Kaaviya Thalaivan

Thavathiru Sivadas Swamigal, who runs a drama troupe, discovers a young Kaliappa 'Kali' Bhagavathar on a train, singing and begging for alms. Impressed by his talent, Swami takes Kali under his wing and brings him into the troupe.

Gomathi and Kali grow up together, forming a brotherly bond. Vadivambal joins the troupe as the female member and soon falls for Kali, while Gomathi loves Vadivu and Kali loves Rangamma.

The troupe holds auditions for the main role of Soorapadman. Kali is selected, leaving Gomathi bitter and angry.

Gomathi secretly informs Swami about Kali's love and loyalty, provoking Swami to curse Kali that he will never play any character on stage. Kali pleads for mercy, and Swami agrees to keep him in the troupe as a servant if he forgets Rangamma.

The troupe leaves the village and travels elsewhere, while Kali cannot forget Rangamma. He clings to memories of her as the journey begins.

A village informant reveals that Rangamma has committed suicide under pressure to marry, and that she was pregnant. Fully drunk, Kali curses Swami for Rangamma's death and the unborn child's fate.

Swami falls ill and dies, but blesses Kali on his deathbed. Kali forgives Swami, a gesture that intensifies Gomathi's anger and jealousy.

With Swami gone, Gomathi takes control of the troupe and tries to push Kali out. Kali stands up to Gomathi in a confrontation and ultimately leaves the troupe.

Five years pass as the troupe travels to Ceylon, Malaysia, and Singapore, gaining immense popularity. Gomathi becomes a famous Rajapart and Vadivambal earns renown as Ganakokilam.

The troupe returns to Madurai and partners with producer Contract Kannaiah to stage Karnamotcham. Gomathi falls ill, and Kali re-enters, assigned as Arjuna but outshines him with a powerful performance.

Gomathi arranges for Kali to be arrested for performing plays that could incite rebellion against the British. Kali is jailed but inspired by fellow prisoners to stage plays on the freedom movement.

Vadivu leaves the troupe under pressure from her mother and later joins Kali's Bharatha Gana Sabha. She and Kali grow closer as he stages plays about the freedom movement.

The Bhagat Singh play draws further attention; Kali performs heroically as the British issue a shooting warrant. The troupe escapes, with Vadivu and Gomathi slipping away into a forest while Kali stays behind.

During their tense forest encounter, Gomathi shoots Kali, killing him. Kali dies from the gunshot, leaving a trail of tragedy in its wake.

In the last rites, Vadivu reveals she is pregnant with Kali's child. Overcome with guilt, Gomathi takes Kali's ashes to Varanasi and drowns himself in the Ganges.