Arangetram

Ramu Shastrigal's rigid principles and obstinate behaviour trap his impoverished family. They live with eight children and struggle to feed themselves. The constant scarcity shapes their daily life and sense of hope.

Janaki lands in their house with her daughter, bringing added penury and turmoil. Her presence magnifies the family's financial strain. The household's luck continues to waver under the weight of poverty.

Lalitha grows close to their neighbour Udaiyaar and his son Thangavelu. Thangavelu confesses his love and desire to marry her, but Udaiyaar refuses to permit the alliance. Thangavelu leaves in disappointment, leaving Lalitha and the family hopeful yet divided.

Shortly after his departure, Thangavelu dies in a military conflict. His absence deepens the family's grief and financial strain. Lalitha bears the loss as the family battles on with dwindling means.

Despite her father's stubborn stance, Lalitha disobeys to support her family. With Udaiyar's help, she secures employment, and her income begins to lift the family from poverty. The improved finances bring a short-lived period of relative relief.

To help Thyagu obtain a seat in a medical college, Lalitha encounters a man who claims to facilitate the admission. He exploits her desperation and rapes her, an assault she keeps to herself. She resolves to continue working to support her brother's future.

Lalitha relocates to Hyderabad where she secures a promotion and a higher salary. The move marks a significant turn in her career and the family's financial ascent. Her resilience keeps the family afloat through changing times.

After taking up the new assignment, she requests a salary advance to send money for Thyagu's admission fee. The employer, recognizing her vulnerability, demands sexual favours in return. She yields, and the money is finally handed over.

With mounting demands from her family and limited options, Lalitha descends into prostitution to earn more money. While her family prospers on the surface, she endures trauma and silent suffering. The contrast between outward success and inner ruin grows evident.

One day Thangavelu comes to Lalitha's house seeking a prostitute. He is shocked to discover how far Lalitha has fallen, and he leaves in distress. He had once faked his death to provoke his father, adding a layer of bitterness to their reunion.

Years pass and Thyagu becomes a doctor, while Mangalam earns renown as a singer. Devi falls in love with Pasupathy, the son of a landlord, and their engagement is fixed. The family starts to see a measure of social advancement.

Lalitha returns after a long absence and is warmly welcomed, but she feels depressed by the family’s ongoing struggles. She is distressed to learn that her mother is again expecting, and she criticises her parents for what she views as irresponsibility.

Udaiyar, understanding Lalitha's sacrifices, invites Thangavelu to marry her and takes steps to restore her dignity. Thangavelu agrees to this union, signaling a reclamation of Lalitha's status within the family.

The wedding of Thangavelu and Lalitha occurs alongside Thyagu's marriage to Bhama. Yet the trauma Lalitha endured continues to haunt her, culminating in a descent into insanity.