Original subtitles

Franz Anton Mesmer, a researcher of the 18th century,

recorded his life’s work and experiences in a book.

That book journeyed across continents and centuries,

eventually ending up in a chapel in Kodaikanal.

The chapel's pastor

unaware of its dangers,

gifted the book to his friend’s son on the boy’s birthday.

Welcome back to Behind the Crime!

Today's guest on our show is psychiatrist Dr. Rudran.

-Hello, sir. -Hello.

In today's world, a lot of people are dealing with depression.

What can someone do to overcome it?

First of all, depression is the final stage of mental distress.

But these days, people are using the term casually.

Alright, let me tell you the steps for those fighting depression.

Keep focusing on your regular activities.

Food habits, workout, and most importantly sleep.

One of the important things is…

if you're having trouble sleeping, consult a doctor right away.

What causes such mental distress in a person?

A person's mental distress can really affect society as a whole.

For example, the environment a person grew up in,

the experiences they've had,

and even physical changes can cause distress. These factors can also lead to crimes.

Akhil.

What's wrong?

One second. It's nothing.

You didn't sleep last night, did you?

Nothing like that, Priya.

You were talking about going to the head office, right?

Ready to go?

Hmm, yeah.

It might seem normal for you to lose sleep over not being able to solve a case.

But I can't see you struggle.

Don't worry, Priya.

I'll take care.

Okay?

-Hey. -Huh?

-Miss you. -Miss you, too.

Take care.

[phone rings]

-Hello? -Inspector Akhilan?

Yeah. Who's this?

I'm your college mate. Vijay.

Vijay?

Did you forget?

The Vijay who once dreamed of becoming a policeman.

Oh!

Vijay!

Hey, how are you, man?

Yeah. Good.

Where are you?

So, did you become a policeman like you always wanted?

Not everyone's dreams come true.

Okay, leave it.

I have a big lead on the case you're handling now.

What is it?

How do you know about my case?

I just know. Shall we meet in person?

In person?

Trust me, Akhilan.

This is going to be a breakthrough.

Okay, Vijay.

My house address--

Hello? Hello?

Breaking news.

In Kodaikanal’s Kookal Park, a 30-year-old man

has reportedly taken his own life by stabbing himself, leading to widespread concern.

The police are investigating the matter.

So, you took over the case after the suicide.

Right?

Yeah.

What happened to your hands, Akhilan?

Vijay!

You said you had a lead on the case.

Tell me about it.

I have a reason for asking this.

Answer me first.

What happened to your hands?

-Run, man! -Hey, run. Fast.

-Come on! -Let's go.

Don't look back. Keep running.

Buddy, quick! Run!

Who was that?

-You… -Come on, guys.

I got into a car that came by and went to the hospital.

The bullet caused a minor shoulder injury.

Did you arrest the shooter?

That was just a robbery case.

They have all been arrested.

What do you know about the case?

Tell me.

I’ll tell you, but first, give me all the details about the case.

Vijay.

I came forward to take up the case.

I'm keeping all the information confidential.

I won't be sharing those details with you.

Confidential, my foot.

The book you found, Japan, that broken photo…

I, too, know about these things.

Sir, you can go in.

-May I come in, sir? -Come in, Akhilan.

-How is your hand? Is it okay? -I'm good, sir.

-Sit down. -Thank you, sir.

What's the matter?

Sir, yesterday around 5:30 p.m., a 30-year-old man killed himself at Kookal Park.

I'm sure you heard about it.

That suicide case?

-I know. -That's not a usual suicide case, sir.

There's some mystery in it.

Mystery?!

How do you know?

Just a minute, sir.

Just like what happened in the park near my house, two weeks ago

-a 28-year-old boy took his own life in Madurai. -MADRAS YOUTH COMMITS SUICIDE

A week before that, a 28-year-old man killed himself in Chennai.

-All these deaths occurred at different locations. -CHENNAI YOUTH COMMITS SUICIDE

But the modus operandi is the same.

They all brutally stabbed themselves and took their lives.

How can you be so sure with just the similarity in the method of operation?

No, sir. You need to look into it more closely.

During the eighth century, in Japan,

anyone who betrayed the royal family

was punished by being forced to stab and kill themselves.

I learned about this punishment from a book.

But the book was half-burnt, so I couldn’t read it completely.

In fact,

I searched for the book in various places.

I just couldn't find it, sir.

The first two suicides happened at their houses.

But the third incident happened in a public place, sir.

I guess someone's behind these suicides.

In fact, they did this to get the police's attention.

From what you're saying, it doesn’t seem normal.

I'll arrange for a team immediately.

Sir, I would like to investigate this case.

Come on, Akhilan. You are on a medical leave.

There will be problems if you are involved.

Moreover…

it's not good for your health.

No, sir. This case is trying to tell us something.

I'll try my best to keep the case's details confidential.

And moreover, thank you, sir. I'll take care of my health.

I'll take care of the formalities.

Start the investigation right away.

I'm taking this risk for you

for solving the double murder case and saving me from that irritating IG.

Make sure this doesn't backfire on me.

-Okay? -Sure, sir.

-Sir, a small request. -What?

Sir, I need a P.C and a vehicle.

I'll send you a profile. he'll work for you.

Thank you, sir.

All the best!

-Sumanth? -Who is this?

I'm Inspector Akhilan.

Sir! Yes, sir!

We’re going to Chennai for the investigation.

-Alright, sir. -Be ready.

Okay, sir.

CHENNAI

CHENNAI FIRST VICTIM HOUSE

Sir?

Thank you, ma'am.

Sit, Sumanth.

How many sons do you have?

A son and a daughter, sir.

-What does she do? -She's a school student.

-Which school? -St.Ignatius Convent.

What do you do?

I'm a history professor at the government college.

What exactly happened that day?

That was a Sunday, sir.

I was home.

My son suddenly went into the kitchen.

He came out with a knife in his hand.

Before realizing what was happening

Vinoth!

-What happened? -Why did you do this, Vinoth?

What happened, dear?

-God! Vinoth! -Son! What happened to you?

Vinoth!

-Why, Vinoth? -Why did you do this?

Have you noticed any changes in your son?

I mean… was he worried about something?

Nothing like that, sir.

But he was angry that day.

Sumanth, give me those photos.

Have you ever seen your son with these two guys?

No.

No, sir.

Who are they, sir?

Just like your son, these two men,

stabbed themselves to death.

If I need information, I'll call you.

Okay?

Sir, why didn’t you ask if they had a love failure?

Sumanth…

Since it’s a suicide, I don’t think local cops investigated much.

I need every detail of this case.

-Okay, sir. -I'll talk to the local police.

-Okay, sir. -Also…

-Sir? -until this case is over,

-stay out of uniform. -Fine, sir.

-Hey! -Sir…

Come here.

What's your name?

Udhaya, sir.

How long have you been delivering water here?

Two years, sir.

Do you know Vinoth from here?

I do, sir. He’s friendly with me.

He’s a nice guy.

I didn’t know what was wrong,

poor guy took his life.

When was the last time you saw him?

It was…

the day before he died, sir.

Did you see…

anything unusual with him?

Nothing unusual, sir.

Hold on!

He was quite angry that day.

There! He was smashing something right there.

[glass shatters]

I thought I’d check it out,

but the driver called me, so I got back to work.

I just remembered this now.

Sir, this is a photo.

The photo is damaged since it’s been a couple of weeks.

But this can be fixed easily, and we can see who’s in the photo.

Get on with this immediately.

-Okay, sir. -Sir.

Can I head out?

Hmm.

Sir, what led you to question him?

Strangers care to notice more than our family members.

-Shall we go? -Yes, sir.

MADURAI

SECOND VICTIM HOUSE

I’ve never met him, sir.

What really happened that day?

That day, my son…

when I went to the terrace to dry clothes…

[flesh quelching]

Oh no, Selva!

Hey!

Selva!

Oh my god…

Selva!

Why is everything in the house broken?

It was him, sir.

He smashed all this the day before he ended his life.

[glass shatters]

Oh my God.

Hey!

Selva?

[device shatters]

Oh no, son.

Stop breaking it.

Listen to me.

Hey!

Son… [loud thud]

Why are you smashing everything?

Leave it alone.

Why was he smashing things?

He said he didn’t like it, so he broke everything.

How long has he been using this?

A year, sir.

What about the laptop?

He’s been using it for three months.

What is it, Sumanth?

Sir?

-Did you find anything? -Yes, sir.

When asked why everything was broken,

his mom said, 'My son didn’t like them,

so he broke them.'

But if you look closely at the broken items, they’re all black and white, sir.

All the other colored items are unharmed.

Good.

But why did you ask when the broken items were bought, sir?

It’s just…

the laptop he bought three months ago

and the trimmer he’s been using for a year…

What made him dislike them the day before his suicide?

Black and white.

Seems like there's something fishy about it.

Yes, sir.

KODAIKANAL

Sir, at first, I thought he was about to stab someone.

But then, he stabbed himself.

Sir, I’d never seen him before until that day.

He wasn’t accompanied by anyone. He came alone.

He might’ve had a breakup.

Maybe he gambled online and lost.

Poor guy, he might’ve had something going on.

[mobile rings]

It’s all due to stress.

[mobile rings]

You scumbag! What’s the hurry?

Stay put, I’ll be there.

Sir, I'm sorry.

When he took his own life,

he showed no nervousness or fear.

He came from over there,

prayed in the church for a while,

and then suddenly stabbed himself, sir.

Go.

Thank you, sir.

-Sumanth? -Sir…

Check the CCTV footage of this park.

-Let’s see if we find any leads. -Okay, sir.

[children singing Ring-a-ring o' roses]

As per the reports,

there are some complications with your wife's pregnancy.

Sharing the same genetic line

has caused issues in conceiving.

Can any treatment solve this issue, doc?

That's possible.

Maybe after the treatment,

a few mothers managed to give birth successfully.

But the baby will most likely have health complications.

[thunder rumbling]

Why are you so upset now?

These days, more people visit…

fertility centers than meat shops.

There are others with the same problem as us.

Go do your job.

[rain dripping]

Sir.

This car was parked here for a long time.

But the CCTV didn’t cover the front of the car.

Verify the car's number plate.

-Okay, sir. -If the car has anything to do with our case,

the number plate would be fake.

Okay, sir.

THIRD VICTIM HOUSE KODAIKANAL

How many are living here?

It was only my husband and I.

I’m planning to move to my hometown

and stay with my parents.

Did you have a love marriage?

Yes, sir.

Who is this in the photo?

You wouldn’t know this person.

Sorry, sir.

You’re right. I don’t know him.

He came from over there,

prayed in the church for a while,

and then suddenly stabbed himself, sir.

Aren't you both Hindus?

Yes, sir.

Did your husband ever show any interest in Christianity?

There was nothing like that, sir.

Why do you ask?

Does he have any friend who's a Christian?

Christian friend…

Yes, he does.

His name is Adhisaya Kumar.

-Adhisaya Kumar… -Yes, sir.

How long have you known him?

Only for a year, sir.

Do you meet up every day?

We don't meet regularly, sir.

When was the last time you spoke to him?

I last spoke to him two days before his suicide.

What did you both talk about?

Since my business was down, I asked him if he could help me.

Do you attend church regularly?

I don’t go regularly,

but I do visit when I’m distressed.

Have you ever campaigned for your religion?

It’s not for humans to promote God and religion with campaigns.

[metal rattling]

Be available for station visits when needed.

Sir, with my business already down,

how can I leave my store unattended?

-Why am I even required to come? -Hey!

It's just a general inquiry.

Alright, sir.

In the name of the Father, and of the son,

and of the holy spirit. Amen!

Father…

Yes, sir.

-Father, we’ve come for a case investigation. -Tell me.

Do you know Adhisaya Kumar?

Adhisaya Kumar…

The one who runs a junkyard in the market.

Oh, yes.

He attends church once in a while.

What do you think of him, Father?

May I know why you are asking this question?

Sumanth, handover the photo.

Have you ever met him, Father?

No.

Three days ago, he took his life.

Oh, Jesus!

And Adhisaya Kumar is his friend.

I see.

But why are you questioning me about it?

I suspect that he’s involved in religious conversions, Father.

A God that only does good when someone converts…

isn't really a God,

but a politician.

Also, I’ve known Adhisaya Kumar for a while, too.

He’s nothing like you suspect. He’s a gem.

-Okay, Father. Thank you! -Welcome.

-Sumanth? -Sir…

If there’s a CCTV around the church,

-check the footage immediately. -Okay, sir.

Sir. Sir?

During the eighth century, in Japan, anyone who betrayed the royal family

was punished by being forced to stab and kill themselves.

But the broken were all black and white, sir.

He prayed in the church for a while,

and then suddenly stabbed himself, sir.

Thank you, Sumanth.

Everyone I enquired to has said only good things about Adhisaya Kumar.

I don't think we should doubt him, sir.

Same here.

Still, ask the team to check his call history.

And ask a Grade 2 constable to shadow him.

Get the call history of everyone related to this case.

What happened?

Sir…

You are on leave.

I don't have the power to do these.

How can we, sir?

You try from your side. If not, I'll request the SP.

-Okay, sir. -Let's go.

Sumanth. I had asked for the post-mortem report.

-Check the status of it. -Sure, sir.

Sumanth, it's a flat tire.

Kailash…

Sir.

-Come here. -Coming, sir.

-What happened, sir? -It's a flat tire. Can you check that real quick?

Sure, sir.

[heavy panting]

Where were you all this time?

You never miss that. Now bring me a waste cloth.

Who's he, Kailash? A newbie?

Is he mute?

Yes, sir.

He's mute by birth, sir. But these days, rich people choose to stay mute.

Even now, one fellow came in a car, didn't speak a single word.

He got his work done using sign language.

They take the poor for granted.

Thanks!

[heavy panting]

Reading the post-mortem report of these three people,

I see none of them had any second thoughts. Their hands were steady while doing this.

Most important.

They punctured their urinary bladder for the death to be instant.

Just like I thought, this is a pre-planned murder.

That car license plate also a fake like you said, sir.

Didn't get any information from the Grade 2 constable either.

I check both the call history and the CCTV footage.

I didn't get any lead from either, sir.

No, Sumanth.

Someone's putting us on a wild goose chase.

I'll get him soon.

Alright. Lighten up. Have some coffee.

Hey, thank you!

Sir. I hardly get to see your wife these days.

She's a working woman.

With the media, too.

She's busy most of the time.

Oh, okay.

Coffee is amazing, madam.

Akil makes better coffee than me.

-Oh! -Anyway, thanks!

How's your wife, Anika?

I was going to talk about this myself.

-We've planned a baby shower this Sunday. -Wow!

You must join us.

I'm not a very social person, Sumanth.

We've kept it very simple, sir.

Invited very few.

You won't feel uncomfortable, sir.

Okay.

We'll surely come, Sumanth. Anika will get pissed if we don't.

♪ In endless dreams ♪

♪ A bond was born ♪

♪ My heart feels joy In silent whispers, happiness gleams ♪

♪ Unchanging, a heart of grace ♪

♪ It gazes upon a blooming moon ♪

♪ Like raindrops of playful words it falls Childlike laughter, a cherished dream ♪

♪ Desires rest in gentle peace ♪

♪ Waves in water dance lightly ♪

♪ New clouds sing a joyful tune ♪

-Can I? -Yes.

Wow!

-The baby is kicking. -Yes, yes.

Maybe it's cold!

[laughters]

Looks like a naughty kid to me.

Sir.

I understand your pain, sir.

Anika and I grew up in an orphanage.

We fell in love and got married.

They said the chances of her conceiving are very low.

But she got pregnant after a few weeks of treatment.

Our whole life changed, sir.

I'm sure your life would change too.

Actually, we had a baby two years back.

It was stillborn.

I didn't show my sorrow for Priya.

But she broke down completely.

I buried the child within one hour of its birth.

[sobbing uncontrollably]

Don't know why… Till now, she hasn't been able to conceive.

Sorry, sir.

It's okay, Sumanth.

Happy for you!

-Cheers! -Cheers!

[joyful laughter]

Sir.

Sir.

-Sit. -Sir.

Sit down, Sumanth.

Is the sketch done?

It'll be ready in some time, sir.

Since it was torn in a lot of places, it took a while to do the sketch.

[phone rings]

-Hello? -Where are you, Akil?

I told you I'm going to Coimbatore for a shoot.

-You're still not home. -Oh damn! Sorry! I'll be there soon.

Forget it!

Hey! Priya…

-Kids, go home. I'm leaving now. Bye! -Bye, Aunty!

Never did I expect to find the answer

to the questions I had in mind at my house.

[doorbell ringing]

The suicides tied to the Japanese Monarch's punishments…

The black and white objects…

Why would a Hindu carry out a Christian ritual?

How do I bring it all together?

[phone rings]

-Yes, Sumanth? -The photo sketching is done, sir.

-I've sent it to you via WhatsApp. -Hang on, let me check it out.

-Hey, Sumanth? -Sir?

This is a sketch of chess champion Viswanathan Anand's picture?

Oh, yes, it is!

Hey… I think we've got a breakthrough!

What is it, sir?

The clue from the second victim's house was black and white.

The colors in chess are exactly the same.

The third victim acted like a Christian before dying.

It was the cross on the king piece.

I've told you about the Japanese Monarch's, right?

Yes, sir.

Since the copy I own is half-charred,

I don't know what the name of it is.

It's first three letters are…

"C-H-E."

Connecting the other two dots,

This book's title must be Chess.

All the clues circle back to…

…the game of chess.

-I'll call you back, Sumanth. -Alright, sir.

[phone rings]

-Hello? -Was your son a chess player, sir?

Yes, sir.

What about it?

[phone rings]

-Hello? -Ma'am, did your son play chess?

-Why do you ask, sir? -Is it a yes or a no?

Yes!

-Hello, sir? -Ma'am, this is Akilan speaking.

Was your husband a chess player?

-Why do you ask, sir? -Answer my question?

He did, sir.

The more I investigated the case,

more questions arose.

I feel bloody stuck!

Vijay?

The case is closed again.

What?

Yes, Akilan.

The case is closed.

Billionaire James' first son is Martin.

Martin is as unique as this case.

His favorite color is black.

His love for owls is significant.

He reveres Hitler, whom the world condemns as a villain.

As he was growing up, Hitler's history and speeches

played a huge influence without his knowledge.

In addition to Martin's likes, chess was one of them.

The thrill of victory quickly became an addiction for him.

[Martin's evil laughter]

One day, he happens to play with his brother.

In a twist of events, he terribly loses to him.

Martin was deeply affected by that loss.

In a fit of rage,

Martin kills him.

James was crushed upon learning what had happened.

Despite losing his son,

he chose to make efforts to cure Martin.

Much to everyone’s surprise,

Martin quickly grew intolerable and violent.

He engages in games of chess with folks from there.

But loses to them, miserably.

Like how he murdered his brother,

he decides to let the winners meet with the same fate.

And it was during this period, he reads the book, Chess: The Secret.

The book is about how

the betrayers of the emperor and family in eighth-century Japan

were condemned to slit their stomachs and die.

The Japanese emperor, eager to see how skilled he was,

played a game of chess with a soldier.

Unfortunately, he loses terribly to the soldier.

In fear of embarrassment from his defeat,

he orders the soldier to slit his stomach and die.

With no other option left, he obediently commits suicide.

The people believed the soldier died for betraying the family.

It is believed that this story shaped Martin's mindset

and decides to let his losers face the same fate.

A single moment or situation can make or break a person.

"Hold back your rage, and when the time comes,

leave no one alive."

Those words of Hitler kept echoing in Martin's mind.

It is now his time to kill everyone who defeated him.

How can someone be so violent

over their fear of losing?

You'd never know, Akilan.

Losing can drive someone to extreme measures.

Chess was a game invented pre-7th Century.

A game that war commanders use to formulate their strategies.

To some people chess is a medium to find out their war strategy.

How did Martin make them do it?

And how do you know so much?

I’m going to answer your second question and one that wasn’t asked.

Martin's brother isn't dead, as you assumed.

But will soon die.

Martin…

No…

Vijay, no!

Vijay!

Weapon down!

I'm not the emperor but the minister.

The King will arrive to set things right.

"I'm not the king, but the Minister."

"The king will arrive to set things right."

This is where the actual investigation begins.

THE KING WILL ARRIVE

[reporters calling out]

Sir!

Tamilselvan, this case is yours.

-Hand a report on it as soon as you can. -Okay, sir.

I will start investigation once the formalities are done.

What the heck?

What were you doing till then when they were unaliving themselves?!

Give us a minute, Tamilselvan.

The media has been hounding us!

I trusted you with this case.

-But sir, I-- -Save your excuses.

Enough of you investigating.

And enough of the trouble you've caused me.

[phone ringing]

IG's on the line.

If he gets a whiff that you are handling the other suicide cases, I'm screwed!

You will be enquired by Tamilselvan about it.

So, don't blow your own cover.

Sir, I'm at the crime spot.

No problem, sir.

I'll deal with the press.

I… I… I'll take care, sir.

Sumanth,

since we won't have SP sir's support anymore,

you can step back from this case.

No, sir.

I can't leave you in the middle of this.

Moreover, it has claimed many lives.

I want to give their families the justice they are owed.

Take down this number, then.

73059…

…99904.

This is Vijay's number.

Use it to track down his address.

Yes, sir.

Fold your arm like this, please.

-Does it ache? -Not really, Doc.

-Just a little. -It'll go away as days go by.

You don't have to wear a sling anymore.

But that isn't a pass for you to get back into action, though.

-I'll write you up some painkillers. -Okay.

-[phone rings] -Take it only when it aches.

-Yes, Sumanth? -I found Vijay-Martin's address, sir.

It's a lake area called Mannavanur.

Mannavanur?

Sumanth, you head there and I'll catch up in a while.

You're right, sir.

They are both my sons!

But my eldest's name isn't Martin.

It's Kishore.

Kishore?

Ma'am, can you provide any IDs of his?

Hang on, let me get them.

[phone rings]

Do you know someone named Martin?

No, I don't know any.

Ma'am?

Did both your sons play chess?

They were good players!

Alright, ma'am.

I wonder why Kishore posed as Martin…

Why Vijay killed himself

and told me Martin's brother will die soon?

I'm not sure either, sir.

Bloody confusing!

-Sumanth? -Sir?

Hand over Ma'am my visiting card, please.

Ma'am?

If you get to know something or need our assistance, do reach out to us.

Hey, is Inspector's name Akhilan?

Yes, that's right.

I'll be right back.

[phone rings]

Hello?

Sumanth!

Sumanth!

Priya, what are you…

You forgot your phone, is it?

Anika suddenly went into labor and I admitted her after the neighbour's call.

How is she now?

Nothing to worry. You've got a baby girl!

Congratulations, you!

-Thanks, sir. -Can we meet them?

♪ Will time challenge us? ♪

♪ The path where the wind blows, we pass by every day ♪

♪ As the journey continues, Won't the heart long for love. ♪

♪ As we keep going Time swiftly passes ♪

♪ We search for new occasions, but the love remains the same ♪

[doorbell rings]

I'm here to enquire about the recent suicides at your place.

Can I come in?

Are you two the only ones living here?

Yes.

Didn't your wife study Journalism and now works as a T.V. show host?

Yes.

Now I see why you appear on TV quite often.

Excuse me, sir. Mind your words!

-Okay. -Not okay for me!

-Please do your work and leave. -Fine, fine.

Did you know the victims personally?

Vijay and I were college mates.

We aren't thick friends, though.

I met Kishore for the first time, that day.

Why did they meet you?

He reached out to me about a case, out of the blue.

We met and it went smooth.

Out of nowhere, his brother appears and both of them commit suicide.

Do you expect me to believe you?

I couldn't believe it myself either.

That's what happened that night, though.

Let me get this straight. Vijay came and the two of you discussed.

After which, his brother enters the scene, both of them commit suicide.

Do you at least know why they did it?

I don't.

I see.

Why did you go to Vijay's house after that?

I didn't go there to investigate

but to check on his parents as a friend.

Didn't you just tell me that you two weren't that close?

I went there to find a reason why they did it.

I couldn't. That's all!

Why are you getting annoyed?

It's your duty to co-operate during investigation.

Anyway…

I'll stop by later.

Also, you're one of the suspects in this case.

By any chance, do you have Vijay's phone with you?

Can you get it from the shelf, Priya?

[phone rings]

-Hello? -Akhilan.

-Isn’t your leave almost over? -Yes, it is, sir.

Why don't you extend it for another 15 days?

Let Tamilselvan handle this case.

You’ll start causing trouble if you come back.

But there's a connection between that case and these suicides!

That's what I'm saying! Just leave that f*****g case to me!

-Sir, but-- -Shut up! Don't try to convince me!

Do as you're told to.

-Hello? -Irritating…

Shit!

Akhil?

Akhil!

Akhil! Stop what you're doing. [intense bag punching]

What do you think you're doing? Akhil!

Leave me!

Akhil! Akhil!

Don't, Akhil! Akhil!

What's the matter, sir? Why are you so worked up?

Hey!

We’ve never had a lead, and now

others are using this moment to drag us down?!

Hey, is Inspector's name Akhilan?

I found this gift box in Vijay's room.

Ma'am, where is Sir's car keys?

Hanging over there.

-What's the matter? -Hey… Sumanth?

Sir, Vijay's mother gave me this since it was in his room.

I forgot to tell you about it after Anika's emergency call.

Sorry, sir.

His love for owls is significant.

B*****d!

There's a number lock in the statue.

It looks like a mobile number.

What if Martin's hinting at that?

But, Akhil.

If that was the idea, why choose a number lock?

-Bye. -Akhil?

You never slept, right?

Sir, I've been waiting here for so long. I need to see the SP.

They're not letting us inside.

Sir, trust me.

I'll wrap up this case without any mistakes.

Let me get back on duty, sir, please.

-Sir, hear me out-- -Akilan!

You’re only out there because of me.

Just obey my words!

Stay quiet until I say.

Sir!

What if Martin's hinting at that number?

If that was the idea, why choose a number lock?

Hey! I've been telling you to change that number plate.

Moron!

Hey!

Sorry, sir. Pick it up, go!

Sorry, sir. He didn't see you coming.

Hey, change it quick!

If the car has anything to do with our case,

the number plates would be fake.

That car license plate also turned out fake like you said, sir.

Sir, here's the CCTV footage you requested.

9466

999408.

I'll track it down, sir.

Hello, Cybercrime?

Hands up!

-Put your hands up! -Who are you?

-What do you want? -Don't you know?

You sent that gift in my name, right?

Akilan!

Akilan? What are you talking?

And what gift?

Drop the act. We uncovered everything.

Look. Show some respect.

I’m a reputed psychiatrist and a professor.

I think you’re mistaking me for another person.

-You can't spin tales anymore! -Sumanth.

He isn't the guy we're after.

He made us run after him.

He won't surrender that easily.

That lock opened when we entered his number, right?

Martin seems to be implying he’s a key, in a metaphorical sense.

What is going on? Explain it to me.

Sorry, sir.

It's a mistake in identity.

How do you know about the case I’m investigating?

Tell me everything about this case.

In Japan, during the eighth century,

he ordered them to slit his stomach and die.

But the modus operandi is the same.

Sir, I would like to investigate this case.

There! He was smashing something right there.

But if you look closely at the broken items, they’re all black and white, sir.

He stabbed himself all of a sudden, sir.

-His name is… -Athisaya Kumar is a very good person.

I see none of them had any second thoughts. Their hands were steady while doing this.

All the clues circle back to the game of chess.

I feel bloody stuck.

The case is closed.

I found this gift box in Vijay's room.

B******

What if Martin's hinting at the number?

9466999408.

Tracing that number led us right to you.

Alright.

I don’t know how my number ended up being a clue for you.

However, what I’m about to share could solve this case.

There was this Japanese king who wanted to test his skills,

so he played chess with his sepoy.

-That… -Sir. He lost.

And he ordered the sepoy to commit suicide.

And he did as he was told.

-This is how it goes, right? -Sumanth!

Yes.

But you’ve only heard half the story so far.

Later, he played with another sepoy.

But, he was the one to win

and he was the one to commit suicide as well!

How could anyone make the king to take his own life?

To make the king who defeated him commit suicide…

that’s the power of the sepoy’s strategy!

What strategy?

Mesmerism.

Mesmerism is all about using a hypnotic way of talking

to make someone do what you want, without touching or fighting involved.

I believe the killer you’re looking for is using this technique

About 200 years ago this matter was the talk of the town worldwide.

More than half the world were discussing about it.

It sounds made up.

Mesmerism is a pseudo science.

This has zero scientific proof.

Even now, studies are being conducted to determine if the theory is true or not.

The German scientist who introduced this to the world

Franz Anton Mesmer.

He wonders, what if you, me,

and even this whole world are living under mesmerism?

The killer you’re talking about uses a similar kind of mesmerism.

But, sir? Are these still happening?

Even with all the dirty laundry exposed,

the same politicians and godmen come to power.

And yet, those godmen still have a massive crowd following them.

The reason is…

-the things they preach. -Sir?

Can mesmerism manipulate a person into taking their own life?

Yes.

One minute.

In the year 1978,

a man named Jim Joans

He got 918 people to take cyanide

and end their lives right in front of him.

Including 304 kids.

This is one of the largest mass suicides in history.

You were telling that these sound made up, didn'tyou?

A guy actually did this way back in 1978.

We actually have the power to persuade people to make things happen.

But compared to people like this,

they have unmatched power in convincing others.

What will they talk?

I don't have a clear answer for that.

We can learn what he said during hypnosis

from the people who survived mesmerism.

It all starts with simple conversations,

and slowly we get dragged into their world.

I mean, they'll brainwash us.

And they don’t bother talking to anyone who isn’t their target.

Because each and every word they use is very powerful.

Sir?

You gave us an answer to solve a mystery we couldn’t crack.

If I need any further details regarding this case, I'll give you a call, sir.

-Anytime. Thank you. -Thank you so much, sir.

Sir?

This question keeps bugging me.

Why would the killer even bother giving us clues?

What on earth is going on with this case?

Sumanth…

I didn’t volunteer to handle this case.

He made me do it.

The first two suicides happened at their own houses.

But the third victim,

took his life in a park that's near my house.

And moreover,

before these three suicides happened,

I got my hands on that book.

Martin had a master plan sketched out from the very beginning.

Like, dropping clues using the victims.

Making Vijay meet me.

How he tricked me into thinking Kishore was actually Martin.

Martin's mastermind is behind all these incidents.

Martin is very much real.

But according to Vijay's explanation,

He made anyone who won against him in chess take their own life.

But, his brother who defeated him first,

is still alive.

But Vijay took his life saying he'll die.

So, if I'm not wrong.

Martin's next target

is his brother.

How will we find him, sir?

How are we supposed to find Martin?

He dropped hints for that as well.

Martin's favorite color is black.

His favorite bird is an owl.

His admires Hitler.

According to what psychiatrist said

he should be someone who is very quiet and discreet.

But if he had observed us this closely,

he is definitely somewhere near us.

Sir, the mute who is working at that mechanic shop?

Hey! Let go!

-Hands off! -Hey, stop him! Stop!

-Hey, stop! -Sir?

Who is he?

He gave his bike for repair.

He said he’d pay online, but he fooled me.

And when I questioned him, he slapped me, sir.

-Hey, Kailash? -Yes, sir?

Is he really mute?

Why do you ask, sir?

I've known him for many years.

He is born mute.

Do you know anything about his parents?

Sir, I have no idea about them.

He was working everywhere he could.

I felt sorry for him, so I gave him a job here.

He escaped, sir.

-Hey, do you have his number? -Yes, sir.

Find his address and make him pay.

-Okay, sir. -Yes, sir.

Even now, one fellow came in a car, didn't speak a single word.

He got his work done using sign language.

-Hey, Kailash? -Sir?

You said something while fixing that flat tire, remember?

-The one who got the job done using signals? -Yes, sir.

-You remember? -Yes, sir.

What did he look like?

Sir, I didn't notice him properly.

What car was he driving?

-I'm not sure, sir. -Color?

It was black.

Black?

Did you notice anything strange about him?

Strange…?

On his car’s steering wheel, there was an owl emblem, sir.

An owl?

Did you happen to see him somewhere else?

Never saw him again, sir.

What's wrong, sir?

Inform me right away if you see him anywhere.

-Sure, sir. -Okay?

Later, he played with another sepoy.

But, he was the one to win and he was the one to commit suicide as well!

How did he know about that Japan king?

Are you Martin?

No!

Doc?

The stab wasn’t deep. I’ve stitched it up, and he’s fine.

-You can see him. -Okay, Doc. Thank you.

You're hiding something.

How do you know about the Japanese ritualistic suicide?

And why did you attempt suicide, sir?

Checkmate.

Checkmate.

Each time Martin won,

the kiss from his mom always gave him…

a rush of happiness

and made him feel ecstatic with success.

Martin.

Britto. Where are they?

Martin. Britto!

Martin…

Britto?

Martin?

Britto. Mar--

Martin, where is Britto?

I'm asking you, where is Britto?

[phone rings]

Hello!

-Ganesh, get this file… -Come inside.

Dad, that’s him.

Hey, come in and sit down.

Hey, get over here!

Sir, here's you ID card.

-Akilan? -Sir…

-Show him the spot. -Yes, sir.

Ganesh, take them along with you.

Sir…

The kid saw your son toss the body out of the car.

It was good that I knew your car number.

If not, we wouldn’t have known the truth until the end.

Bri--

Sir, we’ve searched everywhere,

but found nothing.

I’m begging you all. Please keep searching thoroughly.

-Far away, behind, and on those sides. -Search carefully.

Britto.

Britto.

Sir, we’ve searched properly, but there’s nothing.

Britto!

Oh, no.

Britto…

Britto!

Britto…

Oh my God!

Here.

Sir, it’s for your sake,

and since we didn’t find a body, I’m letting your son go.

Take him with you.

Thank you so much.

-Thanks. -Hmm.

Rudran…

The pain of losing Britto is…

unbearable for me.

I’m unable to surrender Martin to the police, either.

See the misery I'm in.

James… I understand.

But the mistake is also on our part.

Even while his mom was alive,

Martin was mentally unwell.

He’s overly confident about his success and…

can't handle failure.

This is similar to Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

What are you talking about?

This is why he’s gone as far as killing his own brother.

Rudran.

How do we cure this?

My son is all I have.

I don't want to lose him.

Do something, please.

James, let me try.

It’s not possible for Martin to always win in life.

He needs to learn to accept failure.

As the first step,

let’s begin with his favorite chess.

Martin will lose his temper and

could act violently.

But with time, this behavior will lessen.

It'll make him alright.

Believe me.

Hey, Martin.

Relax. It's going to be okay.

Listen to me. Calm down!

Thank you.

One second.

Just like I expected, the kids you brought won the game.

They've defeated my son.

Thanks.

Martin, why did you bring me here all of a sudden?

Martin, wait.

What happened to you?

Why are you doing this?

Martin, who had been playing to win,

played to lose for the very first time.

Checkmate?

His fury didn't end there.

For a few years, Martin’s whereabouts was a mystery.

And then, one day, he returned.

I’ve always been suspicious since the body was never found.

Britto isn’t dead.

But he'll die soon. And not just that…

everyone who beat me will die.

That’s what he told me last.

From that, I realized he had come back, mastering mesmerism.

Martin told me this.

He told me you’d come looking for me

and that I should only talk about mesmerism with you.

If I didn’t, he threatened to kill me.

He puts me in these difficult situations and…

enjoys it like a sadist.

The treatment I gave for his recovery is now…

the reason so many are dead.

I can't face the fact that…

I created a killer.

That’s why I tried to take my own life.

Sir, now I understand.

He brought me into this case because I exposed him for his brother’s murder.

Now, he’s challenging me to stop him from killing his brother.

Sir…

You’re the only person who knows about Martin’s brother.

Do you recall anything about him?

Sir, please sign this report.

Sir.

Did you file a missing report when Britto went missing?

Yes, I did.

Do you remember the date?

[phone rings]

-Sir? -Rajesh. November 13, 2007.

-Send me the missing report of Britto's. -Alright, sir. Will check and send it over.

-Tell me, Kailash. -Sir.

The car I mentioned the other day is heading toward Moonjikal area.

-Are you sure? -Yes, sir.

-I'll call you back. -Okay, sir.

[phone rings]

-Yes, sir. -Sumanth,

the car Kailash mentioned is in your area.

Track it down immediately.

-On it, sir. -I'm on my way.

Scar on nape.

I'll send you a profile.

He'll work for you.

Martin's brother isn't dead, as you assumed.

But will soon die.

[phone rings]

Who are you?

Checkmate!

You are… Martin?!

Shall I tell you a secret?

Pick.

Pick up, Sumanth!

Anika and I grew up in an orphanage, sir.

[phone rings]

-Hello, Anika? -Hello?

-Yes, bro. -Where are you?

I've brought the child to the hospital for check-up.

Has Sumanth ever spoken about his brother's to you?

No. He mentioned he couldn't recall anything since his head injury.

What happened, brother?

Hello? Brother? All okay?

-I'll call you back, Anika. -Okay.

Oh, shit!

Sumanth, what are you doing?

Let it go. Sumanth!

Hey… Hey, Sumanth!

Sumanth…

Hey, Sumanth!

Sumanth!

Sumanth!

I want to play with you.

Which is why I saved you then.

Let's play.

Wrong move.

Martin, no!

No! Hey…

I can't take your word for it.

You must provide evidence for it to stand legally.

I do have evidence, sir.

-And that is? -Sir…

If any of his mesmerism victims survived,

we'll know what Martin said to mesmerize them.

Sir, I can easily prove it.

Come, let's go.

Sumanth?

Are you okay now?

What did Martin do to you?

What did he say to enchant you?

Shall I tell you a secret?