Chinna Kounder

Thavasi, a wealthy landlord, becomes the hereditary village judge ten years after his father's death. He is drawn into a complex case about a temple built on land belonging to Sundari and investigates the land purchase documents, proving forgery. The temple premises are declared village property and he earns praise from a district judge for swift justice.

Sakkara Gounder plots to seize the temple land by forging documents and manipulating witnesses. He seals off the temple premises to solidify his control. Thavasi uncovers the fraud and defends the village's ownership of the temple, deepening the rivalry between them.

Deivanai, a spirited village belle, often clashes with Thavasi and his mother. A spinning-top challenge leads to a comic, revealing exchange that shifts from conflict to curiosity. Their frequent skirmishes lay the groundwork for a growing mutual respect and affection.

Deivanai saves Thavasi's mother from a snake bite, earning his admiration. He offers money as thanks, but she refuses, valuing the life she saved over payment. Her bold kindness deepens Thavasi's respect and accelerates their budding romance.

Deivanai owes money to Sakkara Gounder for her sister's education, and she hosts a Moi Virunthu where contributors pay to support her sister. Thavasi visits uninvited and proposes marriage; she accepts, solidifying their alliance. The couple prepares for a life together in the village.

Sakkara poisons the local pond and arranges a false witness to trap Thavasi’s circle of influence. Deivanai overhears the plan and tries to stop the witness, attacking him with a sickle in a bid to protect the truth. The police arrest Deivanai for murder, and she is imprisoned.

Deivanai's sister arrives at Chinna Gounder's home pregnant, and Chinna Gounder is blamed for the paternity. His mother sends him away, creating distance between the couple. Deivanai believes her husband has betrayed her trust, and she refuses to meet him in jail.

A determined advocate takes Deivanai's case and digs into the evidence. The postmortem reveals that the man attacked by Deivanai died of lack of breath, not a fatal wound. With this new finding, the case begins to tilt in Deivanai's favor.

Several months pass and Deivanai is released to visit her sister in jail. Her sister reveals that the father of her baby is the witness who was attacked, and Chinna Gounder had quietly borne the blame to protect Deivanai's reputation. This revelation reshapes the villagers' perception of the couple.

Deivanai's sister gives birth to a child and dies soon after, leaving Deivanai to grapple with the tragedy. She apologizes to her husband for the earlier misunderstandings, and their bond begins to heal as they face the consequences together. The couple grows closer despite the sorrows.

Sakkara Gounder kidnaps Deivanai in another bid to derail the couple. Chinna Gounder mounts a daring rescue and confronts Sakkara at the village panchayat. It is publicly revealed that Sakkara killed the witness and attempted to frame Deivanai.

The village stands by Chinna Gounder and Deivanai as the truth comes out. Sakkara pleads for forgiveness but is rejected by the villagers; his misdeeds are laid bare. In a final act of mercy, Chinna Gounder forgives him, asserting that his aim was to make Sakkara realize his mistakes.