'The Epic Hero'
Siddharth
Prithiviraj
Nassar, Thambi Ramaiah, Ponvannan
Vedhicka, Anaika Soti
Music - A.R.Rahman
Direction - G. Vasantha Balan
'The period when drama was at its peak in British India'
'Sri Bala Shanmugananda Drama Company, Madurai'
He is my son, sir
'Like a cat abandoning its kitten, my father left me in a drama company'
R.Gomathi Nayagam
'He is my Guru'
I'll take leave, sir
'Doyen of Madurai theatre the Honourable Sivadas Swamigal'
'He was an ascetic and devotee of Lord Hanuman'
'He was a blaze of fire radiant and illuminating'
'Drum from His right hand enchants When Lord Shiva dances...'
"I am hungry, mother I am starving, sir"
'Kali was begging in a train'
- What's your name? - Kaliyappa
'Swamigal liked Kali's song'
'He took Kali under his wing in his drama company'
Not pronouncing it right It is 'aval pori'
"Everyone was terrified of Ravana the 10 headed"
'The other kids used to call Kali a beggar and deride him'
'I used to chase those kids away'
'So Kali started calling me 'brother' and grew fond of me'
'This is how we grew up in the drama company'
"Stringing along music in pure Tamil we will narrate to you stories plentiful"
"With the silver moon as witness we'll tell Hindu folklore to impress"
"We, the dance-drama artistes in Madurai of Sri Bala Shanmugananda company"
"Come, near and dear to watch our drama here"
"Come from far and wide Enjoy our drama well compiled"
"Come with friends and family Listen and laugh heartily"
"Bring your kith and kin Behold! With joy brimming"
"One and all, please come Watch our drama, welcome"
"Rainbow colored attire, bedecked tiara Midnight blue Krsna and his fair Meera"
"Colors green, yellow, red, white, purple Blue toned Krsna with his Meera sparkle"
"We will show magic in your eyes of kaleidoscopic hues"
"Rainbow we will show In your heart, it will flow"
"Come, near and dear to watch our drama superior"
"Come from far and wide See our drama joy betide"
"Come with friends and family Watch us dance merrily"
"Bring your kith and kin Hark! Hear us sing"
"5 days a week is our show We entertain you from head to toe"
"All days of the week is our show Let the rhythm of our feet follow"
"We will show you a new pageantry weaving fantasy into reality"
"Come with friends and family Listen and laugh heartily"
"One and all, please come Watch our drama, welcome"
"Just come, take a seat Give your ears a treat"
"Come, dear woman"
"Harness your cart, worth it to watch our historical skit"
"Sister, step in"
"Come, common man to lord Enjoy our drama and applaud"
'Brother Kumbakarna!'
'You are talking to the king of the demons, Ravana'
'I'm not waging a war with mere mortals'
'But against the Supreme Creator who rules the earth and the sky'
'His radiant eyes and lotus form I will worship and thereafter...'
'...I will wage a war against Lord Rama'
'Yes, Kumbakarna, this is a boon from my previous birth'
'Fame and name no one is blessed with'
'Let Lord Rama's arrow attack me and pierce my heart'
'Let it drink my blood and search within my heart'
'Let Him see for Himself, it is His name that is etched there'
Bravo!
What a resounding applause! The stage might even collapse
Kali, one day I must stand like this as hero and receive such an applause
What's so great about this applause, brother?
Why do you say that?
Watching Ravana cry face to face will we feel like clapping?
We'll want to revere him with folded hands and cry?
If they are clapping so fanatically...
...means they haven't seen Ravana as yet
They have only watched Bairava Sundaram act as Ravana
What's wrong?
Today Bairava is number one hero
One day in the near future I must become like him
Brother, 100 times better than him is our Guru Sivadasa Swamigal
He is amazing
I must act like him, at least one day
No one even needs to see my acting
If I know for myself I've attained that mastery, it's enough for me
(Playing Kabadi)
Hey! What on earth is happening here?
Come now, it's time for your 'Thirupugazh' class
If our Guru sees this, he'll get into a frenzy
Hurry up How sad is this!
Even small-time actors don't pay heed to me!
What a life to lead, Kannisamy?
- Palavesam - Yes, master?
Why are these festoons lined up here?
That's a line of loincloths
Why so many?
Don't I need one per day?
Hey! This cloth looks familiar
Let me see if you can find out
It is my body odor
Naturally! How will your dhoti smell of me?
I had only 2 dhotis You've torn one now?
For one who is useless isn't one enough?!
Hey dumdum of a son!
If I don't kill you and drop you at our Guru's feet today...
Look how hopping mad our master is!
Oh no! Swami is here
Hey, Palavesam
Why are you running around with a loincloth early in the morning?
They have torn it into pieces
Where you asleep when they tore it to pieces?
They tore it when I had washed and put it out to dry
Swami is here
Swami, I just can't control these brats
Let me see the prankster
Follow me, Swami
'There is plenty of gold accumulated in Mount Meru'
(Recitation of Verse 11, Thiru Pugazh)
Master, they are doing a good job and you're finding fault with them
No, earlier they were-
Don't laugh, you nitwit
- Master - Swami?
Are they making a hash of it? Or doing a good job?
I have taught all of them
Choose any student and check for yourself
Recite properly, fool Or else I'll kill you
'Wonder what will happen today!'
'There is plenty of gold in Mount-'
'Why did he pick on this fool first?'
You are doing good Continue...go on
'Plenty of cold in Mount Peru-'
How many years since you joined?
You can't even get the words right
Out
Go and kneel over there
- I did a good job - Oh yes! You did
'If he is next, he's also in for a slap!'
'Mount Meru came to-'
Lord Muruga!
Donkey!!
Go and kneel down
Get lost
Is this what you taught them?
I taught them well Dimwits of the 1st order!
Palavesam won't let me down
'There is plenty of cold in a meringue pud'
Don't want me to finish it?
Your name means 'one who dons many roles'
But you can't even do justice to one
He has asked me to kneel down
You know very well I know nothing, right?
Then why target me?
Just you wait!
I'll make your only dhoti into loincloths also
He was a blockhead even before he joined our company
This man is a blockhead since the day he was born!
Swami, I have no faith in my own capability
Instead of asking them to kneel down one by one...
...ask the whole lot to kneel and I'll also join them
This is justice for all
- Gomathi - Swami?
There is plenty of gold accumulated at Mount Meru
You threw the golden cane that was glittering and glowing
Ultimate refuge for all
He devours a variety of eatables
He scoops His food with His trunk, the elephant faced, dark son of Shiva
You are His younger brother, Lord Muruga!
Brilliant...simply brilliant!
Why does the poet Arunagiri refer to Muruga as 'Murugonae'?
To get the rhyme right
You dullard...buffalo!
For rhyming purpose?
Yes, Swamigal
That's why all lines end emphasizing 'onae'
I'll thrash you to a pulp, you donkey
Arunagiri would have had a specific reason
Murugu' means beauty 'Kone' means king
Arunagiri refers to Lord Muruga as the 'King of beauty'
Well said! Understood?
And you found fault with the great poet Arunagiri
Let's move to the next
Why does he use the adjective 'dark'?
Dark implies elephant which means Ganesha
Poet Arunagiri implies Muruga is Ganesha's brother
Boys! Do any of you know the reason?
Just as the sun rises after a dark night...
...after the dark son Ganesha, the fair Muruga was born
Hey dullards!
Don't learn superficially
Every word has a 1000 meanings buried under it
Experience the beauty of every syllable, boys
Don't graze on the surface like a herd of cows!
"She came to erase my sorrow She did...she did you know"
For your voice and visual form, you should've been a famous hero
Why did you end up as a teacher?
It's a love story drowned in tears, my boy
Share that damn tragedy with us
"Your golden feet-"
I don't know her real name I used to call her 'rasathi'
Why?
I looked like a king (rasa) and she blazed like fire (thi)
He lies through his teeth!
In Madurai district those days I was hailed as 'hero' in the most famous way
You were infamous, even then?
Let him tell his love story
Lay it on thick!
In those days, if I stood on stage as a hero-
Disaster!
Look at him
Carry on
Continue
From an old lady to an unborn baby...
...they would all look at me, with their jaws dropped!
How will an unborn baby look open-mouthed?
You and your loud mouth!
You are sloshed Go and sleep
- Continue - I won't
Look at my face and tell me
Rasathi said she wanted to watch my drama
So I brought her to watch me act and she sat in the front row
To impress her, I raised my voice 3 pitches higher and sang -
Then?
She looked at the man next to me who was acting as the heroine
- She looked and he looked - Where did you look?
I was looking at this exchange of looks
Then what happened?
They eloped immediately after the curtains went down
How disgusting!
Considering it an insult to all heroes because of her slippery mind...
...I decided to stop acting
To make ends meet I started teaching
Drama world got lucky!
Swami?
Have you started disliking me of late?
Will I never be in your heart?
What do you mean?
I memorize every word you teach
I rehearse day and night
I don't make a single mistake
But...but you don't take that into account
You don't give it the place it deserves
In all these years, have you praised me at least once?
Why do you feel this way?
You will be most sought after with good health, wealth, knowled-
I don't want any of that
However diligently I learn...
...in your eyes I'm inferior like Ekalavya, the outcast
But Kali...
Is Kali your Arjuna, like Lord Krsna' favorite?
Hey! Don't be stupid
Will I discriminate?
Every student is like my own child
Don't fret and fume harboring foolish notions
It's late Go to bed
You have a rehearsal early in the morning
Mother, he is Swami
Greetings, Swami
Who is it? What do you want?
We hail from Kazhugumalai, near Srivilliputhur
This is my daughter
We hardly get 1 meal a day
Please show us a way out of our misery
Give something and send them on their way
Oh no! Look at this girl
If I get her a maid's job, will she be treated with dignity?
They immediately think she looks like an actress
She will seduce the men at home
So I thought the best option is for her to join a drama company
She sings very well, Swami She has been blessed with
Goddess Saraswathi's voice
Please take pity on us and show us the right way
Whatever you say is right
You must understand something
Only young men live here I don't take in young girls
Since you've come a long way please eat and then leave
- Do the needful, master - I will, Swami
"I am a wretched ruffian, callow who covets women with eyes like arrow"
"I am an imbecile with ill-repute"
"Low-life, poor, uneducated brute"
"I am enveloped by sins multiplied Diseased, dishonest; don't cast me aside"
"Can I attain salvation at your feet adorned with bejeweled anklets replete?"
"Sage Narada, praised by poets many once detailed finely Valli the gypsy"
"Valiant one! On your peacock vehicle you flew to meet her in the dense jungle"
"Devi. Manonmani, avatars of Shakthi Second born of Shiva and Parvathi"
"In the shadow of verdant gardens reaching azure skies and Heavens"
"Resides Lord Muruga, our savior in the hills of Thiruchendur"
Extraordinary! I feel like I saw Goddess Saraswati face to face
May you be blessed with name, fame and wealth
But we can't have you here If our Guru decides, that's final
He has never changed his mind even once
Please go back to your village
- Master - Swami
Let them be
Why categorize art according to gender?
A girl adds beauty to any abode
You danced with such grace, my dear
What a melodious voice!
How can I send you back?
You can stay in this company
As and when possible I will myself teach you
Swami, bless me
May you be happy Good fortune will betide you
Master, they can share Paavayi's room
As you say, Swami
They have burst crackers
The drama is about to start
Come soon
2 floor tickets
'Krishna Vijayam'
His majesty's car is here Move aside...give way
Welcome, Your Highness
All of you, get up His Highness is here
Get up and greet him
Greetings, my lord
Welcome, Your majesty
Please be seated, Your Highness
Her Highness, please be seated
Sit down
"We welcome you with greetings true"
"We bow and we curtsy to this august assembly"
"With folded hands today we welcome you for our play"
"With salutations anew we present ourselves to you"
"Find a seat with a good view Please be seated, all of you"
"Ahead of time, girls and boys find a place of your choice"
Ganesha! Pathway is dark Place a lantern there
Bairava, couldn't you do this in the morning?
You'll remember only when you need to make up your face?
Next you have to dress up as Lord Krishna
Nowadays you seem to be slackening in your work
Be focused
When the bell rings, am I not promptly standing on the stage?
Then why is this old man shouting?
"Here comes princess Alli She's personification of beauty"
"Here is warrior princess Alli She's the epitome of beauty"
"Her face shines like a celestial lily Her hands enhanced by mehendi"
"Her legs like a temple's pillar Her bronze-back tresses swirl"
"Watching her walk with grace"
"Cool breeze admires In desire perspires"
"Here comes Alli"
"Here comes princess Alli She's personification of beauty"
"Here is warrior princess Alli She's the epitome of beauty"
"Arjuna, why did you send for me? My dearest friend for eternity"
"Ruler of Madurai, Alli Robbed my heart cleverly"
"Lizard who stuck to my heart's string Must vanquish her in bed with a zing"
"Lord Krsna, lend me your hand I want to wed Alli, make your plan"
"I'm Bhama's pair, remember I do not pair others ever"
"Who else will help me? You're my friend, one and only"
"I will guide you, lend me your ear Your wish will come true, no fear"
Hey! Stop this What is happening here?
Isn't it wrong to enslave a girl and marry her?
Will a wrong become right just because Arjuna does it?
You get so angry if a girl is treated as a slave
The British are treating us as slaves for 200 years
What happened to your anger then?
Why not?
The same anger when your mother is enslaved...
...won't flash for your motherland?
Shouldn't you be angry?
Sit down
"I'm heartbroken to say the least My mind in pieces, not appeased"
"Enslaved, how can Mother India be to the British in abject misery?"
"How can she be chained with her hands and feet in pain?"
"Join our freedom march in a frenzy Will the foreigners dare to fire, tell me?"
"People have no spine whatsoever This is a disgrace of the worst order"
Why is he singing songs on freedom?
"What is the plight of our country? Mother India is our sanctuary"
"I'm heartbroken to say the least My mind in pieces, not appeased"
(applause)
Your Highness, had you sent for us, we'd have gladly come to your palace
That's alright, according to our scriptures an artist should be honoured on the stage
This is 'hero' Bairava Sundaram
Greetings, Your Majesty
Your performance was excellent
Thank you so much
This is Gomathi Nayagam Pillai who played the heroine 'Alli'
Salutations, Your Majesty
Excellent song Sterling performance
Though a man, you made us believe you were a woman
This is Kaliyappa
You played Arjuna?
You improvised on the spot, your music was codified within the tune and rhythm
It was really hilarious You have a bright future
This is for you
Father, please give this too
Why don't you do the honors?
Hey Palavesam, didn't you knock on Ammani's door last night?
- Oh no! I didn't - I saw you
What if our master comes to know?
Kali, what's this cone shaped basket with pigeon's feathers?
Let's go and search over there
Those girls are coming towards us
- Get it fast - Where can it be?
In that pant and shirt attire don't they look like foreigners?
Look! They are holding it
Hey! That belongs to us
We don't have it
It's in that hand
It's not in this hand either
Will you give it or not?
Is your name tattooed on it for you to claim it?
Tattooed or not It is ours...give it
They belong to that drama troupe
Yes, dear, we belong to that drama troupe!
That's the princess
Greetings, Your Royal Highness
Why have you come to the landlord's estate?
Lord's estate?
We were returning from a dip in the lake
We stepped here by mistake, right?
Your performance was simply superb last night
Thank you, Your Royal Highness
My friends haven't seen you act
Can you enact something for them just once?
If you want to see me perform I'll gladly do so for you right here
If your friends want to watch my play ask them to come to the theatre
Hey street player! The princess is asking, right?
Obey implicitly
I'll break your teeth if you deride my profession
Hey snub-nose and wonky nose I'll gorge all your eyes out
Hey side-kick! Don't act too smart for your pants
You know what will happen if the princess decides?
What will happen?
Do you know what will happen if we wish?
Your princess will become a mother!
Hey street player! Stop it
Why are you making such a fuss?
Will you act or not?
Hey! If you gift me a ring...
...you expect me to act wherever you ask me to?
I can't oblige
If you want to watch a play come to the drama venue
Don't just ask me to act wherever you see me
An actor has a respect and integrity of his own
Let's go
If you want to watch a play come to the drama venue
When you do, bring these flunkies also
Buffalo...!
Welcome, Your Royal Highness
Our princess is here
Princess and her party of flunkies are here
How will we tackle this?
He'd have never expected us here
He'll be completely taken aback seeing us
What to do now?
We'll show them an actor's prowess
Looks like it's delayed
In such a tearing hurry, huh?!
(neighing of a horse)
"Hey horse, untamed filly Show your face to me"
"Madurai's fawn trotted friskily"
"Can I be your beau, dear Mohana? Shall I become your brave Bheema?"
"Let your lips on mine slip"
He's targeting you!
"Madurai's pretty filly She cantered before me briskly"
"Can I be your fiance, Mohana? Shall I be your strong Bheema?"
"Let your lip on mine trip"
"Your tongue, dear woman wags 19 to a dozen"
"Don't glare at me Eyes flashing fury"
"Horse so headstrong and unruly from Madurai stood before me"
"Elephant's calf, kitten Goat's kid and owlet smitten"
"I'll pounce, fawn dear Make you mine, my deer"
"Baby cow dainty I'll silence you, dearie"
"Wide eyed bunny cotton tail Front of you handsome crocodile"
"ABC Miss Snooty Chatterbox beauty"
"My dear Miss beauty Don't send daggers at me"
"Shall I be your beau? Change myself for you?"
- Look how he's making fun - We should teach him a lesson!
"Dear Koel, barks like a doggy in a British railway bogie"
"With 2 left feet, dear pull your act together"
"Peachy fig but psycho Little bit of a Pinocchio"
"Hey horse, untamed filly Show your face to me"
"Madurai's fawn trotted frisky"
"Can I be your beau, Mohana? Shall I be the bold Bheema?"
"Crackers like a horse Cheap foreign fireworks"
"Sparklers, rockets new Crackers in every hue"
"Like your speech vibrant sparkles simply radiant"
"Brother Yes, dear"
"Squirrel furry What's the story?"
"Got it, bunny bro I now know"
"If she notices me bro, that will do nicely"
"Baby elephant, kitten Little calf, lambkin"
"Baby squirrel, owl junior Cubs of fox and tiger"
"Bear's cub, filly too Peachick, baby cuckoo"
"Chicken, fawn Rat's pup and so on"
"This chic chick which clique?"
"Jibber jabber Amateur"
"Little princess My precious"
"My sugar cube forever Come and kiss me, dear"
Have you come right up to our stage to appreciate our dance-drama?
We've come here with a gift for you
How sad! We don't accept any gifts
But come what may I have to give it to you
I don't like to receive gifts
He doesn't want it You can give it to me
I have to give it only to him
But he won't accept it You can give it to me instead
I must give it only to him
Didn't you hear what I just said?
- Give it to me - Palavesam
They want to give us a gift Why are you refusing?
You go ahead and take it
Pin it
Oh God! She has stabbed me
I'll kill her
Palavesam, why did you tease her so much to make her retaliate?
Because she used a needle you escaped with a scar
What if she had used a knife?
Looks like you will yourself help that girl to stab me
All because of him
Don't worry, Palavesam
I won't spare her without taking revenge
Please don't
They belong to a different league altogether
Let us close this chapter
Mark my words, she will pay for this one day soon
He will also pay for sure
I ache all over even when I speak
How did you get inside my room?
Go...out you go
You'll stab with a needle and escape Did you think we'll take it lying down?
If you sing teasing me you expect me to keep quiet?
Get out
What will you do if I don't?
Get out
Don't throw it at me
I'm ordering you out
Listen to me
Get out
Don't come near me
Let go of me
Let go
You threw all that stuff on me, I won't let go of you
Why did you tease me?
If I poke fun at you will you stab with a needle?
You will pay-
I will do exactly that
Because you stabbed him my friend is dying there
How can you make amends?
Let go of me You're hurting me
Hey! You sang making fun of me I stabbed your friend, we are quits
Leave this place now
What logic is this!
What about my friend who is dying there?
If you want, you can stab with a needle too
With a needle...how can I stab you...there?
That won't be right
How I can stab you there?
I blurted the words in a rush impulsively
It's alright
What shall we do?
Then...you could kiss me
Kiss?
Palavesam is in his death bed there
If he dies, it will be considered as murder
MURDER!
Why are you yelling at the top of your voice?
Palavesam's wound is swollen like a burger
All I want is one kiss to redeem his suffering
Come close to me
Hey! Master
- What? - Where to?
Why are you squeaking like a rat?
On the way to see Ammani, right?
My stomach is somersaulting
I'm going to the toilet, you brute of a fellow
I own only 1 dhoti Have a heart
"I came...I came"
"I cam-
Hey! Vadivu Don't take it off
I'm coming over
Wait
So Vadivamba wishes to play the heroine?
Will you be the heroine?
Dress yourself in it I'll wait outside
'Vadivu dons the heroine's role today'
Vadivu as heroine looks beautiful
I don't want to jinx my daughter's fortune
Hey Palavesam
Vadivu, why are you simply standing?
Roll out a few dialogs
She will, Palavesam
Go on, dear Enact and show us
Come on, Vadivu
Only then it means you respect your costume
To stand bravely in front of my sword...
To stand fearlessly before my spear...
To conquer my heart whole and to rule over my soul...
...who is that Lord of Love, my friend?
Who is that Prince Charming, my friend?
Well done
Oh God! Swami
Run, everyone
He'll ask us to kneel
Hey...hey!
Boys...Swami is here
I'm Soorapadman who rules the 3 worlds
Whoever comes, whatever maybe the illness...
...death cannot touch me How can a-
Why this sudden change?
Why is Gomathi speaking Soorapadman's dialogs?
Let him continue, Swami He is doing a good job
Where is he?
Look at our boys They are performing so-
Hey master, did you send word about the rehearsal or not?
- I did, Swami - Then what?
'I have seen more than 100 stages I won't be doing anything new'
'Just a repetition of the same play You handle the boys', he said
He said he'd come straight to the venue
How long has this been going on?
Bairava...?
Did you call me?
Bairava, did you join my company yesterday?
Don't you know our usual practice?
Every single actor, big or small, must attend the rehearsal
You may have mastered it all
Shouldn't the new recruits and juniors know your cues?
Shouldn't they understand and act along with you?
Start your dialog
I'm Soorapadman who rules the 3 worlds
Whoever comes, whatever maybe the illness...
...death cannot touch me
How can a mere mortal raise his voice at my fort's entrance?
How demeaning!
Singa Muga, who is he?
Bairava, your diction is excellent
But emotion...?
Repeat it
Palavesam, get him some water
Bairava, I don't have to teach you this
Only if mind and body sync to perfection, it is called acting
If they go in different directions what is it called?
I have been keeping track too
In Soorakottai, there was a slipup
Holding that against me at the slightest opportunity...
...are you trying to insult me in front of these kids?
What is wrong with my acting?
In this entire district, can you get any other hero?
I have seen hundred stages
I have received many awards and rewards from many landlords
If some lord pins a medal...
...does it make you an acclaimed actor?
The more you shine a diamond it sparkles even brighter
Our forefathers who excelled in acting...
...much more than you have walked on this earth
You are just a speck of dust that can vanish into thin air in 1 single breath
Master, rehearse Soorapadman 10...no, 100 times with him today
He acted and a lord pinned a medal it seems!
Hey master Come here
Yes, Bairava?
You'll rehearse 100 times, is it?
A rehearsal for me?!
Do you think people flock to watch his historical trash?
They come to see my face
To see me act
You heard him preach to me Ask him to play the hero once
Even if one person appreciates it I swear I'll chop my head
Bairava, don't say things that you'll regret later
Hey...!
100s of women come to watch me play the hero
I touched one of them Is that a crime?
This old man is jealous
Don't malign our Guru like this
Hey! I'm leaving this company now
I will start my own company I will be my own king and minister
Bairava
Are you coming with me?
You sit here for leftover old rice
I will give you Rs 20 in your hand
Let me talk to our Guru and settle this amicably
Don't let your tongue run
Swami?
Bairav-
He is leaving, master
Go, talk to him Bairava?
Bairava, wait
Our play is scheduled for this evening
All the tickets have been sold
How can you leave us in the lurch?
Ask that old man to be the hero
You are letting anger get the better of you
We'll talk it over with Swami and settle our differences
- Don't be hasty - Get lost!
Listen to me, please
For my sake I beg of you
Please don't leave
Listen please For my sake
Let go of me, man
Let him go, so what? As if he's the only hero in the world!
What happened?
Did Bairava leave in a huff?
I tried to stop him but he didn't listen to me
But our drama is scheduled for today and next 2 months
How will we manage? I'm so perturbed, Swami
So what?
In Bala Shanmugananda Sabha
...even the stone in the backyard can act!
Don't panic Assemble everyone
Hey Gomathi
You were rehearsing as Soorapadman, right?
Yes, Swami
Let me hear your lines
I'm Soorapadman who rules the 3 worlds
Whoever comes, whatever maybe the illness...
...death cannot touch me
I was born to win
Lord Brahma hasn't ordained failure in my destiny
Nor has He created anyone else to defeat me
Today Lord of destruction Shiva and Supreme God Vishnu fear me
To me, victory is not celebration
It is my daily routine!
Will you do it?
Me?
Give it a try
Swami...?
Just do it
I'm Soorapadman who rules the 3 worlds
That's me
Whoever comes, whatever maybe the illness...
...death cannot touch me
I was born to win
Lord Brahma hasn't ordained failure in my destiny
Nor has He created anyone else to defeat me
Today Lord of destruction Shiva and Supreme God Vishnu fear me
To me, victory is not celebration
It is my daily routine!
Master
Swami?
Let Kali be Soorapadman Let Gomathi be Murugan
The end result will be perfect
Yes, Swami
Swami, bless me
May fortune favour you
You will do well for yourself
Hey, Kali has become a hero
Hey Palavesam!
Swami is watching us Put me down please
Kali, I knew long ago you will be the next hero
Thanks, Palavesam
Kali...!
With the blessing of Sankardas Swamigal, you've become a hero at a young age
- Congratulations - Thank you, master
Why am I not the hero?
Tell me, Swami Why am I not the hero?
I need to know
Arguing with me?
Go...attend to your work
That pipsqueak will become a hero I should remain a side-actor, is it?
I put my heart and soul into my role as Soorapadman
It didn't appeal to you?
Soorapadman is a demon He will talk like a demon
That's exactly what I did
He...what the hell did he do that appealed more to you?
Tell me, Swami
Like a bridled horse, you trotted on the same rut
When everyone thought, this is how Soorapadman will be...
...he enacted the role in a totally new angle
That is improvisation
I can't be explaining everything to you
Some of it has to be felt from within!
Why are you looking at me so intently?
You were brilliant today
Thank you, princess
In appreciation, I wanted to hug and kiss you, right on the stage
But I couldn't
That's alright You can kiss me now
Gift first Kiss follows
- Gift...? - Yes
Don't shout You scaredy-cat!
I wasn't scared
Thank you, princess
The promised ki...?
"Hey...!"
"Hey Mr Minor! Why this look snazzy? Plan to torment my nights cozily?"
"With anklets in the wind you invite me You win over love winsomely"
"Hey Mr Minor on a flirting spree? Breaking my heart at night you fancy?"
"With anklet anointed wind, you woo me You entice me with your love easily"
"Thanks to you I'm becoming your fan true"
"Your beauty dizzies me You enhance it a 100 fold daily"
"You think your beauty casts a spell With a smile, in my heart you dwell"
"Hey Mr Minor! Looking at me intently? Plan to torment my nights intensely?"
"Tinkling anklets in the wind you send me You shake hands with love alluringly"
'Duryodhana, I want to tear your heart and drink its blood'
'The deceit flashing in your eyes sharpens my arrows all the time'
'Is she Radha, the peerless one in the whole of brindavan?'
'Is she this Krishna's Radha too?'
"My desires knock at your heart's door Peeping shyly, my dress caresses for more"
"Words tease and plead to vocalize Lend me your lips please to verbalize"
"Dreams open my eye lids to unexplored worlds"
"Nights immerse indulging lips"
"Dewdrops invade the flowers displayed"
"Time is of no significance when you and I become one"
"Hey Mr Minor! Eyeing me keenly? Attempting to tempt my sleep daily?"
"Anklets tied to the wind you lure me You court love so courteously"
"You make me admire you from head to toe anew"
"Your beauty sends me in a spin You heighten it a 100 fold within"
"You think your beauty casts a spell With a smile, you rest on my chest as well"
"Something in you tickles my fancy Cheeks oblige in fervency"
"Your eyes ask, my cheeks obey Lend me your lips to foray"
"First spread of passion in every pore"
"In the palm of her hand paradise encore"
"When the gap is bridged lips lock unabridged"
"When eyes playfully demur my love in your heart's center"
"Thanks to you I'm becoming your fan true"
"Your beauty dizzies me You enhance it a 100 fold daily"
"You think your beauty casts a spell With a smile, you rest in my heart swell"
"Hey Mr Minor, why this look jaunty? Plan to torment my nights joyfully?"
"You send word with the breeze to tempt and tease"
"You shake hands with love but lose it somehow"
'Kali had told me he was in love with the princess'
'That night, I happened to wake up by chance'
Hey, Kali!
Rangamma
Maybe the cat toppled something to the floor
It's me Not any cat
Why are you here in the middle of the night?
Your dignity should be intact and not shrouded in shame, right?
If anyone else had seen what I saw tonight...
...not one of us in this troupe will be alive tomorrow
What was that wonderful sight?
Didn't you turn a beggar into a hero?
That bloody dog has now trespassed into the lord's territory
You deserve this, Swami
You'll ignore those stead fast in their integrity and diligence
You will pay for it
Much more than this
Why at this unearthly hour, Swami?
Where is Kali?
Kali...must be sleeping
Go and wake him up
Where is he, master?
I looked for him all over the place, Kali is missing
Is he at a courtesan's place or at the liquor store?
Shouldn't you be aware of everyone's whereabouts
What's the use of you being here all these years?
My troupe was like a temple
You have spoilt its sanctity
Let him come
He has to come this way, right?
I'll wait here for him until the 1st rays of the sun shine
Let that dog come back Get me that chair
What, Swami?
Started lessons so early this morning?
Let's do 'Kutrala Kuravanji' today
Gomathi bro
Hey! Where is mister returning from?
I woke up early I went up to the river
Lord Vishnu's temple is also open
I've been waiting here for you...
...from last night with my eyes wide open
Where did you crap and which river did you wash yourself?
Swami...?!
Which slut's place did you visit?
Which female were you sleeping with?
Tell me
Did you lay your hands on the lord's daughter?
Did you?
Do you accept it?
Do you know how much I trusted you?
You've ruined that trust and disgraced me
I should kill you
Playboy!
We are in love with each other, Swami
In love, is it?
Why spend the night there if it is such a pure love?
Do you think she fell for you?
She was enamoured by the role you played
Taking advantage of her feelings for you...
...you appeased your lust!
If the lord knows this, he will kill you
He will kill me He will kill all of us
Swami, stop
Don't hit him He is the boy you brought up
Swami
Don't, Swami
Swami, you-
Ask him to get out I don't want to set eyes on him
I curse him
His mouth will not deliver a single dialog
His legs will not touch any stage
His face will see no make up
This is my curse Swami's curse
Your guru's curse
Master, make him change his mind
Swami, forgive me
Please forgive me Don't curse me
Drama is my life and soul
If I don't act, I will die
I will do anything you ask of me Please don't send me away
Permit me to be here
Swami, I will be a dog lying at your feet
Please don't send me away
Master...?
Ask him to promise with fire as witness...
...he won't see the princess or think of her ever again
Yes, Swami
Gomathi, come
Even if you promise a curse is a curse
Let this dog remain so and be a mere errand boys
Master
Swami?
Pack all your bags
We leave this place right now
Brother...?
Swami, which will be the 1st play in this town?
Let's perform 'Pavazha kodi'
Who will be the hero?
Hero?
Ask Gomathi to play the hero
Heroine?
Vadivu will be the heroine
It will be a good match
Let's see if a change works for the better
All these years I was praying for this moment
I am so happy
Bless me, Swami
May you be blessed with Goddess Saraswathi's Grace
May you be blessed, my dear
Perform boldly
Greetings to everyone!
(whistling)
You thief, who came in the night? Tell me, who are you?
I am Arjuna
You seem to have added new lines to the script?
Look into my eyes
You will see love ignited like a flame
Don't you understand the implication of this dialog?
Tell me, Vadivu
I need to know what you think
- Kali...? - Hmmm...what?
The princess is dead it seems
What are you saying?
It's true, sir
I came immediately
Her wedding was fixed with a landlord from down south
She refused to marry him and didn't budge even a bit
They locked her up in a room
They beat her up to find out why
She jumped off a cliff and ended her life
According to rumours she was even pregnant
Swami?
Kali...!
- Come outside, Swami - Kali, don't
- Come outside - Kali, don't shout
Go away
Come outside, Swami
Why are you creating such a racket?
I want to die
I'll die right now
Are you drunk?
Yes
Drag him away from here
You unjustly killed my Rangamma
You killed my beloved, Swami
From a cliff she jumped carrying a baby within her
That baby was mine, Swami
You killed an innocent baby
You preached all those principles
That girl trusted me completely Did you think of her plight?
If you can't be compassionate then how can you be our guru?
Huh...tell me
I abandoned her by believing in you and my love for acting
I killed my Rangamma
I killed my beloved
Only a teacher has the right to curse?
I will curse the teacher
You will be damned
Kali, what are you saying?
Don't do this, Kali
You will never prosper
The tongue that sang in praise of Goddess Saraswathi...
...and Ganesha will flounder
I promise you this
You will be incapacitated
You will never prosper
I curse you
My Rangamma won't spare you
Rangamma is dead
Swami...?
Lift him
Gently
Make him lie down
Get a fan
Swami, what happened to you?
Open your eyes Look at me
I'm responsible for my guru being in this state
Curse me, Swami Let me rot in hell
Curse me, Swami
You will have a bright future
Master, I've got an offer from Colombo to perform 15 plays
So I've decided to run this company hereafter
You are all welcome to travel with me
We have no other option
You are everything to us from now on
Everyone can join me
Everyone
Except Kali
Why?
Why are you punishing me?
Let me come with you
You killed our Swami
This troupe is his baby
If you are here it won't flourish
Go away from here
Swami forgave Kali and blessed him, right?
Why bring up the past?
Swami is my God
I can't accept the man who caused his death
I can't forgive him even if our guru did
Kali is like your younger brother And you're being so harsh
He has to leave
Or else, I will leave this company
Brother...?
When I heard of Rangamma's death...
...I lost my sanity
I didn't know how to react
That's why I cursed Swami in an impulsive rage
If you were a gentleman you should have married her
You should've earned a living in some godforsaken place
What are you saying, brother?
I left her only because Swami gave me no choice
Because Swami ordered you left her like a coward?
Swami isn't responsible for her death
You are
Gomathi
How dare you hit me!
Why did you make her pregnant?
Bloody mongrel!
Gomathi...don't
You killed her
Then blamed Swami and killed him also
Call yourself a man?
- Don't do this - Don't step into my space
Defending this loser
You hit me
You hurt me What did I do?
You are so drunk You dare to hit me!
He has already suffered for his folly
Where will he go?
He's like a brother to you
Who cares? Let him go anywhere
But he can't be here
I will kill you if I see you again
Mongrel!
Please be magnanimous enough to forgive him and accept him
You take the call
Do you want him or do you want me?
We need both of you in our troupe
That's impossible
If he is in I walk out
What Gomathi bro said is true
I killed my Guru
That sin will hound me till the ends of the earth
If I'm here it will only spell doom
Let brother Gomathi be here
I will leave
I will leave you in peace
I want this company to prosper
Forgive me
I will take leave
Kali...?
Listen to me once for all
If anyone wants to leave with him...
...now...go right away
Intermission
'Colombo Theatre Association, Ceylon'
'Malaysia Tamil Association, Penang'
Hey! Gomathi
You did it
'Doyen of Performing Arts' Hero Gomathi Nayagam Pillai
Acclaimed as hero in the eyes of the whole world
But despite all these accolades...
...Vadivu is still not yours
'Hoisting our flag abroad...'
'...after 5 years I returned to India'
'Praise be to Mother India'
Factions fighting for our freedom seem even more intense now
After Mahatma Gandhi visited Madurai, even farmers are kindled by that fervor
On behalf of Tamil Arts Association and Madurai Performing Artistes...
...we felicitate our dear hero Melasevalpuri Gomathi Nayagam Pillai
'Nightingale' Vadivambal
In Madurai, in a famous hall...
...we must stage a grand historical play
We have a talented troupe
That's evident Of course we do
We need experts to paint the screens and assemble the stage
I hold Madurai in the palm of my hand
We will outshine
How is the hero Bairava Sundaram?
He was acting for a while
Then he drowned himself in liquor He lost everything drinking
Then...?
What about the hero Kaliyappa?
I don't know any hero by that name
There's an oldie called Kandappa
A buffoon who can't see beyond his nose
No...I meant Kaliyappa from Thalaiva Kottai
Direct disciple of Sivadas Swamigal
In this entire Madurai district if someone was performing as hero...
...no way can he escape the eyes of me, Karaikudi Kanayya
I swear I haven't seen anyone by that name
Let me know if he is someone close to you
I'll search high and low and find him for you
That won't be necessary I just asked out of curiosity
Palavesam, did you enquire about Kaliyappa?
I asked around in the area where our drama folks live
Nobody seems to know anything concrete, Vadivu
No one has even heard of him
Boss's face is shining like a new groom!
Be quiet, bro
Shall I talk to Vadivu?
Why are you having second thoughts?
No, just that I don't know what Vadivu feels about me
5 years and she hasn't shown any sign of being interested
Maybe she still loves him
He is nowhere in the picture now
She has no other choice
Shall I talk to Vadivu and make her accept?
The play in which our boss and Vadivu are the lead players...
...is the talk of the town All the tickets are sold out
Houseful for 8 days
We have a great year ahead I've organized a feast tonight
Greetings, sir
Has our boss left to the temple or what?
He is resting Running a slight temperature
Fever?
This is some kind of poisonous flu
It will last for 5 days
Rest is a must for a speedy recovery
I'll take leave
See you, doctor
What happened?
I saw you yesterday and you were fit as a fiddle
From last night, I've been vomiting
Fever and headache
Don't strain
Whole body hurts from head to toe
What to do now? The hall is full
The play has to start
Boss, we don't have a choice
You are down with fever
Doctor insists you should take rest and not strain
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 theatre down
Not only that
Theatre rent for 10 days, travel, mike and advertising cost
How will I account for all this?
Who will lend us money if the start is so unprofessional?
If our boss is sick how can we stage the play?
You mean the drama won't happen as scheduled?
No, it won't
Hey street players!
I don't care what you do or how you will make it happen
But the show must go as per schedule today
I'm staging it with money that I have borrowed
I didn't amass money from Singapore like you
Why are you creating a ruckus in our courtyard?
If you shout, you think we'll strip and dance for you?
Yes, you have to If you are a show-man...
...you must dance naked if required
Didn't you get paid? Didn't you benefit?
Didn't you satisfy your lust at the harlot's house?
Master, you don't know my true colors
Let go of him
You'll get paid and not perform, huh?
We will perform
Not because I fear you To safeguard my name
Now you're talking!
Or else, you'll face the repercussion
Tonight's play is as per schedule
Get ready
Why did you let him rattle you and bow to his demands?
You are unwell
How can you perform in this condition?
Sir...may I say something?
What?
Why don't we call a special actor?
How is that possible? Especially during festival time
Even if we find such an actor he should know this role perfectly
We are performing only Shankara Swamigal's plays
Every special actor will know every play of Swamigal like the back of his hand
They'll come directly to the stage and perform the role to the hilt
Master, give the painter some money
Bring 2 men before noon
Yes, sir
Please ensure they are thorough professionals
Welcome
Greetings
Please be seated
Boss, drink a little bit of this concoction
Only then the temperature will come down
It is crowded Come quickly
Welcome
Greetings to the police team
You're the most important official in the entire district
And you've graced us
Grand advertisements
You've brought artistes from Colombo also
Smuggled money, huh?
Sir, don't you know about me?
From my forefathers' time my profession is staging plays
I have a tough time making ends meet
Kannaiya, what do you think of this 'nightingale' Vadivambal?
She beats a golden statue hollow
The lords from all around are queuing to see her
You also want to see her? Come, I'll introduce you
What happened? You found the special actors?
We couldn't find anyone in the road they live
Festival time
So they have gone out of town to perform
He has gone to Virudupatti to get someone
If we don't find anyone...
...I have no choice but to hang myself
Hey! Start the play
These drama folks have no sense of time
Will they begin or not?
You're still not ready? High time we started the play
Many landlords and celebrities are waiting for the play to begin
The crowd is restless How much longer to wait
Just wait for 10 more minutes
Play was supposed to start at 7:00 p.m
It's 7:30 now When do you intend starting?
Just wait a little while longer
Hey, master!
I don't care what you'll do
In 10 minutes, I should hear the bell
Or else, it will be bedlam and bloodbath here
I'll myself perform
Sir...sir
Our man will surely bring someone from Virudupatti
Please don't get up
He's here, boss
He has brought an actor with him
Goddess Meenakshi heard my prayers and didn't let us down
Greetings
I didn't leave any stone unturned
Madurai, Sivagangai, Virudupatti
I've brought a special actor from Srivilliputhur
But because of a bad habit of his, no one invites him to act
I thought it's just for a day and we can somehow manage
Will he act?
He will act
Somehow manage today
Tomorrow I will get you the best
Bring him in
Come in
Kali...!
It is Kali, boss
Brother Gomathi
Master
Palavesam
Is it our troupe?
Is it you, 'anna'?
He didn't mention your name to me
Are you well?
Why is there a herbal dressing on your forehead, brother?
Are you sick?
Your forehead is burning
Is it an ordinary fever?
Did you take any medicine?
What, master?
Nothing serious Just a fever
But why have you become like this?
I'm a bird that missed its flock
I lost all sense of direction
I shouldn't blame anyone
All my fault
Only my fault
A woman's curse and a teacher's curse...
...chased me to destruction
I became like a beggar
Only thing is I didn't die
That's all
Brother, I've seen our troupe today
I am so glad
This is enough for me
Which play, brother?
I saw the name outside 'Karna moksham', isn't it?
We'll keep the audience spellbound
Which is my role? 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 five minutes, master
Brother...?
I'm asking you like I'd plead to God
Don't send me away again
Let me be here, please
Let me be a slipper on your feet
'We are waiting for the bell'
Ask them to ring the bell, brother
Don't send me away
Palavesam, go ring the bell
Get on to the stage
Get ready, boys
Kali, get into Karna's costume
Come on...get ready
Master
Yes, boss
I'll act as Karna Let Kali be Arjuna
Boss, you don't even have the energy to stand
How will you be able to deliver all the dialogs?
If you were anyway acting why did you send for an actor?
Hey! Just do as I say
You are not well at all How will you do manage, brother?
When you can act...
...as if I can't?
Hasn't it been a long time...
...since you and I shared the same stage?
We'll perform today
Salutations to all the viewers
My mother...?
My dear mother who gave birth to me
Where are you?
Instead of giving birth to me and throwing me into the river...
...you could have killed me and thrown me into the river
Had you killed me the moment I was born...
...today I wouldn't have had to face this humiliation, mother
Ask me whatever you desire, mother dear
I will grant it at once without saying 'no'
Do you need the life you gave me?
Vadivu, how are you?
I never thought I'd meet you again
How are you?
Mmm...today I'm fine
Even though I had a mother, I became an orphan
Even though I had the crown, I became a slave
Even though I had brothers, I became a solitary man
I decided to give my life for the man who trusted me
What kind of fate is this, oh God?
Bravo!
Brother's performance is mind blowing, right?
Master, I didn't think our boss could act so well, despite being ill
He has brought Karna in person, right before our eyes
I will never abandon Duriyodhana
Kaliyappa took to drinking and ruined his brilliant career
But our man Gomathi...
...swam through fire and water and clasped Goddess Saraswathi's hand
He has surpassed himself
Karna! My dearest first born
My precious son!
In 'Karna moksham' I thought the play ends after Karna's demise
He is starting afresh where the story ended
"Disclose, kindly declare Decree your verdict without favor"
"Stand tall and majestic Stand in this battlefield to stop it"
"Enough of this bloodshed Blow your bugle of truce instead"
"If you want to take more lives first kill me, my life I'll sacrifice"
"Krsna the Omniscient kill me this instant"
"Why did you make me draw arrows deftly?"
"Why show me this path to swim in a blood bath?"
"Why did you make the world win? Why did you make me lose within?"
"You made the world win You defeated me within"
"I, Arjuna, implore and cry Krsna, tell me why"
"Disclose, veritably declare Decree your verdict without favor"
"Stand bold and majestic Stand in this battlefield to stop it"
"You hold the wheel of time ably But why did I spin it, tell me?"
"Your eyes spell out fate and trickery Why did I fall into that treachery?"
"You claimed the sin of killing Karna will be yours, my Lord Krsna"
"Sin that made God sin, tell me where is its journey?"
"Disclose, kindly declare Decree your verdict without favor"
"Stand tall and majestic Stand in this battlefield to stop it"
"World, is war necessary? People, is blood compulsory?"
"Oh God! Why do we need sadness?"
"Oh heart! Why dwell on vengeance?"
"Krsna, stop the chariot in good faith If we kill all, whom will we live with?"
"Enough of this blood bath Stop this war and its wrath"
"May our world be in peace Stop this massacre please"
"Stop war, make peace"
(resounding applause)
Sir...Sivadas Swamigal Behold your disciple!
Swami, you live through your disciple's art
He didn't pay heed to our request to take rest
He insisted he would act...
...and exerted himself to the point of exhaustion
You have to definitely take rest for 10 days
Wait outside
I need to inject him in his bottom
Bottom or top make him get well
Brother, you were absolutely brilliant show last night
Master, tonight's play is as per schedule, right?
Of course
Irrespective of who opposes me...
...I won't rest until his head is severed
Your ego and needless obstinacy will cause your army's downfall
"In the deep green forest wanders this woman intent"
I'm a wretched soul who has lost everything in life
I lost my home, my home town and even my motherland
Because he shouldn't play the hero even for a single day...
...you went on stage
Now for the next 10 days he will play the hero
Can you stop it?
To the hero Kaliyappa Bagavathar, I offer the entire money as a garland
Next for Vadivambal
They have even stopped referring to us as Colombo group
Instead it is now Kali's group
Take this
Ever since I started playing the heroine...
...I was waiting eagerly to be paired with you
My dream has come true after all these years
Won't you tell me your opinion about my performance?
I have travelled far and wide
And even received the 'Nightingale' title
But I want to know your opinion
You are beautiful Isn't that enough?
Don't you like my acting?
Don't, Vadivu Leave it at this
I'm talking to you and you are rudely walking away?
When I see you on stage...
...I feel like stopping the play and slapping you left and right
Do you think what you do there is called acting?
Getting decked up and flouncing about...!
In praise of his acting prowess...
...I offer this gift to Kaliyappa Bagavathar
Behold the ship with our flag fluttering!
Freedom
Victory to Mother India
Victory to Mahatma Gandhi
Praise be to Mother India
Praise be to Mother India!
Drag him away
'In praise of his acting prowess...'
'...I offer this gift to Kaliyappa Bagavathar'
For the gift you gave on stage...
...here is your return gift
Thank you, sir
We must oppose the British We must lead the people
Brothers, he is the best dramatist in this entire district
He is Kaliyappa Bagavathar
He is the direct disciple of Madurai Sivadas Swamigal
Your acting is brilliant
We have seen you perform a few times on stage
Thank you
How long will artistes like you perform historic plays...
...and fool the people?
What is the state of our nation today?
For 200 years, the British have been ruling us cleverly
In the North, in every nook and corner Indians are revolting
Here...at least shouldn't we show some sensitivity?
What do you want me to do?
Subject of your plays must change
You must change
Perform plays on freedom struggle
We will support you
Your plays should make the blood boil in every viewer's nerve and sinew
It must kindle the urge for freedom
'Single hand won't make noise'
'Only if many hands join I can make a loud protest'
'Then, I can save the nation'
'The whole nation should join force to fight for freedom'
I'm making arrangements for your bail
I will know in a few days
Brother, I met some freedom fighters here
They made me realize our nation's need of the hour
Let's perform plays voicing our struggle for freedom
'Freedom struggle' plays?
Yes, brother
Why?
Isn't it enough you are stuck in jail?
Should our entire company follow suit?
No, brother
The British are having a field day...
...because no one is questioning them
Through plays, we can kindle the freedom fervo-
Hey! If you have any such idea...
...don't come anywhere near my company again
Let this be the last time I see you
Plays on 'freedom struggle' it seems!
Don't worry, brother
Very soon we'll be released
We shall perform plays on freedom struggle
What do you say, Ilandeva?
Definitely, sir
We can even start a new drama troupe
Definitely
What shall we name it?
Swadeshi Drama
Bharat Drama Company
Excellent!
We shall name it so
Vadivu...?
You were fantastic today
Simply fantastic
Our company is earning a good profit nowadays
I want to increase your salary from Rs 100 to Rs 200 per day
Good news
Please convey it to my mother
Alright
It seems our master spoke to you
Tell me, Vadivu When shall we get married?
Why should we get married?
To seal a contract, right?
Because you are also scared I might run away with Kali, right?
Are you aware of what you are saying?
I know
I know you inside out
I have been observing every move of yours...
...from when I came to Swami's house
I can anticipate every thought and action of yours only too well
Before proposing to me you spoke of increasing my salary
Why?
If you mention the word money will I just fall all over you?
In your mind who am I?
A courtesan
Daughter of Ammani the courtesan, right?
Vadivu, I've never thought of you in that manner
I offered to marry you
Instead of being a married courtesan...
...I'd rather be a kept woman!
I don't want all this
I'm a slave to Kali's song
I'm a captive to his acting prowess
If he comes and snaps his fingers even now...
...I will follow him like a puppy That's what I'm waiting for
What are you saying, Vadivu?
They have arrested him
He can't get out in this lifetime
Who said so? Are you a govt officer?
He will be released one day for sure
I will wait for him till the day he is released
We cannot act together hereafter
Settle my accounts tomorrow
You cannot leave this troupe according to your fancy, Vadivu
You have signed a contract for 15 years agreeing to act with me
If you go, will I keep quiet?
I will inform the police and put you behind bars
Are you trying to threaten me?
The police can only imprison me, right?
That suits me fine I will remain by Kali's side
Why, Vadivu?
Why don't you understand me despite my repeated requests?
It's only 'Kali' all the time
This goddamn word 'Kali' hounds me every step of the way
What has he ever done for you?
Who transformed you from a tramp to a 'nightingale'?
Malaysia, Singapore, Colombo
I took you to all the places I went
Didn't I make every place echo your name...why?
Why, Vadivu?
Because I love you that much
I'm a millionaire today
If you marry me, I'll treat you like a queen
But you-
Why don't you like me?
Look at me and tell me, Vadivu Why don't you like me?
I need to know
Life is not about living like a queen
It is about sharing a lifetime with the one you love
Don't compel me any further Just leave me alone
'Fervor for freedom'
"Enslaved, how can Mother India be to the British in abject misery?"
"How can she be chained with her hands and feet in pain?"
"Join our freedom march in a frenzy Will the foreigners dare to fire, tell me?"
"People have no spine whatsoever This is a disgrace of the worst order"
She's there
Come, Vadivu
I have left that company
'I can't act with you any longer' I told him and I left that place
Mother wants me to be the lord's mistress
He is forcing me to marry him
I didn't know what to do
I couldn't compromise
I'm begging you with folded hands
Please help me
Give me a roof over my head
I will spend the rest of my life by your side
If you don't want me to act, I will cook for you
Vadivu...?
I'm burdened with sins in plenty as it is
Don't force me
Even after I spoke my heart out you can't show mercy on me?
Do you regard me as a shameless soul?
Don't kill me with your words
I can't take you in
Not now
I will take leave
But hereafter I won't act
Till you change your mind and call me I won't act
I promise you this
I won't act I will wait for you
Victory to Mother India!
Praise be to Mother India!
'Kali grew like a forest fire in 4 cardinal directions'
'As he grew I died slowly'
'Looking at the deserted theatre, I felt ashamed of myself'
'I wanted to end my life'
Payasam, Palavesam and others have joined Kali's group
Some of them have joined the world of cinema
Let them go
Let them all go
Whoever leaves, I will perform a solitary act
You can leave if you want too
I do not believe in trusting any one
I believe in only myself
I will perform on my own
All by myself
Thank you We'll meet tomorrow
Rehearsal starts tomorrow
I'll inform everyone
Kali...?
What?
Vadivu sent you this
To my honorable sir...
...Vadivu writes with sincere salutations
You did not accept me
You didn't even grant me the joy of serving you as your cook
May be this is all I deserve
There isn't any point in being upset with you
You can do something about it, if you so wish
"In an auditorium, without audience In my heart's atrium, like a voice"
"You tune a melody in me even if apart Yours fondly, your sweetheart"
"What do I tell my heart softly which searches for you daily?"
"My heart won't listen to me Searches for you earnestly"
"In a concert hall, without audience within my soul, like a voice"
"You fine tune me though far apart Yours affectionately, your sweetheart"
"In a musical world unified only you and I will reside"
"A home where dreams play Only we are reality in it today"
"That was love's prized moment Lying on your lap in contentment"
"Lips as stairs convert as love steps into the heart"
"Love cared Desires shared"
"In an empty theater Like a voice in me nestled you were"
"Tuning a song in me though far apart Yours truly, your sweetheart"
"What do I tell my heart kindly which looks for you daily?"
"My heart won't listen to me Searches for you relentlessly"
"In an empty theatre without any viewer"
'Praise be to Mother India!'
'To ashes we will burn clothes of foreign origin'
"Language not needed for words Eyes can talk, open worlds"
"Can this nightingale always be a single koel?"
"I was sculptured like a statue You worshipped me, only you"
"Why are you thinking then to turn me into stone again?"
"Explain"
"In an auditorium, without audience In my heart's atrium, like a voice"
"You tune a melody in me even if apart Yours lovingly, your sweetheart"
"What do I tell my heart softly which searches for you daily?"
"My heart won't listen Hunts for you often"
We stand by Mahatma Gandhi
This revolt will continue until we attain our freedom
Even if I can't be a good son, I wish to be an upright citizen
If I fall, I shall be a seed-
Welcome
Hey!
If I send for you won't you come?
You were the one who wanted to see me
If you look at it fair and square...
...you should be the one to come and see me
Please be seated
I'm not here to take a seat
Better come with me to the police station
Do you have a warrant?
You street player!
Talking to me in legal terms?
Yes, it is the law
To follow you without any valid reason...
...I'm not a criminal
You are charged with treason
Disloyalty to my country?
This is my land My country
If we question your wrongs does it become treason?
Your hands are tainted with treason
Self-rule and freedom will be our very soon
You will get the punishment you truly deserve then
Hey...shut up
How dare you talk to me with such audacity?
I will shoot all of you
If you happen to talk or sing on any stage...
...even your body won't be found to be cremated rightfully
Mr Nanjunda Rao
1 minute
On August 10th we are performing a play on freedom struggle
'The victory of Khadi'
We cordially invite you along with your entire family
We can even give you a pass
Hey! I will come with a warrant to shoot you
Praise be to Mother India!
'Sivadasa Swamigal Drama Sabha presents 'Krishna thulabaram'
Time now is 7
Only 13 tickets have been sold so far
Rs 11, 3 and 1/4 ana, 2 paisa
Do you know I have spent Rs 8,500 for this theatre?
Are you playing the fool?
Where is he?
Hailed as doyen of drama Gomathi Nayagam Pillai
He doesn't have the charisma to draw a decent crowd for his play
But he talks 19 to a dozen and you deck up from head to toe!
Where is he? Gomathi Naya-
I haven't got any returns
Only 13 tickets have been sold
That's why-
What did you say?
Is an actor such a lowlife to you?
Go
Get out
You raised your hand at me
I used to be a wayside robber
I can easily pull your insides out and wear it around my neck as a garland!
But my ill luck...
...you seem to look like Lord Krsna to me
Shut up and get out
I'll go
If you can't draw a crowd...
...I have to resort to begging to make up my loss
Show me a way to break even
I'll get out gladly
Boss, what are you doing?
Will this be enough, brother?
Boss?
Will this do or not?
Aiyo! Don't
Gold medals I was honored on every stage worldwide
Throw all of this at that bloody mongrel
Please just do it I want to put an end to this
Go, brother
We've searched and sieved the whole town
No girl is willing to act
Inspector Rao has instilled fear of God in everyone
How can we stage this play now?
A man can act as a female
But if a girl acts the effect will be perfect
I know of a way I didn't want to opt for it
But for the sake of our nation I must do so
Palavesam, bring Vadivu Tell her I sent for her
Alright, Kali
Look here! Have you decided to be with Kali?
Listen to me
If you go, you'll end up eating gruel behind bars
Gruel in jail tastes good, mother
If you step out, I will never see you again
Your bond with me will snap
I don't want a mother who wants me to be a lord's mistress
I've cut the umbilical cord
- I'm ready, Palavesam - Let's go, Vadivu
I knew you will send for me one day
I was waiting for that call every single moment of my life
It's a play about freedom struggle
The police may-
I don't mind
All I want is to act with you
Fear I do not No fear however fraught
Even if the heavens above fall on my head...
Fear I have not No fear however fraught
Victory to Mother India!
Come, Vadivu
Did I act well today?
As always you were beautiful
But along with your beauty your acting skill was entwined
You were brilliant today, Vadivu
The intensity of expression and fervency in your voice...
...moved me so much, I started admiring you without reserve
You stood like a flame today
I thought right then I want a son like you
Your acting prowess should become a child in my womb for posterity
Will you accept me?
Brother...?
For an actor to lose everything is grief of the worst order, brother
You could have taken me into confidence
Wouldn't I have stood by you?
When our master told me, it wrenched my heart
So I went and redeemed all your medals from Kannaiya
Your, brother
Why are you hesitating?
Shouldn't I do even this for you?
Won't you do the same for me if some day I'm in this situation?
If you won't take it amiss hear me out
Come and join my company
You be the hero
I will play the heroine or a supporting actor
We can all be one happy family again like we were in Swami's company
Come, brother
Don't waste time thinking Please say yes
Alright, Kali
I will
I will act
Kali, we just got word
They have banned our play 'Bhagat Singh'
If you still flout the ban and act, Rao has also got the order to shoot
What do you mean?
True, Vadivu
People in this district have complained to the collector that Kali with his troupe...
...is provoking them to revolt against the British
So he in return has issued shooting order
Even if we die our drama will be staged
Let people realize We have been robbed...
...of our right to speak out our mind in our own motherland
I'm terrified
Don't be scared, Vadivu
Bhagat Singh is a brave warrior of our motherland
You cannot hang him hastily
Bhagat Singh! Who is he?
Is he a demi-god or God?
This is his last day on earth
This is not a noose
It's a rope of reward gifted to me for serving my beloved country
Do announce 'Bhagat Singh died'
Acclaim instead, 'he attained his destiny worthy of the brave!'
Praise be to Mother India!
'I praise thee, Mother'
The police are here
Praise be to Mother India!
'I praise thee, Mother'
Hey...disperse now
You're staging a play against the Govt
I have the order to shoot
Praise be to Mother India!
For your own good you better surrender
Otherwise I will shoot you
Shoot me, traitor!
Let a foreigner's rope decorate Bhagat Singh's neck
Let the bullet of the foreigner's servant destroy Bhagat Singh's chest
Shoot me, you mongrel! Go ahead
Praise be to Mother India!
Arrest him Drag him out
Praise be to Mother India!
We won't let you arrest Kaliyappa
(Commotion)
Don't hit the police Let them do their duty
How dare you attack the police?
We won't let you arrest Kaliyappa
Please stop
Kaliyappa, you need to live for the world of theatre to flourish
Don't become a prey to his bullet
Let us escape
Come, Kali
Run...save yourselves
Escape
Hey Kali, don't run I'll shoot you
Hey! Vadivu Where are you going?
I don't know what has happened to him
I need to see him now
Don't be foolish Policemen are all over the place
If they see us, they will shoot at once
Doesn't matter
I have to be by his side
Why won't you listen to me?
Alright, you wait inside that temple
Let me go and check
Go, Vadivu Hide inside that temple
Hey! Wait
Don't run
Stop
Vadivu
They have shot our Kali, Vadivu
They have killed Kali
Vadivu
Oh my god!
My dearest...!
Kali...!
'Unto the fire I am offering it all'
(Holy chants for last rites)
What a brilliant actor!
No one can ever surpass him
Why did you leave us, Kali?
Kali is imperishable
He lives within me He will be born again
I will pray to Goddess Meenakshi
Ask the one who has to perform the last rites to sit here
Go and do the honors, brother
Me?
Yes, only you should do the last rites ritual
I can't, master
One of you, please do it
Kali regarded you as his own brother
Only you should perform his last rites
True, only you should
What are you saying? I just can't-
One of you-
Don't refuse You have the sole right
Please agree and do the needful
How did you...?
Why did you come here, brother?
Policemen are all around Should we both get caught?
Where is Vadivu?
Vadivu is safe
Hearing gunshots everywhere she was in a panic
She wanted to come rushing to see you
That's why I made her wait in a safe place
And I came here
I will be alright I'll somehow escape
Brother, come with Vadivu to Samayanallur Rail bridge
I will meet you both there
Let's board a goods train and reach Puducherry without anyone knowing
British policemen can't lay their hands on us there
Go carefully this way I will go the other way
Praise be to Mother India!
Brother?
Hey, Kali
I can't do this any longer
I cannot act like a good man any longer
I get furious every time I see you
Why, brother?
Without being qualified you'll keep winning
And I, with all my credentials...
...should I keep losing to you my whole life through?
What are you saying, brother?
What bloody acting skill did you possess?
I put my heart and soul into Soorapadman
That old man makes you the hero
You will be the hero and I am the sidekick, is it?
Is it fair?
In 'Karna mokasham' how can Arjuna sing?
You will make up some song impromptu and hog the limelight
I couldn't take it
Why did you stage plays on freedom and snatch my name?
Because of you Only because of you...
...I was broken in heart, soul, mind and I became penniless
Let it be
You redeemed all that I had lost and returned it to me as alms
I should...kill you just for that
You were a womanizer
But I was-
Was I like that?
Hey...!
Vadivu...?
I loved her with all my heart
But she in turn-
She walked out of my abode discarding me and chose you
Forgive me, Kali
Forgive me
But...
...only if you die, my anger will subside
After that, whether I live or die it doesn't matter
I will find peace within myself
I swear I will be at peace
I understand how much pain you have gone through
I will die
I will anyway die
But before I die let me share this with you
Even now I hold no ill feeling towards you
No enmity or hatred
To be honest...
...I will always regard you as my elder brother
You are my world, brother
Hey...don't talk
Don't talk, Kali
From my childhood days...
...because I competed with a great actor like you
...I reached this stage
I thought only of you day and night, all the time
I was competing with you
That's why...
...even when you thought of harming me
...I thought it was all for good
What did you say?
I'm a womanizer?
The only girl I loved with my heart and soul...
...is my Rangamma
It was you who separated Rangamma from me
What are you saying?
I told only you that I love her truly
If you didn't tell Swami how did he get to know of it?
If you had not sent me to jail that day...
...I would not have joined the freedom struggle
I know you sent that man
This name...fame, awards and rewards
This life!
All these were alms, you, as my elder brother gave me!
Thank you
My heartfelt thank you
Kali...?
Shoot me, brother
Let me die Why do you hesitate?
Kali, let go of me
You'll be happy if you shoot me, right?
Kali, let go
Shoot me, brother
Listen to me, let go
Shoot your brother
No, don't
- Shoot me - No, Kali
Shoot me, brother
Hey!
Kali!
(Holy chants of the last rites)
'Varanasi'
Brother Gomathi
Kali...!
Subtitles by rekhs and sraiyanti