Putham Pudhu Kaalai is an anthology consisting of five distinct short films that explore the themes of hope, love, and new beginnings against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first story, Ilamai Idho Idho, narrated by R. Madhavan, focuses on the blossoming romance between two senior citizens. Rajiv Padmanabhan, a widower living in a large, lonely apartment, finds his life brightening when his girlfriend, Lakshmi Krishnan, arrives to spend a few days with him just before the Indian government announces a nationwide lockdown. As the world shuts down, the two find themselves trapped together, allowing them to bond deeply and rediscover the excitement of youth, mirrored by the appearances of their younger selves, played by Kalidas Jayaram and Kalyani Priyadarshan. Their secret is nearly exposed when Rajiv's daughter and son-in-law, Arun Krishnan and Chitra, arrive unannounced. In a tense moment, Lakshmi is forced to hide in a closet, where she witnesses a tender moment between Rajiv and his daughter. After the visitors leave, the couple reflects on a petty argument they had, realizing the insignificance of their fight compared to their affection for one another. Despite their fears regarding their children's reactions, they ultimately decide to be honest and introduce one another via a video call, with the help of the maid, Preethi Nedumaran.
The second segment, Avarum Naanum – Avalum Naanum, depicts the healing relationship between an elderly man and his estranged granddaughter. The grandfather, played by M. S. Bhaskar, is a retired scientist who lives in solitude. His granddaughter, Kanna, an IT professional, is sent by her father to care for him. Initially, Kanna harbors deep resentment toward her grandfather because he had not accepted her mother. However, as she spends more time with him, she discovers the heartbreaking truth: his anger stemmed from his belief that her mother's singing voice was divine, and he was devastated when she gave up her music to marry her husband. Understanding this perspective allows Kanna to forgive him, and with the assistance of the caretaker, Krithika Bala, she commits to visiting him regularly.
In the story Coffee, Anyone?, the narrative centers on family reconciliation. Two daughters, Valli and Saras, visit their mother, Soundara Mahendran, who has been in a coma. They express frustration toward their father, Mahendran, for choosing to treat her at home rather than in a hospital. They are also troubled by the fact that their younger sister, Ramya, refuses to visit due to long-standing family disputes. Despite these tensions, the sisters push past their differences to emotionally connect with their mother. Their efforts are rewarded when they notice signs of improvement, and the story reaches a joyful conclusion as Soundara finally wakes up from her coma.
The fourth film, Reunion, follows Sadhana and Vikram, former school friends with a shared love for music. In the present, Vikram is a practicing doctor, while Sadhana runs an event management company. Due to the lockdown restrictions, Sadhana finds herself staying at Vikram's home, where she forms a touching bond with his mother, Bhairavi. During her stay, it is revealed that Sadhana is struggling with a drug addiction, which she erroneously believes is necessary to fuel her musical creativity. With the unwavering support of Vikram and Bhairavi, she acknowledges her struggle and agrees to seek professional help. The story ends on a romantic note when Vikram confesses that the poetry he wrote during their college years was actually intended for Sadhana, not his girlfriend at the time.
Finally, the segment Miracle provides a comedic take on greed and fate. Michael, an aspiring young filmmaker, spends his time watching a televised "Guruji," played by Ezhil Arasan. Meanwhile, two low-level thugs, Devan and Rocky, become obsessed with the Guruji's claims of miracles, hoping to find a way to make quick money. The plot converges in a chaotic and humorous climax involving the Guruji's assistant, Thomas Kurian. In a twist of irony, the thugs remain penniless, the Guruji suffers a loss of millions, and Michael unexpectedly acquires the funding he needs to finally produce his film.
