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"Dharmadurai" paints a poignant portrait of a man's journey from self-destruction to redemption, set against the backdrop of rural Tamil Nadu. Dharmadurai, a figure shrouded in the haze of alcohol, is known in his village primarily as the town drunkard. His constant state of inebriation is a source of deep shame and frustration for his brothers and brother-in-law, who run a local chit-fund business. They frequently subject him to humiliation and confinement, treating him with disdain. Only his mother, Pandiyamma, and his loyal friend, Gopalaswamy, offer him a semblance of compassion.
The simmering tension within the family boils over one fateful night when Pandiyamma overhears her sons plotting to eliminate Dharmadurai. Driven by maternal instinct, she helps him escape, urging him to leave his troubled past behind and forge a new life. Unbeknownst to Dharmadurai, he inadvertently takes the chit-fund's embezzled money with him during his hasty departure for Madurai.
The discovery of Dharmadurai's absence and the missing funds sends his brothers into a frenzy. They embark on a frantic search, but eventually, their efforts prove futile, and they resign themselves to their loss. This present-day turmoil is juxtaposed with a flashback that reveals a starkly different Dharmadurai. He was once the pride of his village, the first to graduate, having pursued his MBBS at Madurai Medical College.
During his college years, Dharmadurai was part of a tight-knit circle of friends, including Subhashini and Stella, both of whom harbored unspoken feelings for him. Inspired by the teachings of Dr. Kamaraj, a revered figure who advocated for serving the underprivileged, they made a solemn vow to dedicate their lives to serving their nation after graduation. However, fate intervened, and they lost contact after completing their studies.
In the present, Dharmadurai, seeking solace and guidance, seeks out Stella, only to learn of her tragic demise in a car accident. He then turns to Subhashini, who is now working as a doctor. Subhashini is shocked by the drastic transformation in Dharmadurai's demeanor. He, in turn, reveals the harrowing circumstances that led to his descent into alcoholism.
Following his graduation, Dharmadurai returned to his village and established a clinic, fulfilling his commitment to serving his community. He encountered Anbuselvi, a hardworking farm laborer who brought sick elderly women to his clinic. Dharmadurai was instantly captivated by Anbuselvi's simplicity and kindness. He sought her father, Paraman's, permission to marry her, which was readily granted. Anbuselvi also reciprocated his feelings, and plans for their wedding were set in motion.
However, Dharmadurai's brothers, driven by greed, demanded an exorbitant dowry, including gold ornaments and a substantial sum of money. Paraman, unable to meet their demands, was forced to call off the wedding. The devastating blow led Anbuselvi to take her own life. Consumed by grief and rage, Dharmadurai confronted his brothers, blaming them for Anbuselvi's tragic fate. He was on the verge of violence when Pandiyamma intervened.
Shattered by the betrayal of his own family, Dharmadurai closed his clinic and sought refuge in alcohol, attempting to numb the pain. After hearing Dharmadurai's heartbreaking story, Subhashini takes him to her apartment and helps him overcome his addiction. During their time together, Subhashini shares her own pain of a broken marriage, and admits her long held love for Dharmadurai. Dharmadurai reciprocates, and they decide to start a new life together.
Dharmadurai returns to his medical practice, dedicating himself to serving the needy. His reputation as a compassionate doctor grows, and one day, Dr. Kamaraj, now blind, visits him, inspired by his work. Upon Dr. Kamaraj's suggestion, Dharmadurai and Subhashini decide to marry. Subhashini becomes pregnant, and encourages Dharmadurai to reconcile with his family.
Upon his return to his village, Dharmadurai finds his family living in a makeshift hut, having lost their home due to their fraudulent activities. One of his brothers, overcome with anger, attacks him, but when he realizes Dharmadurai has recovered the stolen money, he is filled with remorse. Pandiyamma rushes him to the hospital, where he is treated by a former college classmate. While recovering, he receives a call from Subhashini, eagerly awaiting his return.
