Mani directs this mythological fantasy based on the first century A.D. Tamil Jain saga Silapadhigaaram.

Unfortunately, the artistry and value of the object leads the king of a neighbouring land to accuse Kovalan of theft and sentence him to the chopping block.

Once again, Kannagi comes in at the last moment and proves to the king and the queen that they are innocent, causing them both to die instantly.

The dance sequences were choreographed by TR Raghunath who during the film's production fell in love with M. Saroja and married her.

[6] Randor Guy wrote that film is "remembered for: Kannamba's brilliant performance, a classic example of how dialogue should be delivered in cinema.

[5] The film's success enabled the producers M. Somasundaram and S. K. Mohideen to take Central Studios, Coimbatore on lease and launch several productions simultaneously.

[5][6] Mohan Raman wrote she handled the literary and poetic Tamil without compromising on emotion, diction or cadence.

[7] The success of the film led Jupiter Somu to do a similar project Thanga Padhumai (1959) on the theme of "woman, who is chastity personified fighting a relentless battle to win her husband back".