After the remarkable Kokki, Karan has made a striking comeback through Kathavarayan. The film that features him in a novel role has offered him immense opportunity to show his acting talent. Kathavarayan aka Rayan is a rough man in the village. An illiterate orphan, he has no relatives in the village. He brews and sells arrack in a makeshift shack set in the village outskirts. Though he does it for his livelihood, he is principled to an extent. Unlike others in his profession, he does not sell it to old people or to young men who have family responsibilities to shoulder. His occupation, his violent and roguish approach, makes him a terror in the village. Even the local police, who are aware of Rayan's dealings, lack the guts to lay down the law on him. So Rayan happily gads about in the village, happily going about his chosen routine.

Easwaran (Kadhal Dhandapani) is businessman who runs a licensed wine shop in the village. Easwaran always views Rayan as his chief business rival. Other than the public fights they get into, at times Easwaran also engages in some foul play to create trouble and hindrance for the village ruffian Rayan.

Malathy (Vidisha) comes to the village as a member in the college NSS league. Her first tryst happens to be Rayan's still. With the care and concern of an educated individual, she informs Rayan of the harmful effects of the arrack and advises him to stop destroying the lives of his fellow villagers by stopping his supply of illicit arrack. Irritated and enraged at the intrusion, Rayan warns her to stay outside from his business. If not, he threatens to burn her alive. Taking the cue, Easwaran deploys his men and tries to get her killed.

Malathy misunderstands Rayan and reports Rayan's activities and threat to the police commissioner. As a result, Rayan goes to jail. When he is released, he comes back to wreak his revenge on Malathy, but finds she is not in her Chennai residence. Her parents inform him of her sudden demise. Glad to hear this good news, Rayan steps out from her residence. There, he meets one of Malathy's close friends. Does she confirm Malathy's death or, does she tell him of her fate worse than death? What has actually befallen Malathy? When Rayan spent his term in jail, what was the incident that changed the course of Malathy's life? Is Rayan one of the reasons for her present position? What steps will he take to save her? Watch Kathavarayan smash the city villains; watch him snatch his true love!

Karan has done a tremendous job as the unruly village lad Rayan. With a coiled moustache and matching body language, he establishes himself firmly in the role. Vidhisha's character has much scope for acting and the actress exploits it perfectly; Radha dominates the glam department; As usual, Vadivelu's comedy track is enjoyable. As the miserable banker who lends all his savings to the villagers, his pathetic plight brings about adequate laughs. Srikanth Deva's music has added some racy numbers. Karthik Raja's camera presents the marvel and beauty of Hogenakkal. Director Salangai Durai has invested on a credible story and characterization and adopted a different and racy narration. As a result, Kathavarayan transcends melodrama and leaves its exclusive mark in the filmi duniya.