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(light-hearted opening song)

(happy music)

(vehicles honking)

Hi, hello, greetings. This is your very own Angeline.

So, every week in our Taste Attack channel,

we introduce to you traditional hotels from Tamil Nadu.

So, guess which hotel we are at in this week's episode?

We are at Amudha Cafe in Ooty.

AMUDHA CAFE

It has been running successfully in Ooty for the past 30 years.

So, what's special about Amudha Cafe?

It's their sambar.

Yes! People visiting Ooty might skip visiting even the Doddabetta Peak,

but they will never miss relishing Amudha Cafe's sambar.

The sambar prepared here is that good.

-(knife slicing) -(machine whirring)

(sizzling)

(liquid gushing)

Many celebrities and famous personalities love this sambar.

In fact, even when the great Amitabh Bachchan used to visit Ooty,

he said he never missed a chance to have this sambar.

It's said that he has personally visited here once to taste it.

Even today this sambar is a crowd favourite.

Let's find out what's so special about it. Come on.

Is this your first time at Amudha Cafe?

No, we have visited many times.

But every time we visit, we come eat at this hotel without fail.

Also, you'd be surprised to know

my entire family is a huge fan of the sambar made in this hotel.

What's so special about their sambar?

Just try it for yourself. That's what's special!

Whoa! Not even a single table is free.

Let's talk to someone who's dining.

(emotional music)

My wife loves this sambar.

We come here every year to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

-Today is our wedding anniversary. -Superb, sir.

(melancholic music)

But she's not with us today.

I wanted to come here in my wife's memory.

(sighs) That's why I'm here.

We interviewed many people, asking about this hotel.

They shared a lot of things.

But your story was the most heart-touching of the lot.

On behalf of our team, we wish you a happy wedding anniversary, sir.

We are currently in Amudha Cafe's kitchen.

We are meeting a person who holds an integral post in the admin department.

He is Peter. Let's talk to him.

-Hi, sir. Greetings. -Greetings.

(Angeline) Tell us about the bond you share with this cafe.

Once I met with an accident,

and I was bedridden for almost an entire year.

He paid my entire year's salary, even taking care of my hospital bills.

As soon as I got discharged,

he asked me to rejoin work the very next day.

That's Periyavar.

He's like a god to all of us.

Lovely! We thought only the sambar is special in Amudha Cafe,

-but everyone's emotional bonding here seems to be even more special. -Yes.

Is it true that Amudha Cafe's sambar has a secret recipe?

Only Periyavar knows that secret recipe.

We keep everything ready in the morning.

Then, once he is here, we leave the kitchen.

He spends 10 minutes in here.

We have no idea what magic he does.

But once he's done,

the sambar will taste out of this world.

Wow!

In all these years, the taste of his sambar hasn't changed even a bit.

Superb, sir.

Next, the person who started this traditional-style hotel

and is running it successfully,

let's talk to Mr. Rathinasamy.

Hi, sir. Greetings.

Hello, greetings.

-How are you, sir? -I'm good.

So, is Amudha your daughter's name?

-Yes. -Okay. Very nice, sir.

You are running a hotel successfully,

and it's a major landmark in Ooty.

What is the secret of this success, sir?

Trust.

The trust that people have in us.

We do not make any compromises.

We maintain their trust, and that's our secret.

The important thing here is that you have a reputation

and people come looking for your hotel.

Then, why did you not expand it further and open other branches?

In fact, it could turn out even more amazing if you expanded.

Why didn't you do it?

(reflective music)

AMUDHA CAFE

Well, if I expand and start many more branches like you said,

everything will change.

The prices will vary.

The taste for which people come here, that will change.

During childhood, our mothers would run after us to feed us.

But we would refuse that food and run off.

Then we grow up, live in hostels, go places and work abroad.

Our taste buds die from the outside food that we'd constantly eat.

We'd eventually come running home, realising mother's food is the best.

So, nobody realises the value of food even if it's made by one's mother.

One has to go in search of it to know its real taste and value.

There's only one sun, one moon

and one Taj Mahal.

Similarly, when it comes to Amudha Cafe,

this is the one and only one.

And you will find it only in Ooty.

Wonderful.

-Hi, sir. -Hello.

We spoke to your dad.

He shared a lot about originality and individuality.

What's your take on it, as someone from this generation?

Well, as far as this hotel is concerned,

it is the result of my father's hard work.

Amudha Cafe is our identity. We have no doubt about that.

Recently, under the name Amudha Masala,

we have started a firm that produces authentic traditional spice mixes.

Meet Mr. Ilango.

-My brother-in-law. -Hi, sir.

We both run Amudha Masala.

Okay, what plans do you have to develop Amudha Cafe?

Like Karthik said, Amudha Cafe won't have any major alterations.

Apart from this,

coffee powder, pickles, sweets, ready-made mixes...

We have plans to manufacture and market these products.

Okay. Superb, sir.

We believe that the brand name of "Amudha"

will take us to heights that we plan and hope to reach.

It definitely will, sir. Wishing you all the very best.

-Thank you so much. -Yes.

We have more interesting things coming up soon.

So, don't miss it. Keep watching.

AMUDHA RESIDENCY

(car whirring)

Welcome. Welcome.

-(Jayalakshmi) Please come. -Greetings, madam.

-My wife, Jayalakshmi. -(Angeline) Hi, madam.

-My daughter, Amudha. -Hi.

-Dad's little princess? -(everyone laughs)

-Please come in. -Yeah.

(peaceful music)

(cutlery clinking)

Our hotel is pure vegetarian.

At home, we strictly serve non-vegetarian food.

But remember the doctor's advice.

You're a strict vegetarian for a few days.

-Don't forget that. -Okay. Okay.

-Enough. -By the way,

-she is Sophia, aka Sophie. -(Sophie) Hi!

We prepare food for the people,

and she prepares our food, here at our home.

-(Angeline) Oh, lovely. -She's a part of our family.

-Very nice. -She is strict about my diet.

Even if the doctor allows me to indulge a bit, she will not.

-She's very strict! -(Angeline giggles)

(Amudha) It's over there.

(comedic music)

Hey, what are you doing?

-Use the toilet! -(Appu) No, I won't.

Leave it, dear. He's a kid. Let him be.

The little guy urinating in that bucket is our Appu.

My daughter Amudha's son.

He's the only person I fear.

-(Rathinasamy chuckles) -(Angeline) Really?

Appu, say hi to everybody.

-Hi. -Hi!

(Angeline) Cute!

Go!

I tried a lot but couldn't get rid of this habit of his.

(pleasant music, no dialogue)

(music fades out)

(music turns tense)

-(Jaya) What happened, dear? -(Rathinasamy grunts)

-Uncle, what happened? -Dad!

What happened?

-Dad... -Uncle, what happened?

-My dear! -Uncle, what happened?

-Uncle, what happened? -Give him some water.

Dad...

Call the doctor!

Karthi, call the ambulance!

(Angeline) Uncle...

(Jaya) My dear!

(music fades out)

(introspective music)

(X-ray wobbles)

Nothing more can be done.

Please prepare yourselves.

Doctor, can we go for chemotherapy?

No.

When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,

it was at stage three.

It has spread even further now.

In this situation,

there is no use doing chemotherapy.

He crossed that stage a long time ago.

We doctors have done everything possible.

Treatment is no longer what he needs.

All he needs is a peaceful end.

(Jaya sobs softly)

Stay strong, Karthik.

Call me if there's anything.

Okay, Doctor.

-I'll leave now. Take care. -Thank you.

Karthi.

How about we get a second opinion?

This was the third opinion already.

They all say the same thing.

Doctors say a million things, but we can't give up.

What else can we do?

Let's not give up. My friend is a medical practitioner in America.

I spoke to him.

Anderson Hospital in Texas is a renowned cancer centre.

-Why don't we take him there? -(Jaya) No need!

(melancholic music fades in)

Just leave him alone.

-Mom, just one last try-- -Let's not, dear.

Seeing him suffering for the past three months has been unbearable.

He always made sure everyone ate well and had a good night's sleep.

But he's struggling to eat well

and have a peaceful night's sleep himself.

Do you know the pain he was in yesterday?

I don't want to make him suffer more in the name of treatment.

He doesn't have the strength to bear all this.

Neither do I have the strength to see him suffer.

(sobs, sniffles)

No matter where you take him,

his heart will always be here.

In this house,

and amidst his loved ones,

let his soul depart.

This is all that I'm praying for, son.

Please let him be.

(weeping)

(music turns introspective)

I, too, felt the same.

And Mom just spoke what was in my mind.

Just like the doctor said, let's hope for a peaceful end.

(music fades out)

(footsteps departing)

What do you think?

I feel that he has an unfulfilled wish.

That's why he is still holding on to his life.

What unfulfilled wish could Dad possibly have, dear?

You never know, dear.

My friend's grandpa too was holding on to his life.

They tried many things.

Finally, they played him the song "Oo Solriya" with the video.

He died peacefully after watching Samantha.

Usually, everyone's soul wants peace.

But his soul wanted Samantha (stutters)...

(light-hearted music)

Well... I am just telling you what happened.

(music ends)

(footsteps scuffling away)

(birds chirping)

(comedic music)

Subba.

-What are you doing here? -(Subba) Mind your own business.

(slicing)

Sophie!

(clicks tongue)

Why did you come here? How many times have I told you?

No, no.

Just a small favour, baby.

Can you give me 1K?

I'll turn it into 2K next week and return it to you.

-Okay? -Not okay!

I don't have any money with me.

Don't say that, child.

Just a small money rotation.

Who else can I ask during a crisis?

A crisis? Earlier, you were tricking Mom with such nonsense.

Now you're trying to trick me?

I can't give money for you to drink and gamble away.

I repeat, if you come here once again...

What is this, Sophie?

It's merely ₹1,000, after all.

Is this how you treat your own father?

Leave before it gets worse!

(hums in displeasure)

Sophie, do you remember?

When you were five years old, one day--

You stole my bangles. Are you talking about that?

Uh... no, no.

I guess you forgot.

One day, you suddenly came running to me,

"Daddy, I want a cycle," you said.

That same evening, I bought you a brand new cycle.

You should've seen the happiness on your face.

It's still fresh in my memory.

Yeah! And you sold that cycle three months later

for some booze and got a nice beating from Mom. Remember that?

Okay, let's not talk about the past.

(breathes in dramatically)

Forget ₹1,000. Can you give me ₹500--

Get lost!

-Okay, have a good day. -Go away!

(Subba chuckles, sings) ♪ What a beautiful life! ♪

♪ It's a wonderful life ♪

♪ It's a good life ♪

♪ Ah... ♪

Spare me ₹500.

Don't have it.

Fine, at least 100 bucks?

Don't have that too.

How are you even surviving without a 100 bucks?

Only your houses are above sea level.

Your life is still below the poverty line.

What is ₹100?

Convert it into dollars, and it's not even $2. (chuckles)

Do you want it in dollars or rupees?

UPI, Bitcoin... anything is fine.

I have nothing.

Then, why are you here?

Go out there and beg for alms.

(scoffs) Do you think you are the only people I've got?

I'm negotiating a huge property in Coonoor. (snaps fingers)

If that works out, I'll be rolling in money.

Keep rolling, man. Who cares?

I don't have time for this. I'll deal with you in the evening.

(chuckles) Do you know who you are?

You are a wasted sperm.

You are a bloody parasite, man!

(reflective music)

(door clicks, screeches)

Dad.

You wanted to see me?

Karthi.

-I need to tell you something. -Tell me, Dad.

I don't have much time left.

Don't say that, Dad.

No, son.

I know it for a fact.

Can you do me a favour before my time is up?

Dad, you don't even have to ask.

Just give me the order.

All these years,

there was something that didn't let me smile wholeheartedly.

It didn't allow me to sleep peacefully.

It still keeps pricking my heart.

And I want you to know what it is.

I hope you will understand me.

Definitely, Dad. Tell me what it is.

Back when I was young, I had been to Chennai in search of work.

I was there for four years.

I know that, Dad.

When I was in Chennai...

I was in a live-in relationship.

(music intensifies)

While I was just looking to make a living one way or another,

she was the one who showed me how to live a good life.

But I couldn't marry her.

(clicks tongue)

She is no more.

It's in the past, Dad.

Why bring it up now, Dad?

I have another son, by her.

(tense music)

It is something

I only found out recently.

Karthi...

I wish to see him

before I die.

Go to Chennai,

find him and bring him here.

He must take part in my last rites.

His identity and what he does...

I have no information on that.

You must help him settle down.

Everybody here must accept him as part of the family.

You must make everybody here understand and accept him.

(Rathinasamy sighs)

I request you to grant me this boon.

Will you do this for me?

Promise me.

(emotional music)

Dad, where is he in Chennai?

(sniffles)

We lived in Pattinapakkam.

Go and check there.

It's been so many years.

How will this work, Dad?

Take that photo.

Open the frame.

(music turns silent)

(flips)

(comedic music)

That's her?

Find him by any means possible

and bring him here soon.

I'll start for Chennai tomorrow itself, Dad.

Dad, what's her name?

Her name was

Amudha.

(musical crescendo)

(music fades out)

Hey, brother-in-law.

You do know how your sister will react if she finds out, right?

That sinner!

I thought he named the hotel after me.

But he named me after her! (sobbing)

That's what she'll say, I bet!

Forget Amudha.

What will you tell your mom?

I don't think she'll be able to take it.

We can deal with that later. We must go to Chennai tomorro--

Are you kidding me? You made a promise without even thinking twice?

Of course. He's been our role model since childhood.

Do you know how much he has done for us?

He has given me and my sister everything.

He has never asked us any favour in return.

After my 10th grade, when I was confused about what to do next,

he called me and said,

"Look, Karthi, this is a business I started.

"There is no compulsion that you should take it over.

"Just follow your passion."

And that man now held my hand and asked for a boon.

I was in tears.

You were in tears? It didn't make you angry?

You should've held him by the collar and asked,

"You were our role model! How could you cheat on Mom?"

What are you saying?

All of that happened before he even married Mom.

I can't judge him based on that.

As a husband or a father, he hasn't betrayed our family.

-I am very sure of it. -Then, he should've let it go.

Why heat up an age-old sambar that has already gone bad?

He must have remembered them since he's on his deathbed.

Correct.

Even when my dad was on his deathbed,

he called my mom and told her,

"I slept with your best friend."

What was your mom's reaction?

Before she could react,

he passed away.

But every Christmas, she lights up a candle

and she calls him a bastard.

Then, she cuts the cake

and, as she eats it, she starts abusing him--

Forget that. Who was that chick?

After an intense investigation,

two ladies claimed that he slept with them.

Two of them?

One of them was a violinist--

Is this important now?

My family history, man.

Are you coming with me to Chennai tomorrow or not?

Karthi, think about it.

After so many years, if we bring a random guy here

and say, "I have a new brother now. Let's celebrate with sweets,"

-won't it be shameful? -Brother-in-law.

This is my dad's last wish. I will honour it.

If there are repercussions or if somebody judges me,

I don't care.

I'm leaving for Chennai tomorrow with or without you two.

(Ilango) I didn't mean that. Karthi, listen to me.

-(clicks teeth) -(car door clicks)

(energetic music)

(vehicles whirring)

(music fades out)

(people chattering)

(Ilango) Phew!

How about a hot glass of tea?

-Are we here to drink tea? -(Ilango gasps)

Split and start searching for him.

I just asked if we could have some tea.

You drink it on your way. I'll go in this direction.

Peter...

(suspenseful music, no dialogue)

Have you ever seen this lady, the one in this photo?

That's Amudha!

Yes, that's her! Do you know her address?

She left this place and moved somewhere else long back.

And she has already passed away.

She has a son. Do you have his address?

They actually moved to Besant Nagar.

-Try your luck in that area. -Okay. Thank you.

(music intensifies)

(vehicles whirring)

(music continues, no dialogue)

(music fades out)

Sir, have you seen her?

Hey! This is Sachu's mom!

Sachu?

Yes, his name is Sachin.

We call him Sachu.

Thank God. I was shocked that you might have a sister too.

Stop it, Peter. Do you know where we can find him?

Just go straight and take a left.

-He runs his business there. -What business?

A food outlet.

A food outlet?

-(people chattering loudly) -(footsteps shuffling)

AMUDHA RESTAURANT

"Amudha Restaurant."

Karthi...

your dad always said that we have no branches.

But look, a huge tree has sprouted and grown here.

Technically speaking,

we are running this hotel's branch in Ooty.

(energetic music)

(music turns light-hearted)

Let's head back home, Karthi.

If your dad asks,

we'll say we looked all over Chennai but couldn't find him.

Or else we'll say,

their whole family moved to Dubai and settled there.

Dubai doesn't sound believable.

-Boy, change the cylinder. -Okay, anna.

Please serve some chutney.

I won't serve chutney on an empty plate! Get lost!

Dosa is available anywhere and everywhere.

But this tasty chutney of yours is what attracts us here.

See for yourself, Karthi.

If we take him to your dad,

even he'll find it hard to believe.

He doesn't resemble your dad at all.

I think he looks like his mom.

Please! This fellow, I say!

Karthi, let's go.

Hmm.

-I meant let's go back. -(clicks tongue)

Buddy, this chutney is awesome!

-Told you! You won't find it anywhere. -True.

Let's eat here regularly.

-Sure. Let's order an egg kalaki also. -Okay.

-(people chattering) -(car whirring)

-(man) The MLA is here. -Buddy!

-Ready? -Hey, buddy! Yes, ready.

Get that.

-Here, anna. -Keep an eye on this. I'll be back.

-Okay, anna. -Mm.

(Sachu) He visits our area only to come to my shop.

Here, man. Pay me ₹120.

(clicks tongue)

-I'll transfer it online, buddy. -Hey.

Do you accept bribes through online transactions?

I'm sure there are two bundles of cash in your car.

Stop kidding. Keep in mind that I'm an MLA!

An MLA?

Hey, that's fine.

I heard you ignored the Chennai floods

but run to help out when there are floods in your hometown.

That's my hometown. That's how it is.

So you don't care about Chennai?

Don't forget the land that feeds you, man.

(MLA) Okay, I'll see you then.

By the way, you have so many regular customers like me.

Even the local MLA is your friend.

-(Sachu) What about it? -Well,

if you develop this outlet and turn it into a bigger hotel,

you can become like Annaamalai Rajnikanth within a few years.

-Listen, you bucket nose. -Huh?

You all can eat only until my outlet stays like this.

If I turn it into a bigger hotel,

increase the rates and change the taste,

and turn it into "The Annaamalai,"

I won't give extras for free, like I give now.

Got it? Money will make me go mad, and I'll lose all my peace.

-I said so only for your welfar-- -Shut up! Put the plate down!

Leave! I said leave!

Go and die in the Guna Caves,

-instead of flapping your gums here! -(Peter) Wow.

He talks just like Periyavar but with a Chennai accent.

Different dialect.

But the same content!

If your uncle comes here again, I'll thrash you.

What can I do, anna?

Hi.

Yes, sir? What'd you like to eat?

We got idli, dosa, egg dosa. What will you have?

One plate idli for me.

-Sir, what about you? -Nothing for us.

-You don't want anything? -I'll eat, man.

-Forget it. We'll eat in a good place. -Here.

Go and give this to him.

Ask if he wants a half-boil, omelette or anything else.

(Karthik) Yeah.

Here, sir. Have it.

(boy) Let me know if you need anything else.

(pleasant music)

The chutney is indeed superb.

-(Peter and Ilango) Really? -Yeah.

Huh?

You're right.

-It's better than our hotel's chutney. -Yes. It is.

Sir, one plate dosa for me.

Make that two plates.

Attaboy!

Welcome, sir. I saw you last when I was in school. Tell me.

-One plain dosa. -₹30.

-Two egg dosas. -Thirty... ₹130.

-Two plates idlis. -130 plus... 150...

You used to make me buy tea during school. Add ₹40 for that!

-(Sachu) Pay up ₹240. -(schoolteacher) Here.

-(schoolteacher) I'll see you then. -Quite surprising!

Just like Periyavar.

-I've never seen him use a calculator. -Right?

He does all the maths in his mind.

Peter, his maths was spot on,

but his calculations went wrong.

(Sachu) I want to close shop, but customers keep coming.

My legs hurt.

(music elevates, stops)

(vehicles honking)

(crickets chirping)

(high-pitched whirring)

(door clicks, creaks)

(grunts)

(clears throat)

So itchy.

Mom, I worked really hard today.

Mom, just one last try... Okay, Mom.

(humming)

-(plate thuds) -(grunts)

(inhales)

(crunching, gulping)

-(rapping on door) -Hmm?

Who's knocking on the door at this ungodly hour?

Huh?

Huh?

Sir! You?

What brings you here, sir? Do I owe you any change?

No, I want to have a word with you.

-May I come in? -Sir!

Why are you barging in like some income tax authority?

I'm Karthi. This is Ilango and that's Peter.

You came here for introductions?

-We have come from Ooty. -Tourists?

This is not poet Bharathiyar's house.

This is my house, sir. Why have you come to see me?

-(Karthi) Well... -(Sachu) Huh?

Is that your mother?

Does she look like my mother-in-law?

Obviously, she's my mother, sir.

What do you know about your father--

-He's a runaway coward! A fraudster! -(Ilango gasps)

Hey!

-Don't say that. -Why?

I abuse him like this at least a hundred times a day!

-Why does it piss you off? -I have my reasons.

What's that reason?

Because...

Your father is my father too.

(introspective music)

I don't get it.

You're my elder brother.

Huh?

Are you drunk and creating a ruckus at this wee hour?

If I get drunk,

I'll behead all three of you! Get out!

Calm down and hear me out.

Okay, sir. I say this calmly. Get out.

Brother-in-law,

we are losing our self-respect. Let's go.

Can you both wait outside?

-I'll talk to him. -Well, I mean...

Please!

Mom, look. I'm aching all over but they won't let me drink.

-(Ilango) All the best, man. -Get lost!

What do you want to say? Tell me.

He has been bedridden for the past three months.

-Who? -Dad.

Slap him, wake him up and send him to work!

Lying idle in bed for three months?

Why is he so arrogant?

That's still better.

I was scared that he might accept him, greedy for his father's wealth.

(phone ringing)

Who's calling at this hour?

It's Amudha.

-Amu? -What's with the radio silence?

We were a bit busy. That's why I couldn't call.

-Aren't you asleep yet? -Why aren't you asleep yet?

Well, us?

We've ordered dinner from a star hotel and are waiting for it.

Is Appu asleep?

Why do you sound tense?

Me? Tense?

(laughs tensely) Nothing of the sort.

Are you drunk?

No. Not at all.

Tell me the truth. Aren't you and Peter drinking?

Peter? He's taken a holy vow for the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

I mean Velankanni. He won't drink.

-(Amudha) Oh. -(Sachu) What? Hey!

-Okay, dear. -I'll take a crowbar

-and shove it down your throat! -(stammers) I'll call you back.

Hello. Hello--

(Sachu) I curse him every single day!

Your dad's the first person who betrayed me in my life!

-What's with his sudden fatherly love? -I told you.

His condition is serious.

Tell me once he passes away.

I'll serve fish biryani to everyone in town.

Don't speak ill of him.

He's your father too, and you can't change that.

Why? Didn't he change wives?

-I can't accept him. Get out! -(clicks tongue)

He wished to see you and asked me to bring you along.

I promised him I'd bring you home.

We came all the way to Chennai just for that purpose.

Mm-hmm.

That sounded very touching.

I'll sit in a corner and brood about it over a drink. You can go now.

Please try to understand. It's his last wish.

Please try to understand what I'm saying.

It's my only wish! I don't want to see him ever.

Your dad betrayed my mom and ran away!

Don't judge him so hastily.

-Our dad is not such a person. -Am I a test tube baby, then?

I'm sure he did it because he was forced to.

What could have forced him to do so?

In the movie Thevar Magan,

Kamal Haasan has a relationship with Gautami

but ends up marrying Revathi since he had no choice.

-Just like that. -Correct.

Oh.

So, his dad is Kamal Haasan.

His mom is Revathi.

And my mom is Gautami?

Then what does that make you both?

That makes him Sangili Murugan and me, Vadivelu. Okay?

-Vadivelu? -(Peter) Yeah.

Were you both born to his father?

-No! No! -My father's name is Tony.

-Tony, my foot! -How do I make you understand?

-I'll make you understand. Come! -(intriguing music)

Look at our faces. Who'll believe that we are brothers?

-Don't degrade yourself. -I'm stating facts.

I plead with you. Come and meet him for my sake.

Hey, that jerk didn't show up when I was born,

but he's calling me for his funeral?

-Your anger is justified. I understand. -You understand diddly-squat.

Look, a motherless kid can somehow make it in this world.

People will only have sympathy.

Imagine a kid who doesn't even know his dad's name.

Then you will understand that pain.

You've been irritating me since you came in.

-Shut up and leave. -Please listen to me.

You don't know me.

If you keep troubling me, I'll unleash hell on you.

-Please listen to me. -You better leave.

-Calm down and listen. -Leave!

-Please come with us once. -Don't provoke me. Out!

-Listen to me... -Out! No more respect for you.

-Stop being rude. -Get lost! Out!

-Please hear me out. -Out, you fools!

If I see you in this locality again,

I'll finish you off!

(music turns melancholic)

(music fades out)

(crows cawing)

(metal squeaking)

(machine whirring)

(slicing)

(Sachu humming)

(Sachu) How's the grinder running?

I haven't paid the electricity bill.

Why are you so late?

I'm the owner. I'm supposed to ask that.

Instead, you're questioning me?

I thought you got wasted last night.

Yes, I got really drunk last night and slept.

I drank so much because of three beggars who troubled me!

-Did you split the coconuts? -Yes, they are ready.

Your job is done. Go home.

Come on. At least today I wanted to see your secret recipe.

If you find out that secret formula,

you'll become my boss and I'll have to peel garlic.

Now, leave. Out!

Who is this lady?

My classmate. I took her in for help.

As if you studied MBBS to have a classmate!

Both of you get out and find a cure for COVID.

-I said out! -He's an illiterate moron.

-Come, let's go. -See that, Mom?

Out! This place has a door, but the door has no lock.

(machine whirring)

(steel clangs)

(light-hearted music)

(boy) Please come, sir.

Why are you waiting outside? Is he giving the final touches?

(music continues)

(music turns melodic)

(Sachu) Where are the mint leaves?

(startles, gasps)

-They were looking for you. -You guys again!

I brought them here.

Looks like they are from Ooty.

-You go for a vacation and come back. -Thanks, anna.

You! Get inside. Start working!

-That leave cancellation was quick. -Get inside!

Didn't I insult you last night? I hurled abuses at you!

And you're here again? Don't you have any shame?

Don't come there as his son.

Consider this as an act of humanity, like helping a stranger.

Have you seen a homeless person waiting outside a liquor shop?

I will even help him,

but I'll never come all the way to Ooty and help your dad.

What will I tell him?

Tell him I was walking on the beach and died in a tsunami attack.

-He'll be happy to hear that. -That's a superb idea, Karthi.

I broke my head over it. This idea sounds authentic.

Can you please shut up?

Can't you see I'm talking?

I've been listening to it since last night.

Look, please leave me alone.

You mind your business, and I'll mind mine.

Didn't you say that your dad gave you my mom's photo?

-Who has it? Give it! -It's here.

-Mom, they don't let me work. -We have a spare photo.

A spare? Please delete it.

Don't make an issue out of it.

I've never spoken so decently to anybody in my life.

Okay? Now, leave.

-Enough talking. The cylinder is out. -Yes, Mary?

The cylinder is out of gas?

The cylinder has gone empty. I have to carry it now.

Now, leave. Go!

Didn't I refill it last week? Are you selling it on the black market?

This gas is not an IPL ticket to sell on the black market.

(sizzling)

(people chattering)

Pour him some sambar and collect ₹60.

-Here. -(man 1) Sachu...

Two egg dosas.

Hey, I've warned you not to drink and come to my outlet.

Leave!

What the... What's your problem if we are drunk?

Your job is to serve food and take our money.

-Stop advising us instead. -You'd better leave while I'm civil.

You still haven't paid me for breaking the eggs last time.

-Now leave. -It's just eggs.

You speak as if we broke your shop.

-Sarcasm, huh? -Come on!

We'll settle all the bills today. Make us dosas now.

We'll park the bike and come. Go.

Dude, drive properly.

-What did you hit? Uh-oh! -(utensils crashing)

Quick, get back up.

-Those damn fools! -(man 2) Leave before he comes!

At this age, instead of studying, they drink and roam around,

-and trouble everybody! -(man 2) Bro, it hurts.

-Please, sorry! -Your parents must be blamed!

Quick! Drive!

-That really hurt! -Those no-good rascals!

(comedic music)

Now what should I use to beat and chase them away?

You guys deal with him.

I'll get a lift in some lorry and go home. Please.

Guys, what do you really want?

We need to discuss something important with you.

And then we'll leave tonight.

You had some other agenda yesterday.

I can't trust you.

Well, we gave it a good thought after meeting you.

Taking you home might lead to many problems at home.

I explained that to him, and he understood.

But still, as your younger brother, he has something to discuss with you.

In the movie Thalapathi, the younger brother Arvind Swamy--

-Touch this. -(yelps)

What if I don't agree to this?

We... uh...

We'll be back tomorrow again. Yeah.

Such shameless fellows.

You will be back tomorrow again?

Fine, I'll come after closing shop at 11:00 p.m.

-I'll tell you where to meet. -Thanks.

-One small request. -What is it?

If you could bring some chutney with idlis and egg dosas on your way...

(mumbles) ₹26, ₹27...

...we can eat and talk.

It'll cost you ₹69. Okay?

-No problem. -Keep the money ready. I'll bring the food.

-Thank you. -And the location?

Give me your number. I'll send the location. Okay?

(honking)

(jeep whirring)

(whirring stops, door clicks)

(door shuts)

(Ilango) This locality looks a bit dangerous.

He seems so unpredictable.

(comedic music)

-(Ilango) There he is. -(Sachu) Hi, guys!

(Karthi) He is here.

(Ilango) He's carrying those bags as if they have severed heads in them.

What kind of meeting spot is this?

The lorry drivers here are my friends.

They won't disturb us.

Here, hold this.

Thank you!

-And that one? -That's for me.

So that I can talk clearly when I'm drunk.

-Shall we drink? -Oh.

Listen to me. Don't drink that.

Now, see that?

You said you wanted to discuss something and I obliged.

I'll get mad if you advise me.

You already disturbed me last night while I was about to drink.

I was not advising you.

I meant don't drink that. Drink this.

Foreign liquor. Very good for health.

(heavenly music)

I don't know how to open it.

It's all yours. Consider it a gift.

(comedic music ensues)

-Cheers! -Cheers!

Nothing beats foreign liquor.

Take one sip and it makes me want to be nice to people.

I feel like hugging a calf and kissing it.

I like it.

(grunts)

Brother, I was too rude to you yesterday.

Don't mind it.

I won't. It's okay.

And guess what?

When one finds his long-lost elder brother,

he'd never contact him, fearing that he'd have to share the wealth.

Or he'd end up killing him.

But you are insisting that I come with you.

You are indeed a nice guy.

I came here only for your sake.

Thank you.

I don't even feel like eating any snacks. The drink's that smooth.

-That's foreign liquor! -Pour some more.

-Fix another round. -So tell me...

-Is Sachin your real name? -No.

It's Sachin Babu.

My mom named me Vignesh Babu.

-But I am a hardcore fan of Sachin. -Mix that.

So when she put me in school,

I told her to name me Sachin.

My mom added Babu next to it

and gave my name as A. Sachin Babu. "A" stands for Amudha.

"A" became my initial.

-Everybody calls me Sachin. -Here.

Only my mom called me Babu.

(music stops)

(emotional music rises)

What happened?

Well, all our relatives back home,

address Dad as "Babu."

(Sachu) Oh.

My elder sister's name is Amudha.

My wife.

Waste.

Even our hotel in Ooty is named Amudha Cafe.

He ditched my mom but used her name?

That fraud.

Look here.

My mom was an angel.

Do you know how much she struggled to raise me?

Did she struggle a lot?

Yes, but she always told me one thing.

"Don't you worry, dear. You will be a very successful person one day."

And look! Her words came true.

I run my own business.

I have loyal customers.

In my locality, I live like a king.

I treat everyone with mouth-watering food.

All those who bullied me during my childhood

come to my outlet

and eat my food, that too in credit.

Guess why?

It's the magical taste of the chutney I make.

It's finger-licking good.

Do you know Arya, the actor?

He cycles down to my outlet every day.

-For what? -To taste the chutney.

He loves it that much.

-He'll eat, wash the plate and leave. -Fantastic.

Drink up!

Even the local MLA eats from your outlet, right?

Yes, he was my classmate.

We studied together till the second grade.

That's a good qualification, and that's why he became an MLA.

But still,

even if he reaches heights, he won't forget me.

"Ask me anything you want, buddy," he'd say.

But I'd say, "No, thank you."

I believe in standing on my own two feet.

-(Ilango) Correct. -How should we stand?

On our own feet. Learn that.

(light-hearted music)

(grunting)

Hey! Look here.

I don't depend on anybody.

I won't ask anyone for help.

I have ₹5 lakh in my account.

-Really? ₹5 lakh? -My money.

My hard work.

My God...

-Yeah. -Pour me some.

My mother.

Mom!

Had your dinner?

Won't you ask me if I ate?

Well, she's not here. So, tell me something.

I'm doing all the talking.

Didn't you call me to discuss something?

Drink some more and then we'll talk.

-Really? -(Peter) Yes, drink.

Enjoy!

(grunts)

(music continues)

(music fades out)

(comedic music begins)

(Sachu grunts)

Where are we?

Oh, my God!

How is Chennai so green?

(Ilango) This is not Chennai but Ooty.

Ooty?

(comedic music)

(Closed Captions by Desynova Digital)

(opening theme music)

-(car engine rumbling) -(horn honks)

(Sachu grunts)

(Sachu) Hmm?

Where are we?

Oh, my God!

How is Chennai so green?

(Ilango) This is not Chennai but Ooty.

Ooty?

How did you trick me into coming to Ooty? Answer me!

(comedic music)

You fraudsters.

Hey! Stop the vehicle.

-I said stop the vehicle! -(Karthik clicks tongue)

Stop or I'll break the window and jump.

(Peter) Boss, don't do that.

-Wait. -You doofus, ask him to stop!

-Cool down. Cool down. -Will you stop the vehicle or not?

To hell with cooling down.

-Stop or he might kill him. -Okay, I will.

Stop! Stop to the side!

-Stop the vehicle! I said stop! -(Peter) Oh, my God! My head!

-(music stops) -(vehicle engine stops)

(Karthik) We are almost home. Why create a problem now?

(Sachu) Come again? Hey!

I thought you were a nice guy.

You drugged a businessman, abducted and brought him to Ooty.

Why did you do it? Answer me!

I didn't have any other option.

Hey, you all abducted me.

How will I answer my customers now?

Do you know my turnover per day?

We shall compensate any loss you'll incur.

No, thank you. Shut up!

Like father, like son.

That foreign liquor should have rung a bell in my mind.

Instead, I gulped it down.

-Now that you've come this far-- -I didn't come willingly!

You frauds, you brought me here!

Are you all kidnappers by profession?

Just meet our dad once.

Why should I meet that damn fool?

I won't come. Take someone else.

Do you think I can't go back on my own?

I have ₹450 in my pocke... Huh?

-You! Where is my phone and wallet? -No, not me.

You made a perfect plan, didn't you?

You guys are worse than illegal arrack sellers.

And you! They are fools because they are educated.

We drank together. Don't you have any shame?

-Er... -Look...

Once, a guy who drank with me asked for the time

-and I gifted him my watch. -Oh.

When I'm drunk, friendship comes before booze.

-I'm that good a person. -I get your point.

We wouldn't have done this if you had agreed to come with us.

We are not going to sacrifice you.

Just meet Periyavar once.

I'll book you a return flight to Chennai.

-I'll even book a window seat. -Oh.

You guys have made a mistake.

-You've underestimated me. -Yes. That is true.

It wasn't easy for us to roll you down the lorry and put you in the car.

At least for our efforts, meet Periyavar once. Please.

(Sachu) Really?

-(Peter) He's considering. -Okay. I'll come.

-Thank you. -Superb.

But I'll ensure that you'll regret this decision of yours.

I'll confront that man and hurl such abuses at him

that he'll come weeping to you.

First, take me to a bar! Start the jeep!

(energetic music)

(car engine stops)

-(music stops) -(birds chirping)

(Sachu) He did all his mischief in the city

and comes to hide in a hill station?

Uh... my mother's name?

(Ilango chuckles) Yes. That's your mom's name.

"Amudha Residency."

(introspective music)

Goodness.

Step in with your right foot forward.

That's auspicious only for places housing good people. Hey.

-Show me your dad's corpse! Come! -He gets upset about everything.

I'm wondering how a sambar seller came into such a palatial house, man.

(Karthik whispers) Quiet.

-(music continues) -(footsteps)

Hi.

Wait here. Let me check.

-I'll hurl abuses at him. I warn yo-- -Please keep quiet.

-(door opens and closes) -(silence ensues)

Who is that?

That guy? His name is Sachin.

He's the son of your dad's close friend in Chennai.

What's his father's name?

Well, that...

Some God's name. I forgot.

Why did you bring him here?

Your dad wanted to do something for his dad.

His dad is no more, so we brought him here.

Karthi will handle it.

I'm hungry. Got anything to eat?

It's okay even if you prepared it.

Did he come all the way in that clothing?

He was wearing a suit but removed it when we reached Kotagiri.

Like that's important now. I said I'm hungry.

Keep something ready.

Nagging me with questions non-stop.

(door opens)

You're finally here! What took you so long?

And why are you just standing around?

The kitchen tap was changed last week, and it has already started leaking!

Why did you call me?

I called Charles to send the plumber to replace the kitchen tap.

Aren't you the plumber?

What makes you think I'm the plumber?

If you're not the plumber, then who are you?

I'm an income tax officer.

(comedic music)

Oh.

(mumbles) Looks more like a man without an income.

Why did she leave so quietly?

I'm starving.

-What? -(whispers) Sachu, come.

Shall I take this gun to shoot him?

-(Karthik) Just come. -Okay, walk.

So this guy is my father?

Has he been lying on one side the last three months?

Dad... Dad...

(distant clock ticking)

(emotional music intensifies)

Hmm.

(musical crescendo)

(music softens)

(Sachu grunts)

Umm.

(whispers) What's your name?

Huh?

Your name?

Sachin Babu.

(emotional piano music)

Babu?

Yeah.

(sniffles)

(weeps softly)

(music intensifies)

Participate in my last rites.

-Karthi? -Yes, Dad?

Forgive me, son.

Because of me, your marriage...

Why talk about it now, Dad?

Please rest, Dad.

(laboured breathing)

Dad?

(chokes)

Dad...

Dad?

(intense emotional music)

Dad.

Dad.

Dad!

(intense music continues)

(Sachu) What do you want me to do?

(Sachu) Done. Now, take him away.

You also feed him.

Ask him to open his mouth.

(earthen pot smashes)

-(music intensifies) -(thunder strikes)

-(music fades out) -(fire blazing)

(fire crackling)

(music fades out)

(Ilango) The elders said it right.

-They said what? -It rains when good people die.

Oh, really?

Look how it's raining down on us.

-(Sachu) I guess you'll die next. -(Ilango) Huh?

Fine, I came and honoured the function as promised.

-Shall I leave? -I'll book a flight for this evening.

-Nice meeting you. -An aeroplane? Book a window seat.

Wait. Where are you going?

Hey! Are you kidding me?

-I'm leaving for Chennai. -For Chennai?

Who'll perform the 13th-day ritual?

The 13th-day ritual?

-What is he doing? -Do you take me for a fool?

You promised Dad to be here till the final rites are done.

I didn't make any promises.

That guy took our hands and joined them together.

Why should I be responsible for that?

Cross your heart and tell me.

Didn't you feel something on seeing him?

I did.

I felt like hitting him with a broomstick as soon as I came in.

Then, when I saw the guy, I changed my mind.

The happiness on his face when he saw you...

The tears he shed when he heard your name...

None of it felt real to you?

He lovingly ran his hand down this head of yours.

Will anyone, in their right mind, touch this head?

Really?

-I can't believe this. -I was moved to tears.

He's being so cruel and saying he wants to leave.

Stop your drama! Get lost!

Drama? Which one's a drama?

Dad's happiness or his tears?

Or him running his hand through your hair--

Are you mad? Stop talking about my hair!

-This hair is my identity. -Well,

-he doesn't touch anyone so easily. -I'll hit you.

As a son, you have your duties. Don't forget that.

As a father, he did nothing for me. Why should I do anything for him?

He found out about you only recently.

Look, you said your mom's an angel.

I believe that wholeheartedly.

Similarly, my dad...

-Our dad... -Bad words.

He's also an angel, and you must believe it.

So, leave after completing all of his last rites.

Or else, you'll be cursed!

Now you're blackmailing me?

Fine.

I'll come on the 13th day. Let me leave now.

Let's start. You must check in two hours before departure.

Brother-in-law!

Nobody in the family should leave town after a family tragedy! You forgot?

-(Ilango mutters) This fellow, I say. -(Sachu) Hey!

What stories are you cooking now?

Huh?

If I stay here for 13 days, imagine what would happen to my business.

I said I'll compensate you for your loss in business already.

Call your people and inform them.

-Give his phone and wallet. -(Sachu startles)

Peter?

-They were on you all this while? -Yeah.

In just one night of friendship, you've betrayed me so.

Please don't misunderstand me.

I have told you everything.

If you still leave, then we'll come to Chennai.

And the rituals will take place in your house.

Don't lead your dad's spirit into my house.

Fine, I'll be here till the 13th day.

-I'll consider this my solo honeymoon. -Oh, no.

(Peter) Good.

-But I have a few conditions. -What are they?

Condition number 1,

I don't want to meet anyone who comes to pay their condolences.

I won't enter through the front door. Give me a room near the back door.

-This house is yours too! -No, thank you!

Brother, condition number 2.

Except you three, nobody should know the truth about me.

-I won't tell anyone. Okay. -Try and I'll poke your eyes out.

-The third most important condition. -(Peter) Say it.

Every day, after the sun sets,

I will drink.

-Not in our house. -Hey, hey!

Why not? Answer me!

The men in your family can kidnap and blackmail someone,

and cheat on a woman who trusts you.

But drinking is a sin? (shouts) What?

You can drink.

-Boss, you want to drink, right? -Yes.

I'll take care of it. Don't worry; we will drink.

Cheers.

Shh.

Listen, I've been wearing the same clothes.

Buy me new clothes.

You take him and buy him some decent clothes.

Decent clothes?

-(thunder strikes) -Uh...

How about a dhoti and shirt?

Buy me a nadaswaram too. I'll play it all around Ooty.

(sombre music)

Karthi. Karthi!

What's wrong with you?

He's saying that he wants to leave,

so why are you compelling him to stay?

I made a promise to Dad.

"Keep your promise even at the cost of your own life."

Those are Dad's words.

Dad was moved to tears when he saw him.

Well, they could've been tears of disappointment.

He is also your relative now. Stop body-shaming him!

Fine, sorry. But think about this.

If Amudha and your mom find out about this, it'll be a huge problem.

That's why I want him here.

What do you mean?

There's only one boon my dad asked me for.

He wants all of you to accept him as a part of this family.

Goodness.

I'll tell Mom and Amudha when the time is right.

No matter what happens.

You don't understand, Karthi.

You're thinking from a man's perspective.

You're only seeing and trying to do what is right.

But doing the right thing is not the same as being fair.

Accepting him as family makes your mom the second wife.

Wealth can be shared.

But no woman can accept the fact that she shared her husband.

Take this from me who is living a married life.

She lived 40 years with your dad, and she trusted him blindly.

Now, if you open up about all this,

she will start believing that her entire marriage

was a lie and lose herself.

It will become a huge problem, Karthi!

What would you have done if your dad asked this of you?

I'd have told Mom,

and she'd have choked him to death on the very same night.

(sighs)

(Sachu) How come all traitors live in the same place?

(Peter) Blame the climate.

Peter, I thought Ooty was a cold place,

but it's as hot as Vellore.

This is where I live. How is it?

Perfect.

-That's my house. -That one?

That's Sophie's house.

(Sachu) "Sobhie"? Who's that?

The cook you saw at Periyavar's house.

That girl who exhibited actress Simran's mannerisms?

-Yes, her. -That girl?

(singing) ♪ When summer comes on To the Ooty... ♪

Why's there Lord Hanuman's idol on the horse's back?

-(Subba humming) -(Peter) Hey!

Subba, why are you on a horse?

-(Subba) My slippers gave out. -(Peter) What?

What are you saying?

I was walking home,

and my slippers gave out. I can't walk barefoot.

This horse's owner was smoking by the lake.

I took the horse and escaped.

-(Sachu) A horse thief? -(Peter) You can ride a horse?

Man! What are you doing here?

Sir, are you here to make an investment?

No, I came here to build someone's basement.

Don't hesitate to call me. Okay?

Sir, restaurant, estate, guest house...

-Be it any type of investment... -Okay, sir.

...Subbaiah is the man.

-The legend! -Okay.

Subba?

-Time to go home. Please. -(Subba grunts)

Don't be friends with him, sir.

They have no vision in life at all. Okay?

Sir, there are a thousand things to see in Ooty.

But there's only one thing you must not see.

That's him, sir.

-I want to ban him like plastic. -Hey, Peter.

His words made no sense to me at all. Who is he?

He's Subbaiah. You know Sophie, right?

He's Sophie's dad.

-This fellow? -Hmm.

-Does she know that he's her father? -(Peter chuckles)

Come, let's walk and talk.

(Sachu) But, man, he stole a horse.

This is nothing. Once he got drunk and stole a police jeep.

-A police jeep? -Hmm.

That's my uncle for you.

So he's your uncle?

-(Peter) Oh! I didn't tell you? -No.

Sophie is my aunt's daughter.

My mom and Sophie's mom are sisters.

Sophie's mom worked as a cook in Amudha Residency.

But she died five years back.

Then, Sophie started working there as a cook.

So, you all are Anglo-Indians?

-Yeah. -And Subbaiah?

He's an anti-Indian.

-What? -Just to marry my aunt,

he became Joseph Subbaiah.

But he is jobless.

He gambles all day and at night; he borrows money and drinks.

He's all talk. (clicks tongue)

Poor Sophie. She's the one suffering.

Not just her, your aunt too.

How did your aunt fall for him?

-That's a big story, man. -Tell me.

I'll tell you some other day.

We are nearing our destination now. Let's get there before it gets dark.

Where are you taking me though?

To a place where eventually everyone goes. Come.

(Sachu) Hey, Peter,

my dad betrayed my sister, the same way he betrayed my mom.

(Peter) How so?

(Sachu) He married her off to that bug-eyed fellow.

She'd have been better off without him.

-"Bug-eyed guy"? -Yes.

-Who are you talking about? -Ilango.

-(Sachu startles) Hey! -(ominous music)

I thought you were taking me to a bar, but this is a stairway to heaven.

I share a special bond with this place.

-You'll know more in our next sitting. -The next sitting?

This is my regular spot.

-"Cine Mary, aged 58." -There will be no disturbance.

(Peter) But we must finish and leave quickly.

Why? Will they jump out of their graves and ask for some booze?

(Peter) No.

-I heard a cheetah is on the loose. -(phone ringing)

The Collector has passed an order to stay indoors after dark.

(Sachu) He himself must be on the loose.

My friend's calling me.

-Tell me, buddy. -Where are you?

Your outlet is closed?

-I came to attend a funeral in Ooty. -A funeral?

Who died?

Some distant relative.

You never told me that you have relatives in Ooty.

Well, I got to know of it a day before his death

-that I'm related to him. -So, when are you returning?

I'll be back after 10 days.

I'll come only after the final rites. Understood?

I heard there was an ED raid at your house.

Not at my house.

-In another guy's house. -I knew you'd escape.

Hereafter, give me a heads-up if you're going.

Okay, buddy. Bye.

-Cheers! -Cheers!

(comedic interlude)

Hey.

Can I trust you with this drink?

Please don't be wary of me.

Karthi was stubborn that he must bring you to his father.

You were stubborn that you won't meet your father.

We were left with no other option and so we cooperated with him.

Just drink, man. Cheers.

To think that you guys thought I was worthy of kidnapping,

it fills me with pride.

I'll tell you something.

Karthik is a very nice boy.

I know. He's purer than foreign liquor.

I agreed to stay in Ooty for 13 days only for his sake.

I'll tell you one more thing.

You might find this hard to believe, but still I'll tell you.

Did anyone rise from their grave and stand behind me?

(chuckles)

Periyavar, your father...

(introspective music)

He was a good man.

He was a saviour for many families here.

But not for my mom.

Come on, stop holding on to that.

There are almost 60 families here that depend on him.

Including my family.

He's like God to all of us.

He's the reason I'm in such a good position today.

Hey.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Really, man. Trust me.

Just that...

this is the first time I'm drinking with someone who's fluent in English.

Forget about my dad. Let's enjoy our drink.

-Cheers! -Cheers, buddy!

(grunts)

-Your father-- -You'd better keep quiet.

I just asked you not to speak of him. Shut up and drink!

(birds chirping)

(pleasant music)

-Hello! -Huh?

-What? -Breakfast's ready.

-Then, go eat. -You come and eat.

Serve breakfast here, and I'll have it.

(music fades out)

(Sachu humming)

Here you go.

-(plate clinks) -(Sachu clears throat)

Hmm? Oh, goodness.

There's no salt in this.

I wonder how this family eats such a thing.

(comedic music)

(bucket taps)

(urine gushing)

Hey!

Go inside. Can't you see he's eating?

-(Appu) No! -It's fine. He's just a kid.

-Wait, I'll tell your mom. -(Appu) Okay.

Boy, don't you use the toilet?

If I use the toilet, an anaconda will jump out and bite my pee-pee.

-Who told you that? -My friend.

-What's your name? -Appu.

-What's your name in school? -Abinesh.

Abinesh.

-What's your name? -Sachu.

-School name? -Sachin.

Hmm?

What is it?

What?

(Appu) Just looking like a wow!

Did it feel like touching soapy froth?

Would you like some dosa?

-Here, it was made at your house. -No. I don't like dosa.

(Sachu) Will you take me to your school this evening?

Hey, go in. Your mom is calling.

-Why? -I don't know. Go, ask her.

-Bye, Sachu bro! -Huh?

Want some chutney?

Are you serving chutney only now?

I meant, shall I serve some more of this chutney here?

You still believe this is chutney?

Enough for me.

She calls this chutney.

It'd taste good only if the coconut is ground on a stone.

Lazy bums. They turn on the cooker and go watch TV.

Did Mom have breakfast?

She has not stepped out of her room.

People keep coming in with their condolences.

That's depressing her even more.

Let it be. In some days, she'll feel better.

Well, that's in your hands.

Karthi, if there's something that can make Mom happy,

it's your marriage.

-What about his happiness? -Shut up!

Get married, at least for Mom's sake.

Why are you discussing this topic now?

I'm already worried about running the hotel without Dad's help.

And you speak of my marriage?

Look at him. He was in love with a girl during college.

That didn't work out. But still, didn't he marry me and settle down?

I'm minding my own business and eating here.

Why are you dragging me into this?

Maybe he's afraid that he might end up with someone like you.

Yeah, right.

-Mom. -What?

Can Sachu uncle live with us?

"Uncle"? Go and do your homework.

I'm on leave because my grandpa passed away.

Yeah, you're quite the talker.

Dad, shall I also grow my hair like Sachu uncle?

You can do anything you want,

but don't be a loudmouth like your mom.

-Go and pee in the toilet! -I won't!

(shouts) Go!

Come again! What did you say?

-What was that? -Well, dear...

We both will go and scatter your dad's ashes.

Please keep the food for the offering ritual ready.

Fine, let me talk to Mom.

Were you in love with a girl during college?

You never told me.

I never even told that girl. What's the use telling you?

Just eat.

(soft instrumental music)

(priest chanting)

Listen.

Tell me.

-Can you do me a favour? -Tell me.

Once they are done scattering the ashes,

can you wash that pot and give it to me?

For what?

Spiny loach fish gravy would taste awesome if it's prepared in that pot.

-Are you even human? -What do I look like?

(whispers) Sachu.

(clicks teeth) Come on.

Why does he keep pestering me?

Can't he scatter it?

Don't speak like that. That's your father. Now, come on.

Father, my foot.

I was living peacefully.

You showed me a bedridden man and said he's my dad.

Now you're saying that the ashes in the pot are my father's.

His ashes belong in an ashtray, not in the river.

If the fish eat his ashes, they will get diarrhoea.

-How can you think such things? -Goodness, Peter!

Rathinasamy's ashes are a very, very dangerous chemicals.

(whispers) Come on, man.

(Sachu) He's a chip that was sent to destroy this world.

You! Move.

Come and sit here.

I have back pain. Can't sit. Just tell me what to do.

Come here, man.

-Why me? -Think you're waiting for a bus?

(music stops)

(car whirring)

Peter, the mango has gone bad. Inform the priest.

(Ilango) Uh-oh! Why is she here?

Let me handle this.

Uh... Um.

Why have you come here?

Well, it didn't feel right missing this.

I felt I must bid goodbye to Dad one last time.

That's why I came here without even informing Mom.

I understand, dear. But don't you know women shouldn't come to such places?

Come on, those days are long gone!

Nowadays, women take part in everything.

In fact, one of my friends, she did her father's final rites.

You are right.

But some customs must be followed without questioning.

Fine, I shouldn't take part in the ritual, right?

I'll just stand here and watch. You go.

-Well... -I said go!

(Ilango mumbles) Looks like we'll be busted today.

-(Sachu yawns) -(priest chanting)

(Sachu mumbles) God, how long will it take?

(priest) Come, let's scatter the ashes.

-(Sachu shouts) Why are you taking me? -(Peter) Just go.

(Sachu) I told you I won't come! Fine, hands off me!

(music intensifies)

Hey! Scatter it the other way. It's getting in my eye.

-You too. -Why? Me?

(engine starts)

(music fades out)

(Sachu grunts) Off you go.

(water splashes)

(waves splashing)

-Did you check if there's any blockage? -Not yet.

-Get it checked soon. -Okay.

If there's any blockage, it should be rectified before the 13th day.

I'll ensure it.

-Don't forget, okay? -Blockage?

-Is he our plumber or something? -Huh?

-Plumber? -He is speaking about a blockage.

He didn't mean it in that sense.

Sometimes, the deceased might have some unfulfilled wishes.

In our town, we call those unfulfilled wishes as blockages.

Where I come from, it means a blocked drain.

I was shocked to hear him use that word after a pure ritual.

But how will you find that out?

Well, we give their horoscope and time of death to the astrologer.

The astrologer will tell us.

They'll also give us a solution if needed.

Do you read the horoscopes of the deceased?

It's a belief. Your dad had a strong belief in it.

He did absolutely nothing without consulting the astrologer.

Nothing at all?

(comedic music)

Hey, talk to that astrologer

and ask him to find out if my dad has more branches in Tamil Nadu.

Or many others like me will start showing up.

Then, we'll have a season two!

-Come on, man. -Hey!

You'll know the pain if you were born to him.

(music stops)

Hey, Peter!

Where are you? I'm waiting in the scorching heat.

Come quickly.

(mumbling) He keeps sneaking away without telling me.

-(Sachu whistling) -Hello.

Who's that?

Hi.

What are you doing here?

Is it an income tax raid?

No, I came to meet my friend Peter.

I met your father yesterday.

He's a peculiar character.

My dad has no character.

When he meets you the next time, he'll ask for money.

-Don't give it, okay? -He already did.

-But I ignored him. -(Sophie sighs)

Still, it's a blessing to have a good father.

We both are unlucky in that matter.

Your dad was also like mine?

No, he wasn't like your dad.

He was just a little worse than him.

What does your dad do?

He just recently passed away.

I'm really sorry.

Come on, I had a feast the day he died. Let's go.

-So, your mom was a cook? -Hmm.

Same. My mom was also a cook.

I learnt cooking from my mom.

Me too. I learnt it as a hobby.

But now it's my bread and butter.

Actually, my mom owned a bakery.

-Really? -She was doing really well.

Then, she married this fellow.

-Did the bakery develop? -Nope.

They shut it down in four years.

In a way, we both are in a similar situation.

No, mine is worse.

Your dad passed away, but my dad is still alive.

Don't worry. That auspicious time will come someday too.

Let me tell you something, Sophie.

If you don't cheat anybody and work hard with dedication,

you can succeed in life.

That's the belief I live with.

It only sounds sweet to the ears, man.

Don't say so. Be positive.

Our struggles will end one day.

Then? New struggles will find their way to us, right?

(giggles)

Fine, I'll leave now. You have a nice day.

Bye!

(door creaks)

-Hey! -(startles)

What's going on here?

I was changing. What happened?

-Who is that man? -Which man?

The guy you brought from Chennai!

Oh. Didn't I tell you? (mumbles) But what did I tell her?

Ah! His dad and your dad were friends.

Your dad wanted to do something for his dad.

That's why he is here.

But Dad didn't tell me any of this.

Your dad is no more, dear. How can he tell you?

I mean he never told me about such a friend when he was alive!

He'd have thought not to tell you about a deceased friend.

-What's your problem? -What do you mean?

Dad wanted to do something for him. That's fine.

But why did he take part in his final rites?

What would people think?

Karthi asked us

to consider him as part of the family while doing the rituals.

Not only that,

when outsiders take part in the final rites,

the soul of the deceased will find peace quickly.

-An astrologer told this to Karthi. -Who?

Our family astrologer?

No, this astrologer studied in the Himalayas

and is now practising astrology in Tiruvannamalai.

How long is that guy going to be here?

Your dad wanted to do something for him.

Once that is done, we'll send him away.

Why do you keep repeating the same thing?

What is it that Dad wanted to do for him?

(sighs)

Your father has done a lot of things.

I cannot list them out to you.

Let's find out from Karthi what has to be done for this guy

and get it done. Okay?

By the way, did you take your cholesterol medicine, darlin--

I know when to take it!

I don't have a good feeling about this.

-If something fishy is going on... -Uh-oh.

...and if I get to know you're involved in it,

-I'll poke your eyes out! -Hello,

there's no signal here. I'll meet you in person.

Karthi. Karthi. There you are.

-Amudha kept confronting me. -About what?

About your brother.

"Who is he? Why is he participating in the rituals?" She just kept...

-Oh, God. -What did you tell her?

I somehow managed it.

Actually, I don't remember what I told her.

But she didn't seem convinced.

I'll handle it.

Peter...

-I'm scared. -Why?

If Karthi's mom and sister find out about my identity,

-it'll become a huge issue. -(clicks tongue)

They won't find out.

That bug-eyed Ilango...

I am really worried that he might blurt it out.

Are you really going to tell them?

Definitely. Very soon.

-Well, Karthi. The reason I ask-- -Brother-in-law,

the truth is very powerful.

No matter how hard we try, it'll be exposed one day.

It's better they find out from me than hearing it from somebody else.

I never knew there was such a wise old Indian man within you.

(laptop shuts)

(solemn instrumental music)

Karthi... Karthi!

Karthi, listen to m--

-Oh, God. -It hurts seeing you like this.

-Be strong, Mom. -Karthi...

Please listen to me, Karthi. Don't do it.

(music pace intensifies)

What is it, Karthi? Tell me, dear.

Mom...

(musical crescendo)

(Jaya) What is it?

(music fades out)

(Closed Captions by Desynova Digital)

-(crickets chirping) -(intimidating music)

Mom.

(music intensifies)

-What is it, Karthi? Just say it. -Mom--

Oh! He just wanted to know if you're taking medicines...

You both are here to ask that?

Actually, he asked me if she was taking her medicines on time.

I told him, I'll ask you.

But he said he will talk to her directly.

Why are you getting so worked up?

Well, the doctor has asked us to file the audit

before the 32nd of this month.

So, after finding that out, I had to call and tell him

-so I was a bit confused and-- -Brother-in-law!

We'll discuss all that in the morning.

(doorbell rings)

Huh?

-(light-hearted music) -(Ilango chuckles tensely)

They are here to offer condolences. (laughs)

Wait here. Don't utter a word.

-Welcome! How are you? Good? -Uh...

Please, come in. Please.

How is everybody in your family? Please, come in.

Please take your time and offer your condolences.

-(Jaya) Welcome. -You guys talk. You come with me.

They are here to offer condolences and you're inviting them in happily?

Am I?

-They came to our rescue, so I just... -Oh, come on. (growls softly)

Sorry, man.

(comedic theme music)

-(waves crashing, seagull calls) -(energetic music)

-(bangles jingling) -(scrubbing)

(scrubbing continues)

Here.

Son, did you make this?

Yes. Taste it.

-(water splashing) -(bangles jingling)

Give it.

Does it taste good?

Boy.

It's superb!

But it still doesn't taste as good as yours.

Hmm?

Our hotel's chutney has a secret formula.

Come closer. I'll tell you.

Mom, nobody's around. No need to whisper it.

Nobody should ever find out about this.

I'm saying it secretly so that it'll be etched in your mind.

Come closer.

(music gets louder)

(music turns melodious)

(beat slows down, music fades out)

Boy, I'll teach you an important song that's much-needed for our nation.

-Will you sing along? -Sure.

(singing) ♪ All our boys have swag ♪

♪ All our boys have swag ♪

♪ Even actress Tamannaah ♪ ♪ Will fall flat fo 'em ♪

♪ Even actress Tamannaah ♪ ♪ Will fall flat for them ♪

Not fall flat "for them".

-Fo 'em. -For them.

-Fo 'em. -For them.

Why are you murdering Tamil, man?

-Fall flat fo 'em. -Fall flat fo 'em.

Now sing it.

♪ Even actress Tamannaah ♪ ♪ Will fall flat fo 'em ♪

Forgive me, Dr. Abdul Kalam.

(utensils clinking)

(light-hearted music)

(music turns melodious)

♪ We move in a gang, raising hell ♪ ♪ All 'round town ♪

♪ If you confront us, we'll punch ♪ ♪ Your face and knock you down ♪

-Whom will you punch? -The rhythm is going a bit of--

This chutney...

Now, this is a chutney, not the one you made the other day.

My cooking. You like it?

Hmm! What's the formula?

My formula to success is to earn a good name, but many try to ruin it.

I meant what's the formula to make this chutney.

I can't reveal that.

It's my family's formula. Can't reveal it so easily.

(chuckles)

Fine, okay.

Hey, Sobhie.

My training. Sing!

♪ All our boys have swag ♪

♪ Even the actress Tamannaah ♪ ♪ Will fall flat fo 'em ♪

-(Sachu) Yeah, she will! -Shh! You make good chutney.

He studies in a convent school. Tread carefully.

Isn't a convent schoolboy allowed to sing a folk song? Hey, you.

I'll teach you another song.

Mom, please come.

Leave me, Amudha. I'll eat in my room.

-(Amudha) Sit with us and eat. Please. -(water pouring)

You just won't listen.

Serve some idli for mom, please.

Where's Appu?

-I sold him off. -Hmm?

-(peaceful music) -(cutlery clinking)

Sophie, the chutney looks different today?

Try it.

(Jaya) Enough, dear.

-(Sophie) You want some? -(Ilango) Yeah, a little.

-Enough. Thank you. -Mom, try it. It's awesome.

Yes, it's tasty.

Not my preparation. He made it.

-Who? -That gentleman.

-Sachu. -(Amudha) Oh!

He made this?

He, too, runs a hotel in Chennai, I hear.

Don't you know?

♪ All our boys have swag ♪

♪ Even the actress Tamannaah ♪ ♪ Will fall flat fo 'em ♪

Disgusting! What song is that?

Sachu uncle taught me.

♪ We move in a gang, raisin' ♪ ♪ Hell all 'round town ♪

What?

♪ If you confront us, we'll punch ♪ ♪ Your face and knock you down ♪

I'll rip you apart. Run away!

By the way, why haven't you sent him back home yet?

It's just that, dad asked me for a--

Looks like Sachu's dad has helped his dad a lot.

So, father-in-law felt like repaying him for all of that.

We'll take a call on that once all the rituals are done.

(emotional music)

Karthi.

A few days ago, your dad told me something.

What was it, mom?

He said he wanted to start a branch of Amudha Cafe in Chennai.

(melancholic music)

Did uncle really say that?

Unbelievable.

Even I couldn't believe it.

I asked him to tell me what he meant.

He kept repeating the same thing and eventually fell asleep.

(clicks tongue) Poor dad.

He had new dreams and wishes as he was nearing death.

I wonder what other dreams and wishes of his went unspoken.

(sobs)

Mom.

-Please don't cry. -Come on, mom.

(Jaya sniffles)

More than anything, your dad wished

to see you get married.

He left us before seeing that wish of his come true.

I'm scared I might have to face such a fate too, Karthi.

Mom, please.

-Don't say things like that, mom. -(Jaya sobs uncontrollably)

(sniffles)

-(music fades out) -(Sophie) Please come.

-(footsteps departing) -(tapping)

-Hmm? -She seems so sad.

How about I get married a second time?

I'll beat you to a pulp.

-(Sophie) Hi! -(Sachu) Hello.

Your chutney was an absolute hit.

Excuse me, my chutney is always a super hit.

-Are you a good cook? -Come on!

How can you ask that after eating the chutney I prepared?

I mean, what other dishes do you cook?

I can cook many dishes.

I can make good biryani. My fish biryani is exceptional.

When I make fish biryani,

the inmates at Puzhal jail devour it clean! Such is the demand.

I am planning to open a biryani stall soon.

But I didn't get the loan.

We usually get calls for instant loans while bathing or sleeping.

But they deny us when we approach them directly.

Fine, you're not giving me the chutney recipe.

At least give me the recipe for the biryani.

Goodness, Sobhie!

My biryani won't turn out good using the fish caught here.

Fish that you get in my town, suits this dish the best.

Because they're freshly caught there.

And sometimes, the fishes there are alive too.

Those fishes smile at me.

I also smile back at them.

I talk to them lovingly as I chop them into pieces.

Some Ilaiyaraaja songs would be playing in the background.

Even while adding the marinade,

I do it as if I'm giving them a massage.

Once all that is done,

they will thank us and head straight to heaven.

I am actually better.

My mom used to have conversations with cabbages and pumpkins.

People who'd listen would ask me if I have any new siblings.

-But I'd just ignore their talks. -(Sophie chuckles)

My mom used to sing while cooking too.

That's how it is supposed to be.

Only if we enjoy cooking, people who eat it will enjoy the food.

Got it?

Look, cooking is like swimming.

We must dive in and swim. Got it?

Instead, trying to cook while reading recipe books or watching YouTube,

or even peeking into someone else's kitchen to cook,

all these tactics will never work out.

Rathinasamy's uncle used to say the same thing.

(Sachu mumbles) Rathinasamy? That rotten mummy.

Actually, it was uncle who taught me how to prepare biryani.

At times, he'd come to the kitchen and cook.

Watching him cook would be a treat for sore eyes.

-Once, during Deepavali celebrations-- -Something's burning inside.

I don't smell it.

The fog here has blocked your nose.

Call a plumber and unclog it. Now go!

I said, go!

(Sophie) I'm going.

(footsteps echoing)

(door creaks, bolts)

-(Karthik) What is it? -(whispers) I got an idea, Karthi.

-What idea? -Business idea.

(comedic music)

Who is Sachu?

-Who is he? -Don't echo my words back to me.

Who is Sachu?

Sachu is my elder brother.

What is our hotel famous for?

Go and consult a good doctor.

Karthi, I'm on the verge of delivering a master plan.

Don't abort it already.

What's your point?

Let me come straight to the point.

Our hotel is famous for its sambar.

Sachu's hotel is famous for its chutney.

And your point is?

-Are you really an MBA graduate? -Brother-in-law!

Why don't we collaborate with Sachu?

-How? -So...

We'll give him our sambar recipe

and we'll get his chutney recipe.

Amudha and Rathinasamy couldn't unite.

At least, their chutney and sambar could have a chance.

Personal life and business are two different things.

Correct.

This is not some stranger.

You two are brothers and so this is a mutual benefit.

Also, didn't your mom say

that your dad wanted to open a branch in Chennai?

Look how everything came together.

What are you thinking, Karthi?

First, let everyone accept Sachu as part of this family.

Then I'll think about it.

Don't mix those two matters and confuse yourself.

Now, imagine if actors Ajith and Vijay both appear in a movie together.

It'd be a celebration for the fans, right?

Riots are a strong possibility too.

Was it a wrong example?

(car whirring)

(door opens)

(doors bang shut)

How are you, Vasu?

-I'm good. -Is madam available?

She's inside, sir.

-You wait here. -Okay, sir.

Hey! I talk to the Collector and the MLA for your sake

and you're playing tricks with me?

The money must be here in an hour's time!

Or else the contract will go to somebody else. Got it?

What? In two days?

You've lost the contract. Now, hang up!

(tense music)

(chuckles)

Tell me, Rajamani.

Ma'am, I'm here regarding the parking lot contract.

Well, I discussed it.

Our leader said 30 is the best deal we can consider.

But I can't afford it, ma'am.

I've already spent money for the committee.

What kind of talk is this?

The tourist season is coming up.

You'll make 50 to 60 every day.

And you're crying about paying up a mere 30 percent?

It's not that, ma'am.

Let me know if you're okay with this deal.

It's yours if you want it. If not, PKB is ready to take it.

Ma'am, PKB jumped here from another party.

But my family has been loyal to this committee for generations.

That's why we're asking you for 30 percent.

PKB agreed to pay us 40 percent. Hope you know that.

It was I who told our leader,

and convinced him to give this contract to you.

I'll give you an hour's time. Think well and tell me.

Don't delay it further.

Okay, ma'am.

I'll talk to my father and call you.

-I'll take your leave now. -Okay.

Hello, PKB sir.

I told you repeatedly.

You were so hesitant about paying the 30 percent.

Now I've got a contractor who's ready to pay 30 percent.

Again?

Then, it'll be 40 percent.

Fine, I'll give you an hour.

Think it through and let me know.

Don't delay it further.

(Sachu) Hello, hero!

Where to?

(Karthik) To the hotel.

-Drop me near the ATM. -(Karthik) For what?

(Sachu) To get a haircut.

To withdraw money, man.

Such a useless question.

(Sachu grunts)

(door shuts)

(vehicle whirring, horn honking)

Lord Vinayagar's statue looks very beautiful.

(Karthik chuckles)

What's so funny?

My mom loved Lord Vinayagar.

That's why she named me Vignesh.

I, too, really love Lord Vinayagar.

But your dad was Lord Murugan's devotee, who has two wives, right?

He has named you Karthi after Lord Muruga, that's why.

(jeep screeches)

(Sachu) Hey!

(melancholic music)

(vehicle starts, zooms past)

Hey.

Any nice locations here?

-For what? -Well...

How about some tea and some discussion?

-Okay. -Drive.

-(music fades) -(tea glasses clink)

Who was that girl?

Which girl?

I can judge the taste of chutney just by looking at its colour.

Will you tell me or should I find her and ask?

Well... her name is Jensy.

Nice name.

She was my junior in college.

She's a teacher in a school here.

(Sachu) Shift to the next gear.

We both loved each other sincerely.

I wanted to marry her.

But her father refused.

Why? Because they are Christian?

I don't know. Even dad went and spoke to her family.

But her dad abruptly rejected the proposal.

We begged him. We never understood why he refused.

So this is why you aren't interested in marriage?

I can't have a change of heart so quickly.

Oh, come on! Are you really Rathinasamy's son?

Fine, you are. Leave it.

Did she love you sincerely?

Hmm.

She is still single too.

You goddamn idiot.

In all honesty, you should have abducted that girl and married her.

Instead, you abducted me?

I asked her if we could elope.

But she refused to get married against her dad's wish.

So what's the solution?

I don't know.

But... I'm unable to even think of falling in love with someone else.

Keep thinking like that

and soon, she'll marry someone else.

Even if she did, I wouldn't have a change of heart.

Hey. This feels exactly like a conversation with my mom.

(melancholic music)

Karthi, shall I remind you something?

Remember how, while on his deathbed, your dad asked you for forgiveness?

I didn't understand it back then. Now I get it.

He died because he was depressed about you not getting married.

I couldn't do it! Please, try to understand.

What couldn't you do, man?

I hate your dad and still, I'm here honouring his words.

But you love him to bits yet, you won't obey his words?

Get married and let his soul find peace!

Have you ever been in love?

(scoffs) What's so new about love in this world?

Didn't your dad betray my mom?

-Don't say that! -Fine, leave it.

He wasn't like you. He got married and had a chilled-out life in Ooty.

You also marry someone and lead a happy life.

-Let's go. -Let's go?

He cut short the conversation like splitting an onion.

Brother, stop! I've just one question.

-Ask about anything but my marriage. -Okay.

How did you fall in love with that girl?

Nevermind, if it makes you uncomfortable. Let's go.

Come on. It's nothing like that.

We were friends initially.

She was a bit weak in maths.

So, I used to teach her maths.

(pleasant music)

(Karthik) I've been looking for you everywhere.

What are you doing here?

What happened?

I failed in maths.

You failed?

I taught you day in and day out!

You kept nodding as if you understood everything!

Well, I understood it back then

but I forgot everything in the exam hall.

Show me your answer sheet.

(paper rustles)

(music fades out)

For two days straight, I taught you this!

And you've repeated the same mistake?

Do you even concentrate when I teach you?

Answer me!

I love you.

(music continues)

I love you.

I just hit you

and is this your response?

I've been thinking about it for a while now.

When you suddenly hit me now,

I blurted it out.

(music turns melodious)

Love you, too.

Still...

You shouldn't be this bad at maths.

(Sachu) Hey! Everyone takes a hit for love.

But you hit her and fell in love.

Don't reveal this story to anyone else.

(sombre music)

(paper rustling)

There is an issue with his time of death.

He definitely has some unfulfilled wish.

If we simply let it be,

there could be many sad events in the family.

Um.. what is the reason for it?

He might have wanted to do something for somebody

but failed to do so.

Is there any remedy for this?

Nothing major.

For the next 48 days,

light up the holy lamp at the exact time your dad passed away, every day.

And before you perform the final rituals on the 13th day,

donate food for 50 people.

That must do.

So, lighting up the lamp

is the daughter's duty.

And donating food is the son's duty.

-Am I right? -Hmm!

Hear this carefully.

You must stay home and light the lamp.

Only you must go out and donate food to people. That's your duty.

-Right, sir? -Yes. That's perfectly right.

Thank you, sir.

-(Priest) See you then. -Okay.

See you.

Karthi...

Amudha will light the lamp everyday.

-You can donate food by yourself. -No.

Sachu must join me.

-Why him? -He's the eldest son.

He has to come.

He won't come.

He hurled abuses at me when we went to scatter the ashes.

Convincing him is your job. You're the marketing guy.

Hey. This is not some masala powder for me to market.

Karthi, your dad asked you a favour on his deathbed and passed away.

Now, I'm asking you a favour to avoid certain death.

Please think this through.

Amudha is already having some major doubts now.

Soon, all the doubts will be cleared.

We'll handle it then.

Hey!

Before they fulfil his last wish, it might be time to have my own.

(Amudha) Dear!

(Ilango) Her again? C-Coming.

(comedic music continues)

Tell me.

Tomorrow is an auspicious day.

-Okay. -When do we start tomorrow?

-For what? -The food donation.

(shouts) Why are you asking about it?

Did you just raise your voice?

Dear, you heard the astrologer.

Lighting the lamp is your duty.

Food donation is his duty.

Karthi and I will take care of it. Why the confusion?

What's the big deal?

-I'm dad's only daughter. -(mumbles) Who knows?

-What? -You were saying?

My presence during the food donation is more important than yours.

Whether I go or not, you must not go. That's even more important.

What are you blabbing nonsense?

Am I?

See, if you light the lamp and then go and donate food,

then you won't receive all of the blessings.

The great Slipper-Shot sage has said so.

Sage Slipper-Shot?

Who's that?

He's a sage in Pollachi.

Tell him your woes

and he'll hit you with a slipper and only then, provide a remedy.

Many big-shots stand in queue

to get slippered by him.

Did you get slippered by him?

Come on. When you're here, why would I go to him to get slippered?

My friend told me.

Fine, forget about that.

For 48 days, you will light the lamp.

He's going to donate food only for one day.

Let him do it to his heart's content, all by himself.

The blockage will dissolved smoothly.

Do as you wish.

Phew! A narrow escape.

(sinister music)

♪ Chennai city, what a beauty! ♪

♪ We bathe in the Cooum River... ♪

♪ Welcome ♪

What's up, Sachu? You sound ecstatic.

You look very happy.

A good thing took place in the family, right? That's why.

It was your dad who died.

Sure. Why are you here? First, tell me that.

Thought I'd say a 'Hi' to you.

I know you are not busy, sit down.

-Ilango, I know why you're here. -Tell me.

You don't like me staying here.

You just want to get rid of me. Aren't you here for that?

Hey! Do you all take me for a fool?

Your brother asks me to take care of the marketing.

Your sister threatens me like an English movie villain,

with her actions.

And you make me sit here and pull my leg!

Are you all punishing me because your dad screwed up?

-This is unfair. -Fine, leave it.

-Why are you here? -We're donating food tomorrow.

You must join us.

Why are you donating food?

The astrologer checked your dad's horoscope.

Looks like he has some unfulfilled wishes. Donating food will resolve it.

Karthi wants you to join as you're the eldest son.

But I won't join.

If you don't join,

then we'll donate food outside your home in Chennai, okay?

I'll drown you in the same beach. Is that okay?

-(tense laugh) I was just testing you! -Yeah, right!

Are you trying to scare and blackmail me?

If your wife comes there and sees me, her slipper will land on you.

Hope you realise that.

I've made sure that she won't come.

You come tomorrow, hand over four food packets.

Then take one for yourself.

Your dad will attain Nirvana.

He already attained two spouses!

Now you want him to have Nirvana too?

Look, I'm in a really bad mood.

Don't confuse me.

Fine, you say it's a food donation for the poor.

I'm also a poor guy.

I'll sit amongst them and feast too.

-Okay. -Ilango.

There's a boy in the family of marriageable age.

Can't you do something about it?

You think donating food to strangers

will lead to something good in the family?

Aren't you sitting useless at home?

Can't you help him?

I'm helpless.

Your dad went and met that girl's dad in person.

But her dad?

He's even more stubborn than these people. He refused.

What really happened there?

I've no idea. Your dad went to their house.

We were waiting at home expecting some good news.

But when he returned...

We had never seen him that dejected.

(Sachu) Why? Was he covering himself in shame?

(melancholic music)

Forgive me, son.

Dad...

What did her father say?

I pleaded with him

-but he didn't agree. -Why?

I have no answers to any of your questions.

Karthi, you've never asked me for anything.

You asked me something for the very first time.

But I couldn't... (sobs)

I've no words to console you.

(sniffles)

I've failed as a father.

(Karthik) Don't say such things, dad.

-Dad.. -Forgive me, dear.

-My dear. -Dad.

Forgive me.

(sobbing persists)

(Ilango) That was the only time we saw him cry.

After that, he never went back to his usual self.

That girl also refused to do anything against her dad's wish.

Karthi's marriage is still an unrealised dream for all of us.

This story is even more mysterious than your hotel's sambar recipe.

(crickets chirping)

Buddy, the interesting thing is...

Even Subbaiah's love worked out.

But it didn't work out for Karthi.

I can't understand the love.

-(Peter) Wow! -(Sachu) Peter.

If I drink with you for another week,

-I'll speak fluently in English. -(phone rings)

-(Sachu) I forgot my cap. -(Peter) Give me a minute.

(Peter) Hello.

Hi.

Okay.

Oh, night shoot?

It's okay. Work is important.

When are you coming?

Okay.

Take care, I love you.

-(Sachu) I love you? -(Peter) Bye.

-Who is it? -Wife.

Whose wife?

My wife, man.

You were talking so lovingly. That's why I asked.

She called from Mysore.

Hey! You told me she's in Bangalore.

-Didn't I tell you? -No.

My wife is a TV actress.

She acts in Kannada serials.

-The madam is very busy. -Really?

How did she become an actress?

Well, her parents live in Bangalore.

Once, when we visited them, she got an offer to act in a serial.

She was interested in acting and she asked for my permission.

I agreed. Later,

offers started to pour in.

I was a bit hesitant.

That's when Sophie told me,

"Do only men have dreams and goals? Don't women have any?"

"Look here, if killing a person is called murder,"

"then killing somebody's dream is also a murder!"

So, I gave my consent.

Now, she's very happy.

Justified, right?

She's following her heart.

She earns well.

She allots ten days in a month for me.

Ten days allotted for the husband? What about the remaining 20?

-To the serials, man! -I meant to which director.

She keeps traveling to Bangalore and Mysore.

She'd either be torturing some on-screen daughter-in-law.

Or she would be weeping for an on-screen daughter.

Oh!

Whoa!

The way everyone has a unique Aadhaar number, you all have unique stories.

-Obviously. -So Peter...

What was that Sobhie told you?

Something about killing a person... murder... What was that?

"If killing a person is called the murder"

"then killing somebody's dream is also a murder!"

Wow! Subbaiah has such a smart daughter?

Such wisdom in those words, right?

-Poor girl. Destiny is playi-- -(phone rings)

What can we do?

May God save her from her dad.

-It's Sophie. -Sobhie?

Yeah, Sophie?

What?

(tense music fades in)

Did Sobhie elope with someone?

It's a different problem! Come on!

-Come on, quick! -Problem?

(Sophie) Get up!

-(Subba) No... no. -Get up!

-Is it raining? -Get up!

(Peter) Sophie, Sophie.

(Sachu) Let him sleep in the open air.

(Peter) He's drunk. Lift him.

(Sachu) Oh! He's wasted? That makes sense. Come.

Subba, get up. Come on.

(Subba) Don't disturb me.

Can't you see I'm sleeping? Why are you in my bedroom?

Sir, the power went off. We've booked a room in the Taj Hotel for you. Come.

Okay.

Oh!

Dinner ready? I feel hungry.

Shut up and go inside. Go, eat the rat poison! Go!

Sophie, calm down. I'll handle him.

What? How long will I take this fucking shit?

-Why can't you go and die? -Sophie!

Relax.

-I'll take care of him. -Why's she shouting?

The neighbours are asleep.

Come, sir.

Come, walk.

Hotel Taj was owned by me.

The owner of the...

Shut up and walk.

-(can flips) -(Sophie grunts)

(music turns emotional)

(sobbing)

(Peter) Sophie...

We've put him to sleep. You go in.

(music fades out)

Can I tell you something?

I'm not asking you to quit drinking.

But if you drink every day, you'll become like him.

You saw, right? You'll also become like this bastard.

Or if you're adamant that you'll drink daily,

then go ahead.

But wanting a family, marriage, kids...

Don't wish for any of it.

Just live alone and fucking die alone!

(music fades out)

(water splashing)

(Sachu) We drink every night.

And we make the plants drink every morning.

This is the--

-Good morning. -Good morning!

-Sorry. -For what?

Well, I was furious with my dad but I vented out on you.

I felt really bad.

Yelling at Peter is fine,

but it's not right of me to yell at you.

Oh, no. Don't feel bad about it. You said it for our well-being.

My mom would've slippered me and put some sense into me too.

You said it nicely.

When you yelled at me, I felt my head reeling. I didn't even need drinks.

(chuckles)

Can I ask you something? Hope you won't mistake me.

-Ask away. -Why do you drink?

Nobody has ever asked me that. I'll tell you.

In my case,

I work really hard from morning till night.

My body would ache from all the hard work.

At midnight, just two strong drinks will help me sleep peacefully.

I don't drink during the day, unlike your dad.

But you do drink every day.

Without fail. But I drink a lot less in February.

-Why? -There are only 28 days in that month.

(chuckles)

Don't mind me advising you.

Not at all, Sobhie.

Only after hearing you say all that, I finally understood

that I should limit drinking.

So, thanks to you for that.

-No thanks needed. Just follow it. -Okay. Got it.

So, Sobhie...

People say such bad things about your dad.

I didn't mind them but I witnessed his atrocities personally yesterday.

Let's not talk about that fellow so early in the morning.

Fine, you have a good day.

Every day has been bad ever since I entered this house.

(Subba humming)

(comedic music)

Jesus.

Hi. Good morning.

You.

Don't you have even the basic decency?

I wish you a good morning and you're scowling at me?

Didn't you learn manners in school?

Do you know what happened and where you were last night?

Last night...

I think I was with my client at Gems Park.

My foot!

-You were lying wasted there. -Is it?

So strange! (chuckles)

It doesn't matter where we lie wasted at night.

I woke up in my bed this morning.

How did you end up in your bed? Do you have any idea?

Did you put me there?

Sachu and I did.

Oh! That gentleman from Chennai.

Aren't you ashamed?

Not at all. What's there to be ashamed of?

I knew it.

One who errs unknowingly might feel some shame.

One who errs intentionally will at least act so.

You're neither of them. You belong to a different category.

Hey! You fell asleep on the couch at my house many times, as a kid.

I always carried you back to your home.

Did I ever confront you like this the next morning?

You got an opportunity to serve me and you should feel proud of it.

You can boast about it to your grandchildren in the future.

What else can you boast about, man?

Do something useful.

There are two bison at Fern Hill.

Go and chase them away.

-(Sachu) Shall we sell each for ₹10? -(Peter) This ain't your shop.

-You do the honours. -You do it, man.

You are the eldest. You start.

-There are no rules for food donation. -Just give it.

-Guys, one of you, start. -Please come.

Please come.

Please eat and don't litter the temple. Put the wrapper in the trash bin.

Here. Move on.

Thank you.

-Please come. -(phone rings)

Eat well and work with energy.

(Ilango) Amudha?

-Hello. -(Amudha) Hello?

Are you done there?

Not yet. Why?

Appu and I are coming there.

Coming here? Why?

You're supposed to light the lamp at home.

During such an auspicious event,

it's good for the grandson if he attends it.

Who told you? Kids below 18 aren't supposed to be here.

Is he coming to apply for a driving license?

Or is food donation an adult-only event?

Don't be so negligent. What if we err and the problem becomes severe?

Also, we are almost done here.

Remind me when Appu turns 18. We'll donate food in a grand manner.

Now, hang up.

Hello. Hello, listen!

Karthi is going overboard.

-I don't know what to do. -Why?

-Amudha called and told me that she's dropping by. -Oh, no!

I somehow convinced her not to.

But what if she had come?

What else?

You would have been standing here, begging for food, the next time.

Here, take it home.

What's it for?

It's for me. I am also a needy guy.

Look, the food donation went well.

I am happy to donate food.

-But your dad's wish... -Even you didn't get married.

Did I question you on that?

Stop talking like a boomer.

-His father couldn't convince him. He thinks he can? -Oh, wow.

Even before I start advising him, he cuts me off?

He's way better than his sister.

If I advise her, she'll advise me back.

She's right in doing so.

If you come again talking about unfulfilled wishes...

I'll thrash you with a broomstick.

Why are you getting violent, man?

Lemon rice you want?

-Yeah. -Sharing.

Okay.

Isn't there a normal soul in this family?

(Subba clears throat)

-(people chattering) -(utensils clinking)

(man mumbles) Trusting him was a...

-(man) Subbaiah. -What is it?

That Sait called me.

(tense music)

Which Sait?

Remember? We helped him close that Kotagiri property deal.

It's been six months. What is it now?

There's some issue in the property document.

(gulps, clears throat)

Is he kidding us?

What was he doing with it for the past six months?

Don't underestimate him.

He's asking us to cancel the deal and return his money.

If he doesn't get his money in ten days,

he's threatening to throw everyone in jail, on grounds of cheating.

He is threatening us? (laughs)

He thinks I will get scared that easily?

Does he think Subbaiah is as soft as a flower?

I'm fire!

I don't care about all that. I am scared.

He is a big shot.

I told you something's fishy about that property.

You said you'd take care of it if any issue arises. Now, look!

I still stand by my words.

I won't repay a penny.

I can't even pay attention.

Ask him to do whatever he can. (scoffs)

Don't come to me for such silly matters.

I have a lot of work to do.

Hey! Do you understand me?

He's a big shot. He can do anything to us!

Listen close.

The fish in a crocodile's mouth,

the prey in a lion's mouth

and the money in Subbaiah's pocket...

can never be retrieved by anyone.

Okay?

(burps)

(chuckles)

Now that you're here,

-settle the bill for all this. -Huh?

("Vannarapettayila" plays on phone)

What are you glued to?

Huh?

Our Ramya had posted new reels.

Our Ramya? Who is that?

Your college friend.

That beautiful lady.

Why are you watching her reels?

I've been following her for a long time.

Hmm.

You've been following her?

I'll deal with that later. Now, what is this?

Hmm? (gasps)

(comedic music)

Answer me! What is this?

Food donation.

-What's the problem? -Who should make the donations?

Only the heirs, right? Why is he donating?

Who sent you this video?

Our neighbour, Vasanthi had been to that temple.

She sent me this.

She gleefully asked, "Is he a new member of your family?"

It's embarrassing!

Why did she come there? To collect a food parcel?

-Are they facing hard times? -Don't divert the topic.

Answer my question!

What's the big deal? Food donation is a holy deed.

So we asked him to join us.

Then why did you refuse Appu and me to come?

You are already blessed enough.

You've been nothing but blessed, ever since you married me.

Don't divert the topic! What's the deal between you and him?

What's going on?

I don't know. Ask your brother.

I will definitely ask him.

-I'll put an end to this-- -Why are you creating issues?

He's already under such pressure.

That's why I'm asking you.

If you keep torturing me like this,

I'll get a Kailasa citizenship and settle down there silently.

Yeah, right. Since how long are you following her?

-Following whom? -Your Ramya!

Oh, her?

Ever since she dressed up like Pooja Hegde and posted reels--

Look at yourself! Does it make sense?

Aren't you ashamed? I'll deal with you someday!

Her father was the biggest player in all this.

And now, they're all roasting me left and right.

(Sachu) Lord Vinayaga. Ooty is indeed cool.

But there is a shortage of drinking water.

People are suffering.

Please help them.

Hi, Sobhie! Stop.

It's not Sobhie, but Sophie.

Whatever.

-Where are you coming from? -Market.

-Can I join? -Yeah, sure.

So, Sobhie...

Instead of going up and down the slope,

why don't you buy a two-wheeler?

Right. I wish I could buy one.

If your dad had saved up instead of drinking,

he could've bought a car.

Fools, they can't earn but they sure have a wife and children.

Sobhie, shall we have some tea?

-Why so quiet? -Sophie!

Come here.

Give me a minute.

(tense music)

Who is she?

Who was that, Sobhie?

My mother-in-law.

(music intensifies)

Your mother-in-law?

You're married?

(musical crescendo, music fades out)

(Closed captions by Desynova Digital)

(birds chirping)

(sombre music)

Are you really married?

Hmm.

I got married and divorced.

Where's your husband?

He's in prison now.

Really?

That lady you saw is Gowri.

She's my dad's distant relative.

She's into politics, kangaroo courts and financial lending.

A very influential family.

Her son saw me during a function

and told his mom that he liked me.

She met my dad and asked for my hand in marriage.

They said they will take care of all the wedding expenses.

You know my dad very well.

Upon hearing that, his eyes lit up and he got ready to sell me off.

My grandma said to me, "Whoever you marry,"

"he wouldn't be worse than your dad."

"Instead of suffering at home,"

"go lead a happy life with the guy who is in love with you."

I was young and immature.

I agreed as I wanted to move away from my dad.

The wedding took place in a grand manner.

I was happy for a while.

Then he started showing his true colours.

He always indulged in kangaroo courts and non-stop violence.

Every evening, he'd bring home a group of rogues and booze.

And I was tasked with cooking a variety of snacks, to go with it.

If I refused, he'd beat me.

He'd hurl abuses at me.

He'd torture me in unspeakable ways.

I tried my best to be patient.

But then I made up my mind.

I didn't want to repeat the same mistake my mom made.

So, I kicked him to the curb and left that house.

Both mom and son threatened me and begged me to come back.

I said, no.

Luckily, he was sent to prison on murder charges.

And I got a divorce and came out of it.

I left that place, with a blind hope in my ability to survive on my own.

But I didn't know how to go about it.

(sniffles)

That's when Rathinasamy uncle gave me the courage

and a respectable job.

If it weren't for him, I'd have died a long time ago. (sobs)

Even now, for me or for my mom,

he is God.

I'm living in this town because I have no choice.

Now, I'm doing my bachelor's degree in correspondence.

You know what? I want to become a teacher.

I hate this town.

I want to leave this bloody place.

(sobbing)

I thought only my mom faced this plight.

(scoffs)

I guess there are many others.

Fine, don't cry.

Shall we leave?

Come.

(footsteps)

(comedic theme music)

(melodious flute)

(bangles jingling)

(Amudha) Show me your hand.

(sombre music)

What's this, mom?

Your salary.

-Salary? -Yes.

You helped mom at the hotel, right? Hence, your salary.

Keep it.

₹500!

This is not necessary, mom.

Only then, will you know the value of money.

But you must not spend it.

I'll open an account for you. Deposit the money in that.

-Okay? -Okay, mom.

Mom, can I spend it all just this month?

(chuckles) What expense could you have, dear?

(triumphant music)

(music continues)

(music fades out)

Babu...

This is the happiest I've felt in my entire life.

Thanks, dear.

Come on, mom. You have bought me all these things so many times.

Mom, when I grow up, I'll earn a lot more

and take you to eat at even bigger hotels.

(chuckles)

Babu...

Earning money is important.

But even if it's just a penny,

it must come to us from our own hard work.

My dear Babu,

you should never be dependent on anybody.

You must lead a good life with your own earnings. Okay?

-Hmm! -(chuckles)

(music fades out)

MLA. R. SHANMUGANATHAN

Don't worry. I'm going to Chennai next week.

I'll meet the party head and discuss this in person.

We won't give up easily on anyone who worked hard for the party.

Stay strong. I'm here for you. We'll take care of it.

-Okay. We will see you. -Okay. Take care.

-(Gowri) Greetings, sir. -Greetings, Gowri. How are you?

I'm fine, sir.

What's the matter? Tell me.

Well, my son...

He'll be released from prison in three months.

I know that very well. Any problem with that?

No, sir.

Just when he was gradually succeeding, things went awry.

-So... -Tell me what you're thinking.

As soon as he gets released,

can you give him

a post in the party?

Do you think you have to tell me that?

You think I'll forget him?

He didn't go to prison due to a family feud.

It was for the party that he went to prison.

In politics, this is a qualification.

You must know that well enough.

I do know. That's why,

it'd be nice if he could get a seat in the upcoming panchayat election.

Look, Gowri. There are a few law and order issues in that.

First, let's try to clear those out.

Let him get released. I'm here for him.

I know when and what to do for him.

Don't worry.

Now, I need a favour from you.

Tell me, sir.

This person is very important to us.

They'll call you.

Help them solve their issue.

Okay, sir.

(grunts)

Shall we go?

-How long will we sip on tea? -Come.

Hey, Peter.

When we take our vacation,

we come to Ooty or Kodaikanal for a visit.

Where do you people go on vacation?

Man, your vacation is giving us our bread and butter.

What if we don't come for vacation?

We'd go for the usual job.

(Sachu) So, you adapt to the seasons. (gasps in shock)

-He seems to be the happiest man here. -Subbaiah!

Hello. Sir...

-Let's escape. Come on! -Hey.

He's drunk but he's calling out to us so decently.

-Please come here, Subbaiah! -Sir?

-Sir, I need a favour. -(Sachu) Tell me.

(Peter) Go ask the Collector.

(comedic music)

-Are you talking to me? -Hmm.

-Save your speeches. -(Peter) Oh.

Talk only when you are spoken to. Got it?

-Sir. -Yes, sir?

-You're a huge businessman. -Of course.

I'm sure you must know very well about money rotation.

Yeah, I sure do.

-Can you give me ₹1000, please? -Hey.

Subbaiah, please.

Don't ask him for money.

Do you want me to ask you?

I won't even ask you the time!

You're already drunk.

Do you want to drink again at night?

(Sachu) Is he laughing or neighing?

The concept of day and night is merely an illusion.

(comedic music)

It's night in America right now. Do you know that?

(Sachu) For ₹1000, he's dragging this all the way to America.

Darkness is nothing but an extension of light.

It's... No, you won't understand all that.

-Sir... -I won't get it too, sir.

You must have witnessed highway accidents.

Yes, I have. Many of them.

-But he is in a hospital accident. -That's new.

Come on, Subba! How can you humiliate other people this way?

That's because everyone other than me is absolutely disgusting!

-He's inviting me to humiliate me? -I'm not insulting you.

I'm just describing you.

-Fuck you! -Dude!

Peter, don't talk to the elderly like that.

What else do you expect?

It's getting late.

-Can you lend me ₹1000, please? -₹1000...

Don't give him even 10 paise!

(Subba) 10 paise?

Not even temple elephants accept 10 paise these days, you know?

(scoffs) Keep yourself updated, you boomer!

-Subba... hey... -It's okay. Leave it.

He is our guy. Sir, here. Take care.

Let him have it.

-One who has money is not rich. -(Sachu chuckles)

One who gives money to others acquires real wealth.

Nobody becomes poor by giving.

Remember that.

Thank you. I'll return it within 24 hours.

-No problem. -Okay?

-Please be on your way. -Excuse me.

Don't use that cash in those 24 hours. You'll get arrested. Go on.

Why did you give him money?

-If Sophie finds out, she'll scold you. -Hey!

Come on. It's an invalid ₹1,000 bill.

It was lying in my pocket for a long time so I gave it away.

(comedic music)

God is hiding in shame because he created such men.

(Sachu) Is God knocking on your door every day, for having created you?

(Peter) He does, but I don't open the door.

-(Peter) Oh, just come, man. -(Sachu) Stop blabbing, man. Come.

(jeep whirring)

(Sachu humming)

(engine revving)

-Hi. -(jeep turns off)

-(Sachu) Hey, man. -Where are you going?

They are selling wheat rusk. Thought I'd buy some.

-I've to show you something. -What is it?

(Sachu) Is that a shaving kit?

Is it from a trash bin?

(Karthik) I found it in dad's office room.

Watch.

Purse.

Pen.

(scoffs)

This is the highlight.

(nostalgic music)

See that?

When it comes to love, everyone seems to have a child-like spirit within.

I know zilch about love and such crap.

A boy in my locality fell in love with a girl.

He ended up slitting himself with a blade.

They even hang themselves for love, unconcerned about their parents.

-People even kill for love these days. -That's true too.

Karthi, after coming here, I realised the truth.

-And it's that your dad-- -Huh?

Fine.

Our dad and my mom

loved each other sincerely.

In all the years I've known my mom, she never once spoke ill of dad.

But there was this one-time that I cursed out at him to her.

But mom begged me with tears in her eyes,

telling me not to insult dad because he's a gem of a man.

After that, I stopped insulting him.

After coming here, I saw...

He has named his own daughter after my mom.

He named the house and the hotel after my mom too.

And he even wished to see me, during his final days.

If he really had wrong intentions, he wouldn't have done all this. Right?

If he knew that he had another son,

-he wouldn't have abandoned my mother. -Absolutely not.

I don't doubt that at all.

Tell me something. How did he find out about me after so many years?

No idea.

I didn't think of asking him at that moment.

Then, I never got a chance to ask.

But this is definitely an epic love story.

It's a tragedy, man. Enough of that.

Well, Karthi.

I'll tell you something important.

Nobody but the four of us should know about this matter.

Especially not your mom or Amudha.

Because this is true love.

Only you and I can understand. Others won't.

Peter told me that our dad is like a God for many families here.

If people find out about this, they'll judge him.

Let's leave it like this.

That's the respect we give to their love.

Now, this is a hit story.

It's going to be a box office hit.

But I held a grudge against dad for the longest time.

After coming here,

like mist, all my grudge has vanished into thin air.

And I feel a lightness in my heart.

-Thanks. -For what?

For understanding dad.

Not just him,

I've understood many things after coming here.

-Karthi, a small request. -What is it?

Can I keep this purse in dad's memory?

There's not even a single rupee in it.

Then, you may have it.

-Karthi. -Huh?

Hasn't Jensy ever gifted you anything out of love?

-(books rustling) -(footsteps)

(Karthik whispers) Hi.

What's this?

(whispers) Open and see for yourself.

(pleasant music)

-You like it? -It's so beautiful.

I saw it in a shop yesterday.

Don't you like Lord Vinayagar? So, I bought it for you.

No need to thank me. You may have it.

Thanks.

(phone vibrating)

(music fades out)

(whispers) What happened?

Are you alright?

You know what? Sandhya and Dileep broke up.

Oh.

I'm sure he's the one at fault.

Idiot!

Why are you getting upset without knowing what happened?

-It must be his fault. I know it. -(Karthik tsks)

Why are you supporting him?

I am not supporting anybody here.

No, your words sound like you're supporting him.

Why would I support him?

Because he's a man!

(shouts) You foo...

(whispers) Don't talk like a fool.

I'm saying that my friend is going through a breakup,

and you're so casual about it?

How else should I react?

Is this the world's very first break-up?

Oh. So, break-ups are casual matters?

I didn't mean that.

All I'm saying is that you don't have to overreact for this.

Are you saying

that you'll casually breakup with me too?

Why would I break up with you?

This topic is unnecessary.

If someday, you come and tell me,

that this isn't working out or your family is against our love,

or give me any other random reasons...

But you could say the same thing too, right?

Why would I?

My dad will never go against my wishes.

The same goes with my family.

So you won't break up with me, right?

(hisses) Stupid!

Just answer my question.

You won't break up with me, right?

I won't. Enough?

Remember, Lord Vinayagar is our witness.

(playful music)

Keep Him in a place that you'll always look.

-Okay? -Okay.

A small request.

How about we live in a library after our wedding?

Why?

This is the only place where you talk softly.

(clicks teeth) Get lost!

(music fades out)

(bag rustling)

(items crashing)

Hmpf!

-(Sophie sobs) -Sophie, mom is... huh?

What happened, Sophie?

I took some money from Ilango yesterday, to buy some provisions.

I kept the balance here. It's missing now.

Where could it have gone? Check properly.

Where else could it go?

My so-called "dad" must have taken it. (sniffles)

-Bloody idiot. -Come on...

(sobs uncontrollably)

Fine, forget it. Everything will be okay.

-(wails) -(melancholic music)

(Amudha) Sophie...

(Jaya) Let it go, Sophie. It's only money.

This is not new.

Don't cry, Sophie.

True but this has become a routine.

So, it hurts.

Every day, I wish he'd just die.

Don't say things like that, dear.

No matter what, he's your father.

Oh, God! No, aunty.

He's not worthy of being a father.

In my life,

it was only Rathinasamy uncle who I saw as a father figure.

But now, even he is no more.

Now, I feel like I have no one by my side.

No matter how bad a person is,

he'd still care for his children.

But this fellow,

he wasn't a good father even when I was as young as Appu.

I even got married, just so I could escape from him.

My life is ruined.

-(Jaya) Sophie, don't cry. -(Amudha) Calm down.

(wailing)

Sophie,

to be blessed with a good father or a good husband

is not in our control.

It is all God-given.

Not everyone is blessed.

But you must never lose hope in life.

I'm sure God has something good in store for you.

(sobs) I can't take it anymore.

Sophie...

(music fades out)

-(Subba) How much is the bill? -₹510 for a pint.

₹175 for the chicken.

The total comes to ₹685.

(people chattering)

Why a ₹1,000 note?

Am I paying you in US dollars?

₹1,000. And... huh?

This isn't legal now!

Looks like something is wrong.

I guess there's some problem with the ATM machine.

Do one thing.

Keep this.

I'll pay you with a legal note tomorrow morning and take this back.

No way, sir!

The owner won't allow it.

Who is the owner? Do you know who owned this place once?

-Do you know its history? -No.

This belongs to Lord Sullivan!

I don't care, sir.

Pay the bill and leave. If the owner sees this, it'll become an issue.

(shouts) Call your owner! Call him!

Even the ones who wished to conquer the world, Alexander and Napolean,

don't have a piece of land in their name!

Sir, please stop talking rubbish.

Pay up!

(laughs loudly)

I don't have money. You can check.

What's the issue?

-He paid using an invalid currency note when asked to pay the bill. -Hey!

The Reserve Bank Governor has signed that currency.

Who are you to call it invalid?

Fine, add his bill to mine.

Sir, why do you want to...

Just do as I said. Go.

-Okay, sir. -Thank you, sir.

Sir, please sit.

-I'll join you. -So kind of you.

God bless you.

(man) This is your cup, right?

-If it's in bad shape, it's my cup. -(both laugh)

-Sir, I'm done. -(drink gushing)

It's okay. Just a small peg.

I am Subbaiah.

-You're quite popular, sir. -(chuckles)

And you are?

I am Mahendran.

There's a hotel named Ganga Bhavan near the Coonoor bus stand.

-Yes. -That's my hotel, sir.

Oh! (chuckles)

Is it? How's the business?

Not bad but...

if you show some mercy, it'll run even better.

Me?

What can I possibly do, sir?

I don't get it.

Let's discuss this, sir. All in good time.

Shall I order half a pint?

(suspenseful music)

-Order a full pint. -(Mahendran) Hmm.

(music fades out)

(birds chirping)

Sophie.

Hey, Sophie!

Where has she gone?

Sophie!

Greetings, madam.

Why don't you come inside the house? Why are you always here?

Well, the open air is so nice. I just decided to stay here.

Oh, okay.

-By the way, what's your dad's name? -(startles)

Pariyerum Perumal.

My husband always told me everything.

But he never told me about your dad.

How do they know each other?

They were roommates in Chennai.

There was some business... I was a kid though. I don't remember.

Is your dad still around?

Dad just passed away recently.

What do you do?

I run a small food outlet in Chennai. A hotel.

Oh!

That's why the chutney you made yesterday was so tasty.

Thank you. My mom taught me that.

So, your mom stays with you?

No, she passed away 15 years ago.

Are you married?

I'm looking for a bride.

But my attention is always on running the hotel.

You might not feel the need for it now, son.

But after a certain age,

loneliness will become a curse.

It's been only four days since he left me.

At my age, even though I'm blessed to have loved ones surrounding me,

the loneliness still kills me.

But I have the satisfaction of having lived a fulfilling life with him.

(introspective music)

May I ask you something?

Please.

I find this hard to ask Karthi.

Weren't you with my husband when he passed away?

Yes.

What were his last words?

Well...

Near the end, he asked Karthi to forgive him.

He said, "Because of me, your marriage..."

He mentioned some marriage. That's all I understood, madam.

(Jaya) Okay.

(Sachu scoffs)

You lived a fulfilling life with him.

But he lived a secretive life and passed away.

Whatever.

-(music fades out) -(water sprinkling)

(footsteps)

(chuckles)

Yesterday,

I met Daniel in church.

Daniel?

You mean Danny uncle?

It's been so many years since I met him.

-Was aunty there? -No, he came alone.

He's retired now.

They have come back and settled down here.

Oh.

His son...

What was his name?

Thomas.

Yes! We used to call him Tommy.

He completed his engineering

and is working at a good company in Chennai.

(introspective piano music)

He's still single.

They are searching for a suitable match.

They were asking about you.

He's coming here next week.

If you're free, we can invite them for lunch...

Dad, no.

Dear, he's a nice guy.

He's in a secure job.

You're already well-acquainted with him.

So we thought--

(Jensy) No, dad.

Change the topic.

Just meet him, dear.

I'm in no mood to meet anybody right now.

Dear, I'm also getting old.

I wish to see you married and settled.

Not right now, dad.

Let me finish my M. Phil first.

I know why you are pushing this topic away.

-But what I am say-- -Dad.

At least you know my reason.

But I obeyed you without even knowing the reason.

So don't compel me. Please.

(melancholic music)

(Karthik) What's bothering your dad about us, Jensy?

I asked him, Karthik.

But he refuses to give me a reason.

(Karthik) And so?

Our decision shouldn't be just for us,

it must also make our families happy.

Then we can never be together.

This is our life. We must decide what happens.

Just trust me and come away with me, Jensy.

I cannot make such selfish decisions, Karthik.

My dad has done a lot for me.

Especially after my mom's demise,

I became his world.

He continues to live only for my sake.

If I leave, there's no soul to even check up on him.

Don't you always say,

that your dad is like a God to you?

It's the same for me.

He's all I have.

If I have to hurt him

for us to get married,

I can never do it. (sobs uncontrollably)

I'm really sorry.

I don't deserve you.

I wish you a happy life.

And I'm sure it'll happen.

You will always be in my prayers.

I want to be in your life.

Not in your prayers.

(emotional music)

(sobbing)

(music fades out)

(humming)

Peter!

Peter?

Subba, I can't give you any money today.

No, son.

This time, I'm going to give you money.

-What? -Lots of money.

-Oh. -Hmm!

Drinking early in the morning?

No, I'm steady.

Just hear me out carefully.

Look, I'm getting late.

Opportunity knocks at our doors only a few times.

We must grab it when it does.

-Or else, it'll slip away. -Okay.

Each and every person

has a life and a job.

We must not mix them up and confuse ourselves.

When it comes to our profession, we should be professionals.

So, what Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita is--

-Yes! I'll hear it next Sunday. -Hey! Hey!

(Subba) Okay, let me come to the point.

I met one of your competitors yesterday.

Let his identity remain a mystery for now

but he gave me the best offer.

What offer? Buy two idlis and get one vada free?

I'm serious here. So stop it with your rotten jokes.

Just come to the point.

Well, it's nothing.

If you find out your hotel's sambar recipe and share it with me...

-If I do..? -(chuckles)

(inaudible whispering)

(suspenseful music)

For real?

100%.

Look, I've already made the deal.

If you do this, I'll pay you the promised amount.

But everything has to go through me only. Okay?

Hey.

Don't hesitate. It's a golden opportunity.

Look.

The recipe isn't that big of a deal at all. Even I could say it to you.

-(whispers) But can we trust that guy? -(Subba chuckles)

Who's dealing with him?

Subbaiah.

Do you think I'll let it slip?

Well...

This thought has never occurred to me.

I'm a bit hesitant.

Finally, you've planned to do something for the sake of your family.

Don't you worry about anything.

I'll handle it smoothly.

-Sure? -100%

Then, hear me out carefully.

Tomorrow, Sophie will prepare sambar at home.

Take a cup full of that.

Sophie's sambar?

I'm asking about Rathinasamy's sambar.

Does Sophie work at Arvind Swamy's house or something?

Think!

Okay, I got it.

Then, in that cup of sambar...

Subba...

-I hope you won't double-cross me. -(inhales dramatically)

My son.

We are family. (sniffles)

Thanks.

Now, take that cup of sambar,

mix ten grams of rat poison and five grams of potassium cyanide.

Buy the rat poison from our local store. But for cyanide, go to Coimba--

You just showed your true colours.

Who's showing their true colours?

Aren't you ashamed?

Who's that competitor?

Ganga Bhavan's Mahendran, right?

You must have boozed with him yesterday.

Go, tell that mongrel

I'll beat him with my slippers!

Not just him. You too.

Giving me an offer, my foot! (spits)

Useless fellow.

Fine, go!

You'll never do anything substantial in your life.

Rot in that sambar bowl for life.

Have a nice day and a miserable life.

(Peter) You too!

(Subba) Thank you!

Okay. We can do it at home.

Yes. I'll plan it up and call you.

Thank you.

For the 13th-day ritual, only family members have to be there.

After the ritual, we'll head back home.

After coming home, we have a few more formalities.

After that, we'll serve lunch.

So, food for 150 people should be fine. Right?

Yes. Should be.

Also, dear.

We have to buy new clothes for Karthi and mom. Remember?

(Ilango) Sure thing.

A saree for mom and a dhoti and shirt for Karthi.

-Okay? -Brother-in-law...

Dhoti and shirt...

-Make it two sets. -(startles)

Two sets? But why?

One for Sachu.

Sachu! Why should we buy one for that guy?!

(tense music)

There's a reason for it.

Just listen to what I'm about to tell you both

and promise you won't get angry.

What's with the sudden build-up?

What is it? You tell me.

(stammers) Oh, he said we must whitewash the wall.

I suggested we can do it after your dad's death--

What's with the unrelated topic?

My stomach is upset.

I'll quickly go visit Coimbatore!

Brother-in-law!

Stay.

I've been suspicious since the start.

It's clear that you both are hiding something from us.

Who is that fellow?

He is...

our elder brother.

(intense music)

(Sachu) It has lit up, Peter.

-(music fades out) -(fire crackling)

Peter.

I feel so bad after listening to Sobhie's story.

Reminded me of my mom.

Do you remember?

Didn't you say that she fought with you for your wife to follow her dreams?

But all of her own dreams are crushed.

What can we do about Subbaiah?

We can finish him off. That's the only thing we can do.

You can afford to go to prison since you're jobless.

All these days,

I was living a life where my only concern was my house and shop.

Only after coming here, I'm seeing all kinds of people.

Well, if the final rites go smoothly, I'll just be on my way.

The only thing bothering me is Amudha's suspicion about me.

You have a suspicious face.

It's not that.

Her mom was so nice to me this morning.

-(slaps) -Oh, no!

(intense music)

If you dare speak ill of my husband...

-I will forget you're my son! -(Amudha) Mom, mom.

Did you hear what he said?!

(Amudha) Karthi, do you even know what you're implying and about who?!

-I'm telling you what dad sai-- -Shut up!

I won't believe a thing you say!

It's all a lie.

It's all a lie! (wails)

He could never even dream of betraying me.

Not even in his dreams. (cries uncontrollably)

(utensils crash)

(wailing)

So, you knew all this when you went to Chennai?

No. Your dad asked...

for the 'Karthi' that he made to 'Promise'--

What's that woman's name?

Why do you need that?

You'll regret asking.

As if you haven't said enough! Now, tell me!

-Her name is... -(Jaya wails)

-Amudha. -(wailing stops)

(gasps)

(silence ensues)

That sinner!

I thought he named the hotel after me

but he has named me after her! (bawling)

Told you.

-(Jaya and Amudha wailing) -(emotional music)

Mom, please let me explain.

Where is he?

-Mom, please don't get angry. -I asked, where is he?!

Mom.

Mom, please. Where are you going?

Mom, listen to m...

(whistling)

-Where is he? -(Karthik) Don't get emotional, mom.

Let's talk in the morning. Please, mom.

-Mom, please. Listen to me. -(Amudha) There he is, mom!

-(Sachu) Jogging as a family? -(Jaya) Hey!

Why did you come here?!

-Amma, I brought him here! -You keep quiet!

Why are you here?

-Karthi called me. -So, what if he called you?!

You came looking for a share in the wealth?

-Please don't say stuff like tha-- -Of course, she will say so!

You better get lost from here. Or else...

Look, I didn't come here willingly.

-Karthi said dad wanted to-- -(Jaya) Hey!

Call him your dad again and I'll beat you with my slipper!

He's no father to you!

Your mom cheated my husband

-and you're cheating my son! -Mom, nobody cheated anyone here.

Don't speak in haste.

Mother, your anger is justified.

I didn't come here expecting anything.

You're here with a plan! Stop your drama.

I've seen many like you.

You'll sport an innocent face and later send a legal notice.

I said I don't want anything. Why would I send a legal notice?

-You! This is why I refused to come. -(Jaya) Hey!

You dare threaten him?!

You are a fraud and so is your mom!

-Look, don't speak ill of my mother. -Well? What will you do?!

What will you do if I speak ill of your mom?

I repeat!

You are a fraud and so is your mom!

Your face is enough evidence.

Will anyone believe that you were born to Rathinasamy?

What did you tell me when I asked your father's name?

Pariyerum Perumal.

Now, you say it's Rathinasamy?!

Will you change the name tomorrow?

-Does your mom know who your dad is?! -Hey!

Mom! Stop saying all this! For God's sake, go inside!

-Sister, take her inside-- -Why should we go inside?!

First, ask him to get out!

He won't leave so easily.

(bangles jingling)

Throw the dog a few bones, and it'll pick it up and walk away!

Throw your jewels at his face too!

If I see you here tomorrow morning,

I'll kill you. Send him away!

(Amudha) This is what you're here for, right?

Take it.

Pick it all up and leave.

Are you happy now?

This is how it'll be in the beginning, Sachu.

Oh. So, this is just the beginning?

Are we in for more?

Go find somebody else.

It was wrong. I apologise on their behalf.

Shove your apology in your hotel's sambar!

I'll fix everything. Trust me, Sachu.

The fuck you will!

Hey! I stand humiliated because I trusted you and came here!

-I'm leaving! -They spoke out in haste.

-Don't go, Sachu. Please. -Hey.

Your mother has insulted my mother, man.

If I stay here, I'll be insulting my mother even more.

-I'm leaving. -Please, leave after dad's final rites.

Hey!

Do the final rites for your dad or get him married again, I don't give a damn.

He is not my dad. Hey!

Am I strip-dancing here? What are you gawking at?

Speak some sense into him!

Karthi, he is justified in saying that.

-Let's go inside. -Please, be quiet!

That's how women react. They'll take time to accept it.

Who asked them to accept it?

I told you repeatedly not to tell them.

-Why did you tell them? -You and I made a promise to dad.

-Or have you forgotten? -Are you stupid?

Your mom insulted my birth.

And you want me to stay? I'm leaving.

I agree she was wrong, Sachu. I'll fix everything.

-I'll fall to your feet and beg. -Hey! Get up!

Don't go, please. Listen to me.

-I won't leave you. Don't go. -Let me go!

-I'm not letting go! -Let me go!

Hold him, brother-in-law.

-Hey! What? -(Ilango) Nothing.

You're right. You may go.

If you come to Chennai again, looking for me,

I'll marinate and roast both of you.

Rascals!

Bringing a motherless son here just to insult him.

(intense music continues)

(whispers) Don't go, Sachu.

(grunts, sobs)

(screams loudly)

(music rises) (music fades out)

(Closed Captions by Desynova Digital)

(comedy theme music)

(light-hearted music)

(giggles)

Well, my son.

I thought you'd become a great scientist.

But you've gone and failed in science.

Science is not for me, mom!

Shall I send you for science tuition?

-No. -Why?

-I hate science. -Why do you hate it?

Because I hate it.

(clicks teeth) How will it work if you say that, my darling?

I hate it, mom! That's it.

I hate science just like I hate dad!

Stop talking nonsense!

I'm not talking nonsense!

I hate that guy! He is a fraud.

-(water pot crashes) -(tense music)

(exhales in frustration)

(door creaks)

(trees rustling)

(tense music continues)

(Amudha) Hmm?

Hmpf!

(bangles jingling)

Listen to me, my Babu.

I plea you.

-(waves crashing) -(Amudha sobs)

Please don't talk ill about your dad to me again, son.

He is a gem of a person.

Please trust me on that.

I will not! How can you ask me to trust the one who betrayed you?!

Why are you so naive, mom?

(Amudha) Please stop saying all this without knowing the truth, dear.

Even if he really betrayed me,

-(emotional music) -(sniffles, sobs)

As you say,

I still cannot hate him for that.

If I hate him,

it would mean that I did not truly love him too.

What does that mean?

(chuckles softly)

You won't understand all that now.

Then, I won't understand science too!

(sad piano music)

Hey.. Babu.

Babu dear.

(sniffles)

-(sobs uncontrollably) -(waves crash)

(music fades out)

(crows cawing)

(phone vibrating)

Yes, Sophie?

-(Sophie) I hear a cheetah growling! -A cheetah?!

-Where? -In the motor room.

-Come quickly! -Coming. Brother-in-law!

(intense music) (door opens)

(clicks off hook)

(Ilango huffing)

(Karthik) Hurry!

-(Karthik) There's no bullet in it! -The cheetah doesn't know it, right?

-(Ilango) Move faster. -(Karthik) Where is it?

-There. -(Karthik) You wait here.

Stop!

-(music stops) -(distant growling)

Brother-in-law, lock the door please.

(Ilango) Slowly. Carefully.

(deep growling)

(iron door creaks, thumps loudly)

-I've locked it. -(growling persists)

Do you see it?

Tell me!

-Shall I call the forest department? -(Karthik) No.

-(Ilango) Why? -(Sophie) Is it there?

Are we adopting it?

(Karthik) Stop kidding.

-(Sophie) Careful now! -Why are you opening the door?

(door creaks)

(comedic music)

(Sachu snoring)

Is this the cheetah you mentioned?

Sorry.

Wake him up.

(Ilango) Look at him sleep.

Brother?

Hey!

Wake up, man.

Huh?

Why are you holding a gun?

Hey. She mistook your snoring for a cheetah's growl.

Do my snores sound like a cheetah's?

My mom said they sound like bears.

Is it? Get up now!

-(Sachu) Help me up. -Being a nuisance in the morning.

-(Sachu) Mafia. -(Ilango) Her name is Sophia.

I smell poori, bring some for me.

Did you brush your teeth?

Have you seen a cheetah brush its teeth?

(Ilango) He said it himself. Please, go prepare it.

Didn't you go to your town?

I started for the town last night.

I met a guy named Premji on the way.

He offered me drinks.

I accepted it.

I got super sloshed.

Then, I remembered this guy falling to my feet.

It kept bothering me.

I thought of my mom and stomped off in a fit of rage.

Then, I tried to see it as Amudha's son, and ended up coming back.

I don't get it.

I don't get it either.

Karthi.

I want to see Amudha and mom immediately.

Come.

(suspenseful music)

(Sachu) God, help me.

Hey. Call your mom.

Mom! Mom!

Hey! You didn't leave yet?

I'm not going anywhere.

Don't you have any shame?

I do. That's why I didn't pick the bones you threw me last night.

-You took them back, right? -What do you want now?

I want nothing.

-My dad's final rites-- -Hey!

(music stops, clock ticks)

Call him dad and I will kill you.

Listen! Did I claim to be Rathinasamy's son?

Rathinasamy said it himself.

You don't have to trust me or my mom.

But you trust your husband, right?

Look, I also refused to believe all this initially.

But Karthi made me understand.

I'll be here for his sake. I'll leave once the rituals are done.

I don't want your assets or wealth.

Just don't talk ill of my mom. She's a dignified lady.

-I still don't believe it. -Listen!

You must believe it!

If you still want me to leave, I'll go only if he asks me to.

Ask him to go, Karthi.

-Sophie, where is my Poori? -(Jaya) Hey! Get out!

-(Jaya) Can't you understand Tamil? -He's going inside?

-Get out! -(Sachu) Look at her yell.

He is walking in and you are allowing it?

He said that he will only listen to you, right?

So, ask him to get the hell out!

Mom. He made himself clear. What's the issue now?

Made himself clear?!

You drag in some stranger after all these years

and you expect us to believe it?

I just did as dad told me.

-How did dad know it out of the blue?! -I don't know!

I didn't get the chance to ask him.

How can we accept a stranger into our family?!

What if they planned and cheated dad?

Listen carefully to what I have to say.

He'll leave after dad's final rites.

He will cause you no trouble and you don't disturb him either.

(Jaya) Karthik!

I don't care about the promise you made your dad.

But till the day I die, I'll be the only wife of Rathinasamy!

My son and daughter are the only heirs of Rathinasamy.

No one else can claim their right to it!

(Amudha) Karthi.

How can you accept him as your brother?

Because dad said so.

I believe dad. And one more thing.

I don't know how to say it.

I don't even know if you'll believe me if I tell you this.

But when I speak to Sachu, I feel like dad is right by my side.

(heels clicking)

Hello.

What did that achieve?

I have crossed the first hurdle.

I will surely fulfil dad's wish.

First hurdle, is it?

If the first hurdle was so tough,

how would the other hurdles be?

(comedic music)

Now, this is called "shooting blanks".

(music fades out)

(birds chirping)

(introspective music)

-Why are you looking at me like that? -Are you serious?

Are you Rathinasamy's son?

I am the handsome son of that handsome man.

He is my dad.

I can't believe this.

At first, I didn't believe it either.

But Sobhie, don't lose respect for my dad because of this.

I am lost for words.

I reached this town, seething with rage towards my dad.

But once I got here, I finally saw and understood many things.

(Sophie) Fine. Keeping that aside.

But didn't Karthi's mom insult your mom yesterday?

Why did you come back?

Initially, I took off in anger

but then, I thought about it.

If I leave even after she berated my mom,

-it would bring shame to Amudha. -Your mom's name also Amudha?

-Hey! She is the Amudha! Get it? -(Sophie gasps)

My mom and Rathinasamy...

See? I can't even call him my dad.

Their love was honest and true.

They didn't cheat on each other.

Some outside force separated them.

I need to find out what or who that was.

Only if I find that out,

I can prove that Karthi's mom was totally wrong about my mom.

And I must do this before finishing his last rites.

That's why I came back.

I have never faced such humiliation in my life before.

My mom ran a small idli shop.

But her honour and integrity would rival five-star hotels.

My mom loved me a lot.

She wanted me to speak in English, like everybody else.

So, she put me in an English medium school.

But I was bad at my studies.

So, my mom handed me a ladle

and said, "You have cooking skills. Use it to make a living,"

"and live an honest life without cheating anyone."

And I've lived all these years, earning my own keep.

I have never cheated anyone.

Sobhie.

Look at my face.

Do I look like a fraud?

(melancholic music)

If I were fair-skinned like others,

wore a nice suit

and spoke in English,

she wouldn't have spoken that way. Right?

But I must do this for my mom.

I don't give a damn about his money.

Look.

You know about your mom, right?

Why do you need to prove anything to her?

Why face such humiliations?

Why would I be humiliated?

Humiliation is for people who are greedy for others' wealth. Not me.

Alright, how are you going to find out?

I don't know.

But I'm sure there's a way.

And I will find that way.

I need no one's support

as long as God supports me.

(music fades out)

-(Sachu) Peter! -Hmm?

My dad had no friends?

He had a few.

My dad was his friend too.

-Really? -There were a few more

but I'm not sure if they are alive.

-Well, he's dead. They might be too. -Generally, in a friend's circle

the one who has financial sense, gets busy.

The one who doesn't know how to earn

will gradually leave the group.

Many years have passed, so how will you find out now?

I don't care about it.

I must find out.

I've thrown a challenge!

How should I find it out, Peter?

They humiliated my mom.

-Leave it. -Hey!

No leaves!

Nobody goes on leave until we find it out!

I want to know.

I want to know.

I'll get you extra booze. Help me.

Be patient.

God will show a way.

Well, He is my last hope.

If I cannot find out,

God does not exist. No God!

Full tight.

(gulps, grunts)

-Shall I tell you something important? -(Peter) Yes.

I'm extremely short-tempered by nature.

I'm hardcore single too.

Pour me a drink.

-You drank it all. -Then shut up and come.

(Peter) Oh, God.

I am not sure whether he is short-tempered or just plain crazy.

(man speaking on walkie-talkie)

(Sachu burps, grunts)

(Inspector) Wait up.

Where are you coming from?

From the cemetery.

Are you messing with me? You think you're Jesus?

I swear I'm coming back from the cemetery.

Why?

Why are you questioning me?

I want to do that.

Should pedestrians carry their licence and helmet too?

You can only stop people who drink and drive, sir!

You must not stop people who drink and walk!

Hey! A cheetah is on the loose, don't you know?

So catch the cheetah, sir!

-Why are you catching me? -For your own good, man.

My own good?

What can a mere cheetah do to an infuriated lion?

What are you looking at?

The fierce lion

-will never fear anyone! -Oho.

What oho?! Tell me!

Will you cage this lion?

(comedic music)

(Inspector) A cheetah is on the loose,

and I just asked him to get home soon.

He talks way too much.

And he calls himself a lion.

Why? Only you can claim to be a lion, is it?

-Hotel owners can't be lions? -(whispers) Quiet down!

You heard that dialogue? What was that first one?

-(Sachu) An infuriated lion. -Say it fully.

-What can a mere cheetah do... -(Inspector) Go on.

to an infuriated lion?

(whispers) Please shut your mouth.

(Sachu growls)

See that? Why do I have to deal with him, sir?

I am completing 16 years of service in the department this month.

Do I look like a man who asks for a licence from a pedestrian?

No, you look like a man who asks for bribes.

Hey!

He was taking ₹15 from an old man before you showed up.

(walkie talkie beeps)

I asked him where he stays

and he said he stays at your house, so I called you.

Yes, he is staying at my house.

He must have talked this way because of stress.

Oh. I am sparing him because you know him.

Or else, I'd have given a pounding to this "lion"!

You look so weak that a lion's spit might kill you.

And you say you'll give the lion a pounding?

-Funny police. -Take him away, sir.

-Hey! Release that lion. -Yes, sir.

-(grunts, growls) -(comedic music)

(Sachu) What is your name, sir?

Come out!

What kind of a name is that?

Such a disrespectful name.

(Inspector) Please avoid befriending these types of men again.

He will ruin your reputation.

I'll make sure it won't happen again.

It's my responsibility. Sorry, sir.

Why are you apologising?

Look at the attitude of the man who should be apologising.

Sir!

The hunting lion

will never apologise to a hapless goat!

Sir, take him away before things get serious.

(Sachu) Wait, I have another dialogue!

Is this how you talk to an inspector?

Hey! Inspector?

If this had been my town,

I'd have told my MLA friend and transferred all the policemen!

That could work in your town. It won't work here.

Whatever the place, will they arrest me for walking?

One more thing.

This epic battle I embarked on here, must stay between us.

You dragged me here to the station at 2:00 a.m. in the night and...!

Get in.

Won't you let a man sleep peacefully?

-My slipper is in the lock-up. Let's-- -(Karthik) Oh, just shut up!

(comedic music)

You are good at applying makeup, who taught you?

I used to apply makeup on my grandpa.

Now I know why he kicked the bucket so soon.

Shall I keep flowers?

-Sure. -Which flower?

How about a cauliflower?

Okay, uncle.

Uncle, you know how cute you are?

Yes, I do indeed look cute. Like a joker.

Yes, uncle.

Appu!

(tense music)

What are you doing with my powder and lipstick?!

-I'll thrash you. -Excuse me.

He's a kid. Let him be.

How can you hit him?

(music softens)

It's just a tiny lipstick. Nothing more.

Is the lipstick more important than your child?

First, come and have your breakfast.

I'll have it here.

Come now!

-Look. -I won't.

We'll wrap up the makeup application in ten minutes.

Ask Sobhie to bring the food here. I'll feed him. Go.

Amudha.

I repeatedly asked Karthi

not to reveal anything.

But he hastily revealed this matter.

Right from childhood, I never expected anything from the man who was my dad.

I'm the same even now.

(emotional music)

In my life,

the rice batter in my hotel was more useful to me, than my dad.

Look, Amudha.

I am not here for wealth or money.

You don't have to be scared of me.

I will leave once the final rites are done.

You will never see me again.

You are named after my mother,

won't you trust me?

Mom!

What?

I want cauliflower.

Cauliflower? For what?

To place on the uncle's head.

-Ask Sophie. -Okay, mom.

(music softens) (music fades out)

(engine whirring)

(door shuts)

(people chattering)

(pleasant music)

Not bad. Hi.

(Karthik) What are you doing here?

Didn't Amitabh Bachchan enjoy your restaurant's sambar?

So, I am trying it out too.

How is it?

It's really good.

The chutney could have been better.

Your sambar is as bad as our chutney.

(funny music)

Hey.

Don't brag just because your sambar is the best.

I don't get jealous, man.

But I have made up my mind.

I will go back to Chennai and make a similar... no.

I'll make a better sambar than this

and give you tough competition. Wait and watch.

I have made a similar decision.

I will make my chutney better than yours

and give you tough competition.

Hey. No brotherly sentiments when it comes to a competition.

Same here.

Karthi...

I feel disgusted to say this

but still, I'll say it.

Your dad's sambar, my mom's chutney,

they should have remained a good pair like that of Senthil and Goundamani.

But they got separated like Viswanathan and Ramamoorthy.

-I guess it was destiny. -True.

Does dad have any childhood friends here?

-Why do you ask? -Well...

he might have told them why they got separated, right?

How is that going to help?

It's the only thing that still bothers me.

But how could we ask about this? Where to start?

Let's drop it.

Has dad ever been to Chennai?

After he returned from Chennai

he didn't go back at all.

Any friends in Chennai?

None that I know of.

Really?

Generally, men have one wife and many friends.

Why was it the other way round in your dad's life?

Why are you digging this up now?

Didn't you say this entire matter must remain a secret?

You said we should respect their love and all that?

Respect, yes.

The others might not know.

But you and I have to know it.

No.

Let it remain a secret like your chutney and our sambar recipes.

That's what makes it precious.

Then, why'd you say everything to your mom?

I said we need to keep the sambar recipe a secret.

Not the sambar itself.

♪ When I forgot my name... ♪

Huh?

(tense music)

(bag rustling)

(Sophie) What are you doing?

(chuckles tensely)

I lost my wristwatch. I am searching for it.

You're searching for it in my bag?

You think I am an idiot?

No, no. Not like that.

Uh.. Okay.

I have an important meeting.

If you do it again, I'll break your bones.

That won't be necessary.

-Take care, child. -(clicks tongue)

Have a good day.

♪ My child is the beauty ♪

♪ She is the cutie ♪

(car whirring, stops)

(brooding music)

Please come.

Get in the car, we need to talk.

Me?

It's about a business deal. Get in.

(shoes shuffling on gravel)

(lighter strikes)

(footsteps)

-Brother-in-law. -Huh?

Smoking in secret to beat stress?

I must beat you or your sister to beat stress.

She'll beat me if I beat her. I'd rather smoke to beat stress.

What are you doing here?

I want to discuss something important with you.

Did you speak to Sachu?

Thank goodness I never took your advice to make a deal with him.

I avoided embarrassment.

You'll never know unless you try.

He taught me a big lesson in the simplest way possible.

-I didn't even learn it during my MBA. -What did he say?

Dad used to say something often.

"If we see someone better than us"

"we must not be jealous of him."

"We must find the drive to grow better than him."

I saw that exact quality in him.

-He challenged me. -About what?

That he will make his sambar better than ours.

-Sambar? -I was shaken!

He didn't even complete school education.

He runs a food outlet on the roadside.

We lack the self-respect and the self-confidence that he has.

I am ashamed to call myself an MBA graduate.

(murmurs) I told you the same.

Dad would have been so proud of him.

-I feel so proud of my brother. -Just perfect.

-I, too, issued him a challenge. -What is it?

That we will make our chutney better than his.

I am pumped up, uncle.

Once the final rites are done, I will get to work.

I feel so rejuvenated.

I have a purpose! I have a goal!

(chuckle)

My words make no sense to you, right?

I get it! I get it.

Ajith and Vijay must not act together.

Leave me alone. To hell with your sambar, chutney and MBA.

(mumbles) How did I end up marrying into this family?

(sips loudly)

(Gowri) Hmm.

(chuckles) No issues.

I already spoke to him.

You don't have to worry.

Good that you have come to us.

Yes. (chuckles)

I will take care of it.

You can inform Sait.

(cups tinkling)

(sniggers)

Seems like the Kotagiri property has a lot of complications.

Huh?

(brooding music)

For selling it without consent,

his son is planning to take legal action, it seems.

Well...

It's just...

Are you wondering how I know about this?

I've been asked to take care of that issue now.

In a way, you can consider this as your good luck.

If someone else were handling this matter,

things could have gone south.

Anyway, before finalising any deal,

won't you verify if it has any complications?

Will you just dump it on anyone who is ready to give you money?

They are powerful and influential men.

How could you sell it without knowing any of this?

Well...

The owner himself said,

"I will handle my son".

That is why we just...

(chuckles)

You can give me an explanation.

But you can't say it to the people who got cheated.

Things have gone out of hand.

You must return the money in ten days.

Or else, the Sait is desperate to file a cheating case

and throw everyone involved, behind bars.

You have to settle ₹2 lakhs from your side.

Can you manage it?

How can I..?

-It is a huge amount. -(Gowri) You can't, right?

You can't even take a loan.

In this town,

will anyone trust you with a loan?

Answer me.

Can you talk to the Sait

and buy me some time?

(laughs)

Even I don't trust your words.

How do you expect him to trust you?

You have only one option.

You don't have to pay a single rupee.

Let's make sure the Sait goes quiet forever.

I will take care of it.

You just have to do one thing.

Talk to Sophie

and ask her to reunite with my son.

You know it very well.

I would be happy if she comes back here.

I insisted upon it several times,

but she absolutely refuses to do it.

So? You'll let her off?

No, but...

it's a murder case.

It's not a murder case. It is an 'attempt to murder' case now.

He will be released in three months.

He has a bright future in politics.

Being separated from his family at this time

is not a good thing.

If he becomes a big shot tomorrow

it is going to help her too.

She doesn't understand it yet.

You must make her understand.

You have no other option, Subbaiah.

Talk to her

and give me some good news soon. Go on now.

(music turns emotional)

(music fades out)

-Come on. -No, uncle.

-Listen to me, come. -No uncle, please.

-Anaconda won't bite you, come. -It will bite me. No!

Godzilla tried to bite me when I was a kid.

I gave it toothpaste and it silently took it away.

(Appu) Anaconda will bite my wee-wee.

-I will use the bucket. -(Sachu) No using the bucket.

-Okay? -I'm scared, uncle.

Don't be scared. Uncle is right here.

(door opens and closes)

(Sachu) Stand.

-Open the tag. -Please. Leave me, uncle.

Open it!

It's coming, uncle.

I know! So, pee!

Anaconda is coming, uncle.

There's no re-release for Anaconda. Just pee!

-Uncle, no. Anaconda will come, uncle. -Uncle has a lot to do. Hurry!

(Sachu) My goodness!

Alright, come.

Wait here.

Where is it?

Uncle!

Is it raining in the bathroom?

He talks just like his mom.

I will beat the anaconda with this umbrella.

You wait here.

(energetic music)

-(Sachu shouting dramatically) -(wood banging)

(Sachu) Wait, you!

(Sachu grunting, shouting)

(Sachu) Did you get an e-pass to come to Ooty?

Did you get the Collector's permission?

Wait, you rascal.

We've seen so many movies about Ramayana!

What's the noise?

Sachu uncle is fighting the anaconda.

-Anaconda? -Yes.

(shouting, grunting persists)

(items crashing)

(flush turns on)

Hey. I cut the anaconda to pieces and flushed it down the toilet.

-Come in. -Really, uncle?

Come and see for yourself, the state of the toilet!

Come in.

See that?

Wow! Is the anaconda dead?

Of course.

I fought and defeated it.

-Go pee, now. -You are awesome, uncle.

Yes, I am. Go now.

Be brave now. The anaconda will never come here again.

Go ahead, you can dance too.

-It's fun, uncle. -Goodness. Is it?

Yes, have fun.

Your dad is to blame. Where is he?

-(toilet flushes) -(door shuts)

Hey. Will you pee in the bathroom from now?

-Yes! -Tell it to mom.

Anaconda close.

Did it bite you, uncle?

Yes. It came to bite me with its big teeth.

It saw my teeth and ran, scared.

Appu.

-Did you pee in the bathroom? -Yes.

-Really? -Yes, mom.

I'll send you a video when he pees next time.

Watch it with your husband.

-The way they raise their kids. -Please wait.

What?

Thanks a lot.

Why thank me for making him pee?

(pleasant music)

-(door creaks) -(water dripping)

(comedic music)

Mom, I must call my friend and inform this.

(Amudha) Let's do it right away. Mom?

Appu peed in the toilet today.

Really? How come?

Sachu uncle fought the anaconda and killed it.

Anaconda close.

Yes, mo...

He was...

See? We never thought of this idea all this time.

I want to call my friend, mom.

My phone is in the room, go on.

What is happening?

Well, mom.

Yesterday, Appu

applied powder and bindi on his face just like he did to dad

and he patiently let the boy do it.

He talks just like dad.

For a second there, I thought I was with da--

(footsteps walking away)

(door bangs)

(exhales)

(ladle mixing)

(frying)

Sophie?

I want to ask you something.

What? You want money?

Take a walk.

It's a different...

(grunts)

It's a different matter.

(Peter) How did you do it?

Amudha vowed a pilgrimage to Palani if he peed in the bathroom. So, how?

(Sachu) Someone told him an anaconda will bite if he pees in the toilet.

So, the boy would pee in the bucket out of fear.

-I put on an act to drive away his-- -No, Sophie! (cries out)

-(Sophie) How dare you? -(Peter) Sophie! Sophie!

(Sachu) What are you doing, Sobhie?

(Subba) If you don't want to...

Oh! So, that's new information to you?

I came back home because I hated living there!

You want to me go there and live in that hell again?

Sophie, what happened?

He wants to sell me for the fraud he committed.

Why do you say such a thing?

What else is it, then? Forget I am your daughter,

at least have some gratitude and conscience for living off of me!

Dear...

She asked me

and I was going to talk to you and--

When she asked, you should've said, "My daughter won't come back"!

Not come to me for a deal!

You made a deal and ruined my life once already!

(Subba sobs)

Relax, Sobhie. He's an old man.

Old man, my foot!

Doesn't he have any sense?

Will you do anything for money? You shameless animal!

-Go in. We'll talk to him. -Sophie..?

You'll regret talking to him.

Whatever you say, he will not change.

He ruined my mom's life.

Now, he is ruining my life.

What must I do for you? What more do you want?

Sophie dear? (sobs)

No matter what, he is your dad.

Dad? I am afraid to stay in this house because of him.

He might get drunk, tie me up and sell me to someone.

Sophie dear?

(Sophie) Stop your drama.

When my mom was about to die,

she cried, worried that she was leaving me with him.

(Subba cries)

Do something.

Instead of selling me to one person for just ₹2 lakhs,

bring someone here every day!

You can earn a lot more! (spits)

Sophie?

(emotional music)

(Subba cries)

Sophie...

Come.

-Sophie... -Come.

(sobbing)

(music fades out)

How much do you owe?

(breathes in sharply) ₹2 lakhs. (voice breaks)

-Huh? -₹2 lakhs.

Two lakh rupees?

Don't mind me asking.

You recently got ₹2 lakhs, right?

Didn't it strike you to do something for your daughter?

(cries uncontrollably)

I feel bad for your daughter.

She told me her leg aches from walking to and from work

and she wanted to buy a scooter.

-You could have bought her one. -(Subba cries) Oh, God...

How did you spend that huge sum?

Answer us, Subba. What did you do with that money?

I settled some old debts.

And...

I bought a laptop.

Huh?

For what?

(cries loudly)

To play online rummy. (sobs)

(emotional music)

(Subba wails loudly)

(cries uncontrollably)

(Subba cries) Everything is lost!

I made a mistake.

(wails, sobs)

I made a mistake!

We should have slippered him.

But he did it himself.

(Peter) Wait and watch.

He'll drink like a fish now,

and show up in the morning like nothing happened.

(door opens)

(sombre music)

(music turns emotional)

(intense music)

(music softens, turns sombre)

(car screeches)

Look,

that's Sophie's ex-husband.

-He is out on parole. -Oh.

(sad music)

(music fades out)

(Closed Captions by Desynova Digital)

(comedic theme music)

(introspective music)

(birds chirping loudly)

I just can't believe it.

Leaving behind such a huge debt for me to pay,

he just decided to die.

He was selfish, even in death.

I wonder how many more people he borrowed money from.

Just thinking of all the people yet to stand at my doorstep, scares me.

Why are you scared?

We are all here for you.

-You have Karthi too. -(Sophie tsks)

How much more will they help me?

They've already helped so much during my mother's treatment.

If you feel hesitant to ask, I'll go and ask.

I'm not as influential as them.

But if you ever need my help, just give me a call.

Don't mind me saying this.

Your husband

might've been a bad person before.

What if he has reformed?

(music turns tense)

Are you asking me to go back and live with him?

Well, only if you talk to him, will you know how it is now--

(sucks teeth) Absolutely not!

Our intention is to earn money for a living.

But they intend to hoard all the money they can.

It'll never work out.

He hasn't come back to take me

out of sympathy or because he has reformed.

He just wants to save his image, that's all.

I'd rather commit suicide like my dad than go live with him again.

(music fades out)

(Appu) Did Sophie auntie's father die?

(Sachu) Yes. He died yesterday.

Where do people go after dying?

Where's your grandpa now?

-At the hotel. -What?

-At the hotel. -At the hotel?

Yes.

Since he has died, he won't come back home.

Then, Sobhie's dad must be at some wine store.

-Uncle. -Yes?

There's a wine store right next to my school.

Next to your school?

When I was in school, wine stores were set up on village borders.

(Amudha) Appu?

Um...

I made some tea.

What should I do about that, dear?

-Well, this is for you... -Huh?!

For me?

Thanks.

Sorry.

Mom, you say 'Welcome' when someone thanks you.

(introspective music)

Well, I said sorry now

for insulting you the other night.

It was the anger I had for my father.

Right from childhood, dad was everything to me and Karthi.

But after all these years,

when I came to know that he wasn't just our father,

I couldn't accept it right away. It was very...

painful.

That's why I said all those things.

But you grew up without even knowing who your father was.

I understood how painful it must have been for you

only after putting myself in your shoes.

I got upset with you that day even though you're innocent

and I even spoke ill about your mother.

For all that and on behalf of my mom, I apologise to you.

All that aside,

just make sure your mom doesn't know that you made me tea.

If she does, it'll become a huge issue.

I'm sure she'll come to terms with this in a few days too.

I won't be here by that time. I would have gone home.

I hope you're not upset with me.

Not at all.

I'd have reacted the same way if I were in your place, Amudha.

So, don't worry.

I don't know how to tell you this.

My father was my world

and it took just a moment for me to hate him. I felt terrible about it.

I was enraged with myself.

But after apologising to you, that anger has vanished too.

-I understand. -Hmm.

Also, Sophie won't be coming for a few days.

-So, I'll be doing the cooking. -(startles)

-Kindly adjust. -(mumbles) Damn.

You'll be cooking? (chuckles tensely)

Okay. Go and peel some garlic.

(chuckling continues)

(mumbles) Oh, damn. Her food?

(comedic music)

(slurps)

-Hey. Want some tea? -No.

Why not?

I don't drink mom's tea.

Every time dad drinks her tea, he hugs me tight and cries.

(music continues)

Amudha.

What are you planning to cook?

No idea.

(Sachu) No idea?

You go and decide in peace. Meanwhile, I'll cut the vegetables.

You'll do it?

Yes, I'll cut them. You go, refer to a recipe book. Go.

-Hmm. -Hmm!

(silence ensues)

-(knife slices quickly) -(Sachu humming)

(Sachu) Peter, get me sugar candy, if he has any.

-(Peter) One packet of chips. -(Sachu sucks candy)

(tense music)

(music intensifies)

(music turns softer)

What are you looking at?

That's the girl your brother is in love with.

I know that.

Who is that man?

Her father.

-His name? -Umm...

Irudhayadas.

Peter.

He looks very familiar to me.

Hey. Not possible. Where could you have seen him?

I'm very sure that I've seen him somewhere.

Where does he live?

Coonoor.

Do you know his address?

Why do you ask?

(suspenseful music)

-(footsteps) -(birds chirping)

(knocks) Sir!

Irudhayam sir.

(door opens)

Who is it?

Praise the Lord, uncle.

(suspenseful music)

Are you Amudha's son?

Yes, uncle.

Come in, boy.

(music persists)

Did you come all this way for that?

Yes, uncle.

I don't know anything about this.

Come on, uncle.

Only you know about my mom and dad.

So, please don't say that, uncle.

I don't know anything.

May I ask you something?

Hope you won't mistake me.

Rathinasamy asked your daughter's hand in marriage for his son.

Why did you adamantly refuse?

That is none of your business.

I know everything is connected.

And you know it all too well.

But you're hesitant to speak of it.

Why do you want to know it after all these years?

You're right.

Initially, even I was furious at my dad.

But I understood how wrong I was after coming here.

Rathinasamy and my mom sincerely loved each other.

It was some outside power that separated them.

And I'm fighting the odds to find that out.

Did my father tell you something?

Say something, uncle.

-Please. -Hmm.

(Irudhayadas) Do you really want to know?

Yes, uncle.

(mournful music)

It was in Chennai

where I first met Rathinasamy.

We both were from the same town.

And so we became thick friends.

Back then, we used to call him Babu.

That's when Rathinasamy and Amudha met each other.

I was their mutual friend.

(Irudhayadas) Amudha ran a small idli hotel back then.

Soon enough, Amudha and Rathinasamy started running it together

as their relationship grew stronger.

They decided that once business picked up,

they would get married.

Amudha was crazily in love with Rathinasamy.

And he felt the same way.

But suddenly, the government

demolished their little shop one day.

(Irudhayadas) All the years of hard work Amudha had put in

was turned to dust in a single day.

Rathinasamy lost all his hope.

But Amudha?

She didn't break even after that.

She started another small hotel by the roadside.

It was at that moment that

Rathinasamy had to attend a wedding in Ooty and so, he came here.

Karthik's mom, Jayalakshmi and Rathinasamy were distant relatives.

Kathik's grandpa,

I mean Jayalakshmi's father

was running a hotel here.

He had many health issues.

So he couldn't manage the hotel.

Jayalakshmi

always had a soft corner for Rathinasamy since childhood.

When her father found out,

he asked Rathinasamy to marry her

and in return, he promised to write off the hotel in his name.

Guess what Rathinasamy did?

What did he do, uncle?

He agreed immediately and married her!

(music intensifies)

No external force separated them!

Rathinasamy cheated on your mother!

He was a traitor!

Ten days later, he sent a letter!

Addressed to me.

(Rathinasamy) To my dear friend, Irudhayadas.

I hope you are doing fine.

In these 20 days that I spent in my hometown,

a lot of unexpected things ended up happening.

The situation here will not let me return to Chennai.

I know you'll be shocked and enraged by what I'm about to tell you.

I do not know how to convey this to Amudha.

Due to an unavoidable situation in my family here,

I had to marry some other woman here.

I was forced to make this decision

for the welfare of my family.

I know this will be a very big shock for you and Amudha.

Yet, I had no other choice.

I beg you to go to Amudha

and explain this to her.

And please ask her to forget me.

I hope someday,

you and Amudha will forgive me.

Eternally yours, Babu.

At the time, he didn't know

that she was pregnant with you.

I asked Amudha

if I should go to Ooty and confront Rathinasamy.

But guess what Amudha replied?

The words she said on that day...

I can never forget.

I'm sure it was really some unavoidable situation.

He wouldn't have done this otherwise.

No matter where he is, I pray he is happy. That's all I want.

He betrayed that gem of a woman.

That Rathinasamy! (grits teeth)

Are you serious?

Yes, Sobhie.

I thought their story was like Romeo and Juliet or Titanic.

But his story seems like a stinking pile of crap.

Sobhie...

I don't understand one thing.

One can do business for their livelihood.

But some people view their entire lives as a profit and loss statement.

Karthi's grandpa

made a deal with Rathinasamy using his daughter.

Your dad made a deal with Gowri using you as the pawn.

Who are these people?

I just can't believe all this.

That's life.

You can neither be good nor bad.

You must stay balanced.

Don't you get it?

When we drink alcohol,

we mix water, right?

That's the way of life.

Hmm! (chuckles)

How are you able to smile even now?

I'm used to it.

People look at me as a comedian.

I laugh along with them and walk away.

If I had an ego, I'd have been dead by now.

Fine, what else did he tell you?

Many years later,

I decided to leave Chennai and move here, to my hometown.

So before I left to come here,

I came to your house to meet you both.

Back then, you were around...

Around seven or eight years old.

That was...

the last time I saw you and Amudha.

Before I left,

guess what Amudha asked of me?

If you ever meet him,

please do not confront him about this.

If he asks you about me,

tell him I got married and have settled down.

Brother,

please let this be between us.

Nobody else needs to know.

I never wished to see him again in my life.

But it was fated!

Fate brought him to my doorstep!

His son fell in love with my daughter.

He came here asking for her hand in marriage.

What else do you call it?

He begged me.

I refused.

He followed me everywhere and begged me.

Das, why should my son suffer for my mistake?

Don't let your anger seep into it.

I beg you, please.

Your daughter's life is also on the line here. Try to understand.

I know what's good or bad for my daughter.

Don't you teach me that!

I didn't agree at all.

But in the end, he dared to say something preposterous!

Didn't she marry someone

and settle down? What's your problem then?!

I lost my cool there and told him the truth.

(intense emotional music)

He was shaken to the core!

If you dare come back to me one more time,

I will lose my civility!

(music fades out)

Your mother, Amudha,

was a gem of a woman.

She was so affectionate towards me.

She'd call me her elder brother.

This one time, I met with an accident

and was in critical condition.

Amudha sold all her jewels to pay for my treatment and saved my life.

If I'm alive today,

it is thanks to Amudha.

Now you tell me.

If I build an alliance with his family after all this,

can I even call myself human?

I would be betraying Amudha.

(mournful music)

I'll take your leave, uncle.

Sobhie, my mother was a great woman.

Because,

I said to her many times, "Mom, don't you hate that man?"

She always replied,

"If I hate him,"

"it would mean that I did not truly love him."

I didn't understand then.

I don't understand it even now.

I don't understand one more thing.

My dad betrayed my mom.

But he named everything after my mom.

I don't understand why.

Must have been guilt.

Yes, it seems so.

You know another funny thing?

Without knowing what he did to my mom,

I was hurling abuses at my dad.

Now, after knowing what he did to her,

I don't feel like hating him.

Why?

So many questions. No answer.

But Karthi is a gem.

His life got entangled in all this. I feel bad for him.

Anyway, keeping all that aside,

let this stay between us. Nobody else must know. Got it?

I won't tell anybody.

But next time, if Karthi's mom talks ill of your mom,

tell her the entire truth like a slap on her face.

Let her insult my mom once again and she'll know.

(intense slicing)

We keep telling Karthi to forget that girl and marry someone else.

But he is so adamant.

Not everyone can have a change of heart immediately.

But how long will he wait for her?

That's Karthi's decision.

Can you please talk to him?

I already did.

You know his response?

He says there is no place for another girl.

What can I do?

Amudha!

Have you gone mad?

Why are you discussing family matters with a stranger?

No.. we were talking about our Karthi's--

Our Karthi?

You think you can make Karthik's wedding happen?

Can you do that?! (scoffs)

First of all, how are you even related to our family?

Don't you know who to share our personal matters with?

Disgusting!

(door opens and closes)

(tense music)

Look here, Sophie.

Your dad and I had made a deal.

I assume you know of it.

I'll be released in three months.

I wish to lead a life with you again.

Well, the past is the past.

I'll ensure it won't happen again.

I have settled your dad's debts.

Also, your dad had taken a loan on interest.

I've no idea when those loan sharks will show up.

(son) We'll take care of it all.

Don't be stubborn and ruin your life.

In fact, living with me will be safer for you.

(scoffs)

I'll repay that money somehow.

But I cannot live with you again.

Are you kidding me?

I paid your dad's debt believing you'll agree to this.

Am I a fool to pay off your dad's debt for nothing?

I told you,

I'll somehow repa--

(son) How? How will you do it?!

And when?!

It's ₹2,30,000!

And more loan sharks will show up!

How will you face them?

I'll handle it. I'll repay it all!

Oh, really? Then I need my money back in four days.

With interest!

Or else, I know how to get you back into my house.

Come on.

(music intensifies)

(phone ringing)

Tell me, Sobhie.

Huh?

(tense music)

Is it?

Okay. Hold on. I'm coming.

(leaves rustling)

Just three more months.

Just be patient and bite the bullet.

Then we'll fix everything.

(Sachu) Greetings.

I am Subbaiah's family friend.

Why are you here?

I'll pay you the money Subbaiah owes you.

Please don't disturb Sobhie hereafter.

Hey! Who the hell are you?

Do you know where you are?

She's my wife!

You doofus.

Neither will she accept it, nor will the law.

We'll take care of that. You'd better leave.

He'll repay the debt, my foot!

Who are you to repay us?

Does it matter who repays you?

Just take the money I am--

If you interfere in our family matters, you won't be going home!

Ma'am, I am not here for room and lodge.

Please hear me out.

Sobhie isn't interested in living with him.

Subbaiah is the one at fault,

so it's extremely wrong to make Sobhie pay the price.

Hey!

How dare you come to our house and advise us?

-Who the heck are you?! -Brother.

-(Gowri) Stop that! -You're on parole.

Don't be hasty or you'll be in a soup.

Then, your release date will be postponed.

You didn't go to prison for some freedom struggle.

You were in prison for violence, man.

-I'll kill you! -(Sachu) Please, keep him away.

No, I'll handle this.

You leave.

You! If I see you ever again,

you'll be dead!

-Okay, see you. -Take him away.

Ma'am, can we tal--

I don't know you or how you are related to Subbaiah's family.

If you come here once again,

I'll beat you with my slippers!

Get out!

Am I not speaking with respect? Why are you rude to me?

You want money, right?

Send me your account details and I'll send--

Get lost! Throw him out!

-Get out. -Wait, man.

I need to talk to her. Move away.

Ma'am, please listen to--

You'll hit me just because I'm an outsider?

-(slaps) -(man shouts)

(energetic music)

-(slapping) -(man shouting)

(wooden box shatters)

(energetic music continues)

(man screams)

Where's that idli pot lady? Hey!

One blow and your head will break to pieces!

Enough. Let's stop there.

You forced me to fight too?

Look. Do not poke your nose into that girl's life anymore.

Let her live in peace. Understood?

Here. This belongs to you, right?

It's lunchtime. Use this as a plate and eat up!

You problematic woman.

(intense music)

We've been saying this for years now.

How can you say this now?

I understand, but there is a procedure to be followed.

(phone ringing)

Just a minute.

Hello?

-Back to Chennai? -I'm still in Ooty.

Buddy, I need an urgent favour.

Tell me, buddy.

(musical crescendo)

(music fades out)

(broom whooshing)

Sobhie, stop sweeping.

What I'm about to say might come as a shock to you.

But let me speak my heart.

You're not safe here.

Don't think about where you'll go.

Do you trust me?

Then come with me to Chennai.

(ominous music)

I've never spoken like this to anybody.

After my mom, you're the only woman I've got along with.

I can't speak English unlike you.

I don't even know how to say your name.

But I can take good care of you.

If you trust me, then come with me.

In case you're not agreeable to what I've said,

come with me as my friend. Stay in my house.

Try to find a teacher's job.

Become a doctor or whatever the hell. But do it all there.

I will sleep in my food van. I won't disturb you.

If I have said anything wrong,

hit me with that broomstick you're holding.

You won't beat me either? (scoffs)

See, I forgot what I came to tell you.

Look, Sobhie.

That lady is planning something big.

She won't let you live in peace.

She'll keep pestering you.

Be careful. I said what I had to.

I leave the rest up to you.

(music intensifies)

Please don't mistake me, guys.

I just spoke my heart to Sobhie.

Now, I feel shy.

Nobody is judging you.

Peter, as Sophie's cousin, what are your thoughts?

I'd be happy if it worked out.

But,

it's Sophie's call.

After all that has happened,

I don't know if she'll ever trust another man.

(Ilango) She will. We'll convince her.

-What say, Karthi? -Sure.

No need.

Like Peter said, let Sobhie take a call on this.

Fine, why did you go all by yourself to Gowri's house?

You could've called any of us.

I don't know, man. Sobhie called me, crying.

You know I always get down for battle once I become angry.

So, I just went there.

Something good has happened because of your anger.

That aside, how should we save Sobhie from that devil?

We'll take care of that. Karthi, shall I talk to the SP?

Yes. And I'll talk to our local MLA.

My friend is also an MLA.

He's your local MLA's close friend.

He said he'd take care of this.

But he's just expecting a commission.

You said he's your friend.

He says, "It's a habit. Sorry, buddy". What can I say to that?

Still, we must be careful.

Peter, why don't you move Sophie to Kotagiri for a while?

-Okay. -That's correct.

I'll take care of it.

(pleasant music)

What's with that look?

What is it, man?

Hey.

I don't know all that!

He came to my house and threatened me!

He must not be spared!

Where the hell is that Selvam?

I've been trying for a while but his phone is switched off.

Go and bring him to me.

-Understood? -(phone vibrates)

Hey. The MLA's calling me. I'll call you back.

Tell me, sir.

Gowri, hear me out calmly.

(music turns serious)

(intense music)

(car engine starts)

(door closes)

(music fades out)

(crickets chirping)

(Karthik) Mom, just one more day.

(Jaya) Try all you want but I will not agree!

(Amudha) Why are you getting all riled up, mom?!

I will get riled up!

He must not take part in tomorrow's ritual.

No, mom! He has the right to be a part of it.

It was dad's last wish.

-You know that! -I don't care!

He has no right to do that!

Aunty, bringing him here and making him stay,

even I didn't like it initially.

I fought with Karthi many times.

But there's one thing.

I've observed uncle as a businessman each and every day.

Sachu is just like uncle in money matters.

Even if you give him a share in the wealth,

he will refuse it.

Oh.

So you are all a team now?

-Come on, mom. -It's not like that, aunty.

You are vouching for someone you've known for merely 13 days.

I have lived 40 years with my husband.

How much should I vouch for him?

Go ahead.

Make him a part of the family!

But do that over my dead body!

-If you still-- -(Sachu) Karthi!

Why create unnecessary problems?

You perform all the rituals tomorrow.

I'll just watch.

No way.

I gave dad my word.

To hell with your word.

People don't fulfil promises made to the living these days.

He's already gone.

You can't say that.

-Everything has a meaning. -What meaning?

We must only consider what is good for us. Understood?

I'm the reason for all the problems.

Forgive me.

Please bear with me for one more day.

Why should I bear with you?

I'll repeat what I said!

You've come here with ulterior motives!

Just like your mom cheated my husband.

I am saying this once more.

Don't talk ill about my mother.

What else would I say?

Both you and your mother are lowlives!

You are not Rathinasamy's son! No! Never!

Don't speak without knowing the truth.

What truth?! Tell me.

My mom didn't...

Tell me.

Let's not talk about it.

Tell me, what is it?

-(Sachu) Let's drop this. -I know!

-Stop being so rude, mom. -I will be rude!

If he takes part in the ritual tomorrow,

I'll spew even more venom!

One minute.

Remember what you said?

"It's been only four days since he left me."

"But the loneliness still kills me." Didn't you say that?

But my mom was surrounded by loneliness ever since I was born.

She spent her life, up until her last breath, thinking of Rathinasamy.

But of course, you won't get it.

Neither do I expect you to understand.

Ma'am.

Your problem isn't that you mistrust me, but that you won't accept me.

I don't care if you believe me or accept me.

I'll just accept that I'm not Rathinasamy's son, till the end.

I'll stay just Amudha's son.

I am fine with that.

Did you notice something?

Initially, only my younger brother spoke for me.

But now, my younger brother,

my brother-in-law,

my younger sister,

everyone supports me.

Ma'am, at least for their sake, give me one hour tomorrow.

I'll quietly watch the ritual,

pack my bags and leave for Chennai.

I beg of you.

(Jaya) Hmpf!

(emotional music)

(music softens)

I was living a peaceful life.

(introspective music)

(priest chanting)

(flames crackling)

(chanting continues)

So, will you let me go after this ritual?

Or will you call me for the death anniversary too?

Hey. He's your dad.

Yes, those rice balls represent him.

Rathinasamy will be crow-feed in the end.

Be quiet.

You think Sobhie thinks badly of me?

-Definitely! -How do you say?

Your motormouth, that's how.

(Peter scoffs)

(car engine whirrs)

Hmm?

Heartbeat!

Mom.

-(tense music fades in) -(car door shuts)

(music turns intense)

(Peter) What is he doing here?

The oddball has come to see the rice ball.

(Peter snorts)

-(Peter) Come on, man. -(Sachu) It was on impulse.

Welcome, uncle. The ritual began half an hour ago. You're late.

Is this how much you respect your friend?

-(music fades out) -(fire crackling)

Greetings.

(Karthik) Greetings.

I'll come straight to the point.

I whole-heartedly give my consent for my daughter to marry your son.

(pleasant music)

I know that your happiness rests on this wedding.

If you want to thank anyone

then, thank him.

There are certain things

that only when a certain person explains to us,

will we gain an understanding.

He is the person who made me understand.

I knew Rathinasamy

and I also knew Amudha.

He is Rathinasamy's son.

Please remove all your doubts.

I refused when Rathinasamy came for my daughter's hand for his son.

But now that Amudha's son

has asked my daughter's hand for his brother,

how could I possibly refuse?

(reflective music)

If not for anyone else's sake,

I consent to this marriage

for Amudha's sake.

Fix a date for the wedding and let me know.

I'll take your leave.

Thank you.

(Irudhayadas) Now, tell me.

Am I Amudha's brother

or a doofus?

Make their wedding happen.

Then, I'll answer your question.

(chuckles)

(Sachu) I went a bit overboard. Sorry, uncle.

Hey.

What is all this? What's happening?

I got a bit angry

and a good thing came out of it.

You think you can make Karthik's wedding happen?!

You think you can?!

-(comedic music) -(Sachu) Hey!

Mister Irudhayam!

You're punishing your daughter

just because you're angry with Rathinasamy?!

How unfair!

'Irudhayadas' means heart, but do you have any?!

You won't read Tamil newspapers?

Hey! If Rathinasamy was a bad guy, does that make his son bad too?

In that case, is your daughter an idiot?!

Rathinasamy was a bad father to me.

Not to him.

Rathinasamy was the bad guy only for me and my mom.

But I got here and saw that he has fed and helped over 60 families!

You were angry for Amudha's sake, but she is no more.

You were angry with Rathinasamy and he is no more too!

So, who are you angry with?!

Your anger has put your daughter in the same position as my mom.

Foolish bugger.

Hey. Aren't you an educated girl? Where's your common sense?

This old man's counting his days. He'll be gone anytime.

You want to ruin your life for his sake?

You're ruining both his life and your life, in one shot.

Will you be happy with the groom he finds for you?

-Will you?! No, right? -(cooker whistles)

Go! The cooker is whistling.

Go check it, go.

I am going to break your dad's head. Don't come out!

Sorry, uncle.

Let's have a peaceful conversation.

(music fades out, turns softer)

Uncle.

Didn't you tell me?

You said you're alive because of Amudha.

If that is true, you must agree to this marriage.

Only then can you call yourself Amudha's brother.

Or else, you are a doofus!

-A worthless piece of rubble. -A rubble?

Yes, uncle! But I will give you only one month.

Agree to the marriage by then.

If not, I will kidnap your daughter.

Understood?

Here, read it.

Lord Jesus.

Change this sinner's heart and make this marriage happen.

In you, I trust.

Mister "Irudhayam".

You got only a month's time. If you don't agree,

I will rip out your heart and hang it from the ceiling.

(comedic music)

-(music fades out) -(water sloshing)

Coming to Chennai with me?

I will come but they won't let me.

(Sachu) Don't mind them. Come, I will take you.

I promised dad that I would help you settle down in life.

But you are the one who did it for me.

No need for all that.

Fix your wedding date.

Will you invite me to the wedding?

It won't happen without you.

You must surely come.

Look, even Appu can take care of himself.

But your husband is beyond saving.

You are his only hope.

Please bear with the tea my sister makes for you.

I will try it for your sake.

Buddy!

Bye!

I will call you.

People drink and end up at the cemetery.

But you took me to a cemetery to drink.

You are great, man.

We must remain friends just like beer and chicken.

Okay, it's time for my train. See you.

-Bye! -(Amudha) Bye.

(Jaya) One minute.

Who is that? (gasps)

I don't know what you spoke to him

and how he got convinced.

I've no clue at all.

But I've humiliated you and Amudha, whom I've never met, to no end.

But he came and said

that he agreed to this marriage mainly for Amudha's sake.

(sobs, sniffles)

Despite my rude behaviour,

you only did good for my family.

It takes a big heart to do this.

And it is because of how well you were raised.

As his parents,

we were unable to give our son a marriage he yearned for.

But you achieved it as his elder brother.

-Forgive me, dear. -Please.

Please don't ask me for my forgiveness.

Don't cry, ma'am.

Listen.

You don't have to leave. Stay with us.

No. Your kind words are enough for me.

I have a life of my own but not here.

My shop, my business and my customers.

That's my world.

I am a hard worker, ma'am. I need to sweat it out at my job.

But I don't sweat here at all.

Everyone's lazy here.

This place won't suit me.

No matter how happy I am,

once in a while, I sometimes ponder...

about how alone I am in this world and how I don't have anybody.

But that was ten days ago.

Not anymore.

I have a mother.

I have a sister and a brother-in-law.

I have Appu and a good friend.

Above all, I have my little brother.

I'm fulfilled.

If by some miracle, I do get married and have children,

I'll send them to Ooty during summer vacation.

Please take care of them.

-Won't you, brother-in-law? -I definitely will.

It's not like I have any other work.

Okay, ma'am. It's time for me to leave.

See you, ma'am. See you, all.

Shall we? See you.

(pleasant music)

(sniffles)

(fire crackles)

(Sachu) Hey.

-Don't forget our challenge. -Which one?

-The chutney-sambar one, right? -Yes.

I'll start working on it tomorrow.

That's why I'm taking this ladle.

And Peter.

Find a smart and handsome groom for Sobhie and get her married.

We'll take care of that. You may leave.

Of course. You're allergic to good deeds.

-Okay. See you. -Take care. Bye.

This ladle is all I've gained after coming here with you guys.

See you. Bye!

Drive.

(startles, gasps)

How did you...

Hey, Sobhie's inside the car.

Should I drop her anywhere?

-Yes, to Chennai. -To Chennai?

Don't act as if you don't understand.

So, she trusts me?

Okay, man. Bye!

-Happy journey. -Bye.

(Sachu) Please don't come to Chennai. Let us live in peace.

(pleasant music)

-Didn't you tell that to anyone? -What about?

(Sophie tsks) About what Periyavar did to your mom.