Kaviraja Kalamegham (1978)

Set against a religious backdrop, this socially relevant drama delves into the intolerance between Shaivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu), through the struggle and sacrifice in the life of Varadha, a naive young man. Innocent and honest, Varadha works as the cook in the Ranganatha temple in Srirangam, until he's thrown out for praising Lord Shiva, despite being born as a Vaishnavite. When Varadha goes to the Shaivites, he is treated with resentment and anger. It is only Mohana, a beautiful dancer, who understands his simplicity, and tries to help him. When Mohana is about to drown in the river, Varadha comes to her rescue, strengthening the bond between them. Circumstances force Varadha to convert into a Shaivite and find work as the cook in the local Shiva temple. How with the relationship between Mohana and Varadha unfold? What will happen when Varadha's true love and devotion are blessed by the goddess? Will Varadha's example show people the oneness of God and the need for tolerance?