The film stars Kamal Haasan and Gautami, while Nagesh, Senthil, Kovai Sarala, Srividya and Karan play supporting roles.

V. C. Selvam, a history professor from Madurai, is appointed as the vice principal of Sakthivel Arts College in Chennai, which is riddled with students' unrest and conflicts.

Ramesh, the son of a major donor to the college, is a spoiled brat and campus bully who influences other students with his vulgar display of money and power.

He initiates a collaborative project where students actively participate in beautifying the campus through painting, contributing to a refreshed and clean aesthetic.

His innovative teaching methods are pivotal in sharpening student concentration and engagement, marking a significant advancement in the institution's educational approach.

He kidnaps his former friend Vijay's (who started supporting Selvam) girlfriend Nirmala, daughter of professor Prabhakar Rao, and implicates her in a brothel case, leading to her arrest.

Afterwards, Selvam and Vasanthi marry and leave for the United States, seeking a possible cure for the cancer, hopeful that the college will be truly reformed when they return.

The uncredited cast includes: Nammavar was directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and produced by B. Venkatarama Reddy under Chandamama Vijaya Combines.

[13] Though Nagesh, primarily a comedian, was initially hesitant to accept the role of Prabhakar Rao, he was nonetheless cast as Haasan was adamant on him acting in the film.

[16] Abhishek Shankar, who later gained fame for the TV series Kolangal, was initially approached to play the antagonist Ramesh, but could not accept the offer as he was committed to another film; the role went to Karan,[17] upon Haasan's recommendation.

[18] Vijay Sethupathi, then aged 16, had auditioned for the role of a college student, but was rejected because of his then short height, lean physique and inability to grow facial hair.

[28] The song "Sorgam Enbathu Namakku" marked the debut of playback singer Srinivas,[29] and was inspired by Bobby Day's "Little Bitty Pretty One".

"[9] On 14 November, K. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote, "With its realistic dialogue and quiet humour, Nammavar looks like a winner for Kamalhassan.

[38] In the 2021 film Master, JD (Vijay) is referred to as the student of Professor Selvam, who he considers as his inspiration and becomes alcoholic after his death.