'He's a Horned Lion'
'KARUR - Central Tamil Nadu'
'Municipal Bus Stand'
'KRISHNARAYAPURAM' (26 kms from Karur)
Your town is here.
Come.
Hold my hand. - Madam...
Are you new to town? - No, sir.
This is my home-town.
I got married into a family near Pazhani.
This is my husband. He works in Gujarat.
It's been 4-5 years since we last visited, so we came to see our parents.
You couldn't find a worse time? Get home quickly.
What's this police protection for? - It's for the bus, not you.
To make sure Government property isn't damaged!
No time for chit-chat. Go home quickly.
Sumathi...
Let's go.
Oh no. This boy is dead?
He had a gang of about 4 to 5 friends. They always hung out together.
All our townsfolk really liked them.
Oh no!
This boy is dead too?
No one told me anything about it.
He was a part of Balan's gang of friends.
They must have been really thick friends to have died in consecutive years!
You noticed their year of death but did you see the dates?
See, they even died on the exact same date!
This is nothing to brag about your town.
Do you know what date it is?
You still don't get it? It's tomorrow's date.
Try to connect those dates and the current situation in town.
Still don't get it?
They didn't just die. They were killed.
Hurry!
Mother...
Mother?
Mother!
Mother-in-law...
Oh dear...
you could have at least called me and informed me you were coming!
Come in.
Go...
Go in.
Father... - Take it.
What's happening here, Father-in-law? The town looks like a graveyard!
What can I say...
it's all fate.
This was a town where the people were like one big happy family.
If I have to tell you what's going on now...
I don't know where to begin!
The Chief's son had 5 close friends... Guru, Meeran, Ilamaaran, Balan and Swaminathan.
They were friends since they were toddlers.
This story has to begin with them.
Guru, come here.
Who are those people?
Boys...
What?
Who are you?
This is our town. Who are you?
Think of us as your friends.
Where are you from? - Mankulam, Tamizh Eelam.
What do you do there?
We are battling for our right to live.
Do you go to school?
Yes, we are in 5th grade.
We've been friends since we were kids.
Oh, so you are adults now?
Then, can you do us a favour?
Just little favours. I will pay you for it.
You don't have to do it often. Just do it when we need them?
Thank you so much.
On one condition - You need to tell us about the problem in your place.
Sure, I will.
Here you go, brother. - Thank you!
Bottle gourd...
Hello. - Here...
You've got bottle guard too?
Aren't you all friends?
We belong to different gangs.
You split into gangs while you are still children?
My father told me not to hang out with him.
Why?
His mother works at his house.
His father works at my house.
So what?
My father told me not to socialize with people who work for us.
He is wrong.
But my father said it!
Even your father can be wrong sometimes.
Listen...
His father works for your father. Maybe that's why he told you that.
Let us assume he is right.
What happens if your father ends up working for his father in the future?
Brother, how is that possible?
It is possible. It will happen!
Time can make anything happen.
He has the exact same rights as you do in this country.
He will expect to have the same level of dignity as you do.
There are no differences in humans.
All of us are one and the same.
Have you read Bharathiyar's works? What does he say?
'There are no caste differences, Oh Child. To boast about your clan is a sin.'
Always remember that.
If we Tamizhians decide to set aside our caste and religious differences...
and live as one human society...
no one in this world can do a thing to us!
I can call myself a Tamizhian with pride.
We shouldn't differentiate people under any circumstances...
and live in harmony.
I hope that happens in your generation.
If you agree, join hands with me.
You don't agree with me?
Think carefully.
Once you make a promise, you need to honour it till your death.
So many of us are ignorant about things even after we grow up...
but they learned important things at such an young age.
The wheel of time turned really fast.
They turned into men with broad shoulders and big moustaches.
Here, have you written it down? Don't forget to buy anything.
Here you go, little one. Open your mouth.
Aunt, taste this and see if it has enough salt and spice.
How would I know?
Ask your Grandma. She is the right person.
She is your mother-in-law. Not mine!
Mother, your granddaughter knows whose bread to butter!
My daughter-in-law might become her mother-in-law.
But as long as I'm still alive, I am the lady of the house!
Grandma, don't get complacent because your grandson abides by your word.
My father has asked us to change all the rusty old locks of the house.
When we change the locks, don't think you'll get the new keys.
It could go to my mother, or the girl who marries my brother.
You came here to pray. Don't try to instigate a fight here!
Let me taste.
I think it is low on salt and spice.
That is good enough!
You and your mother-in-law always say we should go easy on salt and spice after 40.
Sister-in-law, I think you should learn to handle this girl already!
I know what's on her mind...
but no one knows what's on his mind!
So, if I get him to say that he desires me...
you would get us married in the next auspicious date?
Make him say it!
I'll get you married to him right away!
Is that all? I'll get an answer today!
Let's leave after Meeran and Balan get here.
Okay, buddy.
We have guests at home!
Now no one will pay us any attention.
Shut it and drink up.
Then I can only pour it on my face!
In your house, the coffee and water tastes the same!
What is he staring at?
Oh dear!
They are watching the show from there!
Maybe this is what goes on in families of big people!
Buddy...
She isn't tidying up the house. She is putting on a show for you!
Okay!
That was one loud whistle!
Are you ogling at me?
Of course, who else is going to ogle at you?
If he really desires me,
instead of just ogling at me when I visit during festivals...
he can marry me and have me right next to him all the time.
Ogling at my prospective bride is one thing...
but marrying her is something else.
He is the chief's son, alright! He won't fall in her trap easily.
If you need to feel that, tell your parents and come to my town.
Let's get to know each other.
If you still don't like me...
we can go our own separate ways.
I wouldn't be surprised if she makes us all sleep outside the house tonight!
What she means is, go on a test drive.
If you like it, you can keep the car or you just leave it at the showroom.
Right?
Maybe it wasn't conveyed properly?
What are you doing!
What I meant was...
Buddy, wait!
What's going on here?
She says, "let's get to know each other"...
and you are going stiff too!
Please remember I am still here. I am not a robot--
Buddy, please don't...
I've seen watchful families, but I've never see a family that watches...
If I say another word, they'll cut my tongue off.
Look how they enjoy the show!
My Aunt's daughter is pretty, alright. Not just now...
I'm sure she will be pretty even at the age of 80.
But the thought of marrying her should come from within.
We shouldn't try to plant that thought. - He is one slippery fish!
Don't let you thoughts waver, and just obey your mother.
If we presume things and it doesn't happen...
it will get awkward within the family.
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Learn it from Grandma.
Go!
He likes to give advice more than go on adventures!
Sir, coffee.
Welcome, Sivakolunthu.
Sir...
Are you doing well? - I am, sir.
I've fixed my daughter's wedding. I need some money.
I went to your son, he told me he will talk to you about it.
So, he is your boss now?
It's not that... - I'm happy!
You've worked for me for 20 years now...
why did you go to my son?
Because I can talk to him without any hesitation.
Fine, I'm happy as long as something good comes out of it.
How much do you need?
I need about a lakh.
And for the rest? - I'll borrow it from others.
You take a loan from someone,
and you will have to slog and toil the rest of your life to repay his loan.
Do this...
Tell our accountant to give Sivakolunthu a cheque for 2 lakhs tomorrow.
You can collect it tomorrow. If you need more, come to me.
Thank you so much, sir. - You should thank my son!
The chief is here. Step aside.
Greetings, sir. - Greetings.
Sir...
Let's start. - Please.
Are all of you here? Let's get started?
Sure. - Here is the thing...
People who are interested in contesting in the local elections held every 5 years...
for the post of Town Chairman...
need to publicly announce their interest.
Mr. Devendran and Mr. Velappan choose one of the candidates...
who gets elected unopposed.
That is the custom we've followed in the last 15 years.
This time, the people from the Colony have expressed their
Who was that?
Now you have the guts to dare become our Leader?
Is this how you start a discussion?
How dare you raise your voice?
You want us to be subservient to you all our lives?
How dare you talk back at us?
Just shut up! - What are you saying?
Don't raise your voice. Sit down!
Shut your mouth. - You dare talk back at us?
Stop it, guys. Please remain calm.
Listen to me.
Calm down.
Please listen to me. Calm down!
I'm calm only because the chief is around.
Stop it!
I'm talking here, and no one is even listening.
What? - Karuppiah, be quiet.
Everything will be fixed if he shuts his mouth.
You people do all the talking, and you want us to just stay quiet.
I'm trying to be calm, but you are going overboard!
We were just talking. Why did you get aggressive?
As if things aren't heated up, you tried to hit him?
You want to start a riot here?
You are right!
We shouldn't have a problem, and start hitting each other.
I like it!
But what did you do just now?
Apologise to him.
Son...
Forgive me, Uncle.
Forget it, boy.
It's not like some stranger hit me. It was just you!
Look, people...
The town administration is functioning well under our current Chairman.
Let's not blow up the problem by bringing up elections at this time.
We have already decided he will be Chairman in the upcoming elections.
The Grand Festival is happening too...
so, let it go this time.
Let's talk about it during the next election.
He has a point.
What now? You should all leave!
Get going.
My son needs to learn diplomacy. - Yes, sir.
It isn't good if we let them go unchecked.
Since the town chief's son grew up without knowing caste disparity...
looks like he wants an inter-caste marriage.
Buddy, don't...
He is trying to provoke you. Don't fall for it.
Come...
Ignore him. - Let's go.
Here they are. Let's hear the story!
They compare her with all the beauty queens,
but we never know who is finally going to turn up!
The whole town has gathered to see her.
Why have you camped here like highway robbers?
Your bikes ran out of petrol?
Hey... - What?
Velappan's eyes look irritated at the sight of seeing us together.
We should pour some fuel into it and set it on fire.
What are you saying!
Fuel is so expensive these days, don't waste it!
What is his daughter's name?
Tamizh Selvi.
Tamizh Selvi or English Selvi... you are after her.
The day he sees it in person, his eyes are going to burn anyway!
You talk like our buddy has impressed her already!
He is worried that she isn't coming for the Grand Festival.
I am worried too.
But do I ever let it show? - What are you worried about?
Gajendran's wife isn't attending the Festival.
Isn't it wrong to talk about someone else's wife?
Isn't it wrong when a man marries someone else's lover?
Answer him. - He is tongue tied!
That isn't the problem now.
What is the problem?
That man goes to the town everyday and comes back to our village at 10am.
Yes...
When he comes in his Innova tomorrow, we are going to give him a shock.
What are we doing?
Look at our Clean India... it is so clean!
Haven't you gone to sleep yet?
If we go to sleep, the whole Government will go to sleep too, okay?
It's not like the Government is wide awake now!
Go.
What are you looking at? Go!
Look at this one.
Sir?
Sir, please get up.
You get drunk 365 days a year...
and sleep on some random person's patio instead of sleeping at home.
For the only fault of getting married to you...
they are going from temple to temple praying for a child.
You are of no use to anyone!
Get going. We will clean this place up.
Fine, that is your bed-sheet. Take it with you.
Look at the state of our country. - Spread out that flex banner.
This side up.
Lift it up.
Put it up properly without any wrinkles.
A little up. - Put it up neatly.
We should rock it tomorrow.
At tomorrow morning 10am...
the game begins.
Wait up, boys. Wait, wait!
Don't touch the plate.
Calm down! Calm down. - I want a chocolate.
Everyone gets one.
When did you come to town?
Just now. - Okay!
I'll give you chocolates now, but you shouldn't eat them and run away.
You wait here and when these curtains open...
all of you clap.
When the other side opens, you shower the rose petals and whistle.
What did I just say now? Always in a hurry!
Okay? - Okay, brother.
Here you go.
For me? - You don't get any.
Why isn't he here yet?
Brother, one for me. - I am not giving you one.
Why aren't you giving him anything?
We have some personal issues.
A grown up man has a problem with a little kid?
My lover's husband... - Gajendran.
This kid is his son.
Shut up now.
I told you not to give him anything.
Go away from here. Let me handle this.
Go to the next counter and collect the rose petals. Go on, go on.
Come on.
I meant this entire group... go to the next counter!
And I meant you... come here.
You are always in a hurry, just like your mother.
Wait, how will one be enough?
For your mother. - And my father?
Your father snatched my chocolate from me!
Go on...
Wait... - What?
Don't tell your father anything. He might just kill me!
Go and collect your petals.
Velappan is here.
We are going to shock him!
Everything should happen as we planned.
Wait and see how I timed it perfectly!
"Religion turns men into animals"
We are honouring Periyar the atheist, but she looks decked up like a holy deity!
You think this will work out?
If it's a good seed, it will bear fruit.
I have planted the seeds properly.
Let's add fertilizer and water it now.
Here. - Thanks, uncle.
Our buddy has such a big heart!
He wants to impress the kids too!
He is just hanging out with them because he couldn't answer his question...
You just don't get it! - What did you ask?
Well...
He said a good seed will bear fruit, he has already sown the seeds.
Do you get it? - No one gets him.
He spoke in riddles to make sure none of you get it.
He has approached Tamizh Selvi sometime...
you want a clarification on the when, what, and how... right?
Yes! - You need to ask him!
The girl is here.
We don't need to ask him. We can talk to her directly.
Dude, she is hot tempered.
She is nothing compared to me!
You are just inviting trouble! - Hold it!
Buddy, don't do it.
That girl is trapped now.
He is done for!
Oh dear!
Run away, guys. Quick.
What's going on? Why are you blocking all cars?
Well.. it's due to the Grand Festival, we are diverting cars to be parked there.
You can block the cars coming from outside town...
not our own cars.
Well... you can go ahead.
Be careful and behave yourselves.
Why have you brought me here?
What is all this?
You are going to narrate a colourful love story from your life.
So we are just setting the right mood for it!
It happened when I was still an adolescent.
Forget it...
The most interesting love stories happen in adolescence.
Out with it. - Buzz off!
Fine!
Remove these balloons.
He deserves that demo car. Call his granny!
Wait, I'll tell you!
No, I'm sure you are busy. You can leave.
Call her.
Buddy, I'll tell you.
There is a way to lock anyone!
Go ahead.
Why is he turning away?
I can't say it if you look at me this way.
Close the eyes.
Don't feel shy! Go ahead.
Hey... - What?
I meant close your eyes. - Let's close our eyes.
You should really feel it!
You just tell your story!
I was 13 years old...
You dare hit me?
What's going on there?
Run away!
Why are you still here? You've got your father's arrogance?
What's with the arrogant look?
It it because the militants hang out with you?
They don't hang out with us, we hang out with them.
No wonder you are full of mischief.
If the police find out...
you will be eating rocks at the juvenile prison.
We are ready for anything.
Why are your nostrils flaring?
You want to take their gun and shoot me down?
You should have been nipped at the bud. Your father didn't raise you well.
They only have unlicensed guns.
But I have a licensed gun.
If I ever see you upto some trouble again...
I'll shoot you above the knees.
People usually fight for their people against outsiders.
He is doing it the other way round.
The evolution of money has undergone several systems.
One of the first and earliest was the barter system.
The barter system is the exchange of goods or services without using money.
What?
I'll poke you!
You should fear me!
Teacher, he is threatening to poke my eyes with the compass.
No!
I don't spare people who mess with girls.
Especially when someone messes with my Tamizh Selvi.
Teacher!
Come here, boy.
What are you staring at? On your knees.
Sit down.
What? I'll kill you.
You think you are a big shot?
What?
Are you arrogant because your father's a big shot?
You know who I am?
I hang out with grown ups.
Don't come closer, or I'll smash your head with a stone.
You will complain to your father only if I hit or threaten you...
Don't cry.
I said don't cry.
Tamizh, no matter how arrogant you act now...
you will have to marry me eventually.
I'm sure you are furious with me. But you will come of age soon...
then your heart will long to see me.
I love you.
Buddy, Tamizh Selvi... - What about her?
Tamizh Selvi... - Yes?
Tamizh Selvi...
Slow down. Take a deep breath and talk.
Don't scare me!
Tamizh Selvi has come of age.
Really?
Tamizh Selvi has come of age. - Tamizh Selvi has come of age?
Tamizh Selvi has come of age!
Tamizh Selvi has come of age.
We shouldn't have closed our eyes...
we should have closed our ears instead.
Is that something one would do to a girl before she comes of age?
So, you assume that the girl has been thinking about you since that day?
What are you nodding for?
Stop living in your dreams, talk to her and find out if she actually loves you.
What if it turns into a problem?
Biriyani is nothing without meat.
Similarly, love is nothing without problems!
You don't hang around like this with the arrows under your armpit.
You fire them!
That's what makes you Cupid.
Muthu, are they your classmates?
Yes, they are from my college.
Ask they to sit properly.
Properly?
Buddy, uncross your legs.
Why?
Put your legs down. - Why?
So that when I go there to pour out hot water...
I don't trip on your leg and spill it on you.
You are absolutely right.
Hot water can scald our skin.
But it is our responsibility to make sure we don't spill it on anyone...
including ourselves.
Right? - Yes.
They are my college friends.
Greetings, brother. - Hello.
He is our Leader... the one I told you about.
He is the Leader, I'm the Commander.
He has told us a lot about you.
We have done a lot for the people here!
Not you... I meant him.
He really loves me. So he might have exaggerated a little.
Please sit down. - Okay, brother.
Tea? - Sure.
Brother, two teas. - Sure.
Muthu, here you go.
Wait a moment.
Where are our teas? - Here.
Serve this to them.
Now, make tea for us.
You people still haven't changed!
Please sit.
Serve this to them.
Here.
Uncle, what about you? - No thanks, we can take care of ourselves.
Fine!
Sit.
Just sit.
This isn't how you were sitting earlier.
Cross your legs.
Don't look at him!
We can cross our legs as we please.
For example... - There.
Yeah, consider Uncle.
If you want to cross your leg over his, you need his permission.
Who do you need to ask to cross your own legs?
Why should you ask?
Cross your legs.
Go on, buddy.
Uncle, you look angry.
We've been angry people for years. Let's stop it.
Let us be calm now.
If you continue being angry, you will develop medical ailments.
How are we going to find her in this crowd?
What?
How dare you trip our boss and just walk away?
Your boss? Who is that?
This guy?
He looks like someone who ran away from a task on Big Boss!
Why are you shouting?
We were just asking--
Boy...
If we let the kids talk, things will blow up.
Okay...
Let me introduce myself.
I am the contractor for the entire set-up here.
Oh yeah? - Oh yeah!
Oh wow! I thought so!
I should just ask him.
You come here. - Here I come.
Well...
Are they locals or from outside the town?
Hey! - What?
What 'set-up' are you talking about?
I meant I am the contractor for the entire set-up for the Grand Festival.
Oh I see! - What?
You should have been more clear.
It is getting conveyed wrongly to young men like me!
I am the owner for this entire property till the Grand Festival ends.
Get it?
But that isn't the only reason he is here. There is another reason, too.
Our boss has a childhood crush from his school days.
She is the only one in his heart all these years.
Our boss used to... - Shut up!
Look...
don't bump into anyone else here like you bumped into me.
Because, this is my area.
Watch out. - You too.
He is going to invite trouble.
They come to work in our town and show off in front of us?
We have more important things to do.
Let's sort them later.
Did you see the music band players? - There they go...
That gang over there. Get them.
The other four guys dance to his tune!
Wonder where our buddy's girl is...
Hello? - Yes...
I spotted your girl. - Where?
I'm near the hall. - I'm coming.
You scared me for a second there!
Grandma...
Your son looks hot, like a brand new groom!
Is this the age to think about a groom?
Go and pray!
I didn't come here to pray. First, buy me something.
What do you want? - Bangles, of course.
But you are already wearing so many bangles.
Even if she is wearing so much gold, getting glass bangles from him is special.
Grandma, you are such a troublemaker.
You are going to say a proverb, aren't you?
I've heard enough of them since I was a kid. Stop it!
Buy her bangles in all sorts of colours!
One moment. - What?
Here... - What is this for?
You needn't believe in it. Keep it for my sake.
Fine, apply it on me.
Okay now?
Go and buy some bangles.
See you. - Okay.
I knew it!
You girls are just hanging out doing nothing...
why don't you help us?
Why, your arms ache?
She is only asking our help for a good cause. Come on!
Careful.
Give it.
Girl, this isn't just about lighting them up.
If you light ten in a row without them going off...
any unfulfilled wish of yours will immediately come true.
Unfulfilled wish?
Things like 'I want to study well', 'I need to reach an important position',
Well, if you are even thinking about a man...
and you long to see him and talk to him...
when you finish lighting 10 lamps,
he would appear in front of you dressed in a silk shirt!
Look at her, she is at it already.
What is her wish?
Academics, Career, or the man in silk?
Talking about it will jinx it. Let her pray in peace.
Let her pray!
Where is she?
Look there.
Where?
I can still understand what you did as an adolescent...
But you're a grown man now, and this is going overboard.
Don't blame him. No one acts their age these days.
Can you see what she is doing now? - Why, are you blind?
Fine, tell us!
She needs to light 10 lamps in a row.
She has lit 9 in a row.
Yes.
Even someone who spent crores to launch a rocket wouldn't feel this nervous.
Oh, the tension!
All 10 lamps are burning so brightly!
Where is he looking?
Who is that guy?
He is the contractor for the entire set-up of the Grand Festival.
Slick his hair back, and he would hardly weigh 3 kilos...
but look at his swag!
Fine, but why is he entering my area?
He has already claimed this to be his area.
What do you mean? - I didn't mean your girl...
Apparently this area is his for the duration of the Festival.
Never thought someone like him would appear!
Wow!
Why did you put this on me now?
I'm just accentuating your good looks.
Okay, then!
I've seen him somewhere...
Did you give alms to him outside the temple?
No!
Where have I seen him?
Was he the one you were thinking about?
Why not!
Let's go!
Hi.
He is acting cocky because he is a local here.
I'll kill you. - Oh no!
We are off to an explosive start!
Looks like the seeds you planted haven't born fruit yet.
I'll be back.
Stop.
Do I still look like a school boy to you?
You think you can scare me easily?
Who is that?
I am not sure.
How would you know if you just stand here, fool?
Go and enquire.
Your threats won't work with me anymore.
If I expressed my love that way all those years back...
imagine how I would say it now!
What?
Shall I express my love for you again?
I can't hear properly.
I said, shall I express my love for you?
I can't hear you.
Shall I express my love for you?
Sorry...
Pass that.
What's this? - I forgot to charge my hearing aids.
I can't hear properly.
You can't hear?
Sorry, whatever it is, tell it to me the next time.
He will take a while to recover from that shock!
It's okay.
Even if you can't hear, I love you.
Oi...
Oh no!
Come here.
Is this the right time? Come here!
I'm done for.
She said she couldn't hear even when you were just inches away.
How would she hear when you are 10 feet away?
Even if she didn't hear it, her friends would have...
They will tell her later.
He thinks he is leaving her a voice message!
Come...
They used to say, "even if the chicken is blind, the gravy will taste treat."
Our buddy is one lucky man.
I still haven't recovered from the shock that she can't hear...
Don't say stupid things!
We know what goes on at homes after people get married.
The guys who act alpha in public turn out to be obedient men at home.
But Tamizh can't hear without her aids...
so our buddy can say whatever he wants... and she won't react to it.
He is so lucky!
What say, buddy? I'm talking to you...
He is missing!
What are you saying? - Where did he go?
Maybe her father saw him talking to her?
That man has a gun on him! Go and look around!
Why do you want to look for his gun? - Idiot, I meant look for our buddy!
Go and look there. - Go on.
He only came to pray! Where could he have gone?
Buddy, look in every lane. You come with me.
Buddy... - Wonder where he went.
Buddy...
Where are you?
Buddy...
Buddy?
Buddy!
Where are you?
Buddy... where the hell are you?
That way.
Buddy!
Did you find him? - Who nabbed him?
Buddy...
Look here.
I didn't nab him.
He was the one who nabbed me, and beat me up badly.
All you had to do was tell him, and he would have beat himself up!
He was hitting on my girl right in front of me!
I am sure I've seen you somewhere...
Why are you after my Tamizh Selvi?
Your Tamizh Selvi?
She is my girl.
You think she is your girl? - What should I do to him?
Hit him a couple more times?
If he ends up dying, the Festival will come to a stop!
Look... I don't care if something were to happen to me.
But if something were to happen to Tamizh Selvi...
Do it again?
No!
I don't spare people who mess with girls.
Especially when someone messes with my Tamizh Selvi.
Teacher!
Aren't you Arumugam The Goat?
You are the boy who told on me to the teacher for that girl!
Wait...
you are the boy who threatened to stab her eye?
I am that boy. - And I am that boy!
What happened, buddy? - These guys!
Slow down. - Listen...
What?
I came here today to see her after several years...
Hit him!
If we let him go, he would keep coming back.
Sort him out
Wait, I'll walk with you. - Lift him up.
Be gentle, you might rip my under-shirt!
Drop him in trash can and beat him up!
Tamizh Selvi!
I don't care if he loads his set-up inside the lorry after the Festival...
make sure the lorry carries his body.
Tamizh Selvi! My Tamizh Selvi. - Shut up!
See...
He is uttering her name like she is his long term lover!
Punch him in the mouth.
Let's leave.
Buddy?
Wait!
You thought you could run away?
So, you would only sit at the tea shop with crossed legs?
Just because you are in college, you think you are a big shot?
Maybe your townsfolk would put up with it...
but you show your arrogance in our town?
You want to see our arrogance now? Shall I show you?
You want to see?
Don't spare him.
He shouldn't get away.
You think everything is done because I'm behind bars?
Don't be cocky because he is next to you.
Even if it takes 10 years, I won't die till I take your life.
I believe you might do it even if it costs you your life.
But you can't say it in a police station.
I don't care if it's you or them...
anyone who tries to mess around with weapons...
will end up behind bars, just like this.
Sign this. - Here?
Here, sir.
Collect the FIR copy in the evening. - Okay, sir.
Thank you, sir. - See you.
They might be from another town...
but they are distant relatives of ours.
Make him understand.
What happened?
Those guys were from Paramathiveloor.
They are distant relatives for you too.
So what?
We should have kept the boy in check when he was acting cocky in our town.
If we had done that, he would have behaved properly when he went out.
But we encouraged his behaviour... what do you expect when he steps out?
And those guys came to sort him out.
No one is dead.
It was just a fight.
A brave man would have struck back.
But you went to the police instead!
Withdraw the case for my sake.
I'm asking you!
Let's invite the elders from their town, and make sure nothing happens to Muthu.
Tell him, sir.
Son... - Father?
I don't want to ever disobey you.
They came to kill Muthu...
If I had got there 2 minutes late, Muthu would be dead by now.
Someone who came to just fight wouldn't have carried knives.
We have six witnesses here.
The complaint has already been filed.
We are not going to withdraw it for anyone.
The law will take it from here.
Only one of the sides work in these headphones.
Please fix it for me. - Okay, ma'am.
See you.
Mr. Trash Collector...
looks like your business has really grown?
Looks like you are angry early in the morning?
You started off selling mobile batteries, and you are repairing hearing aids today...
That is growth, right?
Hearing aids?
Didn't that lady just give you her hearing aids?
Those are headphones.
Did she ask you to say that?
We know everything. Both her speakers are gone!
If she heard what you said, your speakers would be gone!
See for yourself.
He says these are headphones!
What do you want?
You said you couldn't hear me yesterday...
so I came to say it now.
What?
What are you saying?
You can't hear, right?
How come you heard me now?
Why are you so petrified!
These are yours, right?
I've charged it to full. Put them on.
Go on!
You will hear just fine now!
Put them on.
From now, you will only hear my favourite love songs on your hearing aids!
Enjoy!
You shouldn't stop listening. Go on.
It's alright...
Even if you can't hear, I love you!
'O Unspoken Language! O Unfallen Dew! O Unbloomed Garden!'
'Your gaze uproots me from my core; It plays games with my soul.'
'O Lightning Bolt! When you inch closer... My heart resounds with thunder.'
'I'm like a colourful moon in the sky; And you're the fire that engorges me.'
'O Unspoken Language! O Unfallen Dew! O Unbloomed Garden!'
'When you pass me by, I feel tense; You're a captivating presence.'
'When our eyes speak, I go weak; You're an electrifying breeze.'
'My love, I turn into a prayer; So you may descend upon me like a boon.'
'My dear, I turn into colours; So you may rub me all over yourself.'
'O Unspoken Language! O Unfallen Dew! O Unbloomed Garden!'
'Your gaze uproots me from my core; It plays games with my soul.'
'O Lightning Bolt! When you inch closer... My heart resounds with thunder.'
'I'm like a colourful moon in the sky; And you're the fire that engorges me.'
Breaking news.
The date for the highly anticipated local elections has been scheduled for 17th December...
in one phase across the entire state of Tamizh Nadu.
The dates for filing nominations are from Nov 27th to Dec 4th
Son...
It's more important to be wise rather than act out of haste.
She is a girl child. She is likely to be a little stubborn.
They don't respect other people.
They only believe what their hearts want.
Sometimes, accepting their choices is the right decision...
Both for their sake, and for our own honour.
Did Devendran and you get into an argument or something?
You both were so close to each other.
What started as a fight at the local elections hasn't been resolved yet.
15 years back, you went to file your nomination.
He came to file his nomination too.
You didn't express your political ambitions to each other.
You guys fought...
and that ended your friendship.
"When the village gets split, the circus have a field day!"
Someone who is supposed to obey our orders became the Leader!
You can't just let that continue, can you?
What now, Father?
What do you expect me to do?
All said and done, our caste is the most important thing.
As long as we live in this town, we should be the ones ruling it.
I don't need to explain it to you...
Devendran isn't an outsider.
Think carefully and make the right decision.
Mr. Velappan wants to talk to you.
Get a chair. - Okay.
Tell me.
Uncle?
Son, it's just...
People have spotted you hanging out with his daughter.
They have started saying things.
If we do nothing about it, we would only be feeding the rumour mill.
People will assume the worst!
That isn't good for both our families.
So we talked and decided to put it out while it's still a little spark.
She has 8 more months to complete her MBA.
Both of you need to be a little patient till then.
After maybe 5 to 6 months...
we will get you two engaged on an auspicious date.
Her happiness is more important than my wish.
If you mean happiness to her, why would I come in the way?
Whatever we discussed needs to stay within the three of us.
Because when we plan a happy event...
we should do it immediately, and not postpone it.
If not, random people will offer their opinion and ruin everything.
Let's tell everyone when the time is right.
Can I atleast tell Tamizh Selvi?
As long as you two don't tell it to anyone else.
Okay, Father.
I'll take leave. - See you.
Your brother will be there? - Yes, I told him.
Greetings!
Hello. - Please don't mistake me...
You are no different to him. Both of you are my friend's brothers.
We trust your word.
We aren't contesting in the elections to rule over the people in power.
We just want to set an example to our kids...
that we don't just have equal rights as anyone else to live here...
but also equal rights to lead others.
Let's plant the seeds for that in our own town next time!
We are here for you.
I am here!
My buddy said it, this is the last time my brother will contest in the elections.
I'll make sure of it, okay?
Yes.
Because we promised to deposit money in every one's account.
Greetings, sir. - Greetings.
Where is your nomination? - Hand it over.
Why are you clutching onto it? Give it!
Here, sir.
The elections in your town are always unopposed...
You are going to be the Chairman!
We will declare the results after the nomination deadline.
Thank you, sir. - Congratulations.
Come on.
Greetings, Leader. You think you will win the election unopposed, as usual?
Election is all about wining the contest.
You will have a contest now!
Here...
Here, Father.
Uncle, we have had the post for 10 years now.
Let them have the post this time?
Uncle, is the coffee sweet enough?
My niece is really affectionate towards her uncle...
the coffee is a little extra sweet!
Hear that?
First learn to add the right amount of sugar in coffee...
and how much salt to add in food.
You can talk politics after that.
Why are you taking out your anger on her?
You won all these elections unopposed.
But now you have to contest, and there might be problems.
She is just worried for you!
You can't... - Mother!
I didn't mean just her.
It applies to all women here.
You manage the households.
We will take care of the country.
Let's go, ladies. Let them handle everything by themselves!
Why are you speaking so rudely?
A posting is no small thing!
Do you know the amount of politics involved in it?
You'll know only when you have held the post!
But you are only talking about your family issues instead of the real issue at hand.
What do you want me to do?
If Devendran and Velappan get together, we can't do a thing!
You know that as well as I do.
We had the post for the last 15 years, thanks to their rivalry.
Now if they suddenly decide to come back, we should just step aside?
This isn't their family property!
If they come back, we will have to abide by them forever.
Fine, you have filed your nomination now...
let's think about how you can win it now.
They are the majority here.
If we need to win against them, we need make sure we rally together...
and get the votes of all other communities.
How do we do that?
As long as my brother Ilamaaran and his friends, including the chief's son are with us...
we can do it.
Because they have hypnotized the town into believing caste and religion doesn't exist.
Today, their word is very influential.
We should turn that into votes!
It's nothing, son...
I wanted to talk to you about Velappan.
I know you have frequent clashes with him.
But...
I know that he is angry with me and taking it out on you.
Right or wrong...
you like his daughter.
You did it of your own free will.
And he came to us by himself and proposed the marriage alliance.
You will become his son-in-law.
You can choose to be supportive of his activities, that is up to you.
But you should never oppose him for anything.
If you go ahead and oppose him...
you can forget that girl.
Buddy, I wonder if Periyar was against politics and elections because he knew...
that people would fight each other over posts?
This isn't the time to be funny!
Sometimes, the most serious of issues makes us laugh!
What's the problem now?
We've never gotten along with Velappan.
But after he fell in love with Tamizh Selvi, she has become a sister to us.
Her father is like a father to us!
It is brother versus father!
It doesn't matter who wins... victory will still be ours!
Saamy, Meeran and yourself should go and work for your father.
The three of us will work for my brother.
It's that simple!
Don't talk like you know better!
What he says is right...
Do you know how many families have split because of politics?
Why are you getting all serious?
We should enjoy everything we do.
First, you three should go and garland Mr. Velappan.
The three of us will go and garland my brother.
Go!
He said it. Let's go.
We will do whatever it takes to get that girl married to you.
You only worry about your problem!
That isn't my problem, it's actually your problem!
Till the elections, we are on different teams.
Let's see who wins it. - See, it's getting serious!
Take it easy, buddy.
This is just like us splitting into teams to play a game of Kabbadi.
This is not a game. This is politics.
Fine, but let's still play it like a game!
'Wield that whip, wield that whip; As your handcuffs come undone.'
'Go for the gold, go for the gold; The universe will wave your flag.'
'May all our hearts; Seek a selfless life!'
'Change is here, change is here; Humanity will win.'
'May all our hearts; Seek a selfless life!'
'May the future generations; Live without prejudice!'
'The dirty games played by some men; Quakes the world like it were a toy.'
'In the gamble of the tricksters; The poor people weep and wail.'
'Born of Tamil blood, you're my brother; We're a team, you're no stranger.'
Hello, madam. Please vote for him.
We will vote for whoever you tell us to.
'Come on, my Tamil brother; Let us join hands and come together.'
'Letting go of our enmity; We must join in the spirit of unity.'
'Justice is one side, law on the other; And yet we only face disappointment.'
'When our eyes and hearts see the truth; We will no longer be dazed.'
'What is a life, without daily struggles? We must wipe those tears.'
'We will all return to dust one day; Come together in love to become immortal.'
'Born of Tamil blood, you're my brother; We're a team, you're no stranger.'
'March on, fearlessly! The warfield beckons.'
'May all our hearts; Seek a selfless life!'
'May the future generations; Live without prejudice!'
'Walk past caste like it were rubbish; Till the day you die, rise and fight.'
'Retrace the path to what's right; To bring progress, rise and fight.'
'Born of Tamil blood, you're my brother; We're a team, you're no stranger.'
'March on, fearlessly! The warfield beckons.'
'Come on, my Tamil brother; Let us join hands and come together.'
'Letting go of our enmity; We must join in the spirit of unity.'
'My Tamil brothers!'
After the final counting of votes at the local body elections in Krishnarayapuram...
Mr. Velappan has won the elections by a difference of 4600 votes.
Buddy, we won!
No one can win against us! You tried to contest against us?
Buzz off!
Mind your tone.
Hit him! He talks too much.
You dare hit us?
Why are you guys fighting?
Wait! - Balan, see what's going on.
Guys, stop it. - Don't fight.
Listen, stop it guys.
What's going on? Step aside!
What happened to you, buddy? Listen to me!
Step aside... - Stop it, guys.
Balan...
Balan!
Balan... - Oh no!
He is caught red handed. Don't spare him!
Balan, look at me!
I didn't do anything.
Balan...
Go away...
Balan!
Just go.
Throw him away.
Balan... - Go away.
Go away! - He stabbed him.
Go away, guys.
I didn't do it.
Listen to me!
Go away!
Balan...
BALAN!
Go on.
Get in.
Get in...
'GET ANGRY FOR THE RIGHT THINGS'
Cell number 28 - Azhagesan.
Cell number 71 - Velu.
Cell number 18 - Velladurai.
Cell number 56 - Shanmugam.
Cell number 56 - Karunthamalai.
Cell number 8 - Nagarajan.
Buddy...
I had small arguments with him over the elections.
But you think I'd kill him for that?
I swear on Allah, I don't know how the knife got to my hands.
Believe me.
Brother, can't you hear them announcing your name?
You have visitors.
How are you?
I'm getting by.
Father didn't come?
He has gone with Velappan to see a lawyer.
Has Balan been cremated?
The town has split into two groups.
People who play caste politics have poured into our town in numbers.
There are police everywhere.
But no one dared come into our home.
Our kin are guarding Velappan's house and our house all the time.
What is the situation now?
Only after the visitors left after Balan's burial has order been restored in our town.
The police haven't arrested you to keep you under custody.
They actually saved your life!
Your father thinks it is better if you remain in prison for some days.
You think I am capable of murder?
I can't accept the fact that Balan is no more.
Buddy...
Hey, buddy...
What happened?
We wanted to create a society with no caste or religious disparities.
I wanted us to be the seeds for change.
But they have shattered our dreams...
and buried us too.
'Young Prince!'
'You made a horse from clay; And set out into the river.'
'It's dissolving in the water, Young Prince!'
'You made a needle of gold; And pricked your own eye with it.'
'It's hurting you deeply, Young Prince!'
'All that you valued and cherished, Is going out of your grasp.'
'Your pain is perpetual, Young Prince!'
'The sky is your friend now; It cradles you gently.'
'Your pain has turned into pleasure.'
'Your ideas have become infinite; Just like you.'
'Don't hesitate, it is nearly dawn.'
'You melted your heart and made a statue; You gave it the name of friendship.'
'Young Prince!'
'The times we playfully ate dust; Have been buried in the dust.'
'Young Prince!'
'For pelting a stone at a honeycomb, What's the price one must pay, Young prince?'
'For rubbing salt on the wound; What's the price one must pay, Young Prince?'
This is what great men do!
If both these chiefs get together, we can fly our caste flag proudly!
Congratulations!
Welcome, son.
What is all this, Uncle? - Stay quiet!
What you did is no ordinary feat.
Henceforth, you are our clan's deity!
Lift our deity!
Tell them to let go of me.
They won't let go of him now!
They will smear sandalwood on him and make him a deity.
They won't stop till they build a statue and let the crows soil it.
We just got out on bail for a murder case.
But they are happily taking us on a parade like we won Olympic medals.
Hey...
Why?
Go to the back.
I said, go back!
You... come to the front.
Sit near your brother.
There is so much chaos in the village already...
This is the last thing we need now!
They are parading them around like idols on a chariot!
We finally managed to get our son-in-law released.
I heard the boys gathered out there on the streets?
You thought they'd be hiding in their homes?
Times have changed.
What actually happened?
Who knows!
Meeran swears on Allah he didn't do it.
Someone has planned to instigate a caste riot in our town.
I can understand why they did it, but I don't know who did it.
Even you don't know it?
Looks like you might just say I did it, and get me arrested.
They have accused me of instigating this, and included my name in the case yesterday.
Don't get me into further trouble.
If the verdict is in their favour...
I will be given a life sentence with the other boys.
Then I'd have to eat rocks in prison for the rest of my life.
No one knows what fate has in store for them.
We determine our own fate.
We shouldn't allow anyone else to determine it.
Listen...
You don't know the facts, so keep quiet.
You are saying I don't know my facts?
You keep saying that to shut up elders like me.
Know one thing...
I am 72 years old.
I have faced problems several times the magnitude of the ones you have faced.
This is how things work from now...
I don't care who makes the decisions concerning the issues in our town.
But when it concerns my grandson, I make the decisions.
Why are you creating a ruckus now?
What do you want me to do?
My grandson needs to get married immediately.
He isn't in the right mental state.
That is exactly why I proposed his wedding.
What she says is right.
With the police, murder case, and prison... unfortunate things have happened.
Instead of us feeling bad about it...
if there is a happy event in the family, everyone will feel a whole lot better.
Get it?
Call your aunt.
Tell her to bring her daughter here on an auspicious day.
I said, call her!
The whole house looks glum, like we are bereaved.
The point of life is to find happiness.
I'm scared!
You look scary in person, you don't need a mask!
You think a cat wearing a tiger mask becomes a tiger?
How can you raise your hand at the girl you're going to marry.
She will raise her hand after marriage, that's okay?
What?
We were just talking about your marriage.
What are you thinking?
We won't take any decision without consulting with you.
Don't hesitate. Tell me.
Are you out of your mind, asking me to give an answer in front of her?
You call yourself an elder?
I am already so worried not knowing what's going to happen.
You are making it worse!
Have all of you eaten?
Let's talk about these things later. You should all eat first.
It's time for food!
Serve food to everyone. Go on.
Lakshmi, take everyone inside.
Son-in-law, let's talk about everything after we eat. Go on.
Come on.
Grandma...
Stop!
Go in.
Go inside. - Ragini, wait.
I'm leaving, Grandma.
Okay...
Grandma, let me say one thing...
His future wife may get a share in his room...
But only I get a share in your room.
If anyone dares asking for a share...
I'll yank her hair and rip her apart.
Why are you crying like a little kid?
"He will say something and try to change your mind."
"But you should be stubborn"
I warned you, didn't I?
But you've just nodded at everything he said, like an innocent little lamb.
Grandma, he looks at me like I'm his child.
Did you notice the way he treats me?
He behaves just like my father.
He is very affectionate towards me.
But that isn't enough for marriage.
He needs to love me too, right?
He desires someone else.
You don't want both our lives to be ruined, do you?
I thought you were still a little kid.
I won't tell anyone you cried.
You shouldn't tell anyone either.
Because your daughter thinks you are a tough lady.
We must maintain that image.
Oh, shush!
I'll see you, Grandma.
I'll go to the Union Office and be back.
Eat and stay right here. - Okay.
Coffee.
Keep it there.
What happened?
What is it, brother?
It's going to be one year since Balan died.
The party members met Balan's brother and have proposed
a grand celebration in commemoration of his death anniversary.
Everyone has an opinion. Don't listen to them!
We need to fight for ourselves.
We can't just stop with a Memorial Poster.
We need to commemorate it it with a grand ceremony.
Next year, we will erect a statue in his honour.
I think we shouldn't rush into anything.
Balan's death is the spark our community needed.
We shouldn't let it die.
The spark should burn bright, and the light should liberate our community.
We shouldn't let it go.
What are you thinking?
This is a local problem.
We don't need outsiders to get involved.
You want me to do nothing?
Balan died for us.
Putting up Memorial Posters in his remembrance isn't enough.
The best way we can remember him is by killing the one who killed him.
Forget it, it's not in our hands.
If something is meant to happen, it will. - I can't just go with the flow.
You think holding my hand would fix everything?
It will.
Yesterday is the past.
Tomorrow is the future.
Only the present is real.
Be happy atleast when you are with me.
'O Story Ocean, O Stormy Ocean! Will my eyes ever be dry again?'
'This love between you and me; Is deeper than the deepest sea.'
'You are the rain to my drought; You bathed my soul, too.'
'Our hearts will bring about a change; Time will stop still just for us.'
'O Floral Breeze! O Floral Breeze! You are grazing a new blossom.'
'Like a burning dew drop on a cool night; You trickle down and warm my heart.'
'Seeing the twisted branch of a banyan tree; His riddles make sense to me.'
'I have never lost to anyone; But with you it's finally happening.'
'Are you my man for this birth and the next? Are you the one who will chafe my cheeks?'
'You beautiful creation of atoms; I am all yours, my lady.'
'O Story Ocean, O Stormy Ocean! Will my eyes ever be dry again?'
'This love between you and me; Is deeper than the deepest sea.'
Is it our buddy?
Yes, buddy?
Tamizh Selvi is praying. I will be there.
Good, so we will watch a movie and be back?
I'll be there in 10 minutes. - Yeah, sure!
All the guys in love get their friends to be lookouts!
Buddy...
I think those four guys in that Sumo have been looking at us for a while...
Just take a look.
Tell me.
A group of people have been watching us.
For how long?
Dude... - Hello?
Can you hear me?
I can hear you, buddy.
Both of you get your bikes started.
You drop Tamizh at her home.
I will take care of Meeran.
Okay, buddy.
Tamizh, hurry up.
Go!
Go, go.
Quick!
Oh no, they are here.
Turn right, turn right.
Faster!
I said, right! - Take left, take left.
Oh dear, they are re-routing me!
Oh no, why is the bike slowing down when I try to accelerate?
Go faster.
They are here.
Those girls have left me behind and just disappeared!
I came to save their lives, but looks like I'm going to lose mine!
Go, go, go.
Yes? - They are after me.
You guys escaped leaving me behind!
They are following us! How can they get you?
They are chasing you?
Welcome. - You fools!
With a married couple on board, why did you drive so fast?
Thank God. I thought I was a goner for sure.
I said they are chasing us, but you are happy you survived?
I was alone, so I feared for my life.
Our buddy is with you, you have nothing to fear!
His posture looks menacing.
Go and thrash him.
Stop!
We came for the other guy...
don't get in the way and end up dying!
If you wish to live, just run away.
That isn't just a log there.
That's a boundary line.
Only the brave should cross it.
Let's see if all your bravery is any match to my guts!
Come on!
Get him, guys!
Butcher him.
Don't spare him.
Get him.
Kill him.
Buddy...
I know who sent you here.
Go and tell him...
I dare him to kill me first, and then go after Meeran.
'MLA's Office, UPPIDAMANGALAM'
Forget it, Leader. This was just the first attempt.
Next time, we will plan it properly and get him.
You worked so hard to make me an MLA.
You think I'd do nothing to someone who defeated you?
I wouldn't have cared if we had lost the votes.
But we lost a life.
They took the life of someone who worked for me.
They pretended like caste doesn't matter, and finally played the caste card.
They knew a problem would arise if one of their people did it...
so they made that guy a scapegoat.
If we get them now...
the entire town will be destroyed due to caste riots.
But we should get the ones who took up arms for them...
to make these people fear us.
Is that all? Consider it done.
We will make sure no one will ever take up arms for them.
We can't just go out there and kill somebody.
We need to time it to perfection.
Don't worry. We will get him.
Okay, sir.
Let's leave.
The Chairman knows caste riots can destroy his entire town.
So he is in a dilemma.
He might worry for his town.
We needn't.
Keep watching his town...
we might need it during the elections.
One doesn't need to be in jail to be imprisoned.
He can't step out of our house and these streets.
This is imprisonment too.
His only mistake was hanging out with you guys.
It is going to be a year since that boy died.
My heart is constantly pounding in fear...
that they might attack my son in retaliation.
Picking up arms against the enemy isn't hard.
But picking up arms is against Allah's command. It goes against the word of God.
What is it, son?
What are you thinking about?
Nothing, Father.
Listen...
It isn't wrong to share your thoughts with your own father.
Don't hesitate. - Well, Father...
I don't know what to do.
One one side, this court case is dragging on.
Balan's brother told the police that Meeran had the knife.
Then, Meeran's life is in grave danger too.
The Chairman and Balan's brother are hell-bent on killing him.
Meeran fears for his life, and doesn't step out of his street.
Son, don't try to address all problems simultaneously.
You can only fix them one-by-one.
We can't do anything about the ongoing case.
But I will take care of dismantling the witnesses.
At the court, sometimes, lies get passed off as truth.
We shouldn't get trapped in it.
The case will go on for several more years.
Let's take care of it later.
Meeran is currently safe inside his house.
No one can get to him easily.
The issue you need to address immediately is...
your marriage.
I'm not saying this because you are being pressurized here at home.
I'm saying this because of the girl's situation.
You are right, Father.
I need to fix these issues one-by-one.
She is capable of handling any problem she faces.
Because she loves me more than I love her.
The issue that needs to be addressed immediately is not my marriage.
It's the threat to Meeran's life.
Are you showing off?
Your brain stops working when you get angry.
I know that, and that's why I didn't try reasoning with you.
You are itching to kill Meeran thinking he is the one who killed Balan.
But I am looking for the person who actually killed Balan.
Balan was a friend of Meeran and I since childhood.
He spent more time with us, than he spent with you.
Imagine the pain we felt when we lost him.
Please understand.
We can find out who did it only if we get together.
You talk well.
"We are sons of Periyar."
"We have no caste or religion."
You said all those things, got one of your friends killed...
and made your Father-in-law the leader.
And now you are crying crocodile tears?
I'm saying, without knowing who actually did it...
don't act in haste and end up killing another innocent person.
I have my doubts on a few people.
But I don't want to point fingers at anyone without having proof.
What are you saying? - I didn't mean you!
Calm down. - Son...
I might even trust your father.
But I don't trust you.
A crime did happen.
But before we find out who is behind it...
don't commit another crime again.
If something does happen...
none of you will sleep peacefully ever again.
Did he just apologize to us...
or threaten us?
I don't know either!
'First Death Anniversary R.Balan'
Balan joined our gang because he didn't believe in caste either.
Today, he is the face of caste.
This is what all caste people do.
They bury the ideals of the dead person...
and attribute their own ideals to the dead person.
They make the dead person a martyr, garland his idol... and they become kings!
Most people want to get rid of caste and religious discrimination...
and live in peace as equals.
But the people indulging in caste politics push caste narratives...
and are stopping the ones who want to change.
I don't care what anyone does...
but Balan will always be on our side.
Today marks the first anniversary of his death.
I'm going to pray for Balan in the morning.
Offer your prayers and go back home. Don't stray around.
If we stay safe for one more day, we can slowly solve this problem.
What?
Are you going home? - Yeah.
I'll come with you.
Who is that?
Buddy...
is that you?
What are you doing, guys?
Please let go of me.
I am all my mother has. Please listen to me.
After everything you've done...
you dare bring him to lecture us?
Kill him.
Maaran!
Don't let him get away.
Come on, guys.
Don't spare him.
Come on...
Guru, kill him.
Come on!
He has escaped to the roads. Kill him!
Don't let him get away.
He shouldn't leave this place alive.
Die!
ALLAH!
Kill him.
They are butchering him!
They are killing him.
Murder!
Murder...
Maaran...
I swear on Allah...
I didn't kill Balan.
Let's leave.
Before the blood on the knife dried...
the killers went to the police and turned themselves in.
The whole town was shaken up.
The police arrested the men who surrendered themselves.
The court cancelled the bail awarded to the chief's son and Saami.
They were sent to prison again.
The guys who committed the second murder got out of prison after doing 7-8 months.
The leader's son who went to prison again...
is getting released on bail today.
Tomorrow is the third anniversary.
People have locked themselves up in their homes, clutching onto their lives...
worried about who the next victim might be when it dawns tomorrow.
What do you think will happen? - I don't know.
All the chief's kith and kin have gathered at his house to welcome the son.
The chief's son is still boiling with anger...
because they killed Meeran despite his repeated pleadings.
You think the chief's son will just let it go?
Brother, don't overthink it. They killed your close buddy.
If we don't do anything about it, they will stop fearing us.
It's not good if they stop fearing us.
We are the people who tamed raging bulls.
We are lions with horns!
Maaran, don't worry.
Let them come at us, we will show what we are capable of.
Even a wildfire goes out when there is no wind.
I wonder who started this fire.
It has destroyed the peace in our town, year after year.
I wonder who started this caste riot.
I wonder how many lives it will claim before this fire gets put out.
Where are you off to? - I'm going to see Ilamaaran.
You are not going anywhere. Go inside and sleep.
Brother, all his kith and kin have gathered there to protect him through the night.
Please understand this... they are the majority here.
They are the sharks that wouldn't think twice before consuming smaller fishes like us.
Wait!
If you dare step out of the house...
we won't be alive when you get back.
Go and sleep.
Brother, how could be so insensitive?
Ilamaaran has his big group of kith and kin to support him.
But we only have you.
What do you want me to do? - Go back to bed.
You can see anyone you want to in the morning.
Not now.
I am really happy that you people care about me.
I don't know how I could ever thank my kith and kin...
who came to my support when I had a problem.
I have no idea how this problem blew up and got the whole town involved...
and became a caste problem.
Please don't take this the wrong way.
This problem is between 6 of us who grew up together, thick as thieves.
If our kith and kin get involved...
it will blow up the issue further more.
Please don't take it the wrong way, and leave.
Let me handle this.
You might take this lightly because they were your friends...
but if we let them get you, they might come for us tomorrow.
Uncle, this is my problem. Leave it to me.
How can you say that?
Let them come, we are going to slit their throats anyway.
Stop!
If you end up protecting my life...
they will claim I hid behind my relatives.
I am brave enough to face them alone.
Leave this to me.
Calm down, everyone.
Calm down.
He just claimed he can take them alone. Let's go!
Let's see what he does tomorrow.
Leave, everyone.
Stop it, everyone. Stop it.
The chief's family said they can take care of themselves.
Leave now.
Yeah, why should we get involved unnecessarily?
You heard him. Get going.
Let's wait till dawn and see what happens!
Let's leave, guys.
He sent his relatives away.
He thinks he can take us on all by himself.
I don't care if he comes alone or comes as the ten-headed Ravanan...
let's put an end to things today.
You guys leave. We can handle it.
What are you saying?
We got them last time.
This time, they will definitely come to get us.
We are not playing a game of Mancala!
This is not a turn based game, where we wait for our turn!
We are talking about murder!
Who said we can't attack them again?
This is a conflict between friends.
It's not a big problem. We can put an end to it.
We will do it...
But not all of us.
We just need the same guys who got Meeran...
because we already have cases against us.
Let's not drag anyone new into this mess.
He sent his relatives back.
If I have a big army, he will think I fear him.
So you should all leave. We can handle this.
If you send us away, you would have no protection.
The two of us can protect an entire town.
We don't need protection.
Leave.
I just told you. Leave, everyone.
Here.
Father... - Yes?
What is it? - Poor guy...
They are losing their sleep, and we are losing our minds!
Ask them to leave. - Life...
It's a matter of life!
There are two things money can't buy in this world - our parents, and our life.
If we lose them, they are gone forever.
We shouldn't end up dying because of false bravado!
If he didn't do anything, why is he protecting himself?
Why should an innocent man be afraid?
Those proverbs are outdated!
They used to say you can tell a good man from a bad one by looking at his face.
You think you can tell a good man from a bad man by looking at his face today?
No way.
Everyone has a false face.
This is the world we live in today.
You can't say someone is guilty just because he is hiding in fear.
So, you are saying your father-in-law is a good person?
Why are you jumping into conclusions?
I still have my doubts...
I'm just saying let's not presume he is the one.
Not just him, we shouldn't make assumptions about anybody without proof.
What is it, son?
Why are you two sitting out here after sending everyone away?
What's your plan?
Someone is surely getting killed before dawn tomorrow.
But unlike what everyone thinks, it isn't going to be one among four of us.
It will be the person responsible for all of this.
What are you saying?
You are saying someone is responsible for all of this?
I need to you something.
It happened when we were in prison.
Ilamaaran... Saami, get up.
Come on!
What is it? - Ilamaaran...
I made a mistake... I made a mistake!
What happened?
Ilamaaran...
I took out all my rage on him.
I can still see him in front of my eyes.
I saw his life slowly depart his body...
as he stared at me without blinking for a second.
A dying man wouldn't lie.
He repeatedly said he didn't kill Balan, as his life departed.
Please forgive me.
Don't cry.
Buddy, please forgive me.
Carefully think about what happened.
The whole town has split into two groups.
But our friends were the only ones who died.
Guess what would happen if this continues...
In the next four years, he would kill him...
then you would kill him.
Then I would kill you.
Finally, someone else would kill me.
Someone who doesn't like us...
by us, I don't mean 'us'.
No...
Someone who doesn't like our ideology.
They rightly guessed that they just need to get the ball rolling and things would fall along...
and killed Balan.
We held the same beliefs about religion and caste, but they created a rift between us...
and made us take up arms against each other.
Whoever came up with this plan...
we are not going to fall prey to it.
It should be him.
It's a good decision.
Anyone could have started it.
But I am glad that you guys talked to each other and sorted it out.
I thought you were still kids.
This is such a big issue...
But you stayed calm and composed without panicking or acting in rage.
It has given me hope that no one can easily fool the next generation.
You have sorted out all your problems...
Go and sleep peacefully.
Let's hope we wake up to a new dawn.
Just make sure that none of your friends lose their lives anymore.
That is the only thing I ask for.
Go to sleep.
I tried talking to Father several times in private...
he swears he has nothing to do with this issue.
Okay.
No one would do this if they have nothing to gain from it.
When the village gets split, the circus have a field day!
When there is a problem in town, the bigwigs stand to gain from it.
Our town only has three bigwigs.
Your father.
Velappan.
Ilamaaran's brother.
Father has nothing to gain from this.
Only Velappan stands to gain something.
But he swears his innocence on his own child.
So, did the Chairman hire people to kill a man who worked for him?
We negotiated with the Chairman to concede the post to Balan's brother next time.
Maybe he did this to scare people about the problems associated with it?
Turn left.
Brother...
Tell me the truth.
What's going on?
Who started this?
Either, you know about it.
Or...
you did it yourself.
Which of this is true?
You think I'm just pretending to be a good person?
After Father passed away, I didn't look at you as a brother.
I consider myself a father figure to you.
And you suspect me?
Everyone claims to be innocent!
Then who did it?
Has your father gone to bed? - Not yet.
If your father answers this one question...
we will have the answers to everything.
Tie him.
Quick.
Lift him up.
Careful.
I'll be right back.
Father...
What is it? Do you have any more questions?
Go ahead and ask me!
If one suppresses a thought because they can't question their own father...
it will continue bothering them.
Ask me. - Well...
you wanted to be the Town Leader.
So?
You think I'm the reason for this mess?
I didn't mean that...
but you gave up on your aspirations several years back.
You always say one should do something only if they know they are going to win.
Why did you suddenly decide to enter politics?
Who stirred those ambitions again?
Two people, actually.
The first person is your grandfather.
The other one...
you won't believe it...
You know who told my father to contest in the elections?
You won't believe it...
it was your father!
What are you saying?
I couldn't believe it either.
You father encouraged him to contest in the elections... and promised to make him win.
He believed he would win if his opponent vouched for him... and decided to get into politics.
I was so surprised when he told me.
What happened?
Are you still there?
What is it?
Whatever we discussed needs to stay within the three of us.
You might have had your problems with Velappan.
But you should never oppose him for anything from now.
I will take care of dismantling the witnesses.
It has given me hope that no one can easily fool the next generation.
Just make sure that none of your friends lose their lives anymore.
Buddy...
What is it, buddy?
Can you please go to my room?
What happened? - Don't scream!
Just go to my room.
Go on!
Go inside and lock the door.
Just go!
Uncle... - Yes, boy?
You look shocked!
You can't believe it?
Are you wondering if I am behind all these problems?
I am!
It was me.
You were just children.
You went to school together.
You grew up together.
You socialized together.
You didn't have any caste or religious differences and were close as family.
But...
does that really make you family?
You guys hung out together, that's fine...
but why did you preach equality across the people of our town?
You guys thought you were the next big reformer, like Periyar or Bharathiyar?
You thought if a bunch of small fries go around preaching equality...
you could unite this town?
What do you know about caste?
It's our prestige.
Our honour.
Our life!
Do you know how many people have been killed for caste?
To think even my son was one of you!
I don't care if I lose him.
I can have another son!
I may have aged, but I haven't lost my youth!
When a girl from our family falls in love with a lower caste boy...
we patiently wait for the right opportunity...
and butcher him into pieces.
This is similar.
Our caste is more important to us than our own lives.
My son is not even a factor.
Uncle, why are you wasting time talking to him?
He is just a kid.
He should know why he is going to die.
I started the fire that's consuming our town.
Then I hoped you would take turns and kill each other every year...
and in 6 years, all of you would be gone and forgotten.
But the four of you got together and talked it out.
It looked like you guys would ruin my plan.
That's why I nabbed you.
Give that.
If I kill you now, the fire will continue burning!
Uncle, don't kill me. I won't hangout with anyone anymore.
Trying to make amends after the damage is done?
Your time is up.
Uncle...
Uncle?
He just took a long deep look at me and left without saying a word.
You think he has forgiven me?
Not at all.
He has forsaken me.
Do you know the things he said to me through those eyes?
"You keep obsessing over a man-made creation like caste..."
"and have turned from humans into animals again."
"The moment you intend to kill another human being..."
"you have become an animal, Father."
And he asked me...
"You pray to a God that our eyes can't see..."
"and have glorified caste which doesn't really exist?"
I don't have the answers.
It is wrong.
Everything I did is wrong.
But we were raised this way.
In this life...
I don't believe we are capable of change.
Atleast the next generation should grow up together.
Why are you sitting here?
Buddy?
What happened?
Oh no...
No!
Sir...
What happened? - Oh no...
I can't get myself to say it.
What happened?
Oh no.
He did it to put an end to caste based riots in our town.
Oh dear...
He slit his own throat and went to God.
He went to God.
He did this so our townsfolk can live in peace and harmony.