The wind is very strong!
The fault is not the wind's alone.
The lamp is placed inappropriately. That's all.
It was meant to be a light to the devotees
who are going to the shores from the temple.
Shouldn't the wind allow it too?
It will.
Or we'll have to make it.
Keep the lamp lit.
You may proceed now.
The southern wind won't blow it off.
When the winds of 'Thulam' month arrive..
We shall deal with that later.
Ask them to bury 36 centimetres of the stone.
I have simply placed it.
Where are you from, my Lord?
Oh! This was the sacred thread given to me to build a temple.
I am not a Brahmin.
I am a carpenter.
It's a wonder that a carpenter blocked the wind.
Where are you from?
I'm from a faraway place.
It is called Uliyannoor.
Now I get it!
I see.
You are welcome to my home for dinner.
It is nearby.
What?
'PERUMTHACHAN'
What is it? - You are invited to the manor.
By whom? - The count.
The count who married the heiress.
He said that his name is Mampattam Unni.
I see!
Count Unni from my past!
Is he here?
It is me.
It's me.
If a carpenter was able to block the wind with a stone
I concluded that it was none other than Perumthachan.
I didn't know that you are here.
While I was planning to send word to Ariyalur
I heard that you quit.
That was not it.
One needs experience along with knowledge.
They don't know that.
Sit, Raman.
28 years! - What is it?
My first training assignment with my teacher was here.
It was called 'Puthankovilakam' back then.
Really?
Sit, Raman.
Sit.
Even if you visit a work under construction
it will forever be known as your work.
Such is your fame!
The people here don't know about it, though.
I'm amazed!
The first three months or so.
There was a younger count who was a lunatic.
No! Don't use 'lunatic' while referring to nobility.
In such instances, you use 'special'.
That is the word to use.
The elder count and his special brother
are no more.
They died way before I came here.
He sits alongside the count.
He talks as if they are equals.
That too in our courtyard.
Who is it?
When I was asked for refreshments
I thought it was for a count or a nobleman.
Do you know who he is?
A mere carpenter.
Will his caste upgrade just because he studied Sanskrit with the count?
It's Perumthachan! - What?
Do you remember the Chittarikkavu Temple outside my manor? - Yes.
I always recollect it during my prayers.
That of Goddess Saraswathi. - Yes.
Lack of venerations in the temple there led to many aftermaths.
The remedy found was to construct a similar temple here
and worship.
It shall face the north.
There was an idol of Lord Shiva inside.
It faces east.
Yes. - Wow! Raman remembers it clearly.
I carved a lotus in the attic of the elder count's chamber.
Yes. - And by his orders, to calm down
a crying adamant child
I had built a swing.
It was made from Black Murdah. - I see.
This is it.
Then you may see that child
right now, Raman.
She is still a bit adamant.
It must have been my sister.
She too was there back then.
No. It was you.
The adamant face of yours and its features
are still in my memory.
While carving the idol of 'Swayamvara Durga'
I wanted to make sure that the face remained the same. - I see.
Your elder sister had a round face, two-toned
and had a low nose.
Wow! What a memory!
Poor thing! Her sister too passed away, Raman.
No matter how skilled he is, he is still my old Raman.
He had left with a text that my father held dear
saying that he will return it soon.
It is now that I am seeing him after that.
Where are you planning to conduct the ritual?
You calculate on your own. We had done this before.
Then again, should we check the horoscope or the celestial effects?
What is your norm?
I stopped doing celestial calculations.
I can't.
It's okay if you can't. - I used to predict the owner's future
based on the nature of his land.
It was mostly correct.
Should you mention that?
I have heard of many miracles.
Also your mistakes.
I failed in calculating my future.
That is when I stopped doing it.
Such a man should not predict the future of others.
Isn't that correct?
Though I didn't want a marriage, I traded that notion of mine
for a girl with a good horoscope.
I felt like doing it.
So what? Isn't that a necessity?
It was an ideal match.
It was good in all aspects.
I couldn't see that she had a short life ahead of her.
What else could I do?
You must make the idol.
Even Varutheekkara Thirumeni said that you
are the ideal man to do it.
Isn't that so? It is a must.
I am not compelling you to do the calculations.
The idol must be placed on the day of 'Navami'.
That is necessary.
Didn't you say that you prayed a lot to that Goddess
when you were a kid and the image is still etched in your mind?
What if the Goddess herself led you here?
Isn't that so, Bhargavi?
Didn't someone recently praise the idol at Chengannur?
I didn't make that one.
An old idol was there in a nearby pond.
I merely showed it to them.
Yes.
How? How did you know of the idol in the pond?
I had a vision.
Certain omens too.
Such indications are mostly correct.
Then say something based on the indications you saw here.
We shall listen to it.
Yes! We shall.. Tell us.
Wealth and food will continue to increase.
You already have more than enough, don't you?
We're doing well because of the good deeds of the ancestors.
You must make one thing that you don't have.
The one thing that you and the lady don't have here
is a cradle.
Isn't that what you need?
You blabbered that to him the moment you met, didn't you?
I.. I never said anything.
I only asked him to.. - Ma'am, it is easily understood.
Children make the house noisy.
There will at least be a single toy lying around.
The swing is dusty. No one uses it.
On top that, an omen. A calf came running and left.
You might not have noticed that.
Let the time come. I will make the cradle for sure.
Make sure you have sandalwood ready.
You too might have heard that saying this
will fetch you gifts and money.
Ma'am, I have failed only on calculating my future so far.
Raman.
We got married 16 years ago.
Venerations, expiation rituals.. We have nothing left to do.
There is no other way to continue our bloodline.
If they ask me to leave and look for another man..
Don't they follow matrilineal inheritance?
If they ask me to leave, I must leave.
Will she take such a step?
Doesn't she have more than enough people to advise her?
What if she sees it fit after repeatedly hearing it?
I, who lived here
and governed this place in a way
will be in poverty if sent back home.
Doesn't ending a 16-year-old relationship bother you?
What? Yes..
You just don't know the situation back home.
Three years!
And that too, not continuously.
The few days that I get in between the ending
and commencing of my projects.
And yet, when she passed, I died inside.
We can think of death as God's decision.
This..
If you will be saved by the lifting the curse of Chittarikkavu temple..
Are the stones ready?
The people living around the pond had various demands.
One wanted it to be circular. - Okay.
One wanted it to be rectangular. - I see.
One wanted a square.
In short, they couldn't come to an agreement.
And?
You dropped it, didn't you? - No. I dug the pond.
What? - When each person takes a look at it
it will be in the shape he wanted. Won't that do?
How can that be, Raman?
It will seem like it only from that place. - I see.
The real shape is none of these. - Then?
It is a minor effect of parallax and maths.
The pond is huge.
The secret lies in its size. Just understand that.
The time..
Like my mentor, your father, used to do.
If you're late, either go to the courtyard
or to the ant-infested tree shade.
Will you be getting any such punishment?
Time flew by as I listened to Raman's stories.
Are you sure that he will finish the work by 'Navratri'?
There was another man fit for the job.
What is there to doubt in it?
He took the job, didn't he?
I have heard many stories of him leaving his work unfinished.
He will finish if he wants to.
Who do you think he is?
I have heard some people say that he is the reincarnation
of Maya from Mahabharata, the craftsman who built Indraprastha.
His skill makes it seem like magic.
The carpenters raised an unwanted child of a Parayar woman
who was impregnated by a Namboodiri.
There is another story like that.
There are many stories.
But there is no doubt that his skills are extraordinary.
When Raman explained the indications of 'Swayamvara Durga'
it was accurate.
Your face.. It still..
You needed a carpenter to make you understand that!
Isn't our carpenter who builds the temple enough for this job?
Isn't it all based on technique?
Why? - It's just that the great craftsman
has found our stones faulty.
He wants us to bring in new ones.
Take these out.
Come. Grab it..
This will do for the basic sculptures.
Let them begin.
What was wrong with it?
It is a eunuch.
That is its flaw.
Idols are made only from male and female rocks.
Do rocks have a gender? - Yes.
Rocks, trees and everything else can be male, female or a eunuch.
Just like with humans.
Listen to the sound, ma'am.
Take this inside. It has male features.
It will emit sparks.
It will create an echo.
Female characteristics.
Take this in.
It is ideal for the pedestal.
The pitch must be sweet.
You may touch it, ma'am.
Our science says that it will be as warm
as the belly of a beautiful woman.
Did you reach here as well?
I went to Ariyalur first.
I didn't stay to complete the work.
When will you be back?
Let this be over.
It's just an idol.
When will you be free?
The first veneration is on 'Navami'.
I'll come after that.
The kid has not been named.
He hasn't been ritually fed.
If you say a specific date..
Divide into 27 and try redrawing it. - Okay.
No.
I will change it. - Okay.
Devaki is getting many marriage proposals.
I will have my work.
What about the child once she leaves?
I will come. We will discuss it then.
You were busy even when I came to inform you of your wife's illness.
Don't you remember?
If you say a specific date..
Sit. The sanctum must be made a bit smaller.
Sit.
I think one of the carpenter's relatives has come.
Make sure he gets refreshments.
Sure.
Okay? Okay.
I'm thinking of inviting the senior priest from Kaladi for veneration.
Other priests are needed as well.
I must go in person.
Where? Where is your relative?
Oh! He's over there. - Okay.
I forgot the fact that Kesavan is waiting.
He's my brother-in-law.
I must find a date for the ritual meal
and the naming of the kid.
Which kid?
My son.
What? You didn't tell me that.
My wife died in childbirth.
The child lived, though.
H-How old is he?
He's about to be two.
How is his horoscope?
He will be destined for greatness like his father.
Such is your heritage!
I haven't checked it.
What? What foolishness!
His mother died while giving birth to him.
I don't know what he has in store for me.
So I decided not to check his horoscope.
I will, in time.
Perumthachan.
I think your guy left.
What?
I had asked him to wait.
After inviting the priest on the specified date
you shouldn't.. - I will do it, my Lord.
I shall begin.
What is it? Are you seeing if you can make music out of rocks?
Let me check your work. - Don't!
Stop, Embrandiri.
It's not the time for that yet.
I won't let anyone in.
No one? - Yes.
Even the count himself won't be allowed inside.
You will leech off whatever you can from here.
And the work won't get finished.
Who gave you the title of the master craftsman?
Some fools did.
The real master craftsman is over there. Lord Brahma.
What is your doubt, Maani?
Nothing. He's trying to make music while he's supposed to work.
That's all.
Embrandiri is doubtful about that too. - Yes.
You will hear the music. I shall make you hear. - Yes.
Ma'am, kindly play those notes again.
It's an experiment.
If we are careful enough with the strike, we shall hear it.
We shall, my Lord.
Seven pillars. Seven notes.
I will make it.
Let it be a hall for Goddess Saraswathi.
What do you think, my Lord?
We shall do it if everything goes as planned, Raman.
Are your doubts cleared, Embrandiri?
Raman is never wrong.
But will you live long enough to see it?
That is doubtful.
The Goddess of fortune has left. The place where you stand..
What? What is it..
He must have had a vision.
What is the danger?
Your life is not at stake. - Okay.
But.. - What is it?
The wet cloth drove fortune away.
Isn't it on your right shoulder? - Yes.
Is there any remedy, Raman?
Praying to Goddess Lakshmi for 41 days.
Penance and only one meal a day.
And taking care of trees and cows.
Isn't that the norm, my Lord? - Yes.
41 can be extended, though.
How did you know that he is a glutton and a slob?
Isn't that evident? He won't disturb us now.
It was necessary.
He doesn't work. He doesn't assign it either.
I doubt if he is stealing from the granary as well.
Maani will struggle with one meal a day.
I'm planning to leave, Raman.
Okay.
I will reach Angadipuram before evening.
I must visit my manor on my way back from Kaladi.
I will return on the fourth day.
If you need anything in particular, Warrier will be here for that.
Okay. - Okay.
I too, am leaving with him.
Is the one meal rule applicable during travel as well?
What? Yes.
Don't. Stop only after reading one more chapter.
It's me. Perumthachan.
I hope I didn't scare you.
It is a blessing to hear 'Devi Mahatmya' being read out.
It is a fortune to see your face in the light of a lamp.
It's not done yet.
The flower in the ear and some decorations remain.
The food we kept outside..
When the corners and angles of 'Swayamvara Durga' unravelled
I saw the face of the old Saraswathi idol.
This will do..
Are you not supposed to pray the Goddess of Chittarikkavu?
The texts contain the calculations for all the Goddesses.
The calculations at hand and devotion at heart.
An idol doesn't become good only with that.
There must also be a face within the mind.
Only I know that secret.
Is it done? - Many things remain.
Today.. No, it will end by tonight.
After I etch the decorations, you must come and see it.
What you saw now..
I normally don't let that happen.
The noblewomen here don't forget caste and creed differences.
If it's not too late, come to the western end and inform.
If I'm not asleep, the maid will call me.
The manor is not good enough. Hence we are sitting here.
Shall we leave? - Yes. - Yes. - Yes.
Come.
God!
Had we stayed at the outhouse of Mangalam
we might not have reached here now. Isn't that so? - Yes. - Yes.
I was asked to come and inform once the idol was finished.
You all are here at the right time.
Is it done then?
My mistake!
It was wrong of me to even think about it!
My mistake..
Hey! Where is the idol?
It was taken for veneration.
I have one more strand to etch in the crown.
A strand remains in the crown!
A strand in the crown! - Raman!
I don't need more than 12 minutes.
Just a strand on the crown. - The veneration has begun.
Step aside, Carpenter!
I see.
Don't ruin its sanctity.
The carpenter has a job left. That is enough.
The stone has become a Goddess now.
Now the craftsman must keep his distance. - What?
Nothing.
I am on my way back from Kesavan's looking for you.
It was a wise choice to take this route to Kunnathur.
I am on my way to meet Kesavan.
A new flagpole is being built at the temple. - Good.
We need an idol of Lord Garuda. The people want you to make it.
Let me just go home and attend to some personal matters.
No! How long do you need to etch a figurine of Lord Garuda?
Two days at max.
Didn't the high priest say that carpenters can only make an eagle
only Perumthachan can make Lord Garuda?
Someone important has come.
They must be from the palace.
What do you care? Grab it!
We are renovating the prayer hall.
It's Perumthachan's work.
Here.
Shall we leave?
We need to go to one more temple.
The craftsman must be busy.
He's coming.
You left a job unfinished in our manor.
I didn't know of your arrival.
Count Unni? - He is busy with something.
It was not good of you to leave without getting paid.
You quarrel often, don't you?
It's not that. I wanted to go home urgently.
I didn't wait for the veneration to end.
And did you reach home? Someone came looking for you again.
I will come later. I must visit the temple.
I must pray there. I will come.
Come in the middle of the month of 'Chingam'.
It will be the ideal time to build the cradle.
Goddess!
The Goddess showered her blessings. Great. Everything went fine.
My sincere prayers were always there, ma'am.
When my husband told me that you have powers..
I have no such powers.
It's all in what I learned and God's blessings.
That's what I think.
Certain visions come true.
You won't go wrong.
Just because you stay true to your rules
you will never go wrong.
I will come when the month of 'Chingam' begins.
This is rock sugar.
When the little countess is of appropriate age
these toys..
Isn't the countess still young? You may have a son also
if the Goddess blesses you.
Is that why you're silent?
I saw an ideal sandalwood tree in the outer garden.
If I could get some help..
There's no hurry.
Why is that so, my Lord?
Isn't it just a cradle? Any carpenter can make it.
Shall I see the baby countess?
You may see her when we take her to the temple on her birthday.
People of all castes and creed can see her that day.
That is how it's done. The tradition!
Now you may say that you are allowed to break the tradition.
Raman!
You may leave.
Perumthachan arrived, didn't he?
We can lay the kid down in the next room.
He can see her through the grills.
Say that.
It's okay if you invite him over to the chambers.
I heard that the rules are different here.
I didn't get you completely.
The servants have been speaking about..
I could have broken the rules long before.
I didn't have to wait until 16 years and a fortune was over.
Are you hell-bent on getting curses from those who blessed us?
Raman!
Raman, I..
Just because I said something foolish
you..
My Lord
once wood and stone become deities
the craftsman won't touch them even when given a chance.
Same rules apply for the idols that are inside one's heart.
That is the truth! - Raman!
It took a while longer for me to become free.
Where is Devaki? - She is at Vavannur.
Who is there in Vavannur?
Her husband lives there.
I didn't know.
I.. - Her husband, Nanu, is a busy man.
She is doing well.
And you?
Proposals are coming. I will get married soon.
Let me know. - Okay.
And the child? I forgot about it.
Thank God you remembered.
I drop him off at the blacksmith's place
so that he is safe.
How long will you constrain yourself because of this child?
Only his mother is dead.
Ask his father to take him.
Who is this? - I am the father you mentioned just now.
I could only come now, ma'am.
I..
Did you name him?
There was no ceremony.
Everyone started calling him Kannan after Devaki did.
Come. - No.
Come, Kannan. - No.
Here.
Go. Isn't that your father?
He has never seen me.
I'll take him.
Since you are alone.. - Let him stay with me.
I will get food at my workplace.
His education..
He can learn by watching me.
That will be enough for him to prosper if he is lucky.
When you want someone to teach him Sanskrit
think that your teacher's son is ready, Raman.
Every lesson we need is in nature.
That too, is architecture.
Did you understand?
A land which is slanted from 'Agni' zone to 'Vayu' zone
will yield only poverty.
Did I say a joke for you to laugh?
I thought of a joke. Money, food and prosperity.
Aren't these the methods to increase them?
Yes. The principle for houses
is also applicable to temples and palaces.
They're not my words. Sages and scientists of yesteryears said so.
So this science is applicable for us, too.
For us carpenters. - For anyone.
I was laughing because I haven't seen any prosperous carpenter.
Including us.
Has the science mentioned that we cannot be prosperous, Father?
In our hearts, are castles that no one else can build.
Isn't that enough? It is.
It is more than enough.
When will you leave? - Tomorrow.
Do you have to walk 96 kilometres to Kunnathur
just for two pieces of clothing?
There is a temple whose deity's idol was made by me.
I pray there once yearly. Isn't it the new year's day?
She was hasty.
And had a short temper.
But Bhargavi was a child at heart, wasn't she?
It's not because I don't know
that the husband has no business in his wife's manor
once she's dead.
I will stay here until a suitable groom
is made the head of the household.
After that, I plan to go to Mookambika Temple
or Gokarna and spend my remaining days there.
Weren't you interested in poetry in your youth?
Can't you pursue that?
I didn't become anything, Raman.
What can I become now?
When the son of the Mampattam Thirumeni, the renowned scholar
became the husband of the Countess of Kunnathur
it grew hard to say whether he excelled or downgraded.
After outgrowing that role, I now don the role of the father
of Kunjikkavu for a while.
Isn't she still a child?
What is wrong in you staying here as her guardian?
People have started to advise her.
I seem them coming and leaving.
No one needed to teach Bhargavi to ignore them when needed.
May I.. - She knows that you are waiting.
She will come now.
My son doubted whether I should walk this far
just for some new clothes.
The children don't know the blessing and meaning behind it.
I was asked to give this to the craftsman by the countess.
Mathu, didn't you ask her to come here?
She is writing a song down.
She also said that she would be late.
Ever since the tutor from Kodungallur was sent here
her interest is in music.
Before that, she spent her time in painting.
It was based on a piece of advice from Mavelikkara.
That is okay. - Here.
Shouldn't every interest be explored in one's childhood?
Allow me to leave. - Okay.
You don't have to wait for special occasions.
You are always welcome here.
It will have four rooms in four directions.
The southern and northern rooms are all separate.
It's called a separated core construction.
I hope you know Ooralan Moose of Nedumpuram manor.
I have heard a lot about you.
To sit.. - No need.
Have you seen Nedumpuram Temple?
There are only a few temples that I have not visited.
The one with the broken tower. - We're repairing it.
The people have collected funds for it.
Let it be grand.
We decided to have some wooden sculpturing done as well.
I already have agreed to a job in Thekkumkara.
I must begin that tomorrow.
They too, have heard that your son is skilled.
It's not necessary that you do it. - Your son will do.
Which type of wood are you using? Teak or jackfruit tree?
We have stockpiled cashmere.
I see. It's a lot of work.
The rates too, will increase.
My son will come. Go on.
Do what is normally done.
We shall come. I too, shall come to initiate the work.
Please carry on.
How dare you bargain?
We do not bargain for wages!
Shouldn't we?
Just some woodwork! The son must do it.
How easily did they say it?
Hence the bargain.
Are the eyebrows narrow than 7.5 millimetres?
I did it on purpose.
It felt more beautiful.
There are measurements to follow.
Weren't they made for convenience?
Well, to be honest, Perumthachan
you son's work looks more beautiful.
His father is not just a normal craftsman, is he, My Lord?
The omens are good.
Ask your son to tag along.
There is a cart pending in Thekkumthala.
He is doing it.
I have asked him to come.
The land's horoscope is good. He is the owner.
Shape, the flow of water, the depth..
Yes. Good.
It smells like a battlefield, though.
It seems like it.
Do you really want to live here?
Shouldn't they have heard if this was a battlefield?
Wouldn't someone have told them?
Don't scare people, Kannan.
I don't know. I feel so.
We dug for three measures of 72, that is, for 216 centimetres.
Is that enough? - That is the doubt.
Or is it three rods depth of 216 centimetres each?
Such an opinion prevails.
Wasn't the original text eaten by termites?
Which text? - 'Hari Samhita.'
Kumaraguru says that the damaged part was interpreted incorrectly.
Didn't you recognise him?
He is the younger lord of Thirumangalam.
I see. I have heard a lot about your library.
I have met your father as well.
Father is not well.
I was sent saying that I just need to watch the ritual
collect the fee and return since it is done by Perumthachan.
Shall we dig a little more?
Yes. Do it.
You do not belong to the group who even advocates mistakes
as tradition, do you?
Thank God!
Does your son work on his own now?
He undertakes some solo projects.
That is good.
How long can you work?
You may find some peace in your old age.
Kunjikkavu constantly rejects the proposals she gets.
I can't compel her, can I?
Do you want to hear something interesting?
It is unconventional. But I shall disclose it to you.
What is it?
Kunjikkavu has said that she will find her suitor
and will present the matter to me when it is time.
Not directly. When noblewomen came from Thiruvannur
she presented it through them.
The times are changing, Raman.
We can ignore some of it.
Then again, my Lord, it is indeed changing.
Kunjikkavu has gone with them.
She will be back only after the Music Festival of Nilambur.
She decided it on her own.
She doesn't ask me for my permission.
Shouldn't the younger noblewomen see the world as well?
Her mother used to visit many temples.
Where is your next job?
I have not decided yet.
I don't feel like working anymore.
I'm tired, my Lord.
Isn't your son ascending to the heights?
You are planning to put him in charge, aren't you?
One wish remains, my Lord.
I can resort to books in peace after that.
Or I shall write a book of my own.
Let someone benefit from that.
It is necessary. Shouldn't the future generation learn from you?
The remaining wish.. - Don't you remember?
The hall I promised your wife back in the day.
Yes. - I gave her my word.
Yes.. Kunjikkavu will like it
since it was her mother's wish.
She will agree. She must.
The first man to make music from the stone was Perumthachan.
That is enough.
The future generation may not know my deeds
except for that one.
That is the only wish that remains.
You must do it. If they say it was built during Mampattam Unni's time
won't it be a credit for me as well?
We shall do it.
I think he is the young count of a great manor.
What an elegance!
Greet him.
We could have known who he was.
Your father is accepting proposals from this area too.
I wonder if he is one of them.
Shall I tell your father that this one would do?
Your face says you like him.
How can I agree before knowing if he is deaf or dumb?
I am not that smitten, Aunt.
You might not be. But it is true that you were tempted.
You speak as if
I am in pursuit of a husband.
If we don't choose, we will have to live with losers.
I know from experience, my dear.
Idols of Lord Krishna are being placed
on either side of the sanctum.
One is 'Venugopala' and the other is 'Kaliyamardhana'.
Would you like to see it? - Yes.
Come.
You?
Who are you?
I'm Kannan. They call me Kannan Vishwakarman.
So you're a carpenter! I understand.
Let's go, dear.
Kindly move away.
The splashes..
Which metal is it? - It's silver.
Will the eyes and face get imprinted in it?
We will get an approximate shape.
The modifications will take some time.
Don't carpenters work on wood?
My father and I work on everything.
The woodwork I did is nearby.
I prefer wood.
Dear. Come.
It's a great thing that we found you
while you're free, Perumthachan.
The children were finding it hard to go to school during monsoon.
Let the children learn and prosper, Ezhuthachan.
What is this?
You'll see.
Shouldn't the bridge be special for the kids to have fun?
What a sight!
A bridge appeared magically, Raman.
He is the steward of Kunnathur manor.
He is a great man now.
Tax collection, accounting..
Wait! You shall be the first one to cross.
Please wait. - The horoscopes match.
We only need the consent.
It's Neelakandan. Raman!
What you need to do.. - Don't scream out!
We have all the time. - No!
It's nothing else. You must let us know when he gets home.
That's all.
It's done. You may come, Embrandiri.
You are the fortunate one.
Before the pillars set, you ask me to come..
You made me starve back in the day.
I really know you.
Raman, it won't collapse, will it?
Wow!
What is this?
It's wonderful.
What?
It's a trick, Embrandiri.
Don't tell anyone, kids!
There is a temple where I sculpted 64 idols.
Do visit when you pass by.
Oh! The Yogeswara Temple. I have heard.
Someone told me.
Didn't the other countess come? - No.
She might still be upset about saluting me by mistake.
Tradition says that we have the right
to wear the sacred thread as long as we work.
I only wear it on special ceremonies.
A huge dragon will come here.
A sphere in its mouth.
I tried moulding the rock inside into a sphere. It will work.
On that portion.. - My Lady, it's time.
Okay. We have to go. We'll discuss it another time.
Let me know when you have any work at Kunnathur.
You haven't come there, have you? - I shall come.
That is where my father goes yearly
to pray to Goddess Saraswathi.
I have heard a lot about it.
Are you not a deep believer?
No. If I knew that you were there..
What? - Nothing. Even daily visits won't be wrong.
Moron! - What?
It's okay. - He doesn't know his place.
The language he used was disrespectful.
How could you stand listening to it?
He is of a lower caste. Shouldn't he behave in that way?
Moron! - He is a lord in his trade.
Didn't you see the exceptional skill in his work?
Well done. I too, thought of it.
But the wood is not of good quality, sir.
We could afford only this.
Your father instructed to replace it before the fifth year.
When did you return?
Before dusk.
I must return.
I haven't finished that work.
Father, an interesting thing happened there.
What is it? - A man asked me a serious doubt.
The same old question.
Whether you are the son of a sage Namboodiri or not.
And?
What did you say? - I asked him if he were trying to get a piece
of the fame you received by claiming
your heritage to be from them.
That too, is an interesting thought. There's no wrong in it.
When the lower castes show their skill
they doubt whether their lineage
was a Brahmin's gift.
I was thinking on my own.
Come.. - Don't skip class
just to watch the miracle.
Quick..
Wow!
Wow..
It's Perumthachan!
Parents should learn from their kids, shouldn't they, Perumthachan?
I've been hearing about your arrival for many days.
I was thinking of sending Maani again. Come.
It was a continuous journey.
Kollam, Kottarakkara, etc. One trip to Sivakasi is left.
I postponed it and returned. - I see.
We checked the land's horoscope and found a place. Sit.
I have many expiation ceremonies at hand.
I am very busy.
This is spiced buttermilk. Lukewarm milk is also there.
We'll save it for later, okay?
Father spoke about some construction work.
Yes. It was my late wife's wish.
A reading hall. Isn't it her mother's wish?
Kunjikkavu too, agreed.
Okay.
I had discussed another thing with your father.
He told me. I must go to Thanjavur.
I want to learn some 'Tarka Sastra'.
The greatest scholar in it is Ayya Sastri.
Haven't you heard it?
Yes.
The horoscopes were an ideal match when we checked.
Your father knows it.
My good time begins after 15 months.
Okay. - It is ideal.
'The good times depend on Jupiter' is the norm. - Yes.
Dear.
This is my daughter. He is the suitor we discussed.
He's from Thirumangalam manor. I had told you.
My opinion is that you must have an overall grasp
other than just the initiation and the Vastu ceremony.
Isn't that so?
We can bring the master from Thanjavur here. Okay?
The studies, the overseeing and everything else can be done
at the same time.
We are okay with that.
It must be simple.
The upper-class marriages are always simple.
I was talking about the hall.
My mother's wish should be fulfilled.
We'll make one like the elephant lair.
We must have the space to conduct concerts and prayer meetings
during the festive season of 'Navratri'.
She understands the situation of our economy.
Okay..
I can do the calculations.
We shall give you the perfect man for the job.
Who do you think he is?
The one and only Perumthachan.
No. Doesn't he have a son? He is enough.
He is all right.
This was spoken for Perumthachan.
I also sent word to him.
He had done some great things back in his day.
But now..
Let him come.
I know he is a dependant of yours.
Let him linger around.
The son will do. He is the famous one.
Some of his works are exceptional.
The glow is less than when it was made.
Tell that to your son. How does wood fade?
Stop!
Good! Raman is here! Good!
I'm asking since you are beginning something good.
Did you pay respect to the trees and get permission?
He has given permission.
This is not anyone else's property.
I asked if you got the permission from the trees.
Have you ever enquired why your works fade
over time, Kannan?
Which text is it from? Which one says it?
Some texts that aren't touched by termites
will be there at a craftsman's house, my Lord.
Have you seen 'Taushikeeyam'?
After requesting the inhabiting beings to move elsewhere
we must apologise to them before we chop the tree down.
Refer to the section with this prayer.
Don't you remember our teacher saying that the biggest fool
is the one who thinks that he has learnt everything?
I'm leaving, my Lord. It is our wish that the hall must be splendid
no matter who gets to build it.
I didn't come here to teach the lords a lesson.
Raman, you must be here.
I am not staying. Call me when you need anything.
I will come.
The pillars will have a statue each.
A siren, a dancer or anything.
Won't that be good? - The eight Lakshmis would be good.
Aren't there eight pillars for convenience?
Yes. We can go with the eight heroines as well.
But it will require some more effort from you.
What is it? Do you need more wood?
It is not stone or wood. - Then?
If you could come and stand here from time to time..
There is a painting of Goddess Lakshmi that I drew.
I can show it to you.
I shall see it. I know that you paint as well.
It would be easier to etch this face.
Ideal too.
Your father is asking for you.
Neelakandan is here. - Okay.
Now he has an idea.
Whether he should wait for the good times to come.
He is quite famous now.
He is getting other proposals as well.
If someone else gets hold of him..
Nothing will happen.
I too, need some time.
What?
I didn't get that.
I don't plan on getting married anytime soon.
I must visit some great temples.
I must see other places.
And.. - Isn't that good?
If you have a husband, you can take him with you.
What's the issue in that?
Will a lord accompany me?
Once married, he must be in the courtyard all the time
to answer the nightly call.
Isn't that the only responsibility they have?
I was not talking about you.
When I visited other manors, I saw and heard such things.
Dear, your mother saw many places.
I.. I was with her.
When you were praying for a child. Isn't that it?
Yes.
Noblewomen are normally destined to get pregnant
and give birth to heirs.
Normally.
That too, should happen.
But later.
Dear, they are not poor like my family.
Nobility and knowledge. Rarely do they combine.
What should I tell him?
Tell him that I am not ready yet.
I invited him over and presented this.
I didn't reject him because of that.
The Countess of Thiruvannur said
that you'll tell me if you like someone.
Is there any such thing?
Any such person?
No. It's just that I am not ready yet.
Shouldn't you sketch it first on the floor or a piece of cloth?
No. I am etching it into my memory.
It won't go away.
You!
The accompanying statues are usually nude.
The next stage would require that, wouldn't it?
Don't the women of Kunnathur manor value tradition and purity?
From what I heard, you are only in charge of supervision.
I didn't know that you started to rule.
My Lord, in the eight pillars.. - Stop!
Any old carpenters can do the rest.
You may leave!
The countess should decide that.
You are only in charge of supervision.
If the craftsman who began the work didn't end it
the building won't last long.
I know that well.
Isn't that true?
I know the expiation for that.
You may leave!
You don't know the Lord of Thirumangalam!
You don't know me either!
I am Kannan! Kannan Vishwakarman!
The son of Perumthachan!
Unless I am ordered to leave by the lady who owns this land
I will stay here.
Even after coming here by dropping many high-paying jobs
am I to be insulted?
What do you have to say, Mampattam Namboodiri?
Tell me.
We'll call Raman if he is not good.
Didn't I tell you that earlier?
Weren't you the one who said
that he is exceptionally skilled?
It was before I knew that he was also a master
in seduction.
It was my mistake.
Just because two youngsters touched without knowing its seriousness..
Maani! - Yes?
You're here!
I searched everywhere for you. Let's go!
It's important. The lord asked for you to arrive immediately.
Neelakandan and your son had an altercation.
The poor lord is in deep trouble.
The chef hadn't slept yet.
My Lady, what if someone sees us?
Didn't you hear that it will be over by tonight? Come.
I was doubtful when you were late.
It is a thing that can be done in broad daylight.
But am I not a noblewoman? I must maintain discretion.
That too, in strange hours.
The hand yesterday..
This was it. That will do.
Won't someone in future say
that this was the Countess of Kunnathur back then?
Now I realise why my father said
that wood should always shine.
Someone will watch all this in the distant future.
They will tell your story.
But they might not remember the name of the craftsman.
Why is that?
Isn't that the norm?
Let me sit for a while. This too, is a gruesome task.
I can copy the same figure.
It is easy.
Doesn't variety in work show skill?
That is why I am troubling you.
Let's not waste time.
Your pose changed a lot.
Did you get scared, my Lady?
It wasn't my fault.
The master craftsman shaped my face in that manner.
Kindly leave, my Lady.
Get in before people wake up.
Skills are the gift of God.
Have you ever thought of it?
With effort, one can build it.
But the foundation can only be received by a blessing.
If you break tradition and values
you and I will become mere carpenters.
We won't be skilled.
Do you understand?
Only a few days remain for the completion.
Let's not allow people
to spread rumours by sending him away right now.
I will be right here.
It's not a sin to etch a figure by looking at someone.
Even I had done that.
You knew when and where to maintain boundaries.
What about them?
I'll make sure that no harm comes to you.
The shame that the manor
lost its virtues under the rule of a helpless count.
My Lord!
I'll come later.
Only a servant's statement is needed to disown her.
Do you know that?
What happened here for all that?
The countess' secret affair with the carpenter
at night in the worksite.
What else must happen? Do I have to question her servant?
Do you need proof?
Do you need it?
You may leave.
I shall look for a suitable replacement.
You can forget about marrying my daughter.
Are you done? - Not yet.
If I pay a visit to the palace, it shall begin.
Don't you boast that you only have one heir?
One message from the king can facilitate her expulsion
and the distrainment of your property.
Just four lines of that.
Neelakandan, shouldn't there be
any sin committed for that?
Mind the fact that she is my daughter.
Though the heiress, she is still my daughter. Remember that!
Then go and ask her if she needs the Lord of Thirumangalam
or a mere carpenter.
We'll discuss the rest then.
What is he saying, dear?
I heard the noise.
We can seek another man for the veneration. Let him go.
He is saying that he won't.
Do you know how far the accusations went?
Swear in front of a lamp lit in front of the Goddess
that no such thing happened.
Let him clear his doubts!
Come on!
What is it?
If the argument is about me going to the worksite at night
it is true. I went there.
My child!
I also heard the last question he asked.
The reply.. - No!
Don't.. Don't say it, dear.
Don't say it!
Kannan.
You may leave. I will finish the work.
Didn't I do this much?
I can finish it, too.
It is not because you cannot do it.
It is the count's demand.
You must make this famous work known to be yours.
That is your need.
You won't stop until she is accused
of bad conduct and is disowned, will you?
Tell me.
Do you know their rules?
A little bit.
The disowned women
can be sold to others by the king. - God!
Such things won't happen here.
Why the unnecessary trouble?
Let that not happen.
If it comes to that.. - Then?
She can at least find shelter in a carpenter's hut.
I promise.
The counts can use women of lower castes as they please.
If a child is born, they can disown them
by claiming that God will save them.
If a noblewoman is attracted to a man of lower caste or vice versa
what do their laws say about that?
Who do you think you are?
Who are you to change the interpretation of tradition?
A new Manu?
Pushyamithra? Or any other noble soul?
Me? I took pride in saying that I am the son of Perumthachan!
Until now!
I won't say that again.
Just because your mother was a Parayar woman
you forgot everything.
Though spawned by a Brahmin, you feared to claim
that you too were noble.
That is the great Perumthachan!
A great man!
Sit..
Let Mampattam come.
We'll get into the details then.
Please be patient until then. Okay.
If they have already finished their prayers
I shall arrange food for them.
What?
The food. I shall tell them.
I was rethinking my decision.
Yes.
Nothing heinous happened here. I know that.
Just know that I can change that as well.
But when I think of your sorrow..
You called them to help you spread the word, didn't you?
I thought of asking the opinion of four neighbouring nations' elite.
You shall decide whether I should ask them or not.
It will be a great topic for them
to discuss in the Brahmaswam establishments they visit.
Or we can tell them that they were called to fix a date.
The venerations in the morning and the wedding in the evening.
Won't everything subside if I decide
that it was all just a rumour?
Okay? - Okay.
Then make arrangements for it
if you need this to be over.
The choices are clear.
We can stall the guests for today.
We can conclude it tomorrow.
There hasn't been a day when I didn't feel sad
about my deceased wife.
Now I feel happy that she died
without bearing witness to all this, Raman.
Lots of people die at the workplace!
Ever since I knew about this, I have been praying
to the Gods for his death.
Yes. Your talented son!
Raman.
Raman, forgive me.
In agony, I..
I know it's wrong.
But it's true that I thought about it.
I have heard that you sliced a flagpole with your chisel.
Haven't you? - Yes.
Then end my life like that
before I am defamed, Raman!
I.. - My Lord.
The peak is not holding through.
Only you can do it, Master.
Kannan asked for you to come immediately.
Kannan can't do it.
Hold it.. - Right in place..
Let it sit.. - Come on.. - Hold it!
You!
Learn what you don't know! Observe!
Come on!
Let it come together.
Come on..
Hold it together.
Come on.. Hold it together.
Kannan fell down. - What is it? - What happened?
He is dead! - My God!
What am I seeing?
What is this? - What happened?
No! - What happened?
My God! What a fate! - God!
No..
Kill that father! - Don't spare him!
He must be killed.
Kill him! - Kill that father!
He was jealous of his son!
He must not be spared. - He was jealous of his son!
Don't spare that sinner!
Kill him! - Kill that father!
He was jealous of his son!
"Oh, sea-clad Goddess!"
"The mountains are thy bosom!"
"Oh, earth! I salute you, the wife of Lord Vishnu!"
"Forgive me for laying my footsteps on you."