Uthiripookkal

Sundaravadivelu is introduced as a wealthy yet cruel village figure who runs the local school with ruthless authority. He siphons funds for personal use and dismisses any challenge to his control. His actions set the tone for the community's tensions.

He lends money to Thambusamy and constantly demands repayment, exploiting the pensioner's weakness. The harassment strains Thambusamy's dignity and pushes him toward despair. Sundaravadivelu's arrogance worsens as he shows no mercy.

Shenbagam falls in love with Prakash, the new teacher. Sundaravadivelu openly opposes their relationship, citing Lakshmi's illness as a reason to arrange Shenbagam's marriage to him. He negotiates with Thambusamy, offering to cancel the debt if Thambusamy agrees.

Bhavani falls sick and Lakshmi takes her to the village health inspector who has been recently appointed. They realize they had known each other as neighbors long ago, when Lakshmi's hand in marriage had been sought by him. The memory softens the inspector, who tries to help.

To ease the debt, Thambusamy considers leaving the village, prompting the health inspector to offer money to settle the loan. Sundaravadivelu learns of this and accuses Lakshmi of an affair with the inspector. The atmosphere grows toxic as gossip and fear spread.

The health inspector leaves the village to avoid causing further trouble in Lakshmi's life. Lakshmi, torn from her children, seeks refuge at her father's house. Unable to endure the separation, she dies.

After remarrying, Sundaravadivelu neglects his children. They continue to visit Shenbagam for food and care, underscoring the family's fractured ties.

Prakash meets Thambusamy and proposes to marry Shenbagam; Thambusamy agrees and the marriage is fixed. Prakash explains his intentions and the hope of a stable life for Shenbagam, while Thambusamy endorses the match in recognition of Shenbagam's past sacrifices.

Prakash informs Sundaravadivelu that the school's management has learned of his mismanagement and intends to take action. Sundaravadivelu realizes his position is precarious and begins to fear consequences.

Shenbagam visits Sundaravadivelu to seek custody of his children so she can care for them. Sundaravadivelu, enraged and jealous, forcibly undresses her and taunts that he was the first to see her nude. His wife witnesses and disowns him.

News of his atrocity spreads through the village and the residents converge on him. They corner him at the river and demand that he choose his method of death.

Remorseful, Sundaravadivelu shares a tender moment with his children before the villagers push him toward the river. He drowns himself, ending his tyranny and leaving the village to reckon with the damage he caused.