Rajaraja Cholan

Rajaraja Cholan

Year: 1973

Runtime: More mins

Language: Tamil

Director: A. P. Nagarajan

History

Rajaraja Cholan is a 1973 Tamil film about the life of the Chola king Rajaraja Chola.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Rajaraja Cholan (1973)

Trace every key event in Rajaraja Cholan (1973) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Rajaraja's temple welcome and early royal disclosures

Rajaraja and the empress are greeted at the temple complex during the Brihadeswara project, but one sculptor remains absorbed in his work. The emperor and empress meet Karuvur Devar and Tamizharasi, who are introduced to the royal circle. Rajaraja reveals that his son Rajendra, with the Chola army, is helping the Eastern Chalukya king reclaim their kingdom from Satyasiriyan.

During early temple construction period Thanjavur (Brihadeswara temple area)
2

Infiltration and Bala Devar's appointment as minister

The Chola army enters Satyasiriyan's palace and finds Bala Devar tied up, who claims he tried to stop the king from fighting. Disguised as a soldier, Rajaraja reveals his true identity and confirms Bala Devar as a minister, despite suspicions among the nobles. He proclaims that Bala Devar should be treated with the same respect as himself.

During the palace maneuvering Satyasiriyan's palace, Chola capital
3

Bala Devar and Poongodi plot to overthrow Rajaraja

Bala Devar meets Poongodi from his village and the two plot to overthrow Rajaraja. They decide to work together, and Bala Devar asks Poongodi to stay in the Chola capital to help implement their plan.

After Bala's appointment Chola capital
4

Gift to Kundavai from Vimalathithan

Rajendra informs Kundavai that Vimalathithan has brought her a special gift, signaling possible alliance or affection. The scene unfolds with political undertones as the family considers Vimalathithan's intentions.

Before temple event Palace
5

Quest for sacred scriptures in Chidambaram

Rajaraja, his sister, and Nambiyandar Nambi travel to Chidambaram to retrieve ancient scriptures thought to be works of Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar. They locate a hidden chamber behind golden statues, confirming the lasting significance of the saint-poets. Rajaraja emphasizes that their works endure beyond rulers.

During mission to retrieve scriptures Chidambaram temple
6

Satyasiriyan infiltrates the capital via a secret passage

Bala Devar allows Satyasiriyan into the Chola capital through a secret passage, where he is questioned about Rajaraja and his son's potential marriage to Kundavai. The encounter tests loyalties within the capital.

Following Bala's arrangement Chola capital
7

Rajaraja and Vimalathithan clash over respect

Rajaraja scolds Vimalathithan for failing to pay respects, a moment defended by Vimalathithan himself. The exchange ends with Vimalathithan warning the emperor not to manipulate Kundavai's love.

After the security incident Palace
8

Kundavai vows to safeguard her own choice

Kundavai vows she will not marry anyone who disrespects her father, asserting her independence in matters of love and loyalty. This promise sharpens the tension between royal figures and potential rivals.

Following the confrontation Palace/Temple area
9

Temple event exclusion and rising tension

The emperor excludes Vengi and Vimalathithan from Kundavai's temple event, provoking resentment and a looming confrontation. The act signals a widening rift within the Chola realm over loyalty and influence.

Before the event Kundavai's temple event
10

Chola campaign against Vengi and the duel

The Chola army advances on Vengi, and Rajendran accepts the fight despite Vimalathithan's initial reluctance. Rajaraja appears as a sage and proposes a duel between Rajendran and Vimalathithan, which Rajendran wins, altering the balance of power.

During the campaign Vengi front
11

Poison plot, Ottran capture, and betrayal uncovered

Satyasiriyan sends Ottran to meet Bala Devar on Pournami day, but Rajaraja captures Ottran by assuming his identity. Bala Devar plans to poison the emperor at a feast, aided by Poongodi; the scheme is exposed when Rajaraja reveals he knew. The next day, Poongodi is captured and prisoners are released, shifting power in the capital.

Pournami day to following day Chola capital
12

Revelations, release, and marriages

Rajaraja is praised by other kings, and Vimalathithan is released. He seeks the emperor's daughter in marriage, which Bala Devar views with suspicion. Rajaraja reveals Poongodi is a spy working for him, exposing Bala Devar's schemes. Tamizharasi completes her notes and two couples marry, securing peace and unity for the empire.

End of conflict Chola capital

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:02

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Rajaraja Cholan Summary

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Rajaraja Cholan Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rajaraja Cholan

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rajaraja Cholan

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