All language subtitles for Queen (2019) Series S 01_track3_[eng]

My guest tonight is from
the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

But, she's a very big Indian celebrity.

And despite her popularity,

she's still somewhat
of an enigma, a myth.

Behind that alabaster skin,
that gorgeous face,

that countenance that equals royalty,

very few people know what goes
on in her head and her heart.

And that is what I'm hoping
to find out myself tonight.

A state topper in school at 15,
a superstar heroine at 18,

the most sought-after face
in Tamil Nadu at 22

and the state's youngest
Chief Minister at 40.

Here is a lady who's seen
extreme highs and lows,

rubbed shoulders with
Chief Ministers and Prime Ministers,

superstars and super heroes.

I am extremely pleased to be here today
with the fearless, the intelligent,

the very beautiful, Shakthi Seshadri.

Welcome.

Ms. Shakthi, let me just
jump in and ask you,

were you always this strong?

Nobody is born tough.

As a child,
were you regular... normal?

I don't know if I was
ever regular or normal,

but I was always...

-Which school are we in?
-St. Louis Park School.

The best school.
No other school can compete.

-Aishwarya.
-Yes.

-7A, right?
-Yes, Shakthi.

School time is 7:50 am,
not 8 am.

This is the third time this month.

Skip lunch break and help Miss Das
with the book keeping.

-Sorry, Shakthi.
-Anna.

10A, Lilly House. Athletics.
You're off the team.

Shakthi, please don't do this.

This will remind you
to cut your nails.

But this is really not fair, Shakthi.
Please.

And polish your shoes.

As for the others,

because it's your first time here,
it's just a warning.

Don't make me learn your names.

We can't wait to watch
what you girls have put together

I'm going to sit back relax and enjoy.

May we now have the head girl,
Shakthi Seshadri on stage, please.

Friends, teachers and countrymen.

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

Hark, now hear the angels sing,
a king was born today,

and man will live for evermore,
because of Christmas Day.

May we now request
our beloved principal,

Sister Flavia to come up
on the stage, please.

I am a very proud woman today,

but pride is still a sin.

But, God forgive me.

I feel pride when I see my students
put up such a beautiful show.

I have to keep reminding myself
that you are just children.

And a special, special mention to our
very own star of this ship, Shakthi,

who put all this together.

Don't hide, my child, come.

It's okay to be in the spotlight
once in a while. Come, Shakthi.

Problem number 7 on your test papers

is to measure the hypotenuse
of a right angle triangle.

See, root 2 and root 3 is given.

It's a very basic sum, girls.

So, as per Pythagoras theorem...

-What is it, Pinky?
-I am hungry.

Shut up.

I've got chick peas for lunch today.

The value of A and B is given there,
all you have to do is just...

Shut up.

What did you bring for lunch today?

Today is Wednesday,
that means, you know what.

That means rice, dosas,
idlis and chutney?

-Yes, yes.
-Sshh!

This you remember, her food timetable,
but Pythagoras...

-Pinky, if you don't pass this year...
-Who's talking?

Can we have some silence
in the class please?

Let's see who solves this first.

-Miss.
-Shakthi. As always.

Okay, girls,
it's time to go home now.

Don't forget to do your
homework for tomorrow.

I am going to be checking
everyone's book.

Swetha, meet me at the office
before you head home today, please.

Shakthi, how are you?

I haven't seen you in a while.

Where's your mother?
I haven't seen her either.

Don't know.
I've just returned from school.

Dance rehearsals are going on upstairs.
Would you like to watch?

No, thank you. I have to study.

Alright. Listen Shakthi,

Study hard and achieve your dream
of becoming a district collector.

But, be sure to return home.
Okay?

Such a sweet child. Go study.

Have you eaten your lunch?

Didn't you hear me?

You're the one who can't hear.
Why are you talking so loudly?

I can hear you just fine.

And yes, I've eaten.

Never a straight reply!

All this family
seems to care about is food.

Food, food, all the time!

It's the only concern you
and your daughter have.

Where's mother?

She hasn't returned from work.

Did she even come home last night?

Your mother doesn't need you to tell her
what she can and cannot do.

Sure she comes in after you sleep
and leaves before you're awake.

Whatever the argument,
resolve it between yourselves.

Don't drag me into it.

I'll give you the same advice
when you both argue.

Wait and watch.

Don't you have any homework?

What are you doing?
Why are you waking him up?

Doesn't he have homework?

-Just returning?
-Yes.

Have you asked your
darling grandson?

-Now she's after his life.
-Did he even go to school?

What's the problem?

I'm going to whack you.
Did you go to school today?

No, sister.

Instead of lecturing me,
discipline your grandson.

This commotion is driving me nuts.

What's going on?

Why did you stop your ranting?

Malar!

Yes.

Tell me.

Do you know when the power supply's
coming back?

Tomorrow morning, maybe.
But, they're not sure.

Do you need anything?

No, Malar.

Aren't you eating?

I'm going to Pinky's house.

What for?

Maybe Pinky's mom cooks better food.

Not everything's about food.

Her mother doesn't even cook.
They have a cook.

Mother, I need to study.
How can I without electricity?

My eyes will hurt
if I study in this light.

There's no need to go to that
Marwari merchant's house.

Mother, it's the final exams.
I have to study.

I'm not going to repeat myself.
You're going nowhere. Eat.

Mother, try to understand.

This is where we live. You will have
to work around our situation.

I'm not hungry. Can I go now?

Okay bye, mom!

Mother!

Shakthi! What happened?

Shakthi, what happened?
Be careful.

Shakthi, what happened?

Are you okay?

It's nothing.

Careful.

Is it hurting?

-Show me.
-How did you hurt yourself?

It's alright. Go on.

-Are you okay? Is it serious?
-I'm alright. Please go.

Wait. We're coming.

-It's the same story everyday.
-Take care.

No, it's okay. Thank you.

Be quick!

We're here.
Takes time with these costumes.

Mother.

Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

Why are you yelling?

I've twisted my ankle.
I cannot walk and I'm late for school.

It's alright.

My rickshaw ride will be here
in 30 minutes. I'll drop you.

I cannot be late.
I'm the school captain, after all.

Then don't go.

I've never missed
a single day of school.

Finally they're shooting today.
We will get some cash.

What happened to Shakthi?

Nothing, Malar.

She's creating a scene because
she's late for school.

She twisted her ankle.

She wants to go to school?
I'll take her. Don't worry.

What happened, Shakthi?
What happened, child?

-My leg...
-Is it hurting?

Yes.

Look at her. She doesn't even
know how to pin her hair properly.

Malar! We'll have to go all around
town to drop the girl to school.

You women put my job at risk.

Raju, stop cribbing
and just drive.

For the pittance they pay us,
we shouldn't be going at all.

It's already late. As usual,
I'll be the one getting the scolding.

Which way?

Take that left, keep going straight
and you'll see a school gate.

Okay.

Go through that gate.

No... drop me outside. I'll walk.

You couldn't even walk two steps
to the van. And you're late.

I'll make sure you're seated
in your class and only then leave.

I almost missed the bus today.

Stand in line. One-arm distance.

-Girls, please behave!
-Hey, what's that?

Stand in line, girls. Come on!

-Quiet down, girls. Get to your line.
-What's this monstrosity?

Its okay, come.

-Careful.
-Isn't that Shakthi?

Oh yes!

What's she doing in that bus?

It's alright.
Come. Careful.

Are you okay?

-What happened to her?
-Who knows.

What happened?

-Isn't that Shakthi?
-Please go, I will take care.

Come on, Shakthi. Give me the bag.

-What happened?
-Alamelu, take her to the infirmary.

Yes, ma'am.

-Shakthi, come. I've got you.
-Thanks.

What happened?
How did you hurt yourself?

I fell down the stairs.

Careful.

Why did you even come today?
You could have just stayed at home.

The star of our ship
has made a starry entrance today.

Is that your mother
in the dancer's costume?

Look at her, she's limping.

The limp horse.

Never mind, Shakthi, just ignore them.

Just a few more steps.
Come on.

Like most of us, do you have
a sense of nostalgia

when you think about your school?

I mean, were those your best years?

It was the place
where I did really well

and I loved it.

And yet it was a place

where I was made keenly
aware of how different I was.

What do you mean?

Were the teachers hard on you?

Not the teachers.
It was the children.

Is it because you were
not as wealthy as them?

Oh, no.

The convent didn't discriminate.

There were kids from lower
middle class homes, as well.

But most of my classmates' parents
were in regular jobs.

Doctors, teachers,

government employees.

Respectable.

I guess the fact that
my mother was in films

and she wasn't a heroine
or a leading lady,

allowed them to look
at me in a certain way.

Today, looking back,

I wonder what young children
could comprehend

to treat me that way.

Is it just a reflection
of their parents' reactions

to a certain profession?

You'll be okay, my child.

Why are you girls still here?

Please go to class and
inform Miss Soanes that

I am very much present in school
and not to mark me absent.

And who will help you
wobble up those stairs?

Don't expect me to climb two floors.

Here, let me help you.

-Its okay, ma'am. I am fine.
-Come, put your weight on my arm.

It's really okay, I am fine.

-I can go by myself.
-Oh, come on, child.

I am much stronger than I look, come.

Why did you come today
with this injury?

I am not incapacitated, Sister.

-This will heal quickly.
-Good morning, Sister.

And I much prefer
being here than at home.

Even in pain?

Oh, the best outgoing student award.

I have not been principal for long.

Just seven years now.

But you know,
in all the years I've been here,

I've not seen a more
deserving student.

You've always been
so good to me, Sister.

That's actually true.

Do you know,

when you were brought in for
admissions here in the 6th standard,

the convent almost
rejected your application.

I never knew that.

Yes.

But there was something about you,

you were very sanguine,

there was this spark about you.

And now, every time you do well,

I take it upon myself
to turn the spotlight on you

for the other nuns' benefit.

It's also a positive reinforcement
for myself.

Sister, I love the way you speak.

The words you use.

-You are so...
-Articulate?

Yes, Sister.

I hope someday my English
is as impeccable as yours.

Yeah, I think we’re good.
Take it.

-What did she say towards the end?
-What?

What was it she said last?
What word was that?

Hoody?

It was 'G', not 'H'.

-Tamils don't use the 'H' sound.
-Is it?

Yes.

Tamils even mispronounce
the Taj Mahal.

What are you saying?
Her English is impeccable.

Do you think she'd make
such a mistake?

-Then what could it be?
-God... Dee... huh?

What was the other word?

Girish, it must be someone's name.

I'll have to buy a dictionary
to follow the interview.

For that, you'll need to know
how to spell.

The traditional dress is so gaudy
and garish.

-Why is this so glittery?
-Shut up, come.

-Who is that?
-Isn't it Ranganayaki, the actress?

Thank you for coming, Ranganayaki.

I'm glad you're here.

You've also brought your
beautiful daughter. Shakthi.

Shakthi, I am Alamelu's father.

She talks about you all the time.
Let me get a picture.

Look here.

Thank you.

Where are your other friends?

I only have two.

Alamelu is murdering the song
and Pinky hasn't showed up.

-Why?
-She didn't get permission.

Her mother doesn't allow
her out after dark.

See now?

Put a smile on your face.

-Malar!
-I'm here!

-You're home?
-Yes.

How was the function?

-It was good.
-I'm glad.

Ranganayaki.

-Wow!
-You're looking so beautiful!

I might cast an evil eye on you.

-Impressive!
-Shakthi, you look beautiful.

-Especially with the jewellery.
-Isn't she?

After all, like mother, like daughter.

Bless you.

Please come inside,
I need to talk to you.

-Shakthi, come.
-Okay.

Change, take off the ornaments
and return them to Malar.

They belong to her.

Shakthi looks all grown up suddenly.

Hurry up, Shakthi.

-Malar has to sleep.
-That's alright.

Don't rush her.
Let her take her time.

Thank you very much.

No problem.

It's no big deal. The costume
and jewellery are for a shoot.

The costume person
owed me a favour.

And anyway,

I'll return the costume to its place
tomorrow and begin my dance routine.

I almost forgot to ask!

Did Mr. Sunderesan call you?

-No.
-Will he give you the role?

He didn't say anything.

I pleaded for a role.
Any role would do.

I'm playing mother
to lead actors older than me.

What could be worse?

Can you speak Hindi?

A little. Why?

Our studio's producing
Hindi films now, it seems.

The lead actors will come here
to shoot their films.

I'm shooting for a Hindi film
next week, too.

Should I suggest you for a role?

You're a saint.

Please find out and tell me, Malar.
I desperately need the work.

I've stopped getting
my father's pension.

I'm facing a financial crunch
every month.

I'm completely broke.

But did you speak to your
in-laws? Won't they help?

According to them, I'm not
living an ideal widow life.

They expect me to be homebound.

It's so easy to judge others.

I'm so sorry.

It's alright, Malar.

I, too, am from an upper
class family. It's true..

Working in the movies clubs
us all into one class.

Here.

Shakthi is a good girl.

That's what scares me.

It's the good one's that
face most hardships, Malar.

-Paper?
-I'm done.

-You're done?
-Yes, ma'am.

One minute.

-But it's been less than an hour.
-Yes, ma'am, but I am done.

Okay, you can leave.

Class, please continue.

-Shakthi!
-Shakthi!

Yeah! Exams are over!

Yay!

Exams are over! Yay!

Exams are over! Yay!

-Into the holidays!
-Yay!

Alright.

-Let's discuss the answers.
-No, no, no!

No, don't do this now.
Come on, please!

-Shakthi!
-Hey, what are you doing?

Give it to me!
Give it back here!

Oh, God! You two!
I just want to see it.

No, not now!

-No. no. no. no!
-Give it to me!

-No, no, no, no!
-What are you doing?

Not now!

Wow! Oh, my God!

Sha... Shakthi.

-It's so beautiful.
-Thank you.

Pinky passed.

Congratulations!

-No.
-Pinky, don't be a fool. Just stop.

No way am I going to pass.
Alu, please. No.

Oh, my God. I passed.
I cleared it!

I cracked it!
I did not fail this time!

I passed! Alu, I made it!

You're the state topper, Shakthi!

You've won our hearts!
You're absolutely brilliant!

Shakthi, this is your certificate

and here's your letter of recommendation
for Queen Victoria College.

Though you really don't need it now.

Thank you, Sister.

You did it, Shakthi. You did it.

Despite all the odds
stacked against you,

no one knows how hard
you've worked for it.

No one, except me.

I feel hopeful now, for the first time
in a very long time, Sister.

I feel my dream of becoming
a lawyer is finally taking shape.

Bye, Sister. Thank you again.

Shakthi,

June 24th, 8 am,
you need to be here.

Inform your family as well,

I will send the official letter anyway.

Okay.

It's the ceremony for
the best outgoing student.

Thank you so much.

Grandma, when will mother be home?

I don't know, child.

Have you eaten?

Shakthi, your friend's putting up
a fireworks show. It's like Diwali!

But today isn't Diwali.

No. Pinky passed the exams.
She's celebrating.

Oh!

You're back home?
Did you eat?

Shakthi was waiting for you.

The certificate is with me.
I've kept them safely.

Hurry and get ready.

Let's go to the beach.

Right away.

Mother, shall we take Srikanth, too?
Let's celebrate together.

Shakthi, just you and me.

Okay.

You have to quit your
education, Shakthi.

Shakthi, you can't pursue
your studies further.

-What are you saying?
-Give up your dream of going to college.

I have no money.

You...

You have to start working.

You have an offer to work as a heroine
in director Shridhar's film.

I have accepted the offer.

You must act.

The shoot will start next month.

You need to hone your dancing skills.

Malar will help you.

Shakthi, don't make me angry.
I don't want an argument.

This is not a choice.
You will do what I say.

How...

When did the director see me?

He saw your photograph.

The photographs Alamelu's father
had taken?

Yes.

He's the still photographer
for your film.

It's good to have
someone we know on set.

When did you decide?

I tried very hard to avoid this.
I did everything I could.

I don't think so.

You know nothing.

Do you have any idea
of the effort I put to run the house?

You know nothing.

Then, you shouldn't have bothered.

Why did you enrol me
in such a good school?

To put a costume and dance
to others' tunes?

You're lucky, Shakthi.

So many girls yearn
to become a heroine.

I have prayed desperately
for the opportunity.

In that too, you have failed.

The prayer was for you,

but God granted the wish to me.

Shall we go home, mother?

I'm tired.

This 'mother versus daughter'
drama never suited us.

Today as someone with so much experience
behind you, you've seen it all.

You take it all in your stride,
unfettered.

I've never seen you lose your cool.

But, as a teenager,
how did you deal with disappointment?

-Leave me alone, Grandma.
-Shakthi, open the door!

-I don't want to talk to anyone.
-Shakthi!

Open the door.

-I won't!
-Shakthi.

-Leave me alone!
-Alright, alright!

I will talk to your mother.

She won't listen to anyone.

Look... she has locked herself
in the room.

-Ranga.
-Yes.

-Talk to her. She'll listen to you.
-No need.

It was my dream!

-You're an illiterate, mom.
-Are you coming or not?

-Uneducated lot, all of you!
-Open the door!

How would you understand?

-Is that Shakthi screaming?
-Shakthi!

-What's wrong?
-I won't come out!

Open the door.

-I am very...
-Shakthi!

Grandma, tell her to shut up.

Quiet! I'm talking to her.

She has locked herself up.
She's being so stubborn.

Badly.

Sister, we are ready,
you can come.

Yes. Ready?

Yes, sister, everyone is here.

I'll come.

And now, onto the most prestigious award.

The award for the best
outgoing student.

The recipient of this coveted shield

is none other than Shakthi Seshadri.

Unfortunately, the recipient of
the best outgoing student award,

Shakthi Seshadri, will not be
able to attend the ceremony.

Let's proceed with the investiture.

So, in your early life,
you did deal with disappointment.

What is it that you wanted
so fiercely?

I wanted a chance
at a different life.

I wanted wings.

I wanted to fly away.

I wanted things beyond my reach
even at 15.

I wanted too much.

Too much.

Madam, we're ready to roll.
- Okay, come.

So, what is the one thing
you wanted the most in life?

The first time I remember wanting anything
was when I was 14.

My best friend, classmate
and neighbour, Pinky....

had a beautiful house.

I remember going there
each time, excited...

that you could count twenty steps
from the gate to her house.

To think all that separated us...

was a wall...

Because I lived on the other side,

where there were twenty houses...

one step away from each other.

Pinky?

What is it, Shakthi?

Pinky...?

Pinky is not home.

Oh.

Surprise!

Happy birthday, Shakthi!

♪'Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you...'♪

♪'Happy birthday dear Shakthi...'♪

♪'Happy birthday to you!'♪

♪'May God bless you, dear,
May God bless you, dear.'♪

I'm overwhelmed Pinky
You did all this for me?

Pinky plus Shakthi...
sisters for life, remember?

Let's go.

Shakthi is here.

Shakthi, last slice of the cake left.
Would you like to have?

Has everyone eaten, Aunty?

Pinky's aunt?

Everyone's eaten.
It's the last piece, eat it.

I've passed in all the subjects
in the half yearly exams.

English, maths, science.

All above 60.

What's the occasion?
Pinky failed again?

Thanks to Shakthi's coaching,
Pinky passed even in maths.

Poor thing, how many days
she came here and taught this girl...

I was just joking, Aunty.

Happy birthday, Shakthi.

Thank you, Bhaiya (elder brother)!

Shakthi is 13.
She is two months older than me.

I will hold it, give me.

There was a wall.

And on either side of the wall,
there was a very different world.

I spent my early teenage years...

trying to make my way
from the world I was born into...

to the world that
I wanted to belong to.

Happy birthday to me.

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Ask Shakthi to come out,
they have been shouting.

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Let's call her together?

One, two, three...

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

That's enough.

What happened, Pinky?

You need to get ready
and come now...

Can I come with you?

Shakthi!

Mother is not at home.
Can I come later?

Come right now.
Deepak Bhaiya asked for you.

Deepak bhaiya?
- Yes, come!

Namaste Uncle !

Shakthi, please, please save us.

The lady we hired to sing cancelled...

Could you sing? Please?

Yes, Shakthi.
It would be nice.

Deepak Bhaiya!

Let's start.

No.

It's okay.

[Singing Carnatic Music] Devotional Song

Would you call yourself a believer?

Do you believe in God?

Yes.

Very strongly.

Even though when I look back now...

I'm not sure if He has
rewarded me for my faith...

Or...

has He?

Do you sometimes feel torn between
your religious beliefs...

and your atheist political ideology?

As torn as any person
who goes to a temple and church...

but still casts his vote for my party.

Or the other one.

So, God is a big part of your life.

He's the one thing that hasn't changed.

He's been my only constant.

Here, aunty.

Give it to me.

You sang so well.

You liked it?

Thanks.

Thank you, dear.

So well you sang.

Who is the pretty singer?
She sings so well.

This is Shakthi.

She is like my fourth daughter.

She's good at everything.
Studies, behaviour, music...

Such a sweet child.

May God bless every parent
with such a sweet child.

I could have just jumped over the wall.

May Ganesha's blessings
be with you, Shakthi.

And you know what?

He is very powerful.

I prayed a lot to him
before my IIT results.

And he came through...

Is IIT a good college?

It's only two years old in Madras...

but its already one of the best
for engineering and science.

What about me and Pinky?
If we want to do law or arts?

Pinky?

Don't count Pinky in, Shakthi...

Speak for yourself.

I'll show you.

Bhaiya!

So mean.

Shakthi, this is it.

You can't park here.
- Fine, I'm going.

How do we get in?

You need to do well the next two years.

Girls from across South India
will be trying to get in.

You have a very good chance, Shakthi.

Pinky will also get in.
We will go to college also together.

I don't want to go to college.

Where were you?

Pinky's house.
There was a function.

I don't care even if it was somebody's funeral

You shouldn't have gone.

You didn't think you needed to
ask for my permission?

You weren't at home... so

Then you don't go...
Simple.

At 14, you cannot behave
like you're an adult.

Whose clothes are you wearing?

Whose clothes are you wearing?

Pinky's cousin's.

So, now you're begging for scraps?

Ranga!

Please keep quiet, Mother.
Don't interfere.

This is between me and my daughter.

I obviously wasn't around to raise her,
so I entrusted her to you.

And you have no clue
what she's been upto.

That is why it's come to this.

Don't yell at Grandma.
She didn't know.

Is this why I am slogging
to make ends meet?

So that you let everyone know
that I cannot provide for you?

Going around wearing hand-me-downs...

begging them for all this

Do you have any shame?

They are throwing scraps and
old clothes at you

What other hand me downs
will you accept?

Enough.

Enough.

Is this how you talk
to a grown up daughter?

Whatever I've learnt,
I've learnt from you.

And that's why I'm trying to be better.

Because I don't want a life like yours

It's easy to be ungrateful, no?

When you're still living off
my husband's pension.

It's not your money.
It's my father's money.

Let it go!
Come on...

It is mine, first. Before yours...

Okay, I swear on God,
I won't touch that money ever again.

I can't put up with this any more.

The two of you can go to hell.

Fine, let us be.

All you can do is shout
and create a scene.

Let's see how long can you keep your word.

Shakthi!

Your favourite.

I don't want it.
You guys eat.

It's your favourite paneer paratha.

I'm fine, you girls eat.
- One bite?

No.

And I've got curd rice.

Give me, give me.
I'll eat it.

I don't have tuition today.
My driver will drop you.

No, Pinky. It's okay.
- Come.

You girls leave.
- Come, Shakthi.

You're sure?
Go with her?

It's okay.

What's wrong with you, Shakthi?

Sure?
- Yeah.

Bye, Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Why aren't you talking to me?

Did my mother say something?

Pinky is calling you.

Come on.

Can you hear me?

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Talk to me!

Can I play with you?
I want to join you, too.

We do not play with the miserly

Pinky!

What happened?

Come.

Let me see if you get this one.

What's the matter Pinky ... tell me

These girls are calling me a miser and

refusing to play with me

Ok, just come with me

Who thought it was funny
to call Pinky a Miserly Marwardi?

I'm sorry. We'll play with her.
Be on my team.

No.

Pinky has her own friends
to play with. Okay?

Don't you dare call Pinky
a Miserly Marwardi again.

Shakthi, pass it to me.

How many houses are in there?

It's just one house.
This is Pinky's house. Isn't it beautiful?

Come, Shrikanth.
It's just 10 steps more.

Shri...

Mother can't know that we came here.

Okay?
- Okay.

Grandpa. Aunt.

Bless you.

Thank you!

Bless you, child.

Thank you, Papa.

Take this.

-Mom, it has opened up.
-Come here.

I'll fix it.

Thank you, Uncle.

Stay blessed

Shakthi? Come, join us.
- No, it's fine.

Come.

Okay.

Come fast, Shakthi!

Sit here.
- Move a little to the side.

Yes. Fine?

Just the exams are over.
We have a lot more to do, girls.

We have to get into Queen Victoria College.

No chance, Shakthi. Not for me.

How can you be so defeatist?

More like, realist...

Pinky, tell her that we plan to
join Queen Victoria together.

I want ice cream.

Pinky...

Ugh... Shakthi
Don't bore.

My mom, her sisters, my dad's sisters...
they all studied in that college.

I'll definitely get in.

Seriously?
- Yeah. Seriously.

So that's how you want to get in?

Honestly that doesn't make
a difference to me,

as long as we are
in the same college.

Shakti, calm down,
let's just have fun for two minutes.

Just two minutes.
Then we will get back to killing ourselves.

Now, please...

-Icecream..
-Girls, finally exams are over.

Yay!

Has Shakthi ever found herself
in need of help?

Of course, I have.

Like anybody else.

I've been in situations
where help, if extended,

could have changed my life.

But would she ever ask for help?

Shakthi, what happened to you?

I was at the beach with my mother...

She says I can't go to college.

Don't cry, Shakthi.

Come on.

Your mother will definitely
change her mind.

It's you, Shakthi.
You will go to college.

Mother...

Pinky's parents will pay
for my college education.

They do this with their
office staff's children...

They said they'll pay, Mother.

And I'll pay them back
as soon as I get a job.

My God!

Pinky, Pinky, Pinky!

You went begging
to that family again?

What is this, Mother?

You can't afford my fees.
You also have a problem if they pay for me.

Why Mother?

How do I make you understand?

Come with me

I have to show you
so that you believe me.

See?

We are bankrupt.

We have no money.

This is not real?

We're wearing gold plated jewellery
to fool the world.

It's not about paying for college, Shakthi.

It's about paying for rent, for food.

Do you get it?

We need you to work, to earn.
You need to work in films, for us to survive.

I don't know why
you never understand.

Even surviving is a big struggle for us.

But you have big unrealistic dreams.

You sold Grandma's family jewels?

Grandpa's retirement fund
has stopped coming in.

I had no choice.

It's all... gone?

Yes.

All of it.

Except that gift from
your Marwadi friend's house.

And I'll be damned
if I have to live off their alms.

No matter what,
I will never touch that.

Mother...

Why do you hate them so much?

Why do you like them so much, Shakthi?

Because they're good to me.

Even a dog that survives on leftovers
is treated well.

But I'd rather take scraps off them
than Malar.

How come you had no problem
when we borrowed from her?

Malar is like us.

Like us? Meaning?
Because she is Tamil?

Because she's helpless like us.

Plodding and ploughing.
Surviving.

Someone like Malar can never
hurt us, Shakthi.

They will never hurt me, either.

They consider me their daughter.

They told me so.

Oh God...
you are an idiot.

People say things like that.

Don't go believing dialogues people say.

It's Malar and you who mouth off dialogues.
Not them.

After all, you are both cheap actors.

You've taken my mom's avatar
because you want me to suffer. Right?

I wish that in my next birth,
I'm born in that house.

But in this birth, while you live
under my roof, you will do as you're told.

Take the earrings back
and return it to them.

Tell them clearly that they won't be
paying for your education.

That we can survive on our own.

Okay. I'll do that.

But what happens when I start paying
for the roof?

Shakthi... what happened?

Did your mother accept?

I can't go to college, Pinky.

I have to start working.

My movie shoot begins on July 1st.

But you go to college.

And study well.

Tell me all the stories.

About that, Shakthi...

I wanted to tell you, sorry

I won't be going to college

I'm getting married.

Don't joke, Pinky...

No, I'm not!

Shakthi, I'm getting married.
My engagement is on July 6th.

I met the boy last week.

And he looks good.
My parents are happy too.

How come Deepak bhaiya gets to go to IIT,
but you get married at 16?

Shakthi. I'm happy too...

And college?

Shakthi, I never really cared
about college.

I only cared because you cared.

Pinky, you're smart.

Don't let what anyone says, affect you.

At least you should go to college.

I'm so grateful for everything
you've done for me.

You've changed me.

You've made me bolder, smarter,
more independent...

All this is only because of you.

You're my sister, Shakthi.

I'd do anything to
be able to study.

But you...

Don't be angry, Shakthi.

You'll be in Madras?

You'll come for my engagement, right?

I'm not sure whether I'll be...

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Shakthi, how can you not come
for my engagement?

Shakthi...

-I'll never talk to you!
-Shakthi.

I knew you wouldn't understand.

I don't.

I'll go.

You can't be disappointed with Pinky...

just because she doesn't want
what you want.

It's not fair to either of you.

And it's not fair to your friendship.

Not everyone is like you, Shakthi.

She will be heartbroken if you
don't come for her engagement.

You are her best friend.

Your approval means a lot to her.

I'll be there. For sure.
Please tell her.

I am just upset.

And not with her.

It's just been a bad day.

July 6th, right?

I'll be there.

Shakthi-ji,

if you were asked about the one thing
you wanted most in life,

what would you have asked for?

Why only one thing?

Let's say you were granted a wish...

one wish, when you were
15 or 16...

what would that wish have been?

Shakthi-ji?

Shakthi-ji?

Do you have an answer?

Yes.

Shakthi, heard you're going to act
in the movies?

Yes.

Bless you.

You're still not done?
The guests are arriving.

Aunty!

It's me, Shakthi.

Open the gate.

Watchman Uncle!

Hi, Aunty!
Where is Pinky?

Namaste.
- Welcome!

Aunty, Pinky is ready?
- No.

Even I didn't get ready, Aunty.
I've brought my clothes.

Pinky and I can get ready together.

Pinky told me you won't be coming.

She said I would not be coming?

Yes, she said you'll be shooting.

Aunty, even if I had a shooting,
wouldn't miss Pinky's engagement.

Deepak bhaiya!

-Hey!
-Hi! I’m coming.

Okay.

I told Deepak bhaiya
that I would be coming.

There was no need for you to come.

It's just a small family function.

Only for close family.

Shakthi, where are you going?

Pinky?

Pinky is busy getting ready.

Pinky?

Is this because of how I reacted
the other day?

Shakthi!

Are you angry with me?

Your pictures are all over the walls.

On every wall in the city.
That's you, isn't it?

Yes, Aunty. That's me.

If Pinky's dad had known that
your mom works in films as an actress

he would never have
allowed you to come home.

If I had known that, I would
never have come here myself.

It's not that, Shakthi...
we always liked you.

You were a good girl,
you studied well.

Even though people spoke about
your mother's coming and goings...

we knew you were good.

Oh!

Pinky, is that why
you never came home?

Every time I had to come.

You used to call me here saying
your cook had made paneer, or channa.

But you could never cross that wall.

Pinky's in-laws are very conservative.

We know you.

But if they have an issue,
this wedding itself could be called off.

Once Pinky is married
you girls can meet again.

Please understand, Shakthi.
We are just protecting our daughter.

Pinky?

You want me to leave, too?

Pinky plus Shakthi...
sisters for life.

Huh?

Shakthi!

What happened, Shakthi?

Aunty?

What can we do?
Let her go, Deepak.

Why's she leaving aunty?

Deepak, don't make a scene.
Try and understand.

Little Shakthi!

Little Shakthi!

We saw your pictures all over town.
So happy for you.

I told my husband I knew you.
He refused to believe me.

Home.

I guess the one thing
I always wanted was a home.

And I don't mean brick and stone.

A home should mean something.

When you enter your home,

it needs to feel like your world.

Like you own it.

And I wanted to own my world.

I hope you got to.

I made sure I did.

Tilt up.
Tilt down.

-Director sir, I'm ready.
-Okay.

Ms Shakthi, I hope you don't mind but

we have this little thing that we do.

We give a photograph to our guests

and then we ask them
to kind of re-live that moment.

I don't really know what I was like
the first few weeks of my career

as a film actress.

I was so consumed by an idea
that my principal,

Sister Flavia had given me

that everything else was irrelevant.

All I cared about was getting done
with the film in 35 days.

But nothing was in my control.

And there were things
beyond anyone's control.

-Manikandan.
-Sir.

Call the office
and inform my brother

that we couldn't shoot at all
even today because of the rains.

Okay, sir. I...

Sir, I'll call him
and give him a detailed report.

No, Asokan.
The direction department must inform him.

Sir, the phone lines weren't working.
I'll check again.

Please.

Production.

If not for the creative freedom,

it sometimes isn't worth the stress.

Sir, why don't we rehearse
to save time on set?

At least we won't be sitting idle.
Shall we?

-Make the arrangements.
-Okay, sir.

Bring me my pipe.

Ma'am, it's time.

The phones aren't working, ma'am.

What are you doing?

Ma'am, I have to make
an important call.

It may be important to you
but the machine can't sense urgency.

The telephone will work
only when the line is fixed.

I'll call once the line is fixed.
You can call after I'm done.

Sir is waiting for you, ma'am.

I can't help if the phone isn't working.

I told you that
I'm waiting to make a call.

-What's her problem?
-Seriously!

She's so arrogant.

Mostly vain.

Do you think she's beautiful?

That's not what everyone believes.

Sure... she's fair.

There's nothing more to her.

That's why the director
has cast me opposite you, and not her.

Is it?

She has the better role, though.

I know the story.

What's happening, Asokan?

-Where is she?
-Sir, she's waiting to make a call.

She said that she couldn't leave.

Fine. Let's call it a day.

Go and rest.
Sleep early.

We will shoot tomorrow,
provided it doesn't rain.

-Okay, sir.
-Nothing to worry, it's all good.

Thank you, sir.

-Thank you, sir.
-Good night.

Good night.

-Thank you, sir.
-Hari, we stay.

-Sit down.
-Okay, sir.

Let her know we're waiting...
that I'm waiting.

Okay, sir. I'll go tell her.

-Another half hour.
-Okay, sir.

-Order dinner.
-Okay.

-Excuse me.
-Yes, sir?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Sister Flavia?

Shakthi?

Sister, any news?

Yes, Shakthi,
I have been talking to them.

So, have they confirmed?

Will they let me join a month later?

I'll know in a few days, Shakthi.

You'll have to give me
that much more time.

Sister, I can't hear you very well.

I was saying that
I need a little more time.

-Sorry?
-I'll tell you in a few days.

In a few days?

Yes. I have one more meeting
with them.

Okay.

Sister, convince them that I'll make up
for the lost month in no time.

-Yes, don't worry.
-Okay, Sister?

-Hello?
-It's a very bad line, Shakthi.

I'll talk to you later.

Okay, you go ahead.
I'll hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you, madam.

Go make your call.

What's the tearing hurry?

Ma'am...

Madam.

-The director is waiting.
-It's raining.

How can he take an outdoor shot?

It's a rehearsal, madam.

-Is it?
-Yes, madam.

I thought it was the actual shoot.

Are you trying to kill time?

Is Shakthi Seshadri coming?

She's an idiot, sir.
She doesn't speak to anyone.

Not even to her mother.

Maybe she is a little slow.

Was she okay during the photo shoot?

I don't remember her talking to anyone
even then.

-Sir.
-Sit down.

Sir, she says she needs to change.

She said she couldn't sit
in wet clothes.

Sir, I'm telling you... an idiot.

Sir, may I suggest something?

Sure.

Let's replace her, sir.

Sasirekha has been trying for a role
in your film.

-Sasirekha?
-Yes, sir.

-What else did she say?
-Who?

Shakthi.

Sir, she said we were rehearsing
because we had nothing better to do.

We're using rehearsals as a filler
since we couldn't shoot.

She's definitely not an idiot.

Alright.

-Hari sir.
-Sir?

-Pack up.
-Okay, sir.

Let's not rehearse.

Tell her to take care.
She shouldn't catch a cold.

-Okay, sir.
-Tell her to sleep early.

The people I worked with
probably knew better

what I was like on that film.

It was a world
that I was never exposed to.

Though mother did work in films.

It was a big shock for me.

Culturally, even.

The atmosphere, the language used,

the complete outnumbering of women
to men.

And men weren't kind.

-Finally, the sun is out.
-Okay, ma'am.

Since the rain has stopped,

the director said we will shoot
outdoor for the next three days,

we'll also get time to put up the set.

Am I supposed to wear this coloured dot
on my forehead?

Yes, madam.

Let me know if you need something, madam.

Those bed-hopping dancers are asking
for double wages now?

Because they had to boogie before dawn.

They can spend the night over
for that extra buck!

Why deny them, sir?
It's a fair demand.

Look at the effort they're making
to sway their hips while walking.

That's what they do best!

Tell them the cameras are off.

-They're working it.
-But the cameras aren't turned on.

Alright. Let's go.

Girls, do you remember the steps?

-Yes.
-Don't miss the timing.

-Shakthi, you look so beautiful.
-Yes!

-You now look like a heroine.
-She's beautiful.

My darling.

What happened, child?

I need to talk to you privately.

-What is it? Girls, go on and practice.
-Okay.

What's wrong?
You look disturbed.

Those men were speaking ill of you.

What did they say?

Bad things.

-They were saying things.
-What?

They said that you'd do anything
for money.

Ignore them. Don't worry.

-Kannan sir!
-Yes, Malar.

Sir, what about the extra compensation?

You only talk to me
when you need something.

-Sir, you're mistaken.
-I am not.

Who else would I talk to?

You're the only one in-charge.

Malar, flattery will get you everywhere.

-Malar's asking for a pay hike.
-How are you, Malar?

You hardly ever call us for work.

Leading the dance troupe today, is it?

Yes, sir.
But you still won't give me a pay hike.

We'll triple your compensation.

-Do you really mean that?
-Yes, I've taken care of it.

-Send Shakthi.
-Sir?

Is she on the way?

-Yes, sir.
-I must go.

Mother.

Are they serving food?

No.

I will ask Pandian to get it.

Okay.

They're going to take my first shot now.

-I'm heading to the spot.
-Okay.

Do you want to come?

Mother, please come.

Films were also the first time

I faced the sheer brutality
of a man's ego.

Some people, men especially,

they feel the need to show you
your place.

And they try and break you.

Just because you dare to be different.

And because you're a woman.

To remind you that
you'll always be at their feet

and they will sit cross legged
waiting for you to fall.

And mostly, they do this
just because they can.

Shakthi's struggling to walk.

She's here, wait.

-Sir is there.
-You don't think I need sandals?

No footwear today, madam.

Why?

-Hello, Shakthi.
-Sir.

Come.

Good morning.

Good morning, sir.

No footwear today.

You may slip and hurt yourself.

It's easier to walk
without footwear here. Come.

I'll tell you what we'll be doing
today, Shakthi.

It's a splendid day, Shakthi.

The sun is out,
thankfully there's no rain.

And...

Shakthi, we're obviously filming
the song today.

You'll be dancing
under the waterfall.

And pretty much the whole day
you'll be there.

-Lovely, isn't it?
-I'll be dancing under the waterfall?

Yes.

Malar, are the girls prepared?

-Yes, sir?
-Will they dance well?

Rest assured, sir.

-Get under the waterfall.
-Okay, sir.

Choreographer, stay with them.

-Come on up.
-Right, sir.

You remember the steps, right?

-Seriously?
-It's an important song.

-Under the waterfall?
-You'll be fine.

Okay.

Shakthi, you need to smile right through.

And when you're dancing
you can't be looking down.

Okay? Look towards us.

-Ashokan, keep an eye on her.
-Shakthi, remember the steps?

1, 2, 3, 4...
5, 6, 7, 8.

I don't want any mistakes.

Keep that smile.

-Sir, these are the steps, right? 1, 2,3 4.
-Yes.

-5, 6, 7, 8.
-Correct. She'll do it, right?

-For sure.
-Alright, let's see.

Mani, clap in!

Song 1, take 1.

-Camera, ready?
-Rolling.

And...

Roll the sound!
Start the camera! And...

Cut it.

-One more!
-1, 2, 3...

Roll sound.

-Start camera.
-Rolling, sir.

And...

-Cut it.
-Like this.

-It's like this.
-No problem. One more?

Ready? Please roll sound!

Cut it.

Cut it!

Ready? One more.

Roll sound! Start camera.

Start camera!

One more. Ready?

Cut.

Cut it!

Cut it!

-Note down all the takes as 'okay'.
-Okay, sir.

-We'll do it one more time.
-Okay, sir.

-Start camera.
-Rolling.

Sound... and action.

Keep going, Shakthi. We're rolling.

Film is rolling, Shakthi!

Cut it.

Top light, right?

Yes, sir.
The image is too flat.

-Let's close for the day.
-Okay, sir.

Pack up.

Today was a complete waste.

Yes, so many retakes.

Wonderful job, Sridhar.

-But we wasted film in teaching her?
-Its ok.

Mani, inform Shakthi to rehearse
when free.

-not to indulge in timepass
-Okay, sir. I will tell her.

-I must meet the director.
-Impossible.

You cannot meet him.
He is busy.

-I want to meet him right away.
-Meet him in the morning.

You shot all day with her under the fall.
The shot demanded that.

Look how she is shivering.

I must see him right now.

I won’t leave without seeing him.
Please discuss it in the morning.

-Are you calling him out or…
-What happened, Ashokan?

-Please leave right now.
-Sir, I need to speak with you.

It's upsetting that she has taken ill.

I understand.

But, you weren't at the shoot.
You've heard only your daughter's side of the story.

Can I ask her some questions
right now?

-She's unwell...
-Of course, sir.

Shakthi, do not flaunt your english.

No... English is fine.

Why don't you sit, Shakthi?
Please come.

Shakthi, how many takes
were approved today?

None.

And why?

I couldn't do the steps.

What would you like me to do?

Scrap the entire sequence
because you could not do it?

I can assure you, there are plenty of girls
out there who can.

I didn't say I couldn't do it ever.

I just said I couldn't do it today.

Okay.

Bad cold?

You'll be fine tomorrow.

She'll be fine, ma'am.

She will do it. You don't worry.

I was told that we'll be shooting
here the entire day.

You're here all day too, right?

My legs are hurting
by walking so much.

Hi.

Hi.

Where did you pass out from?

Which school did you study in?

Hi, Shakthi.

Do you speak only English
or do you know Hindi, as well?

Of course, I speak Hindi.
I'm working on a Hindi film here.

Then why don't we speak
in Hindi?

Which school did you go to?

I really didn't get to know
my co-artists very well.

I sometimes felt like we belonged
to different planets.

There was nothing in common
I had with Viji.

She was someone who believed
that she was born to be in films.

She was so excited to be there.

So eager.

And I just didn't get her.

Honestly, I never gave them a chance.

I was so busy just
focusing on that call.

I would sit every night
at that reception.

Nothing else was registering
at that point.

And by the time I did care to
acknowledge them,

it was too late.

She's here to take care of you.

-Okay, sir.
-Her name is Malini.

Malini, hereafter you must
take good care of her.

Okay, sir.

She's brilliant.
And also hyper.

Don't worry.
I'll take care of her.

Okay.

Cut.

Ma'am, apple.

No, thanks.

I am not hungry.

-Okay.
-We'll do it?

-Okay.
-Okay, sir.

She offers the apple suddenly.

Maybe because no one talks to her.

Mother.

Haven't I forbidden it?

But, why?

A film set isn't a place for a woman
to show off

that she's well read and educated.

But that's who I am.

I'm not trying to show off.

Understand, you are an actress.

You're padded at the bust and at the hips.

People here are fully aware of that.

Your hairdo and your clothes are all fake.
They'll never be interested…

…in who you actually are.

I can't keep telling you
how to behave.

I've told you not to sit cross-legged.

Dialogues, ma'am. The shot is ready.

I will read them before the take.

Ma'am, it's a dialogue heavy shot.

-Everyone's memorizing their lines.
-Okay, sir.

Sir's waiting.

I suggest you read them right away.

Tell the director to prompt me.

Prompt?

Prompt.

Meaning?

Don't you know what a prompt is?

It means during the shot
he will read the dialogues.

Please go. I'll talk to sir.

Well Shakthi... you seem like
a reasonably smart girl.

I was state topper in
my tenth board exams.

Alright.

You're a very smart girl.

And from what you're telling me,

state topper, how hard can this be for you?

What's stopping you, Shakthi?

I'm hoping this will be my first
and last film.

I'm getting late college admissions
in the next two months.

Very well.

But in any case, you're stuck
here with us for another 25 days.

That's not going to change, is it?

Why don't you give this your best?

What about my interest?
Does that count for nothing?

Sridhar sir definitely
had an impact on me.

I trusted his experience
and what he had to say.

It was his advice
that I always followed.

What was the advice?

Shakthi, in life
you'll be surprised

at how great we can
be at things we hate.

Trust me.

Lets complete the shot, come.

Tilt up. Tilt down.

-Director sir, I'm ready.
-Okay.

-Hari sir!
-Yes, sir!

Sir, you think we can get into
the water and place the camera?

Yes, sir. We can place the camera
in the water and we can pan.

Sir, can I look through the camera?

-Excuse me, sir.
-Yeah.

She just wants to look
through the camera, sir.

-Of course, sure.
-Come.

Shut your left eye,
look through the view finder

and you can see everything, okay?

We're losing light.

So sir, after we do the two-shot,

will we be doing the
over the shoulder shot?

Yes, Shakthi.
We'll be doing the over the shoulder shot.

Now, tell them to get ready
for this shot.

Shot ready, sir!

Come, Shakthi.

I'll just show you now.

Sir, can I just try one my way?

You want to do it your way?

-Yeah.
-Sure. Of course. Come.

Ready? And action.

No!

My name is Mangala!

Excellent! I really liked it. Come.

Come.

She's the main lead.
What more does she want?

The next film perhaps.

-Eat this apple.
-Ranganayaki.

-I'm busy.
-Okay.

I actually see a bad apple.
Excuse me, Mother.

-Hurry up!
-Okay.

Sir, this is the scene.

Shall we shoot it indoors?

They'll get the money only by 5 pm.
Am I clear?

No. We'll shoot outdoors.

The scene where everyone
goes inside the house...

-Let's shoot that first.
-Ashokan sir.

-Have apples become more expensive?
-What do you mean?

Your production boy seems to have paid
a lot more than my mother did.

I don't think so.

So unless I've forgotten my Maths,
someone is making a mistake.

Somebody needs to be fired.

To cover up your wrong-doings,
you find fault in the hardworking dancers.

Hypocrites.

Don't get it?

See it under the light.

You're mistaken.

Shakthi, get ready for the shot.
We'll be rolling in 5 minutes.

-It's a nice scene.

Come.

Sit down.

Have you eaten?
Is that a new shirt?

I've worn it after many days.

I'm seeing you on set after a long time.
What is this about the apples?

She seems mistaken.

Check it, Ashokan. The numbers don't tally
Please resubmit the accounts to my brother.

Sir, why are you giving such importance
to that girl?

Everybody's talking.

How much film stock did
we use yesterday, Ashokan?

Not too much, sir.

Sir.

You're spending time teaching her
about camera and shots.

You've never bothered
with another heroine before.

Because, no one before ever asked.

Action!

Shobha, everyone's waiting to see you.
Come soon.

Ok now, Shakthi.
You go in…carefully

Cut.

Nice.
I think we have a good shot, sir.

-It's good, sir.
-Good.

Rao sir, it was nice.

Sorry, sir... but in the wide shot

his glasses were in his left hand.

In this shot the glasses
were in his right hand.

Really?

Mani, what is this?
The glasses were in his other hand?

-No Sir, it was right.
-You noted it down right?

Yes, sir.

He's holding the glasses in the left hand.

-You...
-Sorry, sir. Really very sorry.

Apparently, the glasses were
in the left hand.

Yes, sir... my mistake.

Don't worry. We'll do one more.

-Sorry, sir. We'll have to walk again.
-Sure, sir.

-Hari sir, we'll have to do one more.
-Okay, sir. Let's do it.

Thank you, Shakthi.

Mani, Shakthi's doing your job.

-Sorry, sir.
-Take. Ready? Roll camera!

-Rolling!
-Ready? Action.

Madam, sir wants to speak with you.

-Where is he?
-Over there.

Is this light positioned incorrectly?

I told you fix it before the shot
Now go in and do it.

Did you want to talk to me, sir?

Shakthi, there's a lot of resistance
about you from the team.

I don't like it,
I don't agree with them.

But they've been working with me
for a long time

and will continue to do so.

In every instance,
whether Mani's continuity,

or Ashokan's math,
I was right, sir.

Shakthi, you did no wrong.
But it doesn't really matter, Shakthi.

You're still a child where
everything is still in black and white.

You are in a new world, Shakthi.
It's a very different world.

Why do you look away, sir?

Because I choose to.

But I'm not able to, sir.

I cannot pretend I don't see
and understand things.

Why are you trying so hard
to prove your worth, Shakthi?

I wouldn't have to try
if people didn't assume I was worthless.

Fair enough.

I just had to say this to you, Shakthi.

-Sorry to bring it up in the location.
-It's okay, sir.

Just want you to know
what general mood is like.

It's fine.

Are you okay?

Suddenly the remaining 7 days of shoot
seem like a long time.

Can I leave, sir?

Yes.

-Hi, ma'am.
-Hello.

Where's Shakthi ma'am?

Where else?

This is the next scene.
Please ask her to memorise the dialogues.

-I'll tell her.
-Thank you.

Hello?

Sister! Thank God.
I was getting worried.

Shakthi?

Yes, Sister. Can you hear me?

Shakthi, I am sorry.

Why, Sister? What happened?

The college has refused
admission to you, child.

Did you tell them I can manage?

Your tenth standard results
speak for you, Shakthi.

Then what is it, Sister?

If it's policy, then worse case,
I miss this year.

I can join next year, right?

I can join next year... yes, Sister?

Give this year a break.

I can start fresh without missing a day,
next academic year. Right, Sister?

Shakthi?

Yes sister, I can hear you.

Shakthi, the college has another policy.

They do not allow girls from...

certain professions admission
into their college.

I'm still the same student, Sister.

My brain hasn't gone to rot here.

I'm giving this all up.

I cannot stand it here,
I don't want this.

I'm very sorry, Shakthi.
I really tried.

Then why?

Sister, I'll be destroyed
if I have to continue here.

I survived all these days

just thinking it's going to be
this one last time.

I just keep willing myself to imagine
myself in my graduation robe.

That's the only thought
that has kept me going.

To be honest, it's the only image
that has kept me alive.

Please don't take that away from me.
I'm begging you!

-Shakthi, please don't say that.
-Please.

I'm asking you for my future, my life.

Shakthi, you don't have to.
It's not me.

I promise you, it's not me.

If it were up to me, you know
you wouldn't be the one calling everyday.

Who else can I beg?

The college?
To break its rules and policies?

This world that pre-decides
who deserves to be where?

Do I beg the people everywhere
not to decide who I am

just because of what my situation
has made me?

Who do I beg? I can only beg you.

Sister, please don't abandon me.

You're all I have, please.

I will never abandon you, child.
Never.

You can count on me for life.

I'm not letting you down.

Then who is?

Fate. God.

I'm begging you.

I'm literally a beggar at this point.

I'm begging you, shamelessly.

Get me out of here,
let me be where I belong.

Please, Sister.

Please!

Please, Sister.

I'm begging you.

Didn't I tell you to change
out of the costumes?

Here's tomorrow's scene.
It's a long and important one.

There are many dialogues.
Memorise them properly.

What's the matter with you?

It's over.
It's all over.

I spoke to Sister. It's all finished!

I won't be given admission in college
because I'm an actor.

I'm glad.

Mother!

Not fair...

Not fair!

Not fair!

Spotlight on.

As I stood there,
all I kept thinking about was,

I had nowhere else to go.

Nobody else to be with.

I've never felt so lost and alone.

But suddenly that circle of light,

it almost felt like it found me.

Literally holding me together.

And even though I hated it,

I realised in that moment

it was the only place I belonged in.

And so, I did my job
the way that I usually do.

I did it like no one else will.

And cut.

She did well.

Superb, sir!

-What do you think, sir?
-Splendid, sir.

Welcome to the world of films, Shakthi.

You are born today.

A star is born today.

You can smile.

Next shot.

Should we set it up?

Yes, sir.

Sir...

My shoot will end today.
We're leaving tomorrow.

-Please bless me, sir.
-Of course.

-Bless me that I become a star.
-Of course.

Bless you.

-You will always have my blessings.
-Thank you, sir.

-You have all the makings for a big star.
-Thank you, sir.

You'll play the lead in big films.

-Choose good films.
-Thank you, sir. Bye.

Mother, my shoot ends today.

How are you Shakthi?

-Sir.
-Be seated.

I'm fine.

I am aware that your
mother is very upset.

As she was unaware that there
is another heroine in the film.

She was afraid that you'd be upstaged.

But Shakthi, you're going to
walk away with all the laurels.

Ironically, I didn't care for this
half as much as that girl, but...

That's cinema.

The Goddess of Art is biased.

Like I said, people can be vicious.

And yet, not everyone
is looking to break you.

Just to leave you broken.

There are few, very rarely,

whom you will meet in life,
if you're lucky,

who'll break you so that
you can piece yourself together

into something even better.

-We'll take your leave.
-Safe travels.

-Mother, I'll be back.
-Sure.

-Mani.
-Madam.

Where's sir?
I want to say goodbye.

You know how he is.

I have no clue where he is.
Sorry, madam.

We start our next film
with a photo shoot next week.

-Thank you very much.
-No problem.

Shakthi, you were incredible.

Ranganayaki, everyone's so happy.
Shridar sir...

Ma'am, Sridhar sir asked me
to personally hand this over to you.

Where is sir?

He told me to tell you
that he was busy.

-Thank you.
-Okay.

And the inscription at the back?

The best advice.

"You can be great
at the things you hate."

But choose between a life
of greatness and one of happiness.

And if you want to be happy, then...

"Do only what you love."

As soon as we go back, we have
two meetings with big producers.

And one of the producers is
launching his grandson.

Its a big opportunity for you.

Also, there is another director
who wants to meet you.

Mother, I don't want to act anymore.

So, if you had made up your mind
and decided not to do anymore films,

then what happened?

I met him.

Welcome to Akashavani.

This news update is presented
by M. Varadarajan.

'Marudhu Naattu Veeran' starring
GMR resumes its shoot today.

Six months ago, Mr. GMR
sustained severe injuries

when fellow actor Gundumani

accidentally hurt GMR
during a scene.

GMR has recovered
and returns on the film set.

However, his fans are
concerned…

whether he will be able
to perform as before.

Long live GMR!

God bless GMR!

Long live GMR!

GMR has been mobbed.

Constable, break the wall.
Get a crowbar.

GMR is stuck inside.

It's the only way to get him out.

Break it, quick.

GMR sir! Over here!

Sir! Please look over here!

Bless us GMR!

GMR! Sir please!

GMR look here!

Long live GMR!
Long live GMR!

Long live GMR!

Glory to our leader!
Long live GMR!

Long live GMR!
God bless GMR!

Glory to GMR!
Long live GMR!

Glory to our leader!
Long live GMR!

Long live GMR!
Long live GMR!

Sir, please get in quickly.

-These people should be treated well.
-Okay, sir.

They are my fans.

-Take good care of them.
-Okay, sir.

Step aside, please.

I want a glimpse of our leader.

-Don't push!
-Let me see him.

We are honoured
to be graced by you.

Ask Shakthi to come.

Shakthi!

Would you like to do this
film with me?

For my sake?

Say no.

Say no, will you?

Just say no.

As someone who's been
such an achiever,

is there something that
even you found difficult to do?

Just one thing.

I believe in the instances
that my life changed course.

One into stardom

and the other into politics.

It was the same underlying reason
at the core.

I could never say no to Mr. GMR.

I just couldn't say no to him.

Shakthi is going to act
in a GMR film.

All the best, Shakthi!

You are going to be a Queen.
My Queen.

Would you say that

GMR was probably the most
influential person in your life?

I think my fate was sealed
the day I met him.

I know purists would say
it's personal will and choice

and all that.

But really, the minute we sat
across from each other in that room,

nothing could be undone.

I have no other way of explaining it.

-Mother.
-Hold on.

Mother!

Darn it.

Do you speak?

Do you even know how to?

To act you must be able to talk
face to face.

I thought you had seen
my first film, Mr. GMR.

Whoa!

She has a voice.

Am I replacing Sowmya Devi?

I wouldn't say that.

The role might have gone to her
under usual circumstances.

Oh. So special circumstances
have brought you to me?

Are you feeling bad for her?

I could offer her the role.

No, not at all.

Besides, I'm not her greatest fan.

Oh.

Change is inevitable.

Today, it's Sowmya Devi.

I'll take your leave. I have
a lunch meeting in the office.

-My friend, SRS...
-The doctor who treated your leg!

That's correct.

I'm beginning to believe...

He was right.

What does he say?

Smart girls make for
the most beautiful encounters.

That's what he says.

In another lifetime, it would've
been me in those crowds,

waiting to see him.

There was an undeniable feeling
of being star-struck.

In those days,

the only place we ever saw our
heroes was on the big screen.

Maybe that's why they had
that kind of a craze and following.

No commercials, no interviews,

no publicity appearances.

So, to see a man,

I've been a fan of since a child

sitting across from me

and saying he wanted me
to be his leading lady,

was surreal.

It felt almost...

wrong.

Parthiba, beware the sword of rage!

I have both, infantry
and a battalion of war elephants.

You don't stand a chance.

O great Saint! Enraged elephants
and a bloodthirsty infantry...

are no challenge for a brave warrior.

Those aren't the lines in the film.
You're wrong.

I'm right.

I know every dialogue
from 'Nadodi Vendhan'.

Madam.

How did you know that
I liked strawberry ice-cream?

The boss told me
to give it to you.

I felt like Alice.

Who stepped into Wonderland.

Every single thing was thought of.

It's funny how the small things
make the biggest impact.

-That's enough.
-Okay, ma'am.

GMR sir's sent this
home-cooked meal for you.

It's so good!

This is the best fried potato
I've ever eaten.

That film was, and still is
a cult success.

Not that I remember
the lines or the moves.

What I do remember is,

everyday for the next 20 days
while we filmed there,

that same potato fry

would find its way to my breakfast
or lunch or dinner.

Didn't you tire of it?

Eating the same thing everyday.

How can you tire of a person
who thinks of you everyday?

We tried several options
for this dialogue.

The line is necessary
to convey the emotion.

What's going on?

In the scene the hero, Manimaran

is leaving Princess Thendral's island

to fight for his people.

The princess offers
Manimaran her soldiers.

The dialogue won't work if Manimaran
calls his lover 'a foreigner'.

The audience won't be happy
with such a love story.

Finish this quickly and
bring her a cold glass of juice.

Ma'am's been standing under the light.
Put lots of ice in the juice.

-Okay, ma'am.

-Shakthi.
-I'll handle it, mother.

-Don't.
- It's alright.

This part has to be changed.

-I understand, sir.
-Yes.

Okay, sir.

May I suggest something?

Sure, Shakthi.

Manimaran's character can't refer
to the princess as a foreigner.

But, someone else can.

Why can't Manimaran's valet,
Azhagan say it?

The point will be communicated
to the audience.

And yet, you wouldn't have said it.

-Director, sir?
-Excellent.

-Brilliant idea, madam.
-Thank you.

For the first time in a very long time

I felt I wasn't being punished
for being smart.

I didn't have to apologize for
actually having a head on my shoulder.

In fact, if anything,
I felt respected for it.

And Mr GMR expressed it in many ways.

[Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.]

[We request fans of superstar GMR to
visit only on Tuesdays and Saturdays

from 9am to 12pm.]

One king.

Would tiny raindrops quench the thirst
of the parched earth?

Would the playful mountain stream
tranquilize the scorch of the sun?

Would my tender vine shine
under the full moon's radiant glow?

Would delicate blossoms shyly bloom
in the star-studded night?

The sun who lights up the world
is stepping out of the shadows.

You seem to enjoy the dark.

Like the silver moon that bedazzles
in the darkest night

Your kohl-lined eyes, lush lips,
crimson cheeks

Glow in the nighttime shadows

Jeeva...

It's from the film 'Jeevarekha', right?

Yes.

Shakthi, do you know
why I asked you to come?

No.

This is our film script.

We don't normally give it to heroines,

But, you can read it.

Tell me what you think.

-Syed, you start work from today.
-Bye, Mother.

Shakthi, I've hired a new driver.
His name is Syed.

My father knew him.
He's from Pondicherry.

He will accompany you henceforth.

-Oh. Greetings.
-Hello.

-Take good care of my daughter.
-Sure, ma'am.

Chez Guevara.

Why don't we make a biographical film
on him?

Bring his story into the film plot.

-Shanmugam.

Pepper the story with virtues
that the audience will enjoy.

Songsmith, the songs must be impactful.

-Okay.
-Shakthi, come in.

I read the script. It's good.

All credit for those dialogues
goes to him.

Mr. Shanmugham.

-Greetings.
-Hello.

It's good.

In the climax, the evil ruler
gives up his throne...

to crown you king.

Yes.

Sir, I told you people
would like this scene.

On the contrary.
I think it doesn't work.

While I couldn't say no to Mr GMR,

I took a lot of pride in knowing
he too, had to always say yes to me.

Manimaran, henceforth you shall be king.

I give you... the throne!

Wear the crown.

I humbly decline.

My fight isn't against you, the king.

But, with monarchy.

This land should be ruled
by its people.

No one person is worthy
of ruling it.

The people should choose their leader.

Let us together establish a democracy.
By the people.

For the people.
Of the people.

Long live Manimaran.
Hail democracy!

Long live Manimaran.
Hail democracy!

Long live Manimaran.
Hail democracy!

Cut!

Super, sir.
That was fantastic.

-Wasn't it?
-Yes, sir.

Thank you for listening to me.

You're thanking me?

Thank you for giving me the idea.

You know who is smarter
than a smart person?

He who listens to the smart one.

I should be thanking you.

-Sister, are you busy?
-No.

This is GMR's next script.

I'm in that film, as well.

He informed mother, too.

How is it?

Very effective.

In what way?

GMR isn't just an actor.
He's a politician, too.

GMR and his party...

-What's this?
-Buzz off!

They are using his movies
as a sort of political propaganda

and it has worked very well.

I'm telling you...

He'll become Chief Minister very soon.

Mr GMR.

Be careful. My prayers too,
have gone into healing that leg.

I had 2-3 films signed with Mr GMR.

And with him, I didn't have
to worry about anything.

Literally felt like
I was living a dream.

GMR didn't believe in intimate scenes
being shown on camera.

In his films,
he was always chivalrous

and gentle and aloof from the women.

It was the women who swooned over him.

However, in that restrained,

and almost conservative
expression of love,

there was always
a chemistry that sizzled.

And that showed on camera.

And off camera

I was the young woman
swooning over him.

Sorry, sir. One more.

Okay, sir. One more.

Ready, sir.

Clap out. Sound. Action!

Cut it.

I'm sure you've had these moments too,

when you go back
to a particular time and wonder

why you felt the way
you did about someone

in spite of how little they could offer.

And in that moment

it actually feels
like you're getting a lot.

Shakthi, GMR has a car waiting for you.

Checkmate.

Shakthi, be careful.

How did you get carried away
against all reason to feel

something about someone that
normally you should feel nothing for?

What was it?

Was it the age? The time?

The situation?

Or was it the man?

I'm not angry, Shakthi.

Just confused.

I thought I would
clarify things with you.

What makes you happy, Shakthi?

Being the best at everything.
That's happiness for me.

I know that.

That's who you are.

You are driven by ego.

Which will take you to great heights.
Take my word for it.

But I asked you about happiness.

Maybe I don't really know.

But, why do you ask?

Acting is what makes me happy.

Being an actor makes me happy.

Acting is my first love.

Next, is politics.

These are the things that drive me.

There's a lot I have to do.

I know only I can do those things.

Films and politics are my eternal loves.

Nothing else compares.

Besides, I'm a married man.

Ma'am.

I trust him with my life.

-You may go.
-Okay, sir.

I don't have big ambitions like you.

But, you're right.

I am driven by my ego.

But what good is it if who I desire
doesn't reciprocate my feelings?

I don't know what it would
drive me to do.

Hold this in your hand,
come here and sit down.

Then make ma'am sit on your lap.

Ma'am, please come.

-Shakthi, wait.
-We'll rehearse it, sir.

Okay, sir.

Come, Shakthi.

-Now...
-That's fine, sir.

Ready.

The two most dominating people
in my life

were there on that film together.

That was the only time
they shared space

fighting over their dominion over me.

Finally, mother had to concede.

Because the child whose custody
they were fighting over

had already taken a side.

Clap in!

Sound.

Action.

Hello, Ms Shakthi,
I'm Harish Surana.

I make Hindi films.

We saw your photos
from the GMR film.

And we want to cast you.

You speak Hindi, don't you?

Yes.

Just guess who your co-star will be.

-Ma'am, please listen to me!
-GMR, guess what?

-Hi!
-Hi, Shakthi!

I've been offered a film
opposite Shyam Kapoor.

My favourite, 'Junglee'!

Yahoo!

Go home, Shakthi. I'll meet you there.
Let me finish my work.

Oh. Okay.

Sir, her behaviour isn't appropriate.

You misunderstand.

She's young.
She means no disrespect.

But that's not how
everyone else sees it.

The drivers and watchmen...
what will they think?

Someone getting away with insolence
with our leader.

She needs to be cut to size immediately.

There's no need to make
a mountain out of a molehill.

Like doctor said... she's naive.

She doesn't fully understand
the seriousness of a situation.

But, she will learn. Let it go.

Mother.
Don't you know Shyam Kapoor.

Of course, I do.

I know him and his entire family.

Don't you want me
to do Hindi films?

It doesn't matter what I want.

You're under contract.

Don't sign anything till
until I check it further.

What contract, mother?

Your contract with GMR.

It states that you can't work with any other hero
or production. Do you really not know?

Oh my contract with GMR!

You scared me. I thought there was
another contract...

I thought it was a contract
with someone else.

If it's GMR,
then it's not a problem.

I'll talk to him.

He will be happy for me.

-Madam.
-Yes.

There's an important meeting going on.

I was told not to allow anyone in.

-Is GMR inside?
-I don't know, madam.

Is the doctor in?

-Who?
-Doctor SRS.

Just a minute, madam.

Sorry, madam.
The line's busy.

Okay, Pradeepan.
She will let Surana know.

-You don't worry I will inform her.
-Who's it, mother?

Okay.

Mother. Hello.

Hello?

Why did you hang up?
Was it Pradeepan?

What did he say?

Do I have their permission?

Pradeepan called to confirm your dates
for GMR's next film.

You'll have to decline Surana's film.

GMR's film dates have been finalised.

You can't do the Hindi film, Shakthi.

He wants you to call up Surana
right away and let him know.

I'm sure GMR doesn't know.

I'll talk to GMR directly.

Shakthi, it's GMR who has asked
for these dates.

No, mother. GMR would never do this.

This is Pradeepan's doing
because he's jealous of me.

Do you think Pradeepan would dare
without GMR's consent, Shakthi?

-But why?
-Why? What?

Why is he...

Shri, wait outside for some time.

Why is he treating me like a caged bird
all of a sudden?

You've always been one, Shakthi.

At first, you were under my control
since I was your mother.

Momentarily you thought you were
free.

But in reality, you were
merely moved from one to another.

The cage owner is different.

That's all, Shakthi.

Lies! Such lies!

You just want to dishearten me
to keep me within your clutches.

Why do you always hurt me?

Why?

Better me than anyone else, Shakthi.

You can at least hate me
with all your heart.

But, when it's tainted with love
what can you do?

That would be brutal.

Syed, get the car ready.
I have to go out.

-Madam Shakthi!
-Hey!

Madam...

Put Mr. GMR on the phone
this very instant.

Tell him it's Ms Shakthi Seshadri
on the line.

Madam, I will get yelled at...

Yes, Shakthi madam.

Pradeepan, I need to meet GMR at once.

She wants to meet immediately.
Okay.

He has asked you to come
to the farmhouse. Hurry.

Right from school,

I had a problem,
not making sense of things.

Not being able to just get
why things were the way they were.

But, once I understood,

I always felt calm.

Even if it wasn't the answer
I was looking for.

Even if the answer disappointed.

Just knowing helped me deal.

Where's GMR?

Madam, would you come
only if he called?

Pradeepan, don't play games with me.

Is GMR here or not?

It wasn't GMR who called you.

Ma'am, she is here.

I'm the one who called you.

Come, Shakthi.

I know everything, Shakthi.

But, we're not going to have
any issues between us.

Are we, Shakthi?

-Pradeepan.
-Ma'am.

Leave us alone.

Shakthi, you look tired.

Let's eat first.

I asked the cook to make
your favourite potato fry.

Here.

Didn't you know?

It's alright.

Sowmya Devi loved her chicken.

Potatoes are easier to cook
than chicken.

Eat.

Why did you do it?

It's my house, my kitchen, my recipes.

Nothing can happen without
my knowledge or orders.

I mean to say...
if you knew then why did you do it?

You wouldn't understand, Shakthi.

You have the blissful ignorance of age
on your side.

And you're inexperienced.

Everyone tells me that
you're well educated and intelligent.

But I am self taught and experienced.

I'm experienced, too.

How old are you?

At your age,
I had already gone through so much.

When I was 9, my maternal uncle
sold me to a rich man.

He left me on the streets
with our 4 year-old son.

I was shattered.

I'm sure your story
isn't as dramatic as mine.

I was 19 when I met GMR.

He took care of me
like no one else had.

Though I was broken, he handled me
like I was something precious.

He accepted my son and me,
with all his heart.

I promised myself

that I would accept him for
all that he was, no matter what.

Do you know your place
in his life?

Aren't you under contract
with GMR?

Did you think you would get special
treatment? To go off and do another film?

Why didn't he just tell me to my face?

To spare you the embarrassment.

I've misunderstood it all, isn't it?

You are in a good place now, Shakthi.

Be wise and make the best of it.

Why are you helping me?

My husband isn't going to change,

But change is inevitable.

Today, it happens to be you.

But what about tomorrow?

So, did you fight to do
the Hindi film?

No.

Why?

I was done changing hands.

Clap in.

Sound. Action.

Cut it.

Lights on.

I can be whipped and made to dance.
Right, Mr. GMR?

Is it in the contract?

Are you asking to be compensated?

Only what I've been promised.

Pradeepan sir said he would
clear my dues today.

I have a big spend coming up.

Mother...

Tell me what you want.

Did the equation between you
and GMR ever change?

Of course it did.

The dynamic between
any two people changes.

My equation with GMR
was extra turbulent.

We were two very headstrong people

in very difficult professions.

It made for some interesting moments.

But it's amazing how some people
have a hold over you.

How, in spite of knowing better,

you still find yourself drawn to them.

I told you... my fate was sealed.

-Professor Thanikachalam.
-Sir!

Queen Victoria College has denied admission
to state rank holder Shakthi Seshadri.

You expect me to keep quiet about it?

The young girl wants to study
and get a degree.

Who are they to trample on her dreams?

We're the ruling party.

I'm not making a lame recommendation.

Education is a fundamental right.

Must I ask the CM to intervene?

Sir, I would've given her admission
even if you had written a simple letter.

But you have come in person.
It must be important.

But, Shakthi has a two-year gap.

So? Is there a rule against it?

She is only asking
for a correspondence degree.

Give it to her.

You are the Vice Chancellor.

All colleges in Madras
are under your control.

Sir, besides Queen Victoria,

Madras University, Edwin Raj,
KT, HET, Kamakshi College...

I'll admit her immediately.

VC sir, Shakthi is a number 1 rank holder.

She must go to the number 1 college.

Find out now whether they will
or will not admit her.

[The deeper the well, there more the water.
An intelligent person is the river of knowledge]

Okay, Sister. Thank you.

Sir, they have agreed.

But the nuns are imposing
a strict condition.

Sir, what must I do?

Shakthi must quit films.

Acting is like any other profession.

If Shakthi can manage work and studies,
what's the problem?

How dare they place conditions?

We won't allow them to dictate terms.

Thanikachalam, Shakthi won't accept
under these circumstances.

Do you agree with me, Shakthi?

Tell him you want the admission.

Say it.

One thing hadn't changed between us.

Even though I knew that he didn't
necessarily always say yes to me,

and even though he was going
to change my life yet again,

I still couldn't say no to him.

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Madam, a Hindi film producer,
Surana is asking to see you.

Apparently, he is the Executive Producer
on this show.

He says that he met you
long ago in Madras.

Should I send him in?

Greetings.

Did you recognize me?

I just wanted to say hello.

It's been so long, madam.

I don't think we've met after that.

You didn't do any Hindi films.
You chose only South Indian films.

I was very happy
doing South Indian films, Mr. Surana.

Of course.
You were the best heroine in the South.

If only GMR sir would have allowed you to
do that Hindi picture with Shyam Kapoor,

you would've become a bigger star.

GMR was known
for making stars, Mr. Surana.

Yes, ma'am.

And he knew what was best for me.

And he was right.

And I became a much bigger star,
thanks to him.

Of course.

Than any of your silly movies
could've made me.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Sorry, madam.

You put him in his place nicely, madam.

Did I?
Or did you, Syed?

Madam, are you okay with this?

Answering all these questions

and reliving difficult moments
of your past.

It's not easy, madam.

I agree.

But they've made me who I am today.

How do you remember everything
so clearly?

You have an amazing memory, madam.

It's important to keep
those memories alive, Syed.

But, it's a double-edged sword.

The memories haunt even when
you don't want to remember them.

You forgive even when
you can never really forget.

Even now?
But it's been such a long time.

Sir, shot ready.

Madam, the shot is ready.

She'll be right there.

I did 28 movies with GMR.

Nowadays, actresses don't do 28 films
in their entire career, madam.

Its not easy.

Good or bad...
I've lived a lifetime with that man.

Are you alright with
this line of questioning?

Are there more?

Just a few unanswered ones.

-Cameras ready?
-Yes, ma'am.

We're ready.

Ms Shakthi, was GMR very protective
about you?

Ma'am, strawberry ice-cream.

No, thank you.

Okay.

-Jyoti.
-Yes.

I'll take it now.

-From tomorrow, serve me only fruits.
-Okay, ma'am.

That's one way of putting it.

Perhaps the more accurate account was
that he was possessive.

And I'll tell you why
that word is important.

It's because
I was thought of as a possession.

Like property.

And when you own property,

you don't have to necessarily
live on it.

Or tend to it.

It's yours, no matter what.

Once bought,

until sold.

-Open the gates!
-Get down.

What are you doing?
Get off the gate.

Move.

Go away.

What are you doing?
Get down.

Let us come inside.

Guard, what's happening?

Ma'am, don't come out.
Stay indoors.

What are you doing?

Stop! Where are you going?

Open the gates.

Open them.

Get the car inside.

-Stop. You can't go in.
-Move.

Sir, please stop.

Sir, please listen to me.

Pradeepan sir, please don't do this.

-Sir, don't go inside.
-Shut up or you'll lose your job.

-Sasi!
-Sir.

-Search the place thoroughly.
-Okay, sir.

Go. Hurry up.

Mother, do you know what's going on?

Some men have barged into our home.

The phone lines aren't working either.

I know, Shakthi.

This maybe new to you.

But, it was bound to happen.

I knew it would.

Get used to it.

To what?

Shouldn't we do anything
when random men barge into our house?

Let's go to the police.

Come on, Shakthi.

These are GMR's men, Shakthi.
The police won't lift a finger.

What do they want?

It's an inspection.

He has his suspicions.

He trusts neither you nor me.

What can we do?

We haven't opened this room in ages.

You can't go in there.

-Please.
-Just stay away.

That's a bathroom.

What are you looking for in there?

It's a nice place to hide.

What if someone's hiding there?

Pradeepan, can we check you?

What if you've stolen something
from here?

I'm not a thief.

We're employed by the same person.

I am loyal to him.

You should be, too.

Employed?

I'm not his mutt like you are.

-Don't you dare speak disrespectfully to me.
-Why are you raising your voice?

-You called me a mutt?
-What else are you?

-Shakthi!
-Mother.

Pradeepan, if you're done here,
please leave.

I'm requesting you.

How can he treat like me this?

Does he think we're running
a brothel here?

If GMR thinks like this,
then why shouldn't I do what I want.

Don't talk nonsense, Shakthi.

Get me some coconut water.

Should I spy on him?

You should be thankful.

It shows he still cares.

What would it mean if he stopped?

Keep it in the wardrobe.

Does the audience like Anjula, Syed?

Yes, madam.

Madam...You're seeing GMR sir
after four months.

Please keep smiling
in his presence…

…please

I'm a good actor, Syed.

GMR sir has arrived.

-Greetings
-Greetings

-How are you?
-Yes, sir.

-Is everything okay?
-Yes, everything is fine.

Great!

What's the matter with you, Shakthi?

You're acting aloof.

And this behaviour
is not okay on set.

That's my space.
You know that, don't you?

Replace me if you want.

Or have you already done so?

Why am I not surprised?

Shakthi, you're being childish.

What are you talking about?

It's a usual practice for a hero
to work with multiple heroines.

Then why am I not being given
the same option?

Why should I sit twiddling my thumbs
waiting for you to call me again?

Don't give me theories
on being unjust and unfair.

Tell me clearly what you want.

I have a film offer
opposite Chathrapathi.

I want to do it.
I want you to let me.

Is this about the money?

Do you want an increase in your fee?

I will get paid for the film.

A legitimate fee.

What are you trying to insinuate?

Just echoing the rumours.

Mother?

You're a fool.

Why?

He has given me his permission
to work with Chathrapathi.

Do you realise the consequence?

It's nothing.

You've so much to learn, Shakthi.

You've put everything at risk

because of some juvenile jealousy.

Me? Jealous?

Of whom?

Tell me the truth.

You're in love with GMR, aren't you?

Initially, it felt like disbelief.

Almost like I kept waiting
for him to stop me.

As I signed the film,

as I did the photo shoot,

as I left for Ooty.

At every point, I kept
looking over my shoulder

wondering if he would turn up.

Were you hoping that
he wouldn't stop you, or

were you hoping that he would?

GMR's film shoot is going to start.
Are the rooms ready?

We've already booked the rooms.

I've even paid for them.

-Listen to me.
-You can't ask us to suddenly vacate.

I'm afraid you'll have to right away.
I'll give you a refund.

I don't want the money.

-You'll have to vacate.
-We're not budging from here!

I can't refuse GMR sir.
Please vacate immediately.

Did he say GMR?

-Sir, you're here.
-Stop.

-You may leave.
-Okay, ma'am.

You're looking beautiful, Shakthi.

GMR, what are you trying to do?

If you can shoot with
whoever you want,

I can shoot wherever I want.

Isn't that only fair, Shakthi?

Why're you nervous, Shakthi?

Sit.

Sit down.

When did you decide to shoot here?

Why didn't you tell me?

Since you've got here

our crew's worried whether
they'll be able to shoot.

Of course, I'm going to be nervous.

It's no problem.

They are two separate units.

There are enough spots here
to shoot five films at the same time.

Sir!

Tell them I'm coming.

Why, GMR?

Are you so angry with me?

-Or so disappointed?
-Neither.

I did get your permission
to act in Chathrapathi's film.

You had decided that you were
doing this film with her.

The next one with me.

I've decided to stop alternating.

Instead in the next film,
I'll have you both.

GMR sir!

We'll discuss it later.

-GMR.
-Sir.

Sir, we're elated.

Thanks for coming.

Sir, some tea or coffee?

No, thanks.

Buddy!

Ol' pal!

How are you?

Come.

I am so happy to see you.

I'm glad you see it that way. Sit.

I know your producer is panicking.

I won't cause any trouble.

We're prepared for our shoot.

Ours is a small film shoot
alongside yours.

I don't mind at all.

I heard no such complaints.

You and me, together again!

An absolute pleasure!

Just like our old theatre days.
We can catch up over dinner post work.

And reminisce the good ol' days.

Scripts.

Politics.

Women.

GMR.

Our choices are polarized.

You picked scripts that projected
you as the hero of the masses.

Your mere presence is enough.

I have to weep and struggle...

and perform.

Even politically, our parties
have different ideologies.

Different goals.

Even the women.

There are your women.
There are my women.

Thankfully, never 'our' women.

I'm glad we never faced that situation.

Those are films we choose.

What are you working on now?

Ms Shakthi?

Was I hoping he wouldn't stop me?

Or was I hoping he would?

I was thinking about
the answer to that question.

On that day,

I really didn't know.

I didn't know
if I was angry or happy.

Or whether I was relieved.

I really didn't know that day.

And what's shocking is,

I still don't know.

Why did you want to do this film?

I mean, you're doing films with GMR.

You're doing amazing films.

Scaling such heights.

Why, then?

I was looking forward to
working with you. Nothing else.

After all, everyone knows
you're the better actor.

Better than who?

Who are you comparing me to?

Am I not free to work with
whoever I please?

You tell me. Are you?

Can you?

What did he tell you?

Did you tell him that
you wouldn't work with me?

I said no such thing.
I'm happy to work with you.

But, I don't want to be arbitrator
between you both.

We have... history.

Tell me something.

Why did you choose this film?

Is it because you knew very well…

…That with this film…

…he will be most affected.

You have achieved what you intended.

What should've been personal
is now affecting two big films.

He may be able to afford it.

But, my producers are panicking.

He's landed up in Ooty today.

Our next schedule is in Kashmir.

What do you think will happen then?

I don’t think my producers or I
can calmly handle this.

And you will be the sole
cause of all this.

-My opinion, Shakthi.
-That's enough.

Please, don't.
I request you.

I mean Shakthi…

I know how the situation looks.

I'm not attempting to change it.

But please let me give up this film,
without losing any more of my dignity.

Please allow me.

I don't wish to do this film.

I'm very sorry
I have inconvenienced you.

Don't worry.

No hard feelings.

You seemed so sure that
I had picked this film to rile GMR?

Did someone say something?

You're in love with him, Shakthi.

How were you so sure I would ask
you to step down from the film?

Your track record.

Would you say it was
a kind of a Stockholm syndrome?

Funny, I didn't think of it like that.

But please don't ask me this
on camera.

Add a little more, Syed.

Ma'am, there's a letter for you.

Thank God.
Your friend has finally found happiness.

Who?

It's Alamelu's wedding invitation.
The girl was getting old.

We were wondering why her father
wasn't getting her married.

Her mother was praying so much.

They finally found her a match.

What about me?

It's different for you, Shakthi.

Am I not getting older, too?

Or do you only care about
others' ?

You should be happy for your friend.

Nothing has been right ever
since we moved here.

Who knows what lies ahead.

Of course, I'm happy for her.

You called?

No, Syed.

I was talking to myself.

I thought you were memorizing
lines, madam.

How long have you been
working for us, Syed?

I joined in 1965, madam.

It was your first film with GMR.

And now...

Time really flies.

Sure.

It's been a really long time.

I'm running out of time.

And I can't say it
to the person I need to.

Or anyone for that matter.

I'm saying it to you because
I know you won't understand.

I'm running out of time.

She looks gorgeous.

Make way!

-Let her through.
-Ma'am, autograph please.

Make way.

Please wait outside.

One moment.

Sir, could you move tables, please?

It's Shakthi, the actress.

Please have a seat.

-Okay?
-I'm fine.

Shakthi?

Yes, Pinky. It's me.

The ghost from your past.

Yeah, Shakthi.
It really does feel like that.

Can you imagine
how much time has passed?

We're old now, Shakthi.

Where do you live now?

I stay in Hyderabad.

Oh... small town.

What do you do there?

It's a simple life,
but I really like it.

So, did your mother tell you
that I bought your house?

Is it?

I never really bothered asking them
who was buying it.

It didn't really matter to me
even when they decided to sell it.

But I'm really happy that it was you
who bought it, Shakthi.

I know how much you loved that house.

See? It worked out well, I guess.

Your career for yourself.

You've become a star.

And this marriage, family, kids for me.

So, we both have
good lives now, Shakthi.

Yeah, I guess everything worked out.

You grew up, I grew up.

And now I realize that there's
no such thing as 'sisters for life'.

-Syed, let's go.

Let's go.

Men come and go,
they take and give nothing

and yet, no heartbreak
feels as painful

as one that comes from a sister
of your heart.

I'd imagined and played out
this moment in my head a 1000 times.

Where you would be sitting somewhere

and I would walk in dazzling.

You would notice my jewelry,
my cars, my status...

And you would regret

missing out on a continued
friendship with someone so successful.

But none of that was to be.

You seemed so unaffected.

That's what got to me.

Had you turned your face away from me,

had you been rude
about my acting career,

I would have handled that.

But what hit me was this.

That one of the biggest milestone
relationships in my life

was just a passing turn
in the route for you.

Had I imagined, unrequited,
a relationship of sisterhood with you?

And if I could do so once

then surely I was making
the same mistake again.

-GMR's house.
-It's so late, madam.

No arguments, Syed. Let's go.

Madam, stop!

Can't you hear me? Stop!

-Stop.
-Pradeepan, stay out of this.

-Where's GMR?
-Pradeepan.

What's the meaning
of this visit, Shakthi?

Do you love me, GMR?

In the only way I know how to... yes.

Then marry me.

Give me a place in your life
and in your house.

That can't happen, Shakthi.

But you said you loved me.

Love is supposed to be
limitless, boundless.

Do anything that your love asks of you.

Why do all women seek
the impossible from us men?

Such unconditional love
can only be a mother's love.

And I'm not your mother.

I come here seeking it from you
because I never got it from her.

You're not supposed to be here
in the first place, Shakthi.

We have rules.
And you know not to break them.

No matter what.

We shouldn't cross the lines.

No matter what?

What if I were dying?

You're not.

Do I feature in your life at all, GMR?

I'm in every page
of your life, Shakthi.

In the house you live in,
in the car you drive,

in your professional success.

In the status you enjoy.

I consume your life.

Isn't that enough, Shakthi?

I always thought you were
intelligent and different.

You disappoint me
with your behaviour.

Come.

Go back home, Shakthi.
Rest well.

I'll talk to your wife.

She will agree.

She knows about us, GMR.

Shakthi!

Leave.

Get out of my sight.

Or what?

I made you the actress you are.
I can also destroy you.

There's someone in my life

and he has this hold on me.

And I could never fight him
because today,

what I have with him is the
most important relationship in my life.

Or was it just the seesaw of emotions
I was experiencing because of him,

giving me the illusion that
I was in a relationship with him?

When in reality,
I was probably just marginalia.

And if everything
in my life means nothing,

then does this life mean
anything at all?

Please call and check on her, Alamelu.

I'm not sure if she'll want
to hear from me.

I just got it this morning.

You know what's bothering me the most?

It's the date on the letter.

It was her birthday.

Her 25th birthday.

She's just as old as you and me.

She's just 25 and look
at what she's had to go through.

Sir's here. Is the food ready?

Yes, that's the day we met.

I didn't know it was her birthday.

Shakthi.

Shakthi.

I knew you'd come.

Oh.

The doctor told me
it's food poisoning.

What did you eat?

Wasn't it food poisoning, doctor?

Shakthi, you need to rest.

Rest well.

Don't stress, Shakthi.

I've instructed Pradeepan
to take care of your needs.

I'm going to be busy
with my next film.

Call the office if you need anything.

Next film?

Am I not in it?

I don't think you can handle
shooting in Japan.

Take it easy.

You're leaving me, aren't you?

You're free, Shakthi.

So, it really boils down
just to one question.

Why do I think I know
what that question is?

So, I don't need to ask the question?

You're in love with him, Shakthi.

Tell me the truth.
You're in love with GMR, aren't you?

Sister.

Sister.

Sister.

Sister.

Everybody loved him.

But, I'm not everybody.

Jyothi...

What are you so grumpy about, Mother?

The way things are going south.

What's the big deal?

I'm still a successful actress
who can pack a cinema hall.

Why are you acting like everything
has come crashing down?

I've even got a Telugu film offer.
So what's the problem?

A Telugu film?

That film with a new director
because no one else would touch it.

Everything is indeed coming to an end.

Wake up, will you?

Thirumal Films, Mathura Studios,
BCN Productions...

have they all forgotten
you exist?

Or have big directors like A.K Natarajan
and Dhana Singh forgotten that you can act?

You mean the bigwigs of the industry
have shunned me?

That's a fact.

Fine, they have. Now what?

Tell GMR you made a mistake
and beg for his forgiveness.

What?

There's your ego, again.

Where was your ego
when you begged him to marry you?

Enough!

Seriously, Shakthi!
Why are you so hell bent on marriage?

He has given you everything
in spite of not being married to him.

You don't have the sacred marriage thread
around your neck.

What difference does that make?

You thought blackmailing him would work.

By staging suicide.

But, you failed.

Don't glare at me.

That's how he sees it.
As blackmail.

Everyone does.

If you want something from a man,

don't hold him by his
throat, but his feet.

Do you feel it is a
man's world, Ms Shakthi?

After achieving superstardom
in two very high profile careers

defeating men at every turn,

do even you still feel

it's an unfair world for us?

We carry them around for nine months,

and then we push them out of us.

Undergoing the kind of pain
they cannot even imagine.

We raise them,

we indulge them,

we spoil them.

We make them the demigods in our lives

around which everything revolves.

And then...

we complain about them.

I think what's unfair is
what we do to ourselves.

What's unfair is that
at the centre of our world,

we didn't save some space for us.

Sir.

Banner, sir.

Take it to Sabari.

No matter which party comes to power,
I'll be on the opposition.

There’ll be no change.
Let him know.

Okay, sir.

Shakthi, it would be unjust if I gave you

a role in my amateur plays.

Only you and I know
you're out of work.

But the public doesn't.
To them, you're still a big star.

I think it's a bad idea for them to see you
on a small platform.

Look, stars will never fall.

My mother curses me all the time.

She's asking me to apologise to GMR.

What do you think, sir?

It's really what you think.

I made one bad decision, sir.

That's one bad decision
that'll haunt me for life.

When GMR asked me the first time,
I should've said, 'No'.

Now it's karma.
I can't stop it.

I made that decision every time.

You already know
what the truth is.

Whether to continue
working with GMR,

or even interacting with him,

or even...

when I held my peace
instead of answering back.

These are mistakes I have
made several times over.

I don't want to make
the mistake again.

Didn't you write a lot in school?

Yes, sir.

It's been ages, though.

We can do one thing.

Why don't you start with a column
in my magazine?

Start writing again. Till you
start getting good projects again.

It will keep you in people's minds.

What do you think?

That's a good idea, sir.

In fact, I have some short story ideas.

One of them is in the fantasy genre.

And a family drama too!

No, Shakthi. Not made up stories.

It has to be about Shakthi
for people to read it.

Who she is - her life, her views.

Oh! What can I write about me
that could be interesting?

-Madam, coffee.
-Maybe I should write about GMR!

The perfume he uses,
what he looks like without makeup...

It's a good idea.
Isn't it, sir?

I'm sure people want
to know GMR more closely.

In fact, they'd be glued.

It will make your magazine
the hottest selling publication.

Shakthi, are you serious...

or joking?

Mother says GMR's men called three times...
threatening her and me...

that if I wrote about GMR,
things would get worse for me.

What did you expect, Shakthi?

Sir, I was joking.
I wouldn't write about him.

I can't afford to irk him, again.

I only want to be left alone.

But... why did you tell them
about our conversation, sir?

I didn't expect you...

What are you saying?

It was merely in jest.

I didn't mention it
to anyone else.

The very next day, we're being threatened.

Shakthi, I've known you since you were 12.

I've treated you like my daughter.

Do you really think
I would do that to you?

Men are hunters.

They have genetic information
passed down through centuries

that have taught them to survive.

Survive attack, sticky situations,
outsiders.

While we have been sitting in caves,

tending to babies and cooking

and keeping their beds warm
until they returned.

So much time has passed,

men have moved out.

But we are still living
under that rock.

Hiding under it.

Thinking we are safer there.

Protected from the world

by those we believed in

to protect us.

But ask yourself.

Who will protect you from them?

I hid for a while, too.

And then I chose not to, one day.

Yes...

the outside world has its own dangers.

But give me a spear,

give me a knife

and I'll show you what I can do.

I'll show you that
I was born to hunt, too.

Think about it. You and I were
not the only people in the room.

Ma'am.

Leave.

-Syed.
-Madam.

Yes, madam?

What's this for?

You always said I have a kind heart.

Then why did you betray me?

But I...

Look me in the eye and deny it.
Then, I'll believe you.

Say that you didn't tell anyone about
my conversation in Maya sir's office.

Speak, Syed.

Why did you do it?

A woman's instinct
is uncannily trustworthy.

It's actually a friend.

Especially when it comes
to the men in her life.

But despite the nagging voice
in our head,

that tells us beyond all doubt

that he is guilty,

we want to hear the contrary.

We want to be convinced
that we are wrong.

We are even willing to digest
the most improbable lie.

But still all the while,

yearning for the closure of truth.

You know what the irony is?

Sometimes when they admit
to the sin and come clean

you wonder why
you weren't even important enough

that they couldn't even be bothered

to try and lie to you.

Madam, I beg of you.

Deny it, Syed.

Madam, the Lord is my witness.

My children and I would
never cause you any harm.

I wouldn't have allowed anyone else
inside the 'Madhiyogi' office.

You were allowed in there
only because I trusted you.

You betrayed me.

Forgive me, madam.

Forgive me, madam.

I'll never break your trust again.
Please tell her.

My trust isn't the windshield of a car
that can be fixed if broken.

Trust is like life, Syed.

Once it's over, it's over.

The trust is over.

Madam...

He's crying not because
he betrayed me.

But, because he no longer can.

Let him cry.
Come inside.

You went slow on signing films
in the mid 70's.

I was yearning to read a script

where the character
was outspoken, bold, proud

and yet the heroine of the film.

In our films,

women are only nice
when they're soft,

good only when they listen to the men,

like showpieces that
didn't think too much.

That began to bother me.

But you've played very strong roles.

But only one
that truly reminded me of me.

It was the first film
I signed after the break.

It was my first Telugu film.

-Hello, ma'am. Hi.
-Greetings!

-Hi.
-I'm Deevika. I'm the chief AD.

And this is Bremen.

-Hi, ma'am.
-Sir's just gone to a location nearby.

-Okay.
-He'll be here any minute.

I'll just take you to the location.

Can someone take me
to my makeup room?

Uh... yes, ma'am.

-We're going there.
-Sure.

To the makeup room.

-Will my shoes be seen?
-No, they won't, ma'am.

May I come in?

It's the director.

One minute. Let me get the door.

Don't bother.

I may have my own key.

Oh, but I've bolted it.

And it seems to be stuck now.

Strong doors, you see.

I know.

Looks like we have
to break it down.

Okay, then.

Coming through.

Brace yourself.

Stand aside, please.

In one,

two...

thr-

It's finally wonderful
to have you here, ma'am.

Shakthi.

Please call me Shakthi.

Hi, Shakthi. I'm Chaitanya.

Welcome to my set.

Thank you.

You guys ready?

Come, ma'am.

Oh, sorry... Shakthi.

The frame is looking really good, guys.

You guys look real good for sure.

This is the scene where
you guys are getting married in the temple

without your parents' approval.

I'll show you what I want.

Bring the garland.

I'll show you how it's done.

Hold the garland, please.
I'll tell you what the mood is.

As you reach out to wear the garland...

Action.

Action.

You should eat better.

It's a very hot day.

Chaitanya, I think I'm sitting
on your chair.

Hey, don't worry about it.

It's just a chair.
Relax.

-You sure?
-Of course, yes.

Don't worry about them too much.

I'll speak to them, okay?

Go and sit.

This is what he has to say.
This is done.

Usually, nothing could take me away
from my book.

But in this case, the words
could've been in Mandarin for all I could care.

I couldn't tear my eyes off from him.

I literally had to tear my eyes off him.

Clap and action!

That good a read, huh?

John Le Carre.

Isn't this the book where the protagonist
carries out all the murders?

Right at the end?

Why would you tell me that?

So that you'd stop reading
and talk to me.

Okay. Tell me.

You know, I've been meaning to ask you.

Do you like it here?

Yeah. I guess.

Gandikota is nice.

I'm not asking you about the town.

I'm not Andhra Pradesh's
tourism minister.

It's a small crew.

And a young one.

And...

Lots of girls on set.

By far the most fun
I've had on a film before.

Why do you ask?

Care to extend the fun post shoot?

Have dinner with me
after the shoot.

I'm calling the entire crew.

I thought we can have a little party
after we get back to Hyderabad.

Is that okay with you?

Maybe you have other plans.

Let it be.

I'll call off the party.

I swear I'll never party again!

-Is everything ready?
-Yes, sir.

I'm coming.

I'll be back in two minutes.

Just one more shot.

You okay?

See you soon.

Son, pray.

Oh my!

-What are you doing?
-I can't handle it, mother.

Oh, dear!

Madam! Something is wrong
with Srikanth sir! Come fast!

-Srikanth...
-Mother.

-Look at him!
-What happened?

Son, listen to me!
Srikanth!

Mother, please open the door!

Open it.

Please, mother.

-What's going on?
-Mother.

Sister, let me out!

Mother, please open the door!

What's going on?

I can't take it anymore.
Mother, let me out!

Srikanth is...

Srikanth's a drug addict.

The son I yearned for...

He's now a drug addict.

For years...

he has been doing it
here, in our house.

He has been injecting heroine.

-What am I going to do?
-It will be fine, mother.

Don't worry, mother.

Mother.

Mother, trust me.
It will be fine.

I'm calling the doctor.

Shakthi...

He needs a doctor.

Sister, I don't want a doctor.

Shakthi, don't do this.

Sister, please. Don't call a doctor!

Mother, I will die!

Don't call the doctor, Shakthi.

Don't call him.

Please.

-He is someone we can trust.
-Please don't call the doctor.

Rehab centre.
That's the only way.

That will fix his addiction.

This is no different from admitting him
into a hospital and treating him.

They will take good care of your son.

You don't need to worry.

Doctor, should we get him
admitted in Chennai?

Don't worry about that.
Anywhere is fine.

No, doctor.

We cannot send him away.

Mother, the rehab centre
will take very good care of him.

At this stage...

I'm already scared, Shakthi.

Moreover, I cannot bear
to be apart from him.

Mother, this is the only way to save him.

-Doctor.
-Yes.

Let's go. We'll discuss it.

There's a rehab centre in Bangalore.
They will be very discreet.

-We should just admit him there.
-At the earliest, doctor.

I'll make some phone calls first
and fix it.

You've suddenly become so concerned
for your brother?

You only lived for yourself.

You never cared
whether he was around or not.

Do you even talk to him?

He has been struggling with himself
while wallowing in your shadow.

Oh! So, even this is my fault?

I don't want you to interfere, Shakthi.

I'll take care of my son.

Maybe I should let you two
talk in private.

After all, this is about her
and her son.

I'll stay out of it.

Doctor, let me know
how much I need to pay.

Once you've experienced the hold
a man can have over you,

and the struggle you faced
to free yourself from his grasp.

It's nice to see you here.

You're very very unlikely
to let yourself go with another man.

However different he may seem
from the man in your past.

The fear of feeling
that inevitable pain again,

the idea of being emotionally dependent
on someone again,

the dropping of all the defenses
you've put in place

after that first breach,

it's all too much.

You wonder, you have felt
this rush before and it didn't work out.

How can you believe this rush again
when it is known to lie?

I lied.

I have no clue about that book.

-What?
-I haven't read it.

I threw it away.

You owe me that book.

A woman who loves to read
will never throw her books away.

Have I been investigated?

The books were the reason
why I cast you.

Actually, why I wanted you.

I knew a woman
as well read as you

would try and understand what
I was trying to make

and get what kind of role
I was offering you.

I should have also
followed you around.

Figured out what kind of director
I was agreeing to work with.

Instead of taking a chance
and working with you.

Yeah, I know.

That was a chance you took.

I could've turned out to be
quite different.

I mean, I'm basically an open book.

Read it whenever you want.

Would you like to read me?

Also, Shakthi,

thank God you came.

I just invited all these people

so that I could have a reason
to have you over.

And tell me something...

Do I have to call all of them
over again tomorrow?

Or can it just be you and me?

I'm not sure.

I guess I might have to go home
before the next shoot starts.

You're sure you have to go?

In that case,

I can't risk the chance
of missing this opportunity with you.

May I have this dance with you?

The view,

and you...

breathtaking!

Truly.

Hey, you okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

No I mean, we can push the shoot
if you want.

No, it's okay.
It's work, right? It's fine.

Man, I can't believe
it's the last day of shoot.

Time just flew.

Yeah, it was very different for me too.

You know, I'm actually tempted to write
a few more scenes just to have you around.

Very cool if you could do that.

Cut it.

Good scene, sir.

-Got everything?
-Yes, sir.

-It's an okay for me.
-Shoot it at the next location.

-Okay, sir.
-Okay.

Well shot, sir.

Guys, it's ma'am's last day at work.

Her work ends here today.

And she deserves
a big round of applause.

Great work, ma'am.

Thank you.

Ma'am, you did well.

We are done.

It's a wrap for you.

Of course, we have some work left.

But, it was brilliant working
with you, Shakthi.

Seriously, I had the time of my life.

I had a great time
working with you

and the crew.

I meant what I said.

This is the most fun
I've had at work ever.

But now, I have to wake up.

Face reality.

Can't keep running away
from it forever, right?

You can stay if you like.

I have to go back to Madras.

There's a lot of stuff there
that I've looked away from.

And I need to know if this happiness

can carry forward and last there,

through all of that.

Or if this was just a distraction
I was allowing myself.

Can't live
on the playground, Chaitanya.

At the end of the day,
I need to go back home.

Okay.

So, I'll see you around?

Are you planning on visiting
Hyderabad any time soon?

No, I meant...

Perhaps, if you are in Madras?

I have no work in Madras.

No plans to come over there, either.

Oh... I have no plans
to be in Hyderabad either.

Then I guess we won't be seeing
each other around much.

Okay.

Shakthi, one second.

The girl with wings.

But does she want to touch the sky?

I want that for you.

It's interesting sometimes

how someone else can
reflect back who you are.

-Where did you get this?
-I just... found it.

Nice?

She reminds me so much of you.

You know...

Much better than you
can see of yourself.

I felt like life
had changed me drastically

and yet my entire journey
could be understood

from the difference
in the incline of my neck,

tilting up...

to drooping down.

Is this why I pay you?

You had one job!
To take care of Srikanth!

How did he run away under your watch?

Why are you standing here?
Go look for him!

My poor son.

God knows where my son is...
or what he must be doing.

How many times did
I tell you to watch him?

-Ma'am...
-Shut up!

God knows where he is!
Srikanth, where are you?

Where could he be?

Hey!

You said you saw him
near a park the other day?

Do you know the place?

Where will you look for him
at this hour?

Shut up.

Get our rickshaw driver.
Let's go look for him.

We can't just go
looking around, mother.

What are you waiting for?

You heard me.
Bring the rickshaw driver.

Don't just stand there.

Get a torchlight.

Mother, we should go to the police.

That's the only way.

The police?

Who are you to suggest that?

You abandoned us
and went about your life.

It's your fault my son has left me.

Where will we go looking for Sri?

So you'll call the police?

Not a care all this time.
Suddenly she gives a damn.

Do you want to call the police?

God knows how my son is.
Where he must be.

No one cares for my son except me.

Everything's gone wrong
since you antagonised GMR.

Didn't I tell you
not to call the police?

Hello. This is GMR's office.
Who's speaking?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello, Pradeepan, it's me... Shakthi.

I need to meet GMR sir.

Ma'am, have this.

You haven't eaten lunch.

-Please eat something.
-No, thank you.

Shakthi ma'am.

What are you doing here?

Usually, it's your mother who comes.

Why did she send you?

My mother?

When did my mother last come here?

Maybe a week ago.

I'm here to meet GMR.

Do you know where he is?

GMR sir has been out of the country
for more than five days now.

He'll return only after a week.

Your mother knows this.

Where's Shakthi?

She's been waiting the whole day.
She just left.

Sir, Shakthi asked me
to give you a message.

She asked me to tell you
that she would be back.

Any news about my son?

Thank you, doctor.

Mother, you must be exhausted.

You haven't slept in two days.

Get some rest.

Lie down properly, Sri.

Sri...

Listen to mother.

Lie down properly.

Go on, mother.

I'll stay with Sri.

Take your medication
before you sleep, mother.

Sri...

Sri, get up.

Come on.

Sleep properly.

You really got us worried.

I didn't mean to.

I just couldn't...
understand anything.

It's okay.

For everything you went through...

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Get some sleep.

Shall I turn off the lights?

Can we talk for a little while?

Of course.

Sister, I didn't...

mean to do this.

Stop feeling sorry.

Talk about something else.

We used to talk so much
when we were younger.

Now we just...

Parthiba, beware the sword of rage!

I've both, infantry
and a battalion of war elephants.

You don't stand a chance.

O great Saint! Enraged elephants
and a bloodthirsty infantry...

are no challenge for a brave warrior.

Remember when we were kids?

First, you would role play as GMR

and then, you went on
to actually act with him.

Unbelievable, isn't it?

When you became
a star, I realised...

that I'm alone in the dark.

That darkness would
taunt me, and tell me...

that I'm living off
my sister's money.

But I accept it, sister.

You have been through
a lot to get here.

Listen to me.

Stop being childish, Sri.

If I were in your place
you would've taken care of me.

If I were in your place,
we'd be on the streets.

It's because of you we've come this far.

This luxurious life, this status...

It's all thanks to you.
You made it happen.

I know the sacrifices
you made to get here.

You have something I don't.

I have a bungalow, a car,

property and bank balance.

What do you have?

I have mother.

I want to sleep.

I'm tired.

Can you turn off the lights?

Will you take care
of my little brother?

Don't worry. We will.

You know how some women say
that other women are their worst enemy?

I know where they're coming from.

Because the longest standing battle
I had in my life

was with a woman.

But I always knew
that my enmity wasn't with her.

She was after all a pawn

in a game that was
invented by a man.

But sometimes,

it's important to destroy the pawn

to teach the rule-maker some lessons.

Haven't any of you seen him?

He said he isn't going anywhere.

Shakthi, Sri is missing!

Shakthi, where is Sri?

I'm talking to you.
What did you do to him?

You destroyed my life. Now look,
fate has taken away your son from you.

As you sow, so shall you reap.

Your lesson is...
never betray me again.

Why did you use him
to avenge me?

He's your little brother.

Srikanth is getting the best treatment
in the rehab centre.

The only person being punished, is you.

Did you ask for my permission
before sending my son away?

It is a sin, I tell you!

And you let Syed take the fall for you?

It was you, not him
who betrayed me.

He told you about my conversation
at Maya sir's office in confidence.

You were GMR's snitch!

And when I pulled up Syed for it,

you kept mum
and enjoyed the drama.

Why, mother?

Is that how you treat someone
who has been loyal all his life?

You'd rat out your daughter
to gain GMR's trust?

You're Pradeepan's informant.

Because you think
that someday he will help you.

And you're calling me names?

I won't stay in the house
without my son.

You know the way out, mother.
The doors are open.

Leave.

Your arrogance will destroy you.

I wish you had never been born.

You'll realise my worth
when you're lonely.

I don't need you, your money
or your bungalow.

-All okay?
-Yes.

Nice property.

Yes, it is.

Sir, can I meet madam?

She's in the middle of an interview.
Now is not a good time.

Get coffee!

Hurry up.

Hey!

Ms Shakthi...

Your friend asked me
to say hello to you.

Mr. Reddy.

He lives on my farm in Pune.

Who are you talking about?

The director of your
first Telugu film, ma'am.

I know you can't leave home.

But I had to leave
and come see you.

I thought I'll just say hello

and leave.

So... hello and bye.

Shakthi...

-You didn't have to...
-No trouble at all.

Next time, make sure
you stay for lunch.

I'll see you.

I'll write for the column.

My personal experiences.

Good.

What will you start with?

A love story.

My love story.

Chaitanya Reddy, ma'am,
the director!

He has two daughters.
His older daughter is...

Mr. Surana!

I never asked.

I neither have the interest or inclination
to know about Mr Chaitanya Reddy

or the balls he was missing
all those years ago.

Syed.

Madam.

If anybody speaks to me
before I speak to them,

throw them out.

Even if they are the producers
of this show.

Remind them it is
Shakthi Seshadri's show.

Please leave.
Didn't I tell you, sir?

Come on.

I always wanted a family.

Maybe if life
had turned out differently,

I would've been working
as a doctor or a lawyer

married with kids,

settled comfortably in domesticity.

And not wanting much more.

And even though my life
took me into films,

I never gave up the idea
of marriage at all.

And I think until a certain age,

I tried to see if that
personal aspect of my life…

…could be worked out.

And if it didn't work,

it definitely wasn't because

I didn't try.

Or from the lack of trying.

I wasn't expecting
this sort of a welcome.

That's because I wasn't expecting you.

So, what do we do now?

How do we take it from here?

You stay here with me,

until you have to go.

But...

What about your family?

Your mother?

Won't she have something
to say about this?

Since you're my daughter
in this lifetime,living on my money,

you must do as I say.

What happens when the money
and house are mine?

Finally I know what it means
to have your own home.

Welcome to my home, Chaitanya.

Come.

I'll keep your shirts here.

-Can I take a look?
-Looks fancy, isn't it?

Of course.

Oh, nice.
So, let this be here.

Comfortable?

Are you okay?

This morning I left Hyderabad
with just your address

and nothing else.

I had no idea what I'd say to you.

I had no idea where you were,

or what you were doing.

When you left, you had
a lot going on with your life.

I didn't know where it all stood today.

I was really okay with you
saying no to me.

No, trust me! I really was.

But I had to just come try.

I just couldn't... not try.

So, within a few hours of leaving home,

I find myself moving into yours.

Darn!

Am I doing okay?

I don't know.

It's okay.

I think I'm doing amazing.

Everyone's looking at us.
Are you sure this is okay?

Yeah... so?
Two people can't have lunch?

Listen...

I don't care what people think or say.

But, I'm a nobody here.

This is not my city

and I'm not the one
who's recognised here.

If you are not comfortable doing this,
we don't have to do it.

We can go home and eat.

No, not at all.

We are all dressed and ready.

I think we should do this.

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

Are you okay, Shakthi?

-Isn't that Shakthi?
-Yes.

Who's the man with her?

No idea.

Nirmala, please get me some onions.

Coming, ma'am.

I should have known you'll punish me
for cancelling lunch.

Stop talking and just chop, woman.

I'm so bad at this.

Can't I get Nirmala
or Jyoti to do this?

I've given them other stuff to do.

You just do the onions.

Okay, director sir.

You don't eat eggs, right?

-No.
-Okay.

We can make some nice
vegetable fried rice.

This looks good.

And for the gravy,
I'm going to need...

turmeric, some chilly powder,
and pepper.

Will you get them?

Listen, I have no idea.

This is the first time
I'm spending this long in the kitchen.

Jyoti...

-You live here, don't you?
-Yes.

Spoilt brat.

-I'm good at other things, sir.
-Yeah? Like what?

Give me some curry leaves.

Here you go.

-What did you get?
-See.

Curry leaf and coriander.

Coriander and curry leaf.

Coriander and curry leaf.
See the difference?

Oh, okay.

It's not easy, okay?
Everybody gets confused.

Everybody?

Everybody who's never been
inside a kitchen before or a vegetable market?

Anyway, can you pick up
some green chillies, please?

-Chillies, huh? Okay.
-Doable, right?

Jyoti...

-You.
-Me?

Yeah, the chillies are calling for you.

Yes, ma'am?

I'll manage.

Can I get some
of those green chillies.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Selvi, isn't that Shakthi?
Look at her.

I think so.

Hey, isn't that Shakthi?

-Oh, my God! What are you doing?
-Oh, my God!

Please hold this for me.

Thank you.
-Have a look.

I understand the confusion
but this is midget gourd.

-Green chillies aren't green at all.
-What? No, how come?

Jyothi, aren't these green chillies?

You're teasing me.

You did real good.

-So, shall we head?
-Thank God!

You have to.
Here, but don't suffocate.

Can I have that back, ma'am?

Okay, then.

Buddy, do you know who she is?

-Shakthi.
-Chaitanya!

-That's Shakthi!
-Go!

-Hello, morning!
-Hello!

-Breakfast?
-Sudha is just making us some.

You woke up early?

Yeah yeah, couldn't sleep.

I'm used to mosquitoes.
There weren't any.

Bed was okay?

A little stiff for my liking
but I'll make do.

Come up.

Sudha.

I don't think the power's going to be back
till tomorrow morning.

-What?
-Yeah.

Oh, God!

Call the MES Engineer.

-Sure, sir.
-Hurry, please.

How're we going to manage tonight?

No lights... no power,

it's going to be difficult.

What do we do?
Should we just go somewhere?

No, we'll do something.

What?

Come.

What a perfect sky!

The moon looks so beautiful.

I can't believe you haven't
come up here and done this before.

I don't know about you...

But, I need someone
to do these things with.

And at home,
with my mother around,

I just...

Do you want to tell me what happened?

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

How come you've never
asked me about GMR?

I mean, I know people
must have told you and

you must have heard talk.

How come you never asked me?

I never really felt like asking.

Guess it was not important.

But I do have one question.

Are you happier with me now?

Happier with me...

out in the open?

You know, the moon...

it's damn ugly.

All the poetry they write about it...

lies!

It's ugly as sin.

But if it was anything like
how they described it,

I'm guessing it would
look like your face.

Sing for me.

I heard you're a really good singer.

Sing for me.

Presenting a timeless classic
from the film 'Chori Chori'

starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis.

This song is dedicated to the moon,
which I hear, is ugly as sin.

-Anything else, ma'am?
-No, it's okay.

Okay, ma'am.

It's a front desk job as a receptionist.

You will be required to
handle phone calls and bookings.

-What are the timings?
-There are two shifts. Nine to six...

Nine to six?

Yes.. or you could opt for night shift.

Aaloo?

Alamelu!

It's been years.
How are you?

I'm fine.

How are you doing?

How's your mother?

I'm so happy to see you.

I reminisce our school days
all the time.

-Are you based in Madras?
-Yes.

Then you must come home.

-Promise me!
-One moment.

I've missed you so much.

This is my office number.
I'll be available on it between 9 to 6.

I'll look forward to hearing from you.

I've missed you, too.

-I'll get going.
-See you.

Take this away.

Quick, Jyothi. It's time.

Coming, ma'am.

Relax, Shakthi.
It's going to be fine.

I haven't called anyone home... ever.

Ever!

I never felt like, with mother around.

This is the first time
I'm inviting someone home.

Yeah?

It has to be perfect.

It just has to be.

I'm seeing her after so long.

Alamelu loves her food.

And she'll be expecting
some good food.

You know, in school, she used
to have a timetable for her food.

Monday was steamed cake,

Tuesday was fried bread,
Wednesday was crepes.

And she hated it.

Half the time,
she used to eat Pinky's food.

-What?
-Nothing.

It's going to be okay.
Don't worry too much.

-Hello?
-Shakthi.

Hey, Alamelu.

It’s just that, I won’t
be able to make it for lunch.

Something has come up at work.
Sorry.

Oh...

Is it?

Yes. Hope you won’t feel bad.
Please excuse me.

It's okay.

Sure its okay?

Yeah, sure.

-Bye.
-Bye

I hate this phone.

-She's not coming?
-No.

It's okay.
You come here.

I know.

It's okay.

May we come in?

Alamelu! You came.

Shakthi.

Sorry about lunch.
Sometimes I work on Saturdays, too.

It's alright.

When did you get here?
How did you come?

Happy now, Shakthi?

Have you eaten?

Just give me half an hour.
I'll tell the maids to cook...

Hey, just relax!

You girls sit, talk and catch up,

I'll fix us all some dinner.

-Chaitanya, it's okay.
-I insist. Please.

I must leave.
It's very late.

Promise me... you'll always
keep my friend this happy.

She deserves this.

She deserves better.

But I'll try.

Thank you.

Thank you for coming.

You know,

these are the kind of films
I want to make.

With these sensibilities.

Maybe I should make a Hindi film.

You know?

What's happening with our film, Chaitanya?

My first film is a flop
even before it releases.

Hey, don't look worried!

It's all okay.

I mean, I'm prepared
for this tough journey.

Don't want you looking
at me like that.

Don't be worried.

I wasn't worried.

I was just thinking.

I don't want your money.

I'm not offering it to you.

I don't want you making
any calls either.

I have nobody I can call.

Just hear me out
and think about it.

Now, you want to make movies
like this.

But you've made a movie
for people here.

I mean, Indian audience.

I enjoy these films, too.

But I've been part of films
which this audience enjoys.

If you want, I could
suggest some changes.

Stop.

Chaitanya, what do you think about it?

Don't you think we should
make it shorter?

-The wedding scene... make it shorter?
-Yeah.

I mean, only if you're okay with it.

Chaitanya, we can scrap
all the changes if you want.

Shakthi, this version actually works.

-Really?
-Yeah.

Feels okay to put your name on it?

It's just not about me.

A lot of people have worked hard
on this project.

For less that nothing,

just to see their name on the screen.

As for me,

I'll be really happy to see my name
anywhere next to yours.

There's nothing on the screen.

Isha?

-Chaitanya, are you okay?
-Yeah.

Guys, relax.
Our film will be a hit.

Hello?

Tell me, Rama Naidu sir.

Thank you very much, sir.
I appreciate it.

Sure, sir.

He liked the film!

And he said he'll release it.

Thank you every body.
It's all our effort, guys.

Great work, guys.

Everybody...

Guys...

I'm not one for speeches,

but I'll say this.

I love you, all.

A lot.

You know, the biggest take home
for me on this film,

is Shakthi.

And now that I know
you all are drunk,

and won't remember a thing
tomorrow morning,

I'll say this.

Shakthi, you're one hell of a woman.

And I'm honoured to be a part
of your life.

Really!

So, my love story.

Happiness seems to have found me at last.

The best days of my life.

Why do I feel like
you want to ask me something?

That obvious, is it?

Obvious enough after 10 hours
of driving.

Come.

Wonder why it feels
like I've been here before.

Really?

Rama Naidu sir wants
to produce my next film.

I was wondering if...
maybe we could write it together.

When did this happen?

Do I take that as a yes?

Will you write with me, Shakthi?

Of course I'll write with you.

But why didn't you tell me
this before?

I'm telling you now.

Doing it my way.

In a place that changed my life.

Shakthi, I'm Chaitanya.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Same here.

Welcome to my sets.

You wonder how life would've been
if we had never met?

I think, if I had not met you...

I would've never known
it's possible to be this happy.

And now, I'm worried.

Worried about what?

I'm worried I may not know
how to be happy without you anymore.

Chaitanya, I like you very much.

Shakthi...

I love you.

It's sweet of you
to bring me here but...

Did you actually drive ten hours
just to ask me this?

I'd have driven ten hours
just to see you.

Even if it was just for a moment.

-But I do have something else to say.
-What?

You remember the first day on set?

When we shot
a marriage sequence here?

Which we did together?

So...

So?

Hold this.

Hello, Shakthi ma'am.

-She looks more beautiful in person.
-True.

We have a temple consecration
next month.

Come for sure.

-I'll definitely be there.
-Thank you.

There's a sari shop next door.
Let's go?

He has asked you
to marry him, hasn't he?

No, I proposed to him.

Shakthi!

And?

This month... 26th.

I'm not inviting anyone.

But I need you to be there.

I can't do this alone.

Listen to me…
You are a film star.

You're Shakthi.

You're not doing this right.
You've no idea how it's done.

What do you mean?

These earrings go well with this sari.

You're right.
And this one?

-How is it?
-Very pretty.

-Show me that sari.
-Give me that one.

How is it?

-It's the one. Please pack it.
-Okay, ma'am.

-Pack those, too.
-Okay, ma'am.

-Alamelu.
-Yes.

I want a traditional
Iyengar nuptial chain.

I feel strongly about wearing one.

After all, it's my culture and tradition.

And I don't want to break that.

Sure.

Even though nothing else
about this wedding is traditional.

I'll organise the nuptial chain for you.

Don't say no. Let it be
my wedding gift to you.

Shakthi...

Mother?

Don't you want to at least inform her?

Mother, please. You don't understand.

You always brushed me off
whenever I suggested marriage.

You said that
you never wanted to get married.

Couldn't you at least wait
for us to meet her before proposing?

I don't think she was thinking about you
when she proposed to me, Dad.

And even if I were to propose to her,

I wasn't going to wait for you
to get here from Washington DC,

to give me your approval.

I love her, dad.

-That's not right, Chaitanya.
-Manju, listen…

This is how it works nowadays.

Chaitu, tell me.

Will she continue acting after marriage?

I hope so.

She's far more successful than I am.

Why are you treating us like the foe?

Because you're being hostile
to someone you haven't even met.

It's weird.

We may not have met her,
but we've heard stuff.

We hear she was...

that actor's girlfriend.
A married man... much older.

Do you think you're giving me
information I don't know?

Okay...

Let's do this.

-Eight.
-What?

Stuff you don't know about me.

Eight is the number of girls
I've been with.

What nonsense are you talking?

Is this the way you talk
in front of your mother?

Talking about Shakthi's past,

especially when she is not around
to defend herself,

it's not right, mom.

And as parents we should be able
to express our worry and concern

without you telling us
that we're being judgmental.

Is it right for us to meet her
for the first time at your wedding?

Did neither of you consider being respectful
towards the parents and seek our blessings.

It's the missing culture in her
that bothers me.

Basic class is lacking.

Would she marry without
her mother's approval?

She is.

Her mother doesn't know.

You're only telling me things
that are only worrying me more.

This is not fair.

You don't know anything
about her or her life.

Exactly my point.

Listen, Chaitanya.
Postpone the wedding.

It's a small temple ceremony, after all.
Push it by a few weeks.

Let us meet her,
get your horoscopes matched.

Horoscopes? God!

Are you...

Dad, I can't push the wedding.

She's emotionally fragile
and I don't want to do this to her.

What do we do?

He must've reached the hotel.

Hi!

Checked in?

Hello, Shakthi.

What happened, Chaitanya?

Is everything okay?

They're not coming.

What?

What happened?

It's okay, Shakthi.

They'll come around.

They'll be fine
when they see you.

Whenever that is.

They flew from America to Hyderabad
and they couldn't fly from there to here?

Leave it, Shakthi.

If you can do this without your mom,

I can do this without them.

I love you.

I love you, too.

See you tomorrow?

See you tomorrow?

Tamil and all!

See you tomorrow. Yes.

Early tomorrow.

Bye.

Bye.

Should I tell him that it's okay
to postpone the wedding?

Why?

His parents are good people.

They love him.

And he wants them at his wedding.

I know he does.

Maybe I should meet them,
and we do this the proper way.

I want them to like me.

Until then, I should wait.

Let me speak to him.

Good evening, this is The Chola.
How may I help you?

Hello?

Could you connect me to
Mr. Chaitanya Reddy's room, please?

Sure, madam. One second.

Yeah.

Sorry, madam. The line seems to be engaged.
Can I take a message?

Could you tell him it's really important?

That Shakthi called
and he needs to call back?

Certainly, madam. I'll let him know.
Thank you.

Thank you.

Maybe he has kept
the phone off the hook?

You tried, Shakthi.

That's enough. Go to sleep.

Maybe this is how it's meant to be.

His parents could have a change of heart.

Leave it to him.

He'll handle it.

Yes, I guess.

Sleep. Don't worry.

Give it to me.

Sudha, bring some coffee.

Okay, ma'am.

Relax. Let me check.

Recess bells in school,
telephone rings, door bells...

I always hated them.

It felt like a reminder
like something unpredictable is waiting,

is going to pull the rug
from under your feet…

…just when you think
you have it all sorted.

Just the sound of it,
even till today,

and it rakes up
a bad feeling in me.

I don't know if it happens
with everybody,

but there are times

when I'm so happy

and in such a good space,

even in that moment,
at the back of my mind,

I'm waiting or wondering

when that sound is going to jolt me.

Wake me up…tell me that…

…its time to close that Chapter.

Come.

Hello, Chaitanya.

Shakthi...

Shakthi, I want to talk to you.

Tell me.

I got a call from the Hindi producer
I was chasing.

He called me last evening
and I met him last night.

They've offered me the film, Shakthi.

My script.

Our script.

They want me to start immediately.

They've got it all set up and

they want me in Bombay
as soon as I can.

I've stayed up all night
thinking about this.

I'm very happy for you, Chaitanya.

But obviously there's a reason
why I'm talking to you on the phone

instead of hearing it from you
in a conversation after our wedding.

Do you think we rushed
into this, Shakthi?

Directors also can't be married now, is it?

What's the connection between
the Hindi film offer and us, Chaitanya?

It's not the movie.

It's the movie... yes, but

it's also my parents.

It's your mother.

It's everything.

Why get married like this?

Why the hurry?

We were happy where we were.

Why this?

Because it was important
to me, Chaitanya.

Being married,

having a family,

it is important to me.

And I'm not saying no.

I just need some time.

Is that so wrong?

No.

It's not.

Not at all.

Even if you had told me last night
when your parents decided not to come,

we would have been flying
to Hyderabad right now.

Trying to woo them
and get them on our side.

But an hour before the wedding, Chaitanya?

I love you.

You know that, right?

All I'm asking
is for a little more time.

Just to do this right.

Until then, nothing changes.

Nothing at all.

Everything has changed.

Nothing is the same anymore.

There's doubt now.

The trust is gone.

And I suddenly feel like
the dream is over.

I feel awake now, Chaitanya.

And everything is over.

And it's like...

even if I go back to sleep,

and try as hard as I can,

I'll never be able to dream
the same dream again.

It'll never be the exact same dream.

Never.

And I'll always be aware
that I'm dreaming.

I know you're disappointed, Shakthi.

But...

please don't be stubborn.

Just listen to me.

Shakthi, what we have is great.

If you let us go
just because there's a change in plan,

you'll regret it.

I already do, Chaitanya.

Hey, I didn't...

Hello?

Put the phone off the hook.

Close the gates.
Tell the guard to let no one in.

Take it off, mother.

I said, “remove it, mother!"

Shakthi?

I like this frame.
Keep it slightly wide.

Thank you.

We didn't thank you
for letting us use this place.

-It was very kind of you.
-You're most welcome.

Thanks.

You know, I was thinking...

we've both chosen a single life.

I mean, it's not been uninteresting, but

do you have any regrets?

We are alone anyway
with or without men.

Men tend to take your trust,

and then disappoint.

Might as well be disappointed
from the start.

In them, with them.

You know, you lose nothing that way.

Regret, yes.

That I didn't learn this early enough.

Despite the voice in my head.

That I figured this out

only after I got my heart broken...

twice.

The need for family

can sometimes be so consuming,

it can destroy you.

Sorry, I'm a bit of a...

bit of a crier and a hugger.

I'm sorry.

I'm not a hand-holder,
hugger, or crier.

Your dream of going
to Queen Victoria College

is becoming a reality.

-Really?
-Yes.

I have enough money
for your education.

Study well, Shakthi.

Thank you, mother.

-You want to be a lawyer, don't you?
-Thank you.

Will you do this film with me?

For my sake.

No... I won't.

There was a point in time

when everyday I would
have the same hazy thoughts and visuals

coming to me in my sleep.

Every night without fail

almost like a vicious reminder.

But I thought you said
you couldn't dream the same dream.

Oh... you can.

When they are nightmares, you can.

So at this point, did you feel like
you couldn't take it any longer?

My mother would say,

"This too shall pass."

And here I am, sitting
in front of you.

Shakthi!

Open the door.

Open the door, Shakthi!

Shakthi!

Hey!

Sudha.

Nirmala!

Hello!

What is it, Shakthi?

Are you deaf?

Sudha.

I've fired Sudha and Nirmala.

Why?

Did I give you permission
to do so?

How dare you?

I didn't think I needed your permission.
And, you weren't in any state to reason.

They're my helpers, mother.

Until a few months back,
I managed this house, Shakthi.

It was I who employed them, too.

What did they do?

They talk.

They talk about the wrong things
at the wrong place.

This isn't the first time, Shakthi.

I'm aware, mother.

Shakthi, SRS says you need
to consult a psychiatrist.

He has taken an appointment.

You think the help gossips?

When I visit a psychiatrist...

people will think
that I'm mentally unstable?

Is that what you want?

Cat got your tongue, mother?

Or did SRS advise
you not to upset me?

Why did you turn off the music?
You love listening to old songs.

Not anymore.

Shakthi, you have to face your fears
to overcome them.

Only then will you realise
that you're stronger than them.

Be strong and do it, Shakthi.

I'm not ready.

Did you send the cook away, too?

I'm still here, Shakthi.

I'm hungry.

Why don't you cook?

I suggest you learn.

Everybody who's never been
inside a kitchen before

or a vegetable market?

I'm not ready.

I told you...

we're going to be alone.

All alone.

You must stop
at all costs, Shakthi.

I need you to discontinue
your studies, Shakthi.

You're free, Shakthi.

Goodbye is the hardest thing.

Pinky plus Shakthi,
sisters for life.

Shakthi... smile, please.

You will earn fame and glory.

But even in success
you will be alone.

It's just a dream.

It's okay.

When did you come here?

Last night.

What for?

I'll be sleeping here
till your nightmares stop.

If I kill myself, you'll lose
your income. Right, mother?

Something like that.

I'll do anything to get my mother
out of my room.

You don't understand.

Shakthi, you're being very hard on her.

She was distraught
when you were brought in.

Yeah, right!

Distraught to lose the goose
that lays her golden eggs.

Come on, Shakthi. That's not fair.

Fine.

But she's still the one
responsible for my present state.

She should've protected me.

I don't think you
need any protection.

But I'm not a psychiatrist.

Dr. Chari is the expert.

I think you should definitely
meet him.

I'm not ready, doctor.

Just not.

Come on, Shakthi.

You need to step out.

We all think we expect the most
from a lover or a spouse.

The truth is,

the heaviest burden of our expectations
is placed on our parents.

We have this sense of entitlement

that it's their living duty
to put us first

and take care of us.

If nature has given a parent
the instinct to protect their young ones,

it somehow managed to give
every child a chip on the shoulder

expecting constant proof
of the parent's commitment to the job.

One mistake from their end,

the slightest display of weakness

and we are so ready to write them off.

May I join you?

Sir!

-Please come.
-Please, sit.

May I?

Shakthi, I heard that
you were being unfair to your mother.

Why?

It seems she's making
quite the effort to play victim?

Shakthi, like anyone else
your mother had dreams.

But her life was severed
before she could finish those dreams.

I know, sir.

That's why her goals became mine.

Isn't she done with me
after dolling me up as a heroine?

For your mother,
becoming an actress wasn't her dream.

She didn't want to do anything.

She had no option but to work.

She probably wanted a domestic life.

A nagging husband, screaming kids...

and a quarrelsome mother-in-law.

Spoiling them silly, loving them...
in spite the differences.

That was her dream life.

Has she ever told you this?

I knew your mother
before I knew you, Shakthi.

Her life wasn't as she desired
it to be.

She wasn't educated like you
to land even a decent job.

She had to make do
with what came along.

But she never enjoyed what she did.

That should've made her
more empathetic towards me.

It's human nature to remember
the hurtful moments.

And conveniently forget

times when those very people
have protected us.

Are you kidding?

She did her best to protect you.

Shakthi...

Shakthi!

-Discontinue your studies.
-Goodbye is the hardest.

Pinky plus Shakthi.

You're going to be alone.

What are you doing here?

You were talking in your sleep.

You don't need
to stay here with me.

Bear with me, Shakthi.

Only till you're okay.

I know you hate me.

I don't hate you, mother.

Goodbye is the hardest...

Discontinue your studies.

Pinky plus Shakthi...

You're free, Shakthi.

You're going to end up alone.

That's your fate, Shakthi.

Pinky plus Shakthi...

-Pinky plus Shakthi...
-Discontinue your studies.

Why are you sleeping here?

Why not in your bedroom?

I'm fine here.

I'm hungry.

Is there anything to eat?

Food will be ready in a jiffy
if you help me cook.

Fine.

We need to check
what we have.

I need to go to the grocery store.
Ask Syed to take the car out.

Greetings, madam.

How are you, madam?

-Please forgive me, Syed
-Please, don't...

Don't say that, madam.

Why are you apologising?

-Thank you, Syed.
-Why, madam?

Shakthi was in a self-imposed
house arrest.

Don't worry, madam.

Hereafter, Shakthi madam
will go all around town.

This is a Mark-II.
It's a good model.

Mother, please turn off the music.

Why, what happened?

I don't like it.

Play what you like.

It tastes so good.
Very well done, Shakthi.

Shall we eat?

No, mother.

I'm not hungry anymore.

I'm going to my room.

What happened, Shakthi?

I told you...
I am not ready.

Sorry, mother.

I don't mean to hurt you.

But I can't take it.

Mother's is tensed, Syed.

She has been managing the house
for all these years.

She's been taking care
of everything single-handedly.

She's getting old.

You know how parents say

that their children will always be children
to them, no matter what?

I think that's also true with the way children
perceive their parents.

They are always older,

but never old.

Not our own parents, at least.

We see the symptoms.

But it never really registers.

It's like the mental image
of our parents at 35

replaces the image
we see in front of us.

Like, I didn't realise the reason
she moved to the bedroom downstairs,

was because she was finding it difficult
to climb the stairs.

So...

while ageing is a gradual process,

the realisation of it for me,

was an overnight one.

I'll get Sudha and Nirmala back.

Raji, too.

I'm fine now.

Syed, don't you think
it's a good idea?

I didn't say anything because your mother
wouldn't want you to know.

Sudha and Nirmala are good people.

They didn't spread any rumours.

They were loyal to you.

She sent them away...

because we couldn't afford them.

Your mother was being cautious
since money is tight.

It's been long
since there's been any income.

Madam, please don't feel bad.

She doesn't blame you at all.

She's trying her best
by managing chores herself.

And the best part is that
you'll are spending more time together.

That's enough for her.

Syed?

Are you getting paid?

You've given me food and shelter.
And a place in your lives.

I couldn't ask for more.

Don't let mother know that I know.

And casually mention to her
that I want to start work again.

I have to make some calls, Syed.

Start tomorrow, madam.

Why not today?

Happy birthday, madam.

Would you say your mother
made amends later in life

to repair the relationship
between you two?

Perhaps you could say that.

Or the way I see it is

the heartbreak I faced
from losing the life of marriage is

something she related to.

She understood the pain
and she took care of me.

She really did.

It's almost like finally she
and I had something in common.

Unfortunately, it was shared misery.

I remember things that never happened
when I was younger

or when I thought it mattered to me.

She did them much later on in life,

when it didn't seem so important.

Or so I thought.

Happy birthday, Shakthi.

Be careful! The cake.

Come.

Happy birthday, madam.

Happy birthday, Shakthi.

-Thank you, sir.
-You're welcome.

-Oh, my God! Sister Flavia!
-My child!

Happy birthday, my child.

Thank you.
Thank you so much for coming.

Shakthi, I want to talk to you.

I've been wanting to talk...
but I didn't know with who.

I need to trust and respect the person
I share my pain with.

You being here

is like God's
special birthday gift for me.

Who you choose to share your pain with
is reflective of the person who you are.

I share my pain with God.
That tells you who I am.

You choosing to talk to me

reminds me that you're still
the little girl from school.

But first...

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday, dear Shakthi ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

Why are you so unhappy, Shakthi?

Is it because your heart is broken?

No.

I can deal with heartbreak.

I have before.

What kills me now
is the loss of hope.

I now know that I can never
have a normal, regular family life.

I just know it.

Happiness cannot and should not
depend on just one idea, Shakthi.

Would you say
I'm a happy person?

One of the happiest
and most positive people I've met.

But I'm not married.

I don't have a family.

By your criteria where a family
is a requisite for happiness,

I should be miserable, right?

Maybe you conditioned yourself
around a different idea.

You were always
a smart girl, Shakthi.

Love is not confined
to that between man and woman.

The most liberating,
beautiful love stories

can happen between any two people.

Like with you and me.

True.

And child,

you need not birth children
to be a mother.

You will learn this someday.

I'm very sure.

The most powerful title in the world...

Mother.

Not because of all the poetry about it.

I say this because
the kind of burden it carries,

the way she is associated
with God-like traits

and being above sin.

No mortal mother can ever
live up to that.

She is set up to fail.

While she will die trying.

But it can also be
a self-proclaimed crown you wear

to set yourself
up for a mission of a lifetime.

-Goodbye.
-Thank you, Sister.

I need you to promise me something.

Tell me, Sister.

Promise me you'll come to school
next week.

Shakthi...

I promise, Sister.

Okay.

You couldn't make it on that day,

but this award is still
yours to take, Shakthi.

Nothing changes that fact.

You are the best all-rounder
student for the year 1961-62,

a student who is the best I've seen

across all my years as Principal.

Shakthi Seshadri.

Come. Come, my child.

It is yours to take.

Here you go.

It looks more like
a 'Miss India' sash on you.

Come, let's take a picture.

-Mother.
-A picture, ma'am.

Till date, in spite of being elected
as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,

in spite of getting numerous laurels
for acting and dance,

my most prized possession,

the award I'm most proud of,

the one that I had my heart set on,

and therefore meant
so much more to me

was that shield from school.

Going back to school
as Chief Guest for the sports day,

and seeing my picture on the wall

along with all the toppers
from each year

was the proudest moment of my life.

And that was during
your toughest phase?

That moment was the catalyst
in my recovery.

I think it had to be that way.

There's someone else
expecting to see you.

Please go see him, Shakthi.

Who is it, mother?

I can hardly believe it!

I thought we'd never meet again.

You're still making films?

Once an artist,
always an artist.

And how old do you think
I am anyway?

Neither are my films so outdated.

I didn't mean that.

I haven't met you
since the last day of the film shoot.

You didn't even come to say goodbye.

Yes.

But I believe you got
what I sent for you.

Yes.

But why did you think of me now?

Your mother invited me
for your birthday.

But you know me.

Have you seen
any of my films?

Yes, I have.

Of course I have.

And... is that why you never
wanted to work with me again?

You can't be serious.

Of course.
GMR and his contract.

No, it wasn't that either.

I know that no contract could
keep you tied down, unless you wanted it.

I still remember.

You wanted out.

But I know how the industry functions.

It's difficult to get into
but harder to get out of.

I knew you wanted something else.

I know... what stood between you

and what you really wanted to do,
was the next film.

And I never wanted to be the reason
to stand in the way of your dreams.

That was a long time ago, sir.

I've stopped dreaming for years.

Dreams don't come with an expiry date.

I'm still chasing my dreams.

And I will keep chasing my dreams.

It's never too late, Shakthi.

If I ever get a chance

I'll quote you to appear erudite.

There's something called copyright, Shakthi.

Belated birthday wishes.

Sridhar sir taught me one more thing,
the last time I met him.

He made me understand,
without blaming me,

that I wasn't actually a victim
of my circumstances.

I was a participant.
However unwilling.

And that I have to accept
my role and responsibility

in the way my life has taken shape

rather than blaming everyone
and everything around me.

So I started the process.

And the first thing
that happened was a healing

of the wounded and painful connect

between my mother and me.

No more Chaitanya
and GMR in my nightmares.

So it's just him, then?

Give it to me.

I know what will help.

(Speaks in French.)

-How do you know French?
-I just do.

My grandfather worked as an interpreter
for the French government.

He was well-respected.

My father worked
in the same office as a clerk.

One day, I begged my father
to bring me here.

I stood here and watched.

In jest my father said that
I was fortunate to see the fort

because of my good karma.

I remember it so clearly.

Now, this fort has been turned
into a museum.

One day I will capture the fort.

Start working on your speech, mom.

[Chinna Veerampattinam - 2 kms,
Kadalur - 24 kms]

Welcome!

-How are you, sister?
-I'm fine. And you?

What a pleasant surprise.
I am so happy.

Dearest grandma!

Grandma?

-Shakthi?
-Greetings, Grandma.

-How are you?
-How are you?

-I am good.
-Mom.

How are you doing?

I am good.

Finally remembered your mother?

-Pushpa.
-Yes, sister?

Where's Shri? Where are you?

He must be around.

Probably in the garden.

Mom.

You always only have Shri
on your mind.

No, I was just wondering
where Shri was.

Shri!

How are you, son?

Don't cry, mother.
I'm fine now.

Mother, I'm okay.

Why haven't you come home, Shri?

Maybe after a few days.

Right now...

I'm doing well here.

I help at the rehab centre.

People there know me by my work.
It makes me feel good.

I'm very proud of what
you've overcome.

You did it too.

Shakthi.

-You both... was this your idea?
-Yes.

It had to be.

We dine by the candle, tonight.

Your aunt's food is best by candlelight.
Where you don't know what it is!

-Come on, it's not that bad.
-You're right, Grandma.

-Good morning, Grandma.
-Slept well?

He's giving me so many reasons.

Why don't you come with us?

I'm used to small spaces.

I'm happy here.

Isn't Pushpa my daughter, too?

Good morning, aunt.

Good morning, Shakthi.

Where's Shri? I don't see him.

He has left for Tharangambadi
for some work.

He wanted me to give you something.

Here you go, Shakthi.

-Shakthi, coffee?
-Sure.

Sister, we've both
been disheartened with life.

I still wonder why
such horrible things happened to us.

But I realise this.

Those tough moments brought us closer
like no success or riches could.

Last night was the best time
I've spent with my family.

Maybe the only real family moment.

-Come often.
-Alright, mother. We're leaving.

Take care of yourself.

Take good care of your health.

-Please visit often.
-Sure, Pushpa.

Happy journey.

I finally feel happy
after visiting this place.

-Don't change that when we get home.
-I won't, mother.

I'm getting back to work.

If you wish to stay with Shri
for a few more days, please do.

I can take care of myself, mother.

-Syed, take out my bag.
-Okay.

Life gives you a chance
at the same moments

again and again.

Just waiting to see
if you'll take the bait

and set off the same chain of actions.

Or, if you've learnt anything at all,

mostly about yourself
and learn to choose differently.

I was always a fast learner.

Sister Flavia was right, Syed.

Sometimes you need to consider
a new idea.

Sometimes stick with an old plan.

Madam, this woman hasn't lived
a day of her life for herself.

She lives for her child,
her imprisoned husband.

She endures tremendous suffering,

sorrow, sadness and deep pain.

But her family never accepted her.

Even her imprisoned husband
doesn't accept her.

The world rejected her.

She ran!
Did everything in her power.

Took up every job she could find.

But she never got
the recognition she deserved.

She struggles till the end.

I've decided
that you must play this role.

He is the producer.

He'll take this forward.

Yes, madam.

If you agree to do this film,
it will be a super hit.

Please, madam.

I'll even give you an advance.

No.

Madam, you can keep a blank cheque.

A blank cheque, madam.

It's never too late
to do what you want.

To be free

and just start afresh.

I was course correcting.

I was setting off a new trajectory.

Were you able ever
to really forgive your mother?

I always wished this scene
played out differently.

I always hoped you would tell me
I could have the life I wanted.

But you weren't the only one
who needed to change.

I could've behaved differently, too.

I could have said that it's okay,
that I understand the struggle.

You sent me to a good school.

You believed in me
before anyone else did.

I shouldn't have blamed you for things
that were beyond your control.

I was wrong.

Instead, I should've thanked you
for all the things you did right.

I love you very much, mom.

I wish I could look into your eyes
and ask if you're happy.

I...

If I had shared my love
and affection with you,

we would've had
the best time of our lives.

Our relationship broke
like our dreams.

Even when you do everything differently,
it doesn't mean you escape pain.

You just escape known pain.

Death was unknown pain to me.

Mother's death,

like her ageing

was a gradual process, too.

It was me who didn't notice.

To me, it happened overnight.

The night after I woke up
in my Madras home

nightmare-free.

And then woke up to my new reality.

I guess my father was right.

Whatever juncture in life I may be,
high or low

I end up alone.

What now, madam?

I don't know yet, Syed.

Syed, plug in the gramophone.
I want to listen to music.

I am ready.

All this soul searching,
and finding yourself

it seems such an unlikely choice that

you would choose politics.

How did that happen?

I met him again.

Madam.

What is it?

Madam, sorry to disturb you.

What's wrong, Syed?

Sir has come.

He's asking for you.

Madam?

I'm coming.

Let him wait.

So, how did politics happen?

Just like films did.

With no planning whatsoever.

Not my plans, at least.

But, how did it all come together?

Destiny.

Honorable Chief Minister.

Stop.

What's inside?

-It's my just my lunch.
-What do you do here?

How are you?

Does it matter?

You should've called me, Shakthi.

I would've paid my respects
to your mother.

I was fond of her.

-She was very loyal to me.
-She was respectful.

So she was.

You were always able
to keep an eye on me.

Did I even need to inform you?

You have eyes and ears everywhere.

Now you've got politics, too.

Hence, it's harder now.

I am the Chief Minister after all, Shakthi.

Then you must have more
important concerns than me.

Why are you here, Mr. Chief Minister?

I thought you would meet me
upon your return.

Once you untether a caged bird

and lock the cage door tightly shut,

can you ever
expect it to return?

I thought the bird wanted freedom.

Would you have eventually
left GMR, if he hadn't let you go?

What makes you think
it wasn't me who left him?

Even the strongest,
most confident woman

has that one man
who makes her feel like a little girl.

When you desire a certain outcome,

it also matters very much
how you get to it.

Are you the person behind the wheel?

Or are you being driven there?

Sir, your tea.

Ask Syed to bring the car upfront.
I need to go to work.

Okay, madam.

Is Syed still your valet?

He was hired to spy.

But now, he's a soldier.

You should know this.

If you need anything...

-If there's anything I can do...
-I don't understand.

Why this concern now, GMR?

I'm not in such dire straits
that I need to accept alms.

A friend told me that a prime property
is up for sale for a song.

He asked if I was interested
in the mortgaged property.

Could I be seated
in that house right now?

I don't need a big house anymore.

Even if I do sell it,

It's not for sale to you.

If I really wanted it, even you
couldn't stop me from buying it.

But I'm trying to help you.

There was a small house
on the other side of this wall.

When we first met
you lived there.

I sat across from you
in a small room

and asked a little girl
if she would be my queen.

Do you remember?
I'm sure you do.

Life-changing moments
are rarely forgotten.

I know how much
this house matters to you.

I don't want you to lose it.

I'll do anything to ensure that.

Seeing me desperate in the
hospital, you still walked away.

You left me broken.

You'll always see it
from your perspective.

That's okay.

Your unique personality has always
been your best feature for me.

Why?

When I started films,
everyone told me that I was different.

They tagged me as being aloof.
Said that I never mingled.

I stuck out like a sore thumb.

I never understood what they meant.

Though I had big dreams and aspirations.
I was human, like everyone else.

But when I saw you. I knew instantly.

You outshone everyone... like me.

People with aspirations
tend to stick out, don't they?

It's not necessarily a weakness.
It could be a strength.

Why're you telling me this?

Because I want you to know
that you weren't just anybody.

I know that.

You weren't just anybody to me.

A union of two oddly alike people.

A bigger force brought us together.

What's with the lies?

Are you trying to make me feel better?

I don't lie.

I have the luxury
to speak the truth.

You are the Chief Minister, after all.

Not as Chief Minister.

But, as a man, who has
never feared the truth.

A man.

There's your advantage.

Try it as a woman.
Then you will understand.

If you say so, I might.

If that's the only way
to understand you.

Not only by gender.

There will come a day you'll
understand who Shakthi really is.

And when is that?

I don't know yet.

Time will tell.

You can tell me
if you need anything.

You know that.

My word is law.

Wait.

Stay, GMR.

Please.

What do you think?

Should I do it?

The IAS officer, Chandra Kumari,
who has invited you, checks out.

She's in charge
of the World Tamil Conference.

But why the sudden invite to you?

Could the Chief Minister
have pressured them?

Even if that is the case,

Why would the conference committee
be in such a rush?

The program is only to please
the party members.

I hate to admit it though,
but we desperately need the money.

Moreover, it's a legitimate program.

Are you okay performing
to an empty hall?

Sir, the bright lights
drown out the audience.

Shall we go for some fresh air?

Come.

Please madam.

Careful.

We're just taking a break.

Do you like doing this?

Interviewing people?

Well, I like meeting people.
And it gave me a chance to meet you.

-And we have to pay our own bills.
-True.

I've tried to find a balance between

doing something I like
and making money.

Of course, it's hard sometimes.

What about you?

The one time in my life
I did something I liked,

I almost had to sell my house.

Stuff that I hated paid me well.

And I like not having
to depend on anyone.

Of course.

Think keeping the children in mind.

The scheme has to be
implemented for them.

We can provide something
free to the students, sir.

What?

A plan initiated by a senior leader.

You could very well
turn it into something big.

Let him in.

I suggest you do something new.

And what's that?

You have the Midas touch.

-I am sure you'll think of something.
-Hello.

Shakthi performed at the
Tamil Conference yesterday.

The auditorium was packed.

Officer Chandrakumari, has just sent a report.

People are interested
in Tamil arts now?

It's not that, sir.

Shakthi's an actress.

The crowds went to see
a showgirl dance.

What are you saying, Velu?

Our leader is an actor, too.

Our Dravidian movement's ideology
is deeply rooted in the arts.

Velu, are you calling me
a show boy, too?

No, sir, I didn't mean to...
Sorry sir.

Ask Shakthi to meet me
as soon as she's back from Madras.

Tell her that I've personally invited her.

Ma'am, sir has personally invited you
to meet him in his office tomorrow.

Hello?

Hello, madam?

Madam?

I was wondering why
Pradeepan hadn't called me.

This is his job. Isn't it?

He never hesitated calling me before.

Madam, he's out for some work.

Oh.

Is he that busy?

Actually I'm calling because I was told to.

Alright.

What time, madam?

10 am tomorrow.

Okay, madam. I'll inform him.

Provided... Pradeepan will wait for me
outside the office with flowers.

Madam...

He will accompany me
till I sit in front of Mr GMR.

Fine, madam.

I'll inform him.

Tell Pradeepan that I don't like roses.

Syed.

Syed.

-Where's GMR?
-Please come.

Greetings, Shakthi ma'am.

-You don't come to the office anymore.
-Yes.

-Greetings.
-Greetings Ma'am.

Sir, she's here.

Keep them in my car.

Excuse me, sir.

Please sign these.

I'm glad you're focusing
on children's education.

I believe strongly in education.

I know.

Education is your priority
and malnutrition is mine.

Sir, CS has requested a meeting.

I'll talk to him.

-Ask him to meet me in the evening.
-Okay sir.

But the government had already introduced
a midday meal scheme.

It was only for kids
till the 5th grade.

Our scheme is for all school kids.

Additionally, they served
just rice and lentil soup.

I plan to give them
a more wholesome meal.

But, I sense it may not have
the desired impact.

What do you suggest I do, Shakthi?

Two weeks ago,
I saw a lady's interview.

In the magazine you write for?

Yes, that one.

She's a nutritionist.

I think her name is Rajamma.

She set up the Home Science
department in some women's colleges.

Why don't we make her the
brand ambassador of this scheme?

Instead of a free
midday meal scheme,

we could position it
a healthy and nutritious meal.

We could call it the
'Nutritious Meal Scheme'.

When kids go to school,
they are not only educated,

but also get their requisite nutrition.

Parents will love this.

Excellent.

Very few people dare
to point out my mistakes.

In addition, you offered a solution.

That's what sets you apart, Shakthi.

We must ensure that the scheme
is approved by schools before the term starts.

You're so sharp.

You're a natural
at coming up with solutions.

I hope the scheme reaches the people
the way you have suggested it.

-So I feel...
-Oh!

No.

Please don't say it.

I'm not cut out for politics.

And the people here...

No.

I'm better off where I am.

Please don't say it.

You know I can't refuse you.

Even now?

You believe in children's education.

You will be able
to get through to them.

Dhanraj, the PRO, has an idea.

We could have a camera
following you

when you tell parents
of the benefits of school.

We can play the footage
in theatres statewide.

It'll earn our government a good name.

I have a Filmfare Award function
to attend tonight.

I've been invited after years.

I must go.

Let me do what I know best.

Politics is uncharted territory for me.

At one point, you felt
the same about cinema, too.

Not anymore.

I am comfortable
in the film industry.

Can I take your leave?

See you.

Shakthi, you never said no.

I haven't said yes, either.

Excuse me, ma'am.

We're waiting for the Chief Guest
to arrive.

Which award am I announcing?

Best Director award, ma'am.

Who's winning it?

Madam, that's a surprise.

You will know when you open
the envelope on stage.

I want to know now.

I want to know who
I'm sharing the stage with.

Just a second, madam.

Shakthi, it may not be how it seems.

Why should we assume
he's going to win or even be nominated?

Even if it were the case,
why would they invite you?

Surely they're not that publicity hungry!

-Shall I go check, Shakthi?

Ma'am, you called?

You're going to give the
Best Director award today.

Who's winning?

Chaithanya Reddy.

We don't want any controversy, madam.

We want to honour her.

Please ma'am.

Please convince her, ma'am.

Please ma'am, it's about our image.

-You just want a controversy.
-Please ma'am.

Tell me, do you think
it's possible to fall in love

with the same man again?

After you've separated?

Yes.

Separated and been apart for a while.

No communication?

No.

-Depends.
-On?

Whether you stopped loving him at all,
in the first place.

Sorry.

I shouldn't have done it.

Actually, I panicked.

I didn't want to
get into something unprepared.

But now, I think I want to do
something important.

I'm in.

I don't know if I'll have the chance again.

You'll be there to guide me, right?

I can't do this.

Without your support...

GMR.

I'm proud to be announcing
the 'Nutritious Meal Scheme'

but also to pregnant women
in the area who need support.

I am pleased to announce
that they will get a wholesome meal.

Look! That's Shakthi ma'am.

Okay.

Study hard.

-I don't like these pre-written speeches.
-Madam?

-Next time, I'm writing my own.
-Greetings, ma'am.

Greetings, ma'am.

-Has Mr. Dhanraj sent you?
-Yes. I'm Suryakala.

Why are you waving that thing in my face?
Move to the left.

Go.

He should've sent me an assistant.

It's fresh.

Please sign, ma'am.

Don't bother her. Stand back.

-Ma'am I also want an autograph.
-Don't bother her. Move.

She wants the paper.

Now, actress Shakthi Seshadri will
enlighten us about GMR's big vision.

With a warm welcome,
I'd like to invite her on stage.

-Keep some water ready. Stay near me.
- Okay.

I have to train my own assistants.

-What's your name?
-Suryakala Dhanraj.

Oh.

The man has sent his own wife.

Okay, you wait here.

She wants water.
Please arrange for some.

Interesting article
in the paper yesterday.

Well, at least now
you know that I'm impartial.

I never doubted it.

Thank you.

I think you know
why I've called you here?

Actually... I don't.

Do you remember the prophecy you
made when I joined politics in 1983?

I need it again.

Sir, there were huge crowds
wherever she went.

But, some say that
she's very arrogant.

Besides, her Tamil's a little weak.

But she's a great orator.
People listen to her.

Das, tell me.

Do you think it's a good idea
to invite Shakthi to join our party?

Sir...

I don't think it can backfire.

But her campaigning skills?
Only time will tell.

Only when she gets down to work.

A full time party member?

Yes.

You will be the 'Propaganda Secretary'.

Wow. A title already!

I know how much you like them, Shakthi.

Which surprises me because
you don't like dishing them out.

Can I be honest?

Of course.

Us... right now...
I don't know how to define us.

Are we friends or colleagues?

Or fellow party members?

What can I call it?
But, whatever this is...

is far easier than it was before.

More importantly, it's peaceful.

A title and status will limit you.

But you, Shakthi, want freedom.

Complete freedom.

You're probably the only person in the
world who understands the real me.

Do I know you that well, GMR?

I'm right before you. The same GMR
whom you know very well.

Maybe the way I framed my question
to you wasn't accurate.

Falling in love with the same man,

I don't think so.

Can't happen?

Didn't happen.

The second time around,
he was a different man.

You must have been a different woman.

It's easier to see change
in others than yourself.

That's horribly true.

But what's more scary is that

sometimes you don't really change,
you just remain where you were.

Exactly where you left off.

Is it okay that I'm eating
here with you?

I thought you wouldn't be okay
since I'm eating fried fish.

You work here.

I always lunch here.

So where's the issue?

Very well, then.

Think of it as a working lunch.

Sir doesn't like to discuss
work while eating.

Neither does he like others
speaking for him.

When I was in Madurai
for my performance,

the organizers had an interesting idea.

I think it might work for us.

What's the idea?

Greetings, ma'am.

Suri, what are you doing here?

I'm opening a small video library.

Films of all languages.

I will be very happy if you came
for the opening.

Give Syed the details.

-I'll try to make it.
-Thank you.

Suri, Dhanraj is so close to GMR.

He could've invited him
for the opening.

My husband is GMR's fan.

I'm your fan, ma'am.

I'll be happy if you'll
inaugurate my shop.

Okay then.

Will I have lifetime access to films?

Of course you will.

Then I'll come for sure.

Thank you, ma'am.

I'm meeting with L&M construction tomorrow.

Maybe they can be useful to us.

Have you taken a decision
on the Karur fertilizers project?

We've promised to respond
in a month.

Let Nedumaran look at the plan.

I'll talk to him.

Janani ma'am sent it
since it's your favourite.

Velu, does Shakthi give the first
nod of approval for your files

before the Chief Minister
looks at them?

Yes. That is the new norm now.

What really?

I've been here since the
inception of the party.

But I'm still the second man.

Can't you stop her
from being a part of the party?

Sir, you're a senior.
Why don't you say anything?

I've already tried my best.

Now I look like the bad guy.

Does she know
anything about politics?

She's an English speaking,
convent-educated literati.

How does she even fit in here?

She's a woman.

She's eye-candy.
What more does it take?

We can't have her undermine us.

We've worked for the party for years.

And she waltzes in and we
simply have to succumb to her.

We've suffered beatings and abuses
from the opposition for years.

We have endured much pain
and humiliation for our party.

This woman comes from nowhere

and we need to obey her
and put her on a pedestal?

Is he giving her a bloody post?

All we can do is grumble.

The leader has already offered her a post.

Kandaswamy confirmed it.

Oh, is that so?

Look now, she's just a...

An actress.

A showgirl!

-Quite frankly she's a...
-Hey!

Watch your tongue.

Patience is important.

Everything aside,
there's one more thing...

She's Brahmin.

The leader knows this well.

This is a party with Dravidian ideology.

Why should a Brahmin get a post?

I didn't expect to see you here.

Are you men
seriously threatened by her?

Do you think Shakthi is corrupt
and filtering file movement?

You claim she's taking all the credit
for the Nutritious Meal Scheme?

-KMV, do you think I am a fool?
-Not at all, sir.

You think I'd fall under the spell of a
woman and put the party in jeopardy?

Pradeepan, if you want to spy
for my wife, leave immediately.

Would we be having this conversation
if Shakthi were a man?

I'm not bound to share
what plans I have for her with you.

I can't share all my plans.
But, I'll tell you nevertheless.

Shakthi will be our MP
on a Rajya Sabha seat.

We need an educated, English
speaking representative in Delhi.

I need to strengthen my ties
with the central government.

Now, can I eat my lunch in peace?

Was it an important meeting?

No.

I was just telling them that you'll be campaigning

Me?

Aren't we going to campaign together?

No, Shakthi.

I have to go to America
with my wife.

Her granddaughter
was recently born there.

She never asks me for much.

I have to go.

Sit.

You will campaign instead of me.

We need someone
who the crowds will come to see.

I know you can do this.

It's your responsibility
to hold fort.

It's not easy to take GMR's place.

I'm scared. What if I've failed
to get close to the people.

I must raise valid points
in a way no one has before.

It's your first week.
You'll get better.

GMR said I have to hold fort.

You will do so very well.

I know I'm capable.
That's not enough.

I must excel at everything.

I'm more intelligent
than all men here.

When he returns,
I'll present him with victory.

I surely will.

I will prove to them
that Shakthi can do anything.

Das...

I trust you.

Don't print this.

Of course, madam.

Madam, I'll go get it.

Madam, may I say something?

Sure, Syed.

Madam, I feel your intellect
will create problems for you in politics.

What do you mean?

The crowds revere sir and you
like King and Queen.

Like in your movies.

They are drawn to you for those
fancy appearances and dialogues.

That's why they come
to see you even now.

People are naive.
They don't know better.

They only want see their Queen.
Do that avatar for them.

If you change your approach,
I think you can win their hearts, madam.

That's my opinion.
Please don't misunderstand me.

I'll try your strategy the next time, Syed.

That's not easy for me.

I know.

-Who will win this election?
-GMR!

-Who will win this election?
-GMR!

-What's the symbol of your party?
-Folded hands!

-Who will you vote for?
-GMR!

What was your biggest challenge
with politics?

The people.

With the people around me,

I had to constantly prove
that I was smarter.

With those who came
in hordes to see me,

I had to pretend
that I wasn't so smart.

It'll be a different answer
on camera, of course.

Is that so?

-What's your name?
-Lakshmi.

We must go now.

Greetings, ma'am. We have water
problems. Please do something.

-I surely will.
-Okay, ma'am.

This is a very powerful deity.
Victory is yours.

May you live a long
and prosperous life.

-Greetings, ma'am.
-Greetings.

We are counting on each
and every one of your votes.

Definitely.

The film dialogues...
the drama... it worked.

You'll be my first customer today.

Surya...

-Here.
-Live long, like a queen.

So what do you think?

You have a career, for sure.

How so?

I was much younger
when I last saw people

react like this.

GMR!

Screaming crowds
as they followed GMR's car,

I knew then that this man
would be the next king.

Madam, if I may say so...

In my opinion, you are the next queen.

If politics wasn't planned,

then how would you respond
if someone said to you that

one day you would be Chief Minister?

I would have laughed.

You are a Chief Minister in the making.

One moment, ma'am.

Ma'am, please bless my baby.

-No, it's alright.
-She's very little.

Do it, ma'am.

Please give her a name.

Move aside.

Step aside, please.

You don't have to birth
children to be a mother.

Ranganayaki.

That's her mother's name.

Listen

I'm extremely busy with work.

It doesn't leave me anytime
for either our family or you.

What should I do?

Shall I quit the job? and come back

No, it's important
that we stand by her.

I understand.

You're worried about
the Chief Minister, isn't it?

It's neither about the Chief Minister
nor GMR.

It's something entirely different.

I've recently learnt why Shakthi
is campaigning for GMR.

I know the real reason
why GMR has gone to America.

What do you mean?

Pradeepan just spilled the beans.

GMR is sick.

Very sick.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Breaking News

News just in...

Tamil Nadu's Honorable Chief Minister,

Dr. GMR passed away
at around 4 am.

Dr. GMR was being treated
since the past 4 months.

Doctors stated cause of death
as respiratory complications.

His demise has left the entire nation
grief-stricken and in deep mourning.

Sir, we can expect the Chief Minister's body
in half an hour.

Has his wife decided
where she wants to take his body?

I will ask her once she is here.

I believe you know the situation.

We need to call
paramilitary forces for security.

If you confirm the place,
we will deploy security accordingly.

Our leader loved his office.

The party members also feel
that it is ideal for them to pay their respect there.

Sir, according to official protocol
the Chief Minister's funeral

must be held
on government property.

Ma'am has instructed that his body
be brought here to the house.

Pradeepan, that place is small

I can't help it.
Madam's orders.

Let's discuss it.

Ma'am, it'd be difficult to manage
such large crowds here.

Let's go outside.

Sir, tell them to let us in.

The police aren't allowing us to enter.

Constable, allow the women inside.

Send them up.
Don't stop them.

The day we were supposed to have
the party General Council Meeting.

GMR was hospitalized

And now, he's no more.

The witch has done black magic.

Pradeepan, what are you saying?

We were planning to oust Shakthi
from the party in the meeting.

I'm sure she must have sensed it.
She's surely done something.

You Knew that very well.
GMR had been sick for four years.

And now you want to put blame
on her for his death.

Who will believe you?

That lone woman had direct access
to him and met him alone.

Who knows what happened
behind closed doors?

Are you listening to yourself?

Pradeepan has a point.

Even if there's no truth to it

let's spread the rumour
amongst the people.

We have some important
media connections to help us do so.

But she has
the Central Government's support.

Keep that in mind.

We'll turn everyone against her.

She thinks she's smart.

Watch what's going to happen.

What are you saying?

Do you know who's coming
to meet Janani ma'am?

Some senior leader?

The funeral will be held tomorrow.

When?

One moment...

He wants to know when.

I'll call you
when they decide the time.

Yes, sir.

Do you want to meet
Janani ma'am before?

No, I'll come directly
to his burial in Marina.

Okay, sir.

Sir, if you let me know
who'll be accompanying you

I'll make the necessary
security arrangements.

Karuna Murthy attending
the funeral is big news.

Must you also know
who'll be accompanying me?

No, sir.

Is the actress going to be there?

I honestly don't know.

But the party members hope
that she doesn't come.

Their wish doesn't matter.

If history is about to be made,
no one can change that.

That's true, sir.

Syed, we won't let Shakthi go there.

I don't agree with you.

-You can't decide for her.
-Let's wait for Shakthi.

You've only joined her recently.

You don't know how fragile Shakthi is.

Please don’t interfere.

I might be newly employed

but you don't know her like I do.

Do your job and that's enough.

I trust her completely.

I know what she's capable of.

As of now, I only care about her happiness
and peace of mind.

I want to see her happy.

But, I don't trust anyone else.

It doesn't matter what you think.

Because we are not talking about a child.

We are talking about a
worldy wise women.

She is a headstrong woman
and intelligent, too.

Let's see what she decides.

I know it very well.

You would risk putting her in the hands
of men who hate her

just because it could strengthen
her political career?

You always misunderstand me.

She knows what to do.

Please don't try to influence her,
that will be enough.

Who are you?
What do you want?

Nothing comes easy.

If Shakthi wants popularity,
she has to battle for it.

She needs to fight these men.

Nothing comes on a silver platter.

This isn't any ordinary battle.

It is the fight for power.

The uncrowned King,

yesterday, GMR

during the shoot of his next film
'Maruthu Naatu Veeran'

met with an accident.

The Incident occured

when GMR during
a stunt sequence

had to lift
actor Mr. Gundumani.

Mr. Gundumani accidentally fell on GMR,

injuring GMR's leg severely.

GMR’s personal doctor SRS is treating him.

However, whether he will recover

to continue acting

remains an unanswered question.

You're going to be a Queen.

My Queen.

Smart girls make for
the most beautiful encounters.

You will campaign instead of me.

The person I am when I'm with you,
you know him the best.

You can ask me for anything, Shakthi.

You know that.

You are free, Shakthi.

Take me there.

I need to see him.

The man of the masses.

The superstar who
looked after the downtrodden.

Nursed them... cared for them.

The people's hero is no more.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister,
Mr. GMR

passed away this morning
at a hospital in Madras.

His death marks the end of a legacy
in Tamil Nadu's dynamic politics.

Hello?

What?

Shakthi having something to do
with his death?

Till now they were saying
she was useless... good for nothing

and now suddenly she's responsible
for his death?

They'll have to get more innovative
if they want to get rid of her.

Oh, Janani?

Interesting.

Are you sure
it's the Prime Minister himself?

Maybe a condolence call.

You're right.

But it would be public knowledge,
if that were the agenda.

I hope she knows better
than to get involved with this whole drama.

She's a good woman.

They'll use her... Janani.

Sometimes I wish

GMR had appointed
his own political heir.

Yes.

It is the end of an era.

Did it come as a shock to you?

I was shocked beyond belief.

But it was something
that I rarely thought about.

Death?

His death.

Even though you were aware
that he was unwell?

Even though I was aware
of the full extent

of how unwell he was.

Did you have any regrets
when you first heard?

That, maybe there was something
you should have told him?

Something he should've heard from you.

I was just in shock.

I wasn't even letting it register
that this was it.

I was just playing and replaying
moments from our past.

Almost like an unfinished film
or a book.

that got stuck somewhere
before the end.

And I really wanted
to complete that story.

There's a crowd at the front gate.

If we go this way,
we can avoid them.

They aren't allowing anyone in.

I suggest we leave.

Shakthi, listen to me.
Let's go home.

There are a lot of unruly men.

Some even drunk.

It's not safe here.

Let's go back.

It's stupid to go in there.

Shakthi, please listen to me.

I know you're upset.

Think logically, please.

GMR isn't around
to protect you anymore.

These men have been waiting
to get back at you.

And now their frustration
can be expressed.

They were silent all this time,
in fear of GMR.

Don't do this, Shakthi.
Let's go home.

I have a suggestion.

If they attack you behind closed doors,
they'll use it to their advantage.

But if they try anything at Marina tomorrow,

the public will support you
at the funeral.

How can you even be willing
to take that chance?

You seem to have a problem
with everything.

I want to do this here and now.

I want to see him now.

-Ma'am, I will...
-Nobody follow me.

Syed, take care of them,
I can take care of myself.

Ma'am...

What did the Prime Minister say?

Only you can save the party.

What does that mean?

He wants me
to take my husband's place.

He wants me to lead the party.

What did you say?

That I would think about it.

Will the party agree?

Pradeepan said
that they wanted it, too.

And what do you want?

I will think about it.

Ma'am, she's here.

She wants to see the leader...
one last time.

Janani Devi is going to take GMR's place.

Has she agreed?

She must.

She will be led to believe
that she has the people's support.

Also that she's the only one
who can safeguard the people and the state.

Because they will prosper
only if she comes to power.

Hmm, you are right.

I am getting worried.

Do you know how
it's gonna end?

What do you think,
they will do?

Nedumaran and K.M.V. gang

will use Janani as a rubber stamp

and destroy everything.

These Bloody opportunists are discussing it,
ten feet from where he lies dead.

How are we any different?

Distance is a mere metric.

-I didn't mean it that way, Dhanraj.
-How, then?

Even we are scavengers.

Thirugnanam, tell me honestly...

Will the people forgive you
if you join Janani Devi?

I'm not alone.

I'm backed by 38 ministers.

Now you're talking!
What's the plan?

We need to elect
a more suitable candidate.

Can you think of anyone?

You conspired with the Central Government
to succeed him.

And now you show concern?

What?

Do you believe
everything Pradeepan says?

what do I believe or not.

It doesn't matter.

But point is that

You broke his trust.

In a way you destroyed him.

Those men have always tried
to malign me.

But you.

Your co-conspirator has exposed you.

Once this all is settled.

I'm going to lead the party.

Are we going to have
any problems, Shakthi?

Are we, Shakthi?

Lead the party?

When was this decided?

Right now.
During our meeting.

You've been waiting
for this, haven't you?

Do you really think
that at this age I will

get into politics, when I don't
have him to take care of me?

when men talk like this
I understand.

GMR kept me around him
like a girlfriend

as if I don't know anything?

Am I like that in reality?

Forget about me.

But, don't you trust
your husband's decision?

Do you think so little of your husband?

Oh no, Shakthi.

I know these men
better than you.

But with you,
even he couldn't think straight.

Are you accusing me
of being an imposter?

I'm accusing you of pretending
to be someone you weren't.

Inspite of being his wife,
I overlooked everything.

For all these years I endured quietly.
What did I get in return?

A deathbed confession.
Where he tells me...

that I was the only person
who hadn't let him down.

That he wasn't fair to me.

Even in his last moments.

He didn't express his love for me.

He only expressed
a guilty conscience.

In his last moments, he was
getting concerned about me.

Because of you, he started realizing
my importance.

In his lifetime,
I made many compromises.

But, not anymore.

-Lakshmi...
-Coming, ma'am.

I'll give it all up.

I don't want politics.
I don't even like any of this.

I surrender it all.

Take it.

Who do you think you are
to hand it to me?

Do you still believe
that it's yours to give?

No!

I meant I wasn't
going to fight you for it.

Don't even think of it!

I only want to pay my respects.
Just once.

Please.

It doesn't matter
what you want anymore.

A single glance... one last time.

Why are you being unfair?

Me? Unfair?

As much as I hate you
for taking away my husband

I hate myself more
for having conceded him to you.

Don't test me, Shakthi.

It's for the best.

Leave my house.

Please.

Sir, we didn't receive sports news
for tomorrow's newspaper edition

Editor said that tomorrow's
newspaper edition will carry only

- news related to GMR
- OK, Sir

It's a great piece on GMR.

Indeed, I never knew
that you were working with him back then.

That you followed him through
the journeys and rallies.

Yes, sir.

And why is it that you never mentioned
who is to take his place?

After all, he was a CM
who died in power.

Sir, let's not speculate.

It would tamper with the authenticity
of the piece.

And the party has not announced
Janani as the successor yet?

After the Funeral Tomorrow

-They're going to announce, Sir.
- Oh

So they want the public
to see this visual, huh?

The aggrieved widow.

I can't believe how this works
with the people.

And I know that they are going to make
a spectacle with that funeral.

She is a good woman, sir...
Janani.

I'm sure she's not happy either.

People change, Bhagwan.

Especially politicians.

And... even with the best
of intentions, you know.

My guess is...
she won't really last.

Really?

You think that the bunch
that flanked GMR left, right and centre

will usurp the spot from her?

Not exactly, sir.

Then?

Shakthi Seshadri, sir.

She's not the wife, Bhagwan.

And she's...

the girlfriend, at best.

And... she's an actress, after all.

Logically speaking, sir.

She's more involved with the party.

And better equipped than the wife.

You know how we are in a society, Bhagwan.

Somehow a thread legitimizes capabilities
than actual experience.

She has public approval, sir.

They like her.

Somehow they think she's worthy.

I have my own apprehensions.

I'm skeptical about it.

The thing is, had there been
no wife factor here, you know,

maybe... yes.

But, in direct opposition to her
it seems very unlikely.

A rare chance.

Is she going to contest?

Are you sure?

I get the feeling
she doesn't know herself, yet.

Okay, then.

Let the games begin.

Shakthi, he trusted you.

You broke that trust.

And destroyed him.

Shakthi, you look terrible.

Get some sleep
and you'll feel better.

I remember the first time
I met Janani Devi years ago.

She opened up to me and
told me everything about her life.

She even advised me on life.

She was like a zen monk.

Someone who had so beautifully
accepted life the way it were.

She was so calm.

I realized today that she wasn't at peace.

It was a facade.

She was so angry with me.
With GMR.

She was angry with herself.

I saw it today.

The pent up anger from all those years
of waiting for him... exploded.

I felt so sorry for her.

Do you feel you've done
this woman harm?

She must feel that way.

She thinks I betrayed her.
But, the truth is...

she was the wife
and I was the other woman.

I feared I'd end up like her.

In life no decision is
made for perpetuaity.

whatever different alternatives
are there in front of us.

We choose any one out of them.

The funeral is tomorrow.

She could've let me see him
one last time.

I never wanted to go to the funeral.

GMR is dead.

That's the truth.

Don't fool yourself that you only want
to say goodbye to him.

Everyone goes through internal conflict.

Everyone fights their own battle.

You're going to feel
no different tomorrow.

In the battle between what you want
and what you need

you'll have to make a decision
tomorrow, Shakthi.

The city has turned into a cemetery.

People screaming
and crying everywhere.

A mob almost smashed our car
to pieces.

The party flag
on the car saved us.

Syed, is it really that bad?

Not really, sir.

The state is mourning GMR sir.
That's all.

Are you serious?

We narrowly escaped death.

Don't overreact.

The people's leader is dead.
What else do you expect?

He wasn't just a leader for them.
He was God.

Syed, you tell me.

I was driving fast,
so we managed to escape.

A man threw himself
on the car in a rage.

I had a tough time
safeguarding the women in the car.

It's not safe outside.

Right now, no place is safe.

Someone could throw
a petrol bomb on us right now.

It doesn't matter
whether we're inside or out.

-No one is safe anywhere.
-What are you saying?

Why do you want to risk
exposing Shakthi?

-You have a problem with everything...
-Stop.

Let's talk inside.

It's ultimately Shakthi's decision.

Hard choices to make?

Always.

Were you ever scared?

Scared?

Of people?

No.

What I meant was...

Did you ever feel scared
about starting from scratch again?

I mean, you had a film career.

You started with a film career
and it really flourished.

And then you started
fresh again with politics

and you reached a certain level.

So the idea
of wiping the slate clean

and starting yet again,

did that make you scared?

If anything it was the dream.

Wiping the slate clean.

But of course,
I knew I couldn't undo my past.

About my future?
Well... it felt cruel.

And wrong that people
had a gun to my head.

I was angry with people
wanting me gone.

So even though I knew
it wasn't something I wanted

the fact that people told me
I couldn't have it

made me want it.

Hard choices.

Hard choices.

Emergency Press Announcement!

The demise of our national scholar,

the general counsellor
of the 'Theevira Munetra Kalagam',

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,
people’s hero,

honorable G.M. Ravichandran,

is a mighty blow to Tamil Nadu.

Our people’s hero, GMR

taught us to rise to the occasion
no matter what the setback.

In this moment of grief,
the emergency council

has decided that
Mr. GMR’s wife, Janani Devi

is the party’s future.
Party's management

The party’s administrative council,
general council and parliament members

have sworn our undivided support
to Ms. Janani Devi.

Therefore we request you all
to accept the decision of committee.

and support our party to move
the state forward towards prosperity.

Thank you.

Sir, have you identified
the next Chief Minister?

Sir, can you confirm who will make up
the administrative council?

Sir, when will the committee meet?

We aren't taking any questions.

Thank you.

Do they have an opinion on
who should be the next chief minister?

Sir please
Answer the question, Sir...

They've made an announcement
without a general council meeting.

What if someone points out
the party rules and questions them?

Who will stand
against Janani Devi?

What if Shakthi does?

Don't do it for anyone else.
Do it for yourself, Shakthi.

Take a decision that would benefit
your political aspirations.

Let it cook some more.
The meat should be tender.

The boss likes his mutton
in the stew nice and tender.

And the salt should be just right.

I want at least 15 types of dessert.

The rice porridge must be
the best he's ever tasted.

Janani madam has never made it for him
because of his diabetes.

Let him enjoy a dash
of extra sweetness today.

-Chop the chashewnuts finely.
-Okay.

Idiot, not such big chunks.

We don't want him choking on them.
Make it finer.

Another employer would've ensured
that no one else would hire me.

But when I told Janani ma'am about
my dream of starting a restaurant.

Mr GMR put in his own money
to set one up for me.

The reason my family, our families
are well taken care of,

is all thanks to this kind man.

I only had one wish...
to cook for the boss someday.

Unfortunately, today it's under
these circumstances.

Cut it carefully!
The food must be perfect.

The flavours must be perfect.

Driver, go via the US Embassy
and drop ma'am home.

Okay, sir.

Are you disappointed because
I asked you to turn down

the college correspondence seat?

It was my dream.

My hopes were pinned on it.
Hence, the disappointment.

Every time I felt I was close,

it fell through
and my hopes were crushed.

Doesn't that warrant
disappointment and hurt?

This time around, too

I thought I'd give up movies
and join college.

But even before I could
weigh my options,

you had made a decision for me.

You should have made
the same decision.

Shakthi, this is our profession.

Actors. Cinema.

Why should anyone make us feel ashamed
of our profession?

Who are they to condemn us?

They shouldn't be dictating
our choices for us.

We don’t need such
people in our lives.

It is them who won't allow me
inside the gates I want to enter.

There were places I never thought
I would be allowed to enter.

Now, those very places

throw open their gates
to welcome me with open arms.

My car passes them by
and they are thrilled.

Anything can happen, Shakthi.

But even you couldn't get me my dream.

I agree. But very few
people reach where you have.

Driver, pull over.

Isn’t this where you
wanted admission?

I don't say that's the ultimate spot.

All I'm saying is, stop focussing on
what you couldn't achieve.

What are you thinking?

That I want to be up there.

Driver, let's go.

When that door swings open

your insides burst with excitement.

When you walk through them,

there's a sense of achievement.

Many people have confirmed
that to me.

Many were escorted in by me.

All were filled with pride.

Of finally being in front of that man.

Like being allowed inside a sanctum.

That’s the kind of place this is.

People, you included,
would throw away your cigarettes

upon hearing his footsteps
echo down the hall.

Today, you're drinking
alcohol in this very room.

Tomorrow is ours!

We're high on the idea of the power
we can almost taste.

Aren't you drinking?
Don't you want to drink here?

I want to have my A-game ready
for tomorrow.

What're you planning for tomorrow?

Most of us are going to be consumed
by grief.

Tomorrow is my day.

The day I'm going to show her
what I can do.

You said that she'd been instructed
not to come there?

I said, if she did,
I would deal with her.

Let her come.

I can barely wait for tomorrow.

I'm angry just at the thought
of her being there.

I've never understood
your hatred for her.

Party, political benefits...

we have many reasons.

But you?

We hate her because
we are vying for the same spot.

What's your problem?

You have no political ambitions.
What has she done to you?

A rejected proposal, maybe?

Never!

I'm not a man off the street

Who would be enticed
by a silly actress.

I have seen a lot of things
in my time with the boss.

I...

want to be where the boss was.
Not in politics.

But, in the hearts of the people.
As an actor, a big star.

Really? Did the leader know?

I'm related to the leader's guru,
NK Pillai.

I came from Nagercoil
as a wannabe actor.

As a fan who would lay down
his life for the boss.

I would do anything for him.

But who cares about people like us?

On the other hand,
there are women like her.

They get things on a platter.

We want to do something
but our hands are tied.

The things we claim we can do
but fail to accomplish...

they manage to complete.

Political influence,
stardom and it's perks.

They get everything so easily.

Just because they trade their bodies.

She had the boss under a spell.

Whatever she asked for,
she got.

It fell on her lap.
Literally.

In your next lifetime,
come as a woman.

These witches constantly complain

that it's unfair... it's man's world.

But, it's them
who enjoy the man's world.

So, what did you do?

You know they say,

a person's personality is etched
when he or she is 5 years old.

And it takes the rest of your life

just trying to undo

what's been moulded already.

Knowing me,

what did you think I did?

GMR is dead.

GMR has gone.

I’m very sorry, Shakthi.

Why have I…

come here?

You’ve come here

to say goodbye to him.

But, I think I already did.

A long time ago.

I know it's wrong, because...

Sir warned me not to come
here just to prove a point.

This is what he meant.

That I needn’t come here...

just for show.

This is wrong.

I don’t want this.

I don't like being here.

This was just a job.

A job that...

I don’t even like.
I didn’t want to come here.

I know there’s…

no place for me here.
Yet I came.

Shakthi, I will always be with you

to remind you that
you said this to me.

You're going to be fine, Shakthi.

I constantly have to…

remind myself that I...

shouldn’t do anything out of anger.

Anger should never…

fill me with vengeance.

Revenge shouldn’t be
what drives my life.

You know why.

So over there,
did you choose to leave?

I mean, you must have been
really sorted out in your head.

It seemed so obvious to me.

I actually convinced myself
easily, too

that I should walk away from there.

Head held high.

I had it all figured out.

Don't let your anger drive you,
Shakthi.

Revenge destroys the one
seeking it, too.

I had it all figured out.

Or so I thought.

So, did you choose to leave?

Or did you stay there
and fight it out?

What did I just tell you about
a person's personality

being etched at the age of 5?

Please.

Don't worry, Alamelu.

I’ll handle it.

I must win against
these men today.

Please, let me have this win.

How could you not tell me?

Why did you lie and go to America?

You've studied in a convent school.
Where are your manners?

I've just returned.

Say hello to me.
Ask me how I'm doing.

I have the right to know.

-I would've...
-Would you have found a cure for my ailment?

Do you know that I tried to get
an American visa to meet you?

My passport was held back.

The Prime Minister is a woman,
Shakthi.

This time it couldn't be about gender.

But, about power.

If you oppose her

a rejected passport is the mildest retort
you can expect from her.

Oh!

So, you had time to listen to
complaints about me from your cronies?

No.

I took the time to check up on you.

How are you doing, GMR?

Please tell me.
Whatever it may be...

I need to know.

Please tell me the truth.
It's all I ask.

I know Shakthi.

I care about you, GMR.

I am very worried.

That something will happen to you.

The thing that you worry about
is everybody's destination.

Throughout those two days,

from the time I found out,
and even at the funeral

flashes of my time with him
kept coming to me.

The important moments.

They say death feels like that.

Maybe you felt like that because
it was also a sort of an end.

An end to a very big chapter
in your life.

No.

It was death.

I know I died that day.

Our leader has gone!

Come, ma'am.

Our leader is dead.

Do you think
you knew him very well?

You didn't know him at all.

You're in no position to tell me
that I didn't know him.

Nobody really knew him.
Including you.

Don’t try to intimidate me.

Let's play a little game.

Right now. Shall we?

I'll tell you things
that I knew about him.

About him, about you,
about the two of you.

Now it's obvious to me that
you know nothing about him.

We haven't even begun, madam.

Fine... start.

I certainly didn't come
all the way from Delhi today

to walk beside you or talk to you.

Get on with it.

All right.
Speaking of Delhi...

GMR didn't send you to there
because he thought you were capable

and wanted you
elected into the Rajya Sabha.

He sent me there so that
I would be far from this place and him.

My detractors were constantly
trying to oust me.

Because they didn’t think
I belonged in the party.

Next. Anything else?

The day GMR was hospitalized,

there was a general council
meeting planned, with one agenda.

To get rid of me. To oust me.

To take away my position.

"Out with the woman!"
Right?

I know.

He had different plans for me.

I was meant for greater things.

GMR told me.

Shakthi - 2,
Pradeepan - 0.

Hope I got the scores right?

You said it was a game.

Somebody has to keep score.

I thought I'd go easy on you
since you are a woman.

I did it out of politeness.

Don't even try.

It's impossible for you.

That was in the past.

when I thought you were
a threat to me.

But now, what's the point
in striking a dead snake?

Correct.

Old wisdom.

Always right.

But... you're still working at it.

That means, there's still some snake in me.

You're afraid of me, Pradeepan.

You always have been.

Me? Afraid of you?
Hey, madam!

You have grand delusions

That I’m scared of you.

Is there only one kind of fear
you're aware of, Pradeepan?

In that case, you're such a coward.

Who are you calling a coward, woman?

You!

A man who attacks a woman
just because he can

is a coward.

You think I'm attacking you
because you're a woman?

How is it then that my loyalty and

support stays strongly
with Janani ma'am?

You're the bitch that she picked up
from the streets and has nurtured.

That’s why.

Oh.

Does that word bother you?

I hear the female-dog word
is your favourite.

The only English word you know.
And what you always call me.

Am I right?

We have the same snitches.

I'm aware.

PRO Dhanraj and Suryakala.

You paid her 10,000 rupees a month.

Now I pay her thrice as much.

Not liking this game anymore,
Pradeepan?

Games are no fun when
you're not winning, isn't it?

At the end of the day,

look where you are.

Someone you've always
considered beneath you.

Walking and talking with someone
who you detest.

Instead of standing there

next to someone you loved and admired.

He was yours neither in life
nor death.

No one belongs to anybody.

He is as much mine

as he is to all these people.

That's enough ownership for me.

Is it?

So, didn't you go to GMR,
in the middle of the night

asking for more?

One can only ask
for what they want.

If asking was a crime,

then prayer should be the biggest sin.

An upper caste person like you
would know well.

As an upper caste person,
you don't even belong in this party.

This party was founded
to fight discrimination.

But that's exactly what
you are doing.

You don't belong in this party.

My caste, my gender...

my complexion,
my face, my intelligence?

What other accusations
do you have for me?

Such politeness!

I'm not ashamed to admit
that it's not one of my virtues.

The Hindi film you were offered...

Do you really think

I don't know
what happened?

You spoke to my mother.

You asked for dates overlapping

the Hindi film ones..
I hated you even then.

I tried my best.

If you coax me just a bit more,

I will tell you one final thing
and be on my way.

There's nothing else left to say.

I know everything, Pradeepan.

Chaitanya Reddy.

Who?

Chaitanya Reddy.

The reason your wedding
got called off...

This game is about GMR and me.

This is getting personal.

And I'm not interested.

Come on, madam.
We're still talking about GMR and you.

Everybody knows what happened.

You weren't in that scene.
Even as a junior artist.

Chola Hotel.

The night before your wedding...
he had a meeting for the Hindi film.

Chaitanya Reddy was the hero.

And like you said, I was neither
a junior artist, nor the villain.

But I was there in the meeting
as a fellow actor.

We lured him with a Hindi film.

He took the bait.

He could do that film…

on one condition. He couldn’t
do it if he got married.

That’s that.

A 5-minute phone call
changed your life.

Pradeepan!

Are you telling me GMR picked up
the phone and made that call himself?

Pradeepan!

Whether GMR actually dialled
the numbers or asked me to do it...

or maybe even I did it
out of my own accord,

it doesn't matter.

Nothing happens without
GMR's knowledge.

Everyone here knows that
I'd do anything for him.

Especially, the things
he couldn't carry out himself.

Why?

With this one point,
I have won the game.

Madam, today is my day.

The day to show you who I am.

Just pack these wedding gifts.

I'm carrying a really small bag.

-What's all this?
-It's a silk sari for your mom.

And a silk cloth for your dad.

Silk cloth?

We call it a 'Pancha'.

Yes. I want them to have it.

I mean, I know they won't
wear it for the wedding,

but it's tradition.

Also, I feel like I've done
very little for them

to accept me and like me.

So, this is some sort of a bribe?

Sure you don't want me to come?

I really don't want to do that to you.

No, my parents are great people.
They're fantastic.

With me.

So, I'll see you at the wedding?

Or before that?

I'm not supposed to see
the bride before the wedding.

You're so American.

-There's no such Indian saying.
-No...

I am sure there's an Iyengar thing
which has something like that.

You never know.
I want you to check properly.

Don't want any bad luck on us.

-Oh, yeah?
-Yeah.

You're too precious for me to risk.

Shakthi.

Are you sure you don't
want me to come?

You know, that amazing feeling...

when we meet each other
for the first time?

How will we feel that rush,
if I don't leave now?

Agreed.

And, next time we see each other,

will be at our wedding.

Hey, just stay where you are.

Why?

Don't come and see me off.

Because goodbyes...

are hard as hell.

Our leader has gone!

Let's leave, Shakthi.

Shakthi?

Pradeepan!

What had to happen has happened.

At the end of the day,

Chaitanya Reddy made a choice.

Why he did it, who caused it...

isn't important.

None of you men really understood me.

There was only blind hatred.

And that's a good thing.

Because if you thought telling me
what you did

would break me
and have me walk away?

Never!

You're so mistaken.

If anything, it has only
given me new resolve.

I begin anew.

With no worries to haunt me.
With clarity of mind.

To be eternally happy.

Thank you, Pradeepan.

I have found my path now.
And you have won nothing.

You showered your love on the people,
on all those mourning your death.

Why didn't you shower
some love on me, GMR?

I'm always going to be with you, Shakthi.

I am not your mother.

If you can choose
who you want to work with,

I can choose where
I want to shoot.

If I really wanted to buy your house,
even you couldn't stop me.

I know you like titles and positions,
Shakthi.

You are now free, Shakthi.

I am truly free now.

From now on.

Our leader has gone!

Dear leader!

This is politics,

not a fight for inheritance.

Listen to me,
this won’t end well

if you continue to stand here.

I’m saying this for
your own good.

Explain it to her.