Malaikottai Vaaliban

An undefeated, aging drifting warrior who rules a vast desert region; orphaned and raised by his mentor Ayyanar, he fights with a blend of ferocity and enigmatic honor. He inherits a legacy of domination and is haunted by the secret of his true parentage. His loyalty to his father-figure and his own code create tension as fate pushes him toward a fateful confrontation with his past.

A dancer who becomes entangled in political intrigue and the warrior's orbit; she challenges status quo, liberates slaves with Thenamma's help, and vies for Vaaliban's affection. Bold, resourceful, and emotionally driven, she sees beyond romance to shape the realm's future.

A mentor figure and adoptive father to Vaaliban, whose loyalty and fierce pride mask a dangerous political edge. He reveals a devastating truth about Vaaliban's lineage and pursues revenge, ultimately aligning with a larger plan that pits family against family.

A vengeful foe who manipulates pride and honor to undermine Vaaliban. His deceit and brutal acts trigger a cascade of revenge that reshapes rivalries and accelerates the epic's tragedy.

A pivotal figure whose pregnancy with Chinnappaiyyan's child becomes a source of misinterpretation and tragedy. Her presence catalyzes key turning points and exposes fault lines in trust and power.

Dramatic challenger who is thrust into conflict with Vaaliban; his actions and identity become a focal point for vengeance and family ties within the arena-bound world.

A schemer who engineers plans to manipulate Vaaliban's love life and escalate political plots. Her machinations intertwine personal grievances with a broader conspiracy against the hero.

King of the Portuguese-ruled forces; his rule represents a foreign power in the desert realm, challenging the local rulers and the hero's ambitions for sovereignty.

A noble figure who stands at the intersection of colonial influence and local power. Her presence tightens the political stakes and enriches the epic’s class dynamics.