Dhruvam

A hangman from Tamil Nadu is hired to execute Hyder Marakkar. Before the sentence is carried out, the man dies in a road accident. The authorities sense foul play as hangmen are murdered, bribed, or coerced to stop Marakkar's hanging.

DIG Marar senses foul play as the hangman dies and other potential hangmen refuse the job. He investigates a pattern of murders, bribes, and threats targeting executioners. His efforts reveal a wider conspiracy to prevent Marakkar's hanging.

Marar and a young officer Jose Nariman travel to Kamakshipuram to seek the help of Narasimha Mannadiar. They hope the feudal lord can influence the case and arrange a hangman. Mannadiar's fearless reputation and his role as village guardian make him a potential ally.

Nariman and Mannadiar's secretary Ponmani share stories from Mannadiar's life that shaped his popular image. Mannadiar is revered by villagers and feared by politicians and some cops for his pursuit of peace and justice. Ponmani's tales begin to reveal why the establishment resists him.

The hangman's brother Kasi meets the investigators and agrees to take up the duty of hanging Marakkar. His willingness offers a possible path to carry out the sentence despite earlier obstacles. The decision also risks drawing Marakkar's gang toward him.

Ponmani recounts a pivotal tale from Mannadiar's life: Veeran loves Maya, but Bhadran arrives claiming involvement and reveals Maya's parents want to marry her off. Mannadiar cancels Veeran's engagement and arranges Maya's marriage to Bhadran. Bhadran later becomes a member of Marakkar's gang, intertwining loyalties and danger.

Mannadiar integrates Bhadran as his driver, hoping to keep him close and protect Maya's future. This arrangement places Bhadran inside the power circle opposing Marakkar. The fragile loyalties heighten the danger surrounding Marakkar's gang.

Marakkar retaliates by killing Marar's son, and he also murders Veeran who would have witnessed the crimes. The killings deepen Mannadiar's resolve to seek justice. The vendetta grows more personal as the hatchet is buried in family and police circles.

After hearing the backstory, Nariman decides to aid Mannadiar in his pursuit of justice. The alliance marks a turning point in the struggle against Marakkar, blending police inquiry with vigilante resolve. They begin planning a direct confrontation with Marakkar.

Mannadiar, Bhadran, and Nariman enter the prison and secure access to Marakkar with their combined courage. They force a confrontation that will bring Marakkar out of confinement. The operation sets the stage for the dramatic showdown.

During the escape attempt, Marakkar's associates throw a bomb to kill Mannadiar. Nariman sacrifices himself by catching the bomb and dies. Mannadiar then eliminates Marakkar's associates and hangs Marakkar from a tree.

In court, Mannadiar takes full responsibility for the murders, thereby making Bhadran a pardoned witness. The judge sentences Mannadiar to death, sealing his fate. The conclusion frames a stark clash between vigilante justice and formal law.