Masani 2013

Vishwa is a talented graduate sculptor who grows up under the guidance of the celebrated sculptor Swami, absorbing every nuance of the craft. When he meets Kavitha, the two quickly discover a shared affection that grounds them amid a troubling village backdrop. In a nearby locale, many sculptors come to finish a god’s idol that has remained unfinished for years, but every attempt meets a chilling obstacle as a ghost prevents completion, driving most away in fear.

The Village Head’s wife Rajeshwari harbors deep enmity with her relative Devanna Gounder, Kavitha’s father, setting a tense stage for what follows. On the advice of an astrologer, Devanna invites Swami to visit the village to complete the idol; Swami, though, tells him the job must be done by Vishwa.

Swami recounts a flashback: Vetri, the village head’s only brother, falls in love with Masaani, a woman of lower caste in the same village. Masaani becomes pregnant, and Vetri resolves to marry her despite Rajeshwari’s objections. Rajeshwari poisons and kills Vetri and also insults Masaani, isolating her from the community. Masaani endures hardship as she is left alone. Swami comes to the village to sculpt the idol, and, upon seeing Masaani in labor, he pleads for help, but none come forward. Masaani delivers a baby boy, tells Swami about her life, and then passes away.

Swami grows furious, and departs the village without completing the idol, convinced that the people will one day realize their mistake. He adopts the baby, who turns out to be the son of Vetri and Masaani, and raises him as Vishwa. The boy returns to the village and finally completes the idol. Masaani’s soul haunts the memory of the villagers and compels Rajeshwari to confess the truth; Rajeshwari is killed by Masaani’s spirit. Swami then reveals that Vishwa is the son of Vetri and Masaani, and with the truth out, the village turns to apologize to Vishwa, who eventually marries Kavitha.