The story is set in the backdrop of workers' struggles, and protests against the infamous ‘Chappa’ system of casual labour allocation and primitive "work guarantee" scheme that was practiced at the Mattancherry harbour in Kochi during the 1940s and 50s. Metal tokens called Chappa were thrown into the waiting crowds of labourers, where they would fight for the tickets (Chappa). Whoever manages to get one would be given work for the day at the wharves or godowns. The protests against this system had resulted in the police firing and killing of three labourers. The story further revolves around two brothers being on opposing sides, in the day labourers epic struggle against dock bosses.