Daya is a 1998 Indian Malayalam-language period film written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, directed by Venu, and starring Manju Warrier in the title role. The film is a loose adaption of the story of Zumurrud from the Middle Eastern folktales "One Thousand and One Nights:" though the plot is somewhat different. Vishal Bhardwaj scored the music of the film. It was the directorial debut of cinematographer Venu. He won the awards for best debut director at the National Film Awards and Kerala State Film Awards.
Plot.
The film is set in the Middle-East in the pre-Islam period. It is about the adventures of a lively and intelligent slave girl named Daya. Mansoor, the son of an aging and wealthy nobleman, is used to an extravagant way of life. Squandering his wealth after his father's death, he is forsaken by all his friends, except the loyal slave girl, Daya, who suggests that she be sold at the slave market for an exorbitant price. The envoys of the King interrupt the sale and take Daya to court, where she is tested for her intelligence. She clears the test and is showered with gifts. The King also allows her to live with Mansoor, but is kidnapped by Ali Shah and Rashid who has the business of selling slave women. Mansoor with the help of his new neighbor, Amina, plans to save Daya from Ali Shah's kota. But Mansoor reaches late that night and Daya mistaking someone else as Mansoor is taken away by the thief, Minnal jawan. She is forced to masquerade as a man to save herself from Minnal jawan. As a man, she travels to another kingdom where the king is searching for a loyal minister. She in the disguise of a man passes all the difficult tests, including an archery competition and a sword-fighting duel. She lets herself get defeated by the king in a chess match and impresses the King. The King makes her the minister. The King's daughter gets infatuated by her thinking she is a man. She as the minister intelligently takes revenge on everyone who ill-treated her with the help of Amina. She finally meets a confessional Mansoor and decides to elope with him as the King is planning her marriage with the princess. The King finds out the truth and decides to punish Daya - a woman who dared to challenge men. The people support Daya's wisdom and request the King to forgive her as the kingdom needs Daya's wisdom as a minister. The King forgives Daya and re-appoints her as the minister. The story ends on a happy note with Daya and Mansoor getting married.
Cast.
 ;templatestyles src="Div col/styles.css"/ ;*Manju Warrier as Daya / Sumuru / Sameer
Awards.
National Film Awards
Kerala State Film Awards
Soundtrack.
The soundtrack for the film was composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The lyrics were written by O. N. V. Kurup.Sharreth composed the original background score of the movie.
References.
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