Muniyandi (Delhi Ganesh), a cycle-rickshaw puller, is a road-side dweller along with his wife Valliamma (Tambaram Lalitha) and their seven children – two daughters and five sons.

Her friend Rakkamma (S. N. Parvathy), a street food vendor, lends financial support to Valliamma's family.

Muniyandi's daughter Kuppamma (Shoba) along with her friend Chellamma contribute a small income to the family by picking up rags on the roads.

When Valliamma gets to know this, she commits suicide, fearing that Kuppamma's act has brought disgrace to the family.

[3][4] A review from the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, dated 13 January 1980, appreciated the film for its realistic depiction of the lives of the poor.

[6] Kausigan of Kalki praised the story that makes you feel as if you are standing and watching the real life of the slum dwellers, the natural dialogues and the excellent direction of Durai and Ranga, who has skilfully navigated every corner of the slum with his camera, are worthy of praise and concluded the film satisfies the mind.

[7] The film served as a launchpad for Senthil, who would later go onto establish himself as one of the popular comedians in Tamil cinema in the 1980s.

[8] Another debutante Sathya, who played Shobha's friend Chellamma, acquired the prefix "Pasi" after the film.