The film revolves around a Kathakali artist, Vardanunni, who joins the underworld to take revenge on those who killed his family and destroyed his life.

In Mumbai, Ramankutty and his daughter happen to witness the murder of a popular politician at the hands of a famous magician turned underworld don Shankar Das (alias JS).

But Ramankutty had called Nambeesan (his close confidante) on his mobile before this and informed that he saw Sankar Das murdering the politician.

Advocate Sreenivasan, J.S's legal attorney betrays him and has J.S brought to a deserted Island - following the instructions of Karanavar and Varadan, utilising Douglas as a bait.

The critic appreciates the direction writing: "'Nayakan' would have ended up as another routine study on the spirit of retribution, had it not had an enterprising director at its helm.

"[2] A critic from Sify.com commented: "There have been not many films in Malayalam during recent times that make such an impact in the viewer's mind as debutant director Lijo Jose Pellissery's Nayakan.