[crickets chirping]
I'm ecstatic.
I'm exhilarated to think
that my Bharata will become a royal poet.
What are you saying?
Why?
One gets a position according to one's traits and talents.
Rama will surely become a king
and Lakshmana will become a commander.
Shatrughna will definitely get a minister's post.
But Bharata...
His poems will be a rage all over the world.
He is going to be the first poet of the Kekeya dynasty.
Isn't it exhilarating?
That's not true.
Bharata was also taught by Sage Vashishtha.
He is exactly like his brothers in terms of bravery, valour and grit.
Kaikeyi, stop it.
I raised you and Yudhajit.
I know at a glance
whether somebody is capable of ruling a kingdom
or not.
[suspenseful music playing]
Anyway, Kaikeyi,
your son has turned out
just the way you wanted him to be.
He is Rama's shadow.
Have you ever noticed
that nobody sees a shadow
- under the sun? - That's enough, Manthara.
That's enough! Don't you dare utter another word!
Kaikeyi, why did you feel bad?
You are Awadh's queen
and Rama's mother.
I'm your mere maid Manthara
and your well-wisher.
Manthara, don't you dare utter another word!
Get out!
Also, please sleep outside today!
Leave!
Kaikeyi, I'll go.
I'm like a dog.
Kaikeyi, I'll guard you even after you throw me out of the room.
But for how long?
Who will look after you when I'm dead?
Your son
who has become Rama's shadow?
- Or your husband who is enamoured by Rama? - Manthara!
Manthara, don't utter another word!
Leave right away!
[suspenseful music playing]
[eerie music]
[temple bell clanging]
[theme song playing]
[mellow music playing]
'Your son has turned out'
'just the way you wanted him to be.'
'He is Rama's shadow.'
'Nobody notices a shadow under the sun?'
'Who will look after you when I'm dead?'
'Your son'
'who has become Rama's shadow?'
'Or your husband'
'who is enamoured by Rama?'
[sweeping music playing]
[gloomy music playing]
[mellow music playing]
This has happened before
but your sons weren't with you.
Now your sons are here.
Then why didn't you sleep today?
Kaikeyi, I'm trying to satiate my eyes
as I couldn't see them for years.
Why didn't
you sleep?
I'm still dreaming
about their future.
Your Majesty,
let's go into the garden.
Let's stroll.
Please come with me.
No, Kaikeyi!
My sons have just returned but you...
You want me to send them away.
I don't want you to send them away immediately.
Your Majesty,
we must make this tough decision
after spending a few joyous months with them.
No, Kaikeyi.
I can't endure...
[vocalising]
They'll be heartbroken.
Your Majesty,
this heartbreak is necessary for Ayodhya's bright future.
Can you see that banyan tree?
You planted it away from its parent tree
so that it grows unhindered.
What about the other plants?
I'm sure you didn't notice
but I
felt something.
It's a given
that Rama will rule Ayodhya
but he would need
the help of his experienced and trustworthy brothers.
It's important right now
that all our sons
learn governance and military operations.
Also, politically,
all the sons of a kingdom
shouldn't stay in one place together.
[suspenseful music playing]
You know that I adore my sons.
So I want you to teach Rama governance.
Let's send Bharata to my brother Yudhajit
to go on Takshashila mission.
We'll send Lakshmana to Karupada
and Shatrughna to Madhupur mission.
Kaikeyi!
Please focus on your son Bharata!
[dramatic music playing]
I won't send my other sons away from me.
[dramatic music playing]
What did you say?
My son Bharata?
You mean I'm not a mother to any son
except Bharata.
[dramatic music playing]
Kaikeyi!
You are misinterpreting my words.
Your Majesty, I understood the underlying meaning.
Please order my son, Bharata to go to Kekeya.
If he questions you,
you may tell him
that his hard-hearted Mother Kaikeyi gave the order.
Also,
thank you for giving me a reality check
and making me feel
that I'm only Bharata's mother.
And not Rama's!
[thunder rumbling]
Kaikeyi...
[ethereal music playing]
[joyful music playing]
Prince Bharata,
there's a message for you.
[suspenseful music playing]
[melancholic music playing]
'Bharata, you may come in.'
Mother, what did I just hear?
Father ordered me to go to Kekeya.
That's a good thing.
Please give my regards to your grandfather
and your uncle.
Mother...
Father said that it's your wish.
Mother, why are you sending me away from Ayodhya?
[suspenseful music playing]
It's important for you to stay away from your brother Rama.
[thunder rumbling]
You must create your identity
for yourself
and for Rama.
Mother, please don't blame Rama for your heartlessness.
Who do you hate?
Rama
or me?
"Hate?"
[melancholic music playing]
Rama is my eldest son.
He is my pride.
And you...
I gave birth to you.
You are my reason to live.
Please don't ever be mistaken
to think that I'd hate my sons.
Although I can never compromise
their futures
for my selfishness and my affection for them.
Just look at yourself, Bharata, all shattered and helpless.
Look at me!
You are the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya!
The grandson of King Ashvapati!
You are Kaikeyi's son Bharata!
You are Rama's brother.
Despite having said all this,
if you believe that my persistence stems from selfishness
and that I am cruel,
and if for this reason you wish to despise me,
then so be it, Bharata.
[dramatic music playing]
If you think that I hate my son Rama,
you are free to do so.
- I will not... - Mother.
[thunder rumbling]
[music playing]
That is not what I meant to say, Rama.
The bond between a mother and son is not defined by words
but by emotions, Mother.
My innocent Bharata may not understand,
but I do.
[sentimental music playing]
I came here to thank you after hearing Father's orders.
[mouthing]
I have noticed what Mother said
for a long time, Bharata.
I even tried to boost your confidence,
but I never succeeded.
Do you know why?
It is because I am a brother...
Not a mother.
I lack the skill to sugarcoat
a bitter pill, Bharata.
[sentimental music playing]
Mother is right, Bharata.
Not only do I need a strong brother,
but Ayodhya needs a strong commander and administrator.
Think about it, Bharata.
You need help and motivation from me
to do every task.
Suppose I have to go
far away from Ayodhya and the kingdom in future,
how will you run Ayodhya?
How will you run the kingdom and manage the family?
Is it only a mother's duty
to undergo suffering for the bright future of her children?
Do we have no obligation, Bharata?
[sentimental music playing]
My mother would never hate me
or hold a grudge against me.
For she is
willing to stay away from her biological son
for my sake.
[sentimental music playing]
Remember, Bharata.
A son can sire a son,
but that does not hold true for a mother.
[sentimental music playing]
Rama...
[sentimental music playing]
Please forgive me, Mother.
I am willing to go.
I have gotten closer to victory, Suketi.
Hmm. I will not let you win so easily.
I am yet to play my turn.
Look, I got twelve.
I am leading now, Urmila.
Yet you both are behind me.
Are you ready to lose, Mandavi?
Urmila, you sure can win
but only when the dice is not in Sita's favour!
[intense music playing]
Two.
I lose.
I win!
Sita, you lost on purpose yet again!
You always do this.
You defeat the wisest with your knowledge,
but always lose to your sisters.
My victory lies in yours.
The joy of losing to a loved one
trumps a hundred victories!
[pleasant music playing]
Father!
[light-hearted music playing]
- Greetings, Father. - Greetings, Father.
May you have a long life.
I wish to talk to Sita alone.
Sita.
- I... - Father, I know...
What you wish to tell me.
How is it that you always know
what is in your Father's mind?
You underwent such hardship
to give me all the comforts.
How could I not know what is in your mind, Father?
Every father is worried
once his daughter is of marriageable age.
You are also worried about
whether I am ready to get married
or not.
So,
what is the solution to this predicament?
Why worry about a solution when there is no predicament?
I will not ask you
why a daughter is expected to forgo her home and live with strangers.
It is because I know
that a woman possesses the strength
to leave her world behind and build a new world.
And pass on her values
and principles
to the new generation which she inherited from her father.
Father, the world believes
that a woman does not have a fixed home.
Where she is born is her maternal home,
and the home she gets married into is her marital home.
Father, I believe that a woman is fortunate
because she has not one,
but two homes.
She continues to nurture the bond she has with her family
and also accepts the members of her new family.
I assure you, Sita,
that I will find you a worthy suitor.
I will hold a 'svayamvara' for you
where I will invite the mightiest and most affluent Princes of Bharat.
Well, Father,
on what basis will I choose a suitor?
On the basis of who is the wealthiest
or whether whose commander is the mightiest?
Father, one does not get married to an army, wealth or kingdom.
Will I find a suitor in this 'svayamvara'
with whom I will be happy every moment of my life?
You resolved one predicament and put me in another, my child!
Mother.
Something significant is about to ensue.
Father has called you right away.
[conch blowing]
[music playing]
[Shiva Panchakshara Stotram playing]
[conch blowing]
Lord Mahadeva.
Only You can give Sita
the kind of suitor that she wants.
Now, I understand
that Sita being able to lift Your bow
at the tender age of eight, was but a sign
that You
would take up the responsibility of securing Sita's future.
Lord...
I wish to announce Sita's 'svayamvara'.
[pleasant music playing]
The groom shall be chosen
by the symbol of Your strength
and justice,
Your celestial bow, Pinaka.
[conch blowing]
I hereby declare
the 'svayamvara' of my daughter Sita.
[joyous music playing]
Whosoever
manages to lift Lord Mahadeva's bow
and strings it
shall be the one
to wed my daughter Sita.
[devotional song playing]
- All hail Lord Mahadeva! - Glory to Lord Mahadeva!
- All hail Lord Mahadeva! - Glory to Lord Mahadeva...
[conch blowing]
Janaka has left the task of finding Sita a husband to You, my lord.
Goddess, the truth is,
I had made arrangements to fulfil my duty in Mithila
many years ago.
How so? Do tell.
How does Janaka find Rama?
Whosoever looks for Rama earnestly
is bound to find him.
Besides,
there is not a single soul in the world
who does not wish to find Rama.
[music playing]
- Greetings, Father. - Greetings, Father.
May you live a long life.
I shall leave for Kekeya at the break of dawn, Father.
I seek your permission.
[tense music playing]
What about you, Shatrughna?
Where are you going?
Bharata will need me, Father.
I also wish to visit Uncle's kingdom.
Did you...
Shatrughna has made the right decision, Father.
Two is always better than one.
May I go if I have your permission, Father?
[tense music playing]
Please do not worry, Father.
I will stay with you.
Permission granted.
'You have deprived two blind people of their only support.'
[pot breaking]
'You will die in wait of your duty-bound son.'
[suspenseful music playing]
[banging on door]
Greetings, sage.
Where is King Dasharatha?
I need to see him this very instant!
May I know your name, sir?
- Ah! - My lord!
Lord, why are you here so late at night?
I'm practising.
I'm trying to be prepared for a war.
Lord, I know that your brilliance and valour can never wane
but we age with time.
Now, Rama must take over.
If Ayodhya goes on war,
Rama must respond.
That's the reason.
I can't stay away from Rama.
I'm scared
that after Bharata and Shatrughna,
Rama would also...
I'm afraid he'd be separated from me.
Hail His Majesty!
Your Majesty, I apologise for disturbing you at this hour
but Sage Vishvamitra has arrived.
[adventurous music playing]
[conch-shell playing]
Ayodhya is blessed as you have come here.
Sage, please enter the palace
and sanctify this place.
Please come in.
[dramatic music playing]
[conch-shell playing]
[theme music playing]
[exhilarating music playing]
Sage,
my son has just returned after completing his education.
Please bless him.
Lord, before blessing a person,
we test their eligibility.
I didn't come here to give
but to take something.
Please order, sage.
Maricha and Subahu Rakshasas
disturb my Yajna regularly.
They throw the blood and flesh of dead animals in it to pollute it.
Lord, I can also kill them.
Since I became a Brahmarshi,
I forsook wielding weapons.
Sumant,
we'll head towards Brahmarshi's ashram right away
and I'll kill those evil Rakshasas.
Sage, I promise you
that your wish will be fulfilled.
It's not right for Ayodhya's king
to go on an insignificant mission like this.
I don't need you
or your army.
Then,
sage, what do you want from me?
[suspenseful music playing]
Rama!
[voice echoing]
Lord,
you wanted me to bless your son
and I sought help.
[dramatic music playing]
Please hand Rama to me.
Then both wishes will be fulfilled.
[intense music]
But,
sage,
my Rama...
He is still a young boy.
It's time for your young son to grow up.
But, sage,
my Rama
doesn't have warfare experience.
Lord,
one gains experience after fighting a war.
Moreover, the education
imparted by respected Brahmarshi Vashishtha
will be put to the test.
[suspenseful music playing]
So,
sage, I'll make Rama
a part of my army.
Will that be fine with you?
Lord,
wasn't I clear?
I don't want you
but Rama!
[dramatic music playing]
Sage, please don't do this.
Rama has just returned.
Sage, his absence could kill me!
I could be dead.
"It's Raghukul's tradition to sacrifice one's life"
"for fulfilling one's promise."
But, lord, it appears
that you are overriding this tradition.
[pensive music playing]
King of Ayodhya,
if you value your life so much, why do you falsely pride yourself
in maintaining Raghukul's tradition?
[vocalising]
I can't believe
that you are the descendant of the great King Harishchandra
who forsook everything to keep his word!
For the first time,
Ayodhya let me down.
[sweeping music playing]
King Dasharatha,
you may live comfortably
with your queens and sons. Forget about me.
I'd go somewhere else for help but...
[suspenseful music playing]
Do not ever say this again,
"I would rather die than break my promise."
Sage!
[dramatic music playing]
Please wait, Brahmarshi Vishvamitra.
[suspenseful music playing]
You are the embodiment of piety.
You are also omniscient.
You are proficient in punishing any demon by yourself.
Yet in order to uphold righteousness
and the honour of the Raghu clan, you came to Ayodhya in person.
Accompanying you would be my good fortune.
I have a small request.
Please wait until dawn.
Accept Ayodhya's invitation.
All right.
You have until dawn.
As soon as the sun rises in the morning,
either Ayodhya will keep its word
or it will bring its own ruination.
[music playing]
Acharya...
Father!
[intense music playing]
Greetings, Gurudev.
[sombre music playing]
You did not merely come here
to preside over the 'yagya'.
I have figured that out, Brahmarshi Vishvamitra.
You are here to test Rama.
Brahmarshi, do you not know
that Rama is Lord Narayana himself?
I have experienced it.
Well, the process of obtaining gold from ore
is also monitored.
You know perfectly well
that Lord Narayana has assumed many avatars from time to time.
Parashurama is also His avatar.
Every avatar has a purpose
just as this avatar's purpose is to establish righteousness.
However, it is my duty
to test Rama's competence in annihilating Ravana.
If he is an incarnation of Lord Narayana,
then it is my moral obligation to guide him on his path.
You are furious.
I am not furious with you.
I am enraged by the predicament King Dasharatha gave rise to.
[tense music playing]
Please inform the royal physician to come here immediately.
Father.
You are always in good health, Father.
How did you take ill?
I am exhausted.
I need to rest.
[poignant vocalisation]
[tense music playing]
Greetings, Acharya.
- King Dasharatha... - He is not well, Acharya.
Something is bothering him.
What do you think it is?
That is what I wish to ask you, Acharya.
I have never seen Father behave in this manner.
Why is he so hesitant in granting a sage's wish?
I have noticed it on many occasions.
Father shudders at the mention of us leaving.
The battle of the gods and demons did not scare him.
How come
he is afraid of his sons battling two demons?
[pensive music playing]
You have known him since he was a child
and educated him.
You have observed him
more closely than even my mothers.
Acharya, it's my duty as a son
to remove my father's fear.
Acharya, please tell me.
What's the root of his fear?
Love can't exist without fear.
Love is the reason for our biggest fears.
[suspenseful music playing]
Rama, you are the root of his fear.
His fear of losing you
makes your father weak.
He is attached to Rama, his son.
Especially, to you, Rama.
You are acharya.
You are his guru and like his father.
Can't you remove his fear?
Rama, sometimes
the cause of an illness is also its cure.
Dasharatha's illness is you and his cure as well.
Rama, faith overcomes fear.
Let's wait and watch if Rama restores his father's faith or not.
It's not about Dasharatha's duty
but Rama's karma.
[theme song playing]
[theme song continues playing]