What Is By The People About?
The premise of By The People in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a restless college town where dreams are weighed against a bureaucracy that seems designed to crush them, a quiet fire ignites among a handful of students. When a peer’s desperate plea for a study loan is met with cold indifference, the campus atmosphere shifts from ordinary pressure to a palpable sense of injustice. The university, once a place of learning, now feels like a battlefield of hidden power plays, and the mood is charged with a blend of youthful idealism and simmering anger that threatens to spill over.
Against this backdrop, Rajan Mathew finds himself pulled back from an administrative desk into the front lines of a system he thought he had left behind. Formerly moved aside after a violent clash, he now carries the weight of both his past actions and the expectations of a police force that still believes in his resolve. Alongside him, Arvind Sebastian, Eswar and Shafeek—the remnants of a once‑tight trio now caught in legal limbo—watch the campus unrest from the outside, their own frustrations echoing the students’ call for change.
From the shadows of lecture halls and the bustling streets, a new coalition begins to take shape. Calling themselves Pulse, the group draws together an unlikely mix of a porter, an auto‑driver, a one‑legged activist and other everyday citizens who have grown weary of the same stale corruption. Their gatherings pulse with raw energy, a collective heartbeat that promises to challenge the entrenched decay of the education system. The film settles into a tense, almost noir‑tinged atmosphere, where the lines between law, rebellion, and morality blur, and each character must confront what they are willing to sacrifice for a cause that feels both personal and universal.
What Happens in By The People?
The complete story of By The People, from the first scene to the last, in 514 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Two years after the events in 4 the People, Rajan Mathew [narain] has moved into an administrative post after being shifted for his role in the earlier clashes, while the remaining trio—Arvind Sebastian [arun], Eswar [arjun-bose], and Shafeek [padma-kumar]—sit behind bars. Inspired by the four, a band of college students calling themselves Pulse forms a more aggressive crew to fight corruption, sparked by a brutal incident where a student’s suicide is mocked and she is denied a loan. The group’s spark becomes a blaze as a porter, Sudhakaran [vinayakan], an auto driver, Sathyan [sreejith-ravi], and a one-legged member rally under the banner of “By the people.”
The new insurgents begin striking at corrupt figures, starting with the bank manager who abetted the student’s tragedy. Soon, more targets fall, and Rajan is reinstated as SP to track and corral the escalating menace. When the four learn of his return, they kidnap him and work to win the trust of his wife through their ally Kamini. Rajan’s investigation then cuts a path toward a powerful kingmaker and minister, Paramasivam, who wields control over media and politics. Rajan records conversations between Paramasivam, godman Harihar ji, and other tycoons in a bid to expose them, but a rotten system bites back: his own superiors betray him, he’s attacked for the tape, his pregnant wife is murdered, and the incriminating footage goes missing. He is reassigned as a Jail Superintendent, while the remaining members of the original four are imprisoned. The crushing realization hits him: the system is compromised, and those he once trusted are against him.
Four students launch an assault on Paramasivam at his vacation house, aiming to bomb him when he arrives, but they are ultimately killed. With the Pulse faction now aligned with By the people, Rajan becomes their chief adviser, dedicating himself to eradicating corruption and seeking vengeance. The first victim is inspector Thomas, Rajan’s corrupt former superior, killed when a roller coaster he inaugurates goes off track—an act orchestrated by the group. Investigating officer Balan Nambiar arrives at their door, hot on the trail but lacking solid evidence; he senses that Harihar ji and Paramasivam may be next. Hariharji is killed at a resort, and Rajan’s videotape resurfaces when a junkyard owner returns it to the media. Although the footage becomes public, it fails to serve as court evidence, and Paramasivam is acquitted.
The team hatches a final plan to extinguish Paramasivam at a rally, aided by a network of supporters. Kamini is nabbed while attempting to bomb the minister, and Sathyan, Sudhakaran, and others are shot or captured by Balan. Paramasivam pushes ahead with the rally, which culminates at a Portugal cultural festival. Rajan swiftly frees the imprisoned members of “By the people”, who arrive incognito at the venue and assassinate Paramasivam at point-blank range. Balan pursues them but discovers them behind bars again, with no evidence of their escape. As he leaves, he praises Rajan for a clever, trace-free takedown of the corrupt cabal, and with a final nod to the band Pulse, he mutters the signature line:
Hasta la vista
By The People Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Rajan's setback and the rise of By the People” to “Balan closes the case; Hasta la Vista”. 13 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Rajan's setback and the rise of By the People
Two years after the events of 4 the People, Rajan Mathew has been reassigned to an administrative post after being involved in the killing of Vivek. The remaining three members, Arvind, Eshwar, and Shafeek, are jailed. Meanwhile, a college band named Pulse inspires a new, more ruthless group called By the People to fight corruption by any means.
When:Two years after the events of 4 the People
- 2
First strike of By the People: the bank manager
A group inspired by the four kills a corrupt bank manager who abetted a student's suicide after she was denied a loan. The operation is carried out by the By the People team with Pulse members assisting. This marks the first major violent act of the new movement.
When:Soon after formation Where:Bank
- 3
Rajan is reinstated to nab the group
Rajan Mathew is reinstated as Superintendent of Police to pursue the newly formed vigilante group. The reintegration shifts the pursuit from individual crime to a high-stakes chase against By the People. He begins assembling the case against them.
When:After the first killings Where:Police Headquarters
- 4
Kidnap plan: By the People target Rajan
The By the People learn of Rajan's reinstatement and decide to kidnap him, intending to build trust with his wife Kamini through their ally. The plan foreshadows a strategy to penetrate the police leadership and manipulate the system. The move signals the group's willingness to exploit personal ties for influence.
When:After Rajan's reinstatement Where:Rajan's residence
- 5
Investigation widens to Paramasivam
Rajan's investigation leads him to Paramasivam, a kingmaker minister who controls media and political parties. He begins videotaping conversations with Harihar ji and other tycoons to expose their corrupt network. However, his corrupt superiors betray him, compromising the pursuit.
When:During the investigation
- 6
Attack, tragedy, and political betrayal
Rajan's attempt to bring the conspiracy to light ends in disaster: he is attacked, his pregnant wife is murdered, and he is crippled; the crucial videotape is lost. He is then reassigned to jail, while the remaining four of the original group are imprisoned. The system's betrayal leaves him embittered.
When:After the attack Where:Jail
- 7
Four Pulse students attack Paramasivam and die
Four Pulse students lead an attack on Paramasivam at his vacation house, intending to bomb him when he arrives. Their plan fails, they are trapped, and they are killed by security or fate. The assault raises the stakes for the movement.
When:After Rajan's downfall Where:Paramasivam's vacation house
- 8
Rajan joins By the People as advisor
Following these events, Rajan joins hands with By the People as their prime advisor to fight corruption and avenge themselves. He becomes a central strategist in their operations and planning.
When:After the vacation-house incident Where:With By the People
- 9
Thomas dies on a rigged roller coaster
Inspector Thomas, Rajan's corrupt superior, is killed when a roller coaster he inaugurates goes off track. The death demonstrates the group's reach and willingness to strike at the heart of the corrupt chain of command.
When:Early in the campaign Where:Roller coaster inauguration
- 10
Balan Nambiar investigates and Hariharji is targeted
Investigating officer Balan Nambiar arrives, following clues left by the group but lacking evidence. He tries to protect Hariharji and Paramasivam, but Hariharji is killed by the team at a resort.
When:During investigation Where:Resort
Show the other 5 events of By The People Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Rajan's videotape surfaces and Paramasivam is acquitted
Rajan's videotape is found by a Junkyard owner and handed to the media. The tape goes public, but the court refuses it as evidence, leading to Paramasivam's acquittal. The system's flaws deepen the conflict.
When:Public exposure Where:Junkyard / Media
- 12
Rally plan, Kamini captured; others nabbed
The group plots to eliminate Paramasivam at a rally, staging it with various allies. Kamini is captured while attempting to bomb the minister; Sathyan, Sudhakaran, and others are shot or arrested by Balan.
When:During the rally planning Where:Rally venue
- 13
Paramasivam pushes to Portugal festival
Paramasivam continues the rally toward a Portugal cultural festival, showing his political stamina and the regime's persistence despite setbacks.
When:Rally progresses to festival Where:Portugal cultural festival venue
- 14
Paramasivam is assassinated by By the People
Rajan releases the incarcerated 4 the People and they arrive incognito at the venue to assassinate Paramasivam at point blank. The act marks a dramatic turning point in their campaign.
When:During the Portugal festival rally Where:Portugal festival venue
- 15
Balan closes the case; Hasta la Vista
Balan pursues the perpetrators but finds them behind bars, with no evidence that they had ever left the cells. He commends Rajan for his clever tactic in annihilating the caucus by leaving no trace of the act, bidding him Hasta la vista.
When:Ending Where:Jail
Who Are the Main Characters in By The People?
6 characters, among them Rajan Mathew (Narain), Arvind Sebastian (Arun) and Eswar Iyyer (Arjun Bose): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- RM
Rajan Mathew (Narain)
Played by Narain
A former police officer turned administrator, Rajan is weary of a corrupt system. After being transferred for killing a member of the original four, he is later reinstated as SP to pursue them, only to discover betrayals within his own ranks. He adopts a pragmatic, strategic approach and ultimately collaborates with the By the People to orchestrate a no-trace end to the conspiracy.
- 🧭 Pragmatic
- 🛡️ Strategic
- 🕊️ Justice-seeker
- AS
Arvind Sebastian (Arun)
Played by Arun
One of the original four, Arvind Sebastian embodies idealism and determination in the anti-corruption crusade. After their actions, he is imprisoned along with his allies. He remains committed to reform and to the cause despite the consequences.
- 🎯 Idealist
- 🗝️ Loyalist
- EI
Eswar Iyyer (Arjun Bose)
Played by Arjun Bose
Eswar is a fierce member of the four, driven by anger toward corruption and a readiness to take bold actions. He participates in the group’s militant plans and contributes to their confrontations with powerful interests.
- 💥 Aggressive
- 🧭 Loyal
- S(
Shafeeq (Padma Kumar)
Played by Padma Kumar
A member of the imprisoned core, Shafeeq contributes to the group’s coordinated effort against corrupt power. He endures the crackdown alongside his allies, remaining committed to their shared cause.
- 🗝️ Committed
- 🛡️ Loyal
- S(
Sathyan (Sreejith Ravi)
Played by Sreejith Ravi
A one-legged auto driver who joins Pulse’s pursuit of justice, Sathyan embodies grit and resourcefulness. He fights as part of the movement but meets the violence of the crackdown, being shot or nabbed during the purge.
- 🚶♂️ Resilient
- 🗡️ Fighter
- S(
Sudhakaran (Vinayakan)
Played by Vinayakan
A street porter who becomes part of Pulse, Sudhakaran brings practical street-level support to the anti-corruption campaign. He shares the risks of engaging in violent pursuits and faces arrest or worse as the crackdown unfolds.
- 🧑🔧 Loyal
- 🛡️ Resourceful
Where and When Is By The People Set?
By The People is set in India (Present day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present day
Set in a contemporary era, the film situates itself in a modern political landscape where media, crime and governance intersect. Actions unfold with present-day tactics, including videotaped conversations and public exposure. The urgency is fueled by ongoing corruption and the pursuit of accountability.
Where
India
The story unfolds across India, moving from government offices and college campuses to banks, resorts, and public rallies. It shows the environment where corruption and reform collide, and vigilante acts ripple through society. The backdrop includes a vacation house, a junkyard and the tense political milieu.
- 🏙️ Urban India
- 🗳️ Politics
- 🧭 Society
What Are the Themes of By The People?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Vigilantism, Media Power and Systemic Corruption.
-
01
Vigilantism
A vigilante impulse drives the plot, as a group seeks immediate justice against corrupt figures. The narrative explores the morality of taking the law into one’s own hands and the collateral damage that follows. It questions whether ends justify violent means when institutions fail to act.
-
02
Media Power
Media becomes a weapon and a shield in the battle against corruption. Public exposure of conversations and tapes shifts power, yet courts reject evidence, highlighting flaws in the system. The film shows how narratives can be shaped by those who control the press.
-
03
Systemic Corruption
The story exposes a web of corruption within political and judicial structures that enable impunity. It reveals how official complicity and bureaucratic inertia enable criminals to avoid accountability. The fight exposes the fragility of the rule of law when institutions crumble from within.
What Kind of Film Is By The People?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A fast-paced and intensely tense political thriller fueled by righteous anger and systemic corruption, where a relentless cycle of violence and betrayal creates a heavy, emotionally draining viewing experience.
- tense
- angry
- gritty
- determined
- somber
- desperate
- political corruption
- student activism
- revenge
- social justice
Content notes: suicide, murder, political violence, betrayal.
Quiz
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