Moothon 2019

Mulla's search for Moothon on Lakshadweep

A 14-year-old Mulla lives on Lakshadweep under the care of Moosa, dreaming of finding his elder brother Moothon, Akbar. He endures bullying from local kids who pressure Mulla to imitate Akbar, even wearing lipstick and a veil. He clings to the hope that Akbar went to Mumbai after an affair with Aamina and begins actively searching for him.

Moosa cautions Mulla about imitating Akbar

Moosa tells Mulla to stop dressing like Akbar and to stop pretending to be Moothon, insisting that clothes alone won’t make him someone he’s not. He urges Mulla to find his own path rather than chasing a fantasy. The conversation deepens Mulla’s resolve to reach Mumbai and locate Akbar.

Night escape and sea capsizing

During a bullying incident, Mulla's friends defend Mulla, but Moosa slaps Mulla for the outburst. In defiance, Mulla slips away by night, taking a boat toward Mumbai to search for Akbar. A giant wave capsizes the boat, and Mulla hallucinates a mermaid before being rescued by a passing ship.

Transfer to police and relocation to an orphanage

The ship’s crew hands Mulla to authorities, but a language barrier complicates communication at the police station. From there Mulla is sent to a government-funded orphanage, beginning a new, uncertain life. Mulla resists, especially during communal bathing, and forms a tentative bond with a boy named Raju.

Escape from the warden with Raju's aid

At the orphanage, the warden attempts to molest Mulla, but Raju interferes and helps Mulla escape. Raju shares stories about his mother Rosy and hints at a possible route to find her. Motivated by family ties, Mulla decides to pursue Rosy.

Rosy’s help and a tea-seller

Mulla tracks down Rosy, who is revealed to be a prostitute. Rosy offers shelter and introduces Mulla to a tea seller who provides a livelihood selling tea. Although relieved by shelter, Mulla’s savings are repeatedly stolen by neighborhood bullies.

Abduction by Bhai and the plan to sell Mulla

While resting on the street, Mulla is kidnapped by Bhai, a local goon involved in child trafficking and drug dealing. Mulla struggles to escape but is recaptured as Bhai’s crew plans to sell Mulla. Salim, Bhai’s sidekick, sets up a deal to move her.

The package, the reveal about Akbar's sister

On a night deal, Mulla is forced to deliver a package but flees when a cop appears, dropping the package and phones. She returns to Bhai’s base to steal cash and a phone, triggering Bhai’s anger. He reveals that he has been seeking his moothon Akbar and that Mulla is, in fact, Akbar’s younger sister.

Akbar’s Lakshadweep backstory: Kuthu Ratheeb and Ameer

In a flashback, Akbar and Moosa perform Kuthu Ratheeb on Lakshadweep. Akbar befriends Ameer, a mute man who can communicate in sign language; Aamina is linked through Akbar’s family. Ameer invites Akbar to Bombay with him, but Akbar’s family disapproves, leading Ameer toward despair and suicide when their plans fail.

Akbar in Mumbai: care for Mulla and a debt

Back in Mumbai, Akbar learns his boss plans to punish Mulla for dropping the package and asks Aamina to look after her, but she refuses. He leaves Mulla with Lateef, a transgender friend who may keep her safe. Meanwhile, the don assigns Akbar a huge transfer job, but a rival gang ambushes them, worsening the debt pressure.

Salim trades Mulla; Akbar’s jail escape

Salim uses the fallout to sell Mulla while Akbar is incarcerated; Lateef posts bail for Akbar, who then discovers Mulla has been sold. He confronts Salim and tracks down the buyer, but sees something shocking and is shot during the confrontation. The underworld drama spirals toward a grim payoff.