Sarpatta Parambarai

In the early 1970s, Kabilan, a Dalit labourer at the Madras Port, dreams of becoming a prominent boxer like his father Munirathnam. His mother Bakkiyam forbids the sport because his father's death came in an ambush by a rival gang. His Anglo-Indian godfather, Daddy, secretly supports his boxing passion, giving him hope to chase the dream.

In 1975, Indira Gandhi's Emergency suspends political freedoms, and a boxing tournament is organized by Rangan, the Sarpatta clan's boxing coach and a DMK member. The tournament sets up fierce rivalries between the Sarpatta and Idiyappan clans. It also places boxing within the larger political turmoil of the era.

Rangan initially chooses amateur Raman to train the Sarpatta fighters, despite his son Vetri's objections. After Raman insults the coach, Kabilan beats Raman to prove his own capability. Impressed by Kabilan's power, Rangan decides to train him in Raman's place.

Daddy challenges the retired Dancing Rose, known for his legendary footwork, to test Kabilan. The boxing world buzzes as fans debate whether the young fighter can truly beat Rose. Kabilan's upset victory over Rose raises the stakes for the upcoming clash with Vembuli.

As the Vembuli match nears, Vembuli taunts Kabilan and fans dismiss the newcomer as a tomato can. The Idiyappan clan scoffs at the Sarpatta's chances, heightening the rivalry. The anticipation builds for a defining confrontation between the two champions.

The final round of the Kabilan–Vembuli match is halted when the police arrive to arrest Rangan under MISA amid political upheaval. Thaniga's henchmen disrupt the arena, attack Kabilan and the crowd, and strip him naked, forcing the bout to end without a winner. The DMK's political turmoil leads to immediate imprisonment for Rangan and other party members.

Recovering from a head injury, Kabilan decides to quit boxing and tries to live a modest life with his wife Bakkiyam and Mariyamma. A confrontation with Thaniga triggers a fit of rage, and Kabilan uses a sword against Thaniga, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. The boxing dream seems buried for the moment.

In 1978, Kabilan partners with Vetri to brew illegal liquor. Vetri leverages his AIADMK connections to legitimize the business and expand, while Kabilan becomes an alcoholic and strains his relationships with his mother and wife. Rangan is released from prison in 1979 and is disturbed by Kabilan's decline.

Raman's defeat by Vembuli highlights the gap between Kabilan's potential and reality. With Daddy's support, Kabilan asks for a rematch, but Rangan considers substituting another boxer due to his fitness problems. Vetri offers Kabilan a more secure position in his business, yet Kabilan remains determined to fight.

Daddy arranges for Kabilan to train under Munirathnam's former ally Beedi Rayappan. The new training rebuilds his fitness and sharpens his technique, giving him renewed confidence. The path to the rematch becomes clearer as he regains form.

In the rematch, Vembuli starts strong and dislocates Kabilan's left shoulder. Encouraged by Rangan, Vetri, Meeran, and other Sarpatta members, Kabilan fights through the pain and knocks out Vembuli in the final round. After years of struggle, the Sarpatta clan achieves a prime-match victory.

Kabilan's comeback culminates in the Sarpatta clan's triumph, bringing pride to North Madras and his family. The film emphasizes the mentorship of Daddy and the guidance of Rangan as keys to redemption. The victory signals a new era for the boxing world in Chennai.