Kazhugu 1981

Priest arrives and performs ritual in Satyamoorthy's house

Wealthy diamond businessman Satyamoorthy hosts a priest to ward off evil and guard his treasure. The impostor priest pretends to bless the house and instructs Satyamoorthy to place a sacred sheet into the locker as part of the ritual. This setup foreshadows the later theft by a gang using religious pretenses.

Thieves strike during the night

The impostor priest leads a gang to plunder the treasure. Raja wakes to the sounds of the break-in and fights off the intruders, restoring the stolen riches. Satyamoorthy remains convinced that divine protection guarded the wealth, not his brother's vigilance.

Raja tries to prove the priest false

Raja presses to expose the impostor priest, hoping to reveal the fraud behind the sacred ritual. Despite his efforts, Satyamoorthy clings to faith in the holy shroud's power. The rift between skepticism and devotion strains the brothers' relationship.

Raja's accidental entry into Hemavathy's world

Raja accidentally enters a ladies' washroom and is confronted by Hemavathy, who accuses him of misbehavior. To shield his reputation, he lies to Hemavathy's father Sivaraman that he is Hemavathy's lover.

Hemavathy's truth and Raja's confession

Hemavathy explains to her father that Raja's accusation was a misunderstanding; she defends Raja and reveals the real backstory. Sivaraman relents, but the family remains wary. The couple's bond deepens, and they decide to marry.

Raja and Hemavathy marry

Following the truth and their growing affection, Raja and Hemavathy wed under familial tension and hopeful anticipation. The ceremony seals their union and sets them on a new path together. The wedding is a turning point that intensifies the ensuing adventures.

Honeymoon begins with a road trip and friends

As a wedding gift, Satyamoorthy provides an RV for the newlyweds' honeymoon. They set off with Raja's friends, enjoying a carefree journey away from home. The trip leads them toward a rural village and new, perilous mysteries.

Vasanthi helps the travel group

The travelers stop in a small village and are aided by Vasanthi, an innocent-looking vegetable vendor. She offers hospitality and becomes a friendly link between the group and local residents. Her presence foreshadows the darker events to come.

Drum call leads to a sacrificial field

That night, distant drums guide Raja and his friends to a sacrificial field where Vasanthi is sacrificed by a criminal gang. The horror shocks Raja, who immediately gives chase to uncover the villains behind the ritual. The event raises the stakes for their journey and heightens the sense of danger.

Police investigation finds no evidence

Raja reports the atrocity to the police, but investigators find no evidence of Vasanthi's existence. The mystery deepens as the tale appears to vanish into thin air. Raja fights to keep the memory of Vasanthi alive while seeking the truth.

Raja uncovers Rajarishi's true nature

Raja continues the investigation and discovers Rajarishi, a so-called saint who is actually the head of a gang of thieves. He uses Anandha Rasam, a sacred drink, to coerce wealthy victims into surrendering their property. The revelation shifts the fight from rumor to organized crime.

Radha's staged death and impending sacrifice

Radha, Satyamoorthy's daughter, is declared dead after a snake bite, but the declaration is a ruse. She is kept alive as a candidate for Rajarishi's human sacrifice. The deception heightens the family’s desperation and resolves to intervene.

Raja rescues Rajarishi's captive niece

When Rajarishi is about to behead his captive niece, Raja intervenes, rescuing her and escaping with his group. The pursuit draws the village into the clash, exposing Rajarishi's monstrous methods. The rescue marks a decisive turn toward ending the crisis.