Mullum Malarum

As children, Kali and his sister Valli survive by performing on the streets, with Kali playing the drums and Valli perched atop a pole balanced by an older boy. They grow up hardened to hardship and Kali often bitterly resents people he sees as lacking empathy for the poor. This early dynamic sets the tone for their bond and future tensions.

As adults, they live in a hilltop village, and Kali works for a powerhouse in the valley below. From a shed in the village, he operates a winch for a cable trolley that ferries employees to work. His stubborn sense of fairness often puts him at odds with his employer's rules.

Kumaran, the new divisional engineer, notices Kali offering free rides to unauthorised townspeople. He orders the passengers out, citing rules of operation, and Kali responds with a defiant act that reveals his contempt for the formal system.

Near the canal, Valli encounters Manga and her hungry mother, newcomers from Ilaiyangudi. Valli shelters them for the night and asks Kali if they can use the vacant house next door.

Kali roughs up fellow employees whom he suspects snitched on him to Kumaran. Kumaran gives him a final warning as a prelude to more serious disciplinary action.

While Kali is at work, Manga appears, steals his watch, and taunts that she will run away with it. They chase each other into the woods and end up waist-deep in the river, where Kali retrieves the watch and hurries back to the shed.

A valley child needs medical attention during Kali's absence, and a passerby operates the winch to transport the child to a hospital. The next day, Kumaran suspends Kali from his job for ten days for gross misconduct.

That evening, Kali goes to Mullimalai to vent his anger among the Badagas, singing and dancing. On the way home, a truck runs over his left arm, and he is amputated at a city hospital. Kumaran fires him because he can no longer perform the job.

Under Valli's prompting, Kali and Manga marry in a simple temple ceremony. Kumaran attends with a cash gift, which Kali rejects, but Manga accepts.

Kumaran becomes attracted to Valli and, after determining her willingness to marry, asks Kali for consent, requesting he return the next day. That same day, Kali corners Murgesan and offers his sister's hand in marriage, leading to an engagement ceremony for Murgesan and Valli.

During the engagement ceremony, Manga angrily interferes in the main ritual, provoking Kali into a physical outburst against her. Manga's stance remains firm in opposing the marriage plans.

The next day, Manga convinces Kumaran and Valli to marry without Kali's knowledge, and Kali accosts their wedding party on the way to the temple.

Valli rushes into Kali's arms, apologizing and reaffirming that he remains the most important man in her life. Though he harbours resentment toward Kumaran, Kali's pride is restored and he offers his blessing.