Logo What's After the Movie

Test your knowledge of Arjun Reddy with our quiz!

Arjun Reddy Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Arjun Reddy (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Arjun Reddy Deshmukh is a brilliant but fiercely impulsive house surgeon at St. Mary’s Medical College in Mangalore. While his academic prowess earns him praise, his short fuse and intense personality create ripples of trouble at college and beyond. After an off-the-field clash during an inter-college football match, the dean gives him a stark choice: apologize and stay, or leave. Arjun walks away, yet a chance encounter with Preethi Shetty, a first-year Tulu-speaking student, draws him into a bold and all-consuming romance that he cannot resist.

From the moment they meet, Arjun and Preethi begin a relationship that feels urgent and electric. She provides him a rare sense of grounding, and he, in turn, awakens a raw, protective side of himself. Early on, Arjun’s possessive streak surfaces as he warns others away from Preethi, insisting she is his. The relationship deepens quickly, and Preethi responds with trust and affection, inviting him into a sphere of intimacy and closeness that he has rarely allowed himself to feel. In a moment of protective fury, Arjun fights back against Amit, a member of the rival team who crosses a line with Preethi, signaling that he will guard her like family when he is not around.

After earning his MBBS, Arjun heads to Mussoorie to pursue a Master’s in Orthopedic surgery. Time passes, and the bond between Arjun and Preethi strengthens, turning into a serious, lifelong attachment that his family begins to recognize, even as they worry about his volatile temperament. Meanwhile, the social pressures around caste and family honor intrude on their happiness. Arjun’s father, Dhanunjay Reddy, and the wider clan rally around the upcoming wedding of his brother Gautham, but the couple’s future remains uncertain as Devdas Shetty, Preethi’s father, strongly disapproves of the relationship. Arjun’s blunt bluntness and his brash nature clash with family expectations, and his grandmother tries to counsel him on the complexities of marriage and family lineage, urging him to be patient and persuasive with Devdas.

Desperation and heartbreak converge when Devdas rejects Arjun after a failed attempt to win his consent. Arjun’s anger boils over: he pushes Preethi to choose, giving her a six-hour deadline to decide between him and the world around them. When her parents pull her away and arrange a marriage to a caste-match, Preethi secretly resists and makes her own move. She travels to the groom’s house, only to be consumed by the weight of a painful situation, as the groom, heavily intoxicated, ends up in a coma. News of the forced marriage reaches Arjun through Shiva, and a distraught Arjun confronts the repercussions, culminating in a violent fallout that lands him in police custody and leads to his estrangement from his father. The strain drives Arjun toward a self-destructive spiral.

Shiva steps in, helping Arjun establish a life in a new flat and a position at a corporate hospital as a surgeon. To cope with the trauma and loneliness, Arjun retreats into drinking, smoking, and other self-destructive habits. He finds himself drifting between flashes of success and perilous slips, his reputation as a surgeon growing alongside concerns about his temper and his coping mechanisms. In a complicated turn, he begins a casual relationship with Jia Sharma, an acclaimed actress who seeks help for emotional distress but is drawn to him personally. The arrangement remains non-committal at first, but Jia Sharma develops genuine feelings, which complicates Arjun’s efforts to keep his life in balance.

Even as he tries to compartmentalize his life, a high-stakes surgery tests his limits. Despite being on leave, he agrees to a critical operation but collapses from dehydration after being intoxicated. A routine check uncovers cocaine and alcohol in his system, triggering a formal case and the suspension of his medical license for five years. Gautham enlists an astute advocate, Vipul, to mount a defense, and Arjun is forced to face the consequences of his choices. Homeless and adrift, he endures humiliation as he fights to reclaim his life. Then comes a turning point: his grandmother’s death marks a somber moment of reflection that brings him back toward his family.

As the family gathers around the grandmother’s funeral, Arjun begins to repair the rift with his father and recommit to a healthier path. A vacation moment clears the air, and a surprising encounter in a park reveals that Preethi is not out of his life—she is preparing to become a mother, and she reveals that the child is his. The revelation prompts an emotional reunion, and with the support of Arjun’s family, the couple eventually marries in a ceremony that acknowledges their love against immense obstacles. Devdas, who once stood as a gatekeeper to their relationship, comes to see the value of their bond and offers a quiet apology for his earlier rigidity.

What remains central is Arjun’s journey: a gifted, troubled surgeon who learns the hard way how love, responsibility, and forgiveness can reshape a life defined by rage and longing. The story blends intensity with tenderness, showing how resilience and reconciliation can emerge from the most challenging circumstances, and how a complex relationship can endure—and ultimately triumph—through mutual respect, patience, and renewed commitment.

Arjun Reddy Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Arjun Reddy (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Arjun's temper lands him in trouble at college

Arjun is a brilliant medical student and house surgeon who struggles with severe anger and impulsiveness. After an inter-college football match goes wrong, the dean gives him the option to apologize or quit the college. He initially leaves but stays back after meeting Preethi and soon begins a relationship with her.

MBBS years St. Mary's Medical College, Mangalore

Arjun asserts dominance to protect Preethi

In a junior classroom, Arjun asserts himself and intimidates others who pursue Preethi, claiming she belongs to him. Preethi feels uneasy at first but grows more comfortable as their relationship deepens. This encounter marks the start of their intimate bond.

early in their relationship College classroom, Mangalore

Arjun defends Preethi from trouble

When Amit from the opposing team misbehaves with Preethi, Arjun beats him up to defend her honor and warns him to back off. He also promises to stand as her brother in his absence. The incident cements his protective stance over her.

shortly after they start dating Football field / college vicinity

Graduation and a move to Mussoorie

Arjun graduates with his MBBS degree and leaves for Mussoorie to pursue a Master’s in Orthopedic surgery. Years pass, and his bond with Preethi gradually strengthens despite the distance. This period marks his transition from student to specialist.

after MBBS graduation Mussoorie, India

Family wedding plans collide with cultural tension

Back home, the family celebrates Gautham’s forthcoming wedding while Arjun challenges Preethi’s parents about their consent. Devdas disapproves of their relationship due to Arjun’s brash behaviour and caste differences. The conflict foreshadows a larger family and social pressure.

before arranged marriage Preethi's family home

Grandmother's counsel on marriage

Arjun’s grandmother explains that marriage involves two families and encourages him to persuade Preethi’s father. She shares her own experiences to urge patience and diplomacy. Her words plant seeds for a potential bridge between the families.

before confrontation with Devdas Arjun’s family home

Ultimatum to Preethi

Arjun confronts Devdas and is insulted again, prompting him to give Preethi a six-hour ultimatum to choose between him and the arranged marriage. The ultimatum intensifies the mounting pressure from her family. The couple’s future hangs in the balance.

before arranged marriage Preethi's home

Forced marriage and heartbreak

Preethi is taken to an arranged marriage after her parents seal the match with another suitor. She attempts to go to the groom’s house but finds the man heavily drunk and morphine-poisoned, leaving him unconscious for 36 hours. Meanwhile, Gautham also marries, and Arjun learns of these events from Shiva after regaining his senses.

marriage day sequence Preethi's home; groom's house

Disgrace and eviction

Devastated by the turn of events, Arjun is humiliated and beaten, and his father Dhanunjay Reddy ejects him from the family home. The fracture in the family pushes him into a period of isolation and self-reproach. He struggles with his identity and place in the world.

immediately after the marriage events Family home

A new life and coping mechanisms

Shiva helps Arjun rent a flat and secure a position at a corporate hospital as a surgeon. To cope with trauma, he begins drinking, smoking, taking drugs, and chasing casual encounters, but none of these provide real healing. His personal turmoil starts to clash with his professional image.

post-eviction New flat; corporate hospital

Professional acclaim meets personal turmoil

Arjun becomes a highly skilled surgeon with a high surgery count, though colleagues fear his volatile temper. He pursues a no-strings-attached relationship with actress Jia Sharma, who initially agrees to keep it casual but grows to care for him as she falls in love. He struggles to sustain companionship beyond physical intimacy.

during career peak Hospital

Crash, confession, and suspension

Even while on leave, Arjun performs a life-saving surgery but collapses from dehydration due to intoxication. Blood tests reveal cocaine and alcohol, triggering a formal case. Gautham hires an intelligent advocate and an in-house court hearing is held, leading to his ethical confession and a five-year medical license suspension.

during investigation Hospital and in-house court

Funeral, reconciliation, and renewal

After his grandmother’s funeral, Arjun reconciles with his father and renounces his self-destructive habits. He goes on a restorative vacation, taking stock of his life and family. The period marks a turning point toward rebuilding his sense of self.

after grandmother's funeral Family home

Pregnant Preethi and a second chance

On the way to the airport, Arjun spots a pregnant Preethi in a park but chooses to continue his vacation. Upon reuniting after the trip, she reveals the child is his, and they resolve their misunderstandings. They marry with their families’ blessing.

after vacation Park; later their home

A new life together

Devdas visits and apologizes for his earlier insensitivity, paving the way for a peaceful life for Arjun and Preethi. They embark on a fresh chapter with family support and a shared future. The story closes on a note of reconciliation and renewed hope.

after marriage Preethi's home / their home

Arjun Reddy Characters

Explore all characters from Arjun Reddy (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Arjun Reddy Deshmukh (Vijay Deverakonda)

A brilliant but impulsive house surgeon whose anger and raw drive fuel both his medical talent and his social missteps. His relentless intensity strains peers and authority, while his heartbreak over Preethi drives him into self-destructive cycles. Over the course of the story he confronts his flaws, spirals, and seeks a tempered path forward. His journey examines whether passion can coexist with responsibility.

🔥 Hot-headed 💔 Passionate 🧭 Conflicted 🩺 Gifted surgeon

Preethi Shetty (Shalini Pandey)

A first-year student who captures Arjun's attention and becomes the anchor of his emotional world. She navigates a demanding relationship under pressure from family and caste expectations. Her resilience and agency help drive the couple toward a more mature understanding, even amid societal obstacles. She embodies the tension between personal choice and family duty.

💃 Strong-willed 🧭 Independent ❤️ Complex 👩‍🎓 College student

Shiva (Rahul Ramakrishna)

Arjun's loyal friend who acts as a stabilizing counterpoint to his volatility. He offers practical advice, supports Arjun through his darkest times, and helps him reconnect with family. Shiva represents the humane voice that counterbalances reckless impulses. His presence anchors the narrative’s emotional grounding.

🤝 Loyal 💬 Wise 🔧 Problem-solver 🧠 Compassionate

Devdas Shetty (Gopinath Bhat)

Preethi's father, a stern and traditional figure who disapproves of the relationship due to caste and his protective stance over his daughter. He embodies the social pressures and rigid expectations that complicate love across divides. His actions propel key confrontations and force Arjun to confront social boundaries. He remains a central obstacle the couple must navigate.

👔 Traditionalist 🗣️ Authority-driven 🧭 Caste-conscious

Gautham (Kamal Kamaraju)

Arjun's brother, whose own impending wedding becomes a backdrop to the family dynamics. He represents the traditional path and the expectations of familial duty. His marriage signals a contrast to Arjun's chaotic journey and adds pressure on Arjun to find his own place within the family network.

🕊️ Family man 🧭 Dutiful 🫶 Caring

Vipul (Priyadarshi Pullikonda)

A shrewd advocate who orchestrates a high-stakes court hearing to defend Arjun's professional standing. He navigates legal and ethical complexities, reflecting the intersection of medicine, law, and reputation. His role underscores the consequences of professional missteps and the path to accountability.

⚖️ Legal mind 🧠 Strategic 🗣️ Sharp

Arjun Reddy Settings

Learn where and when Arjun Reddy (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

Present day

The narrative unfolds in contemporary India, depicting urban and semi-urban life around medical education and hospital work. It tracks a young doctor's rise, fall, and eventual attempt at reconciliation within modern social dynamics. The timeframe supports current issues like addiction, caste considerations, and evolving relationships.

Location

Mangalore, Mussoorie

The primary setting centers on St. Mary's Medical College in Mangalore, a coastal city with a bustling medical community. The story also shifts to Mussoorie, a hill station where Arjun pursues a higher degree, creating a stark contrast with the hospital environment. Key scenes unfold in homes, parks, and hospital corridors, highlighting family dynamics and social expectations around relationships.

🏙️ Coastal city 🏥 Medical education hub 🎓 College town

Arjun Reddy Themes

Discover the main themes in Arjun Reddy (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


❤️

Love and Possession

Arjun's intense devotion to Preethi often veers into possessiveness, fueling volatile outbursts and conflict. The film examines how love can blur into control when fear of loss dominates judgment. It questions whether a relationship grounded in passion can mature into mutual trust within traditional social bounds.

💊

Descent and Recovery

The story follows Arjun's battle with self-destructive habits as a coping mechanism for heartbreak. Addiction and reckless behavior reveal how trauma reshapes identity and choices. A turning point arrives through confession, accountability, and the slow process of rebuilding a life with support from friends and family.

👪

Family and Tradition

Family expectations and caste dynamics steer critical decisions, from Preethi's arranged-marriage pressure to parental disapproval. Elders offer guidance while social norms push for conformity. The arc culminates in a reconciliation aimed at balancing personal happiness with family acceptance.

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Arjun Reddy Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Arjun Reddy (2017). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In the bustling corridors of St. Mary’s Medical College, Arjun Reddy stands out as a prodigious surgeon whose brilliance is matched only by his fierce temperament. The film immerses viewers in the high‑stakes world of medical training, where long hours, relentless competition, and a culture that both celebrates and tolerates impulsive confidence shape every interaction. Amidst this pressure, Arjun wrestles with an inner fire that fuels his academic success while threatening to burn bridges with peers and mentors alike.

Enter Preethi Shetty, a fresh‑face freshman whose quiet resolve and gentle demeanor contrast sharply with Arjun’s volatility. Their connection begins in the cramped junior classroom, sparking a relationship that feels both inevitable and precarious. The chemistry between them hints at a love that could temper his edge, yet also expose vulnerabilities he’s long hidden. Their bond unfolds against the backdrop of a college steeped in tradition, where expectations about caste, family honor, and social hierarchy linger like an unspoken syllabus.

Supporting characters such as Shiva, Arjun’s loyal friend, and members of his close‑knit family add layers to his world, offering glimpses of camaraderie, mentorship, and the weight of generational expectations. The narrative tones itself with raw intensity, balancing moments of passionate romance with the stark realism of a medical environment that demands precision even as emotions run high. Through vivid cinematography and a kinetic soundtrack, the film paints a portrait of a young man teetering on the brink—driven by talent, haunted by anger, and yearning for a love that might finally anchor him.

Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.


© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.