It deals with a mentally retarded servant boy who is wrongly accused of theft in the lodge he works at.

A woman lodger who was deserted by her lover, tries to help, but only the return of the head cook Naidu, who was previously on vacation, discovers the truth and clears Joseph's name.

[2][3] Yaarukkaga Azhudhaan was produced and directed by novelist Jayakanthan under his own banner Asia Jothi Films.

[3] The original producer, G. N. Velumani, wanted Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri to star, with C. V. Sridhar as director;[4] after principal photography began, Velumani backed out due to differences with Jayakanthan who took over as producer, with Nagesh and K. R. Vijaya cast instead.

[13] Kalki lauded the film for eschewing Tamil cinema conventions such as fights and song sequences, and Nagesh's performance.

[14] Writing for Madras Musings, Randor Guy praised the film for making a "strong socially relevant statement".