0:00:03.309,0:00:12.650 (Subtitles by Doctor Malayalee) 0:00:34.600,0:00:38.561 A Northern legend of bravery 0:01:49.351,0:01:52.213 After fathers death this cellar was never opened 0:01:52.275,0:01:54.610 Yes, Mother told me that too 0:02:20.875,0:02:24.556 Uncle's battle dagger 0:02:40.634,0:02:44.608 Bamboo nail instead of an iron nail 0:02:44.608,0:02:49.966 The treachery is hidden by the gold coating 0:03:11.431,0:03:18.165 This is where the lamp's rod was kept. See ! 0:03:23.351,0:03:32.396 Didn't uncle himself record the incident on palm leaves, Aunt ? Mom told me so. 0:03:55.522,0:04:00.672 "What can I say, Father" 0:04:01.519,0:04:06.561 "Of the Aringodan's play" 0:04:07.823,0:04:12.162 "He injured me no more than a seed could" 0:04:12.747,0:04:18.045 "But cousin Chandu, he did betray" 0:04:41.433,0:04:46.166 "From the weariness of battle, exhausted" 0:04:47.151,0:04:53.155 "On Chandu's lap, I lay my head " 0:04:53.155,0:04:57.447 "Lazily I closed my eyes" 0:05:02.000,0:05:09.252 "Chandu took the lamp rod" 0:05:10.191,0:05:16.390 "and then, he pointed it at me" 0:05:39.099,0:05:44.068 "When at last I snapped to my senses" 0:05:44.920,0:05:50.020 "Chandu took up the Aringodans defences" 0:05:50.514,0:05:55.320 "Oh Father, it was Chandu's treachery !" 0:05:56.610,0:05:59.481 "Oh Archa, it was Chandu's treachery!" 0:06:02.111,0:06:14.084 "Oh Father, it was Chandu's treachery. [br]Oh Archa, it was Chandu's treachery" 0:06:45.335,0:06:47.175 Who is that? 0:06:49.265,0:06:51.705 Kunjunuli 0:07:00.580,0:07:05.144 Has Mattan come to test me in my old age? 0:07:06.683,0:07:15.505 Aromini has arrived from Attumanamel. So your grandson and Kannapunni are sparring. 0:07:16.290,0:07:18.549 Yes, let them play 0:07:18.549,0:07:25.114 After my son Aromal died, I have not heard the clang of a shortsword 0:08:30.889,0:08:34.849 Granddad, its me, Aromal Unni. 0:08:35.249,0:08:37.289 Where is Archa 0:08:37.459,0:08:42.815 Mom is lighting the lamp in the outer compound 0:08:49.092,0:08:56.030 What is the meaning of these red marks and battle outfits? 0:09:04.940,0:09:12.619 We at Puttooran and Attumanamel houses face no lack of wealth. But we lack in men. 0:09:13.203,0:09:21.925 You kids neednt win us fame or wealth through battle. Understand? 0:09:24.249,0:09:29.720 But there's still a question unanswered, Dad. 0:09:36.983,0:09:48.173 Your mom would say: Men of Puthooran are as shortlived as sacrificial goats. How true. 0:09:49.773,0:09:53.049 Who are you in search of ? 0:09:53.388,0:10:08.244 Someone silently murdered his brother. He still lives on in Kolathiri. I am disgusted to speak his name. 0:10:09.752,0:10:24.493 At Karaparambu,the Nambiars shamed my son Unni in front of hundreds:"Avenge your uncle first. Then speak of bravery" 0:10:25.616,0:10:30.842 Then he asked me about it, and I told him. 0:10:31.581,0:10:43.412 No one here told me of this treason.Even when dad doubted his cousin,u insisted he ask him assistance. Isnt it ? 0:10:43.828,0:10:59.897 Yes. Not just me.Everyone insisted. I never thought he'd betray me. Me, who fed him from childhood. 0:11:00.374,0:11:04.810 You have not forgotten my oath 0:11:05.210,0:11:13.732 Sis-in-law, let Kannapan go to assist Aromal Unni. Bless them and send them on their way, Father. 0:11:13.978,0:11:18.745 Do you want the Chekavars to die out through revenge ? 0:11:18.745,0:11:22.944 Aromal Unni's spirit is unavenged, Dad. 0:11:22.944,0:11:28.146 The shortsword still trembles in the cellar, Dad. 0:11:36.532,0:11:42.970 I know how well Kannapunni fights. And you? Are you trained in the moves ? 0:11:43.340,0:11:52.216 I think so. He mastered the advanced moves from a Tulunad school. 0:11:52.939,0:11:56.896 That is not enough to win battle, kids. 0:11:57.877,0:12:03.277 Archa. They cannot beat Chandu. 0:12:04.062,0:12:12.366 He must acknowledge Puthooran house is still alive. 0:12:13.161,0:12:18.415 Dont you have a move you havent taught anyone, Dad? 0:12:34.309,0:12:43.651 The move depends on the enemy's anticipation. When you begin the stance, he will think he is safe. He must. 0:12:43.651,0:12:52.592 That is the only way to win. When his head falls, do tell him your granddad blessed you with this move. 0:12:52.592,0:12:58.874 He never expects a man to avenge Puthooran 0:12:59.198,0:13:02.637 Traitor Chandu 0:13:03.822,0:13:12.425 (Prays) 0:13:12.425,0:13:26.509 Respects to my Guru. 0:14:08.297,0:14:12.296 2 boys are waiting at the gate. 0:14:21.835,0:14:26.311 They insisted on 'meeting the chekava warrior in person' 0:14:26.665,0:14:30.045 Dint you tell them I stopped teaching long ago. 0:14:30.353,0:14:34.208 Have they come to learn, or teach me ? 0:14:34.362,0:14:38.990 I dont know. They didnt tell me their names or intentions. 0:14:39.144,0:14:50.956 Young men nowadays try to earn fame by trying to beat Chandu the warrior. I wont meet anyone. Close the door. 0:14:59.373,0:15:08.326 It is not suitable for a Chekava warrior to close doors on visitors. 0:15:17.449,0:15:22.123 We came to become your disciples 0:15:22.462,0:15:29.171 We dont teach here. We teach at 17 other schools. Where are you from? 0:15:29.355,0:15:31.344 Karuthenar 0:15:31.406,0:15:34.809 Oh, I know the place. Which house ? 0:15:34.809,0:15:37.396 Puthooran house 0:15:57.799,0:15:59.954 Puthooran. You are..? 0:16:00.061,0:16:03.715 I am Kannappunni, son of Aromal Chekavar 0:16:03.715,0:16:14.151 Easier if u tell your mother's name. Aromal often granted sons to lucky women when he saw his chance. 0:16:14.275,0:16:19.944 My dad keeps a single lawful wife. My mother, Kunjunuli 0:16:20.021,0:16:30.306 Oh, Kunjunuli's son. So Mikavil Makacheri's son would be your senior. His name? - Unni kannan 0:16:30.906,0:16:32.357 And you ? 0:16:32.481,0:16:37.100 Nephew. Attumanamel Kunjiramans son. 0:16:37.562,0:16:41.732 Son of Unni Archa eh. 0:16:45.054,0:16:56.489 Kids, you may return. I've nothing more to teach than Elder Kannappan has taught you. How does he fare ? 0:16:56.705,0:16:59.672 We did not come to catch up.[br]-Then? 0:16:59.810,0:17:07.333 To avenge your murder of my uncle. Brace yourself, chekava ! 0:17:22.750,0:17:34.507 Oh. Didnt your Mom give you last advices ? Tips on how to face the murderous warrior ? 0:17:35.477,0:17:41.625 I recall she advised me when I assisted Aromal once. 0:17:41.948,0:17:48.275 Yes. She said it is glory even if I die in battle. 0:17:48.521,0:17:56.192 Only UnniArcha can say that. Her tongue is sharper than the sword anyday. 0:17:56.746,0:18:09.576 Did she promise you a glorious funeral in silk? Dramatic inspirational words are her forte. 0:18:10.962,0:18:16.450 And your dad can spread the beautiful gossip now. 0:18:17.312,0:18:26.275 "I am a woman, but I tremble not. Why do you men cower ?". I pity your dad Kunjiraman. 0:18:26.368,0:18:32.146 Throw your accusations after the battle, Chandu uncle. 0:18:32.346,0:18:35.440 'Chandu uncle' 0:18:40.594,0:18:45.779 What do u know of the betrayals of 'traitor Chandu'[br]- Plenty 0:18:46.533,0:18:53.332 "Chandu, who replaced the iron nail with bamboo. Bribed the blacksmith to hide it in gold" 0:18:53.456,0:18:57.443 "Chandu, who lied that he forgot the replacement sword" 0:18:57.536,0:19:06.086 "Chandu, who stabbed the tired warrior with a lamp body, and then jumped to his escape." 0:19:06.517,0:19:25.838 What other betrayals do the bards sing of in your land?[br]All you heard is true. And false. 0:19:30.931,0:19:37.839 Give them tender coconut and jaggery. Let the kids rest. And then leave. 0:19:40.115,0:19:42.793 I shall not fight. 0:19:42.793,0:19:48.677 'He who mastered all moves' is afraid ? 0:20:05.925,0:20:15.108 Our weapon is not a lamp. We wield a warriors weapon. Sword. And grand-dad's moves. 0:20:21.709,0:20:28.191 Does Chandu the warrior kill only sleeping warriors through cheating ? 0:20:29.222,0:20:34.047 He will not fight. Will you eat, you must be tired.[br]- Stop distracting us. 0:20:36.277,0:20:43.096 Are you still testing me, family deity ? 0:20:49.820,0:20:56.139 They said they dont want food, thats not what they came for. 0:20:57.062,0:21:12.464 Yes. They will not return without settling it. Its in their blood. They only recall how Aromal was beheaded by the unbeatable Aringodan. 0:21:24.325,0:21:29.554 You despise me too, isnt it, Kuttimani ? 0:21:31.800,0:21:37.631 No need. You always despise or fear me. 0:21:39.231,0:21:43.465 No, you have always been kind. 0:21:44.897,0:22:00.153 Kind ? I'm sorry I had to replace love with kindness, for the last 18 years. You dont understand me either. No one does. 0:22:06.245,0:22:14.466 Not your fault. Because I never gave you a chance. But I wish someone would understand me well now. 0:22:38.403,0:22:48.305 I was an orphan. At 5, my uncle adopted me. Now he too wants me beheaded. 0:22:51.474,0:23:03.241 I had hoped all was forgotten. Now they come and put salt on the wound. The young generation now. Why ? 0:23:06.887,0:23:16.298 And they are blessed by my guru. My foster father. My.. 0:23:45.331,0:23:49.084 Good of you to come help with the funeral, chekava 0:23:49.177,0:23:57.374 There is no one else to help, right.? I will take him. 0:23:59.051,0:24:03.638 Chekava offered to foster him when sis died., but he didnt agree. 0:24:03.854,0:24:13.225 He was stubborn. I know he was poor, but why should he fight for 32 gold ? 0:24:14.116,0:24:17.729 The dead should not be accused, but.. 0:24:18.853,0:24:29.489 Marrying Vamakshi to Elamthalam itself was a mistake. Lets not speak anymore.We will leave. 0:24:31.274,0:24:37.640 Lets go. He's tired,carry him, Kunjammar. 0:24:44.671,0:24:57.607 The famed Puthooran house. They loaned even to the Ambadi Menons and gold merchant Chettiyars. Mom would tearfully recall her childhood there. 0:24:58.515,0:25:06.786 And she'd curse the Gods for her marriage to the poverty of Elamthalam. 0:25:07.586,0:25:21.175 Their 16 schools were given 2001 gold annually by the ruler. Rulers recruited their soldiers from Puthooran first. 0:25:38.854,0:25:49.721 Come, son.[br]This is also your house. Here's your aunt. 0:25:56.322,0:25:59.825 Unni, here's someone to play with. 0:25:59.825,0:26:05.817 Give it to me, its mine.[br]- No I wont 0:26:08.664,0:26:14.576 Aromal, give it to Archa.[br]- Dad, this was a Vishu gift to me. 0:26:14.792,0:26:19.707 Ok, I'll give you another. Let her have it. 0:26:19.954,0:26:30.128 Aromal, this is your cousin, Chandu. 0:26:50.330,0:26:54.466 Go play with the kids. This is home. 0:26:54.728,0:27:00.405 You have another playmate inside. Attumanamel Kunjiraman. 0:27:00.528,0:27:15.223 Yes. The kids are ready to begin their education on Vijayadashami. You must also learn to write and fight well, eh ? 0:27:28.208,0:27:43.823 Here, kids played boardgames with real gold? For a poverty striken me, this didnt feel like home,even if uncle tried. 0:27:46.178,0:27:53.489 (Prompting) Ahead.. Swing out.. Legs forward.. Kick with the right.. 0:28:13.306,0:28:21.005 Move, Kunjiraman. Now I will spar with cousin. 0:28:31.572,0:28:38.518 (Prompting) Lift right knee.. Swing hip.. Ahead.. Change foot.. 0:28:39.886,0:28:42.257 Enough. 0:28:44.072,0:28:48.733 You got stubborn, and lost it. 0:28:50.472,0:28:57.375 You learned up 9 basics in a month. Smart boy. 0:29:05.792,0:29:11.613 He thinks he is great. Why is Chandu still here? 0:29:11.937,0:29:24.615 Dad brought him because he has no food. Many people mooch off us anyway. Let him also stay. 0:29:31.799,0:29:50.576 I prayed everyday. "O Goddess and war gods. Let there be a day when they sing my praises as a warrior." 0:29:50.576,0:29:55.174 "Give me strength in my arms. In my weapons." 0:30:36.423,0:30:40.458 Mom, who is that child?[br]Thumbolarcha, from Mikavil Mikacheri. 0:30:41.535,0:30:45.847 You Ambady people are here too. Why did you not get Kunjunni engaged ? 0:30:45.847,0:30:52.443 The ones in a hurry can go ahead. 0:30:57.243,0:31:00.960 Where is Chandu ? 0:31:05.068,0:31:11.627 Change your clothes. Kunjamar ? 0:32:07.090,0:32:23.707 Oh Child Lord Ganapathy, oh black Snake wargods ! 0:32:32.906,0:32:48.078 Give them a happy marriage. Give them victory wherever they go. 0:33:54.235,0:34:15.782 Ear pierced at 5 years age. Learnt your alphabet at 7.[br]You shall learn your skills well. Tie the knot at 10. 0:34:36.262,0:35:03.388 They are our future. They will be warriors.[br]Guard the land. Win the battles. 0:35:12.373,0:35:24.429 Ear pierced at 5 years age. Learnt your alphabet at 7.[br]You shall learn your skills well. Tie the knot at 10. 0:36:05.243,0:36:16.376 Bring the flowers, bring the instruments. 0:36:42.239,0:36:48.870 Bring along a thousand people to celebrate. 0:37:13.409,0:37:16.649 (Prompting) 0:37:53.252,0:37:57.059 You promised to return by year-mid. Where were you ? 0:37:57.274,0:38:07.596 I was given a good piece of land, where I built a school. 57 feet. A little bigger than this place. 0:38:07.873,0:38:16.370 For good teachers, 50 feet will do. Your body becomes your eyes, your weapons become your mind. 0:38:16.646,0:38:22.468 You threw out your basics in your hurry to build a school, didnt you Kunjirama ? 0:38:23.084,0:38:24.763 Watch him. 0:38:28.871,0:38:30.779 So, whats special about him? 0:38:30.779,0:38:38.770 To you, a weapon is something you hold. To him, a weapon is part of his mind. That's all. 0:38:42.601,0:38:52.499 Aromal, I own 6 schools. After u master footing, I'll appoint u as guru in 3 of them.Students from afar will come on hearing your name. 0:38:52.499,0:39:01.851 We will take only the registration fees.You can claim the tuition fees for yourself. 0:39:07.171,0:39:12.904 Chandu is the one who assists elder in his fights, isnt it?[br]-Sometimes. 0:39:12.904,0:39:17.919 So the nephew is the teachers pet ?[br]-Says who ? 0:39:18.059,0:39:26.919 The tons of praises pouring out, from your father the critic.[br]-Let the spectators decide who is better, at the public show. 0:39:28.079,0:39:32.269 Lets keep a wager during the public show. You versus Chandu. 0:39:32.329,0:39:40.749 The winner gets a golden snake-necklace from me. The guru need not know of this. 0:39:55.489,0:40:00.799 I know you practise alone these days. 0:40:00.959,0:40:06.528 Your dear bro is always a step ahead. I must catch up, if not beat him. 0:40:06.848,0:40:10.467 You are already ahead. We both know that. 0:40:12.117,0:40:12.977 Hold on. 0:40:23.382,0:40:28.596 Checking if this is still here. 0:40:28.836,0:40:35.764 Let our 'footing' exam be done. We will work on improving your strength. 0:40:36.204,0:40:41.677 Someone has asked your brother to turn the public practise into a competition. 0:40:41.687,0:40:42.529 Who? 0:40:42.599,0:40:52.146 Whoever it is, I wont compete. Not because I'm a coward, but because this is a wrong time and place. So not now. 0:46:18.823,0:46:20.508 Aromal ! 0:46:45.157,0:46:51.133 Competent, arent they?[br]The nephew is stronger. 0:47:16.413,0:47:25.128 Thats enough. Its not battle, its a show. Which of you forgot it first ? 0:47:46.478,0:47:51.760 Now Puthooran house boasts 3 Chekava warriors. 0:47:57.250,0:48:04.948 You must improve your footing. You still have time to learn. 0:48:10.478,0:48:18.369 You must become better than your dad.I was observing your handsomeness, I didnt observe your moves. 0:48:18.419,0:48:25.565 That is Puthooran house.Male or female,beauty is in their blood. 0:48:27.495,0:48:35.840 Footing is the most important thing. I think the son beats the nephew in that. 0:48:41.090,0:48:46.843 Wait.Extend your hand. 0:49:22.990,0:49:29.849 Did it hurt?[br]- Yes. But its fine. When you deviate from the planned routine show, you must declare it. Thats the rule. 0:49:29.919,0:49:36.147 Well, you must know how to defend those.[br]-You're Elder's son, so no one blames you. Atleast uncle knows. 0:49:36.217,0:49:42.652 Even if I declare my moves, you cannot defend them, cousin.[br]-Want to try now ? 0:49:46.442,0:49:51.415 Now there's no one to appreciate your beauty. Come. 0:49:54.595,0:49:57.510 Chandu. Dont. 0:50:01.280,0:50:10.663 Lower your swords, both of you. Battle is not the way to end it. I will stop this recklessness. 0:50:36.963,0:50:46.195 The lords blabber something for the sake of it. Dont bother about it. You did well out there. 0:50:47.555,0:50:51.652 You outshined Aromal. 0:50:56.432,0:50:58.419 I am satisfied. 0:51:05.469,0:51:08.577 That's all I ever need to hear. 0:51:16.709,0:51:23.814 My foster-dad, guru and god. Uncle was all that. 0:51:28.584,0:51:35.295 The ones who want to behead me, come with His blessings. 0:51:54.295,0:52:02.472 Once, they all went to the Karivel festival. I was alone. 0:52:09.172,0:52:19.146 The beats of Uncle's praises rang in my head. My mind was satisfied, and celebrating its own festival. 0:52:33.096,0:52:35.901 Please serve dinner for me. I shall sleep early. 0:52:36.021,0:52:40.033 Shall I heat water for your bath? 0:52:43.443,0:52:46.944 Oh, I thought you were the Mani girl. 0:52:50.374,0:53:02.032 Shall I serve you? But can guests serve hosts? Archa might argue against that 0:53:03.292,0:53:07.517 I saw Alathoor uncle in the gallery, but couldnt spot you, Kunjunuli 0:53:07.637,0:53:16.597 You wouldnt spot me, unless I'm clad in shining swordsteel. Or so I hear from Unni-Archa 0:53:20.237,0:53:25.815 I wanted to return.But dad made me stay. 0:53:26.235,0:53:35.863 Good. You Alathoor people rarely visit. Didnt you go to the Karivel fest ? 0:53:36.853,0:53:48.393 Thats what they invited me for. They need someone to accompany the beauty from Mikavil, dont they. But I refused. 0:53:50.143,0:53:52.697 I didnt know ThumbolArcha had come either. 0:53:52.697,0:53:58.634 Not personally. She sent her servants to announce arrival. 0:54:02.364,0:54:06.000 Did it hurt ?[br]-Its just a cut. Not a problem.