Original subtitles

A lot of people in this world put on an act to get on in life.

A few others become actors for a living.

But our Surabhi families find God in Art and perform plays in utmost veneration.

My dad, Abhimanyu Narayan, is a renowned theater artiste

who won numerous awards at national and international level.

We tend to trust selfish hypocrites who act in real life every day.

But we ignore artists who consider Art as their life and enact plays.

Theatre has introduced many artists to cinema.

But today it faces obscurity having no address for introduction.

I am Abhimanyu Krishna.

It is my wedding day, today.

There is a connection between my wedding and theater.

If you want to know how, do watch our play.

(chanting mantras)

King of Kings! Master of Mystics!

God of Dramatics!

Most distinguished ‘Nata Kireeti’!

The most respected Aradhyulu Sir!

Arrives! Long live!

Those days when we enacted plays and sang the verse,

people would say ‘Once more! Once more!’

Today the audiences are missing.

How are you all?

Unable to pay our kids’ school fee in instalments

and unable to convert our suffering into instalments, we are facing hardships.

Hmm!

An artist's eyes should never turn moist.

We too shall see better days.

His Majesty arrives.

Sir, Mr Raju!

-Salutations to the Master. -Salutations.

You have not only trained so many as artists but facilitating their reunion,

you have transformed a wedding hall into a theater stage!

To such Kala Prapurna and the most glorified idol of artists, Aradhyalu sir!

Accept our greetings and salutations.

How are the arrangements here by the way?

Befitting your regality and our affinity, your majesty.

Ah…!

This much is expected of Amaravathi Rayalu, right?

Exactly, Mr Raju!

By the way, where is the Guinness Book priest who’s officiating this wedding?

Salutations to the Priest.

Keep the salutations aside. Haven’t you paid the pavilion guy?

He got the cumin but no jaggery.

Listen! I don’t mind my honorarium being less.

But I won’t compromise on traditions.

-This is my ten thousandth wedding. -Ah!

-I’ll get into the Guinness book today. -Aha!

-Hey! -Sir!

Attend to the priest personally.

As you say, Mr Raju.

Greetings.

Greetings.

Greetings.

Greetings.

Most illustrious!

The Maestro of Stage Theatrics,

Mr Abhimanyu, welcome to you. A warm welcome.

What is this, Mr Raju!

You embarrass me with all those titles!

No, no. Because people like you are rare.

Why should you be embarrassed?

These are all society’s awards to you out of respect.

That’s true.

But if I heard them in the glorious saga of Stage Acting,

-I would have respectfully received them. -Why do you say that?

I heard your ‘Shiva Thandavam' in ‘Daksha Yagnam’ last night…

captivated the audience?

It’s nice of you to say that.

Like a last hope sprouting, I had a chance last night.

Whether it will turn into a plant and grow into a tree or

gets nipped in the bud, we’ll have to see.

Silly!

Corporates making Dramatics a part of their events is a positive development.

It is certain that our glorious days will be back.

As we deliver lines, it should rain currency.

Not just that. After this event from tomorrow,

every corporate company will begin with ‘Surabhi Nataka Parishad’.

So be it.

When all our artistes get to hear this, how happy they would be!

Definitely. It’s no uphill task.

Come on. I wonder…

While Mr Aradhyulu is behind all this,

Mr Raju… has taken it upon himself to make the wedding a grand celebration.

Of course!

Compared to the weight of your jewellery, how is my job heavy?

Besides, can you weigh art against money?

-Wow! -Wow!

The feel you get watching ferocity combined with regality walking!

-Greetings, master! -Stay blessed.

-Sir! Greetings. Greetings. -Greetings.

Though you don’t have ten heads like Ravana, your vileness on the stage is unparalleled.

-When you act, our veins protrude. -Thank you!

-It’s called hypertension. -Huh?

You mean your veins pulsate.

I meant the same. Exactly!

Master! With no blood-relation,

you are celebrating my daughter’s wedding as if it’s your own daughter’s.

I am indebted to you.

I know how fond you are of me.

-Let me go and receive the guests. -Ah.

-Please join him. -Sure.

-Let’s go and welcome the artists. -Brother, see you.

Come on.

Hey!

You don’t have to praise the wedding.

But don’t criticise it. Careful.

As if you have to tell me that, Abhimanyu!

As the bride’s father, it is my responsibility.

(whistle)

Ah…

-Hey! -Sir!

He is here just as he warned.

If he steps into the pandal, the ten thousandth wedding will be ruined.

Oh, master!

I have my own fears about my Guinness record with this guy around.

Oh, god!

His useless Narada attire!

He is not even wearing a wig!

Will you give me the seat or prefer a wedge with someone?

Oh, my! Get up, Hanuma. Why displease Narada?

Of course, I will. He is a celibate and so am I.

Thanks, Anjaneya.

Uncle, it’s your turn.

“This is a congregation of demons”

“Appeals vehemently, the virtuous”

Come on, bro.

“O, you! The mother’s betrayer! Do speak!”

“And face the consequences of your words”

“Destroyer of the clan”

“How was a monster like you born of the most virtuous, Gandhari?”

-Super! -Yes, yes!

“Either because you could persuade”

“Or because they couldn’t”

“Either because you could persuade or because they couldn’t”

“They have put up with all your wrongdoings”

Well said, well said.

-“Forgetting the past…” -Sister, your turn.

What did you say?

“No matter how many great kings like Balarama”

“No matter how many such great teachers appear”

“They cannot deter my resolve That is not going to happen”

“If you get wicked enough to turn a family strife into a war”

“I shall slit your body into two and…”

Hey, come on.

-Hey! -Yes!

“Stop bragging about your bravery” -Yes, give him.

“I shall give you no such chance This is my challenge”

-Very good. -Hey!

Stop. Stop. Stop it!

What? Why are you overdoing your part?

-Are you here for a wedding or a wrestling match? -Ah! We are not your kind of artists

...who forget their poems midway.

-Do you know your part, first of all? -Hey! Mind your words.

Don’t mess with us. Let us settle it then.

(indistinct voices)

-Wait, wait. -Don’t you dare!

Stop!

You think I am just a priest.

Let me show you what I am.

Hey, arrogant Duryodhana!

The menacing words of Bheema reverberate like thundering clouds

and are shattering your heart into pieces, aren’t they?

Have the wise words of Yudhishtara become death blows on your vile mind?

You are the emperor of a region surrounded by four seas.

You are the crowned king of the Kauravas.

Where is your regnal glory?

Where is your feathery royal bed?

Where are your songs of buenos dias?

It is not the son of Kunti who is in grief.

Stricken by humiliation, it is you who is most unfortunate, Suyodhana.

You are the incapable man, Suyodhana.

You are most incapable, Suyodhana. Death is your better choice.

Death is a better choice for you, Suyodhana.

Aha!

The great legend, Mr S V Ranga Rao… You have brought him back to life, sir.

He is into priesthood because it is a family tradition.

But my Guru is a great actor himself.

Ah!

Hey, why did he get up and come? Is this also a part of the play?

-What is all this? Sit, all of you. -Okay, sir.

-Sit down. Sit down. -Move, move.

-Move, move. -Please, sit. Please.

-Please, sit. -All of you please be seated.

Hey, where is your brother?

Come on, brother. You too?

Leave it. Forget it. Let go.

Sister has asked me to give you this letter, grandpa.

‘It’s wrong to make a promise and walk away, dad.’

‘But my heart refuses to comply.’

Oh my!

What is this? Huh?

'I am going to meet the girl.'

-What does he mean? -You mean our girl left?

-She left? -Shh… shh…

-Shh… shh… close the door. -Close the door.

Why has she done this?

She consented to this wedding.

-Is she in love with someone? -Huh?

I never thought he would keep his displeasure in his heart and say yes.

I…

I am not bothered about our disgrace.

But…

They came here from far and wide and are waiting in the hall dressed up.

What would we tell those artistes?

My bosom friend…

Abhimanyu Narayan... What will I tell him? Huh?

As a villain on the stage, it doesn’t matter how many times I am disgraced.

But as the bride’s father, I cannot risk my honour.

Huh?

Brother, there is a lot of time left for the wedding,

I'll look for him and bring him back wherever he is.

He is right, brother.

What will we do till then?

What we have been doing for 30 years.

Acting!

All of you promise me.

‘If we are all the children of Mother Art,’

‘if we are all the children…’ -shh… shh…

‘If we are all the children of Mother Art’

‘We will not come out of our characters even if it costs us our life.’

‘We will not come out of our characters even if it costs us our life.’

‘Acting is our only aim.’

‘Acting is our only aim.’

‘Convincing is our goal.’

‘Convincing is our goal.’

‘We swear by our conscience.’

‘We swear by our conscience.’

I will tell Mr Aradhyula and manage.

All of you be alert. Come.

-Okay, brother. -Let’s go, brother.

And I will go to the pavilion right now and inform everybody.

Priest! This wedding…

There! Yes!

Priest! Listen, listen!

-My line! -Greetings, Mr Narada!

His wretched song and dance!

Excuse me! Mike please.

Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. I have a request for you.

There is no bride in the pavilion. She has eloped.

I overheard them speak. Trust me. She is not here.

The bride has eloped.

I heard it myself. You can leave now.

Have your meal and go home happily.

-Sit, sit. -The bride seems to have eloped.

Please, sit down. Be seated, please.

Wait, wait! Wait! None of you leave, please.

What is this sadistic laugh?

Huh?

What is this? Why are they all still seated?

Was it just a dream?

I can’t understand you.

-What is it? Not able to speak? -No.

I will now show you the flashback.

Hmm?

-Cold drink, sir. -Guruji.

Drink it.

Go and give it to him.

-To Narada. -Okay, sir.

Please have a cold drink, sir.

Huh!

Huh?

What is it? What?

Are you trying to stop the wedding?

I’ll kill you.

I’ll bury you.

Hey! What is it? What is your problem?

Why talk to him? Throw him out.

-Why are you hitting him? -Wait, Priest. Let us handle this.

Tell me.

Huh? Bro! He knows what happened. He might tell everyone.

Push this venomous worm out!

What is it, man?

What is it?

Damn your nasty mind.

Out! Get out!

What? Move! Move!

-Get going! -Push him out.

We’ll break your lute. Go!

-Brother! -Huh?

I guess he has got the wind of our issue.

-Hmm! -Huh?

Hey!

If you spill the beans before the wedding is over-

-Huh? -Huh!

Snip! Snip! Snip!

-Out! -Get lost!

Under no circumstances, should this wedding be stopped.

A FEW MONTHS AGO

Amazing!

How mellifluous!

We would like to inform the revered audience that…

The world’s a stage and life is a play.

We are all only actors with roles.

“Everybody listen to me Let me tell you something straight”

“Everybody listen to me I will explain to you patiently”

“This world is a stage We only play different roles”

“As soon as they are born It’s an art each one acquires on his own”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

‘Isn’t this play a canto epic that sprang from the depths of your hearts?”

Bravo!

“Money that drags innocent kids out in fancy get ups is drama”

“Together in a glance and separated in a moment… such hollow love is drama”

“Draw the curtains and the story begins Close them and what is left but the end?”

“In between whatever has passed how much role did you have?”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

(vocables0

(vocables continue)

“United by the sacred thread but they fight every single day”

“Marriage is a sham”

“Dangling a carrot of hope before you and making you run”

“Life itself is a drama”

“Your birth is not by your choice”

“Death doesn’t come when you want it”

“Unaware of this truth, life that runs here and there is a big trick”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Life is a strange drama”

“Hail, Lord Vishnu in his holy abode with Goddess Lakshmi!”

“Reciting the name Hari and Govinda is a path to salvation for the devotees”

(Bike throttling)

(Vishnu Sahasra Namam in the background)

So? You are finally home?

A working man will always find time.

A jobless man has no time at all.

He has no job and you won’t get one.

My life seems to be dedicated to this Dramatics colony.

Mom! Don’t start off early morning.

I am hungry. First, make me something.

Getting it. Getting it.

"The seven seas have swelled into one"

(Humming)

Dad, can I come in? -Hmm?

Had you asked me from outside, I would have said no.

You have already stepped in. Come.

Hey!

When the father works and the son is idle, there is some sense in my scolding you.

When neither of us works, people will misunderstand.

Try to understand.

Dad! I’ll eat my dosa first. Then I will try and understand.

Hmm. I understand…

Where you go, what you do?

Last night those rowdies came home looking for you.

Hmm? To sign you up for a play?

No. To ask me to watch your drama.

But I did the right thing.

I came to know what else you had done.

The two lakhs you gave the rowdies was fake currency.

-Dad! -Hey!

Tell me. What happened to the actual money?

I gave all the money to the “Drama Parishad’.

This is the dirty job you were up to?

There are no plays. They won’t come back.

Youth is not a drama enacted on the stage.

It is a struggle against life.

When you excel in Drama, you get titles and trophies.

When you win in life, a few people will live thanks to you.

Okay, dad.

If you want to live, you have to eat first.

How long will you keep admiring your awards and crowns?

Here. -Hmm.

Your breakfast is in the kitchen.

-My dosa is getting over burnt. -Eat!

"This life, day after day, is no more than a play"

"Invisible and yet visible is salvation"

"This life, day after day, is no more than a play"

"It's no more than a play"

Hail, Lord Ganesha.

Brother! (Clattering)

Bah!

Damn!

Today we have practised Madam Subbalakshmi’s songs really well.

-All by the grace of Mother Art. -Bah!

What are you doing so early? Can’t I at least sleep?

No one sleeps in the morning. They wake up.

Will your Keertans feed you?

Theatre will neither be revived nor get out of your system.

Hey!

Why don’t you all do something useful?

Rama!

With no respect for age and artistes why are you so harsh?

If you are disturbed,

you can sleep under the neem tree in the courtyard.

Well said, brother. Go and sleep.

-Go. -My sleep’s already gone.

Hey, hey. You said you wanted to go to the temple.

I am going.

Keep harping on it!

Unless we find a boy who can tame you, you won’t mellow down.

She totally takes after you along with your ego.

Born under the same star! Both of you!

"Engage us in the service of Lord Krishna"

"Bless us with serving Lord Rama"

Okay, Mom. I haven’t showered.

You go ahead. I will wait here.

Wait wherever you want.

But don’t forget to pray to God.

Okay, mother. Please carry on.

(devotional chanting)

Excuse me! Who is the girl over there?

SURABHI COLONY

‘He says he is Harishchandra. That he is an epitome of veracity.’

‘That he knows him.’

Hey, stop, stop, stop!

That’s not how you say it.

Physique alone will not do.

You should have modulation. There should be emotion.

‘He says he is Harishchandra.’

‘That he is an epitome of veracity.’

‘That he knows him.’

‘Aha, Vasishta!’

‘You visit our king’s palace every day to pass time with trivial discussions.'

‘Is that the reason for your affinity with Harishchandra?’

You should add that sarcasm in the tone.

‘To express your affinity in such plain words before us-‘

‘are you not ashamed in the least?’

Aha!

‘Of course, why would you be ashamed?’

‘You attribute Brahma to your clan every day and get glorified as Brahman on earth.’

‘Adapting professional priesthood you calculate their astrological horoscope

turning yourself into a slave,’

‘you receive kind and jewellery and why would you have any shame?'

Wow!

‘Unabashed, you stand up to me declaring a common earthling

as virtue personified and reiterate it, Vasishta!’

Wow!

Mr Abhimanyu!

Your voice is a boon to the field of Dramatics.

-It has nothing to do with boons and voice. -Marvellous, sir.

That’s the power in Viswamitra’s line.

-Did you understand? -Yes.

Yes. You must acquire that.

Nice. Very nice.

Husband!

Shall we buy the girl traditional wear or jeans with T-shirt?

Both would look nice.

I personally prefer traditional.

She has some event in her college. Let’s buy her Jeans and T-Shirt.

I could sense you were going to butter me.

Let’s buy.

SRI VENKATESWARA NATYAMANDALI SURABHI

We can never get enough of performing the epic… ‘Maya Bazar’.

If all my brothers are ready, the stage is set.

How many have shown up?

Only ten, uncle.

So, it's three hundred rupees.

‘Hey, foolish child! Who are you?’

‘Devoid of all courtesy, you are uncouth. Who are you?’

‘Hey! Do you want to know who I am?

I am your God of Death.’

‘Do you know who I am?’

‘I am the God for the God of Death.’

‘Hey! Challenge!’

Hey… huh!

Oho!

'Face this now!’

‘Hey! Fire! Inferno! Burn down my enemy to ashes!’

‘Ah, take this!"

Fire!

‘Hail, God of Thunder!’

(Applause)

(Indistinct conversation)

Lord Shiva! Please take care of my family.

Uncle! What is this?

Can we afford elixir?

-It’s poison. -Huh!

-Poison? -He drank poison.

He consumed poison!

Call Master.

Master! He consumed poison.

Ah!

Hey! Move aside! Move aside!

-Uncle, please get up, uncle. -Hey, what is this?

-Did you take poison? -Call the doctor.

What was so distressing that you did this?

-Have you gone mad? -I am mad.

You are mad after drama.

I am mad after my family.

Borrowing for my kids and yet not being able to feed them,

unable to bear the stress and knowing no other work

I am now dying, Master.

What is this?

Who dies for want of money?

Do you consider us dead?

Open your eyes. Hey! Get up!

What is this? What’s happening?

-He took poison. -Poison?

Hey! Someone get me some soap-nut water.

Quick!

Hey! Come. Wear this wig.

Here. Here.

-Go and make Ghatotkacha’s entry. -Okay.

-The show must never stop. -Okay, Master.

Here. Take this mace.

Hey! Did you get it?

Here's the soap-nut water.

Abhi! Give it to him.

Let’s go!

Drink it!

Drink a little more.

Drink it!

Hey! Throw up!

Vomit!

What have you done?

You should have shared your problems with us.

How much can you help me?

I cannot ask.

I cannot beg.

I have to live like a dead body.

That’s why- That’s why I decided to die, Master!

Come on, idiot!

If we don’t help each other, what is this life for?

Our suffering and our stories... when will they change, Mr Abhimanyu?

If it is to exist in flesh and blood, we can always do something and survive.

But to live like artistes, we have to make sacrifices.

Master!

When will our lives be recognized as art and not as dreams?

(vocables)

An artiste may die. But Art should never.

“A wedding feast with strange dishes”

“Delicious meal by the in-laws I am going to taste it first”

“Have you noticed?”

"Have you noticed?”

“Would someone stop by and ask how you are?”

“Once the role is done and the curtains are closed?”

“Have you eaten? Would you eat? Will someone ask you that?”

“Once the light has faded away”

“You are convincing as Rama and charming as Krishna”

“Whatever the character, you find it a walk in the park”

“Once the make-up is removed to live like an ordinary man is hell”

(vocables)

“That applause is your heart beat When it goes silent, you live on tears”

“Have you noticed?”

“Have you noticed?”

“This colourful world…”

“Hey, hey, hey!”

“This colourful world fades into black”

“The harmony keys lose their melody”

“The necklaces of beads look orphaned”

“The shining costumes see hungry days”

“Woe, alas!’

“Past has remained a story of anguish”

“Oh, God! Oh, God!”

(vocables)

“The crown you carried and the sword you brandished”

“Sit on the attic deeply saddened”

“Have you noticed?”

“Who would stop by and ask how you are?”

“Once the role is done and the curtains are closed”

“Who would check if you ate and ask if you would eat?”

“Once the light has faded”

“Verses and embellishments Parishads and awards”

“Certificates of felicitation and shawls in appreciation”

“You cherish them like invaluable property and assets “

“Such simple people with simple joys”

(vocables)

“Whither is that royalty?"

"Whither is that glory?”

“When will it reappear before your waiting eyes?”

“Have you noticed?”

Stop here.

-Dad! -Huh?

-You remember Mr Abhimanyu Narayana? -Huh.

Surabhi Artiste! -Yes.

-His son has come to see you. -Has he?

You are Mr Abhimanyu Narayana’s son?

Yes, grandpa.

Son! Vithal! -Dad!

Pick up that second book from there.

Here, dad.

My last wish is to watch Dakshayagnam before my body burns on the pyre, son.

“The disappearing rainbow remains at the corner of your eyes”

“A hollow golden age follows you from behind”

“Turn your head and you will find your heart’s desire waiting there”

“Identify your dream And it will come true”

“Are you there?”

“Are you there and how are you? Who would ask you this?”

“Once the role is done and the curtains close?”

“Have you eaten and will you eat? Who would offer you this?”

“Once the light has faded out?”

What is your play with those who perform plays?

Poor guys, Shiva!

Be a little kind and show them the way.

Take it!

"In search of tomorrow"

Hey!

-Hi. -Have it.

Thank you!

Madam, would you have some chicken?

Uff. Have you found a KFC even here?

Look at him.

How peacefully he is sitting and enjoying his life!

Life is not in eating pieces.

It is in living peacefully like him.

Let me enjoy this piece. You can enjoy that peace.

I am eating quite peacefully here.

Guys, reduce the volume.

I am eating peacefully here. Why the phone now, Madam?

Post this picture also on Instagram.

Hello! Tell me, sir.

Is everyone there?

All are here, sir.

Everyone is promoted to Re-Life Theatre!

Okay, okay.

-Congrats! -Thank you, sir.

Who is it? Is it our French Beard boss?

Hmm.

For finishing the project in a short time, they have given us a long term promotion

and transferred us to Re-Life Theatre Event Management.

(all) Wow!

Congrats, madam!

-You too! -Congrats.

Madam, you are supposed to open champagne. Why are you dull?

I thought theatre was confined to home.

From tomorrow, I will have to live with it in the office too.

I feel lost.

You give responsibility to only those who can carry the burden.

I need a small sensation in this boring life right here, Shiva.

It's so cold and who would give orange juice in the name of ‘peaceful’?

To bear this cold, either the liver should be hot or a lover should be by my side.

Show me a nice life partner.

Just like you, I will give her half myself.

Madam, if you want to get married, what kind of a guy will you prefer?

Someone who will give me half of himself.

Wow! Terrific option, madam.

Goodnight.

It’s gone over my head.

-Come. Please don’t ask for such options. -Okay, good night!

Our friends!

Hey!

Oi!

Sorry!

Oi! Stop!

Boss! Have some girls passed this way?

Look there.

Oi!

Mask snatcher! Where are you?

Show yourself!

But why?

Because I want to see you!

Who are you?

I asked Shiva yesterday. And you appeared.

How can you not show me your face?

So, what now?

Did you like me without seeing my face?

A lot!

I… love… you!

No girl will be impressed by this kind of proposal.

Huh?

Take me by surprise and impress me.

Then we’ll see.

Okay, okay!

One minute. Stay right there.

I am coming.

Who the heck is this guy? He asked me to wait and disappeared!

Oi…

I…

Love….

You….

Do you see me now?

I asked for a surprise but you impressed me with a shock!

Come down!

Let’s meet and talk.

Yes!

"O, elephant faced Lord, protector of the weak The herald of success, a form of all virtue"

""O, elephant faced Lord, protector of the weak The herald of success, a form of all virtue"

"You the mono-tusked, accompanied by Buddhi and Siddhi"

"Accompanied by Buddhi and Siddhi"

Hey, hey!

You look great in your formals.

I am working as HR in Wipro, uncle.

I interview candidates for jobs.

-Hey, hey, hey! Wait, wait. Look, look. -That's why the formals.

Is there a job for my senseless son who has done B.Tech?

There are interviews scheduled this week, uncle. Send him. I will take care.

You will take care? Shall I send him?

Okay, I am getting late to office.

-See you, uncle. -Carry on.

-"Mono-tusked, accompanied by Buddhi and Siddhi" -Hey, hey! Answer the phone, man!

You continue. Continue.

-Listen, listen! -What is it?

Tell your son to stop roaming and come home immediately.

-Mr Sitapati’s son is arranging for a job. -Really?

He is not even answering my phone.

He won’t answer mine either.

Where is he?

Bah! Why do you get so worked up?

He will call you back. Let it be, now.

-I am not worried about him. -Huh?

I took a loan and bought his bike. I am worried the financer will come for me.

Hmm.

(Mobile ringing)

Hey, Rama! Come. It’s getting late.

The bus is ready.

They are calling us. Let’s go.

Yeah. I am coming.

Damn!

Are you done shopping?

Yeah. What is the boat number?

1403.

Yeah. I am right here.

Crap!

Tsk.

-Hey! Move! -Hey!

-Hey! -Hey!

Hey!

There! Over there.

Excuse me.

Brother! Please help me.

Dad! How are you?

I am fine for now.

If you don’t come home, I won’t be. Come right now.

"Krishna, Mukunda, Murari"

"Hail, Govinda, wanderer of Brindavan"

Hey, Krishna! How was the journey?

Shut up and leave.

I will tell you later. Go. Go.

Stop right there.

I called you about a nice job you got. Were you too busy to answer?

Where did you go?

I tried. I couldn’t get the line.

-For the job…. -Stop your antics.

To listen to your stories, I am not an audience in the auditorium.

Damn!

I have lost my faith in you.

From now, both the men in this house will not stay unemployed.

Listen! Today is Thursday.

By coming Thursday, you will step in this house with a job in hand.

Otherwise, I will think I have no son.

Dad! Dad, hear me out-

Get going!

How was my performance?

You said you haven’t seen me perform in a lot of time. Okay, now?

Okay. But who wanted your Oscar performance now?

He took it for real and is going away.

-Call him. -H…h…hey!

Hey, Krishna!

Hey, hey, hey! Stop!

Krishna! He was just pulling your leg.

Krishna! Wait!

Hey!

It’s okay. My acting has worked.

If he goes with the same aggression and comes back with a job,

we are the happiest people! Come!

This man wouldn’t understand!

Cheers!

Tell me now, bro.

Why are you on the roads?

I am not on the roads, man.

I was pushed out of my house.

Because you have no job, right?

-Bro! You are not a gent… -Ah?

You are intelligent.

If I promise you a job in my office without an interview, any objection?

-Come on. I am ready to join right now. -Hey, hey!

If we go now, they will kick us out.

If you want me to help you, you must stop my wedding tomorrow.

Let's say the time is inauspicious and it will stop!

Hmm! The time is auspicious.

But I don’t like the bride.

Why, bro?

Because I have a ‘Friends with Benefits’ kind of love story at work.

Hmm? Oh!

Both our families came to know about this.

They fixed our weddings, bro!

Where is your wedding?

-Mine? -Hmm.

Kukat… pally.

The girl’s wedding?

Open your mouth.

Alleppey, Kerala!

My HR and team have already gone there to help me.

If you can plan something, we will call them and make them execute it.

Okay.

Hmm. Connect the call.

Hello!

Greetings, madam.

My ‘Sholay’ friend will give you a super idea.

One minute!

Take the phone, Thakur!

Hello, sir! Good evening.

It’s not sir. It’s madam.

I will tell you a plan.

Keep all your focus and listen.

-Okay? -Okay. Tell me.

Super, bro.

Hmm. Not bad. The plan sounds terrific.

How many escapes you must have made to devise a plan like this!

Hmm?

Thank you.

Hey!

Run for your life, bro!

-Hey! -What's with these guys?

-Why are they bashing up the wedding guests? -Stop!

I guess they are my Kerala brother-in-law's gang.

-Huh? Are you doing a Quixote? -Hey!

Money.

Money! Hey!

Ouch!

Oh, no! Car, man!

-What's happening? -Hey!

Huh!

Now run!

Ah?

(speaking Malayalam)

-Oh, no! -Hey!

This seems good.

-Let me try it too. -Who is he? Just at the right time...

Damn!

-Hey! Move aside! -Come on!

Oh, no. I better run.

-Hello! -Hey, pass the phone to your friend.

This is his friend speaking. Tell me.

Have you any sense? What is this stupid planning?

Madam! I am a novice.

I was trying to help a friend. It became risky.

-Hello? -Hello!

-Can you hear me? -Ah!

We are going to Tirupati from Hyderabad.

If you can catch a train and come to Tirupati, we will talk it out then.

Hang up!

By the way, your voice sounds sweet even in anger.

Bull crap! Cut it!

-Hey, Abhi! Let’s go. -Bro!

Abhi will be here. Come back soon.

Go and sit there. I will have some water and come back.

Leave me. Who is this?

You abducted our girl from the wedding venue.

I will abduct you now.

I will see who is going to stop me.

Any girl being forced into a wedding will consider running away and marrying.

Hey!

My HR is caught.

This is your HR?

Will I get the job if I thrash them?

You will get it if you save her.

Thank you.

Thank you!

It’s okay.

Give me a job and I will thank you myself.

Are you okay?

Here on the top.

Hey, hey, hey!

Keep your love and questions on hold.

-If they find us, they will kill us. -Huh?

-Let’s go! -Move! Move!

Please, madam. You have given us life.

Give him a job, madam.

Though it is hard to believe, he has done his B.Tech, madam.

So sad. Help them.

It would be wrong if they demanded. But they are begging.

Okay, okay.

I will try to get you a job in Re-Life Theatre Management Company.

If you get it, you are lucky.

If you don’t, the Company is lucky.

‘Being a caring partner to a renunciant like King Pandu’

‘upholding the ideals of her caste, Kunthi begot the Pandavas.’

‘Pandavas who relinquished us through our childhood’s play and song’

‘I asked for a Uthappam and you made Upma, my consort!’

Bah! Stop it, now.

Why the verses and the Pandavas now?

Talk about your daughter at home.

Think about your son who is not home.

Contemplation is outdated.

The time has come for execution.

Here is my appointment letter.

You came home with the good news of a job.

I wanted to give you some good news too.

What could that be?

Actually, I thought you will settle down once you get married.

I am looking for alliances. No problem now.

You are getting married after settling down.

Wave length, dad.

I was planning to get married too.

What does that mean?

Do I look for a girl?

Or is someone hiding in the heart behind your buttons?

Huh?

You are seated there, father.

Please don’t suspect your son.

Mother! Please get hot water ready.

I need to take a bath. Huh.

Why this drama diction even at home?

It is not diction. It’s affection.

He said he needs a bath.

Get hot water ready.

Hi! Good morning.

Where is ‘madam’?

Is she in the parking?

Hello, madam.

I have just joined.

Please don’t test my talent so quickly.

My heart is growing wings only now.

If you try to act smart, I will clip your wings.

I like those who work with passion better than those who work for pay.

Enough with the greetings.

Get down to work. Hmm?

What to do, you will find it here.

As to how to do it, use this.

Hmm!

-Okay, madam. -Go!

Please take the sweets.

Thank you. All the best.

Thanks, Rama.

Rama… madam.

Get going.

Oh! Sorry, madam.

Re-Life Theatre Company is established for the sake of Art and Artistes.

As a part of it and as our hundredth project,

the Singhania Group has given us an event.

Rama! I am making you the in-charge.

-As your Assistant- -Will you come forward?

When are they giving you the increment?

They promised me by the first, sir.

They didn’t tell you which first, right?

-Krishna! -Sir?

Er… take care of everything as Rama’s Assistant.

I will follow her, sir.

He asked you to follow the project, not me.

Okay, madam.

This man is eyeing my increment.

I can hear you. Grumble a little soft.

-Hey! What are you doing this evening? -Kri...

Shall we go for dinner?

Huh! Actually I am working.

Some other time.

Chocolate boy! Chocolate.

Eat this. Not me.

-Go. -No feelings!

Hey!

Irritating lady!

Give me the file.

Ah! Krishna, have you thought of something?

Huh? I have been thinking of you.

-Krishna! -Huh?

I mean… I was thinking what kind of concept for this event will bring us a good name.

Don’t talk to office colleagues the way you talk to college friends.

Understood?

You mean…

-I can talk that way to you, right, madam? -Hmm?

In case I have doubts.

Only office hours.

Aren't office hours... the most beautiful hours?

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

TAKE ONE CANDY AND EXPRESS HOW YOU FEEL.

HAPPY – EXCITED – TENDER – SAD -ANGRY – SCARED

Rama!

Chocolate?

One minute.

Yes!

Wow!

-Hi, Krishna! -Hi!

Ah… my bike has a flat tyre.

If you don’t mind, can you drop me home?

Yeah, sure.

-Thank you. -Please.

“I wonder where you are, my smiling beauty”

“I wonder how you are, my fragrant lily”

How come Scooty has come on a bike?

See you.

You said you will see me.

Hmm?

I am asking you to leave now.

Okay. Good night.

“I wonder how you are, my chatty water lily”

Stop it!

You are always into Dramatics.

Have you no other job?

-Go on. Get going and get to work. -The devil’s home.

Run for your life.

-Run! Run! -Damn! They never change.

Raama!

-Ramaa! -Ramaa!

Who is the boy?

Krishna, my colleague at work.

Krishna?

Greetings, Master!

Ah! Come, come.

Come on. Come.

Hey, Mahadeva!

How long since I haven’t seen you! You don’t even call!

Sometimes I want to call.

Sometimes I think let me go meet personally.

But it just doesn’t happen.

Hmm!

He is at one end of the city.

You are at the other end.

You left me in the centre.

Since we stopped performing on stage, both of you evade even me.

That’s why I called you both on a war footing.

Has something happened?

Not yet. But I want something to happen.

I don’t get you.

Whether we enact plays or not,

irrespective of the fact that you live at different locations,

we all belong to the same family.

I know both your kids have reached the marriageable age.

I heard you are also looking for alliances.

Am I right?

Yes, Master.

Have you heard of our Surabhi families marrying outsiders?

No, Master.

Then why should we do that now?

Let your son marry Mahadeva’s daughter.

I don’t mind making my son Mahadeva’s son-in-law.

But I am not sure what is on his mind.

What can I say?

It didn’t strike my dumb brain.

But to the great ‘Stage Acting Lion’ Abhimanyu Narayana’s house,

I won’t send my daughter.

Ah!

It means…

I will send her to my bosom friend’s house.

Oh, good.

I am really glad.

Let us check with our kids and set an auspicious time.

Sure, Abhimanyu.

First shake your hands, both of you.

Lord Nataraja will join both of them and their hearts.

“What a golden doll God has made”

Er… er… good morning, sir.

You idiot!

Do you come to office to cycle around, sing songs and take salary?

Sir, water, sir.

You get out!

Who is Krishna in this office?

That’s him, sir.

Ah! What happened, sir? Is anything wrong?

Everything is wrong.

Didn’t I ask you to send the concept to Singhania Group?

Sir, I sent them the project file yesterday itself.

You didn’t send them the project file.

But personal file.

I should blame her for giving you a job without any test.

Sorry, sir. It must have been a mistake.

It was Rama’s mistake to give you a job.

Sir!

My system had a break down.

So I asked him to send it from his.

But only now I realise, he can’t even send an email properly.

If something goes wrong, I will shoot you.

All of you. All of you! Get out of here!

Rama, please let me explain.

Enough.

It’s not about the mistake or who did it.

I never thought I would ever bend my head in shame and acknowledge a mistake.

More than the humiliation you caused me in the office,

I am pained by the reputation I have cost this office.

Yet, if I am not able to pull you up-

I love you.

For splashing colours in the waterfall and amazingly expressing your love.

I love you.

For saving my life risking your own.

I love you.

For helping two lovers in trouble, by standing up and fighting for them.

As a lover, you could impress me so many times.

But as an individual, did you try at least once to impress me?

Hear me say this now.

I will pay you salary and keep you in the office.

But I will never give you my life and keep you in my heart.

I hate you.

-Rama! -Tell me, dad.

Hey, Krishna!

I have found a girl for you.

It is a good alliance.

Er… If you are okay about it, they want the wedding in a week.

I will send you her picture. See and let me know.

I don’t have to see the photo, dad.

If you are okay with it, I am okay.

Okay, then.

PRESENT

That’s what had happened, grandpa.

-“Not able to find you in this world” -Oh, no!

-“Wherever you are hiding” -Grandpa!

“Whether I open my eyes or close them I see only you”

“Even in my heart, it is only you”

-“My heart is filled with you” -Grandpa!

Grandpa! Please, stop.

Give it here.

I asked you for solace and you begin to sing!

I was coming there.

Hundred percent, the girl you are in love with is most important.

My father is the most ferocious villain on the stage.

Now, I have run away from the wedding and became a villain for my father.

Superb!

“Worship him in the name of Govinda”

I will bury you, loser!

See this? See my bracelet?

“Watch Lord Krishna in all glory”

“Let’s go eat.”

Have you found the girl?

I am looking for her.

Make it fast. The sacred hour is nearing.

What are you trying to say?

-I feel as if I am dying. -Brother, brother!

Huh?

Narada is biting the ears of Mr Abhimanyu about Rama.

What’s wrong with your voice?

-What is he saying? -I can’t understand, brother.

-I will kill you. Be clear whatever it is. -Speak out!

Brother!

Do something, brother.

Hey!

What are you blabbering, huh? Go away!

-He is prattling something. -Go!

He is insane. He lost his mind, brother.

-I hope he doesn’t know what happened. -No, brother.

-No problem. -No problem.

-Huh? -Oh, no!

Husband!

-What happened, brother? -What happened, husband?

-Brother! -Husband!

-What happened, brother? -Mahadeva!

-Mahadeva! -Brother!

-Brother! -Careful, brother.

-Brother, what happened, brother? -Get up, brother.

-Get some water. -Why all of a sudden?

Brother! Brother! Get up!

-Brother! you were find till now. -Please, get up, brother.

-Husband! -Hey! What? What is it?

What happened?

Heart stroke?

Husband!

The glory of Dramatics has begun to revive, man.

Mahadeva!

-Brother! -Master!

Brother!

Brother, please get up.

Brother, you are our only hope.

Without you, we become orphans!

I asked him to rest for a while.

He said he will watch his daughter’s wedding and then have a deep sleep.

God! Save my sacred thread!

Hail, Patala Bhairavi!

How was my performance?

Ah!

Performance?

-Brilliant! You had us spell-bound, brother. -You lived the role, brother.

-What a performance! -Great acting!

You did so well.

Let me not cast an evil eye.

Master, how was my acting?

-You rocked it, Doctor. -Thank you.

You were acting too?

Hey!

I warned you to say your lines without faltering,

why were you yapping nonsense?

Who is that Narada?

How did he know the bride is not in the room?

Probably he heard us take the oath.

Hey! Did they find Rama? Call them.

-Make it fast. -Yes, yes. Doing it.

Ah, hello!

Hey, brother! Did you find the girl?

Not yet, brother. We are still looking.

-Is it? -What happened?

Brother, don’t panic, brother.

(both) Watch our acting acumen now!

-How is Mahadeva? -He is fine, Master.

-He has recovered a bit. -Let’s go see him then.

-Ah… -Huh?

-Huh? -Ah.

-Doctor has advised him to rest, Master. -Oh!

Rest… rest… doctor…

-Let me take care of other things. Come. -Hmm.

Hey, come, come, come.

By the way, doctor only advised him rest.

He didn’t say no visitors!

Don’t tell me the bride is also missing!

Why don’t I check?

Rama! Come and press dad’s feet.

Why have you become so weak?

Oh! She is here. Thank God.

-He has left. Get up, now. -Hmm.

-What’s this… -Brother, how am I as Bruhannala?

Hey, shut up!

After you parted ways in the office, when did you both meet again, madam?

Hmm… I met him. At midnight.

In your dreams?

Ouch!

Hmm.

I met him co-incidentally in an accident.

Generally, it’s called love at first sight.

But for me it was love at first fight.

When you drink, grandpa, I don’t know if it eases the pain,

but it definitely makes you brave.

As far as I am concerned-

When I drink,

I feel like eating and sleeping.

-But- -Hmm?

When you speak, I feel like waking up with a start.

I feel like listening to you.

I feel like a drink in between.

Oh, grandpa!

I am not drinking because of my love failure, grandpa.

Then?

Because dad has lost his trust in me.

I am not just his son, grandpa.

I am his conviction.

If this wedding stops, I will be happy.

But if it happens, he will hold his head high.

But after all it’s love, grandpa.

It made me leave all that behind.

-Krishna! -Sir, one minute.

Hey!

Is smog falling in your room?

Ah! Dad! That’s coming from outside.

I guess it is smoke from some fire.

-Outside? -Yes, dad.

Is this the fire?

Sorry, dad.

Hey!

I know you like the back of my hand.

Won't I know when you smoke?

Look. I have smoked and ruined myself.

At least you be good.

In that case, take this packet too.

I thought it was an occasional cigarette.

You are maintaining a packet!

This is the last time, dad.

What is this new habit?

By the way, are you really in favour of this wedding?

Of course, I am.

If there’s anything, I would definitely tell you,

Look. Fall in love after you are married.

That is what our middle class families are used to. Huh?

Sure, dad.

Hey!

These are from ‘Samrat Arts Academy’. When did you meet them?

I didn’t meet them, dad. I just took a photo of them on the road.

Okay, fine.

I have some wedding work to attend to. You take care of your work and sleep. Okay?

Okay, dad.

Do you have one more packet?

Tsk. No, dad. Leave now.

I think you are busy. I will come later and…

It’s okay, dad. Tell me.

Dear…

Was I hasty about your wedding?

No.

You did inform me before making the decision. Why do you ask again?

If my daughter marries a local boy, I can see her whenever I want.

If it is a boy from USA, I don’t know if it would be possible.

Also, I thought you would be happy in my friend’s house.

As you like, dad.

You always do the best.

It’s not that, dear.

Initially you said you don’t like Dramatics.

Only now you have developed some respect.

You said a boy from the office was the reason for it.

I just want to know if you are in love.

So, I asked.

Hey, Raama!

As a father I would have both love and responsibility towards you. So, I asked.

I have no other intention, dear!

Hmm. Okay.

If your work is done, go to bed. It’s getting late.

-Hmm? -Okay, dad.

Oh, my god!

These mosquitoes are killing us.

Mom! Mom! Please open the door.

Where are you going at this hour?

I have some urgent work. I will come back and tell you.

Why don’t you take the bike?

It’s not working.

You never say anything.

You are cranky just like him.

Both of you need some chastising.

I should have the mood to drink. Why do you guys need a mood to sell?

Hey, get lost!

-Get going, sir! -Damn!

I have to go urgently. Please take right.

I have to go left.

It’s an emergency. Please.

Right here.

Stop!

Hey, girl! Won’t you at least thank me?

Bloody hell! It’s her again!

Did I come on his bike?

Excuse me!

If you didn’t donate blood to our baby in time, we wouldn’t be standing here now.

I know 'O' Negative is very rare.

I am really happy I donated my blood and saved a valuable life.

-Thank you so much, ma'am. -You are welcome.

Shall I drop you?

Drop the drama.

Your loss.

If I knew it was your bike, I wouldn’t have got on it.

Lift, please!

Rascal!

Hmm?

You are lucky to find a gentleman like me in the middle of the night.

Get going.

(vocal intro)

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“Oh, fine, whichever world you are in”

“Oh, fine, whichever world I am in”

“Even if we don’t see eye to eye today”

“You and I will pair up even if time stands against it”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“Oh, okay, fine”

“O, oh! Oh, okay, fine”

"Fine, it's fine"

“The truth that lips speak”

“Is in fact a hallucination”

“The truth actually lies in the heart”

“Not holding back emotions, I have come so close”

“As if we are two halves”

“Though you say ‘go’ and that I am no match”

“Even if you want to part, there is no way, sweetheart”

“A heart that ties a knot”

“Is up over there”

“It will carry us forward and sound the bassoon”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

"Oh, o, o"

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“No matter what you say or walk aggressively away”

“Hearts keep entwining”

“Oh, though we bear with separation or turn into rivals”

“Some force keeps us interlaced”

“Designation or education, wealth or fame, a house or a job”

“Ask for anything and they might bow to you”

“But this is not at your command, my angel”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

-“Made in heaven” -"Oh, o, o"

“Marriages are made in heaven”

“Marriages are made in heaven”

"Oh, o, o"

“Marriages are made in heaven”

"Oh, ho, oh"

"Oh, okay, fine"

"Oh, o, o Oh, okay, fine"

Champagne for the champion!

Great, Krishna!

What an idea!

What presentation! Super, man!

Oh!

He trained under me.

What is happening here?

Come, Rama. Come.

To revive the cult dramas with contemporaries is a brilliant idea.

I am most impressed.

Come. Let’s celebrate.

-Enjoy! -Whooo!

-Whoo! -Champagne!

Excuse me.

For the first time in your life, you have done something good. Thank you.

Not for saving my grace.

You are working for the welfare of the artistes.

That’s why. Bye.

Huh? Are you going? Why?

We have a party this evening. Why don’t you stay?

I came because there was a lot of work.

But you have finished even my job.

I am taking a week’s leave.

Leave? Why now?

I forgot to tell you. I am getting married.

What? Getting married?

When you are angry you can quarrel and argue. You shouldn’t marry someone else.

Don’t spoil your life out of your anger for me.

Listen! This was not my decision out of anger.

This is my father's decision out of his deep love for me.

When you have a problem, you got to solve it patiently.

You shouldn’t take it to your head and deceive your heart.

Rama, listen to me.

See! I know what I am doing.

Who are you to tell me this? Get out.

She asked you to get out and why is she walking out?

Women are all the same!

Ah!

-How is it? -Nice blue. How beautiful it is!

-Hey, Giri... -Chitti, show the other one.

If you like it, buy it for yourself. Please!

Quiet.

It looks the right colour for Rama.

Look at this one. Good? Super?

-Hey, boy, hey! -Sir?

If you encourage them to see variety, they will be here till you close the shop.

-Hey! -Huh?

Mr Raju is paying for all this. Be rational.

Let’s save our honour.

What brother means by honour is to use it honourably, right?

-You! -Ouch!

-Show us the variety with discount. -Let’s go.

Okay.

There they are.

-Hey! When did you come? -Brother-in-law.

-Greetings, brother-in-law. -Just now. Two hours ago.

Oh! They seem to shop a lot.

How much ever you allow us, brother.

-She thinks she is the bride. -Tut. Keep quiet.

Where is our daughter-in-law?

-Rama! -Huh?

Come here.

-Greetings. -Greetings.

Your father-in-law and mother-in-law. Take their blessings.

Why do you add in-laws? Consider us your parents.

Oh, no.

You look like Goddess Lakshmi.

Brother, where is your son?

Why? He came along.

-Brother, he is over there. -Hey, Krishna! Come here.

Who the hell are you?

Hmm?

Bro, he has tied me up and is beating me black and blue. Come fast.

I think he is going on some urgent work.

-He will meet you some time. -It’s okay.

-Rama! -Huh?

Your phone’s ringing continuously. Check.

Hello!

Hello, Rama!

My brother came here with some men and is beating up Abhi.

Don’t worry. I am on my way.

Mom! I have some urgent work to attend to. You carry on. I will be home.

-Greetings, uncle. Bye, aunty. -Rama!

Hey!

If these two insist on seeing each other before getting married,

they can never get married.

It must be some office work.

Once they are married, anyway they will have to look at each other every day.

Ouch, here.

Over here.

All postures are done.

Except one.

Shall I make you do it, brother?

Why do you want all these yoga postures?

Let’s sit and talk.

Hmm.

Get up. It’s ok. Get up.

She says she sees her mom and dad in her brother.

She has no parents anyway.

If her brother reacts this way, who will take care of her?

She likes you so much that she places you above your mom and dad.

When she holds you in such esteem, why are you so harsh towards your sister?

Change.

I made a mistake.

Who do I have other than you?

I did it in a fit of fury.

-Please forgive me, dear. -Brother!

-Rama! -Anusha!

Calm down.

Krishna is a very nice guy.

He saved our love by helping our wedding and now he saved our lives by saving Abhi.

He is really great.

-Hey! -Huh?

Greetings.

You ran out for these without even looking at the girl?

At least see the card.

Dad!

Give it here. Let me keep it before god.

-Hi, sir. -Who is this guy?

-Ah! This is my friend, Rajiv, from Kerala. -Oh.

Husband, let me serve you food.

No. not now. I will have later.

Okay.

Hello!

Kala Bhagwan speaking from Re-Life Theatre.

Yes.

When you talk of theatre both the Telugu states remember one name-

Mr Abhimanyu Narayana… it’s you. Right?

Yes.

My boss is planning to organise ‘Dakshayagnam’ drama.

It is our desire to see you both as Lord Shiva and Veerabhadra.

Sir!

You are ready, aren’t you?

Yes… I… I… I am ready.

Thank you, sir.

Our Creative Head Krishna Abhimanyu will send you the script.

-Please begin the rehearsals tomorrow. -Okay.

-Thank you so much, sir. -Okay. Tha… thank you. Thanks.

Event management?

Hey?

-Listen. -Huh?

-I am playing Lord Shiva again. -Huh?

What is this? Huh?

These are the times of DJ, pubs and all.

How did I get a call for a drama?

I am going to act as Shiva and wear make-up on my face-

Hey!

No son can make his dad happier.

Thanks, son.

During the act when we wear the crown, the respect we feel for it?

I feel the same respect for you now.

Thanks, son.

Hey! Ramulu! Subbulu!

Come on! Come, come!

Listen! Idle crowns, silent stanzas, dusty jewellery, inactive artistes…

He has found work for everything and everyone.

As a father, I am really proud of you.

I have only two responsibilities now.

One is your wedding, the other is drama.

I asked you to send the make-up kits to the artistes. Have you sent them?

I have sent them, ma’am. They will reach everyone in an hour.

Okay. And please keep this file in MD sir’s chamber.

-Sure. -Thanks.

Okay.

After years... I am going to watch dad on the stage. I am excited, bro.

We are also eagerly waiting to watch the play.

Okay. I have noted down here all the details you wanted. Please, check.

-Okay. Let me explain to Rama Madam once. -Ah!

Huh! What the...

Can’t you look where you are going?

Hey! Ignore the rest.

But that first kiss! How does it feel, bro?

“It’s extraordinary, bro!”

“It’s an extraordinary kick, bro!”

“As the first kiss happens, from the lip to the forehead”

“The nerves get twisted moving from the left to right”

“Brain stirs, mind is blown, sleep is lost and that day”

“It’s an extraordinary kick, bro”

“The kick is extraordinary, bro”

“First kiss is a celebration, bro”

“All kinds of drugs are no match, oh, god”

“The obsession is beyond control”

“It’s an extraordinary kick, bro!”

“The kick is extraordinary, bro!”

“First kiss is a celebration, bro”

“All kinds of drugs are no match, oh, god”

“The obsession is beyond control”

“It tastes like alcohol mixed in elixir, kiss… the first kiss”

“It is strong like nicotine mixed with fire… kiss… the first kiss”

“How does it feel sucking away your life using a vacuum?”

“That’s what the first kiss is”

“How does it feel drinking away juice with a straw from your heart?”

“That’s what the first kiss is”

“After the first kiss you might as well die because”

“It’s an extraordinary kick, bro!

"The kick’s extraordinary, bro!”

“First kiss is a celebration, bro”

“All kinds of drugs are no match, oh, god”

“The obsession is beyond control”

“It’s an extraordinary kick, bro!

The kick’s extraordinary, bro!”

“Hell frying you in honey is the kiss, the first kiss”

“Heaven immersing you in illusion is the kiss, the first kiss”

“Swinging you on the cloud blurring your memory”

“It works a miracle, I swear”

“Piercing you with needles of intoxication, making you go numb”

“It pushes you into euphoria, I swear”

“A lover’s best gift in life is the first kiss and when you get it”

“It’s an extraordinary kick, bro!

"The kick’s extraordinary, bro!”

“First kiss is a celebration, bro”

“All kinds of drugs are no match, oh, god”

“The obsession is beyond control”

“It’s an extraordinary kick, bro!“

“The kiss feels extraordinary, bro!

Wow!

-Hi, sir! Welcome. -Hi. -Hello, sir.

Thank you.

Culture is involved in your concept. I like it.

-Thank you for encouraging us, sir. -Oh! Not a big deal, Krishna.

I liked your thought.

Also, I am a fan of dramatics.

-That’s why I gave you an opportunity. -Thank you, sir.

-I am sure we will not disappoint you. -Shall we go?

Yeah, yeah. Sure. Abhi will take you, sir.

Sir, welcome, sir! Hearty welcome!

This event is actually pointless and why are you overplaying it?

Seriously!

-Can you please guide me to the event, please? -Sir! I will guide you inside.

It’s me.

Don’t cross the line.

Chill. Relax.

Can we?

Your presence is pointless.

Nice arrangements.

-Welcome, sir. -Oh!

-It’s an honour to have you here. -Well, I like that.

Bouquet! Oh, my god!

What is the current trend? What nonsense is happening here?

You know, theatre play? Why?

Sir, generally nothing trends. We have to set a trend.

-You want to set a trend? -Yes, sir.

-Are you serious? -Yes.

You know what’s trending these days?

Playing PubG, dancing in the pubs, you know… TV series, Netflix, Amazon!

That’s the game today, guys! Come on!

Sir, it’s our culture.

Before we send the rockets into space, we pay homage to God.

That doesn’t make us uncivilized.

These people don’t get it. They just don’t understand.

You won’t listen to us.

You won’t change.

(humming)

Uncle! Why the tears?

Fifteen years since I played a role.

As soon as I put the dot on my forehead, I couldn’t stop my tears.

Tears of joy, son.

This performance should be a testimony to Dramatics.

Hmm.

-Hi, Vishnu! -Huh?

Ready?

-Ready, ready, ready. -Hmm.

Lord Vishnu is also ready.

Ready!

Welcome, Brahma!

-What, Mr Narada? -Tell me Mr Brahma.

How is my Brahma appearance?

Looks like you came into the auditorium straight from the sky.

Ah!

Nandishwara is also ready.

-Ready? -Hmm.

Then go, drive your horns through him.

You look amazing, Dad.

I must thank you.

You were averse to theatre play and yet you became a part of this.

What did I do, dad? It’s team work.

All the best.

By the way, everybody is talking high of some Satyabhama who plays Satidevi.

Who is she?

Though her infant was crying for milk,

she didn’t want to disturb the play and continued her performance.

-She is a great actor. -Hmm.

Greetings, madam. I am Abhimanyu Krishna.

-Oh! So, you are Mr Abhimanyu’s son! -Yes, madam.

Ah-huh!

I hear everyone talk about you. This is the first time I saw you.

More than what's said or heard, you are much beautiful, Ms Satyabhama!

Enough, enough.

Meeting you all like this feels like a celebration.

Ah… but where is our king of performance?

By the way, sir, what plans after this?

I was thinking, after this nuisance, hmm? May be two or three pegs?

What do you say?

I will be dead after the play, sir. I need relief.

This guy won’t change.

Stop your bull crap, okay?

There is nothing great about making money. Okay?

-Greatness is in being decent and courteous. -Nice quotation.

When we are invited as guests, learn to respect the stage and their age.

Idiot!

To the Corporate Heads who are here respecting our invitation,

to Singhania Company who gave us the opportunity and encouraged us,

our special thanks.

A very warm welcome to one and all.

Thank you for being a part of our ‘Dakshayagnam’ today.

And remember! The show must go on.

Watch and enjoy.

Narayana! Narayana! Narayana!

-Salutations, Lord Shiva! -Come, Narada!

Lord Shiva is in a joyous mood!

-Protect us, Lord Shiva! Save us, Lord Shiva! -Come, dear! Narayana!

Chandra! What happened to your appearance?

Promise me refuge and I will tell you, Lord.

Only you can-

The sage won’t come here without a problem in company.

-Tell me. -All Lord Vishnu’s magic.

Because I am more affectionate towards one of his daughters, Rohini,

my father-in-law has cursed me to wane day by day, Lord.

-Daksha? -Yes, Lord.

I gave him a boon that his word will not be disobeyed in the three worlds.

You are my only refuge, Lord.

You gave me your word.

There is no place for death in Kailash.

As long as you stay here, you are free from the curse.

I am blessed, Lord.

Claps for this?

Seriously?

Shankara!

You had granted me the boon of invincibility in the three worlds,

and today, how could you provide refuge to Chandra?

Don’t be hasty with words, Daksha.

Without thinking twice about the wifehood of your daughter,

you have punished your own son-in-law.

This is not becoming of you.

Leave Chandra immediately, Shankara!

When I am opposed,

whether it is my son-in-law or Adi Shankara, it’s the same for me.

If you disagree, I can use my mace and tear you to smithereens.

You speak out of arrogance, Daksha.

You are blind with impudence and how dare you raise your mace against me?

-Please, be at peace, Lord Shiva. -Daksha!

You are insolent enough to confront Shankara, the restorer of this creation?

Daksha!

Defying Shankara, one of the triad of gods, will only endanger your life.

Ah!

Spare me your moral lessons.

Don’t forget that you are talking to the triad of Gods.

-Ah! -And yet he raises it!

If you step in between us, I will forget that you are my brother.

Daksha! Enough with your obstinacy.

Let me give you an idea that will save your reputation.

Keep your hollow words to yourself!

Daksha!

Listen to Lord Vishnu’s words with a calm and open mind.

We shall use all our divine powers

-and divide Chandra into two beings. -Ah?

Take the accursed Chandra with you.

The moon that the earth needs, will reside in Kailasa.

Ah! Huh!

Lord!

He is taking away Chandra. What is he up to?

You can clap for this.

-Lord! -Tell me, Sati.

For the sake of humanity and the protection of his family,

my father has planned a ritual.

The heads of the three worlds, sages, gods, everyone was sent an invitation.

Except we!

Sati!

For defying your father and taking you away from your ‘Swayamvar’ and marrying you,

he has planned a ritual without me.

A ritual without Shiva?

It’s wrong.

Let us both attend it.

Adi Shankara to attend a ritual without invitation?

Impossible, Sati.

Please, don’t say that, Lord.

On behalf of my father, I seek your forgiveness.

Sati!

You are half of me.

We are inseparable.

Why do you apologise?

If you permit, I will go there,

convince my father and send you the invitation, Lord.

Look, Sati.

Daksha changing his attitude is impossible.

Since I gave you my word, it’s your decision now.

If you allow me, I would like to go and meet my mother and sisters

and request my father to stop this ritual.

Let me go, Shankara.

Certainly, Devi.

Nandi and Bhringi will escort you.

-As you command. -Not bad!

At your service, Lord Parameshwara!

Listen!

-Escort your mother to the world of Daksha. -As you command, Shankara.

-Please, come, mother. -Hail, Bhavani.

Please, come, mother.

-Daksha is not paying heed to us. -Mother!

Stop there, Sati!

Daksha!

Everyone has come for the ritual. But where is Lord Shiva?

I didn’t invite him.

There he is! He is guarding the door!

Daksha! Listen to me.

A ritual without Shiva is like a body without life.

Like a flower without fragrance.

The ritual I am doing is the Shivaless ritual.

Did you say Shivaless ritual?

Daksha! In that case, let me explain the result of this ritual.

May you be beheaded.

-And may your head burn in this sacred fire. -Swamy!

Dadhichi! Please hear my request.

Brother! Dadhichi’s curse is irreversible. Please listen to me.

Ah, ah, ah, oh!

Give up your free advice.

Father-in-law! It is not a good to insult Shankara.

Daksha!

You have invited us for a yajna and now you want to perform it without Shiva?

Daksha! This is a serious transgression.

Transgression?

Stay if you want or you can just leave!

Narayana!

As if you will tolerate us leaving.

Please stop this ritual that is against tradition.

As long as I am alive, this ritual will not take place.

Even a deluge cannot stop this ritual.

Never!

He is killing it!

Gods! Sages! Heads of Creatures!

Will you condone this ritual in fear of Daksha’s perversity?

Why don’t you speak?

Hey! Wife of Shankara!

Don’t desecrate this sacred place of yajna.

Me?

Yes. I am impure.

Not because I am the wife of Shankara.

But for being your daughter.

Shame on you, sinner!

Leave immediately!

Otherwise…

I shall have no mercy though you are my daughter and-

Mother!

-You… -Hey!

What performance! Wow!

Today, the flames of your conceit will be immersed in this fire.

Lord Shiva!

With a body corrupt by the words of this audacious man, I cannot come to you.

Grant me the boon of serving you at least in my next life.

Sati! Dear! Sati! One moment.

God of Fire!

Take this impure body unto you.

-Daughter! Devi! -Mother!

Mother!

-Swamy! -Lord Shiva!

-My daughter is in fire! -Lord, Mahadev!

At your command, Parameshwara!

With the united strength of all the creatures, spirits, souls and troops-

Destroy the ritual planned by Daksha devoid of invoking Shiva!

I grant you infinite strength that can face all the forces confronting you.

Burning with the flames of vengeance, engulf the world of Daksha!

Go!

Hail, Shankara!

-Hail, Mahadeva! -Hail, Mahadeva!

-Hail, Mahadeva! -Hail, Shankara!

-Hail, Shankara! -Hail, Shankara!

Who are you?

How dare you disrupt the ritual?

I am your death!

Ah!

I am Veerabhadra!

Hey!

How dare you come with your demon troops and disturb the yajna!

Your ritual was defiled the moment you abused Lord Shiva.

In the flames from my mother, Jagadamba’s pyre,

your sacredness is burnt to ashes.

Today your sins will be accounted for.

I shall offer your warm blood to Lord Shiva, and pay homage with it to my mother, Sati.

Brave troops of Lord Shiva! Advance!

Punish the betrayers of Lord Shiva!

Hail, Parameshwara!

As you command, Veerabhadra!

Hail, Mahadev!

Hail, Shankara!

Shankara!

Hail, Shankara!

Hail, Mahadev!

-Hail, Mahadev! -Hail, Mahadev!

Hail, Mahadev!

-Hail, Mahadev! -Hail, Mahadev!

-Hail, Mahadev!

-Hail, Shankara! -Hail, Parameshwara!

-Hail, Shankara! -Hail, Parameshwara!

Just as the curtain closes on this drama, the curtain will also close on our love.

Congratulations, guys.

-Mind blowing! -Thank you, sir. Thank you!

-Congratulations! Really, really good. -Thank you, sir!

-Congratulations, brother. Really very good job. -Thank you.

-Well done. -Thank you.

I was overtaken by trend and belittled theater.

You have proved that tradition is way greater than trend.

I am really happy.

You understood that, sir. That’s enough.

So sorry!

What, Dad? Why are you so silent?

I don’t know.

Applause from fans and the corporate people is still ringing in my ears.

How long since I fell silent listening to such applause?

Dad! When you were acting, I felt like coming up on the stage and hug you!

Many thanks, son.

For conveying not to forget tradition and culture despite changing generations.

I want to celebrate this.

Hey, what is the time?

It’s eleven, dad.

It’s your wedding tomorrow. Let’s go. Come.

Hmm. Sister?

-Sister! -Hmm?

What?

Who looks better as a bride… you or me?

You look better.

I know... because I am dressed up as a bride and you are not.

Hmm!

Enough with your chit-chat.

Come on. Everyone is waiting. Come.

-Come. -Come. -Let’s go, sister.

Look. Food should be great. And there should be no shortage.

-Krishna! -Hmm.

How do I look?

Like Krishna.

No. Not like Krishna.

I look like Lord Krishna.

Krishna!

Shall we play?

When I called you a while ago, you put up your price.

So I don’t want to come. Get lost.

Won’t you come?

I won’t.

-Won’t you? -No.

-Won’t you? -I won’t!

-Won’t you? -I won’t…

She has applied it, brother.

I will teach her a lesson. Wait.

Sister!

You still feel low?

Be honest. You don’t like this wedding, do you?

Come on. Come on!

Hey, give this letter to grandpa when he comes back.

Okay, sister.

Are you here for me?

Yes.

I love you.

Me too.

Krishna!

Hmm?

Oh, my God!

You deceived me enough number of times and yet see how I've come for you again?

I am at fault.

Rama! Listen to me.

What will you say? Huh?

Did you call me here to watch this romance?

Damn!

With someone who doesn’t even know how to earn a salary,

I have come to share my life with.

You taught me a good lesson.

It’s not that, Rama.

Every time I saw you both in office, I had my own doubts.

-Today all doubts are cleared. -But…

-Stop it, Rama. Actually- -Enough.

Don’t you ever show me your face in life again.

Rama!

Rama, wait!

Rama, please.

What I narrated to you till now was not just what happened.

I have expressed my pain.

Instead of debating whether he was at fault or I,

it’s better to blame our fate.

If he agrees,

I thought I will keep him here for good.

But now?

I can’t keep him even here.

For the first time in my life,

I am crying over spilt milk, grandpa.

Hey, loser!

This comes from a recluse who saw the glory of life. Listen.

In this drama called life,

it is Brahma who is at fault.

But grandpa!

Whether to go after my love who misunderstood me,

or go back to my dad who always welcomes this prodigal son,

I am too confused to decide.

At this moment,

two hundred percent,

Hmm?

Dad is more important, grandson.

The venue is sparkling with so many artistes…

It’s like feast to the eye, Mr Abhimanyu.

Aha!

When Srikrishna was asked what his caste was, he said it’s that of the cow’s.

Irrespective of caste, religion, or region, all artistes belong to the theater.

Very well said. You are right.

By the way, I forgot to mention the most important thing.

I got a silk sari from Kanchi for the bride and silk clothes from Uppada for the groom.

You must accept them, okay?

Sir!

For artistes like us, applause from audience is good enough. Why gifts?

Please, don’t say that.

-Mr Mahadeva! -Huh?

Your daughter wants to see you.

Huh?

Er...

My daughter cannot stay even an hour without me.

I will go and find out.

Ah! Mr Mahadev! Please take the silk sari for the girl.

-Take it. -Give it here.

Come quickly.

Otherwise, Mr Raju might want to accompany us to see the girl.

Come on.

The bride is missing. Who will you put the silk sari on?

-Let me give the boy’s silk clothes to him. -Hey, no!

I will take them.

No! Please don’t say that.

It is my desire to dress the boy in silk clothes with my own hands.

Please don’t refuse.

Ah! What’s the big deal?

My son is in the room.

Please, come.

-I am very curious about his performance now. -Come!

-One minute. -Sure.

Krishna! Where are you?

I am in the toilet, dad.

-He is in the toilet. One minute. -Sure, sure.

-Hey, Mr Raju is here to see you. -He is in the toilet.

-You will be out in five minutes, right? -He knows I am here. He will come out.

No, dad. It would take half an hour.

-Huh? -Oh!

Half an hour!

It’s your wedding in half an hour, man.

How would my stomach know that?

-Correct. -Huh!

How would the stomach know his wedding is in half an hour?

He will come. He will come.

-Actually, his stomach is a bit- -It’s okay.

Please give these clothes to the groom.

-Okay! -Don’t stress the boy.

We will see him on the dais, anyway.

-Are you going to give him company in the toilet? -No!

Then move.

-Master! -Huh?

First check when our own drama will come to an end at the wedding.

Don’t grind your teeth so hard, guru.

Don’t panic and give me panic attacks.

Okay.

Until he is back, act your best.

I was determined to organise this wedding in the grandest way.

Sir! The auspicious hour is nearing.

Please bring the bride.

Ah…

Come. Our drama has reached the climax.

Husband! It’s time for the auspicious hour.

Everyone is waiting out there. We must take the boy to the dais.

To take him someone has to bring him first. Or he has to come here by himself.

What shall we do now, brother?

I never found it difficult to play any number of roles on the stage.

But the role of an individual in these two hours seems very tough.

So, will you tell Mr Mahadev the truth?

-Let’s tell him. -Huh!

Let’s accept our mistake and lower our heads.

We can afford to lose relationship but not friendship.

Let’s go.

Why are they all gathering here?

Something is not right.

Mahadeva!

I must tell you something.

Abhimanyu!

I am also here to tell you something.

Sir! It’s getting late for the propitious hour.

Please bring the bride.

In the room… my daughter…

What’s the problem? I saw her in the room a while ago.

We are getting late. How many times should I tell you?

Er…

Hey, my daughter is not in the room.

Huh?

-Hey! -Sir!

The bride is missing.

Hey! She is right there!

Huh?

Hey, Raama!

Your father is not so villainous!

If I marry you off against your wish, for the sake of a friend,

it will be utter selfishness.

Not a wedding, dear.

If I hurt you, please forgive me, Dad.

It’s okay, dear.

Tell me at least now.

If you don’t like this wedding, I will implore my friend and stop it.

I am for this wedding, dad.

Come!

Take her.

What do we do?

The bride looks elegant. Like a golden doll.

-Arrange the partition. -Give it here.

Hello! Are you drunk?

Hmm.

Oh!

You look traditional.

But you have come drunk to the pavilion!

I was depressed.

Anyway,

I didn’t drink at the venue. I had it outside with friends.

Ten thousandth wedding.

I wanted to conduct it in a way ten thousand people will like it.

Please make sure you don’t stall my Guinness entry.

Do one thing.

To avoid odour and nausea, chew this cumin and jaggery.

Since I initiated this wedding, let me go and tell him the truth.

Hey, Abhimanyu!

Get my son-in-law.

He is not here.

What do you mean? Look behind you.

Thank god!

Brother, Krishna has come back.

Krishna!

I know what you must have gone through these two hours.

Please, forgive me, dad.

No, son.

I don’t know if you have changed your mind, or the gentleman has done it.

But by coming here you have saved our fifty years of friendship

and the honour of artistes.

My grandson is greater than you, son.

By the way, where were you till now?

They went looking for him. And he came looking for me.

I have brought him here.

You can talk later.

-First, bring the groom here. -Let’s go!

-It’s getting late. -Come!

Namaste, sir!

Hey, my Guinness book is confirmed.

Come. Bridegroom! Over there.

Put your right foot first and sit down.

(Sanskrit incantations)

Hello! You seem drunk!

Shh!

I drank out of pain.

He got drunk too?

Confound it!

I wanted to get into the Guinness Book officiating the ten thousandth wedding.

I never thought I would marry two drunkards.

Here.

Have this cumin and jaggery.

Okay, priest.

By the way, you seem to have a lot of experience?

In what? In reciting incantations?

In managing.

How many marriages I must have managed to reach this stage!

Even I never thought I would tie the knot against my wish.

Hmm? Really?

So, you have a love story too!

I have a failure story.

That’s why I am marrying the girl my dad has approved.

Son!

Take this cumin and jaggery and place it on the girl’s head.

Ah!

Very good.

Rama! How come you are here?

Then? Did you expect some Uma?

It’s not that, Rama.

Leena has told me everything.

But how come you are here?

Who do you think my dad is?

Mahadeva Naidu.

I left out of my love for you.

And they came after me in full rage.

My uncle told me all that happened.

That's when I realized you were the groom.

Really? Why didn’t you tell me?

Did you ever ask me?

I never thought we would meet again, Rama.

We will never part. We will never leave each other.

Marriages are made in heaven, right?

-So, all this is- -Hello! Hello!

Discuss all your personal matters on your wedding night.

First, tie the knot.

Do it!

Ah!

"This sacred thread that initiates my married life,

I auspiciously tie it around your neck and may you live a hundred years”

Please play the band.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

There is no bride here.

I mean she has eloped.

Don’t waste your time.

Priest! This wedding is canceled.

Hey! Why do you say the bride and the groom are missing?

-Even the wedding is over! -Has the bride come back?

Hey! I got my speech back too!

Ah! Sorry. One second.

Let me write this.

Happy Ending!

“Have you noticed?”

"Have you noticed?”

“Would someone stop by and ask how you are?”

“Once the role is played and the curtains are closed?”

“Have you eaten? Would you eat? Will someone ask you that?”

“Once the light has faded away”

“You are convincing as Rama and charming as Krishna”

“Whatever the character, you find it a walk in the park”

“Once the make-up is removed to live like an ordinary man is hell”

(vocables)

“That applause is your heart beat When it goes silent, you live on tears”

“Have you noticed?”

“Have you noticed?”

“This colourful world…”

“Hey, hey, hey!”

“This colourful world fades into black”

“The harmony keys lose their melody”

“The necklaces of beads look orphaned”

“The shining costumes see hungry days”

“Woe, alas!’

“Past has remained a story of anguish”

“Oh, God! Oh, God!”

(Vocables)

“The crown you carried and the sword you brandished”

“Sit on the attic deeply saddened”

“Have you noticed?”

“Who would stop by and ask how you are?”

“Once the role is played and the curtains are closed?”

“Who would check if you ate and ask if you would eat?”

“Once the light has faded”

“Verses and embellishments Parishads and awards”

“Certificates of felicitation and shawls in appreciation”

“You cherish them like invaluable property and assets “

“Such simple people with simple joys”

(Vocables)

“Whither is that royalty?"

"Whither is that glory?”

“When will it reappear before your waiting eyes?”

“Have you noticed?”

"The rainbow that's vanished is right at the corner of your eye"

"The forgotten golden period is following you from behind"

"Turn and see and what you wish for is waiting just for you"

"When art is recognized it becomes a reality"