Original subtitles

[concrete mixer churning slowly]

[cement dumping]

[distant construction machines clanking]

[metal cutting torch]

[hammer thudding]

[construction lift rumbles]

Sir, this bill.

These two?

- That's okay. - Okay.

[faint clinking of glasses]

[construction workers chattering]

[glass shattering]

[ominous silence]

[tea dripping]

Okay, sir.

[church bells tolling]

[tea dripping]

[tea drop splashing]

[phone ringing]

[wind fluttering]

[phone continues ringing]

Hello?

I'm at the site.

[foreboding music]

When?

[distant siren wailing]

[ominous drone]

[crow cawing]

[scooter whirring]

[woman sobs]

Yeah, that's enough.

Now, pull slowly.

Yeah, a little more.

Stop, stop.

- Sir, shall I pull? - Mm.

Sir, pull carefully.

[pulley whines]

[tense music rises]

[rope creaks]

Enough! Enough!

Yes! Yes!

Slowly… slowly...

Pull…

Don't let go…

Yeah, hold it…

[woman crying]

[man grunts]

- Move a bit. - Place it here.

Turn her over.

[ominous sound]

[bones creak]

[eerie music intensifies]

[title music begins]

[rap song plays]

[heavy breathing]

[phone vibrates]

Wait, I need to pick up.

I don't care.

Hey, baby.

I'm at my friend's place.

Anything urgent?

[Rohan gasps softly]

Shall I call you later then?

Okay, bye.

[breathing intensifies]

[moaning]

[water splashes]

[water gurgles]

[beard rustles]

[Symphonies by Iso Indies plays]

Dude... come on, man!

Not on the carpet.

Chill, bro, it's okay.

- Use the ashtray. - Yeah.

[doorbell rings]

Did you get it?

Yes.

Who's that standing outside?

That's Victor.

Tell him to come in. Nobody outside, guys.

Hey...

Hey, what's up?

- How are you? - Good.

- Thanks for coming. - Of course, anytime.

- Where's Deepak? - You haven't seen him?

- No. - Let me find him.

Alright.

[indistinct chattering]

And then comes the subconscious mind.

Like when we tap the subconscious mind,

that's how we connect to the universe.

The universe gives us everything like...

- Ice. - Yeah.

Whatever we wish for, the universe will give us.

It's all about affirmations.

It's through affirmations that we attract it all.

Sometimes we think...

What's your name?

Tina.

Who do you know here?

I'm Nikhil's friend.

We need to repeat them over and over again.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Yeah, I'll tell him.

Okay.

Alright, I'll call.

Hey, did you hear about Kani?

Which Kani?

- Our classmate, Kani. - Mm-hmm.

She committed suicide.

[muffled music]

What?

Yeah, everyone's messaging in the group.

Akash just called to tell me.

- Serious? - Yeah, dude. Seriously.

It's been two days since she died.

The funeral was yesterday.

Shit, man.

Do you know why?

No idea.

Any suicide note?

They said there wasn't one.

Hmm...

Shouldn't we go?

Tell me... how about we go tomorrow?

Yeah, we'll see.

[song continues playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[music volume increases]

[distant birds chirping]

[soft shift of body]

[soft grunts]

[deep breath]

[footsteps on stairs]

[door opens]

[faint bird calls]

[lighter clicks]

[garbage bag crinkles]

[tapping on phone]

[soft, melancholic tune]

[cigarette crackles]

[footsteps]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[engine starts]

[tires crunch on gravel]

- Put that here. - Okay. I'll be right back.

Keep ten chairs and take the rest.

Okay.

[phone rings]

I haven't left yet, will leave in half an hour.

I'll call you, okay?

Hi, is this Kani's...

Yes, it is.

[honking and traffic noise]

Did you study with her?

Yes, we were classmates.

Okay.

What do you do?

I'm in business.

I'm an architect.

Shankar Associates.

Shankar sir's?

I'm his son.

- I’m in the same field, a contractor. - Okay.

I've met your father a few times.

Is he in town now?

- No, he's in the US. - Oh, okay.

Are you a relative?

No, I'm their neighbour.

Oh.

Come in.

I already went. Maybe I’ll go again in the morning.

Come in.

They’re Kani’s friends.

- Please sit. - Madhu sir!

No, that's fine.

- Please, have a seat. - Ah, okay.

MAN: Shall we leave?

MADHU: You guys can leave. I'll let them know.

MAN: Okay, sir.

One second.

Hello?

[distant truck engine starts]

Uncle... Kiran?

He's upstairs.

Okay.

[footsteps]

Here's your tea.

Thank you.

[cups clinking]

[footsteps]

[clock ticking]

[faint piano notes]

[footsteps]

[soft wind chimes]

[piano notes]

[footsteps]

[wind chimes tinkling]

[scraping on wood]

[hair clip snaps]

[hair clip snaps repeatedly]

[wind chimes continue]

[ball thudding]

- Hey, bro, when did you come? - Hey.

Just now.

Got a cigarette?

Yeah.

Been days since I smoked.

Okay.

Ah...

[cigarette lighter clicks]

What's up?

All good.

How are you, Kiran?

Yeah, I'm okay.

Do you remember them?

My cousins, Hari and Shankar...

They also come to play on the turf.

[ball thudding continues]

Really sorry for your loss, man.

It's sad.

It's okay.

I'm okay.

[lighter clicks]

Did Kani tell you anything?

No.

I mean...

did she tell you anything personal?

We never really talked.

If you need anything,

you can always reach out to me.

I don’t need anything... for now.

The problem now is, I can’t sleep properly.

That’s it.

Maybe it’s because…

When I open my window, the well is right there.

So...

I was actually the first one to see it.

That morning, when I looked…

I thought it was just a cloth floating in the water.

From above, you couldn’t really tell.

Then I called Dad and everyone else

and got it all taken care of.

[ball thudding continues]

The problem is…

The only thing...

I remember is...

her...

face...

The face she had when we pulled her...

out of that well.

[sudden loud eerie tone]

That's it.

That's it...

[ball thudding continues]

[tires screech]

Sir, shall I serve your food?

No.

Also, sir...

Your mother called.

She said she couldn’t reach you.

What did you tell her?

I said you were out on a site visit.

I'll call her.

- You may leave now. - Okay, sir.

[shower running]

[deep breathing]

[curtains rustling]

[door sliding shut]

[curtains swish]

[hair clip snapping]

[drawer slides]

[door slams shut]

[whistling wind]

[snoring]

[bed creaking]

[distant dogs howling]

[faint rattling]

[curtain swishes]

[crickets trill]

[door sliding]

[curtains swish]

[creaking]

[door creaks open slowly]

[anklets jingle]

[door creaks slowly]

[anklet jingling]

[ominous sound builds]

[eerie rumble resonates]

[footsteps recede]

[door shuts]

[broom scraping]

[thunder rumbling]

[cat meows]

Here’s your tea.

[Madhu coughs]

[clears throat]

Mom, it's this one, right?

Yes...

[coughs]

Can't you go see a doctor for that cough?

It’s just from all the dust and cement.

It’ll subside.

At least wear a mask…

You won’t even do that.

[hands rubbing]

Why don’t you quit this hectic job and do something else?

What else can I do?

Something like your father did?

Doing rituals and rites like him won't feed us.

If he’d taken a government job back then,

we’d be in a nice flat now, living off his pension.

I could’ve even hired someone to look after you.

I don’t need anyone’s help.

That’s exactly the problem.

You never listen.

You don’t listen either.

When have I ever not listened?

You should’ve spoken up when you sensed something about that girl.

Maybe it could’ve saved her life.

How can I go around telling everyone whatever I feel?

What will people think?

And now, didn’t that feeling turn out to be true?

Not everyone is blessed with such a gift.

It’s your father’s blessing.

Ah, best!

Blessings won’t pay the bills.

Nothing can replace money.

[phone rings]

See? The calls have started.

I’ve made dosas. Eat on time.

I’m leaving.

At least wear a mask when you go.

Pass it to the centre.

Easy, easy!

Pass it.

Come on.

Over here.

I'm open.

[ball hits the net, clapping]

Good play! Good play!

Good shot.

[gulping]

I’m going to Bangalore next week.

Got some work there.

When are you heading back to the US?

Haven’t decided yet.

Maybe next week.

Oh, so you haven't booked your ticket?

Nah.

Actually, I was planning to leave the day after our party.

But after hearing about Kani, I just went into a dark place.

It's really haunting me, man.

It’s already been a week since she died.

Hard to believe, right?

Dude, just leave it.

Stop brooding over it.

It’s over.

I was just saying.

So, what’s the plan now?

[Rohan sighs]

You got a spliff?

Let's go.

[Smoke a Cigar by Skrat plays]

♪ Whats going on ♪

♪ So go on ♪

♪ So if I laugh then I ♪

♪ Then I don really care ♪

♪ Whats going on ♪

♪ So go on ♪

[song ends]

[chewing]

[soft footsteps]

[faint wind chimes]

[switch flips]

Where did we go wrong?

[sighs]

For our daughter…

to take such an extreme step…

She must have been hurting so much.

[deep sigh]

Didn’t we do everything we could?

No...

[sobs]

We did nothing at all.

What’s the point talking about it now?

She's gone...

No...

She hasn’t gone anywhere...

Our daughter is still here with us...

[dry leaves flutter]

[ominous music builds]

[doors sliding open]

[hair rustles]

[jolts awake, gasping]

[jolts, breathing sharply]

[hair rustles]

[ominous music builds]

[wind whistles in]

[suspenseful music]

[gasps]

[bed creaking]

[panting]

[anklets jingling]

[anklets jingling, approaching]

[door creaks]

[anklet jingles]

[door clicks shut]

[panting]

[drawer opens]

[gasps]

[hair clip snapping]

[heavy, panicked breathing]

[hair clip snaps repeatedly]

[eerie music]

[eerie music swells]

[clock ticking faintly]

[eerie music intensifies]

[clock ticking amplifies]

[haunting wind whistles]

[clock ticks and anklets jingle, alternating]

[sudden startling scream]

- Sir... - Ah!

What happened, sir?

Mm-mm...

[footsteps]

[door creaks open]

[faint ominous music]

[pump churning water]

[metal lid screeches]

[lid clanks shut]

[welding torch hissing]

[unsettling beat]

[indistinct chatter]

[ball thudding]

[cigarette crackles]

[vehicles passing by]

[cigarette lighter clicks]

[munching]

[phone tapping]

[spoon clinks]

[water running]

[water draining]

[lid pops and falls]

[crackling hum]

[soft footsteps]

[lid clinks on tabletop]

[hair rustles]

What the fuck...

[eerie rush]

Hey...

[chilling whoosh]

[frantic panting]

[suspenseful sound]

[gasps]

[falls with a thud]

[screaming frantically]

[eerie music intensifies]

[heavy thud]

[choking]

[gasping]

[sharp bite sound]

[muffled scream]

[flesh tears]

[screams in pain]

[screams, hits wall]

Aah!

[groans in pain]

[gasping]

[eerie music intensifies]

[thud and scream]

[screams continue]

[coughs and spits]

[groans]

[hair rustles, anklets jingling]

[sound fades into silence]

[wind chime tinkling]

Rohan...

Rohan...

Sir…

Sir…

[gasps]

Careful…

[pained gasp]

When I came, I saw that you had fallen from the stairs.

[strained cough]

What happened, sir?

How did you fall?

[sighs]

Sir, you’re bleeding.

[foreboding music]

- Hand me that tissue. - Okay.

There’s a bruise under your eye, sir.

Sir, let’s get you to the hospital.

I’ve already informed your father.

Why did you call my dad?

Uh... That's because...

We called, but you didn’t respond.

We saw you lying there and panicked.

So, did I ask you to call my dad?!

Idiot!

[sighs]

[phone vibrating]

[deep sigh]

- Hi, Dad. - Rohan…

What's going on there?

Nothing, Dad.

I just woke up.

Why haven’t you gone to the office?

I'll be going today.

How many days has it been, huh?

Did you send the designs?

Not yet, Dad. I’ll do it tonight.

Listen, I don’t care what you’re doing there.

Just pull yourself together.

And don’t get me in trouble, alright?

Yeah, Dad. Okay.

- I’ll call you later. - Mm...

[ominous music]

[grunts]

What the hell do you want from me, Kani?

You think you can mess with me?

Bitch!

You like playing with my hair, huh?

[heavy breaths]

[hair trimmer buzzing]

[tense music builds]

[light tapping on cup]

[music fades]

What is it? Tell me.

We’ve only met once before.

I don’t know how to explain this.

What’s the matter?

Tell me.

About seven or eight months ago,

there was a school alumni meet.

That’s where I met Kani after a long time.

We started talking and…

we connected.

We got pretty close.

[sighs]

It was a short fling.

At first, everything was fine.

But then she completely changed.

Suddenly, she started talking about marriage.

She kept calling and messaging non-stop.

It was really annoying.

I tried to make her understand.

But it didn’t work.

So, I took some time away from her.

I ghosted her.

Surprisingly, it worked.

The calls and messages stopped.

She went silent.

Then I heard…

she had committed suicide.

What are you trying to say?

I need your help.

Kani is attacking me.

I don’t understand.

[unsettling music]

Ever since I came back from her house,

she’s been tormenting me.

I know it sounds strange...

but this is what’s happening.

I can hear her footsteps.

I can feel her presence.

She doesn’t let me sleep.

Even if I move away from here,

this will continue. I know it.

I need your help.

[tea cup shattering]

[clock ticking]

[burner ignites with a whoosh]

[tea splashes]

[chair scrapes]

[squeegee swishes]

[fan squeaks]

Can you help me?

What exactly are you asking me to do?

You need to talk to Kani's family.

What do I even say to her family?

I don’t know, man.

Some ritual...

Something to get her peace.

I guess only her family can do that.

I don’t see any other solution.

And if I told anyone else, would they even believe me?

No one would believe me.

[exhales]

I really don’t know

how I can help you with this.

I know they're my neighbours.

But given their current state,

I can’t just go and say something like this.

See, you said you know my father, right?

I really need your help with this.

Please.

[sighs]

If what you’re saying is true, I do agree on one thing.

Her soul should find peace.

According to a common belief we follow,

it's said that when a person dies...

their soul...

stays close to their loved ones for a while here on earth.

Only after the rituals on the 16th day,

does the soul attain liberation,

at least that’s the belief.

You must have heard of it, we call it the 16th Day Rites.

Mm-hmm.

That's why this period is considered very important.

Especially in the case of an unnatural death.

I honestly don’t know what to say to comfort you right now.

Kani’s sixteenth day memorial is only a few days away, right?

For now, just wait.

Let’s see what we can do.

[faint background chatter]

[slurping]

[ominous music builds]

[ice cubes clinking]

[alcohol pouring]

From now on, keep all the lights on in this house.

And keep all the curtains open too.

- Understood? - Yes, sir.

[ominous music continues]

[device beeps, light flickers on]

[curtains swish open]

[lighter flicks]

[thumping beats]

[ice clinking and alcohol pouring]

[ominous music and beats continue]

[water splashing]

[music fades]

[faint ominous notes]

[bedsheet rustling]

[foreboding music]

[blanket whooshes]

[sighs]

[falls with a thud]

[All Green by Witchitaw Slim plays]

[door clicks open]

Hey, Kiran!

- Hi, bro. - Come in.

Got your hair cut, huh?

- Yeah. - Nice.

Hey guys, meet Kiran.

Hi, Kiran.

- Hi, Kiran. - Hi.

Having a party?

Nah, just some friends.

- Drink? - Yep.

Come.

Brandy? Whiskey? There’s beer in the fridge.

Anything’s fine.

Whiskey, then.

You’ve got a great set up.

[Rohan chuckles]

Ice?

Yeah... Yes...

Want some pizza?

No, not now.

- Here. - Thank you.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

[song continues playing in background]

Amazing house!

[lighter clicking]

[cigarette crackles]

[exhales smoke]

[gulping]

Are you okay now?

Mm...

Good.

Figured this would be a good change for you,

so I called you over.

Do you go there? To the turf?

Yeah, sometimes.

Same old team, right?

Yeah, yeah, same guys.

Superb.

You’re done with college, right?

Yes.

So, what’s the plan now?

I...

I’m thinking of looking for some work.

Like I said,

call me if you need anything.

Mm...

[exhales]

I'm good.

You know what?

[puffs]

I’m gonna send you some money.

No, I don’t want any money.

No, I insist.

But why money?

You might need it for something.

To buy something or...

maybe you wanna seek some help.

Do I look like…

someone who needs help?

What?!

On the outside…

do I look like a guy who needs help?

Hey, that’s not what I meant.

Then what did you mean?

I don’t need any fricking help, man!

Just... Bro, calm…

I am calm, man!

You brought me here just to give me your damn money?

No, man, just to chill!

I am chill, man!

How many times do I have to say it?

Since morning, everyone’s been on my case.

As soon as I wake up, they start, "sit, eat, lie down..."

"Don’t laugh, cry instead" and whatnot!

What’s the damn problem?!

Why should I suffer just because she killed herself?

You know what, I shouldn’t have come here.

Hey, don’t go. Come on, man, just chill.

Let me go, bro...

I brought you here to cool you down.

I'm cool, bro...

Hey, calm down, man.

I'm calm, bro. Just let me go.

No... Okay...

Okay, you’re calm! You’re calm!

Okay?

Let go of my hand.

Relax, Kiran.

[Kiran pants]

[Kiran breathes in]

[whimpering]

Kiran...

Kiran, don’t cry, man.

[sobbing]

[Rohan sighs]

Fuck!

Or it's okay to cry. You know, it’s good.

Let it out, let it out.

[choked up]

[crying in agony]

Kiran...

[sombre music]

[incoherent murmurs]

Calm down, man.

I’m calm! I’m calm!

I’m calm!

[weeping uncontrollably]

[Rohan sighs]

Hey...

[crying continues]

Can I get you something?

Dude...

I'll get you a drink.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

[cork pop opens]

[pouring]

[Kiran's muffled cries]

[anklets jingle]

[crying echoes in the background]

[ominous music builds]

[anklets jingle]

[eerie music]

KIRAN!

[Kiran screams]

[head slams against wall]

[head thuds, legs snap]

[gasps in shock]

[blood oozing]

[heaves loudly]

[gagging in pain]

[blood spurts out]

[heaves, trembling]

[blood trickles]

[creaking, tense music]

[falls with a soft thud]

[gasping]

[heavy breathing]

[thumping]

We can’t say anything right now.

Sir, please get these medicines fast.

Where's the pharmacy?

Downstairs.

[footsteps approaching]

[stretcher rattles]

Why are you still here?

Please, let me explain what happened.

No, you don’t need to say anything.

That poor boy is close to dead.

What’s wrong with you people?

Why even call him for such a party?

The police say he slipped and fell from the terrace after drinking.

Even if they file a case,

you’ll just walk free.

You people are big shots, after all!

Just hear me out for a second.

- Let me explain what happened. - For now, just leave.

I’ll call you.

Okay?

[footsteps receding]

[ominous music]

[menacing tones]

[drawer slides open]

[hair clip snaps repeatedly]

[light flickers on and off]

[hissing crackle]

[pants]

[strained breath]

[snapping and flickering]

[panicked breathing]

[unnerving silence]

[faint rustling from sofa]

[faint footsteps]

[rattling]

[faint wind]

[thud echoes in distance, Rohan gasps]

[rumbling]

[slow, wary footsteps]

[eerie tones, thumping sound]

[shrill notes]

[heavy breathing]

[loud creak, Rohan gasps]

[water running]

[tense music builds]

[Rohan panting]

[water continues running]

[water running grows louder]

[plates shatter]

[terrified scream]

[anklets jingle, sharp whoosh]

[tense, creeping music rises]

[Rohan gasps, violent whoosh]

[anklets jingle loudly]

[growling]

[choked gasp]

[anklets jingle, deep rumbling]

[sounds fade]

[panicked gasping]

[anklets jingling]

[low wheezing]

[deep growl rising]

[dramatic music swells]

[bones creaking]

[flesh squelching]

[anklets jingling]

[dramatic music ends]

[haunting melody]

[anklet jingling fades]

[gate whirs open]

[scooter approaches]

[faint sombre music]

It's not Kani.

It's a man.

[ominous music swells]

[music fades]

Who else lives here?

I stay by myself these days.

I am alone at night.

The security guard stays outside.

The maids come in the morning and leave by night.

Did you build this house or buy it?

My father built it.

Has anyone in your family or in this house…

died recently?

No.

Have you been to a house where someone died…

or to a mortuary, a cremation ground...

a place like that?

No.

Only to Kani’s house.

What exactly happened there?

I was just talking to Kiran.

Then I went into Kani’s room for a bit.

Anything unusual there?

I took one of her hair clips.

Hmm...

Maybe that’s the reason.

Maybe that’s where…

it all began.

What do you mean?

When someone dies...

holding deep hatred or unfulfilled desire...

Their soul…

never truly leaves this world.

Their presence lingers in everything they once touched.

[pensive music]

For example…

it could be in their favourite clothes.

Or in their jewellery.

Or in keepsakes they cherished.

All of these can keep them bound here.

But if it's not Kani

as you say...

Then someone else must have a claim on her things.

That person must have been in that room, that day...

witnessing everything...

[ominous music builds]

He probably saw you...

take that hair clip.

And after that...

he must have followed you.

Watching you sleep...

watching you wake...

Even now, as we speak, he must be watching us.

[tense music rises]

Doesn’t make sense!

Who is he?

Why is he tormenting me?

That we don’t know.

Who is he, really?

What's his relationship with Kani?

Why is he haunting you?

To find these answers,

we have to go back to where it all began.

Kani’s house.

[foreboding music]

[wind chimes tinkling]

Kani’s anklets...

they're missing.

[suspenseful notes]

Maybe the one who took it...

is the one following you.

I don’t think there was anyone else in her life.

She was very reserved.

What if you’re wrong?

What if there was someone in her life none of us knew about?

Someone who hated her,

or envied her.

Maybe even loved her.

But if he’s attacking you...

there has to be a strong reason.

Who do we ask now?

Where do we start?

[unsettling music]

That’s Elsamma’s house over there.

When it comes to these things

sometimes the house help knows more than the family does.

[huffing]

Here you go.

Elsamma...

Ah, Madhu sir.

Busy with work?

I was about to clean the cowshed

after tying up the buffalo.

[Madhu chuckles]

You had more before, right? Where did the others go?

No one’s here to take care of them, sir.

So, I sold two of them.

Can’t manage alone.

How’s Manu doing?

He’s fine. Come in.

No, Elsamma, we just came to ask you something.

How were you with Kani?

Did you two talk often?

She hardly spoke to anyone, sir.

She was a gentle soul.

Always seemed lost in her own thoughts.

Did any of her friends ever visit her at home?

Sometimes a few friends would drop by.

But no one came regularly, sir.

Kiran’s friends would visit occasionally.

What I meant is...

did she have any male friends?

Not that I know of, sir.

It was just her and her dance class.

That family seems cursed, sir.

Their only son…

Just look at the state he’s in now.

[ominous music]

You said Kani studied with you, right?

Shall we try that route?

I’m not in touch with anyone.

There’s no one I can ask.

Listen... don’t worry.

We’ll find another way.

Anyway, don’t stay home tonight.

Stay somewhere outside.

[sighs]

I have to solve this.

[faint bird chirping]

[crow cawing]

Let me see what I can find.

I’ll call you tomorrow morning.

[crows caw loudly]

[tense music fills the air]

[dramatic music builds]

[gate whirring open]

Aren’t you coming in, sir?

No.

I’ll be away for a few days.

You all go home.

Come only when I call you.

Alright, sir.

Hey...

Sir?

- You stay here. - Okay, sir.

- After everyone leaves, lock the doors. - Okay.

- Keep the key with you. - Okay.

Don’t let anyone inside.

Okay.

[car window closes, engine starts]

[ominous music]

[thunder rumbling]

[wind howling]

[cat meowing]

[dog barks, cat yowls]

[barking and yowling intensifies]

[sounds fade out]

[train rumbling]

[phone ringing]

Tell me, Rohan.

- Hi, Mom. - Where are you?

It's been so long.

I’m outside.

How are you?

- Hm? - I’m fine, Mom.

When are you coming, dear?

- Don’t know, Mom. I'll come. - Okay.

- I’ll be there soon. - One sec, Rohan...

Mom, if you’re busy, I’ll call later.

No, no. I'm not busy.

I just stepped out to buy some things.

Okay.

Is sister with you?

No, she’s at home.

Her due date is near, right?

Mm... Okay.

- How is she? - All good.

She’s fine.

- You haven’t called her? - No.

She asked about you this morning too.

Call her, no?

Yeah, I’ll do that.

Won't you come this week, dear?

- I’ll come, Mom. - Mm... Alright.

Please let dad know as well.

Yeah, I’ll tell him.

Alright, dear.

I'll call you later.

- See you, Mom. - Okay, okay. See you.

- Bye. - Bye.

[phone beeps]

[melancholic music]

I'm sorry...

[crickets trilling]

[footsteps]

[refrigerator hisses]

[chair scrapes]

[chewing]

[slurping]

[wheezing sound]

Mom...

MOM...

[window creaks open]

[wood thuds]

[shaky breathing]

[cat meows]

[steel glass falls with a thud]

[sighs]

[breathing heavily]

[slurping]

[chair scrapes on the floor]

[chair scrapes, gasps in fear]

[shaky breath]

[eerie music]

[eerie music swells]

[door creaks shuts]

[frantically chanting mantras]

[matchstick striking]

[anklets jingle]

[breathing heavily]

[haunting tones swell]

[anklets jingling, wheezing sound]

[match strikes vigorously]

[matchstick flares]

[anklets jingling continues]

[wheezing]

[eerie music intensifies]

[eerie music stops]

[banging on door]

[wailing breath echoes]

[wheezing]

[menacing growl]

[sudden silence]

[gasping]

[door creaks open]

[ominous music]

[music intensifies]

[breathing heavily]

[door creaks open]

Mom!

Mom...

[woman whimpering]

Mom...

What happened, son?

Nothing.

[Madhu panting heavily]

Nothing...

- Nothing... - Mm...

[sombre music]

[gate clanks]

[dance teacher instructing]

Did Kani ever mention why she stopped dancing?

One day, she just stopped coming.

When I asked, she said she’d lost interest.

I tried convincing her for a while, but…

it didn’t work.

Are there any male students here?

It’s just that…

We just wanted to know if anything happened

that made her stop.

No, there are only girls here.

Why do you ask?

Do you know if Kani was harassed by anyone?

Could that have led to her suicide?

No, I don’t think anything like that happened.

Was Kani...

involved with anyone...

No, I’ve known her since college.

If something had happened, she would've told me.

Even here, we come and go together.

Now that you mention it,

something does come to my mind.

It happened a few months ago.

One day, after class, Kani and I were waiting for the bus.

Suddenly, it began to rain.

We ran into a building

to escape the rain.

Upstairs, there was a print shop.

There was a man who kept staring at us.

Later, every time we passed by,

he’d be there.

At first, I didn’t think much of it.

But then, one day,

he just stood in front of this gate for a long time.

[suspenseful music]

That day...

he just stood there, not moving.

The way he was watching us made me uneasy.

When I realised he was staring at Kani,

I told her we should report him.

But she refused.

She said not to make a big deal out of it.

That’s pretty much all I know.

What happened after that?

He hung around this area for a while.

After that, we didn’t see him again.

How long ago was this?

About seven or eight months ago.

It wasn’t a big deal at the time.

I only remembered it just now because you asked.

Can you describe him?

He’s a thin guy.

With curly hair…

[suspenseful music continues]

- Bro. - Yes?

Do you have a minute?

What is it?

Are you the owner of this shop?

Yes.

- We just wanted to ask you something. - Okay.

Did a young man work here a while ago?

Thin guy, curly hair…

Yes, Philip.

- His name's Philip? - Yes.

Where can we find him?

Do you have his address or phone number?

No address, just his phone number.

He only worked here briefly.

Why do you ask?

What’s he like?

He seemed fine.

Honestly, I didn’t even need a helper back then.

I hired him because our priest asked me to.

He’s a bit peculiar.

Worked only when he felt like it.

Otherwise, he just stands there staring at the road.

Here’s his number.

He did cost me some paper and ink though.

I’d see him taking prints now and then.

I thought it was for the church.

But no one from there showed up.

And...

He worked for another month or two.

Then I heard he went to Saudi.

Saudi?

That’s what the priest told me.

Which priest?

The priest at St. Joseph’s Church.

Do you remember what he printed?

It should be here.

It had verses and prayers from the Bible,

so I didn’t feel like throwing it away. Let me check.

Ah!

Here it is.

[tense music]

Can we take this?

Yes.

The call is not getting connected.

Any idea what this is?

[suspenseful music]

No idea.

Could he be the one we’re looking for?

We only need to know one thing.

If this Philip is dead or alive.

[music swells]

[traffic sounds]

I just remembered when he mentioned Saudi,

many people from this area had gone there through an agent.

Elsamma’s son, Manu, was one of them.

We need to contact that agent.

Do you have Manu’s number?

No, we’ll have to ask Elsamma.

[dramatic music swells]

I know the church he spoke about.

I’ll go to Elsamma’s and get the number.

You go to the church and speak to the priest.

[pigeon flapping]

[dramatic music]

These are Christian verses...

but they’re not straight from the Bible.

They only reference some parts of it.

For example…

Ah, here...

"The mighty trumpet’s wondrous tone

shall rend each tomb's sepulchral stone

and summon all before the Throne."

And here it mentions...

“Dies Irae”...

That’s a Latin word.

It means “Day of Wrath.”

All these hymns are related to it.

It’s probably from some book

or maybe from the internet.

Even if Philip wrote it himself,

it wouldn’t be surprising.

He’s read every book in this library.

How do you know Philip, Father?

Their family is very close to this church.

He used to sing in our choir.

He led the funeral requiems in our church.

I always told him,

if he ever gets a good chance,

he should go abroad.

Father...

Do you have Philip’s

address or photo?

I think I have a photo on my phone,

from his last choir performance.

Let me see.

[knocking on door]

[door opens]

Oh, it’s you!

What is it, dear?

I need your help.

Your son, Manu, is in Saudi, right?

Yes.

Can you please give me his number?

It’s usually Manu who calls me.

What’s the matter, dear?

I just want to contact the agent who took him to Saudi.

He keeps calling from different numbers.

It is always tough to get him on call.

Even the agent’s number will do.

I’ll call him.

[sighs]

Okay... Let me check.

Ah, here you go.

That’s him, the second one from the top.

[tense, rising sound]

[door creaks open]

[ominous crescendo]

[ominous crescendo]

Manu...

Is Manu’s official name Philip?

Yes. That’s his baptismal name.

[low suspenseful drone]

[suspenseful music builds]

[metal latch clanks]

[door creaks open]

[deep growls]

[mysterious music continues]

[eerie music swells]

[ominous crescendo]

[heavy thud]

[falls with a thud]

[dramatic music swells]

[music fades]

So, what should I pray for?

If even the righteous are not safe,

to which saviour should I pray?

My pleas feel empty and unheard.

But You, O Merciful One,

spare me from the eternal fire,

protect me, I beseech Thee.

On that day when the Judge takes His seat,

all hidden deeds will be revealed.

Nothing shall go unpunished.

On that day of tears and mourning,

when mankind rises from the earth for judgment,

grant Your mercy unto them.

[coughing]

I always knew…

someday...

someone would come looking for my son.

But I never thought it would be you.

Before he died,

he had only one wish.

Even after death,

his habits must remain unchanged.

To hear these prayer verses aloud

and to watch Kani through this window...

I made sure he could still do that.

[sombre, unsettling music]

The first time he had trouble breathing,

I still remember what he said.

As his breaths grew faint...

[sobs]

he could feel Kani’s face

fading from his mind.

And one day,

I found her photograph in her room.

I took it and brought it to him.

And then, one by one…

her comb...

a crumpled bus ticket...

her chain, her earrings...

Whatever I found of hers, I brought to him.

Now this room is full of Kani.

Everything she owned belongs to him.

[Rohan groans]

In his final days...

I tied her anklets...

around his legs.

His face was full of happiness.

It's that happiness...

that kept him here.

But beyond just watching her...

he never spoke to her…

never confessed his love…

[sobs]

My poor child...

[crying]

He was always like that.

If he liked something,

he wouldn’t let it go.

Especially when it came to Kani.

If anyone hurt her,

he couldn't bear it.

One day, the Lord will summon all the dead back.

And deliver His judgment.

But my son carved his own fate.

He told me he’d never leave this place

and that death is only the beginning.

It was he who made me believe it.

[dramatic music intensifies]

I'll never give up my son to anyone...

Not even to the Lord Himself…

Let alone...

you!

[dramatic music swells]

[music fades]

[scooter approaches]

[Madhu pants]

[shovel digging]

[Elsamma chanting prayers]

[shovel digs, Elsamma grunting]

[tense music builds]

[door creaks open]

Hey...

Hey, Rohan...

Hey, hey... Rohan, get up!

[startled cry]

[pained grunts]

Get up!

Get up, get up!

Philip...

Philip...

[Madhu and Rohan panting]

[Rohan grunts]

Get up!

[coughs]

[eerie music]

Where's my phone?

We should call the police.

We have to bury this body.

Give me your phone.

Give me your phone!

Wait...

[shaky breathing]

The anklets...

We must take it off.

This is what binds his spirit here.

[breathing heavily]

[foreboding music]

[anklets jingling]

[strained grunting]

[suspenseful music]

[music fades]

I'm not able to remove it.

It’s stuck to his leg.

We need something sharp.

Okay.

Okay.

[gasping]

[Elsamma chanting]

[Elsamma panting]

[anklets jingle]

[crickets trilling]

[bulb flickers]

[gasping]

[bulb flickering continuously]

[trembling breath]

[bulb bursts]

[anklets jingle]

[door slams shut]

[pounding on door, panicked yells]

[Elsamma screaming in distant]

[wood cracks]

[Rohan heaves]

[wood thuds]

[axe swishes, bricks cracking]

[glass shatters]

[panicked screaming]

Rohan...

[Rohan grunting]

[Elsamma grunting]

[Rohan screams]

[thuds]

[Rohan screams]

[thud of wood]

[Rohan cries in pain]

[Elsamma yells furiously]

[loud clang]

[grunts loudly in pain]

[panicked gasping]

[wheezing]

[anklets jingle]

[gasps]

[growling]

[ghastly wailing]

[coughing]

[deep growl]

[Rohan grunts]

[thudding]

[Rohan howls in pain]

[Elsamma screams and falls with a thud]

[Rohan panting]

[groaning in pain]

[groaning]

[grunting]

[pounding on door]

[door slams open, grunting]

[Madhu choking]

Madhu... brother...

Madhu... Hey!

Brother!

[gasping for breath]

[menacing music]

[Madhu choking]

[grunting]

[choking]

[hacking]

[hacking and grunting]

[screams]

[wheezing intensifies]

[Rohan screaming]

[wheezing fades away]

[snapping sound]

[panting]

[sobbing]

Son...

[fire crackling]

[heaves into fire, sizzling]

[sobbing continues]

[Rohan panting]

Oh, dear...

[fire explodes, Rohan gasps]

[fire crackling]

[tormented wailing]

[glass shatters, curtains whooshing]

[deep breath fades]

[Elsamma cries in anguish]

[fire crackling]

[soft thud, fire bursts]

[poignant, melodic music]

[Madhu gasps and coughs]

Madhu... brother...

Hey...

Get up!

Come on.

[Madhu groaning]

[melancholic music]

[grunting]

[coughing]

Are you okay?

[intense crackling]

[Elsamma crying]

Oh, my son...

My dear son...

[melancholic music swells]

[uplifting score builds]

[music fades]

[Elsamma sobbing]

[machines whirring]

Is Mr Madhusudanan Potti here?

- Madhu sir? - Yes, yes.

Sir is upstairs.

- Upstairs, right? - Yes, upstairs.

[blowtorch hissing]

I’ve heard a lot about your father.

I only recently learned of his passing.

I came to see if your family still takes up cases.

What’s the matter? Tell me.

There’s a family I know who’s been renting out their house for years.

Mm-hmm.

The last tenants were a mother and her son.

The house seems to have some problems.

It’s locked up now.

They can’t sell it or rent it out.

[mysterious notes]

The owner’s in a bad state.

After asking around,

I heard you were the right person to talk to.

It’d help if you could just take a look.

If it’s not too much trouble for you,

can we both go there sometime in the coming days?

Sure.

Give me a call on Sunday morning.

- Okay. - I’ll come.

Okay, thank you.

By the way, what’s your name?

George.

- Alright. - Okay then.

Okay, George, see you.

Alright.

[soft music]

Hey.

Come.

I met Kiran.

- He’s getting better. - Hmm...

Good.

Elsamma?

I heard her brother took her back to their hometown.

After all, he was her only son.

It must have been hard for her to accept his death.

And the real problem is that

everyone’s obsessed with the ones they care for.

I’m leaving for the US tomorrow morning.

Thought I’d meet you before I leave.

[Madhu chuckles]

Safe travels then.

Thank you.

Do convey my regards to Shankar sir.

Definitely.

[zipping]

Hey, Dad.

Yeah, my flight’s at 4.30.

I’ll be leaving in 10 minutes.

The driver’s waiting downstairs.

Okay, Dad, see you soon.

Bye.

[hair clip snapping]

[ominous music builds]

[eerie hum]

[panting]

[shaky breaths]

[bedsheet flutters]

[gasping]

[menacing music builds]

[trembling breaths]

[menacing music swells]

[music stops abruptly]

[quivering breaths]

Rohan...

WHAT THE F...

[Symphonies by Iso Indies plays]