Panduga Sayanna - with Blake Snyder’s 15 beats

 Panduga Sayanna

 

Intro:

This is the story of a folk hero named Sayanna. People lovingly refer to him as ‘Panduga Sayanna’ (Celebration Sayanna), as they only receive food when Sayanna brings it for them.

 

The story unfolds in the Gadwala estate of the Nizam kingdom of British India during World War I (1914-1918).

 

Characters:

1.   Sayanna:

The protagonist, born and raised in Meruganipalle village in Gadwala paragana of Mahaboobnagar district. Belonging to the "Tenuga" caste, traditionally engaged in tending gardens. Sayanna's birth on Moharrum day was a result of his mother's vow during the Muslim fair known as "Phir," believed to be the cause of his birth. He believes that a TAWIZ - a mystical knotted thread on his hand - will protect him from all evils. Due to acute poverty, his parents couldn't afford to send him to school, so he engaged in the family occupation, facing harsh conditions during his childhood. Standing tall at 6 feet with a robust build, dark bushy mustache, Sayanna was moved by the plight of people in surrounding villages. He, along with his friends, practiced wrestling and weightlifting daily.

 

Sayanna's Role:

Sayanna transformed into an Indian counterpart of Robin Hood, seizing wealth from the affluent and distributing it equally among the poor and deprived. The mere mention of his name sent chills down the spines of Nizam rulers, British officers, and district officials.

 

Views on Sayanna:

In his belief, "women are the poorest among the poor," and he held a deep affection for children. While some scholars labelled him a Social Bandit, Robin Hood of Telangana, or a Revolutionary Hero, the common people saw Pandugolla Sayanna not as a thief or bandit but as a hero of the poor. He bravely saved and restored the health, wealth, and lives of the impoverished, considered as their "blood relative." Sayanna initiated the tradition of preparing "Kandura" on Muharram day and upheld this practice diligently.

 

2.   Six Friends of Sayanna:

Chinna Giri, Pedda Giri, Lambada Topanna, Guggilla Musalanna, Chapalagudem Venakanna, and Rampuram Ramanna were among his trusted companions.

 

3.   Queen Sanakaramma:

She reigned over the neighboring Vanaparthi estate and was known for her benevolence. Unfortunately, the estate suffered from drought conditions, hindering her efforts to supply food to the people due to the scarcity of food grains.

 

4.   British Resident Sir Stuart Fraser:

An austere and cruel figure, indifferent to Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan and Maharani Sankaramma’s concerns. He remained stationed in Hyderabad at Koti palace, primarily serving the interests of the British crown. Suspicions against Indian rulers, especially Muslims, arose following the 1857 Mutiny.

 

5.   Nawab of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan:

In name, the King of the Hyderabad estate, yet subject to obtaining prior approval from the British Resident Sir Stuart Fraser for any administrative decision.

 

6.   Jamindar Venkata Reedu Patel

He is also a local land lord and staunch enemy of Sayanna and working as a local police agent

 

7.   Telugolla Narasamma

Love Interest of Sayanna. In due course Sayanna built up relationships with Telugu Narasamma, a beautiful woman who became his companion too. She fell for his “Pedikadu nadumu” meaning, his waist measured one fist- to say, he had slender waist and broad built up shoulders measuring three fists

 

8.   Yadgiri

A young boy. The follower of Sayanna

 

9.   Veera

Sayanna’s pet Horse Veera

 

 

  

Story Narration

1.        A century ago, the British Resident, the Nizam ruler, Patels, Karanams, and Patwaris convened during a "Milaqat" (common understanding/agreement) and decided to burden people with extra taxes.

2.         They began issuing "Dandaga" — essentially looting common people and peasants, leaving them in poverty and helplessness.

3.        Youth like Sayanna rebelled against this unjust practice.

4.        Consequently, they were captured and detained by the police.

5.        The British resident had an additional conspiracy: he aimed to send food grains to Europe to support England's needs during the First World War.

6.        Despite a bountiful harvest, no food grains were available locally, as Sir Stuart Fraser had ordered the entire harvest to Europe to meet England's wartime food requirements.

7.        Many poor could barely afford two full meals, let alone consider expenses like marriages.

8.        In India, there is a tradition where the groom ties a Mangala Sutra around the bride's neck to signify marriage.

9.        Panduga Sayanna used to sponsor Mangala Sutras for those who couldn't afford them and bore marriage expenses for the poor in fourteen villages.

10.    During those days, young girls were married off early to safeguard them from the eyes of landlords and merchants. Otherwise, they could fall prey to them.

11.    Marriages incurred enormous expenses, prompting Sayanna to extend financial aid to these families.

12.    Queen Sanakaramma of Vanaparthy estate pleaded with British Resident Sir Stuart Fraser to maintain a minimum stock of food grains for the people's daily needs.

13.    Stuart Fraser turned a deaf ear to her appeals.

14.    Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan was powerless in front of the British Resident.

15.    There was a scarcity of grains in the villages, making it impossible even to offer prayers to local Gods.

16.    Confused and desperate, Sankaramma looked to the skies, hoping for a few drops of rain, but all she got were tears.

17.    On one occasion, Sayanna sought to take six sheep from Golla Chennaiah, but upon realizing Chenchiah's poverty and hunger, he returned the flock.

18.    According to Pandugolla Sayanna, the only remedy to uplift the poor was to "redistribute from the haves to the have-nots," seeking it as natural justice.

19.    Sayanna, representing the common poor, was kind and generous towards them.

20.    He condemned the hegemony of the rich and revolted against their atrocities.

21.    Sayanna and his gang of six friends on horseback entered the railway track.

22.    Under Sayanna's leadership, they interrupted a goods train transporting food grains to Europe.

23.    A significant clash ensued with the soldiers, where Sayanna's gang attacked British soldiers and unloaded all the bags of food grains.

24.    They loaded these grains into bullock carts and distributed them across 14 villages, bringing immense joy to the deserving people.

25.    It was a time of celebration for them (Panduga).

26.    Sayanna often discussed the disparities between the haves and have-nots with his friends, strategizing and planning measures for the poor's upliftment.

27.    He organized mass marriages for impoverished families in these villages and presented gold ornaments to the newlyweds.

28.    Venkata Reedu Patel and Satturi Rammanna, landlords of the area, were deeply resentful of Sayanna.

29.    They patiently awaited the right opportunity to eliminate Sayanna.

30.    A game of hide and seek unfolded among them.

31.    They would search every nook and cranny of the villages, while he hid behind bushes. If they searched the hills or streets, he'd wander freely or camouflage himself among palm leaves.

32.    Queen Sankaramma of Vanaparti learned about Sayanna.

33.    Her intelligence staff informed her of Sayanna looting the goods train carrying rice to Europe.

34.    They acknowledged that while Sayanna's means were unacceptable, his end was commendable.

35.    Sayanna stole the sheep flock from Venkata Reddy, the Jamindar (Landlord), and arranged a grand feast for the poor.

36.    During the feast, they sacrificed sheep and distributed its meat among the impoverished.

37.    Sayanna often pondered on why the wealthy landlords continued to accumulate wealth while the poor remained impoverished.

38.    Jamindar Venkata Reddy harbored enmity towards Pandugolla Sayanna and sought revenge for his actions.

39.    It became a cat-and-mouse game between Pandugolla Sayanna and the Police.

40.    Queen Sankaramma wanted to observe Sayanna's activities personally.

41.    Disguised along with her maid, she visited Meruganipalle village on a Muharram day and met Sayanna without revealing her identity, expressing appreciation for his deeds.

42.    Zamindar Venkata Reddy began spreading false propaganda that "if Sayanna isn't killed, he would hinder the country's progress."

43.    Therefore, Thalagondala Venkanna was summoned to behead Sayanna.

44.    Venkata Reddy Patel and Satturi Rammanna discovered Sayanna's affection for Telugolla Narsamma.

45.    They stationed their servants around her house to monitor Sayanna's movements.

46.    To capture Pandugolla Sayanna red-handed, the "qufiya police" became shadow followers.

47.    Sayanna evaded capture multiple times, but unfortunately, one day he was ensnared in an iron net.

48.    Eventually, Pandugolla Sayanna was captured by the Qufiya police, with significant effort from landlords and wealthy individuals intending his capture.

49.    They detained him in an iron cage.

50.    Even while imprisoned in an iron cage, the police feared to approach Pandugolla Sayanna.

51.    Hearing of his capture, people from fourteen villages staged protests at officials' and police stations. They pleaded for his release.

52.    He was taken to the guillotine.

53.    To prevent future rebellion, he was kept there for three days.

54.    A crowd gathered around the guillotine.

55.    Sayanna's horse also arrived at the scene.

56.    Queen Sankaramma rushed to Hyderabad to meet British Resident Sir Stuart Fraser, begging for mercy for Sayanna and offering compensation for the rail robbery.

57.    However, the Resident remained adamant, stating that he had clear orders from the crown to execute Sayanna.

58.    Even Queen Sankaramma's final efforts failed.

59.    Thousands of people gathered around the guillotine.

60.    They sang folk songs, asserting that Sayanna had committed no crime and had only served the people.

61.    All preparations were made for the execution.

62.    But when the guillotine was brought down, it failed to sever Sayanna's neck.

63.    Despite repeated attempts, they couldn't execute him.

64.    "You cannot cut his head as long as the Tawizs are on his hands," cried Sayanna's mother from the crowd.

65.    Sayanna knew his death was imminent.

66.    He removed the Tawizs himself and handed them to his youngest follower, Yadgiri.

67.    "My horse will lead to my final resting place," announced Sayanna.

68.    Sayanna consoled his mother, requesting her to place his bust near the drinking well, promising to continue protecting his people.

69.    "Wherever there is water in Palamuru, I am there," were his final words.

70.    The guillotine fell, and Sayanna's body dropped.

71.    Then, Sayanna's head touched the earth and kissed his motherland.

72.    Commotion erupted in the crowd.

73.    The black horse Veera started running, followed by Yadgiri.

74.    Throughout the night, the horse continued its journey.

75.    The next morning, it stopped at a specific place, where Sayanna's body was cremated.

 

 

 

Here is a detailed script based on Blake Snyder’s 15 beats for a fantasy tragedy movie centered on the life of Sayanna:

 

1.        Opening Image:

The story unfolds in the lush Gadwala estate of the Nizam kingdom during World War I. People suffer under the oppression of rulers imposing additional taxes, leading to widespread poverty.

 

2.   Theme Stated:

The theme revolves around the struggle against injustice, the power of unity, and the sacrifices made for the greater good.

 

3.   Set-up:

Sayanna, born into poverty, stands as a beacon of hope for the impoverished villagers. He starts his journey as an empathetic young man who witnesses the suffering of his community.

 

4.   Catalyst:

The catalyst emerges when Sayanna rebels against the oppressive practices and decides to fight for the rights of the poor and downtrodden.

 

5.   Debate:

Sayanna faces an internal conflict between the safety of a normal life and the desire to bring about social change. He debates the risks involved in challenging the ruling authorities.

 

6.   Break into Two:

Sayanna takes a bold step, committing himself fully to championing the cause of the needy. He begins his mission to defy the established norms and seeks justice for the oppressed.

 

7.   B Story:

Amidst his struggle, Sayanna forms a bond with Telugolla Narasamma, and their relationship becomes an anchor amidst the turmoil.

 

8.   Fun and Games:

Sayanna, with his loyal friends, embarks on daring adventures, stealing from the affluent to distribute wealth among the poor. These actions earn him the title of 'Panduga Sayanna' or 'Celebration Sayanna'.

 

9.   Midpoint – INTERMISSION:

Amidst Sayanna's heroic deeds, the oppressors tighten their grip. The British Resident, Sir Stuart Fraser, and local landlords plot to capture Sayanna, threatening his mission.

 

10.               Bad Guys Close In:

Sayanna faces escalating threats as the authorities intensify their efforts to capture him. The situation becomes dire, endangering Sayanna and his followers.

 

11.               All Is Lost:

Sayanna is captured by the authorities, leaving the villagers devastated and hopeless. His incarceration marks a significant setback in the fight against oppression.

 

12.               Dark Night of the Soul:

Sayanna faces the bleak reality of his situation, contemplating his sacrifices and the uncertain fate of his mission.

 

13.               Break into Three:

Despite the adversity, Sayanna finds a glimmer of hope. The villagers rally together, showing unwavering support for their hero.

 

14.               Finale:

As Sayanna faces the guillotine, his followers protest vehemently, challenging the injustice of his execution. However, the attempt to execute him fails repeatedly due to an unexplained force.

 

15.               Final Image:

Sayanna's heroic spirit lives on, symbolized by his final resting place, inspiring hope among the people, promising to protect them wherever there's water in Palamuru.

 

This script embodies the epic tale of a folk hero whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and the fight against oppression.

 

 

 

Notes from the KINNERA song

 

పాలమూరు మండలంలో నీళ్ళు ఎక్కడుంటే అక్కడ నేనుంటాను

పేదోళ్లందరికీ సామూహిక వివాహాలు జరిపించాడు

సత్తూరి రామన్న భూస్వామి

గొల్ల చెన్నప్ప

కులకచర్ల లంజ

ఎంకట రెడ్డి పటేలు

మాదిగోల్ల తుప్పాలి – పట్టెదొడ్ల మాన్యం నీకిస్తా తుప్పలిగా

బటిక జంబోజ

తెలుగోల్ల నరసమ్మ

అర్ధరాత్రి అమాస

బాయిల బడ దునికిండు.

లంజింటికి పోయుండి ఆరు మంది దోస్తులు

పోషమ్మా దరికెల్లిపోతుండదు శాయన్న

ఖైదాబాద జందారు

పాల మూరు కోటరుసాబు

నల్లా బుధ గుర్రాము

అర్ధశేరు నల్లమందు

శేరున్నర సారాయి

అరవైమంది పోలీసులు

ముగ్గురు హామీనులు

ఇనుప చిక్కం

కులకచర్ల నుండి లారీలో పాలమూరుకు.

 

కలిగినోళ్ళ కొట్టిండు బీదోళ్లకు పెట్టిండు

ఉన్నోల్లను కొట్టిండు లేనోళ్లకు పెట్టిండు

పాపమేమీచేయలేదు పండూగోళ్ళ శాయన్న

 

వేయిలాకొద్ది రూపాలు మీకిస్తము సరుకారు

పండూగోల్ల శాయన్నని ఇడువుండ్రీ సరుకారు.

తలగొడ్లని వెంకన్న – తలారి.

 

వనపర్తి రాజాగారు శంకరమ్మ

ఏనుగు మీద వచ్చింది,

ఉత్తరం తెచ్చింది.

 

32 తావీజులు

 

కన్న తల్లి సాయమ్మ

మంచినీల్ల బావి మీద నా గుడి కట్టమ్మా

 

కందూర

ఏటేట కందూర

 

గప్పుడిగ సాయన్న దేవుండయి నిలిచిండు.