Original subtitles

Every human in this world has their own problems.

I'm no different.

But the most important problem I have is...

an identity crisis.

Who am I?

What is my identity?

You belong to our caste. That's your identity!

I heard men from other castes are going after our women.

Let's go burn their house down.

Even I check out women from other castes.

We're Indians, dude. That's our identity.

The neighborhood guys are doing a snake dance to celebrate Bangladesh's win.

Let's go ask them.

Even I celebrate my sixes with a snake dance!

Our religion is our identity, son!

I heard a group near the hillside is converting people to another religion.

Come on, we'll give them hell.

If my slippers go missing again,

- I'm quitting temple visits altogether. - Oh, God!

We're all brave men, son.

And that's our identity.

Our college-going girls aren't wearing dupattas.

Come, we'll warn them.

I wear low-rise pants, so my underwear shows.

In my hometown, people tried to impose their own identity on me.

So I moved to Chennai from Salem.

- Good morning, man! - Morning.

After high school, I wanted to study engineering.

But my mom made me study agriculture so I'd stay in farming.

By the time I graduated,

farming was no longer possible because of the drought.

So, Dad became a wall painter,

and Mom worked under the 100-day employment scheme.

- Don't cut down trees! - Move, please.

With the help of people from our town, she planted 2,000 saplings.

Now imagine telling her to cut those trees down

to build a road into town. Do you think she'll stay quiet?

If you keep protesting, your town's never getting a road.

He's got a point, too.

Either build the road without cutting down the trees, or get out of here!

People shouldn't try to fix things without knowing the town's issues.

- Out of my way! - Sir, it's fine.

Don't build the road.

That's how educated people end up leaving this town

just to make a living somewhere else.

That temper proves he's from our caste.

Even when she was sick, Mom worked in the fields and fainted often.

Even as things got harder, she was stubborn about farming.

She forced me down her path,

so I gave up farming and came here for work.

Despite having a degree in agriculture,

it's the course I signed up for during an Aadi offer

that's helping me make a living in Chennai.

For the past four years, it's been the same company, the same desk,

the same job...

and I'm still searching for my identity.

My name is Sathya.

And my age is...

Bro, get out!

How long are you gonna be in there?

- Why do you keep knocking?! - Can't you hurry up?

- He does that all the time. - What is it?

- I'll finish you! - Go!

I've stayed in the same mansion since I came to Chennai.

There's hardly any difference between Chennai and this mansion.

It's always crowded, long queues, water scarcity,

- fans fighting over Thala and Thalapathy! - Hey! I'm a fan of Prashanth!

My actors, Bobby, Vijay,

and my music director...

Meet Mani from Madurai.

He spent ten years chasing his dream of becoming a director,

only to crash and burn in love.

I have a story called It's All Because of Her.

Want to hear it?

Go on.

It opens with...

It opens with...

It opens with...

This is Vasanth from Tirunelveli.

He can even sell junk to earn money.

Idiyappam!

Thanks, son.

Since Mani had no income and wanted to make it big in cinema,

the girl he loved broke up with him.

My girl's a religious one, buddy.

You can always find her in temples.

- But we're different, you know? - Yeah.

We're Periyarists.

Cut to scene. We're in front of her mother confessing our love.

Her mother looks me up and down.

The camera slowly zooms in on her...

And then she says, "We don't eat garlic, son."

That was it. I was done!

What do garlic and love have to do with each other?

Don't you get it, idiot?

If they don't eat garlic, they won't eat onions either.

So I said, "Get lost, onions!" and walked away!

Every night, over a free drink,

he keeps retelling his failed love story, irritating everyone.

This is a kind of love.

Baby, you said you've got a surprise for me?

What is it?

What's this? You've got an amazing tattoo.

Remember, Naveen?

He just finished his tattoo course.

Vasanth's been talking to a girl from Bangalore

whom he met through a wrong number.

Now he's forgotten his Tirunelveli Tamil

- and speaks fluent Bangalore Tamil. - Yes!

- Exactly. - His only goal is to

find a job in Bangalore.

But he made sure I was poked right!

Didn't the poking hurt, baby?

This is another kind of love.

I will gut your heart out like a goat!

Even if you slit me and throw my heart away,

it'll still say, "I love Chimbu!"

"I love Chimbu!"

"I love Chimbu!"

This too is love!

Everyone has their own love story.

But me?

No girl's ever stopped me for a ride

or to ask for directions.

The only thing I've heard them tell me is...

Excuse me?

"Excuse me."

I lived a life I hated and despised.

Then one day,

a girl walked in and made it worth loving and cherishing.

#01 YOU, ME, THE RAIN, AND AN UMBRELLA.

I still remember when I first met Viji.

You didn't come in yesterday?

Yeah, I went to my friend's wedding.

The older we get,

the more wedding invites we get, and it's frustrating.

Excuse me.

She was writing down the name

I would whisper until my last breath.

- You first. - No, it's alright.

- It's fine. - I insist.

She mistook me.

She took me the wrong way.

She took me the wrong way!

Did she?

She read it all wrong. Dang it!

What's wrong?

Anyway...

You didn't turn up yesterday, right?

We got a new trainee.

She was gorgeous!

Her name's Viji!

She must be around...

twenty-something...

Sorry.

I didn't mean to do it.

It was just an instinct.

What do you mean?

I don't understand.

It's okay.

I misunderstood you.

I'm Vijayalakshmi. You can call me Viji.

I'm Sathya. You can call me--

Call him bro, then.

You can call me whatever you like.

We've become so close that she calls me "da."

Despite being close,

some bonds just don't turn into love.

I didn't want ours to suffer the same fate,

so I'm pulling every trick I've got.

Like snow that fell on spider webs,

her face was filled with tiny raindrops.

Her lips are like an inverted Thirukkural.

The lower line is slightly bigger than the upper one.

For guys like me, getting down on one knee

and proposing won't do the trick.

But on a softly scented night,

with a chill in the air, maybe we'd get a yes.

Viji?

I've been meaning to tell you something...

What is it?

Just as I was about to express my love,

the open sewer turned my night sour!

- I'll get going. Tanu's here. - Okay.

I'll be back on Sunday. Okay?

- Get home safe. - Alright.

Bye!

Did she just text you a "K"?

Yep.

She could send you 100 free messages.

But still, she replied with a single letter.

She's definitely in love with you, man.

No one asked for your advice.

Flirt with your girl instead.

I can't.

Why not?

She'll get caught if I call her.

Her cousin's in town, it seems.

So she's showing him around Bangalore.

She posted about it on Orkut, too.

Look!

Isn't she scrumptious?

Look how she's showing him... the city!

That's her cousin?

Yeah!

He's from Delhi, apparently.

Hey, Cutout!

Santhosh?!

Is that you?

Not bad.

Talking without the "da" now?

You still haven't forgotten the past, have you?

Alright, serve me.

- Congratulations! - Okay, okay.

Bring me some water, Sathya!

So...

you fell at my feet in front of your parents that day

to pick up leftover leaf plates?

I work in the accounts department in a company called Step Up.

This is just a part-time job.

Are you married?

I don't have plans for it now.

But I'm an eligible bachelor.

A bachelor?

So you're unmarried.

You were the oldest in our class, right?

You must be... 30-something, right?

I'm 29.

One year doesn't make much of a difference.

There's only a one-year difference between 28 and 29.

But between 29 and 30?

There's a huge difference, dude.

Okay, whatever.

He was my classmate in college.

Just because his father is a politician

who owns mills, schools, and colleges,

he's an arrogant brat who doesn't respect people.

One day, when he talked big, I thrashed him.

The next day, he ran to his father and demanded

- a public apology from me. - Sathya,

why are you scared of him?

The entire village is here.

You'll be humiliated if you fall at his feet, son.

You...

what are you thinking?

Sathya!

If you fall at his feet now,

I swear I'll never speak to you again!

Even though Mom told me never to apologize when I've done nothing wrong,

- I fell at his feet to settle the problem. - Let go of me.

Humiliated by that, my mom stopped talking to me.

I thought I would never see him again in my life.

But...

Sathya, my boy!

Come here.

What can I get for you?

- I'd like some rasam, please. - Hey.

Bring some rasam here.

Wait. I'll take it.

I said I'll handle it.

- What's this? - Rasam.

- I asked for buttermilk. - You moron.

He asked for buttermilk, and you brought rasam?

- Take it away. - Okay.

Hey, where's the buttermilk bucket?

Are you bringing it here, or should I come there?

Hey! Won't "Sir" serve me?

- Does it really matter? - Hold on.

- Bro, I'll do it. - Zip it, will you?

- Okay, right! - I'll go.

Who piled so much food onto the kid's plate?

That's enough.

Enough, man.

That's enough.

Hey!

Didn't I tell you that's enough?

I'm telling you the same.

That's enough.

What happened, dude?

Why are you getting angry?

They'll talk this out.

Any problem, Santhosh?

Go on, eat.

What have you even achieved to act this arrogantly?

Was this a love marriage?

- Nope. - I knew it.

You've got no identity of your own.

Your dad set you up with a comfortable seat beside him

and even picked a bride for you.

You'll always be daddy's little boy, won't you?

What's so hilarious about being a bachelor?

Feeling proud about getting laid ahead of us?

The minute we turn 30,

girls' families reject our horoscopes.

Companies reject our job applications.

And on top of that, boomers like him chew our ears off

asking, "Why aren't you married yet?"

We have to deal with all that, put our own lives on hold,

and work for our families instead of starting one of our own.

Now that's a bachelor!

The pain of still being single at 29...

Guys like you, living off daddy's money, wouldn't get it, dude.

Long live you two!

Come on, guys.

TRIPLICANE'S MANORAMA MANSION TO BE DEMOLISHED

Baby, please? Come online, please!

I'm begging you. Please? For my sake.

Every apartment has that one little room on the terrace

rented out for bachelors like us.

The three of us moved into one such room after the mansion was demolished.

Baby!

Is this why you were shy... because you're half-dressed?

It's okay, baby. There's nothing to hide between us.

Even in this, you look beautiful.

Baby, there's someone behind you.

No one's here, darling.

There... Behind your cupboard...

That white shorts guy... Now he ran in!

- Shucks! - Sathya, come here quickly!

Hey, what is it?!

A thief broke into her room!

Bro, she's not fully covered, but she's covered. Help her, man!

Can't you see him? He's right behind you, baby.

This is why I told you to eat carrots.

Dude, someone's there inside her cupboard, right?

What if it's a ghost?

Vasanth, I'm freaking out!

Hey! Hey!

Baby?

Baby!

Baby!

Baby!

You saw that thief, right?

Baby...

Dude,

do you really think he's a thief?

Of course! Can't you tell?

Don't you dare suspect my girl.

God...

I got a text from her saying she was feeling low

and didn't want to stay home.

She asked if we could meet.

#02 THE SEA, THIS DAMNED LOVE, AN EXCLAMATION MARK!

It was fun, right?

One second.

What is he doing?

- Okay, thank you! - Complete nut case.

Hi!

Settled into the new house?

We will, eventually.

Hey,

you said you were feeling low.

Is everything okay?

I told my mother I was feeling feverish.

She shouted at me, saying I was lying

just to escape doing the laundry.

She thinks of me as a burden.

She doesn't love me anymore.

Why don't you check if I'm running a fever?

What are you looking at?

Give me your hand. See?

I have it, right?

Oh, my!

You're burning up!

You've got a nice new fragrance on you.

What perfume did you use?

Rotomac.

I finally feel at peace.

Can we get in the water?

What's wrong?

The sea always reminds me of the movie Titanic.

I've seen it 20 times, maybe.

Oh, yeah?

Alright, tell me your favorite scene from it.

The one where the hero

wins tickets in a rummy game

and runs to board the ship?

That's my favorite!

I've seen girls who casually touch while talking.

But Viji is not like that.

Her standing in the sea, holding a guy's hand...

that's not a small thing.

But...

I didn't want to live with the uncertainty

of where I stood in her life.

I'm going to the shore.

I felt like I was confusing friendship with love.

I could've made girls look at me

if I had some talent like Titanic's Jack.

But I can neither draw nor write poetry. I can't even play a guitar.

You know,

the voice inside my head is much more interesting than what I speak.

But she can't hear it, right?

Or can she? Let me try.

Viji...

Hi, dear.

Would you like to buy some flowers?

Look at her hair. It looks empty without flowers.

Who even has such lengthy hair these days?

Buy her some, will you?

Is it a law for lengthy hair to have flowers on it?

Ask her yourself if she wants flowers.

Over here, ma'am.

Poor girl's going to suffer with him.

Come, let's go.

Sathya?

Sathya!

Wait, Sathya.

What is it?

What do you think of yourself?

I'm a girl and dropping you so many hints. Don't you get it?

I waited six months thinking you'd propose,

but you kept putting it off for some reason!

When she wanted you to buy me some flowers,

why did you get irritated?

I thought you'd never touch me...

and even lied about having a fever.

And you're still acting dumb?!

When I asked about your favorite scene in Titanic,

you said you liked that rummy scene!

I'll kill you.

What's taking you so long?

Tell me!

I...

I was looking for a special place to propose.

Yeah, right.

Don't make me cuss.

In buses, temples, and even in public toilets, people etch their names...

expressing their love.

You could've written our names in the sand,

drawn a heart, and proposed!

Instead, he was bothered

about the pit we were digging.

You are so dumb!

I've been trying to stay calm and be a good girl.

But you're testing my patience.

So, will you finally say you love me, or should I walk away?

What?

Wait here, okay?

- Where are you going? - Just stay there.

Sathya?

Stay right here.

Come with me.

- What happened? - Come here.

- Where? - Come.

What is it?

This is that special place.

What's so special about this place?

We're still on the shore.

If you walk away from this spot,

you'll hear the traffic blaring.

Walk toward the sea,

and you'll hear the waves crashing.

Okay, and?

But at this spot,

you can neither hear the traffic

nor the waves crashing.

Just the deafening sea breeze.

Don't believe me?

Go check for yourself.

Alright.

Hey...

You're right.

As you said,

I can only hear the breeze.

The one that you hear from a conch?

That's what I hear.

Are you ready to look me in the eye like this for the rest of your life?

Gosh, you're so romantic!

I don't know how or what you're going to do.

You're buying me flowers from that lady before we leave.

Okay? Come.

Can't walk around with these heels.

It hurts.

Here, hold these.

It's getting late. Come on.

Come!

Come fast.

Is that your girl?

Enjoy!

I'm a beautiful girl's boyfriend.

That's my identity now.

The sky rained love

The earth soaked it in

The sky rained love

The earth soaked it in

Seeds broke free to grow

New plants began to show

Flowers bloomed so fair

They longed to rest in your hair

Where you walk The flowers turn

Drawn to you in quiet grace

Even thorns long in silence

To be the flower You might pick one day

All flowers fade and fall away

But the one you chose that day

Even the one you wore and threw

Still holds the scent of you

Its journey ends in grace

It finds its heaven there

- Viji? - Yeah?

- Did you see this? - What is it?

- Here. - What is it?

Hey!

You somehow bought it?

Okay, hold this.

I'll look at it when I'm back. I'm running late. Okay?

- Hey-- - Yes, Sathya?

Are you in the office? I'm just starting from home.

#03 ANNA SALAI, BUS GRAFFITI

Power cut there too?

It just went off here.

As soon as summer comes, the power cuts start.

Why are you still here? Has the MD come?

Looks like it's a two-hour power cut today, sir.

It'll be back by noon.

- Okay, sir. - It was a Friday.

She had just washed her hair.

Not the usual well-combed single braid.

Just a casual knot on her damp hair.

A bit of jasmine held her hair in place, like a paperweight holds paper.

She looked like a perfectly wrapped gift.

I think she went to the temple in the morning.

She smelled divine, like a temple.

- Hello? - Yes!

It's hard to work without the AC.

Yeah.

Power won't be back for two hours.

What do we do until then?

Didn't we plan to go by bus once?

Yeah!

Shall we take the bus today then?

We're going!

You're right!

Going on the bus is actually fun!

What, Viji?

Honestly, why did you fall in love with me?

I don't know.

I swear, I don't know!

Why do you ask?

I thought you'd say

you liked my character, that you think I'm a good person,

or that I remind you of your mom.

But all you did was

talk about my eyes, lips, face, and hair,

just my looks.

It does sound nice,

but...

Do you really love me, Sathya?

Look, love needs no reason.

If it does, it isn't love. Even Shakespeare said so.

But you want a reason.

Fine.

Let's do it your way.

Why are you in love with me?

Is it my character?

I don't even give money to the homeless

or help the blind cross the road.

Why do you love me?

Actually, I like your inner voice.

You mean "Seelay"?

What does that mean?

I call that voice Seelay.

Oh!

Then it's Seelay that I like.

I don't know why I like you either,

but I trust you completely.

I asked myself the same question Viji asked.

I had no answer.

She loves my inner voice.

Someday, the inner voice that praises her beauty

will admire her character and fall for that, too.

And someday, she'll hear that too.

#04 SEELAY...

Hello, where are you guys?

Alright, come fast. Okay.

Bye.

Sathya, they're almost here.

They'll be here in ten minutes.

Why is your button open?

The only thing I know about Viji is that

she wants to become an IAS officer.

But I wanted to know about her school days,

her favorite teacher, and the subject she hates.

So I thought I'd meet her friends and get to know her better.

Now it's okay.

Do I look okay?

Hello?

Give me a minute!

Hey, Mr. Sathya!

Vasanth said you're out on your bike with a girl every day.

You didn't even tell me.

I'm talking to you!

Are you two eloping or what?

Hello? Hey!

Do you have a photo of her? Show me right now!

No sense of timing at all.

All my thoughts kept going back to my mother.

Whenever she took up road issues or lake issues, we'd clash.

Because of that, we haven't spoken in four years.

If she dies while we're still not talking,

my whole life would feel meaningless.

Hosur! Hosur!

Come on, hop in!

Viji, is that him?

Hold this.

Thank God you're here!

I was worried you'd taken an Omni bus.

Finally, I saw you.

This will do.

Where's your phone? I tried calling you.

First, it kept ringing,

then it switched off.

When you rushed off, saying your mom was sick and you had to leave,

I got scared.

I didn't know what to do.

Then my friends showed up.

They just asked where you were and what happened,

and I started crying.

Meet my friends.

- Hi! - This is Amritha.

- Lakshana, - Hi.

- Jayashree, and Divya. - Hi. Hello.

Sorry. We were supposed to meet at the park,

but we ended up meeting you all at the bus stop instead.

That's okay, boss. We'll meet another day.

We'll wait outside. You guys continue.

Alright? Let's go.

Sorry, I didn't mean to do it.

My phone switched off.

Since I came here in a hurry, I couldn't charge it.

Namakkal, Salem! Namakkal, Salem! Salem!

Namakkal, Salem, Salem! Namakkal, Salem, Salem!

Should I leave?

Hey, wait a minute.

- Just shut up. I'm warning you! - Hey, Divya! Stop!

- Give it. You could've stayed there. - Sorry, sorry!

Don't start the bus yet, bro.

Sathya, take this.

There's a water bottle and a banana for when you get hungry.

I know you might not feel like eating because of your mom,

but please don't stay hungry, okay?

Just seeing you will give her strength again.

Please, at least talk to her now.

Call me once you reach.

CHENNAI SALEM

I left her alone at the park just like that.

Why would she come after me?

That too with her friends?

When girls leave town,

I've seen their boyfriends send them off with water bottles

and a few books to read, right here at CMBT.

But I've never seen someone like her.

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

HEY, JUST PICK UP THE PHONE ONCE.

DON'T RIDE TOO FAST. YOUR MOM WILL BE FINE.

Seelay, Seelay My only Seelay...

SHOULD I COME TO THE VILLAGE WITH YOU TO SEE AUNTIE TOO?

WHICH BUS STAND ARE YOU LEAVING FROM? DO YOU HAVE MONEY ON YOU?

This love I feel, I must confess It won't let my heart rest

It aches to tell you why

The words that echo deep in me Did they find their way to you?

My eyes can't hold it in

You asked me that day if I fell for your beauty?

No. This is the character you asked for.

This is why I love you.

If you ask me suddenly, I won't be able to phrase it perfectly.

That's how I am.

I grew up that way.

My inner voice kept yelling,

"Everyone, look! That's my girl!"

Sir, ticket?

Where are you going, sir?

Brother, one ticket to Salem.

Make it two.

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Who else needs a ticket?

Seelay, Seelay My only Seelay...

Like the moon that moves Upon the river's face

Like a beam of light Touched by rain's embrace

Your light that shines So deep and true

My life within the love I keep Love of my life, it's you, just you

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My only Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Are you happy now?

Okay, bye.

From now on, tell her to rest

instead of working at the canal and the lake.

Even on her deathbed, your wife won't change, will she?

I've had enough, Dad. I'm going back to Chennai.

Stop, dear.

She won't change her mind.

And you won't step down either.

You two aren't going to speak to each other in this lifetime.

For my sake,

stay here for a week. So she can at least see you.

She'll be all right.

Hey, she's here.

I didn't expect that...

you would listen to me and stay here.

You've become calmer and more composed.

Whatever the reason, I'm happy about it.

There's a girl, Dad.

Her name is Viji.

I look at myself But I'm not the same

How do I tell you That you're my world?

You walked in As the wings of my soul

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

You're the joy That stole my heart away

I search for you As my eyes grow dim each day

Take my hand and guide me home

Seelay, Seelay My only Seelay...

Like a night that never fades away And a story that never ends

My soul searches for you in every beat You're the rhythm that makes me complete

Even the moon will rest one day Close its eyes and drift away

But our love won't lose its ray

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My only Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

What are you doing on my computer?

I'm checking if you've got adult videos.

Check his computer. You'll get it.

In this restless, spinning world

You gave me a lap Where worries sleep

You became my forever

You came to me, my love

I'm drenched by something unseen I'm lost for words to express my love

Distance means nothing I'm close to you in every memory

Even the moon will rest one day Close its eyes and drift away

But our love won't lose its ray

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Do you always have to bring a gift?

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My only Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Seelay, Seelay My dear Seelay...

Have a sweet.

- What's the occasion? - It's my 100th interview.

That's why.

No, thanks! Sit down, please.

Here, ma'am.

What is this?

What's wrong, ma'am?

You filled the "sex" column as "I'm waiting"?!

Idiyappam!

That was out of frustration, ma'am.

Sorry, ma'am.

What the hell is this?

And you've filled your area of interest as "Bangalore"?!

Idiyappam!

Oh, that's where my girl lives.

What the hell is this?

Your degree certificate has Maruthi Printers' logo on it.

It's a fake certificate!

Idiyappam!

- Get out! Get lost! - Ma'am...

#05 FOUR LIPS AND ONE KISS...

Get away!

Didn't you say you'd be back only at night?

Listen. I'm furious, man. Don't make it worse!

I want to drink in peace.

Fine. How did it go over there?

It all went to hell.

My producer's last movie was a total flop.

He won't be able to finance it for the next two years.

This is all because of her! This is her doing!

- Who? - My ex, of course.

My whole life fell apart the day she left me.

- He got sweets for his 100th interview. - Go take a look.

I'll kill him if he didn't get selected today.

Sathya...

- There's a girl asking for you. - Sathya?

Is she your girlfriend?

Move, please.

Why are you here?!

- Did anyone see you come? - Nope.

Hey, can I show her around?

Just keep quiet.

Feel at home, sister.

Viji, meet Mani.

- My close friend. - Oh.

Hi!

Nice meeting you.

Remember the slap I gave you?

Why bring that up now?

Don't mind me. I'll take my drinks elsewhere.

- Anyway, my beers are getting warm-- - It's alright.

- No worries, you can drink here. - Oh, no, no.

If I stay, neither of us can do what we want.

- What are you doing, man? - I'll leave you two be.

Have fun! Bye!

- Dude! Dude! - But it's raining--

Sathya!

I'm leaving my slippers here.

I'm heading out!

Turn up the TV to drown out the noise. Call me if you need anything! Bye!

Pickle! The perfect pairing!

I know why he left us alone.

You're sick, and I just came to check on you.

But if you don't behave,

I'll kill you.

What's this?

Idiyappam!

Just put it back.

My head's already killing me.

Feels like I'm seeing you after years.

Since you got back, you've been on sick leave.

Thought I'd pay you a visit.

But I didn't know your friend would be here.

I'm sorry.

Screw him.

Okay, when are you planning to tell your mom about us?

- Okay, don't tell her. - Hey.

It's not like I don't want to.

Will you hear me out, please?

I want to become an IAS officer.

That's been my dream.

Everything else is secondary.

Only then will my mother take me seriously.

Do you understand?

Until then, I want you to stay calm, like that snake in Chandramukhi.

No hissing, no dancing. Just be a good boy, okay?

Hey, you're burning up.

What did the doctor say?

You don't know?

You sent me "those" texts all night,

and now you're asking me?

You don't know? You don't?

What the hell is this?

An orange dupatta?

And it's got Hindi on it.

- Yeah. - Alright, tell me what this is.

This is the letter "Y."

This?

This is "O."

And this?

That's "M."

"M"?

What about this?

Why do we need a third language

when we have our glorious Tamil?

Get your hands off me!

Take your hands off me!

I'm only against its imposition,

not the language itself.

When desire creeps in,

love doesn't stop for red

or go on green.

It's like a flashing orange light in the middle of the night.

You've got to tread carefully.

Dude?

Hey...

Viji left?

Not yet.

Will leave in a while. You can come in.

Is this really our room?

My lungi is...

now a curtain!

Forgive me, my Lord.

- Hey... - Careful, man.

Careful.

- Dinner's ready? - Yes, please sit.

Sit.

I made it all.

Tell me if you like it.

Enough.

You're not hungry?

- You first. - Eat with him.

Let him eat.

Long live home-cooked food!

It's been three years

since I last ate at home.

All thanks to her!

- Slowly, slowly. Have some water. - Don't cry!

I thought you would've pounced on each other since the room was all yours.

But you tidied it up and cooked dinner, instead!

So you're a good girl.

Who said we didn't?

Oh, my. That was unexpected!

Very good.

Good to know that.

I've been there, and I can relate to this.

- Is that rasam? Can I have some? - Yes.

Thank you, that'll do.

Pour some in my hand, please.

Why did you two split up?

Did you try to win her back?

You see, in the beginning,

chemistry is all love needs.

But as time goes on,

you need math, too.

Math is very important, you know?

I wasn't born with a silver spoon, unfortunately.

I fled to Chennai because cinema's my everything.

And years flew away in a blink.

How long will she keep taking care of me?

She fought with me and went away.

I pooled in all the cash I had

and looked for her everywhere.

But when I couldn't bear my hunger after the third day,

I gave up.

These days, even a pair of slippers...

gets on my nerves!

When I go into the bathroom to console myself,

I dunk my head in a bucket of water

and cry my heart out.

And to ease my physical needs, I...

Hey, hey!

Oh.

Sorry, sister. I shouldn't have said that.

Sorry, man.

But...

the food was fantastic.

He's really lucky to have you!

Hey, wait. I'm not done talking.

Wait.

Sister,

being in love is an amazing feeling.

You can sit with your loved ones,

look back on all the trouble you got into and your glory days,

and laugh your heart out.

But talking about your failed love story,

telling everyone how you blew it just for free drinks...

- Alright. - that's the worst kind of pain.

Time to sleep.

- Hey, let go of me! I wasn't done! - Come on, man!

Listen up, Viji.

If you...

decide to break up with my buddy

because your mother or your father disapproved of him,

- I swear I won't let you rest in peace! - Hey!

- Shut up! - Oh, don't shush me!

- I may be drunk now, - That's enough.

- but I meant every word. - Shut up, man.

Bye.

What's the matter?

TEA ESTATE OWNER'S DAUGHTER CLEARS IAS EXAM

Okay, hold this. I'll look at it when I'm back. I'm running late. Okay?

- Hey-- - Yes, Sathya?

Are you ready to look me in the eye like this for the rest of your life?

I want to become an IAS officer.

Don't hesitate to follow your heart, dear.

Honestly, why did you fall in love with me?

I swear, I don't know!

In the beginning, chemistry is all love needs.

But as time goes on, you need math, too.

Math is very important.

Viji?

Viji...

Yes?

I've been watching you since morning.

What are you thinking? What's wrong?

It's nothing.

Your face doesn't say that, Viji.

I'm resigning.

What are you saying, Viji? Who did you ask before deciding this?

Why would I need to ask anyone?

I make my own decisions.

You should've asked me!

We are in love with each other.

We can't make individual decisions anymore.

It has to be "our" decision.

Tell me this, then.

What did you want to become growing up?

I just wanted to be a grown-up.

Answer me, Viji!

Come on in!

Love you, Hema!

Why do you keep tailing me?

Most of them know that I love you.

- They don't know it's mutual now. - So what if they do?

Everyone and everything back home knows about us.

Tell me, Viji! Because I'm done hiding our relationship.

Guys! Wait, wait! I'm sorry.

Guys, guys, guys!

May I have your attention?

Sathya and I are in a relationship.

Relationship?

- What about Manoj? - Shut up, idiot.

What about me?

Viji, are you okay?

It's alright. It's not like he's the only man around.

Will you shut up? You have no idea what love is.

Please tell me he's pranking us all.

You expect us to randomly believe

- that you're dating him? - Are you pranking us?

How do I prove it to them?

If we were married, I'd have shown my thaali.

But...

Hey, my neck hurts.

Can you bend down a little?

I felt my identity slowly slipping away

the moment Viji said she wanted to pursue IAS.

It felt like graduation day.

Viji's 21, and I'm 29.

I'd never felt the age gap between us when we were walking side by side.

But the moment she stepped ahead,

she felt miles away, like a fading speck in the distance.

If you love me, if we're meant to be together,

and if you can still hear me,

just turn around and look at me, Viji.

Viji...

Viji...

I've always told every couple I met

they'd end up together, just to spare them the heartbreak.

Until I met you two.

You and she

aren't meant for each other.

One day, you're going to suffer a lot.

Come on, dance with us!

Everything may seem fine

until it's her turn.

One day, she'll show you who she really is.

That'll shake you to your core.

I'm not sure if I can stand again.

I don't know if I'll open my eyes.

All I can hear is her laugh and the sound of the rain.

Viji?

Viji!

Viji...

#06 A DRIFTING KITE IN THE COLD BREEZE

Cultural understanding of health and disease

explains how communities interpret illness through their beliefs.

Viji was dead set on clearing her IAS exams this year.

Mani was knocking on every production company's door

to get his script approved.

Vasanth got a job in Bangalore and settled down with his girlfriend.

Sir!

Thank you so much, sir.

But me?

Without Viji and no will to work,

I felt completely lost!

I'm wilting away, my flower

My sweet summer bloom Because of you

Why did you come? I told you I'd take the bus.

I wanted to see you.

- I'm wilting away, my flower - Okay, let's go.

My sweet summer bloom Because of you

Since my love has drifted away

I'm a poet reborn today

You're okay, right?

I wanted to see you,

but I just couldn't find the time.

My prelims are in two days.

I understand, Viji.

The moon above whispers my ache

The earth below bears what I take

- The moon above whispers my ache - Do you always have to bring a gift?

The earth below bears what I take

Between the heavens and the earth

Why are we so far apart, my love?

- What's wrong? - It's just that...

sometimes I wish I could meet my dad, just once.

Why? To ask him why he left?

I've never even seen a picture of him.

His name is Kurunila Kathiravan. That's all I know about him.

No matter what, I would never leave you, Viji.

I'm wilting away, my flower

My sweet summer bloom Because of you

- What else? - Viji,

this kind of question only comes up after we've talked for a while.

Don't you have anything else to say?

Alright, get some rest.

Wake me up at four, okay?

Okay.

- Love you, da. - Love you.

You are the endless sky I am the world below

You are a silver cloud

- Still awake? - I am a broken sliver, incomplete

By losing myself in you I have unraveled my soul

I'm wilting away, my flower

Open it.

What is this? Okay, you can go.

- Are you taking over for Viji? - Yes.

- Are you married? - Yeah.

I love you.

Good thing she didn't catch that.

- Hello. - Can I speak to Sathya sir?

Yes, ma'am.

How did your exams go?

Pretty well.

But the mains are tougher.

I've only got four months.

I need to study really hard.

Anyway, where are you?

At work.

I need to go somewhere tomorrow. Can you take me?

What's this? Hitting Enter gives me an error.

I knew it.

I was wondering why you were being so nice.

Don't make it sound like I'm only being nice to get a ride.

Alright, I'll take you.

Mind telling me why?

#07 FALLEN ROSES

Hey, Sathya!

Look over there.

That's Rukmini auntie,

my Hindi teacher. She sings really well.

And that man over there is her husband.

These are all his paintings.

She really does look like an angel.

Stop drooling.

Hello.

Hi.

Do you like my artwork?

You have very nice paintings.

Thank you.

- What? - I just realized

it's hard to look someone in the eye when they're taller than you.

- Sorry, what? - Height, height.

- Looking for someone? - Yeah, my favorite painting.

Okay.

Viji, is that Sathya?

Oh, my God! Look at the way he's admiring you!

It's the first time he's seeing me in a lehenga.

He's melting!

- Put the bags in the car. - Sure, ma'am.

- Bro, go get the umbrella. - Viji.

Please sit.

So, Sathya, has Viji mentioned me?

Yeah, she was just talking about you, but then...

And then what? I interrupted

- like a total buzzkill? - No, not at all.

Viji was my student.

She lived in our building when she was in school.

I used to call her Radha.

I don't even know why.

You used to come to my Hindi classes

- back then, right? - Yes.

- Remember any of it? - Yes.

She's taught me a bit of Hindi too.

You...

Hey, that sounds like some kind of code word.

No, no, it's nothing.

- Okay, I'm running late for my flight. - Okay, ma'am.

- I'll leave now. - Okay.

Do you want me to drop you somewhere?

- No. - I have my bike. I'll manage.

In this rain?

And it's a pretty long way, isn't it?

Let's do one thing.

- Pooja. - One second.

When is our checkout?

Tomorrow at 11 a.m.

- Okay, give me my key. - Yes.

- Thank you. - It's okay, ma'am.

This is my room key. You can use it.

- We're leaving anyway, so... - But...

freshen up, grab something to eat, and relax for a bit, okay?

No, it's okay. We'll manage.

- It's okay. - Don't be so formal with me.

Do you like the lehenga?

It's beautiful.

I called you here to give you this.

Okay, dear, I'll get going. Stay in touch.

- It was nice meeting you. - Nice meeting you.

Bye.

Bye.

I was...

The bag...

I'll just use the restroom.

Oh, no.

Yes, Mom. She was really nice to me.

She even gave me a beautiful lehenga.

I'm wearing it now.

Yes, I came with a friend.

Sathya... I've told you about him.

Anyway, did you eat?

Okay then, go get some sleep. I'll get home safe.

Bye.

What are you doing?

Hey!

Viji, do you remember?

Before we started dating,

when you'd travel home late at night in an auto-rickshaw,

I told you to act like you were calling home.

To tell your mom when you'd get home and give her the license plate number.

I told you to do that so the driver wouldn't mess with you.

But I never imagined...

you'd use that trick on me.

What are you even saying?

I don't get it.

Be honest with me.

Was that really your mom?

No.

Why, Viji?

Are you ever going to trust me?

How could I?

The moment we got the room key, where did you run off to?

What's in your pocket?

See for yourself.

There was a stall downstairs.

I saw these earrings and thought they'd match your dress perfectly.

Why do you do this?

Why do you always get me something?

Do you always have to bring a gift?

I want everything around you to remind you of me, Viji.

To me, that's a real achievement.

I am not your "achievement," Sathya.

I'm not your trophy, please understand that.

I'm fighting to become an IAS officer.

You need to find something to fight for, too.

Set a goal and go for it!

There won't be time for any of this then.

We aren't the same anymore, Viji.

I wake you up,

I take you places you want to go,

yet sometimes you just leave without looking back.

Don't get me wrong.

But lately,

I feel more like your driver.

I'm not interested in anything else, Viji.

I just want to see you, talk to you,

make you laugh, and make you think of us.

When I get you something like this,

you kiss me and hold me tight.

That's enough for me!

To me, that's love.

I can't think beyond that.

Fine.

You say you can't think beyond this.

Then don't.

Just see what "this" actually is.

What are you even saying, Viji?

Stop blabbering.

I'm serious, Sathya.

Holding hands and touching shoulders as we walk,

riding over speed bumps,

sharing a drink with two straws,

choosing corner seats at the theater,

what is it all for?

It's just a way to savor love in small bits, isn't it?

Thinking about what it is, how it feels,

whether you can see it or feel it,

where to meet next, how to move forward,

these thoughts take over everything, don't they?

So let's see what it is today.

No, Viji.

Stop.

Let's just leave.

What now?

Are you about to give me the "wait till marriage" speech?

I don't believe in all that.

Does it really matter if it's before or after marriage?

Are you coming,

or should I just leave?

I don't think you really mean any of this, Viji.

This feels wrong.

Only the mind knows right from wrong.

But the heart

only knows whether it wants it or not.

What does your heart want, Sathya?

Do whatever you want,

my heart's just not in it.

Let's go.

I'm leaving.

I don't know whether what Viji said was right or wrong...

but it felt wrong to just leave her like this every time.

Don't ever leave me.

Wild little longings live in my chest

Silent passions glow in my eyes

Wild little longings live in my chest

Silent passions glow in my eyes

In this golden hour we meet

I dissolve in you so sweet

Like a cloud of quiet desire

Won't it speak without a fire?

Will you come near me?

Will you look into my eyes, my love?

Will you come, slip into my fingers?

Will you give yourself to me Until I lose myself tonight?

Wild little longings live in my chest

Silent passions glow in my eyes

Wild little longings live in my chest

Silent passions glow in my eyes

O moon of a tender summer eve

Will you come share The night with me, will you?

Are you the sea That moves in delight?

Shall I rise like a high tide And fall gracefully at your feet?

Won't these kisses linger on?

Aren't you the music of my bliss?

Unfading desires held within Never breaking past the line

Still, a quiet bloom awakens inside

Will you come near me?

Will you look into my eyes, my love?

Will you come, slip into my fingers?

Will you give yourself to me Until I lose myself tonight?

Wild little longings...

Silent passions...

Wild little longings live in my chest

Silent passions glow in my eyes

In this golden hour we meet

I dissolve in you so sweet

Like a cloud of quiet desire

Won't it speak without a fire?

Will you?

Wild little longings...

Look at me?

Silent passions...

Come closer?

Wild little longings...

Give yourself?

Silent passions...

Look at me?

Look at me, my love

Give yourself?

Give yourself, my love

Hey...

I feel a poem coming on.

Can I tell you?

Every place your touch--

That was the last day we were truly happy together.

Viji went back to studying,

and I, without a plan, quit my job.

#08 LOVE IS HEART OVERSTEPPING BOUNDS

Hey, stop, stop. Pull over.

CELEBRATING MINISTER PUNNIYAKODI'S 52ND BIRTHDAY

Why are you standing here, Dad?

At least we're here.

They didn't even let an old man onto the street.

S.M. PUNNIYAKODI WATER RESOURCES MINISTER

- Hurry, the minister is here! - Just a minute.

- Sir, sir... - Wait, stop the car.

Sir, sir...

Our lake became a dump yard, sir.

If you please clean it, we'll somehow survive.

Only you can help us, sir.

I can help you clean the lake. What about the rains?

I can't help you with that, right?

For that, you need the Rain God's help.

We could've voted for the Rain God instead.

- Shut your mouth. Go! - Hey, get going.

You waited all this time for that?

I don't trust that man.

Ask him to call Viji.

I bought her a sari. Let's just give it to her and leave.

Call her, dear.

She said she'll meet us at the park nearby.

We'll wait there.

Let's go.

We have to catch the train on time.

Why don't you sit on the bench?

That doesn't suit me. I will sit here.

Look, it's pouring like a waterfall.

We don't have this kind of water back home.

It's just the same water recirculating.

Look at him, acting like he's never seen water in his life.

Bye-bye.

She'll be here, Dad.

Let her take her time. Why are you getting so nervous?

Come, sit here.

She started it here, too.

Pick it all up.

Why is she doing all this when she's sick?

Hey!

You know how she is, right?

- This color will suit her well, right? - Correct!

Listen, we'll be leaving soon.

Can't you at least speak a few words to him now?

- What is it, dear? - Her phone is switched off, Dad.

I think something's wrong.

Should we wait in my room?

We're already running late for the train.

And our people have already called a thousand times.

We have to leave now to catch the train.

Just a second.

Here.

Your mom bought this for her.

Give it to her yourself.

- We're leaving. - Okay.

- Let's go, dear. - Should I get you an auto-rickshaw?

No need, dear.

Dad...

What is it, Mom? Why are you looking at me like that?

Just looking at the future Collector.

It's already late. Go to sleep.

- Alright, good night. - Good night, Mom.

WE ARE WAITING AT THE PARK. COME FAST, VIJI.

WHERE ARE YOU? PICK UP THE PHONE, FOR GOD'S SAKE.

DON'T INSULT ME IN FRONT OF MY MOM AND DAD. COME FAST.

IF YOU ARE NOT HERE IN 10 MINUTES, I'LL BE AT YOUR HOME.

I'VE HIT ROCK BOTTOM IF YOU'RE TURNING YOUR PHONE OFF WHEN I CALL, HAVEN'T I?

YOU GAINED MY TRUST LIKE THIS AND THEN ENDED UP BETRAYING ME.

NO MATTER HOW LATE IT GETS, I'M NOT LEAVING HERE UNTIL YOU SHOW UP.

AM I IMPORTANT TO YOU, OR ARE YOUR STUDIES?

Sorry, sorry! I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, da.

I'm really sorry.

I remembered it as recently as yesterday.

I don't know how it slipped my mind.

I'm sorry, sorry.

I'm sorry.

Sorry, please.

Did your mom feel bad?

You used to call her "aunt,"

and now you're asking if "my mom" felt bad.

How would you even remember?

Aunt gave this?

I'm trying to apologize.

You think I did this on purpose?

That's how it looks.

If I did this on purpose,

would I be here begging you

with an exam just four hours away?

Sorry, Sathya!

The exam is making me anxious and stressed.

I've lost track of the day and time.

Even if today were my birthday, I would've forgotten.

I would've remembered, Viji!

I would've remembered it.

Right!

I...

I don't know how to deal with guys.

My world...

It never had a man in it.

Girls school, girls hostel, women's college...

I was always around girls.

Maybe if I had grown up watching

my parents talk and communicate...

I would've known better.

But...

my dad...

left us when I was just a little kid.

Sorry.

Sorry, sorry, sorry.

Don't take this the wrong way, Viji.

If your mother is anything like you,

your dad did the right thing by leaving you two.

You quit your job, ran your mouth,

and now you want to drink in broad daylight?

Don't do it, it'll destroy you.

I know this is wrong.

She asks me to achieve something in life.

I'm already 29.

You've left the job, what's next?

- I don't know. - Bro,

I think someone spooked her with a failed love story.

That's why she's scared of love. What do you think?

It's you who confused her with your love story.

- Get lost. - Okay, sorry. Leave it.

If your mother is anything like you,

your dad did the right thing by leaving you two.

Excuse me!

She doesn't have to love me the way I love her.

But she can at least acknowledge my love.

Yeah, I get it.

- But look, she-- - I left my job too.

I don't know what to do next.

I got furious when she didn't show up yesterday to meet my mom.

Maybe I should meet her and say

I won't disturb her until her exams are over?

She has to succeed.

- It's Viji! - Hey, look at that smile.

Take me home.

Viji?

Mom has gone to her hometown. Drop me at the gate.

Come inside, Sathya.

Close the door behind you.

Sorry, dear.

I love you, Sathya.

I'm going to hurt you with my words.

Bear with me,

I don't know any other way.

Just leave, Sathya.

I've thought this through.

We should break up.

I called you home for the first time.

And you couldn't understand why?

You just walk in and hug me.

What are you trying to say, Viji?

Do you think a girl inviting you over when she's alone...

can only mean one thing?

Is that all you are, Sathya?

I told you to stop being like this and stop chasing me.

I kept pushing you to achieve something,

and I flunked my exam.

All the pressure you put on me over little things

stressed me out, and I fainted during the exam.

They took me to the hospital, put me on an IV, and sent me home.

Just like that, a whole year is gone.

Mom went to the village to pray to our family deity

and called to ask how the exam went.

I acted as I did well.

I lied to my mom.

I got a job in Delhi.

I'm going to work there

and join IAS coaching.

I'm taking my mother with me.

I called you just to tell you this.

Had I told you on the street, you'd have started yelling.

That's why I brought you home.

I've got nothing left to give you.

I troubled you a lot just so I could always stay in your memory.

But you moved beyond all that, Viji.

For you to even think of me,

I'd have to be a chapter in your book

or a question on an exam.

You never asked me for anything.

But I would always bring you something.

Today, I showed up empty-handed,

but you asked me for something.

If this is really what you want...

then let's just end it, Viji.

Let's end it!

Have a good life!

#09 THE DANCE OF FIRE

What the hell are you doing?

Is this even a problem?

Listen to me, please don't.

Why the hell did you beat up a professor?

You're going to end up in jail.

He takes inappropriate photos of girls,

and I'm just supposed to let it slide?

Is that any of your business?

We've had nothing but trouble since we moved to Salem.

There's a new problem every day.

Why do you care if they cut down a tree on your street?

Why do you have to protest and put up posters?

Why do you have to file lawsuits, man?

As if that wasn't enough, you started Citizen Forum, gathered some guys,

and now you're pulling weeds, claiming to clean the lake.

"Pulling weeds."

You think this is funny?

Pulling weeds is easy.

What are you going to do about that college built right on top of the lake?

I'll ask them to return the land they grabbed to build the college.

Oh, and they'll just hand it over?

You think you're the District Collector, ordering people around?

I'm not a Collector, man.

I'm an activist.

Can I tell you something?

Your problem isn't with anyone here.

Then?

Viji!

No way.

I'm telling you, it's Viji.

No, bro.

You're lashing out at everyone here because of her.

No, that's not it!

She's the one fueling all this rage.

Why are you reminding me about her?

His name is Sathya.

I told you he's the one who messed with me at the wedding.

Today, he came to our college and had the guts to hit our guy.

And he's joined the townspeople in adopting and preserving the lake.

If he succeeds, our college will be in serious trouble.

That's why I wanted to finish him back then,

but you shut me down.

I'm not asking you to stop.

I'm just asking you to wait.

I built this empire with no help.

Even if it's my own son trying to bring it down, I won't spare him.

His time will come.

He said I have no identity, and that I--

That I'm just living off my dad's wealth.

Now, I'll make sure he has no identity.

- Give this file to Udhayashankar. - Okay, sir.

The Collector is calling you.

Not everyone.

Just you.

All this time, it was your mother who brought these petitions.

Now it's you.

What have you studied?

B.Sc. Agriculture.

Then why not just do farming

instead of creating problems with this crowd?

My parents made me study agriculture because they wanted me to farm.

Only after graduating did I realize that my college is on the lake.

Ma'am, apparently, there was a lake in that place.

"Apparently"?

I swam in that lake until tenth grade.

That lake was the lifeline for all the surrounding villages.

If you turn the remaining lakes into dumpsters

instead of preserving them,

where will these people go?

You people are always quick to blame the government.

It's become a trend these days.

How many lakes can the government preserve with its funding?

It's everyone's responsibility.

Cleaning up a lake isn't easy.

It's a Herculean task.

- Why don't you try doing it? - Give me an opportunity.

We're adopting Aranganeri Lake.

We are going to dredge it, preserve it,

and bring it back to life in six months.

From now on, it's ours.

Ever since Viji left, you lost your composure.

Why do you want to clean that lake now?

I'm cleaning myself.

I'm that lake.

My sweetheart, oh my sweetheart

Oh, the arrow that pierced my heart

My tears have filled an ocean

I can't blame you It wouldn't be right

You're not here To take me to the shore

What am I supposed to tell my people?

The moment you left, I faded away

- I'm a version of me I never knew - We're from the same college, bro.

We heard you're cleaning the lake.

So we thought we could help out at least on the weekends.

I'm Jaanu.

Oh, my loving arrow

My sweetheart, oh my sweetheart

Oh, the arrow that pierced my heart

- Oh, my loving arrow - Excuse me?

Oh. Thank you.

I'm Varun.

Viji.

What's up, Cutout?

You think you can start farming by saving this lake?

Try to save yourself from this lake.

Once the lake is back to form, it'll come straight to your college.

- You! - Hey!

We're staying here.

Okay!

Your son is back, just like you wanted.

He's also trying to save the lake for you.

Why don't you talk to him?

He's not doing this for me.

Not even for the town.

He's doing it for that girl.

Oh, those piercing eyes

She left me to suffer

Oh, those piercing eyes She left me to suffer

What's happening to me? I don't feel the same

I yearn for you I'm breaking deep inside

Now I'm moving away I'm searching for my life

Like heat in the air Your memories surround me

All night long They whisper your name

Like a root pushing through the soil I struggle to break free from you

Hidden beneath the surface No eyes can see it

Where are you all going?

- We're going to clean our lake. - Our lake?

- What's your name? - V. Vijayalakshmi.

My sweetheart, oh my sweetheart

Oh, the arrow that pierced...

The girl he loved was also named Vijayalakshmi.

It was going well. But they split up due to some misunderstanding.

Only now is he clear-headed. He looks happy.

I want him to come out of it.

My tears have filled an ocean

- I can't blame you it wouldn't be right - Sathya?

- You're not here to take me to shore - Just leave, Sathya.

- What am I supposed to tell my people? - Sathya! Sathya!

The moment you left, I faded away

I'm a version of me I never knew

My sweetheart, oh my sweetheart

My sweetheart, oh my sweetheart

Oh, the arrow that pierced my heart

I know your love story.

- Continue, go on. - What should I say?

Even if we're successful,

we can't lean on our own shoulders

or rest in our own laps.

My loving sweetheart

- Damn, he found it's my dialogue! - My beloved one

He's still not out of that trauma.

Getting close to him in the name of love, I don't think that's a good thing.

If a girl likes a boy, it doesn't always mean it's love.

We've already got this much water from just this rain.

At this rate, our college might be underwater by the next one.

We have to do something.

Otherwise, our college will be in trouble.

Please understand. Don't do this here.

A lot of people have worked hard to clean this lake.

If you put plaster of Paris in here, it'll contaminate the water.

Don't you dare stand against God. Move!

Please listen to me.

If a God demands nature's destruction, it isn't God, no matter the religion.

Cutting trees and sowing seeds won't fix anything.

You know those black-shirt atheists? They're that group, man.

- Fool! His shirt is olive-green. - Who are you talking to like that?

- Hey. - Hey, stop.

- Hey... - Hey, mind your tone...

- Leave me. - The police are here.

- Stop it. - Move!

Move!

- Hey. - Hey!

How dare you hit a policeman?!

Come with me!

Get inside!

Move!

Sathya, who ran a Salem-based social service NGO called Citizen Forum,

is now accused of scamming people out of millions of rupees.

Investigators also say he sexually harassed college girls

who volunteered for lake cleanup drives.

Non-bailable charges have been filed against Sathya

for financial fraud and sexual assault,

and he is being held at Salem Central Jail.

Don't stop a beneficial movement like this out of personal vengeance.

I know him well.

The more you try to suppress him, the stronger he'll get.

Leave him alone.

I'm being patient just because you said so.

But I'm not responsible if something happens to him inside that prison.

What is it?

You said you had a lot to study.

You're done already?

Help me, Mom.

What's wrong, dear?

I'm not able to focus, Mom.

Viji, my child.

What happened?

Stop crying and tell me, dear.

The more I try to distance myself,

here... there... outside...

I see him everywhere, Mom.

I just can't, Mom.

Who is he?

Sathya.

Sir... help.

What do you think I can do?

I want my son back.

You've got two minutes.

Just leave, Sathya.

Just leave, Sathya.

Where will I go, Mom?

Tell me, where can I even go?

Does nobody want me?

How many more times do I have to be uprooted and planted somewhere else?

You told Viji not to hesitate to follow her heart.

Why didn't you tell your son that?

Now, I have no identity, Mom.

Who am I?

I cleaned that lake

not because Viji asked me to,

or just so you'd come talk to me.

I did it for me!

It was to prove to myself who I am.

I found my identity.

And I won't lose it again.

Hey, time's up!

Hurry up.

They're going to do something to me tonight.

I'm ready to face whatever it is.

But if I die,

all our efforts will be in vain, Mom.

There's only one way for me to escape.

Didn't you hear? Time's up!

Every cop here

has their eyes on you.

Don't be scared.

Keep a straight face and don't cry.

Try to keep smiling, Mom.

When you go out,

the media will be waiting with cameras.

Cry and make a scene in front of them.

Don't believe anyone here.

If they see your expression change,

they'll hurt you too.

- Go. - Hey!

- Keep smiling. - Let's go.

Didn't I tell you time's up?

- Come on! Hey... - Mom!

Smile, please.

- Go out looking the same way, Mom. - Hey...

My son...

My dear son!

- They are going to kill my son! - What happened?

- They'll kill my son! Save my son, please! - What happened?

- Tell us! - What exactly happened between

- your son and the minister? - Oh, my dear son!

Tell me, why are they trying to kill your son?

- They framed my son with a false case - Say it clearly. What happened?

for helping the town.

They're going to kill my son!

- Yes, believe me! - Why have they arrested your son?

Public outrage continues to grow

as students and civilians protest across the city,

demanding Sathya's release after he was arrested on a false case.

Following an urgent investigation, Judge Sabarinathan

voided the land registration tied to the illegal encroachment on the lake land

and ordered authorities to demolish the college within a month.

The court also ordered the evacuation of hostel students

and asked college authorities to make suitable...

Fool!

I disown you as my son!

I'm...

- I'm Vijayalakshmi's mom-- - I know.

Tell me.

Our family is a big one.

Everyone in my family is a well-educated doctor or lawyer.

Except me.

After my husband left,

everyone looked down on me and ignored me.

Maybe that's what made me so stubborn.

I wanted my daughter to do well.

It's her dream to become an IAS officer.

From childhood until now,

that's been her life.

For a while, I even got to see her happy.

She took care of herself and enjoyed what she was doing.

One day, out of nowhere,

she took me to Delhi with her

and said that only then could she become an IAS officer.

But now...

she came to me crying, saying she doesn't want to study anymore

and is begging me to save her.

I know how it feels to leave someone you love.

I want my daughter back.

She must do well in the exam.

Even now,

I told her I was going to the temple and came here.

As a mother,

I want to do something for my daughter.

If you can...

could you please talk to her?

Auntie...

Auntie!

Do you have a minute?

Please don't take this the wrong way.

What is it?

Don't you want to know if Sathya still loves your daughter?

That's his personal matter.

How long have I been in the hospital?

You've been unconscious for ten days.

We weren't even allowed to see you.

A lot of people came and gave us all kinds of reasons.

Forget it. You're doing well now.

So many things happened when you were in prison.

I wonder if your college will even be there.

Youngsters look up to you now.

They created a "Save Sathya" hashtag in your name,

and your arrest became a national sensation.

All your efforts have paid off.

I was wondering why you were doing all this.

But I understand now.

Do you know what our Aranganeri Lake looks like now?

Stop right there!

I want to see it!

Like a prayer flag, it holds the hopes of this town's people.

Look, your son is here!

THIS LAKE WAS RENOVATED BY CITIZEN FORUM

I used to tease him as "Cutout" in college.

Now people have made a cutout of him.

The answer to "who am I?"

isn't our name, nationality, country, mother tongue,

caste, creed, or color.

Life is all about

searching for our real identity.

As Viji said,

I now understand the joy of running toward a goal.

#10 THE LOVER WHO HEARS HER MAN CALLED "A WISE MAN"

Drop him at the park and come here.

Viji!

Viji!

Viji!

Viji!

Hey, I've made him sit there.

Did you find her yet?

No, I don't know where she is.

- Bro... - What?

I've got an idea.

Idiyappam!

Idiyappam!

Idiyappam!

Idiyappam!

Idiyappam!

Idiyappam!

Idiyappam!

Shut up and get lost!

Viji!

Viji!

Viji!

Viji!

Viji!

- Vi-- - Why did you come here?

Why the hell did you come?

Tell me.

- I-- - How did you find me?

- Come with me. - Let me go, Sathya.

- Mom will wake up. Sathya! - Come, please.

What do you want now?

- I'll tell you. Just come. - Why are you doing this?

Didn't we already break up?

I said let me go, Sathya.

Can you do me a favor?

Please!

What?

Why did you bring me here?

Please wait here for two minutes.

Just two minutes.

- Wh-- - Don't go anywhere. I'll be back.

- Who are you? - Viji...

Sathya...

Sathya?

Viji.

- Who are you? - Ever since I got to know her,

she has always wanted to see her dad,

who left her when she was a little kid.

After I adopted our lake,

I met a lot of big shots asking for donations.

One such person from Malaysia was Kurunila Kathiravan.

You are...

Kurunila Kathiravan.

That was a Tamil name in Malaysia, so I asked around

and found out he's Viji's dad.

You're my daughter!

Dad...

Dad?

Forgive me, dear.

Viji...

Dad...

After moving from India to Malaysia,

he started an export business and opened hotels there.

Now he's fully settled there, mate.

He's even produced a couple of movies.

He kept calling to ask if I had seen his daughter.

I called him here today,

and here he is.

Do you always have to bring something?

Don't smile.

It was your wish to see and talk to your dad

at least once in your life.

That's why I brought him here.

Thanks.

Your mom visited me at the hospital, Viji.

She said you didn't want to write the exam.

Does she know about Dad?

Let it be that way.

She's still upset with him.

I honestly don't even know if he's really Viji's father

or if he just brought in some random guy wearing a coat and suit.

All your decisions, including breaking up with me, were right.

But this one isn't, Viji.

I realized why you left me only after you did.

And I deserved that pain.

I didn't have anyone around

to teach me what to do, where to go, and what to learn.

I'm a first-generation graduate.

No one before me even stepped into college.

I spent half my life figuring out

what I like and what comes easily to me.

Settling down in my 30s felt like a distant dream.

People like me only wake up when we're 29.

Until then, we work, make some money,

and that's it.

But you are different.

You're very clear about what you want.

Your mother raised you well...

without your father

or relatives to support her.

She came all the way there to meet me.

Win this for her sake, Viji.

Her only dream is to see you become a Collector.

Write the exams, Viji.

Will you?

Please.

Hey.

- What do you do? - Me?

I wanted to be a film director.

Now I don't even think about it.

Do you have a story?

Sir, of course!

It's called It's All Because of Her. Want a one-liner?

Go ahead.

It opens with... a round of applause.

We're all a collection of stories.

Some stories make us laugh out loud.

Some make us cry.

And some inspire us and lift our spirits.

Aranganeri is one such story.

For you to even think of me,

I'd have to be a chapter in your book

or a question on an exam.

Sathya?

This is it.

All this drama just for this.

You can call me your moon, your sky, your cloud,

or whatever fond names you like.

In the end, I'm just a girl.

I call you my fire, my raging bull, my lion, and all that, too.

But you're not that.

You're a man.

That's all.

But this world

has romanticized everything,

like boys and girls and all these small things.

It stopped us from thinking about the bigger things in our lives.

Remember in school,

we used to draw a heart in science class?

It was hard to draw that heart.

But that's the reality.

Have you seen the ones lovers draw?

The ones...

in greeting cards?

Those are easy to draw...

because they're fantasy.

Come out of your fantasy, Sathya.

You're 29 now.

Your desires and ambitions...

shouldn't stop with me.

You should become something big,

and I'll stand beside you, proud as your woman.

Hey...

I feel a poem coming on.

Can I tell you?