In 1986 Madras, a timid eight-year-old boy accidentally locks a feared criminal inside a school restroom. As the man faces hunger and isolation, an unexpected friendship forms between them, transforming both their lives.

During the British rule, Thangalaan, a fierce tribal leader, and his tribe assist Lord Clement, a British General, to trace gold in their village. While searching for the gold, the villagers earn the wrath of Aarathi, an apparent sorceress, who Thangalaan sets out to stop with all his might.