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This East Indian drama is somewhat unusual in that it casts a critical eye on the effects that becoming a monk can have upon one's family. An unusually bright boy becomes a pawn in a struggle between his family and their religious leaders after he is chosen to succeed the Acharya, the leader of a local Hindu monastery. Ten-year-old Pachu is the son of a Kathakali dancer and singer. It is Pachu's rare ability to memorize the Vedas and his gift for chess playing that attracts the attention of the elderly Acharya, who personally chooses Pachu as his successor. Only Pachu's grandfather is happy about the honor bestowed upon his grandson. The boy's parents are devastated, but know they must release him to the monastery. Pachu is sad, for he does not want to leave his friends and his family. Still he has a duty to fulfill and so embarks upon the long rigorous journey towards becoming a holy man.