Raja is an unemployed, carefree, lazy young man who lives in Thenkasi with an extended family consisting of his grandfather Paramasivam, grandmother, parents, uncle, aunt and paternal cousins. Raja also has a brother Ramesh. Ramesh is a year younger than Raja and works as a successful software engineer in Delhi. Paramasivam is a rich and well-respected retired IAS officer who favours Ramesh since he is well-educated and obedient. He often speaks ill of Raja and degrades him constantly, going so far as to leave him out of his daily prayers.
Paramasivam's niece, husband, and daughter Latha move from Kolkata to Raja's home to stay for a short while.Raja is instantly captivated by Latha and, drawn by a deep curiosity and admiration, begins seeking ways to gently enter her world and earn her friendship. He soon finds out that Ramesh is also attracted to Latha and is determined to win her over. Raja realises that he needs to impress Latha so that she will choose him over Ramesh and tries to change his lifestyle. Taking the advice of a friend, he tries to get a job as a collector, but he is turned away due to his lack of education. He then tries to learn English, but he is so hopeless that his teacher eventually gives up.
Meanwhile, Ramesh tries to sabotage his brother's efforts. He convinces Raja that Latha is very fond of sapota, a fruit which she actually hates and is allergic to. Raja delivers baskets of sapota to Latha, but she has an allergic reaction, and this causes a rift in their friendship. Raja is disheartened after his many failures and the attitude of his brother and grandfather. His hope is renewed one day after a conversation with Latha, where she mentions that wealth and education should not affect the love two people have for each other. She says that a single flower bought by a person who works hard is worth more than gifts worth thousands.