Rangam 1985

Appunni persuades his father to let Chandramathi study in Madras

Appunni pleads with Kunjikrishnan to allow Chandramathi to pursue a Kathakali education in Madras. He hides nothing about his secret love and commits to financing her studies so she can fulfill her dream. This act changes the course of both their lives.

Chandramathi travels to Madras to begin her studies

Chandramathi travels to Madras to pursue her Kathakali training. She immerses herself in her studies and gradually proves herself at the institution. The journey marks the start of her professional path.

Chandramathi completes studies and returns home, becomes a teacher at Sadanam

After completing her studies, Chandramathi returns home and secures a position as a dance teacher at Sadanam, a Kathakali training center. Her return signals a new chapter for the troupe and for her personal life. The stage is set for future tensions.

Madhavan returns from Russia and falls in love with Chandramathi

Madhavan, the son of Sadanam's owner, returns from Russia and meets Chandramathi. He falls in love with her, and she reciprocates, sparking jealousy in Appunni. The love triangle begins to complicate the dynamics at Sadanam.

Appunni's jealousy grows as Madhavan's affection for Chandramathi deepens

Appunni grows increasingly jealous and suspicious as he watches Chandramathi and Madhavan's relationship develop. He tries to shield her from emotional pain while contending with his own secret love. Tensions start to simmer beneath the surface.

Confrontation in the hotel room leads to a slap

Appunni, driven by jealousy, encounters Madhavan and Chandramathi in a hotel room and confronts them. The situation turns violent when Madhavan slaps Appunni in response, escalating the feud among the trio. The incident cements the rift between them.

Kunjikrishnan's stance shifts from disapproval to consent

Kunjikrishnan initially disapproves of the relationship, but he eventually gives his reluctant consent after Appunni's persuasion. The approval seems to seal the couple's future, yet it also intensifies the emotional stakes for Appunni. Family alignment appears to be restored, at least on the surface.

Jayanthi joins Sadanam and catches Madhavan's eye

Jayanthi, a talented artist with charm and drive, joins Sadanam to learn Kathakali. Her presence captivates Madhavan, who begins to grow closer to her, complicating the existing romance. The competition for affection adds a new layer of tension to the group.

Chandramathi discovers Madhavan's affair with Jayanthi

Chandramathi discovers that Madhavan is involved with Jayanthi, shattering her trust. She confronts him angrily and, in a bitter turn, banishes Jayanthi from Sadanam. The revelation fuels anger and heartbreak for all involved.

Madhavan leaves with Jayanthi for Mumbai; Karunakarapanicker dies of the shock

Heartbroken, Chandramathi watches Madhavan depart with Jayanthi for Mumbai. The news of the affair shocks Karunakarapanicker, Madhavan's father, who dies as a result of the distress. The tragedy leaves the whole troupe reeling.

Appunni consoles Chandramathi and urges dedication to Sadanam

Appunni consoles Chandramathi, urging her to persevere and run Sadanam with unwavering dedication. He reaffirms his commitment to the institution and to Chandramathi, even as his own heart remains torn. The bond between them endures despite the upheaval.

Jayanthi leaves Madhavan; he returns to Sadanam

Jayanthi abandons Madhavan, prompting him to return to Sadanam. His world unsettles as he navigates the power dynamics at the center. The absence of Jayanthi changes the emotional landscape of the troupe.

Climactic Kathakali performance turns deadly

During a Kathakali performance, Appunni, portraying Bhima, kills Madhavan who plays Dushasana in a fit of rage. The act shatters the illusion of rivalry and marks the tragic apex of the love-triangle. The audience witnesses a fatal consequence of long-standing tensions.

Appunni is arrested; Chandramathi is left devastated

Appunni is arrested by the police after the murder, leaving Chandramathi devastated and the future of Sadanam uncertain. The community grapples with the fallout of the tragedy as the legal process unfolds. Chandramathi mourns not only the loss but also the collapse of her world.