Marudhu, a Tamil man, is an orphaned ship mechanic and sailor who works on international cargo ships. After many years, he returns to Tamil Nadu, India, when his ship arrives at Rameshwaram port, where it remains for ninety days for repair and reloading. Marudhu wants to give up his sailing life and settle down in Tamil Nadu with the money he has saved. He develops a liking for Nancy, who sells fruits and other items to sailors on ships at the port. Nancy, however, is in love with Mukundan, the captain of a ship that docked three years before. Though Nancy had earlier proposed to Mukundan, he declined because he was 17. Mukundan told Nancy to wait for him or marry someone else at her will. Before leaving, he promised Nancy he would return in a year but failed to do so. Three years later, Nancy is still awaiting Mukundan's return.

Marudhu befriends Nancy and helps her search for Mukundan but when he reveals he loves Nancy, she distances herself from him. They reconcile and become friends. Mukundan cannot be found and they see the captain's junior, who is now the first officer of another ship, and tells them Mukundan's ship was destroyed in an explosion. Marudhu's ship is scheduled to leave on Christmas night. All of them try to persuade Nancy to forget about Mukundan and marry Marudhu. After considering the idea, of Christmas Eve night she agrees to the marriage and arrangements are made for the wedding next day. Mukundan returns, surprises Nancy and Marudhu, and finds him kissing her hand. Mukundan decides he is the best man for her. Nancy must choose between Mukundan or Marudhu, and finally selects the former. Marudhu leaves India aboard his ship, vowing never to return to Tamil Nadu again in favor of seeking more journeys.