Pournami 2006

Subramanyam begins training Pournami in Kuchipudi

In 1953, in a remote village of Andhra Pradesh, Subramanyam begins teaching Kuchipudi to his daughter Pournami as part of the family tradition. He passes on the dance as a living memory of their lineage. This early training plants the seeds for the village's rain-temple ritual that will shape generations.

Legend of the rain-dance woman (1507)

The elder recounts the legend of a woman in 1507 who danced in the temple for seven days and nights to plead for rain. Her sacrifice pleases Lord Siva and brings rain, ending the drought. Since then, the ritual recurs every twelve years with a girl from her line performing.

Pournami's mother performs the ritual

In 1951, the woman's mother performed the ritual, continuing the family duty at the temple. The dance remains a bridge between the temple, the rain, and the lineage's fate. The cycle preserves the belief that rain follows the sacred performance.

Approaching next cycle and expectation

As the next cycle approaches in 1963, the village prepares for the temple ritual once again. Pournami is expected to be the dancer, keeping the lineage alive.

Pournami disappears on the eve of the festival

In 1963, just before the festival, Pournami vanishes under mysterious circumstances. The villagers quickly conclude that she has eloped with someone, leaving the temple's rite in suspense.

Attention shifts to Chandrakala

Attention shifts to Chandrakala, but Subramanyam refuses to teach her the dance, fearing the zamindar Veerabhadra's predatory interest. The family struggle over tradition grows more fraught as time runs out.

Kesava arrives as a dance instructor

Their stepmother rents out the penthouse and courtyard to Siva Kesava, a western-style dance instructor. Kesava's arrival introduces a new mentor and a different approach to training.

Pournami's fate and protection promises

Pournami has not eloped; Subramanyam explains that he sent her away to protect her from Veerabhadra's advances. Kesava promises to shield Chandrakala from danger while she learns the dance.

Kesava's past and Pournami's sacrifice

Kesava reveals his past: he had married Pournami, who sacrificed herself to save his life. Before dying, she made Kesava promise that Chandrakala would perform the temple dance.

Chandrakala begins training

Chandrakala, learning of her sister's fate, begins training under Kesava, receiving her father's blessing after a difficult, protective search for safety. Her progress ties the family's future to the temple's ritual.

Chandrakala's ritual performance and rain

Chandrakala becomes a skilled dancer and, during the festival, performs the ritual dance in the temple. Her performance coincides with rain returning to the village, validating the tradition.

Veerabhadra's interference and Mallika

Veerabhadra's interference creates additional obstacles, and Kesava faces tension with his former fiancée Mallika, complicating the couple's path. Yet the festival's outcome remains tied to Chandrakala's art.

Kesava and Chandrakala become engaged

Kesava and Chandrakala become engaged, binding their families and securing the ritual's future. Their union marks a new chapter for the dance and the village's faith.

A daughter named Pournami grows up

Years later, the couple has a daughter named Pournami who does not want to learn the family dance. The cycle of tradition is threatened by her reluctance, echoing old doubts about carrying on the legacy.