Aavanazhi

Plot

Satyaraj, an infamous professional killer, assassinates a cement contractor on the orders of his business rival, Vincent. Balram, an honest but notorious and arrogant police officer known as Karadi Balu, apprehends Satyaraj within a day. Vincent, with the help of Adv. Jayachandran, influences witnesses and the investigating officer, tampering with evidence, leading to Satyaraj's acquittal.

However, Satyaraj remains in custody pending trial for other cases. Balram, previously tried for the custodial death of a teenage boy, is labelled a murderer, causing his lover's father to object to their relationship. Heartbroken, Balram turns to drinking and womanizing.

Satyaraj escapes from jail with the help of the jail superintendent. Radha, sister of the teenage boy allegedly killed by Balram, seeks justice through Adv. Jayachandran, who convinces her that Satyaraj has documents implicating Balram. Radha agrees to shelter Satyaraj.

Balram, learning that a prostitute he was involved with is carrying his child, offers to marry her. During a vehicle search, Balram recovers incriminating documents and submits them to his superior, who is corrupt and returns them to Vincent. Balram had already sent copies to the Central Bureau of Investigation, leading to the arrests of the superior officer, Vincent, and Adv.

Jayachandran. Radha learns from Vincent's son that Satyaraj killed her brother on Vincent's orders, and the superior officer framed Balram. Radha informs Balram of Satyaraj's whereabouts. Balram plans an operation; Satyaraj takes Radha and her friend hostage. After a chase and scuffle, Balram kills Satyaraj and is arrested by fellow officers.

Did You Know?

• The film was remade in Kannada as Anthima Theerpu, in Tamil as Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu, in Telugu as Marana Sasanam, and in Hindi as Satyamev Jayate.
• I. V. Sasi made two sequels: Inspector Balram in 1991 and Balram vs. Taradas in 2006.
• The film ran for more than 100 days in theatres in Kerala.