Devaraagam

The film begins with a young child climbing into a bullock cart, insisting on accompanying it to pick up the 'Shavundi', a funeral rites performer. The Shavundi is depicted as a grim figure covered in ash, living among cremation grounds, and seen as frightening or unlucky by society. They converse during the cart ride, setting a mystical and somber tone for the film.

Lakshmi's life is introduced, and her encounter with Vishnu, a priest-in-training and the son of the new priest, takes center stage. Vishnu's arrival in her village sparks her curiosity and desire to develop a relationship with him. Their innocent interactions lead to a burgeoning romantic connection.

Through various antics and innocent clashes, Lakshmi and Vishnu fall deeply in love. Their bond grows, but societal constraints threaten their relationship due to Vishnu's status as a brahmachari, which prevents him from marrying traditionally.

Lakshmi visits an astrologer who predicts difficulties in their life together. Following his advice, they secretly marry and become intimate, defying societal norms, in hopes of beginning a new life together free from sins.

Lakshmi's aunt arranges her marriage with her son Parthasarathy. When Lakshmi confesses her love for Vishnu to her father, he blackmails her by threatening suicide and asks Vishnu to help facilitate her marriage with her cousin.

With Vishnu's reluctant help, his own father, who is ill, forces him to perform the marriage rituals for Lakshmi, whom Vishnu had secretly married. Lakshmi is heartbroken but helpless as her love and marriage are thwarted.

Lakshmi becomes pregnant, and she pleads with her husband for forgiveness, promising to inform everyone later. Her husband reveals he is impotent, and thus, he asks her to keep her pregnancy secret to protect his pride.

Vishnu leaves his home, wandering temple to temple, seeking peace. He stays with a renowned priest and is approached by his daughter Kokila, an actress who is interested in marrying him. However, Vishnu remains haunted by memories of Lakshmi and their love.

Vishnu performs a puja for a child, unaware that it is his own son, whom he recognizes later. Seeing Lakshmi in the household triggers grief, and Vishnu leaves, filled with sorrow and guilt, further distancing himself from his past.

Following a curse from his father for performing the puja for his own son, Vishnu transforms into a Shavundi, a funeral rites performer, feeling unworthy of spiritual duties. He is burdened by guilt and societal shame.

In the present, Vishnu is shown performing funeral rites as a Shavundi. Lakshmi witnesses this and becomes furious, realizing that her son cannot perform last rites because Vishnu is alive and is her true son, who once blessed her child's long life.

Upon learning the truth, Vishnu refuses to continue as a Shavundi. He rejects his societal role to be with Lakshmi and their son, seeking to lead a peaceful life free from past sins and misunderstandings.