Directed by

Prabhu Deva
Made by

Mini Studios
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Poikkal Kuthirai (2022). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Kathiravan, Prabhu Deva is a one‑legged man whose life centers on his young daughter Magizh. When Magizh dreams of learning to swim, Kathiravan steals water from local pipes to fill his house with enough liquid to create a makeshift pool, a plan born after a councilor refused to build a public pool and suggested using his home instead. This act, driven by a desire to give Magizh a chance at joy, sets off a chain of desperate decisions.
On a routine bus ride, Kathiravan intervenes when a goon inappropriately touches a little girl, a brave moment that underscores his resilience despite his injury. He receives compensation for the loss of his wife and his leg, money he hopes will fund Magizh’s education. Yet Magizh has her own view of the path ahead: she asks for a prosthetic leg so her father can keep providing for her dreams.
A dance stage performance ends with Magizh fainting, and she is rushed to the hospital. The chief doctor reveals a serious heart condition that requires an operation costing 70 lakhs. Kathiravan, willing to do anything for his daughter, agrees to the costly surgery. In a painful reversal, the story shifts to Kathiravan’s jailbound father, who claims he has no hidden money but proposes a drastic plan to save Magizh: kidnap the daughter of a wealthy family. Kathiravan rejects the idea at first, scolding his father, and reaches out to friends for help—none come through. Reluctantly, he decides to follow his father’s advice and targets Rudra’s daughter, a decision that plunges him into a dangerous world.
Madan, [Jagan], helps Kathiravan assemble intelligence on the Rudra family’s day-to-day routines. The plan unfolds on the day of the kidnapping, but Rudra herself catches Kathiravan, and someone else abducts her daughter. Kathiravan is brutally beaten and offered a sum of 70 lakhs for his daughter’s treatment if he can locate Rudra’s daughter. He plunges into a desperate search, eventually uncovering a container filled with girls intended to be trafficked.
In a chilling turn, Kathiravan discovers his own daughter has been kidnapped as well. The kidnapper’s demand escalates to 10 crores, and Kathiravan follows the demands, hoping to protect his child. The truth behind the plan gradually surfaces: it was Deva, Rudra’s husband, who organized the operation, with Madan aiding him. Deva ambitions to seize control of RTR and orchestrates the murder of Rudra’s father in the process.
Armed with this truth, Kathiravan confronts the gang, beating back the thugs even as he finds himself under a gun’s threat. He reveals the larger design: the entire plot was his own, crafted to trap Deva. He manipulated the sequence—sending Madan to Deva and using the plan to expose him—to trigger a chain of events that would bring Deva to justice. He even steals Rudra’s watch to guide Rudra to the address and sends voice messages that expose Deva. When Rudra arrives, she shoots Deva, ending the immediate threat.
Months later, Kathiravan has returned to his village and lives peacefully with his daughter. He confides in Madan that the ASP will soon uncover Deva’s buried body, and that someone might search for Rudra. Yet Kathiravan has left a crucial clue, a safeguard that would keep Rudra safe from retaliation, leaving Madan with the unsettling sense that some secrets may never be fully resolved.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Poikkal Kuthirai (2022) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Kathiravan siphons water to fill Magizh's home
Kathiravan siphons water from the village pipes to fill his house so his daughter Magizh can learn to swim. He also asks the local councilor to build a swimming pool for the area. The councilor refuses and suggests installing one in Kathir's house instead.
Goon on bus; Kathir defends a child
On a bus, a goon touches a little girl inappropriately. Kathir, despite having only one leg, intervenes and fights the assailant. This act establishes his protective nature and triggers the events that follow.
Compensation money vs Magizh's prosthetic
Kathir receives compensation cash for losing his wife and his leg. He intends to spend it on Magizh's education, hoping to secure her future. Magizh, however, urges her father to get a prosthetic leg instead, creating emotional tension between them.
Magizh's heart problem and 70-lakh operation
During a stage performance, Magizh faints and is rushed to the hospital. The chief doctor diagnoses a heart problem and says an operation is required. The screen shows the operation would cost 70 lakhs, and Kathir agrees to proceed.
Visit to the jailed father and his kidnapping plan
Kathir visits his father in jail to ask where the money he stole is hidden. The father claims there is no money but offers a plan to save Magizh instead. He suggests kidnapping a wealthy girl, a suggestion Kathir initially rejects.
Kathir decides to kidnap Rudra's daughter; planning begins
Despite misgivings, Kathir decides to follow his father's plan and begins preparing to kidnap Rudra's daughter. He enlists his friend Madan to help with the operation. They start researching the Rudra family to identify a suitable target.
Researching Rudra family for a target
On the day of the kidnapping, Kathir and Madan conduct extensive research into the Rudra family to map out day-to-day activities. They study security patterns, routines, and potential vulnerabilities. The planning grows more precise as the operation nears.
Kidnap day chaos; Rudra's daughter abducted; 70 lakhs offer
On the day of the kidnapping, Kathir is caught by Rudra, but someone else abducts Rudra's daughter. Kathir is beaten badly and is told that 70 lakhs would be paid for Magizh’s treatment if he helps locate Rudra's daughter. The offer pushes him to pursue leads despite the danger.
Container of abducted girls discovered
Kathir's investigations lead him to a container where many girls are imprisoned. He discovers that his own daughter Magizh is among the abducted victims, intensifying his resolve. He vows to expose the mastermind behind the operation.
Deva and Madan revealed as masterminds
The mastermind behind the kidnapping is revealed to be Deva, Rudra's husband, who orchestrated the abduction; Madan is involved as well. Deva coveted the Managing Director position at RTR and had even murdered Rudra's father to cover his tracks.
Kathir's trap plan exposed; plan to trap Deva
Kathir explains that the entire plan was his setup to trap Deva; he had sent Madan to Deva as part of the ruse and manipulated events. He also reveals that he stole Rudra's watch to inform her of the address and used voice messages to expose Deva.
Rudra eliminates Deva; end of the scheme
Rudra arrives at the confrontation and shoots Deva dead, ending the criminal plan. The truth of the scheme becomes clear as Deva dies.
Months later: Kathir returns home with Magizh
Months later, Kathir returns to his village and lives happily with his daughter. He hints to Madan that the ASP will uncover Deva's buried body and may search for Rudra, but he has left a clue that will keep Rudra safe, much to Madan's surprise.
Explore all characters from Poikkal Kuthirai (2022). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Kathiravan (Prabhu Deva)
One-legged, fiercely protective father who will push boundaries to secure his daughter Magizh's future. He masterminds a dangerous plan to expose Deva's crimes, using cunning and restraint to outwit his enemies. His resilience and resourcefulness drive the story from a desperate act to a calculated trap.
Rudra (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar)
Owner of RTR, a powerful corporate figure who is protective of her daughter and wary of threats to her family. She embodies a mix of authority and resolve, and she ultimately acts decisively when Deva's plans come to light. Her presence anchors the high-stakes conflict between wealth, power, and family safety.
Deva (John Kokken)
Rudra's husband and the principal antagonist, orchestrating the kidnapping and various criminal schemes to seize control of RTR. He is ruthless, ambitious, and willing to murder to achieve his goals.
Madhan (Jagan)
Kathiravan's ally who helps with the planning and execution of the pursuit. His loyalty is essential to navigating dangerous schemes, adding a layer of risky collaboration to the plan.
Magizh (Baby Aazhiya)
Kathiravan's young daughter, who dreams of swimming and is diagnosed with a heart condition. Her illness and hope to learn swim fuel the actions of the father and set the emotional stakes of the story.
Gouri (Raiza Wilson)
Rudra's daughter who becomes the focal point of the kidnapping plot. Her fate directly tests Kathiravan's willingness to risk everything to protect family and expose Deva's criminal network.
Kathiravan's Father (Prakash Raj)
Imprisoned father who reveals a potential plan to hide the stolen money. His memories and counsel spark the elder guidance behind Kathiravan's risky strategy.
ASP (Shaam)
Assistant Commissioner of Police who represents law enforcement involvement in the case and hints at the official pursuit of Deva's network.
Learn where and when Poikkal Kuthirai (2022) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Kathiravan's Village, RTR Companies HQ, Local Hospital, Local Jail
The film unfolds primarily in a rural village environment where water scarcity shapes daily life, and in the urban footprint of RTR Companies. Key scenes cross between Kathiravan's modest home and the company's headquarters, highlighting the clash between poor and powerful. Hospital moments heighten the stakes as Magizh's heart condition drives the action, while a local jail anchors memories of the past.
Discover the main themes in Poikkal Kuthirai (2022). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
👪
Family
Family loyalty is the engine of the narrative, pushing Kathiravan to take extreme measures to protect Magizh. His choices blend vulnerability with resourcefulness, showing how love can blur moral lines. The story repeatedly weighs the cost of care against the methods used to achieve it. In the end, family ties shape both the plan and its consequences.
🕵️
Truth
The plot hinges on uncovering the truth behind the kidnapping and Deva's schemes. Kathiravan's orchestrated plan pieces together clues, uses deception as a means to expose crime, and relies on timely information to outmaneuver the antagonists. The revelation of Deva's guilt aims to restore justice, even as it complicates personal loyalties.
⚖️
Corruption
Ambition and greed corrupt the boundary between business and criminality. Deva's bid to seize control of RTR, the murder of Rudra's father, and the kidnapping plot illustrate how power can corrupt morality. The narrative exposes how wealth can shield criminals and how vigilant actions by individuals can challenge that power.

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Discover the spoiler-free summary of Poikkal Kuthirai (2022). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the bustling shadows of contemporary Tamil Nadu, a single‑legged father bears the weight of an impossible promise. Kathiravan, having lost his left leg in a tragic accident, lives in a modest home where every corner echoes with his daughter’s laughter and his quiet resolve. His eight‑year‑old daughter, Magizh, is a bright, hopeful spirit whose world is suddenly narrowed by a congenital heart defect demanding a staggering 7 million INR for treatment. The film paints their daily grind with a raw, unvarnished realism that feels both intimate and universally resonant, letting the audience feel the ache of love stretched thin.
The world they inhabit is a tapestry of cramped streets, bustling markets, and the ever‑present hum of bureaucracy that offers little mercy. Kathiravan navigates this landscape with a mix of stubborn ingenuity and tender affection, turning ordinary spaces into makeshift sanctuaries for his daughter’s fleeting dreams. The tone balances gritty survival with moments of gentle humor, highlighting the bond between parent and child amid the looming pressure of an unaffordable medical crisis. The atmosphere is charged with a quiet desperation that never quite erupts into overt violence, instead lingering in the tension of choices yet to be made.
Faced with the impossible sum required to save Magizh, Kathiravan contemplates a drastic plan that pushes him toward the edges of moral certainty. The prospect of kidnapping the daughter of a wealthy businessman looms as a desperate gamble, suggesting a world where ordinary people are forced to confront extraordinary ethical dilemmas. This seed of conflict sets the stage for a tense, emotionally charged journey that explores how far a father will go when love becomes a matter of life and death, all while the film swirls with a hopeful undercurrent that hints at redemption beyond the shadows.
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