Iraivan, the 2023 Tamil-language psychological action thriller film directed by I. Ahmed, takes its viewers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, psychological intrigue, and unexpected twists. The film’s climax is both riveting and thought-provoking, leaving audiences with several questions and surprises to ponder. Iraivan was released on September 28, 2023, and is available on Netflix to stream.
Why does Arjun resign from his job?
The movie follows Arjun (Jayam Ravi), an Assistant Commissioner of Police known for his unorthodox methods of dealing with criminals. He is in love with Priya (Nayanthara) but is hesitant to marry her due to the enemies he has made during his career. Meanwhile, the city is terrorized by a psychopathic serial killer known as the “Smile-Killer.” He is responsible for the gruesome murders of young girls. Arjun and his friend Andrew (Narain) are assigned to the case. Tragedy strikes when Andrew loses his life confronting the killer, revealed to be Bhrama (Rahul Bose).
Haunted by the trauma of the case, Arjun resigns from the police force. He goes on to open a cafe with Priya to seek a more peaceful life. However, their tranquillity is shattered when Bhrama escapes from prison, and a new wave of horrific murders begins. Arjun receives a death threat letter, seemingly from Bhrama. Additionally, Smile-Killer’s spree intensifies, with gruesome video footage of the victims being sent to their families and the media.
How does Iraivan end?
The plot takes a fascinating turn when Shallu (Aiswarya Suresh), the sole survivor of a previous encounter with Bhrama, goes missing. It’s believed that Bhrama has abducted her again. However, the investigation reveals that Bhrama may not intend to kill Shallu because she seems to be a willing participant with unconventional tendencies.
As Arjun tracks down the location where Shallu is held captive, a confrontation with Bhrama occurs. Surprisingly, Bhrama claims that someone else has been using his name for the recent murders but refuses to reveal their identity. The police fatally shoot Bhrama, and the Smile-Killer’s reign of terror continues.
Suspicion falls on Babu (Vinoth Kishan), an assistant to a church father, who may be the copycat killer. However, Arjun himself becomes a suspect when it is revealed that the video of Shallu’s captivity was sent from his location. In an attempt to apprehend Babu, Arjun confesses to kidnapping Shallu and sending the video, explaining that it was a ruse to lure the real killer, as Bhrama considered Shallu a partner rather than a victim.
Further investigation leads Arjun to believe that Babu is the culprit. However, while en route to arrest him, Arjun receives a call from Jasmine (Vijayalakshmi), Andrew’s widow, who discloses that Babu has abducted her daughter Riya. Babu demands Priya’s presence for the exchange.
Was Arjun able to save Priya?
The climax takes a tragic turn when Jasmine takes her own life, seemingly in compliance with Babu’s demands. The hostage exchange unfolds, but Arjun intervenes, taking Babu’s life to save both Priya and Riya.
The ending of Iraivan is a complex web of psychological manipulation, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It raises the question of whether the Smile-Killer was truly Bhrama, or if there was another sinister force at play. Arjun’s actions, driven by a desperate need to protect those he cares about, blur the lines between right and wrong, leaving the audience to ponder the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
