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'This is the world.'

'This is Kuttikkanam.'

'This is me.'

'Vineeth Madhavan.'

'This is my story.'

'But, what you are
about to see now...'

'is not my story.'

'Twenty-five kilometres
away from Kuttikkanam,'

'in the hills of Vagamon, lives...'

'Kerala's most popular writer'

'and my favourite horror novelist,'

'Vaikom David, and his son
Sachin Vaikom David.'

'This is their story.'

WITH LOVE,
TO NEETHU

VAIKOM DAVID

- Sachin David!
- Huh?

Metals used for electroplating...
Which are they?

Chromium, Gold, Silver.

Oh...Okay...

Then, define electroplating.

The process of depositing
a layer of desired metal

on another by using electricity.

Teacher...

- Huh!
- Sachin David is being called.

Hmm...Go!

Are you into writing,
like your father, Sachin?

- A little bit.
- I see.

I've been saddled with the charge
of the school magazine this year.

The stories and poems we've received
for the Malayalam section are quite weak.

That's when I thought of you, Sachin.

After all, when Vaikom David
sir's son writes something,

it cannot be bad, right?

- I will give it a shot, Teacher.
- Good. Don't waste time.

It must be submitted
by next week.

- Get it done quickly.
- Okay, Teacher.

Teacher!

Should I write a short story
or a novel?

Oh goodness, we don't
have that kind of space!

A short story would do.

[knocking on the door]

Mangalam weekly or Manjadi?

Manjadi.

- Peter!
- Yes?

- Manjadi.
- Okay.

Here you go.

Oops.
I'll get that.

That's okay.

Devil's Island!

Hey, there's this one too!

- Venu Chetta...
- Hmm?

Would you publish a horror novel
in your children's magazine?

The last four or five pages...

are reserved for the kids' section.

If it's a short story,
we can certainly publish it there.

I'm already writing a short story
for the school magazine.

But this is a novel I've been
planning for a long time.

If it's written
by Vaikom David sir's son...

then even if it's a horror novel,

Manjadi will consider it.

What's the title?

"The Black Hands!"

- Nice.
- Teacher!

Aha...

Celebrating your birthday is fine.

But if you don't submit
your article by tomorrow,

I'm sending the magazine
to the press without it, mind you!

- I'll definitely give it, Teacher.
- Alright then.

Neethu...

Happy Birthday!

- This is the first printed copy.
- Thank you!

'Devil's Island'

- Teacher, for me!
- Wait...wait...

Don't rush!

- I'll call out the names...
- I...I want one.

- Sachin, I got it.
- I'm fed up with these kids.

- Come!
- Hey...Everyone go and sit down!

Didn't you hear what I said?
Go and sit.

Did you see my book review?

THE LAST BOOK I READ: DEVIL'S ISLAND
- NEETHU CHERIYAN

'A small kid's story'

'Where have you gone?'

Regarding your story, Sachin...

As a first timer,
it's definitely a good attempt.

- But...
- But??

It doesn't quite have the standard
to be published in our school magazine.

Maybe we can publish
your next one instead.

Now, that doesn't mean...

that you lack talent,

or that the story itself is bad.

With a little more practice,

you can write very well, Sachin.

Keep trying!

Perseverance is everything.

Pick up your father's books
and read them once more.

Learn from the best!

If it's written
by Vaikom David sir's son...

then even if it's a horror novel,

Manjadi will consider it.

After all, when Vaikom David
sir's son writes something,

it cannot be bad, right?

After all, when Vaikom David
sir's son writes something,

it cannot be bad, right?

After all, when Vaikom David
sir's son writes something,

it cannot be bad, right?

Son, could you give
these to your dad?

These copies of "Devil's Island"
have a printing error.

Fortunately, they were only sold
from a single book store in Kottayam.

We're going to recall them
and get new ones printed.

Alright, then.

Sachin...Here you go!

After all, when Vaikom David
sir's son writes something,

it cannot be bad, right?

It doesn't quite have the standard
to be published in our school magazine.

After all, when Vaikom David
sir's son writes something,

it cannot be bad, right?

Pick up your father's books
and read them once more.

After all, when Vaikom David
sir's son writes something,

it cannot be bad, right?

It doesn't quite have the standard
to be published in our school magazine.

I had given it to Neethu.

'Devil's Island'

Dad, I wrote a novel.

[Thundering clouds]

It's good.

But this isn't horror.

This is pure comedy.

[hapless agony]

[sudden power outage]

It's good.

But this isn't horror.

This is pure comedy.

Teacher!

Should I write a short story
or a novel?

[knocking on the door]

Sachin!

Open the door!

I gave it everything I had.

But I can never match
my father's genius.

To live as my father's talentless...

and incompetent son...

I just can't do it anymore.

Well, of course you can't.

Because, you are my son.

Out of the 232 novels I've published,
not a single one is actually mine.

I had a lover who took her own life
out of heartbreak.

My batch mate from C.M.S. College,

Anuradha!

'ANURADHA'

After the funeral was over,

and her family came
to clear things out,

I packed up and sent all her hostel
belongings back with them.

Save for a single exception.

The novels she had written.

'THE DETECTIVE ANURAJ MYSTERIES'

She had an incredible knack
for terrifying people with her prose.

I published every single one
of those novels under my own name.

'THE DETECTIVE DAVID RAJ MYSTERIES'

By the time her manuscripts
finally ran dry,

I had accumulated
enough wealth and fame...

to hire people
to ghost-write for me.

So, I began scouting for destitute literary
talents whom I could easily exploit.

Now, the manuscripts I give you

to hand over to Mangalam or Manjadi
every evening...

aren't written by me either.

They're actually his.

Peter's.

David Sir...!

What happened?

There's nothing to worry
about anymore, David Sir.

We managed to recover eight copies
sold from the Kottayam Manjadi Book store.

- How many copies were sold in total?
- Ten.

Only two more left to find.

Did your dad take
those two to his grave?

Without me even noticing,
Peter left me a little parting gift.

In the manuscript of "Devil's Island"
that I gave you to send to press,

he named the villain after me,

and named the heroine Anuradha.

Now, if people actually read this,

anyone with a bit
of wisdom and maturity...

could piece together
my entire life story.

And that was exactly his intention.

But what if the truth comes out?

Have you ever thought
about that, Dad?

Who wrote 'Romeo and Juliet'?

William Shakespeare.

"The Tragical History of Romeus
and Juliet." by Arthur Brookes.

It was based on that poem...

that William Shakespeare...

created his famous masterpiece,
"Romeo and Juliet."

Back then, when intellectual property
and copyrights didn't exist...

this was common practice.

But in this day and age,

it would be dismissed
as plagiarism or cheap copying.

Can you even fathom framing
the great William Shakespeare

as a mere plagiarist?

- No.
- You can't.

Because...in reality,
beyond the art itself,

and surviving across centuries,

what defines his greatness...

is the reputation he has earned.

The fact that their
favourite novelist cheated...

is something people simply
don't want to believe.

If the creation is good,

they will deify whoever takes credit
as the creator.

They don't even like to hear that
it was someone else's blood and sweat.

Only the final result matters here.

[phone rings]

- Hello?
- Sir!

We've traced one more copy.

That's nine out of ten.

That's not enough.

We need to issue a press
release immediately.

"The novel is being withdrawn
due to a technical error."

"If the book is returned
to any nearby Manjadi book store,

"readers will receive double
the amount as a refund."

Understood, sir.

Not a single copy of that novel
should remain in circulation.

Okay, sir.

You have a high IQ...

If you put in the effort,
you could easily get into an IIT.

You could draw a six-figure salary
anywhere in the world...

and live a comfortable life.

Now tell me...

Do you really want this
cursed life of mine?

I do.

I want the world to know me.

I want them to admire me.

Just like my dad.

No, scratch that.
Not like you.

I want to become even
greater than you.

To do that, you needn't
struggle this much.

Trust me, the world is full of fools
who will happily struggle for you.

What you should strive for,

is not to create your art.

It is to create your value.

Your greatness lies
in protecting your own value.

Once you are established
as a great man,

even if your past mistakes
are one day revealed,

the greatness you have achieved
will be your shield.

"Chase reputation...
and greatness will follow."

Guard that reputation
even to your grave.

Reputation!

That is the only weapon you need.

'The very last copy
of "Devil's Island"...'

'that Vaikom David was
so desperately searching for,'

'is right here with me.'

'And this is where my story begins.'

Vineeth!

Now do you see how he fell
from his bed and broke his arm?

He's always reading horror novels,

or watching some horror film.

And then, he dreams
of it and wakes up startled,

falls off the bed,
and breaks his arm.

- Correct!
- Huh?

- Oh...!
- You, keep quiet!

You mess around too, but when
the exam results come...

you always manage to score
above 90%.

But his case is different.

For the last exam,

he barely managed 55%.

Hey! Come on!

Uncle, will you buy me a Frooti?

Would one be enough?

"Those who believe in
the false illusion...

of a beautiful and fragrant life,

should not read this novel!"

Vineeth, when you grow up,

what do you want to be?

You must have an ambition, right?

Doctor...

Doctor, it's not like
what my father said.

I didn't fall
because I was scared.

Then?

Someone throws me to the ground.

- Who?
- I don't know!

But he comes every night.

Have you actually seen him?

Just once!

But...

But?

- He has no head.
- What?!

He jumped in front of a train,
and committed suicide.

That's what he told me.

[train strikes something on the tracks]

Don't be scared, Doctor!

I was just kidding.

- Oh!
- I dream every night.

Sometimes I do get
a bit frightened.

Sometimes I just
lose my balance...

and I end up falling.

This happened the same way.

[nervously sweating]

I'm taking this with me.

You can't do that!

I haven't finished
reading it yet.

I won't be able to sleep
without knowing its climax.

Is that so?

Then for the time being,
you needn't know the climax.

You should be focusing
on much more important things now.

You need an aim in life, son.

Decide what you want to be, by the time
you come back to remove your plaster.

Only then will I give this back.

'To find out how
"Devil's Island" ends,'

'now I have to wait until
this cast comes off.'

'And I have to come up
with an "aim" in life too.'

'This was a total betrayal.'

Uncle and I...

will drop you off
and head out quickly.

Just make sure you give him his food
and medicine on time, okay?

Consider it done, Aunty!

It's not like I have
anything better to do anyway!

- Dude?
- Yeah?

Shall we go watch a movie?

Mom gave me fifty rupees
to buy snacks for the school trip.

As soon as your parents leave,

we'll head straight
to the theatre.

[whispering]
Which movie?

- "Mummy"?
- Just come with me!

The special effects are incredible.

[sound effects of metal clanking]

Phew!

[fearful sound effects]

[gulping nervously]

[water quivering in the cup]

Didn't I tell you the special effects
would be incredible?

That scene where Imhotep
swallows the helicopter...

Oh my god!

The sound was even
coming from behind us!

I've found it!

Found what?

Aim!

I didn't get you!

I want to scare people!

I want to terrify
everyone using DTS!

[SUNIL VIDEOS]

"Akashaganga"
[cult horror film in Malayalam]

- Vineeth!
- Suniletta...

Do you have "The Mummy"?

Oh, no, I don't.

I only had two copies...

and both are currently out.

But I have something else for you.

It hasn't even been
released in India yet.

In America, it's a bigger hit
than "Titanic."

"The Sixth Sense!"

Does this have DTS?

It was recorded from a theatre
in America that had DTS,

so it's bound to have it!

[News on TV] Malayalam's beloved writer,
Vaikom David, has passed away.

The end came at approximately six o'clock
this evening at his own residence.

With over two hundred and fifty...

'This setup isn't
good enough at all!'

'I need to equip
this house with DTS!'

'I know how to do it.'

Sorry, Grandpa.

I really need to watch this movie.

'Welcome to Madhavan DTS!'

'5.1,'

'Kuttikkanam.'

Wow!

That's quite the setup
you've got here!

It's no use, man.

Sunilettan totally ripped me off.

The DTS effect isn't working at all.

Well, that's Sunilettan for you.
He's bound to cheat.

It's a great book, Grandpa.

I have no idea why it flopped.

People don't deserve you!

As per my genetics,

I expected a grandson with
a scientific temperament like you.

And what did I end up with?

A boy who breaks his arm falling
off the bed reading a Vaikom David novel!

"The Sixth Sense"?

Where have I heard
that name before?

No, you wouldn't have heard it.

Wait...

Its director is actually a Malayali.

Get out of here!
This is a Hollywood movie.

Bruce Willis is the hero.

The hero might be Bruce Willis,

but the director
is definitely a Malayali.

Manoj K. Jayan!

It's Manoj Night Shyamalan!

Born in Mahe.

Brought up in Pennsylvania.

Grandpa, you are a genius.

People don't deserve you!

'Grandpa is more than
I gave him credit for.'

'He really is a genius.'

'But how on earth
did Suji know that?'

[whispering]
How do you know this?

Just watching movies
isn't enough...

You should try reading
the newspaper once in a while.

'Yes, I've found an aim in life.'

'Now, I need to get this cast off and
finally read the climax of Devil's Island.'

Try shaking your hand a little.

- Does it hurt?
- No.

Now, try writing something.

- What should I write?
- Anything that comes to your mind.

'Everyone is going to be shocked
when they read this.'

'Grandpa will be happy.'

Aim.

I have finally decided
on my life's aim.

I want to be a Hollywood director
like Manoj Night Shyamalan.

- What?
- The book!

'The climax of Devil's Island'

'was nothing like
what I had expected.'

'It was pretty terrible.'

'So, that chapter of my life
is officially over.'

Dad, will you buy me a video camera?

A video camera will be
far too expensive, son.

If you'd like, we can stop by Sunil Videos
on the way and rent a cassette.

But Sunilettan said
it only costs Rs 27,000.

"Only" Rs 27,000?!

Hey!

If we had Rs 27,000,

we could buy your mother
a brand-new washing machine.

- And you want a video camera?
- [laughs]

So, did you finish reading it?

I didn't like it one bit.

Stupid "Devil's Island".

When a talented man's treasure,

is snatched away
by the talentless one,

he can either console himself
by calling it his destiny,

or he can set out...
to rewrite that destiny himself.

This is the story
of one such man's...

incredibly adventurous
and epic journey.

[car's engine whirring]

So, did the talented one
get the treasure?

No, he didn't get it in the end.

The talented man lost...
and the talentless man won.

- What a terrible climax!
- That's what!

This is what happens when you carry
impossible desires in your heart.

Manoj Night Shyamalan
grew up in America.

You grew up in Kuttikkanam.

Listen...

There's no Hollywood here.

In this small state of Kerala,
we only have a 'small wood.'

Mollywood!

So, Vineeth...

Just forget about the handycam!

[ignition fails repeatedly]

Damn it!

It won't start!

It's time to buy a new car.

- This has been happening frequently now!
- Huh!?

Hey, Vineeth!

Get in the car!

Hey!

What is he doing?

"Malayalam's first DTS horror film!"

Fine. Mollywood would do!

I'll make high-class horror films
right here in our little Kerala!

Best of the best, in DTS!

After Director Vinayan,

it'll be Vineeth Madhavan!

I'm going to terrify everyone!

'And no one can stop me!'

'Because,'

'God will be with me,'

'always!'

'Mollywood Times'

[festive folk music]

[evil female's laughter]

O Goddess!

[wind howling]

O Goddess!

[soundtrack from "Akashaganga"]

Please don't kill me!

[eerie laughter]

O Goddess!

What happened?
Did you break it again?

Huh?

No, Dad!
All okay!

Then get ready!

Let's go get your mark sheet!

'This is the world.'

'And this is my Orkut profile.'

'I have five friends on Orkut.'

'Dad, Mom,'

'Grandpa, Suji and Sunilettan.'

'I've sent friend requests to
M. Night Shyamalan, RGV and Vinayan sir.'

'They haven't accepted them yet.'

'But one day...'

'One day, they will.'

'And then, they'll personally reach out
to Vineeth Madhavan.'

'Waiting for that day!'

- Happy?
- Maadhavan?

Teacher, there aren't two
'A's in "Madhavan," only one.

- 62%.
- Nice!

- You barely passed in Maths.
- As usual!

And that's only thanks
to the teachers here.

Next year, for the board exams,
don't expect such leniency.

You'll definitely fail!

Grab that one too, Bhasietta.

- Dad...look, "Chakrabhoomi."
- Oh!

Have you started reading
newspapers now?

Hmm...good!

Wait...

Did you see this, Dad?

A Rs 5000 discount
on the handycam!

We can get it for Rs 20,000 now.

I've been asking you
for five years, Dad.

In the meantime,
you bought a new mixer,

a new washing machine,

and you even bought
a vacuum cleaner!

The price is really low
right now.

Can't you at least
buy it for me now?

By this age, M. Night Shyamalan
had already made 22 short films, Dad!

I need to start making movies now
if I have to be a master filmmaker.

- Vineeth Madhavan?
- Yes. It's me!

He passed his tenth grade
with a distinction.

So, just sharing the joy!

Sweet Jesus!

[fastening the seatbelt]

If you score above 80%
in the upcoming board exams,

I'll take a loan
and buy you that handycam.

What?

Wait, really?!

I mean it.

Will he actually pull it off?

'When you want something,'

'the entire universe conspires
in helping you to achieve it.'

'Paulo Coelho.'

'Eighty percent!'

Greetings!
I am Anand Sudhakaran.

This week, two Malayalam films
have hit the screens.

Both are star-driven vehicles,
and both are commercial successes.

However...I am disappointed.

Now, don't reach
for your stones just yet!

Let me remind you once more,

...film criticism is not about simply
echoing public opinion.

If the critics who came before me
had done only that...

cinema today would
still be nothing more

than the circus-tent gimmicks
started by the Lumière Brothers.

If the state of Malayalam cinema
is to change...

we need new-age cinema
and fresh talents capable

of elevating the audience's
aesthetic sensibilities.

Hey!

I'm coming to save
Malayalam Cinema!

[Grandpa] So Vineeth Madhavan is going
to become a film director, is he?

Yes. So everyone's
heard the news, then?

Surviving in the film industry
is not so easy.

Genetically speaking, he simply
isn't capable of doing it.

[Madhavan] Do you honestly think
he'll manage to score 80%, Dad?

He's never going to do that.

I only said that so he'd at least study
something under that pretext, Dad.

But what if he does score 80%?

Will you actually
take out a loan?

He won't.

Genetically speaking,
he just isn't capable of it.

'Grandpa is no more my friend.'

'I'm going to unfriend him.'

'Bye-bye, Grandpa!'

'Just you wait and see.'

"Exam Coacher"
"Labour India"...

Yes, let me take this one, too!

"Has he returned?"

"Has the old man arrived?"

"Has he returned?"

"Has the old man arrived?"

"What happened to him?
Did it catch fire again and again?"

The moment the results are out,

Dad will reluctantly go
to State Bank and take out a loan.

Grandpa will never see it coming.

An unpredictable turn of events...

just like a Manoj Night Shyamalan film.

Then, he'll drive
all the way to Kottayam...

buy a brand new 3.5-megapixel
Sony handycam from High Range Electronics,

race back up the pass,
and hand it over to me.

Dad will be in tears.

Grandpa will be
bawling his eyes out.

A total sob fest!

And I will be there
to witness it all.

"Has he returned?"

"Has the old man arrived?"

"What happened to him?
Did it catch fire again and again?"

- Hey, Maniyan!
- Get lost!

Listen, there are no reservation
quotas in the tenth grade!

- Suniletta!
- The cabins are all full.

Give me your roll number,
I'll check and let you know.

Okay!

Hey! Scared you!

Listen, as soon as I get the camera,
we're going to shoot a horror short film.

And you'll be the hero.

Me?

It's the middle of the night...

You're bored at home alone,
so you call up a friend to play some chess

Hello?

As you wait for him, you start
setting up the pieces on chess board.

Just as you finish,

the power goes out.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings!

[calling bell rings]

- Huh? Errr...
- What?

If the power is out,
how can the bell ring?

Then there's a sudden
knock at the door!

[knocking on the door]

You walk through the dark,

open the door,

and welcome your friend inside.

[owl hooting]

You both start playing chess.

Since it's pitch dark,

there's only the glow
of a single candle.

Total darkness!

Just as you call out "Check",

the power suddenly comes back on.

You look up and...

- there's no one sitting across from you.
- Whoa!

[dog barking]

Just as you start to panic,

the power goes out again.

Suddenly,

you hear the sound of a piece
moving on the chessboard.

You look down,

and someone has made a move
right in front of you.

Checkmate!

Trembling with fear,

you pick up the candle,

and slowly try to see
the person's face.

As you move the candle
closer towards him,

it's clear that no one is there!

Right then, there's another
knock at the door.

As you take the candle,

and slowly open the door,

there stands your friend
smiling at you!

Suddenly, his smile fades.

He looks behind you,
paralysed with shock.

He sees in the flickering
light of your candle,

standing right behind you,

a headless figure!

Cut! Title card:

"CHEKUTHAN"
[DEVIL]

A Vineeth Madhavan Film!

- Whoa!
- Huh?!

That's an awesome concept!

Total Ram Gopal Varma style!

That's exactly how I'm planning
to shoot it...in complete darkness!

- Nothing but candlelight.
- Awesome!

Eighty-eight!
Fifty-seven!

- Wait, what?
- 88 percent!

And 57 percent!

- That'll be Rs 20. Don't forget to pay.
- We will pay.

And there I was, dreaming
of becoming a hero in vain.

'So that handycam I dreamed of,'

'I'm never going to get it now.'

'I'm shattered like
a beautiful piece of glass.'

Here, Suniletta, 20 Rupees.

I hope everything goes
well for you.

What's wrong?
Didn't you pass?

Yeah.

3.5 megapixels
with Carl Zeiss lens.

Rechargeable batteries
and Mini DV tape.

To shoot your short film,

won't this be enough?

- Thank you, Suniletta!
- You're welcome!

Six hundred per day.

The tape will cost
an extra hundred.

You're not going to finish
shooting this in a single day.

But if you do manage it,

you'll become a great
director one day.

Back in the day, I.V. Sasi used
to wrap up a whole Malayalam film

in just eighteen days.

Six hundred plus a hundred...

Seven hundred total!

- Done.
- Okay.

You're the one paying for this.

Wait, what? Me?

88 percent!

Today, your dad will give you
anything you ask for.

'Devil'.
'My first masterpiece.'

'Grandpa is too embarrassed
to even look at me.'

'Science has failed.'

'Man has triumphed.'

'The power of manifestation!'

'A fitting retort for my Grandpa
who doesn't believe in God.'

[burns Benzoin incense]

Wait!

- It needs to be completely dark.
- Oh!

I've planned your intro to look like
Amitabh Bachchan's intro shot in "Sarkar."

Only half of your face
should be visible.

This candlelight is perfect for that.

We need to block out
all the outside light completely.

Yes!!

Whoa!

What's wrong?
All okay?

I don't know what went wrong.

When I checked it during the day,
it seemed perfectly fine.

This is just a handycam.

Your night-time experiments
won't work on this.

But doesn't it have 3.5 megapixels?

It has ONLY 3.5 megapixels.

Even with a tube light on at night,
the footage will be full of grains.

And here he is, trying
to shoot with a candle!

T...this won't work, Suniletta.

I need a camera that can
actually shoot at night.

In that case,
you'd need an HD cam.

But you wouldn't be
able to operate that.

You'd need an operator, lights...
And with the daily allowance for everyone,

it'll cost you around Rs 4,500.

Do you have that kind of money?

- 4500?!
- Listen!

Take this back.

Try shooting
something in daylight.

The quality will be decent enough.

Think along those lines.

You might actually
get better results.

[water cascading down the mirror]

[knocking on the door]

Huh?

Huh?

But who could that be...

Huh?

Ah!

Huh?

Check!
- [knocking on the door]

Huh?

Huh?

Huh?

Huh?

Huh?

'DEVIL'

It was really good, son.
Very beautiful to watch!

- Hmm.
- Right?

Yes. Making a film like
this at such a young age,

is not something
just anyone can do.

It definitely requires
a special talent.

- Yeah.
- It's nice, isn't it, Dad?

Ghosts are a grand lie.

Nothing more than human fantasy...

regarding life after death!

I simply cannot bring myself

to enjoy or be frightened
by such things.

Sorry!

Good job, son!

Even though it's a short,

you've proven that
you can become a director.

That said, don't slack off
on your studies!

Oh!

You must take the entrance exams
seriously. Got it?

- Come on, let's eat.
- Okay!

Son, don't you worry about him.

Whether he studies or not,

simply because
we are his parents,

he'll manage to get
a seat in some college.

But it's not the same for you.

'He's right...
it's not the same for me.'

'But even so, it's wrong to talk
about Suji like that.'

'Unlike me,'

'he's actually brilliant
at his studies.'

'Even without reservation,'

'he could get admission
into any college.'

'But because of his
social background,'

'he receives absolutely
no appreciation.'

'So, whatever little anyone says about him,
is enough to make him happy.'

You were really good.

Even though there weren't any dialogues,
your expressions were superb.

'But...for me, that's not enough!'

Dude, we should show this
to everyone at school tomorrow.

- No!
- Huh?

No one else should see this!

- Why? Everyone liked it!
- No!

They were only complimenting
my effort.

Not the short film itself!

People should be terrified
when they watch my film.

They should be paralysed
with shock at the climax.

Did anyone here look shocked?

If this were a scene in an RGV film,
what would you have said?

This is not quite at that
level, but it's okay.

I want to achieve that level.

Let's do this again.

Dude, is that really necessary?

Nobody is going
to call this bad.

It's just going to be
a lot of extra work.

Masters aren't born in an instant!

It is constant practice

that makes one an expert in his field.

To achieve a certain level
of mastery in any field,

it's estimated that you need at least
ten thousand hours of practice.

While we were still
playing in the mud,

people like Spielberg
and Shyamalan

were already shooting short films
on 8mm cameras.

That's because they
were born in the U.S.

And we were born in India.

Why wouldn't they be masters then?

I dreamt of being a filmmaker
back in 5th grade,

and released my first
short film only in 11th grade.

I don't want to be just
another filmmaker, Suji!

I want to be the best in my field.

The best horror filmmaker
Malayalam Cinema has ever produced!

Let's reshoot!

Vineeth, there will
always be obstacles.

One should never be
stubborn about perfection.

I will be.

Just finish the shoot somehow with
the available facilities and budget!

That is a director's true duty!

For the time being,
I'm not fulfilling that duty.

I want an HD camera.
No matter what.

- For two days.
- In that case, it will cost Rs 9000.

I don't have it here.

I'll have to rent
it from Ernakulam.

- Let's rent it.
- When?

I need a little time
to get the rent ready.

I need to wait for my next
Vishu gift money.

Then there's my auto
fare until then,

movie tickets, egg puffs,
cumin soda...

I'll save money by
avoiding all these!

Fine...how much
time do you need?

- Hmm?
- One week?

Two weeks?

Three weeks?

Four weeks?

'DEVIL'

Cut!

I like it!

'DEVIL'

Will you really shock me?

See for yourself
just how shocked you get.

Just for records!

[rumbling thunder]

'Judging by the desperate way he's blowing,
it's obvious that balloon is going to pop'

'And Sunilettan is going
to get shocked.'

'Both will happen
at the exact same time.'

'The moment is here.'

'My calculations were
completely wrong.'

'The balloon didn't pop,
and Sunilettan didn't flinch.'

Don't you worry!

I'm just like this by nature.

I don't get startled
all that easily.

I'm simply built this way!

[balloon bursts]

'The one I expected to pop
was the white balloon!'

'But the one that actually popped...
was the red one!'

'Build-up and misdirection!'

'In other words, diverting
the audience's attention.'

Hey, didn't I just watch it?

Try watching it once more!

[flinches in fear]

How is it like this now?

It wasn't like this
the first time!

Build-up and misdirection!

- That was missing earlier!
- Oh...!!

Now, we need to buy 53 CDs.

We'll burn the copies...

and distribute them in class.

Everyone has to see this.

But...I'm short by Rs 500.

I won't get a single penny
from my house.

Don't worry!

Today, my dad will give me
whatever I ask for.

[ominous thudding]

- Dad?
- Huh?

It felt like watching
a proper movie!

You've really improved.

To distribute CDs
of this film in my class...

could you give me Rs 500?

I'm not giving you any money.

But the movie is good.

- Right?
- It's good.

It's great, isn't it, Dad?

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

'This is...C.K. Parameswaran.'

'Age: seventy-five!'

'A seeker of truth who has read
more books and watched more movies'

'than anyone else
in the entire universe!'

'And today, watching my film,'

'he dropped dead!'

- He's still breathing!
- Let's get him to the hospital.

Dad!

'Well, he's not dead yet.'

A ghost could appear before him,
and the man wouldn't even flinch.

And you put that
old man in a coma.

Coma?

You've proven your talent.

Don't bother with entrance exams.

Cinema is where you belong!

Once you complete 12th grade, I'll get
you admission for Visual Communication.

It's not like you're going to achieve
anything great by studying anyway.

Here...

Here's Rs 1000.

Not fifty...

buy a hundred CDs!

And then...

scare everyone to death!

Teacher...

'I dreamed of becoming
a filmmaker back in fifth grade,'

'yet, by the time I finished my very first
short film, I was already in twelfth grade.'

'That means...'

'60,000 precious hours of my life...'

'during which I should have
perfected my craft through practice...'

'I've wasted them all.'

'But I won't waste any more time.'

Company...

Godfather...

Chekuthan...

[KUTTIKKANAM'S PRIDE,
VINEETH MADHAVAN]

'Manoj Night Shyamalan was twenty-eight
when he made his first film.'

'RGV was twenty-eight,'

'Scorsese was twenty-five,'

'and Spielberg was twenty-four.'

'Vineeth Madhavan...'

'By the time I finish college,'

'I'll be twenty-one.'

'Give me one more year
to write and shoot a feature.'

'Then Vineeth Madhavan will be...'

'twenty-two.'

'The youngest hitmaker
of Malayalam cinema'

'Perfect!'

'Masters aren't born in an instant!'

'So, for the next three years,'

'which is twenty-six thousand,
two hundred and eighty hours,'

'I will polish and refine myself.'

YAKSHI
[Vampire]

'I don't want to be
just another filmmaker.'

'I want to be the best!'

[ghostly scream]

Cut

I like it!

- Huh!
- Hi, Vineeth.

I have received an offer
to act in a Tamil film.

I will become
a superstar pretty soon.

Marrying me would be
a huge step up for you.

I'm into you.

Sorry!

I'm not interested.

'That was a lie.'

'I was interested.'

'But right now, my focus'

'is on just one thing.'

'Directing my debut feature film
at the age of twenty-two!'

'Three years!'

'Three short films!'

'All of them went viral.'

'Orkut is dead,
replaced by Facebook.'

'And yet, Grandpa still
hasn't woken up.'

'But if he ever wakes up,'

'the first thing he should
see is my apology.'

'Sorry, Grandpa'

'Within those three years,
just as Hana told me,'

'she conquered Tamil cinema
and became a superstar.'

'The power of manifestation!'

'I'm done with college,
but Suji's still at it.'

'He is studying medicine.'

'He's a top rank holder, too.'

'Yet the brilliant townspeople still claim
he got his seat through reservation.'

'As always, that fills him
with absolute resentment.'

'Suji is not happy at all.'

Where has Sunilettan
disappeared to?

This is the problem with
inviting random older uncles.

He's probably stuck in the bathroom
reading some film magazine.

Come on, let's just go in.

Man, I can't see a single
thing through these glasses!

Should we just take
them off for now?

We need to wear it only
when we get inside, right?

- Yeah, keep 'em off till we're inside.
- Yes!

'MY DEAR KUTTICHATHAN 3D'

- Got it!
- What?

My first film.

Mollywood's first monster movie!

An extension of my short film.

But, do you really need a monster?

A feature film is not
like a short film.

Wouldn't a normal horror film do?
Something the audience here can digest?

Just any movie won't do, Suji.

I want my first film
to be remembered forever.

And for that, simply scaring
the audience isn't enough.

That fear should create history!

And that history must be celebrated.

'MY DEAR KUTTICHATHAN 3D'

This is the second re-release
of 'My Dear Kuttichathan',

which originally came out
back in 1984.

So many other 3D films
hit the screens after that,

but nobody even remembers them.

First will always be recorded
and remembered in history.

One can't achieve anything in life
without taking risks, Suji.

I'm a horror filmmaker who put even
my rationalist grandfather into a coma!

Malayalam cinema's very first monster film
must have my name stamped on it.

Fine, believe whatever you want!

Just stop bragging that your short film
is what put Grandpa in a coma!

I still don't buy that.

He is a scientific man!

Huh?

Read!

Read what?
Where were you?

Read the back page!

Kazhcha Film Society
Short Film Festival, 2011.

Entry Fee - Rs 500.

Read what's written below that.

The winner's debut feature film
will be produced

by Kazhcha Film Society,
in association with Harris Basheer Group.

Harris Basheer?

Will this actually happen?

Look, kid, Navodaya Appachan isn't
going to come knocking on your door

just because he saw the view count
on your little short films.

If you want to make it, you're the one
who has to go knocking on doors.

Dude...

I don't see a photo
of Harris Basheer anywhere.

But he's a big deal.

He has a lot of companies
in his name.

So there's a chance
this is serious.

Of course!

Shall we send it?

- Send it!
- I already sent it.

What!

I sent all four of your short films.

That's why I got late.

Now don't waste
any more time, Vineeth.

You need to get the script
ready at the earliest.

And it needs to be a hit.

I'll make it a blockbuster!

'MRUGAM'
[Animal]

'Hard work.'

'Passion.'

'Talent.'

'If you have these three, you can achieve
anything in this world.'

'I have observed
five common elements'

'in the successful novels
of Vaikom David here in Kerala'

'and the films of Manoj Night Shyamalan
over in Hollywood.'

'One,'

'a hero who saves
the world from evil.'

'Two,'

'good things happen
to good people.'

'Three,'

'emphasis on empathy of humans.'

'Four,'

'everything is connected.'

'Five,'

'a hopeful climax.'

'In short,'

'no matter how much you terrify them,'

'the audience should
never lose hope towards life.'

'That is the responsibility
of an artist.'

'I will fulfil that
responsibility in my film.'

'Mrugam' [Animal] will not
just be another movie.'

'It will be a landmark
in Malayalam cinema.'

"A day will come,
O world, just see"

"When all the world
comes chasing me"

"The stars that fill
the endless sky"

"I'll forever spin them
on my palm held high"

"I'll reach the peak
no one has known"

"And burn all sorrow
down to bone"

"I'll make time freeze
at my command"

"And draw all eyes
with just one stand"

"I'll build a kingdom,
claim my throne"

"Images will find
a voice of their own"

"My Friday will come"

"It will come, it will come"

"My Friday will arrive"

"All my dreams will come alive"

"My Friday will come"

"It will come"

"My future will shine through"

"All my dreams will come true"

"From my village childhood,
I dreamed of distant cities"

"I stitched wings to cross
those endless distances"

"I whispered for a boon
into God's own ear"

"I fought for this one goal
I held most dear"

"Welcome to this pitch-dark abode"

"Come witness the visions I unfold"

"Fear is my aim,
to shake you to the core"

"An illusion that lights
the silver screen galore"

"My Friday will come"

"It will come, it will come"

"My Friday will arrive"

"All my dreams will come alive"

"My Friday will come"

"It will come"

"My future will shine through"

"All my dreams will come true"

[mobile rings]

- Hello?
- Hello?

- Hello?
- Hello?

- Hello?
- Hello?

- Hello?
- Hello?

"My Friday will come"

"It will come, it will come"

"My Friday will arrive"

"All my dreams will come alive"

"My Friday will come"

"It will come"

"My future will shine through"

"All my dreams will come true"

Why are there two copies?

I'm taking this one to
the Mookambika Temple to get it blessed.

Haven't you already done
everything you had to do?

The remaining half is not
in our hands, Vineeth.

For that, we need
the Goddess's blessings.

And Harris Basheer's, as well.

The short film festival
is tomorrow, right?

[gunfire erupts]

[foot stomps on dry leaves]

[wild boar grunting]

[fires at the wild boar]

[hushing]

[gunfire erupts, soil particles shimmer]

'RAKSHASAN'
[Monster]

Congrats!

- All the best!
- Thank you!

'The mastermind behind 'Aakashaganga'
and 'Vellinakshatram', the great Vinayan sir'

'will be presenting
me with this award.'

'Now, he will definitely accept
my friend request.'

'This is the day I've been
waiting for my entire life.'

Hi!

Magnificent work, Vineeth!

Without question, it is the best work
I've seen at this film festival!

Today, we witnessed highly diverse,
creative works from fifteen young talents...

hand-picked from a massive pool
of over two hundred applicants.

The name of the best artistic creation
chosen by the jury from among them

is written on the slip of paper
I'm holding right now.

The reward awaiting the winner

is no mere consolation trophy
or cash prize.

It is the title of the director
for the first Malayalam film

produced by Kazhcha Film Society
in association with Harris Basheer Group!

I will not prolong this further.

So, the best short film award goes to...

the director of 'Chekhov's Gun',
Arjun Haridas!

To present the award,
I humbly welcome

our very own Vinayan sir.

- Thank you, sir!
- Sir is in a hurry.

He will be returning immediately
after this award presentation.

Those who wish to take photos
may do so outside.

Arjun...a few words?

Oh, no, no, no...No!

Thank you! Thank you!

Second best short film,
'Monster'!

Director, Vineeth Madhavan.

Without any music, relying solely
on ambient sound design, he terrified us.

He truly has a style of his own.

Without question, it is the best work
I've seen at this film festival!

'I truly believe that
my short film is the best.'

'That's exactly what
Anand Sudhakaran told me.'

'Is it possible
Anand Sudhakaran was just lying?'

[loud whistling]

'No.'

'The audience clearly loved
my film the most.'

'My short film
is absolutely the best.'

To present the award,
I invite to the stage

renowned film critic,

Mr. Anand Sudhakaran!

You'll face even tougher competition
out there in the film industry.

You won't always be able
to come first.

Just a second.
Just a second.

Sorry...I know I'm interfering,

but I really can't help
saying a few words right now.

Sorry...sorry.

To be honest,

I've only watched
a handful of classic films.

I don't know if anyone
will believe this,

but the very first time I stepped
into a theatre to watch a film

was after my tenth-grade exams.

Coming from that kind
of family background,

the courage and confidence to make
my first short film, 'Chekhov's Gun',

came entirely from Vineeth Madhavan
here and his short films.

That's how much...

That's how much
he has inspired me!

Since I'm such a big fan,

I even sent him a few messages
on Facebook,

but I never got a reply.

But anyway,

being able to stand on this stage
at a moment like this,

and winning first prize for my film while
competing alongside Vineeth himself...

I truly look at it as my destiny.

So,

I would love to dedicate this award
to Vineeth Madhavan himself.

Thank you!

Bye!

Man!

Love you, man!

Sir!

'I still don't get it...instead of giving
the award to me,'

'why did they give it to Arjun?'

Don't overthink it.

The awards were definitely
rigged from the start.

It has nothing to do with talent.

Everything in this industry is
handed out based on connections.

But you were definitely the one
who deserved first prize.

So what if I didn't
win first prize?

The audience clearly loved
my film the most.

You heard the applause, right?

But didn't he walk away with
all the applause in the end?

He doesn't look up to you
as an inspiration.

And he definitely hasn't sent
you a single Facebook message.

But he's got a real way
with words.

He knows how to crack jokes.

By calling you, the runner-up,
his big inspiration...

and joking about you being the guy
who doesn't reply to messages...

he instantly became
the underdog...

and painted you
as the arrogant one.

For those who know
how to wield humour,

there's honestly no weapon
more lethal than that.

"The humble underdog rose above
the arrogant snob"

That's the narrative
he fed the audience.

And it's that underdog who got
the final standing ovation.

The audience always
roots for the underdog.

Your short film
is genuinely good.

You really know
how to terrify people.

That's the one thing guys like me
just can't seem to pull off.

I'm making a movie
based on the novel 'Chithra'.

'Chithra'?

Yeah, I know that one.

It's Vaikom David's novel.

Yes.

Hana Shahjahan is locked in
as the heroine.

We're having some issues
with the script though.

Hana isn't completely
satisfied with it.

Could you take a look at it?

I tried working with a couple of
reputed writers in the industry already.

They might turn it into
a successful film.

But that's not what
I'm looking for.

I want a debut that no one will ever
forget, even a hundred years from now.

Greatness!

That's what I'm after!

And only a pure, unadulterated talent
like you can deliver that.

I'm ready to provide whatever pay
or facilities you demand.

Sorry...

'Chithra' is one
of my favourite novels.

But...my priority right now
is to make my own movie.

If I push it back, my concept
might lose its exclusivity.

Alright then...
All the best!

If you ever need any help,
you can call me.

- Yeah.
- Keep in touch!

- Mm-hmm.
- We're already friends on Facebook.

Just search for
Sachin Vaikom David.

Huh?

'Meeting Sachin was a blessing
in disguise.'

'He cleared up all my confusion.'

'This guy is an absolute phony.'

'Everything happens for a reason.'

'Now I can finally see him
for what he is.'

'I can clearly hear every thought
passing through his mind.'

'Hey, Vineeth, you loser...'

'I'm the humble one here,'

'and you're just the arrogant prick!'

'Go and make the short film!'

'I'm off to make my movie.'

'He's not Arjun Haridas.'

'He's "Humble" Haridas.'

'And there's no way
I'm letting this slide.'

- Hello? Vineeth?
- Yeah. Hello, Sachin!

- Vineeth, tell me. All good?
- Yeah.

I read the script.
It's terrible.

I'll do the rewrite.

But I don't want your money
or any perks.

What do you want instead?

Just name it, Vineeth.

You have to produce
my debut film.

Deal!

Welcome to Mollywood!

My father bought this British bungalow
in Vagamon years ago.

I actually grew up here.

When I said I wanted Hollywood-quality
visuals for the film,

it was my cameraman who actually
suggested this place.

My film...

It shouldn't feel like a regular
Malayalam film, Vineeth.

That level of quality
must reflect in the writing too.

We have zero time left.

Hana will arrive on the 20th,
as soon as her Tamil film wraps.

The script has to be done
and approved by her before that.

I'm facing a lot of pressure
from Wox's end.

Come to Vagamon this weekend.

I'll send a car for you.

Finish reworking ten scenes and
bring them along when you come.

We can discuss the rest there.

The guy glued to his camera phone?
That's our cameraman.

The one in all white...
is our Production Controller.

The guy spinning around
right now...that's Fayaz.

He's the Regional Head of Wox,
and our co-producer.

Has the face of a rat,
but the brains of a ruthless fox.

- Is this the new writer?
- Yes. Vineeth Madhavan.

He's a short filmmaker.

Can I read what he has written?

Well, he has just started writing.

No!

The full script is ready!

Why did you hand over
the full script to Fayaz?

He asked for it,
so shouldn't I give it?

Look, you are literally the fourth writer
to come on board this project.

Hana hasn't approved
a single draft yet.

If this one falls through too...

Fayaz will lose all trust
on this project.

Sachin!

I was expecting one or two
major corrections.

But now,
the entire script has changed!

Where is Hana in all of this?

Wait, what?!
Hana's not in it?

It was solely to capture Hana
up close and personal with my lens,

that I even walked away from
Superstar Swaroop's movie to come here!

This is an absolute betrayal!

Fear of the unknown...

The primal fear...
that humans feel toward the dark.

The person standing
right next to you.

The pure anxiety of not knowing
who that really is...

That was missing
in the draft you sent me.

Because, right in the very first scene,

you reveal that
the heroine is the ghost.

Plus, you've thrown in a flashback
right at the start of the second half.

So, the audience will be prepared.

At that point, all you can really do
is startle them with cheap jump scares.

You cannot terrify them.

And our job is to terrify them!

They need to be frozen with fear.

To achieve that, the audience
must live in anticipation...

right up until the climax.

Until then, the true form of the ghost
must never be revealed.

So...

in this film,

there is no heroine!

Who exactly is making
these decisions?

Sachin, I don't have time to waste,
and neither do you.

It's solely because
we have Hana's dates locked

that the entire business for this film
has been finalised.

To change it based on his whims,
this isn't some amateur short film.

Okay...forget about Hana
for a second.

What about the location then?

Your script takes place...
in the city, doesn't it?

How are we supposed
to film that up here?

It cannot be shot here.

Sachin, throwing away
a Hollywood-level location...

after we finally found it
is sheer stupidity.

Mind you!

[wooden chair cracking]

This story takes place
in Trivandrum city.

If we shoot in Trivandrum, it'll just look
like any regular Malayalam film.

Sachin's entire vision is about
an international aesthetic.

And we can only
pull that off over here.

Right in the heart
of Trivandrum city...

on a crowded street
where people live packed together,

eleven members of a single family

commit mass suicide in one night.

This...

The sheer dread you feel
just reading that

is the core selling point
of this story.

You can never replicate that
in a lonely house on a hill station,

no matter how many people
kill themselves here.

We need to root this terror
in everyday reality,

making the audience feel like it could
actually happen right next door.

That is the USP of this film.

If we force it
into this bungalow,

there is absolutely nothing
left to this story

than just another typical
haunted house movie.

Alright, enough with the art class...

Let me remind you
about the actual business.

Sachin Vaikom David is just a title on
the producer's credit line next to Wox;

he's not investing
a single penny.

Harris Basheer is the one
bankrolling everything.

If Hana is out of the picture,

Harris Basheer is out too.

That three- crore deficit?

You'll have to sell your
ancestral home to cover it.

So, Sachin, it's a simple choice...

Do you want to keep
your family estate...

or do you want his "art"?

I'm convinced about the location
and the heroine.

I don't care if I lose
my house and my property...

The film that
Sachin Vaikom David makes...

will be based on this script.

Are you out of your mind?

I just need one month's time.

I'll arrange the funds on my own.

I'll undertake the financial
partnership of this project.

I'll buy out Harris Basheer's
three-crore share myself.

Well, if this is how
you want to play it,

then this project will no longer have
any backing from Wox.

We are terminating
our agreement.

You might as well fund the entire
six crores yourself.

Sachin, you can't just raise
this kind of money overnight.

These things take a lot of time.

I don't care how long it takes.

I'll produce 'Chithra' myself,
without making a single compromise.

Years from now, when they look back
at the history of Malayalam cinema,

the name Sachin Vaikom David
must hold a permanent place in it.

Vineeth,

don't worry.

I'll have everything sorted out
within two months.

The moment we wrap production
on my film...

I'm going to produce your film!

You have my word.

Vineeth...

It's going to take
at least a year

for Sachin to scrape that money together
and actually get on set.

Is your own script complete?

Your rewrite is absolutely brilliant!

It's a sure-shot blockbuster.

But if I piss off a
massive star like Hana,

who has the highest
market value right now,

I'll lose all my
credibility in this industry.

As Wox India's first independent
Malayalam production,

I'd like to produce
your movie, Vineeth.

Are you in?

- And?
- And?

And what?

I turned him down.

- Why?
- Why?

What else could I do?
He was playing a dirty game.

Sachin was the one who brought me
into this project in the first place.

For this guy to scrap Sachin's film

and offer me a deal
behind his back...

That's just pure backstabbing!

So when is your movie
actually going to happen?

Sachin's film will wrap
production this year.

And immediately after that,
my film will start.

He has given me his word.

To be a good director,

you first need to be
a good human being.

Yeah...fair point.

'Vineeth Madhavan!'

'Age, twenty-three!'

'Still the youngest!'

'Still sexy!'

'Within one month,'

'I will have the final draft
of 'Chithra' ready.'

'Fayaz was right.'

'Forget one month...'

'It's been an entire year,
and Chithra still hasn't gone on floors.'

Make it fast, Chetta.

'Meanwhile, on the flip side...'

'Arjun Haridas has already
wrapped his film,'

'and it's gearing up for release.'

'After Party.'

'Sounds like a cheap underwear brand!'

Hey Vineeth, are you busy?

The final edit of my film is ready.

I'm just not able
to judge it objectively.

Before I lock the final picture,

I want to get a third party's opinion.

Could you watch it?
I'll come over.

What's the genre of the film?

That's a surprise.

It's been two years since
I finished writing this script.

Oh...

But it was always missing
a solid USP.

I was breaking my head
trying to crack it...

and that's when
I stumbled onto your short film.

That's when

the idea of adding a monster angle
to this narrative...

first struck me.

After that, everything
just fell into place.

If the final output has turned out
the way I think it has...

this is going to be a completely
fresh concept for Malayalam cinema.

[door latch clanks]

- Ready to go?
- Is it time?

Yeah, it's time for the flight.

Just a minute, babe.
I'm coming.

- Okay.
- So...

Just sit back and watch
the film in peace.

I'll drop her at the airport
and head straight back, okay?

By the way, Vineeth...

I've actually tried to adapt
your aesthetics a little in this film.

And for the horror sequences,

your short films were
my primary reference point.

You'll see what I mean
when you watch it.

Just let me know what you think.

Only then will I be able
to breathe a sigh of relief.

I'm expecting one hundred percent
honesty from you.

Whether you love it or hate it,

you have to tell me straight.

- Okay?
- Yeah.

You have my passport, right?

Yeah, I've got everything.

'I want to scare people!'

'I want to terrify
everyone using DTS!'

'AKASHAGANGA'

Cut! Cut!

Got it!

My first film.

Mollywood's first Monster movie!

An extension of my short film.

'First will always be recorded
and remembered in history.'

Are you done watching?

How is it?

It doesn't feel like your work.

It looks exactly like
something I would direct.

My visualisations,

the cut points,

the colour palette,

the sound treatment
without using music,

you ripped off
every single thing!

There's no way I can ever make
my own film now.

"Yet another filmmaker
trying to imitate Arjun Haridas..."

That's the tag that'll be waiting
for me down the road.

What are you implying right now?

That I stole your story?

If you had only stolen my story,

it would have been
a standard betrayal.

But with this,
you've destroyed me.

My dear Vineeth, listen to me!

These things happen all the time...

I wrote this script two years ago.

Adding that monster angle
was the only new change I made.

And the fact that
I got to make it first...

is just down to my destiny.

It's as simple as that.

I'll say it one more time.

Plagiarism isn't just about the story.

Stealing a filmmaker's signature style...

especially from a debutant
who hasn't even made his first feature,

is like murdering him.

I know I can't prove
a single word of this in court.

But you should always
know what you did.

Hey!

Seriously, Vineeth,
what are you...

This movie is going to be
a massive blockbuster.

Even if you doubt it,
I know it for a fact.

Because the core soul
of this film...

originated entirely
from my own vision!

It's my conviction!

Congratulations,

and please get out of here!

A debut director completely
shaking up Malayalam cinema

with such an incredibly fresh style
and sheer craftsmanship,

it's truly unprecedented.

With just a single film,

you could say Arjun Haridas has
already established himself as a brand.

[Sachin] Arjun's film
was your creation, right?

'MARANAM'
[Death]

What is this?

It's a short story from a literary contest
my father once organised.

'Chithra' is a good script.

But if we want to beat Arjun,

we need something much more
than just a good script.

We need a real USP.

We don't have to use
this exact story,

but the kind of USP I'm talking about
is right here in these pages.

If you can work
your magic on this,

it'll take things
to the next level.

And the fund is ready, Vineeth.

If you finish writing this,

we can roll cameras next month.

I'm not reading it.

Vineeth...

If the creation is good,

people will deify

whoever takes credit
as the creator.

They will even find
reasons to justify it.

Nobody wants to know that it was built
on someone else's blood and sweat.

Arjun Haridas, who ripped you off...

Look at where he stands today,
and you'll see what I mean.

In the end, the result
is all that matters.

'Sachin was right.'

'Arjun Haridas,
the one who ripped me off,'

'never faced any backlash
for what he did.'

'His career has only skyrocketed.'

'Everything I believed in
until now was wrong.'

'But just because of that,
I won't cross the line.'

'I will not participate in plagiarising
another person's effort.'

[Arjun] Some things
are just meant to be.

If you desire something intensely,

the entire universe will
conspire to help you get it.

I truly believe in destiny.

Thank God!

'Destiny!'

'Fortune!'

'Fate!'

'If this is what
my destiny looks like,'

'then I don't believe
in destiny anymore.'

'Nor in the God
who supposedly designed it.'

'Just because you desire
something intensely...'

'the universe isn't going
to look out for you.'

'From now on, my own decisions
will forge my fate.'

'Not God!'

'My loyalty to Sachin...'

'That wait cost me an entire year!'

'That's where I went wrong.'

'From now on, my loyalty
belongs to no one.'

'I don't trust
a single soul anymore.'

'I refuse to ever let myself
be exploited again.'

'My own destiny...'

'I will carve it out myself.'

'I will become the youngest and
the finest horror filmmaker in Malayalam.'

[Fayaz] Hello?

Sir, if that offer of yours
is still open,

I'm ready.

But I have two conditions.

I'm listening.

First...

Apart from me, no one else in the crew
gets to read

the full script of my film.

They won't have any access to it.

Only the specific details
they absolutely need to know

will be briefed
by me personally.

I don't trust anyone anymore.

Second...

From day one of shoot
right down to the final cut...

every single decision
will be mine alone.

No interference from the studio side.

Okay.

I have Swaroop's dates locked in.

If you have a subject
that suits him,

I'm ready to accept
all your conditions.

'Everything will be under
my control from now on.'

'I'm forging a new identity.'

'The old Vineeth Madhavan is dead.
This is someone entirely new.'

'Because everything I believed in
until now was a lie.'

[The hero who saves the world from evil.]

'This world is unfair.'

'And from now on, that reality will
be reflected in my films too.'

'My destiny is dictated
solely by my decisions.'

'That is the truth.'

'That is the only truth
that matters.'

'MANUSHYAN'
[Human]

That harness snapped during the final shot
and I sprained my ankle.

Being stuck on bed rest cost me

the villain role in Mysskin's film.

I've spent every day since then
absolutely cursing this film.

But after watching this film,

I only have one thing
to say, Vineeth...

At the age of twenty-three,

you have just created
a masterpiece.

And thank you for
making me a part of it.

This is a game changer.

Once the heat from
today's new releases cools down,

we can drop our first look poster
on Monday.

Go ahead and lock the edit.

There is nothing left
to question.

Sir, the person we sent to check the
audience response for 'Chithra' is back.

Could you give us a minute, sir?

One minute, Swaroop.

'Finally, 'Chithra' is releasing today.'

'Apart from some other minor film,'

'there are no other
significant releases.'

'Not until my movie drops, anyway.'

What did you think?

It's good!

Good, right?

Yes, it's good.

It's good, dude!

Why are you talking
in that tone?

Give it to me straight.

Did you guys get scared?

Yeah, we were terrified.

So you didn't like the story?

No, the story is fantastic.

Then what are you holding back?

There's no issue at all.

Let's just ignore 'God'.

Yeah.
Forget 'God'.

God?
Which God?

Heard anything about 'God'?

Which God are you guys
talking about?

Err...

We couldn't get
tickets for 'Chithra'...

so we got in for a movie
in an empty theatre right next door.

'Deivam' [God]

We expected it to be
some amateur trash...

- but the film is actually good.
- Dude, it's just that...

That film is pretty similar to yours.

Don't get stressed.

'Human' is definitely the better film.

I just want to find a quiet corner
and cry my eyes out.

'Coincidence!'

'Coincidence!'

'A remarkable concurrence
of events or circumstances'

'without apparent casual connection.'

'A.k.a., the mess-ups that happen
in our lives for no reason.'

'Because of this coincidence,'

'not only has my film
become irrelevant...'

'but Sachin's film, which was
guaranteed to be a blockbuster,'

'has turned into
an absolute disaster.'

'But 'God' isn't to blame for that.'

'The fault lies entirely with Sachin.'

'He simply doesn't know
how to do his job.'

A low-budget Malayalam movie that
opened in just 25 theatres

is now playing in 150 screens.

Even Sachin's 'Chithra'
couldn't hold its ground against it.

He's quitting films
and heading back to Mumbai

to rejoin his old law firm.

So, my film is definitely
going to tank.

Vineeth...don't get stressed.

There's no denying
the two films have similarities.

But we can easily fix that
on the editing table.

This is exactly how
many world classics were born.

This is the master access card
for Wox Studios.

You can come here
whenever you want.

Make whatever changes
you feel are necessary.

But at 7 PM
the day after tomorrow,

we are releasing
the first look poster.

Until we reach a decision on this,

all our promotional work and
post-production must be put on hold.

What decision is left
to make about this?

Re-shoot!

You think this is funny?

Plenty of films have
done re-shoots

because sets collapsed
or accidents happened.

We are facing a similar crisis
right now.

Can't any of you see
the severity of this?

Vineeth...

a re- shoot is completely
out of the question!

I'm not putting

a single extra rupee
into this project.

You have to trust me on this.

If we go for a re-shoot,
I guarantee...

you will benefit from it
even more than I will.

What benefit?

If we put this movie out as it stands,
it's a guaranteed disaster.

But if we re-shoot,
the opposite will happen.

Do you want a five- crore loss,

or spend fifty lakhs more

to pull in a ten-crore profit?

Do me a favour, go grab
a smoke from outside.

What percentage of the film
needs to be re-shot?

Thirty percent!

Ten days...

More than that, I can't allow--

[mobile rings]

Hello!

A car accident!

Who was in it?!

"Support me, support me
support me from the street"

"Spinning around, spinning around
lost my way, at the end of the day"

'My destiny is dictated
solely by my decisions.'

'That is the truth.'

'That is the only truth
that matters.'

It's been a while since
'After Party' was announced.

- When will it release?
- No comments.

Is the film even happening?

[mobile rings]

- Hello?
- Shall I bring the wreath, sir?

Yeah, bring it.

Any update
on "After Party", Arjun Chetta?

Please.

'Shouldn't the script be ready
before he can give any updates?'

'To get there, he needs
my signature style.'

'And he just doesn't have it.'

'Poor Sachin.'

'Once 'Chithra' bombed
at the box office,'

'Vaikom David
became completely irrelevant.'

'Now he doesn't even get the basic respect
his father's legacy used to guarantee him.'

'But none of this bothers me.'

'Because they aren't responsible'

'for the bizarre coincidence of 'Deivam'
releasing a week before 'Manushyan','

- 'or for Swaroop's sudden death...'
- Car accident.

'or for anything else,
for that matter.'

'It is an unknown force on this earth
that I just cannot control.'

'It's destiny.'

'So, destiny is my enemy.'

'But...'

'I am not backing down.'

There's no problem at all.

I did a rough charting
of the scenes.

Swaroop appears in every single scene
of the 30% we need to re-shoot.

We can re-shoot that portion, plus
the additional 10% of his balance scenes,

by casting another hero instead.

We will definitely get
the exact result I envisioned.

Lucky...!

Congrats!

Your time has finally come.

Vineeth...

You're completely missing
the bigger picture here.

We just hit the ultimate jackpot.

You are officially the director
of Swaroop's final film now.

[indistinct arguments]

Saw that? Even if the movie
is an absolute train wreck,

it'll still become a blockbuster
under these conditions.

You're already the director
of a hit film, Vineeth.

I won't allow that to happen.

Look, I know...

you have this crazy obsession
with this movie.

But...

I will never get a business opportunity
this massive ever again.

Sir...

'A guaranteed super hit fell
right into your lap, huh?'

Your movie is going to be
a super hit

simply because this guy
died in a car crash.

But true greatness...

I never managed to achieve it.

And you won't achieve it either.

That much is confirmed.

Rest in peace!

'I don't want a super hit
that just falls into my lap like that.'

I won't approve this.

I'm the deciding authority
of my film's final cut.

And I refuse to approve it
unless we go for the re-shoot.

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

Then go find yourself a lawyer
and file a lawsuit,

claiming that we violated
the terms and conditions.

You are officially off this picture.
Your role here is done.

This isn't child's play, Fayaz.

- This film is my life!
- It's nobody's life.

This is just show business,
plain and simple.

You need to wrap your head
around that first.

'Over my dead body!'

'I refuse to let a story
the whole world has already watched...'

'to be released under my name.'

'I have absolutely nothing to do
with this film anymore.'

'And I want the whole world
to know it.'

[I wish to humbly state that...]

[I have nothing to do
with this film anymore.]

[mobile rings]

- It's Fayaz.
- Put it on speaker.

'Vineeth, at least you can call yourself
a director right now.'

'If you don't take that
post down immediately,'

'your name will be
completely wiped out'

'from the history
of Malayalam Cinema.'

'There is a dark side to me
that you haven't witnessed yet.'

'A side that commands absolute power
and authority over this industry!'

'If I decide you're blacklisted in this
industry, you are done. End of story!'

'Your only other alternative
is to delete that post'

'and re-share it with the caption
I'm sending you now.'

'I know...'

'your film won't get the kind of grand
reception you had mapped out in your head.'

'But...'

'like I told you before,'

'you've already become
a hit filmmaker.'

'I'll produce your next film.'

'You can make it
however you want.'

'Some things are simply
beyond our control, kid.'

'No one can stop destiny.'

'You only have one choice left.'

'Just accept it as your destiny,
and move on.'

'No way in hell am I yielding to fate
and walking away!'

'I am the only one
who controls my own fate!'

"Greatest of all time"

"Coming for the throne now"

"Defining Mollywood"

"Better than the stalwarts"

"My thought and throat
have a killer flow"

"My hope and my scope
have a brilliant glow"

"Even if you bury me
deep in the dark"

"I'll sprout right back up
like a living spark"

"I will not be confined by fate"

"I will not stay behind its gate"

"Even if destiny blocks me,
I won't hesitate"

"I don't knock knock
the door for a room"

"I go 3-2-1,
boom boom Ka-Boom"

"I will rock on my roll, man"

"Moonwalk on my track, man"

"I'll create my own fate, man"

"I will never abandon my dreams"

"Beyond my goal,
no salvation gleams"

"Shyamalan, Chris Nolan,
Senior Scorsese"

"If my name joins that list one day,
That would be pure ecstasy"

"My ethical values
will get me there"

"I'll show the world
I'm beyond compare"

"I'll shatter the bar
set by the Oscars far"

[loud sneezing]

[bleeding from nose]

[social media reactions by celebrities
against Vineeth Madhavan]

'Reverence'

"A steady mind and iron will,
Proper and poised, supreme still"

"Though the age is filled with grief,
The soul stands firm beyond belief"

"Along the path of righteous war,
Stands one who knows his duty sure"

"A peerless soul that never tires,
A man born only for victory's fires"

Honestly, we can't really blame him.

When I saw
the final cut of 'Chithra',

I also felt an overwhelming urge
to set my own film on fire.

I didn't have the guts to do it.

But he went ahead
and actually did it.

Either way,

this officially closes the chapter
on Vineeth Madhavan

in the Malayalam film industry.

And...

I'm happy for that.

I'm happy for that.
I'm happy for that. I'm happy for that.

Hey, take it easy.

Doctor...

How much time do I have left?

Huh!

Is it blood cancer?

It's nothing that serious at all.

You were admitted because your
BP shot up and you passed out.

Who are you?

A man named Fayaz Muhammad
has filed a complaint against you

at the Kadavanthra police station.

We've been ordered to arrest you

and bring you before the court
at the earliest.

But is this really a criminal case?

No.

It's not physical property
that was destroyed here,

but intellectual property.

Their legal team claims the damage
is close to three and a half crores.

There's no rush
on this right now.

It can wait until
the hospital discharges you.

I'll call you.
I'll be around.

Vineeth...

It would've been better to have no aim
than to end up like this!

"You alone are the blazing star"

"O Fire, fierce and lethal you are"

Cinema isn't the work of one individual.

It's a collaborative art form.

That's the point
I really want to emphasise.

In one overnight fit of ego,

Vineeth Madhavan destroyed
the dreams, sweat, and hard work

of countless artists and technicians.

"Let rookies come in
and make their art"

"Ride on pure luck
and break the chart"

"No matter how many enter the game
chasing fame, making a name"

[We want to watch "Manushyan"]

"I'm the greatest of all time"

"Even if you throw
a thousand schemes my way"

[Vineeth,
are you even "Human"?]

"Even if you drag
my aura down all day"

"The knowledge of cinema
living in me"

"Gives my mind its clarity"

"I've learned to take every blow and woe,
I'll cross raging seas and steal the show"

No matter how he tries
to justify it,

Vineeth will never find forgiveness
in the court of conscience.

Following the deletion of footage from late
actor Swaroop's final film, 'Manushyan',

by director Vineeth Madhavan
from a studio in Palarivattom...

protests against him
are intensifying.

You really had the nerve to delete
Swaroopettan's film, huh?

'Under extreme pressure
like that,'

'not everybody
is actually capable'

'of making the right decisions.'

Reports suggest the Directors' Union
and Producers' Association

might issue a joint ban to stop
Vineeth Madhavan from ever working again.

One thing is absolutely certain.

If I had been in his position,

I would never have gone
to such extremes.

Because...

I went through a lot of struggle

to complete my first film.

What's your take on the ban
imposed on Vineeth Madhavan?

'I completely respect
the union's decision.'

[mobile rings]

- Hello?
- I'm not afraid of any stupid union ban.

'Those bans only affect people who have to
mortgage their houses to produce movies.'

'I don't have to deal
with that mess'

'because I'm filthy rich!'

'I'm going to produce
your next film, Vineeth.'

- Who are you?
- 'That doesn't matter.'

'You are Vineeth Madhavan
and that's what matters!'

'The only reason
I'm reaching out to you'

'is because
I saw your masterpiece.'

- "Manushyan"!
- 'When?'

'One hour before you deleted it.'

'I'm impressed.'

'You have some talent, Vineeth.'

'And some amazing skills!'

'Now screw my brains
with some ideas!'

Hang up and get lost!

Who was it?

Some nutcase!

Vineeth, look at the absolute mess
you've made!

When thousands are out there
struggling to make just one movie,

you just went ahead
and destroyed yours!

It's good to have ambition.

But don't let it turn
into pure greed!

If this is greed, then so be it.

I don't want to be
just another filmmaker, Dad.

I want to be the greatest filmmaker
India has ever seen!

And I'll go to any lengths
to make that happen.

Vineeth,
that's all well and good.

But if the association bans you,

you'll never get to direct
a Malayalam film ever again!

The association is not
going to ban me.

Fayaz says he lost 3.5 crores...

I'll pay him his 3.5 crores!

- Any update on "After Party"?
- Please...

Why are there two copies?

I'm taking this one to
the Mookambika Temple to get it blessed.

'Even if I never get the chance
to turn this script into a movie,'

'today, it's worth my entire career.'

'I will control everything
that is within my power to control!'

MRUGAM
[Animal]

What is this?

My first film. The one that got shelved
because of you!

An entire year of my hard work!

If you rework the script
just a little bit,

you can easily get a sequel
that is vastly superior to the first part

out of this!

After Party

Part Two!

My signature style...

It won't be easy for you
to recreate it.

Plagiarising it would be
way easier for you.

Right?

But this comes at a price.

Fayaz, you can take over "After Party"...

My project with an eight-crore
pre-sale value, completely for free.

But in exchange, I need
just one favour from you.

The union cannot go through
with this ban on Vineeth Madhavan.

You must withdraw your complaint.

And if you're willing to offer me
a profit share instead of my remuneration,

we can sign a written agreement
right away.

Look, I completely understand.

It's not like I don't know
the kind of losses you suffered.

I'm literally pulling this project
away from Harris Basheer

and handing it over
to Fayaz for free.

The kind of loss I'm going to suffer
on this is huge.

So don't you ever come chasing me
over this matter again.

The outside world must never know
that this was your creation.

That is exactly what
this NDA is for.

So...

congratulations!

And get the out of here!

Aren't you back at your old job?

No.

I had some outstanding bills
and payments to clear first.

I put my trust in people like you
and made a movie, didn't I?

Did they ban you?

We worked out a compromise.

Vineeth, we're ready.

Come to the conference room.

How did that happen?!

Harris Basheer produced
the first part, right?

- Yes.
- Didn't he sign the NOC?

Sir, he's waiting out in the lobby.

He said he'll come sign it.

Should I ask him to come in?

No, it's fine.

I'll go out and meet him myself.

There are some pending payments
from his previous film.

Let's not insult him.

So,

since we've settled
on a compromise,

shake hands
and let's call it a day!

The Malayalam film industry
should function like one big family.

Alright then.

Money has to be
answered with money.

So, the ban is officially settled.

But nothing between the two of us
will ever be settled!

You've been shadow-banned.

An unannounced, unwritten ban.

Don't let their fake smiles fool you.

No producer is ever going
to work with you again.

Not a single star
will ever act in your movies.

When I chose to trust you
back at Sachin's bungalow,

despite the fact that you had
zero film background,

I had only one reason
for doing it.

Your talent!

But...

your talent didn't earn me
a single penny.

So I am sure as hell not letting
anyone else profit from it either!

While you become the most despised man
in Malayalam cinema,

people who don't have half your talent
are going to be celebrated here instead.

You are never making another movie.

Even if you manage to start one,
it'll never be completed.

Even if you complete it,
it'll never get released.

Even if it gets released,
it'll never succeed!

Surviving in the film industry
is not so easy.

Genetically speaking, he simply
isn't capable of doing it.

'It's only now that
I truly understand'

'the seriousness of what
Grandpa said that day.'

'When he claimed
I didn't have it in my genes,'

'he wasn't referring to
my filmmaking capability.'

'He meant I lacked
the temperament to survive'

'in an industry completely stripped
of any empathy.'

'I've inherited
my grandfather's genetics.'

'And my grandfather
was an absolute rebel.'

'That exact attitude
is what made him a failure.'

'And now, I have failed too.'

'Nothing is in my control anymore.'

'Goodbye, Mollywood!'

'I know you will miss me!'

'Wait!'

'What is that, out in deep space?'

'Something is flying.'

'Is it a bird?'

'Or is it a plane?'

'No!'

'It is indeed a man!'

He's going to make his movie.

It will be completed,

released,

and it will play
to packed houses!

I don't give a damn
about any union ban.

They only affect people who have to
mortgage their houses to produce movies.

I don't have to deal
with that crap,

because I am filthy rich!

Your next film...

I'm going to produce it.

Harris Basheer.

Give me the paper.
Where do you want me to sign?

I didn't recognise you at first.

There isn't a single photo of you
available anywhere.

Amateurs seek the sun
and get eaten.

Power stays in the shadows!

Hana wants nothing to do
with Arjun anymore,

be it professional or personal.

Go live your life!

[mobile rings]

My sister wants to talk to you.

'Hana Shahjahan.'

'Harris Basheer's younger sister.'

'My last four movies
weren't just regular flops.'

'They were disasters.'

'The likes on my FB profile pics
plummeted from 40K down to 4K.'

'Joy Alatt axed me as
their brand ambassador'

'and replaced me with Samantha
from that housefly movie!'

'"After Party-2" is my only shot
at a comeback.'

'But I have zero interest
in working with Arjun.'

'Now it all makes sense.'

'Hana didn't become a superstar
due to manifestation.'

'It was due to her privilege.'

'He had the guts
to break up with me!'

'So I am not going to crawl back
and beg him for a comeback.'

'I deserve more!'

'I need a really strong
comeback, Vineeth!'

'And I want to make that comeback
through your movie.'

'And that film
has to become a blockbuster.'

'You should become successful.'

'Nothing will hit Arjun
harder than that!'

'Come on, Vineeth.'

'Let's mentally destroy
Arjun together!'

[Hana] You should become successful.

Nothing will hit Arjun
harder than that!

Now screw my brain with
some scary ideas!

'Second chances aren't something
that everyone gets in life.'

'So I will make the most of it.'

'My destiny is still within my control.'

'I'm not particularly fond of Hana.'

'But I have to accept this offer.'

'Because I don't have a choice.'

'No one except her
will work with me right now.'

'The script of "After Party 2"
is your creation as well, isn't it?'

'I'm not going back
to a regular job, Vineeth.'

'I don't care if my wife
ends up divorcing me over this.'

'I'll sell my house and property
to make a film.'

'Greatness...'

'I will absolutely achieve it!'

'This is my vow!'

'Greatness!'

'I am going to achieve it too.'

"The doors will open,
truth hits like a stone"

"I'm gonna explode
and shake you to the bone"

"Shutting your trash mouths,
making you bleed"

"God's got my back,
and I'll take the lead"

'A fresh thought that hasn't dawned
on anyone else in this world...'

'will take birth in my head.'

'This will be my masterpiece!'

'Writer's block!'

'Forget fresh thoughts,'

'I can't even come up
with a terrible one right now!'

[frightened in sleep]

Oh Goddess!

'I need a catalyst.'

'I want to get scared.'

'Huh!'

'What's so scary
about this movie anyway?'

'Am I missing something?'

'That guy is hiding behind his bag
and clutching it in fear!'

'Another guy is playing peek-a-boo
behind his own hands!'

'Strange!'

'The entire theatre
is terrified by this film,'

'but it doesn't scare me one bit.'

'I am in danger.'

'Looks like it'll take a classic film
to actually scare me.'

"Tomorrow in Mollywood's
glittering maze"

"I'll be the star
of its golden days"

'The classics aren't helping either.'

'All of them are total snooze-fests!'

"A twinkling star,
a total wonder, a total surprise"

"Aura at a hundred,
an all-in-one rise!"

Sir, could you please hand this
over to the next room?

I rang their bell,
but nobody is answering.

Okay.

Wait a minute.

Nobody actually lives there.

No, sir. The number is correct.
I received the call from there.

Can't you see that the room
is locked from outside?

'There is neither God...'

'nor a Devil in this world.'

'But fear is a fact!'

'Fear is the only ultimate truth!'

Thank you!
'This isn't a typical horror movie.'

'But it definitely has a ghost in it.'

'This story revolves around
a food delivery boy'

'who exploits the hoax of ghosts
for his own selfish gain.'

A movie like this...

has probably never been
released in India yet.

"Pizza"

This story is about
a food delivery boy

who exploits the hoax of ghosts
for his own selfish gain!

Don't worry.

This is just a small,
low-budget movie.

Both the director and the hero
are newcomers.

Nobody is even going to watch this.

I mean, look around.

The whole hall is empty.

They're lucky we showed up.

"Lightning struck my head
and left me in a fix"

"Fear sparked a fire,
but I blew out the wicks"

'Karthik Subbaraj!'

'Who the hell is he?'

'Doesn't he go to college anymore?'

I got kicked out of college.

I haven't told my folks yet.

I don't have the guts
to tell them.

Some juniors set me up
in an old ragging case.

Why? Are you still doubting me?

What have you been doing
on this laptop all these days?

Were you watching adult clips?

YUDDHAM [War]

Unpredictable turn of events!

But not like
a Manoj Night Shyamalan film!

YUDDHAM

Will you make this into a film?

'No build-up.'

'Only pay-off.'

Because of my ST reservation quota,

no matter what my academic achievements
are, nobody gives them any value.

Everyone is just trying
to write them off

as mere privileges handed down
to the underprivileged!

A success that doesn't rely
on any such considerations...

That's the first thing
that attracted me to cinema.

Here, it doesn't matter
whether you are a Nair or a Cheruman...

If your product is bad,
the audience will brutally reject you.

And if it's good,
they will accept it.

Cinema is all I want now.

[tyre goes flat]

This story deals with
highly relevant political themes.

Real politics born directly
from the circumstances

in which you were
born and raised.

It's a powerful combination
of slavery and gothic mythology.

And because of that,

it has every chance of becoming
a hit and winning critical acclaim.

But once you strip away
all the politics and shock value,

as a piece of cinema,
this is a worthless piece of trash.

This script is mediocre.

Greatness...

I won't settle for anything
less than that.

'Something that would terrify
even an atheist...'

'who believes
in neither God nor Devil.'

'Something that isn't a ghost
or some supernatural force...'

'The one thing every human
genuinely dreads!'

'That is exactly
what I need to find.'

[mobile rings]

'Where the hell are you guys?'

'Can't either of you
answer your phones?'

My phone was on silent, Uncle.

'Call your mother right now.'

'Your grandpa woke up
and he's talking gibberish.'

'Grandpa woke up?!'

[SORRY, GRANDPA]

Had I known you were so
faint-hearted,

I would have never shown you
my short film.

Please forgive me, Grandpa.

- Grandpa?
- She wants you there right away. Call her.

'Would Grandpa have actually seen
my "sorry" by now?'

My mom's calling, Uncle.

Your mom looks really stressed.

What happened, Mom?

It's Grandpa.
He just went completely still.

Didn't you call the doctor?

We did.

But it's late. It's going to take him
a while to reach.

Come in, both of you.

[low rumbling thunder]

I feel responsible.

Could you step outside
for a minute, uncle?

Okay.

Come.

Lock the door.

I think your grandpa is dead.

You "think" so??

I'm 99% certain.

I need you to verify
that remaining 1% for me.

Don't look at me like that.

This is my first solo
death verification!

What am I supposed to do?

You don't have to do much.

Just check exactly what I tell you.

- It's easy.
- Hey, but...

- Huh!
- Wear this.

Can you feel a heartbeat?

- No.
- Okay.

How about now?

Do you feel a pulse?

No.

Okay.

What about neck pulse?

Neck pulse?

Can you feel any kind of beat?

- No.
- Okay.

Huh! That's it?

Not yet.
There's one final step.

Yeah!

Check for any movement
in his pupils.

The pupillary reflex is the final test.

Even in a paralysed body, flashing
bright light triggers a reflex.

Lifeless eyes won't show
any reaction at all.

Watch his pupils closely.

Huh!

Huh!

[rises from the bed as if possessed]

- Grandpa...
- Oh no!

I didn't get scared
because of your film.

Then what was it
that scared you, Grandpa?

Evil dead!

After I die,

my last rites must be performed.

Okay.

My ashes...

must be taken to Rameswaram
and immersed there.

Sheesh!

I need to attain salvation.

Huh!

Rather than facing the truth,

it's better to die believing a lie!

Oh no!

Did he just die again?!
Oh no!

[examines eye pupils]

He's gone.

Didn't I tell you?

Grandpa would never get scared
by your short film.

But this man,

who spent his whole life
believing in science

died just like any other
ordinary person.

That genuinely saddens me.

This man who spent his whole life
believing in science

died just like any other
ordinary person.

I didn't get scared
because of your film.

Then what was it
that scared you, Grandpa?

[choking]

'So, one thing is certain.'

'The truth that Grandpa spent
a lifetime seeking...'

'was inside that novel all along.'

'Something that would terrify
even an atheist...'

'who believes
in neither God nor Devil.'

'Something that isn't a ghost
or some supernatural force...'

'The one thing every human
genuinely dreads!'

'The true definition of horror!'

'Vaikom David's...'

'Devil's Island!'

'When a treasure earned by
a talented man through sheer effort'

'is snatched away
by the talentless one,'

he can either console himself
by calling it his destiny,

'or he can set out...
to rewrite that destiny himself.'

'This is the story
of one such man's...'

'incredibly adventurous
and epic journey.'

'I finally understand the climax...'

'the one I hated
when I first read it.'

'Now, I actually love it.'

'There is nothing in this world
more terrifying than the truth.'

'And this story holds that truth.'

'The truth of a man who tried
to rewrite his fate and failed.'

[knocking on the door]

'I guess my frontal lobe had to fully
develop to finally understand this.'

Found it!

Found what?

Fear!

Huh!

I got scared.

Real, genuine fear.

The novel that terrified
my grandpa, a scientific genius!

Want some tea, son?

No.

My first film!

'Now, I have to secure
the rights for this novel.'

Phew!

This is way too dark!

If you adapt this into a film,

it'll drain whatever little joy
the audience has left in their lives.

Even my script is better than this.

No wonder this novel
was withdrawn!

This novel is dangerous to society!

It's dangerous.

Not to society, though...

but to Vaikom David himself!

Huh?

Read the very last page.

"I ghost-wrote fifty novels
for Vaikom David, including this one."

K.T. Peter

Huh!

If you approach Sachin for the rights
to this novel, he'll kill you.

Nope!

I don't need Sachin
to get the rights to this.

[MANJADI PUBLICATIONS]

Hey...

My face is pretty familiar
to the media now.

They're going to swarm me with
annoying questions if they spot me.

You go inside and find out
details about the novel's rights.

Okay.

[clock ticking]

Dude, he wrote me a check
for fifty thousand!

- Fifty thousand?
- Yeah, man!

He made me sign an agreement

promising not to utter
a single word about this book.

- Wait, where's the book then?
- He took it.

- Who?
- That guy.

- Which guy?
- Hey!

How dare you park
right in front of the gate?!

Get lost, boomer!

- Move your car!
- Tell me, who was that guy?

- That's him driving off!
- Huh!

Stay here.
I'll be right back.

'Just like in old Hitchcock films,'

'the hero, spying through
a window pane'

'stumbles on to a new plot point
from the villains.'

'An exciting twist!'

The last surviving copy
of "Devil's Island" in the world!

I never got the chance
to give it to David sir.

So I'm handing it over
to his son instead.

Thank you, Venu Chetta!
Thank you!

Where are you off to?
Taking a long trip?

Where are your wife and daughter?

Oh, I forgot to tell you.

I sold this ancestral home to
Harris Basheer for two crores.

When she heard that,
my wife took our kid,

filed for divorce, and walked out.

All okay?

'Sachin's obsession'

'is spiralling into madness.'

'He is in danger!'

Forget all that.

I read a script that's
beyond extraordinary, Venu Chetta.

I immediately paid ten lakhs
and blocked it.

Otherwise, it'd have
slipped through my fingers.

I have to turn it into
a movie somehow.

The budget is six crore rupees.

Sachin, are you okay?

Huh?

- I'm okay, I'm okay!
- Alright.

So what if the house is gone,
Venu Chetta!

I will make this film
by any means necessary.

I don't want to be
like my father.

I want to become
far greater than he ever was.

Otherwise, I'd rather die.

Even if I have to kill for it,

I must arrange
four crore rupees.

Vaikom David...

isn't just some ordinary novelist today.

He's a legend in Malayalam literature.

That reputation he built over years...

must remain exactly as it is.

There should be absolutely
nothing in this world...

that damages my father's reputation.

'The last copy of Devil's Island
has also been destroyed.'

'So convenient!'

'Eighteen years after its publication,'

'this original thought that
no one else could even dream of,'

'now exits...'

'only in my head!'

'To turn this into a movie,'

'I no longer need
anyone's permission.'

'I have no intention
of defaming the great Vaikom David,'

'or plagiarising his story.'

'All I want...'

'is the truth that terrified me
in Devil's Island.'

'And I will turn that into a film.'

'"Nidhi" [Treasure]'

'Screenplay and Direction,'

'Vineeth Madhavan.'

'Story,'

'K.T. Peter.'

'The greatest horror script
ever written in Malayalam!'

'My destiny...'

'I am going to rewrite it!'

[loud thudding]

'And so, the script is complete.'

'Now, we need to start shooting.'

'And since Suji decided
that cinema was his calling,'

'he joined me as an assistant director.'

[mobile rings]

'[Fayaz] I heard you're starting
your new film.'

'Get ready to delete
that one too.'

'Because this time, no matter
how original your idea is...'

'I'll make a film on that exact idea
and beat you to theatres.'

'I won't let you have
any peace of mind.'

'Take my word for it!'

My film's scri--

No one besides you
gets to read it, right?

- Done!
- That's not enough.

- Huh?
- We need to buy our own printer.

I don't even trust

Xerox shop owners anymore.

Absolutely nobody
reads the full script.

The character notes and script notes
required for each person...

We'll prepare them ourselves.

Even the producer
should only get to read that.

No problem!

If it's a script by Vineeth Madhavan,
I don't even need to read it.

All I need to know is one thing,

and one thing only.

Is it scary?

Yes, sir.

Nothing in this world is
more terrifying than the truth.

And this script
carries that truth.

The truth of a man who tried

to rewrite his destiny,
and failed.

Will a climax about a failed man
work for the general audience?

In this world, there are
far more people who have failed

than those who have
succeeded, Hana!

They are the true majority out there.

And those are the exact people
my film needs to reach.

And if it reaches them
exactly how it should,

this film will be a massive hit.

But, at the same time,

if it's marketed the wrong way,

I can give it to you in writing...

that this film will be
a certified flop!

Balls and brains!

You've got to shed at least
eight more kilos.

Shit!

This character battles the forest

to survive out in the wild
for seven or eight days without food.

I am absolutely not going
to compromise on this!

She'll shed those kilos.

She's my sister.

And that's my word!

Hana, that's your last chips!

Vineeth...
Baby, look at me.

Now let's make a scary movie!

[crunching]

Yeah.

A sequel that surpasses
the original film

is a rare occurrence
in cinematic history.

The Godfather Part II and Terminator 2

are probably the first two examples
moviegoers think of.

It can be said with certainty
that Arjun Haridas,

who redefined the narrative of
Malayalam horror with his debut,

has achieved
an even greater milestone

with 'After Party - 2'.

But if you observe closely,

you'll find that this film
shares numerous similarities

with Vineeth Madhavan's
short film, 'Rakshasan'.

'I honestly thought I'd never have
to deal with Arjun again in my life.'

'Thanks to this single review,'

'every ounce of his insecurity
must have erupted.'

Oh no!

'Now he'll come after me.'

'He'll go to any lengths'

'to sabotage my film.'

If we choose to ignore that,

no word short of 'perfection'

can describe this film's
world-class screenplay.

'Thank you, Anand Sudhakaran!'

'Thank you for everything!'

Isn't the shoot
still ten days away?

I can easily drop
five kilos by then.

Scene One, Shot One,
Take 22!

Clap Out!

Action!

- You exhaled! You let your breath out.
- Huh?

Cut! Retake!

It's completely obvious on camera.

Can't we just fix that
in VFX later?

No!

First class...!

That's enough, Vineeth.

We're already 22 takes deep.

If Hana holds her breath anymore,
she's literally going to pass out.

This is the opening shot
of the movie.

The anxiety in this
dream sequence will work

only if it's a long take.

I need a minimum of 15 seconds.

Take that light out!

Scene One, Shot One,
Take 33!

Action!

Cut! Retake!

Scene one, Shot one, Take 43!

- Scene one, Shot one, Take 57!
- Action!

- Scene one, Shot one, Take 65!
- Action!

- Scene one, Shot one, Take 69!
- Cut!

Retake!

Scene one, Shot one,
Take 72!

Action!

Cut! Cut! Cut!
What is it?

What happened?

Give me the phone.

What's the issue?

Huh?

Ten days break!
The rest of the shoot can wait.

- Pack up!
- Hana...

[shuts the caravan door]

Arjun getting engaged
is no excuse, Hana!

I have nothing more to say.

I simply can't shoot like this.
Sorry!

I don't care about his marriage!

I don't give
two flying...about it!

You have nothing to lose, Vineeth.

Think about my image!

My career!

You wouldn't understand
any of that, Vineeth.

No one likes you.

I'm not putting myself through this hell
just to work on your film.

I've decided to give my dates
to Sachin.

Sachin?

[comes out from caravan washroom]

Hi, Vineeth!
All good?

I read the script
for Sachin's new film.

Brilliant!

Sachin wants to shoot me
looking exactly like this.

So...if you can't shoot me like this,

I'm going to give
my dates to Sachin.

Madam, the latest draft
has been emailed to you.

Thanks, Meljo!

You know Meljo, don't you?

He's a writer.

Meljo is the one
who wrote "Deivam."

'A film by Sachin,'

'starring Hana Shahjahan,'

'written by the writer of "Deivam",'

'Meljo!'

'Deivam...Meljo...'

'Bad news!'

'Just by looking into his eyes,'

'I can tell his honesty messed him up
the exact same way mine ruined me.'

'I can already predict the route'

'his thoughts will take.'

'Coincidence...'

'It's going to happen again.'

'But Sachin had no funds at all.'

'Who suddenly came out of nowhere
to back him with four crores?'

Vineeth, you can leave now.

'Come what may,'

'I cannot let this project happen!'

[slams the door angrily]

'Fayaz?!'

'Is it Fayaz the one
who is funding Sachin?'

'He will stop at nothing
to ruin me.'

Vineeth!

Sorry, man!

I read your character note.

I saw it lying around
inside the van,

and I couldn't control
my curiosity.

And...wow, man!

It's incredible!

I got an absolute high
the second I read it.

I know one thing for certain.

If anyone watching this film
has any joy left in them,

this film will destroy it!

Don't let anyone else
read this script.

Especially Arjun.

He's been snooping around,
trying to find out what it's about.

If he gets his hands on it,
he'll definitely leak it.

And one more thing...

Sachin's film is actually
being funded by Arjun.

'Of course. Who else would pull
a stunt like that?'

Sachin was running around
desperately hunting for funds,

and Arjun suddenly offered him
four crores.

But on one condition...

Hana's dates!

And he'll release the funds
only if she shoots this exact month.

'I can't shoot
until Hana loses weight.'

'If I don't start shooting,
Sachin will snatch Hana's dates.'

'And after that,
she'll never do my film...'

'because Meljo's script will give her
the comeback she's desperate for.'

'Then I'm of no use to her!'

Hana has no idea about this.

If she did,
she'd never act in this movie.

I know what I'm doing
is a betrayal.

But honestly...

I just really want to sit in a theatre
and watch your film.

'So Arjun's plan'

'is to completely wipe me out
of this industry.'

Man, that guy Fayaz
is out of his mind!

He said he'll produce my film.

But then he started digging
for details about our film.

Wait, did you tell him anything?

The script is safe with me!

Huh!

What happened?

- Huh?
- The script is missing!

Shit!

It's lunchtime.

Please head over to the food counters
on your left and right.

I only give my opinions on films
after analysing them deeply.

And besides...

Oh, come on!

Hey!
Where's my script?

I signed over all that shit
just like you wanted, didn't I?

So what the hell
is your problem now?

Is this guy's crappy review
your problem?

Hey!

What happened?

You seem pretty worked up!

Hey, don't worry about it.

He's a friend.

Sir, could you come upstairs?

Let's get some food
and talk in private. Come on.

Come, sit down.

Now tell me.

Even after deciding
to produce Sachin's film,

what the hell is your vendetta
against me

that you had to announce
this wedding out of nowhere

and push Hana into depression?

Vineeth, this is Shreya.

- And Shreya, this is Vineeth.
- Hi.

Look, why don't we
find somewhere private to talk?

Chetta...

Can we take
a photo with you, chetta?

Oh, absolutely!

[clicks a photo]

- Happy?
- Yes, thank you!

Thank you!

See that?

No matter where I go,

there are so many people
who adore me.

If I crack even a simple joke,

they're all ready
and waiting to laugh.

At functions like these,

they always reserve
a chair for me,

right in the front row.

But despite everything
I've achieved...

it's only when I stand
in front of you like this...

that I feel insecure.

You fear no one.

You fear nothing!

This obsession of yours...

That's my problem!

Terrified that you'd become
successful someday,

I've dragged myself
through every single day

in a state of constant anxiety.

I know you won't do
anything to me.

In fact, there's nothing
you can do to me.

But I'm completely exposed
before you.

What I'm thinking...
what I'm plotting...

You know everything!

Even when I fake a smile,

you can still hear exactly what
I'm saying about you inside my head.

Someone who knows me this well

shouldn't exist
in this industry anymore.

Otherwise...

the doubt Anand Sudhakaran
felt today...

many more
will feel the same tomorrow.

Then, they'll be ready to hear
what you have to say.

And that will be
the absolute end of me.

Vineeth...

You'll never succeed!

No matter
what the hell you do...

I will never let you succeed.

This is enough.

As for your stupid script...

I don't have it.

But trust me, if I did,

I would've leaked it long ago!

Heard me?

The similarity you're noticing now...

didn't you feel it
while watching "After Party 1"?

I did.

Then why bring it up only now?

In Part One, he only imitated
your signature style.

But in this one,

it extends right down
to the content,

which crosses the line.

So, I felt compelled to speak up.

That said,
if you make a film tomorrow,

I am never going to support it.

I'll certainly destroy it.

Someone as deeply selfish as you

deserves no recognition!

Just having raw talent

doesn't give anyone the right
to just delete a completed movie!

That is nothing
but pure selfishness.

A film doesn't belong
to just one person.

It's the collaborative effort
of many people.

The art of collaboration!

My assistant directors joined
three months before the shoot began.

The art director, costumes,
and makeup teams came on board

just one month before rolling.

The cameraman joined

ten days before the shoot.

And after we wrapped,

the editor, sound team and VFX teams
worked for three months.

The music director spent
about two months on it.

Every single one of them

worked on my film
with utmost sincerity.

But sir,

none of them have put in
the kind of labour I have.

I spent months locked in a room,
starved of sleep,

tearing my mind apart,

draining my sanity
with endless thoughts,

reaching borderline madness
just to write a good script!

Mentally and emotionally drained,

I don't just work on a film

for a few days.

When people finally see my work

that I spent months
dreaming about

and agonisingly writing
into existence...

all I get is satisfaction.

And as long as
I don't get that...

nothing else matters to me, sir.

My own self...

that's important to me, sir.

It is far more important to me
than anything else!

Unfortunately,

we live in a world today

where the only way
to get recognition

is by pretending to be selfless.

But I have absolutely
no intention

of playing along
with that facade!

I am selfish.

Accept me for who I am...
or don't!

It's easy to preach idealism,
Vineeth.

Someday, if you actually manage
to finish a film...

I'll listen to the rest
of your speech.

'That's right.'

'I have to finish my film.'

'Not to prove anything to him,'

'but for my own sake.'

'I'm running out of time.'

'Now that the script is missing,'

'I need to wrap this shoot
and release the movie immediately,'

'before someone uses it
to screw me over.'

'There's only one way
I can pull this off.'

'I have to tell Hana
that Arjun is behind Sachin's film.'

'That'll screw Sachin over.'

My father, Vaikom David,

is a famous underdog who rose
from humble beginnings,

very much like Arjun Haridas.

But I, Sachin Vaikom David,

was born into privilege.

For a long time, I tried imitating
my father's underdog journey.

That's absolutely impossible.

You can never imitate an underdog.

You must become one!

For that, you have to
hit rock bottom first.

You have to build
yourself up from there.

If Arjun is backing Sachin's film,

there's no way I'm doing it.

But I'm also done changing my plans
based on your every whim.

Vineeth,

I've already made this
clear to you.

You have exactly
one option left now.

You can take it if you want,

according to my terms
and conditions.

Can we make her
look slimmer with VFX?

If it's just for a few shots,
we can manage it.

But doing it for an entire movie
is risky.

- Hey, call the artist.
- Okay.

All set.
Let's go for a take.

- Where's Hana?
- She was right here.

Show me the footage again.

Where's the artist?

Who went to fetch her?

Suji!

Hey...

there's a problem.

I don't have time for problems!
Where is the artist?

Dude, you have to listen to me.

My parents went to my college

and found out
that I got expelled.

Vineeth...

There's a problem.

What the hell
is the problem now?

Hana is missing.

Missing?

What the hell!

So gross!

I know that you're
producing this film

only because Hana is in it.

But, if the shoot
has to move forward,

I only have one option left.

We'll have to replace Hana!

[grits teeth]

[mobile rings]

Hello!

Renowned director Arjun Haridas

and actress Hana Shahjahan
have tied the knot.

Following a long-term
relationship,

the two got married today
at the Thrikkakara Registrar Office.

Let's hear from them directly.

We've been in a relationship
since we did "After Party."

But then, we had a small
misunderstanding.

And all of you know exactly
what went down during that phase.

Actually,

they say you only realise
the value of true love

when someone else
steps into your life, right?

The grain of rice
with my name on it...

found its way to me.

You're currently shooting
Vineeth Madhavan's movie, right?

- Yes.
- So, now that you're married,

do you plan to continue
your acting career?

Definitely.

But it won't be
in Vineeth Madhavan's film.

I'd rather go to the Tamil industry
and get beaten up by Pala...

than deal with
a Vineeth Madhavan movie.

According to Vineeth,
someone as "fat" as me

isn't apt for the role
in his film.

Vineeth Madhavan isn't just obsessive,

he's fat-phobic too.

What triggered this
sudden register marriage?

- Err...Okay...Thank you!
- Thank you!

Good luck making your film now, Vineeth!

Go die yourself!

I was dead wrong about Arjun.

I actually produced
his debut film.

He is a textbook definition
of a wolf in sheep's clothing!

He manipulated Hana
into doing her last four films...

and every one of them
bombed miserably.

Now she's powerless.

And I think

he may have even orchestrated
those failures on purpose,

to gain control over her.

He can't stand anyone becoming
more powerful than him.

Hana is blinded by love!

So trying to talk sense into her
now, is a waste of time.

She will realise it soon
and divorce him.

I'll wait for that!

But your movie cannot wait, Vineeth.

What the hell did he think?

That if he just went ahead
and married her,

he could sabotage your film?

Rascal!

I'll produce your film
with a brand new heroine,

and turn it into
a massive success.

Nothing would hit Arjun

harder than that!

Cast a new heroine.

Let's...

rule!

Scene one, Shot one, Take two!

Action!

Cut it!

Take okay.

Break!

'[Fayaz] Good morning, Vineeth.'

'I've got some good news.'

'The official announcement
for my next film is dropping.'

'"War," directed by'

'Sujith Raj V.'

'Honestly, I don't even know
if your best friend knows filmmaking.'

'But with a good associate director
and a solid editor,'

'I'll finish this film.'

'And I'm going to release it
on the exact same day as yours!'

'Let that sink in.'

Hey...

My folks found out
about the expulsion,

and it blew up into
a massive issue.

I had to go back home.

They told me...

not to continue my studies.

When it finally came down to
me taking over Dad's shop,

I didn't give it another thought.

I called Fayaz.

Instead of Sachin, I am the one
directing Hana's next film.

Now that Arjun has married Hana,

he doesn't need Sachin anymore
to halt your movie.

So, giving Hana's dates to me,

Arjun decided to direct
Meljo's script himself.

So Sachin is out of that film.

At first, even I found it
hard to believe.

But it's actually happening.

I won't be part
of this film anymore.

They liked my story.

Our shoot starts immediately.

Did you rework the script?

Someone like me...

will never get
an opportunity like this again.

It's for this exact moment

that I've put in all my effort till now.

I just can't afford
to waste any more time.

Vineeth Madhavan,

why should the audience
watch your film?

Give us one reason.

My film is the greatest horror film
ever made in Malayalam cinema.

You're really that confident?

I am confident.

Are you worried about
how audiences will react?

Not in the slightest.

They're going to love my film.

The reason you deleted
your debut feature is still a mystery.

Looking back at all that
public backlash,

how do you feel today?

No comments.

Do you feel any sense of guilt?

[deep sigh]

I'm the one who gets to decide
my own destiny.

Nobody else.

So, will you rewrite your destiny
with this movie, Vineeth?

YUDDHAM
[WAR]

Hello, Suniletta.

His film's posters are everywhere!

But there isn't a single poster
for your film in sight.

Isn't your film really releasing
the day after tomorrow?

'It's almost as if there's a quiet sabotage
happening behind the scenes.'

'Everyone in the industry'

'has shared the poster
and trailer of Suji's film.'

'My movie has gone under
without a trace.'

'On top of that, there are rage-bait
articles actively targeting me!'

[My film is the best film
in Malayalam so far - Vineeth Madhavan]

[hateful comments flooding the feed]

It would have been better if you
hadn't uploaded that interview at all!

I just need to know one thing.

Who is behind this?
Fayaz or Arjun?

NIDHI
[Treasure]

What?

What are you guys trying to do?

Sit down, Vineeth.

Not a single soul will step into
the theatre after seeing this poster!

Who authorised these designs
without my approval?

Give us a minute.

Vineeth...

I manage at least
ten film productions a year.

Half of them

are shot with the sole purpose
of becoming commercial hits.

Whether they turn out to be hits or flops
just depends on their luck.

But the other half...

has a different purpose!

Harris Basheer Group's annual profit
is roughly 500 crores.

About 30 percent of that
goes straight to the government as tax.

That means 150 crores in tax alone
from his profits.

Since Harris Basheer Group's
last two films were blockbusters,

there's additional tax liability.

This is exactly where

a film's financial loss
becomes a blessing for them.

So, they find a script that needs
heavy VFX and elaborate sets,

spend 10 crores, but show it on paper
as a 35-crore big-budget film.

Then they intentionally
ensure it tanks

by doing no promotions at all.

And then they declare
the full 35-crore budget

as a loss.

So from Harris Basheer Group's
total revenue,

they only have to pay tax
after deducting those 35 crores.

So, the higher the loss,

the lower the tax.

Vineeth, your film won't get
any publicity at all.

You won't get good theatres.

You won't even get
a decent show count.

This film was destined to die
before it was even born!

There's nothing you can do
about it on your own.

Sorry, Vineeth.

None of this was part of my plan.

Honestly, I was trying to help Hana.

That was my sole intention.

The moment you said you
wanted to replace Hana,

I seriously considered
shelving this project.

But you know,
I'm a good businessman.

Didn't you tell me that
if it's marketed the wrong way,

this film will be
a certified flop?

That statement was
my greatest assurance.

No one has ever told me anything
with such confidence!

Once everything is over,

I have a very special reward
waiting for you!

'My film releases tomorrow.'

'Normally,'

'any director would be losing sleep
out of sheer anxiety.'

'But I don't feel
any kind of stress.'

'Because...'

'my destiny...'

'is no longer in my control.'

'My film...'

'isn't just one of the best
Malayalam horror films.'

'It IS the absolute best horror film!'

'This is my promise!'

'Come...'

'Experience it...'

'And be terrified!'

[knocking on the door]

[opens the door]

I just dropped by to wish you
all the best.

I don't know if you're aware...

Arjun has hijacked my film.

The same man who gave me
a second life

has now snatched it right back.

When I ran completely
out of options,

my wife was the only one
who came back.

So, I packed up...

all of my grand dreams...

and used whatever
money I had left...

to buy back
my Dad's house and property.

It's incredibly tough
to survive in this world

cursing yourself for all your bad decisions
and shattered dreams.

"Your eyes will see it all,
don't blink away"

It's going to take you
a long time...

to accept the reality
of being a failure.

"The tides of time will
join your path that day"

Alright then.

We will meet again
in Losers' Paradise!

"Your world will find
its way to you tonight"

"Right by your heart..."

Today, I've finally
accepted something

I never ever wanted
to acknowledge in my life.

That I'm a failure!

"This life will not wane,
it keeps moving forward again"

There's quite a crowd!

They're not here for my film.

"A magic wonder, shining bright,
Where silence speaks into the night"

Are you Vineeth's parents?

Yes.

I'm Harris Basheer, the producer.

Oh!

Oh, please sit. Please sit.
Let's talk after the show.

Okay.

Son, the producer is here.

I just came to make sure
nobody actually showed up.

Now I'm relieved.

'I'll make time freeze
at my command.'

'And draw all eyes
with just one stand.'

'I'll build a kingdom,
claim my throne.'

'Images will find
a voice of their own.'

'Fear is my aim,'

'to shake you to the core.'

'An illusion that lights
the silver screen galore.'

Huh!

What a movie, man!
I got really scared!

[indistinct chatter]

Hey...

It's really good!

I was terrified!

- It's good, right?
- Yeah, it is.

My heart nearly stopped.

I think my heart actually stopped!

What on earth have you made, man?

Right, Madhavetta?

But the public is never going
to see this film, Dad.

- Says who?
- Yeah.

- Let's ask the producer.
- Yes.

Did you like the film, son?

Son...

- Harris Ikka?
- Chetta!

- Mr. Producer?
- Are you asleep, Chetta?

Huh!

Oh no!

'This is Harris Basheer.'

'Age 40.'

'Physically fit.'

'The biggest corporate con man
on the face of the earth!'

'And today, he dropped dead
watching my movie.'

Prominent businessman

and owner of 'Harris Basheer Group',
Harris Basheer,

has passed away
following a heart attack.

In a shocking turn of events,
noted businessman...

Famous businessman and owner
of 'Harris Basheer Group', Harris Basheer,

has passed away
following a cardiac arrest.

Reports suggest that several viewers
in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur

also became unwell
after watching the film.

Viewers are calling "Nidhi"
one of the scariest films ever made.

Several theatres have now deployed
standby ambulance services.

Ashwin, who was admitted
to Thrissur Medical College

after collapsing inside the theatre,
joins us now.

Ashwin, can you hear us?

Are you feeling okay now?

Err...we've just lost Ashwin.

[Harris Basheer] 'I'm checking out too.'

'But this is not a goodbye.'

'I will not leave you,
Vineeth Madhavan!'

'I will come back and haunt you!'

'I'll make high-class horror films
right here in our little Kerala!'

'Best of the best in DTS!'

'I'm going to terrify everyone!'

Scare everyone to death!

I don't want to be
just another filmmaker, Suji.

I want to be the best in my field!

And for that, simply scaring
the audience isn't enough.

That fear must become history!

'And that history must be celebrated.'

[appreciative applause]

[ambulance siren]

It's a hit.

It's not a hit.

It's a blockbuster!

'Devil's Island'?!

- It's too late to do anything now.
- Huh?

[Sachin] 'So now,
I am truly alone...'

'in losers' paradise.'

'There's nobody left
here with me.'

'Alone.'

'But...'

'whether I choose to stay
in this hell...'

'is my choice and mine alone.'

Cheers!

[mobile rings]

Hello?

Do you remember the review

I wrote for our school magazine's
Malayalam section that year?

[The last book I read:
Devil's Island]

No one is going to believe
a single word he says after this.

The reputation he just earned
from this current success...

will be utterly obliterated by this.

The moment this becomes public,
he'll be branded as nothing but a thief.

Success without reputation
is of no use.

Reputation!

That is the only weapon you need.

Filmmaker Sachin Vaikom David,

son of the legendary late novelist
Vaikom David,

has level led serious
plagiarism allegations

against Director Vineeth Madhavan!

Every piece of evidence I have

is right here
in front of your eyes.

Sachin alleges that the film 'Nidhi'
is a scene-by-scene copy

of Devil's Island, a novel penned
by his late father years ago.

'Anyone who actually reads that novel
will understand'

'that I've adapted only its core truth
into my film.'

Vineeth registered this story

under the fake name K.T. Peter
to evade any legal backlash.

'But I have no way to prove it.'

'There isn't a single copy
of Devil's Island left in existence.'

You want Meljo's script back,
I suppose?

Yes. I want to make it
into a movie.

You have to produce it.

Vineeth's film is essentially about

a hack stealing a treasure
a talented man worked hard to find.

When it turns out that very story
is someone else's creation,

isn't Vineeth the real thief
who stole the treasure here?

Life imitates art.

Art imitates life.

Stealing from someone is easy.

But the struggle of the one
who actually discovered it...

can only be understood
by someone who has lived it.

MAHAAN [Legend]

'With that,
I didn't become a legend,'

'and no one sang
praises for my film.'

'Today, I'm just Vineeth Madhavan.'

'I've been trying to write again.'

'But I'm just so exhausted.'

'My mind is totally blank.'

'Nothing's coming to me.'

'I can't even bring myself
to write a single line.'

[mobile ringing continues]

- Hello?
- I watched your film, Vineeth.

'Without a doubt,'

'it's the finest movie
to come out this year.'

'But "War" will sweep
the awards this year.'

'Sujith Raj comes from
a very humble, struggling background.'

Oh.

'I felt he was the one
who deserved my support.'

- So I backed him.
- Okay.

'But I'm giving you an award too.'

'Best debut director.'

Okay.

'Make sure you come
and receive it.'

Thank you, Govind.

Who doesn't love to dream?

For gifting that wonderful song

to Malayalis who love to dream,
thank you!

Let's move on.

Indus Star Finance presents

12th Chakrabhumi Film Awards,

powered by Nila Rice and Grains.

The Best Director award goes to...

Sujith Raj V,

for "War".

See?

Mediocrity is the new greatness.

You know...

I didn't make some masterpiece.

It only passes as great...

because of my background.

Even here, the applause
wasn't for the work I did.

It was for my identity.

I would've been better off
studying medicine.

This film industry is nothing
like what I imagined.

Next, the Best Debut Director award
goes to...

Vineeth Madhavan!

'Pin-drop silence.'

'Not even a murmur
from the audience,'

'let alone applause!'

'They despise me that much.'

While you become the most despised man
in Malayalam cinema,

people who don't have half your talent
are going to be celebrated here instead.

Understood?

Vineeth...

a few words, please.

"Greatest of all time"

"Coming for the throne now"

"Defining Mollywood"

"Better than the stalwarts"

"My thought and throat
have a killer flow"

"My hope and scope
have a brilliant glow"

"Even if you bury me
deep in the dark"

"I'll sprout right back up
like a living spark"

My esteemed producer...

who unfortunately died of a fatal
heart attack after watching my film,

the man who funded this project
solely to launder his black money...

the late, prominent industrialist,

Harris Basheer.

The man who gave me
my first break in this industry...

the son of that legendary literary icon

Vaikom David, who never penned
a single line of his 232 novels,

Sachin Vaikom David.

The producer
of my unreleased film,

which I myself deleted

when he tried to exploit Swaroop's fans
just to line his own pockets.

Mr. Fayaz Ahmed.

The one who imitated my identity

that I earned over years
through my short films

and made the blockbuster "After Party"

and the industry hit "After Party-2"
using my own script.

Arjun Haridas.

Thanks...

to all of you!

Everything I said here
is the truth.

But you, the audience,

won't believe a single word of it,

because...

you only hear what you like.

You only see what you like.

So, yeah...

Likeability!

Unfortunately,

since my personal likeability

is far lower than the people
I just accused,

you wouldn't want
to believe what I'm saying,

even if I'm proven right.

Simply because you don't like me.

That's the only truth.

So finally,

the hack didn't manage to steal

the treasure earned by the talented
through sheer effort.

However...

they made the world believe
he was never worthy of that treasure!

'But...'

'I'm not going to sit back...'

'and accept this as my destiny.'

'I'll keep setting out
to rewrite my own destiny.'

"O you who graze
through this world of illusion"

"O you who behold
each age in succession"

"To travel the endless distance before,
O seekers of the inner fire evermore"

"O you who graze
through this world of illusion"

"O you who behold
each age in succession"

"To travel the endless distance before,
O seekers of the inner fire evermore"

"A steady mind and iron will,
Proper and poised, supreme still"

"Though the age is filled with grief,
The soul stands firm beyond belief"

"Along the path of righteous war,
Stands one who knows his duty sure"

"A peerless soul that never tires,
A man born only for victory's fires"

'I'll keep setting out
to rewrite my own destiny.'

"Let rookies come in
and make their art"

"Ride on pure luck
and break the chart"

"No matter how many enter the game
chasing fame, making a name"

"I'm the Greatest Of All Time"

"Even if you throw
a thousand schemes my way"

"Even if you drag
my aura down all day"

"The knowledge of cinema
living in me"

"Gives my mind its clarity"

"I've learned to take every blow and woe,
I'll cross raging seas and steal the show"

Vineeth is nothing like the
directors I've worked with so far.

He is a visionary filmmaker.

He is more mature than
many senior directors.

To be honest,
it's excruciating to work with him!

In all my years of experience,
no director has pushed me this hard.

He'll keep shooting

until he gets what he wants,

even if we end up
with broken limbs.

I'm so grateful to be
a part of his film.

Thank God!

[Harris] 'Karma is for real.'

'Vineeth Madhavan has lost.'

'The world doesn't operate
the way he thinks it does.'

'People like us control everything.'

'And yet, there are things that happen
completely at random in this life.'

'For example...'

The mystery surrounding superstar Swaroop's
fatal accident has taken a deeper turn.

CCTV footage recovered from the scene
now reveals that

the crash happened when a middle-aged man
dropped a matchstick

while trying to light a beedi
and bent down to pick it up.

'That middle-aged man
is none other than'

'Varkeychayan, who runs
'Varkey's Catering' in Kuttikkanam.'

'But Varkeychayan has another name.'

- Peter!
- 'K.T. Peter!'

'The true author of 'Devil's Island'!'

- Found it!
- Found what?

The novel that terrified
my grandpa, a scientific genius!

Want some tea, son?

- No, thanks.
- My first film!

'Thrilled to hear that his novel
was being turned into a movie,'

'he snatched the script from a sleeping Suji
on the shooting set,'

'with no ulterior motive
other than to read it.'

'But before he could read a single line,'

'the beedi K.T. Peter enjoyed
smoking in the middle of the road'

'ended up betraying him!'

'So, in short,'

'nothing happens
according to our plans.'

'Nothing is truly in our control.'

'Everything is random.'

'It all comes down to luck.'

'And luck has no sense of justice!'

Vineeth's case is truly unfortunate.

Despite being an underdog,

despite coming from
humble beginnings,

despite struggling so much,

and despite possessing
undeniable talent,

he still couldn't reach
the place he dreamed of.

Sad reality!

"Lightning struck my head
and left me in a fix"

"Fear sparked a fire,
but I blew out the wicks"

"Fate tried to park me,
but I kept my stride"

"I rewrote the story
and blew minds nationwide"

"Lightning struck my head
and left me in a fix"

"Fear sparked a fire,
but I blew out the wicks"

"Fate tried to park me,
but I kept my stride"

"I rewrote the story
and blew minds nationwide"

"Tomorrow in Mollywood's
glittering maze"

"I'll be the star
of its golden days"

"A twinkling star,
a total wonder, a total surprise"

"Aura at a hundred,
an all-in-one rise!"

"Tomorrow in Mollywood's
glittering maze"

"I'll be the star
of its golden days"

"A twinkling star,
a total wonder, a total surprise"

"Aura at a hundred,
an all-in-one rise!"