Dhurai, as the tag-line indicates, is the story of a common man. The realistic screenplay deals with the rise and fall of a straightforward individual who goes through a maze of problems in his life.

Dhurai (Arjun) is the chief helper of master chef Ambi (Vivek). Though Dhurai appears to be an ordinary, unassuming individual, he has an eventful past. He is a patient suffering from severe amnesia. For the good-natured man, his past remains a mystery. However, in a resolute effort to recall everything, Dhurai frequently visits the city police station and enquires about his own background and identity. Anjali (Keerath), a broadcast journalist has a romantic interest in Dhurai and keeps following him wherever he goes. One day, a band of thugs chase Dhurai, while he is returning home from work. In order to escape from them, Dhurai sprints away and that is precisely when his past memories resurface. His memory is back!

In the touching flashback that follows, Dhurai is shown as a family man blessed with a beautiful wife Meena (Gajala) and a young son. Impressed by his honest attitude and approach, local politician Deivanayagam (Vishwanath) offers him the position and power to lead his growing party. Deivanayagam's son Shanmugam (Vincent Asokan) kills his father and cleverly making use of the prevailing situation puts the blame on innocent Dhurai. But why does he murder his father? Because he is unhappy with his father's sudden decision and insecure about his own future in the political sphere.
 
Consequently, the police set up an encounter squad to shoot Dhurai. Shanmugam, on his part, destroys Dhurai's family and orders his henchmenmen to nab Dhurai. All these force Dhurai to go underground to protect his life. However, he gets caught and a near-lethal blow that lands on his head causes a tragic memory loss.

Cut to present, when Dhurai recalls his past; the pain and torment of the events unleash the demons of obsession and revenge inside him. Does Dhurai succeed in his feat? Does he capture the traitor Shanmugam? What happens to Deivanayagam's political empire? Does Dhurai give shape to his cherished dreams? Does he proceed to the pinnacle of power? Watch the action-filled Dhurai to know!

Arjun's performance is the highlight of the whole show. Starting from his racy script and screenplay to the blazing action he offers on screen, he has displayed his legendary skill and experience in each and every aspect. The climax fight is simply superb! Vivek's role as the master chef has the right proportion of appealing comedy and character in Dhurai. Vincent Asokan and director Vishwanath constitute the baddies band in the film. Their characterizations topped by their performances add substantial life to the plot. Keerath and Gajala's performances too are laudable.  Vennira Aadai Murthy's role as an orator is impressive.