Pathonpatham Noottandu (2022) - full transcript

"Arattupuzha Velayudha Panikkar
was an unsung renaissance hero

who has long been
neglected by historians."

"He waged an extraordinary struggle against
the inhumane system

that prevailed in the 19th century."

"This is the headquarters of the East India
Company in Travancore during that era."

What did he say?

He said he'll bring you anything
you ask for.

Anything?!

Hey, black beauty...

Come forward.

He's asking the pretty black woman
to come forward.



Achu Pillai, isn't she the slave girl
who was owned by Chandu Kurup?

Yes, the same lowbred lass.

I bought her from Chandu Kurup
for a whopping 300 coins.

Apparently, our Henry Sahib
from Madras, prefers black women.

And it was none other than
Nicholas Sahib who told me this!

Aha!

That is why I made her shower and
be presentable to bring her here.

Would you look at that!
A lowbred lass who never covered

her breasts all her life,
is now wearing a blouse!

Well, Sir Henry is not particularly
fond of women with unclothed breasts.

It seems he won't get aroused
if the chest is bare.

Well! Where the hell are the wrestlers?

I love the black-skinned macaques in duel.

But make sure,
in the end, the winner kills the loser.



Oh!

What did he just say?

He's saying that the slave wrestling
should start immediately!

And that the winner must kill the loser!

Oh!

- Fine! Summon them!
- Yes, right away.

We need to keep them happy
to get our things done.

Ready, Sahib!

What's it?

I am here to see Lord Kaimal.

- Did he ask you to come here?
- Yes.

But a chief here told me that
I won't be able to see him now.

I came before dusk.

- Where are you coming from?
- From Arattupuzha.

Perumalachan told me to come.

Oh! So you are Perumalachan's son?

I'm his grandson.

The lord had offered
to help me get a permit

from Henry Sahib for exporting cardamom.

Kaimal will be inside.
Please come.

The lord must have taken a tidy sum
as a bribe to get you the permit.

Am I right?

Don't you want to meet Kaimal?

- Come inside.
- But...

Are people like me allowed to come in?

Won't that be an act of desecration?

Sahibs don't follow such customs
in their bungalows.

Untouchability, desecration etc.,
is followed only in our land.

You may come inside.

Argh!

- Come, man!
- Come on!

Come!

I bought him for 600 coins.

If you don't win this duel,
I'll chop your head off!

I bought him for 750 coins.

He will kill the slave
and his master if needed.

Beat him to death!

Beat him!

Beat him!

Come on! Crush him!

Come on!

They are slaves bought by the lords.

This will end
only when one of them dies.

How dare you!

Give me that!

Go and thrash him!

Go on!

Wasn't there a proclamation
to stop this slave trade?

Proclamations have been issued since 1812.

What's the point of proclamations,

if people don't change?

The masters need slaves.

Crush him, just like that!

I was waiting for you, Lord Peshkaar.

Be seated.

He has come to see you, Lord.

He is the grandson of Arattupuzha Perumal.

Don't you know you are supposed to
maintain distance and stand away?

He said untouchability
is not practised here.

It's fine for now,
considering the place and situation.

You may talk to him.

Did you give the money bag to my house?

Yes, I did.

The whole amount?

I have given 2000 coins.

You wait here.
After this is over, I will talk to Sahib.

Hey!

Go and kill him!

What a lovely face you have!

This way...

Though she is a slave girl,
it's her first time.

She will be lucky
if she survives the night.

Kill him.

Kill him!

- Damn it!
- Finish him off!

I want to see this slave's blood!

- Kill him!
- Please, no...

Kill him now!

Kill him!

I command you to kill him!

I want to see him dying!

KILL HIM!

No! Don't kill him.

Who's this swine?

Who let this man in?

Tie him up!

And whip him until he dies!

Lift him up.
Bring him here.

You!

You wanted to see someone die.

Watch him die.

- Help him!
- Sahib!

Leave me!
How dare you!

Go get him.

Kill him!

Capture him!

Don't let him get away!

Block the way!

Seize him!

"During the mid-nineteenth century,

at the palace of the King of Travancore."

Why was everyone summoned so urgently?

Is there an imminent war?

Don't know.
Seem's like it's something important.

Today, the prestige of Travancore
has plunged into the depths of hell!

Being a ruler,
who is also a devotee of Lord Padmanabha,

I have failed to protect
God's sacred ornaments and stone.

It has been so many days and
I have not been able to recover

the divine ornaments which were
stolen by some notorious thief.

Hence, what right do I have
to continue on this throne?

Talk of the realm is that
the ideal job for the Travancore army

would be that of
planting saplings in the fields.

It's not a matter of joke.

Pachu Panikkar,
do you have anything to state?

After all, you are the commander-in-chief
of the Travancore Army.

Your Majesty,

so far no clear evidence has been found

about the robber
who stole the sacred ornaments.

Our army, searching far and wide,

suspects it is Kochunni,
the infamous thief from Kayamkulam.

Panikkar, don't narrate fables
to save face.

What proof do you have to assume
that Kochunni stole the divine jewellery?

The priests who carried it said
they were burgled by thieves in the dark.

I am also inclined to think it was Kochunni
who came in that darkness.

Kaimal, you are not just a landlord.

I've entrusted you with
some other responsibilities as well.

Tell me, do you suspect anyone else?

No, my Majesty, that's not what I meant.

Please grant me a few more days,
your Majesty.

I will capture that despicable thief
and bring him to your feet.

I have been hearing this for days now!

Isn't he the one?
The leader of the lower caste!

Yes, he's the one.

Arattupuzha Velayudha Chekavar!

Look at him making an entrance
grander than a king!

He is a millionaire!

Look at him entering without permission.

Stop there!

Where are you off to so hurriedly?

I would like to meet His Majesty.

It won't be possible to see him today.

The royal council meeting is going on.

His Majesty holds meetings
with low castes every Tuesday.

You can come then.
Now, leave!

I was summoned here, Master.

Stop there, I say!

How dare you show such insolence!

Don't you know that an
Ezhavan, a low caste,

should maintain 36 feet distance?

Keep down that arrogance of your wealth!

Get out!

But I haven't said anything
to provoke your anger, Milord.

And what could you possibly say?

Your forefathers might have
amassed heaps of money

by pimping out to the
Portuguese and the Dutch.

This isn't the place to show it off!

Padaveedan Nambi!
What are you doing?

He is here on the order of His Excellency.

Velayudhan, you may come in.

You may take a seat, Velayudha Chekavar.

What! His Excellency is welcoming him?!

Unbelievable!

Do not hesitate, Velayudhan.
You may sit.

Your Majesty, I have no merit for that.

I will stand here.

It's an honour that I could
even enter this imperial court.

Damn him, Velayudha Chekavar!

He thinks of himself
as some mighty warrior!

I have heard a lot about
your daring adventures.

And now, you are a prominent merchant too!

It is rumoured that all the cardamom,
dried ginger and pepper in Travancore

are stashed away in Velayudhan's granary!

Pardon me, Your Majesty,
I'm just a simple merchant.

Velayudhan, you must be aware

that the sacred ornaments and stone
of Lord Padmanabha's were stolen.

In all of Travancore,
only Kayamkulam Kochunni

is capable of doing something so heinous.

Our army has failed to
find him or vanquish him.

That's the reason I summoned you,
Velyudha Chekavar.

I believe that you can capture Kochunni
and bring him before my eyes.

Is he the one to catch Kochunni?
Long odds!

Your Excellency, it would be good
if you could reconsider this decision.

The lower caste is forbidden
to even look at God's jewels.

And to entrust, Velayudhan, who is of the
same lower caste, to retrieve those jewels?

Touching those jewels would be
pollution of purity, a mortal sin!

He has a point, Your Majesty.

So, was there no pollution of purity or sin

when Kayamkulam Kochunni
touched those sacred ornaments?

If one thinks that way,
that is a valid point too.

This is a matter of pride for Travancore.

All I need to know is Velayudhan's opinion.

Do you have the might to face Kochunni?

Your Majesty, if you demand, I will capture
Kochunni and bring him before you.

But if I, the one born in an inferior
caste, retrieve the sacred ornaments,

it would bring disgrace to these lords.

Hence, I beg your forgiveness.

Your Highness, do you notice
the air of insolence in his speech?

We were only mentioning the laws

that this kingdom has been following
for the last few centuries.

Your Highness, how can we rewrite
the mandates just for him?

If customs are violated,
our land will be ruined!

Should we deliberately
invite a calamity, my King?

Please don't break the customs,
Your Highness!

Exactly!

- Kindly reconsider it.
- He has a point, Your Highness.

Minister, what is your opinion?

Your Excellency...

When it is a matter of
the law and our customs...

Your Majesty, I'm here only because
you summoned me.

I have no words of gratitude
for your trust in me.

It won't be enough even if
I lay down my life for you.

I will always be at
Your Majesty's beck and call.

But I implore, please do
not assign this task to me,

especially when you have
an entire council against me.

Please grant me
permission to take your leave.

Your Highness, he's a felon!

I have known him from years ago.

Yes, you do.

To be precise, eighteen years ago!

Shall I divulge your true face
to everyone here?

It might disfigure you forever!

He's lying, Your Majesty!

For the attention of the
commander-in-chief, lords and governors,

today I have taken your
opinion into consideration

But, capturing Kayamkulam Kochunni
and recovering the sacred ornaments

is now entirely your sole responsibility.

Bear that in mind!

What you did was wise, Velayudha Chekavar!

Those people who are actively
demanding Kochunni's arrest

will be the one ratting us out to Kochunni!

No one can be trusted.

The commander-in-chief has taken
an oath to capture Kochunni.

Maybe he wishes so,
because he is the commander-in-chief.

But...

What is it?

The warlords of Travancore
have always been like that,

they all have these wishes,
but it's in their destiny to fail.

I do not understand.

I am Kannan Kurup.

I am the son of former
commander-in-chief, Pappu Kurup.

Oh!

Glad to have met you.

Farewell.

Flog their backs with the whips!

Let this be a lesson to
all those who disobey.

Doesn't matter if they drop dead,
make sure they are whipped 108 times!

Come on, whip them!

Oh, no, my daughter!

Please stop, Milord!

No, Milord!

You had the audacity to walk
in public wearing a moustache!

But you cannot pay the moustache tax!

How dare you!

Not enough!
Strike them harder!

Her screams must be heard miles away.

Hey, you! Sergeant Raaru Pillai!

You only got these two?

No, Milord, we have got around ten more.

Mostly lowbred women
who don't pay the breast tax.

They must be the disciples
of that wretched witch, Nangeli.

Yes, they are.

According to the new order, lower
caste women who cover up their chests

and don't pay the breast tax

will not only have their breasts
chopped off but also their heads!

- Let it be known!
- Will tell them.

Milord, flogging these women
won't be enough.

We must capture
and behead their leader, Nangeli.

I will do what's necessary today itself.

Do you have Kizharnelli,
the medicinal plant?

- Yes, I do.
- Give me a bunch.

- And a bunch of Ashwagandha too.
- Getting them right away.

- Vasu Pillai?
- Yes.

I heard that the army came in search
of Kelu's daughter, Nangeli

and that if they get hold of her,
she would be executed.

Is that true?

It's true alright.
But they couldn't catch Nangeli!

Aha!

Milords, a large gathering of
women are coming this way.

- What?!
- This way?!

O lords, we have dignity too!

O lords, we are humans too!

Shame on you, O lords!
Shame on you, O lords!

Shame on you, O lords!
Shame on you, O lords!

O lords, we have dignity too!

O lords, we are humans too!

O lords, we have dignity too!
O lords, we are humans too!

That's it!

We'll soon see their corpses
floating in Vembanad lake.

Do we have no right to cover up our shame?

Do we have no right to cover up our shame?

Shame on you, O lords!
Shame on you, O lords!

Shame on you, O lords!
Shame on you, O lords!

Stop!

How dare you lowlifes walk through
the royal path with your chests covered?!

Remove your breast clothes and disperse!

O lords, we have dignity too!
O lords, we are humans too!

Stop it, you uncouth women!

Beat them and chase them away!

Enough!

So you are the lowbred lass, Nangeli,
who has mastered the battle moves!

I got some other moves you don't know.

If you cooperate, I could teach you.

I don't have any qualms about
untouchability when it comes to that.

It's obvious that you were born to
a lower-caste woman

who was impregnated
by some upper-caste man.

That's why you are so light-skinned.

Oh! So, we cannot be light-skinned?

Then the people of your caste
who are dark-skinned

would have been fathered by slaves?

Beware, you bitch!
How dare you abuse our forefathers!

Is there any lord who can resist
this willowy figure and face of yours.

You damn filthy wretch,
you think you are some princess!

You can't bear the sight of us
anywhere near you!

But you take great pleasure
in seeing our naked bodies, don't you?

You sleazy, depraved humans!

Stop it, you bitch!

Do you know who you are talking to?

Now watch me chop off her head
and let this be a lesson for all of you!

I consider it a virtue
to behead a sinner like you!

Ugh! What a disgrace!

It's the first time I hear that
beheading a girl is a virtuous deed.

What are you doing here?

We know how to enforce
the laws of the land! Back off!

I will go.

But do not misuse your power
to treat humans like pests.

I also have the power to chop
your head off for your arrogance!

Remember...

I will not tolerate your
arrogance just because you are

rich enough to trot around
with prostitutes like her!

Take that smugness elsewhere!

Attack him!

You said the untouchables must keep
36 paces away from you, right?

It is not 36, yet!

Milord, if my touch has defiled you,

go and cleanse yourself in holy water.

I will have vengeance!

For the time being, save yourself.

Don't you dare come to disrobe
these destitute people ever again!

You have to be careful.

Never forget that our enemies
are mighty and powerful.

Your Highness, sorry for troubling you
at this odd hour.

There is an important matter to inform you.

Tell me.

Some untoward incidents
took place in Cherthala today.

Padaveedan Nambi,
the deputy chief of our army,

was almost beaten to death
by Arattupuzha Velayudhan in public.

All that barbarity just
because Nambi questioned

some lower caste women
for covering their breasts.

The Village Officer in
Cherthala had informed us

that no one is paying
the mandatory breast tax.

Velayudhan is responsible
for all this furore.

If you give the orders,
we can send our army to arrest him.

Nowhere else in India
will you find such practices!

Only in Travancore, you have these
breast and moustache taxes.

My predecessor, the great uncle,

conquered from Kanyakumari
in the south to Aluva in the north

and expanded our empire.

But it was not just our army
that helped win those battles, was it?

No, the kings from other lands
aided us back then.

And when there wasn't enough money
in the treasury

to pay up what was promised to these kings,

they decided to impose such taxes.

So what if traitors like Velayudhan
get those taxes abolished?

Don't let him get away with it,
Your Majesty!

He should be given maximum punishment.

If needed, we can give him
the death penalty.

But, Panikkar, do you know that

the properties and
assets of high officials

and landlords like yourself
are exempted from tax?

And what about the Devaswom
and Brahmaswam?!

In short, the rich have no tax.

But Velayudhan is not like that.

He regularly pays
a large sum of money as tax.

Moreover, when there is a shortage in the

treasury to pay taxes
to the British Company,

Velayudhan pays his taxes in advance.

I shall think about it.

For the time being, Pachu Panikkar,
you can focus on retrieving

Lord Padmanabha's sacred ornaments
and protect my pride.

Otherwise, I will have to take action
against you.

Chirukandan, my dear, come quick.

I'm almost there, Nangeli.

Where are you going with this pot?

I was coming to your hut.

I didn't see you yesterday.

There was cattle ploughing
in the paddy field yesterday.

And at night, I went to Ambalapuzha
with the bullock cart.

Lord asked me to do cattle ploughing
in the morning, again.

I was coming to see you today.

What was the big battle yesterday?

Everyone is saying that Nangeli escaped
only because of Velayudha Chekavar.

It's true.
It got out of hands.

If Velayudha Chekavar had not come,

you wouldn't be seeing me alive today.

Why do you have those scars on your cheek?

They are gifts from the deputy chief!

What all did those barbarians do!

Thank you, my Goddess, you saved her!

Velayudha Chekavar really appeared
like a god, didn't he?

What's in this pot?

Is it jaggery pudding?

Today is my birthday.

Father said to make some pudding.

Then I thought of you, Chirukandan.

So I was bringing some for you.

That means you do love me!

I always wonder...

What?

You are someone everyone is besotted with

but you fell in love with me.

Our marriage was decided
by our parents, right?

Do I need to come to the hut now?

The ladies of the mansion have invited me.
I said I would go.

Let me go and come.

Walk fast.

Who is that, Janaki?

Oh, no! Uncle is here!

Are you feeling cold, Savithri?

Your body is shivering.

What happened with Savithri kutty?

Um... she seems to have a high fever.

She's shivering profusely.

Why did you get out then?

Listen, be careful with fever.
Smallpox is everywhere!

I also told her the same.

Come, let us get going.

I warned you to not go outside!

Come.

Oh, dear! When I saw the lord,
I thought we were in trouble.

You underestimated
Janaki's intellect, Nangeli.

Wise girl!

Still, when I saw uncle,
I got stressed and didn't know what to do.

Suddenly, an idea came to mind
and I went with it.

Is Bhageerathi amma in there?

Could you please come here.

I have brought you some good luck.

This is what we call destiny.

What is it, Konthi Kurup?
What is the good news?

Good news indeed!

Don't you understand?

I am talking about Eshwaran Namboothiri,
the advisor to the Maharaja.

Please say it clearly, Konthi Kurup.

Look over there.

Put down the palanquin right here.

Please step out.

He was at the temple this morning
when Savithri's news reached his ears.

Savithri chechi...

Who has come?

Seems like an important person.

A wrinkly old Namboothiri.

He wants a sambandham,
an informal marriage, with you.

With me?!

You know, Thanu Pillai,

from Ambalapuzha to Aluva, Milord
owns ten thousand yards of paddy fields.

When it comes to properties,
neither do I, his manager, nor he,

the owner, have any idea about
the vast number of houses he owns!

Nothing like that will happen.

Someone perfect will come to marry you.

I know that for sure!

What kind of man would you like to marry?

A rich man or a warrior?

Who do you have in mind?

I want someone brave and strong
like Velayudha Chekavar.

You think I can find one?

Not bad!

Mother will be coming here soon.

- Oh, no! I should get going.
- How will you go?

How can you cover up again and go?

- There's a way!
- Nangeli...

Here, I kept this for you.

What is this?

Some drape clothes.

I know you don't have enough clothes.

There is also a pearl chain,
a nice pair of earrings and kohl for you.

Then, let me go and try these.

Try the drape only at night.

What if someone sees you during the day!

Come, let's go from here
before Mother comes.

♪ Is my dusky fellow on his way here?
O ye rain cloud! ♪

♪ Is my dusky fellow on his way here? ♪

♪ O ye rain cloud! ♪

♪ O ye moonlight!
Scattering rays as white as milk ♪

♪ Could you bring me a pot? ♪

♪ O ye moonlight! ♪

♪ Nangeli, beautiful like a
blue mist flower blossom ♪

♪ Looking into the mirror in the lake,
she applies kohl to her eyes ♪

♪ Her unwavering beauty
radiates all around her ♪

♪ The moon rose up
fetching a champa flower ♪

♪ To adorn the tresses of the pretty lass ♪

♪ Her companion through the night ♪

♪ Still plenty of time until dawn breaks ♪

♪ Is my dusky fellow on his way here?
O ye rain cloud! ♪

♪ Is my dusky fellow on his way here? ♪

♪ O ye rain cloud! ♪

♪ O ye rain cloud! ♪

♪ The rain cloud has passed
The moon has risen ♪

♪ While I comb my hair ♪

♪ Why do you sneak a look, O mynah? ♪

♪ I'm not as pretty as you, dear girl ♪

♪ Hovering storm clouds
that veil your chest ♪

♪ O ye moon! ♪

♪ To swing on those invisible vines ♪

♪ Can you take along Nangeli too? ♪

♪ Swaying like the night wind ♪

♪ Is my dusky fellow on his way here?
O ye rain cloud! ♪

♪ Is my dusky fellow on his way here? ♪

♪ O ye rain cloud! ♪

♪ O ye moonlight!
Scattering rays as white as milk ♪

♪ Could you bring me a pot? ♪

♪ O ye moonlight! ♪

Shall I go to the warehouse?

Take Ramanan and Kali with you.

[Children practising Kalaripayattu]

How are the children performing?

Are they building resilience?

They are, gradually.

That is not enough.

The world should know that
there are exemplary martial artists

not just in the north,
but also, here in the south.

So do not compromise on anything.

I will not. I'll take care of everything.

Very well, carry on with the practice.

You are home early today.
Here, have some buttermilk.

I heard that you don't eat properly
because of your busy schedule.

- Who said so?
- Well, I found out.

By the way, where's my son?

He fell asleep. I'll bring him.

No, let him sleep.

Grandfather, where are you going?

I thought I'll just go out for a walk.

It's almost dusk now.
Where will you go at this time?

There are so many places to go!

Am I right, dear?

You are up to something! I know!

Nah!

Velutha, where is he off to all dressed up?

Grandfather wants to go see
a Kathakali performance today.

Kathakali?! Where?

They will be performing,
'The Slaying of Keechaka'

at the Thekkumpuram temple today.

Our martial arts master told me about it.

The royal artist, Naanu
is playing the role of Keechaka.

I have been wanting
to see that performance for so long!

Anyway, I have decided to watch it today.

Don't you know that it is forbidden
for us Ezhava castes to watch Kathakali?

Will the temple management allow it?

But I am not going inside
the temple to watch it.

The north wall of the temple
has fallen apart.

I can sit outside and
watch the performance. Can't I, dear?

200 people were beheaded and buried
in Vaikom pond for organising against

the ban that lower-castes
cannot walk in front of temples.

My father was one of them.

You remember that, right, Grandfather?

Look what you have done,
you have upset him!

No, my dear.

I couldn't help feeling sad
when I thought of Madhavan.

But these days, the lords are not
as intolerant as they were in the past.

If you are so keen,
you may go, Grandfather.

Take someone along for help.

I have already arranged all that.

Kittu...

Maari... bring Muthu as well,
Let's go.

Grandfather is delighted.

He has been asking me since morning
to convince you to let him go.

Come...

[Kathakali song]

Please be seated.

Please have some tender coconut water.

We are all so honoured that you
visited the temple today, Lord Kaimal.

I was visiting a relative here.

That's when I heard about
today's performance.

I am extremely fond of Kathakali.

What are those figures
gesturing with their hands?

I can't understand who is saying what!

You fool! They are not mere figures,
but Keechakan and Panchali!

This is the scene where
Keechakan proposes his love to Panchali.

But why stretch that out so much?

I am unable to make sense of anything.

I should be whipped for bringing
you idiots along to watch Kathakali!

- Hey! Get up!
- Oh, no!

Aren't you Velayudha Chekavar's father?

Not his father, but his grandfather,
Paavunni Perumal.

Don't you know it is against the law
for the lower castes to watch Kathakali?

Forgive me, Milord.

But we were sitting outside
the wall and watching it.

Forgive us if we have wronged.
We will leave immediately.

How can we just let you go?

Shouldn't you be punished
for watching it for so long?

He should be thrashed to death.

Velayudhan and him
are openly challenging the villagers!

Seems like we are in trouble.

Velayudhan had warned me not to go!

Just look at him!

All dressed up like a king!
He's even wearing a turban!

He deserves two tight slaps!

Oh, no! Please don't, Milord!

- He is an aged man.
- Did you see that?!

This lowbred has touched my hand
and defiled them!

- Oh, Mother!
- Maari...

Take off your clothes!

You think you are the royal
state secretary?

Take off the turban! Come on, fast!

Did you steal all this from the palace?

No, Milord.
Velayudhan got them for me from abroad.

I did not steal it.

Look at his arrogance!

Oh, no! Don't do anything.

Please don't kill him, Milord!

Please don't kill him!

Please stop!

Please, we'll go from here!

Please, don't!

- No! Please!
- Stop!

Who wants to kill my grandfather?

Come forward if you are brave enough!

Stop the show and come here, everyone!

He has brought shame upon the land.

What's going on there?

Come quickly!

Make way. Move.

Step back, everyone!

What's the matter, Velayudhan?

Out with your heedless games again,
are you?

His games won't work out here
in Thekkumpuram.

You should only enter places
you are allowed to.

Or you will have to accept the punishment.

- Do you understand, Velayudhan?
- Yes, I do.

But what if we entered
where we are allowed?

What insolence is this!

Not insolence, Milord.

What if my grandfather entered the property
that was owned by him?

This entire land beyond the temple wall
belongs to us.

If we go by the law, I decide what to
do on the land that I pay the tax for.

I was talking about the law

whereby the lower caste people
should not watch or learn kathakali.

Even the animals that sit on this wall
are allowed to watch the show.

But alas! Some humans can't!

Well, let me ask
the custodian family of the temple.

Lord Appu Kurup, why have
you not rebuilt this broken wall?

We need a lot of money for that.

The temple hardly
receives any benefactions.

The situation is pitiful.

Then, shall I demolish this
and build a new wall?

I will also donate enough money to build
a nice flagstaff for the temple.

If you can do that,
you'll be blessed, Velayudhan.

Appu Kurup!
What are you saying?!

We need a lot of money
to build this temple wall.

You!

What I said is the truth, Milord.

Well then, I'll start
rebuilding the wall right away.

My fellows, demolish this wall!

Make sure to build
a new wall tomorrow itself.

You pay absolutely no respect
to the landlords, do you?

No, Milord. I wouldn't dare.

It's because I pay a lot of respect,

that I am going to rebuild this
wall with my own money.

Who is the lord in charge of
the Kathakali performance?

It's me, the royal artist, Naanu master.

How much money
do you get for a performance?

It will be depressing if I talk about that.

We hardly get 10 rupees and we are
12 people, including the percussionist.

Would you be happy

if I give you three hundred rupees
to complete the performance?

Three hundred rupees?!

O Lord Krishna,

is this a reward for performing before you,
my God, for so many years?

Chandru...

- Here you go.
- Lord Krishna!

- I need you to do one more favour.
- Mm?

It would make me happy
if you could perform on this platform.

My grandfather could watch it from closer.

Panikkar...

Everyone get up on this platform.
Let's start the performance.

Hey, you! Master!

You are not going to perform here today!

Naanu Master will perform Kathakali.
Here, today!

And it's my word!

Shut up, you dog!

Don't beg for embarrassment
in front of these people.

If you don't want to get roughed up,
it is best you walk away!

I am letting you go only because
we are in the vicinity of the temple!

Look over there.

Huh?

These are the hoofprints of his horse!

Are you sure it was Kochunni?

I saw him with my own eyes!

I'm not going back without Kochunni again.

Chief, I hear a horse galloping close by.

Chief, that's definitely him!

Come on!

I will finish him off today!

Looks like they are all dead.

They were executed and
hung there by someone.

Oh, no!

Isn't this our commander-in-chief?

Lord Panikkar!

Oh! Panikkar, my Lord!

What happened to you?

Untie me and help me down.

Or I'll die!

Ladies and gentlemen!

The Maharaja of Travancore earnestly
informs his subjects that...

Kayamkulam Kochunni,
the burglar who had stolen

the sacred ornaments from
Padmanabha Swami temple

has badly assaulted Travancore's great
commander-in-chief, Pachu Panikkar

and his assistants during their attempt to

capture the burglar and
retrieve the stolen goods.

His Majesty has proclaimed
a reward of 200 gold coins to

whoever captures the notorious fugitive,
Kochunni, either alive or dead

and 100 gold coins to whoever
gives information about the said thief.

Kaatha, cook this fish with some tamarind.

My mouth waters when I think
of your scrumptious fish curry.

If it is so tasty...

how come you don't visit me more often?

My princess, Kaatha,
even if it isn't that often,

when I do visit you, don't I
make them unforgettable!

They are also coming.
Make rice and curry for them too.

Ah, everyone is here!

What news?

There is news.

An announcement has
shaken all of Travancore.

What announcement?

Two hundred gold coins
will be rewarded

to anyone who captures
Kayamkulam Kochunni, alive or dead.

O my Goddess, what if they capture you?!

No chance! Even their forefathers
couldn't if they wanted to!

But do these infidels know that

I do not have this thing
they accuse me of stealing?

That's right.

They must be searching for the
sacred ornaments elsewhere

when they should actually be
looking for it in the palace grounds!

Alas!
I made a mistake that day!

He came this way!
But where is he?

What happened, Priest?

- Did you see anyone run this way?
- No, what happened?

A thief has entered the palace grounds.
Let everyone know!

- Let's inform the army immediately!
- Come, on! Hurry up!

Priest, let us look over there.

He must not have gone far.

Do you think it will
still be there if we go again?

It will be there for sure.

If someone found it, they would have
announced it to the world!

Kochunni, there's an opportunity
to recover that chest.

- That's the reason we came.
- What opportunity?

This Thursday is the marriage
celebration of the young prince.

There will be singing and
dancing in the evening.

Everyone will be there
since it is a banquet dinner.

We should retrieve the chest at that time.

Great idea!

When you get those ornaments
please give me one or two pieces.

Are you crazy?

We are talking about the sacred ornaments.
Gems that are worth millions!

What all desires!

It looks like God does come to
low caste people like us.

Our Chekavan went and took hold
of the Goddess and brought her here.

He went to Vaikathappan temple in disguise

and even learned
how to perform the prayer rituals.

Really?!

[Chanting prayers]

It was indeed a propitious moment
when we received the idol.

On this auspicious day
during the Uttarayan period.

Therefore, you may perform the rituals here
until the temple construction is completed.

Chekavar! The army officials are coming!

For the lower castes who are not allowed
to worship or enter the temple,

building a temple and enshrining an idol

is an evident violation of law
and offence punishable by death.

Arattupuzha Velayudha Chekavar
has committed this heinous crime.

The Minister of Travancore orders the
arrest of Arattupuzha Velayudha Chekavar

who has continuously committed
atrocious crimes

of attacking the authorities and
the police who tried to enforce the law.

There is also an order to shoot and kill
if he tries to resist arrest or escape.

Their strategy is to create a conflict
and somehow kill you.

Beat him!

I will put an end to
him playing the chekavar!

Thrash him!

Nagan Pillai, beat him
until his bones break!

What is it?
Are you scared?

No, Chief, I'm not scared.

I have slight discomfort in my hand.

Move aside!

You said you would maul
the person who hits you!

Try me, if you dare, you bloody rogue!

Hit me!

If you dare, hit me back now!

What is this?

Huh?

Why is this here?

Chief... that...

You take them to court.

I'll come in sometime.

We all have great respect for you, but...

No matter how hungry or thirsty you are,

do not drink even a drop of water
that they give you.

Hope you understood what I meant.

Do you know who that was?

He is the son of Pappu Kurup,
the ex-commander-in-chief...

Kannan Kurup.

People say that it was your father
who killed Pappu Kurup

in the riots that took place in Vaikom.

I know.

Krishna, my Lord...

Please hear my grief.

You know, I go to see Lord Padmanabha
every single day.

But now, I have no right to go
in front of my God.

This devotee will not
go to Padmanabha temple

until the sacred ornaments are recovered.

- Krishnan Thambi...
- My Queen.

Come here.

At your command, my Queen.

Send for Arattupuzha Velayudha Chekavar
and ask him to come see me.

- So, did you not know, my Queen?
- What?

Velayudha Chekavar was handcuffed
and locked up in the dungeon.

Locked up in the dungeon?!

Yes, as per the order of the minister.

This is the beginning of an ablution.

Now no one will dare to even raise a finger
against the royal decrees.

Although I heard that
some people tried to save him.

He is unable to withstand my tactics.

Anyway, you got rid of him in such a way
that no one would even raise a doubt.

You promised to specially consider me.

Nambi, I will make you
the commander-in-chief,

using the special powers
that the King has granted me.

That is enough.

Where is he?

Who's there?

- Chief.
- Where is Velayudhan?

I don't know, milord.

Where is the prison officer, Shambhu Nair?

Shambhu Nair!

Chief...

Where is Velayudhan
who was locked up in this prison?

Velayudhan was released.

Who released him?

The order of the minister came
through a special envoy.

Stop here.

I summoned you to convey
an important matter to you.

I don't know how to thank you
for saving my life, my Queen.

His Highness always says that power should
never be used for revenge.

I have only obeyed it.

Without wasting any time,
shall I tell you something?

Our King is going through a
complete mental breakdown.

He is grief-stricken
that he couldn't retrieve

Lord Padmanabha's sacred ornaments.

What shall I do?
At your command, my Queen.

Those who preach about untouchability and
caste have not been able to find Kochunni.

I know you can do it, Velayudhan.

Do it for His Majesty.

As you command.

Will you be attending
the function this evening?

Do come.

I will inform His Majesty
that you are coming.

Kochunni... quick!

I'll handle him.

I know you are a celebrated thief!

But I didn't expect you to
be so audacious, you dog!

Aren't you the son of Pappu Kurup,
the ex-commander-in-chief?

Yes, I'm Pappu Kurup's son!

Well, I am not surprised!

Pappu Kurup was the
country's most loyal military chief.

His son should definitely
show this courage!

But let me ask you something.

Do you remember the loyalists
of the then king

who threw your father to the low castes
to be beheaded.

Did those who betrayed
and killed your honourable father

ever bother to check in
on your orphaned family?

My father used to tell me
about your mother's plight,

how she was struggling
to raise you and your little sister.

I don't want to hear sermons from a thief!

I am not giving any sermons!

I am only telling the truth!

I was the one who brought food
packets for your starving family.

That mainour is worth millions!

I will give you half of it, Inspector sir.

This is Kochunni's word.

What do you think of me, huh?

Don't! Trust my word for the sake of
your mother and little sister!

Money holds great value in front of these
wicked upper class people.

You will never get
a better opportunity than this.

♪ O, Lord Krishna who plays
ethereal music on the flute ♪

♪ O, Blue lotus skinned Protector of cows ♪

♪ O, Mukunda,
adorned in sacred garlands ♪

♪ With His Radha beside Him ♪

♪ O, Beloved of Gopis
O, King of illusions ♪

♪ O, King of illusions! ♪

♪ Peacock feathers are dancing,
my Krishna ♪

♪ A deluge of sweetness, my Krishna ♪

♪ Adorn Your bosom, my Krishna ♪

♪ With my garland of love ♪

♪ O, Madhavan
O, Child of Yadu ♪

♪ The One with a loving heart ♪

♪ A peacock feather
lovingly caressing His flute ♪

♪ O, girl, as lovely as the moon
Voice as sweet as honey ♪

♪ Will Madhavan embrace you
like the waves of the Yamuna ♪

♪ Your heart is like a flower
Your eyes like its petals ♪

♪ He will waft into the wilderness
like the music from a flute ♪

♪ O dusky Radha! ♪

♪ O, my beloved Cowherd ♪

♪ Lovingly caressing His flute ♪

♪ O, Mukunda,
adorned in sacred garlands ♪

♪ With His Radha beside Him ♪

♪ O, Beloved of Gopis ♪

♪ O, King of illusions! ♪

♪ Enchanting cosmic dances
filled with love and devotion ♪

♪ Do you seek those
autumn evenings, my Krishna? ♪

♪ O, doe-eyed girl ♪

♪ O, enamoured one ♪

♪ Losing myself in You
Emanating the scent of sandalwood ♪

♪ O, Symphony of pure love
You have stolen my heart ♪

♪ O, Butter Thief! ♪

♪ Sweet music from the flute ♪

♪ Lord Krishna is playing His flute ♪

♪ On the beautiful banks of
the Yamuna river ♪

You may take a seat, Chekavar.

That's not necessary.
I'll stand here.

♪ On magical nights
when the wild jasmine blooms ♪

♪ We stand stretching out our hands
with open palms, my Krishna ♪

♪ Your heart is like a flower ♪

♪ Your eyes like its petals ♪

♪ O, blue-bodied One, like the sky ♪

♪ O, beautiful moon-faced One ♪

♪ You play the hearts of Gopis like a harp,
O, Mukunda ♪

♪ The One with a blushing face ♪

♪ In this moment
when happiness fills the air ♪

♪ My Madhavan, You have come! ♪

Milord, Kurup...

Many thanks for saving my life in prison.

Your clothes seem stained.

♪ Adorn Your bosom, my Krishna ♪

♪ With my garland of love ♪

♪ O, Madhavan
O, Child of Yadu ♪

♪ The One with a loving heart ♪

♪ A peacock feather
lovingly caressing His flute ♪

- What is your name?
- Neelan.

Do you know Kayamkulam Kochunni?

Um...

Has he ever come here?

How will we know, Chekavar?

He is mostly in the forest.

Whoever goes through the forest,
he steals their money and jewels.

That is his job!

Oho! Is that why you stood
in the bull market and declared,

"Kochunni is the God who steals money
from the rich and gives it to the poor".

- I meant...
- Tell me!

I said, tell me!

Forgive me, Chekavar.

I said that because
I was afraid for my life.

When we are hungry, he gives us food.

And I'm someone who is always hungry.

A person who feeds one morsel to

a starving person is indeed a god.

But isn't it wrong to
accept money and goods

looted and stolen from others?

Once a thief, always a thief!
Isn't it?

We were dying from hunger, sir.

That's why we accepted what he gave us.

I understand your misery.

None of you will starve ever again.

Look over there.

These are not stolen goods.

I bought it with my hard-earned money.

For you!

Now tell me, which hut is Kochunni in?

Tell the truth!

I swear on my little kids,
Kochunni is not here.

We swear to God.

What we said is the truth, Milord...

You damn trickster!

I'll chop off your head.

Tell me the truth, where is Kochunni?

Ko... Kochunni had come here.

But he left before dawn.

And the woman who came with him,
who is she?

She is one of his mistresses, Kaatha.

Where did they go?

To Kaatha's hut in Karthikapalli.

Chekavar, if Kochunni finds out
that I told you this,

he will kill me!

I'll protect you.

We are heading out to Karthikapalli.

Make it fast!

I'll join you by the time
you locate Kaatha's house.

Can I trust you, Chathan?

Chekavar, you helped us out of our misery.

We will never lie to you again!

Let me know whatever you need.

Kaatha!

Do you have any idea
what just happened here?

What?

It was our luck that we escaped!

Chekavar and his troupe had come knowing

that you and Kochunni got here yesterday.

So, my dear Kaatha,

no matter what happens,
please don't go out of this hut!

- You heard me, right?
- Yes.

Eh?!

Are you Kaatha?

- Where's Kochunni?
- I don't know.

Kochunni dropped me here and left.

Why did he come here?

Because...

Kochunni said that the Nair army
would come searching for me in my house.

That chain is studded with gems.

Did Kochunni give it to you?

- Mm...
- Tell me the truth.

Where did Kochunni go?

- Are we here?
- Yes.

Come, Mr. Looper.

Are you sure?

Yes, trust me.

I don't know.

Come.

Hey, careful.

This place seems to be haunted.

A bit scary, don't you think?

Don't worry, Mr Looper.

It is worth the risk.

You won't be able to dream of such a deal.

This is Kayamkulam Kochunni, our partner.

Please come.

Kochunni, meet Mr Looper.

He is someone who exports ivory
and antiques to England and France.

Shall I open?

Wow! Unbelievable!

Have a look, Mr Looper.

Mr Kannan Kurup...

This is priceless!

It's incredible.

If we can smuggle this out to England
and sell it all,

all three of us will be richer
than the King of Travancore.

What's this foreigner saying?

If we sell this in England,

the three of us will become
richer than the king himself.

Oh!

Someone is coming here.

It is Arattupuzha Velayudhan.

He must have come
knowing that Kochunni is here.

How did that jerk reach here?

Give it here!

Come this way.

Come with me!

Apparently, Kayamkulam
Kochunni will even steal

God's sacred ornaments if he wants to.

Is that right?

Aren't you the holiest thief in this land?

A god to the poor and needy!

But no one knows your real face.

You donate a portion of what you get
by murdering, looting, and stealing

to the hungry and destitute.

In turn, you buy the loyalty and
allegiance of those innocent souls!

And using them as a cover,
you continue to steal again and again!

That's because I am smart!

Yes, you are so smart that you put the
sacred ornaments on your mistress's neck!

The smartness of a petty thief!

Chekavar, just because you have taken up
the mantle to fight for the rights of

lower caste women to wear
dhotis and cover their breasts,

don't you dare come at
me with your rebellion!

I'll thrash you to death
and hang you in this jungle.

All this while,
I tolerated your wicked crimes

because you belonged to the lower caste.

Also, why I never came looking for you!

But you had the audacity to steal
Lord Padmanabha's sacred ornaments

and I won't leave here without you!

Are we leaving without the jewels?

Let's save our lives first.

That's right.

Velayudhan Chekavar has captured
Kochunni, the thief!

Velayudhan Chekavar has captured
Kochunni, the thief!

Velayudhan Chekavar has captured
Kochunni, the thief!

- Chekavar...
- Mm?

That is Lady Savithri
and her sister, Janaki.

Oh, they came this far?

They wouldn't have missed it for anything!
She is a huge admirer of yours!

Velayudhan Chekavar has captured
Kochunni, the thief!

O Lord Padmanabha...
You have saved me!

It is Velayudhan who saved us now.

Panikkar, will you be replaced by
Velayudhan as the new commander-in-chief?

Look at that smugness on his face!

The arrogance, just because
he captured Kochunni!

We can't just let this go!

Your Majesty,

those women with Velayudhan have covered
their chests.

It is against the existing law.

Kindly command what should be done.

His damn parade with those low lives!

Insolent man!

Your Majesty, this is a violation of
law and it is right before your eyes!

This should not be allowed, Your Majesty!

In 1812, during the reign of
Rani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi,

wasn't there a declaration
that there was nothing wrong

with these women covering their breasts?

But some of you, landlords,
did not accept it.

Isn't that the truth?

Hence, that law still continues!

Anyway, what our entire army couldn't do,

Velayudhan managed to do it alone!

Let us not bother about anything else.

But welcome him with open arms.

Let Kochunni remain in chains.

And summon Velayudha Chekavar here.

As you command.

Nambi, come with me.

You go first, Kurup.
I'll follow you.

- Get going!
- Hey!

Let go of me!

Velayudha Chekavar, you may come closer!

To Velayudha Chekavar, who protected
the pride of the royal family

and saved me from
the curse of Lord Padmanabha,

I reward you with
the honorary ornament, 'Veera Shringhala'

and 1008 gold coins.

Don't do it, Your Highness!

This shouldn't be done.

We must follow the untouchability laws.

You may give the reward.

But His Majesty, Himself
should not defy the customs.

Your Majesty, that is the rule.

That's right, Your Highness.

You Yourself should not break the rules,

especially in front of your subjects.

Hey, you, Commander-in-chief!

Take that reward and keep it on the steps.

Then ask him to pick it up from there.

Your Majesty...

I didn't do this for the gold coins.

But for You, my King.

Our commander-in-chief, Pachu Panikkar may

take this and use it for
his medical expenses.

You were roughed up pretty badly
by Kochunni, weren't you?

Don't you dare show your arrogance here!

- Panikkar!
- Your Majesty...

How dare you insult the person who
was called to be honoured here today?

Velayudha Chekavar bravely
accomplished what could not be

achieved by Commander-in-chief,
Pachu Panikkar and his army.

Therefore, I hereby honour him
by conferring the title of 'Panikkar'.

From this day,
you are not 'Velayudha Chekavar',

but 'Velayudha Panikkar.'

Chekavar got the title of Panikkar!

Hello, gentlemen.

- Hello, good morning.
- Good morning.

So, tell me, what's the plan for today?

- I have 15 ships like these.
- Alright.

Four of them are on the way
to Portugal with goods.

Six are on their way back
from Persia after unloading.

- Must be halfway.
- Sounds good.

Do you think the loaded pepper
is ready to leave the port today?

- Hopefully, by tomorrow afternoon.
- Very good.

If weather permits,
it will reach before time.

Thank you.

We will be back in about...
hmm... six months for the next load.

So, until then...

Sure.

- Thank you.
- Thank you so much, gentlemen. Please...

- Things were very nice.
- Yes.

- Thank you.
- You are welcome.

- Good day.
- Good day.

Let's go!

What brings you two here?

Nangeli will explain.

It's regarding the matter
I mentioned yesterday.

Milady is also with us.

Where?

Milady... Please come.

She is afraid that someone will see her.

You know what would happen
if anyone sees her here!

You don't need to be afraid of anyone here.
They are all our people.

I have something to tell you.

Eshwaran Namboothiri will
come again with the nuptial sari tomorrow.

I would rather kill myself than
marry that old man.

Aren't you a great warrior and saviour?

Can you somehow save me?

Nangeli has told me everything.

I am on a crusade to
end the hellish suffering

of Ezhavas and all other lower castes.

It is not to make my life better.

There is an elite class who are
not happy with my interference

and are waiting for an
opportunity to eliminate me.

And if I am found to be meddling
in the affairs of Nair women,

even the King, who shows some fondness
towards me will turn into my adversary.

Do you understand what I am saying, Milady?

Your mission is noble and great.

It is for the sake of the lives
of thousands of poor people.

I never thought about that.

You shouldn't stray away from your
greater purpose for a girl like me.

Apologies for the trouble.

She had hoped that she would
get help from you as a last resort.

I think she has understood
the gravity of what I said.

Once you decide to become the voice of
the enslaved and of the outcaste,

you should remain focussed on your goal!

At least smile, Savithri.

If not, Mother will be upset.

This is our custom.
What choice do we have but follow it.

It seems, even though the lord is aged,
he is quite capable and smart.

If I ever decide not to want something.

I will never go back
to that thing ever again.

He's pretty stubborn like that.

But today!

Do you know the reason
I am back here again?

Uh, no. I don't.

That dance performance at the
wedding ceremony of the young prince.

I was completely enthralled by it!

Aroused by love and lust,
I have been enamoured and fascinated!

Do you know whose dance it was?

Do you know?!

Our Thathri kutty's!

Not Thathri, it is Savithri.
She is back from her shower.

Aha! Then let's begin the ceremony.

Shall we, Thanu Pillai?

As you wish, Milord.

Also, we have prepared
a small feast for you here.

You may eat it yourselves.

We have brought food for lord from home.

Don't you know it, Thanu Pillai?

One can have any number of such sambandhams

but everything and everyone
else is still untouchable.

You are the true embodiment of beauty.

A real goddess of lust!

Why do you still have your
breast cloth and dhoti on?

Take them off.

Your eyes are cupid's arrows!

Come closer to me, Savithri.

Let me savour your beauty.

Come...

Come...

Come, Savithri...

We have no time to waste.

Please be seated, Milord.

Let me get some betel
leaves and nuts for you.

First, let me savour you,
before I savour that!

What's wrong, dear?

The lord is no more.

Oh! You came?

You betrayed me and saved yourself.

I did not betray you, Kochunni.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think
Velayudhan would reach there.

Trust me, I never go back on my word.

I believed in your loyalty
which is why I didn't expose you.

Or else, before they hung me,
they would have hanged you for treason.

I know.

I'll always show that loyalty to you.

Don't be afraid because
we lost the sacred ornaments.

I have all the money we may need.

There is a 'mother tree' full of vines
behind the Kali temple in Vavva forest.

If you dig beneath it,
towards the southern side,

you will find gold coins
wrapped in silk cloth.

And those coins are for you, my friend,
who came to my rescue.

Go and take it!

And in return,
you should kill that Velayudhan!

Nambi and Kaimal,
who have taken bribes from me,

refuse to save me now because
they are scared of him!

The great Pappu Kurup's son must help me.

Someone is coming.
It will be done as per our discussion.

Neeli...

How much for the high-quality
white cotton cloth?

500.

500!

And the one with the golden border?

300.

- How much?
- 300.

300!

Look at them standing there
with their chests covered.

Confront them!

Seems like Nangeli is reigning Cherthala
like how Maveli ruled Kerala?

Why do you say that, Milord?

You all stand there with your chests
covered, behaving all ladylike!

That's why I asked.

If you like looking at
them so much, Milord,

why don't you keep your lady
beside you at all times?

You can look at them
whenever you feel like it!

Hey, you! Enough!

It was during the pursuit of that feeling
when the King's adviser met his end.

Apparently, even the King was shocked
to hear of Eshwaran Namboothiri's death.

At 91 years,
he went for his 24th sambandham!

So lucky, wasn't he, Karunan?

Undoubtedly!

Looks like she didn't like it!

Neeli, I'm going home.

Father is sick.
Need to go home early.

Nangeli, I'll also come with you.

Hey, you!

It's best you don't go behind that girl!

The Nair army might chop off your head.

Please don't call upon evil, Milord.

This has weaving defects,
I won't pay for this.

And this as well.

There is nothing wrong with this, Milord.

It is just one thread defect.

One thread defect?!

Even half a thread defect is
enough for the ladies to toss it out!

Can we take this to wear it, Milord?

We weave all day long and
you don't even pay us any money.

You should thank your stars
that these elite class ladies

wear the garments woven by you.

This one seems fine too.

We will wear them.

At least we can save our dhoti's money.

Once you finish weaving the cloth,

you lot are not even
supposed to touch them!

So, we can use our hands
to weave but not touch?

That's right.

Anyway, this cloth was discarded
by the lords. Let's take them.

Isn't it nice, Neeli?

Yes! All we need is a necklace
and earrings to complete the look!

And some jasmine flowers in the hair!

Hurry up, my son
will be crying of hunger there.

We didn't make any food at home yesterday.

My Goddess! So, you didn't give your son
anything to eat?

There were a bunch of ripened bananas
in the Aayirapadam field.

When no one was looking, my mother
plucked two bananas and gave my son.

Neeli's husband doesn't go to work?

So, you don't know anything?

You don't live in this place or what?

We only moved here recently from Punnamada,
during the paddy harvest season.

The masters captured him
for not paying the fishing net tax.

Then those devils hanged poor Kunjan
to death in the four-way junction.

My Goddess!

Oh, my Goddess...

You betrayed me!

Look at my Kunjaappu!

O Lords!

You killed my husband!

He deserves this punishment.

Fishing net tax, ladder tax,
breast tax, head tax...

To all the defaulters of these taxes...

let this execution be a lesson!

Please don't cry, Neeli.

You are the one who tells us to be strong.

We are born only to suffer and cry.

It's her, that witch!

The one who swung the scythe and escaped.

Look at her walking around like a haughty
princess wearing golden bordered cloth!

- Catch them!
- Run!

Catch them!

- Come here.
- Leave me!

- Master...
- You arrogant woman! Walk

Don't beat us!

Keep walking!

- Walk fast!
- Don't beat us!

Read the order.

Lower castes have no right to wear
clothes that cover up their ankles.

For violating this rule, these women will
have their ankles branded by hot iron rods.

This is the first time
we are doing business with Greece.

I hope everyone remembers
what you need to do

and the rules you should follow
once you are there.

It will be high tide by the time
you reach the shores of Greece.

The auspicious moment has arrived.

Chekavar...

- Chekavar...
- Chekavar...

Help us, Chekavar...

Look at this, Chekavar...

- Save us, Chekavar!
- Oh God! What is this!

Look at them, Chekavar!

Tell me, what happened?

The lords chopped off their noses
for wearing nose rings.

What?! Chopped off their noses?!

This is outrageous!

Kittu, take them inside.

Let me get some medicinal herbs.

Come, children.
Go inside.

Where did this happen?

At the market.

The lords and their companions beat us up
when we tried to stop them.

A few days ago,
they chopped off a woman's breast

because she covered up her chest.

We can't just let this go.

If you cover your chest,
they will cut off your breast.

If you wear long cloth,
they will brand your leg,

and if you wear a nose ring,
they will cut off your nose.

Death is better than
living a life like this!

They wish we would all just die!

Their wish will not come true for now.

We will avenge them.

The Poothan dance ritual at
the temple is tomorrow, right?

- Yes.
- Tomorrow, all our women will...

cover their chests, wear a long dhoti and

a nose ring and
perform the Poothan dance.

We will provide garments
and gold nose rings to everyone.

[Traditional Poothan folk song]

Stop!

I said, stop it!

Years ago, this place was
granted by the king for the

lower castes to perform
their Poothan dance ritual.

But when there is a law where they
are not even allowed to cover their chests,

we cannot allow these
women to wear such garments

and nose rings and
break the laws of the land.

It is an insult to our kingdom!

Hence, to avoid punishment,
I suggest you all disperse immediately!

Only the lower castes come here.

And since none of
the lords ever come this way,

this shouldn't insult anyone.

Masters, you may return.

Let these poor people
continue with their rituals.

- You may begin!
- Let us begin!

Throw them out!

Get rid of everyone!

Did you think there was
no one in Travancore

who could tame the rutted
elephant of Arattupuzha?

Despite me letting go,
you kept provoking me!

- You!
- No!

I can settle the score
with Panikkar by myself.

I don't need anyone else!

Hey, you!

No, Milord!
Chekavar!

Grandfather!

Oh, no!

Velayudhan... Velayudhan...

Grandfather!

Don't worry about me, my son.

The rituals to instate
the idol in our temple

must take place on the auspicious day.

- Grandfather!
- Oh, no! Grandfather!

Father...

Who was with you?

Who shot me?
Tell me!

Your Majesty,

it was Velayudhan who started the problems

by breaking the law at the Poothan ritual,

and then beating up Kaimal,
who questioned it.

He has committed a serious crime.

Velayudhan stabbed our deputy chief,
Padaveedan Nambi, to death.

And I'm a witness to that.

He would have killed me too.
But...

And how did you manage to escape?
Did you run?

Someone hiding in the forest
fired at Velayudhan.

Fired?! Who did that?

I could not see who it was.

I think he was shot in his hand.

Kaimal escaped when Velayudhan
chased after the man who shot him.

There has been an instance
when a lower caste was

sentenced to death for
manhandling an army officer.

Velayudhan has committed an
even bigger crime, Your Majesty.

Kindly pass an order to scourge him
to death in public, without any mercy.

Shouldn't we first capture Velayudhan
before we can punish him?

Since you haven't been able to do that,

what is the point in this fictitious trial?

The troops that accompanied them
scattered and ran away in fear.

And another set of troops searched
all over but couldn't find Velayudhan.

Your Majesty!

Velayudhan has appeared in person.

He seeks permission to meet you.

Huh?

Is that necessary, my King?

Should you grant an audience to a criminal

who has committed such a grave crime!

Kindly give the order
on his punishment, my King.

Shouldn't we hear what he has to say?

Am I not obliged to listen to the person
who has been sentenced to death?

Let him in.

Do I need to explain the
gravity of the crime you have committed.

You have killed
the deputy military chief of Travancore.

An offence which deserves
the death penalty!

Do you have anything to state?

I will respectfully accept any punishment
that Your Majesty may impose upon me.

The deputy military chief
slashed the throats

of four innocent people who were
performing the Poothan dance ritual.

Then he stabbed my grandfather
to death, right in front of my eyes.

I couldn't just stand there
and not do anything, my King.

I was forced to kill Padaveedan Nambi.

But I am happy that the man I killed
was in fact a traitor.

What are you saying, Velayudhan?

Your Highness,

I would like to present a prime witness,
if you grant me the permission.

After all, he is the prime witness!
You may bring him in.

Your Highness,

this dishonourable thief is
Kayamkulam Kochunni's accomplice, Bava.

Inspector Kannan Kurup shot me while
he was riding pillion on Bava's horse.

Kannan Kurup?!

Yes, Your Highness!

He is now part of Kochunni's camp.

Our commander-in-chief, who is strongly
advocating my death sentence today,

when he went to Kayamkulam forest
to catch Kochunni,

it was Padaveedan Nambi who leaked
that information to Kochunni.

I cannot believe my ears!

That's right, my King.

The day before
the commander and the army

were coming to capture Kochunni,

we were tipped off by Nambi
and another master.

He said he was beside
Your Majesty when you gave the order

and asked us to find a
quick route to escape.

He also took...

10000 gold coins from Kochunni as a reward.

Your Majesty, please don't believe
a thief's words over Nambi, who is no more.

But I think we can
believe his words, Kaimal.

Because when I called
the commander-in-chief and gave the order,

Padaveedan was also with me.

It was this lord who came
with Nambi that day.

Your Majesty...

Forgive me!

It was a mistake.

Please don't kill me.

Forgive me, my King.

Handcuff him and lock him in the dungeon.

For having committed treason,
while being a Governor,

Chandru Pillai deserves nothing
less than a death sentence!

Oh, no, Your Majesty...

Oh, my King!

Please have mercy on me!

Please don't kill me!

Are you convinced now, Kaimal?

Your Majesty, it's time to light lamps
for Lord Padmanabhan.

It's getting late, my King.

Amidst this heated trial,
we forgot about Lord Padmanabha's festival.

Do not postpone
the rituals for Painkuni festival.

That will be a bad omen.

O God, forgive me.

There is nothing more important
than You for this Padmanabha devotee.

I'm departing for the lighting
ceremony of Lord Padmanabha,

who will be adorned with the sacred jewels.

Tomorrow is the royal hunt ritual
of the Painkuni festival.

Overmorrow is the arattu procession.

This trail will resume
only on the day after that.

Until then, lock him in the dungeon.

Velayudha Panikkar, who recovered
Lord Padmanabha's sacred ornaments

and brought so many truths to light,

cannot be held solely responsible
for yesterday's incident.

Therefore,
Panikkar shall attend the council

on the day of the trial and
divulge the remaining information.

The verdict shall be made after that.

Those who have betrayed Travancore
will certainly be send to the gallows.

Did you give the order
to shift Bava from there?

We have shifted him to another place.

Oh, it is you, Rudran.

How is it going?
Did you arrange everything?

It didn't happen.
Bava was transferred from there.

What?!
Where was he transferred to?

I don't know, Milord.

All the night guards have been replaced.

It was a direct order from the Queen.

You were right, my Queen.

When the enemy is amongst us,
anything can happen at any time.

If he is eliminated,
then there will be no evidence left.

What will we do now?

If Bava reaches the council...

You have been petrified ever since the King
mentioned the word 'gallows', isn't it?

It will happen either tonight or
tomorrow night, come what may.

Rudran is the King's confidante
who has the freedom

to pass through any
corridors of the palace.

Your Majesty, sleep peacefully now.

It's getting late.

We need to go to the temple
early in the morning.

Until the traitors
who cheated me are punished,

I cannot sleep, Kalyani.

Who is that at this odd time?

Rudran, move into the darkness.

It's me, Raman Thambi.

You scared us!
I thought you would come only tomorrow.

It's almost tomorrow.

Hardly two hours left until tomorrow.

Night time is ideal for such visits.

Velayudhan's people have left for
Cherthala after Perumal's cremation.

The idol installation will take
place the day after tomorrow.

Has everything been arranged as discussed?

If you request something, consider it done!

Keshu has arranged someone.

Chirukandan, Velayudhan's loyal ally.

Chirukandan?!

You know Nangeli,
Velayudhan's mistress?

This idiot, Chirukandan
is her prospective groom.

A friend of this Chirukandan
has agreed to do what it takes.

His name is Kandappan.

Good.

Pay him how much ever he wants,

but I need exact updates about
Velayudhan's movements from him.

I have explained everything.

We will reach Cherthala Governor's
house tomorrow evening itself.

And will discuss the rest of the plans
once we are there.

We will need to take some extreme steps
to murder Velayudhan.

Why are you peering over
your shoulders, Kandappan?

I was thinking how our
Chekavar put all this together

despite the opposition from the lords.

Not Chekavar, Panikaar!

Not 'Panikaar', it's Panikkar.

That's what I said.

You are all blessed souls.

Like how Lord Ram came to eat the 'tasted
fruits' from the tribal devotee, Shabari,

Lord Kailashanath has arrived
to hear your prayers.

O, Lord Mahadeva!

Narayanan Namboothiri arranged
this chief priest for us.

They exiled the priest who had
come to install the temporary abode.

Every human being has
the right to worship God.

And we believe it's God's will that

we help them attain this right
instead of forbidding it.

So there are good people
among these lords too.

Some important person
is waiting outside to meet you, Chekavar.

Did I trouble you in between the rituals?

No, not at all.
May I know who you are?

My name is Kalyana Krishnan.

We have met each other once.

When you came to
the East India Company Office

to get permission to export cardamom.

Yes, I remember.

The first person who held my hand and
told me that there is no untouchability.

I am the brother of the current Queen,
Kalyanikuttyamma.

I was abroad for a long time
after I left my job as the Peshkar.

I returned to Ananthapuri yesterday.

Now I am going to my house in Irinjalakuda.

I'm extremely happy to have met you.

Except, I am here to tell you something
you have to be very cautious about.

I got to know everything from Kalyanikutty.

You are passing through some
dangerous circumstances right now.

The Queen asked you not to take
the regular route

when you travel back to
Ananthapuri from the temple.

Alright, Milord.

God belongs to everyone,
not just to one set of people.

Isn't that right?

I completely agree with that thought.

Can you understand anything, Nangeli?

Even though I don't understand anything,

I know one thing now, that our people
can also perform Kathakali.

Can you understand anything, Veluthamma?

No.

If Grandfather was here,
he would have explained everything.

This way, Milord.

Damn! I can't stand the sound
of that Kathakali music.

Yes, Keshavan is right.

Those bloody lowlifes and
their temple and Kathakali!

Just chaos and lawlessness!

Pull yourself together.

We just backed down for the time being.

A tiger takes one step back before
pouncing to make its fatal attack.

To save our land, he needs to be killed!

He must have gotten wind of our plans.

That's why he decided to commute by boat.

So presumptuous!

Do you see, Milord?

Kandappan...

You go there.

- Do as you were told.
- Yes, Milord.

- You got enough money, didn't you?
- Yes.

You may go.

First day of Nalacharitham!
You performed it really well.

There is still room for improvement.

But the fact that the lower castes
who have not even had

a whiff of such art forms managed to
learn so much is highly commendable.

It was Perumal who really
wished to see all this happen.

Grandfather's last words were that,

the idol installation should take
place on the designated auspicious day.

That's why I wanted to conduct
all the rituals today itself.

You head back home.

I am leaving for Ananthapuri.

- Father...
- Yes, my son?

Will you take me with you?

I am going to see His Highness, the King.

Children are not allowed there.

We have cut some tender king coconuts.
Shall I get you one?

Sure.

We have got mangoes and bananas too.

You may load them on the boat.

There should be enough tender coconuts
and fruits for everyone.

Alright.

Father will be back.

Come, my son.

Aha! Are you drinking up
all the coconut water?

No, I was checking if it has enough water.

Nothing to check!
They are first-class, tender king coconuts!

Get me a good one for Chekavar.

Here, take this.

Also, we will need around 35 tender
coconuts for the people on the boat.

- I'll keep them ready.
- Make it fast.

Eat this.

Bava?!

Hey!

Eh?!

The physician's medicine is taking effect.

Come on.

Come on! Come fast!

Ramanan, get up!

Everybody get up.

Kaali! Get up!

This is treachery!

Stop, Khadar!

I will behead him!

Kunju Pillai...

YOU!

You filthy dog!

Father...

Father...

- What happened, my son?
- Father...

♪ The sky, the overcast sky ♪

♪ Has turned black
in the reminiscence of someone ♪

♪ The wick, the flaming wick ♪

♪ Silently burns and withers in pain ♪

♪ Do you see a world weeping? ♪

♪ As death creeps in ♪

♪ Do you see the heart aching? ♪

♪ Did you see him walk away alone? ♪

♪ The clouds, the storm clouds ♪

♪ Buried the night sky
Plunging it into darkness ♪

♪ The shore, the shore on the other end ♪

♪ Fades into the night,
beyond the horizon ♪

♪ The oracle with all its power and might ♪

♪ Soars up like a wildly blowing wind ♪

♪ A change, a change is coming ♪

♪ Thousands will rise up
in rebellion tomorrow ♪

Stop!

It is better you obey me
before you are beaten to death.

You filthy girl!

There is no Velayudhan
to come to your rescue anymore!

You killed our god!

You evil people!
You deceived and killed him!

Kill us too!
Just beat us to death!

We are not here to see your bloody tears.

It is only because of you

that these low caste women dared
to walk around covering their chests.

That won't happen anymore.

Are you willing to pay the breast tax

and never cover your chest again
as per the law?

No!

I will not do it even if I die!

Beat her to death!

You insolent brat!

Don't harm my Nangeli, Lord!

Please don't harm her!

Don't beat my daughter!

Don't harm her, please!

O Lords! Let go of my daughter!

Tell them to stop, Milord.

Nangeli...

Milord, tell them not to hurt my daughter!

Milord! Please tell them to stop!

Please tell them to stop, Milord!

Then you tell her to pay the tax

and live according to the law of the land.

Nangeli, my daughter...

Please don't cry, Father.

This is our fate!

Let them kill me.

Stop, Milord!
My daughter will die, don't hit her!

Please don't kill her!

How dare you defy a police officer?!

Move aside!

Tie him up!

- Come here!
- Let go of my father!

Oh, no!

O, my Mother!

Let them be punished for breaking the law.

Beat up both of them.

Thrash them!

Wretched humans!

Oh, no!

O God!

I will die!

You may kill me.

But don't hit my father.

Finally, she felt pain
when we hit her father!

Kill him!
Let her witness it!

Insolent creatures!

Nangeli...

Save me!

Father...

Agree to it, my dear!

Or else they will kill your father.

No!

I agree!

Don't hit my father!

I accept my failure...

Stop.

Some people need such treatment
to come to their senses.

Release both of them.

The minister will be here now.

Let's begin the tax collection ceremony
after that.

Beware!

Let this be a lesson to all of you.

Finally, the law of our land has won.

Good.

Then, may the ceremony begin.

Father...

Let everything take place
as per the customs.

In the presence of the public
and the representatives of the royal court,

I hereby order Nangeli
to admit her mistake,

remove her upper cloth
and offer the breast tax.

Velayudha Chekavar is no more.

Now, being stubborn won't help us.

You go, my child.

Pay off the tax.

With these hands that have taken care of me
since the day my mother died...

please bless me, Father.

Make it fast.
The lords need to retire.

First, remove your upper cloth.

NANGELI!

Nangeli...

Go and serve this to your lords!

I don't want to live in a land
that does not respect women!

Nangeli...

Nangeli...

Nangeli...

Nangeli, my daughter...

Oh, no! How could you!

My daughter...

Lords...

Look at this!

My dear...

Oh my God!

What will I do now...

My dear...

Milord, are you seeing this?

O Lords, how will I bear this?

Come!

Let's carry our Nangeli's corpse
to the palace.

Let the king see it!

Stop them!

Burn her corpse.

Raaru Pillai...

Stop your bloody wailing
and come here!

O Lord! Leave me.

Let go of me!

Come here!

Nangeli...

What happened to my Nangeli?

Oh, no! My Nangeli!

Stop those rascals!

- Run for your life!
- Lords, run and save yourselves!

Run!

- Somebody stop them.
- Flee for your life!

"The people who betrayed and killed

Arattupuzha Velayudha Panikkar,
the god of the lower castes,

also became the cause of
Nangeli's and Chirukandan's suicide.

This sparked an outrage
among the lower caste people.

They attacked the authorities
and the lords.

They destroyed shops and markets.

The King issued a proclamation to prevent
Travancore from becoming a riotous land."

I demand the low caste people,
including the Ezhava caste,

to desist from violence.

From this day, unjust taxes like
breast and moustache taxes

will be abolished in Travancore.

I hereby grant the lower caste people,
the right to cover their upper body.

Unlike in the past, this order should
not be violated under any circumstances.

"But the historical truth is that

even in the early 20th century,

such inhumane practices
continued in Travancore."