Meenathil Thalikettu 1998

Omanakkuttan Dileep is 22 years old and still in high school, a fact that deeply angers his father, Govindan Thilakan. He has long been supported by his teacher and neighbor Kaimal Jagathy Sreekumar, Govindan’s closest friend. When Omanakkuttan asks Kaimal for help to attend his friend Sudhi Krishna Prasad’s sister Malathi Sulekha’s marriage, a delicate path begins to unfold.

Dowry problems threaten Malathi’s marriage, and Omanakkuttan steps up to defend his friend’s pride. But under pressure from Sudhi’s uncle, he ends up marrying Malathi, a turn of events that angers Govindan and drives Omanakkuttan to run away from home.

Kaimal intervenes to mediate, and Omanakkuttan learns that his wife has been warmly received by his mother and sister. Govindan reluctantly allows them to stay under his roof, but he keeps a close watch on Malu to prevent them from being together. He also makes a push to divert his son’s energy toward studying for the final board exams.

Despite the family pressure, the bond between Omanakkuttan and Malu grows, and Malu becomes pregnant. Govindan’s anger flares, and he throws them out because Omanakkuttan refuses to abort the baby. The young couple faces hardship, yet their resolve remains intact.

They settle into a small house after a period of hardship, with Malu seven months pregnant. Malu’s own uncle, a miser, abandons them, leaving them to fend for themselves. Kaimal later finds them in a desperate moment and helps with some money, step by step reinforcing the fragile lifeline they have. When a hospital bill looms and money is short, Kaimal reveals that the funds came from Govindan, not from any other source. With the financial strain finally easing, Malu gives birth to a baby and the family is united at last.