This is not a big movie with a prominent star-cast and crew; certainly there is nothing novel in its theme or narration. But amid steamy potboilers that dabble with less important issues, Maanavan Ninaithaal has shifted focus to a more vital arena. The narrative deals with a student's life and the problems that mould him into a better individual.

Sakthi (Rithik) passes his twelfth exams with an outstanding score. Though he secures a state-level rank, Sakthi gives up all dreams of further education owing to his family's poverty. Unlike other boys his age, he calmly accepts things and does not crib about his fate or his poverty. In fact, the mature boy stoically plans to help his mother and to take up the responsibility of running their roadside village snack bar. Meanwhile, press reporter Raj (K. Bhagyaraj) interviews Sakthi and publishes his accomplishment in a leading daily, which changes the course of Sakthi's life. Many wealthy benefactors come forward to sponsor his studies. With all this aid, Sakthi joins a city college. Through his hard work, he also gets a scholarship and swiftly moves to the next step in his life. Unfortunately, this step leads to his downfall. While friends and family dream about his success in life, Sakthi flounders. Easily influenced by spoilt youngsters, he gets ensnared in objectionable company, becomes addicted to harmful habits and eventually loses all his prized virtues. Obsessed in gaining cheap, fleeting pleasures, Sakthi is transformed into a totally different individual and commits a series of mistakes. Sadly, he hastens his downfall further. In a boastful moment, he also proposes to his college-mate Nivedha (Adhira). But clever Nivedha declines his love and offer of marriage. This failure hurts desperate Sakthi and pushes him to the brink. Feeling numb, he takes a serious decision. What is it? Does someone help Sakthi out of the crisis? Who is it? Is the well-wisher able to talk the naive lad out of his sombre mood and suicidal tendencies? Can viewers hope that it is Bhagyaraj who changes the 'bhagyam' of Sakthi? At this point, Maanavan Ninaithaal has some treasured moments to appreciate. Check them out on the silver screen!

Director Gnanamozhi has used Sakthi's character as a vehicle to showcase the plight of a gullible, intelligent and deserving student through a fictional creation of realistic events, episodes and characters, making considerable impact. However, the story could have had more depth and dimension. Though newcomer Rithik has tried his best to become Sakthi, more effort is needed to establish the character's intensity. Adhira's role is short, yet sweet and memorable. Director-actor K. Bhagyaraj comes in an impressive cameo role. Eschewing his usual satire in this pivotal role, Bhagyaraj's performance as well as presence infuses energy and enthusiasm to the storyline. Kottachi as hero Sakthi's friend has given a commendable performance. However, his lengthy monologues try audiences' tolerance.