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Dear students, yesterday's incident in the college was very unexpected.

The management has been forced to take action

to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Therefore, access to the Mandakini forest behind the college

is strictly prohibited.

If anyone violates the restriction,

they will face strict action.

All the deaths occurred during eclipses.

And you know what? Today is a lunar eclipse day.

Only the northern end is closed.

Until the priests come and perform the ritual tomorrow,

the southern end is open.

So it’s better for everyone to be on their guard.

Mandakini is lurking around us.

What’s the matter with you, Durga?

Ghosts and gods are just things humans have made up.

These are stories made up to stop people from entering the Mandakini forest.

So what about that man’s death?

Then why did the college authority close the Mandakini Forest?

There must be a reason for this.

They've been looking for a reason to close the Mandakini forest.

As soon as this incident happened, they went ahead and closed it down.

I don’t think so.

Come on then,

I’ll prove that all of this is a lie.

Where?

To the Mandakini forest.

To the Mandakini forest?!

Don’t joke around.

I’ll join you. She’s just making things up.

Are you all serious about this?

Enough talking. Let's take her.

-Let's bring Anarkali along too. -Hey…

-Come on get up. -No, I’m not coming.

-Simi, please don't do this. No. -Come on.

-Please, listen to me. -Come on girl.

I'm not coming. Please.

No.

I’m thinking of staying in the hostel with Bharathi teacher today.

You mean "Boycott" Bharathi?

Boycott, my foot!

Wait teacher.

No ghost, bro. Just some magic.

-Something happens -Wait teacher.

-near that well. -Grab the torch.

I don’t understand what it is.

Especially the sound of that child crying.

Teachers are here! Run!

Hey, stop there!

Teacher…

-Stop there! -Please slow down!

Stop right there!

Rituals were performed there.

It's all a lie.

Simi, let's go back to the hostel.

[chanting mantras]

Hey, come fast.

-Anarkali, slow down. -Teacher, no!

-That leads to the Mandakini forest. -Come here.

It's Bharati Teacher.

I'm letting it pass this time.

If this happens again,

there will be no mercy.

Get to the hostel, now!

-[in unison] Come on. -Thank you ma'am.

If kids these days are like this,

who knows what the next generation will be like.

You have a daughter, right?

Better be careful.

She's already over-smart.

Glad I never got married.

Do you have the number?

Just a minute.

Mom, did you take my towel?

It’s probably around there, Gayathri.

You have a daughter, right?

She's already over-smart.

You spoil her too much.

So what now?

You said your husband’s family is very strict, right?

Let her stay there from now on. That’ll teach her some discipline.

Is that necessary? He’s pretty paranoid.

But it's you he's suspicious of, not her, right?

-That's true. -Then what's the problem?

I've made my point. It's your call now.

Only child or not, you’ve got to raise them tough.

No! Leave me!

Did he used to beat you a lot?

Yes.

He used to beat me all the time.

He used to beat me, claiming I didn’t look like him,

that I wasn’t his daughter.

I’ve secured your admission in my college.

You don't have to go back to him.

Move your leg.

Dear god, this is my fourth relationship

that my brother is ruining with his egg voodoo!

Please somehow make him fall in love.

Only then I’ll be able to love someone. Please!

Hey!

I’ve told you many times to stay away from my stuff.

Oh, like it's a priceless treasure!

-Give me a break. -Excuse me?

Talking back to me?

I will set a goblin on you!

-You have no idea what I'm capable of! -Silence!

Let a man pray in peace.

Get lost, you idiot!

Lowlifes with no brotherly respect.

Lately, you’ve become quite arrogant.

You even look down on me and the goblin.

What is this?

Mandakini is a lie.

The unrest among the kids is getting strong.

The party people say

it’s a story made up by the college authorities to cut trees in the forest.

Sometimes I feel that too.

One real encounter, and all of that will change.

Do you know him?

It’s because of him that the forest was closed back then.

The guy in the canteen?

Manoj.

I was also studying in college then.

PG last year.

I was even more of a rebel than today’s party activists.

I’ve been to the forest many times.

Back then…

That’s when I saw this guy heading into the forest.

I just followed him out of curiosity.

After a while, we heard a baby crying.

He went after it.

I followed along too.

As he reached the well,

his expression began to change.

As if he heard something unbearable.

Slowly, he started enjoying it.

In that frenzy, he opened his eyes…

as if he had become someone else.

Mandakini killed him,

but why did she spare me?

That's a question that haunts me to this day.

I won't stop searching until I find the answer.

It’s just this ghost stuff I can’t quite buy into…

Who cares about what you believe?

Aji, even with all these problems

do you know why I still got you into that college?

So you’d know what’s happening in the college.

That’s all you need to do.

-Hello. -I've got his details.

You’re correct.

In the 17th century, a Taiwanese painter

came to the Krishna Varma palace.

He even drew portraits of the palace people in his autobiography.

Did you get the book?

That might be a bit difficult.

I heard the copies were all ruined.

He said he’ll get one.

Okay.

Krishnan…

Mandakini is close enough to reach.

Sir…

They say Bharathi Teacher's next principal.

Is that true?

When I'm here?

Not a chance.

We'll see, Dinesh,

who becomes the next principal.

Look who showed up in saffron.

-The Sangh's pride has arrived. -It's not saffron, comrade. It's orange.

Both are the same.

" Here it comes, here it comes Closer it crawls! "

" Right ahead, right ahead Looming so tall! "

" Locking eyes, locking eyes Fixing its stare! "

" Right behind, right behind Lurking out there! "

When it came to raising girls’ marriage age,

I saw some progressive facades crumbling.

Comrade, shall I start the Innova?

No. Bharathi teacher can’t handle that.

" Come on, come on Show me what you got! "

" Step right up and charge right in! "

" Come on, come on Show me what you got! "

" Step right up and charge right in! "

What are you looking at?

I’ve told you a thousand times to stay out of my room. Now get lost.

Go on.

Come here.

Didn't you see him enter the room?

Isn't he your brother?

Those who don’t believe in Mandakini have no business in this room.

-Clear out. Out you go. -So, tea’s not needed?

" The night is deep We're losing face! "

" Lose our dignity And it's a total disgrace! "

" The night grows dark The shadows loom "

" A horde of ghouls will seal our doom! "

" Pick up the speed, run for your life! Break into a sprint, escape the strife! "

" A tiger's on the prowl A beast on your track "

" North, south, or east Just don't look back! "

" Pick up the speed, run for your life! Break into a sprint, escape the strife! "

" A tiger's on the prowl A beast on your track "

" North, south, or east Just don't look back! "

" Oh Jesus, Lord Ayyappa, and Allah divine "

" All of you together Please save this soul of mine! "

" Come on, come on Show me what you got! "

" Step right up and charge right in! "

" Come on, come on Show me what you got! "

" Step right up and charge right in! "

Hey, who has all the notes up until now?

Well…

Only Aji attends all the classes.

Better ask him.

Mind lending me your math notes?

Thanks.

What is it?

What’s this?

Trigonometry equation.

Isn’t it just "tri" here?

See the line? The rest goes there.

Excuse me…

You can continue.

Move over.

The fundamental theorem of calculus is a theorem that links

the concept of differentiating a function

-with the concept-- -Excuse me…

Can you recite slowly?

-What do you mean? -Read it slowly.

Read slowly, huh!

You want slow reading, right?

Okay, I’ll read slowly.

The fundamental theorem of calculus is a theorem…

Hey, write it down!

Comrade…

Yeah, one second.

Tell me, comrade.

It's not our job to tear this down, it's the management's.

Yes, comrade.

The strike starts tomorrow. Inform the students.

I’ve tried telling him several times.

He doesn’t want to get married now.

Like a dog in the manger. Jerk!

Leave it.

-Tell me. -Kunjettan, where's Valyettan?

I can't reach him.

He said his phone was acting up. What's the matter?

-It’s just that… -Who's it?

-Aji. -Students came for campaigning.

Protest to reopen the forest begins tomorrow.

They asked everyone to join.

I called to let you know.

Okay.

What’s wrong with these guys now?

Isn’t it better to reopen the forest?

Let’s put all superstitions aside.

It’s because you don’t know Mandakini properly.

Dear students, yesterday's incident in the college was very unexpected.

Therefore, access to the Mandakini forest behind the college

is strictly prohibited.

I was a first-year student back then.

-No ghost, bro. Just some magic. -Teacher, wait.

-Something happens -Grab the torch.

near that well.

I don’t understand what it is.

Especially the sound of that child crying.

-Teachers are here! Run! -Hey, stop there.

-Brother… -Teacher…

-Stop there! -Please slow down!

Stop right there!

Krishnan, over here.

Especially the sound of that child crying.

Then?

Then what? I blacked out.

I found myself in college when I woke up.

How did I get to college from the forest?

Mandakini is no joke, uncle.

My dad's been a security guard here for around 20 years.

He has never seen a ghost here.

-Are you sure about that? -Do you want me to prove it?

Yes.

Nothing much. If you’re brave enough, go take a selfie near that well.

Then I’ll also join you for the protest tomorrow.

Dad’s calling.

-Yes dad. -Where’re you?

I’m near the Botany department.

Drop me home. My vehicle broke down.

-But Dad, I… -Listen to me!

Come fast.

It’s alright, we’ll handle it.

Come on.

Be ready to join the party from tomorrow.

It scared me to death!

Isn't that the scent of the Blackboard tree flower?

Is this the scent of Blackboard tree flower?

Yes, it is.

Is this Krishna Varma Thampuran?

That’s what the books say.

Meanwhile, rumor has it he’s blind in one eye,

and he commissioned this painting just to cover it up.

Nothing is certain.

-Brother… -Yes.

Why didn’t you get married?

Our parents died when you were six.

No one cared for us except Uncle.

I was afraid to even fall in love.

I worried if I'd drift away

and leave you all behind.

I had a relationship.

It was deeply serious.

But she said I should leave you all

and go with her if I wanted to marry her.

-Then? -Then what?

I told her to get lost.

She was a very pretty girl.

It’s all destiny.

Drop it. Don’t you have anything to study?

A girl took my books.

-Which girl? -She’s the teacher’s daughter.

New joinee.

Krishnan, he’s started sharing books.

Let’s see what’s coming next.

Ew, cringe.

I have better things to do. Get lost, bro.

Hey, is she good-looking?

Just average.

Average? Below average would've fit him perfectly.

You're really pushing it.

Thinking about Sangeetha, huh?

Sangeetha’s daughter is so innocent, right?

What’s happening?

Get lost.

Only people with no daughters know what that feels like.

What really happened between you two?

What do you expect between Akbar and Sangeetha?

The usual.

Religion.

Then Bharathi interfered, and that was the end of it.

They were throwing around "love jihad" accusations

or something.

Sangeetha and her husband aren't on good terms.

But my wife and I are on good terms.

Don't sit out in the cold. Go home.

Grant the students' demands.

[all in unison] Grant the students' demands.

Open Mandakini Forest for the students!

[all in unison] Open Mandakini Forest for the students!

It seems the protest has started as planned.

What’s this all about?

Hasn't your mother mentioned this?

We don’t talk much.

Okay.

My brother told me this story.

Not sure if it’s true.

Once spread across all of India,

the Kalinga Empire

first suffered defeat before Emperor Ashoka,

the Mauryan emperor.

In order to ensure there would be no more defeat,

King Kharavela,

through his vassals across different parts of India,

built the Kalinga Empire.

So, Kalinga made a name for itself in Kerala too.

Under Krishna Varma Thampuran, the Kalinga Empire

flourished and prospered here.

Behind that growth,

there were many secrets.

Many rival kingdoms tried to uncover those secrets,

but none ever succeeded.

King Kharavela,

his vassals including Krishna Varma Thampuran,

and their attendants alone knew the secret.

Mandakini was the daughter of King Krishna Varma.

One of the heirs to the secrets of Kalinga.

A cruel tribe called Kapalam lived there.

On a blood moon eclipse,

they stormed the palace with a thousand warriors

and as the legend goes, tortured and killed Mandakini.

On the fourth day, Mandakini returned as a vengeful ghost

and destroyed the Kapalam tribe.

Back then, Mandakini was imprisoned in a well,

deep within the dense forest behind the palace.

Centuries later,

the land where the Kalinga Empire once stood

became our campus.

But the dense forest and the well within it

remain unchanged even today.

Is any of this even real?

We all have the same doubt.

Professors with doctorates,

but afraid of ghosts.

Not even worth a penny of knowledge.

Oops, I didn’t mean your mother.

It's okay.

-Brother… -Yes.

Remember the girl I mentioned?

Which girl?

The teacher’s daughter.

That average-looking girl?

She’s definitely not just average.

She has a certain charm.

Such a nice smile.

I think I might be falling in love for the first time.

I just can't!

" Someone has thrown open "

" The gates of moonlight "

" As this magical hour approaches "

" Is everything I see "

" Just an illusion? "

Now we've got to do egg voodoo on two people.

It's best to nip it in the bud.

Oh, get lost! Just when I’m trying to fix my reputation.

Get out!

" Who's this "

" Resting gently upon my chest? "

" You're my life "

Yes.

" Ever near me now "

" You're my life "

Can’t really blame my brother.

If the elder brother is single and the younger brother is in love,

anyone would do egg voodoo.

-Right? -Yes.

Come on.

-Egg prices now? -Country eggs or quail eggs?

Oh, so you're not scared, huh?

" A reason to talk "

" Slowly turning into love "

" Silence fades away "

" The moment you are near "

" With endless longings "

-" I stood by your side " -Hey, Aji.

Hey, have you seen my chain?

Look on that shelf, bro.

Drop the attitude.

I will do egg voodoo on you!

And just like that, I'll end your romance.

-Can I find it if I come there? -I don’t know.

-Did you propose? -No, uncle.

Dummy!

No guts, no talent.

Uncle!

" You're my life "

" Ever near me now "

" You're my life "

-" Ever near me now " -Gayathri…

-Nothing. -Then okay. Bye.

" Someone has thrown open "

" The gates of moonlight "

" As this magical hour approaches "

Mom…

Where were you?

Buon Natale…

Who gave you permission to go?

Grandma…

Who is your mother here, me or your grandmother?!

I’ve been enduring this for ages.

Don't push your luck just because I'm keeping my patience, girl!

Now, live a quiet and disciplined life.

Or I’ll send you right back where you came from.

Mom!

Just one call, and he'll come and take you away.

Want to test me?!

This is your last warning.

If you cause trouble again,

that night will be your last here.

His ways suit you perfectly.

" Led the priest up the mountain height "

" Turned the gold into copper bright "

" Swapped the golden plates Out of sight! "

-Good morning everyone. -[all in unison] Good morning.

I’ve got some important information.

As college reopens day after tomorrow,

the students are going to escalate the protest.

They want to reopen Mandakini Forest.

But Mandakini?

Yes. That’s what worries me.

Aren’t these just myths, ma’am?

Isn't it just like saying Ganapati is a myth?

Tell me, Dineshan.

Oh, I’m just an average student.

I don’t have answers for everything.

That’s not the point here.

Stick to the topic.

What do you think, Bharathi?

Just open it up, teacher.

Let that knock the attitude out of everyone.

And if something happens?

If anything happens, so be it.

Isn't it because of their sheer restlessness?

Dear students, the management has realized

that the four-month-long protest

demanding the reopening

of Mandakini Forest is justified.

Therefore, Mandakini Forest will be opened

for students this New Year.

This number can't be reached right now. Please try later.

Bro, what’s the point of all these rituals?

This is called ritualistically housing a goblin in your home.

It happens every year.

It’s the day the goblin returns home

after meeting its siblings.

That’s why we can’t leave the house today.

So, your New Year plans are looking great, huh?

Exactly.

-Poor guys! -Then why did Aji go to college?

He doesn’t worship goblins.

He hasn’t studied rituals or worn the sacred thread.

I was referring to Krishnanunni and myself.

We can’t go out of the house today.

Hey, did you write the notes?

No, I haven't.

-Did you reach there? -No.

Interview got pushed to next week.

I’m on my way to college.

To college?

Where are you now?

Almost there. Five minutes.

-I’ll be there soon. -Okay.

Okay.

Hello, brother.

Hey, why do you sound so down?

Maybe it’s due to the weather.

What’s the situation there?

The workers have arrived to open up the forest.

Today?!

Wasn’t it supposed to open tomorrow?

That's what they said.

Don't know why, but they've already headed out.

Maybe they're just opening it today, and entry starts from tomorrow.

I don't know.

Thulam, Vrishchikam, Dhanu.

A lunar eclipse in the month of Dhanu.

That’s troubling, Nandu.

Dad!

Just go away, Manaf.

His damn Mandakini!

Oh! That’s not it, dad.

Hear me out.

You owe us a birthday treat tomorrow, no excuses!

See you tomorrow.

-Let's go? -Okay.

Krishna…

Yes.

The forest isn’t opening tomorrow.

It's today.

So, sleep is officially cancelled.

Oh god!

Hey, tell me.

Hey, there’s a problem.

What is it?

Well…

I put something inside your purse.

So what? Can't I just give it to you at college tomorrow?

It's not that.

There’s a problematic item in it.

What?

Well…

Condom.

If you cause trouble again,

that night will be your last here.

Staff will clean the classrooms in the morning.

Get the purse before that.

Can you come with me?

I wish I could,

but you know how things are.

If dad knows, I’m dead.

Why don’t you go alone?

Your mom's scooter is there, right?

Just take it and go.

Won’t it be a problem if someone finds out?

If you don’t take it back before security sees it,

it’ll be a problem.

Hey, Krishnan…

I’m taking Aji home.

It’s New Year, yeah!

Excuse me…

No alcohol for him, got it?

Me? Give him alcohol?

Only beer.

Uncle is ruining him.

Could you give me the scooter key?

Now?

My friend’s in town. I need to pick him up.

Thank you, sis.

Wait, you can return the key tomorrow morning.

-I don’t want to lose sleep. -Okay.

Shall we inform the college?

And then what?

Akbar is the security there.

Talk about ghosts, and he'll chase you down.

I’ve seen her somewhere…

Your brothers say you can't hold your liquor.

Drink up, man!

-" Deep in the abyss-- " -She…

What does she think of herself?

-Who? -Gayathri.

Like hell I’m ever going to text her again.

Tell me, Gayathri.

Are you busy right now?

No. What happened?

Will you come to college with me?

Right now?

I left my purse there.

Maybe you can ask the security…

Are you coming or not?

I’ll come.

I don’t have any problem.

Alright, I’ll be outside the house.

It's Gayathri.

She asked me to accompany her to college right now.

She said she left her purse there.

-To get the purse? -Yes.

-At this hour? -Yeah uncle.

Going out at night just to get a purse…

I can’t digest that.

Same here.

Why not ask security to get it?

This is it.

To propose.

Oh, stop it.

She might have been staying quiet just to surprise you.

You don’t understand girls’ psychology like I do.

That’s exactly it.

If the brothers find out, won’t it be a problem?

Who asks their brothers about this stuff?

Drink up, man. There's no problem.

Oh, look at him blushing!

Aji, make sure you look your best.

Will this outfit do?

Isn't this old?

This is the most important day of your life.

It's New Year's night. So just wear my new clothes.

-You’ll look great. -But…

you haven't even worn that dress yet, right?

How are we any different?

You’ll be like a prince in that outfit.

You’ll shine.

Go on.

-Hello. -I’m in front of the house.

I’ll be right there.

You’ll be like a prince in that outfit.

You'll shine.

What's with this look?

-How’s this? -All you're missing is a garland.

Are you coming or not?

-Hey, what happened to Mom? -Well…

Uncle, it's a bit serious.

They moved grandma to the ICU.

Manaf…

Just stay here for a while.

-I'm going to see Mom. -Dad, wait…

Hey, it's fine. Just stay here a bit.

Let's go.

Hold on. One minute.

Take this. Go now.

Dad…

-Tell me bro. -Where are you?

I'm out here.

Hey, head over to the college.

Head to the college? Why, bro?

To make sure nobody's around.

Well, it's New Year, after all.

And my New Year?

It's just that I can't go out myself.

You don't mind, do you?

Nah, I've got no problem.

I'm fine with it.

You know, right?

I'm a devotee of the goblin.

I'll make it impossible for you to drink ever again.

You can drink once I'm back, got it?

Hey, I’m telling you specifically.

Oh god!

Remember

when we'd wear sarees to college for New Year?

Oh, what a nightmare it was draping her in a saree!

That’s ancient history now.

Now I wear a saree like a pro, dear.

Hey…

Can I make a suggestion?

How about we go to the college now?

Just like old times, in sarees.

-Sure, let's go. -Let's do it.

-Let's go. -Come on.

It's my first time, so I'm a bit nervous.

Does it have to be here?

-Hey… -What if someone finds out?

Nothing's going to happen, comrade.

This is the perfect vibe.

Not a single soul comes this way because of the Mandakini forest.

-That's not all. It's really bright here. -Well, it's New Year.

-Who? -Come over here. Come on, keep moving.

It's no ordinary eclipse.

It's a Super Blood Moon.

A once-in-a-century eclipse.

What's special about it?

The eclipse lasts longer.

-Krishnan… -Yes

I have a feeling

there'll be a death tonight.

" With a spark of fire Burning deep inside "

" They were born Marked by fate to ride! "

-Hurry, follow that vehicle. -Vehicle?

Go on, get moving.

" A brutal storm A rain of fire breaks the cloud "

" Can you stop this deadly Downpour of dread? "

" An unquenchable wrath Is bound to spread "

Muneer, blink your eyes!

Who the hell is that?

Head that way.

How long until the eclipse starts?

About an hour left.

-Bro! -Come on, hurry up!

Krishnan…

Was it the same dream?

This very hand saved my life.

-It's the same bangle. -Mandakini?

Why did Mandakini spare only me while killing everyone else?

Maybe because she'd already killed someone that day.

No.

There's more to it.

Why are you laughing?

It's nothing.

Didn't you say no one would be here?

There shouldn't be anyone here.

Looks like they're here on a nostalgia trip.

Oh god, we're screwed.

-God? -Sorry.

It just slipped out in the heat of the moment.

What now?

Let's sneak out through the Maths Department.

Come on.

The perfect place to propose.

Who's there?

Nobody's here.

No one's around.

Phew.

I got scared.

Allah!

Come on! Security's here!

Good Lord!

-Hello. -Hello.

Dad, someone's out there.

-Who? -Mandakini.

Hey, it's all in your head.

No, Dad. Someone's definitely here.

Dad, I'm scared.

Come on, there are no ghosts.

We're all here, aren't we?

Get some sleep. You'll feel better when you wake up.

I can't sleep, Dad.

Just count from one to a hundred.

You'll fall asleep by then.

Understand?

Hey, there's no such thing as ghosts. Hang up the phone.

Go on. Mandakini my foot!

One.

Two.

Hello.

What do we do now?

It’s just the gate that’s risky.

I can just jump the wall.

I'll take the forest route.

Why is this dog barking like crazy?

Hasn't Aji arrived yet?

Hello.

Uncle, is Aji with you?

He's asleep.

I'll send him back tomorrow.

You got him wasted, didn't you?

Come on, it's New Year.

Aji's there. Don't worry.

-You can leave. -Just call me.

Just there to scare me!

My brilliant idea!

Aji…

Which way now?

Oh, god…

Aji…

Aji…

Gayathri…

Gayathri…

Gayathri…

-Hello. -Hello.

Where are you?

I'm at college. Where are you?

Gayathri. Come here.

Gayathri. Come here.

Gayathri. Come here.

-Bro. -Hello.

No one's here, bro.

It's dead silent here.

Anyway,

go check inside the college.

How am I supposed to go alone, bro?

No need to go near the forest.

Just check the college.

Okay bro.

I'll go.

As if I’ve nothing better to do! Mandakini!

" Clouds of bliss up above "

" Twinkling eyes gleam with love "

" Waves arise within, all on their own "

" O returning breeze, whispering soft "

-" Flower petals " -" Flower petals "

-" In the rising dawn, " -A complete makeover, huh?

-" To bloom once again " -But the emotion is the same.

" Arriving like a guest "

1233.

1234.

1235

" Beautiful is this world we see "

-" May sweetness grace the heart " -A ghost song!

" Beautiful is this world we see "

" May sweetness grace the heart "

-Hey, how is that a ghost song? -Then what?

Is there a rule that ghosts can only sing horror movie songs?

Just hang up, Manaf.

Bullshit ghost!

Let's go.

-Who's that? -Dad.

-Where are you now? -We're just five kilometers away

-We'll be there soon. -You guys head back.

Mom doesn't want to see him.

Let's go.

-What is it? -Uncle, it's just…

Grandma said she doesn't want to see you.

-What is it? -Dad, I hear ghosts laughing!

Ghost, nonsense!

Cut the call and go to hell!

Dad!

Let's go to the college.

Ghost, total rubbish!

I'm dead!

Now that everything has happened, are you happy, uncle?

-My life is over. -This freaking guy!

-Just tell me what I can do now, uncle. -Come on man!

Hey, wait.

Get back.

Wait, I…

What is this, a state convention or something?!

What a perfect time to make a phone call!

Actually, I…

Escaped… not really.

My belt broke.

-Oh! Of all the freaking times! -I…

Gayathri…

Just a sweet sixteen milk boy!

So, all this was actually real?

-These damn people-- -No, Comrade!

-We're progressive lions, after all. -So what?

You know the party's new stance, right?

Still, those who pull off such cheap moves--

Comrade, no.

Calling it a "cheap move" like that is an insult to poor folks!

We are the champions of political correctness, after all.

F…

Perfect. And politically correct, too.

-Dude, you're a walking disaster. -Comrade…

-I’ve seen her somewhere. -Just stay glued there.

Found it! Comrade, she's Sangeetha's daughter.

Lift it up.

-No, I mean… -Just lift it, man!

What a tragic state!

Comrade…

Check it out, what are they doing?

-Oh no! -These b…

-Comrade! -Sorry, f…

That's better.

Come on.

What a relief!

Do one thing.

Keep an eye on Bharati.

I'll tail the kids.

But where on earth did those two go?

Are they hiding somewhere now?

It smells exactly like that fish.

Just some junk to scare the kids.

-Gayathri Ammadam. -Who's that?

Someone left their purse behind.

It's within my station limits.

Such a careless way of handling things.

I'll give it on the way.

Where did she go?

Gayathri…

Gayathri…

Damn.

Where did it go?

Is she really here for the purse?

Oh Lord Krishna, don't let me down!

"Smart girls once lived here."

"Smart Girls!" What a lame name.

Come along.

Everyone, get in the frame!

-Come, stand here. -Where're you going?

Give us a smile, girl.

-Yes ma'am. -Where's Gayathri?

I don't know.

I'll be calling your mother next.

Shall I?

No.

She went to college.

I won't leave until I find that purse.

Might have to steal it.

-She's a police officer. -So what?

Well, it's your purse.

Come on.

Durga's got a lot on her plate.

Thought seeing you all would help her. No luck!

-" Oh night, you executioner of the dark " -Hey…

-" Come forth, bear your blazing torch " -What? Has the eclipse started?

I can't sleep. You shouldn't either.

-" High up, high up in the sky " -How do we make her feel better?

The perfect place for that is right here.

Are you bold enough to steal from a woman police officer?

Madam, this is my purse.

I swear it's mine.

All this way tonight just for this purse?

Yes.

Something's fishy about that.

Nothing like that, Madam.

Let it go, girl.

How can I just let it go?

What if there are drugs in it?

My mom teaches here.

If Mom finds out, it'll be a huge mess.

That's why.

You may go.

Just a minute.

" Swagger and stride, rock to the beat "

" Run along with the wreath "

" High above stands the Grim Reaper "

" He watches all that unfolds "

" Strike hard, strike fast! Curse him to dust "

" Strum the chatter to rhythm O Leader! "

" A heavy purse breeds heavy fears "

" The army falls, the battle breaks Happy New Year! "

Manaf is scared out of his wits.

Poor guy!

Can you go to the college?

Yeah. What?!

It wouldn't look right for me to go handle this

while the chairman is right here.

Never mind that. The credit's yours.

That's a problem.

I take hierarchy seriously.

The "leader" should go.

Dude, I'm scared. That's why.

Well, since I don't have that problem, that's fine.

There's someone.

Hello.

Ranji bro, would Nandu bro be asleep by now?

No way. He definitely won't sleep tonight.

Okay.

He's saying that Nandu bro wouldn't be asleep yet.

-Shall we go check it out? -Okay.

So, your friend is in college, huh?

Yes.

What do you know about Mandakini?

Just that she's a ghost.

Wow, such fresh information!

That’s not what I asked.

What do you know about

Princess Mandakini?

I’ve heard that Princess Mandakini was killed by the Kapalar

during a great war at the palace long ago,

and that she turned into a vengeful ghost

to seek revenge for her murder.

Did you know Mandakini was a practitioner of black magic?

" Wheel of Time, turn and churn Wake from slumber, rise and burn "

" Flow, O life stream, flow and leap Breath of life, run pure and deep "

Back then, if a palace had no male heirs,

the kings would do something specific for their daughters' safety

they'd train them in black magic

from the time they were children.

They did it for self-protection.

They were called Demon Princesses.

So, I don't need to tell you what happens

if such a demon princess becomes an evil spirit.

Even the masters who trained Mandakini in black magic

were powerless to stop her.

In the end, completely helpless,

they had to bring in the Kizhakkoothoor Namboodiris.

It wasn't easy for them either.

It took them 101 days to subdue Mandakini.

Back then, fear kept everyone away from

the deep forest behind the palace.

It was called Ravana Jungle.

That's exactly why they bound Mandakini

inside a well in that very forest.

No one could have thought that this place would become a college in the future,

and people would go into the forest.

But that well didn't seem so ancient.

It was rebuilt in 1971 for some rituals.

Oh, so that's how it was.

There are about ten mystically locked talismans buried around that well.

Those talismans are suppressing Mandakini's power.

But the cosmic rays during the eclipse

makes the talismans weak.

Naturally Mandakini becomes much more powerful during those hours.

If you look closely, all these deaths were happening during eclipses.

Tell your friend not to go into the forest, no matter what sound he hears.

Okay, bro.

Kalinga dynasty…

BC 500.

Isn't that the boy from back then?

Listen, I have a question for you, if you don't mind.

Can Mandakini come out of the forest?

Not as long as the talismans are there.

Can she sing?

Is something wrong with you?

Manaf said he heard a song from the college.

What?

Manaf heard women singing in the college.

Apparently, there were other sounds too.

-Pour me one. -Shut up.

Fine.

Yes, bro.

Hey, you said there's no one in college, right?

Of course, no one's there.

I checked here thoroughly. There's no one.

Call Manaf.

Who the hell do you think's there? Your father-in-law?

Uncle!

Nothing to worry about. You go on.

I asked if it's your father-in-law!

-Ghost. -Ghost my foot!

Dad, let's go back home.

-Open the gate. I said open the gate. -It's Mandakini, Dad.

You're not leaving today until you show me the ghost.

Open the gate.

-Open the gate! -No, Dad… please.

Come on.

Where is it? Where is the ghost?

Where is the ghost?

Don't we call it ghost because we can't see it?

See? I said so.

-Dad… -Come on.

This guy…

-This is wrong. -Why are you crying, man?

This is wrong.

This is wrong.

What the hell do you want?

Did I dial the wrong number?

Hello, how did it go, Aji?

It went to hell! Hang up and get lost!

Your damn female psychology nonsense.

You're the reason I'm in this mess.

Courage, my foot.

Have you gone mad?!

Go to hell.

Stop crying, the security might hear you.

It's my life, I'll cry.

That's not mine, you idiot!

It's not?

My friend forgot it in my purse.

What about the cigarette then?

What if that's mine? Is there a problem?

Ugh, look at that ridiculous grin!

Who's there?

Run!

Who's there?

Who's there?

" Here it comes, here it comes Closer it crawls!"

" Right ahead, right ahead Looming so tall! "

" Locking eyes, locking eyes Fixing its stare! "

" Right behind, right behind Lurking out there! "

Someone's there.

-Stop there! Stop, I said! -" It's a game of tricks, a chaotic race "

" Pull out your moves Quicken the pace! "

" The ground is shaking The battle is on "

" Bring it on, bring it on! "

" A monstrous fury, a deadly trap "

" One wrong move And your life will snap! "

" The death drums are pounding deep In your chest "

Are you sure about this?

You're nearly thirty! Are you seriously still believing those old wives' tales?

Come on.

Brother…

He's saying there are a lot of people in college.

Yeah, bro…

How far did you say you got to the college?

I went to the Mandakini forest and even kissed her.

Mandakini is a good soul, bro. You've got her all wrong.

A very good soul.

When bro?

Come to the house tomorrow. I'll give you the rest in person.

Give that boy another call.

Anu!

" The night is deep, we're losing face! "

" Lose our dignity And it's a total disgrace! "

" The night grows dark The shadows loom "

" A horde of ghouls will seal our doom! "

" Pick up the speed, run for your life! "

" Break into a sprint Escape the strife! "

" A tiger's on the prowl A beast on your track "

" North, south, or east Just don't look back! "

Let's do one thing. I'll look here, you guys go there.

" A tiger's on the prowl A beast on your track "

" North, south, or east Just don't look back! "

" Oh Jesus, Lord Ayyappa And Allah divine… "

" All of you together Please save this soul of mine! "

I said stop there!

Go slower, dad.

Durga…

Anu…

Durga…

Babi…

Hey, Durga…

Where are you?

Anu! Where are you guys?

Durga…

Durga…

-Through here. -What?

He's not picking up.

Try again.

Coming to college doesn't mean heading to the forest.

Let's hope nothing goes wrong.

Hey…

Babi…

-I'm trapped here near the well. -Durga…

Come.

-Durga, we're by the well. Hurry! -Simi…

-Someone's there. -Anu…

Come fast. I'm near the well.

We're here by the well. Come on.

Comrade, that's the way to the well.

Come on!

-Hey, come on! -I told you to stop!

Durga…

-Durga, we're waiting by the well. Hurry! -Babi…

Come fast!

It's over there.

There it is. Careful!

Durga…

-Look! A girl! Save her! -Save her!

Move!

What the hell are you doing? Let's go!

Careful.

Watch out.

Easy now.

Sit there.

Who's there?

Sir? You ran all this way for this?

Can't help it.

I'm going to be the new principal, right?

No choice, right?

Oh, how deeply he cares!

See?

That's what I mean.

Truly, the savior of the state.

Sir, please move.

-Please move. -Dad!

Hey, come here.

Gayathri!

Gayathri, dear!

Gayathri, dear!

Hey! Dear!

Gayathri, dear!

Careful.

Aji!

-Aji! -Dear.

Aji!

-Aji! -Hey!

Manaf, go grab a rope.

Go and grab a rope!

Durga!

-What's wrong? -She tried to jump into the well.

-Yes. -Good thing I saw her just in time.

-Me too. -What happened?

She was trying to jump into the well. What's wrong?

I don't know.

I only remember walking up to there.

I don't know what happened after that.

Hypnotizing.

-Aji! -Hey, Manaf!

-Hello! -Hello.

Hello? Hey, what's the situation there?

Man, it's a mess.

A guy jumped into the well. We're trying to get him out.

Manaf, Come fast!

Dad, I'm coming!

Hey, I'll call you back.

Hey! Hello!

Here's the rope, Dad.

Good thing the call didn't drop.

-At least we can hear what's happening. -Untie it!

Give it to me.

Should we call the fire force?

That won't help.

-Hurry and lower the rope, Dad! -No one who fell into that well

has ever come back alive.

I guess that boy’s time was just up.

Aji!

Give me the phone. Hello!

Hello! Take this.

-Hello. -Nandu, kiddo…

Did Aji go to college today?

Tell me!

Something urgent came up… He'll be here soon.

No need to worry.

Can any of you drive?

-I can. -Then come on.

-Dad! Someone grabbed the rope! -Brother!

Dad, look!

Hold tight, Dad.

Someone's at the other end.

Here!

Wait.

Are we sure it's him that we're pulling?

-Oh God, grab me! -Dad!

Oh my God!

I've seen it in some films.

When they pull the rope, some grotesque entity climbs up instead.

Please!

Let's just pull it up and see.

Just pull!

Pull it, Manaf!

Pull the rope! Pull it, Manaf!

It's him.

It's Aji.

" Someone has thrown open "

" The gates of moonlight "

-" As this magical hour approaches " -Pull it!

Pull it!

" Is everything I see "

" Just an illusion? "

-" Longing to discover " -It's him.

" You're my life "

-" Ever near me now " -Hold him! Hold him!

" You're my life "

" Ever near me now "

-Aji! -Gayathri.

He's calling you.

I can't help but wonder why Mandakini didn't kill you.

Why would you say that, brother?

Did you want Mandakini to kill me?

That's not it, dummy!

No one survives that well.

Hey Aji, my dear boy!

Did something happen to you, son?

-Did you get your sugar and BP checked? -What for, Uncle?

Oh no, you haven't checked it yet?

As if I have to handle everything!

Come on, come on.

-Uncle, are you going to the hospital? -And if I am?

I'm coming too.

My slippers!

Krishnan…

-Krishnan! -Yes.

What now?

Do you know how Aji survived?

No.

The second among the demon queens.

Mandakini's younger sister!

Aji's lover.

Gayathri!

" Wheel of Time, turn and churn Wake from slumber, rise and burn "

" Flow, O life stream, flow and leap Breath of life, run pure and deep "

" Wheel of Time, turn and churn Wake from slumber, rise and burn "

" Flow, O life stream, flow and leap Breath of life, run pure and deep "

Aji!

The secrets of Kalinga were always shrouded in mystery.

Though many wars were fought seeking the truth behind that mystery,

victory always belonged to Kalinga.

And so, the enemy kingdoms united

to make a sinister decision.

To capture and enslave the demon princesses

who reached Godapuri

with a small crew for hunting.

But they failed to realize that the heirs of Kalinga the valley of secrets

would possess secrets of their own.

That day, they finally realized the true secret of Kalinga.

The real secret of Kalinga.

" With a spark of fire Burning deep inside "

" They were born Marked by fate to ride! "

" As a living curse To the prey that hide "

" Sprouted from the crack Of lightning loud! "

" A brutal storm A rain of fire breaks the cloud "

" Can you stop this deadly Downpour of dread? "

" An unquenchable wrath Is bound to spread "

" Blazing like a flame In the chest instead! "

Akbar.

Why did Mandakini spare only me while killing everyone else?

There's more to it.

" With a spark of fire Burning deep inside "

" They were born Marked by fate to ride! "

" As a living curse To the prey that hide "

" Sprouted from the crack Of lightning loud! "

" A brutal storm A rain of fire breaks the cloud "

" Can you stop this deadly Downpour of dread? "

" An unquenchable wrath Is bound to spread "

" Blazing like a flame In the chest instead! "

" With a spark of fire Burning deep inside "

" They were born Marked by fate to ride! "

" As a living curse To the prey that hide "

" Sprouted from the crack Of lightning loud! "

" A brutal storm A rain of fire breaks the cloud "

" Can you stop this deadly Downpour of dread? "

" An unquenchable wrath Is bound to spread "

" Blazing like a flame In the chest instead! "

" With a spark of fire Burning deep inside "

" They were born Marked by fate to ride! "

" As a living curse To the prey that hide "

" Sprouted from the crack Of lightning loud! "

" A brutal storm A rain of fire breaks the cloud "

" Can you stop this deadly Downpour of dread? "

" An unquenchable wrath Is bound to spread "

" Blazing like a flame In the chest instead! "