T. Krishna Kumari

In pre-independence India, Kotaiah steals bread, ending up imprisoned for 12 years. Later, as the reformed mayor Dayanidhi, he protects his niece and her lover from persecution, dying contentedly after her wedding.

The movie is about the legend of Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.