Cupak, a boisterous man possessing a huge belly, is Bali’s notorious glutton Cupak’s story, performed as a comic dance, is more like an epic drama: it has a kingdom, a mysterious fo¬rest and deep ocean, a villain, princess, witch and hero: disaster, resolution, and great joy.
The issue at stake is the hand of a lost princess. Her father, the King of Kediri. has announced that whoever finds her may become king Cupak, carrying ambition along with his belly, determines to be her savior. He is accompanied by his handsome younger brother Grantang. A monkey enters to inform the bro¬thers that the princess is being held captive by a witch who likes to eat flesh. Led by their monkey guide, Cupak and Grantang journey deep into the dark forest.
They meet the witch and violence follows. Cupak makes a belated attempt to rescue the princess, but discretion gets the better of his valor and he shimmies up a tree in order to shout directions to his younger brother In the skirmish. Grantang, the princess and the witch all fall into a well. Grantang defeats the witch, but just as he is about to emerge victorious Cupak yanks the rope, saving the princess but letting his brave brother fall back into the well.
The unscrupulous glutton then goes to Kediri to tell the king how he himself killed the witch and rescued the princess. The joyous king offers Cupak whatever he would like, which, of course, is food: two mounds of rice and one suckling pig ! A delightful scene follows when Cupak eats it all himself.
Meanwhile. Grantang manages to climb out of the well on a ladder made from the witch’s bones He seeks Cupak, but his older brother refuses to recognize him and has him thrown into the sea. Grantang is saved by a humble fisherman who nourishes him to health Before Cupak is about to be crowned king. Grantang challenges him to a fight. He easily defeats the glutton and. much to the relief and joy of the little princess, is given her hand.