Urumi 2011

In present-day Kerala, the executives of the multinational Nirvana Group approach Krishna Das with a tempting offer. They reveal that his ancestral property in the north of the state, previously leased to a local NGO, sits atop rich mineral reserves and could be sold now that the lease has expired. The Nirvana Group extends a substantial advance, while the NGO continues to run a tribal school inside the Kannadi Forest Range. When Krishna Das and his friend Thanseer go to inspect the site, they are abducted by tribal men and dragged to a cave deep in the woods. There, the tribal chief Thankachan explains that Krishna Das is the descendant of Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar, and that destiny and duty are edging him toward a long-forgotten struggle.

Prologue: In the early 16th century, Portuguese ships under Vasco da Gama seize a Muslim pilgrim vessel and enslave all aboard. To seal the ransom of prisoners, the Chirakkal king’s envoy, a Brahmin negotiator, and his son attempt to bargain with the invader. Gama rejects the offer, mutilates the envoy, and orders the ship burned. The Chirakkal ruler, Kothuwal, fights to rescue his son, Kelu, and though Kelu escapes, the king dies in the ensuing clash. A Tamil Muslim boy named Vavvali takes the orphaned Kelu in and treats him like family. From the wreckage of the ship, Kelu forges an urumi from the remnants of the dead, swearing one day to kill Vasco da Gama.

Many years later, Kelu and his steadfast companion Vavvali are out hunting when they rescue Bala, the princess of Chirakkal, from abductors armed with Portuguese pistols. The attackers are linked to Bhanu Vikraman, Bala’s cousin. The two young men are captured by Chirakkal guards and brought before the king, where Bala explains they saved her life. Chenichery Kurup, the king’s minister, insinuates that the abductors may be from the Arakkal kingdom, casting doubt on their loyalty.

The king grants an audience with Kelu and Vavvali. As they learn that Vasco da Gama plans to visit India again as Viceroy, the plan shifts to infiltrating the fortress and capturing Gama at the execution of pirate Balia Hassan at Fort Arakkal. Instead, the duo captures Estêvão da Gama and brings him back as a prisoner to Chirakkal. Along the way, they meet Ayesha, a fierce Arakkal warrior princess, whose presence reshapes the narrative. With Ayesha’s help, Balia Hassan is freed, and chaos erupts. Simultaneously, Chirakkal forces raid the Arakkal palace, killing Harabichi Beevi and taking many women as captives. The king bestows the title of general on Kelu, while Vavvali’s contribution remains unacknowledged.

Ayesha, now among the Arakkal captives, is presented to Bhanu Vikraman, whose spoiled ambitions color the political chessboard. Kelu rescues her from the prince’s chamber, and she persuades him to let her flee the land. With Kelu and Vavvali, Ayesha helps free the imprisoned women and guides them to a hidden cave in Puthur. The trio then travels to villages, rallying the common folk against the Portuguese. They also enlist the Syrian Christians in Kodungallur for support, turning the tide of public opinion.

Back in Chirakkal, Bhanu Vikraman collaborates with Estêvão da Gama and eliminates his uncle in a brutal assassination, seizing the throne as the new ruler. Chirakkal Bala joins forces with Kelu and his growing resistance, and da Gama, accompanied by Estêvão, arrives at the palace. Chenichery Kurup, who recognizes da Gama, is initially welcomed, but the political landscape remains volatile. Bhanu Vikraman suffers a fatal blow at the hands of Estêvão, and the empire offers Kurup the post of Governor General of the Laccadives as a reward for loyalty.

The rebel alliance Ghelu (Kelu), Vavvali, Ayesha, and Kaimal—who defects from Chirakkal—launches a counteroffensive against the royal army led by Angadan Nambi. An Estêvão-da-Gama-led Portuguese force arrives as reinforcements. The rebels manage to rout the attackers, but Vavvali falls in battle. The resistance presses on, storming the Chirakkal palace. A fierce siege unfolds as Portuguese cannons sully the defenses. Kelu breaches the palace defenses, confronts da Gama in close combat, and is killed by musketeers, leaving the rebellion in upheaval.

In the aftermath, Krishna Das witnesses the legacy of his ancestors and chooses not to sell the land. He resolves to chart a new life in Kerala, embracing the history and the people who stood against external powers. The story closes on a note of personal renewal and a recommitment to the land that links past and present.

The tale is a tapestry of courage, loyalty, and political intrigue, anchored by unforgettable figures like the determined Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar, the steadfast Vavvali, the valiant Ayesha, the strategic Chakrathali Hasim Pakir, the perceptive Chenichery Kurup, the devoted Beevi, the brave Kothuwal, the resolute Bala, the audacious Bhanu Vikraman, the cunning Kaimal, the visionary King of Chirakkal, and the pivotal figures of the Portuguese command, including Vasco da Gama and Estêvão da Gama.