Original subtitles

Fishermen chanting.

It's my hometown, Malpe.

A major fishing town on the Arabian Coast of Karnataka.

A town whose shores are cleansed everyday by the sea.

But the waves can't reach everything. Can they?

Fishermen chanting continues.

Boy chanting with fishermen.

Boy starts chanting again.

I met him a few times during my college days.

I feel he was attracted to me.

Or was he just trying to annoy me?

What would you call that?

Or did he behave the same with everyone? I will never know.

I would see him around during my visits to hometown.

Incidentally, we met on that fateful day.

So is it about him? The article you want to write.

Regina?

Are you here for that interview?

Yes.

Please follow me.

No, No! It's not only about him.

Then why a series? I mean, is it worth it?

You can finish it in one article.

No.

There are many stories involved in this incident.

A single article will not do justice to them.

Madam, Can I get you a chair?

No. Please open the cell.

It's okay. I know him.

Okay.

So what is your idea?

Sorry.

It's okay. I can understand.

Take some time.

Nobody knows what really happened.

Thereis a strange feeling listening to everyone's version.

You feel it is true, yet different from the other.

One incident seen through different eyes.

What do you prefer, Tea or Coffee?

Coffee.

Coffee for her and tea for me.

Perspectives. What's true? Who is right?

Everything changes when you see it from a different point of view.

So how am I supposed to come to a conclusion?

tell this story with a conclusion.

Instead,

lf every aspect and each perspective of the story is narrated,

the readers might find their own answers.

Hmmm...

Fair enough.

Ho many articles do you want to write?

I don't know. Maybe 5 or 6. It all depends.

Hmmm... Okay.

Six consecutive articles for the Tuesday edition.

And I think we can freeze on that.

Sure Sir. Thank you so much!

So this is your first write up.

What will you call it?

I'll tell you everything I know.

I'll tell what I saw.

I'll tell you what I know.

Bastard, What do you know? Sit quietly. I'll talk.

Regina.

What will you name this article?

Il call it...

"AS SEEN BY THE REST"

A film by Rakshit Shetty

♫ As time rewinds to fading memories. ♫

♫ To the resonance of the door unbolting. ♫

♫ Was there a sound? Knock Knock. ♫

♫ Whose at the door? Knock Knock Knock Knock. ♫

♫ Could it be him? Knock Knock. ♫

♫ Could it be him? Knock Knock. ♫

♫ Could it be him? Knock Knock ♫

♫ He came to tell a secret. ♫

♫ But walked away saving those words. ♫

♫ Troubling me in the name of memories. ♫

♫ Was there a sound? Knock Knock. ♫

♫ Whose at the door? Knock Knock Knock Knock. ♫

♫ Could it be him? Knock Knock. ♫

Richi was a bully since childhood.

He stabbed a boy to death defending his friend Raghu at the age of 12.

Raghu disappeared without a trace.

And Richi was sent to the remand home.

And then? What happened?

He was released after eight years in the remand home.

He returned to Malpe.

And looked for Raghu all over in vain.

But Raghu was nowhere to be found.

Then how did you find Raghu's whereabouts?

I didn't know either, until I visited Bombay.

I was in Bombay to show cashew nut samples to a buyer.

He exports cashews to foreign countries.

Raghu was his acquaintance.

We visited a ladies bar for dinner one night and Raghu joined us there.

What did he do in Bombay?

He was only 13 or 14 years old when he fled to Bombay.

He took up a job in a little canteen at the Bombay port.

A few years later he became the cashier as he was good with numbers.

A few years later he became the cashier as he was good with numbers.

Gradually, he got involved in smalltime smuggling at the Bombay port.

Then one day, he made a mess, cracking the head of someone from the Navy.

He died on the spot!

Raghu had to take refuge with another gang.

He couldn't get out of the vicious circle.

So didn't he feel like returning home in these 15 years?

He would've never come back. He had only bad memories of here.

Not that he had good memories in Bombay.

But how many times can a man run away from his memories?

No, no! I'm not expecting any money out of this.

I'm just making notes. What was the name of the ladies bar in Bombay?

I'm a regular to quite a few ladies bars. It's hard to recall out of the blue.

It's... mm...

It's... Hmmmm...

Roopa Ladies Bar.

So when did you meet him?

Almost a year ago.

We spoke a lot that night. I told him about his father's death.

He was very upset.

He asked me to meet him the next day early in the morning at the Bombay harbor.

Chapter 1 Voice of Silence.

When did this happen?

Four years ago. Liver cancer.

His drinking worsened after you ran away.

Mother?

She is okay. Haven't seen her for a long time now.

I see her once in a while when visit the market to buy fish.

Is she happy?

I don't know.

She is alone. How can she be happy?

Why don't you come back?

Where? To Malpe? And do what?

You could set up a business.

It's not that easy. They'll come for me if I leave Bombay.

Who?

The people I work for.

I know their secrets. They won't like me quitting.

Why don't you get her here then?

To this hellhole?

She must've learned to live without me by now. So let it be.

How are others?

Others?

Richi

You remember Shankar Poojary, don't you?

Richi oversees his legal and illegal business.

Still a bully.

Even after serving time in the remand home.

After you fled, he was sent to remand home for eight years.

Take this money.

What is this for?

Keep it. Meet my mother frequently.

Let me know if she needs money. I'll send in more.

And don't tell anyone about meeting me.

I didn't hear from him for a while.

He then called me two weeks before this incident.

He wanted to flee from the country along with his mother forever.

He assured to call back after arranging money.

Hello.

I'm coming to Malpe.

Arrange my accommodation.

Nobody should know about my visit.

The money is arranged.

A huge deal between the Bombay underworld and the US mafia was underway.

A red bag crucial for the deal went missing two days prior.

I had no choice but to steal the bag.

But they won't spare me.

They will try and find me.

I don't know where the switch is. We visit so rarely.

It's not a big house. But it's safe.

There is some food in the kitchen. Some bread, jam and eggs.

Can you cook?

Will she come with me?

Of course, She will.

What if she refuses?

What is wrong with you?

How will she say no to her only son?

Mark my words, She will be ecstatic to see you.

Hmmm.

Well in that case I'll need your help with her passport.

It will take a month or two. I can't stay here much longer.

Don't worry about all that. I'll take care of it.

Keep this money.

I'll send more from Dubai.

Do you have a passport?

Yes!

I've had my share of Dubai dreams.

Okay then, I'll make arrangements on reaching Dubai.

I'll send tickets for the both of you after mom's passport is done.

You'll have to accompany her to Dubai.

To Dubai? Will I get a job there?

I have friends in Dubai. I'll talk to them.

Alright. I'll go now.

Get ready by 8 pm.

♫ If you need anything give me a call. ♫ ♫ The phone is right there. ♫

♫ Hide and seek, ♫ ♫ Away from the womb. ♫

♫ You went beyond the light. ♫

♫ How high into the sky have you flown? ♫

♫ That you cannot see your own mother. ♫

♫ Fingers have dried, ♫

♫ Holding the food you've forgotten. ♫

♫ I am worn out waiting. ♫

I called him at 8 pm to tell that the car was waiting.

He was nervous, perhaps because he was seeing his mother after years.

♫ A full grown tree is ♫ ♫ eager to see its roots. ♫

♫ A bird of the vast skies ♫ ♫ yearns for its mother's nest. ♫

♫ If you trace the baby steps, ♫

♫ I can come home again. ♫

♫ I wish to go back into your womb, ♫

♫ To be born again with painless labour. ♫

♫ The mother's eyes are always Seeking. ♫

♫ Hearing the child's call, ♫

♫ I came running. ♫

♫ Oh my Mother! ♫

After visiting his mother, he called me around midnight...

when he was back at the farmhouse.

He was overjoyed.

His mother had agreed to come.

He wanted the car again at 7 pm the next day.

His mother had called him for dinner.

I called him the next afternoon.

We talked for a bit.

He said that he heard a car arrive.

Gimme a minute. I hear a car outside.

They are coming.

Did you tell anyone about me?

No. I didn't tell anyone.

How did they know?

I think I saw a gun.

I'll call back.

Please connect a trunk call to Dubai.

Operator: Telephone number Sir.

Seven five eight double zero.

Operator: Okay, I'll call back in 5 minutes.

I visited the farmhouse he stayed at.

I could feel his presence there.

I could feel what he felt.

I experienced his confusion.

I sensed a chapter coming to an end.

The next chapter was in the making.

Tearing the poster, Out came the hero.

Your attention please!

As the Cuban kid always said

Here we meet once again!

Chapter 2 Richard Anthony Alias Richi.

What can I say?

I lost a brother.

Richi was like a son to me.

B@$tarD!

He is an A$$h0lE, a $ON OF A BitcA!

He should rot in hell!

There is a story about him.

When Richi was in the remand home there was a ruthless cop who beat up the kids.

On his way out of the remand home, Richi stole his uniform.

And wore that police belt everywhere he went around town.

Can you believe that?

What a waste!

Thank you!

What a risk!

Old customs of the past, sacred land, sacred house

God will forgive anyone who sins in that house, but the householder will never forgive.

Smiles!

I know all about Shankar Poojary.

He may be an important man to these guys.

It's all black money.

They say he ruled the Bombay underworld at one time.

Bullshit!

Then why did he flee from Bombay?

They kicked him out.

He can't even set foot in Bombay anymore.

He is an exile.

Please find that god forsaken picture, will you?

I've told a million times that it is a dummy camera.

You don't believe my words.

What are you laughing at?

Do I look crazy?

You guys are crazy!

- Have you seen yourselves... - Shut up!

You were saying something interesting. Continue.

You are harassing me for a picture I never took.

I'm done with you.

- Please stop... - Shut up!

She is so cute.

This tea needs a little more sugar.

Please continue.

Shh...

You...

What happened?

Speak baby.

Wait a minute.

Now that you are done talking, let me have a look at the camera.

Dummy camera huh, What a piece of junk!

Sorry. This not the same camera.

What? Have you lost it?

It's the same camera.

No, it is not. That camera had a flash as I recall.

How can a dummy camera have a flash?

That is the point. The real camera had flash as recall.

So it can't be a dummy camera.

Hand over my photo and I'll stop troubling you.

How can I give a photo I don't have.

Not my problem lady.

You should have thought before being a nosy parker.

I was just a kid.

So was I.

Yeah right! And I have memories of cops chasing that kid.

Arrgh, What the hell!

Listen girl, You're meddling in my life again.

Okay fine. I'm sorry.

I've lost that photo. Please let me off the hook.

Hmmm...

Please.

Wait, Wait. I'm thinking.

Please!

Dinesha, have you tasted the fish fry at Rama's hotel?

I swear its the best in Udupi.

I'll try my best darling.

Are you here to meet me?

Yes. You are Richi's father.

Yes.

Can I talk to you for a while. I wanted some information.

Sure.

How do you know Richi?

We've met a couple of times. But this is not personal.

I'm a journalist. I'm writing an article about the incident.

So you know...

Yes. I understand.

If you don't mind, can we talk in my office.

Sure, sure.

I used to come here as a kid.

Really?

Yes. My parents brought me here during my vacations in Udupi.

I'm really sorry to bother you with this.

It's okay.

Tell me, how can I help you?

When did you last see your son?

He visited the previous day of the incident.

Did you break Nikson's nose in fight three days ago.

What the hell!

Who's Nikson?

I had many fights 3 days ago.

And I keep breaking noses man. That is my business.

Richi, I'm talking about Mr. Gonsalves’ son.

Mr. Gonualvas came to church yesterday.

How can I preach at the church when my own son is...

Your own son?

You should have asked Mr. Gonzales why I hit his son.

I didn't break his nose.

That B@$tarD got away before I could do it.

I ain't doing nothing Sir.

And you summoned me for such a baseless rumor

Now if your point is over, I'll go.

Thank you. Welcome.

Stop bothering me.

I have loads of work.

May Jesus ‘peace be upon him’ bless you and Mr. Gonsalves.

If not his son.

And that was the last time I saw him.

Stop bothering me.

I have loads of work.

May Jesus ‘peace be upon him’ bless you and Mr. Gonsalves.

If not his son.

Where will we find Nikson?

Why?

I have a job to do.

What job?

I have to break his nose.

Richi, Be gentle.

Will you shut up?

What is this bullshit?

Your father is spreading rumors around town that I broke your o e

Uh oh! The nose looks fine!

Come here.

Now, this looks superb!

lf the townspeople feel the nose is not broken well, my reputation will be at stake.

If Richi breaks a nose, this is how it should be.

No hard feelings bro. Purely professional.

What?

We regret the inconvenience caused. The match is postponed due to technical reasons.

What are you laughing at B@$tarD$? Wanna get shot?

How much shall I buy?

Get a crate for now.

$On OF A BitcA! Who the hell is that?

What?

I was working in peace by myself and you butt in like this.

Shit! I don't even understand his dialect. What the hell happened now?

Use my real name. Will you?

What is that "Loverboy" huh?

The whole town calls you by that name.

I don't like that. Just call me by my name.

Alright! Where is Democracy?

Dont you understand? Left a kid all alone in that darkness.

Democracy, come here.

Why?

send him for a bit. I have a little job for him.

Listen!

Don't waste time chatting with them. Come back soon.

Go.

Dude, you sent a kid to buy beer! He can't even lift that crate.

Rayban?

He is asking if your Sunglasses are Rayban.

Yes. Why?

Is it original?

Yes.

Do you have one more back at home?

Yes.

Can you give these to me then?

Why do you want them?

To wear them.

What is your name?

Satisha.

Don't you go to school?

I go during holidays.

To play.

Ask him, how much has he studied.

How much have you studied?

Democracy for the people, by the people, to the people.

What's that?

He was caught at school smoking a cigarette.

It was a beedi.

Oh, a beedi!

A beedi is fine.

Democracy!

Let's go.

I'll go now.

Hey, come here.

Thanks!

Who is that kid?

Vasu's son. He is always with Munna.

So... Where are we heading?

Let's go for a ride man. What do you say?

Hey Richi.

Yikes! What's that?

Why dude?

Where did you get weed at this hour?

What are they upto this late?

They are painting the tiger dancers for tomorrow.

Okay. Give mea drag.

Pick up the one you threw away.

Are you going to smoke the whole joint?

When is “Shankaranna's yakshagana for the ex-voto?

Oh, it slipped my mind. It's today.

Ugh, What time is it?

11 pm.

It's not too late. Let's go.

What about him?

Look at his plight! He has drunk too many.

The ASSh0l3 has passed out.

We can't take him along. Let's go.

Okay. Hey, wait up.

Give me another drag.

How much will you smoke up?

Bhagawata singing.

I hope the act doesn't last till morning.

I don't think so. It might rain.

We have to suffer along with Shankaranna.

Gimme a moment. I'll catch up. V4 Okay.

Hello, Mr. Artist!

A sword in one hand and a gun in another. Where are you looting tonight?

Nah, No plans of heist.

How long can you hold the tide back with a broom.

Spit the fire out of your mouth. Or it will burn you from inside.

Are you curious about what happened next, my friend?

When the merchants were sailing on the waters of Malpe a storm hit their ship.

Shankara, I'm going to sleep. ‘Okay.

When the merchants were sailing in Malpe's waters a storm hit their ship.

Sire Madhvacharya who was meditating at the shore saved the sinking ship with his divine powers.

You finally had some time to come!

The grateful merchants offered anything on the ship as a token of gratitude.

Listen...

Bhagawata singing.

lf Madhvacharya had searched the ship well, he might have found more than..

the two statues of Krishna and Balarama hidden in sandalwood trunks.

My friend, there are still such precious treasures in the depth of the oceans.

Do you know Balu?

Yes.

Where will we find him?

At this hour, I guess he'd be home.

Let's go then.

Not now, Tomorrow morning is fine.

We'll talk later.

I had sent for Munna.

Has he come yet?

He has been informed Anna.

He'll be here soon.

Aren't you giving attention to these things?

We've 140 boats. And there are other dealings too.

What are these two for?

It's not about the money, It's about loyalty.

If we let him off easily, the others will take us lightly.

I'll take care of it.

Don't overdo it. Just a simple lesson.

What's funny?

If you send Richi to mow a lawn, he will mow down a jungle.

He broke someone's nose yesterday.

You $On OF A BitcA!

Are you still high from yesterday?

Come here.

Anna, Munna is here.

Tell him to wait.

Look here, Just a simple lesson.

Don't be a loose cannon.

Walk with me.

Give me a cigar.

Don't give him the cigar. We'll be screwed if Shankaranna finds out.

Nobody will notice a cigar missing.

It's the same old shit with him every time.

Hey Munna!

Come here.

I'll be back. Wait here.

Alright. I'll send someone with the car as soon as I get more information.

He'll take you there.

First,

Find Balu.

Balu is one among the tiger dancers. Last night...

Hey Sudhi!

He was at the school in Malpe last night.

Everyone must've left for Car street this morning.

Here comes the A$$AQie!

What did I do?

The idiot needs an explanation too.

You are talking too much thes days

Where are we going?

To your dad's house. Shut up and follow.

Janmashtami celebrations in Udupi

The photo is clicked already.

I don't have spare coins. Share this among yourselves.

Thank you!

Hey!

What's our share?

lf we have to share a hundred rupees among the four of us. Should we divide or multiply?

I think we should subtract.

You idiot! We must divide.

Then... How much is 100 divided by 4?

I have an idea. Let's buy 4 ice candies, Collect the change and divide it.

Okay. I want the yellow one.

Democracy!

Come here.

All three of you stand in a line. I'll be back.

Making a killing, eh?

It's decent. Business isn‘t as good anymore.

Take this.

That's all? That girl gave me a hundred bucks.

Richi.

Is this the same camera?

Uh oh! It's not.

I will click some photos if you care to move aside.

Click mine.

I'm not intere ted.

You were very interested 15 years ago.

I will be really interested when the police chase you the next time.

I won't make you wait for long.

Okay. Good!

lf you are not developing them into photos, why do even click them?

Who said that I don't develop these into photos?

You do? Of course.

Then, give me my photo.

Why are you so obsessed with that photo?

Well Madam, I don't have any photos of my childhood.

And you captured the most important moment of my life.

How can I let that go so easily’?

I've already told you, that pho...

Oh oh!

So I'll have to take your leave now.

But the next time we meet please get that photo.

Oh! Can I also come with you.

I'm sure I'll get some interesting pictures.

Shall we take her along?

Not this time darling. Next time.

The police won't chase me yet. Get the photo.

- Where is he? - Jod raste

At the junction.

Dineshanna, Where are you headed?

Jod raste.

Wanna race?

Let's see how far can you keep up.

Pedal hard! Fast Faster, Faster, Faster.

Faster, Faster, Faster

Hey, Why did you stop?

Hey, Why did you stop?

Once more, Shall we? Music.

I'm so beat after all that dancing.

I'm out of practice. Gimme a cigarette.

Once more?

Hey, this is our tiger, right?

We don't want to be hunting the wrong tigers.

Aww!

This tiger is dead!

This tig...

He won't die so easily.

He needs at least an hour to wake up.

Lets dance again, shall we?

We have time till my tiger wakes up.

Raghu Is in town.

Shankaranna sent me to take you to him.

Hey Sudhi. Take the tiger to the harbor in the rickshaw. I'll meet you there.

I'll take your leave now.

Do you have a paan?

Dinesha, come with me.

Where are you guys going?

To your dad's house. Shut up and do as I said.

I gave it to hold, not to wear.

Where to?

To meet an old friend.

Hold the gun.

Are you sure he is here?

Yes, Shankaranna said he is here.

No response.

Anna.

Can you please move the car?

Our lorry has to pass by.

Whose lorry is that?

Hey! Go, give him a nice beating.

Go!

Do you think he can pick a fight?

Instead,

You go and give him a beating.

Richi!

After the beating,

Park the car aside.

Open the gates of heaven and let me serve you, Oh Almighty!

Don't you hear my devout pleas?

Tearing the poster, Out came the hero.

Your attention please!

As the Cuban kid always said

Here we meet once again!

Hey, hey, hey, hey hey!

Down, down, down, down.

Now vou may ask me,

Who is this Cuban kid?

Well,

There is a little story behind it.

When I was in the Bombay remand home,

There was this legend.

The legend of two kids.

A long time ago,

A story about two kids in the remand home.

Some called it a myth.

And people like me, believed it to be a true incident.

Hmmm, the telephone rings a lot here.

Don't worry.

I will take care of it.

Back to the story.

The two kids.

One was from Cuba,

The other kid,

He was from a village called Mandva somewhere in Maharashtra.

Uh oh!

What the hell!

Easy man!

No tension.

He is our friend.

Where was I? Yes.

The two kids.

Antonio Montano,

What was the other one's name?

Vijay.

Yes

Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.

Wanna smoke?

Okay!

Every morning in the remand home,

Everyone gathered at this canteen for breakfast.

Whenever this Cuban kid saw the kid from Mandva,

He smiled and abused him in Spanish.

The Mandva kid never understood a word.

But it happened again... And again... And again.

Now tell me, If you were in his shoes, how long would you bear it?

Then one day, the Mandva kid lost his mind, put the Cuban kid on the ground and started punching him.

Daan! Daan! Daan!

Punched until he broke the nose open.

Will you keep staring at us or make yourself useful and go search?

So...

The two kids were taken to the warden and the Mandva kid was asked to explain,

Why he beat him up?

The Mandva kid explained what happened.

The warden then asked the Cuban kid, why he swore at him?

The Cuban kid abused again in front of the warden.

But this time,

Not with a smiling face though.

But with a broken nose.

Concentrate!

Now this is the best part.

The warden then realized that the Cuban kid was only greeting the Mandva kid.

Good Morning! We meet once again!

It is a Cuban tradition.

The Mandva kid was embarrassed. Then they became best of friends.

That's the legend. But that's not the point.

My point is,

Let's rewind to the part where the Cuban kid is getting punched.

At that moment, What is running through the Cuban kid's mind?

Put yourself in his shoes.

You are getting punched by a kid, But you have no clue why he is hitting you.

What would be going on in your mind?

Full confusion, right?

Are you confused?

You have a bag. If you don't hand it over, I'm gonna shoot you.

I don't have any bag.

You do. If you don't give it, I'm gonna take it anyway, along with your life.

I'm telling the truth. There is no bag.

ls it? Okay.

We'll find the bag. And then we'll shoot you.

Got it.

Good!

Now it's time to shoot you.

But the bag is empty.

Huh? Empty? There must be something.

Have you brought an empty bag?

Alright.

We'll have a look in the bag once we shoot you.

Now, I'll shoot you.

Before I shoot you,

Why was I telling you the story of those kids?

You don't know?

How did it start?

Come on. Don't spoil it now.

What did I say when I entered through that door?

Your attention please.

After that?

Tell me fast!

Are you on mute?

What did I say after that?

We meet once again.

What does it mean?

We meet once again.

Exactly! You B@$rarD! We meet once again.

We meet once again after 15 years!

Richi?

Oh! So you remember Richi!

You B@$tarD, $On OF A BitcA!

Look at your face. It's a sight to watch.

Look at his face. Sweating like a pig.

So you remember Richi?

How can I forget you?

What? You $0n OF A BitcA!

You've returned to Udupt after 15 years. Why didn't you let your best friend know about it?

It's not like that. I was supposed to meet you all.

But... So I heard you met your mother last night.

Oh, you know?

Are you taking her to Dubai? Won't you take me along?

Alright.

Take your bag. You are coming with us.

Sorry. I've promised mom that I'll be coming home for dinner.

Fine. I'll drop you home by evening. Now come on.

Come on now.

Get him along.

I'm sorry about breaking the door.

I have a small job to do. If you don't mind You enjoy the sea breeze. I will finish my job.

Hey Sudhi! Stop the boat.

Hey A$$h0l3! So you want Shankaranna's money, eh?

So you're a tiger, eh?

When a dog gets high it eats its own shit.

Deceitful B@$tarD!

Are you a real tiger?

Let me hear you roar like a tiger.

Don't whine like a dog.

Tiger! Roar like a tiger.

Louder! I cant hear you.

Roar properly you $On OF A BitcA!

Nah! It's not a real tiger.

It's a dog under the tiger's skin.

Is it enough? Everything under control?

Just a simple lesson.

Nah! Our tiger needs more.

Our tiger... needs to earn some more lessons.

Are you confused? Nah! You are not confused.

Our tiger is not confused. Because... Our tiger knows why I'm hitting him.

That's the house.

Shailesha, What are you doing here?

Nothing Ratnakka. Just waiting for a friend.

Chapter 3 Fish Curry.

Fish Auction at the harbor.

She is in her prime now and not getting any younger.

Ratnakka, how much did you pay for the fish?

Will you sell it for 180?

I bought it for 200.

How about 190?

Don't you get it? We paid 200!

She has an elder brother, but he is busy drinking.

Ratnakka, thats my final offer.

Do you think I'm selling peanuts?

Akka, are these new rings?

She paid 375.

Are these fresh?

We would've got it for 340.

She let it pass. I kept pinching her A$$. When has she ever listened to me?

How was I suppose to know that the boats would be late today?

Didn't I bargain for a good price yesterday?

What is she up to?

New job, thus the excitement.

This basket is already counted.

Hey Anita, How many fish are there in this basket?

Tell me, How many in this basket?

Arrgh! I lost my count now.

Why are you counting?

Don't you want to share?

Who told you that we count and share?

Silly girl! Get up!

Counting! My A$$!

Hello Ratnakka.

How is the business today?

As usual. You want fish?

What do you have?

Lady fish, mackerel.

Don't you have sardines?

No sardines today.

Do you want Clams?

No. How much for the lady fish?

As usual. 5 fish for 30 rupees.

My god! That's expensive. Maybe omorrow.

Will get Sardines tomorrow.

Just 4 left. I'll give all the fish for an extra 10 rupees.

We are just four people. I've already bought more and the children don't even like mackerel.

Where will I sell these?

Ratnakka, Do you know this other girl who sells fish?

She is very pretty.

Who is she talking about?

Must be Sharada.

Yes. Who Is that guy following her around on the bike?

Oh that guy! He is not from here.

He is from across the mountains. He works at the harbor.

Following her post noon is his daily routine.

Akka, Do you want the head or shall I throw them?

Nobody eats the head. We feed it to the dog.

Ratnakka, Early today?

Early? Its already dark.

Get inside.

Akka, any fish left?

Sorry. Everything is sold.

Oh okay. I thought of taking some home if there were any fish left.

♫ When the tears summoned, ♫ ♫ you prepared in sorrow. ♫

♫ You learnt to draw with wounded fingers. ♫

Akka, pass the basket.

First, keep the other one down.

Right Right.

Bye Ratnakka. We will meet tomorrow.

♫ As a Strike of a matchstick lights up a home. ♫

♫ As my mother hugs, ♫

♫ This grown tree, ♫

♫ Bows in respect, ♫

♫ For making it feel like ♫ ♫ blooming into the heavens. ♫

♫ The sky meant for this bird, ♫

♫ That loves to fly, ♫

♫ Your lap ts that sky to me. ♫

♫ For this moment of rendezvous, ♫

♫ For the morsel in my mother's hand, ♫

♫ We thank you, Almighty. ♫

♫ Oh my son! ♫

♫ Oh my Mother! ♫

♫ Oh my son! ♫

After that, I never had the courage to return home.

Your father wanted to see you once before he died.

How foolish of me. I didn't even ask you for dinner.

It's okay. Don't worry about it.

I know you like fish curry. I will cook quickly. Eat a little before you go.

Arrgh! No fish at home. Wait here, I will get some from the neighbor.

Mom, I have to go.

I can't stay here for long.

You've come home after 15 years! Please don't speak of leaving already.

Will you come with me?

Who do I have to call my own but you?

I am going to Dubai the day after tomorrow. I'll take you there. Will you come with me?

To Dubai?

Yes. We can be a family again.

Are you telling the truth?

Will you really take me?

Then I'll come along with you the day after tomorrow.

You'll need a passport to travel.

It'll at least take a month. I can't stay here for long.

Mom. Take this money.

My friend will take you to Bangalore and help you with the passport.

Once it is ready, I will send you tickets.

He'll take you to Dubai.

Why can't you come and take me along?

I can't explain. Anyway, I'll have to leave now.

Please stay home tonight.

At least have some dinner!

I don't know when I'll see you again.

Alright Mom, I'll come for dinner tomorrow.

I will cook your favorite fish curry.

It's been ages since I had your fish curry.

Fine. I will go now.

Ratnakka, Where is your basket?

Are you ill?

My son has returned.

What?

My son is back.

The one who ran away 15 years ago? He came back, huh?

Yes.

Where was he?

Bombay.

What was he doing there for 15 years?

He was working at a hotel.

Oh. He must have made money then.

He is taking me to Dubai.

To Dubai?!!!

So you won't be coming with us anymore.

When are you traveling to Dubai?

After a month. You need a passport to travel. It takes a month.

Is it for preparing fish curry for your son?

He likes lady fish very much. I'll leave now. I am getting late.

Ratnakka, Don't forget about us after you go to Dubai.

Oh Shut up! Drama queen.

Will meet you tomorrow.

Ratnakka, where are you going in a hurry?

My son has returned.

The one who ran away 15 years ago?

Where was he?

It's along story. I'll tell you

Some other time. I'm late already.

I'm going to Dubai.

♫ The moon woke up from his slumber tonight and floated across the horizon, ♫

♫ Passing through coconut leaves and making the landscape picturesque. ♫

Baby! Baby!

My son is back.

Really?

Yes. My son is back

Really? Where is he?

He was here last night but left in a hurry. He will come for dinner tonight. I will call you.

Where was he for so many years?

He is taking me to Dubai! As soon as my passport is ready.

To Dubai? Really?

It's getting late. I'm preparing fish curry. We'll talk later.

♫ The moon woke up from his slumber tonight and floated across horizon, ♫

♫ Passing through coconut leaves and making the landscape picturesque. ♫

♫ Like a deep river drifts the boat ashore even when you lose the oars. ♫

♫ Like a light in the dark of the night, a voice guides a lost lamb home. ♫

♫ Like a drop of the morning dew glitters on the leaf it steps on. ♫

♫ As if the sky adorned a rainbow for eternity. ♫

♫ Like an evening flower cries, longing for the morning sun. ♫

♫ Like death himself stabbed you in the heart. ♫

♫ Like an old tree falling from a lightning strike has no land to break it's fall. ♫

♫ When the thirsting sun is yearning for water, even the oceans are dry. ♫

♫ Like a ravaged town without a caretaker. ♫

♫ Like a whirlpool stops a river on its path. ♫

Pass me the toolkit.

Now the spare part.

Hey! Don't throw this like the toolkit. It will break.

Ya ya. I know all that. I am not a novice.

I'll beat you to pulp, you rascal.

Gimme a minute, Let me get the water bottle.

Hey! Don't leave me alone, it's scary here!

Are you listening? Please take me along!

I thought you weren't a novice.

Do you know how dark it is inside?

What if there are ghosts in there?

You folks from Mandwa are dimwits.

Hey! You are up for a beating if you mock me.

You go first.

Chapter 4 Whispers in the wind.

Come on.

You have two of these. Can I have one?

What?

Hey!

Don't touch my cooling glasses. Keep them inside.

What will you do with two of these?

I will wear them on alternate days.

And thats none of your business. Keep them inside.

Can't you wear the same one everyday?

No, I can't. Now shut up!

I like this one a lot!

Hey! you will break it. Give it to me!

These are original Rayban. Do you have any idea how expensive they are?

Listen, I can't reach it. Come over here and pick it.

Can't you do any job properly?

Loverboy!

Who the hell is that? How many times should I make it clear?

Hey! Don't leave me alone here!

Who the hell is that?

What?

I was working in peace by myself and you butt in like this

Alright! Where is Democracy?

Don't you understand? Left a kid all alone in that darkness.

Democracy, come here.

Why?

Send him for a bit. I have a little job for him.

Listen! Don't waste time chatting with them. Come back soon.

Go.

I'm gonna beat the $h! 1 out of them someday.

Jobless hoodlums!

Drive around the town drunk.

Send that small kid to get the booze. Filthy pigs.

Democracy!

Let's go.

Whats in the carry bag?

Fish.

Why did you get them?

To put them in an aquarium.

They are dead!

Really? Then I will cook some nice fish fry for you.

Don't feel bad for them. Take a couple of extra cooked pieces and parcel them to Mandya.

I'll smash your face, you li'l scoundrel!

Why did those 3 monkeys call you?

Those guys? I was teaching them Gandhian principles.

What principles?

See no evil, hear no evil, talk no evil. They asked if they can drink evil. I got them a crate myself.

They even gave me 20 rupees.

You stay away from them. They are not good people.

And no more taking their money. Wait till I talk to your dad today.

Shall I wear the other one?

Shut up and sit.

Will you paint me for tomorrow?

What painting?

It's Janmaastami. Think of something awesome. I should look better than my friends.

Will you paint me?

Why do we come here every afternoon? You don't even buy fish.

Shut up and follow.

Make way. Make way please.

♫ He traveled across the mountains, ♫

♫ reached the southern shores, ♫

♫ enchanted by her smile, he followed her spellbound. ♫

♫ He came down the ghats, ♫

♫ reached the southern shores, ♫

♫ and stopped the moment he saw her. ♫

♫ When she spoke to the sea breeze, ♫

♫ he was mesmerized by the silent whispers. ♫

♫ She stole my heart with ease. ♫

♫ Oh my god! She is laughing! ♫

♫ The mind's back alley, will it not hit a crossroad? ♫

♫ Are you ong ard there? ♫

♫ The footprints on the desert sand, ♫

♫ Is that your shadow? ♫

♫ He opened his heart ♫

♫ to write a silent poem ♫

♫ of lines with no words, ♫

♫ on a carnival of paper. ♫

♫ Alas! ♫

♫ The ink dried! ♫

What fish do you have?

Sardines, Mackerel.

Fresh sardi...

Yes. See.

♫ I know no ways to stop time. ♫

♫ Hence, I treasure these moments of intimacy and voice of silence. ♫

♫ He spent the spring, measuring sand, enjoyng the distance. ♫

♫ When she spoke to the sea breeze, ♫

♫ He was mesmerized by the silent whispers. ♫

♫ She stole my heart with ease. ♫

♫ Oh my god! She is laughing! ♫

♫ He traveled across the mountains, ♫

♫ reached the southern shores, ♫

♫ enchanted by her smile, he followed her spellbound. ♫

Bye.

Munna, stop.

Hey kid! Get down.

Where are we going?

Drop me till the school.

Hey! What are you staring at? Scoot...

Will you go now?

Stop! Stop! Get down!

Sit behind.

Lets go!

Are you seated? Yes.

Why don't you buy a new bike. This is a piece of junk.

You are finally here. Yes.

Everyone's here. Get in.

This Karunakara Is missing. Now where do I go searching for him?

Don't worry. He'll show up soon.

You never now. He has ditched me on several occasions.

How many painters with you?

Two, including me.

Two.

So, you both.

Narayana and I.

That's four people.

How do we finish tonight with just four painters? It's the festive season!

I wouldn't call him otherwise.

Hey! You paint boats, isn't it?

I've never painted tigers.

It's no big deal. If you can paint a boat, this is an easy task tor you.

Please, don't say no. I beg of you.

My reputation is at stake.

No harm in trying. You will get paid too!

Yes yes. Not too much though. Moreover, we do this in God's name.

Do you have cigarettes?

No cigarettes. Try in the other room.

Oh Dinesha. Come inside.

What are you doing here?

Want to get painted?

Nah! I have better things to do.

You mean we are good for nothing, huh?

This happens only once a year.

Hey Balu. Stand still?

Does anyone have a cigarette?

Are you okay with beedis?

Beedi? Nah!

Jaggu is playing cards outside. He must have weed.

Really? That like winning the lottery!

ls there Yakshagana at Shankaranna's house?

Yes. For ex-voto.

Which Mela?

Peraduru Mela.

Munna you can sleep now. We will paint the rest.

Ask the painted tigers to get the cotton coating in the other room.

Shankaranna has called for you.

Why? I don't know

What have you done to yourself?

I am a doctor today. Look at the medicine. You want some?

See, He is a newspaper guy.

And he is a flutist.

Its Vittalapindi. Krishna will visit us in different avatars.

It coud be him. Offer him something.

He is...

What are you? I'm a doctor.

You are not a Doctor. I am. Look I've medicine.

an Ayurvedic doctor.

Yes. He is an ayurvedic doctor.

Never ending energy. Gives you a new lease of life.

Take it.

Are you coming to the car street this afternoon to see the procession?

I don't know.

You won't come. You have time for feelings only.

Come! It will be fun!

What? Wait for a while.

Okay.

Do you know Balu?

Why?

He has not shown up at work for many days now.

Have you seen him?

He got painted.

He was at the school when you visited.

An idle mind is a devil's workshop.

Shankaranna is very angry with him.

Why? Is it because he hasn't shown up at work?

Shankaranna won't lose sleep over his absence.

Then? What did he do?

Nothing.

What is it? I will talk to him.

Hey, Munna!

Come here.

Wait here, I'll will be back.

Okay.

I'll send someone with the car as soon as I get more information.

First. Find Balu. Okay.

What are you hiding?

Learn to smoke a beedi first.

Listen.

He has no control over himself.

Keep an eye.

Okay Anna.

Munna,

Boat 98 is giving trouble. I've told Richi to dock it by 4 pm. Have a look.

Are the China made engines any good?

Big engines, so good load capacity. Very few boats have it in Malpe.

I've ordered for one. If it's good we will order for more.

I'll leave now.

What happened?

They took away Balanna.

Who?

Richi and his friends. They beat him badly. Balanna was bleeding all over.

When did this happen? Where did they take him?

This afternoon. I don't know where hey took him.

Hey! Where did this happen? Jod Raste.

♫ Paper, paper. Medicine, paper. ♫

♫ Paper, paper. Medicine, paper. ♫

♫ Paper, paper. Medicine, paper. ♫

Was there a fight around here?

I don't know.

Have the tiger dancers left from here?

They are at the bus stand.

♫ I rented out the Chitradurga fort to the British. ♫

♫ Bent down the loghthouse to the ground, to see moon through my lantern. ♫

♫ An insect's cocoon is the silk cloth I wrap around my waist like a diaper. ♫

♫ On it... On it... On it... On it... On it... On it... ♫

♫ I drew a colorful butterfly on it. ♫

♫ Paper, paper. Medicine, paper. ♫

♫ Medicine, paper. ♫

♫ The rich can construct temples. But I am poor, what will I build? ♫

♫ Never ending energy. Gives you a new lease of life. ♫

♫ A minister has a garland around his neck, ♫

♫ the flowers falling off leaving just the thread. ♫

♫ Tie a bell in that thread. ♫

♫ As I drew my girlfriend's pigtail on the classroom board ♫

♫ and was punished to kneel down outside for a week. ♫

♫ Frustrated by the teacher's anger, I smoked an useless beedi. ♫

Did you see Balu?

No. Why?

He is painted as a tiger dancer.

A tiger dancer? Sudhi took one in the rickshaw.

♫ I rented out the Chitradurga fort to the British. ♫

♫ Bent down the lighthouse to the ground, to see the moon through my lantern. ♫

♫ An insect's cocoon is the silk cloth I wrap around my waist like a diaper. ♫

♫ I drew a colorful butterfly on it. ♫

♫ Paper, paper. Medicine, paper. ♫

Munna, What are you doing here?

Shankaranna told me to repair an engine.

Which one?

Boat 98.

Richi took that boat in the morning.

They must be docking it already.

Hey Munna, what's the rush?

Fishermen chanting.

What are you looking at? Get to work.

Fishermen chanting continues.

Hey Dinesha! It's getting late. Coming.

Do it quickly.

Do you see any blood stains? No Anna.

I'm still tired with all that dancing.

Look at Sudhi. Killing time.

Where is that B@$tarD. He had a lot to talk at Shankaranna's house.

Hey Sudhi, start the vehicle.

All he does is chase women.

Don't get that any closer. I beg you, just let me be.

I don't want to talk about that. Please leave me alone.

Just a few minutes. I won't trouble you much.

Please understand!

The trouble you are causing is more than enough. I'm an ordinary man. What'll I know?

- Please don't drag me into this. - I'll make sure to protect your identity.

Arrghhhh! Please leave me alone. I'm already fed up in life!

First it was the police and then that lawyer. As if that wasn't enough, now you want my interview!

See, Everyone is looking at us. What will they think of me?

Arrgh! Bloody crow! All this mess is because of you!

You are the main reason. I'm gonna kill you today!

You B@$TarD! Disgusting crow!

Hey! What are you doing? She is a girl. How willl you say no to her?

She is just asking for an interview. Talk to her.

Hey Koraga, Mind your own business.

If you so wanna talk to her, go give the interview.

Don't tell me what to do.

Come on! Leave me! Come on, Let me go!

She is a girl, you can't say no.

She has promised not to disclose your name too.

So what if she discloses my name? I'm not afraid of anyone. I don't care!

Sit down now. Hey kid bring a chair

Please come inside.

Please sit down.

Ask whatever you want now.

I will answer all your questions.

B@$tarD, What do you know? Sit quietly. I'll talk.

Do you see that crow?

That B@$tarD crow!

It's been following me since I got that thing.

What thing?

What is it?

Shhhh!

You shouldn't take its name.

It is a bad omen, a curse.

It has ruined all its owners’ lives.

I found it while fishing at the sea.

What does it look like?

It was raining heavily that night.

Five people could not pull the net that day. I joined and so did Seena. It took seven people to haul the net.

As we untied the net, we found a huge log of wood in the midst of the fish.

For some reason, I couldn't discard it.

I got it home along with me.

That night the bird was crowing non stop. It sounded like a brass band inside my ears.

shoo! Shoo! Go away. Shoo! Shoo! Shoo!

Hey! Go away. Shoo! Shoo!

The crow did not leave with all my efforts. I realized the crow had followed me from the sea.

It did not stop crowing. It had its eyes fixed on the piece of wood.

I couldn't bear it anymore and threw the log towards the crow.

The log split and I see the most beautiful thing in my life!

Gold. It shined as bright as gold!

It is very precious.

It's in huge demand outside our own country too.

Do you know how much they were ready to pay?

In lakhs, crores.

You can't imagine. So much money.

It's a relic. You won't find it anywhere but in the depths of the ocean.

So where is it now?

I sold it to a guy in Bombay.

That B@$tarD gave me an advance of 10,000 and promised me to pay 50% of profit after sale.

But then he calls me and says that it is stolen.

Now how does that matter to me?

Catch the culprit.

Give me my money.

He says he can't until he finds that thing.

Now you tell me,

How do I trust these guys with so much money?

Shankar Poojary was after it too.

He had sent that Richi, to find out where I had sent it in Bombay.

But Shankar Poojary told me that...

I was selling his fish in the market.

$On OF A BitcA!

Runs an illegal business and talks about righteousness.

This Shankar Poojary has good links in Bombay.

You just can't trust him with anything.

This bloody crow doesn't stop. I'm going to kill it today.

Chapter 5 Ka.

Trust me.

We don't give Bechappas (scarecrow) their real credits.

Bechappa has protected our field day and night from crows and even animals.

What have we done in return? Not even a yakshagana act in his name.

If you ask me,

We should perform a Yakshagana act in his name.

The Chronicles of Bechappa.

What do you think, huh?

There is an act on Krishna & Arjuna's battle.

Bheeshma's Victory too.

Has Krishna, Arjuna or Bheeshma ever saved us from the crow.

Never! why on earth should we have acts in their names?

But Bechappa has always been there for us.

What do you folks call him?

Bedaru Gombe.

Not bad.

Same looks but different names.

Hey Balu!

Come on. Let's paint you waist down.

In a minute. Don't get on my nerves now. Paint the rest of them.

Everyone's almost finished. You come fast.

Bedaru Gombe

Isn't a very ordinary name?

You should have named him something strong.

KrantiVeera (Revolutionary)

MahaPrachanda (The Tremendous)

Bedaru Gombe

Doesn't have a ring to it.

Trust me.

You folks over at the western ghats have no sense in naming.

Have you gone nuts?

A scarecrow is a scarecrow. What else will you call it?

Don't underestimate our Bechappa.

Do you know how many sleepless nights I've had due to that bloody crow?

It didn't let me sleep or a week.

I tried to scare it in vain.

Finally I settled down near my Saviour, Bechappa.

That crow did not dare to come close to me for those 4 days.

I'm telling you, These crows are really scared of Bechappa.

Have a look.

He is a foreigner.

That's the guy who is buying it.

Marsellus Wallace.

A rich party!

He was ready to pay in crores!

Take a few more drags.

Oh no!

I can't handle the high.

How much money is a crore?

How many zeros does it have?

You'll see, my Bechappa's prophecy will come true.

You B@$tarD!

Fantasizing about my sister in my company, huh?

Tell you the truth,

These folks from the Western ghats have no control over themselves.

The guilty conscience does not need an accuser. Look at him run.

♫ Does the crow see the color? ♫

♫ Or does it see the skin beneath it? ♫

♫ Under the spell of marijuana, ♫

♫ does one See the truth or just an illusion? ♫

♫ Can the crow see the color? ♫

♫ Or does it see the skin beneath it? ♫

♫ Under the spell of marijuana, ♫

♫ does one see the truth or just an illusion? ♫

♫ Can the betel leaves see the color of lime put on it? ♫

♫ Can the dead see the gruel offered at the funeral? ♫

♫ Betel Leaves. Gruel. ♫

♫ Can an illiterate tongue see fame or revolution? ♫

I'm so beat after all that dancing.

I'm out of practice. Gimme a cigarette.

Hey Sudhi, take the tiger to the harbor in rickshaw. I'll meet you there.

I'll take your leave now.

♫ Can the papyrus see the scriptures written on it? ♫

♫ Can the Kanaka's window see the skin colors peeping through it? ♫

♫ Did the Dasara pada sung on occasions of festivities and celebration witness it? ♫

Let me hear you roar like a tiger.

Don't whine like a dog. Tiger! Roar Like tiger.

Nah! It's not a real tiger. It's a dog under the tiger's skin.

Have I ever told you the legend of the Mandva and the Cuban kid?

The Cuban kid smiling and abusing the the Mandva kid in Spanish,

The Mandva kid dropping him on the ground and breaking his nose.

Where is it?

Yes. Got it!

When the Mandva kid was punching him, what was running through the Cuban kid's mind?

Put yourself in his shoes.

You are getting punched without a reason, What will be going on in your mind?

Full confusion, isn't it?

Are you confused?

Nah! You are not confused.

Our tiger is not confused.

Because, our tiger knows why I'm hitting him.

Are you confused?

8 years.

All those years for you.

Do you know the life in a remand home?

Hell!

You ran away so easily! Did you ever think of me?

Now die.

Stop staring and tie him up.

Richi!

Check the bag.

Move aside.

Final Chapter Reasons.

Raghu! Raghu!

Raghu! Not that way! This way!

Shankaranna is very angry with him.

Nothing. What is it? I will talk to him.

Hey, Munna.

- What happened They took away Balanna. - Who?

Richi and his friends. They beat him badly. Balanna was bleeding all over.

First, find Balu.

Do you see any blood stains? Shankaranna is very angry with him.

Have I ever told you the legend of the Mandva and the Cuban kid?

Put yourself in the Cuban kid's shoes.

lf someone hits you without a reason, What will be going on in your mind?

Full confusion, isn't it? Are you confused now?

Nobody knows what really happened.

There was a strange feeling listening to everyone's version.

You $On OF A BitcA! B@$tarD. Bloody crow!

You feel it is true, yet different from the other.

One incident seen through different eyes.

I guess, the thing was stolen by Raghu in Bombay.

He probably had plans to sell it in Dubai and settle there.

I told you! Its a bad omen, a curse. It won't rest until it ruins your life.

Perspectives. What's right? What's wrong? What is the truth? Which one is a lie?

Everything changes when you see it from a different point of view.

No, no! Richi didn't kill him. I was there. They were childhood friends. Why would he kill him?

So why didn't Raghu meet his mother that night?

I'm not sure either. When we were leaving the farmhouse, he said he had to make an urgent trunk call.

After the phone call, he was tensed. He left in the evening to meet his mother.

I don't know what happened after that.

He must've returned secretly, probably because, the Bombay guys found out he was here.

If he is in Dubai, he will surely call me.

So how am I supposed to come to a conclusion?

In fact, it would be wrong to tell this story with a conclusion.

Instead, If every aspect and each perspective of the story is narrated,

I believe you'll find your own answers.

I did not witness this story. I've chronicled it “As Seen by the Rest"