Chithha 2023

Eeswaran bonds with his niece Sundari

Eeswaran, a government employee from Palani, forms a close, protective bond with his eight-year-old niece Sundari. He watches over her and provides steady support as he balances his duties. The two share daily moments that cultivate trust and care between them.

Ponni and Sundari plan to see deer after school

Ponni, Sundari's close friend, misreads her elder sister's romantic talk as a hint about deer in a nearby forest. The girls decide after school to visit the forest area to look for the animals. They set a plan to head there together after school.

Sundari leaves Ponni; Ponni is assaulted

The girls board an auto rickshaw toward the forest, but Sundari grows frightened and pulls away, while Ponni continues alone toward the area. There, Ponni is sexually assaulted by the auto rickshaw driver. The incident marks a dark turn in the day’s plans.

Ponni's father accuses Eeswaran

The day after Ponni's assault, Ponni's father questions Eeswaran’s involvement as a guardian. The accusation creates tension and prompts questions about trust and responsibility within the community. Investigations begin to determine the truth.

Ponni recovers; Eeswaran is cleared

Ponni regains consciousness and recovers from the assault’s impact. The investigation reveals that Eeswaran did not assault Ponni, clearing his name. The community works to move past the accusation and support Ponni’s recovery.

Sundari leaves school and is kidnapped

Sundari leaves school unaccompanied and soon disappears. It becomes clear that she has been abducted by a pedophile, setting off a fresh wave of fear and urgency for her safe return. The family and police begin a new, intensive search.

Sundari is kept captive for days

Authorities and Eeswaran join the search as Sundari remains in captivity for several days. The kidnapper’s whereabouts stay elusive, and the community endures the strain of the prolonged mystery. The investigation intensifies with every passing day.

Police arrest Ponni's abuser

During the investigation, police capture a suspect who appears to be Ponni's abuser—the auto rickshaw driver. The arrest brings some relief, though the full truth of Sundari’s abduction remains unresolved. The case grows more complex as more facts surface.

Sundari's abuser is a different criminal

It becomes clear that Sundari’s abuser is not the arrested driver; another criminal is responsible for her kidnapping. The investigation pivots to locate and prosecute the actual perpetrator. This new lead shifts the focus of justice and danger for Sundari’s safety.

Eeswaran stabs the abuser in revenge

In a moment driven by pain and perceived injustice, Eeswaran confronts and stabs the man who harmed Ponni. The act embodies a feud between vengeance and moral restraint, pressing Eeswaran to confront the consequences of violence.

Shakthi urges forgiveness; Eeswaran contemplates vengeance

Eeswaran’s girlfriend Shakthi shares her own history of assault and urges him to let go of revenge. Her perspective weighs heavily as he grapples with anger and what it means to protect loved ones without becoming what harmed them.

Eeswaran chooses Sundari's care over revenge

Ultimately, Eeswaran decides to focus on Sundari’s safety and well-being rather than pursuing further violence. He dedicates himself to healing the family and ensuring Sundari’s protection as they move forward.