Muthaiya and Kamakshi are talented karakattam dancers from neighboring villages. Chinnarasu, a corrupt village president whose advances Kamakshi rejected, seeks revenge by hiring Muthaiya's troupe to replace hers at a festival. Instead of sparking a rivalry, Muthaiya’s brilliant performance impresses Kamakshi, and they fall in love.
Kamakshi’s father realizes Muthaiya is his estranged nephew but stays silent. Discovering the romance, a vengeful Chinnarasu tricks Kamakshi's brother-in-law, Balaraman, into organizing a dance competition between the lovers, plotting to assassinate Muthaiya. Kamakshi saves Muthaiya from the assassin's knife, getting stabbed herself. Muthaiya’s mother intervenes, forbidding the marriage upon learning Kamakshi is the daughter of the brother she believes stole her husband's medical funds. However, Kamakshi’s father explains he was unjustly jailed while trying to sell the jewels. The family reconciles. To prove their purity against Chinnarasu's false accusations, the lovers successfully walk on fire. Balaraman exposes Chinnarasu, who repents after Muthaiya saves his life, allowing the couple to finally marry.