Some stories retain their emotional power and relevance no matter how many times they are told. Such is the case with The Last Dance.

A small boy, Kunhikuttan, born to a female servant is in fact the illegitimate son of the lord of the manor, Namboothiri. Kunhikuttan grows up never knowing this fact, and undertakes an apprenticeship to learn Kathakali, a revered ancient art combining dance, opera and pantomime. His performances, informed by his sorrow at not having known his father and at an unhappy arranged marriage, are excellent, and attract the attention of the beautiful upper-class Subhadra. She however, is unable to distinguish between the real Kunhikuttan and his roles on stage, and so, having had his baby, does not permit him to see his son. He then learns of the death of Namboothiri and resolves to give one last, spectacular performance before imploring Subhadra to tell their son the truth, and then disappearing forever.

This is an eloquent, elaborate film from Shaji Karun, one of India's greatest cinematographers, and is overlaid with excellent performances and haunting music - a true gem.