Devaraj’s life is destroyed by a powerful, corrupt landlord family led by a ruthless antagonist. They brutally kill Devaraj’s sister and mother, frame him for crimes he didn’t commit, and have him falsely imprisoned. Before his arrest, he is viciously attacked and left for dead.

As Devaraj lies dying, he has a supernatural encounter. The spirit of his beloved horse "Kali" (which was also killed) merges with his soul. Devaraj doesn't become a "were-horse" in a literal sense, but he gains superhuman strength, agility, heightened senses, and a fierce, untamable rage . He becomes "Kuthira" — a man with the heart and fury of a wild stallion.