Baashha

Manikam is a humble auto rickshaw driver who lives in Madras with his mother Vijayalakshmi, brother Shiva, and sisters Geetha and Kavitha, and would go to any extent for their well-being. He gets Kavitha married to her boyfriend, who is from an affluent family. Shiva manages to become an SI. On seeing Manikam's photo, DIG Dinakar, who interviewed Shiva, wants to meet Manikam. Manikam hesitates to meet Dinakar in his office, where Dinakar suspects Manikam's identity. Geetha gets admission to a medical college, but the chairman asks her for sexual favours in return for a seat. Manikam interferes and tells the chairman something behind closed doors that Geetha cannot hear, after which the chairman unconditionally gives a seat to Geetha. Meanwhile, Priya travels in Manikam's auto frequently and develops a liking towards him, seeing his good character. Priya discovers that her father is a smuggler and decides to maintain a distance from him. Priya proposes her love to Manikam but initially, he does not accept upon learning that she is the daughter of Kesavan, with whom Manikam has a history. However, he eventually accepts her proposal. Indiran is a gangster who uses his henchmen to collect "commission" from all business owners. When Shiva beats two of Indiran's henchmen who attacked a man for not being able to pay commission, Indiran tells Shiva that he runs that area and his laws apply. Shiva and Indiran's fight is stopped by Manikam, who requests that Indiran beat him instead, sparing Shiva. Manikam is tied to a pole and beaten by Indiran, but he bears it for the sake of his brother without retaliating. Later, Shiva again takes action against Indiran by submitting an arrest warrant which makes him furious again. This time after his release from jail, Indiran kidnaps Geetha and tries to molest her in public. To everyone's surprise, Manikam beats up Indiran and his men, thereby saving his sister. The beating of Indiran and his henchmen is so severe that it shocks Shiva. He confronts Manikam about his activities in Bombay where he previously lived years ago, but Manikam does not respond. Alone in a room, Manikam recollects his past. Years ago, Manikam lived with his parents in Bombay while his siblings were studying in Madras. Manikam's father, Rangasamy, is an honest man, but is employed by gangster, Mark Antony. As Antony helped Rangasamy during his initial days, it made him loyal to Antony for life. Manikam and his friend Anwar Baasha are protesting against the ridiculous behaviours of Antony's men, which prompts Antony to kill Anwar; Manikam is spared as he is Rangasamy's son. Enraged, Manikam decides to take the same path to destroy Antony and kills Antony's hitmen to avenge Anwar's death. Manikam receives the support of local people in Bombay who fear Antony where he transforms himself into a gangster named Manik Baashha and frequently interferes in Antony's illegal activities, which creates enmity between the two. Baashha's command over the city has increased, so Antony decides to kill Baashha, but Baashha escapes from Antony's plan. Enraged, Antony kills Rangasamy, prompting Baashha to help the police arrest Antony, while Kesavan (who is Antony's henchman) kills Antony's family and inherits his business and wealth. Before dying, Rangasamy requests Baashha to return to Madras and start a peaceful life. Baashha accepts, fakes his death, and secretly leaves to Madras along with Vijayalakshmi. In the present, Manikam learns that Kesavan has arranged Priya's wedding against her wishes, so he arrives at the wedding hall to stop it. Kesavan is shocked to see Manikam, who he recognises as Baashha, and permits Priya to go along with Manikam. On learning that Baashha is alive, Antony escapes from prison, kills Kesavan for betraying him, and also kidnaps Manikam's family members. He threatens Manikam to surrender; otherwise, his family members will be killed. Manikam rushes to the spot, fights Antony and his gang, and also saves his family. He nearly kills Antony but is stopped by Dinakar. Antony then steals Dinakar's gun and tries to shoot Manikam, but is shot dead by Shiva. Manikam and Priya reunite. == Cast ==