Nearly 75% of Chennai's residents are from villages.
For reasons like work, family, education of children...
...for the love of city life, so on and so forth...
...we have forgotten our roots.
Let us look back at the land that raised us, at least once.
Salutations, sir.
What is it? -I need to file a complaint, sir.
Hello, Constable sir.
Welcome! Have a seat!
Constable sir!
I'm an Instagram celebrity!
You have me sitting here shirtless!
I need to go on live at 11 AM. Give me my phone back!
Bloody hell! Shut up!
My followers will be worried, sir!
One more word out of you and I'll break your arms and legs!
Carry on, sir.
Our MLA's dog is missing. -Hold on.
Go sit down. I'll call for you.
Go on. -Our MLA's dog has gone missing.
As madam had so lovingly raised it...
...she's used to sleeping beside it.
She suffers now, being unable to sleep.
So, Sir asked me to have a word with you.
We already got a call about this from the Superintendent's office!
We have two constables tracking the case diligently!
We're aware of that, sir.
You need to find the right dog, yes? So, Sir sent over a picture of it.
Here's the picture. -Here you go, sir.
The dog is so long!
Rest assured and go tell Sir... -Okay...
...that his wife will surely sleep beside her dog tonight!
Alright? -Yes, sir!
Keep us posted. -Will do!
See you, sir!
Where's the man who came by to file a complaint?
I'm here, sir!
Why did you go in there?
Let him out!
Locking people up who come to file complaints!
Have a seat.
What's your name?
Kunnimuthu, sir.
Hometown?
Poocheri, sir.
What is your complaint?
My kids are missing, sir!
"Your kids are missing"? -Yes, sir.
Can't you keep a close eye on them?
What are their names?
One of them is called 'Vellaiyan'.
The other is called 'Karuppan'.
Age?
Thirty four, going on thirty five!
I asked your kids' ages and you tell me yours, you moron?
Tell me their ages!
Four years old, sir.
The other kid?
He's also four, sir!
Twins, huh?
Tell me the identifying marks of your kids.
Identifying marks...
Don't you know what that means? Birthmarks, scars and such...
"Vellaiyan" is white, sir!
"Karuppan" is black, sir!
You call that identifying?
It's like asking to find your bald uncle among the shaved heads at Tirupati!
What the hell, man?
What color were they wearing when they went missing?
They don't wear anything, sir!
They ran off with the rope they were tied to!
What are you saying?
You have your kids tied up?
They're of the Kangayam breed, sir!
They won't stay put if I don't restrain them!
Did you say "Kangayam breed"? -Yes!
All this time, you were referring to your bulls as kids?
Don't call my kids 'bulls', sir!
Why I ought to!
What the hell do I bloody call them then?
I've been diligently filing your complaint and you say it's for damn bulls?
I'll whack you! Get lost!
The crap these people come here to complain about!
Is this what a police station is for?
Think we're sitting idle in here?
I take pity on him and look how insolent he is!
"Can't call a bull a bull", it seems!
A ride to Kallal, sir.
Get in.
'Will they pay us any heed, only if we sport bespoke suits?'
'We have no strength to be loud... How can they lend us their ears?'
'Will they address us with respect, only if we arrive in luxurious cars?'
'When will they make us a place that will rid us of our woes?'
'For my pastural land, my garden rabbit, the southern heat, the singing cuckoo...'
'For lives of the poor, my cattle's rein, succour for kids, the flora and fauna...'
'Does there exist a guardian? Please dispatch him to us.'
'They sing our praises only at meal time'
'No road we haven't trod. Know not how to fight'
'Do we really need this hassle?'
'Someone please explain my fate... I have studied only up to first grade'
'Even God has risen up to be seated on a high throne'
'It takes forever for him to hear our troubles from up there'
'Will they pay us any heed, only if we sport bespoke suits?'
'We have no strength to be loud... How can they lend us their ears?'
'For my pastural land, my garden rabbit, the southern heat, the singing cuckoo...'
'For lives of the poor, my cattle's rein, succour for kids, the flora and fauna...'
'My feet have worn out, but times will never change'
'Happiness will never come our way'
'We scorched ourselves in the heat and have nothing to show for it'
'Our sweat is the price we pay to this hellfire'
'Our feet deep in muck... Our hands soaked in dirt'
'With only half filled stomachs, our lives have vanished'
'Lamenting our woes...'
'Rising up in ire...'
'Pushing that aside, we spend our lives tilling these thorn fields'
'No road we haven't trod. Know not how to fight'
'Do we really need this hassle?'
'Someone please explain my fate... I have studied only up to first grade'
'Even God has risen up to be seated on a high throne'
'It takes forever for him to hear our troubles from up there'
'Will they pay us any heed, only if we sport bespoke suits?'
'We have no strength to be loud... How can they lend us their ears?'
'Will they address us with respect, only if we arrive in luxurious cars?'
'When will they make us a place that will rid us of our woes?'
'If you have faith in life, you can live'
'Paths plenty on this earth'
'If you have faith in life, you can live'
O Gods Muruga, Allah and Jesus!
Let today be a good day!
How come no one's around today?
Perumal!
You looked just like Perumal from behind!
Who are you? Where from? Where to? -Off to give out wedding invites!
I'll drop you off! -Why trouble yourself?
It's okay! Hop on! Like we take anything to the next life!
Thanks! -One human to another...
Get off! -What's wrong?
Push! Only then, it'll start! -Is that it? Okay!
Push, brother!
Just like that.
Push harder!
That's it! All the way!
O my Perumal-lookalike brother!
If I stop the bike, it might turn off again!
Reach your destination at your own pace! -Lunatic!
He made me push his bike and leaves me here to walk! Rascal!
Where are you going in this smoldering heat?
Karuppan and Vellaiyan are missing, Manthinni!
What are you saying?
Yes!
I have no idea where they are! Looked everywhere for them!
Veeraayi is at home crying her eyes out!
I tried to complain to the police about this...
...but they rudely chased me out!
Why did you go there, you moron?
They only listen to bigwigs!
Alright, hop on! Let's go!
We'll meet the village president!
Our president just needs to make one call to the police!
Would he even help us? -"Would he even help us?"
Wait and see!
They ran over the president's mom and killed her! Come!
Push! That's the president's mother!
Push! Let's scoot!
Help her up!
Here, I go to the temple with my troubles but a new trouble comes dancing from there!
I try meeting the president, but his mom just happens to run into my bike!
Even my bike's shadow didn't hit her!
She fell and rolled around all by herself!
The hag ruined everything!
Don't worry about a thing. I'm here for you.
We'll search together.
We'll find them!
They couldn't have gone far!
Eat!
Hey! Don't touch that!
Touch the cattle dung and I'll rip your arm out! Go!
You're lashing out at a little kid who just touched cattle dung?
Karuppan and Vellaiyan are missing!
I stare at their dung to comfort myself, and he rips it off!
What are you saying?
Since when are they missing?
Since last night.
Where is Kunnimuthu?
He went in search of them.
All good! He'll find them and bring them home!
Is that why you're so down?
Sister Vaira! -I'm coming!
From matchmakings to village gossip, nothing can go on without me!
What happened?
Oh stop, Veeraayi!
Like cops would help people like us find our missing kids!
They only help big shot politicans with missing dogs...
...or ministers with missing slippers!
Why? Are cattle not worth it?
Cattle are more valuable than humans!
Why didn't you tell them it is their job to do it?
Yeah, right! Like they'll listen to me!
Alright. Come and eat.
I already ate on my way back, Veeraayi. You go ahead.
Well, I'll be...
Having cooked, I wait here, starving, for you to get home.
And you say you've already eaten!
Are you drunk?
I can't even drink a drop of water, being worried sick over the missing kids.
And you are drunk!
Veeraayi...
I can't stand it.
I can't get those kids out of my mind!
Being a woman, you have your tears.
I can't bear it, Veeraayi.
So, when Manthinni asked me to drink, I did.
'Come forth, O sandal face' -(Around four years ago)
'Come forth, O glowing lamp'
'Come forth, O Tamil'
'Shower us with millions'
Where are you abducting the old lady to?
I'm going to lease her out! Want to bid?
She'll talk you to death!
We're riding together with our jaundice-infested granny!
Won't we be infected, too?
My illness isn't contagious!
Shut up and drive with eyes on the road!
Alright, Doctor madam!
Hold on to the bar tightly! Don't fall on your face!
Give me the medicine!
I've told you several times all day!
You're drunk to your gills! Medicine won't do you any good now! Go!
Try not to drink for two days and then come back!
I'll take care of that. You give me the medicine!
Listen to me! Now go!
Give me medicine... -What's up?
She sees everything in yellow! -Is that so?
Show me your eyes.
I'm waiting here and you just cut in to show your eyes?
Oh God!
Whack him!
Bloody drunkard!
This woman is such a huge hand at our place!
You dare lay a hand on her!
Get lost! -Get away while you can!
I'll smash you!
I'll deal with you later!
Hey! Come here! -Get lost, you!
I knew he was asking for trouble!
Sit. -Sit down, Granny!
How's the stools?
Who'll look at that crap?
Just the piss seems to be yellow. -I see.
Not a problem.
Stuff this in mouth.
Drink this milk.
You'll be fine in two days!
It tastes like 'keelanelli'. -Exactly!
Hey!
You brought me here on a back breaking trip just to drink this?
Plenty of this stuff grows all over town!
Started already?
It's medicine only when it comes from a doctor!
Whatever you say! -Careful, Granny!
Pay up before you leave, you crone!
You expect me to pay for a 'keelanalli' I find all over town?
You pay up if you can!
Settle it.
Always a smart aleck, this one! Here you go.
Step aside, Granny!
Hop on!
Push!
Push harder!
Change the oil for the moped!
It keeps making noises! -Need to do that.
Who's blocking the street? -Come on...
Try laying a hand on me... -These guys?
Now try to hit me... -He brought a squad for a petty issue?
It's them, brother!
Who hit you?
The one perched in the front!
We have no business with this drunkard! Turn around!
Come on, guys!
They're leaving?
They're getting away! Let's go!
Come on!
Where the hell do they get money to booze?
Hang tight, Granny!
They seem furious!
They're matching us for speed!
Careful!
Stop!
Don't look behind!
Keep your hands in here!
They're chasing us through every street!
Careful! -Let's go in here!
Get off!
Go hide in there!
I can't tell where they went!
Where did they go? -Run faster!
Come here!
They're hopping about like a flock of sheep!
Hey! -Who is this?
Who the hell are you, thief?
Cover the mouth!
"Cover the mouth"?
Cover her mouth, you idiot!
Who are you?
Stupid fellow!
Don't gag a young woman like that! Let her go!
Who are you, you old crow? Coming out of my house?
Come as a gang, have you? Why I ought to...
Oh dear!
Quite the angry girl!
Veeraayi!
Hold up!
They came to buy medicine from me. -Yes, dear. We came for medicine!
Toss that aside!
Those drunkards are still outside!
Just to be safe, you stay back for a while.
Drunkards are the same in every damn town!
Do you originally hail from this village?
I'm so damn tired!
Come on! Let's eat!
No, thanks! -We'll eat back home!
It's okay! Come!
Come and eat, boys!
He won't take it wrong! -Don't feel shy! Come on!
Okay, let's go.
She's first in line, huh?
Can't you bear hunger for a little while, oldie?
I just had medicine, didn't I?
My stomach's groaning! -Sure, it does! I'll deal with you at home!
Some water, please.
Lentil curry was delicious, right? -Yes!
Manthinni! Get betel leaves for five bucks!
Must you have some right after a meal? I'll buy it for you on the way back!
Do what I say, you dumbo!
Go buy me some!
What's with the sternness?
Quit gawking! -I'll deal with you later.
O Mighty Goddess Meenatchi!
Kunnimuthu, my elder sister's grandson, hailing from Poocheri...
...and Veeraayi, the healer's daughter hailing from East Poongudi...
I wholeheartedly consent they be united in holy matrimony.
Oh God Muruga!
I wholeheartedly consent, too!
Good!
O Mighty Muruga!
Live long and prosper!
See you!
You fix up my wedding without even a word to me!
Right!
It's a big deal someone lets their daughter be wed to the likes of you!
And you want me to get your opinion on it?
Shut up and move!
That's true, too!
Hold on a second.
Where are you going?
Should I not see the girl I am set to marry?
Let's go!
What exactly did you say back there, Granny?
The healer fed us and agreed to a wedding just like that!
They're no strangers! They're our distant relatives!
They were exiled from the village 25 years ago, for marrying out of caste.
Must that stop us?
To hell with caste and religion!
Everyone is the same!
Look at the wedding gifts Veeraayi's dad has given her!
Great! Even amid all your work, you made it to the wedding!
What's up, Healer sir?
People give away female calves as wedding gifts! But, you bring males?
After giving birth to these little guys, their mother died.
My daughter cared for them like kids.
If she leaves them behind, they'd pine away, won't they?
So, along with my other gifts, thought I'd away give these two!
'Our horn rimmed cattle, is our greatest treasure'
'If you take mighty care of them, all will be well'
'Adorn them with vermilion and pray to them with folded hands'
'Divinity will make its way to you and stay by your side forever'
'A wonderful gift... One from the father-in-law'
'Trusting in you, she came to share her life with you'
'A pristine chariot... One on a swing'
'For you to dance, this belle came to rule'
'You are my wealth... You are my kith and kin...'
'My good destiny to gaze at your face'
'The rustling wind blows, as you rock this scene...'
'...listening to your bells makes my heart soar'
'Our horn rimmed cattle, is our greatest treasure'
'If you take mighty care of them, all will be well'
'Adorn them with vermilion and pray to them with folded hands'
'Divinity will make its way to you and stay by your side forever'
'Even if evergreens were to parch out...'
'...these loving guards will never forsake us'
'Even if rulers were to fall, these warriors will make us stand tall'
Hold on. I'll be back.
'The silver hued Kangayam arrives at home'
'Welcome him in'
'Even when leaving the maternal home...'
'Your baby calves will embrace you with maternal love'
'As your kids, they will prance around too'
'All your dreams will come true'
Vellaiya!
Karuppa!
'Show me... Show me... Show me the one who protects'
'O God, ye who blesses these bulls'
'We worked ourselves senseless'
'Without these creatures, this world does not spin the same way'
'The God we pray to never shows up on time'
'These are the Gods that make us thrive'
'Strike it with a stick, and it hurts a lot inside'
'As it grants many boons, free yourself from worries'
'Our horn rimmed cattle, is our greatest treasure'
'If you take mighty care of them, all will be well'
'Adorn them with vermilion and pray to them with folded hands'
'Divinity will make its way to you and stay by your side forever'
Hold it like that!
Force it down! Press hard!
Lift it up!
Veeraayi! How many times do I tell you to not shoe the young ones?
Do you not get it? Stop it, uncle!
Are you crazy?
It's like putting slippers on children's feet!
Then get slippers for yourself!
As if! -Quit the ruckus!
If they run a nail, they'd get infected!
Go on, uncle! Ignore that fool! -Quit this crap!
You've gotten quite insufferable as of late!
Don't look there! Go on!
Hey, Kunnimuthu!
Get a load of this!
Look at the majestic strides of Vellaiyan and Karuppan!
Seems like he's still angry!
He doesn't even turn to look!
Veeraayi! You called for me to come right away?
Are you heading out or will you just be home?
The Collector asked me over. I'm going to meet him.
You naive fool!
Since when I have ever gone beyond this village?
Why did you want me?
Just that... father is ill.
What's wrong with him?
He's a big healer even!
I don't know. We both will go check in on him.
If the kids call out in hunger...
...can you feed them bran and water? -Will do. You get going.
You take care.
Shall we leave, Veeraayi?
Can you refill their troughs? -Yes.
See you. -See you.
Come. -Give me that.
See you. -Bye.
Drink up!
You neither drink water nor eat bran!
Drink, you jackasses!
Just eat.
Chow down! You too!
What insolence!
Oh God...
Veeraayi!
Since you left, Vellaiyan and Karuppan haven't had even a drop of water!
They stand there just as you left them!
You idiots! Why starve yourselves so?
We left them alone, right?
They're mad at us!
Oh man... -Get their feed!
No fryums, no rice balls, no nothing!
Can't you drink the water granny gave you?
Drink up!
Their tummies may starve but their arrogance still rules!
I served them bran and water. They didn't eat.
The arrogant beasts eat only when those two serve!
What do they have in here?
Sticky cattle bran! Figured!
We went to check on your grandpa because he was ill!
Did we leave you alone on purpose?
Is this how you act out?
Drink up!
Okay... we won't ever leave you again. Alright?
Good boy. Drink!
Look how coolly they sit and play with dice!
One for me!
No... toss it in! -Won't ever work for me!
Hey!
With two majestic bulls at your side, you gamble for loose cash?
What else can we do?
It rains everywhere else!
But, this place sees none of it! -Four!
That's why I spoke to the big guy who supplies charcoal.
He said he will give us five trips.
If we deliver into town, we can make a lot of money!
You moron! Where'll you get a cart for this?
What am I here for? I've arranged for the cart, too!
You've arranged for a cart. Well and good.
Where do we go for bulls? -Strike!
End of your game, eh?
Finished, right?
If it can't ripen on its own, is a whack with a stick any help?
Do what you want!
You have a point...
Come! Let's see if it works!
Not a single bank in India has money, Kunnimuthu!
Some guys wiped them all clean and took off abroad!
Only the society bank in town is spared.
Only they have money.
Before someone wipes even that out, let's get a loan! Walk fast!
Open wide, Karuppu!
He's painting our faces!
What's with the deep research?
Don't peer in too far, doctor. You might fall in!
There's no device to pull people even out of borewells, sir!
And you peer so?
Go meet with the manager!
Why is he so irritable?
Please wait.
The doctor said the bulls are well reared.
Don't call them that, sir. He'll get worked up!
Their names are Vellaiyan and Karuppan!
That so, eh? -Yes, sir.
Vellaiyan and Karuppan. Lovely names!
Sign this form.
What's he doing? -Not enough space, sir.
Will they give you two cents of land, just for you to sign?
Use what's available and do it!
Do it! How long will it take you?
Here you go.
My signature is a work of art, sir!
Did the two of you get a university degree from abroad?
Some signatures you two have!
Place your thumbprint. That's it!
Pay up the monthly interest on time.
Yes, sir.
He sure will!
Go get the money from the cashier.
See you, sir.
Sir!
Kunnimuthu? -Yes, sir.
Here. Count it.
I have a TVS 50 moped. Can a loan be arranged for that?
No, sir. You can't get a loan for a moped.
The vehicle's in great condition!
We only give loans to farmers and farm business.
Right. I'll talk to the higher ups. -Sure...
What are you doing?
You lunatic! Why did you push me down?
You're meddling with my kid's ear!
Won't I have to stick a token in the bull's ear for the loan you took?
Stick the token in my ear if you must!
Did they give the loan for you?
It was given for the bull!
Who is this madman?
What's the problem here?
He pushed me down, sir!
Creating a ruckus after getting the money, eh?
Think you can do anything if you lend money?
Who is this idiot? -I'll take care of it, sir.
Quit pleading with this guy! Here! Take the money!
Some money they've given!
Let's go, sir! -Here you go!
How can I take back the loan granted?
I'll speak to him, sir!
Buzz off!
Take it, sir... -Go!
Take it, sir! See you! -Hey!
What the hell, man?
Hey!
Slow down, man! Hold up!
Hey! What is your problem?
I greased a lot of palms as if I were running for Chief Minister...
...to get you this loan and you toss it away like it's nothing?
So? Expect to drill a hole in my kid's ear for it? Get lost!
Think of it like a child's ear piercing!
We'll have a grand ceremony for it later! Come!
Vellaiya! -"Grand ceremony"?
Sure! You'll make them sit on my lap for that ceremony too!
Dearest Veeraayi!
How are you?
Hello, Granny! What's with the look?
It's nothing!
They wanted to take a photo for the new job.
So, I powdered my face a wee bit!
Does it not look pretty?
Sure, it does!
What happened to the job?
They took a couple of photos and a couple of thumbprint impressions.
They sent me off, saying they'll get back in touch.
Alright. Sit on the porch. I'll join you.
I'll get you some food. Eat and go.
No need for that, Veeraayi.
Precious child. Just a little cold rice water will do.
Is that all? You got it.
Drink up and go!
Hey, Veeraayi!
Haven't you been married about three to four years now?
No little kids yet?
When I have two majestic kids, why have little kids?
Oh dear! When did that happen?
Your father didn't tell me anything about it!
Are they asleep?
They just came back from their walk!
She's referring to those two as her kids, Granny!
He wants to pierce their ears while they sit on my lap!
She calls them lion cubs!
They won't have any kids of their own!
If you wish, just get brides for Karuppan and Vellaiyan!
They'll have kids! You can even have their first milk!
Buzz off, you loony!
See you, Veeraayi! -Sure, Gran!
See you, Kunnimuthu! -Alright, Granny!
Okay... -Veeraayi!
Going to Poocheri? -Yes.
I'll drop you off.
You might have a sharp tongue, but you are a good man.
Hurry up! It's time!
I'm coming, dear fellow!
Before you sit, give a push!
Buzz off, useless fellow!
"To accompany one blind girl to the pond, along went nine blind girls!"
That's how what he's saying looks like!
What are you doing?
Thought the kids were hungry. They were bellowing.
So, I'm mixing some stuff up for them to eat and drink.
Who's there?
Kunnimuthu?
The shop isn't open yet. Why are you here this early?
My kids, Vellaiyan and Karuppan, are missing.
"Missing"? -Yes.
I'm not able to sleep a wink!
You're a fool! You must have had them restrained at home!
They may have hit puberty, right?
They must have sought out females.
What are you saying?
I've already neutered them! -You what?
Even if you neuter them, they'll still have feelings!
Look for them where there are cows!
You'll definitely find them!
Kunnimuthu!
Heard in the vicinity that Sonnamuthu's farm has the most cows.
Plus, they're all plump and pretty too!
It looks like Karuppan and Vellaiyan...
Hey! Why did you leap in?
You said you saw them!
I said it looked like them!
You jump in too!
Good grief...
The stuff I get to do at my age...
All I ate is digested now!
Sounds like Karuppan's moaning!
Could it be Vellaiyan?
Come along!
How many times have I told you to turn your phone off when you come here?
Don't get worked up, brother! I'll turn it off!
Who the hell are you? How did you get in here?
The gate was locked, so we leaped in!
"Leaped in?" Why I...
He's got a nasty sickle! Run!
Who the hell are these guys? Don't let them get away!
Listen, brother...
Who are they? Where are they from?
Let's see your darn faces!
How dare you break into my cattle farm and try to steal?
No, sister... My Vellaiyan and Karuppan... -Wait.
First tell me who you are, lady.
The man's wife herself is quiet about this!
And you make a ruckus as if you are his wedded wife!
Who is this woman, brother?
Hold up! -He busted me!
You got all dressed up to go to the milk co-op this morning, right?
Why are you in your underwear now?
What the hell?
Hey! -Yes, sister?
Go, drag that other woman here! -Got it!
Here! Interrogate him with this!
Let's bail! She'll handle the rest!
Stop!
Karattandi!
Hey, Karattandi! What are you selling palm sap for?
I'm just selling palm sap!
Not the entire world like you!
Shut it...
What brings you here?
Two of our bulls are missing.
Easy! He needs to know, right?
We're looking for two bulls named Karuppan and Vellaiyan.
Then what are you scouring around here for?
There is a seer in Kattoor!
He can read betel leaves to tell you exactly where the bulls are.
Go see him. You'll find your bulls.
It forks three ways! Which one do we take?
There's a betel leaf image! -How about that?
Hindi has made it to seers with leaves, eh?
Terrific...
(in Hindi) Brother...
(in Hindi) Which way to Kirapatti?
I don't know Hindi! Buzz off!
Keep going, brother!
Like I don't have enough problems without guys like him!
'Show us the whereabouts of that which has been lost'
Would smearing kohl on a leaf give you a clear sight about these things?
Indeed!
It'll be as clear as watching a movie on an LED television screen!
Sire...
You are searching for your missing wife, right?
Yes, sire!
If your wife goes missing, why not just chill and have fun?
Must you look for her on kohled leaves?
Be quiet, brother!
Sire! -Speak!
Can she not be found without seeing her on smeared kohl leaves?
How else do I see her?
Then, don't bother. I'll find my wife myself.
Who knows where she is and who she is with.
This bloody guy insists on smearing kohl on a leaf to see the state she's in!
Karuppan and Vellaiyan. Two kids, right?
Yes, sire.
Vellaiyan is short tempered. Karuppan is a proud one.
But, they are both affectionate!
O God!
They haven't gone far. They are close by!
Ten miles from here.
Go past the thorn bushed forest towards Kolamedu...
...and you'll see twin palm trees.
If you look from between those trees, you'll see a lone tamarind tree.
South of that tree, Vellaiyan and Karuppan are grazing there.
Go get them! Get going!
Here you go. -See you, sire.
O God... -Thank you, sire.
Come! -Here you go!
What heat!
Hurry! Let's go!
Start the bike quick!
Patience! Mustn't I unlock it?
Who would want to steal this bike?
Why so many locks?
Don't sound so naive, Veeraayi!
They call it the 'corporates'? Companies from abroad!
Like the white men who invaded our country back then, these guys come in now!
We let our guard down a bit, they'll make off with everything we have!
We must keep our own things safe, right?
They no longer steal out of poverty. They now steal poverty itself!
We stretch our legs a bit, they'll even steal our underwear!
Push the bike! -Some bike, this is! Go!
Look there!
Get off!
A lone tamarind tree!
Indeed!
Sitting all the way there, he told us what was here!
These seers are quite powerful!
Oh no!
Karuppan! The seer told me they'd be grazing here!
Here I find him as bones! My Karuppan!
Look, Veeraayi! Just the bones left of Vellaiyan or Karuppan!
Morons! It's not two days since they went missing!
How'd they be down to bones so soon?
Get up, you idiots!
'O Mystic Karuppa... O Dusky Karuppa...'
'O Vanni Karuppa... O Vaada Karuppa...'
'O Guardian Karuppa... O Majestic Karuppa...'
'O Golden Karuppa'
'A crowd gathers on a scorching morning'
What's wrong? Missing cattle? -Yes.
Met the seer, did you? -Indeed.
He himself is a fraud!
If in this day and age, someone claims he can smear kohl on a leaf...
...to find missing things, how do you even believe it?
Are you people fools?
Go back to your business!
Believe everything they hear!
Good grief!
All I can see for sure is the country is going to ruins!
"To the millions of devotees..."
"...we have a humble request."
"We ask those of you wielding fire pots, flame throwers and the like..."
"...to provide a clear path to those visiting from out of town, to pass freely."
"If you notice anyone suspicious..."
"...we humbly request you to inform the cops on site immediately!"
Get me that!
That one too!
Bought everything you wanted? -Yes. Pay up.
How much, brother?
200... 128... 328.
Three hundred and twenty eight! -What the...
I can get this in my town's festival for 150 rupees!
And you say it costs 328 rupees?
This was imported!
We paid tolls and GST to get it here!
Alright, you keep say whatever. Just give me change.
This thousand rupee note is invalid!
How can you say a government bill is invalid?
Explain it to him!
We skimped and saved for three years for the festival, and you call it invalid?
Who are you trying to fool?
Fork up the rest of the change!
Is the entire family insane?
Who are you calling 'insane'?
Hey Kunnimuthu! What's wrong?
He took my money and won't give me change!
Caught with him? He spins plenty of tales!
Save your tricks for your hometown!
This is Tamil Nadu! They won't work here!
Fork over the change!
Quit staring and pay up!
Hand it over!
See you, brother!
Come, Veeraayi!
What happened to your moped?
Petrol prices are skyrocketing day by day!
How can I afford to have a moped?
Prices will drop only after the next election.
Until then, it's bicycles!
The crap I have to deal with before I can get a cup of tea...
Where is Manthinni's house, brother?
The town of Mandapam, you say? You should've gone that way!
Three kilometres north from here...
Shut it!
I'm Manthinni. How can I help you?
When I asked around, they told me you are the smartest.
You heard right. Go ahead.
We need your help. Can you get in?
Sure thing.
I'll drink some fine tea in town, today!
Let's get going. -Drive.
Manthinni? -Yes, ma'am?
We're making a documentary about the people of this village.
Anyone who can speak well? We can interview them.
Interview, you say?
Tell me what you need and I'll pull it off in style!
This area is my castle, ma'am!
Here? -Yes, ma'am. Come on out.
Welcome, ma'am.
Give me the mic. -I keep forgetting the name of this kid!
Hello? Hey Mookayi's daughter!
Who is it? -Come out here!
What is it?
She's with a TV channel from Madras!
She's here to make some kind of movie.
Say a few words about how awesome our village is.
Let it air on TV!
Talk up our village, you say?
Why? Was Gandhi or Kamaraj born here?
All we got are four streets and two dead-end alleys!
And he wants that to be proudly talked up?
I walk three kilometres from school to have my lunch.
Top of that, I have to feed the cattle.
After that, I need to walk back to school.
If you wish, you can head to the main road.
There'd be a bunch of wastrels here clad in white dhotis.
Extend your mic to them!
They'd proudly talk up the village, the world and hell, even you!
An interview, he says! Him and his damn mug!
What's with the sharp tongue?
Think the kid's a little upset, today.
Come along. We're cursed here in the north.
Let's head south!
That's east, man! -Don't I know that? Come!
Get over here!
I've noticed you since morning wandering aimlessly around the market.
My Vellaiyan and Karuppan are missing. I'm looking for them.
What? Vellaiyan and Karuppan?
They're my bulls, brother.
You search for your missing bulls here?
Do we look like a bunch of cattle thieves to you?
No...
Saw a guy like you also looking for missing cattle at Vadipatti last week.
When he saw an opening, he made away with two cows!
No, no, no... -Are you a thief?
How many of you are here?
Why the hell are you hitting me? -Grab him!
You dare strike me?
Whack him!
Stomp a mudhole in him!
Stop it!
Get up, my boy. Gently.
The whole lot of you beating up one guy?
He's a thief! He steals cattle!
So if he's a thief, you'll beat him?
What would you do if he gets hurt?
Have patience. I'll call the cops.
Looks like Kunnimuthu!
Pull over, brother!
How many people?
Just him, sir.
Asked him who he is and why he's here? -He's not answering.
What happened?
Why have you tied him up?
What else do we do with a cattle thief? Give him a kiss?
Who are you?
He's my friend! You accuse him of being a thief?
He's a really good man, sir!
"Really good man", eh?
Listen up! We've even filed a case!
Here's what you do: Prove he's a good man in court and he can leave with you!
Now get lost!
He's my friend. He's very innocent!
They've tied him up. Please help!
I'm a reporter with News 10.
I know him. He's innocent.
He's innocent, is he?
Just because you say so, must we release him?
Buzz off and mind your work!
Everyone in the market calls him a thief!
He's innocent, she says!
Just a minute. -Okay?
Without any evidence, an innocent man is branded as a cattle thief...
...and he has been beaten as well as restrained...
...and a case has been filed against him by this cop!
Your name, sir?
The cop's name is T. Arunachalam!
Just a minute, ma'am!
Looks like you'll make this breaking news!
Turn off the camera, sir.
Just a minute, ma'am.
Listen up, everyone!
A case can't be filed against this man, just because everyone calls him a thief!
We need evidence for it!
You tied up an innocent man!
Release him!
Take him with you!
Are you okay?
Come. -Let's go!
Sorry, ma'am.
Why did you come here?
Look how they beat him up!
Oh no... he's bleeding.
Idiot... -Here. Wipe him with this.
This paper is moist, ma'am.
It's a wet tissue. Has to be moist. Go ahead.
Is that so? Hold still.
I've seen him before!
Where would you have seen him?
He hasn't even crossed our village limits!
No! I've seen him somewhere!
Did you come to click pictures at the minister's birthday event?
Yes. I covered that event.
Then you've definitely seen him!
Our movement is democratic!
This is no ordinary movement!
One that cannot be shaken! An iron fortress!
Not even a brick can be yanked away from it!
Our movement is run by our cadres!
Even a low rung cadre in our movement can become a minister!
Why, even the Chief Minister! -Just five minutes, Kunnimuthu!
A shining example of this? -Vellaiyan and Karuppan go on and offstage!
The revolutionary! A guardian of the poor! -They each get 500 rupees! 200 for you!
Guiding light of farmers! -1,200 total!
A friend of laborers! -We take it and go!
The shining star of the electorate!
The nightmare of the opposition!
Our revered minister, Mr. Madhukur Manivalan, is that example!
I wish to bless him to live for a hundred years...
...but as a younger person, I bow to him...
No problem, right? -Right!
All going smooth, yes? -Indeed it is, brother.
You guys manage the eating area. Alright?
Greetings, brother!
Hello, Manthinni. The bulls look great! -Indeed!
They'll be on stage with the minister. They won't get rough, right?
They were raised like children. Very innocent! Try holding this!
Tie up this bull, kid! -Go on, Vellai!
Give me that money, Ganesha!
Give 1,300 rupees to the bulls' owner. You keep the rest.
Give me that token.
Food is being served there. Have some and wait.
The bulls will be returned to you after the event. Cool?
Cool. Let's go.
See you, brother.
How many bulls do we have?
Hey! Tell them to bring the next cow!
Quit blocking the camera! Move!
Move aside! -Come here, you imp!
Him and his damn face!
Look at the camera, dear.
Bring up the next cow!
Coming, brother!
Watch your feet!
Bring them up quickly!
Where's the next one?
Get it up here! -Look at that camera, Granny!
Tell them to drag the bull up there! The minister's waiting!
Grab them tightly and get them up there!
What's going on there? -Can't you drag a bull?
Muruga! Whack them with that piece of wood!
That'll bring them up here!
Pull harder!
Hey, Kunnimuthu!
Come here.
Look over there. Nicely!
Karuppu! -Who is this?
Lift him up!
Think you can do anything if you pay money?
You struck them so hard!
Let it go! We'll handle it. -What's wrong, sir?
Let it go! -Come, sir!
Get him water! -It's okay. Let him go!
They even had to go fix this one up!
He's the one who embarassed that minister, right?
The very same!
He caused a real ruckus that day!
Don't know why, but that news didn't air on any channel, including ours.
What's the problem now?
Those same bulls are missing!
Searching for them is what led to him getting beat up!
The bulls are missing? -Yes, ma'am.
Since when?
Since the night we got back from that function.
Are you two guys stupid?
You shoved a minister down in full public view!
Would they let it lie?
Your bulls aren't missing! They were abducted!
Look there! There's a car coming!
They're going to Veeraayi's house!
Kunnimuthu and Manthinni are in the car.
This is my grandmother.
Vellaiyan and Karuppan were tied up here.
Who are they? -They work for a TV channel.
Veeraayi's not here? -She went to buy kerosene. Not back yet.
Come, ma'am.
Get the camera!
After making us wait at the ration shop for ages, they say they're out of grains!
Does even one wretch in this village ever question it?
How will they?
They're all drunkards too, aren't they?
Don’t they get to drink whatever they wish right here?
Poocheri is a small hamlet in southern Tamil Nadu.
We're about to hear its resident Kunnimuthu's sad story.
Cut!
We're about to shoot for, before your bulls went missing.
Smile and look a bit happy, alright? -Okay.
Alright?
Poocheri is a small hamlet in southern Tamil Nadu.
We're about to hear its resident Kunnimuthu's sad story.
Move aside! -Veeraayi's here!
Step aside.
Why are you grinning like an idiot holding someone else's bulls?
They're from a news channel, Veeraayi!
They're trying to help us find Vellaiyan and Karuppan!
And you hit them?
Is that what it is? -Yes!
This is our land, dear. Not much in terms of work.
I came down with jaundice. -Have tea.
So, we went to East Poongudi to meet the healer.
We met Veeraayi there. We liked her.
So, I spoke to her father and got her married to Kunnimuthu.
Here you go, Granny.
So little tea!
Here. -No thanks.
It's okay. Have it.
Then, as a wedding gift, Veeraayi's father sent Vellaiyan and Karuppan here with them.
Karuppan and Vellaiyan were given to me by my father as a wedding present.
We have no children.
We raised them as if they were our children.
They loved us back too!
I don't know which wretch's evil eye fell on us.
We always kept them tied here.
At dawn that day, like any other day, I opened the door to look.
My two kids were missing.
Police officers refused to take up our complaint!
They only recover missing dogs of MLAs or missing slippers of ministers!
Who do we take all this up with?
He searched for them everywhere too!
Karuppan and Vellaiyan were nowhere to be found.
To others, they may be just mere bulls.
To us, they are our children!
Our wealth!
Since they went missing, I'm loath to take even a single drop of water!
Everywhere I look, I see them!
Don't cry, Veeraayi.
What is this, Chithirai?
Last week, we were on the twelfth spot. This week, it's the thirteenth!
If the ratings plummet like this, how can the channel thrive?
You know this well, sir.
The dominance of social media is at all an all-time high.
Everyone owns a smartphone.
Everyone's turning into a journalist!
All exclusive content come to us only after they post it!
This situation is very challenging!
Stop giving excuses!
If you can't find the content, create it!
It's up to us to blow up a small spark into raging fire!
That's media!
The edited content is ready, sir. Care to see it?
Play that video.
Play this.
This is awesome, Chithirai!
Excellent!
Very good! -Thank you, sir.
Only when we telecast news against the government...
...the public will believe we are unbiased.
See how this can be made as exclusive content.
Make this breaking news.
Yes, sir. -Make it our exclusive!
Alright. -Anything happens, I'll handle it.
She's here.
The channel has agreed to grant our full support to you.
Just follow my instructions.
How much longer, Snacks?
Two minutes. -Hurry.
Hello? -Speak.
This is Kunnimuthu speaking, sir.
"Kunnimuthu"? Who?
Two days ago, I came by about my two missing kids.
You were busy trying to recover the MLA's missing dog.
Has the dog been found, sir?
If I were to come now, will you help me find my kids?
Do we look like clowns to you?
I didn't know you well enough that day!
Had I known, I'd have whacked you hard!
I let you go lightly that day, and you troll me now?
Listen up!
This business concerns the ruling party!
You pushed down a minister in public view!
Be grateful your bulls were all that you lost!
Make any more noise and there'll be big trouble!
Watch out! Shut it and hang up!
He's hung up.
"Though announced as free of cost, the story of rented cattle..."
"...at Minister Madhukur Manivalan's birthday party, has caused quite a stir!"
"Come, Karuppu!"
"They're hurting my kids! Come!"
"For roughing up his bulls, farmer Kunnimuthu had a scrape with the minister."
"He now accuses the minister's associates of abducting the bulls."
"The police refused to register a complaint and drove him away."
"An audio recording of the police threatening him has been released."
"Listen up!"
"This business concerns the ruling party!"
"You pushed down a minister in public view!"
"Be grateful your bulls were all that you lost!"
"Make any more noise and there'll be big trouble!"
"Watch out! Shut it and hang up!"
"At minister Madhukur Manivelan's birthday event..."
"Cattle were given for free to poor farmers..."
"Claimed to be given for free..."
"Instead of purchasing them, they were fraudulently rented..."
"...and this has caused a stir!"
"Free cows promised, but rented cows found in the premises!"
"It came to light when the owner forcefully snatched the animal from the minister."
"Humiliated party men abducted the animals that same night."
"When help was asked of the police, they refused..."
"Audio of the police threatening Kunnimuthu has been released."
"Listen up! This business concerns the ruling party!"
Sir? -Hey!
What became of those bulls?
He humiliated you on stage that day, right?
So, I told our boys to only abduct those bulls.
But, those idiots sold the bulls overnight!
What?
As they were drunk, they don't remember to whom they sold it to.
I'm having our party members scour the entire district!
The cops are looking, as well.
Hang up!
Idiots!
"We're watching live the opposition leader visit Kunnimuthu..."
"...honor him with a shawl, and offer comfort."
"The story of Kunnimuthu's missing bulls continues to cause quite a stir."
"Reps from several media corporations, as well as the general public..."
"...have assembled outside his house."
'It has become a nation ruled by money, O God'
'Our time is fading away... Show us the light'
'The soil has gone barren after being doused with chemicals'
'Hang in there, for better times to come'
'The heart panics... Money changes all the rules'
'Learn to forget... Lost time will never return'
'Humanity is full of malice... Troubles will stay the same'
No electricity in this house, yet these ignorant fools gift us this crap!
'It has become a nation ruled by money, O God'
'Our time is fading away... Show us the light'
'The soil has gone barren after being doused with chemicals'
'Hang in there, for better times to come'
This issue is not just Kunnimuthu's issue!
It is an issue for all Tamils!
It's no small issue! It's a huge one!
Tamilians have a lot of bravery!
They're very courageous!
'They made politics'
'They gave speeches and corrupted youthful minds'
'They understand nothing, and stand confused'
'The media turns this into money and gobbles it away'
'Even if our lives fall victim to the mercy of bullets...'
'...we feared not even a little, come what may'
'The heart is wounded, but it still beats'
'Until things change, we must lie in wait'
'Who are the rulers sitting on comfy chairs of power?'
'First, try to fix these roads full of slush and dirt'
'We are worn down and reduced to mire ourselves'
'Who in the world are you to squeeze the life out of us?'
'We are human scavengers to clean our filth'
'But, spend so much to find a spot on the moon'
'Politics is the leech of our lives'
'Scorch it up and burn it all... We need it no more'
'It has become a nation ruled by money, O God'
'Our time is fading away... Show us the light'
'The soil has gone barren after being doused with chemicals'
'Hang in there, for better times to come'
Dear boy!
Kunnimuthu!
What sorrow, dear fellow!
Oh my!
Is there no one in this country to question this injustice?
Back in the day, only farmers weren't guaranteed safety!
Now, even the farm animals are no longer safe!
Who will save these farmers?
As they were bulls, they were abducted easily.
Had they been cows, would they have been abducted?
In this nation, there's discrimination even among cattle!
If a farmer's cattle goes missing, stick to issue!
Why talk about 'holy cows'?
These people merely need to politicize everything!
They're doing that now with cattle!
Greetings.
-Greetings, sir.
During my birthday celebration...
Without my knowledge, some from my party made a mistake.
I don't deny it.
The same day, I publicly extended an apology for the incident.
You're all aware.
Our party is huge and has millions of cadres!
In a huge organization like this, such small mistakes do happen!
At the same time, our organization values military discipline!
Those responsible for this mishap, were duly punished on the same day!
Thank You. Goodbye.
Just one question, sir!
Hello! What's your name?
Poovaatha!
Why is your hair like this? Didn't apply oil?
We have no oil at home. It got over.
Are you an actress?
No. Why do you ask?
As you always turn up in new clothes, I was curious.
Nothing like that.
Alright... there's no oil at my home.
So, my hair is dry. Why is yours dry?
Did you run out of oil, too?
What do you study?
I don't study.
Why not? -There's no school in our village.
There's one in another village!
Saying girls can't travel far to study...
...my father barred me from going to school.
Poovaatha!
Coming, mom!
See you, sister!
Honorable educationalist, Brother KTK! -Long live!
One who provides for the poor! -Long live Brother KTK!
Honorable educationalist, Brother KTK! -Long live!
Here you go, Kunnimuthu.
Had you brought this issue to me that same day, I would've solved it!
Why do you consider me a stranger? Think of me as a brother!
Come. I'm here for you!
Greetings.
I felt awful upon learning Kunnimuthu's bulls were missing.
The opposition needlessly blames me and spreads lies about me!
I don't care about that.
I don't wish to reply to them nor politicize the issue.
Kunnimuthu is a brother to me.
His problem is mine as well!
Arul! -Yes, sir...
Hold that, oldie!
Here you go, sir. -Give me.
Was this bull purchased or is this one a set up too?
Anticipating this, I brought the bull's owner to give it in writing.
Come here, sir!
Come here.
Show the document. -Zoom in on the doc!
Lift it up! -This way, sir!
Hold it like this!
Alright. Take him away, Arul.
Give me that. Come along.
Hear me! This cattle was bought with neither government funds nor party funds!
I bought it with my own money for my brother Kunnimuthu!
Hold this, brother.
Hold it. Don't worry.
Take the picture!
Where is your wife?
Please wait. I'll get her. -Call her!
Take the picture!
Veeraayi! The minister's calling you!
Come, dear! You are Kunnimuthu's wife?
Stand here.
If you don't mind sir, I have a question. -Go on!
If two of your children went missing...
...would you accept it if two other kids from the next street are brought to you?
Humiliating me is your day job, eh?
Forgive us, sir! -We didn't expect this!
Get lost, you idiots! -We didn't mean for it to happen!
Idiot!
Sir!
Sure, salute well!
Can't you recover two damn bulls? -No, sir...
You and your bloody face!
Right! If they want someone to be arrested...
...we need to bring down a non-existent guy from even the moon!
If not, they'll parade around with the criminal and give interviews on TV!
They'll hold parties!
"We're still looking", we'll say!
Soon, they'll even have us deliver their groceries!
Don't we have better things to do?
Stop!
It's scorching!
Sir!
I always see you here while driving by! What are you doing?
This is our village pond.
This is the water for our farming and drinking needs.
There's been no rain here for the last six years.
Had we taken care of this pond, we could've saved the little rain we got!
The government isn't interested. No one in the village wants to help!
It's a fast world!
They think water comes from deep borewells!
No point depending on them!
So, I'm digging it up by myself.
Excuse me, sir? -Yes?
Chithirai? -Sir?
Stop coverage on the Kunnimuthu situation and issues with Poocheri.
Also, no more negative coverage about that minister and the government.
We've worked very hard on the Kunnimuthu case.
Besides, our channel is really taking off now!
Kunnimuthu's bulls haven't been found, either.
Did we invest millions in this channel just to recover Kunnimuthu's cattle?
It's not that, sir.
Think how our channel's reputation will take a hit, if we abruptly stop it.
Listen to me, Narmada.
The life of a breaking news is only until the next one comes up!
The public will forget it and move on with their business!
You needn't worry about it.
It's not that, sir... -Please do what I say. Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
My ancestor, poet Bharathi, said so!
Like the brave Tamil woman who drove away the tiger with her pan!
Such a braveheart, sister Veeraayi declined the bull offered by Minister Manivelan!
Veeraayi!
These people thought Kunnimuthu was a wimp and nabbed his bulls!
For the sake of his clan, Kunnimuthu will bide his silence.
But at provocation to his self-respect, he will rise up in arms!
He'll rise up in arms!
My dearest citizens need to understand one thing!
For the last fifty years, these people really screwed with our heads!
They believe no one can touch them!
Not a chance, dear boy! Not a chance!
We are here to rip you out by the roots and cast you off!
Don't know if we win or lose in politics. -Just a minute.
Don't we step forth?
Do we not step up to solve people's issues? -Yes, sir.
If we were running the government, would we have let the cattle go missing?
Not a chance!
The editor says, enough with playing the broken record.
Let's go. -The problem isn't solved yet.
Since when has it ever?
If not this problem, there'll be another. -Where to next?
Our education minister is about to announce public exams...
...for first and second grade kids!
We're going to cover that. -Public exams for little kids? Jeez...
Sorry, brother.
I speak my heart out on every dais.
But, no TV channel spotlights me.
The fourth pillar of a democracy is the media.
Stay true to it.
I'm sorry.
Damned, we are, to suffer in the hands of these loonies!
Let's go.
Why does the old chump lie there so?
Pull up!
Sir? -Sir!
Sir?
Sir!
Sad thing to happen!
Come along, ma'am.
Lift it up, brother. -Come on.
Just a minute!
Do any of you in this village know what this man was doing, or how he died?
He wasn't in his right mind, ma'am.
Without listening to anyone, he kept digging the pond under the scorching sun.
In the end, he went totally mad and died... -Hey!
You are making me really angry.
He worked alone at what you all and the government must have done!
And you call him unstable?
I've noticed it all since I got here! You have no schools for kids to study!
No hospitals! No roads!
No bus transport!
Not even clean drinking water!
I doubt if this village is even a part of India!
Over there, people claim India will become a superpower in a day or two!
And here is a village without even the most basic amenities!
This is not the fault of politicians or officials. It's your doing!
You don't even know your rights!
When someone asks for votes, you take their money and cast it blindly!
Then how can you question them?
Take him away.
Go on, Manthinni.
What is that, Manthinni?
That? They came over to plant it a few days ago, ma'am.
It's an inscription. -"Inscription"?
Hold on. I'll show you.
"Rural Development Scheme."
"The village of Poocheri."
"Pond Restoration Scheme."
"Project budget: Twenty lakhs."
"Project time: Three months."
This pond has not been maintained in the last five years!
It says here that twenty lakhs was spent on its maintenance!
Won't you people even question the inscription they've placed?
All the evidence has been submitted, with video proof. It's all in there.
Alright, ma'am.
They came in hordes saying they'd rescue Karuppan and Vellaiyan!
Not a soul in sight now!
Just wait! Who's this?
It's madam!
Give me that.
What's with so many papers?
Construction of school, roads, panchayat board building...
...primary health center, public toilet...
...water tank and electricity for your village.
Hell, they've built a new cemetery, as well.
What are you saying?
Our village has none of these things!
It's all in there!
Are all of those things in there?
You dumb woman! She doesn't mean it's all in there!
They falsified records of it all being built!
How would I know? -Right, ma'am?
Exactly.
They claim to have made all amenities available here, and embezzled millions!
(Our rights)
"A few days ago, in the village of Poocheri..."
"...the bulls Vellaiyan and Karuppan, or one Mr. Kunnimuthu, went missing."
"You all think it was just a couple of bulls that went missing."
"But, the sad truth is the village itself has gone missing!"
"This village has no basic amenities."
"We applied for Right To Information."
"Per the records, all amenities have already been made available."
"You are now viewing that village."
"The village has no bus transport."
"Should we need to travel, we need to walk a long way just to catch a bus!"
"No schools! No panchayat board buildings!"
"No nothing!"
"We have no ration shops! We need to walk three kilometres for one!"
"We have no water to drink. We must walk two kilometres to fetch it!"
"My son died of a snakebite. We struggle without a hospital to help us!"
"This is the true state of this village."
"This is all our fault. It's all due to our ignorance."
"Corruption thrives only by exploitation of such ignorance!"
"Our constitution has given us all sorts of rights!"
"As long as we do not realize and claim our rights from the government..."
"...such corruption will persist."
That'll do! -It's okay. Have more. It's delicious.
Thank you. -More please!
Hello?
Where's the lentil curry? -Hold on. I'll get it.
Hello?
Just a minute, sir!
Hello? -Hello?
Can you hear me?
Ms. Narmada Periyasamy? -Yes. And you are?
This is Mohammad Aslam from Chennai.
I'm an advocate. -Alright...
I saw your video on YouTube.
You talked about the village Poocheri... -Yes...
It's my hometown.
I came to Chennai to study law.
After finishing my studies, I settled here with my family.
Is that so? -Yes.
When I watched your video and saw my village, I felt terrible.
I was born and raised there!
Seeing it in such ruins...
...I felt guilty about not doing anything about it, while living a privileged life.
Hence, I called you.
You've done a great thing.
You made such a detailed video and released it for public viewing.
But, all people will end up doing, is liking and sharing the video.
Or even make it go viral.
Ten days later, they'll forget all about it and mind their business.
Therefore, we mustn't let it lie.
If we take this case to the High Court, they will definitely see it through.
I'm willing to help any way I can.
Thank you so much. -Thank you.
'Leaving me behind, you went away'
'Where did you go?'
'The land you trod on, is still there'
'The footprints you left behind, still there too'
'The grass for your hunger, we got on a loan, is all dried up'
'Without seeing your face, my hunger too has wound up'
'Show me your face'
'Return my life to me'
Can you please drop me off at the Kumili check post, brother?
Sure. Get on.
What's wrong, brother?
The axle is messed up.
Hello? Mechanic sir?
At the second pass, my lorry broke down. Please hurry.
The vehicle broke down.
Lorries generally don't stop in high terrain.
Plenty of lorries stop at the tea shop you got in.
Hitch a ride that's going downhill.
Get off there and take another ride heading up.
Alright, brother.
Just a minute, brother!
Drop him down the hill. -Will do.
See you. -Travel safe!
Karuppa? Stop the truck, brother!
Karuppu!
Vellaiya!
Karuppa!
Where did you guys go?
I've been roaming like a madman, looking for you!
Karuppa!
Vellaiya!
My dear!
My child!
Vellaiya... come on, guys! Let's go home!
Come along!
Who are you? What are you doing?
What the hell are you doing?
These are my kids. -What?
"Kids"? Get lost!
Lunatic!
As it is, I'm angry my truck broke down... -No, brother...
These are my kids!
I've been looking for them for days!
Can't you listen? Buzz off!
I'm telling you these are my kids, brother!
I repeatedly told you these are my kids!
Come along!
What's the problem?
What the hell?
Beat the hell out of him!
Hey!
Karuppa...
Vellaiya...
For the last five years in the village of Poocheri...
...many tasks were claimed to have been executed.
After identifying the government officials and politicians involved...
...either by seizing their assets, or by employing their services...
...I order all these tasks be completed within a month.
In addition to that, much like a war footing...
...this court issues an interim order to the govt. to start these tasks right away!
Kunnimuthu's back, sister.
Kunnimuthu!
Karuppa!
Kunnimuthu!
A new dawn has come to this town thanks to you and your kids!
Quit sleeping in the village centre!
Only then, will this place prosper! -I no longer have to sleep here!
Even the village fatso is on the move! India is sure to be a superpower!