“Sethu” (1999) is a Tamil romantic tragedy film directed by Bala, featuring Vikram in a breakthrough role alongside Abitha. The story follows Sethu, a rough and impulsive college student known for his short temper and street-fighting nature. Despite his violent exterior, Sethu falls deeply in love with a shy and timid girl named Abitha. His transformation from a reckless youth to a devoted lover forms the emotional core of the film. Just as their love begins to blossom, a tragic turn of events shatters Sethu’s life — he is attacked, mentally traumatized, and ends up in a mental asylum. The film poignantly portrays his struggle to return to normalcy and reconnect with his lost love, only to face a heart-wrenching climax. With raw storytelling, intense emotion, and a powerful performance by Vikram, Sethu redefined Tamil cinema’s approach to romance and tragedy. The film’s haunting music by Ilaiyaraaja and Bala’s realistic direction made Sethu a cult classic, launching Vikram to stardom and establishing Bala as a bold filmmaker.