Set in the fertile Cauvery delta of Thanjavur in 1940, The River Which Embraces All weaves a tale of life, friendship, and social awakening. Amid the joys of monsoon-fed abundance, teenagers Thiru and Karuna share aspirations and discuss the revolutionary ideas of Periyar, the social reformer challenging caste discrimination. As Thiru dreams of higher education, his brother Chidambaram grapples with financial struggles to support him, showcasing resilience and communal bonds. The story highlights the river's life-giving presence and its deeper connection to the cultural and social tides shaping the lives of Thanjavur's people.