Thuramukham is based on a play of the same name, which was originally written by KN Chidambaram. The play was adapted for the big screen with the help of the playwright’s son Gopan Chidambaran. He has written the screenplay of Thuramukham, which means port.

Thuramukham revisits a watershed moment in the history of Kerala politics that strengthened the trade union movement in the port town. The film revolves around a period when people had to risk their lives to find employment at the port every day. At the centre of this high-octane political drama is ‘chappa’ system, the feudal system that was used as a method for the distribution of work. As part of the practice, copper coins were thrown at the workers waiting for work. The ones who managed to grab the coins were guaranteed the job. The chaotic system often led to commotion and violence.