Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
Encyclopedia
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by Hariharan
, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair
, and starring Mammootty
, Balan K. Nair
, Suresh Gopi
, Madhavi
, Geetha, and Captain Raju
.
The film is based on a legend about the famous Chekavar
warriors of present day northern Kerala
. The film portrays the legend in a different light. According to the legend, Aromal Chekavar
, a well-known warrior, lost his life after a duel in which his sword broke off at the hilt during the fight. The metal rivets holding the blade to the hilt had been replaced with wooden ones by his trusted ally and cousin Chandu. Chandu is said to have betrayed his cousin because he was jealous of Aaromal's popularity and abilities.
The story was filmed numerous times in the early black-and-white
era. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha presents an alternative version of the same legend, as it presents the incident from Chandu's perspective, suggesting that grave injustice has been done to Chandu by wrongly accusing him of replacing the rivets. Though the language of the black and white era was generally heavily melodramatic, in Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha, the director and writer used a more natural tone.
The film won four National Film Awards
including Best Actor
(Mammootty) and Best Screenplay
. Mammootty's portrayal of the central character Chandu won great acclaim and is considered one of the best performances by the noted actor.
). Kannappan adopts the son of his estranged sister when the boy looses both his parents and brings him to Puthooram Veedu to live and learn with his cousins. The boy, Chandu, a quick learner, earns the love and admiration of his uncle, while he is loathed by his cousin Aromal (played by Suresh Gopi
).
As they grow up Chandu is betrothed to Aromal’s sister, Unniyarcha (played by Madhavi). Several events unfold where in Chandu finds himself being pushed to the corner by his cousin and flees to further learn Kalari
under the guidance of Tulunadan expert and master Chekavar, Aringodar (played by Captain Raju
).
Chandu has to recount only losses in his life, as Aromal ensures Unniyarcha is not married to Chandu. He even deceives Chandu by usurping and marrying Kunjinooli (Chithra), who was interested in Chandu. The heartbroken hero moves ahead and continues to master the art of Kalari Payattu from Aringodar.
Meanwhile, Chandu is still smitten with Unniyarcha and does not miss the boat when she invites him to her bedroom one full moon night. Chandu swims across raving waters and gallops miles across barren land to consummate his love. As Chandu and Unniyarcha get intimate in her bedroom, suddenly Unniyarcha’s husband, the eunuch Kunjiraman (Sreeraman) knocks the door. Unniyarcha, the clever vixen that she is, creates a mayhem and convinces her husband that Chandu broke into her room as she was awaiting the arrival of Kunjiraman and tried to misbehave. Chandu gets a sobriquet: 'Penmohi Chandu’ or 'Womanizer Chandu.'
A dejected Chandu finds solace in Kunji (Geetha) Aringodar’s daughter. One day, a feudal lord, Unnichandror (Ramu) arrives at the footsteps of Aringodar and invites him to represent his cause in an angam (duel unto death) against a property feud with his brother Unnikonar (Devan). Unnikonar, in turn, invites Aromal to represent him.
Chandu is now caught in a dilemma, when his uncle requests him to play second hand to Aromal in the angam against his teacher Aringodar. He decision is made easy when Unniyarcha appears and offers to give herself fully to Chandu if he assists and helps Aromal win against Aringodar. A tempted Chandu, decides to second Aromal.
Chandu takes on the task of revitalizing Aromal's swords by providing them for treatment to the blacksmith. However, Kunji, Aringodar’s daughter, bribes the blacksmith and makes them brittle.
On the day of the duel, the highly skilled Aromal is no match for the master Aringodar. To add to the misery, Aromal's sword breaks in two. As Chandu placates an attacking Aromal seeking time out to replace the weapon, Aringodar obliges. Then wily Aromal throws the broken sword and kills an unguarded Aringodar.
Aromal is declared winner. As he retires to his resting place, Chandu follows him to tend to his injuries. Aromal blames Chandu of cheating, by treating the swords to make them brittle, and attacks him. Aromal kills himself in an accident by falling over a sharp lamp. As people gather, Aromal breathes out his last words: "Chandu chadhichu" (Chandu betrayed).
The ill-fated Chandu escapes the mob and finds the blacksmith, who informs that he was bribed by Kunji. Amongst spectacular action sequences, Chandu storms into Aringodar's household seeking Kunji. Again he is defeated, as he finds Kunji has commit suicide by hanging herself.
Chandu returns to Puthooram Veedu and is greeted by a raging Unniyarcha, who vows her sons will avenge her brother’s death. Years later, Aromal Unni and Kannapan Unni (sons of Unniyarcha and Aromal respectively) come to Chandu’s doorsteps seeking revenge.
Chandu explains to them the situation, hoping to avoid a duel. They are in no mood to listen and insist on a duel to death. Aromal Unni exalts, "I, son of Unniyarcha, will die or go back with your head."
Chandu appears to relent and turns his back to them to bow before the deity in preparation for the duel. But in one final act of valour, Chandu stabs himself with a sword and utters his final words to Aromal as he dies, "You are my unborn son …" — his love for Unniyarcha still intact.
There was strong crticism from the Thiyya community as it felt that Mr. Nair had deliberately portrayed the characters (all of them are from the Thiyya community)in the wrong shade. One of the reasons could have been that MT Vasudevan is from the Nair community & the Nairs could never come to terms with superiority enjoyed by the Malabar Thiyyas in the field of kalaripayyattu (martial art of Kerala).
Kerala State Film Awards
Hariharan (director)
Hariharan is a Malayali film director. His movies mainly revolved around the cultural and relational aspects of a typical Kerala society. His notable works include Pazhassi Raja, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Sargam, Parinayam, Amrutham Gamaya and Nakhakshathangal, which won him national...
, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair
M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Madathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair , popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj...
, and starring Mammootty
Mammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
, Balan K. Nair
Balan K. Nair
Balan K. Nair was a Malayalam film actor. Even though he appeared in most films as villain, he was also noted for his performance in strong character roles. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1981 for his performance in the movie Oppol.-Personal life:Balan K...
, Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopinathan Nair , often credited as Suresh Gopi , is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Malayalam cinema; he is famous for his roles in police dramas. He is noted for his leading roles as much as his character roles...
, Madhavi
Madhavi (actress)
Madhavi is a South Indian film actress. She played lead roles for 17 years in seven languages: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Bengali, and Hindi. She has acted in more than 300 films.-Early life:...
, Geetha, and Captain Raju
Captain Raju
Captain Raju is a Malayalam film actor. He was born at Omallur in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.After finishing his graduation in Zoology, Raju joined the Indian Army as a first class officer at the age of 21. He started acting in films after leaving the army service. He has acted in more than...
.
The film is based on a legend about the famous Chekavar
Chekavar
The Chekavar are a caste with origins in southern India, including Sri Lanka, Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu...
warriors of present day northern Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
. The film portrays the legend in a different light. According to the legend, Aromal Chekavar
Aromal Chekavar
Aromal Chekavar was a legendary hero who is believed to have lived during 16th century in northern Kerala, India. He was a warrior figure of Vadakkan Pattukal . He is the brother of Unniarcha, another legendary warrior figure of the same ballads. The songs and chronicles have to this day kept the...
, a well-known warrior, lost his life after a duel in which his sword broke off at the hilt during the fight. The metal rivets holding the blade to the hilt had been replaced with wooden ones by his trusted ally and cousin Chandu. Chandu is said to have betrayed his cousin because he was jealous of Aaromal's popularity and abilities.
The story was filmed numerous times in the early black-and-white
Black-and-white
Black-and-white, often abbreviated B/W or B&W, is a term referring to a number of monochrome forms in visual arts.Black-and-white as a description is also something of a misnomer, for in addition to black and white, most of these media included varying shades of gray...
era. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha presents an alternative version of the same legend, as it presents the incident from Chandu's perspective, suggesting that grave injustice has been done to Chandu by wrongly accusing him of replacing the rivets. Though the language of the black and white era was generally heavily melodramatic, in Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha, the director and writer used a more natural tone.
The film won four National Film Awards
National Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it is administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals since 1973.Every year, a national panel...
including Best Actor
National Film Award for Best Actor
The National Film Award for Best Actor is an honor presented annually at the National Film Awards of India to an actor who has delivered the best performance in a leading role within the Indian film industry.-Background:The Directorate of Film Festivals makes awards annually in several categories...
(Mammootty) and Best Screenplay
National Film Award for Best Screenplay
The National Film Award for Best Screenplay winners:-References:...
. Mammootty's portrayal of the central character Chandu won great acclaim and is considered one of the best performances by the noted actor.
Plot
It is set in 16th-century Kerala in the northern region. The plot unfolds in the household of Puthooram Veedu, the house of great Kannappan Chekavar (played by Balan K.NairBalan K. Nair
Balan K. Nair was a Malayalam film actor. Even though he appeared in most films as villain, he was also noted for his performance in strong character roles. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1981 for his performance in the movie Oppol.-Personal life:Balan K...
). Kannappan adopts the son of his estranged sister when the boy looses both his parents and brings him to Puthooram Veedu to live and learn with his cousins. The boy, Chandu, a quick learner, earns the love and admiration of his uncle, while he is loathed by his cousin Aromal (played by Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopinathan Nair , often credited as Suresh Gopi , is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Malayalam cinema; he is famous for his roles in police dramas. He is noted for his leading roles as much as his character roles...
).
As they grow up Chandu is betrothed to Aromal’s sister, Unniyarcha (played by Madhavi). Several events unfold where in Chandu finds himself being pushed to the corner by his cousin and flees to further learn Kalari
Kalari
The word Kalari means battle ground in Tamil and translates as "threshing floor" or "battlefield" in Malayalam. Training for Kalarippayattu, a martial art of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, is traditionally done inside the Kalari....
under the guidance of Tulunadan expert and master Chekavar, Aringodar (played by Captain Raju
Captain Raju
Captain Raju is a Malayalam film actor. He was born at Omallur in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.After finishing his graduation in Zoology, Raju joined the Indian Army as a first class officer at the age of 21. He started acting in films after leaving the army service. He has acted in more than...
).
Chandu has to recount only losses in his life, as Aromal ensures Unniyarcha is not married to Chandu. He even deceives Chandu by usurping and marrying Kunjinooli (Chithra), who was interested in Chandu. The heartbroken hero moves ahead and continues to master the art of Kalari Payattu from Aringodar.
Meanwhile, Chandu is still smitten with Unniyarcha and does not miss the boat when she invites him to her bedroom one full moon night. Chandu swims across raving waters and gallops miles across barren land to consummate his love. As Chandu and Unniyarcha get intimate in her bedroom, suddenly Unniyarcha’s husband, the eunuch Kunjiraman (Sreeraman) knocks the door. Unniyarcha, the clever vixen that she is, creates a mayhem and convinces her husband that Chandu broke into her room as she was awaiting the arrival of Kunjiraman and tried to misbehave. Chandu gets a sobriquet: 'Penmohi Chandu’ or 'Womanizer Chandu.'
A dejected Chandu finds solace in Kunji (Geetha) Aringodar’s daughter. One day, a feudal lord, Unnichandror (Ramu) arrives at the footsteps of Aringodar and invites him to represent his cause in an angam (duel unto death) against a property feud with his brother Unnikonar (Devan). Unnikonar, in turn, invites Aromal to represent him.
Chandu is now caught in a dilemma, when his uncle requests him to play second hand to Aromal in the angam against his teacher Aringodar. He decision is made easy when Unniyarcha appears and offers to give herself fully to Chandu if he assists and helps Aromal win against Aringodar. A tempted Chandu, decides to second Aromal.
Chandu takes on the task of revitalizing Aromal's swords by providing them for treatment to the blacksmith. However, Kunji, Aringodar’s daughter, bribes the blacksmith and makes them brittle.
On the day of the duel, the highly skilled Aromal is no match for the master Aringodar. To add to the misery, Aromal's sword breaks in two. As Chandu placates an attacking Aromal seeking time out to replace the weapon, Aringodar obliges. Then wily Aromal throws the broken sword and kills an unguarded Aringodar.
Aromal is declared winner. As he retires to his resting place, Chandu follows him to tend to his injuries. Aromal blames Chandu of cheating, by treating the swords to make them brittle, and attacks him. Aromal kills himself in an accident by falling over a sharp lamp. As people gather, Aromal breathes out his last words: "Chandu chadhichu" (Chandu betrayed).
The ill-fated Chandu escapes the mob and finds the blacksmith, who informs that he was bribed by Kunji. Amongst spectacular action sequences, Chandu storms into Aringodar's household seeking Kunji. Again he is defeated, as he finds Kunji has commit suicide by hanging herself.
Chandu returns to Puthooram Veedu and is greeted by a raging Unniyarcha, who vows her sons will avenge her brother’s death. Years later, Aromal Unni and Kannapan Unni (sons of Unniyarcha and Aromal respectively) come to Chandu’s doorsteps seeking revenge.
Chandu explains to them the situation, hoping to avoid a duel. They are in no mood to listen and insist on a duel to death. Aromal Unni exalts, "I, son of Unniyarcha, will die or go back with your head."
Chandu appears to relent and turns his back to them to bow before the deity in preparation for the duel. But in one final act of valour, Chandu stabs himself with a sword and utters his final words to Aromal as he dies, "You are my unborn son …" — his love for Unniyarcha still intact.
Cast
- MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
as Chandu Chekavar - Balan K. NairBalan K. NairBalan K. Nair was a Malayalam film actor. Even though he appeared in most films as villain, he was also noted for his performance in strong character roles. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1981 for his performance in the movie Oppol.-Personal life:Balan K...
as Kannappan Chekavar - Suresh GopiSuresh GopiSuresh Gopinathan Nair , often credited as Suresh Gopi , is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Malayalam cinema; he is famous for his roles in police dramas. He is noted for his leading roles as much as his character roles...
as Aromal ChekavarAromal ChekavarAromal Chekavar was a legendary hero who is believed to have lived during 16th century in northern Kerala, India. He was a warrior figure of Vadakkan Pattukal . He is the brother of Unniarcha, another legendary warrior figure of the same ballads. The songs and chronicles have to this day kept the... - MadhaviMadhavi (actress)Madhavi is a South Indian film actress. She played lead roles for 17 years in seven languages: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Bengali, and Hindi. She has acted in more than 300 films.-Early life:...
as Unniarcha - Geetha as Kunji
- Captain RajuCaptain RajuCaptain Raju is a Malayalam film actor. He was born at Omallur in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.After finishing his graduation in Zoology, Raju joined the Indian Army as a first class officer at the age of 21. He started acting in films after leaving the army service. He has acted in more than...
as Aringodar - Devan as Unnikonnar
- Oduvil UnnikrishnanOduvil UnnikrishnanOduvil Unnikrishnan was an award winning Malayalam movie actor known for his versatile acting skills, known for his portrayal of classical ancient aristocratic personalities in Malayalam cinema with his unique provincial linguistic style, expressions and dialect. He was noted as a serious as well...
as The king
Reception
Critics praised the film. M. T. Vasudevan Nair was also praised for his excellence in the script, especially the revised (heroic) character of Chandu, who had previously been known as a villain. The film won several national awards as well as state and other awards. Mammootty's acting was praised and critics says that it is one of his best performances. It was also the biggest hit of the year 1989 running for more than 150 days in Kerala.There was strong crticism from the Thiyya community as it felt that Mr. Nair had deliberately portrayed the characters (all of them are from the Thiyya community)in the wrong shade. One of the reasons could have been that MT Vasudevan is from the Nair community & the Nairs could never come to terms with superiority enjoyed by the Malabar Thiyyas in the field of kalaripayyattu (martial art of Kerala).
Awards
National Film AwardsNational Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it is administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals since 1973.Every year, a national panel...
- Best ScreenplayNational Film Award for Best ScreenplayThe National Film Award for Best Screenplay winners:-References:...
- M. T. Vasudevan NairM. T. Vasudevan NairMadathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair , popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj... - Best ActorNational Film Award for Best ActorThe National Film Award for Best Actor is an honor presented annually at the National Film Awards of India to an actor who has delivered the best performance in a leading role within the Indian film industry.-Background:The Directorate of Film Festivals makes awards annually in several categories...
- MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles... - Best Art DirectionNational Film Award for Best Art DirectionThe National Film Award for Best Art Direction winners:...
- P. Krishna Moorthy - Best Costume DesignNational Film Award for Best Costume DesignThe National Film Award for Best Costume Design winners:...
- Natarajan
Kerala State Film Awards
- Best Popular FilmKerala State Film Award for Best Popular FilmThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value winners:-References:**...
- Best Screen Play - M. T. Vasudevan NairM. T. Vasudevan NairMadathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair , popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj...
- Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor has been awarded annually in India since 1969. The Kerala State Film Awards were managed directly by the Government of Kerala's Department of Cultural Affairs until 1997; they are now given by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, an autonomous non-profit...
- MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles... - Second Best ActressKerala State Film Award for Second Best ActressThe Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress winners:-References:**...
- Geetha - Best CinematographyKerala State Film Award for Best PhotographyThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematographer winners:-References:**...
- K. Ramachandra Babu - Best Female Play Back SingerKerala State Film Award for Best SingerThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer winners:-Best Classical Music Singer:-References:**Specific...
- K. S. ChithraK. S. ChithraK. S. Chithra often credited as Chithra , is an Indian playback singer who has made her mark in the Indian music playback industry. Popularly known as Chinna Kuyil of South India, she has lent her voice to Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Badaga and Punjabi films...