"Where's the Principal?" "Gone for lunch to his quarters." "See." "I told u." "Whenever I come, he's either out for lunch, or worse, leave." "He was here till 1 pm." "He just left." " I dont need your explanations, dont have time." "There's a general body meeting at 3." "Go call him." "Come" "He said he'd come by 10." "Have been waiting for him for so long, no news." "Now exactily when I'm about to touch food, he will come." "And lose his cool." "Why should he get angry if he's the one getting late?" " Why dont u ask him?" "Oh my Ammini, which world are u in?" "Do u know who a secretary is?" "He's an authority, under the government." "Do u know his power?" "I dont know." "But I do know, dear." "If we lock horns with him, our daily bread would get stalled." "I cant stand up to him anymore." "Oh, dad u are so scared." "We should fear those who are to be feared" "But isn't Madhavan Unni sir frank and on-the-face whoever it be ?" "HE can speak like that." "He's a degree holder, unlike me; just a 5th std pass." "Sir" "Oh as I said, there he is." "Has he reached Sankara?" "Yes." "He wants u there, like now." "He needs to hurry back apparently" "Finish food and go Dad." "It's ok if he waits 5 more minutes" "General Body meeting at 3." "It's ok." "Let his meeting not get delayed by me." "Go and return fast then, you can have a second serving" "Chuck it.." "He will bully me for some stupid reason." "I'd lose apetite by then." "Sankara.." "How about taking Madhavan Unni with us." "If he scolds, atleast there's someone to reply" "Will it get late?" "Hey, he lives on the way!" "Okay" "Sir, Please sit." "No its ok.Call your brother, if he's here." "Yes he's here." "It's getting late,I'll get scolded too." "One minute" "What's up, sir?" "Nothing special." "Our secretary has come." "Oh just now?" "Could u please accompany me?" "Why do I need to come?" "He might misbehave with me." "Why?" "He must've heard about my affidavit in Nandagopalan's case." "I affirmed in court that he's a good artist." "Well, it's true, right?" "Indeed.But it's not in the interest of the KalaMandiram Committee, right?" "They want the story to be "Nandagopalan is not fit to teach"..." "Do YOU have any problem with him returning to this establishment?" "Why would I?" "But the committee,other teachers and students dont seem to like his return." "Without considering all that, I ended up praising him in the court.Now I fear I will get a memo for that." "Oh, let him give." "It's a memo." "Not an atom bomb.U just need to give an explanation" "Shall I get lime juice for you, sir?" "No thanks, no time.A glass of water would do." "My throat's drying up." "Sir, the time..." "Oh well." "Chuck the water." "Let's leave" "Hey stop getting scared like this." "Sankara, u go ahead." "Tell him the principal will come." "I didnt contest the workers Union president elections on purpose." "When I was President, my hand in the progress is well known." "Can today's half-baked chiefs produce that?" "Shit is what will be the outcome." "Amateurs." "What political experience sense do they have.Can they even dream of my current position?" "I didn't know that u had an eye for this post." "I never wanted it." "Who's interested in this Kathakali and gimmicks here?" "Chief Minister said "Velayudha.. u need to straighten out KalaMandiram".I obliged without objection" "THAT is discipline." "I could have asked for Khadi Board, or Exports or Foreign trade." "But I never asked." "CM told my service is required HERE, in the state.And for sure I am going to set this place right." "It isn't that bad here." "A couple of foreign trips will come your way." "Oh, but they have no funds." "No money U know the drill.I plan to collect a new fund." "Where is he?" "On his way" "Idiot !" "I asked u to get him along, why did u return without him?" "Go get him now!" "Who's the principal?" "A Kathakali artist." "Raavunni Nambeesan." "They claim he was 'famous' earlier." "Who knows ?" "There, he has 'graced us with his presence'." "This is the Principal!" "And they are?" "..." "Not of concern right now" "Why're u here, Madhavan Unni?" "I'd not called u." " Since u came, I thought I'll pay u a visit." "Nambeesan... in Nandagopan's case, whose side are u on?" "Our side, of course!" "Then why did u praise him in court, when on oath ?" "Well, had to be honest, he IS a good artist." " Does such a statement strengthen our case?" "We are claiming his return to this establishment is not amicable for ANYONE here." "Is it not?" "Yes, it is." "Then, what $%^ statement of praise is that?" "Sir!" "Please avoid profanity." "There is sanctity in an art house." "So !" "?" "Should I tolerate such stupidity?" "Within our establishment, our Principal is to be respected" "In front of your guests, u should speak to our Principal with respect" "Respect?" "I'm the topmost official here." "Should I bow in down to u all now?" "Nothing like that." "Kindly give an artist the respect he deserves." "Artists..." "Heh." "For some criminal, if someone goes against the interests of our school, should I respect him?" "Who's the criminal here?" "Nandagopan sir?" "The Court has judged him innocent." "It's upto the court to decide if he should be reassigned to the school" "Neither me nor Principal shall dance to your whims in this case.U may take any action against me." "That was only HIS opinion, not mine." "So please don't condone me." "GET OUT!" "Who's this Nandagopan?" "An old dance teacher from this school." "A Rowdy" "Burnt his own wife to death." "Case got cleared..." "But the committee decided not to take him back" "So he's fighting legally against that." "This happened under the previous secretary." "The case is still on..." "Cant the new committee take him back ?" "He's not worth getting anywhere in here." "Filthy fellow.Has no respect for me." "A full time alcoholic,drug addict and abuses." "A bit crazy too." "(Dance rhythms)" "(Nandagopan imagines wife singing....)" "'The night is bright with the moonlight." "This temple has turned into paradise.'" "'Spring is here." "Yet, why haven't the celebrations started, my lover?" "'" "Teacher!" "I've searched the entire world for you" "I didn't realize you'd sitting here alone by the river side." "Who said I'm alone?" "You've got company?" "Oh, are u leaving?" "I came to see u." "For?" "Something for your good.I have quit the drama troupe" "Good." "So they all tell me." "But I wont leave empty handed from the world of art." "Don't leave." "Just sit there." "Let me complete." "I thought of starting a dance-drama troupe" "How's the idea?" " Pathetic." "I'll make it happen.I've enlisted some girls.Sweet as bananas" "Is that the dance drama's name ?" "No,I meant the girls are sweet." "Drama name is 'The Urvashi Curse'" "Awesome?" "U need to make it awesome." "I want u to make it awesome." "Do the screenplay and direction" "The poisonous society is spreading stories about you, sir." "I don't care if u are a murderer, alcoholic or rowdy." "Art is supreme for me." "Art must grow" "I will lift u using this dance drama, teacher." "Get lost!" "I know about your attempts to 'grow art' here and around." "I will break your bones, cheap scum!" "You're going to 'lift' me?" "what nonsense." "Such a dumb crack." "Doesn't see the opportunity." "Is this his daily routine ?" " Yes, daily." "Comes home at odd times." "I keep food on the table and sleep off." "He eats sometimes, else starves." "He was such a teetotaler." "Nowadays half the time, he's not in his senses." "He must be disturbed on the inside." "Will he find peace in such drinking?" "All will be well." "At this age, one needs a girl to advice and care for him." "If Nandu agrees, I'll beg Damodaran to agree for his smart daughter's hand in marriage." "I'm tired of telling." "U give it a shot, brother." "There he comes." "When did u come, uncle?" "Before noon." "Why weren't u around for lunch ?" "What has happened to to u?" "What all I hear about u." "Well, sit down." "No, its ok." "U are educated." "U don't need another's advice." "People face many issues in life." "How will u live if u don't move on?" "Forget everything, start afresh." "Why don't u speak anything to your uncle?" "I don't have anything to say." "Can u obey what we are saying?" "I had written about u to Sekaran in Bombay." "He has readied a job for u." "I don't want that." " Do u plan to live on this art alone?" "If my art is no more, so am I." "Selfish u." "Do u think about me, ur mother?" "I've been suffering for 6 years now." "Don't cry Janaki." "He will understand if we tell him calmly." "Have u met Damodaran's eldest daughter?" "Uncle, please don't take this topic with me." "Try to understand what I'm saying!" "I won't understand." "I've answered NO to mom a hundred times." "Can at least YOU people let me be?" "Son, dont we have wishes too?" "Maybe." "But I cannot realize all your wishes and dreams.." "Sorry." "(hears wife singing....)" "Don't rise." "I leave by the train at 5:30 am" "Harvest time at home." "Lie down... lt;" "Damayanti Hotel amp; tea shopgt;" "Oh Hydros, stop your crooning and ask the lad to bring my tea!" "Tea, quick!" "Ha, making it!" "(artistic expressions)" "Are u making tea or kathakali?" "Can't u see?" "I see navarasas (9 expressions) on ur face" "Can one forget the art learnt?" "6 years.." "U were also in the trade." "So what, I could at least start a tea shop outside Kalamandiram" "Moreover, I get a suffix tailed to my name:" ""KalaMandiram Hydros"." "Nice, eh?" "A 'tail' should have been at the 'back'" "Hydros." "Get me a glass and some water" "For?" "To eat it up." "Can u give?" "No." "Isn't it for the booze ?" "No glass for that" "Just for a minute." "No!" "Occasional drinking is fine." "What's with this habit now?" "No wonder u never found success." "Came to become Kalamandiram HyderAli." "Yet now here u are, cleaning dishes and glasses." "U deserve it." "Evil u." "At least I'm not on the streets like u." "One more month." "Court result will be out." "Then Nandu will return from his 'exile'." "Can I get a Soda at least?" "Thirsty." " Ok." "My goodness!" "Your liver will shrink!" "Let it die." "Who needs a liver." "See u." "Oh God!" "What has come of him." "(dance class rhythms)" "(At Kalamandiram)" "Why did u stop, Malavika?" "Tell me, child." "Why ?" "Let the class go on..." "Why did u come here?" "The secretary has cautioned u against coming here" "Is Secretary a God?" "Let me find out what's wrong if I sit here for sometime" "Will u please get out of the class?" "No." "Let's see if anyone is brave enough to chuck me out." "Oh my teacher, we're all artists." "What's wrong in me watching these kids learn?" "We do not like that." "The kids too." "Didn't u see how this girl stopped when she saw you?" "That is YOUR shortcoming, as a teacher." "Plus a bit of this girl's ego." "'I'm Principal's daughter." "Very popular'." "Her face only carries THESE expressions." "No other expression blossoming." "Only a bright face can depict the colors of an expression." "First try to change the arrogant face." "Then u may learn." "Well, u can get on with ur class, I'm off." "U need not crib that 'Nandagopan spoilt it'" "Why do u get upset for some nonsense he says?" "He always does this." "Makes such remarks whenever he sees me." "Or stares at times." "Filthy fellow." "Why don't u complain, teacher?" "I fear what rubbish he will shout at me if I complain." "Always drunk..." "If u are scared, I will complain, teacher." "I'm not scared of him." "(Performing Ottamthullal)" "Very good" "Lots of grace in it." "Thank you!" "Thullal is an art that should be explored much more." "If well played, it should be on par with kathakali in laurels." "But who will accept this, sir?" "Thullal was diluted in fame after folk performers adopted it." "We should restore its fame." "It's simpler than Kathakali." "Not dependent on accompanying band or backdrops." "One artist presents all the characters in mono-act." "Acting..." "Dancing..." "Natural, bodily, facial, vocal..." "all forms of expressions and a world of possibilities." "I'm happy hearing these comments from a person like u, sir." "Not enough if I say." "Let's make the people say it." " Sir, the Secretary..." "Is your job to teach Thullal?" "Or making small talk with drunkards?" "I was teaching." "That's when the Sir came." "Don't threaten the poor guy." "Tell me directly." "That's what I've come for." "Get out!" "U can kick me out as u want, if I come to your home." "This is a public establishment." "As an artist, and a veteran of this school, I can come here, watch classes, and sit here." "Oh." "So will u do whatever nonsense u want just because you're an artist?" "What right did u have to enter the girls class and insult them?" "Oh." "Says who ?" "Whoever it be!" "Did u do it?" " No" "Don't try ur tricks on me, I'm Velayudhan (the trickster) here !" "Get out or I'll break your bones!" "Oh I see, will u beat me out of here?" "Let's see that!" "Nandagopala!" "Don't create a scene here in this class." "Please go out!" "He's the one who wants to use force!" "I am going to hang around here." "Let's see if he will beat me out of here." "Let him just get lost, Sir!" "Then what's the use of me sitting here as Secretary with my mustache on?" "Well he can always shave his mustache off if needed." "(Madhavan Unni's Kathakali class)" "I have told u a hundred times !" "Fool!" "Like this!" "His interest is in YOUR field." "Bharatanatyam." "I'm the one who compelled him to join Kathakali" "Twisted fingers alone do not create gestures." "There should be beauty and elegance to it." "These gestures are a language." "Good handwriting can be easily read, correct?" "Else text becomes difficult to read." "That's why a layman cannot understand or appreciate Kathakali" "Ambiguous gestures, Acting done as a namesake exercise.." "These are its issues." "Skill cannot be attained through learning alone." "It is an essence." "A blessing." "Am I wrong?" "That is the truth!" "Take the kalaasham..." "Stop all this hooplah!" "There he is." " OH, him!" "Get up!" "What's the problem?" "U want a problem?" " Don't touch me!" "Sir, please..." "Take him in..." "What right do u have to enter my class without my permission?" "Secretary has warranted." "Walk !" " What have I wronged?" "I will tell you, at the station." "Get in !" "Now u understand?" "My 'force'?" "These people wont kill me." "I will show u 'my force' later." "What is wrong in him sitting in the class ?" " I shall manage affairs here, u dont need to intervene." "What can I do?" "I have to obey when Secretary says something" "So u want to bully the Secretary?" "Will u dare go there again?" "Tell me!" "Enough, Sir." "Water...." "Starve him." "Let him learn decency." "What do u want?" "Please do not register a case against Nandagopalan." "He's innocent" "Secretary told me he barged into a girl's class and created problems." "Nothing like that would have happened." "He comes there sometimes" "Sometimes gives opinions." "Those who don't like it might have felt insulted." "Is it not wrong to go there drunk?" "I found liquor in his bag" "He drinks, but I dont agree to u." "None of this hoohaah has happened." "It's purely a personal vendetta." "He's fighting a case against Kalamandiram committee for his job." "If u charge him for this now, that case will get affected" "I hence request u not to charge this" "There hasn't been any written complaint anyway" "Before Secretary gets that idea, please release him." "Please show mercy for his future" "Will he create more problems in the future?" "No Sir, We promise." "He's not that kind of a person." "Heh." "Dont give such promises so easily." "I heard his history from other cops here." "Killed his wife." "Case was cleared, but that doesn't mean he hasn't killed.." "No Sir, he can't kill anybody." "Sumangala was his life." "So that's why he burnt her 'alive' then." "Fine, I will release him." "But any more problems, and u 2 will get thrown into the cell." "As u please, Sir." " Hmmm." "Wait for a while" "Wonderful to erase physical pains." "Physical pain..mental pain.." "stupid excuses." "Finish that bottle also." "May all your pains vanish" "Wounds of the heart won't be healed by these." "Death is the solution for that." "Then why are u drinking?" "For the high." "Helps temporarily numb the memories." "Comfortable Blackout." "Sometimes, an avalanche comes at me." "Like maleeswaran's arrow." "One when mounted." "Ten when released." "Thousand when struck..." "Thousands." "Why don't u go away from here, teacher?" "Far away..." "Dancers will get a job anywhere they go." "WHy do u have to run around with this case here..." "Moreover, u are now in the bad books of the society." "I know." "Criminal for many. 'Alcoholic.' 'Drug addict." "Filthy.'" "Nandu didn't become like that himself." "She made him that way." "My Sumangala." "She's enjoying the fact that I've become a joke." "Well, let her enjoy.." "Everything is a joke for her." "She is still with me all the time." "She doesn't like me leaving this riverside and Kalamandiram.That's why I wont leave this place." "His madness has begun again." "Gets high and blabbers." "And that's fodder for people to spread stories." "Let them say." "U can say it too." "Nandu is mad." "But I saw her now, teacher.." "This is not drug-induced hallucination..." "U know about my work, teacher..." "Sita-Ramayanam.." "She was always with me when I wrote and composed it." "I just saw her now." "Taunting me for getting beaten by police." "Want to see?" "If I sing, she will come and dance." "I swear." "Bull shit." "Enough." "Come." " No u carry on." "Not me." "U are a bit too drunk today sir." "Go home." " Sir, a little time." "No!" "Now don't enrage me." "Come." "We will get u a rickshaw" "No its ok." "I will walk this way." "U carry on" "First you!" "Ok, first me..." "Sad..." "Its all fate." "What heights he was to conquer..." "Traveled throughout India.. have u seen the work called Sita-Ramayanam, sir?" "No, have heard of it." "It describes a Sita that Valmiki himself has not seen." "He has created, written and composed a new dance style." "But sadly, he has no luck." "Nobody here to understand or help." "Will he manage himself ?" "Yea this is regular routine for him." "Dont worry about him." "'The night is made bright by the moonlight." "This temple has turned into paradise.'" "'Why aren't u celebrating spring with me, my lover?" "'" "Nandagopan seems to go crazy when around your girl." "One day I saw him stop her in her stride and tell her something." "Soma...he's the (Kichaka) villain in your story." " Time for u to become the Bhima" "He's mad." "A good thumping should solve it." "Cops must have whacked him good." "Malavika also has a bit too much of an ego." "Thinks she is Padma Subramaniam." "Well, she's the only one here with the potential to reach that level" "Oh really?" "What about our girls then ?" "Teachers are praising Maalu just because she is Principal's daughter." "Allowing her to perform a solo item at the arangetram is also a part of ass-kissing." "No. that's usual custom." "Good students get to do solo performances." "That's for good students." "Why Malavika?" "Warden is coming" "Oh, the 5 pandavas are in session !" "What's the plot ?" "'Panchali wedding'?" "Or 'Murder of Duryodhana'?" "NO." "Murder of Kichaka (Bhima's villain)." "All of u must be in hostel by 6!" "If u sneak off to the cinema, I'll complain to the secretary!" "No, we won't go today!" "Today the new movie releases." "Secretary will be there for all 3 shows" "Keep ur jokes to yourself" "I know of your movie outings, in pretence of going to brother's quarters." "IF I catch u red handed, I will tonsure your mango head!" "Hey, there comes your girl" "Aha.." "Maalu, where to?" "Town.. for some cosmetics." "Oh, your debut is coming up!" "Do well" "Dude, accompany her." "She must be going downtown." "(teasing)" "Maalu...off to town?" "Yes." "Why?" "I've some business there too." " U don't need my permission to go there, do u?" "I was waiting for u, when I heard you're going!" "Why?" "Scared to go alone, Soman?" "Heh." "Not that." "Thought I'll give u company" "I don't need anyone's company." "I know to go alone" "Why this hatred towards me?" "Who said so?" "I don't have any hatred." "If u mingle with these guys and do nonsense, maybe I will." "Got an earful?" "She bemoans me being in your company, guys" "Oh well." "Look at him, 'Harishchandra the Pure-hearted'." "I don't think all this hitting on her is ever going to work." "I don't need to convince YOU guys!" "She likes me." "She hides it in her heart." "So u mean she cant 'express' well." " You're all jealous." "Go wash your eyes, if they itch so much." "Guess we went overboard." "He is crazy about her." "Hello!" "Welcome." "Nambeesan's daughter, right?" "Yes." "She is also performing today." "All the best, make it big!" "She is the best student here!" " Oh very good!" "Let's go inside." "Secretary is waiting." "Doesn't he have some political strike or meeting to attend today ?" "I will go to the dance temple." "Okay." "Do well." "One should be happy with what one has." "Greed is bad." "When u meet the minister, make him understand." "People will say a lot of things." "Pay no heed." "So, as discussed." "Bye." "Chairman has come." "He is in his room." "So?" "Should I come and pray to him?" "I saw everyone 'praying' to him." "I saw people welcome him with garland and bouquet." "I come and do my job everyday, but no one cares." "If he is Actor Thikkrussy, I am the great Velayudhan!" "I run this place!" "Understand that!" "Just came to inform he's in his room." " I heard that." "Now go tell him I'm in this room!" "Sit sit..." "Oh I just stood to flex my back." "I came here myself knowing u must be 'busy'." "Are u fine ?" "Very fine." "Nambeesan, sit." "Unni sir, please sit.." "I am not sitting." "Just 'not able to'." "Do u know the poor funding scenario here, Chaiman?" "These debut performances itself are being funded by students." "We can discuss in next committee." "We have Unni sir and Nambeesan in the committee." "Conduct a paid 'Kathakali week' event." "Ha!" "We would have to pay to get the audience too." "Aren't u an old film star?" "Why dont we conduct a star night?" "Mammooty, Mohanlal, Urvashi, Gita, (more actresses)..." "with such stars, tickets will sell like hot cakes." "We can keep high rates too" "We can think about it." "Right now, students' debut takes precedence." "'Now, the pride of our school... 4th year prodigy student Ms. Malavika's debut is next." "Bharatanatyam:" "Padam" "'HE danced the Dance of Joy'" "'HE (Shiva) danced the Dance of Joy'.. on the stage" "'His expressions, as loud as his drum wake the Seven worlds from their slumber.'" "Shiva danced the Dance of Joy" "Stop it!" "Damn!" "Send him out!" "Kick him out!" "Maalu, don't cry." "It is ok." " Why did u stop the dance, child ?" "No teacher." "No more." "I cant dance in front of them anymore" "But your debut...." "No, I dont want a debut anymore." "What the hell has he done, teacher!" "So how did u like it?" "Your 'fantastic artist' and his boos?" "Why are his guardians and supporters silent?" "Nothing to say ?" "Teacher!" "Try to restart!" "Maalu is not allowing!" "He has been kicked out." "Audience is calm." "Please do the debut" "Debut is over." "It turned out this way." "SO be it." "Don't say like that..." "Teacher, please try and convince her." "Don't force her." "Technically, her debut is done." "Don't worry child." "Its not your fault that drunkard messed it up." "We all know his habits and character" "Maalu, stop this, dont be adamant." "This tantrum is your loss." "U lose your class." "My debut was spoilt." "What future do I have?" "Debut is just a formality." "It doesn't decide your future." "Listen to me." "Go, take a bath, and come to class." "Obey your guru, Maalu" "I thought u are stronger than this" "Go get ready..." "We will leave only with you" "Maalu.." "I had gone to your home" "Your mom said u left" "Heard u went to the class in the afternoon" "It's ok.. no harm will come to your future." "I am so angry, I would kill him!" "Are u upset with me too, Maalu?" "I am not upset with anyone." "I have some reading to do." "You're always like this towards me, Maalu." "U behave with no kindness." "Maalu, do u understand me?" " What's there to understand?" "Don't pretend like u don't see it." "I've been chasing u for 2 - 3 years." "I haven't spoken my heart to the fullest." "A hesitation." "I have written it all on this letter" "Was scared to post, in case it reachs the wrong hands" "What is it?" " Read it..." "I don't want all this!" " Please!" "Read it..." "Take it and go." "I will tell Dad." "Teacher!" "What's up.." "Well something is up, indeed!" "Is he around, that little brother of yours?" " No" "He's in the hostel." "Why?" "Is he old enough for this stuff?" "Kids should be brought up in discipline!" "We might not match u in wealth, but we have our esteem!" "What IS it?" "Could u be a bit clearer?" "Here, understand for yourself." "Dearest Maalu, whom I hold more precious than myself..." "This letter conveys feelings brewing deep within me, which I held back from u a thousand times" "I love you..... more than did Romeo love Juliet... more than did Krishna love Raadha... more than Shiva's love for Uma (Parvathi)" "I love you...." "If u do not return my love it would be not returning my life." "I shall cease to be, if u refuse to me.." "Eagerly awaiting your reply..." "With love, Soman" "Read it?" "What say of your brother now!" "I didn't...find any problem" "But it was Good poetry!" "Keep that poetry away from my daughter!" "Good poetry, he says !" "Is this what a responsible elder says?" "He's a male !" "A man of 25 years." "All he did was decently tell his love to a girl he has been after." "What is wrong?" "It will be my daughter who will get defamed!" "That is if something goes wrong" "Once he has settled down with a job.." "do u have any objection in giving Malavika's hand in marriage to my little brother?" "What did u say?" "Once they reach the age for marriage, do u mind marrying Maalu to Soman?" "Are u serious, Sir?" "We do not have the lacquer to polish her to match your fame" "Nobody's asking for lacquer (dowry) here." "U know we, the Shaarath family, doesn't need dowry to survive." "Well, true." "What do I say!" "If you're not kidding me, I would call myself lucky!" "Promise!" "We don't even have a house to retire into after pension..." "There is enough ground here at Shaaratth." "Come over with your daughter!" "Teacher, did u have dinner?" "What need to eat now?" "I am satisfied!" "Filled!" "Hope u didn't get upset about me scolding..." "I would have been upset if u hadn't" "Then, this letter...do I take it...or..." "If Maalu wants, u can take it." "Else let it sit here.." "Yes, better that it remains here." "Tell the chap that there's no more need of letters and poetry." "I'm worried he will go there and get into a brawl." "Why did u give the letter to Dad?" "What else?" "Reply to it?" "Just tear it up!" "He's generally patient." "But once he loses temper, its bad." "Why looking surprised?" " Well, you're not the same person who left in anger!" "Well, u know.." "When Kuchelan returned from Dwaraka with puffed rice, his hut had transformed into a palace!" "Same story!" "right here!" "Speak in a language I can understand" " Did I speak in English that u dont understand?" "Have u been to Shaaratth?" "Madhavan Unni sir's family home?" "No" "Ah!" "U should!" "U should!" "Grand is an understatement" "Govinda Pisharody, Madhavan Unni's grandfather, was the caretaker of the King of Kochi." "They're still equally prosperous now." "Unni Sir comes to Kalamandiram only out of his love for art, not for the puny salary he gets from this job." "What is with all this history?" "Well, that..." "Go inside, dear." "The lord is always with us" "He agreed to get our Maalu married to Somashekharan Unni.." "He has given his word, until education is done with." "My god!" "After retirement, he has asked to come over to Shaarathh." "How do u like God's games." "Well, keep a lid on it." "Tell her too, not to talk to friends about it." "They're all jealous folks." "Sister-in-law.. why did u send for me urgently?" "Who said that?" " Big brother." "Oh, that.. he has asked u to focus on studies." " Oh, same old..." "No, not same old." "Serious, this time." "It seems your focus is on poetry now.." "Poetry?" ""More than Romeo Juliet..."" ""More than Krishna and Radha"" ""more than Shiva and Uma"" "Do love.." "But not now, ok?" "Oh damn...deep trouble." "U thought no one will know?" "Big brother has warned u." "Any more nonsense, and he will break your bones" "Finish studies soon, and get a decent job." "Then he has agreed to get you married." "Got it?" "Is this a dream?" "..." "Don't kill yourself if u don't get that reply to the letter" "Come inside." "I'll make u a coffee." "No, thanks...." "Sister-in-law.." "Thank you" "Hello.." "Yes.." "Nambeesan here.." "Secretary has gone, sir." "The judgement will be in favor of us." "I have presented a Pal-payasam in Guruvayur temple" "Its a bigger court than the court." "I will ask the Secretary to return your call, sir." "Ok." "What are u doing here?" "Chairman just called." "The verdict...for the case?" "Gopi (screwed)" "Who's Gopi?" "I was asking about Nandagopalan's case." "That's what.. screwed." "The court judged that he be allowed to return." "The Gods have deserted us!" " Not Gods, its u who deserted me." "U and that stupid appraisal in the court!" "He is a drunk idiot!" "Not an artist!" "Else would he screw my daughter's debut?" "Serves u right." "Not just one debut." "he will screw this entire establishment" "It is the fruit of my prayers and tears." "Atleast now, live well and don't give society a chance to talk ill" "Why the dull face still?" "That's what I was born with." "Can't get a new face" "Well, your wish has come true." "Still unhappy?" "No." "When I was banished from the world of dance and rhythm and art..." "I was like a fish out of water.." "But now, it's like I fought my shadow and won." "who won?" ".... who lost?" "... who knows..." "What did he mean?" "I also didn't get it" "Will he resume work from tomorrow?" "Sir..." "I have come to rejoin" "Do that at the office" "Who invited u here?" ""My room"?" "Your room's at your house.." "This is a public servant's room" "Stop arguing and mind your own business!" "But.. a small score...to settle..before that" "Once I sign into the attendance register, it would go unsettled." "Score?" "What score?" "That's it." "Settled." "Now my grudge for u is quenched." "One I harbored after u set the cops on me." "Now I can join with a pure untainted mind" "Shall we keep this secret to ourselves?" "It would be embarassing for not me.. but..." "Which classroom do I go to?" "I don't know." "We will have to think on it!" "The children are refusing to enter classroom!" " What?" "Everyone has assembled at the auditorium" " Why?" "In protest it seems" " Protest?" "There has never been one here!" "Both girls and boys..." "It looks like trouble, sir.." "What's the problem?" " U are the problem." "Me?" " They want a public apology from u." "Apology for what?" " Dont remember?" "U came in drunk and spoilt a student's debut." "They don't want such a person here" "Oh, is that the matter?" "I will apologize." "'We're not ready to accept such a person with bad habits as a teacher!" "We dont care about court or committee here'" "He should publically apologize!" "Or resign!" "No classes till then!" "'Nandagopan Apologize!"" ""Apologize or resign!"" ""Nandagopan apologize!"" ""Apologize or resign!"" "I will apologize..." "I will!" "I will apologize!" "Before that..." "I need to say something.." "Don't say anything!" "Just apologize for spoiling an artist's performance!" "Before that, I have some questions!" "Go ahead!" "What qualifications do you have for a guru?" "Teacher should be a master of mudras (gestures) like 'Fish', 'Turtle', 'Bee'...say the Laws of dance by Sage Bharata." "Child..." "Laws are just prefaces." "Art supersedes them." "That's an excuse by those who don't know laws." "I performed according to Bharata's laws of dance." "U won't understand it." "Regular audience doesn't ask about the rules, they try to savor the feel" "Is insulting me your way of savoring the performance ?" "For what grudge did u spoil my debut ?" "When the one they introduced as 'The Great dancer' messed up the dance, I howled!" "In a single howl, u lost your concentration, composure!" "U lost your rhythm..." "U are not yet ready for a debut." "That howl should first reach your teachers!" "What do YOU know about bharathanatyam?" "What is 'technically' wrong in what she danced?" "U propped up a puppet dance!" "Malavika the puppet, dancing according to 'rules'." "Any robot can do Bharatanatyam if tuned." "That is not art." "Art is a mix of senses..." "Dance..." "Dance forms..emotions..expressions." "Dance is an exhibition of these!" "Bhaavanaanubhatvam (experience of emotions)." "So u need emotions, and u must experience them!" "U should devote mind and body." "Only then it would have charm." "It;" "Sanskrit phrasegt;." "These are also rules." "The definition of drama of dance, by Nandikesan." "Eye follows the hand." "The heart follows the eye." "Expressions follows the heart." "And expressions generate the Entertainment." "'Ananda nadanam aadinan'." "The lyrics say:" ""He danced with joy.."." "Not "I danced.."" "Him..." "Nataraja (Shiva)." "The poem says Nataraja dances in joy" "Yes, it was Sri Parameswara who danced." "What she danced was also Thaandavam (Shiva's dance)!" "That is where your textual reasoning also fails." "Thum nrutyam thaandavam praahu Sthree nrutyam laasya mucchyathe" "From Bharata's Natyashastra (rules of dance)" "Thandavam is for the male." "The woman must constrain to tenderness..gracious romance" "It is HIM who danced, not I..." "Then it is THIRD person narrating." "Narrator could be Uma, or maybe the dancer herself" "Will it be correct if u dance Thandavam for that?" "Even if that's correct, should u be doing a 'Regular dance', or a Thandavam (Rigorous dance) in Joy?" "What is the state of that happiness?" "of devotion?" "of love?" "of surprise or wonder?" "you must understand that!" "for every expression or feel, the danceform should be vivid and specific!" "whatever be the text u follow...any scripture it be!" "Natyashastra, Abhinaydarpan, Abhinayachandrika, Nritaratnavali in form, be it Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Bhangra, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathak, folk...anything" "The dancer must create entertainment out of her expressiveness." "Dancer..is not someone who jumps on the beat.. she is an interpreter." "you can lecture.. but can u 'interpret'?" "I shall try." "For 7 years, dance has only been in my heart." "I lack practise." "Kindly forgive that shortcoming." "'He danced the dance of joy'" "I shall apologize" "I shall apologize" "This is for the first time in the history of this establishment!" "This is a school running on teachers' heritage!" "Did u join it to learn art, or to protest and become a politician?" "Had u not been a member here, one tight slap was a given!" "It was Maalu's issue.. that is why I interfered.." "Her father is there for that!" "U need not become her guardian now!" "Save it for later!" "You're not married, to act the guardian!" "Enough scolding him." "Kids make mistakes." "It won't happen again.." "I have kept water in the bathroom." "Get fresh, then we can dine." "Why did u come home today?" "Do I need to tell u he will be angry?" "I too have a temper!" "Should I not be angry when it is about Maalu?" "Leave alone protest, if needed, I can even beat him up." "Well, finally who got embarrassed?" "I heard all about it." "Well...uh...he is a very good performer..." "Can't deny that." "Anyway, Maalu is happy at my 'performance'." "I'm satisfied." " I will tell this to ur bro." "For God's sake,no, I'm outta here !" " Leave after dinner." "There's nice avial curry." "Spare me." "At dinner, I'd have to see rest of the Drama." "I'll manage with sambhar at hostel." "It;" "A Krishna songgt;" "Why is Malavika Nangiar playing hide-and-seek ?" "Is it part of the laws of dance?" "I request thee, come forth!" "You, please step back" "The queens of dance must never be left behind" "Let's try it once more" "Stop." "Why is your face like lt;thisgt; ?" "Trying to scare me with your acting?" "Or is it some law I dont know?" "In this dance u must express divine romance." "Not kindness." "Romance is also a state of 'Joy'." "Does the star of Kalamandiram understand ?" "What, child." "Stand up please." "Please make her stand." "Take her" "Pity." "I wonder why that kid cried?" "Because u taunted her, sir ?" "Really?" "Then its ok." "Your friend has horns of excessive pride." "They must be broken, or she will become a nobody." "Can I ask u something sir ?" " Yes" "U boo-ed Malavika's debut, but spared us." "Why ?" "Many reasons.U debuted as 'normal' students." "Your mistakes may be forgiven." "But she was presented as 'Pride of Kalamandiram'." "'The pride' must maintain the required standard." "So thats one." "Moreover, everyone is spoiling her with excessive praise." "She possesses some good dancer instincts." "I see a good career in store for her, and dont want to see it derail." "So I howled." "And partly, it was my rudeness." "Many reasons like that." "A dancer's tears have fallen here." "Let's end today's class for now." "Dad sat for dinner." "Calling u." "I am not hungry." "Dad scolded u for doing arrogant things with students.." "Not because of that..." "Then?" "Worrying about what he said?" "That is his method." "U just learn according to your teachers." "What He said is correct." "What did she say?" "She feels Nandagopan was right." "Oh, the tides!" "have changed?" "What I learnt and practised for 3 years... is not dance at all.." "Dear... no one can learn anything in 3 years." "Can only build a foundation" "If his methods are right, they will be taught." "That is why he is back" "This is like some proverb." "Baaah." "Am famished." "Are u coming?" "Go dear." "If u don't sit, that is not dinner for him" "At least give company." "What are u looking at?" "Those eyes.. that nose.. that beard.." "Sir..." "Were u asleep?" "Uh, no, was just resting." "So u still drink, eh?" "It's a habit now, well" "No one uses this arena now." "Earlier this was sir's favorite arena." "This was his favorite arena for teaching." "He'd sit here with wife in the evenings..." "Sir, did u come looking for me or?" "..." "Yes.." "I got news u are here.." " What is the matter?" "Come inside." "She's my daughter.." "I know." "She didn't come to class today." "Have u decided not to come to my class?" "NO, she is dejected." "Oh, I went overboard yesterday with the teasing." "Wont happen again. u can go." "Oh no no!" "Not here for a complaint." "Go ahead, dear." "I am sorry..." "Please forgive me." "For?" "U are the one who has to forgive me." "Please don't say that." "I heard what u told my friends about me." "I have been arrogant due to ignorance" "Please forgive me." "I will accept any punishment happily punishment?" "for what?" "Both her and I, have done some wrongs." "She says it's only now she has found a wise guru." "Please receive a dakshina (fee) and bless her" "Me ?" "Oh, no!" "Heh, that's not required.." "I will teach what little I know if time permits..." "What u see outside is all there is.." "the insides are burning away to ashes" "I do not have another guru anymore.." "Please accept this." "I do not need any of this" "I don't have qualifications to be a guru" "Low on wisdom...don't know to implement properly what little is known" "As for character.. u already know about it.." "please don't push me away with all these." "Please accept it and bless me." "She's the only child I have." "Maybe I spoilt her a bit." "Your moves and technique are good." "The expressions must be improved." "They must come subconsciously." "Let the body and face be rich with emotion.." "like land made fertile with water and manure." "A face like a blossomed lotus is not enough - it must express all 9 forms of expressions like a mirror." "U need practise for it." "Tea" "Do u want ?" " No" "I brought only one black tea" "What black tea?" "I asked for the liquor." "It IS liquor." "I mixed in black tea to fool them." "U have spoilt it." "Who cares if they know." "hope u didn't add sugar as well." "I'm not that dumb" "Not comforting enough." "Got a bottle?" "Left the bottle at shop" " Liar" "No really, I didnt take." " Then whats this?" "Dont go drunk with this." " A man needs his drink" "Enough !" " u can leave" "And that bottle?" " ..will stay here." "Forgive me." "I dont have the right to advice, but its my duty as a student" "Why dont u stop this ?" " What ?" "I saw it" " The principal's daughter can keep her authority to herself." "Remain a student." "Just cause I accepted your fee, doesn't mean u get authority." "What do I do about this?" "I can give a memo.." "I can't stop him from teaching." "He has come with court order." "I can't strictly tell him not to drink." "Can't u say, Sir?" "I can,...but... he has a bad character..." "cheap fellow.." "He might do something rash are u scared of him, Sir?" " Scared?" "No no" "Ha.." "Velayudhan does not get 'scared'" "If I decide once,that's it!" "but right now, it is better to stall that decision" "Sir, our school's name.." "Will this fame rise by my actions alone?" "U people should also cooperate.." "I will give an idea.." "A plan." "No one outside should know that I am the one pulling the strings." "But one of u should be ready for that." "U are a good choice, teacher." "Right age, and beautiful.." "single as well" "Sir, flirtatious as usual." "I once destroyed a minister's career with this character assassination." "Needs meticulous planning, I can do that." "What is it ?" " Rape attempt" "'Drunk Nandagopan gropes Rama Devi teacher'" "Devi cries, shouts,all of us run to help... find him accused... on the spot, I will get him suspended." "oh god, I can't do all that." "oh, its just an act." "uh, u don't like the scheme?" "Sir, can cultured people think of all this?" "We don't want him suspended or dismissed ..." "He shouldn't drink in school" "He shouldn't degrade our name" "I heard everything... your 'scheme'" "Wonderful, Sir." "Please sit.." "We can talk of it later..." "I came to say that I wish to take my classes outdoors.." "There is shade, breeze and sunlight." "Kids won't get bored by the monotony of a classroom" "Principal has agreed. he asked to inform you he told to just inform you why tell me?" "u are doing all that u wish, right?" "So be it" "Well, i am going to do what I wish then." "Huh!" "Why close the door?" "Don't shout!" "I will close your book right away!" "So u want to set me up ?" "If u use your political schemes against an artist, I will pull out those eyes!" "Heh, don't do unnecessary things, Nandagopala" "Will u try such stuff in the future?" " No" "Promise me!" " Promise" "God promise!" "?" "!" " God Promise, I won't!" "If I get a memo in this regard..." "I will mug u in the night and whack u up!" "Oh, no no." "What's the need for all that trouble..." "Sit there!" "This is the chair of the topmost person here.." "Don't defame it." "Understood ?" "See u." "Nothing!" "Not going out today, sir ?" "Hi Sir." "I had performances last 2 days." " Sleep deprived, eh." "Please sit." " Did u hear the news?" "No" " Our secretary, Velayudhan (trickster) has taken 3 months medical leave" "What, disease ?" " Nothing much." "Leprosy." "In his mind." "Only stated 'due to medical reasons'." "He will produce medical certificate later." "Handed over charge to suprintendent, did not inform anybody." "Now this place will prosper." "How is Nandagopan sir?" "Smart and well." "Drinks a bit too much." "But they say art mixes well with alcohol." "Teachers here are proof." "By the way, on Maalu's request, I did 1 thing." "Asked her to give teacher's fee to Nandagopan." "Hope u wont mind ?" "Why should I mind?" "Well done." "He is very knowledgable." "Smartest one in this region." "Other teachers are envious." "Anyway, do tell 'our artist' also." "Who?" "Somasekharan, who else." "He should not feel bad." "No class today?" " We had." "Not in the class, but outdoors under the banyan tree." "Oh, new reforms." "Heard u paid fee and prostrated before ur guru." " Yes" "Plan to take personal home classes?" " Maybe." "Not just home, anywhere he calls." "U couldve told me." "I wouldnt prevent it." "I dont lack artistic sense." "I too wish for u to become a great artist." "I respect Nandagopan as an artist." "Be wary of the drinking" " Why should we concern ourselves with that?" "All we need to worry about is whether he is skilled." " True." "But in ur case, dont I need to be cautious." "I'm going." "They're waiting." "Let her know we guard her." " Ur show-off makes me laugh." "What's he cribbing ?" "That I should've told him before paying guru fee." "That obligation is unnecessary now before wedding." "Chauvinist." "U take too much freedom with guru." " What did I do ?" "Just felt so." "Dont entertain unnecessary thoughts." "'Come to me, be generous in your love, my hero.'" "The body must have fluid grace in overall movement." "Mohiniyattam is the dance of romance." "And romance.. the zenith of all emotions." "Convey love. "Come to me, be generous in your love, my hero."" "The heroine requests:" "Come forth with wide, unselfish love." "Malavika, do u follow ?" "Yes" " But ur mind is not here." "Shall we try?" "'Come to me, be generous in your love, my hero.'" "May the romance flowing through this moonlight night, be fulfilled." "'Come to me, be generous in your love, my hero.'" "Come to me, be generous in your love, my hero." "May the romance flowing through this moonlight night be fulfilled" "What world are u in?" "Must admit, he's quite a fellow." "What voice, what style." "That's the grandeur of the song and tune." "Not his skill." " Ya right." "What's this?" "Leave letter." "Why are u submitting leave letter?" "Not mine." "Nandhu's." "He left for travel in the morning." "Asked me to hand this to u." "So who will teach today?" " Shall I?" "U?" "Its not tea-making, but dancing." "I asked shall I leave to my shop." "U run any other business than tea?" " Yes." "I sing." "Learnt Kathakali songs." "I hear those everyday.I dont mean that.Do u peddle alcohol along with tea?" "Allah!" "How ridiculous!" "Dont use ur Kathakali tactics at me.If i hear of it, I'll get u and ur shop shut up and beaten by cops." "Beat up this body?" "Mercy!" "Kathakali is beyond me, let me try survive with my tea atleast." "Beware." "I have received complaints." "Sir" "I'm going to Krishna temple across the river." "Got scared seeing u sprawled across here." "Did u think I was finished?" "Child,u better go.Temple will close." "Is this why u took leave?" "Started in the morning." "Drank up,smoked up, yet my mind has no peace." "This day is that great,u wouldnt know." "U'd hate me if I told u, and demand ur fee back." "But ure smart." "Shall I ask Dad to take u home." "No.Wont go anywhere today" "Today's the 8th anniversary of my murder of my Suma." "Court released me." "But I'm a prisoner of my mind's jail." "Serving time." "I dont understand u." "Earlier I thought u were a murderer, but now I refuse to believe it" "An artist cannot destroy.Cannot kill" "I'm no artist.Just showing off." "It was I who killed Suma." "She was a naive creature" "Naive as a white rabbit.She's my cousin." "She lost her mom at a young age." "Her dad drank himself to death." "Like I'm doing." "I'm just ranting.U should leave" " No,I wont.Tell me what happened" "Well, she was orphaned.My mom brought her home after she was orphaned." "Thought she'd be able to help at home." "Basically,a glorified servant.But we enrolled her in Kalamandiram so she wouldnt feel that." "I had a job back then." "She was 16, a frail girl." "Then she ate up and fattened up.Such a foodie." "Dad told me she danced well." " She is a lazy-bum." "I composed Sita-Ramayanam for her." "Perfected it in this arena" "Her very hand movement was a mudra." "Face - blossomed lotus.Eyes - oceans." "Why'd u stop?" "Enough.I'm tired." "And what about me,singing all this time?" "That's easy.I'm the one hopping around here." "Enough.Lets continue tomorrow." "If we reach home early,we get early dinner.I'm so hungry!" "Ur 6 meals a day is making u fat." "And u must be the slim beauty here?" "U hog plenty urself." "Why cant I eat if I want to?" "U're a dancer.Shouldnt be too slim or fat." "The dance laws define this to be dancer traits." "Chauvinists." "Those lawmakers never knew hunger it seems." "Let me be clear.If u're presenting my heroine, u must be slim.The actor must meet Sita's features." "Not just ur dance,but u must fit the role well for the act to be good." "U must look like a hermit.This is not conventional Sita." "This is Sita reflecting Ramayana from her perspective." "I never asked Sita to reflect." "And wont go hungry for her sake." "Then what good are u?" "I'll get someone else to do it" "Sure,I dont care." "Dont go alone,take this." "I shall marry u off to a chef.Then u can eat all u want" "Think of good ideas like that.Instead of Sita's perspective and Ravana's and Hanuman's.." "The bed is ready.Sleep if u want." "Why did u do it.She prepares my bed generally,right?" "She has too many chores to finish." "She can do it after those chores." "Now she'll be upset again." "U know her." "She has no siblings." "But she has us." "The broker had come." "With a new list or same old?" "He bluffs too much.Golden face,pretty eyes..blah blah." "More metaphors than Wordsworth." "And then the girl turns out to be unimpressive." "But this girl looks good." "He has given me a photo." "She has learnt dance" "No need. 2 artists must never wed, especially if they're the same field." "And who would handle house matters?" "And there would be ego issues." "Nah,drop it." "She only learnt in childhood." "She's a schoolteacher from a nice family." "I'll marry her if u want." "Dont speak like girls.Did u like the photo?" "No.But I liked the person." "Do u like her?" "The broker also said there's a guy interested in Suma." "He enquired what dowry we can give." "We can give what we can.But we cannot end her education.She has a good future." "Yes." "The guy is nice and handsome." "I dont want.If u think I'm a burden to u,I'd rather suicide" "God, why does she always speak of death like this." "U can ask her name" "I know it already" "Yes,but do talk.So that u'll know if she stammers or something." "I dont doubt a teacher can speak." "Maya,go in.So lets have coffee and discuss." "Sure" "Thank goodness,finally u like one.Let's finalize today." "Yes,that's why I've come." "Where did Mom and Suma go?" "Maybe temple" "Nandhu,Suma has screwed up." "What?" "Drank the pesticide" "They've taken her to hospital.Thankfully someone spotted her." "She was unconscious." "Why did she do this, Mother ?" "Everyone please go out" "How is she?" "Not sure yet." "Lady,please go out." "Come,Mom." "Did u scold her?" "Why did she do this?" " Why, Mom?" "She had written this letter." "Nandu, U are mine.I cant bear u being someone else's.Neither u nor mom understood me." "I wont ask what I dont deserve." "And cant bear to see u being with another." "Sorry.I will await u in another world." "I saw u like a sister.Was this what u wanted?" "From the deathbed,she returned." "Into my life." "Complaints, impulsive mood swings, fiery bouts of happiness." "One year." "She gave me a lifetime of joy in one year." "I too have reciprocated that love unselfishly." "But she never agrees." "She felt I was miserly in love." "Enough,wake up" "Why cant I sleep more?" "Because u cant." "Such a miser." "Expect others to love but no reciprocation. 1 in return for 1000." "That's all I can do." "So u agree with me?" "Get up, let's do the first song phrase again" "I cant." "I know,u simply yielded to my stubborness when u wed me." "Not by choice." "U miss not marrying that Maya." "That's true." "I wouldn't have to put up with this nuisance." "So I'm a nuisance?" "Then I'll go kill myself." "Go die.I dont care.I'll bury u well." "And then I'll marry Maya and live happily ever after." "U wish." "I'll kill both of u." "How's that?" "U would be dead?" "I'll return as a spirit.And strangle u like this." "No need.Just listen to me and we avoid all this, ok?" "I always listen to u" "Well,u're not rehearsing despite me telling u, are u?" "I hope this nuisance gets over" "Suma,presenting this is my life's ambition.Why are u lazy?" "Other dancers would've finished this in 2 months" "Then get other dancers.Did I stop u?" "I do not see graceful candidates like u" "Ah,so admit it." "Suma has grace." "So I'm allowed to show off." "Now we can start." "When will u stop playing the fool?" "How late is it?" "1.30." "U sleep." "No, get up." "Dont break my mood here" "I too have moods and wants." "This is for u too." "This is ur life ambition.My ambition.. is a junior like u." "Well, naughty u are." "Why have u been gone so long?" "I went for a reason." "Then u should've let us know." "U are arriving 3 days later than u told us." "We were worried about u" "I couldnt communicate." "Unforeseen circumstances." "She hasnt moved, or even eaten." "Good for her.She will slim down" "Go freshen up soon" "I thought I'd return as soon as I saw Kalyani, but she wasn't there." "So I waited." "She arrived late last night." "I couldnt tell her I have a moody wife,can I?" "Met her in the morning,and they loved Sita." "They will surely come for the performance." "Her interpretations of Mohiniyattam are great." "Dont talk." "My life is like Sita's." "Orphan." "Always cast out." "Do u have an ounce of love for me?" "Dont cry." "I just couldnt communicate." "U can go or come as u wish" "Then leash me." "U can control me." "Make me jump hoops,whatever." "Are u saying I'm controlling u here?" "Yes" "Its out of love,I wish u're always with me." "Maybe" "Maybe?" "Arent u convinced?" "Yes,but how to convince others this?" "Who's 'others'?" "Many." "We are not the only ones in this world." "Even Mom cribs that she doesnt get time with me these days." "Then I shall go off somewhere." "Atleast I dont need help to die." "I've heard this a lot.Then go die." "U dont care if I die?" "Not in the least bit!" "I will be relieved." "What's the fight about?" "Why do u make her cry again?" "How can I live with this possesiveness?" "There is a limit to all this" "She is naive, been alone since childhood.Go console her." "Ur smile will be enough to change her mood." "Ask her to bathe, and then we shall eat lunch" "I smell kerosene" "Daughter!" "Open the door,my dear daughter" "She has never given me peace of mind, in life or in death." "See, she doesnt even take me with her." "Now she must be laughing." "It's not that I dont know how to end myself." "But I hold on to my life for my Mom's sake." "Poor Mom has cried a sea of tears." "This life is now for Mom." "Not really life.. what is life without hopes." "Until recently, Sita Ramayana was my passion." "I had sculpted it over 10-15 years" "Wanted to see it performed." "Now I've lost that want, too." "We must present it." "The world must know the artist Nandagopan." "Who needs art from a murderer?" "It's best the artist and his work are erased from history." "The next generation wants it." "As an artist, it's ur duty to gift it." "No." "I have neither mood nor capacity for it." "That's an illusion.U can and must do it." "I'm ready to sacrifice anything for it." "We will get support from many well-wishers -my dad,Madhavan unni,etc." "Dont deny this." "I may not fit ur criteria asheroine, or match ur requirements of a dancer." "But my heart is in it.I can present Sita if u allow me." "Bless me" "(Singing dance rhythms)" "Praise to Vinayaka, destroyer of obstacles.Grant us this boon." "Do bring us luck." "(Dance rhythms)" "(Sita Ramayanam)" "I get tensed as the big day nears." "Hope I dont spoil ur aspirations." "U know, statues require sturdy stone to be carved." "Sometimes, after years a sculptor realizes the stone is weak or cracked." "Imagine the plight of that poor sculptor!" "I can never be that let down, I am already satisfied." "Dont praise me,I will grow proud!" "Maalu, a minute." "I may be selected for a foreign tour to England." "Only 3 students among us are going." "If Unni sir is going,he'll obviously take his brother along." "Alright, I'm off." "Nandu sir has left." "It;" "Idiomgt; 'I eyed that mango,but the crow stole it'" "The crow will eat it and leave the remains to him." "Half is eaten already." "She has fallen for him" "Dont speak nonense!" "Is it nonsense?" "Haven't u heard the rumors, what 'Sita' and 'Ravana' have been upto for long?" "Get lost" " Thinks he's the hero" "I have something to ask" "I'm in a hurry.Time for rehearsal" "Doesn't matter." "Listen first." "Why do u sacrifice ur education for this performance?" "U and ur guru haven't even turned up at classes for 2 days." "Program is only days away" "Lets skip this program." "Dont u understand?" "Enough of hanging around like this." "There are others in this world around u." "They see u and ur guru, and say stuff." "How would I know?" "Only one who asks would know about this." "I ask because I have the right to do so." "I dont like u doing this, I wont permit it." "I dont need anyone's permission except my parents to do this." "I shall ask ur parents whether u should be allowed." "If Soma doesn't want it,she should drop the plan." "Life is more important than one performance.What say?" "Dont blabber.We shall decide.Let Madhavan unni suggest." "I wont back out, no matter who tries to prevent me." "Notices have been put up." "Program is only days away." "Pulling out now would be treachery to a fellow artist." "Dad would understand" "Yes,that's my quandary" "What if she breaks her limbs and cant dance later?" "Maybe that's a good plan." "Dont speak nonense." "Come in, sir." "Why did u ask me to come soon?" "Some rubbish." "Seems people are talking linking Nandu and her, and Soma was ranting about it here" "End result:" "She wont participate" "I say we agree to Soma." "Why invite trouble?" "That is needed only after marriage." "Why break her heart over this?" "Do u not understand art?" "Art is a marathon, needs concentration." "Dont kill her focus" "But others dont get it." "She's disadvantaged being a girl" "So what if she's a girl?" "I heard these rumors too, but paid no heed to them." "These are usual things." "When has society ever encouraged an artist?" "The only real artists have grown amidst allegations and ridicule." "Artists who are hindered by ridicule are forgotten." "In the future, this same society will patronize those who persist." "Future society will respect and demand an artist like Malavika" "Child,do not care about all this." "Ignore it with courage." "But keep ur mind unstained and pure." "Like polished gold." "God pours blessings into clean vessels.Hope u got it?" "Yes" "Are u sure ur mind is pure?" "Poor girl has suffered enough." "Dont bother her with this anymore." "I took the liberty of a brother." "Hope it is ok?" "I only need this courage" "U wear an artist's robe,but no shame." "True.I dont understand art and artists." "My friends mock me." "I dont like her going for this performance." "Should we spoil her career for u?" "If u dont like it, dont marry her." "End of story." "Can heart's love be switched on and off as one wants?" "Everyone has been fooling me." "Why are u crying like a child." "Listen, I'll talk..." "No, dont console me." "I know what to do." "I will stop this program with all my life." "Here he comes." "Thats him" "Soma, stop" "What madness is this." "What would u gain by killing me?" "My life." "U seduced Maalu." "Now she hates me." "U parade her around all day and screw up my life." "Its not as u think" "Stop speaking.I wont allow u to enjoy after sidelining me." "Come in" "Thank god,they didnt kill me" "I'm ready to die after I see u present it" "Dont speak nonsense" "Sit down child.Why did they do this?" "Maybe they had some plan." "Sita is here,wont u offer her coffee?" "Did u recognize them?" "No,it was night. 3 people." "Madhavan unni came by earlier." "So it seems everyone knows by now." "Yea." "People think the program wont happen today" " Oh, program must happen!" "I am fine to go ahead." "Slight body ache and fever." "But some pepper mixed in booze will remedy it, suitable medicine.Does ur dad know?" "Yes,he's coming." "I came ahead." "I too have committed a mistake, unknowingly." "I want to confess." "What mistake?" "U might have heard some of the rumors." "I generally ignore rumors." "If we are untainted,we need not worry." "No allegation will pierce us." "My heart was 'tainted'." "I wished for things I shouldn't have." "I dont get it." "Please tell me, and dont cry." "Earlier, I used to have hatred towards u." "Then devotion." "That turned into adoration." "Then.." "I.." "loved..." "What stupidity, child." "This is the fickle-mindedness of a female." "Earlier, one I saw as a sister." "Now, a disciple." "Have u not learnt the laws?" "Guru is considered equated with father." "And u're like a daughter to me." "Forgive my stupidity." "Dont cry." "I devoted my life,body and heart to one and only one woman." "She still lives with me." "But u will be my favorite student.. only student." "I am lucky for that." "When Madhavan Unni sir asked, I was burnt in thoughts." "But now I can confidently reply to him.." "my mind is polished and untainted." "I dont want to break anybody's hopes" "There is a guy betrothed to u." "Soma." "He loves u a lot." "U wont find a better guy than him." "Dont avoid or hurt him" "I understand him." "U should invite him to watch u perform as Sita." "Ur real debut." "Mine too." "I dont understand." "Will any sane person beat up a guru?" "Oh God, what has happened to this boy?" "Madness.When Nandhu told me, I felt slapped." "He was humorous and sportive about it." "But how can I..." "I told him he should complain to the police." "No need for that.Explain to him without anger." "Where can I find him ?" "Not in the hostel" "Must've gone to native place (Shaarath)." "Where else can he go." "U never used to come here earlier." "No class today?" "Why so dull?" "Its nothing." "Dont take that." "If it falls on ur hand, its trouble." "Here's ur eldest brother" "Did u not inform Madhavan?" "He is perplexed." "He called me up and asked me." "He has asked u to go soon." "Why're u taking so long, man, finish it up." "(SIta Ramayanam)" "'On this silent dusk, why do u call me?" "'" "'I came wanting." "I return satisfied'" "'Praise to Lord Ram." "Praise the King'" "Sneaking in a few drinks?" "Help urself." "This act is about to end - open up a few bottles will u." "Were u not around?" "Ur bro enquired about u at hostel." "Went home" "So u didnt see the program?" "Ur girl has been excellent.She's way beyond ur reach now." "Take these,I'll follow u with more." "When did u arrive?" "Can I have one?" "Dont take it !" "Go there and serve the drinks fast !" "Not that one.." "I.." "Stop standing like a tree around here" "Hey, was it u who beat up Nandu sir ?" "Dont dodge my question" "Get lost!" "Friends, with a very emotion-filled final upcoming act, Sita Ramayanam will conclude." "'Even after agreeing Lava and Kusha are his children, Ram hesitates to accept Sita'" "The performance has been excellent!" "'Sita requests Mother Earth, her mother, to absorb and redeem her'" "'The Earth splits open and Mother Earth accepts Sita'" "Stop" "So u're courageous enough to beat up people now?" "What's happened to u, so foolish.I reserve my words for now.Nandu plans to talk to u." "Did u think that a man and woman can have only one relationship?" "Doubt is a disease." "U are inflicted." "Maalu came in search of u many times today." "She cried, apoligized saying she insulted u or something" "She insisted u should come for the debut." "Said she wont learn dance anymore if u dont like it." "Happy now?" "Love can only be understood by love." "Kindness, with kindness." "Dont cry." "Repent and make up for mistakes." "This cannot be repaired." "I made a grave mistake." "I added poison to the Coke (Thumbs up) given to Nandagopan sir" "Poison!" "?" "I dont know who got that bottle." "Someone has drunk it." "Maalu, Nandu, principal.. someone" "I dont know whom" "God" "It is the right time now." "Peace. peace. peace..." "Oh kingdom of Rama, throne to many suns and moons." "Oh gods, sages, .." "...stars, dreams, flowers." "I bade farewell to u all." "(Time for) peace.. peace.. peace" "A sweet boom resounded as u broke the Thrayambakam bow,... ..and granted queenly status to a mud-born kid from Mithila, oh Prince of Kosala (Ram)" "Without considering my request, why did u throw away my wedding ring ?" "Why do u separate me from u, oh 'great gem of a king'" "Oh Prince of Kosala" "U disbelieve even the Fire that burns life into me, oh Prince of Kosala" "But know this.." "Sita has always slept only at thy feet, as I imagine them near me." "The life in me shivers." "This sad story of Ramayana sobs itself to an end." "As my senses grow numb unto death.." "Has unjust male chauvinism incarnated into a dark form as you, Rama !" "as this era (of Ram) draws to an end..." "Oh mother." "All-tolerating mother (Earth)." "Oh jewel-bearing mother" "Wake up." "Please absorb me into your heart, along with the tears of Tretayuga (age of Ram)" "Sir, what's wrong?" "We must hospitalize him.He's been poisoned" "No, I'm alright." "Nandu,let's go to the hospital" "Please listen.." "I am alright." "This is my life's ambition happening here." "This is my life's aim, dont interrupt it." "Nandu listen to me" "Child, its ur debut." "Finish it successfully." "It's my dream." "I request." "Dont stop." "(Final dance rhythms)" "Forgive me"