Nanjupuram is a small village tucked among rolling hills where the presence of poisonous snakes adds a constant edge to daily life. The village is governed by two big shots: the president Thambi Ramaiah and a respected man Narein, who has a son named Velu. The president keeps a tense balance of power, while Narein is seen as a steady, decent figure amid the quirks of village life.
The tension deepens when the president has an affair with Malar’s mother, and he often comes to her house. This creates a delicate triangle of loyalties and fear that threads through the community. Velu, the son of Narein, becomes entangled in these local currents, especially as he grows close to Malar, whose presence brightens the otherwise rugged landscape.
One day, while treating a snake-bitten girl from the village, the fearless Velu carries her to the far side of the hill, away from the dangers of the snakes, with Malar joining him for protection and companionship. After the treatment, Velu and Malar realize that their feelings for each other go beyond friendship, blossoming into a quiet, sustaining love. This bond also unsettles the familiar order, drawing attention from those who would rather keep secrets hidden.
When a snake resurfaces to threaten Malar, Velu acts with decisive bravery, stamping the snake and injuring it badly. The villagers witness the incident and fear the consequences, as the local belief holds that a wounded snake seeks revenge on the person who harmed it within 40 days. In response, Velu’s family erects a hut for him high above the ground, with the living area dug beneath, to keep him safe. Yet Velu continues to slip down to the riverside at night to see Malar while others sleep, trying to hold onto their connection.
Velu’s father becomes aware of this midnight courtship and pleads with the president to warn Malar. The president visits Malar’s home and pressures them to arrange a quick marriage for Malar, a measure meant to restore order and security. Malar, however, is not happy with this forced arrangement. Simultaneously, Velu faces renewed threats from the same snake, which discourages him from visiting Malar by the banks. The engagement proceeds, but Malar’s heart remains unsettled until Velu’s trusted friend, a thief, acts as a go-between and tells Velu that Malar is waiting and that the fear is largely in their minds. Bolstered by this, Velu resolves to run away with Malar to start a new life together.
Just as they plan their escape, the snake returns and chases them. The villagers notice their flight and rally to search for the lovers, creating a tense chase through the hills. When the sun rises, signaling the end of the fearsome 40 days, the snake retreats. Yet the moment of elation turns tragic as the president and his henchmen close in on Malar. Velu steps between them to shield her and is gravely wounded, sacrificing his life to protect her.
In the aftermath, Malar bears Velu’s child, and the story closes on a poignant note: Velu’s little son grows up with an uncanny familiarity for snakes, mirroring the life and courage of his father, who gave everything to keep his family safe. The ending lingers on the idea that love, loyalty, and the memory of a brave man can endure in the face of danger and loss.
