The film's protagonist who travels to Chennai with his mother to find his father. After witnessing his father murder his stepmother and his mother's subsequent death, he is aided by an auto driver. He grows into a violent rowdy and police henchman under DCP Murugavel, but falls in love with the driver's daughter, Nalina. He attempts to secure her police job by murdering a minister, eventually turns against Murugavel after the latter harasses Nalina, and faces a CBI investigation.
Shanmugham's biological father lives a double life, leading to the family's destruction.
Shanmugham develops deep romantic feelings for Nalina after recognizing her during a violent assignment.
Giri is Shanmugham's close underworld associate and loyal friend who facilitates his personal life.
Shanmugham enters a marital bond with Gauri, seeking stability away from his violent past.
Shanmugham's assassination of a political rival indirectly aligns him against the Chief Minister's faction.
Prabhakar represents lawful authority tasked with capturing Shanmugham without killing him.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Thotta