Kamaladalam

Nandagopan is introduced as a respected dance teacher at Kerala Kala Mandiram, known for his dedication to the arts and his students. His reputation highlights his importance in the institution, which alludes to the esteemed Kerala Kalamandalam. His life takes a turn after a personal tragedy that affects his behavior and attitude towards his work.

Nandagopan's wife, Sumangala, commits suicide following a heated spat between them, plunging him into grief. This tragic event causes him to become an alcoholic and more impulsive, which begins to negatively influence his interactions with students and staff. His emotional turmoil manifests in mood swings and rule-breaking behavior.

As Nandagopan becomes moody and erratic, he starts to mistreat his students, especially rebuking Malavika for minor mistakes. His personal grief causes a rift between him and the institution, affecting his reputation as a teacher. Malavika, an excellent Bharatanatyam dancer, faces constant criticism from him.

On the day of Malavika's Arangettam, Nandagopan deliberately creates chaos to test her focus, leading to the cancellation of the traditional performance. The students protest his actions, demanding his apology or resignation, illustrating the upheaval caused by his conduct. Malavika questions his qualities, prompting him to philosophize about dance.

Nandagopan discusses the qualities of a good dancer, emphasizing the importance of expressions and interpretation from Natya Sastra and Abhinaya Darpanam. He demonstrates his teachings through a dance, impressing the audience and gaining respect amid the chaos. This moment signifies a rare return to his revered identity as a master artist.

Malavika requests Nandagopan to become her guru, and he agrees, marking a turning point in their relationship. She seeks to learn from his experience, and he begins to train her for a special performance. Her friends warn her against becoming too possessive or overly interested in him.

During a night of heavy drinking, Nandagopan shares his past with Malavika, revealing that he composed Sita Ramayana specifically for his late wife, Sumangala. Malavika encourages him to showcase his talent to the world, and he begins training her for her upcoming dance performance, rekindling his artistic spirit.

As Nandagopan and Malavika grow closer professionally, rumors about their relationship start circulating, unsettling Soman, who is in love with Malavika. His feelings of jealousy and insecurity fuel his decision to take drastic action against Nandagopan, believing him to be a threat.

Soman mixes pesticide into a soft drink bottle intending to kill Nandagopan during Malavika's performance. His plan is fueled by jealousy and suspicion, aiming to remove Nandagopan from their lives permanently. Nandagopan unknowingly consumes the poisoned drink before the performance begins.

Nandagopan drinks the poisoned beverage, leading to his collapse during Malavika's dance performance. He dies in her arms, with Soman realizing the innocence of Nandagopan's relationship with Malavika too late. His death is marked by his imagination of Sumangala beckoning him into the afterlife, symbolizing his final reunion with her.