Damarukam

As a child, Mallikaarjuna watches his parents and grandparents killed by a giant black panther while returning from Kaasi. Sailu is left paralyzed from the waist down in the same attack. The tragedy plants a deep bitterness toward divine powers that drives Malli later in life.

Andhakaasura performs severe penance to win a boon from Lord Siva, and the god grants him freedom to pursue his goals. The demon is told he will not be interfered with when he sacrifices a virgin girl. He learns that the sacrifice must occur during a month with two solar eclipses to seal his power.

Now an adult, Malli dedicates himself to helping people and caring for his bedridden sister Sailu. He falls in love with Dr. Maheswari, known as Mahi. His atheistic stance creates friction in his colony as he challenges established beliefs.

Sailu confesses she wants to die from her pain, prompting Malli to question his faith. After an emotional drive, he suffers an accident, but Lord Siva intervenes and saves him, revealing himself as Saambayya. Saambayya befriends Malli and goes to his home.

Andhakaasura sets his sights on Dr. Maheswari as the target for the sacrifice and blocks access to her from the aghoraas on the first solar eclipse day. Malli acts to rescue Mahi from their clutches and the family entrusts him with her protection. They decide he should guide Mahi's future, at least for the time being.

Rahul, the proposed groom arriving from the US, is killed by the demon at the airport and the dead Rahul is possessed by Andhakaasura. The demon enters Mahi's home, kills the three guard dogs, and paralyzes Mahi's father as he uncovers the truth about Rahul's fate. This marks a turning point in the battle between Malli and the demon.

The demon attempts to kill Malli and Mahi on their way to a temple, but Lord Siva intervenes by sending his divine mount, Nandi, to save them. The act infuriates Andhakaasura, who accuses Siva of failing to keep his promise. Malli steels himself, convinced that the divine protection has a purpose against the demon.

Andhakaasura murders a saint trusted by Mahi's family and impersonates him to sow mistrust of Saambayya. He further convinces Malli and Mahi that Saambayya is not benevolent by staging a fake death. In anger, Malli returns the ring of friendship to Saambayya, widening the rift between them.

Malli confronts Mahi's family and reveals that Rahul is actually Andhakaasura, now inhabiting his body. The revelation shatters the demon's disguise and tightens the resolve to thwart the sacrifice. With the truth out, the family braces for the climactic confrontation.

Andhakaasura carries Mahi to the ritual site and prepares for the final ritual. Malli faces the daunting task of stopping the sacrifice and saving Mahi, even as the demon revels in his apparent invincibility. The stakes climb as the two confront each other at the brink of catastrophe.

An aghora chief counsels Malli to worship Lord Siva and reveals the true purpose of his birth: to destroy the demon. The chief reminds him that Siva saved him earlier as Saambayya, reinforcing his sacred duty. With this revelation, Malli prepares for the imminent battle.

Malli confronts the demon in a climactic showdown and rises after a brief defeat to ask Siva's blessing from the heavens. He pierces Andhakaasura with a Trident granted by Lord Siva, destroying the demon and saving Mahi. The victory restores balance and marks Malli's reconciliation with his faith.