Born in an affluent family, he was patriotic from a young age and participated in the Indian freedom struggle.

He also made considerable progress in lifting the living conditions of poor people in Nanguneri Taluk and neighboring villages, mostly during the period when he was spending his time underground.

[4] As a writer, Nallakannu wrote many books based on social problems, river interaction possibilities in India, agricultural reforms and about communist-based articles..[citation needed] Nallakannu married Ranjitham Ammal, a retired school headmistress from Srivaikuntam in Tuticorin district, with whom he had two daughters.

[9] In 2019, Nallakannu and his family were asked to vacate the house they were living in, which was allotted to them as a tribute to his contributions in the political field.

DMK President MK Stalin stated that, as a political leader who has been held in high regard, Nallakannu should be allotted another house.