Malliswari

In the glittering courts of the Vijayanagara Empire, a centuries‑old custom known as Rani Vasam determines the fate of young women deemed worthy of palace residence. The tradition promises wealth and prestige to families who offer a daughter, yet it also encloses the chosen woman within a world of rigid protocol, forbidding unsanctioned contact with men and binding her to the emperor’s gaze. Against this backdrop of opulent ceremony and austere rule, the film paints a portrait of a society where duty and desire constantly collide, its tone a sumptuous blend of historic grandeur and intimate drama.

Mall​iswari arrives from the modest village of Veerapuram under the weight of her mother Nagamma’s ambitions. A talented singer and dancer, she is swept into the palace’s luminous yet confining sphere, while her father Narappa watches silently, torn between pride and an unspoken yearning for his daughter’s happiness. The presence of her uncle Hanumanthappa—a trusted minister in Krishnadevaraya’s court—adds a layer of political nuance, hinting at the delicate balance between personal aspirations and the expectations of empire.

Across the fields, Nagaraju shares a bond with Malliswari that began in childhood, their friendship deepening into a love that defies ordinary village ties. A gifted sculptor, he dreams of gaining the respect and resources needed to win Nagamma’s approval, yet the very tradition that could elevate Malliswari also threatens to keep them apart. Their intertwined paths are marked by whispered plans, quiet resistance, and the ever‑present eyes of a court that values order above all.

The story unfolds with a lyrical sense of longing, set against the sweeping architecture and vibrant culture of a golden age. As Malliswari navigates palace life and Nagaraju pursues his art, the film teases the tension between the glittering promise of Rani Vasam and the unspoken yearning of two souls bound by love, duty, and the unyielding tides of history.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:40