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[ Honoring fathers who let kids who aspire to fly to take the skies ]

[Gentle chirping of birds fills the air]

[Rhythmic chirping of crickets]

[ Faint footsteps approaching ]

[ Rapid footsteps of an animal rustling through the forest ]

[ Footsteps intensity increases ]

[Eerie animal sound ]

[Bomb Explosion echoes through the forest]

[Birds flutter away in panic]

[Rapid footsteps fade into the distance]

[Loud trumpet of an elephant breaks the silence]

[Elephant trumpets loudly, seeking its mahout]

What Dear?

What do you want?

Why did you wake me up so early?

You want to take a bath, is it?

Eh?

Okay, we shall go.

Come!

Come.

Wait!! Wait! [ Wait Wait Wait ]

[Gentle flow of the river as the elephant bathes]

Wait, wait. This is all for you.

Hold on, I’ll give it to you.

Here.

Look, you must eat quickly.

Don’t chew too much, alright?

I need to eat too, you know.

Take this.

That's enough... its over

I’m hungry now. I’ll go eat and be back.

[Uneven, heavy footsteps crunching ]

[ Footsteps sound continues..]

Hey, Sengu bring the elephant.. I can hurry, but the elephant won’t.

[ Indistinct voices of men ] It will come slowly.. Wait.. Wait..

Now push it hard. Yes harder.

Push it. Yes good! Push it.

Hey, be careful! Don’t let your hands get crushed.

Yes that's it.. Now let's get the next log.

come back

lift it up

Hey.. not done yet?

Next one. Get the other one. Not bad, we’ve got quite a few loaded.

What, Bharati? Are these Grass bundle for your father?

Brother don't pull my leg. It's for our pet cow, Lakshmi.

Both are the same.. Hey girl, you come once in a blue moon..

At least, can’t you come on time? Exactly..

As if me coming on time will make you guys pay me my dues properly.

Brother, we already owe her over 100 bucks.

She’s going to make a scene over that.

We Don’t even have 10 cents in pocket.

And you’re asking her for tea and a smoke too.

How will you deal? Don’t worry. Just watch, how I handle her.

Do you think she’s like your dumb boss?

Hey, just go and sit.

Take it, brother. Bharathi?

Here, brother.

Bharathi, the tea is so good.

Just as good as Bharathiyaar’s poetry!

Really, brother? Hmm.

You’re the only one who’s truly appreciated it.

Nowadays, no one gives compliments anymore.

Brother, there’s a method to make good tea.

First, you must let the water boil,..

then add the tea powder graciously.

Once the tea leaves begin to boil,..

the aroma of the tea fills the air

..it’s heavenly. That’s how we do it.

Then, you add boiled milk to it.

As the milk mixes with the tea,..

..it starts to boil like gold.

After that, add some cinnamon sticks, a few cloves,..

and some orange peels.

Once it begins to boil..

Switch it off with some sugar and cardamom..

and then mix it well so well that you get some good froth.

That's Perfect Tea. But there’s one special ingredient.

What is it?

Only when you use milk from our pet cow Lakshmi, you get the true taste.

[ All the men and Ram laugh in delight. ]

Bharathi, the way you’re explaining how to make tea, it’s like pure poetry.

Ram brother, when you mentioned poetry,..

it reminded me of some poems I recently read. Shall I recite them?

Only Bharathi can recite the poems a verse so true,

You can give a beedi pack (smoke) to your brother!!

Here, brother, take it.

Even after it falls,..

Tries to fly birds feather

When a mother tries to blow a fire..

The fire dances, wild and free..

Wow.. That's superb.

On a glass veiled in frost, I drew eyes..

Tears began to flow..

The voice of destroyed forest from an elephant, that is hit by the train.

Guys, this girl is awesome! [ All the men start applauding. ]

[ Applause continues..]

Bharathi, you recite poetry so well.

Poetry isn’t just in the words, but in how you recite them.

What a thought!

Hey, did you see how I handled her?

You’re the master. We should learn from you.

Here, eat this bun at least.

I don’t want it.

Don’t you ever get hungry?

Everyone is buying tea and buns,

but you never eat or drink anything?

Do you think I’m blessed not to get hungry?

With whatever I earn, I drink more than quarter stomach of porridge

By the way, what were you telling them before coming here?

Everyone was whistling. What’s with all that commotion?

Nothing, I was just reciting poetry.

By the way, you don’t have any bad habits, right?

Then why do you keep saying that you are drinking?

Why can’t you say you are eating?

A small bowl of porridge is enough for me,

but for him? He eats more than 100 kg in a day.

only then will he look like you. [ Sarcasm ]

If I start smoking and drinking too,..

how will we ever get ahead?

Hmmm, you're just like Philosopher Peter.

But by controlling your hunger like this, are you planning to build attic mansion?

Yes, I plan to build a palace.

I’ll tell you when, just be my valentine .

Hmm.

For those who want to succeed in life

hunger is merely a stepping stone to success

Your poetry is impressive. Please tell your father I said this

Why don’t you tell him yourself?

I will make you to tell.

Mark this tree.. Yeah!

Mark that one too. Got it.

Boss. Hmm

How about this?

That’s a fantastic tree, partner

You shouldn’t say that. I’ll check and let you know

[Tapping sound]

This wood is top-notch.

It’s still sounding hollow. We’ll load it in the next round

You think so?

Boss.. Hmmm?

In the last load we sent, four tree logs were faulty

What are you saying, partner?

Do you think I’m lying? We must be flawless in our work

Absolutely. I’ve been in this business for 13 years

Hmm... Look into it.

Of course, partner

From now on, there won’t be any mistakes

And if something does go wrong, I’ll refund the entire amount

Hey, you! Yes, sir?

That..

That furniture guy... What was his name?

Mukundan Furniture, sir. Yes, Mukundan Furniture...

Yes sir

He asked for a specific wood. Check it out... Will this work?

It’s perfect, sir.

Really? Yes, sir.

Boss... Hmm?

Please cut this tree and include it in tomorrow’s load

This tree too?

Okay, I’ll load it, but give need four days time

Four days?

That’s too much. In two days, the new season will begin.

It’s going to rain heavily

and you know no vehicle can climb the road to our godown in that weather

Two days?

Fine, I’ll manage it. But I’ll need some advance

I don’t have any money, partner

finish the job I will, for sure

Boss.. Yeah?

We’ve been in this business for so long

Is there any chance we could get sandalwood?

Partner, that’s risky. I can’t get involved in that

But isn’t that business too? mmm-hmm..

[A group of men gather, preparing what appears to be "Avutukaai," also known as a country bomb. ]

[ Next, they collect fat meat from animals such as cows and chickens ]

[ The meat is then mixed with explosive powder to form a paste. ]

[ They start by removing the pulp from fruits like oranges. ]

[ The mixture is carefully packed back into the emptied fruits and sewn tightly. ]

[ Throwing the pulp to bait the animals..]

[ The mixture is carefully packed back into the emptied fruits and sewn tightly with metal pieces, nails...]

[ That attempts animal to eat them triggers an explosion, instantly injuring or killing the creature. ]

[ Throwing the fruits to bait the animals..]

[ They place these bombs across the forest ]

Lakshmi!

Lakshmi!

Dear Lakshmi!

[Man calling out a cow making sounds]

Where did she go?

Lakshmi!

We’ve been searching for her for so long, but she’s nowhere in sight

Lakshmi!

My Lakshmi is nowhere in sight!

Lakshmi!

[ Panting ]

Lakshmi would never leave me and wander off

But now, I have no idea where she’s gone

Sister, she must be around here. Let’s find her

Please search thoroughly

Uncle you, check that way

Mother, you take this path. Ok.

I’ll go the other way

Lakshmi!

Lakshmi!

Lakshmi!

[Footsteps crunching through the forest]

Lakshmi!

[Deep, uneven breathing amidst sobs]

Lakshmi!

Lakshmi!

Hey Bharathi..

Didn’t you bring tea?

Brother, Lakshmi has been missing for two days now.

We are searching for her!

At least leave me a pack of smokes before you go.

Brother, get lost

[Men shouting in unison at the sawmill] Ok get it when you come again. Ok?

Siva?

I don’t know where Lakshmi has gone.

What am I supposed to do now?

It’s better we go to the Palayaar Priest.

And find out where she’s gone

Oh, dear God

Will I ever find my Lakshmi again?

Tell me… will I ever find her?

Where did you leave me and go?

[ Priest Grunts ]

[ Grunts ]

[Grunting intensifies]

Show me your hand.

Keep it safely

Carry this with you wherever you go

No evil will be able to harm you

Open your mouth.

Open your mouth.

[ Sound of Country Bomb Exploding ]

They have just started loading

[Car horn honks]

You’ll receive the delivery by afternoon.

[ Car door closes ]

Shanmugham!

Sir, let me call you back

Good morning, Sir. What is it, Sir?

Shanmugham, how many times have I told you this?

You never listen to me.

Why, Sir? What happened?

In this day and age, who still uses an elephant to haul logs?

You’re the only one still doing this and not listening.

You’ve already received a notice from the Animal Welfare Board

I intervened on your behalf and resolved the matter

Sir, that happened six months ago

I paid whatever they demanded to settle it

Now, what’s the issue, Sir?

Hey..

Don’t bring that up

First, tell them to stop making the elephant work

Sir, we’ll take care of it.

Take care of it?

stop the accent We ain’t cousins to deal like that.

First, stop making the elephant work.

what

Hey sengu

Hey

Stop the work!

come here

Is there any major problem?

Someone secretly recorded a video of you making the elephant work.

and sent it to the minister.

It’s been forwarded to many people, and eventually, it made its way to me.

Here! You have a look

Look at the clarity of this video

There's already so many issues, and now this on top of it

I don’t know which b**t**d did this

I have to send a report now.

If I mention the elephant is here, you’ll lose your license

You’ll be arrested and thrown in jail

If I don’t report it, I’ll lose my job

What should I do now? You tell me

Hey, Sengu!

You heard him, right?

I’m facing so many problems because of this elephant

It’s only because I know you..

that I kept both of you here and gave you work.

But I can’t handle this anymore.

But I can’t handle this anymore.

I don’t understand, boss.

You didn't understand?

Ever since I was born, I don’t even know who my parents are

I’ve grown up in your presence and that of the elephant.

Now, if you suddenly tell me to leave,..

where am I supposed to go, boss?

Tell me

Go wherever you want. I don’t care

Boss, listen to what I have to say. I’m done, man

First, take your elephant and leave from here.

Boss, boss... Sir, just one moment...

Please do something. Boss! Boss!

What are you looking at, sir?

No, I’m just checking if anyone is filming this.

Boss?!

Why did you ask them to stop working?

Is there a problem?

Hmm

Hey, do one thing

Pay today wages to all the labourers their wages and send them away

I’ll explain what’s going on in the evening. Okay, boss.

There’s been a small issue

Please collect your wages and leave for the day.

I’ll send word about tomorrow’s work.

Boss has asked me to meet him in the evening.

I’ll let you all know what’s going on, okay?

Hello ? Tell me uncle Are you busy?

It's ok. Tell me uncle?

Nothing. There’s a small issue at the Timber yard.

Why? What’s the issue?

The forest department officials came and halted all the work

Why? What’s their problem?

I need to discuss this with you in person. Can we meet?

Do one thing. Come to the Dam bridge Okay.

You said you had to stop work? What happened?

All these days, we’ve been logging and loading with the help of an elephant, right?

Yeah

Someone filmed it and sent the video to the forest department

That inspector, Biju, yeah

showed me the video and was furious

He was adamant about leaving only after the work stopped

So he halted everything

This is exactly why I’ve always told you…

You received that notice from the Animal Welfare Board, you were nearly arrested, right?

You should’ve dealt with this back then

Now you’re here because the issue has reached the minister.

That’s why I came to you! Please, tell me if there’s a way out.

If you ask me.. There’s only one solution

get rid of that elephant.

If you don’t, you’ll end up in bigger trouble

If that video leaks on social media,..

Nobody can save you.

Hey.

Go wherever you want. I don’t care.

Boss, listen to what I have to say. I’m done, man

Take your elephant and leave from here.

What's the matter, boss?

Seems like this issue is bigger than the elephant itself

And I don’t think you’d adjust well to life in jail

Partner, I’m already frustrated here

I came to you for a solution, but instead, you’re mocking me

Relax, boss. I’m here, aren’t I? We’ll take care of it.

What did you say? Take care of it?

I said the same thing, which angered him, and he shut down my work

Shanmugam, what I meant to say is...

You don’t need to explain anything. Here, have some chips.

Forget about me eating these chips.

Worry about the jail food you both might end up eating

You don’t need to worry about that, sir

First, focus on getting rid of that elephant.

Trust me, I’ve been telling him this for a long time.

I even yelled at him,..

But he won’t listen

Now, I just have to beat him and throw him out

Boss, don’t go down that road

If he leaves and spills the truth about what’s been happening here,..

your jail time will be guaranteed

Then what do you expect me to do?

We need to handle this delicately.

You know how to deal with it.

Alright then.

Let’s say I manage to throw him out.

How am I supposed to run my daily business?

Now you are talking

In this day and age, it’s no big deal.

For the loading work, just get yourself a JCB. Simple.

Oh really? And how much it cost? A buck? Two bucks?

Even if it costs a million, I’ll handle it.

What

The vehicle will arrive at your yard tomorrow.

You can pay me back in installments with every load you send my way.

Now stop overthinking.

Here, take a shot

Relax, boss. We’ll take care of everything

Hmm. Go on, drink

Just enjoy your drink

Listen up, everyone. The vehicle won’t go any further

You’ll have to continue on foot.

Sister, please get down.

It’s nearby. Let’s walk from here. Ok.

Mother? Yes?

This priest we’ve come to see..

can he really figure everything out and guide us?

He’s a powerful Sorcerer

Whatever task you give him, he’ll see it through

Remember your cousin who got married and moved to Vellore?

Who are you talking about?

You know her well that Fat girl

Ah, right. Her husband was secretly seeing someone else.

Shh! Exactly.

Only after Shekhar Uncle brought her here, spent about 25,000,..

and had the priest make her wear an amulet,.

did her husband become devoted to her like a slave.

Is that so? Yes.

So, we will find Lakshmi, right? Of course, we will

This priest will surely figure out where she is

I came here with that belief, so don’t try to scare me

You’ve come to see me after Rahu Kaalam and Yama Gandam. ( the inauspicious hours )

This itself suggests that your work is already half-done

Now, tell me, madam, why have you come?

Master, I don’t need to explain much

We were raising a cow, Lakshmi, at our home. - Hmmm

She’s been missing for a day now.

We’ve searched everywhere, but only you can help us find her.

Mmm-hmm

Last night,

when I heard the sound of bells near my house, I knew immediately

they weren’t the bells.

It was the cow goddess knocking at my door

Now, I understand everything

Keep 5001 bucks donation on the plate and pray to your ancestral deity

I can see her, madam. She hasn't gone far

It's a native cow,..

with conch shell beads around her neck

Am I right, madam? you are absolutely right, master

This is not the work of an outsider

This has been done by someone from within the family,.

to disturb the peace

They've done this.

[The woman starts crying ]

Madam,

if what I say is true,..

then ensure the lamp stays lit and keep adding camphor to it.

Okay, master.

[ Chuckles ]

Madam, I have found her.

From the entrance of your house, towards the south

42 miles away, she is tied up.

It has been two days since she ate anything.

Oh, Lakshmi... My goddess.

By tomorrow, if you manage to find her,..

Lakshmi will be returned to you

But if you miss this opportunity, she will go far from us

No master, we will go and find her

Why don't you men go and find her?

Okay, master. Okay, master

Go now. Come, let’s leave quickly

Master, what’s going on? The laborers have been idle since morning

We have send load soon

Soon, they'll break for lunch and start asking for their wages.

Our money will go to waste.

Patience, wait. [ Indistinct chatter ]

Master, the JCB is here. Hmmm

Did you see? It’s brand new!

Super, master.

It’s like a bigger elephant

It is master

You’ve now made the work of 10 people possible with just this one JCB.

That’s why I bought it

Hey..you all wanted to work right? Let's get started.

Come on, guys! Come on, guys! Master is calling us!

Hey, start the vehicle. Everyone, move

Because someone filed a petition,..

I never thought I’d be standing here in front of you like this, boss

You have to find a solution

Hey, the matter has reached the DFO

You’re not understanding the seriousness of this. You keep repeating the same thing.

Boss, you know all the officers here

Hey, Listen to me carefully.

Without anyone knowing, take the elephant to the forest and release it.

Then come back and work as a laborer

That way, both of us will stay out of trouble

Sengu, he’s saying this for your own good. Listen to him

Instead of doing this, if you still plan to keep the elephant here,..

I swear, I’ll slap you. Hey!

After all, you're just a laborer cleaning animal dung

How dare you touch me? Bastard!

Listen carefully, you shouldn't be here by morning

How dare you... Boss! Boss!

Hey go away. He's just repeating the same thing.

Calm down. Leave him be

He keeps saying the same thing over and over. I’ll handle this.

Am i a Bastard ?

Where will I go?

How will you live without me?

Tell me

He tells me not to touch

Tell me am i untouchable

The elephant is coming, the elephant is coming, [ Reciting a poem for kids ]

Shaking its big trunk, the elephant is coming

The lion, the tiger, and the wild cat too, Running around, just like me and you.

I's just Like a little child, Gives a mother’s hug

Riding on the elephant, the king is coming too

The elephant is coming, the elephant is coming, Make way, the elephant is coming

I know you won’t break any promises made

Will you promise me something?

No matter what anyone says, no matter how much they trouble you,..

Please don’t leave this place. Be a little patient

I’m sure the master will have a change of heart and eventually look after you.

If I’m here, they might send you away.

Promise me

Promise me you won’t leave this place

[Sad, dramatic music]

He couldn’t handle losing his job here.

He didn’t know how to take care of the elephant anymore,.

So he drank toxic gooseberry juice and ended it

Brother, what’s the use of just waiting here? Time is slipping away

Take it away

Come with me, brother.

[ Bharathi wails loudly in anguish ]

Indistinct Chatters

Please come, sir

We don’t know what will happen next. - Don’t worry, sir

I’ll have everything loaded by this evening.

No, absolutely not! I need it by tomorrow evening

If I’ve taken the money for it, I will make sure the work to be done.

Okay, sir, okay. Hey, the master is here

Guys, we need to cut this tree and load it by evening.

Instead of cutting the tree, what are you all doing?

Master, the problem is this elephant

It’s not letting us go near the tree to cut it.

Not letting?

So, you’re all just sitting around and watching the show?

You should’ve scared it off and shooed it away! - That idiot has tied the elephant, sir

It won’t let us go near it

Now what are we supposed to do?

Boss, I have an idea.

An idea? -Yes, boss

Tell me.

We’ll get the DFO’s pistol and take a clean shot at its temple

t’ll die instantly, master. - Oh?

How do you think you’ll get hold of an officer’s gun?

If I give you one whack, you’ll be flat on the ground!

No master, Sorry. - Master?

Can I say something based on my experience?

Experience? What experience?

As if you’re some IIT graduate? - Leave that, listen to me, master

What? No..Pity that animal.

There is no other way, Boss.

Just say yes, and I’ll handle it properly

Alright, do something. I don't want this here tomorrow

Ok make it soon

sir...

There is small issue, sir.

I will despatch them to you tomorrow evening.

Hello Tell me, sir

[ Old Tamil movie song playing ]

Sir, what is this?

What happened? You know how hard it was for me to make this?

If the forest officer or anyone catches me on the way

I'll be in deep trouble not you sir

Hey, enough of the drama.

Take this.. Sir?

Come here.

We have ones made from beef, venison too

Call me if you need it.

Brother? Brother!

Work is in full swing at our neighboring yards.

We’ve been sitting here, just staring at the elephant for two days

even that standing there for a long time in same position

And you’re going and feeding it

The elephant isn’t just standing there

It’s following Senga’s orders.

now what cooking a new story?

No not a story No matter how smart an elephant is.

when it interacts with a human, it becomes like a child

It will listen to anything we say.

Senga must have told it something before he died..

That’s why its stubborn

Brother

You seems cleaver...

But you are feeding it.

I have added a secret ingredient in it

what?

Pig's meat.

if we make an elephant eat Pig's meat

It will forget any promises it had made

Then..

Who it is. Who was it's mahout.

The elephant will totally forget.

It ate the food you kept, brother

Now just see..

See how calm it will become. Forgetting who it is.

Yes, brother.

It's become quiet & calm

Eerie silence fills the forest, accompanied by rhythmic heartbeat sounds.

[ Rhythmic heartbeat sounds Intensifies ]

"A gang of hunters who use avutakkai bombs to hunt wild animals.."

has now become a threat to domesticated pets as well."

Last night, a bull that had wandered into the woods while grazing..

accidentally consumed a country bomb.

The bomb detonated, causing the bull’s jaw to explode

Struggling for its life, the bull was rushed to a nearby veterinary clinic for treatment.

" A petition has been filed to capture the gang using avutakkai bombs..

to hunt animals, as it poses a threat to both elephants and.."

domesticated animals in the forest region."

A 15-year-old female elephant was seen walking with a severe injury to its mouth.

..caused by consuming a "country bomb" (Avutakkai).

Unable to eat or drink, it succumbed to a painful death.

Similarly, in the past three months, four elephants have died in the Forest region

forest region after chewing on avutakkai bombs.

Similarly, the frequent occurrence of domesticated and wild animals suffering.

.severe facial injuries has left villagers across northern Tamil Nadu in despair

Wild pig and deer hunters make "avutukkai" by mixing beef with chemicals used.

.in bomb-making, which attracts the pigs. They then place the bombs in areas

with high deer and pig movement in the forests

They should have fed that to the elephant and killed it too

" Today, it happened to my cow. Tomorrow, if we go searching for our cows ..

.and the bomb explodes, it could hurt us too, sir.

"This bomb, no bigger than a fist, contains explosive powders, metals, springs,.."

.and a meat mixture rolled into round balls, either placed inside a fruit or wrapped.

Unaware of the danger, the animals eat it, and the explosion inside their mouth.

causes a painfully agonizing death.

Now, even forest officials and villagers have fallen prey to these bombs..

"The villagers hope that the police and forest department are working.

together to put an end to the group that hunts using avutakkai bombs."