Rangam

Rangam

Year: 1985

Runtime: 145 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: I V Sasi

Drama

Appunni, a Kathakali performer, is Chandramathi’s cousin; he harbors deep love for her. Madhavan, son of Karunakarapanickker—the proprietor of Sadanam, a Kathakali school—returns from Russia, falls for Chandramathi, and they marry. Later, Mahalakshmi, a wealthy businessman’s daughter who wishes to study Kathakali, enters their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – Rangam (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rangam (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Madras (Chennai), Sadanam Kathakali Training Center, Mumbai, Russia

The film moves through India's artistic hubs, centering on Madras as a modern center for formal training and performance. It also highlights Sadanam, a traditional Kathakali school that anchors the dancers in a centuries-old craft. Mumbai and Russia appear as destinations that influence the lovers’ choices and fate, adding a sense of global reach to the local art scene.

🎨 Performing arts 🏙️ City life 🏛️ Cultural institutions

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

Main Characters – Rangam (1985)

Meet the key characters of Rangam (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Appunni (Mohanlal)

A skilled Kathakali artist and Chandramathi’s cousin who secretly loves her. He funds her education in Madras and channels his passion into protectiveness, jealousy, and a fierce sense of loyalty. His temper often erupts in dramatic acts, driving the plot toward tragedy.

🎨 Artistry 💘 Romance 🥋 Kathakali

Chandramathi (Shobana)

A talented classical dancer whose dream of formal training pushes her to Madras. She must balance her ambitions with the love interests around her, ultimately facing heartbreak and difficult choices. Her resilience keeps the Kathakali troupe alive even as tensions mount.

🩰 Dance 💖 Romance 🧭 Ambition

Madhavan (Raveendran)

Son of Karunakara Panikker and a passionate dancer who falls for Chandramathi. His pride and impulsive actions spark conflict with Appunni and Chandramathi, leading to manipulation, jealousy, and a fatal confrontation.

🔥 Rivalry 💘 Romance 🥁 Showmanship

Jayanthi

A talented artist and the daughter of a wealthy businessman who captures Madhavan’s interest. Her presence intensifies the love triangle, and her choice to run away with Madhavan to Mumbai marks a turning point in the story.

🌟 Artistry 💖 Romance 🗺️ Travel

Karunakara Panikker Ashan (Karunakarapanikker)

Owner of Sadanam and father to Madhavan, whose disapproval and later grief reveal the weight of legacy and business in the world of Kathakali. His death after learning of his son’s choices shakes the foundation of the troupe.

🏛️ Leadership 💔 Grief 🧭 Legacy

Chandrika's mother

A maternal figure in Chandrika’s life, offering traditional values and concern for her daughter's future. She represents family expectations that shape decisions around education and marriage.

👪 Family 💫 Support 🧭 Guidance

Appunni's mother

A supportive presence whose concern for her son’s well-being grounds his actions. Her role underscores the impact of family on the paths her children take.

👪 Family 🕊️ Care 🗣️ Dialogue

Naanu

A secondary character whose presence punctuates social dynamics within the troupe and the community. He observes and comments on the unfolding events.

🗣️ Witness 🧭 Perspective

Mrs. Sundaram

A figure in the social milieu of the troupe, representing the domestic and commercial side of Kathakali life.

🏘️ Community 💼 Society

Kunjikrishnan

Chandramathi’s father, initially opposing the education trip but eventually consenting. His stance reflects parental authority and concern for the family’s reputation.

👨‍👧 Family 💭 Authority

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

Major Themes – Rangam (1985)

Explore the central themes of Rangam (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Rivalry

A romantic triangle drives the plot, pitting Appunni’s secret devotion against Madhavan’s growing love for Chandramathi. The women’s ambitions and men’s pride collide, shattering trust and prompting bold, sometimes reckless, actions. The tension between affection and possession underpins nearly every decision.

🎨 Art & Tradition

Kathakali and its training center, Sadanam, anchor the narrative and reveal the pressures of artistic life. The characters strive to master classical performance while navigating personal loyalties and rivalries. The drama exposes how tradition can both elevate and constrain individuals’ choices.

🔥 Conflict & Consequence

Jealousy and anger escalate into violence, culminating in significant losses for the protagonists. The love betrayals ripple through families, leading to death and arrest. The pursuit of passion comes at a steep price, reshaping the community around Sadanam.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

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Rangam Summary

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Rangam Timeline

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