Yavanika

Yavanika

Year: 1982

Runtime: 147 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: K. G. George

DramaMystery

Set against the backdrop of a traveling theatre troupe, the film follows the disappearance of Ayyappan, the group’s tabla player. Sub‑Inspector Jacob Eeraly is called in to investigate, and as he delves deeper he uncovers unsettling secrets and hidden tensions within the troupe, revealing disturbing truths about human nature.

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Timeline & Setting – Yavanika (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Yavanika (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The events occur in a pre-digital, live-theatre era in Kerala, where performances rely on stagecraft and interpersonal dynamics. Investigations unfold through interviews and dialogue rather than forensics. The period atmosphere shapes the characters' actions and the stakes within a traveling theatre troupe.

Location

Pandalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Set against Kerala's theatre circuit, the story follows Bhavana Theatres as it travels to towns for performances. Key locations include the troupe's base in Kerala, a hotel stay, and a paddy field where a crucial clue surfaces. The backdrop captures the vibrant regional theatre scene and backstage tensions of the era.

🎭 Theatre 🗺️ Kerala 🏙️ Indian regional cinema

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:47

Main Characters – Yavanika (1982)

Meet the key characters of Yavanika (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jacob Eeraly – Mammootty

An honest and sharp police officer from the crime branch who takes charge of the Ayyappan case. He interrogates troupe members individually, gradually uncovering hidden tensions, infidelities, and violence. His persistence leads him to pursue concrete clues, such as the broken bottle and the initials JK, to reveal the truth behind the murder.

🕵️ Detective ⚖️ Integrity 🧩 Clue-finder

Rohini – Jalaja

A prominent actress who lives with Ayyappan and becomes entangled in the murder's motive. She initially withholds information about their relationship and the emotional coercion she experiences. Her eventual confession on stage reframes the crime as a response to fear and manipulation.

🎭 Drama 💔 Coercion 🧭 Secrets

Ayyappan – Gopi

A talented but volatile tabla player whose drinking, sexual aggressions, and unreliability strain the troupe. His disappearance and subsequent murder catalyze the investigation and the unraveling of backstage dynamics. His behavior casts a long shadow over the relationships within Bhavana Theatres.

🍷 Drunk 💔 Unfaithful 🗝️ Secretive

Kollappally (Joseph Kollapally) – Venu Nagavalli

The troupe's star actor whose arrest and contested confession become a focal point of the case. His relationship with Rohini and his role in concealing the crime add layers of complexity to the investigation. The name Joseph Kollapally becomes a cipher for the unresolved questions surrounding the murder.

🎬 Star 🗝️ Motive 🕳️ Shadowed

Chellapan – Sreenivasan

The troupe’s manager who keeps the company running and coordinates logistics, including finding a replacement when Ayyappan is absent. He monitors internal tensions and acts as a steady, investigative presence within the group. His observations help illuminate the backstage politics behind the drama.

🎭 Management 🕵️ Investigation 🧩 Strategy

Balagopalan – Nedumudi Venu

A veteran member of Bhavana Theatres who embodies the backstage world of the troupe. He represents the seasoned perspective within the ensemble and navigates the tension between star power and collective responsibility. His stance helps reveal the broader dynamics of loyalty and ambition in the company.

🎭 Ensemble 🧭 Loyalty

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:47

Major Themes – Yavanika (1982)

Explore the central themes of Yavanika (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Investigation

An honest crime officer leads a meticulous inquiry into Ayyappan's disappearance and murder. The interrogations peel back secrets, revealing hidden tensions, loyalties, and power plays within the troupe. Clues like the broken bottle shard and the JK initials steer the investigation toward core suspects and motives.

🗡️ Murder

The murder act triggers a high-stakes drama of guilt, blame, and motive. Rohini's angst and Ayyappan's volatile behavior become central to understanding why the crime happened. Ayyappan's alleged brutality and the confession dynamics push the truth through contested narratives.

🎭 Theatre Life

The backstage world drives much of the plot, with performers, managers, and directors navigating fame, control, and secrets. The theatre setting exposes how personal relationships and professional rivalries influence actions on and off the stage. The illusion of prestige masks underlying motives and vulnerabilities.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:47

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Yavanika Summary

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Yavanika Timeline

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