Kanchivaram

In 1948, Vengadam is released from jail after serving time, and he is escorted back to his hometown of Kanchipuram. The police escort him on a bus over a two-day journey, during which he begins to recall his past. The journey symbolizes a reflection on his life's hardships and choices.

Vengadam marries Sriya Reddy's character, having once vowed to marry only a woman wearing a silk saree. However, due to financial constraints, he settles for a normal marriage, abandoning his earlier silk saree ambitions. His love for silk remains a significant part of his identity.

When his brother-in-law faces business losses, Vengadam provides his savings to help his sister, sacrificing his dream of owning a silk saree. This act of sacrifice marks a turning point in his life, reflecting his dedication to family over personal aspirations.

Vengadam's wife, Annam, falls ill with blood vomit and eventually dies in his arms. Her death occurs after she shows him a silk saree, symbolizing his lost dreams and the cost of his sacrifices. This tragic event profoundly affects Vengadam.

A writer, revealed as a communist, arrives in the town and advocates for equality among silk weavers. He highlights their poor pay and inability to access the products they create, inspiring Vengadam and others to demand better conditions through street theatre and protest.

Vengadam becomes a leader among the weavers, organizing protests and submitting a petition for increased wages. Their activism symbolizes their fight for dignity and economic justice amid oppressive Zamindar control. The movement faces danger as police crack down.

The son of Vengadam's friend, a soldier returning from war, visits and informs the town of the Allies' victories, leading to tensions in alliances with communists. He seeks to marry Vengadam's daughter before returning to battle, complicating Vengadam’s decisions.

Faced with the soldier's proposal, Vengadam defies his vow and orders the weavers to resume work to finish the silk saree. He secretly smuggles silk to complete the saree on time, showing his struggle between personal promises and survival.

Vengadam is caught smuggling silk, beaten, and imprisoned. His actions to finish the saree in time demonstrate his desperation and the cost of his commitments as his life spirals out of control amid the socio-political turmoil.

Vengadam's daughter falls into a well and becomes paralyzed, leading to her tragic suffering. His wife dies in a stampede caused by villagers eager to see the zamindar's new car, leaving Vengadam devastated and guilt-ridden.

Unable to bear her suffering and rejected by his brother-in-law, Vengadam poisons his daughter, ending her life. He feels helpless and overwhelmed by despair, culminating in a tragic end for his family.

In her death, Vengadam covers his daughter's body with a half-woven silk saree, fulfilling a childhood vow about silk and lamenting his regrets. This act signifies his ongoing connection to silk and his grief.

Overcome with grief and guilt, Vengadam becomes mentally unstable, shown trying to cover her face and leg with silk, symbolizing his descent into madness. The film ends with his laughter, illustrating his broken state of mind.

The film's credits reveal how communism became a significant movement in India, highlighting the socio-political backdrop of Vengadam's struggles. His story reflects broader themes of sacrifice, inequality, and political change during that era.