The film is set in the coastal region of Kerala, specifically in the areas of Punnapra, Vayalar, and Haripad, which were notable hotspots during the powerful Communist movement in the 1950s. At the heart of this story is Chellappan, a fiercely committed Communist and dedicated employee at Chacko's business. Over time, Chellappan earns respect among the working-class community through his efforts in organizing pickets and strikes aimed at advocating for workers' rights. However, his revolutionary zeal comes at a personal cost, as his family life suffers greatly.
Chellappan is portrayed as a man with wavering morals — he indulges in multiple extramarital affairs and harbors deep-seated suspicion towards his wife, Bhavani, played by Sheela. Bhavani remains physically attractive and morally upright, yet Chellappan constantly accuses her of infidelity, convinced that she is unfaithful, especially to his friend Gopalan, a fellow day-laborer. His mistrust leads to frequent fights and physical abuse directed at his wife, creating a turbulent and strained family environment.
The story vividly depicts their daily struggle with hunger and harsh living conditions. One day, Chellappan faces dismissal from his job by Chacko. Enraged, he confronts Chacko in a bylanes, but the confrontation triggers fears, and Chacko quickly reports Chellappan's threats to the police. Chellappan then disappears, going underground to avoid arrest, leaving his wife and children to fend for themselves. Bhavani, showing resilience, joins the ranks of day-laborers to support her family. Despite her tough circumstances, she enters into a relationship with Gopalan, selling her house in hopes of securing a new piece of land where she can build a new home, but her children, especially her young daughter Kumari, are left longing for the father figure they have lost.
In prison, Chellappan is sheltered by a humble, Communist-sympathetic family, where he adopts the alias 'Prabhakaran' to hide his true identity. The family’s daughter, Parvathy, harbors genuine feelings for him, hoping for a union someday, yet Chellappan, reading the signals of her affection, remains cautious and respects her innocence. Despite his admiration, Chellappan cannot ignore his own guilt, and feeling ashamed of the turmoil his life has caused, he leaves the town, returning to his village with a completely transformed outlook — more philosophical, more solitary.
Back in his village, Chellappan learns of the tragic loss of his daughter Kumari to jaundice. His wife Bhavani, now with her newborn baby, greets him kindly, urging him to love his son Kuttappan and to support his future. Deeply moved, Chellappan blesses his son, urging him to strive for greatness through education and hard work, showing a newfound sense of hope and responsibility. Without fuss or farewell, Chellappan departs once again, his heart heavy with remorse and reflection.
Soon after, news spreads that Chellappan has been arrested for the murder of the factory owner, a crime he willingly confesses to, accepting full responsibility. During his trial, Chellappan openly admits to the act, and as a result, he is sentenced to death by hanging. The film captures the poignant scene of Bhavani, Gopalan, Kuttappan, and others mourning his fate — a powerful portrayal of loss and sacrifice. As Chellappan is taken away to face his execution, Bhavani instinctively runs behind the vehicle, her grief overwhelming her, restrained only by Gopalan.
This tragic ending underscores the complexities of Chellappan’s life — a revolutionary torn between ideology and personal sacrifice. The film concludes with symbolic visuals of two modest mounds outside their house: a larger one marking Chellappan’s resting place, and a smaller one beside it, which is that of Kumari, echoing the profound personal toll of his political ideals.
Throughout the narrative, the film paints a poignant picture of love, loss, and valor set against the backdrop of political upheaval, emphasizing how personal lives are deeply intertwined with larger social struggles during a turbulent period in Kerala’s history.
