Chennai Kadhal movie is a city based love story. Gautham (Bharath) who is a college drop-out and a good-for-nothing guy (like his father always says). Gowtham meets Narmada (Genelia) who is the daughter of a local don Sakthivel (Radha Ravi). He falls in love with Narmada ( Genelia).She lives in a hostel after learning that her dad is a criminal who now wants her to marry his partner Sardar

The tale of two lovers from feuding families- whether they unite or not forms the crux of the story.

Sakthivel, an influential man, is upset with his son Chinnarasu's careless attitude. He is further infuriated when Chinnarasu suddenly refuses to marry his cousin, Gowri.