Govind Padmasoorya plays the lead role of autobiographical character of Nandanar (1926–1974), well known for his child literature and philosophical army stories.

[1] Set in the backdrop of a Valluvanadan hamlet in Kerala, the film depicts the three different types of hunger of human life: that of body, spirit, and mind.

Jyothirmayi plays the female lead role of Meenakshikutty whose love transforms the hero into a soldier fighting for his cause.

[2] Director M. G. Sasi has commented, "Atayalangal takes you through the kaleidoscopic world which Nandanar created through his works comprising children's literature, re-creations of rural life and stories which smell of blood and gunpowder.

The movie presents in a framework all these hungers, heightened or lessened, which form the substance of all human life in all ages.