Guru Sishyan 1988
Directed by
S. P. Muthuraman
Made by
P. A. Art Productions
Guru Sishyan Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Guru Sishyan (1988). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Soon-to-be-released convicts Raja and Babu cross paths with Manohar, who sits on death row. He reveals that his sister Sumathi was kidnapped by a taxi driver and taken to the notorious playboy Muthuraaj, who raped and killed her. Muthuraaj murdered the taxi driver and framed Manohar with his elder brother Rajamanickam, along with his ally Jayaram and a corrupt police inspector Nallasivam. Raja and Babu believe Manohar; Raja stalls his execution by fracturing his left arm. Once released, the two men initiate an elaborate plan.
Under the cover of a fake income tax raid, [Raja] and [Babu] search [Nallasivam]’s house and uncover a trove of illegally earned wealth, forcing his wife Kalyani to sign a paper confirming the wrongdoing. Nallasivam learns of the “raid” and threatens to arrest the pair, but they gain leverage by duplicating the signed document and spreading copies. The ruse sets the stage for a deeper, long game.
Raja soon falls for Geetha, a police inspector. He orders [Babu] to try to win over [Rajamanickam]’s daughter Chithra as part of the plan, but the scheme backfires when Geetha’s loyalties come into play. Raja discovers Geetha is Nallasivam’s daughter and fabricates a cover story about being a CBI officer. He uses this lie to blackmail Nallasivam into helping him infiltrate Muthuraaj’s service as a new bodyguard. [Babu] later genuinely falls for [Chithra], who returns the feeling. Although Raja soon reveals his true identity to Geetha, she accepts him despite the corrupt roots of her father.
Pressed by Raja, Nallasivam introduces [Babu] to [Rajamanickam] as a millionaire in love with Chithra; [Rajamanickam] arranges their marriage. During the ceremony, Babu declares that he knows the group’s crimes and will marry Chithra only if they confess in writing. When [Rajamanickam] refuses, Babu reveals his true identity and cancels the match, telling Chithra that her father refused to grant the dowry he asked for. [Rajamanickam], [Jayaram] and [Muthuraaj] realize that Nallasivam lied to them, and that Babu is aiding Manohar’s cause.
For more than two decades, [Rajamanickam] has hunted for a secret known only to [Kandhasamy], Manohar’s father, who is held captive in a basement. Kandhasamy’s amnesia is jolted with a rope, and the truth begins to surface, but he refuses to disclose it. Rajamanickam imprisons Kandhasamy and his family to force the truth, only for Kandhasamy to resist. In a shocking turn, [Rajamanickam] murders IG [Sriram] and his wife while disguising himself as Kandhasamy, sparing their son [Babu] so that the blame would fall on him. The family is later rescued by Raja and Babu, and Padma reveals their broader captivity. On learning the truth, Raja and Babu reunite and vow vengeance.
Geetha and Chithra join Raja and Babu in their plan to avenge the past. Chithra leads Rajamanickam to a meeting with Raja and Babu, and at Jayaram’s prompting he agrees to sign a paper incriminating Muthuraaj in exchange for the cave’s location—the “dowry” that would secure Chithra and Babu’s marriage. Chithra records Rajamanickam and Jayaram’s conversation on tape and hands it to Muthuraaj, who plots revenge together with Nallasivam.
Kandhasamy, Rajamanickam, Jayaram, Babu and Raja finally reach the cave and uncover a cache of gold bars. Rajamanickam signs the incriminating paper as promised, but Raja and Babu intend to see him arrested for his crimes. Muthuraaj and Nallasivam arrive with a reckless onslaught of thugs and bombs; Rajamanickam and Jayaram are killed, while Raja, Babu and Kandhasamy escape. Muthuraaj and Nallasivam drive off with the treasure, only to be stopped by Geetha. Manohar, now fully healed, is exonerated and peace returns to those who fought for the truth.
Guru Sishyan Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Guru Sishyan (1988) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Manohar's confession and the vow to help
On death row, Manohar reveals to Raja and Babu that his sister Sumathi was kidnapped by a taxi driver and taken to Muthuraaj, who raped and killed her. He explains that Muthuraaj then murdered the taxi driver and framed Manohar along with his elder brother Rajamanickam, ally Jayaram, and a corrupt inspector Nallasivam. The two convicts vow to clear Manohar's name and begin plotting vengeance from the prison.
Pretense of an income tax raid and discovery of wealth
After Manohar's release, Raja and Babu stage an elaborate pretense of an income tax raid on Nallasivam's house. They search and uncover a mountain of illegally earned wealth. They force Nallasivam's wife Kalyani to sign a paper attesting to the wealth, creating leverage they can use later.
Nallasivam’s threat and the leverage grows
Nallasivam learns of the raid and threatens to arrest the two men, but Raja and Babu already hold copies of the signed papers. The copies give them leverage over him, ensuring he cannot pin the raid on them without exposing himself. The plan to infiltrate Muthuraaj's operation intensifies.
Romantic entanglements begin as cover
Raja falls for Geetha, a police inspector, and Babu is asked to romance Rajamanickam's daughter Chithra as part of the ruse. The two use their relationships to gain access to Muthuraaj's circle. The plan to tighten the noose around the criminals gains momentum.
Raja reveals true identity to Geetha
Raja tells Geetha that he is not a CBI officer, and uses the deception to maneuver through the investigation. Geetha learns about Nallasivam's corrupt nature and still accepts Raja. The alliance between them grows as they navigate loyalty and love.
Nallasivam approves the plan with a new face
Nallasivam introduces Babu to Rajamanickam as a wealthy suitor in love with Chithra, hoping to use the marriage as a cover. Rajamanickam agrees to the courtship and even facilitates a formal encounter. The team gains a stronger foothold inside the inner circle.
Wedding ceremony and the confession demand
During the ceremony, Babu tells Rajamanickam he will marry Chithra only if the group confesses their crimes in writing. When Rajamanickam refuses, Babu reveals his true identity and cancels the marriage. The revelation makes clear that Nallasivam has been lying, elevating the group's resolve to bring them all to justice.
Kandhasamy's secret surface and suspicion grows
For over twenty years, Rajamanickam has hunted for Kandhasamy's secret. Kandhasamy's memory is jolted by the memory rope, but he refuses to reveal it to Rajamanickam, insisting the truth belongs to those who deserve it. Jayaram believes Kandhasamy will talk to Babu, who has helped Manohar.
Babu is captured; a basement confrontation looms
Babu, now their prisoner, is taken to the basement. Raja follows to watch over him, and they secretly rescue Kandhasamy and his wife Padma and escape. The trio's bond strengthens as they orient toward the bigger plan.
Father reveal and family ties surface
During a private conversation with Padma, Raja learns he is Kandhasamy's first son who went missing years ago. Babu discovers Kandhasamy is the man who murdered his parents, triggering a tense moment between father and son. Kandhasamy stops their fight and prepares to reveal the full truth.
The full truth about Sriram and the trap
Kandhasamy explains that Rajamanickam had imprisoned him to force the cave location. He refused, and Rajamanickam murdered IG Sriram and his wife while disguised as Kandhasamy, sparing their son Babu to frame him. The revelation shifts the moral balance and deepens the resolve for revenge.
Geetha and Chithra join and record the conspiracy
Geetha and Chithra join the plan to avenge the past atrocities. Chithra records a conversation between Rajamanickam and Jayaram on tape and passes it to Muthuraaj, ensuring the conspirators' actions are documented. The tape becomes a critical weapon in the coming confrontation.
Treasure cave expedition and the paper
Kandhasamy, Rajamanickam, Jayaram, Babu, and Raja reach the cave and find a trove of gold bars. Rajamanickam signs the promised paper, sealing his fate in the eyes of the group. Raja and Babu prepare to arrest him and bring the truth to light.
Final assault and capture of the villains
Muthuraaj and Nallasivam arrive with thugs and bombs, causing chaos at the cave. Rajamanickam and Jayaram are killed in the ensuing confrontation, while Raja, Babu, and Kandhasamy escape. Geetha arrives to arrest Muthuraaj and Nallasivam, ending their hold on the loot and the scheme.
Justice and new beginnings
Manohar is exonerated and freed, his name cleared of the crimes he did not commit. Raja and Babu reunite with Kandhasamy and vow to continue fighting injustice, establishing a lasting alliance. The team looks to a future where past wrongs are avenged and the innocent are protected.
Guru Sishyan Characters
Explore all characters from Guru Sishyan (1988). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Raja aka Guru (Rajinikanth)
A brilliant strategist and fearless leader who orchestrates the plan to infiltrate the criminals' world. He hides his true identity to test allies, and his charm helps him navigate love and danger. He remains driven by a sense of justice and a desire to expose the truth.
Babu aka Sishya
A once-convict who becomes a crucial ally in the plan. Loyal to Manohar, he uses his wits and courage to fight back, ultimately revealing his own true identity. His actions balance ruthlessness with a sense of justice.
Muthuraaj
A playboy-turned-criminal who kidnaps Sumathi and commits brutal crimes with a network of accomplices. He embodies vanity and violence, manipulating others to serve his greed. His downfall begins as the web of deceit tightens around him.
Nallasivam
A corrupt police inspector who wields wealth and influence to shield criminals. He uses manipulation and fear to control rivals, and his loyalties shift as the plan unfolds. He later faces exposure as the law closes in.
Geetha Nallasivam
A police inspector and daughter of Nallasivam who navigates love and loyalty. She doubts Raja at first but ultimately joins the effort to reveal the truth and bring justice. Her trust is shaped by the revelations of the criminals' plans.
Chithra (Chitra) Rajamanickam's Daughter
Daughter of Rajamanickam who becomes part of the plan and ends up recording crucial conversations. She forms a bond with Babu and shows courage by standing up to her father and his allies.
Kandhasamy
Manohar's father who holds a critical memory of the treasure and the truth. He endures amnesia, but his revelation becomes the key to unlocking the final conspiracy. His past connects to both the murder and the treasure.
Rajamanickam
A powerful antagonist who schemes with Jayaram and Muthuraaj. He tries to control events, but is ultimately exposed and killed, as truth and loyalty shift in the final acts.
Padma
Kandhasamy's wife who reveals the family's fate and their recapture, highlighting the emotional stakes of the pursuit of justice. She anchors the human costs of the villains' crimes.
Manohar
The man on death row whose plight sparks the entire plan. His innocence is proven as the truth about the past is uncovered, uniting Raja and Babu in their quest for justice.
IG Sriram
The police general whose murder sets off a chain of deceit. He is killed by a false Kandhasamy, adding a layer of tragedy and deepens the mystery behind the treasure and the cave.
Rajamanickam's Partner
An associate of Rajamanickam who collaborates with the criminals and is part of the web of treachery that Raja and Babu dismantle.
Guru Sishyan Settings
Learn where and when Guru Sishyan (1988) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Nallasivam's house, Kandhasamy's basement, Rajamanickam's house, Geetha's police station, Muthuraaj's lair, treasure cave
The story unfolds across a gritty urban Indian setting with crime dens, police stations, and wealthy hideouts. Key locations include the lavish residence of corrupt figures, a basement where Kandhasamy guards a crucial memory, and a treasure cave that holds the truth behind the conspiracy. The locations serve as a battleground for justice, deception, and revenge, with movements between homes, offices, and public spaces driving the plot.
Guru Sishyan Themes
Discover the main themes in Guru Sishyan (1988). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Revenge
Two wronged men join forces to avenge the crimes against their families. The pursuit of vengeance motivates most decisions, forcing characters to reveal secrets and outmaneuver dangerous adversaries. Strategic planning and calculated risks propel the plot toward exposing the criminals. Trust is tested, but a shared sense of justice keeps the alliance intact.
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Justice and Corruption
The narrative centers on corrupt authorities and criminal networks colluding for gain. False raids, forged papers, and wealth manipulation show how power can shield wrongdoing. The protagonists manipulate the system to uncover the truth, while confronting the moral ambiguity of their own actions. The arc culminates in accountability and exoneration for the innocent.
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Identity and Love
Disguises and shifting loyalties drive much of the drama, with Raja, Babu, and others adopting new identities to advance the plan. Romantic subplots—Raja with Geetha and Babu with Chitra—raise the stakes and humanize the fighters. Trust and affection survive amid deception, shaping decisions and alliances. The revelations test whether love can endure through treachery.
Guru Sishyan Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Guru Sishyan (1988). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a bustling Indian town where the line between law and chaos often blurs, the story opens with a gritty yet playful atmosphere that mixes sharp humor with the tension of life on the edge. The streets pulse with the kind of restless energy that feels both familiar and electrifying, setting the stage for a tale that is as much about personal redemption as it is about uncovering hidden truths.
Guru is a charismatic, street‑wise figure whose confidence is matched only by his willingness to bend the rules for a cause he believes in. By his side is Babu, a more measured but equally loyal companion whose pragmatic outlook balances Guru’s daring flair. The two share a bond forged in the margins of society, and their dynamic crackles with witty banter and an unspoken code of brotherhood that drives them forward.
When they cross paths with Manohar, a man condemned to death for a crime he insists he didn’t commit, the trio’s lives become intertwined. Manohar’s desperate plea for help awakens a sense of duty in the pair, and their compassion quickly turns into a shared mission to expose the real perpetrator. The stakes feel immediate and personal, underscoring the film’s underlying theme of justice for the overlooked.
Determined to give Manohar a fighting chance, Guru makes a startling personal sacrifice—fracturing his own hand to stall an impending execution. This bold act not only highlights his fearless devotion but also hints at the elaborate, high‑stakes plan the three will embark upon. As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into a world where clever strategizing meets heartfelt camaraderie, promising a roller‑coaster ride of intrigue, humor, and relentless pursuit of truth.
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