Mahathma 1996

Devadevan, a notorious suresh-gopi acclaimed as an underworld gangster, faces a pivotal moment when he decides to confront the Justice Varma Commission. This commission is probing into a series of devastating serial blasts that resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives. Devadevan claims that he possesses solid evidence implicating high-ranking politicians and powerful gangsters behind these attacks, as well as the subsequent communal riots. His bold assertions make many of his enemies restless and paranoid. As he arrives at the court premises to testify, tragedy strikes—Devadevan is shot at point-blank range. The severity of his wounds lands him in the ICU, and as he battles for survival, vivid memories from his turbulent past begin to resurface.

In his recollection, Devadevan, played by suresh-gopi, was once an active participant in the underworld, working closely with his trusted associate Mustafa. Their journey into crime begins when they are bailed out by Khan Sahib, a cunning Biju Menon as Khan, who acts on behalf of David Abraham, a crime boss based in Dubai. Khan provides them safe refuge at his residence, where Devadevan meets Nancy, portrayed by Ramya Krishnan, a budding film actress and the daughter of Khan’s second wife. Nancy quickly falls for Devadevan’s rugged charm, and their connection deepens over time.

Together, Devadevan and Mustafa undertake several lucrative smuggling operations for Khan Sahib, gradually climbing the ranks within the criminal underworld. However, their loyalty is tested when they discover Khan Sahib is betraying them. This leads to a violent turn—David Abraham, furious at the treachery, murders Khan Sahib and elevates Devadevan to represent his interests within India. From that point onward, Devadevan and Mustafa establish themselves as dominant figures in the illegal trade of arms, drugs, and smuggling.

During a visit to Kerala, Devadevan encounters Harikrishnan, a young man from a traditional Namboothiri Brahmin family, who is protesting against the Kerala government’s reservation policy that allows scheduled caste persons to serve as priests in temples. Devadevan pledges his support to Hari, who is facing economic struggles, and encourages him to give up his traditional Yajnopaveetham, solidifying Hari’s position as his second-in-command. As Devadevan’s empire grows, he faces threats from rivals like James Kutty, a notorious drug smuggler, and Reddiar. Despite their efforts to dismantle Devadevan and Mustafa’s operations, the gang remains resilient.

However, things take a darker turn when Hari is manipulated by James Kutty and Reddiar to shuttle explosives into the city, fueling a series of heinous blasts. These explosions, coupled with a well-orchestrated communal riot, divert public attention from the corruption scandals involving politicians and gangsters like Baba Rahim, a central minister’s son. This chaos devastates Devadevan’s empire and causes immense pain within his circle. Mustafa falls in love with Saraswati, Hari’s younger sister, which leads to their breakup when Hari uncovers Mustafa’s true backing by Devadevan. Hari, now aligned with James Kutty and Reddiar, effectively transports explosives and participates in the sabotage.

The culmination of these events sees Devadevan regrouping to eliminate his enemies. He manages to take down David Abraham and James Kutty, but the toll on his soul is profound. The serial blasts have severely tarnished his reputation, and he finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit and violence. As his past and present collide, Devadevan prepares to face justice once more. In a shocking act of retribution, Hari, now his adversary, enters the courtroom where Devadevan is testifying and attempts to shoot him. Devadevan narrowly escapes, and their rivalry reaches a deadly climax when Hari, after a series of tense encounters, is finally killed by Devadevan in a calculated explosion orchestrated from outside the vehicle, which was being driven by Koshy, Devadevan’s lawyer.

Throughout this harrowing journey, Devadevan’s life is marked by betrayals, love, loss, and a relentless fight for survival against forces of corruption and violence. The story vividly illustrates the darker side of power, loyalty, and how personal vendettas and societal corruption intermingle with crime and chaos, ultimately painting a complex picture of a man caught between his own moral compass and the ruthless world he inhabits.