(Subtitles by Doctor Malayalee)
A Northern legend of bravery
After fathers death this cellar was never opened
Yes, Mother told me that too
Uncle's battle dagger
Bamboo nail instead of an iron nail
The treachery is hidden by the gold coating
This is where the lamp's rod was kept. See !
Didn't uncle himself record the incident on palm leaves, Aunt ? Mom told me so.
"What can I say, Father"
"Of the Aringodan's play"
"He injured me no more than a seed could"
"But cousin Chandu, he did betray"
"From the weariness of battle, exhausted"
"On Chandu's lap, I lay my head "
"Lazily I closed my eyes"
"Chandu took the lamp rod"
"and then, he pointed it at me"
"When at last I snapped to my senses"
"Chandu took up the Aringodans defences"
"Oh Father, it was Chandu's treachery !"
"Oh Archa, it was Chandu's treachery!"
"Oh Father, it was Chandu's treachery. Oh Archa, it was Chandu's treachery"
Who is that?
Kunjunuli
Has Mattan come to test me in my old age?
Aromini has arrived from Attumanamel. So your grandson and Kannapunni are sparring.
Yes, let them play
After my son Aromal died, I have not heard the clang of a shortsword
Granddad, its me, Aromal Unni.
Where is Archa
Mom is lighting the lamp in the outer compound
What is the meaning of these red marks and battle outfits?
We at Puttooran and Attumanamel houses face no lack of wealth. But we lack in men.
You kids neednt win us fame or wealth through battle. Understand?
But there's still a question unanswered, Dad.
Your mom would say: Men of Puthooran are as shortlived as sacrificial goats. How true.
Who are you in search of ?
Someone silently murdered his brother. He still lives on in Kolathiri. I am disgusted to speak his name.
At Karaparambu,the Nambiars shamed my son Unni in front of hundreds:"Avenge your uncle first. Then speak of bravery"
Then he asked me about it, and I told him.
No one here told me of this treason.Even when dad doubted his cousin,u insisted he ask him assistance. Isnt it ?
Yes. Not just me.Everyone insisted. I never thought he'd betray me. Me, who fed him from childhood.
You have not forgotten my oath
Sis-in-law, let Kannapan go to assist Aromal Unni. Bless them and send them on their way, Father.
Do you want the Chekavars to die out through revenge ?
Aromal Unni's spirit is unavenged, Dad.
The shortsword still trembles in the cellar, Dad.
I know how well Kannapunni fights. And you? Are you trained in the moves ?
I think so. He mastered the advanced moves from a Tulunad school.
That is not enough to win battle, kids.
Archa. They cannot beat Chandu.
He must acknowledge Puthooran house is still alive.
Dont you have a move you havent taught anyone, Dad?
The move depends on the enemy's anticipation. When you begin the stance, he will think he is safe. He must.
That is the only way to win. When his head falls, do tell him your granddad blessed you with this move.
He never expects a man to avenge Puthooran
Traitor Chandu
(Prays)
Respects to my Guru.
2 boys are waiting at the gate.
They insisted on 'meeting the chekava warrior in person'
Dint you tell them I stopped teaching long ago.
Have they come to learn, or teach me ?
I dont know. They didnt tell me their names or intentions.
Young men nowadays try to earn fame by trying to beat Chandu the warrior. I wont meet anyone. Close the door.
It is not suitable for a Chekava warrior to close doors on visitors.
We came to become your disciples
We dont teach here. We teach at 17 other schools. Where are you from?
Karuthenar
Oh, I know the place. Which house ?
Puthooran house
Puthooran. You are..?
I am Kannappunni, son of Aromal Chekavar
Easier if u tell your mother's name. Aromal often granted sons to lucky women when he saw his chance.
My dad keeps a single lawful wife. My mother, Kunjunuli
Oh, Kunjunuli's son. So Mikavil Makacheri's son would be your senior. His name? - Unni kannan
And you ?
Nephew. Attumanamel Kunjiramans son.
Son of Unni Archa eh.
Kids, you may return. I've nothing more to teach than Elder Kannappan has taught you. How does he fare ?
We did not come to catch up. -Then?
To avenge your murder of my uncle. Brace yourself, chekava !
Oh. Didnt your Mom give you last advices ? Tips on how to face the murderous warrior ?
I recall she advised me when I assisted Aromal once.
Yes. She said it is glory even if I die in battle.
Only UnniArcha can say that. Her tongue is sharper than the sword anyday.
Did she promise you a glorious funeral in silk? Dramatic inspirational words are her forte.
And your dad can spread the beautiful gossip now.
"I am a woman, but I tremble not. Why do you men cower ?". I pity your dad Kunjiraman.
Throw your accusations after the battle, Chandu uncle.
'Chandu uncle'
What do u know of the betrayals of 'traitor Chandu' - Plenty
"Chandu, who replaced the iron nail with bamboo. Bribed the blacksmith to hide it in gold"
"Chandu, who lied that he forgot the replacement sword"
"Chandu, who stabbed the tired warrior with a lamp body, and then jumped to his escape."
What other betrayals do the bards sing of in your land? All you heard is true. And false.
Give them tender coconut and jaggery. Let the kids rest. And then leave.
I shall not fight.
'He who mastered all moves' is afraid ?
Our weapon is not a lamp. We wield a warriors weapon. Sword. And grand-dad's moves.
Does Chandu the warrior kill only sleeping warriors through cheating ?
He will not fight. Will you eat, you must be tired. - Stop distracting us.
Are you still testing me, family deity ?
They said they dont want food, thats not what they came for.
Yes. They will not return without settling it. Its in their blood. They only recall how Aromal was beheaded by the unbeatable Aringodan.
You despise me too, isnt it, Kuttimani ?
No need. You always despise or fear me.
No, you have always been kind.
Kind ? I'm sorry I had to replace love with kindness, for the last 18 years. You dont understand me either. No one does.
Not your fault. Because I never gave you a chance. But I wish someone would understand me well now.
I was an orphan. At 5, my uncle adopted me. Now he too wants me beheaded.
I had hoped all was forgotten. Now they come and put salt on the wound. The young generation now. Why ?
And they are blessed by my guru. My foster father. My..
Good of you to come help with the funeral, chekava
There is no one else to help, right.? I will take him.
Chekava offered to foster him when sis died., but he didnt agree.
He was stubborn. I know he was poor, but why should he fight for 32 gold ?
The dead should not be accused, but..
Marrying Vamakshi to Elamthalam itself was a mistake. Lets not speak anymore.We will leave.
Lets go. He's tired,carry him, Kunjammar.
The famed Puthooran house. They loaned even to the Ambadi Menons and gold merchant Chettiyars. Mom would tearfully recall her childhood there.
And she'd curse the Gods for her marriage to the poverty of Elamthalam.
Their 16 schools were given 2001 gold annually by the ruler. Rulers recruited their soldiers from Puthooran first.
Come, son. This is also your house. Here's your aunt.
Unni, here's someone to play with.
Give it to me, its mine. - No I wont
Aromal, give it to Archa. - Dad, this was a Vishu gift to me.
Ok, I'll give you another. Let her have it.
Aromal, this is your cousin, Chandu.
Go play with the kids. This is home.
You have another playmate inside. Attumanamel Kunjiraman.
Yes. The kids are ready to begin their education on Vijayadashami. You must also learn to write and fight well, eh ?
Here, kids played boardgames with real gold? For a poverty striken me, this didnt feel like home,even if uncle tried.
(Prompting) Ahead.. Swing out.. Legs forward.. Kick with the right..
Move, Kunjiraman. Now I will spar with cousin.
(Prompting) Lift right knee.. Swing hip.. Ahead.. Change foot..
Enough.
You got stubborn, and lost it.
You learned up 9 basics in a month. Smart boy.
He thinks he is great. Why is Chandu still here?
Dad brought him because he has no food. Many people mooch off us anyway. Let him also stay.
I prayed everyday. "O Goddess and war gods. Let there be a day when they sing my praises as a warrior."
"Give me strength in my arms. In my weapons."
Mom, who is that child? Thumbolarcha, from Mikavil Mikacheri.
You Ambady people are here too. Why did you not get Kunjunni engaged ?
The ones in a hurry can go ahead.
Where is Chandu ?
Change your clothes. Kunjamar ?
Oh Child Lord Ganapathy, oh black Snake wargods !
Give them a happy marriage. Give them victory wherever they go.
Ear pierced at 5 years age. Learnt your alphabet at 7. You shall learn your skills well. Tie the knot at 10.
They are our future. They will be warriors. Guard the land. Win the battles.
Ear pierced at 5 years age. Learnt your alphabet at 7. You shall learn your skills well. Tie the knot at 10.
Bring the flowers, bring the instruments.
Bring along a thousand people to celebrate.
(Prompting)
You promised to return by year-mid. Where were you ?
I was given a good piece of land, where I built a school. 57 feet. A little bigger than this place.
For good teachers, 50 feet will do. Your body becomes your eyes, your weapons become your mind.
You threw out your basics in your hurry to build a school, didnt you Kunjirama ?
Watch him.
So, whats special about him?
To you, a weapon is something you hold. To him, a weapon is part of his mind. That's all.
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.
We will take only the registration fees.You can claim the tuition fees for yourself.
Chandu is the one who assists elder in his fights, isnt it? -Sometimes.
So the nephew is the teachers pet ? -Says who ?
The tons of praises pouring out, from your father the critic. -Let the spectators decide who is better, at the public show.
Lets keep a wager during the public show. You versus Chandu.
The winner gets a golden snake-necklace from me. The guru need not know of this.
I know you practise alone these days.
Your dear bro is always a step ahead. I must catch up, if not beat him.
You are already ahead. We both know that.
Hold on.
Checking if this is still here.
Let our 'footing' exam be done. We will work on improving your strength.
Someone has asked your brother to turn the public practise into a competition.
Who?
Whoever it is, I wont compete. Not because I'm a coward, but because this is a wrong time and place. So not now.
Aromal !
Competent, arent they? The nephew is stronger.
Thats enough. Its not battle, its a show. Which of you forgot it first ?
Now Puthooran house boasts 3 Chekava warriors.
You must improve your footing. You still have time to learn.
You must become better than your dad.I was observing your handsomeness, I didnt observe your moves.
That is Puthooran house.Male or female,beauty is in their blood.
Footing is the most important thing. I think the son beats the nephew in that.
Wait.Extend your hand.
Did it hurt? - Yes. But its fine. When you deviate from the planned routine show, you must declare it. Thats the rule.
Well, you must know how to defend those. -You're Elder's son, so no one blames you. Atleast uncle knows.
Even if I declare my moves, you cannot defend them, cousin. -Want to try now ?
Now there's no one to appreciate your beauty. Come.
Chandu. Dont.
Lower your swords, both of you. Battle is not the way to end it. I will stop this recklessness.
The lords blabber something for the sake of it. Dont bother about it. You did well out there.
You outshined Aromal.
I am satisfied.
That's all I ever need to hear.
My foster-dad, guru and god. Uncle was all that.
The ones who want to behead me, come with His blessings.
Once, they all went to the Karivel festival. I was alone.
The beats of Uncle's praises rang in my head. My mind was satisfied, and celebrating its own festival.
Please serve dinner for me. I shall sleep early.
Shall I heat water for your bath?
Oh, I thought you were the Mani girl.
Shall I serve you? But can guests serve hosts? Archa might argue against that
I saw Alathoor uncle in the gallery, but couldnt spot you, Kunjunuli
You wouldnt spot me, unless I'm clad in shining swordsteel. Or so I hear from Unni-Archa
I wanted to return.But dad made me stay.
Good. You Alathoor people rarely visit. Didnt you go to the Karivel fest ?
Thats what they invited me for. They need someone to accompany the beauty from Mikavil, dont they. But I refused.
I didnt know ThumbolArcha had come either.
Not personally. She sent her servants to announce arrival.
Did it hurt ? -Its just a cut. Not a problem.