Pattanathil Sundaran 2003

Kizhakkethil Sundaresan Dileep is depicted as a misogynistic, lazy ration shop owner who never stepped foot in college. He is married to Radhamani, an ambitious Navya Nair who holds an M.Sc. and dreams of a brighter future. When Radhamani lands a job at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, she is excited about the opportunity and must move far from home. Sundaresan, however, cannot bear the thought of leaving his shop, and he certainly does not want Radhamani to go alone. In the heat of their argument, Radhamani insists on going at any cost, and Sundaresan reluctantly decides to accompany her.

They move to the capital and rent a home, hoping to start anew. Sundaresan’s attitude and insecurity soon surface as he schemes to derail Radhamani’s professional life so that they can retreat to their old routine. He engages in unethical moves to get her fired and even goes as far as stealing a confidential file that Radhamani was handling. The plot thickens when a clerk at her office, who also owns the house they rent, lends a hand to his wrongdoing. Radhamani faces humiliation at work, a crisis that weighs heavily on her, and she attempts to take her own life. She is rushed to the hospital, where Sundaresan finally confesses the truth to her boss, revealing the deceit that drove a wedge between them. The revelation plunges Radhamani into heartbreak, and she decides to end the relationship.

As the story unfolds, Sundaresan learns that Radhamani is pregnant. This news adds complexity to an already fragile situation, and his attempts to repair the broken bond are met with resistance. Radhamani’s trust is hard-won, and the path to reconciliation proves difficult. In a bid to change his life, Sundaresan enrolls in the evening college to pursue a degree and, alongside his studies, takes a job as a bus conductor with KSRTC, signaling a shift toward responsibility and self-improvement. He applies himself with renewed determination, balancing education with the demands of a steady wage.

Meanwhile, Radhamani gives birth during this period. The arrival of their child becomes a turning point, and she reaches a place of forgiveness for her husband. Ultimately, Sundaresan’s hard work and changed outlook pave the way for a reunion, and the couple finds a way back to each other, their relationship tempered by hardship but strengthened by resilience. The film closes on a note that tenderness and growth can emerge from conflict, even after severe strains to trust and partnership.