What Is Masters About?
The premise of Masters in 280 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the vibrant, ever‑watchful city of Kottayam, the rhythm of daily life is punctuated by the hum of traffic, the chatter of market stalls, and the relentless quest for truth. Amidst this backdrop, Milan Paul and Sreeramakrishnan have forged a bond that began in the carefree corridors of college and has only deepened with time. Their friendship is the kind that feels as natural as the city’s monsoon rains—steady, unpretentious, and essential to the way they both move through the world.
- Sreeramakrishnan* now wears the badge of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, a role that demands discipline, quick judgment, and a willingness to confront chaos head‑on. His temperament is sharp and impulsive, often thrusting him into situations that test the limits of the law. Across town, Milan Paul has become a respected journalist, a voice that cuts through the noise to expose the layers of society that many prefer to ignore. Their professional lives sit on opposite sides of the public square, yet they constantly lean on one another—Sreeramakrishnan for protection and insight, Milan Paul for perspective and timely rescue. Their exchanges are laced with humor, loyalty, and an unspoken understanding that each will step in when the other falters.
Together they navigate the subtle tensions of Kottayam, a place where ordinary duties can quickly spiral into extraordinary challenges. The city’s undercurrents hint at mysteries that linger just out of view, and the duo’s combined instincts suggest that they are uniquely positioned to sense when something is amiss. Their journey promises a blend of gritty realism and emotional depth, inviting the audience to wonder how far friendship can stretch when duty, ambition, and the unseen forces of the world converge.
What Happens in Masters?
The complete story of Masters, from the first scene to the last, in 307 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Milan Paul and Sreeramakrishnan, lifelong friends since college, carry their bond into adulthood in the city of Kottayam. Milan Paul, a renowned reporter, and Sreeramakrishnan, an ASP, juggle demanding duties while leaning on their shared history to address social responsibilities. Sree, however, is known for a short fuse and impulsive streak, often landing him in trouble, with Milan quietly stepping in to pull him back from the brink.
As a string of suicide murders shocks the community, the police are left baffled by motives that seem to connect no one to anyone else. In many cases, the killers had never even met their victims before the act, and the narrative hints that those who commit these crimes are rooted in a broader sense of injustice stirred by society.
Sree learns that Milan was not merely a bystander but was somehow connected to the suicide killers. Through a suicide killer named Sethunanthan, the investigation points to a final target: Narayanan Thambi, a corrupt advocate. The revelation deepens the sense that the crimes are driven by grievances against a broken system, and the path of vengeance is personal for Milan and Sree.
Milan then reveals a painful truth: Narayanan insulted Milan’s mother, Mary Paulose, an act that contributed to her death. This confession tightens the web of motive and betrayal surrounding the unfolding tragedy. In a tense confrontation, Sree saves Narayanan from Milan by defeating Milan, offering a sobering reminder that he still needs Narayanan. Yet Narayanan turns on Milan, killing him with Sree’s gun and shooting Sree in the chest.
Fueled by anger and a sense of unfinished business, Sree retaliates in a final, decisive act, killing Narayanan and avenging Milan’s death. The story closes on a bleak note, emphasizing how personal loyalties, systemic injustice, and the costs of vigilantism intersect in a city already wrestling with tragedy.
Masters Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “College-bond shapes lifelong partnership” to “Tragic aftermath: friendship and justice intertwined”. 12 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
College-bond shapes lifelong partnership
Milan Paul and Sreeramakrishnan alias Sree have been best friends since college, and their bond remains intact as they forge demanding careers in the same city. Milan is a renowned reporter and Sree is an ASP in Kottayam, and they choose to use their positions to help society. Their loyalty to each other becomes the moral compass guiding their actions.
Where:College campus and Kottayam
- 2
Milan saves Sree from trouble
Sree's short-tempered, impulsive nature lands him in recurring danger, and Milan arrives just in time to pull him out of trouble. The timely rescues reinforce the depth of their friendship and their mutual reliance. This protective bond sets up a pattern of loyalty that persists through later crises.
Where:Kottayam
- 3
Sree reciprocates by saving Milan
In turn, Sree risks himself to shield Milan from danger caused by his enemies. The two friends rely on each other to navigate threats, reinforcing their shared commitment to social duty. Their exchanges of aid cement a friendship that goes beyond personal loyalty.
Where:Kottayam
- 4
Series of suicide murders baffle the police
A wave of suicide murders rocks the city, with victims dying at the hands of strangers and without clear motive. In many cases, the killer and the victim have never met before the crime, leaving investigators perplexed. The police struggle to piece together a pattern from seemingly random acts.
Where:City
- 5
Crimes reveal 'enemies swapped' and societal injustice
As investigators dig deeper, they uncover a disturbing twist: the killers have swapped their enemies, targeting people who themselves suffered injustice at the hands of society. The motive isn't personal vendetta but a perverse mechanism tied to social wrongs. The case points to a larger unease and a sense that justice has gone awry.
Where:City
- 6
Sree learns Milan was linked to the suicides
Sree discovers that Milan was involved with the suicide murderers, challenging the trust between the friends. He learns this from a suicid killer named Sethunanthan, who reveals Milan's connections and complicity. The revelation shakes Sree and redefines the stakes of their shared mission.
Where:Kottayam
- 7
The last target named: Narayanan Thambi
According to Sethunanthan, the final target in the series is Narayanan Thambi, a corrupt advocate. The impending hit becomes central to the looming confrontation. The city braces for the culmination of the killers' scheme.
Where:City
- 8
Milan's motive tied to insult against his mother
Milan reveals that Narayanan insulted his mother Mary Paulose, a humiliation that contributed to her death. This revelation links personal grievance to the broader violence around them and fuels Milan's crusade. The moral weight of the insult drives his pursuit of Narayanan.
Where:Milan's home / city
- 9
Sree intervenes to save Narayanan from Milan
Sree confronts Milan and defeats him, stepping in to save Narayanan from an attack. He consoles Narayanan, telling him that he still needs him in their shared fight for justice. The sequence tests loyalties and shifts the power balance among the trio.
Where:Kottayam
- 10
Narayanan kills Milan and shoots Sree
Narayanan retaliates by killing Milan with Sree's gun and then shoots Sree in the chest. The act marks a brutal turn in the crisis, turning the tide against Milan and forcing Sree into a dire situation. The city braces for the consequences of this double act of violence.
Where:Narayanan's office / City
- 11
Sree avenges Milan by killing Narayanan
Enraged by the death of his friend, Sree takes up the fight and snuffs out Narayanan, avenging Milan's death. The act concludes the immediate cycle of vengeance, though it leaves the duo's allies and loved ones to grapple with the cost. The aftermath underscores the tragedy at the heart of their crusade.
Where:City
- 12
Tragic aftermath: friendship and justice intertwined
With Milan dead and Narayanan defeated, the pair's shared mission to serve society is shadowed by loss. Sree must process the price paid for loyalty and the heavy costs of their pursuit of justice. The ending leaves a somber reflection on friendship, duty, and the moral lines they walked.
Where:Kottayam
Who Are the Main Characters in Masters?
3 characters, among them Sreeramakrishnan (Sree) - Prithviraj Sukumaran, Milan Paul - M. Sasikumar and Advocate Narayanan Thambi - Saikumar: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Sreeramakrishnan (Sree) - Prithviraj Sukumaran
Played by Prithviraj Sukumaran
ASP of Kottayam, short-tempered and impulsive but deeply committed to social responsibility. He relies on Milan’s support to navigate threats and corruption. The friendship and duty collide with violence, driving him to confront powerful enemies and ultimately seek justice for his friend.
- 🔥 Hotheaded
- 🛡️ Loyal
- 🎯 Determined
- MP
Milan Paul - M. Sasikumar
Played by M. Sasikumar
Renowned reporter whose fearless journalism and network of contacts help expose social injustices. He protects Sree and often takes personal risks for the greater good. His involvement in the suicide-murder case leads to his death, underscoring the stakes of truth-telling.
- 📰 Brave
- 🛡️ Protective
- 💡 Resourceful
-
Advocate Narayanan Thambi - Saikumar
Played by Saikumar
A corrupt lawyer whose insult to Milan’s mother triggers a cascade of violence. He embodies the abuse of power within the legal system and becomes the central antagonist for Sree and Milan. His eventual death marks the turbulent arc of the justice-seeking protagonists.
- ⚖️ Corrupt
- 👿 Manipulative
- 🧭 Power-hungry
Where and When Is Masters Set?
Masters is set in Kottayam, Kerala and India. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The story unfolds in contemporary times in Kerala, reflecting present-day policing, journalism, and urban crime.
Where
Kottayam, Kerala, India
The film is set in Kottayam, a city in Kerala, India. It serves as the backdrop for police work, journalism, and social struggles that drive the plot. The local streets, offices, and courts become the arena where Milan Paul's reporting and Sree's ASP duties intersect with crime and investigation.
- 🌆 City
- 🗞️ Media
- ⚖️ Court
What Are the Themes of Masters?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship Bond, Justice and Violence.
-
01
Friendship Bond
Milan Paul and Sreeramakrishnan share a deep, enduring friendship that anchors the story. Their loyalty drives them to protect each other and confront dangerous forces. The bond motivates actions that blur personal and professional lines as danger mounts. It shows how true friendship can become a catalyst for social action.
-
02
Justice
The narrative centers on a struggle against corruption within the legal system, culminating in a clash with the corrupt advocate Narayanan Thambi. Milan’s death and Sree’s fight to hold power to account reveal how influence can distort justice. The climax tests whether personal vengeance can substitute for lawful justice. The film questions the efficacy of law in addressing deep social wrongs.
-
03
Violence
A chain of suicide murders propels the investigation, showing how violence is born from perceived injustice. The deaths of Milan and the shooting of Sree illustrate the high personal cost of revenge. The story emphasizes the moral toll on families and communities when violence escalates. The resolution suggests that revenge does not restore true justice.
What Kind of Film Is Masters?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A tense and fast-paced crime thriller driven by a tragic friendship, building to a bleak and violent climax centered on revenge and the heavy burden of injustice.
- tense
- gripping
- tragic
- fatalistic
- urgent
- vengeful
- crime investigation
- friendship
- revenge
- police corruption
Content notes: suicide, graphic violence, murder.
Quiz
How well do you remember Masters? Test yourself on the story.
