It consists of four short comedy films — Ashaadabuthi, Minor-in Kaathal, Abbuthi Adigal and Naveena Markandeyar — each made by a different director and featuring a different cast.
The first, Ashaadabuthi, explores the serious issue of untouchability in a light manner, and was directed by Fram Sethna.
The fourth, Naveena Markandeyar, tells the story of Markandeya in a parodical manner and was directed by A. T. Krishnaswamy.
[1] Mani Malai was released in 1941 and emerged a commercial success; according to Krishnaswamy, it was due to "the presence of top comedy actors of that era".
[1] The Indian Express wrote, "Usual slap-stick inescapably lapsing into cheap humourising of domestic life is provided.