Vicharana 1988

Strike ignites and seeks legal counsel

Johny and activist Kabeer initiate a strike at Govindan Nair's factory and seek legal guidance from Advocate Sethumadhavan. Sethu, an upright young lawyer, is sympathetic to the union's cause while navigating his familial ties. The demand for fair treatment sets the moral tone for the story.

Sethu's loyalty tested by family and party

Sethu realizes Govindan Nair bears a personal grudge against him, fueled by jealousy of his rise from humble beginnings. Govindan Nair disapproves of Sethu's professional excellence and his marriage to Anita. The conflict strains both personal relationships and political loyalties.

Kuttappan and Raghu plot to end the strike

Kuttappan and Raghu conspire to undermine the strike by removing Johny. They pressure union members and devise a drastic move to neutralize the leadership. The plan lays the groundwork for a deadly turn of events.

Johny is killed by Raghu

One night, Kuttappan lures Johny away on the pretext of a meeting, and Raghu kills him. The murder abruptly ends the strike and heightens the political stakes for everyone involved. The community reels from the sudden act of violence.

Sethu refuses to defend Raghu; opts to prosecute

In court, Govindan Nair and Raghu ask Sethu to defend Raghu, but he refuses. He declares that he will argue for the trade union as the prosecution instead. This choice pits his professional duty against family and political pressures.

Kuttappan assaults Alice

Kuttappan rapes Johny's widow Alice after days of pursuing her. The assault leaves Alice with a child and forces her into prostitution to support her ailing mother. The act adds a brutal dimension to the case and its victims.

Kuttappan's hostile testimony weakens Raghu's case

At the initial court hearing, Kuttappan turns hostile and retracts parts of his statement, injecting ambiguity about Raghu's guilt. Govindan Nair and Raghu push for a favorable outcome as the defense weakens. The case starts to tilt away from Raghu.

Anita manipulated; Sethu slaps her and ends their collaboration

Before the second argument session, Govindan Nair and Raghu pressure Anita to pass Sethu's argument notes, in effect stalling the proceedings. Sethu confronts the manipulation, slaps Anita, and tells her to leave, severing the influence she held over him.

Raghu is acquitted as Sethu's arguments falter

In court, Sethu struggles to present a convincing argument against Raghu and Raghu is acquitted. The outcome reinforces the narrative of political pressure overshadowing the legal process. Sethu departs the court emotionally exhausted.

Govindan Nair relocates Anita to Singapore

To sever Sethu's ties with Anita, Govindan Nair has Anita moved to Singapore and insinuates that Sethu is not interested in living with her. The relocation amplifies the personal cost of the case for Sethu and Anita.

Apology and a plan for a respite

Kabir and party members come to apologize to Sethu, accompanied by Alice, and vow to care for Johny's son. Exhausted by the ongoing conflict, Sethu decides to travel with his assistant Ramettan to take a respite from the case. The social and political pressures press in on him.