Kanchu Kotaku Monagadu (1987)

Socially relevant and thought-provoking, this evocative drama insightfully delves into subjects of superstition and naivete amongst the uneducated masses, and how these are exploited by cunning 'God-men'. Kangeyan is an honest young man and loving brother, who wishes to get protect his brother, Manickam and get him married to the most appropriate bride. However, Manickam ends up falling in love with Mallika, the daughter of the wealthiest landowner in the area, Pannaiyar. Pannaiyar, unhappy with the match, tries to set up Mallika's wedding with a wealthy but spoilt young man, Dorai. When Mallika flatly refuses this match, Dorai becomes obsessed with her and begins using clever tactics to destroy her life. After Kangeyan gets the lovers married, Dorai influences the local priest to use his powers of persuasion to kill Manickam. Unable to bear Mallika's plight as a widow, Kangeyan finds another groom for her, in the form of Pandian, a cart driver who was her childhood friend. When Dorai and the priest employ their clever machinations once more, the brave and fearless Kangeyan must stand up against them. Will he succeed in exposing their evil tactics to the innocent and naive villagers? What is the price he must pay to ensure Mallika's welfare?