"The Epic Hero"
[British India period when stage players were at their peak]
Greetings sir This is my son
'Like a cat abandoning its kitten, my father left me in the drama company'
-What is your name? -R.Gomathi Nayagam
'This is my teacher'
'Madurai Theatre Maestro, The Hounorable Sivadas Swamigal'
'Swamigal was an ascetic A follower of lord Hanuman'
'A blazing fire, He was'
Please mother, I'm hungry
'Kali was begging in the train'
You sing very well What is your name?
-Kaliyappa -Kaliyappa
'Liking his singing'
'Swamigal took Kali into our company]
It's not "Avall Pori" but "Aval Pori"
'All the other kids would mock Kali, Calling him "Beggar Boy"'
'I was the one who used to chase those kids away'
'That's why Kali liked me so much'
'He always called me "brother" He had so much affection'
'We grew up together in the drama company'
*With pristine Tamil*
*Invoking divine music*
*Dazzling stories,we will tell*
*With the moon as our witness*
*We would tell you stories of victories*
*We're the 'Madurai Sri Bala Shanmugananda Drama Company' *
*Come on folks, Come on*
* Come to see our drama*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to see our drama*
*Of green, yellow, red, white and violet*
*Of Mira with the blue- hued Krishna*
*Of green, yellow, red, white and violet*
*Of Mira with the blue- hued Krishna*
*Magic within your eyes, we can create*
* A rainbow inside ypur heart, we can create*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to see our drama*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to see us dance*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to hear us sing*
* Monday, Tuesday , Wednesday, Thursday and Friday*
* Singing 'Ta- ra- dum - dara- re'*
* Monday, Tuesday , Wednesday, Thursday and Friday*
* Singing 'Ta- ra- dum - dara- re'*
*Worlds you've never seen before, We'll show*
* Your day dreams into realities, we'll change*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to see our drama*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to see us act*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to hear us sing*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come in your carts*
*Come on folks, Come on* * Come to see our drama*
Brother Kumbakarna
The one you're talking to, is the lord of demons, Ravanan
I'm warning not with mere mortals
I'm warning against the Lord Supreme, who rules the earth and the sky
After worshipping his dazzling eyes and lotus form
I'm warning against him
Yes, Kumbakarna
This is my birth's destiny
A fame that no one can claim
I await Rama's bow
Let his arrow tear my heart apart
Let him drink my blood and search within my heart...
And let him see for himself it's the Lord name that is in there!
Wow!
What applause! Looks as if the stage will collapse
Kali, one day I too, must stand here as the 'hero' and gather loads of claps
What's there in claps, brother?
How can you say that, man?
Brother, if you see Ravanan's tears, would you want to clap your hands?
Won't you raise your folded hands in respect and cry?
If these people are claping their hands, Thay haven't seen Ravanan still
All they see is 'hero' Bairava Sundaram's acting!
What's wrong with that? Today, Bairava is no. 1 'hero'
I must become like him someday
Brother,our guru Swamigal is 100 times a better actor than him
How he would dazzle with his dance!
I must act like him, at least for one day
No one even needs to see my acting
If I know for myself that I've arrived, that's enough.
Hey! What's happening here?
All of you come here
Hey, it,s time for your 'Thirupughal' lesson.
If Swamigal sees this, he will go berserk. Come on
What crap!
Even boys playing child roles, have no fear of me
What sort of life is this,Kandasamy?
-Palavesam -What is it, master?
Why the streamer?
Not a streamer It's loincloth
Why so many?
Don't I need a fresh one everyday?
-Hey, I've seen this cloth somewhere -Let me see if you find out
Hey,why does this cloth smell of me?
Will your dhoti smell of you or me?
Hey!I only had two dhoties, you have torn one,isn't it?
For sitting jobless, is'nt one enough?
Hey duffer-son
If I don't kill you and drop you at Swami's feet, today
Behold master's anger!
-Oh no! Swami is here -Hey,Palavesam
What is this? Runnig around with loincloth?
-They have torn it, Swamigal -Were you sleeping till they tore it?
Not the one I was wearing They tore the one I had put out to dry
Hey! Swami is here!
Swami, I'm not able to control them.
Let's see who that is show me
-Hey master -Swami
They are learning their lessons well Why talk ill of them?
No,they were...
Don't laugh, you silly fellow
-Master! -Swami
Are they just cheatig in the crow? Or they have learned the lessons well?
I have taught each one well
You ask each one individually
Sing properly, you fool! I'll kill you
Wonder what's going to happen todat!
[Stutters first line of Thirupughal verse]
it's a good start Go on
[Blabbers few words in the second line]
Go on
How many years since you joined?
You can't even say the first lesson
Get lost Go, kneel there
-I had taught him well -Yes I can see that!
'Next is him? Thrashing Guaranteed!'
[Jumbles up the words of Thirupughal]
Donkey!
-Go on and kneel down -Go!
- Is this what you taught them? - I taught them well the duds!
Palavesam will tell it well
[Uses a food- related word in the middle of solemn verse]
- Hey! - Don't you want it fully?
You're called 'Palavesam' (many rules) and can't even do one role.
He has asked me to kneel down Don't you know that I know nothing?
Then why bring Swamigal straight here? I'll take care of you later
I'll make that last dhoti into loincloths as well
He was a fool even before he joined our company
And he has been a fool from his birth!
Swamigal, I have lost faith
Instead of asking each one to kneel down, ask everyone to.I will goin them too
Now, this is fair!
-Gomathi -Swami
Arriving at Mount Meru that gathers gold
A glittering golden cane, you threw, my dwelling
The mad devourer of everything in a vessel
Born with the dark, O MurugOne!
Brilliant!
At this point, instead of saying "Murugan" Arunagiri addresses as "MurugOne"
Why?
To get the rhyme right...
You fool! You cow!
Is it merely for the rhyme?
That's right Swami
That's why he stresses on 'O' to end in KathiOne,MurugOne
MurugOne and MuthalOne
I'll thrash you and kill you, you donkey!
Arunagiri wouldn't sing without meaning, just to rhyme
Murugu means beauty KOne means king
Arunagiri sings of Lord Murugan as 'king of beauty'
That's it Do you understand?
You're finding fault with Arunagirinathar haimself
In ' Born with the dark',
What does 'dark' mean?
'Dark' refers to 'elephant' which means Ganrsha
Arunagiri says that Murugan was born as brother to Ganesha
Hey, do any of you know why?
Dark refers to the night Arunagiri says, 'Beyond night is the light Murugan'
Just as the sun comes after the dark
After the dark son Ganesha, the fair Murugan was born, he says
Hey you fools!
Don't read your lessons mindlessly
Beneath each word, a thousand meaning lie buried
Bring it out and relish it, you guys
Don't skim the surface like a herd of cows
For your voice and form, you should have become a great hero
Then, why did you become just a master?
It's a love story, brimming with tears, my boy
Go on and tell that nonsense
I don't know her real name I used to call her 'Rasathi'
Why?
I used to be like a Rasa (king)
She, a Thi (fire) that's why
Oh my! How he lies!
In those days, in the Madurai district, I was famous 'hero'
You were 'infamous' , right then?
-Hey! -Let him speak, man
Go ahead
In those days, donning the role of the hero
If I stand tall on the stage...
It will be doomed!
-Look at him -Why?
-Alright... -You go on
From a toothless granny to an unborn baby, all would look at me, mouths open
How will an unborn child look with mouth open?
Kali, how can you?
you are sloshed You leave
-Go on, tell - I won't
Look at me and tell me
Rasathi said that she wanted to see me act
One day, I brought her and made her sit, right before the stage
Just because she was sitting
I raised my voice three pitches high and sang
And then?
The guy next to me in the heroine's role, he looked at her and she looked at him
-She looked and he looked - Where did you look?
I was looking at that nonsense
Then what happened? - After the play was over, they eloped
What crap!
Because she behaved like that, considering it an insult to all heroes
I stopped acting and choose to be an 'master' for living
World of drama had a narrow escape!
Swami!
Of late, don't you like me?
Am I always outside your heart?
What are you saying?
I never miss a single word in your lesson
I train day and night
I never make even a single mistake
- Good - But...
But you don't seem to take that into account
Neither do you accord the place it deserves
In all these years, have you praised me, a single time?
Who said that?
You will be a man of fame and name'
-No dearth for life, wealth, knowledge - I don't want all that
Even though, I learn my art sincerely
You cast me aside like Ekalavya, the low- born student
But Kali...
Is kali, your preferred 'Arjuna'?
Hey!
Don't talk like a fool
Do you think you both are different to me?
Everyone is like my on child
Don't develop these disturbing thoughts in your mind
Go
It's late Go sleep
Don't you have a rehearsal early in the morning?
Go
Mother, that person is Swami
Greetings, Swami
Who is it? What do you want?
We come from Kazahugu Malai, near Srivilliputhur
This is my daughter
Wretched souls roaming the streets for a bowl of rice
Please show your mercy on us
Give something and see them out
Oh, no!
No, Swami Look at this girl
If I send her to do a maid's work Will they let her live in honour?
'She looks like a actress She will seduce our men!' they say
So, I've decided to make her join a drama company and brought her here
She sings very well
It would be like Goddess Saraswathi herself singing
Swami must listen to our plea and show us some mercy
Whatever you say is right
You must understand something
It's a 'boys' company Young men live here
We don't take in girls
anyway, you are here Have some food and leave
-Take care, master - As you say, Swami
* I am a rascal lusting after women with arrow- like eyes*
* A stupid, characterless scoundrel*
* An uneducated and completely impoverished soul*
* A useless idiot*
* Afflicated by diseases under the cover of my unyielding Karma*
* And lacking in honesty Please do not ignore or discard me*
* Your holy feet bejewelled with anklets will give me a heavenly life, one day*
*Saga Narada, praised in songs by poets once described to you, the gyspsy girl Valli*
*You sought her company in the forest, I warrior!*
*You, the leader, the one who mounts the great peacock!*
*Goddess Manonmani the Supreme Mother*
* Parvathi of sweet speech You are her younger son*
*With groves reaching the skies, in their shade lies this great place*
* Thiruchendur, your favorite abode, O Great One!*
Marvellous
It's like looking at Goddess Saraswathi herself
May you be blessed with name, fame and wealth
But we can't have you here If swami decides, that's final
He has never ever changed his decision Please return back
-Master! -Swam
Let them be
Why differentiate 'male' and 'female' when it comes to art?
Won't a woman add beauty to the place?
How well you danced
What a rich voice!
How can I send you back?
You can stay in this company
I will teach you, now and then
-Swami - Be well
Good things will come to your way
-Master, they can stay with Paavayi - As you say. Swami
Go
Firecrackers have neen burst! Drama' about to start
Come soon
Hey, the lord's car is here! Move aside
Welcome, my lord Welcome
Get up, every one The lord is here
- Get up and greet him - greetings, my lord
Welcome
Greetings, my lord
My lord, please take a seat
Greet you,princess
My lady, please take a seat
Sit down, everyone
*Welcome, welcome*
* Greetings to everyone*
*Welcome, welcome*
* Greetings to everyone*
*come, take a seat!*
*Rush to get the front one!*
Hey Ganesha,place a lamp in the path It's so dark
What Bairava? You couldn't do this in the morning?
Will it come to your mind only when you are about to wear make-up?
You are the lord Krishna too!
Of late, toy don't seem to be doing your job with devotion
Pay attention
When the bell rings, don't I stand promptly on the stage?
Then why is this old man shouting?
*Here comes, Alli!*
* She is a beauty, a great beauty*
*Here comes, Alli!*
* She is a beauty, a great beauty*
*The one with a beautiful face*
*The one with mehendi coated nails*
*The one with thighs like temple pillars*
* The one with a flowing plait like tree snake*
* Watching her gait*
* The breeze seeing that, sweating, feels so much inferior*
*Here comes, Alli!*
* She is a beauty, a great beauty*
*Why did you call me? why?*
* My dear Arjuna, my dear friend!*
* Alli, the queen of Madurai*
*She stole my heart, the naughty one *
* Like a lizard sticking to my heart*
* I need to rule her in bed *
* You need to help mw, Krishna*
* You need to unite us as one! *
* Don't foeget that I'm Bama's uncle*
* Don't forget that, you!*
* Who do I have other than you?*
* Who will help me, pray tell!*
* I will show you the way Listen up*
* Your shoulders shall bear wedding garlands*
Hey, stop it! What is happening here?
Is'nt it wrong to enslave a girl, subdue and marry her?
If Arjuna does it, will the wrong become right?
Tell me!
You seem to get so angry for enslaving a girl
The British have enslaved this land for 200 years
Why don't you get angry for that?
Why not?
The anger you have, for enslaving a mother
Won't you get the same for your motherland?
Shouldn't it be the same?
Sit down
* The heart is unable to bear*
* Should Mother India be a slave to the British?*
* Should she suffer in chains around her hands and legs forever?*
* In the fire of freedom, give your hand*
* Will the foreigners shoot?*
* People don't give a hoot This is the greatest shame *
What's this? Why 'freedom fight' songs?
* Where will this country go?*
* This place we call our home*
* The heart is unable to bear*
Had you sent a word, we all would have come there
Let that be
It's said you have to honor a dramatist on the drama stage!
-This is 'hero' Bairava Sundaram. -Greetings, my lord
- Your diction was very good - Thank you so much
Take this
This is Gomathi Nayagam, who played the heroine 'Alli'
Greetings, my lord
A great song Excellent performance
Being a man, you have made a woman appear right here
Take it
This is Kaliyappan Bagavathar
Arjuna, is it? Excellent improvisation
You sang so well It was hilarious
You have a great future
Here, have this
Father, please give him this too
Why don't you give it yourself?
Hey Palavesam, didn't you knock on Ammani's door last night?
Oh, no!
- I saw it you did! - What if master comes to know?
What's this, Kali? A basket with dove's feathers?
Let's go search over there
Hey, girls are coming!
- Bring it soon - Where has it gone?
Don't they look like foreigners? Wearing pants and shirt
- There! They have it - Hey! that's ours
No, it isn't
It's in that hand
It's not in that hand
Will you give it or not?
Listen, is your name tattooed on it?
Even if it isn't tattooed, it is ours, give it!
Hey, these are those drama guys
That's right We are the drama guys
It's princess
- Greetings, princess - Greetings, greetings, princess
Why have you come to the lord's estate?
Lord's estate?
Just returning after having a bath We wandered unknowingly
Right?
You acted so well yesterday
Thank you, princess
My friends haven't seen your acting
Can you act for them once?
Say you want to see me act, princess I'll act and show here
If your friends want to see, ask them to come to the theatre
Hey show-geek, our lady is asking, right? Do it, now
I'll break your teeth, if you call me show-geek
Hey snub-nose, hey ugly- nose, I'll gorge your eyes out
Hey side-kick acting so hoity-toity?
Know what will happen if my lady wishes?
Your lady? What will happen?
You know what will happen if we wish?
Your lady will bacome a mommy
Hey show-geek, stop it! Why are you making a big scene?
Hey, can you act or not?
Hey, if you give me a ring, should I act wherever you ask me to?
I can't
If you want to see me play, come to the theatre!
Don't just ask me to act wherever you see me
An actor has his respect and integrity
Come on
Want to see the play, come to the theatre!
When you do, bring these fatsos too!
-Hey, Kali! - You, cow!
Welcome, princess Welcome
The princess is here
Miss Lord is here with hee fatso horde
What to do? Kali!
He wouldn't be expecting us - Yes
Seeing us, he's going to blink and gape
- What to do? - We'll show them who an actor is
- Looks like it will get late - So eager?
* Hey wild horse, come right before me*
* Hey the Madurai horse ame right before me*
* Mohana, shall I become your beau?*
* Shall I become a Bheema?*
*Come close for lips to touch*
* Hey wild horse, come right before me* - Hey, he's singing about you
* Hey the Madurai horse ame right before me*
* Mohana, shall I become your beau?* - No, no it won't be like that
* Shall I become a Bheema?*
*Come close for lips to touch*
* A,B,C- A long an winding tongue*
* Don't glare at me from there *
* Hey wild horse, come right before me*
* Hey the Madurai horse ame right before me*
* Elephant calf *
* Kitten *
*Goat kid*
*Owlet*
*Dear fawn*
*Calf and baby, I'm going to tie your mouth*
*Hey bunny, blinking bunny*
* Right opposite to you, is a handsome crocodile*
* A,B,C- A long an winding tongue*
* Don't glare at me from there *
* Mohana, shall I become your beau?*
* Shall I become a Bheema?*
See what all they are singing!
Need to do something to him!
* Hey koel, a barking koel*
* The train that British sent* -Hey, he's insulting you!
* Hey wild horse come right before me*
* Hey the Madurai horse ame right before me*
* Mohana, shall I become your beau?*
* Shall I become a Bheema?*
* Crackers of every color wil fail before you*
* This is the truth as it is*
*Hey Squirrel brother!*
*What's the story here?*
* I understand, brother rabbit it is very clear*
*Hey doe, drop of honey, it's enough if you become better*
*Elephant calf, kitten, goat kid, calf*
*Squirrel pup,owlet, tiger cub bear cub, colt, koel,peachick...*
*...chick, rat pup, fawn*
*Which kid is this kid? Just a kid who talks too much*
*Lord's little kid girl kid*
*My dear darling kid, sugar drop*
*Give me a kiss*
To appreciate our dance and song, have you come on to the stage?
I was sent to honor you with a gift
I don't accept any gifts'
But, I have to give it
I don't like to receive gifts
He doesn't want it Give it to me
It's to him I will give
He won't accept it Please give it to me
It's to him, I shall give
- He will never take any gift - Palavesam
Give it to me!
They want to gift Why are you saying no?
Go on Pin it
- Mother! - Palavesam
Oh no! She has stabbed me in
I'll kill you!
Palavesam, Will you tease someone so much?
Because she used a needle, it stpped here
Had she used a knife?
Looks like you'll go give these ideas to that girl!
It's all because of him
Don't worry, Palavesam I'll not rest until I take revenge on her
Don't they are people high-up We'll leave it right here
She will get it from me surely, one day
Then, he will get it on the other side to
It aches even if you just say it
Hey mister, how did you get inside my room?
Go!
You will stab with a needle and leave dil you think we'll watch silently?
If you tease me, will I leave you? Go out
- What? - Get out
What will you do if I don't?
- Go out - Don't throw it!
- Am I not telling you? - Listen to me
Go
Go outside
Hey, don't come near me!
Let go of me
Let go
You are throwing things I won't let go
Why did you tease me?
If we tease you, will you stab with a needle?
That's what I will do
Because you stabbed me, my friend is dying there
What are you going to do about that?
Leave me It is anching
Hey, you teased me I stabbed your friend
We are even Go out!
How can that be?
What about the one dying there?
If you want, you can stab me with a needle too
How can I ... with a needle...there?
It won't be right
How can I stab there?
I said it unknowingly
It's alright!
What shall I do?
Then...
- You could give me a kiss - a kiss?
Palavesam is in his death bed there If he happens to die, it's murder
Murder!
Hey mister, why are you shouting?
It is swollen like a bun for Palavesam
I'm just asking for a mere kiss, as a consolation
Come close
- Hey master - What is it?
Where to?
Why are you squeaking like a rat?
Off to see Ammani, right?
My stomch is churning I'm going to the toilet, you crazy nut!
Go!
Just one dhoti, please understand!
Here I come
Hey! Hey Vadivu!
Hey, don't movie it I'm coming there
Wait
So Vadivamba wants to be the heroine?
Will you be the heroine?
Here you go. Wear it all I wait outside
*Vadivu plays the heroine today*
Vadivu looks fantastic as the heroine
Can't believe my own eyes
Hey Palavesam
Vadivu, why are you simply standing? Say a few lines
She will, Palavesam Go on dear, say a few lines
- Say it - Say it Vadivu
That's the respect you give for the costume
To stands before my sword
To stand fearless by my spear
To win over me and to rule me forever
Who is that prince charming, my friend?
- Hey, it's Swami. Run everyone - He's going to ask us to kneel!
Hey!
Boys, it's Swami
I'm the crown that rules the three worlds, Soora Badhman
Whoever comes, whatever illness comes, there is no death for me
What is this? Why the change?
Why is Gomathi speaking Soora Badhman's dialogue?
Let it happen, Swami It's going very well
Where is he?
Look out our boys... Performimg beautiful...
Hey master, did you send word about the rehearsal or not?
- I did - Then, what?
'' I have seen more than 100 stages, What is there to do different?"
" I'm going to do the same old thing You handle the boys", he said
He said he would come straight to the stage
How long has this been going on?
Bairava...
Hey, Bairava...
Dil you call me?
Bairava, did you join my company yesterday?
Don't you know the routine?
Don't you know every single actor, big or small, must come to the rehearsal?
You may be an expert...
Shouldn't the artists who are new and the young ones know your cues?
Sholdn't they understand and act with you?
Go on, say the lines
I'm the crown that rules the three worlds, Soora Badhman
Whoever comes, whatever illness comes, there is no death for me
How can a mere mortal shout at my fort's gates?
How degrading!
Singa Muga, who is he?
Bairava...In your dialogue delivery, the diction is great
But, the feelings...
Repeat it again
Palavesam, bring some water for him
Bairava, I don't have to tell you
Only if mind and body move in the same stance, it is acting
If that goes in one direction and this in another...
What is that to be called?
I have been watching you, yes
In soorakkotai, we had a little issue
Keeping that in mind...
...you are humiliating me before these kids, is it?
What falt have you found in my acting?
In this entire district, is there anyone else who can be the 'hero'?
I have seen a hundred stages
I have received many medals from lords, for my acting
If a lord pins a medal, will whatever you do become acting?
Only when you sharpen it again and again, a gem will shine
Fathers and grandfathers of acting have walked on this earth
You are mere dust, that flies apart in sigh
Hey, master
You need to rehearse "Soora Badhman" 10...no 100 times, with him, today
He acted, it seems... A lord pinned a medal, it seems...
Hey master, come here
What is it, Bairava?
So,you are going to rehearse 100 times,is it?
A reaharsal for me?
Is the audience coming to see his historical crap?
They are there for my face To see me act
He speaks so much,doesn't he? Ask him to play the part
Even if one fellow watches that, I'll chop off my head
Bairava,don't say things in haste
Hey...
For my acting, 100 women come there
I happened to touch one of them
What is wrong in that?
This old man is jealous
Don't talk about Swami like this
Hey...I'm telling you now I'm leaving this company now
I will start my own company
I will be my own king and my minister
-Bairava -Hay,are you coming, guys?
Are you?
Just for a bowl of rice, you are sitting here, right?
I will give you 20 rupees
I will talk to Swami and set it all right, don't act in haste
Swami?
Bairava...
- He is leaving, master... go - Bairava!
Bairava, wait!
There is a play today Tickets are sold, how can you leave?
Ask that old man to act
You are talking in anger
We'll talk to Swami and settle it Don't leave in haste
Hey, go away
Listen to me, for my sake, I'm asking you, please don't leave
- Listen, am I not asking you? - Leave me , man
Let him go Unmatchable Hero, it seems!
What is it? Has Bairava left with his bag and baggage?
He has left, I tried to stop him but he didn't listen
But there is a play in town, this week
There are plays successively for two months in this town
- Don't know what to do - So what?
Even a stone in Bala Shanmugananda company's backyard can act
Don't worry
Hey Gomathi...
Weren't you the one rehearsing as Soora Badhman?
Yes, Swami
Say your lines
I'm the crown that rules the three worlds, Soora Badhman
Whoever comes, whatever illness comes, there is no death for me
I was born to be victorious
Lord Brahma hasn't penned failure in my fate
Neither has he created anyone to defeat me
Today,the lords Shiva and Perumal fear me!
Victory is not something I need to celebrate
It's an everyday thing!
Will you do it?
Oh,no! Me?
Come on, do it
- Swami! - Come and do it
I'm the crown that rules the three worlds, Soora Badhman
Me
Whoever comes, whatever illness comes, there is no death for me
I was born to be victorious
Lord Brahma hasn't penned failure in my fate
Neither has he created anyone to defeat me
Today,the lords Shiva and Perumal fear me!
Victory is not something I need to celebrate
It's an everyday thing
- Master... - Swami
Soora Badhman...
Let Kali be 'Soora Badhman' Let Bomathi be 'Murugan'
- It will work out well - It will be done, Swami
- Swami, bless me - Be well
You will be great
Hey, Kali has become the hero
Hey Palavesam, Swami might see Put me down
Brother Gomathi!
Kali, I knew long ago that you will be the next hero!
- Thanks, Palavesam - Kali...
With the blessing of Sankardas Swamigal, you've become a hero, so young! Congrats
Thanks, master
Why am I not the hero?
Tell me, Swami Why am I not the hero?
I need to know
Logic, is it?
Go on...go, do your work
That small kid will become a hero I should remain a side-actor, is it?
I put my heart and soul and made Soora Badhman stand before your eyes
Did you not like it?
Soora Badhman is a demon He will talk like a demon
That's what I did
But he...
What did he do better than me? Tell me, Swami
Like a bridled horse, you were walking on the same old path
When everyone thought., this is how Soora Badhman will be...
Didn't he do something totally new?
That is improvisation
I can't be explaining everything
You need to fell it at times
Why are you looking at me like that?
You acted so brilliantly today
Thank you, princess Thank you
Seeing you act, I wanted to hug and kiss you, right on the stage
- I couldn't - That's alright
You may kiss me know
First, the gift Then, the kiss
- A gift? - Yes
- God! - Don't shout
- You scaredy- cat! - I'm not scared
Thank you, princess Thank you
That...?
* Hey...*
* Hey Mister Minor, why do you look at me?*
* You want to make my nights a torture*
* You seem to tie anklets to the legs of the wind that flows*
* You seem to shake hands with love and pull it close*
* Hey Mister Minor, why do you look at me?*
* You want to make my nights a torture*
* You seem to tie anklets to the legs of the wind that flows*
* You seem to shake hands with love and pull it close*
* You seem to make me your admirer*
* You seem to increase your beauty a hundred times, everyday*
* When I think evil eyes may fall...*
* Staying in my heart, you smile*
* Hey Mister Minor, why do you look at me?*
* You want to make my nights a torture*
* You seem to tie anklets to the legs of the wind that flows*
* You seem to shake hands with love and pull it close*
Duryodhana, I come to tear your heart and drink its blood
The deception I see in your eyes is sharping my arrows
Thank you, princess
She is the Radha of all the Radhas in Brindhavanam
This Krishna's Radha too
* Desires seem to come knocking at your heart*
*Tries to dress you up*
* To speak, words stand begging at the heart's door*
* To speak, wht don't you lend your mouth?*
*Dreams are opening their eyelids*
* Nights are raining on the lips*
* A dewdrop is breaking a flower apart*
* As you and I come close, time leaps away*
* Hey Mister Minor, why do you look at me?*
* You want to make my nights a torture*
* You seem to tie anklets to the legs of the wind that flows*
* You seem to shake hands with love and pull it close*
* You seem to make me your admirer*
* You seem to increase your beauty a hundred times, everyday*
* When I think evil eyes may fall...*
* Staying in my heart, you smile*
* Something seems to tickle me and leave*
* Seems to tear my cheeks apart and throw it to the wind*
* The cheek seems to ask for alms of kisses*
*Give me your lips*
* For the first time, passion spreads*
* All the moments are orchards in her grasp*
* When gaps decrease, it's the juice of the lips*
* When eyes falter down, you lie there down below*
* You seem to make me your admirer*
* You seem to increase your beauty a hundred times, everyday*
* When I think evil eyes may fall...*
* Staying in my heart, you smile*
* Hey Mister Minor, why do you look at me?*
* You want to make my nights a torture*
* You seem to tie anklets to the legs of the wind that flows*
* You seem to shake hands with love and pull it close*
Kali had told me that he was in love with the lord's daughter
That night, I happened to eake up by chance
- Hey, Kali! - Rangamma
Maybe the cat's on prowl
It's not the cat, Swami
It's me
What are you doing here, at this hour?
Your honour mustn't be shipped off, right?
-That's why -What?
If anyone else had seen what I saw this night...
...not a single person will be alive in this company, tomorrow
What is that great thing you saw?
Didn't you make that beggar-boy, a hero?
That dog is now licking the lord's bowl
You need this, Swami
You need it
You won't care about people with discipline and integrity
You will suffer
Even beyond this, too
Why, Swami? Why at this hour?
Where is Kali?
Kali must be sleeping
Go wake him up
Go
Hey, master, what has happened?
I have searched all over Kali is missing
Is he at the whore's or at the liquor store?
Can't you keep watch on everyone?
Is this why I've had you here, all these years?
Like a temple!
I had kept my company like a temple
You have made it all, a waste
Let him come
He has to come this way, right?
Let me sit right here Let me sit here till dawn
Let that dog come
Hey, bring that chair
What, Swami? Started lessons so early in the morning?
Let's do ' Kutrala Kuravanji' today
- Hay, Gomathi - Hey!
From where, is sir heading back?
I woke up early to go to the river The Vishnu temple is open now
All night, I was waiting without a blink, for you to come
Where did you crap? Which river did you wash yourself?
Swami?
Which whore's place, are you returning from?
Beneath whose feet, were you lying?
Tell me
Tell me now
Did you lay hands on the lord's girl?
Did you?
Do you accept it?
You know how much I trusted you?
You have brought shame upon me
I should kill you!
You, womanizer!
We both are in love with each other, Swami
Lo Love? In love, is it?
What is that you have to do there at night?
Why go there at night?
Hey, do you think she fell for you? She fell for the part you were playing!
Using that...
You have indulged in lustful revelry with here, right?
Is it for this?
If the lord knows this, he will kill you!
He will kill me He will kill everyone
Swami, stop...enough He is the child you brought up
Swami!
Don't, Swami! Swami!
Ask him to leave He must not stand before me!
Hey, I'm going to curse him
His mouth shall say no lines
His legs will not touch the stage
No makeup will adorn his face
It is a curse It's Swami's curse
It's your teacher's curse
Swami!
Master, tell him something
Swami...!
Swami, forgive me
Please forgive me! Don't curse me, please!
I don't know anything other than acting
If I don't act, I will die
I will do whatever you ask me
Please don't chase me away
Please let me be here
Swami, let me be a dog near your feet
- Please don't ask me to leave - Master!
With a fire as a witness
Ask him to promise that he won't see that girl or think of her
Yes, Swami
Gomathi, come!
Oh no, Swami!
Even if you promise, a curse is a curse
Let this dog lick its bowl and remain a housejold help
- Master! - Swami
Pack all the bags We leave this town, now
Brother!
Swami,which is going to be the first play in this town?
Let's perform 'Pavala Kodi'
Who will be the hero?
Hero?
Ask Gomathi to play the part
Heroine?
Let Vadivu do it
It will be good Let's bring in a new change and see
This is what I was in penance for all these years
So I'm very happy
Bless me, Swami
Let Goddess Saraswathi's blessing be upon you
- Swami - Be well
Perform boldly, dear
* Warm welcome to all...*
*Greetings! Greetings! Greetings!*
You thief, who came in the night? Tell me, who are you?
I'm Arjuna
How come?
How come you have added new lines to the script?
Look at my eyes
You will see the flames of love blazing
Didn't you understand this dialogue, Vadivu?
Tell me, Vadivu
I need to know what's in your mind
Kali!
What is it?
The lord's daughter is dead
- What are you saying? - That's true. I came right away
Talks were finalized to get het married to a lord from the south
She was stubbornly refusing to marry him
They locked her in the house Thrashed her, asking why
She jumped off a cliff and died
Thay talk that she was pergnant too
Rangamma
- Swami! - Kali
- Come outside, Swami! - Kali, no!
- Come outside! - Kali, don't shout
Go away!
Swami...
Come outside, Swami
What's the commotion here?
I'm going to die
I'm going to die right now
- Are you drunk? - Yes
Hey, drag him away from here
You have killed my Ranggama, so unjustly
You have killed my dearest, Swami!
With a child in her womb, she jumped off a cliff
The child in her womb was mine
You have killed an unborn child
You spoke of justice, like some great person
Did you think about the girl, who trusted me?
If you can't think of that, then how can you be a 'Swami'?
Tell me!
Listening to you,for the sake of acting, I left Rangamma
I killed my Rangamma myself
I killed my dearest myself
Should only the teacher curse?
I will curse the teacher himself
- You will be doomed - Kali, what are you saying?
Don't, Kali
You will be in ruins
The tongue that sang of Saraswathi and Ganapathi will cease to be!
I promise you this!
You will be in ruins!
You will be doomed!
My Rangamma will not let you be in peace
My Rangamma is dead
Rangamma!
Swami!
Hey, lift him up!
- Careful...gently - Make him lie down
- Wave the fan - Swami!
Swami?
Swami, what has happened to you?
Open your eyes
I have made my teacher come to this state
Curse me, Swami I will be in doom
Curse me, Swami
You will be graet
Master
I've got an offer to perform plays in 15 places in Colombo
So, going forward I've decided to run this company
Whoever wants to come with me,can!
We have nowhere else to go!
You are everything to us hereafter
Everyone can come
Everyone
Good
But not Kali
Why, brother?
Why this punishment for me?
I too shall come with you
You are the one who killed our Swami
This is the company he created
If you are here, it will be doomed
Just go away
Swami forgave Kali and blessed him
Why all that?
Swami is my God
The one who caused his death, I can't have by my side
Even if Swami forgives, I can't
Why talk this way? Kali is like your younger brother
He must go
Else, I will leave this company
Brother
When I come to know of Rangamma's death
I lost my senses
I didn't know what to do
That's why I shouted at Swami, in anger
Hey, if you are a man of respect, you should have married her
You should have gone away somewhere!
What are you saying, brother?
Just because Swami asked me to, I left her
Shut up!
Because Swami said so, you left her like a coward, isn't it?
Swami is not the reason for her death, it's you
Gomathi!
Who are you raising your hand against?
Why did you give her a child and come away?
You dog!
You killed her
Then blaming Swami for that you killed him too
Call yourself a man? You rascal!
Go on and mind your business
Supporting this fellow!
You have hit me, haven't you?
You have hit me and and thrown me away, is it?
What did I do?
You are drunk and trying to hit me!
He has already suffered for his mistakes
Don't thrash him
Let me go I'll kill him
Gomathi, let him go
Where will he go? Who is he?
Let him go anywhere He must not be here
If I see you before by eyes, I will kill you, you dog!
Please forgive him and take him back
You come to a decision Do you want him or me?
Only if both of you are there, it will be good
That won't happen
If he is there in this company, I will be off
What Gomathi said is true
I'm the person who killed my Guru
That sin won't let me be in peace
If I'm here, it will all be doomed
Let brother Gomathi be here, I will go
I will go away somewhere
Let this company prosper
Forgive me
I will go away
Hey, all of you listen well
If anyone wants to leave with him
Now leave right now
[Colombo Theater Association, Ceylon]
[Malaysia Tamil Association, Penang]
Hey Gomathi...
You have arrived!
'Empreor od Performing Arts' The 'hero' Gomathi Nayagam!
The world famous leading man
So what if you have achieved all this?
Bur, Vadivu isn't yours
Vadivu Vadivu
'Having planted our flag abroad'
'I returned to our country after five years'
Praise be to Mother India!
'Freedom fight' groups seem more active than before
Ever since Mahatma Gandhi came to Madurai, even farmers are now waving flags
On behalf of Tamil Arts Association and Madurai Performing Artists
We felicitate 'Hero' Melasevalpuri Gomathi Nayagam Pillai
'Singing Sensation' Vadivambal
In a huge stage set in Madurai
With sets and sceneries, we must stage a fantastic historical play
We have a great troupe
No surprise about that!
We need fine artists to paint the screens and skilled men to assemble the stage
All of Madurai is in my palm It will be an ace job!
How is 'Hero' Bairava Sundaram doing?
He was acting for a while
Drinking too much drinking He lost everything, drinking
Then...
What about the 'hero' Kaliyappa Bagavathar?
Kaliyappa? There's no one by that name
There is an oldie named 'Kandappa' A clown, can't even see properly
No...
'Thalaiva Kottai' Kaliyappa Bagavathar Sivadas Swamigal's direct disciple
In this entire Madurai district, if someone was performing as the 'hero'
He can't exist without this Karaikudi Kanayya's knowledge
I swear that there is no such person here
If it's someone close to you, just tell me
I'll search high and low, find him and bring him over in my Plymouth
That won't be necessary
I asked just like that
Okay
Palavesam,did you inqire about Kaliyappa?
I inquired in the area where our drama folks live
Nobody seems to know anything, Vadivu
They say there's no one by that name
I can hear wedding bells for you, already
Hey, be quiet, brother!
Shall I talk to Vadivu?
Why are you still heisitating?
No
I don't know what's in Vadivu's mind
In 5 years, she hasn't said a word
Maybe he is still in her heart
Now, it looks like he doesn't even exist
Even she doesn't have any other go
Shall I talk to Vadivu and make her agree?
The whole town is buzzing about the play which sir and Vadivu are to perform in
All the tickets are sold out Houseful for 8 days
Going to be great business all year We'll have a feast tonight
Greetings, sir
Has sir left to a temple or something?
He's lying down A bit fever
What? Fever?
This is some kind of poison flu Fever will surely be threre for 5 days
You need a lot of rest to recover
I'll see you later
- Greetings, doctor - Greetings
What has happened? I saw you yesterday
You were fine
Ftom last night, fever, vomiting and headache
Careful
My whole body is throbbing with pain
What to do?
It's 'Houseful' The play must happen
Sir, we don't have an option
You are unwell
Doctor has asked you to take rest too
We'll stop the show for 10 days
Hey, are you playing the fool?
It's festival time
If we don't stage the play, they will burn the theater
Not only that
Theater rent for 10 days, all the advertising cost
How will I account for all that?
If the first ting flunks, who will lend money again?
Listen, if sir is unwell, how can we stage the play?
So the play won't happen today?
No way
Hey show geeks,
I don't care what you do, how you do
But the show must happen today
I'm staging it with loan money
Like you, haven't got it from Singapore in cartloads
Why are you shouting like this? Should we dance naked for you?
If you are a showman, You must dance naked too
Didn't you get the money? Didn't eat off it?
Didn't you go the whore house's in red street?
Hey, master You don't know about me
Leave him, right now!
Don't fight
Hey, you'll get the money and won't put the show?
We will! We will put the show!
Not fearing you But for the sake of my name!
That's better Else, you'll be in big trouble
The show will happen tonight Get ready
What's this?
Fearing him, you've said the show will go on
You are unwell, how will you perform in this condition?
Sir, may I say something?
What is it?
Why don't we find some 'special' dramatist?
When will get them? It's festival time too
Even if we find them, they must know 'Karna's heaven' fully
All that's being performed are Shankara Swamigal's plays
All these 'special' actors know every play by heart
They will come directly to the stage and perform the part beautifully
Master, give the painter some money
Hey, bring two men before noon
Yes, sir
Here you go
Bring good ones
Welcome, please come
Welcome, greetings Welcome, please go inside
Welcome, please be seated
Sir...sir?
Drink a bit of the concoction Then only the fever will break
Two 3rd class ticket please
Welcome...welcome
Greetings to the honourable police officer
The most important official in the entire district, you've come here
What's this?
Stunning advertisements Brought someone from Colombo too
Smuggling money,is it?
Sir, don't you know about me?
From my grandfather and father's days, staging plays has been our job
I hardly make anything out of it
Hey, what about the ' Singing Sensation' Vadivambal?
Oh my! She will be like a golden statue
The lords from all around are waiting to have one look from her
Do you want to see to? Some on I'll show you
What has happened?
Is the person here?
No one there in 'Make up' street, it seems
Festival time, everyone has left to perform elsewhere
He has gone to Virudupatti Ha has promised to surely bring someone
If someone doesn't come, I can only hang myself
Hey, start the play!
- You shouldn't trust these drama folks - How long to wait?
Will they start the play or not?
Hey! Ready?
Sir, isn't it time for the play? Why haven't you still worn the makeup?
Many landlord and officials are waiting out there
Crowds surging What to do if he lies like this?
Just wait for 10 minutes,please
What?
The play was supposed to start at 7 It's 7:30, what are you going to do?
- Just wait a little bit - Hey, master!
I don't care what you do In 10 minutes, I should hera the bell
Else, it will be a bloodbath here!
Let's go
I will perform myself
Sir!
That man who went to Virudupatti will surely bring someone
Just take rest
He's here
He has brought a person Goddess Meenakshi hasn't forsaken us
Greetings
Not a place I missed. Madurai, Sivagangai, Virudupatti
I've brought this one from Srivilliputhur, he's a 'special' actor
But because of his bad habit, no one invites him to act
I thought it's just for a day and brought him along
Will he act?
He will act
Manage somehow today Tomorrow I will bring you the best
Tell him to come
Hey, come inside, man
Kali!
It is Kali!
Brother Gomathi
Master sir
Palavesam
Is it our troupe?
Is it really you, brother?
He didn't day it was you
Are you well?
Why do you have medicine on your forehead?
Are you unwell?
Such a high fever?
A fever?
How do you feel? Have you had your medicine?
What ,master sir?
I've had it. It's nothing much It's just a fever
But, why have you become like this?
I'm bird that missed its flock
I didn't know where to go
I shouldn't blame anyone
It's all my fault
It's my fault
A woman's curse and a teacher's curse surrounded me and doomed me
I became like a beggar
A beggar
I didn't die
That's all
Brother, I've seen you all, today
I'm very happy
This is enough for me
What play is it, brother?
I saw it outside 'Karna's heaven', isn't it?
We'll do a great job
Who am I?
Karna or Arjuna? Tell me, brother
Ask them to ring the bell, Palavesam I will be ready in 5 minutes
I will get ready in 5 minutes, master
Brother
I'm asking you like I ask Swami
Don't chase me away, again
Let me be here, please
Let me be a slipper beneath your feet
What's this? Why hasn't the bell been rung?
Tell them to ring the bell, brother
Please don't chase me away
Palavesam. go ring the bell
Get the clow on the stage too Go on, guys
Go wear Karna's costume, go on
-Master! - Sir
I will wear Karna's costume
Let Kali be Arjuna
Sir, how can that be?
You can't even stand up How will you say your dialogues?
If you could have done it why ask him to be brought?
Hey, do as I say
You are so unwell How willl you do it, brother?
When you can act
Why can't I?
It's been a long time now
Since we both acted together
We'll se today
Greetings to the audience
My mother My mother who bore me!
Where are you?
Instead of giving bearth to me and throwing me into the river
You could have killed me and thrown me into the river
Had you killed me as soon as I was born
I wouldn't have had to bear so much shame today
Ask whatever you may want, mother
I will grant it, without a 'nay'
Vadivu, how are you?
I never thought I would see you
How are you?
Mmm...I'm doing fine today
Even though I had a mother, I became an orphan
Even though I had the crown before me, I became a slave
Even though I had brothers, I became a lone man
I decided to give my life for the man who trusted me
What is this fate, O God?
Wow
Brother is performing so well
I didn't think brother would act so well, with such a high fever
He has brought Karna right before our eyes
I will never forsake Duriyodhana
Kaliyappa took to drink and killed his art
But our man Gomathi
He has swam through fire and water and has held Goddess Saraswathi's hand
He is excellence himself
My dearest! Have you left me and gone away?
As far as I know, in 'Karna's heaven', after Karna's dead, story ends
He is starting at the end
*Tell me!*
*Tell me the final judgement!*
*Stand upright*
*Stand upright,here in this war!*
*Leave!*
*Let this war and leave!*
*If you want any more lives,* *kill me first*
*Krishan, kill me first!*
*Why did you * *make me bear the bow?*
*Why did you make me* *swim in blood?*
*Why did you make * *this world to win?*
* Why did you * *defeat me, deep inside?*
*You made me win the world*
*You defeated me, deep inside*
*Arjuna asks, Krishna!*
*It is Arjuna asking!*
*Tell me!*
*Tell me the final judgement!*
*Stand upright!*
*Stand upright, here in this war!*
*You have the wheel of time* *in your hand*
*But it is me* *who is spinning in that*
* The net of deception* *expands in your eyes*
*But the one caught* *in it, is me!*
*If the sin of killing Karna,* *goes to Krishna*
*Where will the sin,* *of making Krishna, go?*
*Tell me!*
*Tell me the final judgement!*
*Stand upright!*
*Stand upright, here in this war!*
*O World*
*What is the need for war?*
*O Lives*
*What is the need for blood?*
*O God*
*What is the need for sorrow?*
*O Heart*
*What is the need for hatred?*
*Krishna, stop the chariot!*
*Defeating everything*
*Who to live with?*
*Stop the chariot!*
*Let the bloodbath end*
*Stop the war!*
*For tomorrow's world to prosper*
*Stop the war!*
Sir, Sivadas Swamigal, Behold your disciple
Swami, you are not dead!
You should have listened when asked to rest
Yesterday, you were so stubborn that you should be on the stage
You danced all night
You definitely must take rest for 10 days
Please leave
I need to jab an injection in his buttocks
Jab wherever but make him better
Brother, you did a fantastic show last night
Master, will the show happen today?
It will
How many ever oppose me
I will not rest until I sever his head
Your ego and stubbornness will make your army fail
A wretched woman, I am, who has lost everything
Lost my homw, lost my town, and lost my country
Because he shouldn't be the 'hero' for a single day, you went on stage
For 10 days now, he is the 'hero' What could you do?
To the honourable Kaliyappa Bagavathar, I offer the cash money as a garland
Following this, for Vadivambal
They have been stopped calling us 'Colombo group'
They are calling us ' Kali group'
Have this
Ever since I started out as the 'heroine', I was waiting eagerly to act with you
That has happened only now
Won't you say anything about my acting?
I have travelled the world and received titles too
But, what I want to know is what you think of my acting
You are beautiful, Isn't that enough?
Why? Don't you like my acting?
Don't ,Vadivu Leave it
Here I'm asking you and you are leaving silently?
When I see you on stage, I want to stop the play and give you a few tight slaps
Do you think what you do there, is acting?
Decking yourself up and gyrating?
Disgusting!
Lauding the 'hero' Kaliyappa Bagavathar...
I offer this gift
Behold the ship with our flag!
Freedom!
Victory to Mother India!
Victory to Mahatma Gandhi!
Praise be to Mother India!
Hey, take him away
Lauding the 'hero' Kaliyappa Bagavathar...
I offer this gift
For the gift you gave on stage, here's the gift!
Thanks, sir
We must oppose the British We must lead the people
Brothers, he is the best dramatist in this entire districrt
He is Kaliyappa Bagavathar Madurai Sivadas Swamigal's direct disciple
Your acting is excellent We have seen you perform, a few times
Thank you
How long will dramatists like you, perform historic plays and fool the people?
What is the state of this nation today?
For 200 years, sitting on our heads, the British have been ruling us
In the North, there is a revolt in every corner, but here
Shouldn't they have a bit of shame at least?
What should we do?
Your plays must change
You must change. Perform 'freedom fight' plays
We are all here with you
The plays you perform must make the blood of everyone boil
It must instigate the fervour for freedom
I'm making arrangements for your bail
We'll know in a few days
Brother, I met some freedom fighters here
They made me understand the state of our nation
Let's perform 'freedom fight' plays
- 'Freedom fight' plays? - Yes
Why?
Is it not enough that you are in jail?
Do we need to put the entire company in jail?
It's not that, brother
Because no one questions them, the British are doing such atrocities
Through plays, we must instigate fervour
Hey!
If you have any such tought
Don't even come near my company again
Let this be the last time I see you
'Freedom fight' plays, it seems
Don't worry, brother Very soon, we'll be released
We shall perform 'freedom fight' plays
- What do you say, Ilandeva? - Definitely, sir
- Let's start a new drama company - For sure
What shall we name it?
- Swadeshi Drama - Bharat Drama Company
Fantastic...excellent Let it be so named
Vadivu
You were fantastic in today's play
Excellent
Our company is profiting these days
You get 100 rupees daily
I'm planning to increase it to 200 rupees
That's good Please talk to mother about it
Ok And...
It seems master had a word with you
Tell me, Vadivu
When shall we get married?
Why marry?
It's to make a contract out of it, isn't it?
Then, you are also afraid that might leave with Kali,Isn't it why?
- Do you know what are you talking? - Yes, I know
I know you well
I have been observing you, right from Swami's house
What you will think, what you will say, I know everything
Then, before asking mt hand in marriage
You talk about increasing my salary
Why?
If you mention 'money', will I just come and fall in your lap?
Who am I, in your mind?
A whore
Daughter of Ammani, the whore, isn't it all?
No, Vadivu
I never thought that way
I said
I said I wanted to marry you
Rather than being a married whore, it is better to remain just a whore
I don't want this
I'm a slave to Kali's song A slave to his skill
If he comes and snap his fingers,enough. I will follow him like a dog
That's what I'm waiting for
What are you saying, Vadivu?
They have arrested him
He can not get out, in this life time
Who said so? Are you the government?
He will be released
I will wait for the day he's released
WE both can not act together Settle my accounts tomorrow
You can't leave when you want, Vadivu
You have signed a 15 year contract saying you will act with me
If you go, will I let be?
I will inform the police and put you behind the bars
Are you trying to threaten me?
The police will put me in jail, isn't it?
It's alright I will remain by my Kali's side
Why, Vadivu?
Won't you understand at all?
Kali, Kali, Kali!
All the time, it's Kali In everything, it's Kali
What has he ever done for you?
You, who was once a beggar girl, who made you 'Singing Sensation' Vadivu?
Malaysia, Singapore, Colombo, taking you to all the places I went
Didn't I make every place echo your name?
Why?
Why, Vadivu?
Because I loved you so much
I'm a millionaire today
If you marry me, I'll make you a queen
But, you...
Why don't you like me?
Tell me, vadivu
Why don't you like me? I need to know
Life is not about living like a queen
Life is about living with the one you love
Don't compelme any further Just leave me
*Should Mother India be* *a slave to the British*
*Should dhe suffer in chains* *around her hand and legs forever?*
*In the fire of freedom,* *give your hand*
*Will the foreigners shoot?*
*People don't give a hoot*
*This is the greatest shame*
Right there
Come, Vadivu
I have left from there
Told him, 'I can't act with you anymore'
I have come here
Mother wants me to be a lord's mistress
He is compelling me to marry
I didn't know what to do
I can't
Im'begging you with folded hands Please save me
Give me a place near you
I will always be with you
Don't want me to act, I will remain a cook
Vadivu
Already, there is a load of sin on my shoulders
Don't compel it
Even after I have said so much, your heart doesn't relent to take me in
You think I'm a disgraced soul
Don't kill me with your words
I can't
I can't now
I will leave now
But, I will not act anymore
Until you heart relents and calls me,I will not act
This is a promise
I will not act It is for you that I wait
Victory to Mother India!
Praise be to Mother India!
' Kali grew like a forest fire in all directions'
' As he was growing, I was dying'
'Looking at the deserted theater, I felt ashamed'
'I just wanted to hang myself'
Payasam, Palavesam and others have joined Kali's group
A few others have gone to bioscope
Let them go
Let everyone go
Whoever leaves as the lone man, this Gomathi Nayagam will perform
Why?
Leave if you want to
I'm not here, trusting in anyone
I'm here, trusting only me
I will perform the plays, on my own
Just on my own
Thanks We'll meet tomorrow
The rehearsal starts tomorrow
I'll inform everyone
Kali
What is it?
Vadivu has sent it
To my beloved, honourable sir
Vadivu writes with sincere greetings
You did not accept me
I don't even have the fortune of being a cook to you
That's all I deserve
No use in being upset with you
If you so desire, you can do something about it
*Like a voice in an empty theater,* *you are within me*
*From somewhere,* *you seem to pull my strings*
*Yours,* *Your heart*
*What shall I tell my heart,* *which is seeking you everyday?*
*Without listening to a word I say,* *it keeps searching for you*
*Like a voice in an empty theater,* *you are within me*
*From somewhere,* *you seem to pull my strings*
*Yours,* *Your heart*
*A world made of music*
*Only you and I shall dwell there*
*A home made of dreams*
*Only we will live there, real*
*Those were the beautiful times*
*The times when I was in your lap*
*Using the stairs called lips* *it stepped into my heart*
*Love love love*
*In an empty theater*
*Like a voice in an empty theater,* *you are within me*
*From somewhere,* *you seem to pull my strings*
*Yours,* *Your heart*
*What shall I tell my heart,* *which is seeking you everyday?*
*Without listening to a word I say,* *it keeps searching for you*
*In an empty theater*
Praise be to Mother India!
Burn clothes from foreign soil!
Praise be to Mother India!
*I don't need words to talk*
*Just if we see, that will do*
*Should this singing nightingale* *be a lone bird?*
*You were the one who turned me* *into a sculpture and worshipped me*
*Why do you want turn me* *into a stone again? Tell me!*
*Like a voice in an empty theater,* *you are within me*
*From somewhere,* *you seem to pull my strings*
*Yours,* *Your heart*
*What shall I tell my heart,* *which is seeking you everyday?*
*Without listening to a word I say,* *it keeps searching for you*
We stand by Mahatma Gandhi
The revolt will not cease until we get freedom
It will continue
Even if I can't be a good son, I wish to be a good citizen
If I fall, I shall become a seed
Welcome
Hey!
If I summon you, won't you come?
You were the one who wanted to see me
To be fair
You should come and see me
- Sit down - I'm not here to sit down
- Come to the police station - Do you have a warrant?
You show-geek!
Talknig law, is it?
Yes, it's the law
To follow you for no reason, I'm not a criminal
You are charged with treason
Treason?
Tis is my land, my country
If we question, does it become treason?
Treason is what you are doing
Self- rule and freedom is round the corner. You will get your punishment then
Hey, shut up!
Who do you think you are talking with?
I will shoot down, the whole lot
If you happen to talk or sing on stage
Even your body can't be found for the last rites
Mr Nanjunda Rao Just a minute
Come August 10th, we are performing a 'freedom fight' play
' The victory of Kathar'
Pleaes do come with your family
We can give you a free pass
Hey!
I will come with a warrant to shoot you down
Praise be to Mother India!
Hey, the time now is 7
Only 13 tickets have been sold on the wole
11 rupees, 3 and 1/4 ana, 2 paisa
Do you know that I have spent 8500 for this theater alone?
Are you playing the fool?
Where is he?
The 'Singing god' Melasevalpurai Gomathi Nayagam Pillai!
My foot!
He can't even draw 4 persons to theater, why does he need a moustache and a bun?
Where is he? Gomathi Nayagam...
I have not made any money
Only 13 tickets have been sold, that's why
What did you say?
An actor is such a low being, is it?
Get out
Leave Go, right now
You have hit me, haven't you?
I used to be a way-side robber
I could pull your gut out and wear it like a garland
But, what the hell...
...You appear as Lord Krishna to me
-Get out, you man - I will
If people don't come to the theater, for the money I've put in, I can only beg!
Show me a way for my money, I'll get going
Sir, what's this?
Will this be enough, brother? No?
Oh, no!
The gold medals I received acting all over the world
Throw it at that dog's face
Go, brother Let it be done with
- Sir...? - Go, brother
We have searched all over town. Not a single girl is willing to act
That Rao has terrorized everyone
How can we stage this play?
A man could do the role
But it will be good only if a woman does it
There is a way
I thought I shouldn't do it But, I have to do it for the nation
Palavesam, please bring Vadivu, saying I called her
Hey, have you decided to go with that Kali?
Listen to me, if you go with him, you'll end up eating gruel in the prison
It seems prison gruel tates good
If you leave, don't ever come back again
I'm done with you
I don't want a mother who sends me off with a lord
I'm done with you too
- Come, Palavesam - Let's go, Vadivu
I knew you will call me someday
That's what I was waiting for, all these days
It's a 'freedom fight' play
- There may be police... - Whatever it is, it's fine
It's enough if I act with you
No fear...No fear at all!
Even if the skies fall upon our heads...
No fear...No fear at all!
Victory to Mother India!
Come, Vadivu
Did I act well today?
You were beautiful, as always
But, with all this beauty, acting was holding hands
You acted so well today, Vadivu
The fervour in your voice and acting...
...beyond a point, going against me, I started admiring you
Today...
...you stood like a fire on stage
I thought then
I want a son like you
Art should become a child in my womb, and live generation after generation
Will you accept me?
Brother...
It is a great grief for an artist to lose everything, brother
You could have told me
Wouldn't I have stood by your side?
When maser told me, I felt very sad
That's why I went and redeemed everything from Kannayya
Take this, brother
What are you thinking?
Shouldn't I do even this for you?
Won't you stand by me, for something tomorrow?
If you don't mind, I'll tell you something
Come and join my company
You can be the 'hero'
I will be the 'heroine' or 'side-part'
Like we were in Swami's compay, we will all be happy again
Come, brother
Don't think so much Do come, brother
Alright, Kali
I will act
Kali, we just got word
They have banned our play, 'Bhagat Singh'
If you disobey the order and act, they have got a shooting order too
- What are you saying? - That's right, Vadivu
They have made a complaint to the collecter...
...that Kali and his group are inciting revolt through their plays
So, he has issued a shooting order
Even if we lose our lives, we'll stage the play
Let the people know...
...That we don't have the right to speak our truth in our land
I'm scared
Don't be scared, Vadivu
Bhagat Singh is a great warrior of our nation
You should not hang him without a thought
Bhagat Singh! Who is he?
Is he a lord or God?
This is the last day
This is not a hang rope
It's a reward offered to me, for the service to my nation
Do not say that Bhagat Singh perished!
Say that he attained a brave heaven!
Praise be to Mother India!
It's the police!
Praise be to Mother India!
Hey...All of you disperse
You are staging a play against rules
I have shooting order too
Hey, better surrender
Or else, I will shoot you down
Come on Shoot me, you traitor
Let the rope of foreigner decorate Bhagat Singh's neck
Let the bullet of foreigner's servant decorate Bhagat Singh's chest
Shoot me, you dog
Praise be to Mother India!
Hey, arrest him and drag him out
Praise be to Mother India!
We will not let you to arrest Kaliyappa!
Don't hit the police Let them do their duty
We will not let you to arrest Kaliyappa!
They are here to arrest me Let them do that
Please stop it!
We will not let you to arrest Kaliyappa!
Kaliyappa, you need to live for drama
Don't become a prey to a bullet
- Escape from here - Let's go
Come, Kali You come
All of you run away and save your lives
- Run away... run - Kali, escape somehow
Run away...!
Hey Kali, don't run! I'll shoot you
Hey Vadivu, where are you going?
I don't know what's happened to him I need to see him now
Hey, why are you talking like a fool? There's police all around us
If they see anyone of us, they will shoot us
It's alright I need to know now
Won't you understand at all?
Alright, you wait inside that temple I will go and find out
Go, Vadivu Go hide inside the temple
Hey, wait!
Hey, don't run! Wait!
Vadivu!
They have shot our Kali, Vadivu!
Kali!
Vadivu!
What a great artist!
Can there ever be another like him?
Why have you left us, Kali?
Kali can not be destroyed
He is living here He will be born again
I will pray to Goddess Meenakshi
Ask the one who is to perform the rite to come sit here
Go, sit down
- Me? - Yes, it should be you
I can't do it, master
Someone else please go sit down
Kali thought of you as his own brother Isn't Kali your younger brother?
You should be the one to do it
Come, it is you who must do it
What are you saying? I can't...
One of you sit down
Don't say no Only you have the right to do it
Please come
Please sit down
- How did you...? - Why did you come here, brother?
There'e police all around Should we both get caught?
Where's Vadivu?
Vadivu is safe
Hearing gunfire all around, she was worried about you
She wanted to see you immediately
That's why I made her to wait safely and came here
Nothing will happen to me I will escape somehow
Brother, you come along with Vadivu to Samanallur Rail bridge
I will come there too Let's get on board a good train
We can reach Pondicherry silently
British policemen can'r do anything, if we get there
Go carefully, this side I will go the other way
Praise be to Mother India!
What's this brother?
Hey, Kali...
I can't do it anymore
I can not act as a good man anymore
When I look at you, I'm filled with mad rage
What is this, brother?
Hey...
You, without deserving it, even a bit, will keep winning forever
Me, in spite of deserving it every bit...
...should I keep failing before you, all my life?
What are you saying, brother?
What great acting skill do you have?
Giving my heart and soul, I stand there as Soora Badhman
That old man makes you the 'hero'
You will be the 'hero'...
...and I should be a side-part, is it?
Should I?
Hey, in 'Karna's heaven'. how can Arjuna have a song?
You will sing some somg of your own and get all the applause
I can't... bear it
Why did you start staging 'freedom fight' plays and destroy my plays?
It's because of you
It's only because of you...
...I was completely broken and lost everything
Let that be...
You recovered everything that I had lost...
...and gave it back as alms to me
For that...
Just for that, I should kill you
You were a mere playboy
But, me...
Was I like that?
Hey...
Vadivu...
I loved her so much
But, she...
She threw me aside and walked out, wanting only you
Forgive me, Kali
Forgive me
But...
Only if you die, my anger will subside
After that, it doesn't matter if I live or if I die...
...I will be at peace
I promise you, I will be at peace
I understand how much pain you have been going through
I will die
I'm going to die anyhow
I will say something before I die
I have no enmity towards you, even now
I have no hatred too
To tell the truth...
...You are still my elder brother in my heart
You are my everything, brother
Hey... don't talk
Don't talk, Kali
From a very young age...
Because I competed with such a great actor like you...
I have come to this stage
Day and night, it is you I thought of
I was competing with you
That's why...
Even when you thought harm for me...
I thought it was all for good
What did you say?
I'm a playboy, is it?
The only person that I loved in my life, my Rangamma
It was you who separated Rnagamma and ma
What are you saying?
i had told no one but you that I loved Rangamma
If you didn't tell him, how could Swami know of it?
That is...
If you had not sent me to jail that day...
I wouldn't have joined that freedom fight
I know that you sent that person
This name...This fame... These titles!
This life!
All these were alms that my elder brother gave me
Thank you
I say it with all my heart
Thank you
Kali...
Shoot me, brother Let it end, why do you hesitate?
Kali, leave it
You'll be happy if you shoot me, isn't it?
- Kali, leave it - Shoot me, brother
- I'm telling you, leave it! - Shoot me, brothr
No, let go of it
- Shoot me, brother! - No, Kali!
Shoot me, brother!
Hey!
[Varanasi]
Brother Gomathi!
Kali...