Malliswari

In Veerapuram, the Rani Vasam tradition is described as the palace's official residence for selected women, with wealth offered to families. Nagaraju and Malliswari grow up as close cross-cousins and friends. Krishnadevaraya and others later notice Malliswari's singing and dancing talent, prompting Nagaraju to seek her Rani Vasam.

Nagamma presses for Malliswari to enter Rani Vasam, while Narappa hopes she will marry Nagaraju. Nagamma insults Nagaraju and Govindamma, deepening class tensions. Nagaraju resolves to leave Veerapuram to earn money and win approval from Nagamma.

Nagaraju travels to Vijayanagara and becomes a successful sculptor, building wealth and status. He plans to return to Veerapuram to marry Malliswari, but fate intervenes.

Krishnadevaraya and Tirumaladevi appoint Malliswari as the official resident of the palace, granting her Rani Vasam. The decision changes her life from a village girl to a royal ward.

Nagamma forcibly sends Malliswari to the palace to begin her role as Rani Vasam. Nagaraju returns to Veerapuram and discovers Malliswari is gone, leaving him crushed and confused.

Govindamma grows unstable as Nagaraju withdraws into a life of solitude, clinging to memories of Malliswari. The family grief deepens while the future of Malliswari's fate looms over Veerapuram.

A group of sculptors invites Nagaraju to Vijayanagara to build a new mandapa for dancers. There, he encounters Malliswari again, though their love must be kept secret.

Jalaja, Malliswari's maid, learns of the danger the lovers face and arranges a clandestine meeting on the banks of the Tungabhadra at midnight. She fears the Rani Vasam rules could seal their fate.

Krishnadevaraya and his ministry attend the newly built dance hall and discover Nagaraju among the sculptors. The two lovers plan to meet again that night, despite the palace's watchful eyes.

Nagaraju, waiting near the Tungabhadra, slips into the palace and is chased by soldiers. Malliswari sees him and calls out, yet the guards pursue them.

To save Malliswari from hanging, Nagaraju pretends not to recognize her, and the two are jailed for violating Rani Vasam's rules. Jalaja's fears heighten the danger.

Jalaja reveals the lovers' story to Tirumaladevi, including Malliswari's choice to refuse help and to die with Nagaraju. The revelation heightens the pressure on the royal court.

The next morning, hanging nooses are prepared as the lovers face execution. They meet Krishnadevaraya, who defends his actions and reminds Nagaraju that he himself urged Malliswari to Rani Vasam.

Krishnadevaraya forgives both Nagaraju and Malliswari, and their marriage is celebrated in a grand ceremony at the palace. The forgiveness brings relief to their families and marks the tale's hopeful ending.