What Is 24 About?
The premise of 24 in 301 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
At the intersection of cutting-edge science and human ambition stands Dr. Sethuraman, a brilliant mind whose work has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. A scientist by training and an entrepreneur by drive, he has devoted himself to perfecting a device capable of bending time itself — an invention that promises to redefine humanity’s relationship with the past. His life is a blend of quiet determination and the restless curiosity that fuels every great breakthrough, with the hum of invention serving as the backdrop to his days.
But genius often casts long shadows, and for Sethuraman, that shadow takes the form of Aathreya, his twin brother — a man whose path has wandered far from the noble pursuits of science. Where Sethuraman builds, Aathreya covets; where one seeks to protect, the other hungers to possess. Their identical faces reflect a fractured bond, a rivalry rooted not just in ambition but in a deeper, more personal schism that has grown between them over the years. The twins stand as mirror images of two very different destinies.
With his revolutionary time travel device now complete, Sethuraman faces the daunting challenge of keeping his life’s work out of the wrong hands. The stakes are intensely personal, blending the cold precision of scientific achievement with the warmth of family, legacy, and the things one is willing to risk everything to protect. The steady rhythm of discovery has given way to a different kind of countdown — one measured in trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which a man will go for what he holds dear.
This is a story where the marvels of science collide with the messy truths of human nature, where the line between creation and destruction is drawn not in laboratories, but in the hearts of those who would wield such power.
What Happens in 24?
The complete story of 24, from the first scene to the last, in 715 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In 1990, Sethuraman, a brilliant scientist and skilled watchmaker, shared a life with his wife Priya and their newborn son, Manikandan. On January 13, he achieved a significant milestone by completing his invention, a time-traveling watch known as Project 24. Sadly, his moment of joy was abruptly cut short when his criminal twin brother, Athreya, violently intruded upon their lives, killing Priya in a desperate attempt to seize the watch. In the chaos, Sethuraman manages to escape with his son, but not before Athreya discovers only the key to where the watch was hidden. Fearful for Manikandan’s safety and wounded from the ordeal, Sethuraman boards a train and implores Sathyabama, a woman he meets during the journey, to protect his son. In a moment of brave deception, he tricks Athreya into believing he is holding a bomb, which leads to his own death while allowing Manikandan to escape. Unbeknownst to him, Sethuraman secures the locked box that contains the watch, while his son grows up ignorant of his true heritage.
Fast forward to 2016, Manikandan has evolved into a skilled watch mechanic, believing Sathyabama to be his mother. His life takes a romantic turn when he encounters Sathya, a young woman who visits him for a watch repair, and quickly falls for her. Meanwhile, Athreya unexpectedly awakens from a 26-year coma, triggered by a fire at the hospital where he was recuperating, only to discover he is now paralyzed from the waist down. His days are spent under the watchful care of his loyal associate, Mithran.
A twist of fate brings the key to the box into Mani’s possession. Upon opening it, he is astounded to uncover the watch inside, which has the power to freeze time for brief periods, though he remains puzzled about its origins and how it came to him. Athreya, plagued by his newfound limitations and lost years, becomes fixated on the watch, eager to turn back the clock and reclaim his youth. In a desperate bid, Mithran places an advertisement promising a bounty of INR 5 crores for the lost piece. This ad captures the attention of Saravanan, a friend of Mani’s, leading to suspicions about whether the creator knows the watch’s true capabilities. To get to the bottom of it, Mani crafts a replica of the original watch and, accompanied by Saravanan, seeks out the provided address.
Upon arrival at the office, Athreya spots the imitation and realizes that Mani possesses the original watch. A violent confrontation ensues, culminating in Athreya brutally murdering Mani before seizing the watch. In a moment of triumph, Athreya attempts to reverse time, only to discover that the watch is limited to 24-hour jumps, forcing him to reawaken the night before. In this twisted turn of events, it becomes clear that only Mani can enhance the watch’s potential.
Athreya, now impersonating Sethuraman, sets out to manipulate Mani into upgrading the device under the pretense of being his father who is terminally ill. As Mani carries out the upgrade, he uncovers the truth about Athreya’s identity and his family’s demise. Crafty and determined, he tricks Athreya into revealing the date of his parents’ deaths and embarks on a journey back to 1990 to alert them. However, moments before his time travel, Athreya clings to the watch, resulting in both being transported back to the past: Athreya manifesting as a robust adult ready to confront Sethuraman, and Mani as an infant, incapable of speech.
Sethuraman comes across the upgraded watch in his child’s crib. Initially thrilled that Manikandan has time-traveled, Priya questions why he would return to a time when he could not communicate. It dawns on them both that the return stems from a desire to warn them. Acting swiftly, Sethuraman uses the watch to freeze time, confronts and eliminates Athreya, and manages to escape his henchmen. Priya, weary of the past, implores Sethu to discard the watch, which he reluctantly agrees to do.
They take a new train, alongside Sathyabama, embarking on fresh beginnings as they converse. Sethuraman shares that he now identifies as a science teacher, leading Sathyabama to extend a job offer at her family’s school, which they happily accept.
As the credits roll, a nostalgic scene unfolds featuring a young Mani engaging with a young Sathya, hinting at their intertwined fates.
24 Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Sethuraman's Invention” to “A New Beginning”. 4 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Sethuraman's Invention
In 1990, Sethuraman, a scientist and renowned watchmaker, successfully completes his invention, Project 24, a time-travelling watch. He joyfully shares this breakthrough in technology with his wife Priya and newborn son Manikandan.
When:January 13, 1990
- 2
Tragedy Strikes
On the same day, Sethuraman's twin brother Athreya attacks their family. In a brutal confrontation, Athreya murders Priya to seize control of the time-travelling watch, leaving Sethuraman devastated and on the run with his son.
- 3
Sethuraman's Escape
Fearing for his son's life, an injured Sethuraman manages to escape with Manikandan, boarding a train. He desperately encounters Sathyabhama on the train, pleading with her to protect his son while he confronts Athreya.
Where:Train
- 4
Final Confrontation
Sethuraman devises a plan to trick Athreya into believing he is carrying a bomb, allowing Sethuraman to confront him. In a moment of desperation, Athreya kills Sethuraman before jumping off the train, seemingly meeting his end.
Where:Train
- 5
Manikandan's Upbringing
With his father's death and his true past hidden, Manikandan grows up believing Sathyabhama is his mother. The story skips ahead to 2016, where he works as a talented watch mechanic, embracing his passion.
When:2016
- 6
Love Blossoms
During his work, Manikandan meets Sathya, a girl who comes in for watch repair services. They connect over their shared interests, and a budding romance begins to blossom between them, filling his life with new joy.
- 7
Athreya's Return
Meanwhile, Athreya, who survived his fall and was in a coma for 26 years, finally awakens paralyzed from the waist down. With the help of his confidant Mithran, he learns about the fate of the time-travelling watch.
- 8
The Key's Discovery
A key to the locked box containing the watch ends up in Manikandan's possession. Upon opening the box, he discovers the time-travelling watch and begins to realize its powers, including the ability to freeze time.
- 9
The Reward
Obsessed with reclaiming the watch, Athreya and Mithran post a reward of INR 5 crores for its return. This advertisement catches the attention of Manikandan's friend Saravanan, who realizes that the ad indicates knowledge of the watch's abilities.
- 10
Encounter with Athreya
At the office, Athreya recognizes Manikandan's replica of the watch and realizes he possesses the original. In a furious confrontation, Athreya brutally attacks both Mani and Saravanan, killing Mani just as he secures the watch.
Where:Athreya's office
Show the other 5 events of 24 Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Reversal
After claiming the watch, Athreya uses it to reverse time, but discovers it only allows jumps of 24 hours. He awakens the night before, realizing he needs Manikandan's assistance to enhance the watch’s capabilities.
- 12
Deception Begins
Disguising himself as Sethuraman, Athreya seeks out Manikandan, pretending to be his long-lost father dying of a terminal illness. Manikandan, unaware of the true identity, is tricked into upgrading the watch.
- 13
A Race Against Time
After upgrading the watch, Manikandan realizes Athreya's true identity and his dark history involving his parents. He decides to travel back to 1990 to warn his parents about the impending danger.
- 14
Return to 1990
In the process of time travel, Athreya catches hold of the watch, leading both him and Manikandan back to 1990. Sethuraman discovers the watch in Manikandan's crib, realizing the dangerous situation he is now in.
When:1990
- 15
A New Beginning
After a tense showdown, Sethuraman manages to eliminate Athreya and escape. Sethu and Priya decide to leave their troubled past behind, taking a train to begin a fresh start where they meet Sathyabhama again.
Where:Train
Who Are the Main Characters in 24?
5 characters, among them Sethuraman, Athreya and Manikandan: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
- S
Sethuraman
Played by Suriya
Sethuraman is a brilliant scientist and watchmaker whose invention sends his life spiraling into chaos. Torn between his role as a father and the need to protect his family from his twin brother, he embodies the struggle between familial duty and personal ambition. His journey reflects themes of sacrifice and bravery.
- 🧑🔬 Scientist
- 🛡️ Protector
- A
Athreya
Played by Suriya
Athreya is Sethuraman's gangster twin brother, driven by greed and jealousy. His ruthless ambition to control the time-travel watch ultimately leads to his downfall. Representing the dark side of obsession, his character serves as a foil to Sethuraman, highlighting the consequences of one's choices.
- 😈 Antagonist
- ⏰ Obsessed
- M
Manikandan
Played by Suriya
Manikandan, the son of Sethuraman, grows up believing Sathyabhama is his mother. As a skilled watch mechanic, he unwittingly becomes embroiled in the legacy of his father's invention. His character evolves from innocence to self-discovery, ultimately learning the truth about his past and family.
- 🛠️ Mechanic
- 🌱 Growing Up
- P
Priya
Played by Nithya Menen
Priya is the devoted wife of Sethuraman and a key figure in the narrative's emotional landscape. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for Sethuraman's actions. Through her character, themes of love and sacrifice are poignantly illustrated, as her memory influences Sethuraman and Manikandan.
- 💖 Loving Wife
- 🌹 Sacrifice
- S
Sathyabhama
Sathyabhama is a compassionate woman who crosses paths with Sethuraman and becomes an important figure in Manikandan's life. Her nurturing nature and willingness to help embody themes of maternal care and the importance of community. She represents hope and resilience amidst adversity.
- 🌼 Nurturer
- 🤝 Community
Where and When Is 24 Set?
24 is set in Kodambakkam, Chennai and India (1990, 2016). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1990, 2016
The story unfolds in two distinct time periods: 1990, marked by the excitement of technological breakthroughs and family bonds, and 2016, where advancements in technology contrast with personal struggles. This dual timeline enhances the narrative, depicting how actions in one time can alter events in another.
Where
Kodambakkam, Chennai, India
The movie primarily takes place in Kodambakkam, a locality in Chennai, India, known for its vibrant culture and rich film industry presence. The story spans across both the past and present, emphasizing the significance of time travel through the protagonist's inventive watch.
- 🏙️ City
- ⏳ Time Travel
What Are the Themes of 24?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Time Travel and Loss and Redemption.
-
01
Time Travel
Time travel is a pivotal theme in the film, driving the plot as characters navigate the consequences of altering time. The invention of the time-travel watch leads to both conflict and resolution, showcasing the dangers and wonders of manipulating time. The theme also explores the emotional weight of familial bonds across different timelines.
-
02
Loss and Redemption
The themes of loss and redemption resonate strongly throughout the film. Sethuraman's journey begins with the tragic loss of his wife, Priya, and culminates in his quest to protect his son. This overarching narrative emphasizes how redemption can emerge through face-offs with the past and the desire to correct mistakes.
What Kind of Film Is 24?
Tense in tone, with variable pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A gripping sci-fi thriller that twists through time travel paradoxes and family trauma, delivering tense chase sequences and violent confrontations balanced by a hopeful, redemptive ending.
- tense
- thrilling
- suspenseful
- action-packed
- nostalgic
- dramatic
- time travel
- family
- twin brothers
- inventor
Content notes: murder, child endangerment, parental death, violent assault, impersonation, paralysis.
Quiz
How well do you remember 24? Test yourself on the story.
