The film stars P. U. Chinnappa, T. R. Ramachandran, M. S. Saroja and M. V. Rajamma with N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Madhuram and Kali N. Rathnam playing supporting roles.

[2] Bhagavathi (Saroja) and Punyavathi (Rajamma) are the princesses of the fictional kingdom of Gandhara who have lost everything due to misfortune and live on the banks of the Ganges.

Vijayavarman (Chinnappa), Bhagavathi's husband and himself a prince, is thrown into prison by the people who usurped the throne of Gandhara.

A sage, who happened to perform penance under a sacred tree nearby, sees the princesses drowning, saves them and advises them to seek the blessings of Ardhanarishvara and have faith in Him.

[2] Adapted from Film News Anandan and The Hindu[1][2] The script for Arthanaari was written by the playwright and journalist B. S. Ramiah.