the strike and heightens the political stakes for everyone involved. The community reels from the sudden act of violence.

Night Outside Johny's location
5

Sethu refuses to defend Raghu; opts to prosecute

In court, Govindan Nair and Raghu ask Sethu to defend Raghu, but he refuses. He declares that he will argue for the trade union as the prosecution instead. This choice pits his professional duty against family and political pressures.

First hearing District court
6

Kuttappan assaults Alice

Kuttappan rapes Johny's widow Alice after days of pursuing her. The assault leaves Alice with a child and forces her into prostitution to support her ailing mother. The act adds a brutal dimension to the case and its victims.

Soon after the murder Alice's home
7

Kuttappan's hostile testimony weakens Raghu's case

At the initial court hearing, Kuttappan turns hostile and retracts parts of his statement, injecting ambiguity about Raghu's guilt. Govindan Nair and Raghu push for a favorable outcome as the defense weakens. The case starts to tilt away from Raghu.

Initial hearing Court
8

Anita manipulated; Sethu slaps her and ends their collaboration

Before the second argument session, Govindan Nair and Raghu pressure Anita to pass Sethu's argument notes, in effect stalling the proceedings. Sethu confronts the manipulation, slaps Anita, and tells her to leave, severing the influence she held over him.

Before second session Anita's home
9

Raghu is acquitted as Sethu's arguments falter

In court, Sethu struggles to present a convincing argument against Raghu and Raghu is acquitted. The outcome reinforces the narrative of political pressure overshadowing the legal process. Sethu departs the court emotionally exhausted.

Second session Court
10

Govindan Nair relocates Anita to Singapore

To sever Sethu's ties with Anita, Govindan Nair has Anita moved to Singapore and insinuates that Sethu is not interested in living with her. The relocation amplifies the personal cost of the case for Sethu and Anita.

Post-acquittal Singapore
11

Apology and a plan for a respite

Kabir and party members come to apologize to Sethu, accompanied by Alice, and vow to care for Johny's son. Exhausted by the ongoing conflict, Sethu decides to travel with his assistant Ramettan to take a respite from the case. The social and political pressures press in on him.

After the trial Sethu's home
12

Anita arrives; truth revealed; Sethu's suicide

On the day of a planned trip, Anita arrives from Singapore to patch things up, only to learn she never filed for divorce. Ramettan reveals Govindan Nair's plan to split them with false notices. They rush to Sethu's home and discover that he has committed suicide; Anita breaks down at his feet.

Day of the trip / final moment Sethu's home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:35

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