Set during World War II, the story follows Kumaran, a young fisherman in Madras, who tries to escape with his detained younger brother, Chokkalingam, after Japanese bombings create chaos and fear among the population. Along with his grandmother and a diverse group of individuals, they embark on a perilous boat journey to evade British patrols. As tensions rise and conflicts arise from their differing backgrounds, the group struggles to survive and confront their identities amid the turmoil of war, highlighting themes of resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity.