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