Sivagnanam is a humble bank clerk, living a modest life with his wife Lakshmi and their children. Although his salary is low, he handles large sums of money at the bank. When the bank collapses, Sivagnanam loses his job and, feeling desperate, considers suicide so that his family can benefit from his life insurance. However, his soul reaches the court of Yama, the god of death. Angered by his reckless act, Yama sends him back to Earth to witness the consequences of his death. Unable to intervene, Sivagnanam watches as his son is arrested for stealing food, his daughter is assaulted, and his wife, after killing the rapist, drowns herself in a well.

Mani is employed as a driver with Marudachalam. Mani and his employer's daughter Susheela fall in love with each other and get married against Marudachalam's wishes. This also enrages Nagu, her father's business partner who intended to marry Susheela. In order to make her marriage successful, Susheela disowns her father and his wealth. Mani, on the other hand, loses his mother after a prolonged illness.