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Boss Engira Baskaran (2010) Plot Summary & Timeline

Boss Engira Baskaran (2010) movie poster

Boss Engira Baskaran is a 2010 drama and comedy film directed by M. Rajesh, running 2 hours 40 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 512 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 12 key events in order, 10 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Boss Engira Baskaran.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
12
characters profiled
10
themes explained
3
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Boss Engira Baskaran (2010) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 40m
Director
M. Rajesh
Genres
Drama, Comedy, Action
Original language
Tamil
No spoilers

What Is Boss Engira Baskaran About?

The premise of Boss Engira Baskaran in 250 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustling streets of Kumbakonam, a town where tradition and youthful mischief coexist, the story follows a breezy, under‑graduated student whose life has been stretched by endless arrear examinations. Bhaskaran is a carefree spirit, living with his widowed mother and siblings, and sharing his days with a loyal friend who runs a modest salon inherited through a quirky dowry. Their camaraderie is rooted in light‑hearted banter and a shared desire to break free from the routine that keeps them anchored.

Everything shifts when Bhaskaran meets an elegant college lecturer, whose poise and intellect instantly captivate him. Chandrika exudes confidence, and her presence ignites a restless determination in the protagonist to win her affection and, perhaps, prove his worth beyond the classroom. Enlisting the help of his ever‑resourceful side‑kick, the duo hatches a series of well‑meaning but hilariously misguided plans, each more outlandish than the last, to catch her eye and launch a promising career of their own making.

The tone of the film is a breezy blend of romance and slapstick comedy, where everyday setbacks blossom into comedic set‑pieces. The chemistry between the earnest romantic and his scheming companion fuels a cascade of chaotic moments that keep the audience laughing while rooting for their earnest ambitions. Amidst the chaotic chase, the narrative paints a vivid picture of small‑town life, familial expectations, and the universal quest for love—and all of it unfolds with a playful, feel‑good energy that promises both heart and humor without revealing the outcomes of their antics.

Full plot

What Happens in Boss Engira Baskaran?

The complete story of Boss Engira Baskaran, from the first scene to the last, in 512 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 10 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Bhaskaran Arya Boss is a cheerful, carefree youth in Kumbakonam who has yet to finish his B.A. degree, spending years writing arrear examinations. His only friend, Nallathambi Santhanam, owns a saloon that came to him as a dowry when he married a woman who was two months pregnant. During an arrear exam, Boss crosses paths with Chandrika Nayanthara Shanmugasundaram, a lecturer, and he is instantly drawn to her, even though she disapproves of him after he attempted to copy during an invigilated exam.

Boss lives with his widowed mother Sivakami Lakshmi Ramakrishnan, his elder brother Saravanan Subbu Panchu, and his younger sister Nithya, who is a college student. When Saravanan marries Nandhini Vijayalakshmi, Boss discovers that Nandhini’s younger sister is Chandrika. Though Chandrika is older than him, he wishes to marry her. He proposes to her and she mocks him, but he remains resolute. When he approaches her family for the alliance, his unemployment is repeatedly mentioned, so he leaves his house to prove himself.

Boss faces many obstacles in his path to prove himself. He is insulted by Shanmugasundaram Chitra Lakshmanan, and he does not even have a place to live. After many difficulties, Boss, with the support of Nallathambi, establishes a tutorial centre for Class X students. Nallathambi gets money from Velpandi Rajendran, a local don, who signs an agreement that if his son Paalpandi Kumki Ashwin does not pass the examination, he will take Nallathambi’s property and make him work in his cow dung place.

Velpandi reveals his family history: his father, in his Class X examination, forced his teacher to write the examination. Velpandi, during his own exam, wrote only four words in his paper with an aruval symbol, blackmailing the teacher into making him pass or risk being killed. Paalpandi sleeps in the examination hall, and if anyone tries to wake him, he will bite the teacher’s hand. However, Paalpandi eventually starts to study and makes others listen in the class when Boss appoints a blind teacher. Despite early setbacks, Boss makes a very heavy profit on the deal, while his students top the examinations in the state and Paalpandi passes the examination with favourable marks. Velpandi tears the agreement, offers Nallathambi a huge amount of money with no interest, and appreciates him for making Paalpandi pass. It also convinces Chandrika to reciprocate his love. However, Shanmugasundaram opposes their marriage as revenge for not having sanctioned a loan to Boss.

Shiva Jiiva, a supposed teetotaller and the son of a businessman who is Shanmugasundaram’s friend, is introduced as Chandrika’s prospective groom. Boss then confronts Shiva, revealing to him that he loves Chandrika. The two get into a fight soon after, but when Shanmugasundaram arrives at the spot, he learns the truth: Shiva and Boss are now friends and the whole fight was just a drama set by Nallathambi. Shiva supports Boss and Chandrika. Under Shiva and Boss’s orders, a disappointed Shanmugasundaram is forced to unite Boss and Chandrika. It is revealed that M. Rajesh called Shiva and told him to stop fighting and unite Boss and Chandrika.

Timeline

Boss Engira Baskaran Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

12 key events in the order they happen, from “Boss meets Chandrika during an arrear exam” to “Resolution: Boss and Chandrika unite”. 12 events name a place, across 7 locations.

  1. 1

    Boss meets Chandrika during an arrear exam

    In Kumbakonam, the cheerful Boss runs into Chandrika during an arrear examination. He is instantly drawn to her, even though she disapproves of his attempt to copy. This moment sets the spark for their complicated relationship.

    Where:Kumbakonam

  2. 2

    Chandrika is revealed to be Nandhini's sister

    Boss learns that Chandrika is the younger sister of his sister-in-law Nandhini after Saravanan marries Nandhini. The revelation complicates his pursuit, since family ties influence his path to marriage. The unfolding dynamic drives him to prove himself more than ever.

    Where:Kumbakonam

  3. 3

    Boss decides to prove himself and leaves home

    Unemployment among his family is repeatedly cited as the reason he must prove himself. Boss resolves to win Chandrika and a future by showing he can stand on his own. He leaves home in search of a path to success.

    Where:Kumbakonam

  4. 4

    Boss faces hardship and is insulted by Shanmugasundaram

    Boss endures several obstacles and is insulted by Shanmugasundaram, who represents the social pressure against him. He also loses his shelter, making his struggle very personal. The hardships underline his determination to change his fate.

    Where:Kumbakonam

  5. 5

    Nallathambi helps Boss start a Class X tutoring centre

    With Nallathambi's support, Boss launches a tutorial centre to help Class X students. The venture gradually becomes profitable as the students begin to top examinations in the state. This marks Boss's first major step toward financial independence.

    Where:Kumbakonam

  6. 6

    Velpandi's blackmail threat is revealed

    Velpandi, a local don, signs an agreement that if his son Paalpandi fails the examination, Nallathambi will lose his property and be forced to work in Velpandi's cow-dung place. The threat underscores the leverage Velpandi holds over the system. The deal foreshadows the high-stakes environment Boss is navigating.

    Where:Local don Velpandi's area

  7. 7

    Paalpandi's strange exam antics and awakening

    Velpandi explains his family history of manipulation in exams and Paalpandi's bizarre sleeping in the examination hall; waking him would provoke a bite. Over time, Paalpandi begins to listen as Boss assigns a blind teacher, and his study method changes. The tutoring center becomes a catalyst for real learning.

    Where:Examination hall / school

  8. 8

    Paalpandi proves his capability; Velpandi tears the agreement

    Paalpandi eventually studies and passes the examination with favourable marks, causing Velpandi to tear up the original agreement. Velpandi also offers Nallathambi a large, no-interest sum and praises him. Chandrika's love in return for this turn of events becomes more certain.

    Where:Exams center / school

  9. 9

    Shanmugasundaram opposes the marriage

    Shanmugasundaram opposes Boss and Chandrika's marriage, claiming revenge for Boss's earlier failure to obtain a loan. The opposition adds tension and makes their union seem unlikely. Boss and Chandrika's commitment remains tested by this gatekeeper of tradition.

    Where:Chandrika's home town

  10. 10

    Shiva's introduction as Chandrika's prospective groom

    Shiva, a seemingly teetotaler and son of a businessman, is introduced as Chandrika's prospective groom. Boss reveals his love for Chandrika, and a confrontation with Shiva ensues, threatening the couple's future. The clash is later revealed as a staged drama orchestrated by Nallathambi.

    Where:Town square

  11. 11

    The drama unravels and alliances form

    When Shanmugasundaram confronts them, it becomes clear that the fight was a ruse. Shiva and Boss team up, and Shanmugasundaram returns to the fold, realizing the manipulations. Nallathambi uses the ruse to unite Boss and Chandrika with renewed resolve.

    Where:Kumbakonam / town

  12. 12

    Resolution: Boss and Chandrika unite

    Under the guidance of Shiva and Boss, Shanmugasundaram relents and unites Boss and Chandrika. M. Rajesh even instructed Shiva to end the quarrel and bring the couple together. The story ends with the couple's union and the triumph over obstacles.

    Where:Kumbakonam

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Boss Engira Baskaran?

10 characters, among them Bhaskaran (Boss) - Arya, Chandrika Shanmugasundaram - Nayanthara and Nallathambi - Santhanam: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • B(

    Bhaskaran (Boss) - Arya

    Played by Arya

    A cheerful, carefree youth in Kumbakonam who has yet to finish his BA and spends years clearing arrears. He eagerly pursues Chandrika and overcomes numerous obstacles with grit, creativity, and his friend Nallathambi's help. He is determined to prove himself, even when faced with unemployment and family opposition, and ultimately channels his energy into teaching others.

    • 💖 Romantic lead
    • 🧠 Resourceful
    • 🛠️ Problem solver
  • CS

    Chandrika Shanmugasundaram - Nayanthara

    Played by Nayanthara

    A lecturer who initially disapproves of Boss after he attempted to copy during an exam. She is the daughter of Shanmugasundaram and becomes Boss's love interest, navigating pride, family expectations, and social obstacles along the way.

    • 👩‍🏫 Lecturer
    • 💖 Love interest
    • 💪 Independent
  • Santhanam as Nallathambi - Santhanam in Boss Engira Baskaran

    Nallathambi - Santhanam

    Played by Santhanam

    Boss's best friend who owns a saloon; his support and wit help Boss start a tutoring center. He orchestrates plans and even arranges funding to keep Boss’s dream afloat, showing loyalty and resourcefulness.

    • 🤝 Loyal friend
    • 🧠 Clever
    • 🎭 Comedian
  • Rajendran as Velpandi - Rajendran in Boss Engira Baskaran

    Velpandi - Rajendran

    Played by Rajendran

    A local don who exerts pressure and crafts a web of leverage around Boss and his family. He reveals a troubling family history and uses threats and deals to attempt to control outcomes, only to be countered by Boss and his allies.

    • 💼 Don
    • 💵 Power broker
  • S-

    Shanmugasundaram - Chitra Lakshmanan

    Played by Chitra Lakshmanan

    Chandrika's father and a stern lecturer who opposes the marriage due to past decisions on loans. His authority looms large, but circumstances eventually compel him to reconcile the couple.

    • 👨‍🏫 Father figure
    • 🧭 Authority
  • S-

    Sivakami - Lakshmi Ramakrishnan

    Played by Lakshmi Ramakrishnan

    Boss's widowed mother who provides emotional support and keeps the family grounded. Her presence anchors the emotional core of Boss’s ambitions.

    • ❤️ Maternal
    • 🛡️ Supportive
  • P-

    Paalpandi - Kumki Ashwin

    Played by Kumki Ashwin

    Velpandi's son, initially a wayward student who sleeps in examinations, but through Boss's tutoring he begins to listen and ultimately passes with favorable marks.

    • 👦 Student
    • 🧠 Learner
  • S-

    Shiva - Jiiva

    Played by Jiiva

    A supposed teetotaler and Chandrika's prospective groom whose confrontation with Boss is revealed to be a staged drama by Nallathambi. He ultimately becomes a friend and ally of Boss and Chandrika.

    • 🤝 Ally
    • 🕺 Entertainer
  • NS

    Nandhini Shanmugasundaram - Vijayalakshmi

    Played by Vijayalakshmi

    Nandhini is Chandrika's elder sister who marries Saravanan; Boss discovers that Chandrika is Nandhini's younger sister, which ties family ties into the central romance.

    • 👪 Family
    • 🧭 Social ties
  • S-

    Saravanan - Subbu Panchu

    Played by Subbu Panchu

    Boss's elder brother who marries Nandhini, adding to the family dynamics and the support network around Boss.

    • 🤝 Brother
    • 🕴️ Family man
Setting

Where and When Is Boss Engira Baskaran Set?

Boss Engira Baskaran is set in Kumbakonam and Tamil Nadu. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

The story unfolds in Kumbakonam, a historic temple town in Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its temples, educational culture, and bustling street life that frame the comedy and romance. Its close-knit community serves as a backdrop for Boss's attempts to prove himself and win his love.

  • 🗺️ Kumbakonam
  • 🕌 Temple town
  • 🎓 Education hub
Themes

What Are the Themes of Boss Engira Baskaran?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Romance, Education and Friendship.

  1. 01

    Romance

    Boss's pursuit of Chandrika is central to the romance plot. Chandrika initially disapproves of him after he tried to copy during an exam, creating social friction. Family opposition and local rivals add comedic and dramatic tension as the couple navigates obstacles. The lovers are ultimately guided toward union through persistence and mutual respect.

  2. 02

    Education

    Boss and his friend Nallathambi turn hardship into opportunity by starting a tutorial center for Class X students. With Velpandi's backing (and later conflict), the venture becomes a way to outsmart the adversaries and to help students top the state exams. The success underscores education as empowerment and social mobility. Paalpandi's passing marks highlight the impact of their teaching method.

  3. 03

    Friendship

    Nallathambi's loyalty and wit anchor the film, helping Boss chase his dreams. Their friendship fuels plans to win Chandrika and outwit rivals. The interactions with Shiva, who becomes an ally rather than a rival, reinforce themes of loyalty and collaboration. The trio's efforts culminate in a united couple and a restored harmony.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Boss Engira Baskaran?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A cheerful and fast-paced romantic comedy filled with slapstick mishaps and a determined hero's journey to prove himself, creating a fun and optimistic viewing experience.

  • comedic
  • romantic
  • lighthearted
  • slapstick
  • playful
  • aspirational
  • romantic pursuit
  • coming of age
  • cram school
  • underdog story

Quiz

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FAQ

Boss Engira Baskaran Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Boss Engira Baskaran, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Boss Engira Baskaran about?

In the bustling streets of Kumbakonam, a town where tradition and youthful mischief coexist, the story follows a breezy, under‑graduated student whose life has been stretched by endless arrear examinations.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Boss Engira Baskaran take place?

Boss Engira Baskaran is set in Kumbakonam and Tamil Nadu. The story unfolds in Kumbakonam, a historic temple town in Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its temples, educational culture, and bustling street life that frame the comedy and romance.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Boss Engira Baskaran?

The story follows Bhaskaran (Boss) - Arya (played by Arya), Chandrika Shanmugasundaram - Nayanthara (played by Nayanthara), Nallathambi - Santhanam (played by Santhanam) and Velpandi - Rajendran (played by Rajendran); the character guide covers 10 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Boss Engira Baskaran?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Romance, Education and Friendship.

The themes explained

Who directed Boss Engira Baskaran?

Boss Engira Baskaran (2010) was directed by M. Rajesh and runs 2 hours 40 minutes.

M. Rajesh’s films

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