Thavamai Thavamiruntu

Muthaiah is admitted to the hospital with a serious head injury. The film opens with this present-day moment and the cause of the injury remains in suspense for the audience. Ramalingam visits him, and the narration of their family history begins to unfold.

While at the hospital, Ramalingam recounts memories from his childhood as a frame for the film. The narration guides the audience through his father's struggles and the family's evolution. The present-day visit acts as a gateway to the past.

A lower-middle-class father, Muthaiah runs a printing press to support his family. Despite hard work, he must borrow from local moneylenders to fund his children's education. His sacrifices lay the groundwork for the family's hopes and hardships.

A cash-flow problem threatens the family's livelihood, forcing Muthaiah to push through the night to complete work and bring in money. He uses every resource to cover tuition and keep his promise to provide for his children's future. The scene underscores his relentless commitment despite adversity.

During a festive season, the children eagerly expect gifts, but money remains tight. Muthaiah does what he can to make the celebration feel special, showing his love through sacrifice despite the strain. The moment highlights the emotional stakes of their poverty.

Ramalingam excels in his studies and gains admission to engineering college. Moving from home to a college residence gives him a sense of freedom, and he gradually falls in love with his classmate Vasanthi. The period marks a transition from boyhood to young adulthood.

In the privacy of college life, Ramalingam and Vasanthi give in to their feelings, resulting in an accidental pregnancy. They face uncertain futures and struggle with how to tell their families, while their commitment to each other remains firm. The event tests the couple's resolve and their plans.

Meanwhile, Ramanathan is already married and has a child. A misunderstanding with their father creates tension, and Ramanathan walks out of the family home. The lack of privacy and freedom adds strain to the brothers' relationship.

Unable to reveal the pregnancy to their families, Ramalingam and Vasanthi elope to Chennai and marry. They begin searching for jobs to build a life together amid financial hardship. The relocation marks a new chapter in their struggle.

Vasanthi gives birth to a daughter, and medical expenses put further strain on the couple. Ramalingam borrows money from a former classmate, who informs Muthaiah of the emergency. Muthaiah arrives with cash to support them during the crisis.

Moved by his father's gesture, Ramalingam and Vasanthi return to Ramalingam's village to seek family support in raising their child. They find acceptance from their parents and begin rebuilding their lives together.

With family support, Ramalingam secures a better job and advances in his career. The family grows more settled and eventually moves to Madurai, strengthening their bonds and stability.

Ramalingam arranges a reunion with his brother's family, restoring harmony among relatives. His mother Saradha passes away after years of a happy family life, marking a painful but peaceful transition for the clan.

Ramanathan returns to ask for financial help by selling their family home in the village. Muthaiah is upset by the request, reflecting lingering friction within the family and the weight of past debts and expectations.

Muthaiah slips and falls into a well, is rushed to the hospital, and ultimately dies from his injuries. The death brings the patriarch's journey to a close, leaving Ramalingam to carry forward his memory and values.