Kondattam 1998

Raja's lonely, lavish life

Raja is a rich man who lives alone in a bungalow and runs a company with friends Anand, Babu, and Siva. Despite wealth, he yearns for love and affection and often seeks it in the homes of his friends. He enjoys pulling pranks, which masks his deeper loneliness.

Boat trip tragedy

A carefree boat ride with his friends ends in tragedy when they die in an accident. The loss hits Raja hard, and his fiancée Lalitha blames him for the deaths. The incident shifts the tone of the story toward remorse and responsibility.

Remorse and charity of property

Grief-stricken, Raja writes off his properties to the families of the deceased friends as a gesture of repentance. He hopes to honor his lost friends by ensuring their families are cared for. This act sets up his role as benefactor within the extended family circle.

Anand's wife dies, baby is born

Raja learns that Anand's wife has died after giving birth to a baby boy. The newborn represents a new link between Raja and Anand's family. This event reshapes Raja's responsibilities and his place within the family network.

Baby stays with Anand's family

Raja gives the baby to Anand's family to raise and stay with them for some time. While the older couple welcomes the child, some other family members initially distrust his presence. Over time, Raja begins to win their love through steady presence and care.

A hidden threat to the baby

Raja discovers that someone is attempting to kill the child, triggering his decision to remain in the house and investigate. He uses his stay to uncover clues about who is targeting the baby. The danger forces him into a protective role within the family.

Lalitha returns and resents Raja

Lalitha comes to stay in the same home but continues to hate Raja for the past tragedy. Her presence adds tension to the household dynamics. The two navigate a fragile, evolving relationship amid the suspicion around the baby.

Naming ceremony uncovers a dark truth

During the baby’s naming ceremony, the family learns that Raja killed Anand. The moment reframes all prior perceptions of Raja’s actions. In the same moment, Arjun's servant reveals that the baby is the heir to Anand's property, deepening the stakes for everyone.

Pazhani reveals the killer

Raja is confronted by the family's car driver, Pazhani, and, in the ensuing scuffle, notices Pazhani's ring. The ring confirms that Pazhani was the one who attempted to kill the baby. The discovery shifts the burden of danger away from Raja and onto Pazhani.

Pazhani's motive comes to light

Pazhani's motive is revealed: he loves Purushothaman's daughter and covets the inherited property. His desire for the wealth drives him to attempt the killing when he learned the child would claim the estate. The revelation clarifies the external threat Raja faced all along.