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What is the price of life, O God...

Tell me, what is the price of a life, O God...

Do not make me envious, O God...

Do not hide, show me the answer...

The breath is still the same, O God...

The wind does not mix colours...

The breath is still the same, O God...

The wind does not mix colours...

A mother suffers to bear a child...

The right to drink blood...

A mother suffers to bear a child...

The right to drink blood...

Who gave you that right...

Who gave you that right...

A mother who weeps...

A mother who weeps...

What is the price of life, O God...

What is the price of human life, O God...

Do not make me envious, O God...

Do not hide, show me the answer...

The breath is still the same, O God...

The wind does not mix colours...

The breath is still the same, O God...

The wind does not mix colours...

What is the price of life, O God...

Chennai 2012

I promise to state only the truth, and nothing other than the truth.

Your Honour, the police have proven this gruesome murder...

...with undeniable evidence and witnesses.

The accused has pleaded guilty to the crime.

Therefore, I humbly request the court to sentence...

...the accused to the maximum punishment of the death penalty.

Velmurugan! -Ma'am?

On the night of 23/06/2010,...

...you went to Kanakasabai's house in Alwarpet to steal.

In the altercation that ensued,...

...it has been proven that you have murdered Kanakasabai.

Do you have something to say about this?

Speak up.

This is your last chance.

I swore on the Gita and said it.

There's nothing else left to say.

As the counsel suggested, give me the death penalty.

The judgment in this case is reserved till tomorrow.

Annam!

Aren't you going to sleep?

There's a judgment tomorrow.

I'm confused.

Are you confused?

I've never heard you say that in any case.

Go to bed. Think about it fresh in the morning.

Go to bed first. I'll come shortly.

Okay, take your time.

My fate. Written by me.

Arivumathi. Lakshmikanthan's Murder Case.

Cuddalore 1972 16 October, 5 pm

Boy, give me soap for 10 paise.

Sir, give me two bananas.

Dear, give me ghee for 25 paise.

Central Jail, Cuddalore 4 9 pm

Vanakkam, Kumar. -Vanakkam.

Tell the boss I'm here. -Okay, Dharma.

Midnight

All is...

...well!

All is well!

All is well!

All is well!

My writing.

Epilogue.

My fate.

Written by me.

You were charged with murder and proven.....

You've committed a grave mistake and...

You sinner! Murderer! Monster!

What's this, Arivu? What have you done?

17 October, 3 AM

All is well!

Arivu.

Sir? -New clothes.

Bathe and get ready. The warden will come shortly.

How much time is left? -What for?

To get ready. -15 minutes.

Just a minute!

You took good care of me all these days.

To thank you with something in return,...

...I've got nothing but the word thanks.

Thanks a lot.

Panampattu, Villupuram Circle

There, there! Have you eaten, darling?

I'll soon give you a nice English name.

The name Elangovan doesn't suit you.

The dog has no work, and neither does this one.

Are you even worried that there's no food supplies at home?

A boon of a life you've got there.

Don't be jealous. Just give me some money.

I'll whack you. Buzz off!

Why are you limping, mom? -It's just a thorn prick. Here.

What's this? -A shirt. I went to the market.

Parangipetai's Bhai had set up a shop. I bought it for you.

Your birthday is coming. Wear it then.

Do you like it? -I do.

All right, go to the store and get some rice. I'll cook.

I'll go wear my shirt. -Okay.

Hey, Sooda. -Yeah?

Forget about buying a shirt for your son.

Give me some money. It's time.

Don't make me curse you. I've no money.

Even the government's treasury can go bankrupt.

But you'll always have some. Give me.

Look, I've only got money to buy rice.

I don't care about rice and whatnot.

If I don't drink now, I'll start getting the jitters.

Give me some money. -I told you I don't have any.

If you don't give me money now, I'll hang myself.

It's just about what you want, right?

Yes. So what? Did I ask you?

Don't you think this is selfish? -Yes, I am selfish.

What about it? -It's fine if you were...

...selfish enough to earn and spend it all on yourself.

You're lazy and living off mom's earnings.

Why do you need a wife and a son?

I didn't offer any special prayers for a kid.

Then why did you have me? -Arivu!

Keep quiet, mom.

Tell me, why did you have me? -Hey!

You were a by-product born as a result of my ecstasy.

Like the plant growing from the water used to wash dirty plates.

Your mother thought you were the holy basil and raised you.

Aren't you ashamed to speak like this?

All fathers in the world are like this.

It's just that I accept it. Many of them don't.

Your words scream of an irresponsible father.

Is this even right?

Do you call me irresponsible? My dad was much more irresponsible.

Didn't you mention that your dad was a freedom fighter?

That's why I'm calling him irresponsible.

How will someone as selfish as you understand...

...patriotism and sacrifice? -Yes.

My dad left us to go save the nation.

My mother sold herself to provide for us.

Do you know that? -Hey!

Have you got no sense? Why are you telling him that?

Just leave. -Hey!

Do I wish to call my mother a sex worker?

How else do I speak of my father's worth?

You complain about your father so much.

Are you being responsible?

You're taking money from your wife to drink and loiter.

And you dare to run your mouth. -Like you're some...

...government officer who earns and provides for the family.

Look who is talking. You're loitering around too.

Look, I'm looking for the job that suits my education.

If you degrade me, I won't even care that you're my father.

Will you hit me? Hit me then.

Hey, I dare you to hit me. -Arivu, leave.

You have no shame, do you? -No. Give me some money.

Or I'll hang myself. -Stop saying that.

I had to end up with him.

Here!

What's this? Not one card is right. Oh, no!

Brother, why are you keeping the queen?

Because my wife's no good. Shut your trap.

Brother Murthy! -What is it, Arivu?

What brings you here? -Cheat, don't look at my cards.

Just a minute, brother.

Hey, what is it? Is there a problem? Tell me.

I need to buy some rice. I need Rs2.

It's fine if you don't have any money, brother.

Hey! Did I say I have no money?

Okay, wait here. I'll be back.

Come on, Arivu. Let's play.

Arivu, here. -What is this, brother?

Open and check.

What's the chicken for? -To offer it at the temple!

Cook and eat it.

Here, there's Rs5 here. Buy some rice.

Rs2 will be enough, brother. -Keep it.

Thanks, brother. -Okay, go on.

Who are you setting it aside for?

That loiterer who'll come back home drunk and hungry.

It's for him.

It's only your mouth that scolds him.

Look at your hands showering the affection.

It's in my fate to marry him. Can I just starve him?

Your leniency is exactly why he leeches off you.

His stars aren't aligned in his favour.

Just eat.

You haven't paid the interest on the money you borrowed...

...for four months. How are you all even eating?

There's no consistent work, sir. I couldn't pay the interest.

Where did you get the money to buy the chicken you've cooked?

You should eat excrement instead. That'll strike some sense into you.

I'm giving you time till tomorrow.

If I don't get the interest, I'll make you three run naked...

...around the village.

Drive.

I'm giving you time till tomorrow.

If I don't get the interest, I'll make you three run naked...

...around the village.

How much interest do you have to pay?

I need Rs60, brother. -Why did you borrow the money?

That's the money mom borrowed by pledging our land for my education.

Anjalai! -Yeah?

Bring the bag. -Coming.

You're quick to torture me. Give me the torch first.

Shall we go?

I'll see you.

Mom, dad is going to hunt, right? -Yes, dear.

Brother, where are we going? -To arrange money.

Is money growing on fields? Why have you brought me here?

The fields have dried up. I'll tell you, come on.

I'm asking you, aren't I? -I'll tell you. Come on.

You just go on and on.

God!

Why are you looking at me? Look over there.

Even if it's rusted, it looks brand new.

It's a motor. -Did I say something else?

It is a motor. If we dismantle it...

...and give it to the motor mechanic I know in Villupuram,...

...he'll give us Rs100. Reddiyar's interest money is Rs60.

You and I can take Rs20 each.

Brother, are you asking me to steal?

No, who asked you to steal? Help me.

That's stealing too.

I gave you Rs5 this afternoon to buy rice, didn't I?

That was stolen money too.

The chicken I gave you was stolen too.

But you didn't tell me they were stolen when you gave it to me.

You didn't ask me when you took it from me.

Arivu, I wouldn't have asked either if I were in your place.

Because hunger doesn't know how to ask questions.

Food is the only thing that satisfies hunger.

Honesty and fairness don't help with hunger.

Those are things we yap about after our stomachs are full.

But isn't stealing wrong, brother?

Stealing to put food on the table isn't wrong.

Stealing for the sake of luxury is wrong.

Most people who live a luxurious life steal to earn.

The others live off their father's earnings.

Even Reddiyar lends his father's hard-earned money to earn interest.

Why bother about others?

Stealing is a sin. I can't do this.

Stealing isn't as big a sin as living off your old mom's earnings.

What's with the glare?

This is how I provide for my wife and kid.

When I see them eat heartily, I don't feel like...

...weighing the good, bad, sins, virtues and whatnot.

Do they know they are eating because you steal, brother?

They do. Didn't you notice my wife...

...bring this tool bag when I asked her for the torch?

When I buy something for my son, I tell him it's from stolen money.

That's how I'm paying for his school too.

Arivu, I am somewhat an honest thief in my own way.

Try to understand.

You told me you were working as a goat broker at the weekly market.

That's just what I say for the sake of my pride.

Wouldn't you feel ashamed if your son turns out...

...to be a thief in the future? -When there's no shame...

...involved in a politician's son becoming a politician,...

...why must it show up when a thief's son becomes a thief?

The one who's all witty sits on the throne.

The one with half the wits, stands next to the throne.

The one with nothing fights hard to put food on the plate.

The profession I discovered to earn without starvation is theft.

Just because it's a banyan tree that I planted,...

...whether my kids play with it or hack it down,...

...depends on their fate.

There's no such thing as fate, brother.

Everyone's slate is clean.

There's no one dedicated to writing it.

It's on us to write what we want. -Yeah, that's exactly it.

What's the fuss? It's up to us to write what we feel is right.

Most people say this.

It's not wrong to steal from the rich.

It's wrong to steal from the poor.

Just like Robin Hood.

You need to sometimes read English literature too.

I don't want that, brother. -What? English literature?

Hey, let's get to what we're here for.

If we just keep talking, it will be morning...

...and we will be caught red-handed.

We need to pay the interest to Reddy by morning.

Or he'll tie you up and drop you in the well.

Hey, this is actually Reddiyar's farmland.

It is fated that you have to pay interest to him...

...by stealing his motor. Bring the tools.

Be careful, there's a snake over there.

Hey, where were you all night without even informing me?

Use this to pay the interest to Reddiyar.

Where did you get this money from?

I went with Brother Murthy for a rabbit hunt.

And you don't have to go to work any more. Okay?

Hey, you've just started going on hunts.

You speak as though you have a job.

My son will soon get a job that suits his education.

Then I'll enjoy life.

I don't know if you sit or stand.

My booze money should come to me on time. Okay?

Arivu, give me that.

Okay, you go home. I'll go sell this anklet.

Okay? -Okay, brother.

Who did he give it to...

Oh, no! Hey!

This is daylight robbery.

He just vanished into the temple. Was it a thief or God?

Brother, did you sell it? -Yes, I sold it.

How much did it fetch? -The price we got it for.

The teacher is there. Just ignore him.

Vanakkam, sir. -Hey.

Vanakkam, thief.

Why are you calling me a thief, sir?

What else do I call you if you don't return the book...

...you borrowed from me?

I've got 10 pages left to read. I'll give it back after that.

This is what you told me last week as well.

I'll give it next week, sir.

I told you to ignore him. Why won't you listen to me?

Where are we stealing today, brother?

Not us, it's just you.

Why are you cutting me loose after teaching me everything?

I'm not cutting you loose. I'm asking you to cut loose.

I don't get it. -I'll tell you.

We've been stealing in this town,...

...but no one has caught us. What does that mean?

It means we've become quite skilled.

If we steal together at the same place and split the loot,...

...there's not much to make.

We'll end up living hand-to-mouth.

If we split up, steal, gather the loot, sell it...

...and split the money, we'll make a huge profit...

...and move to the next level.

No. Why are you taking my blessing for this?

There's a coin on the ground, brother.

Give it to me. That's my money.

I'll go wash my hands.

He's still not married. He has saved a lot of jewellery...

...to offer as a dowry.

Start your first theft from this pig's house.

Sir, it's his first time on the job today.

Bless him. -Bless you, son.

Go on, he has blessed you.

Oh, have you got a calf?

Okay, go on. -Arivu!

Go bathe. -Okay, sir.

Arivu!

Yes, sir. -Sir is coming.

Don't take too long to get ready. -Okay, sir.

Sir! Why are you feeling ashamed? I should feel ashamed.

Why are you giving that guilty look?

Just tell me what you're here to say.

Sir, intentionally or not,...

...I've taken up theft as a profession.

Get up!

Get up, I said!

Get out!

A.Sargunam B.A, B.L Teacher

Vanakkam, sir. -You wanted to see me.

You were my guide, sir.

The sign boards by the side of the road...

...don't give different directions to different people.

It directs everyone the same way.

If someone goes the wrong way, even after seeing it,...

...whose mistake is it?

I taught you something when you were in school.

I don't know if you remember.

Whenever you want to do something...

...which you have not done before, do it three times.

If it's your first time doing something,...

...you have to do it thrice. First time, to attempt it.

Second time, to know if you've done it right or not.

Third time, to decide if you want to do it in the future or not.

The third time you stole, whether you liked it or not,...

...stealing became a habit for you.

It became a habit for you.

Sir, when theft became a habit, he wanted to quit.

So he came to confess to you.

You didn't hear him out and threw him out instead.

He never came for a confession.

He came only to give information.

Did you understand what I said? -No, sir. It was nice to hear.

Many people who come to me just hear things.

They don't understand what I say.

If you had heard me out completely...

...and given me stern advice, I would have followed, sir.

You can take a horse to the pond.

But you cannot make him drink the water.

If you had come as a naive horse,...

...I'd have taken you to the pond to quench your thirst.

But you came as a blind horse who thought stealing wasn't wrong.

You wouldn't have seen the pond.

Sir, I'm not the blind horse. It's you.

When I came to see you, if you..... -Hey, shut up.

I didn't want to speak to you when you came to me as a thief.

You're a murderer now. Don't speak.

Hey, did you hear what he said?

I came to see this murderer because you called me.

Sir, I'm the rascal who ruined that rascal.

What? -I was the one...

...who taught him to steal. -Hey, are you both playing with me?

Why did you bring me here?

Sir, give me forgiveness for my sins.

Just for being a thief. -Am I a church pastor?

Who am I to forgive you? Why should I?

Sir, he's going to be hanged to death in eight days.

If you could say a few consoling words in his last few days,...

...it will be like light for him.

No light can save you, Arivu.

You've already been consumed by darkness.

Arivu!

Arivu!

Arivu!

Arivu!

What is it, Arivu?

I kept calling you. Didn't you hear me?

Forgive me, sir. I was lost in thought.

You didn't think when it mattered. What's the use of thinking now?

What's this?

It was 'My Writing', and then you changed it to 'My Fate'.

I've added one more, 'Written By Me', sir.

There's not much time left, Arivu.

Let me finish the job I came to do.

I'll read this letter, listen to it.

What letter is this?

This is a procedure of the government.

Oh? I got it.

An invitation to take me to the gallows.

Read it. -This is a protocol as per law.

It's my duty.

It's my fate to read this to you before the end.

Okay, read it, sir.

You, Arivumathi, about 3 years ago,...

...on 15th May 1969, at around 12.40 am,...

...went to Lakshmikanthan's house at central Villupuram,...

...No. 2, Sivan Temple Street,...

...aged 45, murdered him intentionally by stabbing him...

...with a knife, then jumped over the house's wall...

...and went to the Villupuram Police Station.....

Sir, just a minute.

Can we correct the letter if there's a mistake?

A mistake? A mistake in a government's letter?

Could we make a mistake.....

I mean, could the government make a mistake?

Right. I'm in jail for doing something wrong,...

...found a mistake with you who are in jail...

...for doing nothing wrong. It's my mistake.

Forgive me. -What mistake?

Where is the mistake?

When you said that the government can't make mistakes,...

...how will it be there?

Even if it's there, how will the government know?

What's the use of knowing about it anyway?

No matter who made the mistake, they must correct it.

What's the mistake?

A detail has been missed and another has been misstated...

...in this letter.

What is it? Which one?

What's missing is I went to his house to steal.

He caught me, and in my attempt to escape, I murdered him.

What's misstated is that I went into his house...

...by jumping over the wall.

After I murdered him, I walked out the gate bravely.

I didn't jump over the wall.

That's correct. Oh, dear!

That's such a huge mistake. -Forget it, sir.

This is not the time to account for mistakes.

It's a letter from a government that can make no mistake.

So, I only said it out of concern for no minute mistakes.

This is not a minor mistake, Arivu.

It's a big mistake. As you said, I will correct it.

Thank you so much.

Still, my heart can't accept it.

That I have to correct it based on an ordinary murderer's suggestion.

An ordinary murderer? That's nice, sir.

Please continue, sir.

Where was I? -At the Villupuram Police Station.

I interrupted when you were reading...

...about the Villupuram Police Station.

I went to the Villupuram Police Station voluntarily...

...and surrendered myself with the murder weapon.

Since you pleaded guilty at the Criminal Court in Villupuram,...

...as per the Indian Penal Code 302,...

...you were sentenced to the death penalty by the court.

Why are you looking at me, sir? I accepted it long ago.

There's nothing wrong in the letter.

Read it.

Arivu, you are going to be alive for only a few more hours.

You still speak so funnily. -I'm tired of crying, sir.

So, I'm trying to smile and make people smile before I die.

Continue reading, sir.

Even when you appealed to the higher courts...

...about the lower court's judgment,...

...those courts too affirmed your death penalty.

As your mercy petition to the President to reduce...

...your punishment was rejected. Today, on 17th October, 1972,...

...between 5 and 5:15 am,...

...you will be hanged to death as per the Supreme Court's orders.

Arivu, your kids and wife who did not visit you...

...for three years,...

...are here to meet you and they are waiting outside.

As per protocol, it's not allowed.

But I will allow it.

Let me know if you want to see them.

At least your kids?

Can I see the sunrise, sir?

Sir!

Your mother.....

Mom? -She's stubborn about seeing you.

You've been charged with murder and the trial is ongoing.

You never denied the crime at any point of the trial.

The court is going to give its judgment on this case now.

Do you have anything else to say?

Nothing, ma'am.

It's a crime to want to steal someone else's things.

Especially when you went to steal in someone's house...

...and just because he saw it,...

...in the ensuing altercation, you murdered him brutally.

That cannot be accepted as an ordinary murder.

Just because the accused pleaded guilty unconditionally,

...he can't be shown compassion.

Considering that the punishment for this crime will serve...

...as a lesson to others,...

...as per the Indian Penal Code 302,...

...the accused, Arivumathi, is sentenced to the death penalty...

...and shall be hanged to death. That is the order of this court.

Madam, I'm the reason for all his wrongs.

Let him go. Hang me instead. -Hey! You sinner!

Murderer! Monster! -Madam!

Don't stop her. -You!

Up until the last minute, I didn't believe that you were...

...a thief or a murderer.

I thought they framed you falsely in this case.

But you committed murder for the sake of theft.

Were you actually born to me?

Were you really born to me?

I struggled so hard to educate you.

You're not my son.

Don't face me even if I die.

Even if you die, don't face me.

Don't face me.

There's a special permission.

These opportunities aren't generally given to anyone.

Am I right, sir?

An extraordinary opportunity for an ordinary murderer.

Let her come.

Sir, just a minute.

Thanks for showing at least this much compassion for me.

You can meet her only in the warden's presence.

Right, sir?

I know why you are laughing, Arivu.

There's no other way. I have to be here now.

Sir, you must be here. Please do.

Because my mother shouldn't poison me...

...and let your noose starve. You're worried about that.

That's your fear.

It's not that, Arivu. -Don't lie, sir.

Lying is our job. You are the government.

Can you lie?

Don't worry, sir. My mother won't kill me.

I'm the murderer.

My mother, much like your mother and every mother out there,...

...is just a good mother.

We must follow the rules, Arivu.

Your mother has brought some milk for you.

The jail doctor has tested it. -What's the result, sir?

Is there some disease?

I mean the milk. -Arivu!

Arivu! -Mom!

Arivu! -Mom!

Arivu!

Are you going to leave me?

Oh, no!

Oh, God!

Sir!

Sir!

He's my only kid.

He's still young.

When a baby tries to walk and he stumbles,...

...would you cut his legs off? Tell me, sir.

A mother will accept it when her son does something wrong.

But she can't accept the son being punished.

If taking a life is the punishment for taking another life,...

...then take mine. Hang me by the noose.

Hang me. -Mom, I'm a sinner.

I'm the sinner who's giving you the pain of waiting...

...on your son to be hanged to death and then collecting his body.

I'm a sinner. -Oh, no! You're no sinner.

I don't know in which life of mine I committed a grave sin,...

...it has come back to affect you.

I'm the sinner!

Ma'am, it's time.

Give him the milk and leave.

Where and why should I go? He's going to die.

Do you expect me to live my life out there?

I can't.

Hang me to death too. -Madam!

Sir.

My daughter-in-law is outside and has nearly gone crazy.

They have two kids.

One is five years old and the other is three.

They don't even know what is going on, but they are crying.

I've told them that I'd bring their father.

If they ask for their father when I go out, what do I tell them?

What do I tell them?

No, I won't go. I won't leave him.

I won't leave my son.

I won't go. -Mom.

I won't leave my son. -Mom, let go of my hand.

Pour the milk, mom.

Arivu? -Pour the milk.

This is the hand that fed you.

Now you're making them do your final rites, Arivu.

Sir, look at the faces of these kids.

He was put in prison when she was two.

The little one was still in his mother's womb.

He has never seen his father.

Sir, why are you killing him and punishing these kids?

You can spare him for the sake of the kids.

Let him go, sir.

Sir! -Mom, keep quiet.

Arivu, take a look at your kids.

Take a look.

Leave, mom.

Just leave. -Arivu!

If you stay here, I'll look at you in remorse and die in turmoil.

And you'll look at me and die in turmoil.

Then, there will be no one left to take care of her and the kids.

Get going.

How do I leave? What do I tell your wife and kids?

Take care of my family just like you took care of me, mom.

If the kids ask about me, don't say anything.

Raise my kids to be human beings as good as you.

Here, mom.

Ma'am, it's time. It's going to be morning.

Go on, mom. -I won't leave you.

Let go. Okay, don't go.

Go out there, kill my wife and kids and come back.

Oh, no! -Arivu!

Why talk that way and make her even more sad?

What else do you expect me to say, sir?

If they die, they won't have any problems.

Her wish will come true.

We will both be hanged to death. Let's drift away together.

Why are you saying that?

What else do you expect me to do? -Arivu!

Forgive me, mom.

I've given you a lot of pain.

Sir, please take her away. -I won't go.

I won't leave you.

I won't go.

My son! -Ma'am, please wait outside.

All the formalities will be done in a while.

Oh, no!

You can wait and collect him. -Oh, no!

Sir!

Arivu, I won't go.

Sir, I'm not leaving.

Arivu!

I won't go! Arivu!

Arivu, I won't go! Arivu!

Arivu! Oh, no!

My precious pearl, give me a peck...

My precious gem, give me a peck...

I almost died...

But was reborn with your birth...

My precious, give me a peck...

Give me a peck from the bottom of your heart...

I carried you for ten long months...

My shell-like body turned fragile...

My precious pearl, give me a peck...

My precious gem, give me a peck...

Give me a peck...

Give me one last peck...

4.15 am

What happened? -Govindhan from D Block...

...tried to escape, but we caught him, sir.

Good.

Sir! -Yes?

Can you do me a favour?

I'll do anything except for helping you escape from jail.

If at all I wanted to escape, I wouldn't need your help.

All right, then what else do you want me to do?

As long as it doesn't break the law, I'll surely help you.

You could say you'll do it if it abides by the law, sir.

Fine, what is it?

Kindly arrange to publish my life story as a book.

Give the proceeds to my mother, sir.

This? As a book? -Why not, sir?

Are you sceptica about whether people would buy it?

"Autobiography of the death row convict Arivumathi,...

...requesting tenders from publishers to print the book."

Publish this as an advertisement in the papers.

Just watch how many publishers flock to the jail.

You might even need batons to control the crowds.

People always find someone else's story fascinating.

It's entertainment.

If it's a prisoner's story, the intrigue will be stronger.

Have you mentioned us in your autobiography?

I mean, about government policies and the judicial system.

If there's anything objectionable, it won't be permitted.

It has objectionable parts, sir. But rather than seeing...

them as objectionable, why not view them as a debate?

Objectionable issues cause debates.

And only through debate will we attain clarity.

I've shared my views on crime, law, courts and the gallows.

That's all, sir. -Oh, you've shared your views.

So anyone can kill anybody...

...and no one should question it or be punished?

You'll just write whatever your lazy brain fancies?

Poor thing. Why talk about my brain that is about to...

...shut down for good, sir? I've written some truths.

Even if not today, you'll realise it someday.

When Galileo said the Earth was round, people threw stones at him.

Later, they used those stones to honour him with a statue.

Do you expect the future generation to erect a statue for you? Right?

Not at all. I'm not even worthy...

...of a clay tombstone. Forget about statues.

Read my book and you'll understand the truth, sir.

I understand, sir. We don't have much time, right?

So I'll keep it brief and speak my mind.

If you feel there's fairness to it, read my book and oblige.

If not, ignore it. -All right.

Tell me your opinion quickly.

What do you think I did that day in that house, sir?

Which house? -The one where the crime happened.

What did you do? You committed murder.

I committed murder, right? -Yes, you did.

Soon, you're about to put a noose around my neck.

What you're about to do..... -That's a punishment.

When one nation attacks another with weapons and bombs....

...innocent people and kids. What do you call that, sir?

War. The righteous duty to protect the nation.

What I did was murder. -Irrelevant comparison.

That's one thing, this is another. They are not related.

Of course it's related, sir.

Across all three incidents, it all comes down to one thing.

A life is lost. What I did was murder.

What you are about to give me is a punishment.

When a nation wages war, you call it a duty of protection.

What are you grinning at? -It's nothing, sir.

The moment I start debating this, you've taken my place.

Think about it calmly, sir. Every nation that wages war...

...belongs right here in this cell. Isn't that so, sir?

A dictionary offers many meanings, the essence of sin never changes.

Have you written all this too?

Your punishment is crueller than the murder I committed.

It's uncivilised. I've written that too.

Arivu! -I'm asking you to admit it,...

...I'm not forcing you.

When a killer kills, he seems possessed.

His animalistic instinct takes over.

A mind full of hate, revenge, fear of being caught by you,...

...a warped mind, a breaking point,...

...there's always a reason. So, he kills.

So what's your reason, sir?

Sir, when someone commits a murder, you arrest him,...

...file an FIR, take him to court, put him under remand, ...

...get charge sheets and evidence, try and punish him,...

...bring him to jail, and eight days before hanging,...

...you ask for his last wish, making him fear death more,...

...keep him healthy for eight days, gather witnesses,...

...and kill him with a noose. Is my murder more planned...

...and uncivilised than this? Isn't yours a cognisable offence?

Arivu, you're overstepping your limits.

I'm a dying lamp. Let me burn a bit longer, sir.

Please just hear what little I have left to say.

You call it an opinion, but you're defending killers.

Go on. This isn't advocacy, sir.

It's an argument. Don't fool yourself into thinking...

...that you've served justice by killing me.

Arivu, you're looking at it wrong.

The death penalty is meant to protect society.

You lock a murderer away within four walls.

What fear does society have? Who are you protecting them from?

How long can you keep people locked up like this?

So just because you can't keep them forever, you hang them?

It's not like that, Arivu. So what are you saying?

Life imprisonment is fine, just not the death penalty.

That's your argument, right? I mean, your opinion.

Am I right? -No, sir. You were right.

As you say, the government would run at a loss...

...if they had to feed prisoners forever.

The death penalty isn't about the government's expenses.

It's to show society that taking a life will cost you your own.

Only then will people think twice before killing out of fear.

That's what you think, sir. -So, are you saying people...

...don't fear the death penalty? -Am I the first person...

...to face the death penalty? Centuries have passed...

...since we realised a man dies the moment the rope tightens.

Ages have passed since hanging became a punishment.

None of it stopped me, sir.

The death penalty will not prevent murder, sir.

If there's no death penalty, murders will go up.

It's just an illusion. A belief people choose to trust.

It has never been proven with statistics.

There's no connection between murder and the death penalty.

How are you so sure?

No one is born a murderer, sir. Upbringing, circumstances,...

...and mindset turn a man violent. Society must evolve.

For that to happen, the government must nurture it.

Just like raising a child.

The government must instil discipline and set...

...clear boundaries.

They must make people understand its importance.

They must be constantly reminded of the consequences of crime.

Just as the government safeguards physical health,...

...mental health matters too.

Living standards, economy, and education must improve.

Caste and religious divides must be erased.

You lecture the government on preventing killings.

You preach how people should behave.

Then why did you kill him?

I only came to my senses after I came to prison, sir.

It could be due to the fact that this jail was once a school.

One murder was enough to find my conscience.

When will the government find its own,...

...killing so many for punishment?

Your name sounds good, your words do too.

You would have made a fine lawyer. -No way, please, sir.

I've committed enough sins. I refuse to sin...

...by misusing my intellect to prove the innocent guilty.

I've had enough, sir. I'm done with your law.

No one escapes the law just like that.

This is a democratic country. One nation, one law.

Everyone must bow their head to it.

I agree, sir. But much like the death penalty, there are...

...many unacceptable things. No one has the right...

...to take away a man's life.

Shall we end this here?

As long as opinions differ, the debate won't end.

Good morning, sir. -Good morning, sir.

Vanakkam, sir. Vanakkam, doctor.

Sorry. -Why are you coughing, doctor?

For eight days, you took good care of my health.

But you failed to take care of your own.

And I'm disappointed about something else.

What is a doctor's role, sir? To save a life.

Is that what you're doing? For death-row inmates,...

...you look after them carefully the last eight days,...

...then you certify we're healthy enough to be hanged.

Then you witness our last moments on the rope to certify we're dead.

Arivu!

4.45 am

You've only stolen to pay the interest till now.

Yes.

Just this once, steal enough to pay the principal.

We'll manage.

No way. I've only done petty thefts...

...that haven't harmed anyone. Serious theft is a sin.

Excuse me!

Hello!

Hello? -Who's that?

Such anguish? -I need some milk.

Why are you here for milk? Where's your mother?

My mom is sick, I want to make some tea for her.

Sit down, then. I'll make the tea myself.

No, it's fine. That tiny flask shows...

...you can't make tea at all.

Sit down.

I don't see you around much these days.

You finished your studies, right? -Yes, I did.

What about work? -I'm applying for suitable jobs.

Hoping to get one soon. -Will you be idling until then?

I have a business. -What business?

The business of theft.

You're quite funny.

I am really a thief.

Does Aunt Soodamani know?

She doesn't. -But you told me.

What if I tell aunty and the whole town?

You won't.

We've met a few times.

We interacted a bit.

This is our first proper conversation.

How did you trust me?

I don't know. I just felt like saying it.

So I did.

You're honest enough to admit you're a thief.

Yet you're in a dishonest trade.

Isn't that wrong? -Why not?

Don't you mix water in the milk you sell?

No, I don't.

Since thick milk is hard to measure,...

...I add water to make it smooth.

That's quite normal. Everyone does it.

It's not wrong.

Just like adding copper to gold to make it flexible?

Life is whatever feels right to a person in that moment.

Thank you.

Wait a second.

You didn't steal anything, did you?

Look around, you'll know.

Through love, humanity finds union...

And in that union, the human heart finds peace...

Through love, poetry is born...

Music, sculpture, and every noble art arises...

Therefore, embrace love...

O people of the world...

Therefore, embrace love...

O people of the world...

When love appears in dramas or epics...

People marvel at its nobility...

But let that same love bloom in a real home...

Or rise like a spring in their town and growl...

They make arrangements to destroy and eradicate it...

They try to wipe the seed of love from the face of the earth...

Blinded by envy, the foolish craft harsh and merciless laws...

Lost in injustice, they perish by their own doing...

Therefore, embrace love...

Therefore, embrace love...

If a man tastes the bliss of love and stands enchanted...

Would mighty kings still be hungry for war...

If his heart melts as one with the woman he loves...

Would ministers still crave the craft of battle...

If amid harsh lessons, he speaks only of love...

Chattering day and night like a joyous bird...

If he lives enraptured in love with the woman beside him...

Would army commanders still dream of war...

Through love, humanity finds union...

And in that union, every sorrow dissolves...

Through love, poetry is born...

Music, sculpture and every noble art arises...

Therefore, embrace love...

O people of the world...

Go on, eat.

What's wrong?

Arivu, we're about to have our second child.

We've committed enough sins, Arivu. Let's call it quits.

What do you mean?

These days, even eating from stolen money feels painful.

I hate it.

Look,...

...whenever I wear this stolen saree,...

...I feel disgusted, like someone else is touching me.

I'll get a government job soon. I'll quit then.

People are surviving without government jobs, right?

Arivu, we've got a piece of land, right?

Can't we use it to work hard and give our kids a life?

Can't we make a living?

That land is still pledged to Reddiar.

He's just kept the land idle.

We'll tell him we'll sow crops, pay interest and principal...

...bit by bit, and ask for his approval.

All right, I won't steal anymore.

Do you think Reddiar will agree to this?

Like a honeybee stuck in a dog's tail,

...he's kept the land unused.

Who benefits from it? Let's just ask him.

All right then.

Panampattu Soodamani's son and daughter-in-law.

Vanakkam.

They have come to ask if I can return their mortgaged land...

...so they can farm on it and repay the loan gradually.

Am I right, boy?

You take me for a fool, right? -Not at all, sir.

I don't need your explanations. Now leave.

I gave you the wrong idea and you were humiliated.

Your wishful thinking isn't wrong, Malli.

Reddiar is not as good a guy as we thought.

What can you do?

Let it go.

You've only stolen to pay the interest till now, right?

Yes.

Just once, steal enough to pay the principal.

We'll manage. -No way.

I've only done petty thefts that haven't harmed anyone.

A serious theft is a sin.

Apart from that, I promised you I wouldn't steal anymore.

I'm telling you.

Just this once, you can break the promise you made to me.

No one will lose anything if you steal this time.

You need to steal from Reddiar's house.

What? -Steal our land's documents.

Please give me your hand.

Did you anoint the rope with ghee?

Why do you ask? -Well, it smells like it.

When the rope tugs on your throat, it must not hurt you.

So I've mixed ghee and soap and applied it all over.

I learnt it from my father.

Even in my final moments, you care enough to give me a painless death.

It makes me happy even now.

Please kill subsequent inmates with the same compassion.

Arivu, enough.

Please stop talking.

What's this? -A mask.

What's it for?

To prevent you from seeing your gruesome death.

How can a man about to die witness his own death?

You will witness it.

It's only fair for you to wear the mask.

As per protocol, we aren't supposed to watch either.

We must close our eyes.

Arivu, pray one last time.

If you shout, the kid will wake up.

You'll be humiliated in front of your family.

Above all, this innocent child...

...will be heartbroken to know why you're here.

Let's step out.

You want to prey on a little girl?

Are you even human Is that fair?

You can't pay your interest, so you come to steal, you dog.

You're talking about what's fair.

I agree I can't pay interest, but I don't stoop to your level.

Yes. What I'm doing is the lowest of the low.

Is stealing high and mighty? I'll spare your life,...

...you'd better run away.

I won't let you lay a finger on her until my last breath.

You fool, a father who couldn't pay interest, much like you,...

...left his daughter here to do household chores.

That's the girl. -Will you take advantage of her?

Hey, this is not new to me.

Since Vikravandi's Muniyan couldn't pay interest,...

...he left his wife at my rice mill.

His interest is fully paid.

Pillur's Rajendran couldn't pay his interest...

...and left his daughter to tutor mine.

His interest is paid too.

I've lost count.

Should be around 10 or 12 cases like this.

You can consider it too. Once your wife gives birth,...

...drop her off here. -Hey!

We can settle our dues. -You dog!

Don't speak rubbish and trigger me.

Don't forget you have a daughter too.

Do you think I'll spare her?

Everything will fall into place when the time is right.

Die!

If your daughter finds out she has a father like you,...

...her innocent heart will break.

She'll be better off without a father.

Perverted monsters like you have no place here.

Die!

Die, you dog!

What happened, Arivu? What have you done?

When I went to steal, I got into a fight with Reddiar.

I ended up killing him.

I turned you into a killer. -Hey!

I've retrieved all the papers pledged to Reddiar by villagers.

Sort them out and return them.

No one should utter a word about getting the papers.

What's all this?

My kids shouldn't know their father is a thief and murderer.

I'm going to surrender to the police.

Do not bring our kids to the police station, court or jail.

Tell them their father works abroad.

For 10 or 15 years, I'll serve my sentence and return.

Don't do this to me, Arivu. -Please take care of our kids.

Take good care of my mother too.

Arivu!

5.00 am.

Sir, can I please see my wife and children one last time?

It's too late.

Arivu, your wife and kids...

...who haven't visited in three years are waiting outside.

Protocol forbids it. But I will allow it.

Let me know if you want to see them.

Dhandapani, turn on the generator.

Guards, search!

If at all I wanted to escape, I wouldn't need your help.

5.15 am

What I'm doing is the lowest of the low.

I'll spare your life, you'd better run away.

I won't let you lay a finger on that girl until my last breath.

Don't forget that even you have a daughter.

Do you think I'll spare her?

Die!

The law looks only at the act committed by the accused.

The law defines its lines of punishment for every crime.

Justice must never be confined within those boundaries.

The motive behind the crime needs thorough examination.

Just because the law grants authority,...

...a life cannot be taken lightly.

Upholding justice is far more important...

...than blindly enforcing the law. The accused, Velmurugan,...

...was born in poverty, yet he earned a degree...

...and works as an artist.

There are no prior theft charges registered against him.

Therefore, the court believes...

...there may be another motive.

I order the police to reopen the case and investigate.

Until then, this judgment is reserved.

This is Narayana Swami, reading the Akashvani news.

Headlines. Actor M.G. Ramachandran,...

...recently expelled from DMK, has launched a new party...

...named ADMK in Madurai.

The death toll in yesterday's tragic train...

...accident in Mexico have risen past 175.

In the murder case of industrialist Lakshmikanthan in Villupuram,...

...the convict Arivumathi, at around 5.15 am,...

...was hanged to death at Cuddalore Central Jail,...

...confirmed the Prisons Department.

Some important deaths pass us by as just news.

Punishment for a crime isn't just the law.

It is the culture of a civilised society.

We must understand that law is one thing and justice is another.

If a nation looks at a murderer with fury and rage,...

...the punishment turns brutal too.

Instead, when the law treats murder as a mental rupture,...

...and responds with a sense of humanity,...

...there's still a chance for redemption.

Among the countries in the world today,...

...155 nations have abolished...

...the death penalty.

Only 45 countries still hold on to it.

History traces the first mention...

...of the death penalty to 16th-century Egypt.

Ever since then, humanity has been divided...

...over what is right and what is wrong.

Dr. Ambedkar, the man who shaped our constitution,...

...once delivered a powerful message.

"One of our foremost responsibilities is to abolish...

...the death penalty permanently."

This movie revolves around that very debate.

Whether the death penalty should exist or not,...

...the choice is yours and it's your right.

But whatever your stance is, let your voice be heard.

Because the voice of the people is the foundation of any revolution.

Thank you.