A new film from the master of melodramas, Mani Ratnam. He combines A.R. Rahman′s superb score with beautiful dances to tell this story of ill-fated romance. Karthik and Sakthi fall in love. Though their families oppose their relationship, they secretly marry and continue to live in their respective homes until the truth is divulged. Karthik and Sakthi realize that married life is not always as rosy as courting. Small things that seemed to be admirable and thrilling now appear to be irritating and unacceptable. Sakthi′s mother and sister meet her and tell that her dad is seriously ill. By the time the couple decide to go and see him, it is too late. They are both guilt-ridden and begin arguing and quarreling for each and every little thing. Karthik attempts to make peace with Sakthi by arranging the wedding of her sister, Poorni. However, this only causes further misunderstanding. Shakthi starts to suspect the relationship between Karthik and Poorni. The quarrels between them continue till one day, she gets hit by a car and in intensive care. Karthik now realizes the true meaning of love and marriage and anxiously waits for her recovery. (production notes)