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Parinayam

The young Kathakali artist came to the beautiful young widow every night. One night, he came as Nala, the dashing young prince who fell in love with the beautiful Damayanti. The next night, he was Bhima, exhilarated from destroying Dusshaasana, drinking his blood and making good his vow. And then he was Arjuna. Valorous and resplendent, the heavenly prince who won the hand of Draupadi in marriage… Unnimaya had no choice but to succumb to him, the role he played to perfection. Those three nights, she let go of herself, her reservations – she truly lived those three days. Only to realize later that it was no dancer she had fallen in love with. Instead, it was the heavenly character who stole her heart. Be it the grace of Nala, the madness of Bhima or the sheer beauty of Arjuna… no earthly man could come close.

With that realization came pain, and then strength. To finally say the truth out loud and declare, “This child has no father. If anyone asks, I shall tell them… Nala, Bhima, Arjuna!”

Parinayam is truly one of the most magnificent films I have seen.