Original subtitles

How is your father feeling now?

Good morning, sir

He is totally bedridden now

What happened to the man with an iron stomach?!

See for yourself

What is this, Kannappa? Lying down weak and feeble

- What to do, sir? - Here, sir

- Please sit down - Bring it here

You will be fine

He is curled up like a sick rooster

But his life isn't in danger

Looks like you've been constipated for a few days

Your intestines seem shrivelled up

I cook and go to work in the forest but he doesn't even eat a morsel of rice

Whatever I tell him will only fall on deaf ears

Mr Strong Banyan tree!

Doesn't Poongkodi need a pillar of support to lean on?

Even I am worried about that

What is the use of just being worried?

Mix this powder in warm water and give it to your father

As if he'll drink it!

I will go to the foothills and then see him later

[coughing]

Come out, I want to talk to you

His health has deteriorated

Our hills have herbal medicine that can cure any disease

Get honey from Kurinji from someone

He will recover in no time

Where will I go looking for Kurinji honey?

Then listen to me

Go and meet a man named Velu in the Kurinji hills

If you want it as medicine he'll get it, come rain or shine

- Alright - Okay?

- Please accept this - Thank you

I knew when your mother delivered you in the forest

...you will bunk school like this!

Your teacher would have brought pretzels for you, go to school

- Go to school, da - I won't go

Here, off you go Run to school now

- Velu, take him with you - Alright, brother

Watch your step

Don't fall

Ground is very slippery

- Take care, little girl - Okay

Good morning, Velu

You make sure all these children attend school, rain or shine

But these brats run and hide behind the trees

Sir, there is nothing you don't already know

If you give neem oil to kids who love honey, won't they spit it out?

You hit the nail on the head, man

- Okay, go to school - Yes, sir

Watch your step

Hey Turban-head, is this the way to Kurinjikudi?

Why are you going to Kurinjikudi?

I must meet 'Velu'

What 'work' will you do there?

Not 'velai' as in 'work' I must meet a man named Velu

That's me What do you want?

Oh! That's you, is it?

- I came to buy Kurinji honey - Why?

- What's wrong with you? - Not for me

Then is it for your child?

God hasn't blessed me as yet I want it for my father

For your father, huh?

Finding Kurinji honey now is like looking for a tadpole in a stone

You can get it only during the monsoon season

But you want it as medicine

So if I find it I'll bring it

- Put your heart to it - Okay

Hey girl, how about telling me your name and address?

I'm from around here Kolukkumalai

My name is Poongkodi

- See you then - Okay

- Bro, which is Poongkodi's house? - Go straight uphill

Thank you, brother

'It's me, Velu'

I've brought you the honey

Sir...?

Your daughter asked me to get you honey from Kuriniji hill

Poongkodi has gone to the forest for work

She has the money

I don't have a single paisa on me

As if your money will sprout legs and run away?

First drink up the medicine

Sit up

I'll teach you how to make it

Watch me mix it

Grind tailed pepper corns and mix with honey

Dab this under your tongue and you must suck it

Open your mouth

You must have this first thing in the morning

And once in the evening after sunset

Only then your fever will subside

In 3 days you'll be fit as a fiddle

Don't be worried, okay?

I'll take leave then

'40 people who went up Korankani Hill for climbing practice'

'...were caught in a forest fire'

'This has created widespread panic'

'This tragic incident occurred during a mountain climbing practice'

'The list of those who perished'

'...in this shocking, unexpected incident has been released'

'Among the 27 people rescued'

'5 are in a critical condition'

'It is feared the death toll may rise'

Why is there a barricade now?

Why this road block, sir?

Workers have to be on the hilltop in time, please open the gate

Is sir always this punctual?

Slightly urgent, sir

Urgent or ordinary

I can't open the gate for fox, wolf or any canine category!

'Since 10-15 people have died in the fire the collector has ordered this barricade'

When will you open then?

People have to go uphill and climb down

10 jeeps take this route daily Why are you ruining our livelihood?

Not my decision It is a Govt order

I'll open only as per collector's orders

The tourists took the mountain path Why barricade our route instead?

That's a good question Go ask the collector

I'll open this gate Leave now

Ask the collector!

Get down from the jeep We can't go any further

'Setting fire to the forest is their job Then they mess up our lives'

To die in a jeep is a crime I believe

It's okay to die while walking it seems

Hey! Is it Velu?

Is that Poongkodi? What are you doing here?

I came to pay you for the honey

You came so far just for that?

'How did you come? Gate has been closed'

'I walked all the way'

Tourists were trapped in the forest fire

They were charred to death like sparrows struck by lightning

That's why the path has been blocked

Our livelihood will be ruined But no one will bother about the poor

Did you see the people who died in the fire?

That sight will haunt me forever

If I close my eyes all I can see are bodies burning like logs of wood

One girl screamed out, 'I don't mind dying But I don't want to lose my chastity'

'Cover my body, brother' She begged me

Professing honor is priceless compared to their lives, they died in agony

Oh my God!

You said Kurinji honey is hard to find

That's why I came to pay you

I don't take money if it is used as medicine

But we believe if we don't pay the medicine won't work, right?

'Come in and sit'

It's alright Take the money

Will the medicine work now?

You refused to come in At least sit on the step

I'll brew some immunity booster

How is your father now?

Pepper and Kurinji honey paste should have revitalized him

He's back to his old self

Drink my herbal brew

'How is it?'

I've also brewed herbal water so often

It has never tasted so good

With the right ingredients and measures everything will taste good

Of course, everything depends on how good the heart is!

No sign of your wife and children

First I need to find a wife Then the children will follow

If my parents or siblings were alive now they would have found a bride for me

But they died in a flash flood overnight from the mountains

Now I am all alone in solitude

I'll take leave

Logu, we've been travelling for a long time

- How much farther? - We've come only 1/4 of the way

3/4 to go

My bones will break by then!

Let's drink a glass of ginger tea and continue

- 2 cups of ginger tea - Sit down while I make it for you

"It's a blind world around us choosing shortcuts to success"

I won't say anything over there

You must talk and get men to work in the factory

- That's why I'm coming - Here is your tea

Here

[song from 'Mahadevi']

"This thieving world displays talent in looting to the worst extent"

Who are we meeting in the hills?

If we talk to Velu he'll bring us the men, sir

Speak of the angel! Here he comes

Hey Velu 1 minute

- Sir? - We are here to see you

Want some ginger tea?

I don't take tea or coffee

I only drink herbal water Tell me what's on your mind

A new company is being built in the hills here

He has come to source laborers

Company?

For construction work on the hills

We need strong hands to carry loads of bricks and cement

Bring all the men and women from your hamlet

You come along too You don't need to work

I'll make you a supervisor

How long will you struggle to make ends meet?

How can I opt for whatever work comes my way just to line my pocket?

There isn't enough time to work in the forest I grew up

How can I scratch another man's back?

This holds good only for supervisors who steal blatantly

This won't work for me

I have to head back home

I'll take leave, sir

What temerity!

Such men should be thrashed and driven out from the hills

'Poongkodi, look out for creepy-crawlies while you work'

- Okay, akka - 'Hey Muthu'

'Your husband is missing from work All the other men have returned home'

'Though married to a middle-ager be glad I am now a mother!'

'Your doubt is idle gossip'

Hey Kurinji honey!

'Onion' booster!

Not onion booster Immunity booster!

Whatever herbal brew!

Forget that What brings you here?

A child here has eye infection

Hive's nursery with baby bees will cure her

- Will it improve her vision? - Yes, definitely

You bet!

You walked past me blind as a bat!

How does one improve your sight?

Red bananas are grown here?

We even get Nendran banana that's famous in Kerala

How is your father doing?

What does he lack? In the pink of health now

He wanted to talk to you

If I see him maybe I'll talk to him

Don't wait for 'may be'

- Ask, man - What?

For me, naturally!

Will you marry me?

I won't even let an ant bite you

Take good care of you Not even like a dutiful wife

But forever like our mountain

'Take good care of you Not even like a dutiful wife'

'But forever like our mountain'

'What to do, girl?'

'I thought 3rd baby would be a son'

'But that was also a girl'

'My husband is sulking Face as long as a palm tree!'

Poovu?

Looks like you thought about it all night and made up your mind

Yesterday when you said you will take care of me like this mountain

...it struck a chord in my heart as strong as a boulder

I'll marry you That's all I want

Come here and hold the banana stem

Hold that end

God, grant us permission!

God has given us His blessings!

'A cow from Kolukku hill is grazing in Kulunji hill!'

'Why are you back so early? Worked on the summit?'

'No, only in the slopes'

If you smoke your beedi night and day how will your wheezing be cured?

Why don't you get rid of it once and for all?

As if our forest won't flourish if you give it up?

Who is that chap?

He brought honey that day for you

That fellow, eh?

Honey gatherer

He will be well equipped to manage a family

He would have seen so many stings! And suffered aches and pains

Ask him to come tomorrow and formally ask for your hand

Okay, father

'If you ask a monkey for its crap as medicine'

'...it will climb to the topmost branch it seems'

'Same analogy holds good here'

We are offering honey right in their palms

But they insist on licking the back of their hands!

Are your knees complaining, sir?

You've started cribbing

Yes, my dear man If we walk uphill like this

...grease in both my knees will dry up!

How do the people living here walk up and down daily so easily?

You remove the minerals from water to make it a tasty drink

They thrive on water from herbs and inhale pure fresh air

How will their knees complain?

He must be 75+ and he is whizzing past like an aeroplane!

We are rattling like a Govt jeep at 50!

- How much longer? - Just 1 more round, sir

Hello

Sir?

- What is your name? - Velu, sir

Ask everyone to assemble here

You must be tired Drink some water

Hey! No need We have our own bottle

My heart that didn't stop when I climbed up may do so if I drink this water!

- That's why I refused, sir - Careful

Call everyone, we need to share a piece of important news

Is this village so sparsely inhabited? Call the rest also to assemble here

No one is jobless here They all go for some kind of job

Please share your news

Listen carefully, let me impart this like I would tell a group of children

As per Govt orders, we are trying our level best to elevate your lives

We are already on top here How can you take us any higher?

Don't interrupt this gentleman

Listen with an open mind

Your children should have access to good education and decent salary

So the Govt has initiated plans for weekly boarding schools

- We offer many such schemes - What good is hoarding money?

We had saved some cash and all of a sudden you claimed it isn't legal tender

Don't add 2 +2 and make it 55!

That was then, you are making us take a roundabout route now

Your attitude is jaundiced, sir

Our Govt has barricaded the check post as a precautionary measure

We were the first to rush and rescue the victims trapped in the fire

The flames devoured and destroyed everything

You are saying we must fell all the trees because a man fell from a tree and died

Is this fair?

If we take the jungle path and walk uphill with only good intentions to help you

...is this how you talk to us?

- Is there no village head? - That's me, sir

Velu, hold on, they are here to remove the barricade!

Sir, please continue

Are we here to open the road?

Enough of leading such a tough life Shift to the foothills, see the difference

'We have housing waiting for you and bank loans to follow your dream business'

'Free rice, free clothing'

'Education of your children and adequate job opportunities'

'You get first priority'

Enough of struggling with this mud, trees, beasts and the vagaries of nature

Utilize this golden opportunity

'This may be mud to you but have you tasted this soil?'

'This soil is balm for the bruises on our limbs you know'

'Whether our mother nursed us or not'

'...all of us as children have eaten and relished this mud'

Do you want us to leave our homeland, go down and face hardships?

This is very wrong, sir

Yov! What is so wrong about his advice?

Beasts roam on hilltops Humans reside in foothills

- Makes perfect sense, right? - Right

We are beasts!

If beasts climb down you drive them back to the top

Why do you ask these beasts to come down now?

We lack nothing here

We worship our trees as God We don't chop them down

We are watching you chop so many trees and transport them in lorry loads

We are leading a simple life under the trees in our huts

And your men came to hire us as construction workers on the hilltop

'Sir, we accept we are beasts'

Don't try to shift us down and cage us

We are happy as we are Just let us be, sir

I endorse Velu's opinion completely

We don't know anything like we know these hills

I apologize on his behalf if you think he spoke out of turn

This water, trees, plants, creepers and air we breathe here have medicinal value

Mother Nature will protect us from any disease

Pray to our Tree-God before you go down

No beast can harm you on the way back

Your words are loaded with temerity Doesn't augur well, understand

Let him talk all he wants, sir

One day he will need our Govt's help We will show our might then

Let's go, if we stay longer they will dance on our heads!

They won't toe the line

- Kindly lift the barricade - I'll inform my higher officials

- Then you are...? - Mockery, eh?

[indistinct chatter]

- Greetings - Welcome

- Good afternoon - Please sit down

Place the fruits and flowers on the mat, please sit down

Where is the groom? Come, make yourself comfortable

Please sit down

Poongkodi Come out, dear

Listen, Kannappa

Do you consent to your daughter marrying that boy?

I agree if my daughter consents

Don't be a bent tamarind without a view of your own

Tell us your final decision

I agree

Alright

What do you say, Poongkodi?

- I accept - Then it is alright

Velu, how do you make ends meet?

I collect honey

In the non honey-harvesting season I take up whatever job I can get

I own a house, sir Just a palm size land

- What about your parents? - They died when I was young

What can you do if it was their time to reach God's feet?

Only child like a single tusked elephant

Poongkudi the trained 'kumki' is right to tame a free spirit like you

Do you have any bad vices like addiction to alcohol, tobacco or drugs?

I don't touch alcohol

I got hooked on to beedi because I gather honey

What next? I clarified my doubts

Does anyone else want to ask any other question?

Then after things get steamed up no use pointing fingers!

- We are agreeable - He is a good boy

- You start our customary ritual - Let's see if we get divine approval

Mountain Goddess

Tree Goddess

Velu, come here Poongkodi, come, dear

Look at the mountain in the west Pray and tear this banana stem

Our Goddess did not consent to this alliance

'If we defy Her orders one of you will die'

'So let us not go ahead, my boy'

You go this way

- Poongkodi, you go that side - Sir...?

Suggest a way for us to unite

Hey...what do you say?

Velu, listen to me

They followed their village protocol

If our deity signalled a bad omen will we agree in our village?

We won't, right?

How do we carry on with our lives when we are neck deep in love?

Get us married, sir

We will ensure our Gods approve of the way we live

You know what happened to those who disobeyed divinity?

Fate played havoc in their lives They stand hapless and destitute

Only the banana plant leaves a part of it in the soil when it dies

Know why? To allow its stem to sprout into life again

Your family should flourish, right?

You shouldn't defy our deity even if you fight with all your neighbors

I am sure some girl out there is already born for you

Go and look for your destined bride Move on...that's all I can say

Who is it?

Hey! Who is that?

I won't tear a banana stem with anyone else

I'll rip myself to shreds falling from this mountain

Tell me, my decision is in your hands

You are bold enough to come at this time of night when even ghosts rest in peace?

Did you think it will be dark without the sun rising?

The rooster will crow very soon

With sunrise we will be insulted and humiliated by one and all

I am not bothered about tongues wagging

It is your call totally

Go inside

You haven't done me any good till date

She has come now with full faith in me

I trust only You

Bend your rule for us

Let me know if I have ever defied you till now

I will sacrifice my life as offering to appease You

Please permit us to marry, Goddess

Grant a good family life for us

I vow to tonsure my baby's head as offering in your shrine

Even if you have come to me as strong as this mountain

...my heart rattles as if a boulder has rolled down from the mountain top

I have walked out on my father and I am firm as that boulder

Why are you scared and worried?

Distressed and disturbed, my heart misses a beat in sheer nervousness

What if ties are broken or God abandons us?

I am here to wipe your tears and be a balm to your heartache and fears

"My breath is in a flurried state of ardor Are you my God, Lord and master?"

"Our dreams are coming true somehow Is it good times ahead for us now?"

"Whichever direction we walk hands clasped scent of our soil fills my heart unasked"

"When I live only for your sake lovingly 2 bodies are united as 1 willingly"

"My life is shaken up like lightning Are you my God as sentinel shining?"

"Whatever we wished is happening Is it good times ahead beckoning?"

- Don't drink that water - Why, dear?

It is murky and too salty

Look, there's a dead tiger

Oh dear! It is lying lifeless

"We asked God for a boon to live as a couple soon"

"We had no heart to blame the Goddess who did not grant our wish and bless us"

"Banana stem ritual as divine tradition did not favor our hearts' union"

"I saw you as the sweet mountain honey with your large heart you gathered for me"

"You and I will live lifelong, my dearest strong as a mountain in this forest"

"My breath is in a flurried state of ardor You are my God, Lord and master?"

"Our dreams are coming true somehow Is this good times ahead for us now?"

"I see the images, I swear it's true of my mother and father nestled in you"

"I am holding on to this life just to be your loving wife"

"Even a hut can be like a palace to me This is love's achievement exclusively"

"Entire forest is filled with your scent Thoughts of you in my mind omnipresent"

"Like the globetrotting wind is our bond extending over time, space and beyond"

We are going up to gather honey

Mountain top

Yes, both of us are going

Don't forget to eat the rice I have packed for both of you

'Poovu, hasn't Vel anna taken you off his lap even now?'

'Come fast, we have miles to walk'

Coming, akka

'Onion' booster! Come back safe and sound

Okay, 'midnight maiden'! You take care of yourself

Your husband finally let go of you, eh?

As if my husband will mollycoddle me like your husband does, fat hopes!

Enough of your fancy talk and walk fast

We are going up there to gather honey

Right on top

You want me to tell you a story?

Once upon a time lived 2 men Gundodaran and Mandodaran

Both of them knew only to eat and eat and eat day and night

The entire hamlet was struck by famine because of their gluttony

Villagers realized these 2 greedy men were the cause for their plight

The whole village assembled and asked them to suggest a way to eradicate the famine

Both the men promised the villagers they will fix it by the next new moon night

They kept walking and walking after their show of bravado

Their throat was parched and stomach growled with hunger pangs

They fainted in the middle of the forest

An angel saved them and handed a golden casket to them

They forgot the angel said they should open the box only when they reach home

Both of them opened the box right there in the middle of the forest

Inside that golden casket was this mountain that wiped out the famine

It is loaded with refreshing wind, rejuvenating river, hills, forest, beasts

You and me

Look over there Can you see Senkuttupaarai?

I'm harvesting honey over there

You sit here, I'll be back after I gather the honey

Appa?

What, my dear?

I asked that angel to grant a boon to make my daughter speak

She said this voice is as sweet as honey

And only she should hear this voice

Nobody else should and preserved it for herself

She is listening to your voice daily, dear

That's the truth, my princess

I will gather honey from the bees

You wait here for me I'll be back

'Looks like your husband bought corn for you yesterday'

'In your dreams, huh!'

[giggling]

- She has fainted, lift her - What happened?

Poovu...Poovu?

What happened?

Look at me

Give her water

Take a few sips

- Poongkodi, open your eyes - You'll be fine, dear

Look at us

Get up, dear

Get up...gently

Did you eat in the morning?

I had breakfast

Is your stomach hurting?

Got terrible cramps

You go back home I'll get your salary for you

'Akka, you think she's pregnant?'

'I had the same doubt But she hasn't conceived'

'Age is on her side, she can give birth to a cartload of children'

'Why did she suddenly faint like this?'

Velu, your wife fainted at work in the forest it seems, go and find out

- What are you saying? - Yes, hurry up

Poongkodi

- You fainted it seems? - Stomach is hurting

- Why all of a sudden? - Don't know

You were fine this morning

Do you feel dizzy?

Still hurts?

I'll brew my immunity booster You'll be fine after drinking it

Maaa...?

I'm feeling better Did you eat?

Get up

Drink this

Let us meet the physician to be on the safe side

Change Malar's frock

[birds cawing]

- Hello, Velu - Greetings, sir

- What brings you here? - My wife is unwell, doctor

Poongkodi? What is the matter?

She's complaining of a stomach ache

Stomach cramps? Let me check

Come in

Sit down

Show me your wrist

Please wait outside

I'll give the medicine to Velu

Velu, her pulse is erratic

Go to the town hospital and consult a doctor

Nothing drastic I hope, sir

Not critical

Pulse seems erratic

- Just go down and meet the doctor - Okay, sir

It's okay Take care

Oh God! My stomach hurts

I can't bear the pain

Wake up, dear

It hurts terribly

- I can't take it - Where does it hurt?

Whom will I wake up and where will we go in the middle of the night?

Just grit your teeth and bear the pain I'll take you to the hospital at dawn

Please bear the pain, dear

- Hurts so much - Sip some water

Lie down

[trivial talk]

Hey!

Watch your step

Wait, let me get in

We can go

- Good morning, doctor - Come in, Velu

- What's wrong with your health? - I'm not sick, my wife is the patient

What is her complaint?

'Sit here'

What did you eat?

- Nothing - Inhale and then exhale

Once more

Turn

Inhale deeply and exhale

Lie down there

Remove your hand

Ouch! It hurts

Is it paining here?

Get up and sit

Velu, this doesn't seem like ordinary stomach ache

- What do you mean? - 'Go to the Govt hospital'

My friend is the chief doctor

Give him this slip He will do the needful

'Don't worry She will recover soon'

[indistinct chatter]

- Greetings, doctor - Sit down

Doctor sent us here

- Check her BP - Okay, sir

- Is he your family doctor? - Yes, sir

Show me your arm

- Where are you from? - Kurinjukudi

- That hilltop village? - Yes, sir

'Medical camps are set up regularly over there'

'Sometimes they come'

- 'Is that so? - BP is normal, doctor'

Sit on that stool

'Turn'

Is it a nagging pain or only at intervals?

Nonstop pain

Do you have 3 meals daily?

She won't eat properly That's her only bad habit

Make her lie on the bed

'Come'

Does it pain here?

- Here? - No

- Now? - Yes, a lot

Sit down

Take an MRI scan and bring me the report

- Is my wife's health at risk? - Nothing to worry

She may have a small tumor in her stomach

Bring me the scan and then we can decide

- Scan, huh? - Yes, sir

- Which town? - Kurinjikudi

That hilltop village?

I can't take a scan now

The machine is under repair It will take a few days to set it right

Go right, you'll reach the rear gate

To the right you will see a board 'Murthy Scan center'

- What is the name? - Murthisan

Refer my name Ganapathy and get the scan done

- Go right now - Okay, sir

Doctor wants a 'contrast scan' It will cost you Rs 7000

What does that mean, sir?

7000...!

- I don't have that kind of money - Whaat?

Then I can't take the scan either

She is writing in pain, sir

Doctor said you will do it for free Please do the needful, sir

You'll be blessed, sir

If I take a free scan for your wife who will feed my stomach?

Leave now

By the way who sent you here?

He asked me to refer his name to you...Ganapathy, sir

Ask that junk piece to do the honors for free

Clear out now, go

Calling Token #7

- 'How much money do you have? - I don't have cash'

Machine is under repair Come back tomorrow with cash

They want me to pay for the scan I don't have that kind of money, sir

Doctor asked me to take the scan here

But you say the machine is under repair

I'm coming from far away Please have mercy on us

How much cash do you have? Only 'money talks' here

Look where he has stuffed the notes

Counting when your wife's health is at stake, give me the receipt

Go and sit there

You wait out with your child She will come out after the scan

Sit here and wait

I'll get milk for our child

- Sir? - Hello, Velu

What brings you here?

My wife fainted and has stomach cramps

My heart almost stopped I have brought her here

Why go through this allopathic route when your hills abound in herbs?

As if this cement structure can offer better cure than the herbs in the hill?

You shouldn't bring her here

If you come here she will get a stroke

My potion will bring out any hidden toxin and make her fit as rain you know

Doctor claims she has some tumor in her stomach

You are wearing blinkers on and being wrongly guided

Why is there a mortuary behind attached to the Govt hospital?

To make the patient exit as a corpse?

Bring Poongkodi here

I'll cure her without any threat to her life

Okay? Go

What happened, doctor?

She's almost dead

What happened, dear?

- Hurting? - I can't bear this pain

Come, I'll take you to the hospital

Get up

I can't take this

Bear with it We'll be there soon

Can't bear this pain

It hurts so bad

Very good Take care

Sir, my wife is on her death bed

Hey! Where did you disappear?

You have any sense? Where did you take her?

Why should you be bothered? If she dies you can marry the next day!

Please don't curse me like that

She came believing in me totally If she isn't alive I'm nobody, sir

What else do you expect me to say?

Ayurvedic doctor said he can cure her

I took her to get treated

Then go and cremate her Why did you come here?

I am to blame, you can hit me with your slipper

- I'll take the punishment gladly - Bring the medicine

Don't cry, dear

Stand here

Ketorolac

Your mother will be fine

- What is your wife's name? - Poongkodi

- Age? - 26

Give this chit to the man down this corridor on the right

He will admit her in a ward

Sir, will my wife be cured?

Nothing to worry Don't get flustered

Please register the admission fast

Sister, come here Take her to bed # 8

Think I am an imbecile? I've been waiting for so long my legs are numb

Look at your handlebar-face!

You think we are singing a lullaby? Do we have 2 lives?

Don't you dare talk rules to be rudely

I've been watching you from this morning

You admit those who flirt with you or grease your greedy palm

What do you take us for? Lunatics or what?

Don't raise your voice at me

All of you clear out

I'll pull you up in the right time!

Does your father own this place?

- Here, sir - What do you want?

Doctor sent me My wife is writhing in pain

- Please show mercy on us - As if I'll be scared of the doctor!

Ask him to come and assign a bed for your wife

And fan her in cool comfort!

Turning up like a bad penny!

Hello?

Is it you?

'If you don't pay up your dues to me, I'll hike it to 10%'

- 'You have to flee in fear' - I'll see the doctor, wait here

'Sir...?'

Got her admitted?

No, sir, he refused

Money has the final say!

Did you show him my chit?

He didn't even glance at it

- Nurse - Sir?

Tell him in such a way it enters his head

- Ask him to admit his wife - Okay, sir

- He'll do it, go - Thank you, sir

Come along

Doctor's recommendation Admit his wife

This doctor is a pain Expects free service!

Why didn't you tell me the doctor recommended?

- Show me the proof? - That means?

What is the proof you are so and so?

- Our God is our witness - I don't doubt your faith

- Supporting document like Aadhaar card? - Yes, sir

- I'll call you back - Our forest is our support

You are really a pain in the neck!

Ration card or voter's ID Any such identification?

No, sir

- Know your wife's name at least? - Yes

Poongkodi

- Age? - 26

I'll admit her But bed isn't available

Ask her to lie on a mat on the floor

Sir, don't discriminate us

As if I'll hog it if available

A politician is occupying 1 bed

He has 4 stooges along with him This is a politician's office now

If their life is at stake they will rush to a private hospital

When they aspire for a post they make a beeline to the Govt hospital

- Let them vacate, I'll allot a bed - Okay, sir

Here, sister

- Come - Who is the patient?

It will take 2 days to allot a bed

- Bring her - 'Can you wait?'

Sister, new admission

All beds are occupied Make her lie down on a mat now

Then lie her lie down

- I'll bring the I.V - Okay

Come along

Stretch out your hand

- Has she been admitted? - Yes, doctor

- Call that boy - Okay, doctor

Doctor, he is here

- Have you admitted her? - Yes, doctor

Do you have a medical insurance card?

- What, sir? - Govt gives a small card

- Govt insurance scheme - I wasn't given any such card

That is essential for your wife's further treatment

She has been afflicted with a complicated disease

You have to spend a lot Surgery, ICU, the whole works

If you have that medical card I can save your wife by treating her

If I go to take a scan you ask me to shell out money

You grab all the cash I have and take some picture

You made me run around, here, there, everywhere

Now you suddenly say she needs to be treated head to toe

She is frail and feeble and you are torturing her

Does this seem fair to you?

A donkey and horse look the same

But can a donkey become a horse?

This nurse and I can inject the patients

So can she take my place?

'How dare you preach to me!'

Let your wife lie on that mat, clear out

Go...go

He looks pathetic, poor man

If we give him an 'emergency' slip he will get the card at once

He shows too much attitude Let him suffer and get the card

Attend to your work

I felt sorry for him and he is preaching to me!

He is the only good man amongst the doctors here

Why did you confront him like this?

He wanted to treat your wife in his hospital and cure her

You lost your cool and ruined it

Madam

- Where should I get a medical card? - You can't get it here

You must go to the village office

Where is that office?

In Veerapandi near Bodi

Thank you

'Your temperature has reduced Nothing to worry'

'I am stinking, man 4 days since I bathed'

'Is this the care you shower!?'

'Senior lawyer said it is safer if you stay in here for a while'

'You'll end up behind bars again if you get discharged'

'So grin and bear it Stick around in this bed'

'You've been saying this like a broken record!'

'Make arrangements for my bail'

- 'Did you eat, dear?' - No

Don't starve

You won't have any energy

Have a piece of bread or something

I will be fine

Our Goddess has signed your fate

What big crime did we commit?

Is it wrong to follow our hearts and have a family of our own?

Don't harp on it

When our God calls I have to go up

Can we argue with God? Or can we play God?

Don't say it out aloud

One word will bless Another will curse

If I keep climbing up and down our hill it is the strength I get from you

If you utter the word 'fire' will your tongue get scalded?

We won't be punished when we have not harmed any creeper or creature on our hill

Don't be scared

You'll be fine when I get the medical card it seems

I'll go and get it

- Alright? - I'll be fine

Be strong

'Somehow get that card as fast as you can'

'We can go back home as soon as I recover'

'Village office Veerapandi, Theni district'

Good morning, sir

My sons are so henpecked

They don't even give me water to quench my thirst, sir

Even I obey every rule laid out by my wife diligently

You can't avail old age pension if you have sons, old man

Sign this form claiming both are dead, sir

Even young women in our village claim to be orphans to avail pension

You are no exception Have it your way

Take it

Thank you, sir

Greetings, sir

Let's go

Sir...?

Give me some alms, sir

A man is following us like a lost puppy, looks pathetic

I saw him the moment he entered our office, just shut up!

Amma...madam

Madam, have mercy on me

- Madam, when will sir be back? - He'll be back after lunch at 2:30 p.m

Whaat?

Are they selling the railway station?

'How will I benefit if I buy that?'

'Let me know if they are selling the Parliament, I'll buy it!'

Is Arunachalam's death certificate ready?

Yes, sir

- Who is that, akka? - One who died taking a Tik Tok video!

Oh! That chap, huh?

- What do you want? - My wife is unwell, sir

Then admit her in a hospital Why did you come here?

I need a medical card, sir

'The mountain is our heritage'

'Water, trees and air we breathe have medicinal value' you claimed proudly

'Why did you come here now?'

Ask that rejuvenating wind to inject your wife now

You were the one who insulted the officers who climbed up the hill

'Govt gave you shelter, electricity and all amenities'

'Still you have no gratitude'

You got any proof?

That means?

Go find out all the crap and then come back here

Will you leave now or not?

- Don't bother my boss - Please tell him

- Out you go - Get me that file

Listen to me Clear out

'Hey brother'

'Come here'

'Come here, I say'

Sit down

Please sit

Why are you upset?

Even if you sit here and cry for 6 months no one will come to wipe your tears!

Because he hasn't got time to wipe his own tears!

Would you like to drink tea?

Did he ask you for alms? Cha...cha!

Did he ask you for a bribe?

Even if I ask this, I'll be ridiculed as 'Bloody tramp is discussing politics'

- 'No' - Then?

My wife is not well

When I admitted her in the hospital the authorities want my insurance papers

They will pretend to give and then grab it from you

You mean that document?

- You need to get a new one? - Yes, bro

Will anyone cry for such a silly reason?

Give your Aadhaar or ration card

You throw it in the V.O's face He can't say no or hold back

I don't have any of those cards, bro

Whaaat? You don't have the Govt identity card?

Man without an Aadhaar card is just a fraction of a man

You are an anti-Indian You don't belong to this country

You are a foreigner

What is Aadhaar, anna?

It is a Govt identification endorsing you are an Indian

- What is your name? - Velu

Won't hold good hereafter

If they call out our # we must come running like a dog

First our Govt numbered all the trees on the roadside

Now the Govt is doing a headcount!

Let's get you a proper ID card

Hurry up

Okay

You'll get an OTP # You can take a printout

Let's go

Aunty, only you can make this anti-Indian a true Indian

What are you blabbering? What do you want?

I meant this man needs an Aadhaar card

Madam, give him a fancy # like the one you gave me

Give me your proof

Madam, Aadhaar is proof for any procedure that needs an ID

You are asking the sea to prove it has salt!

Aadhaar was introduced 10 years ago

You must be having a voter's ID, ration card or passport before that, no?

Give me one of those as ID

Do you have a passport?

Have you voted in any election?

Officers came to take a head count After that no one came anywhere near us

Forget it, one of your brothers must have voted for you!

I have no siblings, bro

Yov! I meant someone must have cast an illegal vote in your name

He doesn't have any of those ID cards

But he needs an Aadhaar What should he do? Advise us

From any higher official

Village administrative officer, Revenue officer, collector

Or some notary public should attest he knows him and his proof of residence

I'll get him the Aadhaar card, okay?

We'll be back with the letter

Let's go

Don't you have even a ration card?

The officer said he will give us only if we shift to the foothills

If the Govt gives something it will grab something else

Okay, we need money for the card So go and get cash if you have

Bro, I was led to believe everything can be got free of cost

Of course it is But not for you and me

For those on top

I don't understand a word of what you are saying, bro

Forget it then

That's why you are still good at heart

Okay, bro, I will go scrounge some cash

Only if I go now I can be back early in the morning

Come back with a bottle of honey

Alright

Ma...?

Do you have enough money?

We are stagnating here without earning any money

Doesn't matter

I have saved the money you gave me in a cylindrical container hanging on top

Use that if you want

Okay

'I will go home and be back'

'Okay?'

'Generally all women tie their husband to the tassles of their sari'

'I have you entwined in my soul, dear'

[sobbing]

Tree Goddess, save my wife and bring her back hale and hearty

Milk, bread

Baby, don't you have a mug?

Which bed?

That one?

Drink the milk and return the mug

'Milk, bread'

Ma...amma

We will get it for sure, bro?

Velu, a man should bow his head only to knowledge

Just go and fall at the tahsildar's feet

Because God has given him brains only in his feet, understand?

Sir, I bow to you

Get up...get up

I'm going on an auspicious mission Don't jinx it by falling at my feet

Sir, your signature will change the fate of a woman

Only you can save my wife, sir

I will listen to whatever you say, sir

Give me address proof so I can apply for Aadhaar

You are my address, sir

The very thought of signing your form

...makes me feel I have fungal infection in my nail

Madam, please convince your husband to keep my family intact and save my wife

I feel so sad for him

After all a signature Let him save his wife

Don't fall for his 'poor pitiful me' story

When he is on the hilltop he will reek of temerity

Meet me in my office

Thank you, sir

- What is this? - Honey, sir

Give it to my wife

Here, sir

- Move - Okay, sir

He won't relent usually

But how can he defy his wife's request?

Be positive He will definitely sign

- Listen - 'Sir?'

- Mail this - Okay, sir

- What is your name? - Velu, sir

- Age? - 33

- Home town? - Kurinjikudi

That isn't even a place It is just a mountain top

We can't bear the headache you give us clutching on to your hamlet

- What is your father's name? - Madasamy

Here, sign this document

- Get his signature - Okay, sir

You should know what you are signing

'People of my clan and I won't live in this mountain anymore'

'We will shift to the housing the Govt allocates us'

'I agree to take the responsibility to shift my entire clan to the foothills'

'If I don't comply'

'Govt can take any action against me'

This is the gist

Sign this and get your letter of proof

Address on your Aadhaar card won't state you dwell in the mountains

It will state your live in Bodinayakanur municipality

I can't sign without consulting our leader, sir

Did you ask his permission before you lectured us that day?

You behaved as if you owned the mountain

Where did he come into the picture now?

Either sign on the dotted line or bring your clan leader here

And ask him to treat your wife Get out of my office now

Clear out

Bugging me for no reason

Where is the letter?

He wants a written agreement we will shift to the foothills, bro

Why can't you sign? As if it is your inheritance

Mountain is my treasured asset How can I give it away?

You don't know these rules

Till now they have taken me 5 times to the collector's office

And made me sign I won't beg again

I continue to beg to this day

Just sign on the dotted line

Let them take that mountain Your wife is like a mountain for you

Which mountain will you live in without her in your life?

If not this mountain there are plenty of hills around

Go, sign and get that letter

- What now? - 'I will sign, sir'

Get his consent and send him

- Sign - I don't know to write

You can't sign

Thumb print case, huh?

Show your thumb

Are you hungry?

You shouldn't come all by yourself, baby

Where is your mother, dear?

Go, eat

Madam

How can you leave a little girl wander about alone?

- Don't you have any attender? - My husband

- Where is he? - Gone out

Where are you from?

Kurunjikudi, hamlet on the mountain top

Kurinjikudi, huh?

What are you suffering from?

Stomach ache

- Sister, 1 minute - Yes, sir

How can you make a patient lie on the floor?

- All the beds are occupied - So is this how you treat her?

- You should ask the doctor - Is your service over, Das?

Good afternoon, doctor

We were feeding the patients I felt sad when I saw this little girl

- That's why I came here - Is that so?

How can you make a patient lie on the floor?

Bed is not available, we can give as soon as we get a bed, okay?

How are you feeling now? Check her pulse, sister

Show me your wrist

'We serve so many people'

'As if I wouldn't have fixed a bed for you'

'Tell us what you need and we'll help to the best of our ability'

'We have given a tender for beds, Das'

'We will get it soon'

Come along, Das Take a seat

Are you done with your social service?

I am helping those who are below poverty line as much as I can

What is that young mother suffering from, doctor?

Das, she is almost dead

- What do you mean? - Both her kidneys have failed

Brain is damaged to the maximum extent

WBC count is decreasing day by day

She is suffering from lead poisoning

What causes this disease, doctor?

Water is the cause and spread of half the diseases today

In her case it is only through water

Water?

Doctor, she hails from a hamlet on a mountaintop called Kurinjikudi

They don't buy water in cans like we do

Natural unpolluted breeze Medicinal water from waterfall

How can she suffer from lead poisoning?

I find it surprising too

I have already seen 2 cases She is the 3rd case

We are also doing our best to treat these patients

I thought I can retire in my old age to a hamlet on a hilltop like this

Have our men polluted even that haven?

Doctor, please ensure she survives this

This disease is a challenge to us

We won't let her die Don't worry

- Thank you so much, doctor - See you

'Sit still, don't move'

'Press your fingers hard'

Open your eyes wide

- When will we get? - As soon as verification is done

Thank you so much, madam

Velu, let's go

Where do I meet you tomorrow, bro?

I'll lie here today

Wonder where I will be tomorrow You be with your wife in the hospital

I'll come and call you

Take care

- Pa? - My precious?

I've bought food for you Will you eat now?

I'll change your frock for you

Let me feed you now

Lying here like this I feel like I am trapped inside a snake pit

I want to go back to our mountain

And drink your herbal water

Garnished with love and care

Look at these rashes on my hand, legs and all over my body

I am not feeling good at all

Take good care of our child always

You will be fine

I'm here for you

I'll take good care of you both

Everything is processed online nowadays

Ages since we cut the offline process

All you have to do is go to some internet browsing center

Log into www.tnpds.gov.in

Fill up a form and apply in that website Your details will be verified

And you'll get an OTP #

You can get the card

Okay, sir

Let's go

All this won't work We have to resort to short cuts

Velu, bow and greet him

No need I'll handle that

Sir...?

- We came to meet you - I'll call you back

You went to meet your friend? What did he tell you?

We asked for a ration card It will take 10 days it seems

I knew when you over looked online, which is me and opted for offline!

You want a green card or white?

Green, naturally, only then we can avail insurance

Pay me 5000 now You can get it in 3 days

- Appreciate if you give it tomorrow - Then the rate is 8

We can't afford that

3 days means 5

2 days means 6000 8000 if you want it in 1 day

Sir, we are below poverty line

Kindly adjust for now

What is your proof?

- Aadhaar - Give it

Give me the cash

'This will do'

'Come tomorrow same time same place and take your card'

Give me the cash

"The rich don't have empathy The good hearted don't have money"

Here

I have very strong work ethics

I'll finish it and take the balance

Thank you, sir

Immerses in atrocities and insists this is work ethics!

Come

- Good morning, sir - Save your formalities

Take out the cash

"You are good hearted and honest Good times ahead, just be patient"

"Enough of living in fear and anxiety Rise like the river and flow to the sea"

Let me know if someone else needs

Definitely

Velu, mission accomplished

All we need is a medical card, hurry

- Is the address right? - Yes, sir

- What is your husband's name? - Mani

- What is your father's name? - Thangam

- Okay, give it to her - Come along

- But you have to pay me - For what?!

Sir...?

'What?'

'Aadhaar, ration card'

'How did he manage to get all these in such a short time?'

How much do you earn per month?

I don't know to count and give an amount like that

How much do you earn per day?

Rs 400 or 500

Then even if it is 10000, approximately

...you are earning 1,20,000 per year

But Govt has stipulated only people earning below Rs 72000 can avail this card

You are above the poverty line

How are you eligible for this card, hmm?

- You are not eligible for this - Sirrr!

My wife is on her deathbed

Please show some mercy on us

Don't hold what I said against me

- Forgive me - Clear out now

Please, sir

Take this back

Take it and go

Will you go of your own accord or do you want to be thrown out?

'Go...out'

Good morning, sir

Put your mobile in your pant so I know you aren't recording this

Tell me now

- That signature - Which one?

Title deed for that house

He refused to give me the card claiming I am above poverty line

How could I have forgotten to brief you on this alone?

You would have truthfully said 10000-12000 and he would have shooed you out

'Alright, don't worry I have another option'

Govt is here to serve poor people like you

Whom do you think we work like a dog night and day?

Only for your sake

- Hey - Sir?

Come inside

Come, you must line my pocket also!

I am doing this only because the tahsildar recommended

Go

"Who toiled with tears, sweat and sighs to build skyscrapers touching the skies"

[song from 'Unnaal Mudiyum Thambi']

- Brother? - Hahn?

Did you get the card?

Will my Poongkodi be saved, bro?

Be glad if your family doesn't fall apart

Anna, I feel faint with hunger

I don't have money

Buy me tea, bro

I feel terrible hearing you say this I know you don't have cash

You must be starving

Bro, give us 2 cups of tea

- Don't you have a ceramic cup? - Why won't you drink in this?

You want me to buy ceramic cups and be washing them night and day?

Paper cups will have a wax coating which will hinder digestion

- That's why I asked - I know you are Mr Clean!

Clear off now Pay me and go

You won't understand the politics behind this

Every shop had double standards for drinking cups earlier

Now it is disposable cups irrespective of your caste

Casteism is stuck to this too

- Buy something for your daughter - Why?

No need, bro

This isn't a debt or a loan

Treat me as your brother I have no problems in life

Govt has classified me above poverty level

I earn more than Rs 27 per day

Don't say 'no'

I don't have anything to give you in return, bro

But I cherish you in my heart's alcove

I'll never let you go

Come up to the hills with me, bro

No, you be happy with your family

That's more than enough for me

- See you, bro - God bless

Sir, I've come here to discuss about your factory in Kurinjikudi hills

You've polluted the river from the hill with your factory waste

People who drank that water have been hospitalized and in critical condition

This is equal to poisoning mother's milk

Aren't you ashamed? They consider the mountain as God

But to you it is a golden goose

They are unifying with nature and leading a peaceful life far away from you

After destroying agricultural land you're targeting forests and mountains

I won't let you get away, sir

I'll ensure you shut down your factory

If anything untoward happens to the inhabitants

...evidence in this file will nail you as guilty

Menaka

Mr Das, your anger is justified

We regret the inconvenience caused

But haven't we provided employment to so many people?

Your factory is of no use to the inhabitants

You are the one playing with their lives

Tell us your decision, sir

Shut down the factory and leave the mountains

Or else, we will make you descend

Don't broach the subject of shutting down the factory

100 more like you can threaten but can't make it happen

'We have seen many cases like this'

We can also move our pawn Kindly bear that in mind

Are you threatening to shoot me?

Don't think I'll take all the bullets lying low

A day will dawn when we will trample you Corporate officers flat on the ground

I can pay you 10 million It is all yours to enjoy

If you refuse this offer and intend closing down our factory come what may

Do as you please

We can handle any case

Take your own decision

Sir, whatever your reasons your actions are most unjust

You are playing with the lives of people Don't mix your toxic waste in the river

All this is-

I am imploring to your good heart

'Amma'

[sobbing loudly]

[sobbing uncontrollably]

Hey!

Come here

What?

Who are you?

Poongkodi

Poongkodi's husband, huh?

Sign here

Right hand...here

Appa

Poovu!

"As fair as the water lily was she Like the avaram flower so lovely"

"Like the fig's flowers, my wife you are no longer present in my life"

"Your teeth like garlic pearls, dear Your innocent smile that I revere"

"Your eyes like black beetle lured me Now lying still before me, my dearie"

"Flowers by the fence are saddened too Their petals wither to fade not seeing you"

"My dear silver moon, without you where has the sky disappeared to?"

"Flowers by the fence are distressed too Their petals droop and drop not seeing you"

'Take good care of you Not even like a dutiful wife'

'But forever like our mountain'

"As fair as the water lily was she Like the avaram flower so lovely"

How long will you be weeping like this?

The ambulance is waiting for you Take your wife home

Call me 'onion water', my dear Poongkodi

I must transport my dead wife to my home in Kurunjikudi

Kurunjikudi?

Near Kollukkumalai?

Yes, sir

Pay me Rs 4000

If I had I'll give it at once

- I don't have - If you pay me, I'll do the needful

You should be glad I'm agreeing

No proper road at all, fuel expenses plus hidden cost like vehicle damage

Go find another ambulance

Go...go Find some other van

I feel sorry for you

Drivers will ask you to pay 3000 or 4000 easily

Pay me just 2000

- I'll come - I don't have money, sir

Help me out like God please

I'll beg, borrow from someone and pay you

'We see 100 corpses a day'

'It's a dangerous route'

What if you can't pay me when we reach? Can I bring the corpse down again?

Go, man, get lost!

Sir...please, sir

How many people will I do for free?

Malar, my dear child?

"In my shattered mind's corner your words like coins scatter"

"I lie benumbed in shock here like a book eaten by termites, dear"

"Our familiar thorn strewn path somehow has lost its sense of direction now"

"Bamboos that sing in harmony sing an elegy in painful agony"

"When I woke up now here you were nowhere to be seen, dear"

"What does my future hold for me? What is my path of destiny?"

"Thoughts of you single minded cluster in my mind undivided"

"She promised her life to me Like this mountain for eternity"

"My beloved wife, my love forever Now she is taking my life with her"

"She promised her life to me Like this mountain for infinity"

"My beloved wife, my friend forever Now she is taking my life with her"

"As fair as the water lily was she Like the avaram flower so lovely"

"Like the cluster fig's flowers, my wife you are no longer present in my life"

"My sweet honey from the hills of Kurinji How did you suddenly slip away from me?"

"You climbed this hill to live with me How did you leave me unexpectedly"

"A banana from the hill so precious Torn from its bunch now lifeless"

"Which direction are you headed? I'll follow, my heart in grief enshrouded"

"I stumble and sink in strife Without you in my life, my dear wife"

"Yama as this thief is referred to The Lord of death who stole you"

"Through 7 worlds, rain or shine I will nail him, my vow sublime"

"If you meet him by chance let him know in advance"

"I swear on my dear wife I won't spare his life"

"Until that day dawns I know I will be alive to fulfil this vow"

"I swear on my dead wife I won't spare his life"

"Until I fulfill this sacred vow I'll hold on to my life somehow"

'If we defy Her orders one of you will die'

"As fair as the water lily was she"

"Like the cluster fig's flower, my dear you lie lifeless and still here"

'You are watching News 24 and I am Ananth Pai'

[News on TV in various languages]

'World Human Rights has condoned this inhuman tragic event'

'Top story, first his wife died of-'

'We shall start the debate with social activist Mr Das'

'Sir, how do you perceive this incident?

'How can I treat this as an ordinary matter?'

'This is a national disgrace'

'Every Indian should have a right to medical aid and formal education'

'They should have access to all the basic necessities in life'

'Our nation has taken progressive steps in the fields of medicine and education'

'Imagine lifting his dead wife on his shoulder, climbing uphill for 30 km'

'My heart almost stops beating!'

"Is the Govt to blame, I ponder? Or did God forsake us, I wonder?"

"Or did a man who sold his soul commit this grave injustice on the whole?"

"My heavy heart is frozen, dear I stand lone and forlorn here"

"My tear stained cheeks are dry now No one to console me with love"

"The disease that took you I wish it will kill me too"

"I blame this blessed country Common man is left in a quandary"

"How bad a sinner are we hapless to be born in this place helpless"

'Are you aware or not that our Govt provides free ambulance service?'

'Then why provide such a facility? Imagine that poor man's plight'

'How can you gloat over progress in your regime in medicine and education?'

'Our Govt is doing a good job of catering to the needs of the general public'

'Because Govt officers take bribes-'

"For the poor; without a doubt there is no justice meted out"

"To live here is a curse Our fate for better or worse"

'Why is there a mortuary behind the Govt hospital?'

'To make the patient exit as a corpse?'

[grief-stricken sobs]

'Do you have a medical insurance card?'

- 'Ration card? - Give me proof'

'Go find out all the crap'

'Clear out'

'Malar, my dear princess'

'Your father will tell you a story now'

'There was a happy couple leading a royal life in the hills'

'Don't know who cast an evil spell'

'Men with the devil's heart came up the mountain'

'They chased the inhabitants, claiming only beasts can roam freely in the hills'

'They chased the king and queen out of their homeland'

'With the beasts fattening by the day'

'They laid roads and built houses on the mountain top'

'Lions and tigers were not their enemies in reality as the couple assumed'

'But the actual culprits were 2 legged animals'

'Only much later they got enlightened'

'In the waters washed by the 2 legged beasts'

'...the queen drowned gasping for breath'

'The king who had grown with nature in the hills'

'...could not adjust to city life'

'So the king along with his angel-princess continues his journey in the forest'

'Still searching for his hilltop palace'

'Do you understand this tale of tears narrated with a heavy heart?'

subtitled by rekhs assisted by harini & sam