Mullum Malarum

Set in the hill country around Mullimalai, the film follows Kali as he operates a hillside winch that ferries workers to a valley powerhouse. The Mullimalai Hills provide a rugged backdrop that shapes the characters' resourceful, tough-minded way of life. A nearby canal and the village’s Badaga community set the atmosphere and relationships at the center of the story.

🔥 Pride

Kali’s stubborn pride drives his initial clashes with the rules and the engineer Kumaran. After his accident, pride threatens to close him off from others, but it also fuels his determination to reclaim his dignity. The arc shows how pride can trigger conflict and, when tempered by consequences, lead to growth and reconciliation.

🤝 Empathy

The story contrasts Kali’s anger with the compassion shown by Valli, Manga, and Kumaran. Empathy for the poor and vulnerable appears through acts of shelter, fairness, and support, softening Kali’s harsher judgments. As relationships unfold, empathy becomes the glue that holds the family together.

💞 Love & Loyalty

Romantic and familial loyalties drive the plot: Kali and Manga marry, Valli contemplates her own path with Kumaran, and Kali’s sister remains central to the family’s ties. The tension between obligation and affection tests loyalties, culminating in Kali granting his blessing and a restored sense of family.