Company
Mallik is a henchman of Aslam Bhai, a Mumbai underworld kingpin. He inducts local hothead Chandu into the gang, and the two of them soon form a formidable faction within the gang, eventually displacing Aslam. As the empire grows, however, the two of them start drifting apart.
Despite its small-scale budget of $1.5M, Company became a financial success, earning $6.0M worldwide—a 300% return. The film's compelling narrative resonated with audiences, proving that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Company (2002) exhibits deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Ram Gopal Varma's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 36 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Mallik oversees his criminal empire with absolute control, while Chandu works as a loyal lieutenant in the Mumbai underworld, carrying out orders without question.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 19 minutes when Chandu is arrested by ACP Sreenivasan, who offers him a deal and plants seeds of doubt about Mallik's loyalty, threatening to disrupt the status quo of blind trust.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 77 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat A major gang war erupts and Mallik begins to see Chandu as a threat rather than an asset. Their relationship shifts from mentor-protégé to rivals, raising the stakes dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 116 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The violent confrontation reaches its peak as key allies are killed and Chandu realizes the company has consumed everything—trust, friendship, and humanity are all dead., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 123 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Chandu understands the final truth: the company destroys everyone it touches. He accepts that there is no exit, only the endgame that the life demands., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Company's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Company against these established plot points, we can identify how Ram Gopal Varma utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Company within the action genre.
Ram Gopal Varma's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Ram Gopal Varma films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Company takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Ram Gopal Varma filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Ram Gopal Varma analyses, see The Attacks Of 26/11, Department and Jungle.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Mallik oversees his criminal empire with absolute control, while Chandu works as a loyal lieutenant in the Mumbai underworld, carrying out orders without question.
Theme
Mallik tells Chandu: "In this business, there are no friends, only partnerships." The theme of loyalty versus ambition in the criminal world is established.
Worldbuilding
The Mumbai underworld hierarchy is established, showing Mallik's organization, Chandu's rising status, the police pressure, and the complex web of gang relationships and territorial control.
Disruption
Chandu is arrested by ACP Sreenivasan, who offers him a deal and plants seeds of doubt about Mallik's loyalty, threatening to disrupt the status quo of blind trust.
Resistance
Chandu debates his position within the organization, receives guidance from Mallik about the business, and begins to understand the larger game while building his own reputation and network.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Chandu experiences the full power and promise of the underworld life—wealth, respect, fear, and influence—while navigating increasingly complex gang politics and territorial expansion.
Midpoint
A major gang war erupts and Mallik begins to see Chandu as a threat rather than an asset. Their relationship shifts from mentor-protégé to rivals, raising the stakes dramatically.
Opposition
Mallik and Chandu's conflict intensifies as both consolidate power, eliminate threats, and maneuver for ultimate control. Police pressure increases and former allies choose sides.
Collapse
The violent confrontation reaches its peak as key allies are killed and Chandu realizes the company has consumed everything—trust, friendship, and humanity are all dead.
Crisis
Chandu processes the complete moral and personal devastation, isolated and facing the consequences of his choices as the empire crumbles around him.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Chandu understands the final truth: the company destroys everyone it touches. He accepts that there is no exit, only the endgame that the life demands.
Synthesis
The final violent confrontation plays out as Chandu and Mallik's war reaches its inevitable conclusion, with law enforcement closing in and the empire consuming itself.
Transformation
The closing image shows the aftermath of destruction—the company has claimed everyone, and what remains is emptiness, validating the opening theme that there are no friends, only casualties.