"On my Veena, you are the infinite tune."
"Like the blue sky, you are omnipresent."
"Goddess Parvati"
"even a glance of your grace"
"is a blessing"
"to our eyes, ears and mind."
"Why such hostility? Why all the commotion?"
"These sounds are unknown to us."
"Is a demon disrupting the peace of our hermitage?"
"Is it a hunter chasing his prey?"
"Why such hostility? Why all the commotion?"
"Unacceptable.."
"One should not chase the hermitage's pets."
"Unacceptable."
"That's unacceptable."
"One should never hunt those animals."
"Unacceptable.."
"Where is this place?"
"It's beautiful to see."
"This is a hermitage."
Welcome, great one!
This is Saint Kanwa's hermitage.
Welcome, great one! - Welcome, great one!
Uncle!
What is it, dear? Did you get bored?
No, not at all. It was really nice.
I have to give medicines to my mother.
Kuttan is alone at home.
I'll watch the rest tomorrow. - Dear!
Do you have some burnt rice husk at home?
No. - Why not?
We use mango leaves to brush our teeth.
Why is that?
Tender leaves for healthier and stronger teeth.
See?
I'll get it for you. I'll burn some rice husk.
Did it start?
Yes, the first act has just begun. Hurry up.
Is it over, dear?
No, it's just begun.
It's really good, not like the usual plays.
It's happening nearby
and yet, I can't go and watch it.
Says who?
The troupe will be here for a month.
Before they leave, you'll be able to walk again, and we'll go.
Yeah, right!
Nandini!
Panchali.
Kuttan..
Have some milk.
He was crying all this time because I didn't let him go for the play.
He can go tomorrow.
'Unnai Naan Vidamattein.' - "Did you see my beloved"
"in the meadow?"
"Did you see my beloved.."
People are waiting for the next show. - "...in the meadow?"
"Please look out, dear cuckoo."
"He's not to be seen."
Are there enough people for the second show, Kunjachan?
It won't be houseful.
How is the drama troupe?
I haven't heard anything. We'll know in the morning.
"I searched, but couldn't find him.."
Come.
"In the shrubs.."
Keep the glass down! Gosh.
"Why don't you join me?"
Greedy idiot.
"In the forest.."
Dad, here's the oil.
Are you still taking your make up off?
Oh, it's you, Shankaran Pillai. Please come in.
Dear, please get me a glass and some water.
Have a seat. - Okay.
Excuse me. Panchali was great.
Panchali? - Yes. The character she played.
You mean Shakuntala. - Yes, Shakuntala.
Shakuntala was perfect.
Names confuse me.
Be it the myths or my life.
Great.
We need one more glass. - No, I'm not going to drink.
Right now or.. - Never.
Not even a little before you go on stage?
I've never tried it.
Surprising! How else can you be creative?
It happens like how it's supposed to happen.
But how can I drink all by myself?
I got it for you because you drink. I'm not forcing you.
But since you got it for me
I don't feel like saying no.
No matter where it is..
Can I have something spicy? Maybe some pickle..
Dear!
There wasn't a lot of audiences.
It's just the first day.
Yes. But the people here aren't huge fans of songs and dances.
Word play. That's more popular these days.
I didn't do it based on popularity.
They'll like it. People will start coming because of word of mouth.
If that happens, well and good.
You should consider changing your style. It's too old.
Even though there were shortcomings, Panchali..
Shakuntala.
Yes, her. It was superb. - Vilasini!
You can go and have your dinner.
Introduce her to me. Let me get acquainted.
That is Sushma.
She's Uma.
They're helpers.
This is Shankaran Pillai, the contractor.
Right now, that'll do. We'll get more acquainted later.
Right, sir? - Yes.
You can sit here. - I need some water.
I'm starting to get bored of playing a saint all the time.
Well, you can play the protagonist, Dushyanta, from tomorrow. Right?
No, the role of Shakuntala would suit him better.
It's not funny, Uma.
All I get to do is wear a false beard and be suffocated.
I have nothing to do.
So, can you talk to him and get me some other..
What role do you want, Sugadhan?
Maybe a minister.. - Or a watchman. - Shut up!
Will you please talk to him?
No matter who talks to him, he won't listen.
He has to decide himself. - Move out of the way.
You should not be disrespectful towards an artiste.
Artistes deserve respect. You don't.
Hey! - What?
There is nothing special for dinner.
We couldn't get fish.
It'll be all organised from tomorrow.
Are there guests for dinner today?
The contractor is here.
He can eat from his house. Where is that boy?
Appu!
Gopi.
Here.
Do you want Sambar? - No.
No. - Have some more.
Ask the others to come and dine. I need to sleep.
Would you like to have some dinner? - No way.
I'll go home, take a bath
and eat food prepared by my wife, Saraswati.
Only then will I be satisfied, sir.
I'll take this with me.
I'll have two more pegs before supper.
Appu, has that contractor left?
No, he's still there. - We'll go to your place then.
Appu, can you find out if there's a temple nearby? - Okay.
What the hell is this?
I sent someone for fried fish three hours ago!
They didn't get fish today. - There it is!
We came here yesterday night. - Yes.
Never mind the breakfast. - Never mind!
Lunch was meagre. - Yes.
And now, see this!
If I say something, people will say that I'm a hothead.
That I have no control over my tongue.. - Right.
Hey, call Mammali here.
I'll talk to him myself. What does he think?
Call him! - Yes! - Get him here! - Hurry up!
Let it go, sir. - What do you mean?
We'll wait till tomorrow. - What? - Yes, what?
Be seated..
I don't mind this tasteless food. I'm doing this for you guys!
Sit down! - We worked for it!
Hey, come with me! - I'm here. - Not you, him. - Go on.
Get up! You don't deserve to sit in that seat!
Where were we? - Yes, what was he saying?
'Sree Krishna Leela' at Parassery.
Yes, Leela.
I was a kid back then.
No one thought I'd do it.
I had Balarama's plough with me. I swung it.
The manager's head was injured, and he started bleeding.
Oh, God! Blood.. - It did make me feel a little bad.
He got about three stitches.
But guess what? - What?
From the next day, I got my fee before I went on stage.
With extra Rs. 10.
Impressive! That was great!
Why should we bow before them? - Very true!
If you're good at your job, you don't have to bow to anybody!
What do you say, Krishnan? - I agree!
But that's not the story.
When I used to perform at Ambalapattu, there was a girl
who used to watch my play every day. - Okay.
She was about 16 or 17 years old.
But she looked older than that. What a girl!
There was.. What? What is it?
Well, we didn't have dinner yet.
Mammali is making a fuss about it.
Let him do what he wants. Sit there.
We'll make him bring it here.
There may not be enough dishes and plates for all of us.
Also, we're starting to get a little hungry.
Really? - Well, not really. Maybe.
Whatever. Let's drink one more round.
We'll disperse after that. - There's nothing left.
Damn! Paupers!
Don't be sad. - Why not? - Wait till tomorrow.
We have a liquor shop contractor in our pocket.
He's a little into arts and performances.
He'll bring it himself or send it through someone. But we'll get it.
Really? - Yes. - Really? - Yes!
We'll leave now.. - Okay.
Get up! Get lost! - Why do you care?
Did you eat something? - No, I will.
Okay. Go and eat.
Oh, hey!
Come here.
How is the camp?
Are you getting the hang of it? - Yes.
Be careful. Behave properly.
There are girls here.
After a couple of camps, you can start acting.
And you can get into the business.
That's how most of the people here became actors.
Well? - Okay. - Okay, you can leave.
The people here haven't watched anything good.
But Padmanabhan says that the audience liked what they saw.
Something's quite not right with the contractor, Shankaran Pillai.
Did you write a letter to your mom? - Yes.
Okay. Go and sleep.
What do you think you're doing? - Who is that? - What?
Get away!
Where are you going? - It's night duty for me.
At the gate.
Mr. Padmanabhan might have a couple of drinks at night.
And he'll sleep in here.
In the morning, he'll give me Rs. 2.
Anyway, it's impossible for me to sleep in here.
The loneliness, the breeze, the sky, nature..
Do you want to join me? - Why? Are you scared?
No. My dad got me this sacred thread when I was five years old.
Goodnight. - Okay.
I haven't seen you here before.
We came here yesterday. - Where are you from?
It's a little far away.
Far away, as in? - As in, it's not nearby.
I see.
Okay, what do you do?
We joined as nurses at the hospital here.
Oh, I see. - Saraswati.. - I thought so.
See, now that's art.
This is how girls should be.
A bath in the early morning.. Songs, dance, whatever it is
devotion will always be unmatchable.
This is my daughter's child, Nisha.
She loves her grandfather.
Look, dear.
Don't cry, dear.
Here, try calling her. - What happened, dear?
Call her to you. Come on.
Go on. There.
Why are you crying, child?
That's enough. Come back to grandpa.
There we go.
Okay, give her a kiss. - We're leaving.
Are you leaving already?
You didn't make any offerings in the temple.
Why don't you offer some flowers at least?
If you give him your details, the priest will do it for you.
We'll do it later. - Come.
Look, dear. They're leaving. Wave at them.
Bye!
Gosh!
What if they're artistes? They are well-behaved.
Artistes? You're mistaken, mister.
They're nurses.
What do you mean I'm mistaken?
What do you know, you silly priest?
I'm the one who hired them for a month.
Why are you so surprised?
Give me the offertory, please.
Come here, priest!
Kuttan! - Yes?
Mom, we are going to deliver milk. - Okay.
Sister.. - Here, hold this.
Why didn't you bring milk to the shop for two days?
I told you that you wouldn't be getting milk for a month.
What's that in your hand, water?
This is for the drama troupe.
You know, the troupe won't always be here. They'll leave soon.
No, they'll be here for a month.
Listen. The people in the troupe are like nomads.
They probably won't even know the taste of real milk.
You can add a lot of water to it.
Did you hear me?
Yes. I'll start doing it from tomorrow. You can go.
Kuttan, this is the ticket counter. - Okay.
Hey! Find some other place to pee!
Mister! Here's the thing you wanted.
Did you watch the play yesterday? - Yes, some of it.
Do you recognise me?
Did you not see me perform yesterday?
What role did you play? - The saint.
There were a lot of saints. Which one were you?
Out of all the saints, the silliest looking one was him.
What? - I've told you many times not to insult artistes in public.
Artiste?
I'm a more talented artiste than you. I cook and serve.
Artiste, my foot.
Come here! Come.
What's your name? - Madhavi.
They call me Maadhu. - I see.
What about him? - Kuttan.
He's my brother. - Do you study?
I don't. He's in the first grade.
Hey. Come here.
Which temple did you go to? - The one on the riverbank.
What's your name, sir? - Kuttan.
What Kuttan?
Cute Kuttan!
We'll see you in the evening.
Smart girl.
Maybe we should talk to master and get her into the troupe.
Well, there are so many artistes here that most of them are helpers.
What role do you think a new artiste will get?
If the offertory is from the temple, I could use some as well.
The offertory shouldn't be given to the unclean.
By the way
you don't seem to respect me a lot these days.
You're a king only on stage.
We'll respect you then. Right now, stay where you are.
What's so funny?
You're here to shave me. Just do that. Okay?
Okay.
Where are you going with that?
To the riverbank. - Why? - To dry them.
Dry them, don't get them wet again.
It'll disintegrate. It's at least a century old.
What are you talking about?
No, it's just.. He was on the way to dry the clothes.
I was just asking him to be careful.
Did you read the newspaper? - No.
Here. You should know what's going on around you.
What do you want?
Ask the manager for your fee.
Put these back in their places before you leave.
Are all of these washed?
Won't the gold covering go black if you put it in the sun?
It seems he's deaf. Come, dear.
Nandini, slow down.
I can't run like you.
Where are you going? - To the field nearby.
Stop it. - You deserve it.
Hey! Where are you going, dear?
To the field nearby to graze Nandini.
Oh, I see.
Do you have raw mangoes at home? You know, the sour ones.
I wonder why. - Hush!
If you could make some Chutney..
I don't want it every day. Just on alternate days.
Sit there and speak!
Shameless creature!
What if I make Chutney for you? - Well..
He'll perform for you on stage.
Shut up. - How about your favourite dance?
Pickle, salted food.. - Chutney.. - Prawn powder.. There she goes.
Don't spoil my chances at getting some Chutney.
Excuse me. Is the drama troupe's camp nearby?
Yes.
How long has it been since it started? - Just a day.
What do you do for them?
I have no specific job. - Do you perform?
What? - Are you an actor?
Oh, no. - Okay.
Will the owner or manager be there at the camp?
Yes, he'll be there. - Okay. - What is it?
What is it, Appu? - He came looking for the camp.
Oh, I see. - Where are you from?
I mean, are you a reporter?
It's personal. I'll speak to the manager.
We're all managers. - Yes.. - Right.
This is Raman Potty, the jester.
Keezhpadam Kuttan Bhagavatar.
V. K. Areepuram.
Keezhthani Sarasan. - Greetings.
This is Ganapathy Annan. That is his nickname.
You can call him Annan. - Excuse me.
Don't rush. He won't know your name anyway. - Yes..
Maybe, it's Sankaran's.. - Move out of the way.
Do you guys go out for walks too?
We walk everywhere. - Yes.
We might be artistes, but we're not arrogant.
Humbleness, modesty, honesty.. - Honesty.
Duty. - Kindness, justice. - Brotherliness.
Yes.
Hey, come here.
Come here!
Let's take a group photo!
Yes.. - That sounds great.
Stand closer.. - Don't push. He'll include everyone.
Hey, don't look so stiff.
Did you get it? - Yes.
We'll hold it. - No, it's okay.
Now, tell us. Why are you here?
I was abroad for a while.
It's been about two months since I came back.
I wish to do something in the field of arts and entertainment.
I've performed in a lot of plays both during and after school days.
He's not what we thought he was. - What's your name?
Nadeshan. - Another name of Lord Shiva!
Nadeshan. Let's go.
He is one hell of a fellow. - What else?
Right now, I'm trying to get into movies.
So, before that.. - Gosh. - ...just for an experience
I'd like to spend some days with you.
But, sir, ours is not like the usual plays.
We have songs and dances.. - Yes, I know.
Mr. Velu, a Kathakali performer, used to live in my neighbourhood.
For about eight years, before and after school
I used to go and watch him take classes.
You've watched it, right? That's all that's needed.
Be it dance or acting, I am self-taught.
I can act and dance, no matter what role or dance form it is.
Really? - In that case, please come. - Brilliant.
Come..
For the time being, I'll do some minor roles.
This way..
Can you introduce me to the manager?
Getting acquainted with the manager is of no use. - No.
Have you heard of Cheriyedethu Chellappan Pillai?
Of course! Isn't he the famous Nagaswaram maestro?
He plays Nagaswaram too, yes.
But he's more famous for his acting skills.
I'll introduce you to him. That'll be more helpful. Come.
Okay. In that case, that'll do.
Come. Come on.
Okay, Mr. Nadeshan. Come here in the evening.
You can see the play as well as Mr. Cheriyedethu.
We'll have some fun too.
By the way, I hope you know how he works.
To make him happy..
Will a song make him happy?
A song? - Oh, please.
He's a musical genius.
That's right.
Now, I got it!
You were abroad for some years, right? - Yes.
If you can get some foreign liquor, it'll be perfect.
Also, keep something spicy, crunchy or fried with you.
Well, okay then. I'll see you in the evening.
Of course! Evening it is.
My bag.. - It's here. You'll come in the evening, right?
You can take it in the evening. It'll be here.
It'll be here, sir.
Don't forget. - Okay. - Also, bring a copy of the photo!
It'll take about five days to print a copy, you idiot.
Oh, I see. - No wonder you are an actor.
So, it's on for today.
Want to join us, child? - No.
Mr. Mammali. - Yes? What is it?
Where's the person wearing a sacred thread?
Who?
The person in the play. The one who was cracking jokes..
Oh, Potti! He must be getting ready for the play.
Why? Has he borrowed money?
No. Give this to him when he comes for dinner.
What is this?
Chutney, Mango Chutney.
What is it? - I've given Mammali something for you.
What is it? - Mango Chutney.
May God bless you. You'll live to be a hundred.
Go early and get a good seat.
There'll be a special presentation in return for your Chutney. Go.
Wait here. I'm coming back. - Okay.
A first class ticket? - It's me. - Who?
Oh, it's you!
Fifteen benches, nine chairs
and four first class seats.
It's time to change the movie.
I'll think about it. Now hand it over.
It's all there. - Okay.
Go and wait in the vehicle. Okay.
"Do we have to part?"
"We were one body and soul."
"We are getting separated."
"I hope we didn't meet each other."
"I hope these feelings didn't arise in me."
"Flower, if you had remained the same forever."
"I hope these feelings didn't arise in me."
"Flower, if you had remained the same forever."
"Oh, tulsi bud, didn't I help you"
"metamorphose into a vibrant rose?"
"Hey, wild sap"
"I placed you in a golden urn."
"Hey, wild sap"
"I placed you in a golden urn."
"Placed you in my heart."
"Oh, tulsi bud, didn't I help you"
"metamorphose into a vibrant rose?"
My dear Shakuntala..
Kuttan. Come on.
He's sleeping soundly.
Shall we leave? - Okay.
Wait. Here.
Wow.
Is the booking open?
You're fated to see this only by the road.
Come back when you grow up.
Or go home and send your parents here.
Let them watch and enjoy.
Booking, my foot! Get lost!
Run!
Nadeshan was awesome! This is what acting is.
Wait.
How would a doctor say it? - Yes. A doctor.
A doctor? - Yes.
One moment. - Okay.
No. I won't say it.
No, I won't say it.
By the principles of medicine, I tell you that I won't say it.
You get out!
Awesome!
Watch and learn!
You guys call yourselves actors! - Shame!
If Nadeshan joins this troupe, you guys will be kicked out.
Now let us have a dance which fits this scenario. - Yes.
A drunkard. Alone. Midnight.
Walking along a barren road.
How would he come? - How would he come?
A drunkard? Rich or poor? - Who?
A poor man. We should acknowledge them too. - Sure.
Yes.
For a poor man, I need a towel. - Why?
To tie around my head. Towel? We'll give you a Dhoti.
Before that, have a drink. It has to look real. - Yes.
I don't drink. - What?
Were you sober while showing all this to us?
Yes. That's what skill is all about.
Your skills are nothing compared to his.
He was born with this skill.
Come on, Nadeshan. Have a drink.
Not that one.
This is enough to put up an act. - That's true.
Give it to him. - Here.
Come on, take it. - Go ahead.
It's a sin to turn down a drink offered by him.
A grave sin.
It's good moonshine. Go ahead and have it.
It was made from bananas. - Go ahead. - Go on.
Don't hesitate. - Go ahead. One, two, three!
There we go. Good job! - Now, that's an artist.
Don't throw up.
It's a holy place. Don't spoil it.
Sing for him. Give Nadeshan some inspiration.
No. What I have are sleazy songs.
Whatever it is, he'll do it. - Yes. - Yes.
Start.
"Oil will be used up, and the wick will burn out."
"Take a rag and make a new wick."
"Make yourself comfortable."
"Follow your uncles' lead."
Loosen up!
Come on.
Listen, master.
Send me a postcard when you're free for around 15 days. I'll come.
I want to stay with you for at least a week.
Look, I cannot keep it hidden anymore.
It's a wish of mine.
This place will host the inaugural performance of your next play.
Throw the useless guys out. Hire new talent.
But Panchali should be the female lead.
Are you happy with this lifestyle?
I didn't mean that you are old enough to settle down.
What's your star sign?
"Oil will be used up, and the wick will burn out."
"Take a rag and make a new wick."
"Make yourself comfortable."
"Make yourself comfortable.."
Master made himself comfortable.
It's the master. Hold it.
Make yourself comfortable.
Come here. - Me? - Come on!
Who are you?
I'm Nadeshan. I'm trying for a chance in films.
Okay, leave. Never enter here again without telling me.
Go.
I won't get a bus at this time of night.
Go and sleep on the sands there. It's cool and breezy.
In that case, it's fine.
You were here too! - I was bringing the rice..
Fine. Go and sleep.
Master? Master?
Sir.. - They've slept. - But how will I leave?
There are no buses now. - Let us go over there.
To the sands? - No. Come.
Will it be breezy? - Yes.
Let go of me.
Don't hold me.
I don't like anyone holding me.
This place is not good. Isn't there a separate room?
This is all there is.
It seems everybody is drunk.
Humanity has no place here.
Do it well. - Sleep here.
But.. Gosh!
I won't spare anyone who touches me.
Shut up and sleep.
I don't run this tea shop to make a profit.
This is only for the comfort for people coming to watch shows.
Of course.
Open it only at around five and close it at around ten, Gopalan.
Sure.
But just tea and snacks are not enough.
We will ask Kunjan to distil some local arrack.
Just don't make it too public.
Hey! Hand me those leaves. - Oh, leaves!
Who is that?
That's master's distant relative. - Oh.
What are you staring at? - What? - I meant them.
I see.
Play! - I'll play. Wait. - Oh, God!
What? - Look.
It's her.
I didn't recognise her at first.
Sankaran Pillai and his gang are outside.
I thought of not creating a scene out there.
Otherwise, I would have stopped her right there.
Tell Chellappan Pillai that I'm asking for him. - Okay.
What are you standing around for? Go somewhere else. Go.
Go away. Stand aside.
You guys will gather around for anything and everything.
Just go.
What are your intentions?
Sarala said that she'd left her old troupe.
If she can have a small role here.. She doesn't want a salary.
Poor girl. After all, she's an artiste.
She has to live somehow. - It's not possible.
I've warned her many times. This is not possible.
You can leave with her if you want. I'll take care of the rest.
I don't want to go. Then send her away.
Tell her not to come here again.
She is here anyway.
Let her stay for a few days
bathe in the river and worship at the temple.
Chellappan Pillai.
I like the way you perform.
But don't embarrass me in front of the public.
Oh, my! Something is bound to happen today.
Oh, God!
Why did you come here now?
I knew that that witch was on her way here.
Drat! It's a disgrace.
Is it a disgrace that I came?
Son, do you remember seeing your father?
Take a good look at him.
This is your father.
Silence! - Sarasu!
Come on outside.
Come on, Son.
Come.
Let's talk.
Come on, child.
That burden has come upon the master's head now.
Poor guy! - He calls himself an artiste!
He is well capable of supporting her. - True!
Pitiless fellow!
Pitiless or not, don't we visit him every evening to drink?
How dare you speak up in the company of men?
Never insult an artist to his face!
And if I do? - If you do? - Yes. - Yes.
Artiste, my foot!
Please do not come to the camp all teary-eyed.
It's shameless for him as well as everyone else.
We don't have any peace of mind back home.
If you need anything, just send me a letter.
Let him give something if he wishes and visit you if he wants to.
Keep this.
After all, it's from me.
Shall we..
Wait. Have lunch before you leave.
Ma'am..
Come.
Why do I need all this?
It will remain in my locker forever.
It's of no use to me.
Sarasu.
How are you?
Are you well? - Come on, dear. - Yes.
"Why such hostility?"
"Why all the commotion?"
"These sounds are unknown to us."
"Is a demon disrupting the peace of our hermitage?"
"Is it a hunter chasing his prey?"
"Why such hostility?"
"Why all the commotion?"
"These sounds are unknown to us."
"Is a demon disrupting the peace of our hermitage?"
"Is it a hunter chasing his prey?"
"Why such hostility?"
"Why all the commotion?"
"These sounds are unknown.."
Whom did you ask before taking all these? - No one.
These aren't toys to play with. Got it?
It will not get spoiled. What a big deal!
Wait and see. Tomorrow, I'll ask the master and get it.
What will you do then?
What's happening there? - N-Nothing.
Then what's the conspiracy about?
Yes? - Well..
Chellappan Pillai is not in his room.
Did he go to the river?
No, he does all his ablutions here.
Then where did he go?
After all, aren't you guys his cronies?
W-We'll look for him.
Where the hell is he?
Can't he tell us before going somewhere?
Appu, come here.
Take the bicycle and conduct a search.
Why? - We need to search for Chellappan Pillai.
Where? - Check the bus and railway stations.
To send her off.. - Yeah, right! Come here.
Bus and railway stations, indeed!
Where will he search? - He'll get him somehow - Fast!
"Stay still, girl. Stay still."
"Stay still, girl."
What is it? - It's time.
For what?
To die?
They're getting ready. - What?
Everyone is getting ready.
Everything is a game, Appu.
Let him realise my true colours. You can leave.
But you should go. It's not right otherwise, is it?
Of course. It's not right at all!
Not right for whom?
Artistes drink. - Yes.
They fornicate. - Yes.
Women come looking for them. - What? - Women.
Who's fault is it that he became old?
Leave it, sir. - Why?
You should get on stage after having this.
Let things go on as planned.
Let no one say that the play was disrupted because of us.
Leave all that. Play is one thing, and liquor is another.
Watch and learn.
We shall learn!
I've performed on stage after drinking more than this.
I've said my lines without any problems.
I've performed without making a single mistake.
So leave that.
That is my livelihood. It is my God.
Pour me another. - Enough.
Have you started bossing me too, you filth?
Have this.
Do you know him? - No. - He's Appu.
I see.
Appu! - Oh, Appu!
I brought him along after a performance in Ambalapattu.
Now that he's secure, he's started acting up.
Still, he's a good guy. - Yes.
He has talent. - Okay.
He adores me. - Okay.
He'll do anything I ask him to.
Sit down.
What's the point? The show is yet to begin.
Where are the organisers? It's time. Ask them to start.
Come on, start the play!
Start the play. We've been waiting for a long time.
Hey, you! - Yes.
Ask them to start. - Okay.
Keep that down and then go. - Okay.
Where are the organisers.. - Come on, start.
The master has asked us to start.
Ask him to come and start. We cannot.
We don't want to get beaten up.
Master wants it to start.
But.. - I'm going to..
People are already waiting. - Get lost.
Calm down.
When are they going to start?
Has he come? - He will, soon.
Come on, start.
I think the master is angry.
People have started grumbling.
I will tell you what. Start humming.
I cannot play music to keep people silent.
Then what can you do? - Hey!
Go ahead. Sing. - What should I sing?
Sing anything. - Start. - Start.
We'll die of boredom.
We should be in the mood.
Come on, start.
"Our only source of solace.."
"Our only source of solace"
"is your holy feet"
"Mother Goddess."
"Our only source of solace"
"is your holy feet"
"Mother Goddess."
"Our only source of solace.."
He'll talk only if we beat him.
What did he say before leaving? - Who?
Chellappan Pillai.
He didn't tell me anything. - Hit him!
I swear on my children that he didn't tell me anything.
Look! A car's approaching.
Really? It must be him. Look.
Drat! It's all over now.
It's all right. Once he's on stage, he'll be all right.
We've seen all this before.
He did the same when we performed in Kavoor. - Yes.
Get his makeup ready. - Go.
Move aside. Let him come in.
Don't help me out. - Okay, we won't.
Are you okay?
What do you mean? - Thank goodness.
I was wondering if you're a little too drunk tonight.
Gosh!
Look here. - Yes?
Save your jokes for the stage. - Okay. - Got it? - Yes.
I know how to take care of myself. - Sure.
I know when to stop too. - Okay.
Nobody has to teach me.
But people.. - Don't teach me! - No.
The audience is furious. - Shut up.
Come on. - Come on.
Don't hold me. - We won't.
No one should hold me. - No one is holding you.
Get in..
Go on.
Come on.
Oh, God!
Hey. - Yes?
I didn't call you. I called him.
Yes? - What do you think this is?
Coconut oil. - My foot!
Bring me something better. - Okay.
No one here should suffer to help the company make a profit.
"Drums announced the start."
"The whole world waited impatiently."
"Humanity came alive on the stage."
"Drums announced the start."
"The whole world waited impatiently."
"Humanity came alive on the stage."
"Drums announced the start."
'Rathirathrikal'!
'Blue Nights' aka 'Rathirathrikal'!
Starting today, on the silver screens of Santhosh Theatre..
Blue Nights aka Rathirathrikal!
The story of a beauty who.. - We can't hear anything!
What a nuisance! - 'Rathirathrikal'.
Come one, come all!
'Rathirathrikal'..
Can't you go some place else and shout?
Sir, it's our job. Don't interfere.
I will interfere. I am interfering now.
What? - Sir, this is a public road. We have the right to be here.
That doesn't mean you have the right to create a nuisance.
That's enough make-up! It's already late! Stop! Go..
Go!
Sir? - Yes. - It's time. - I know.
Please get up. - Okay.
Where should I go? - There. Go straight.
Go on. Come.
Oh, God. Come. Hurry up!
You're all right. It's all okay!
But be careful, just in case.
Shut up. Once I wear a costume, I become the character.
Do you understand? - Yes.
What if you accidentally blurt out some other character's lines..
No, they're all onstage.
I am the one who'll get thrashed by the audience.
No one will thrash you. - "Why such hostility?" - Careful.
"Why all the commotion?"
You don't have to hold me. - I'm not holding you.
He is holding you! - Hush!
"..strange sound?"
You're perfectly fine. Please sit.
"Is it a demon?"
Excuse me. - Yes?
What role am I playing today?
Oh, my God! Tell me you're kidding!
It's not that. I forgot.
Tell me what role I'm playing today!
Keep it down, will you!
Dushyanta.
Repeat it five times.
Dushyanta..
I'll say it one more time. Dushyanta!
Dushyanta. - Yes, sir.
Dushyanta.
Dushyanta it is. - Oh, God! - Come.
What is this nonsense? - Yes..
Everyone, please be calm.. - Don't push me!
What are you doing? - Out of the way..
What in the world are you doing?
You took their money and you're fooling them!
Nothing has happened here. Please keep calm..
Calm down!
Please pay attention.
Listen to me!
Dear people and art lovers.
I've been doing this for about 40 years now.
I swear upon the stage that I'm standing on
that never in the history of my performances
has something like this ever happened.
As the person who's responsible for this
I apologise to each and everyone present here.
Who wants his apology? - Keep quiet..
Let's hear what he has to say. - Sure.. - Keep quiet.
Considering my experience in this field
or at least, my age
please disperse peacefully.
That's not all.
You can watch the show tomorrow again with the ticket you bought.
Please disperse.
I invite you all to come and see the show tomorrow.
That's not going to work! - Just shut up!
He was probably not well. - No, he was drunk!
Maybe. What's your problem? He said you could watch it tomorrow.
You have the ticket with you, right?
How will that help? - We'll come here early tomorrow.
Everybody makes mistakes. We should forgive them.
Here, hold the torch. Let's go back.
Everyone, come. - We'll come again tomorrow!
Sure.
I have been doing this for years.
No one should dare..
I will show you.. - Shucks!
People dispersed peacefully only because of me.
Cancelling a show because of someone's death is acceptable.
This is.. Shameful!
He was drunk as a skunk. Disgusting!
And he calls himself an artiste. Oh, God, has he no shame?
I need no one's help. I am completely capable..
How will he even perform.. - Enough!
You can leave, Shankaran Pillai. I'll take care of things here.
Sure, I'll leave.
See you tomorrow. - No one..
What a shame!
What a shame.
Who the hell..
Who the hell decides these things?
Who the..
Who is..
Who is that? Get him.
I-I can stand on my own.
I am brave enough.
Call him.
Come on.
Father..
Don't be harsh. He's not in his senses.
What if he leaves us? We'll be in trouble.
Let go of me.
No one needs to help me..
Let go of me.
I don't need to please anyone. Do you understand?
Do you?
I'm not drinking with their money.
It's mine.
Do you understand?
Get your suitcase.
Get out.
I said, get out!
Go and sleep.
Appu.
Can you be Dushyanta tomorrow?
You'll play Dushyanta tomorrow.
The artiste who played Dushyanta.. - I don't think he'll come back.
Once master kicks someone out, that story ends there.
Oh! So, who'll play Dushyanta in the show today?
I've made Dosa and Chutney.
The rice for lunch is being cooked.
They're dicing the vegetables for the curry.
Do you have any more questions?
No. - You'll die if you drink that water.
"Why such hostility?"
Why all the commotion?"
"These sounds are unknown to us."
"Is a demon disrupting the peace in our hermitage?"
"Is it a hunter chasing his prey?"
"Why such hostility? Why all the commotion?"
You can stay here. I'll come back.
Kunjachan!
What is this?
I told you to stay there!
What a nuisance!
This is all that we got today.
Oh, I see. - Well..
Right.
Bye. - Bye.
Who played Dushyanta's role yesterday?
Oh, it was not an artiste.
Dushyanta himself descended from heaven
when he came to know about our sorrows.
No, you're lying.
It's not a lie, dear. Really.
If you get me some ripe mangoes, I'll show him to you.
Father.
Oh, God! Where are you going with this, child?
To the riverbank. To dry them. - Gosh!
You shouldn't do this anymore. - Why?
You're the main actor now. - Yes!
This is beneath you now, sir.
There are other people to do such things.
Of course. - You can go and rest.
Give it to me. - No, it's okay. I do it every day.
He'll embarrass us. - Yes. - Definitely. Come.
He'll put us to shame. Shame!
He has no artistic sense..
A leopard can't change its spots.
Yes, okay. Stop grinning.
Every Tom, Dick and Harry play the role of Dushyanta.
Art, it seems.
What are you saying, Sugadhan? - I was chanting, sir.
What is up with the arrogance today?
Did you watch the play yesterday? - Yes.
How was Dushyanta's performance? - It was superb!
Where did master find such an artiste from?
Do you not know who Dushyanta was?
No.
Really? - Really.
What?
Right. Like I'll believe it.
Come.
Appu. - "She's not a deer or a peacock"
"or sugar cane.." - What they said was right.
Don't do such chores.
"She's a beautiful lady.."
Where did you learn it from?
I didn't really study it. I saw them every day and..
Don't lie. I'm sure you learnt it from somewhere.
I was really nervous. - That's a lie too.
You were walking around like an innocent boy in spite of all this.
"She's not a deer or a peacock, or sugar cane."
"She is a damsel as beautiful as the rainbow."
"Costumes were abandoned, and colours were cleared"
"when we took the role of humans."
"As an offering to the art, we present this song."
"The performance has come to an end."
"Blessings were showered."
"Our performance entertained the world."
"The performance has come to an end."
Sit..
It's over. - What?
Is it over?
My father stopped coming after mom got bedridden.
He used to sometimes come at night and leave in the morning.
He shouts at me a lot. He doesn't even talk to my mother.
He has never bought any sweets for Kuttan.
What does he do?
I don't know. Apparently, he's a rowdy.
If my mom weren't bedridden, he'd have known who the rowdy was!
We should not let anyone who comes to watch the play..
I'll see you later. - Okay.
Oh, the things you do..
Dear! It's been three days since you brought Chutney.
So, we haven't been eating rice. - Look, he's even lost weight.
Let go of me. - Will you give it to him? - Shut up.
The cow. I was talking about the cow.
She might give it. Do you have money to buy it?
Maybe I do. - Please buy me some liquor.
I haven't had it since Chellappan left.
Maybe you should spend your own money.
Being the hero doesn't mean you should sit like this all the time.
You have some duties as well. Not now, after you get your salary.
What do you say? - You're right.
Only after you get your salary.
Don't forget. - Get lost.
He was talking about liquor. You don't have to buy them liquor.
When I see you grinning, I feel like..
You don't always have to show your teeth when you see me.
Smiling all the time..
Why did you stand up when you saw them? Humility?
Stop being so arrogant. Your face..
I'll destroy you one day. Wait and watch.
"Born with the anger of God."
"An accomplished sage."
"Possessor of a rage enough to consume the world."
"He is Durvasa."
"He is Durvasa.."
"Is there no one to honour me?"
"In Saint Kanwa's ashram which is famed for its hospitality"
"is there no one to honour me?"
"Have I been forgotten?"
Let it go, dear. Don't be sad.
He did it in front of everyone. That's why.
It was your dad after all. Tell them that tomorrow.
What he says is right too.
Women of marriageable age shouldn't go to places like this alone.
I see you every day. So, I don't realise how much you've grown.
Who was that?
Did you see it? - Yes.
I saw it from the backstage.
That was my father.
Did he beat you? - No, he didn't.
He shouted at me.
He said he'd kill me if I go and watch plays like this again.
Why can't you watch plays?
He says that girls of marriageable age
will get spoilt if they watch stuff like that.
Maadhu, are you that old?
That's what my father says.
Even my mother said so.
Won't you come to watch the play again?
I'll definitely come, no matter what.
You know what?
Dushyanta passes by me every day.
My father was a well-known vocalist of devotional songs.
They paid him with beaten rice, clothes, etc.
Nobody knows that I am here.
It's without their knowledge
that I absconded in their vehicle when they came for the play.
Now, I need to write letters to them.
To my mother, sister, friends and everyone.
Let them all know that Appukuttan is an artiste now.
I've never written letters to anyone.
Nobody has written me either.
Will you write me letters if I give you my address?
Yes. But it would be full of spelling mistakes.
You shouldn't tease me. - I won't.
No, I'll hold it.
"I hope these feelings didn't arise in me."
"Flower, if you had remained the same forever."
"Oh, tulsi bud, didn't I help you"
"metamorphose into a vibrant rose?"
"Hey, wild sap"
"I placed you in a golden urn."
"Hey, wild sap"
"I placed you in a golden urn."
"Placed you in my heart."
"Oh, tulsi bud, didn't I help you"
"metamorphose into a vibrant rose?"
Dear Shakuntala.
The ideal form of marriage is 'Gandharva Marriage'.
This is ideal for lovers.
The whole universe accepts it.
It's not been fun at all since I stopped going to school.
There is nobody to talk with.
Now
only after your arrival
am I feeling lively. It's fun.
And when we leave?
Will you leave?
Oh, yes. We'll once leave this land behind.
I'll lie down on the road on which your vehicle passes.
I won't let you die, Maadhu.
The play must be over by now.
Maadhu, what are you doing there?
Maadhu. - I am
fetching water for Nandini.
Who is that? Hey.
Who is it?
Stop there. - What's it?
Hey, stop. - Maadhu.
Hey, who is that? - Your father!
Hey, get down.
I'll kill you.
Oh, God! - Hey.
How dare you enter my house
when I am not here? - Oh, no!
Shut up - Please don't beat me. - Shut up..
Will you do this nonsense? I'll kill you. - No!
Please help me.
You don't know who I am. I'll kill you. - Oh, no.
Shut up. - Oh, no. - Shut up.
How dare you try to..
Shut up! Dog! I'll kill you. - Please help me.
Hey.. You don't know who I am.
Shut up. I'll kill you.
Idiot..
I'll..
Why are you beating me?
You don't know, do you?
I'll kill him. Leave me..
I'll kill everyone.
If you repeat this.. - Father!
...you'll see the real me. - Father.
Hey, leave me. - Father. - Hey, move.
Father, what is this? - I'll not leave you, idiot.
Father, come. - I'll kill him.
What is this, Father? - Show you acting skills there.
Not at somebody's house. - Father, come here.
Take him away, dear. - Hey
I can burn down everything in seconds.
I guess he is drunk. - You rascal! - Father.
Your dad is drunk, not me. Rascal.
Hey, come with me. - Come, Father.
You don't know me well.
I'll make sure that you leave the place tomorrow morning. Leave me.
What's it? - I was asked to sleep here.
Who? - Mr. Padmanabhan.
Who is that? - Mr. Padmanabhan.
It's cold.
Hey, go and sleep inside. - Okay.
You should sleep where you used to. Did you understand? - Yes.
He sat there to write stories. Was it necessary?
My book.
Hey, why are you doing all these? - I'll kill you.
No. Someone like him is more than enough to ruin the troupe.
It was that guy.
Was that necessary?
"The gloomy bird sang"
"and the stream flowed with her beautiful song."
"The gloomy bird sang"
"and the stream flowed with her beautiful song."
"In the flow"
"foamed its sorrows"
"lathering with time."
"With the flow, you gracefully moved."
"The gloomy bird sang"
"and the stream flowed with her beautiful song."
"In the flow"
"foamed its sorrows"
"lathering with time."
"With the flow, you gracefully moved."
"Don't you want the fragrance?"
"Don't you want the drop of honey?"
"What are you searching for, blissful breeze?"
"Don't you sense the fragrance?"
"Don't you want the drop of honey?"
"What are you searching, blissful breeze?"
"Like the octaves in a flute"
"are you dancing with anklets on your feet?"
"Like the octaves in a flute"
"are you dancing with anklets on your feet?"
"Are you dancing with anklets on your feet?"
"Art.."
"Never.."
"The art of love."
"Never be a slave to lust."
"Don't hurt me with your words."
"Oh, dear wild flower."
"Don't hurt me with your words."
"Oh, dear wild flower."
"Never.."
Hey, what is it? - I am going to the hospital.
Why? - I was beaten.. No, fever.
Where is the other one? - Who?
The owner of this troupe.
Hey, come here.
Come here!
Rappady, explain.
Hey, stand in front.
Everyone should know this without an introduction.
Leave it.
There is a world beyond your small huts
and there are decent people living there.
We belong to that group.
They wouldn't know good and decent people.
After all, Shankaran Pillai is their patron.
He's not asking you to sit only because he doesn't know you.
You'll get to know him soon. Mr. Menon, please sit.
Sir, please take a seat. Hey, arrange the seats.
Hey, come on.
You might have heard that people here are scared of Rappady.
And I am the editor.
There is a rumour that something went wrong here last night.
I need to know the truth behind it. I need to report it.
You just need to report. I want them to leave right now.
I want my wife and kids to live peacefully.
Narayanan, don't talk.
Being a responsible public worker, let me ask you something.
You came to our place, started an organisation
and didn't inform any important people like us.
Let it be. That's your choice.
But if you do nonsense here.. - There are people to ask about it.
Yes. - What do you want?
For now, get us something to drink.
What? - What?
That's for them.
I guess they aren't experienced in treating guests.
No, I don't want anybody's charity.
Madhavan, get it from the nearby plot.
Narayanan, where did your enthusiasm disappear now?
Say that to his face.
Yesterday night, someone from here came to my home.
Who told you that he belongs here?
Oh, you mean that I imagined it since I was drunk.
Let it be. What about her? What about that?
Master's students will never do such things.
In that case, he should have run to the river bank.
Why did he run here? - Yes.
Where did he enter? Speak up.
Come on, speak up!
He ran in here.
Yes, now what?
You might be here for the play
but the girls here need to live peacefully, don't they?
I'll burn down everything. I don't want anybody's help.
I can do it in a minute.
Narayanan, don't interfere while we are talking. Take her and go home.
We are here, right? - Yes.
Mr. Narayanan can leave now. We'll give it a try.
Hey, come. Hey, I'll wait outside. - Yes.
I'll wait outside. - Wait wherever you want to.
I want to conclude it today.
Mr. Narayanan, please leave. - Get lost.
Hey, come.
What is it, you rascals?
Sir, will you please speak up?
If you try doing nonsense here like you do in other places..
Here means? - Here means, in this place.
This is our ward.
But we don't have anything like that, sir.
Wherever we go becomes our place.
Every ward is ours.
Wordplay won't help you escape from us.
We are here to take a decision.
What decision? - The rumour has spread all over.
She is a mature girl. What about the humiliation she had to suffer?
Who is responsible for that?
What should I do if she is being humiliated?
We are here to know that. We have the right to know.
I'll tell you what.
We will get her married to the most eligible one amongst our group.
Is that enough? Be ready with the date.
Hey, are you kidding?
Isn't that the right way?
It's getting messed up.
There is no point in being humble to these people.
Hey, please don't mess it up. I'll talk accordingly.
Mr. Menon, wait in the car.
Mr. Babu, please take him along. That's all.
He's doing this because of Mr. Shankaran Pillai.
He is the contractor, isn't he?
That means everything.
He has taken it on lease for a month.
This is not said by me. He is the one who is spreading the news.
Enough. It's been years since I started this job
and I am ready to face all the consequences.
Don't try to scare me. - What did you say?
What? - Don't create a problem..
Everyone, go to the car.
Sir. - Come. - Go, wait in the car.
I'll.. - Rappady. - I remember everything.
I'll tell him. - Come.
Don't you remember everything? - Go on, will you?
Those people who came with me are very harsh.
Master, we can settle this easily.
For example, give Mr. Narayanan something to drink.
Something means?
It means an amount. Some..
Master, we'll talk later. We'll talk everything in detail.
That'd be better. Hey, bye.
I came here to meet you all.
I'll write later.
Greetings.
There isn't any problem, right? - No problem.
What problem? - Hello.
Hey, leave my hand..
Where is she? Hey, get me some water.
Maadhu.
What is it?
Can you.. - What?
Dear, please wait outside.
I heard.
They came here exactly when I was out for a meeting.
Master, don't be sad. You have my support.
I can manage a hundred people like them.
Rappady, my foot!
Did you see this?
'Revelry in the name of art.'
Is this even a matter to be published?
There might be revelry.
Who'll decline if they get a chance?
No, I didn't mean anything else.
Master, you spoiled your name anyway.
It's okay, but it should be useful.
You just need to do what you do right now.
Try not to notice certain things. If not now, then when?
I do have money, but I am not using it in a proper way.
We'll find a way to solve this.
But now, you need to leave.
L-Leave and then? - Why do you care?
You succeeded, right?
You told everyone that you're sleeping with ladies here, right?
It even got published in the papers.
Cowards may consider this an achievement.
You.. You can leave.
When required, I will come to you. That's enough.
Master.
Don't speak about morality.
I have seen a fair share of artistes in my life.
Don't try to scare me..
You have to perform here for six more days.
Keep that in mind. - Get out.
I don't need to bring people here for the play just for money.
Even I don't know myself properly. Then what about them?
Hey, what's it? Don't try to scare me..
There he goes.
Appu..
Master is calling you.
Appu!
Where were you, Appu? - I was sitting near the riverbank.
Okay.
Appu.
This has been my world forever.
And this is my asset.
And then some people like you.
I only have a single regret.
I was worried about who'd run this after my death.
But not anymore.
You should be the one.
You don't have to see anything else once you are involved in this.
Happiness, sorrows.. Nothing will matter.
But a single fault from our side
can bring about great disaster.
We are starting in the morning.
Mr. Padmanabhan has gone to settle the bills.
Pack everything you want to. I had to do this.
We have lost the peace of mind. We shouldn't stay here anymore.
Appu, it is usual at this age.
And after a while, you'll laugh at it.
And then, you'll have relations all over and problems related to that.
Many have ruined themselves like that.
I don't want you to be like that. You should never be like that.
Keep it here. - Hey. - The vehicle is here.
Come.. - Hey, keep it there.
It's a mess.
Come.. Hurry up.
Hey, keep it there.
Don't let it fall. - Yes..
Hey, Babu.
We are leaving tomorrow morning.
Master just told me.
"Romantic strolls on the banks of River Yamuna"
"are blissful to the heart and soul."
"Romantic strolls on the banks of River Yamuna"
"are blissful to the heart and soul."
"Its effect makes us sync"
"with its octaves."
"Its effect makes us sync"
"with its octaves."
"Romantic strolls on the banks of River Yamuna"
"are blissful to the heart and soul."
Come on.
Hurry up..
Come.
Appu..
Appu.
Maadhu.
Appu, don't leave.
"The performance has come to an end."
"Blessings were showered."
"Our performance entertained the world."
"The performance has come to an end."
"Blessings were showered."
"Our performance entertained the world."
"The performance has come to an end."
"Costumes were abandoned, and colours were cleared"
"when we took the role of humans."
"Costumes were abandoned, and colours were cleared"
"when we took the role of humans."
"As an offering to the art, we present this song."
"The performance has come to an end."
"Blessings were showered."
"Our performance entertained the world."
"The performance has come to an end."
'Best wishes.'