The film is a story about the love of two teenagers from different social classes. Raja is the grandson of a rich businesswoman and is settled in London. He comes to a village in India to see his grandmother. Chembaruthi is the sister of a poor fisherman Pandy, who works in Raja's grandmother's house. The couple first sees each other during Raja's birthday party, and it is love at first sight for Raja. They meet often, and their love grows by leaps and bounds. Raja's grandmother wants him to marry Pinky, the daughter of a rich seafood exporter named Murugan. At the party, they announce Raja's interest in Pinky. Raja realizes that his relationship with the daughter of a poor fisherman is not taken kindly by his eccentric grandmother, and when she discovers Raja's love for Chembaruthi, she accuses Pandy of using his sister's beauty and charm to trap Raja for his money. She even offers Pandy cash to have Chembaruthi stop seeing Raja. Pandy feels very humiliated by this accusation and reciprocates by insulting Raja's grandmother. Their conversation enters a deadlock, spelling doom for Raja and Chembaruthi's tender love.

Raja's grandmother then engages him to be married to Pinky in order to establish business ties with her rich father. Murugan also has his sister betrothed to a fisherman named Kumar, but Raja and Chembaruthi run away from home. Raja's grandmother announces a reward for anyone who can help find her grandson. Murugan decides that he wants the money. He and his goons find the lovers, abduct them, and lock them up in a boat. Raja fights for Chembaruthi and saves her from drowning in the sea. Raja's grandmother then realizes that their love is very strong, and she does not want to stand in the way of their happiness. She and Pandy accept their love and give their blessings to the union.