This exquisitely crafted offbeat drama follows the love story of Sivayya (Kamal Haasan), an autistic person, living in a village with his grandmother (Nirmalamma). All he is good at is obeying what his trusted grandmother says. In an attempt to help Lalitha (Raadhika), a destitute young widow with a 5-year old son, the simpleton Sivayya marries her during an auspicious village festival.
The villagers are shocked and try to harm him as his act goes against traditional societal norms. In the meantime, Sivayya's beloved grandmother dies. Lalitha wants to save her new husband's life and so moves with him and her son to a city in search of better prospects. With support from a few of their acquaintances, the family of three settle down.
Life for them, thereafter, looks good and promising. Lalitha begins to appreciate Sivayya's innocence and warmth. She grows closer to him and eventually bears him a son. How will their lives turn out? Will Lalitha be able to have a happy and fulfilled life with Sivayya?