'KAAVIYA THALAIVAN'
'The time when stage dramas flourished in British India'
'Madurai's, Honourable Balashanmukananda Drama Company'
Sir, he is my son.
Like how a cat leaves its baby
my dad left me in a drama company.
Ramanna Gomathi Nayagam.
He is my teacher. - I'll take your leave, sir.
Madurai's drama king, Thavathiru Sivadas Swamigal.
Listen to him, okay? - Swamigal was a devotee
of Lord Hanuman. - Gomathi.
He is akin to fire.
"It is the local theatre"
"where the beat originates out of 'Udukku'."
"I am hungry."
Kali was begging in the train. - You sing well.
What's your name?
Kaliappan. - Kaliappan!
He liked his song, and so, he took him along in his drama troupe.
That's not how you pronounce it. Say, 'Aval Pori'.
'Aval Pori'..
"Whoever saw the ten headed Ravana, shivered in fear."
All the other boys teased him by calling him a beggar.
I always chased them away. - Leave.. Get lost..
Kali, don't cry.. - Hence, Kali liked me.
Wipe your tears. - He treated me as his elder brother.
We grew up together in the drama company.
"In unadulterated Tamil.."
"We recite the shimmering tale."
"With the moon as a witness.."
"We will recite the tale of the omniscient."
"We are from Madurai's Honourable Balashanmukananda"
"Drama Company."
"Come on, friends. We invite you to watch our play."
"Dressed in green, yellow, red and white"
"here comes Meera with Lord Krishna."
"Dressed in green, yellow, red and white"
"here comes Meera with Lord Krishna."
"You will witness magic."
"Rainbows will burst in your heart."
"Come on, friends. We invite you to watch our play."
"Come on, friends. We invite you to watch us dance."
"Come on, friends. We invite you to hear us sing."
'Lankeshwaran' - "Be it any day of the week"
"you are the audience we seek."
"Be it any day of the week"
"you are the audience we seek."
"We will show you a new world."
"We will turn your dreams into memories."
"Come on, friends. We invite you to watch our play."
"Come on, friends. We invite you to watch us dance."
"Come on! - Come on, friends. We invite you to hear us sing."
"Come on, friends. We eagerly await your arrival."
"Come on! - Come on, friends. Make merry and watch our play."
Brother Kumbhakarna!
Don't forget that you are talking to the King of Demons, Ravana!
I'm not going to battle with ordinary human beings.
The one who rules the earth and the sky
I am going to battle with Him. - I am going..
The one with a body like that of a Lotus and who Has bewitching eyes
I'm going to fight with Him.
Kumbhakarna, this is the result of my deeds in my past life.
Not everyone is blessed with this fortune.
I'm waiting to face Rama's arrow.
Let his arrow pierce through my chest.
Let it quench its thirst with my blood and see in my heart.
Let Him see His name etched in my heart!
War..
My God! What an applause!
The stage will come down!
Kali, someday I will also receive applauds like him.
What's the big deal about it?
Why did you say that?
Brother, will someone who understands Ravana's agony clap?
He will only feel like saluting him and crying for him.
This applause means that none of them have understood his pain.
They only saw the main lead, Bhairava's acting skills.
So, what's wrong in it?
Bhairava is the most talented theatre actor in today's time.
I want to be like him, someday.
Our mentor, Sivadas Swamigal, is a far better actor than him.
He dances so well.
I want to perform like him.
I don't want anyone to appreciate my performance.
I just want the satisfaction that I have reached that level.
Kabaddi..
- Stop there!
What is going on here?
Come here, I say!
It is time for the lessons of Vedic couplets.
If Swamigal sees you running around, he will scold me.
Damn! Even these tiny tots don't fear me.
My life is an utter waste!
Palavesham. - Yes, sir?
What are you hanging? - Loin clothes!
Why.. - Hey, come.. - Why are there so many of them?
One for each day.
Hey, this cloth looks familiar to me.
Find out and tell me.
It smells of me.
That's because it is your Dhoti that I have torn. - Hey!
Did you tear one out of the two Dhotis I had?
You are useless. Isn't one sufficient for you?
You rascal! I will kill you!
I won't spare you today!
Don't get so furious! - Swamigal is here.
Palavesham. - Hey, you!
Why are you running around with that loin cloth in your hand?
They tore it, sir.
Were you sleeping till they tore it?
They didn't tear it while I was asleep. I had kept it to dry.
Hey.. Swamigal is back!
Sir, these kids are uncontrollable.
Who is harassing you? Tell me who is it. - Yes, sir.
"Oh, the dazzling one! You came to the splendorous mountain"
"and threw Your spear, oh, mighty one."
Teacher. - Yes, sir?
They are reciting the couplets. Why were you complaining about them?
Sir, but they were..
You cheat! I won't spare you!
Teacher. - Yes, sir?
Are they just covering it up in the chorus or have they learnt them?
I've taught them individually. Ask them one by one.
"Murugone.."
Sing properly, or I'll kill you.
'I wonder what will happen today.'
"With a golden crown.."
'He chose the wrong person.'
You are doing a good job. Say the next lines.
"The golden mountain.." - Proceed.
"The golden mountain.."
How many years have you been in this troupe?
You still haven't learnt the basics.
Go and kneel down there!
I taught him so well. - I can see that.
'Is he the next prey? He will also get beaten up today.'
"On the golden mountain, Lord Muruga.."
You idiot..
Go and kneel down. - Go!
Is this what you have taught them? - They are so foolish.
'I hope Palavesham recites properly.'
"Wearing a golden crown, he prayed.."
Hey! - Don't you want to hear it?
You are good for nothing.
It's your mistake. You knew that I didn't know the couplet.
Then why did you bring Swamigal to me? I won't spare you.
I will tear your other Dhoti too.
He was a fool even before he joined our troupe.
He is a fool right from his birth. - I have lost my faith in them.
Instead of asking one by one, it's better you punish all of them.
I will kneel down too. - That's a fair decision.
Gomathi. - Yes, sir?
"Oh, the dazzling one! You came"
"to the splendorous mountain and threw Your spear, oh, mighty one."
"You are the epitome of dignity and were brought up in luxury."
"You were born after the dark complexioned one."
"Oh, 'Murugone'!" - Wonderful..
Here, the poet Arunagirinathar says 'Murugone'
instead of 'Murugan'. Why is it so?
That's only to rhyme.
You fool! Did he use the word only to rhyme?
Yes, sir.
He ends every line with 'One'
and hence he ends his sentences with the words containing 'One'.
I will beat you to death, you fool!
What?
Poet Arunagirinathar won't write that only to give a rhyming effect.
'Muruga' means beauty and 'Gone' means king.
Murugan was the king of beauty and hence 'Murugone'.
Well said. Do you understand?
You thought you understood what Arunagirinathar conceived.
Forget about it. He says 'Born after the dark complexioned one'.
What does he mean by that?
By saying those words, he meant Lord Ganesha.
Arunagirinathar meant to say that Lord Murugan was born
as a brother to Lord Ganesha. - No.
Does anyone of you know the meaning of it?
'Dark' is synonymous to night.
Arunagirinathar is praising Lord Murugan with his wondrous words.
Like how the sun follows the dark night
the fair complexioned Lord Murugan
followed Lord Ganesha, who had a dark complexion.
Bravo..
You fools! Don't just mug up the couplets and recitals.
There are thousands of meanings to each line.
Dig them up and experience the beauty of those lines.
"A beautiful girl once came to me.."
'Alcohol is injurious to health'
Dear! - Your personality and the command over your voice
could have taken you to great heights as the main lead.
Then why did you settle in for a teacher's job?
That's a heart-wrenching love story.
Narrate that stupid story.
"Oh, Lord! Your pious feet.."
I don't know what her real name was.
I used to call her as 'Rasathi'. - Why?
I looked like 'Rasa', a king and she was like 'Thi', that is fire.
He is bluffing.
In those days, I was the renowned main lead in Madurai district.
Then what happened?
Let him continue his story. - You are encouraging him.
In those days, when I dressed as the main lead and stood
on the stage with my legs firm.. - The stage shook!
Look at him. - Hey, you!
Continue.. - You, please continue.
Right from old women to the babies inside a mother's womb
used to be awestruck. - How will a baby inside a womb hear you?
Kali, why are you listening to his stupid stories? - You are high.
You leave. You tell me your story. - I won't.
That's good. - Look at me and tell it.
Rasathi wanted to see my drama.
I brought her along and made her sit on the front row.
To impress her, I sang in the highest pitch..
Then? - Next to me was a man playing the part of a woman.
He looked at her and she looked at him.
He looked at her and she looked at him. - Whom did you look at?
I kept looking at them! - What happened after that?
They eloped after the drama was over.
What a shame!
I felt it was an insult to all those men who played the main lead.
And so, I quit acting and became a teacher to earn my living.
You saved the theatre! - Indeed!
Sir. - Yes?
Don't you like me anymore?
Am I never on your mind?
What are you saying?
I follow every lesson you teach me.
I practice all day and night.
I don't make even a single mistake. - All right.
But you never consider that.
Neither do you give me what I deserve.
Have you ever appreciated me in all these years?
Who told you that? You will be a famous actor.
The Goddess of knowledge, Saraswati will bless.. - I don't want that.
No matter how sincerely I learn the art from you
you treat me as an inferior student.
Kali..
Is he your favourite disciple?
Hey, don't talk senseless things.
Do I discriminate between the two of you?
Each one of you is my child.
Don't encourage such doubts in your mind.
Go, it's too late. Sleep. Tomorrow early morning, we need to practice.
Go.
Mother, he is Swamigal.
"A peacock.." - Greetings, sir.
Who are you and how may I help you?
We are from Kazhugumalai, near Srivilliputhur.
She is my daughter. We don't have any way to support ourselves.
Please do something for her.
Give them something. - No, sir. Look at her.
I cannot send her as a housemaid. People won't respect her dignity.
They think she will woo the men in their house as she looks beautiful.
I came to you so that she can join your theatre group.
Sir, she sings really well.
She is blessed by Goddess Saraswati.
Please listen to her song and give her a chance.
You may be right, but understand one thing.
This is a troupe which has only boys. They are all young.
Hence, I don't allow girls to join.
Now that you are here have lunch before you leave.
Teacher, take care of them. - Sure, sir.
"I am a rascal who lusts after women with piercing eyes."
"I am a stupid, characterless scoundrel."
"I am an uneducated and impoverished soul. I am an idiot."
"Please don't discard me because I am untruthful"
"and diseased because of my unsavoury deeds."
"Will there be a day when You will grant me"
"solace and unbridled peace in the shadow of Your bejewelled feet?"
"The sage Narada, who is praised by the poets"
"once described to You the beauty of Valli, a tribal girl."
"Oh, warrior! Then You sought her company in the forest."
"Oh, great leader! The majestic peacock is Your royal mount!"
"The Goddess who is kind-hearted and is the supreme Mother"
"You are Her, that is Goddess Parvathi's younger son."
"This place lies in the soothing shade of the sky reaching groves."
"This is Thiruchendur, Lord Murugan's favourite abode."
"This is Thiruchendur"
"Lord Murugan's favourite abode."
Wow! Amazing!
It feels as if Goddess Saraswati appeared before me.
You will attain fame, happiness and wealth..
But we cannot allow you to join us.
Swamigal has never changed his decision. His word is the final.
Please go back.
Teacher! - Sir.
Let her be with us.
We shouldn't discriminate between a male and female in art.
It's a beauty to have a girl amongst us.
You danced so gracefully and you have a melodious voice.
How can I turn you down?
Stay with us. I will impart lessons to you once in a while.
Sir. - Be happy. May God bless you.
Teacher. - Sir?
Show them to their room.
Sure, sir. - Go.
The lights are on. The drama is going to begin. Hurry up!
Two floor tickets, please.
'Krishna's Victory Main lead, S.V. Bhairava Sundaram'
The King and his family are here. Move aside.
Welcome, King.. - Turn the vehicle.
The King is here. Get up, everyone.
Hello, Your Majesty. - Greet the King.
Pay your respects to him.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, greetings.. - Your Majesty, greetings..
Please have a seat. - Greetings, Your Highness.
Your Highness, please be seated. - Sit down, everyone.
"Greetings.."
"I welcome everyone."
"Greetings.."
"I welcome everyone."
"Be seated.."
"Sit as soon as you can."
Ganesh. - Sir?
The passage is very dark. We need some light there. - Sure, sir.
Bhairava, couldn't you get this done in the morning?
Why do you keep it for the last minute?
You have to dress up as Lord Krishna.
Your focus is getting diverted these days. You better be careful.
The moment the bell rings, I'm ready on the stage.
Then what's the old man's problem?
"Alli is here.."
"She's so beautiful."
"Alli is here.."
"She's so beautiful."
"She has a pretty face.."
"Her palm is adorned with henna."
"Her legs are as divine as temple pillars."
"She has such long tresses."
"The way she walks.."
"Even the wild wind is incomparable to it."
"Alli is here!"
"Alli is here.."
"She's so beautiful."
"Alli is here.."
"She's so beautiful."
"Why did you summon me.."
"Oh, Arjun! My dear friend!"
"Alli, the queen of Madurai"
"has stolen my heart."
"She made my heart skip a beat."
"I wish to cuddle with her in bed."
"Oh, Krishna. You have to help me this time."
"Please help us unite."
"I am only concerned about Bhama."
"Just remember that."
"You are all I have."
"Just lead the way."
"Listen to me carefully."
"You will soon be her groom."
Stop it! I say, stop it!
What is going on? Isn't it wrong to marry a girl forcefully?
Can't Arjun make any mistake? Speak up!
You're getting so furious on seeing a woman being captivated.
Our motherland has been a slave to the British since 200 years.
Why didn't you get agitated at that?
Why not? Why don't you get angry on the British
for holding our motherland a captive?
Why don't you?
Take your seat!
"It's unbearable!"
"Why should our motherland be captive of the foreigners?"
"Why should our motherland be restricted in chains of slavery?"
"When will we attain freedom?"
"Or will we remain slaves to the British?"
"My countrymen have no self-respect."
Why is he singing such songs? - "This is shameful."
"What will happen"
"to my motherland?"
"It's unbearable!"
Please come, Your Majesty..
Had you summoned us, we would've come to see you.
That's okay. It's our practice to honour the artists in the theatre.
The main lead, Bhairava Sundaram. - Hello, my King. - Well done.
Thank you. - Give that here.
Here. - He played the female lead, Alli, Gomathi Nayagam Pillai.
Greetings, Your Majesty. - Very well done! You were excellent.
Being a man, you played a woman's part so beautifully.
This is for you. - Thank you. - He is Kaliappa Bhagavathar.
You played Arjuna's part, right? You are very bold. You sing well.
It was very humorous. You will be very successful someday.
This is for you. - Father.
Give this too. - Why don't you give it yourself?
Palavesham, didn't you go to see Ammani last night? - No.
I saw you. - If the teacher learns about it..
Kali, what's this flower like thing?
Let's go there and search. - The girls are coming towards us.
Get it quickly. - Where did it disappear?
They are dressed like the British, in pants and shirt.
It's with them. - That's ours.
We don't have it. - It's in your other hand.
No, it is not.
Will you give it to us or not?
Is your name inscribed on it?
Even if it doesn't have our name, it still belongs to us. Give it!
They are from the theatre group.
Yes, dear. We are from the theatre.
The princess is here.
Greetings, Princess. - Greetings, Princess..
What brings you to our garden?
Is this your palace garden?
We are on our way back after a bath.
We entered your premises by mistake. Didn't we? - Yes.
Yesterday, your performance was brilliant. - Oh! - Thank you.
My friends missed your act.
Can you act now?
If you want to see it, I will perform right away.
Ask your friends to come to the theatre if they want to see my act.
Hey, joker! It's Her Highness's command. Act now.
I will break your teeth if you insult me.
How dare you call me a joker!
I will gouge your eyes out, you noseless creature!
Hey, sidekick! Don't show off too much.
Do you know the consequence of arguing with her?
What will she do to us?
Do you know what we are capable of doing? We can make her a mother!
You rogue! Stop it! You are talking too much.
Will you perform or not?
Just because you gifted me a ring
do you think I'll act for you anywhere? I won't!
If you want to see our drama, come to the theatre.
You cannot ask us to act wherever you see us.
Our dignity and self-respect are important to us. Come on!
If you want to see our drama, come to the theatre.
Also, bring these monkeys along. - Hey! - Hey!
Kali.. - Fool!
Welcome, Princess! - The princess is here. - Greetings..
What? The princess is here with her
monkey like friends. What play should we put on? - Kali!
He would have never expected us here. - Yes.
He will be stunned to see us. - What shall we do?
Let us show them the true virtue of an actor.
Why is it taking so long? - Are you in a hurry? - Here they go!
"You foolish girl!"
"Come face to face!"
"The arrogant girl from Madurai came in front of me."
"Hey, pretty face.. Can I be.. - Your beloved?"
"Shall I become a warrior for you?"
"Come to me. Let my lips touch yours."
"You foolish girl, come face to face!" - He is singing about you!
"The arrogant girl from Madurai came in front of me."
"Hey, pretty face.. - Hey, pretty face.."
"Can I be.. - Your beloved?" - I don't think so.
"Shall I become.. - A warrior for you?"
"Come to me. Let my lips touch yours."
"Hey, girl! You are a chatterbox."
"I am in front of you. Don't glare at me."
"You foolish girl. Come face to face."
"The arrogant girl from Madurai came in front of me."
"My baby elephant! - My kitten!"
"My little lamb! - My little owlet!"
"My dear fawn. I am going to capture you."
"My dear calf, I am going to gag you."
He is singing about you! - "Oh, lost rabbit.."
"I am a crocodile."
"Hey, girl! You are a chatterbox." - He is mocking you!
"I am in front of you. Don't glare at me."
"Hey, pretty face. - Hey, pretty face."
"Can I be.. - Can I be.."
"...your beloved? - ...your beloved?"
How dare they make fun of you!
I have to teach him a lesson.
"Oh, girl! Oh, uncouth girl!"
He is insulting you now! - "You are obnoxious."
"Accept it and leave."
"You are crazy and unruly. You are a fool and an idiot."
"You foolish girl. Come face to face."
"The arrogant girl from Madurai came in front of me."
"Hey, pretty face. - Hey, pretty face."
"Can I be.. - Your beloved?"
"Shall I become.. - A warrior for you?"
"You firecracker.."
"Explosive, volcano, tornado.."
"You are akin to a holocaust."
"Your words are explosive. You are confused."
"Oh, my friend, squirrel! What is the news?"
"Now I know. - She's a rabbit."
'I know it. My dear doe, I hope that you reform."
"My little elephant, my kitten, my lamb, my calf"
"my little squirrel, my owlet, my fox kit, my lion cub "
"my bear cub, my pony, my little cuckoo, my peachick"
"my chicken, my rat pup, my dear fawn, my dear girl!"
"What are you, dear?"
"You are a gossiping amateur."
"You are a pampered and spoilt brat."
"You are my cutie-pie, muffin, munchkin."
"Give me a kiss."
Have you come to the stage to appreciate us?
I'm here to reward you. - Oh!
We don't accept rewards.
But we want to reward you. - We don't like to accept it.
He doesn't want it, you may give it to me. - I want to give it to him.
No, he won't take it. Give it to me.
No, I will give it only to him. - Palavesham! - Give it to me.
Give it to me. Why are you turning them down? - Take it.
You carry on!
Pin it up properly. No!
Oh, God.. - Palavesham!
Oh, my God! She stabbed me!
I will kill you! - Palavesham, is this a joke?
Thank God, she used a pin. What if she had used a knife?
Please don't give her such ideas. It is all because of him!
Don't worry, Palavesham.
We will definitely take revenge.
No. They are the aristocrats. Let us forget about it.
No way! I won't spare her for sure.
Why, man? - Then they will stab him on this side.
Oh, no! Even hearing about it is painful. My God!
Hey, mister! How dare you enter my room! Go away!
Did you think you will hurt him with a pin and we'll spare you?
Did you think I will spare you if you mock me? Get out!
What? - Get out.. - What will you do if I don't go?
Hey! - Get out! - Stop throwing things at me.. - Go..
Hey! - Out, I say! - Listen to me.. - Go!
Get out of my room! - Stop!
Hey, don't come near me!
Let me go.. - Hey..
Let me go. - You are throwing things at me. I won't let you go.
Why did you sing that song? - If I made fun of you
does it mean that you will poke us with a pin? - Yes, I will!
My friend, Palavesham, is on his deathbed because of you. Answer me!
If you don't answer me.. - It's hurting! Let me go.
I got even with you because you made fun of me. Now, get out!
That's not justice. My friend's life is in danger. What about that?
In that case, you may prick me with a pin too.
How can I prick you there with a pin?
That's not possible. How can I prick you there?
I said that by mistake.. - It's okay.. Never mind.
So, what shall we do now? - So..
Okay, give me a kiss. - Kiss?
Palavesham is on his deathbed! - Hey..
If he dies, that will be a murder! A murder.. - Stop it..
Mister, why are you screaming?
Palavesham's chest has swelled like a bun.
To compensate that, I'm only asking for a kiss.
Okay, come closer.
Teacher! - What is it?
Where are you going? - Why are you making this weird noise?
Are you going to see Ammani? - My stomach is upset.
I need to attend nature's call, you rascal! - Ew!
Go.. - I have only one Dhoti. Please understand.
"Here I come.."
Hey.. Vadivu, don't take it off. I'm coming there. Hold on.
Stop!
So, Vadivambal wants to play the female lead, right?
Would you like to play the female lead? - Yes.
Here, dress up yourself. I will wait outside.
"Today, Vadivu is our female lead!"
"Vadivu is our female lead!" - Wow!
Vadivu is looking gorgeous in this get-up.
May no one cast an evil eye upon you. - Palavesham.
Vadivu, don't stand still. Come on, say a few dialogues.
Come on, go ahead.. - Yes, say few lines..
Come on, Vadivu. Go ahead.. - Come on..
It will keep up the dignity of this get-up.
The one who can stand in front of my sword..
The one who has the courage to face my wrath..
The one who is coming to defeat me..
Tell me, my friend, who is that man?
Tell me, my friend, who is the man?
Wow! - Bravo! - Well done!
Oh, my! Sir is here! Run! - Sir.. - Sir!
Why is he here? - Hey..
Run.. - Run..
Swamigal is here.. - Quiet. - Hey, he is here.. - Hey.
I'm Surapadman, the one who rules over the three worlds.
No matter who comes to battle me, I will never die.. - Hey!
Why is Gomathi reciting the dialogues of Surapadman?
Let him continue, sir. He is doing a good job.
Where is he?
Look at the kids. They are all doing a fantastic job. - Teacher!
Did you call him for the rehearsal?
Yes, sir. I did. - Then why is he not here?
He said, he has played the same part more than a hundred times
and there was nothing new in it. He asked me to rehearse with them.
He also said that he would directly do it on the stage. So..
Since how many days has he been doing this?
Bhairava!
Hey, Bhairava!
Did you summon me?
Bhairava
are you a newbie? Don't you know our practice?
Be it a senior or a junior, one has to attend the rehearsal every day.
So what if you are perfect?
How will the new entrants and children get used to your rhythm?
How will they understand your moves and perform with you?
Come on, say your dialogue.
I'm Surapadman, the one who rules over the three worlds.
No matter who comes to battle me, I will never die.
Do you want me to beg in front of a deer standing at my palace gate?
That's too modest! My brother, Singamukha, who is he..
Bhairava, your dialogue delivery is awesome.
But what about the emotions?
Repeat it. Do it one more time.
Palavesham! - Sir? - Give him some water. - No.
Bhairava, I need not teach you this.
For acting, your body and mind should be on the same wavelength.
If there is no coordination between the two
what do we call it?
I have been observing this.
During one of our plays, I made a small mistake.
Keeping that in your mind, you are humiliating me in front of kids.
What is wrong with my performance?
Is there anyone else to play the main male lead other than me?
I have done a hundred shows.
I have won medals from many royal families.
Will the medals and rewards make you a flawless actor?
Diamond needs to be polished well to shine brightly.
This is a place that has trained better actors than you.
In comparison, you are nothing but a juvenile.
Hey.. Make him say the dialogues 10.. No! Let him say it 100 times.
Let him say the dialogues for 100 times.
He thinks he is the best actor! So egoistic and proud!
Teacher, come here!
Yes, Bhairava? - Will you make me rehearse for 100 times?
A rehearsal for me?
Does the audience come to see his old crap?
They come to see me perform.
They come to see me acting.
He talks so much, right?
Tell him to act my part.
I will behead myself if even a single spectator enjoys his act.
Bhairava, please don't take any decision in haste. - Hey!
Hundreds of women come to see my performance.
I touched one of them. What's the big deal about it?
The old man envies me. - Please don't say that about him.
Let me tell you, I'm leaving your group this minute.
I will start my theatre troupe and play the main lead.
Bhairava! - Does any of you want to join me?
Do you want to come with me? All you get here is food.
Come with me. I'll pay you Rs. 20, in cash.
Please calm down. I'll talk to him and sort this issue.
Bhairava.. - Swamigal? I don't care! - Bhairava..
He is leaving! - Bhairava! - Go, call him back.
Bhairava, please stop..
We have a play, today. The tickets are sold. How can you walk away?
Ask the old man to play my part. - Don't be so furious.
We'll talk to him and sort it out. Don't walk out in haste. - Hey!
Get lost! - Listen to me. At least, stay back for my sake.
Please don't go away! For my sake.. - Get lost!
Bhairava..
Let him go! He thinks no one else can play his part.
What's the matter? Did Bhairava leave with his luggage?
Yes, sir, he left. I couldn't stop him.
We have a play in the evening.
We have so many shows back to back in this village. I'm worried.
So, what? Anyone trained by our troupe can act.
Don't be nervous. Summon everyone. Go.
Gomathi.
Weren't you rehearsing Surapadman's part?
Yes, sir. - Say his dialogues.
I'm Surapadman, the one who rules over the three worlds.
No matter who comes to battle me, I will never die.
I am born to win.
Lord Brahma did not write defeat in my fate.
Neither did he create anyone to defeat me!
Today, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva envy me.
Victory is not a celebration for me.
But it is my life!
Will you do it? - Me?
Do it.
Sir. - Come on, do it.
I'm Surapadman, the one who rules over the three worlds.
No matter who comes to battle me
I will never die.
I am born to win.
Lord Brahma did not write defeat in my fate.
Neither did he create anyone to defeat me.
Today, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva envy me.
Victory is not a celebration for me.
But it is a part of my life!
Teacher. - Yes, sir?
Surapadman.. - Surapadman?
Let Kali play Surapadman and Gomathi play Murugan.
It will be good. - As you say, sir.
Sir, please bless me.
Be blessed. You will succeed in life.
Kali is the main lead!
Yes! - Palavesham, Swamigal will see us!
Put me down.. - Congratulations..
Thank you. Brother!
Kali, I always knew you would be the next main lead of our plays.
Thank you, Palavesham. - Kali!
Teacher. - With Swami's blessings, you have achieved a great feat.
Congratulations. - Thank you, Teacher.
Why am I not the main lead?
Please tell me, sir. Why am I not the main lead?
I want to know.
Are you arguing with me?
Go and mind your business.
He is younger to me and still, he will play the main lead.
Do I have to play the supporting role?
I put in the best of my efforts and got into the skin of Surapadman.
Didn't you like my performance?
Surapadman is arrogant! And so, that is how he will talk!
That is exactly what I did. But he..
What was so different in his performance? Answer me.
Your performance was monotonous.
Everyone expects Surapadman to be arrogant.
He had the courage to portray him in differently. He is confident!
Not everything can be explained. You have to experience it.
Why are you staring at me?
You were just brilliant on stage.
Thank you so much, Princess.
I wanted to embrace you and kiss you on the stage.
But I couldn't. - Never mind.
You can still do it.
First, you will get a reward and then, a kiss.
A reward? - Yes.
God! Save me. - Don't shout, you coward!
I didn't get scared. Thank you, Princess.
Thank you.
The..
"Hey!"
"Hey, young man! What are you looking at?"
"You are trying to make my nights restless."
"You are sending a mellifluent breeze towards me."
"You are wantonly inviting the feeling known as love."
"Hey, young man! What are you looking at?"
"You are trying to make my nights restless."
"You are sending a mellifluent breeze towards me."
"You are wantonly inviting the feeling known as love."
"You have made me your fan."
"Is it? - You are becoming more beautiful every day."
"Okay."
"You are thinking of mesmerising me with your doe eyes."
"You stay smiling in my heart."
"Hey, young man! What are you looking at?"
"You are trying to make my nights restless."
"You are sending a mellifluent breeze towards me."
"You are wantonly inviting the feeling known as love."
Duryodhana, I'm coming to tear your chest apart and kill you!
The betrayal I see in your eyes
is instigating my arrow to pierce you.
Thank you.
Are you the most beautiful of all the girls in Vrindavan?
Are you Radha, my beloved?
"My desires knock at the door of your heart."
"It's chasing you."
"My heart wants to express its feelings."
"Lend me your words."
"The dreams open the eyelids."
"The dreamy evenings are making my lips eager."
"Flowers are drenched in dew drops."
"This is the time when we will unite."
"Hey, young man! What are you looking at?"
"You are trying to make my nights restless."
"You are sending a mellifluent breeze towards me."
"You are wantonly inviting the feeling known as love."
"You have made me your fan."
"You are becoming more beautiful every day."
"You are thinking of mesmerising me with your doe eyes."
"You stay smiling in my heart."
"Something is tickling me"
"and is caressing my cheeks."
"The cheeks are obeying their loved one."
"Give me your kiss of love."
"I have experienced this ecstasy for the first time."
"My happiness will saturate our surroundings."
"I wish to relish the sweetness of your lips."
"The turmoil in my heart is making me feel shy."
"You have made me your fan."
"You are becoming more beautiful every day."
"You are thinking of mesmerising me with your doe eyes."
"You stay smiling in my heart."
"Hey, young man! What are you looking at?"
"You are trying to make my nights restless."
"You are sending a mellifluent breeze towards me."
"You are wantonly inviting the feeling known as love."
Kali had told me that he was in love with the princess.
That night, I got the right opportunity.
Hey, Kali! - Rangamma!
Has a cat come inside? - It's not a cat, sir.
It's me. - What are you doing here at this hour?
I'm here to uphold your reputation
and prestige. - What?
Had someone else seen what I saw just now
none of us will be alive tomorrow.
What did you see?
You turned a beggar into the main lead.
That dog is straying in the king's palace.
You deserve this! Yes, you do!
You don't value people who are loyal and sincere to you.
You will have to pay for it now.
You will have to pay much more.
Sir, why did you summon all of us at this hour? - Where's Kali?
Kali? - He must be sleeping on his bed.
Go, wake him up. Go!
Teacher, what happened? - Sir.
What's the matter? - I searched the entire place. He is nowhere.
Did he go to a prostitute or a liquor shop?
Don't you keep a watch on them? Is this what I've employed you for?
I had revered this place as a temple.
I had revered my theatre as a temple.
You ruined it!
Let him come back! This is the only way to come in.
I will sit, right here. I will sit here till the dawn breaks.
Let him come. Get a chair for me.
Sir, have you already started the rehearsals so early?
Shall we rehearse 'Kutrala Kuravanji' today? Brother Gomathi..
Hey! Where were you?
I had been to the river for a bath. Even the temple is open.
I stayed awake all night to welcome you back.
Where did you go and in whose house did you take a bath?
Sir?
Who is the prostitute you slept with?
Near whose feet were you lying?
Answer me. I said, answer me!
Were you with the king's daughter?
Were you with her? Do you admit that?
We trusted you so much.
You broke my trust!
I will kill you! You rogue!
Sir, we are in love. - Is it?
L-Love? Are you in love? Really?
If you love her, why did you go there at night?
Did she fall for you?
Sir.. - Or your character? You took advantage of her
and demeaned her.
You played with her emotions! You.. - No!
Is this what I..
If you don't stop this right away, I will kill you!
Sir.. - I will kill you!
Please stop it.. - You ruined everything! - Sir..
No, sir.. Please don't hit him!
Ask him to leave! - Sir.. - I don't want to see him.
I curse him! - Sir..
Sir.. - He will not utter a word from now! - Oh, no!
He will never get on a stage again! - Sir!
He should never apply make-up again. - Sir..
It's my curse! It's your teacher's curse upon you!
It's a teacher's curse! - Sir, no.. - Sir..
Sir!
Sir.. Please tell him.
Sir, please forgive me..
Please forgive me and please don't curse me.
Sir, I know nothing but to act.
If I don't act, I will die.
I will do anything that you say. But please, don't kick me out.
Let me live with you.
Sir, allow me to be your servant.
Sir, please don't throw me out. - Teacher! - Sir?
Sir. - Ask him to swear by the holy fire
that he will never think about or meet that girl again.
Ask him to make a promise! - Okay, sir.
Gomathi.
Sir..
Although you promised me, I can't take my words back.
Let him stay amongst us doing all the chores and earn his keep.
Sir..
Teacher! - Sir?
Let us pack up from here!
We are leaving this village, right away.
Brother!
'Madurai's, Honourable Balashanmukananda Drama Company'
'Surapadman'
Which is the first drama that we will play in this city?
Keep it inside the hut.
Let's go for the drama, 'Pavalakodi'.
Who will play the male lead?
Hey, come and..
Male lead?
Ask Gomathi to play it.
What about the female lead? - Let Vadivu do it.
They will do it well. Let's bring about a change.
I have been waiting all these years for this day, sir.
Hey, get the colours. - I am ecstatic.
Bless me, sir. - May Goddess Saraswati bless you.
Sir.. - Be happy.
Be confident.
"I welcome"
"one and all.."
The thief, who crept in the dark, tell me who you are!
I am Arjuna..
"Have mercy on me.."
Why did you add the new lines?
Look into my eyes.
You will see the fire of love.
Didn't you understand the meaning of these lines?
Vadivu, tell me.
I want to know what you feel.
Kali..
What is it? - The princess is dead!
What are you saying? - Yes, I came here as soon as possible.
The king had fixed her marriage with a landlord.
She cried and begged not to get her married off.
They locked her up and questioned her.
She jumped off the cliff and ended her life.
People are also saying that she was pregnant.
Rangamma!
Kali.. - Sir.. - Listen to me..
Come out, sir! - Kali.. - Leave me! - No, Kali!
Come out! - Don't yell! Stop it, Kali.
Listen.. - Go away! Sir!
Come out!
What is going on here?
I am going to die this very minute..
Are you drunk? - Yes, I am.
Take him away!
You killed my Rangamma for no reason!
You killed her, sir!
You killed my beloved!
She killed herself and the baby in her womb by jumping off the cliff.
The child in her womb was mine!
You killed a child even before it took birth!
You spoke about justice to me.
She had so much faith in me. Did you spare a thought about her?
Why didn't you think of her?
Answer me!
I left her to keep your word!
I am responsible for Rangamma's death!
I killed my beloved!
Can only a teacher curse his disciple?
I curse my teacher, today!
May you be ruined! - Kali! Don't do it.. - No..
Kali, no!
May you be ruined!
You sang hymns of Saraswati and Ganesha. You will never speak!
I swear by God!
You will never be happy in life!
May you be ruined!
You will lead a wretched life!
Rangamma will not let you live in peace. She died!
Rangamma!
Sir! - Sir.. - Sir..
Sir.. - Sir.. - Come, help me!
Lift him! - Sir!
Oh, God!
Be careful.. - Slowly.. - Slowly.. - Careful..
Slowly.. Make him lie down. - Fan him.
Sir.. - Fan him. - Sir.. - Go, get some help!
His eyes!
He is here..
Sir!
What happened..
Sir..
What happened to you, sir..
Open your eyes and look at me, sir. Oh, God!
I am responsible for my teacher's illness.
Please curse me, sir! May my life be ruined.
Curse me, sir..
You.. You will be very successful.
Sir?
Sir!
Teacher
we have got a contract of putting up dramas in 15 places.
So, I'm planning to take over the charge of this troupe.
Whoever wants to join me, are most welcome.
We have no other place to go.
From now on, you are our boss.
All of you are welcome..
That's good.. - ...except Kali.
Brother, why are you punishing me? I will also come along.
Hey, you killed our master.
This troupe was created by him!
It won't grow as long as you are in it. Just leave!
But Swamigal blessed him before he died.
I don't care. Swamigal was akin to God for me.
I cannot tolerate the one who is responsible for his death.
Swamigal might have forgiven him, but I will not!
Why are you saying this?
Kali is like your younger brother.. - He must leave!
Or else, I will leave this company.
Brother, when I heard of Rangamma's death
I lost my sanity. I didn't know what to do.
In a fit of rage, I shouted at him.
Hey, if you were a true man, you should have married Rangamma.
You should have lived with her in some distant land.
Brother, what are you saying?
I left her to follow his orders.
Shut up! Just because of him, you left her stranded.
You are responsible for her death, not Swamigal.
Gomathi! - How dare you hit me!
Why did you come to us after getting her pregnant?
Gomathi! - You killed her and blamed Swamigal for it!
Are you a human being? You rascal! - Gomathi!
Please listen to me. - Gomathi!
I don't want him!
You beat me..
How dare you beat me! What's my mistake?
How dare you beat me! - Gomathi..
Please forgive him for his mistakes.
Don't hit him, Gomathi.. - Listen to me..
Let me go. I will kill him! - Oh, no! Gomathi!
Gomathi, stop it! - Don't beat him.. - Oh, no..
Where will he go? - Let him go anywhere!
But not here. If I see you again, I will kill you!
Please have some mercy and forgive him. - No!
You will have to decide who you want to be with! Me or him?
We want both of you to be in this troupe.
That's impossible! If he is here, I will leave the troupe!
Brother Gomathi is right.
I killed my teacher.
My sin will keep haunting me.
If I stay here, nothing will prosper.
Let him stay with you all. I-I will go away.
I will go away!
I want our troupe to do well.
Please forgive me.
I.. I will l-leave.
Kali..
Hey, let me make this very clear!
If any of you wish to leave with him, go right away.
'Valli's Marriage'
'Indian Federation of Malaysia, Penang'
'Lankeshwaran'
Gomathi, you did it!
The golden artist, the king of drama, Gomathi Nayagam Pillai!
The hero of the entire nation!
'Sri Rama's Crowning Ceremony'
I have achieved all the success
but not Vadivu.
Vadivu..
Vadivu!
Vadivu..
After leaving an imprint of our drama in foreign countries
I returned to Madurai, our native, after five long years.
Long live our motherland!
The freedom fighters seem to have become more aggressive.
After Mahatma Gandhi visited Madurai
every villager has started revolting against the British.
On behalf of the Madurai Drama Artists Association
I felicitate our hero, Gomathi Nayagam Pillai.
And our singing beauty, Vadivambal.
In a huge theatre in Madurai
let us put up a mythological play with great pomp and show.
Of course! - I have a fantastic troupe.
Of course, I know that. - But I need painters to paint the posters.
In those days.. - I need more actors.
I have contacts all over Madurai. We will make the best arrangements.
How is Mr. Bhairava Sundaram doing?
He used to act until a few years ago
but then he became a drunkard.
He ruined his life.
What about
the main lead Kaliappa Bhagavathar?
Kaliappa? There is no one by that name.
There is a blind and useless actor, Kandappa.
No, I'm talking about Thalaivankotta
Kaliappa Bhagavathar.
Sivadas Swamigal's student.
I know every main lead theatre artist in and around Madurai city.
After all, I am Kavakudi Kannaiya.
I am sure, no one by that name exists in the industry.
If you want him at any cost
I will find him and bring him to you in my big car.
No, that's not required. I was just enquiring.
All right..
Palavesham. - Yes?
Did you enquire about Kaliappa?
I enquired in the area where theatre artists used to live.
But no one has any information.
They say that no one by that name exists.
You are of marriageable age now.
Please don't tease me.
Should I speak to Vadivu?
What are you waiting for?
No. I don't know what's on her mind.
She hasn't given in for the past five years.
Maybe, he is still on her mind.
There is no news of him.
She has no one to count on.
Should I convince her?
'Karna Moksham'
Everyone in the city is so excited
to see Mr. Gomathi and Ms. Vadivu together.
All the sofa seats are sold. - Hello.
There are no tickets for the next eight days.
We have a lot of bookings this year.
I have asked them to prepare chicken for dinner.
Hello, sir.
Where is Mr. Gomathi? Has he gone to the temple?
He is down with a fever.
What? A fever?
This is a viral fever.
Oh, no! - It won't subside before five days.
Sir, you need rest.
I'll take your leave now.
Hello, Doctor. - Hello.
What's wrong with you? You were absolutely fine yesterday.
Since last night, there has been fever, headache and also vomiting.
Be careful.
My entire body is writhing in pain.
What shall we do now? The theatre is houseful.
The show must go on.
Sir, we have no option. You are ill.
The doctor has advised you rest.
Let's cancel all the bookings for the next ten days.
Hey! Is this a joke to you? It's the festival season.
If we cancel the drama, they will burn the theatre.
Moreover, who will bear the loss of ten days rent for the theatre
travel, the orchestra, sound and all the advertisement expenses?
If the beginning is such, who will trust us and invest in us?
Our boss is not keeping well. How will he stage the play?
Won't you stage a drama today? - No, we won't!
You jokers!
I don't know what and how you will manage.
But I want the show to happen tonight.
I have taken a loan to finance your play.
You must have minted money in Singapore.. - Hey, you!
Why are you screaming? Should we do anything to satisfy you?
Yes, you should.. That is what actors are born for.
Didn't you take the money? Didn't you eat?
Didn't you go to the prostitute?
Teacher! You don't know who I am. - Hey.. Leave me..
Let him go. - Don't fight!
Won't you perform after taking money from me?
We will do it! Your show won't stop.
Not because I fear you, but to upkeep my reputation.
You better do that, or you will see my true colours.
Get ready for the evening show!
Boss, why did you commit to stage the play?
You are not keeping well. How will you act in this condition?
Sir, shall I say something?
What is it? - Shall we hire a freelance theatre actor?
It's festival time. Will we find an actor in the last minute?
Even if we find one, he should know 'Karna Moksham' by heart.
All these plays were written by Sankaradas Swamigal.
Every freelance actor knows those dialogues by heart.
They will come and perform for us.
Teacher. - Yes, sir?
Give some money to Oviyar. Listen. - Yes?
Get two actors by noon. - Okay, sir.
Here, take the money. Find a good actor.
'Karna Moksham'. - It's time for the play.
Come in..
Please come.. Go inside..
Come in. - Hello. - Have a seat, sir.
Sir..
Drink an ounce of this concoction. You will feel better.
Two floor tickets, please.
It's really crowded. Hurry up.
You are most welcome, sir. A hearty welcome to the police.
You are the highest authority in our police department.
You have spent a lot on the advertisement.
You have called the foreign returned actors this time.
Is it black money?
Sir, don't you know about me?
We have been in this business for generations.
I hardly make any profit.
Kannaiya, the singing beauty, Vadivambal..
She looks like a Goddess!
Landlords from eight nearby villages have come to see her.
Are you here to see her performance too? Please come in..
What's the matter? Did you find someone?
There was no one available in the artist's street.
It's the festival season. So, all of them were already out.
He has gone to Virudapatti.
He has assured to get someone.
If he doesn't find anyone, I will die of shame.
Hey, start the play!
These theatre groups are not at all reliable.
How long should we wait?
Start the play! - Will they start it or not?
Are you still not ready?
Sir, it is time to start the play.
You haven't dressed up yet. So many officers are waiting!
The crowd's getting out of control. - Wait for ten more minutes.
The play was supposed to start at 7 p.m. and it's 7:30 p.m. already.
What are you up to? - Have some patience.
Teacher, I don't care what you do.
The bell should ring in ten minutes.
Or else, there will be bloodshed here. Come on!
I will do it myself. - Sir.. - Sir..
He will definitely find someone in Virudapatti. Please lie down.
Come on, start the play.. - Start it..
Sir, he is here. He is back with an actor!
Goddess Meenakshi saved us! - Sir..
Hello, sir. There is no place that I didn't visit.
Marudai, Sivagangai and Virudapatti, I went everywhere.
Finally, I found an actor in Srivilliputhur.
He is a freelancer, but has a bad habit.
So, no one gives him work. I got him just for today.
Will he act? - Yes, he acts well.
Just manage for today. Tomorrow, I will get someone more professional.
Call him inside. - Listen, come inside.
Kali?
Yes, sir. He is Kali!
Brother Gomathi!
Teacher! - Kali!
Palavesham! - Kali..
Is it our troupe?
Why are you.. He didn't tell me it was for you.
How are you, Brother?
Why is your forehead bandaged?
Are you not keeping well?
Your body is burning! Is it a fever?
What is wrong with you? Did you take medicine? Teacher?
I had the medicine, Kali. I'm fine, it's just a fever.
But why are you in this state?
I'm like a duck that got separated from its group.
I lost my way.
No one is to be blamed.
It was all my mistake.
It was my mistake.
Rangamma's and my mentor's curse has ruined me.
I turned into a beggar..
It's just that I did not die.
Brother, I got to meet you all.
I am very happy. It's enough for me.
What play is it? I saw the board. It's 'Karna Moksham', right?
We will present it splendidly! What role do you want me to play?
Karna or Arjun? Tell me, Brother.
Palavesham, ring the bell. I will shave and get ready in quickly.
Teacher, I will get ready in just five minutes.
Brother..
Just as I begged in front of Swamigal, today, I beg you.
Please don't chase me away again.
Let me be with you.
Keep me like your servant.
Are you not ringing the bell? - Brother..
Ask him to ring the bell. Please don't chase me away.
Brother..
Palavesham! - Teacher? - Go and ring the bell.
Start the prayer. - Okay. - Thanks a lot..
Come on! Everyone, get going.
Kali, go and put Karna's make-up.
You will play Karna. - Teacher!
Yes, sir? - I will play Karna's part.
Kali will play Arjun.
How will you manage, sir?
You can't even stand. How will you wear the make-up and perform?
If you could do it yourself, why did you call him?
Hey, just do as I say!
You are extremely down. How will you..
If you can act, why can't I?
It's been a long time since we performed together on stage.
Let's do it today.
Come on!
Greetings to each one of you.
Mother, the one who gave birth to me!
Where are you?
Instead of leaving me in the river as soon as I was born
why didn't you kill me and throw me away in the river?
Had you killed me as soon as I was born
I would not have had to suffer all these humiliations, Mother!
What do you want from me? Go ahead, ask me!
I won't turn you down.
Do you want to take my life away? Just ask me for it.
Vadivu, how are you?
I never expected to see you again.
How are you?
Today, I am fine.
Although my mother was alive, I became an orphan.
Despite being a king, I became a slave.
I had brothers, but I was still left alone.
I was ready to give away my life for those who believed in me.
Why is my fate like this..
Bravo! Brother is an exceptional actor, isn't he?
Teacher, I didn't expect him to go so far with such high fever.
He has portrayed Karna so flawlessly.
I will never leave Duryodhana and come to you.
Kaliappa took resort to drinking and ruined his career.
But Gomathi, he struggled all his life and gave away
his life to the theatre.
Karna! My abandoned son!
The apple of my eye! Oh, God!
In 'Karna Moksham', once Karna is dead, the story ends.
He is beginning it from the end.
"Declare it.."
"Declare your final verdict."
"Put a halt.."
"Stand still in this battle."
"Send it away.."
"Send this war away."
"If you need more lives, kill me first."
"Lord Krishna, kill me first."
"Why did you make me mount the arrow?"
"Why did you let the bloodshed happen?"
"Why did you let the earth win"
"and let me lose within?"
"You let the earth win"
"and made me lose within?"
"It's my request to you."
"Lord Krishna, I request you."
"Declare it.."
"Declare your final verdict."
"Put a halt.."
"Stand still in this battle."
"You control the timeline"
"and I got stuck in that."
"You created reality and illusion, but I got entrapped in it."
"If the sin of killing Karna goes to Krishna"
"where will the sin of giving that sin to Krishna go?"
"Declare it.."
"Declare your final verdict."
"Put a halt.."
"Stand still in this battle."
"Why do wars happen in this world?"
"Why does this bloodshed happen?"
"Oh, Lord!"
"Why is this hatred prevalent?"
"Why is this resentment"
"prevalent in our hearts?"
"Krishna, stop the chariot."
"Who will we live with after defeating everyone?"
"Stop the chariot."
"Enough of this bloodbath!"
"Stop this battle."
"For the betterment of the future generation"
"stop this war."
"Stop this war."
Sivadas Swamigal, do you see your disciple standing on the stage?
You are alive in him.
Kali, you did a great job!
He did not listen to me when I asked him to rest.
Last night, he played the main lead himself.
He performed all night.
He needs to rest for ten days. Please go out.
I need to administer him with an injection. Go out.
Do what you want, but cure him.
Sir, your performance was simply superb last night.
Teacher, will we be able to put on a show tonight?
Yes, we will.
No matter who comes to stop me
but I will behead the one who is against me!
Your ego and arrogance will only lead you to failure.
'Valli's Wedding' - "Oh, Damsel!"
"You are the one who roams around." - 'The Tale of Harishchandra'
I have lost everything in life.
I lost my house, my land and my kith and kin.
You played the main lead to stop him for one day.
He has been playing the main lead since ten days. What could you do?
We felicitate Kaliappa Bhagavathar with a money garland.
We also felicitate Ms. Vadivambal.
Now our group is known as 'Kali's Troupe'.
Have it.
Since the day I started playing the female lead
I was anxiously waiting for the day when I'll act with you.
I got the opportunity now.
Won't you tell me how my performance was?
I've been conferred the title of 'Singing beauty' across the world.
But I want to know your opinion about my act.
You look beautiful. Isn't that enough?
Why? Didn't you like my performance?
Vadivu, let us not talk about it.
I am talking to you and you are walking away.
I felt like slapping you in the midst of the play.
Do you think you were acting on stage?
You were showing off your beauty! Shame on you!
I am honouring Kaliappa Bhagavathar to appreciate his performance.
Look at this ship with the Khadi flag.
Freedom..
Freedom!
Hail our motherland! - Hail!
Hail Mahatma Gandhi! - Hail!
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
Come on, take him out!
I am honouring Kaliappa Bhagavathar to appreciate his performance.
For felicitating him on the stage
here is your reward.
Thank you, sir.
We are their slave.
Friends, he is one of the best actors in our nation
Kaliappa Bhagavathar.
He is the disciple of Madurai's Sivadas Swamigal. - Hello. - Hello.
Your performance is flawless. We have watched your shows.
Thank you. - How long will theatre artists like you
perform on mythological stories and fool our people?
Our country is in a pitiable state.
The British have been ruling us
for the past 200 years.
In the Northern India, people are laying their lives. What about us?
What do you want me to do? - Change your plays.
Change yourself. Stage patriotic plays.
We are all with you.
Your plays should awaken the spirit of every spectator.
It should make their blood boil and provoke them to fight for freedom.
'No person can fight alone.'
'If I get the support of all my countrymen, I can do big things.'
'I will then create a revolution and show to the entire world..'
'Long live our motherland..'
'...India will soon be a free bird.'
I have arranged to bail you out.
You will be out in a few days.
Brother, I met a few freedom fighters here.
That is how I learnt about the freedom struggle.
Let us work on revolutionary plays.
Revolutionary plays? - Yes, Brother.
Why? Are you not contended by coming to jail?
Do you want everyone in our troupe to be behind bars?
No, Brother.
The British are torturing us because we don't raise our voice.
If we provoke the people to fight through our plays.. - Hey!
If you have such intentions, don't come back to my company.
Let this be the last time we are meeting.
Revolutionary plays, my foot!
Don't worry. We will be out very soon.
We will stage revolutionary plays.
What do you say, Ilamdevan? - Sure, sir. - Of course!
Let us start a new drama company. - Sure. - Definitely!
What will be its name? - Revolutionary Drama Troupe..
Shall we call it 'Bharath Drama troupe'?
Fantastic.. That's the best name.
Vadivu.
You performed really well today.
You were amazing. Our company is reaping good profits.
You get Rs. 100 per day now.
I'm thinking of making it Rs. 200.
That's good. Speak to my mother about it.
Okay. By the way..
The teacher spoke to you about something, right?
Tell me, Vadivu.
When shall we get married?
Why should we get married? Isn't it like a contract?
Or are you afraid that I will go away with Kali?
Do you know what you are saying? - Yes, I do.
I know you very well. I have been noticing you since I started here.
I know what you think and what you speak.
Moreover, just before you asked me for marriage
you spoke about increasing my wages. Why did you do that?
Did you think I will melt on hearing about money?
What value do I hold in your heart?
Just a servant! The daughter of the maid, Ammani! Am I right?
No, Vadivu. I never thought so.
I said I want to marry you.
Rather than being a wife in servitude
I prefer being a servant.
No! I am a slave to Kali's songs and art.
If he calls me at any hour of the day, I will go with him.
I am waiting only for him. - What are you saying, Vadivu?
They have put him behind bars. He will never be free.
Who told you that? Are you a government official?
He will definitely come out.
I will wait till he comes out.
I cannot act with you hereafter!
Settle my accounts tomorrow.
You cannot just leave whenever you wish to.
You have signed a contract of 15 years to act in this company.
Do you think I will let you walk away?
I will call the police and get you arrested.
Are you threatening me?
The police will put me in jail, won't they?
I don't mind. I will be happy that I am with Kali.
Vadivu, why don't you understand?
Kali.. Can't you think of anyone else?
What did he do for you?
Who helped you to attain so much of fame and name?
I took you to Malaysia, Singapore, Colombo and everywhere I went
and spread your fame. Why did I do that?
Why, Vadivu?
Because I love you so much.
Today, I am a millionaire.
If you marry me, you will live like a queen.
But you.. Why don't you like me?
Answer me! Why don't you like me? I want to know your answer.
Leading the life of a queen is not happiness.
Happiness is when I live with the man I love.
Don't irritate me anymore. Just leave me alone.
Please come..
'Freedom Struggle' - Come in.
"Why should our motherland be captive of the foreigners?"
"Why should our motherland be restricted in chains of slavery?"
"When will we attain freedom?"
"Or will we remain slaves to the English?"
"My countrymen have no self-respect."
"This is shameful."
Who is it? - This side.
Sir.. - Ask him to pack everything.
Come in, Vadivu.
I left everything and came here.
I told him I will never act with him again and came here.
My mother wants me to be the mistress of the landlord.
Gomathi wants to marry me.
I don't know what to do.
I cannot take it anymore.
I beg of you.
Please save me. Allow me to stay with you.
Let me be with you. If not as an actress, let me be your cook.
Vadivu
I have already been accused of many crimes.
Please don't force me.
Won't you accept me, despite seeing me beg in front of you?
Do you think I am to be pitied?
Don't kill me with your words.
I can't do this. I can't do this now.
I am leaving, but I will never act.
As long as you don't call me, I won't act.
It's a promise to myself. I will never act!
I will wait for you.
'Sarangadaran'
Hail our motherland! - Hail!
Long live our motherland!
- 'Brave Abhimanyu'
'Hiranyan'
Kali's fame spread like wild fire in all four directions.
As he grew, I lost all my fame.
I felt humiliated to see the theatre empty.
I felt like killing myself.
Palavesham and a few others have joined Kali's troupe.
And the rest went to try their luck on bioscope.
Let them go! Everyone is free to go.
I will act all alone on the stage.
Why? Even you are free to leave.
I don't rely on anyone. I only count on myself.
I will perform a one man show!
I will do it all alone!
Thank you. - Thank you. - See you tomorrow. - Bye.
Okay. - Start rehearsals from tomorrow. - Okay.
I'll inform everyone.
Kali. - All of them are our men. - What is it? - Here.
Vadivu has sent this for you. - Make them read the dialogues.
'The king of the theatre'
'please accept Vadivambal's salutations.'
'You refused to shelter me.'
'You did not even allow me to be your cook and maid.'
'May be, that's how misfortunate I am.'
'It is of no use complaining about you.'
'Please do what you feel is right.'
"You dwell within me like a whisper"
"in an empty room."
"You are creating the music of love in my heart."
"My heart belongs to you."
"What do I tell my heart?"
"It looks for you every day."
"It doesn't pay heed to me"
"and seeks your presence."
"You dwell within me like a whisper"
"in an empty room."
"You are creating the music of love in my heart."
"My heart belongs to you."
"A world filled with music."
"Only the two of us will live in that world."
"A home made of dreams."
"We are the only ones who exist there for real."
"That was the time of solitude."
"That was the time when I rested on your lap."
"Love took the path of lips to reach our hearts.."
"Our love.."
"You dwell within me.."
"You dwell within me like a whisper in an empty room."
"You are creating the music of love in my heart."
"My heart belongs to you."
"What do I tell my heart?"
"It looks for you every day."
"It doesn't pay heed to me"
"and seeks your presence."
"You dwell within me like a whisper.."
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
Ban.. - The foreign clothes!
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
Long live our motherland..
"Words are not necessary."
"A glance will be enough."
"Shall we become birds and fly away?"
"You are born to sculpt me into a woman."
"Why do you want to turn me into a stone again? Tell me."
"You dwell within me like a whisper.." - Take care.
"..in an empty room.."
"You are creating the music of love in my heart."
"My heart belongs to you."
"What do I tell my heart?" - It's Vadivu's letter.
"It looks for you every day."
"It doesn't pay heed to me.." - Caste doesn't matter..
"...and seeks your presence." - ...but the people do.
Till we attain independence, we will continue to fight.
I couldn't be a good son.
I want to live as a Good Samaritan.
If you fall..
Welcome. - Did you refuse to come and meet me?
You wanted to meet me.
So, you should be the one coming to meet me.
Please be seated. - I'm not here to chit-chat. Come to the station.
Do you have a warrant? - Shut up, you rogue!
Are you talking about law? - Yes, I am.
I am not a criminal to come and meet you wherever you call me.
You are accused of treason.
Hey! Am I a traitor?
This is my motherland, my nation!
Is it treason to raise my voice against your atrocities?
You are a traitor. We will be an independent country very soon.
Then you will be punished. - Hey, shut your mouth!
Do you know whom you are talking to? I will shoot you all down!
If you sing or speak against our nation
I will wipe you off the earth!
Mr. Anjunda Rao, wait a minute.
We have a revolutionary play on the 10th day of the month 'Aavani'.
'Victory of Khadi'! Please attend with your family.
I will give you free passes. - Hey!
I will come with a warrant to shoot you down.
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
'Shri Krishna Tulabharam' - Hey, it is 7 p.m.
Only 13 tickets are sold.
All I earned is Rs. 11 and a few paisa.
I have spent Rs. 8,500 to book this theatre.
Are you joking?
Where is he? The golden artist, the king of drama
Gomathi Nayagam Pillai! Damn him!
They couldn't even gather a few spectators.
They still want to keep their attitude and status.
Where is he? Where is Gomathi..
I couldn't recover my money. I incurred a very big loss.
What did you say? How dare you humiliate the actors!
Get out of here! Get out, I say! Go!
You slapped me, right? You don't know who I am.
I will make sure that you are ruined!
But right now, you look like Lord Krishna. - Shut up!
Get out! - I'm leaving.
If there is no crowd to watch your play, I will have to beg.
Tell me a way to recover my money, and I'll never bother you.
Sir, what is all this? - Will this be enough?
Sir? - Is this sufficient or not?
No!
These are the gold medals I got from different countries.
Throw these on that man's face! Settle his account. Go!
Go.
Sir.. - I said, go!
We have searched the whole town
but no one wants to act.
Mr. Rao has threatened everyone.
We cannot stage our shows anymore.
A man can play a woman, but it will be nice if a woman plays the role.
There is a way out.
I didn't want to do this, but I'll have to do it for our country.
Palavesham, tell Vadivu that I want to meet her. - Okay.
Have you decided to go to Kali? Listen to what I say.
If you join him, you will have to eat the jail food.
I have heard that the jail's food is delicious.
If you go with him, don't ever step into this house.
I will think you are dead!
I don't want a mother who wants me to be a landlord's mistress.
I will think you are dead too. Palavesham, let's go.
Vadivu, let's go.
I knew you would call me some day.
I was waiting for this day.
It's a revolutionary play. The police.. - I don't care.
I just want to act with you.
We have no fear.. We have no fear at all.
No matter how much we may have to suffer
we will never fear anyone.
Hail our motherland! - Hail our motherland!
Come in, Vadivu.
Did I perform well today?
You were beautiful as always.
But today, your performance was also at par.
You did an amazing job on stage.
I could feel your energy in your voice and body language.
You made me forget myself.
You were like fire on the stage.
That very moment, I desired to have a son like you.
I want to bear your child in my womb and carry on your legacy.
Will you accept me?
Brother!
It's a great loss for a theatre artist to lose his rewards.
You could've asked me for help.
Did you think I would not have helped you?
I was hurt when teacher told me about it.
That's why I brought everything that you sold off. Here, take it.
What are you thinking?
Can't I do even this little thing for you?
If I am in trouble, won't you stand by me?
If you won't mind me, shall I say something?
Please come and join my troupe.
You will play the main lead and I will assist you.
Like we were in Swamigal's company, let's be together again.
Don't think, Brother. Please come with me.
Okay, Kali.
I will act in your troupe.
I will act for you.
Kali, we just got the news
that our drama on Bhagat Singh has been banned.
If you still stage this play, Rao has orders to shoot you.
What are you saying?
Yes, Vadivu. Kali and his group
are accused of revolting against the British through their drama.
So, the collector has ordered to shoot him.
We will put up the act even if we have to die.
Let the people know
that we don't fear to raise our voice for our motherland.
'Bhagat Singh'
I am scared.
Don't be scared, Vadivu.
Bhagat Singh is the brave hero of our motherland.
You cannot hang him to death in haste.
Bhagat Singh! Who is he?
Is he a saviour or a God?
Today is the last day of his life.
This is not a rope to hang me.
But it's a reward to acknowledge my services to my motherland.
Don't say that Bhagat Singh died.
Say that he left for his eternal abode.
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
Long live our motherland! - Police!
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
Long live our motherland!
- Long live our motherland!
Come on! Everyone, disperse! - Long live our motherland..
It is against the government, I have orders to shoot you!
Long live our motherland! - Hey!
Either surrender yourself, or I will shoot you!
Shoot me, you traitor!
Let the outsiders hang our leader, Bhagat Singh.
Let him be killed by a traitor today!
Shoot me, you dog! Long live our motherland!
Arrest him! - Long live our motherland!
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
Long live our motherland!
We won't let you arrest him.
We won't let you arrest him!
We won't let you arrest Kaliappa!
We won't let you arrest Kaliappa.
Long live our motherland..
Long live our motherland! - Long live our motherland!
Long live our motherland! - We won't let you arrest Kaliappa!
Long live our motherland..
Don't hit the policemen. Let them do their job.
We won't allow you to arrest Kaliappa..
We won't allow you to arrest Kaliappa.
Let them do their job.
Come on, attack!
We won't let you take Kaliappa away!
Long live our motherland.. - Oh, God!
Long live our motherland!
Please, stop it!
We won't allow you to arrest Kaliappa.
We won't..
Kali! - Sharma! Pazhani!
Hey! - Kaliappa, the world of drama needs you!
Sir! - Don't lose your life! - Kali, please go. - Let's go!
Kali, come with us. - Kali, come on!
Long live our motherland..
Everyone, run for your lives. - Hey!
Run! - Kali, escape from here.
Run.. Escape, everyone!
Kaliappa!
Kali! - Damn! Start the jeep!
Come, let's go!
Hurry up!
Kali, don't run! Otherwise, I'll shoot you!
Vadivu, where are you going?
I wonder what happened to him! I need to check on him.
Are you out of your senses?
The police have surrounded us. They will shoot us at sight.
I don't care. I want to see Kali.
Don't you understand?
Go and sit inside the temple. I will check on Kali.
Vadivu, please go and hide inside the temple!
Stop there.. Don't run..
Vadivu!
They shot Kali dead!
They killed him!
Dear! - Oh, no!
Vadivu.. - Dear!
Dear..
No! Kali..
Oh, no!
- Kali!
He was a brilliant actor!
Is there anyone who can replace him?
Why did you go away, Kali?
Kali will never die!
I have him within me. He will come back for sure.
I pray to Goddess Meenakshi.
Ask the one who will perform the final rites to sit here.
Go, sit there.
Me? - Of course, you will have to do it.
I cannot do it, Teacher.
Ask someone else to do it.
You were an elder brother to Kali. He was like your younger brother.
You deserve to perform his final rites. Please do it.
Come on, you have to do it. Please come.
What are you saying? I cannot.. Someone, please do it.
Don't say a word against it. Please come. Only you deserve to do it.
Come. - Please come.
Please be seated.
Quiet! - Kali.
How did you.. - Why did you come here?
Police have surrounded us.
Both of us will be caught. Where's Vadivu?
She is safe.
When she heard the police firing
she got frightened thinking that something happened to you.
She wanted to see you.
So, I made her sit in the temple and came to check on you.
Nothing will happen to me. I will manage to escape.
Brother, bring Vadivu
to Samayanallur railway station. I will be there too.
If we get into the goods train, we can reach Puducherry.
If we reach there, police won't be able to harm us. You go this way.
And I will go that way. Long live our motherland!
What is this, Brother?
Kali
I couldn't take it anymore.
I couldn't put on the act of being a good man anymore.
I get so furious at the very sight of you.
But why, Brother?
You had no quality
but you kept on winning.
And although I was capable
I lost to you all my life.
What are you saying, Brother? - What is so special about you?
I made the character of Surapadman alive.
But that old man made you the main lead.
You became the hero.
And I settled in for a side role. Did I deserve that?
In the drama, 'Karna Moksham', where does Arjuna have a song?
But you sang a song and received everyone's applause.
I couldn't tolerate all this.
Why did you start playing revolutionary dramas
and ruin my drama company?
You are responsible.. You are the only one responsible
for bringing me down from riches to rags.
You bought back all my possessions that I had sold
and gave them to me in charity.
I should kill you for that one reason!
You were a womaniser.
But I..
I wasn't like you.
Vadivu.. I loved her so much.
But she
threw me away and ran into your arms.
Forgive me, Kali. Forgive me for this.
But my anger will subside
only if you die.
Once I kill you, I don't care if I live or die.
I will be at peace.
I swear, I will be at peace.
I can see the pain you have been going through.
I will die, Brother. Someday, I have to die.
But before I die, let me tell you one thing.
I still hold no grudges against you.
I don't hate you.
Even now, I see you as my elder brother.
You mean everything to me.
Hey! Don't talk. No, Kali.
Right from my childhood days
I competed with you every day
and that's how I came so far in life.
You were on my mind all the time.
I was fighting with you.
And that is the reason
even when you wanted to harm me
I thought you were doing it for my welfare.
What did you say? Am I a womaniser?
Rangamma was the only girl I loved more than my life.
It is you who separated her from me.
What are you saying?
I had told you about my love for her.
How did Swamigal come to know about it?
T-That..
Had you not sent me to jail the other day
I would not have got into the freedom struggle.
I know that you plotted against me.
The name, fame and recognition..
Even my life..
Everything is given to me by you, Brother.
I'm really thankful to you.
Thank you so much.
Kali!
Shoot me, Brother. Finish me! Don't think twice.
Kali, stop it! - You will be happy if I die.
Kali, let go of my hand. - Shoot me, Brother!
Take your hands off the gun! - Shoot your brother!
Leave me, Kali! - Shoot me, Brother! - No, Kali!
Shoot me.. - Kali!
Kali..
Kali!
'Varanasi'
Brother Gomathi!
Kali!