Pudhea Paadhai

An unnamed orphan, abandoned at birth, grows into a ruthless ruffian who does anything for money. He survives the harsh slum life by exploiting others and showing little mercy. His early choices set the template for a life of crime and opportunism.

On the eve of Seetha's wedding, the ruffian rapes her under the instruction of Annapoorani. Annapoorani had earlier been exposed by Seetha for malpractices in running an orphanage, which fuels the betrayal. The event marks a turning point in Seetha's life and the community's view of the ruffian.

The sympathetic bridegroom offers to marry Seetha, but she declines his proposal. Seeking refuge, she moves into the house of Aaya in the same slum, where she begins to navigate life anew. Her decision to leave the wedding world behind drives the ensuing social judgments.

Seetha makes attempts to befriend the ruffian, despite the community's disbelief about any change in him. Their frequent confrontations gradually give rise to a complicated chemistry between them. The seeds of a fragile bond start to take root in the midst of hardship.

Seetha narrates to the neighborhood the events that drove her from her father and into the slums. The community begins to sympathize with her and believes the ruffian must accept responsibility for his role in her condition. This collective sympathy pushes the two toward reconciliation.

Moved by sympathy and growing affection, Seetha moves into the ruffian's house. Their relationship deepens and they eventually marry, with Seetha's gentle influence guiding him toward reform. The wedding marks a new chapter for both of them.

Seetharaman slowly changes and begins to work hard to run his family in a more righteous way. He embraces steady work and discipline, shedding his earlier criminal lifestyle. His commitment earns him a measure of respect from the community.

Seetha gives birth to their son, signaling a new phase in the family. The child becomes a focal point for Seetharaman to sustain his newfound stability. The family looks toward a hopeful future.

Thoguthi, the man Seetharaman had worked for, kills Annapoorani after she demands a share from his illegal gains. Seetharaman is arrested for his past associations and is forced to become an approver to testify against Thoguthi. The charge sets the stage for his attempt to exonerate himself through cooperation.

Thoguthi plans to kill Seetharaman to stop his testimony and plants a bomb in a lunchbox that is designed to explode on opening. The ruse hinges on a match with the lunchbox that Seetha had sent to Seetharaman, illustrating the web of danger surrounding him.

Seetha dies when she opens the lunchbox, hoping it contains a gift from her husband. Enraged, Seetharaman attacks Thoguthi but spares him when his child’s cries remind him of his responsibilities. The tragedy cements the costs of the past in their family.

Thoguthi chases Seetharaman, but is struck to death by a passing vehicle. Seetharaman, now a widower and father, leaves with his child and vows to raise him away from crime. The final turn shows him embracing responsibility over vengeance.