Pattathu Arasan 2022

Poththaari’s peaceful family life

Poththaari is a famed former kabaddi player who is deeply respected in his village. He and his two wives raise a large family under one roof, and they live together in harmony. The family's stability sets the stage for the tragedy and drama that follow.

Kanniyan dies in a match

Poththaari sends his son Kanniyan to play in a kabaddi match, but Kanniyan dies during the game. The loss devastates the family and casts a pall over the village. The tragedy marks the beginning of a painful fracture in their lives.

Land split demanded and granted

Vijaya, Kanniyan’s wife, demands that Poththaari divide his land in half after the death. He agrees to the split, hoping to avoid further conflict. The decision seeds resentment that will echo through generations.

Separation of Vijaya and Chinnadurai

Vijaya and her son Chinnadurai cut ties with Poththaari’s family and move to live separately. The once-close household becomes fragmented and sad for the elder couple. The rift deepens as distance grows between the two sides.

70th birthday celebration approaches

A few years pass, and the village prepares for Poththaari’s 70th birthday as an auspicious occasion. The elder couple blesses their children and grandchildren, while Chinnadurai seeks forgiveness and to join the gathering. The family refuses to accept him, and his mother objects to his attendance. This refusal emphasizes the divide.

Chelliah is selected for Tamil Thalaivaas

Chelliah, the grandson from the elder generation and a budding kabaddi player, receives a call from coach Bhaskar about joining Tamil Thalaivaas. Sadagoppan informs Peramaiyan, who then checks with the minister to confirm Chelliah’s selection. The chain of confirmation shows the path from village life to professional sports.

Mat practice demands a costly mat

Bhaskar asks Chelliah to come to The Tamil Thalaivaas office in Chennai to begin mat practice. To get the mat, a cost of Rs. 3 lakh is required, an amount Chelliah cannot afford. Sadagoppan arranges a financier to secure the loan.

Bhaskar out of station delays the process

When Chelliah arrives at the Tamil Thalaivaas office, they inform him that Bhaskar is out of station, delaying the proceedings. The setback adds pressure as the opportunity hangs in the balance. The tension between aspiration and practical obstacles widens.

CCTV footage and false blame

While Chelliah relies on the loan, Sadagoppan obtains CCTV footage and uses it to falsely accuse Chelliah of taking money to skip the match. Poththaari's family is ostracized and barred from participating in events. The family’s reputation takes a severe hit.

Chelliah’s suicide

Overwhelmed by stress and social stigma, Chelliah hangs himself. The tragedy devastates the family and runs through the village as questions of justice and manipulation surface. The community grieves while re-evaluating loyalties and blame.

Question of reunion looms

Following Chelliah's death, the central question becomes whether Poththaari's estranged family can reunite and heal their wounds. The village watches closely as old grievances surface and new paths to reconciliation are considered. The outcome remains unresolved in the immediate aftermath.