Terrorist, The (1999) - Synopsis

Terrorist, The (1999)

19 year-old Malli lives with a small community of guerrilla fighters in the South Indian jungles. Their enigmatic leader promotes terrorism for political gain and everyone is expected to be committed to the cause. When an important Indian politician plans a visit to a neighbouring town, the Leader looks for an assassin for what will be a suicide mission. Malli volunteers. Her own brother died for the cause and she believes it will bring great honour to his revered name.

After dinner with the Leader, she sets off on her journey to the village where she will get her training, encountering allies and enemies alike. She stays in the home of unsuspecting farmer Vasu and his wife where she prepares psychologically for her ultimate sacrifice. As Malli grows closer to the old couple she finds time to contemplate the emotional consequences of her actions. It puts her increasingly in a moral dilemma, particularly when reminded of a rare moment of true love from her past. When the day of the assassination dawns, she is faced with the most difficult decision of her life.