Maheshinte Prathikaaram 2016

In the Prakash region of Idukki district, Mahesh Bhavana works as a small-time photographer, and together with his father, Vincent Bhavana, runs the Bhavana Studio. Right beside the studio sits a busy flex-board printing shop owned by his good friend Baby, with his assistant Crispin handling the design work that brings the boards to life. Mahesh’s personal life centers on his longtime relationship with Soumya, his high-school sweetheart, a bond that grounds him even as the village hums with everyday pressure and ambition.

One day, a petty argument erupts between Baby and a man in the village center. Passersby intervene, the quarrel dies down, but Crispin belatedly launches a strike against the man who had argued with Baby. The confrontation escalates when the man’s friend Jimson enters the scene, and Mahesh arrives hoping to de‑escalate the situation. Yet Jimson, furious at Mahesh’s seemingly authoritative stance, sides with the aggrieved party and a fresh clash breaks out. Vincent steps in to separate the two groups, leaving Mahesh humiliated. That moment hardens his resolve: he vows to beat Jimson and promises that he will wear slippers again only after achieving that goal.

Heartbreak follows as Soumya ends their relationship and marries an NRI nurse, leaving Mahesh heartbroken and more determined than ever. With Crispin’s help, he tracks Jimson down to the garage where he works as a welder, only to learn that Jimson has quit and moved to Dubai for work. Baby advises Mahesh to forget the vendetta, but the plan to move on doesn’t take hold; instead, Mahesh throws himself into a kung fu course to prepare for what he sees as an inevitable confrontation.

Into this mix comes Jimsy, a young college student who visits the studio seeking a glamour photograph for Vanitha’s cover competition. The shoot is perplexing at first, and Jimsy leaves disappointed with the results, which makes Mahesh question his own skills as a photographer. His father’s words about photography as an art prompt a turning point; Mahesh digs into his father’s photograph collection to study angles and lighting, gaining a new perspective on his craft. He then secretly photographs Jimsy in motion and sends the magazine what he believes is the best shot, hoping to prove his artistic growth.

Jimsy arrives at Mahesh’s home with the issue in hand, and while she chastises him for shooting without permission, she also praises the image. Their connection deepens, and despite the initial misgivings, they begin to contemplate a future together. Jimson’s shadow lingers, though, and Mahesh eventually learns that she is Jimson’s younger sister, which adds complexity to their budding relationship.

Weeks later, Jimson is fired from his job for slapping his supervisor and is deported back to India. The next day, Mahesh and Baby challenge him to a hand‑to‑hand battle to settle old scores. After a tense exchange, Mahesh gains the upper hand and pins Jimson, with Baby declaring him the winner. The confrontation leaves a lasting impression, and Mahesh visits Jimson in the hospital the following day, introducing himself to Jimsy and speaking openly of his love. He also asks Jimson for his blessing to pursue the relationship, a moment that underscores the emotional stakes of the entire tale.

As the end credits roll, the film shows Mahesh and Jimsy together, their bond having weathered heartbreak, rivalry, and a renewed sense of artistic purpose.