Original subtitles

'Thoothukudi'

- Where is your father hiding? - I don't know

- Why hit the boy? - I was asking about his father

Aren't you ashamed of yourself, a police officer?

Let go of him!

He's the union leader's son Two blows and he'll talk, sir

Let go of him Go out

Don't be scared

You won't come to any harm as long as I'm here

Tell your father that no one will harm him

You'll be safe

Father

Sakthivelu

Did the police hit you?

Don't worry, I didn't talk

Why are the police after you? They say you're a terrorist

They said they'll kill you on sight

Why?

Is it wrong to be a union leader?

Father

Father

Father

Father

Father!!!

'Bombay'

'Public Hero'

'Kamal Haasan'

'Introducing Saranya'

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"O moon, do not disappear"

"Do not weep"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

Get him Hit him

Run! Someone is coming

You bloody thief!

Hey! You're a Tamilian?

Why did you run away from Thoothukudi?

Failed your exams?

Did you fight with someone in your family?

I have no family

Did you make trouble?

Did you steal money?

Then what you did?

I killed a man

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"O moon, do not disappear"

"Do not weep"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"Your tears will break my heart"

'Cinematographer: P.C. Sreeram'

'Music: Ilaiyaraaja (100th movie)'

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

Dad, can I ask you something?

You pray five times a day, and you go to the shrine

You never refuse money to anyone

But at night you use your boat for smuggling

Is that not a sin, Dad?

No, Velu

Anything that can help others is not wrong

'Story, Screenplay and Direction - Mani Ratnam'

The police? Here?

Get up! The police are here

Clear them out!

It's not your land

Evacuate the place!

Catch those scumbags

Clear out!

Clear out the footpath

Move...move away

Get lost

The land doesn't belong to you

What did he say?

- Tell me what he said - He abused your mother

What did you call my mother? Speak up!

Dastard Tell me

Speak up, you Madrasi

Speak up! Does it hurt?

Well, sonny?

Are you angry?

Want to hit me?

Go ahead, hit me

Hit me!

Hit me!

Come on, hit me

If I hit you, you'll die

What?

What did he say?

What did he say?

He's from Madras I don't know, sir

You Madrasi, talk in my language!

Idiot! The thrashing didn't teach him

Let's go

You slum insect!

Velu, did they hit you?

Are you hurt?

We just asked Velu, that's all

Brother

Why are you in this state?

Go!

He has fever, but he insists on going out to sea

- You didn't tell him - Talk to him, he listens to you

Dad, give that to me

I've given my word

Damn your word! Can't someone else do the job?

Tell him you're ill

It's not about Durai

Munusamy's mother has died and they've no money for the funeral

So you want to go to sea and die?

I promised money for the funeral

Hussain Bhai always keeps his word

So he will

- Go and rest - What are you doing?

I'll get the goods

Brother

I told him not to go, now you're going?

No, Velu Let my wrongdoing end with me

Dad, it's not wrongdoing

Helping people is not a sin

Shakila, take your father home

Go

Velu

This is your first trip Don't worry, I'm here

- Tie the salt bags to the tubes - What for?

Tie the salt bags to the tubes

- What are these bags for? Salt? - That's what I said

- Are we going to trade in salt? - Just do as I say

You Thoothukudi folk! Novices!

- I'm looking for the rope - It's there

Velu, what are you doing?

If we throw the goods overboard, who'll face Durai?

Velu!

Do you know what they're worth? They're gone!

When we land, our lives will be gone too

Keep steering

- Go! - What the hell?

We're in hot water now

The coast guards are here

If they find the goods, we'll get five years in jail

But we have nothing on board

You threw them into the sea

Greetings, brothers!

Don't over do it

We escaped the customs, but what will we tell Durai?

How do we retrieve the goods?

You threw them in

How do we get the goods from the water?

- What happens to salt in water? - It gets wet

- And? - It dissolves

The tubes will then float up

The tubes float up, with the goods!

Velu, you're a genius!

What are you doing? Hurry

Pay for the goods first

Throw him 200 rupees

Not 200 2,000 rupees

What? 2,000?

Dad usually takes 200 and you want 2,000?

Acting smart? If Durai hears, you know what will happen

Pay up and take the goods

- What if we don't? - I'll throw them overboard

- You threatening me? - No

Here

Fool! Don't you know what they're worth?

No Tell me

Stop it!

- Stop! - The money?

Okay, I'll pay your price

Hussain Bhai's men? 2000?

- Is that right? - Yes, boss

Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?

Call the Inspector Hussain Bhai must die

Got it?

What happened Velu?

So much money?

Your real wages

You risk your life every day

I don't need this much

It isn't for you, it's for those who you help

My wages are only 200 rupees

I took that for myself and Selva

This is yours

Velu, come

Velu, hurry up!

- Where are we going? - To have some fun

"My smile is as bright as Diwali"

"Nights here pass without sleep"

"My smile is as bright as Diwali"

"Nights here pass without sleep"

"I am the garden that blossoms in the evening"

"I am like divine nectar"

"My smile is as bright as Diwali"

"Nights here pass without sleep"

"The sun never sets in my world"

"There is no day or night here"

"The sun never sets in my world"

"There is no day or night here"

"Everything that comes has to go"

"Even the moon fades away"

"Time is always in a hurry"

"I've realized the truth"

"Do not let this time pass, come to me"

"My smile is as bright as Diwali"

"Nights here pass without sleep"

"I am the garden that blossoms in the evening"

"I am like divine nectar"

"My smile is as bright as Diwali"

"Nights here pass without sleep"

"Do mountains and seas ever sleep?"

"Do waves ever cross over to the other shore?"

"Do mountains and seas ever sleep?"

"Do waves ever cross over to the other shore?"

"The veena does not see who plays it"

"Yet the music is always divine"

"In the hands of a musician, I am that veena"

"The diamonds shine bright in the sky"

"This moment shall soon pass, so come to me"

"My smile is as bright as Diwali"

"Nights here pass without sleep"

"I am the garden that blossoms in the evening"

"I am like divine nectar"

"My smile is as bright as Diwali"

"Nights here pass without sleep"

Are you a Tamilian?

Can I ask you something?

Can you let me go early?

One o'clock will do

Why? So you can earn more money?

No, I have maths exam tomorrow

If you let me go early, I could study

You're a student?

In school?

Which school?

Dadabhai Naoroji School

- Which class? - 10th standard

Mid-term exams tomorrow

If you go now, they'll send another client in

Let me go at one I'll study here till then

Your books?

Study

Go on!

Last night the police dragged dad away

Dad?

He hasn't come back

Get out of here!

Look what the police have done to him

Dad...!

Brother

Brother

Why did they do this?

What harm has he ever done to anyone?

Why did they kill him? Tell me

Why did they have to kill dad?

I want my father back

You said you'd get me anything I wanted

I want father back now

I want father back now

Happy now? Satisfied?

The old man earned what he could, but you insisted on haggling

See what you've done

You got him killed and destroyed the lives of his dependents

- Who took dad? - That brute of an Inspector

- Where is he? - Who knows?

- Take care of Shakila - Get lost

Just take care of her

Don't drink so much

I won't drink

Who is it?

It's you? Have a drink

Go on

Come on

- What happened? - Beaten to death, sir

- Found any weapons? - Not yet, sir

- Any suspects? - We're investigating, sir

Remove the cover

Where are the witnesses?

The witnesses?

There are no witnesses, sir

- What do you mean? - They say they saw nothing

You speak Tamil Ask them in Tamil

They've killed a man in full view

And you say there are no witnesses?

I've threatened them

I've tried everything But no one will talk

So many people here And no one saw anything?

No one knows who killed him?

We'll make them talk

- Who murdered the Inspector? - I don't know, I saw nothing

- Who killed him? - I don't know, I saw nothing

It happened in front of your house, and you saw nothing?

This boy gets a thrashing till someone talks

Who killed him?

I don't know I saw nothing

Who killed him?

I don't know I saw nothing

I know who it is

I saw it

- You know who killed him? - Yes

Who is it?

If you're afraid to say it out loud, tell me in private

I'm not afraid, I'm proud

I'm proud a man here is capable of killing that animal

I'm proud that women and children will live in peace now

I'm proud there's another god here to whom we can tell our grievances

Why should we betray him? So that you get a medal?

We'd rather die than give him up

Sir, we know nothing None of us saw anything

Hitting small children!

You may hide the truth, but remember...

...we won't spare a police officer's murderer

I want a detailed investigation

Take in all the suspects

I want the report on my table

First thing in the morning

- I don't want any money - But we had two teas

That won't be necessary

Why not?

It's enough that you graced our shop

Velu, it will be the same everywhere, you'll see

Come

Namaste! My father is dead

My father is dead

Dead

He bled a lot

- Aunty, father's dead - Don't laugh, Ajit

He's been mentally challenged since his birth

Namaste! My father is dead

- What is it, son? - Father is dead

Is she Inspector Kelkar's wife?

I'm...

I'm indebted to Inspector Kelkar I've come to repay my debt

I'll pay you his salary every month Selva, explain her

- Velu, what is this? - I don't want it

I don't want the money

It is not for you, it's for the boy

If a young boy loses his father, I know the troubles he has to face

Father is dead

This boy shouldn't face trouble

Never forget that

I will pay my debt somehow

What's going on here?

- They're building a factory - What about our homes?

- They're demolishing them - Does this land belong to them?

They say they've bought it

- Who bought it? - The Seth

- Anyone here speak Hindi? - He does

- You speak Hindi well? - Yes

Okay, come

Sethji, can you tell us what's going on?

Can't you see we're busy? Stay out of it

So he's busy What's he doing here?

Ask him!

Forgive me, but we want to know what's going on

Do you think we're twiddling our thumbs here?

We're building a million rupee factory

You know how much that is? Get on with your work!

- Factory? - 10,000 live here

Who gave him permission to build?

They want to know...

Have you got straw instead of brain?

Who do you think you are?

Brothers, ask Durai whatever you want

He's handling everything Go and talk to him

You go, too

- An honour to see you, sir - How are you?

We were in a fix, Mr Durai Perhaps you can help us

Please sit down

Sit down

What is this?

- What's the matter, Velu? - They're building a factory

- The Seth has bought the land - But so many live here

The land belonged to the government Now the Seth is the owner

Can you help?

He showed me the deeds Show them to him

You can see the government seal

May I?

- What can we do? - We don't have a choice

We have never paid rent or taxes

Durai, how much did the Seth pay you?

How much did you sell us for?

Tell me

How much?

Durai saab, any problems?

No! It's nothing

- Come with us, then - I'm coming

You join me I'll go with the Seth

Who are you? Barging in like this

- What do you want? - Velu! What's all this?

The Seth has no idea what it means to have your home destroyed

Come

Brothers, stop!

What are you doing?

Who are you? Stop!

Stop breaking everything! Please, sir

I have small children

I don't want your land in Dharavi

- I don't want to build a factory - Listen to me

Let him go

Tell the Seth to tear up the deeds

Tear the document

Document?

Tear them up!

Tear it

Long live brother Velu!

Remember me?

How was your maths exam? Was it okay?

You don't like me?

You don't like me? Tell me and I'll go

That's not it

I'm scared I will cry if I talked to you

I'll fall at your feet and cry

I have no one Didn't I say I would cry?

Cry!

Cry!

- Selva, I'm going to marry Nila - Marry her?

Here! Now

Why the hurry? Don't you need a sacred thread?

Tell the priest and arrange the wedding, go

- What's this, Velu? - Go

"You are the music of love"

"You are the music of love"

"Divine is the best word to describe you"

"You are the music of love"

"Divine is the best word to describe you"

"You are the music of love"

"Two nightingales setting out on a journey"

"Singing the song of love as they fly"

"Their music engulfs us..."

"Their music engulfs us, soaking up our souls"

"The waves sound like Saraswati playing the veena"

"We revel in its beauty day and night"

"You are the music of love"

"You are the music of love"

"Divine is the best word to describe you"

"You are the music of love"

"Why have you tied my soul like a flower in your hair?"

"Why have you set the sweet moon on fire?"

"O sea breeze..."

"O sea breeze, do not sweep me away"

"An angel walks by my side"

"O sea breeze, do not erase our footprints in the sand"

"May this journey never end"

"You are the music of love"

"You are the music of love"

"Divine is the best word to describe you"

"You are the music of love"

What do you want?

I want to see Velu Naicker

- Father's bathing - What do you want?

Are you his son? What's your name?

- Surya - I'm Charumathi

When your father came to Bombay he was just like you

Tell me what you want

The police have arrested my son I must get him out

I'll call father

Father, come quickly

There are people waiting for you

Hurry up!

Get my clothes ready, go

Okay

Who is kissing my wife?

- Your daughter - Ah, I see

One minute

Now you can go

Okay

- Greetings - Greetings to all

You wait

Come here What's wrong?

- Greetings, sir - What is it?

The police have arrested my son, you must-

- What did he do? - Nothing

They took him away for nothing? What did he do?

I get it

- Which police station? - Chembur

- Who's the Inspector at Chembur? - Chembur? It's Mathur

- I'll handle it - Sir...!

I said I'll handle it

Okay, sir

- I'll take your leave - Go

Come

Why are you crying?

My father threw me out of the house

- What did you do? - I stole

I get it Don't steal again

- Iyer - That's me

Give her some money

- How did you hurt yourself? - I fell

Are you going to school?

Nila

- Why are you crying? - The maths teacher hit me

- What did you do wrong? - I did my sums wrong

- What's the teacher's name? - Kanaka

Iyer, tell Selva to go and hit the teacher

Are you all right? See me later

Come fast, run

What do you want?

- How dare you! - I was joking, father

Naicker sir, my son is dying Please save him

Save my child

- Who's there? - Save my son

Just a minute What happened?

He's been vomiting blood for two days, he's unconscious

I have no one to turn to

Save him, please

Vomiting for two days? Nila, pass me my shirt

- Where's the emergency ward? - Over there! It's closed

Greetings

The baby...high fever danger...urgent

You please

I'm sorry Come tomorrow morning

The child may die

I'm sorry, no admission now

The child may die

I've told you! Now what?

Iyer, ask the doctor his name

What's your name? Sir wants to know

Why?

Ask his address

Where do you live? Your address?

Address?

Ask how many children he has

How many children...?

Children?

If he wants his children to stay healthy, ours must be, too

Go! Attend to the child

Go

Sister

A child was dying Were you picking flowers?

Why didn't you call for an ambulance?

We did! They said they wouldn't come

Who said?

- We live in the slums - And so?

They won't come

No ambulance comes to the slums

- How old is your child? - Eighteen months

Will the doctor replace the child if it dies?

No one cares about the lives of the poor

How much does an ambulance cost?

40,000 or 50,000 rupees

We'll buy five! They will not serve the rich, but the poor of Dharavi

- Five times 5... - We'll buy them! Never mind

- Sit down - After you

Ask her what's happening, Iyer

Don't worry Everything will be all right

What she said?

The boy is out of danger But he must stay overnight

I'll pay the hospital

- It's fine - Don't be afraid

Thank him

Doctor, you are a king

We cannot save a life, but you have

Don't mind me

"The evening clouds bring golden rain on this auspicious day"

"It is the day when we can say: Our time has come"

"Joyous drums resound as chariots roll down our streets"

"When the chariots roll, the celebrations begin"

"All day long we revel in merriment"

"The evening clouds bring golden rain on this auspicious day"

"It is the day when we can say: Our time has come"

"You enrich every place you walk"

"Wherever we go, there will be no want"

"Who built the palaces and monuments? We did!"

"Who created a kingdom to be ruled? We did!"

"We are the roots of this country's garden"

"We are the flames of the beacon of sacrifice"

"Let us sing songs of joy"

"The evening clouds bring golden rain on this auspicious day"

"It is the day when we can say: Our time has come"

"Joyous drums resound as chariots roll down our streets"

"When the chariots roll, the celebrations begin"

"All day long we revel in merriment"

"Offerings of milk and honey have arrived"

"A God to be worshiped appears before us"

"Garland him, light the camphor and worship him"

"There is dancing all over town Pride and joy abounds"

"Good fortune has entered into our homes"

"Our hearts are filled with happiness"

"Let us sing songs of joy"

"The evening clouds bring golden rain on this auspicious day"

"It is the day when we can say: Our time has come"

"Joyous drums resound as chariots roll down our streets"

"When the chariots roll, the celebrations begin"

"All day long we revel in merriment"

"The evening clouds bring golden rain on this auspicious day"

"It is the day when we can say: Our time has come"

The man with the cap is Lala The light-skinned man

Brother Naicker is here

Careful! He is dangerous

Please come

Welcome!

Come, please come

Are you well?

With your blessings, I'm fine

He speaks Gujarati, he's one of us

Come

There are four big shots here, including Lala

Together they're worth millions

They're the bosses here We're locals, they're internationals

They've traveled the world, sold every kind of goods

They're on every police wanted list

We're number 5

Come, brother Velu Meet our friends

And meet my great friend

The don of Mahim, Dharavi

He's Velu Naicker Our own brother

I know him

Chandrakant Koli, the king of Versova and Madh Island

Fifty-two ports, 4 dhows and 400 men

He looks smart

Salaams

Brother Mustapha, the king of Kalbadevi and Byculla

Big company, one hotel in Dubai

Allah be praised!

The Reddy brothers, they control the harbour

No going in or out without their permission

It seems you know all about us

He's done his homework

- I can't speak Telugu well - Never mind

How can thousands of people be out of work for six months?

There's trouble!

Koli and Reddy are squabbling

The police have been nosing around the docks

Reddy wants to lie low for 6 months Koli says, 'Impossible'

Two ships are stuck with goods worth 3 million

Reddy says, 'Can't be done'

Reddy says it's not possible But let me try! One try

You'll do what Reddy can't achieve?

You're a child Be quiet

I'll unload the goods off the ships

How? If you're caught, that will be the end

If I'm caught, that's the end of it But if I'm not...?

Koli saab, I'll get your goods out

Very well, try it

No, impossible

Reddy, sir

If I succeed where Reddy has failed, the harbour is mine

- Translate word by word - If our boss succeeds...

- He will... - Go ahead

...he will be the king of the harbour, not the Reddys

- A thief dares to talk like that! - Calm down

It's below us to talk to such people

Mr Reddy, never mind Someone has to do the job

I've decided Let Velu try

- No! Well, Koli saab? - Go ahead

- And you? - I agree

This is my final decision

Velu brother, you do it

You've made it

Back at sea at last! We should've brought some booze

Why didn't you?

Damn! I should have brought a babe too

If you are so desperate, why didn't you?

- What did you say? - You could've brought a girl

"That moon up in the sky"

"Many things here on the boat"

"That moon up in the sky"

"Many things here on the boat"

"All come dancing, looking for you"

"As night falls, one is in need of a companion"

"The dancing will stop only at dawn"

"That moon up in the sky"

"Many things here on the boat"

"All come dancing, looking for you"

"One of the many foxes is an old one"

"The other foxes dancing here are indeed cunning"

"One of the many foxes is an old one"

"The other foxes dancing here are indeed cunning"

"They fight over women and wealth in all corners of this hopeless world"

"One hungers for more than food Will food satisfy my appetite?"

"Oh my! This singer is your brethren"

"That moon up in the sky"

"Many things here on the boat"

"All come dancing, looking for you"

"I've seen sexy dances on the big screen"

"I've danced among that whistling crowd of men"

"I've seen sexy dances on the big screen"

"I've danced among that whistling crowd of men"

"I have toiled in forest and field"

"Should I not sing and dance?"

"I have seen the misery that poverty brings"

"Can I not admire your scanty clothes?"

"Oh my! This singer is your brethren"

"That moon up in the sky"

"Many things here on the boat"

"That moon up in the sky"

"Many things here on the boat"

"All come dancing, looking for you"

"As night falls, one is in need of a companion"

"The dancing will stop only at dawn"

"That moon up in the sky"

"Many things here on the boat"

"All come dancing, looking for you"

"What it was?"

"What it is?"

Greetings, Lalaji

I have brought Koli's and Mustapha's goods

Wonderful! You've done it

Well done, Velu brother How amazing!

Reddy, you've lost face

How much do we owe you?

Nothing! A present of mine for the Reddy's family

- A present? - A gift?

To Reddy

We can't let him get away with this

We even tipped off the Customs What went wrong?

They're a useless lot

Four of our men should've finished him off

What point now?

If word gets out, our reputation...

Reputation? We Reddys will be finished

The end of the family, too

Kill Velu Naicker

And his wife and his two children They must not live

'Intermission'

They're fast asleep in your lap

Look at Surya, he even sleeps like you do

He keeps saying he wants to be like you when he grows up

It is true

That's a mistake

Why?

Let this business end with me

They must not lead a life like mine

They must study hard

Send them to Madras

Shakila will look after them They can study there

They will come to no harm

What?

Can you bear being without them?

And you? Can you bear it? You dote on them

I don't matter they are important ones

Shall I tell you something?

If I were to die now, I'd die happily

Don't be silly

I mean it

Naicker, sir

Save this poor soul

My life is in danger

Naicker, sir...Naicker, sir

Please help me

Who is it?

Please call him

- Enough - Who is it?

Who's there?

Tell him not to come He's in danger

Nila!

Come inside

Dad!

Mom

Mom...!

Everyone is waiting Are you coming?

By the time Nila's ashes are immersed...

...every male in Reddy's family should not be alive

Who is it?

Who is it?

What do you want?

What are you doing here?

What is this?

Leave me

No, don't

Who are you? What is it?

The head of the Reddy family?

That's me

My sweet child, listen to me

Listen to me, dear

Surya, look after her

Go

Don't lose the tickets

Father, everyone says mother died because of you

Is that true?

Tell me, is it true?

Father! Tell me

Father! Tell me

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"O moon, do not disappear"

"Do not weep"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

Come, Greetings

Sir, my firstborn Please name the child

- A girl? - A boy

Call him Ganesh

Here

Don't fight, I will give you more later

The food has been blessed in Charumathi's name

Send her the offerings

Did you hear? It seems that Charumathi is still a child

She's always up to something Naicker will have trouble with her

Please stop

Go slow

- Don't just watch - You're getting old

- Drive on - Slow down

You'll end up in the sea

Dad, why are you getting scared?

Don't be scared

You don't stop

Hold the steering wheel

Keep going

Stop

Father

Father, are you hurt?

Naicker, are you hurt?

Father, are you all right?

Fortunately, I'm as strong as ever

Fool!

Stop showing off

Run! He's too old to catch you

- May I see Naicker? - Wait, he will come

I am Sankaran

Once I was very close to him Now not in touch with him

- I must see him - What's wrong?

Is he out? I just need a few minutes

Father is praying Tell me

You can tell him, he's Naicker's son

Really?

My only son has got a job after ages

And it's in Dubai

His passport and visa are ready, he is to fly out tomorrow

Calm down

Driving back from the passport office...

Go on

...he hit a child

- And the child? - Died on the spot

My son got scared of the mob and fled, abandoning his car

It wasn't his fault

The child was playing on the road

He didn't see the car Now my son's future is ruined

- What sort of car? - Sir

- What sort of car? - An Ambassador

- Who owns it? - I do

Inform the police that your car has been missing for three days

Put yesterday's date on the report

Leave it to me

Vellachamy, do you have a driving license?

Yes, I have

- Where was the accident? - Matunga

Tell the Matunga police that you were driving and hit the boy

Okay

Get the money from Iyer I'll look after your family

Father will get you released

Don't worry! Your son will fly to Dubai tomorrow

Dear!

Have no fear! I am Velu Naicker's son I keep my word

Thank you

Look at him!

Yesterday you were just a kid

Now you're solving problems like your father

You handled the situation like your father would

Naicker, did you hear what he did?

He'll be twice the man we are

- You have missed to see - I've seen

Surya

Don't be like me

But, father...

Go!

Ajit

Sir, I want to be an Inspector

An Inspector?

He wants to be like his father He tried joining the police force

I want to be an Inspector

They rejected him because of his mental condition

I know the police drill Shall I show you?

- No - See

Attention

Say 'Stand at ease'

Okay

'Stand at ease'

Make me an Inspector

Okay

From now you're my personal Inspector! Mine alone

I'll handle it

Naicker uncle!

The Superintendent of Police is coming

- Who? - Raghavan

- Raghavan? Why is he here? - I don't know

Let him come

- Anything else? - No, that's all

I'm Raghavan

I know! SP

I've known you for 20 years

Come

Welcome

I have no search or arrest warrant

People do not come here with warrants, but search if you wish

I am not here as a police officer; I've come to ask for your help

Sit down

Sit on the chair, I prefer sitting here

May I speak in private?

Go!

Tell me

My daughter was to get married next week

I know

Now she can't

She's in hospital

Oh God

She is like a limp rag

What happened?

I taught her, as a police officer's daughter, to be brave...

...to go out at any time without fear

Last night she went out to buy clothes

But she returned a limp rag

Four sons of important families...

...attacked her in the open

Oh God

But you have the whole police force behind you

Break their bones and throw them in the lock up

I know who they are But I cannot touch them

Why not?

- Minister's son - What?

One is a wretched minister's son

Otherwise I would've torn him to pieces, made him unidentifiable

I told my boss He asked for witnesses

There were none

He asked if I was rich I am not

But they are rich

He advised me to drop the case The rich can twist the truth

I can't let it go She is my daughter after all

I can't bear to look at her

I've tried everything Now I've come to you

- I understand your grief - It's not just that, those boys...

I have a daughter too

I'll handle it

Don't stay here too long I'll handle it

I'll handle it

That's enough Let's go

I've come from the hospital The boy you attacked is still alive

But only just He'll be crippled for life

Satisfied?

She saw me

Not only you, but your brutality

An innocent boy, beating him in full view?

He deserved to be punished

Who are you to judge?

Charu, you don't get it The police officer's...

What?

Father, tell me

Who do you think you are? Are you God?

Who are you to decide what is just and punish others?

Why did you do it?

I gave my word

To whom?

To a father like myself

Really?

You gave your word to attack a boy mercilessly? Right?

He committed a terrible crime

However terrible, who are you to punish him?

The police and the courts exist; why not leave it to them?

Why do you do this?

You're educated, you've led a life of comfort

But we are not like you

We struggled to eat, we risked our lives to earn money

We shed blood to bring our earnings home

Never sure that we'd live to see another day

No

The idea of the police and courts never crossed our minds

We met blow with blow, wielded a knife to survive

So does that justify your behaviour?

I do what I think is right

Father, can I do what I think is right?

I think Selva was wrong to attack the boy, so I'll attack him in return

- How dare you - Don't do, Naicker

Let her go

Leave her

She's our girl

How dare you hit Selva!

- Where did she learn such tricks? - From us

Let it be

Let go!

Father, why did you hit me?

Why did you hit me?

You hit Selva

So it's wrong for me to hit Selva? It's right for me, wrong for you

What you think is right is wrong for others

I shouldn't have hit you

It's okay, but it's still wrong to harm other people

What should I do?

Stop all this It's enough

I'll be killed if I stopped

So you will never stop till you die?

I will! But ask them to stop

- Ask who? - All of them

Who?

The man who shot a union leader who asked for his rights

Ask that killer to stop and I will

They hanged an old man and said it was suicide

Ask them to stop and I will

The Seth who set bulldozers on people living in the slums

Ask him to stop and I will

The man who murdered your mother...

...ask him to stop and I will

Do we act like this willingly?

We had no choice

Ask your heart...Don't you believe what you do is wrong?

It is not wrong, if it helps even a few people

Must you kill a man to help a few?

- You don't understand - There's nothing to understand

Nor do I wish to understand

Let go!

Selva, ask him to go away Tell him not to talk to me

Go! It will be all right

Come

- I want to see Velu Naicker - Father is not well

It's urgent

Be seated

Father

Father, SP Raghavan is here He wants to see you urgently

Shall I bring him in?

- You're ill? - It's only a cold

The chair

Sit down

Do you know Pandiyan?

Pandiyan from Salem?

He worked for me for a short time

He's been arrested

Tomorrow, in court...

...he'll testify against you

He is a state witness

I haven't forgotten how you helped me...You're in trouble

As a police officer, I cannot prevent this, nor should I

I don't know how you can prevent this situation...

...but I thought I must let you know

Bye

My daughter is well now

Get Selva

He's not here

You told him to leave Bombay for a while

I'll handle it

Don't you trust me?

- Surya, this needs... - I know

If Pandiyan goes to court, he must not talk

We cannot use our men We'll hire outsiders

They shouldn't know about the victims details

The trail should not lead back to us

I'll handle it

Naicker!

I swear to tell the truth...

...other than the truth nothing else

It's Surya! Pandiyan is...

No

Not on the phone Tell me in person

OKay, dad

I didn't want you to worry

- Pandiyan is dead - Why come here?

He didn't talk in court The dastard is dead

I'll hang up

Surya...

Did you say something?

Come home

Okay, dad

I told you to send someone else for the money

Calm down! Those cops couldn't catch me in court

They can't get me here

You blew it!

Don't worry, sir

With all their jeeps, they couldn't get me

- Did you swap the vehicle? - No, why?

- Same vehicle - Yes

What brings you here at this hour, Iyer?

Inspector, no salute today?

Iyer, what's the matter?

Everyone has arrived so early

Superintendent, at this hour?

What's wrong?

Brother Velu

Brother Velu, God is testing you

Be brave

Tell me, is anyone hurt?

Brother Velu

Only Allah's will counts Man's will is nothing

I don't understand

Has something happened? Why so quiet?

Be brave My son is your son

I don't get it What has happened?

My son is your son

Where is Surya?

Where is Surya?

Surya

He was badly burned Don't look at him, Naicker

Don't look

Father!

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"O moon, do not disappear"

"Do not weep"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

Father, I'm going I'm leaving you

I cannot stay here any longer

First you killed my mother, then my brother

If I stay any longer, I will die

I don't want to be your daughter

Charu dear

I'll consider myself an orphan, I'll go back to Madras

Don't stop me Don't send your men after me

I do not want to know if you're dead or alive

Let me go

Think you have no wife or son And now no daughter

Imagine that you have disowned me

Let me go, father

As always, I've offered prayers in your daughter's name

Shall I look for Charumathi?

No, I promised not to bother her

Perhaps she is in trouble

She is my daughter She'll survive

Iyer, see who it is

If it's the new police officer, ask him to let us finish

- Tell him I said so - Naicker sir, I'll handle it

- They say we have no permission - Who needs permission to pray?

They say we need permission for the lights and loudspeakers

But we've prayed here for 30 years

They say we've broken the law for 30 years

How dare he!

- Who is he? - The new Asst.Commissioner

- Assistant - Commissioner

Who is it?

'Tamil Welfare Society'

Impound the vehicles

- But they serve the poor, sir - They serve other purposes, too

- Do what I say - Sir, this is Velu Naicker's area

A Tamil area We'll have problems

Who pays your wages? The police? Or Velu?

All them right now

'Tamil Welfare Society Bombay'

Who do you take us for? Naicker will throttle you

Who cares!

Who?

- Who dared to touch Selva? - The Assistant Commissioner

- Who is it? - Commissioner

They beat him in public and arrested him

Aren't you ashamed to tell me? Were you picking flowers?

No one has ever touched Selva Would I have allowed that?

Why was he arrested?

I don't know, sir

All right

You didn't ask? Did you lose your tongue?

The AC hits our men the moment he sees them

Is that so?

Aren't you tough? Why didn't you ask?

He'd throw me in jail

You coward Scared of a uniform

Look at these scars

Feel my arm

This is no coward's body

Where does this policeman live?

- Where? - Why must you go there?

What are you saying?

Our Selva is in jail Where does the AC lives?

Tell me, Swamy

Too scared?

Naicker, sir

I know

Is Mr.Patil at home? Call him

Call him...Go

Mr.Commissioner!

Who is it?

Father?

I knew no other way...

...to absolve the sins I've lived with since I was born

At least my children will be good That's why I married a police officer

- Does he know who you are? - No, I told him I'm an orphan

That's what he believes So do I

Mom...mom

One minute

Your child?

A boy?

Father, please leave him alone

He doesn't need to know that he's related to a man like you

You must leave

Mom

Please

Please go

See this? An arrest warrant for Velu Naicker

- Where is Velu Naicker? - Not here

- Where is he? - I don't know

Search

Search the place

Check that room

- Where is Naicker? - I don't know

- Where is Naicker? Speak up - I don't know

Look upstairs

- Haven't you found him? - No, sir

- Where is Velu Naicker? - Not here

- Where is he? - I don't know

Arrest him

Check the houses, search everywhere

Go...go ahead

Keep looking

Don't leave any house

- Where is Naicker hiding? - I don't know

Look in there

Inside!

- Where is Velu Naicker? - I don't know

- Speak up! Where is he? - I don't know

Round them up

Mr. Naicker! The police!

You better run

Police is coming

Go from here

Follow me!

Let go of me

Let go of me

Couldn't you arrest Velu Naicker?

No, sir

Why?

We're doing our best, sir, but the public sides with him

They protect him and refuse to talk, even when beaten

They'd die for him

I just saw a woman immolate herself for him

Why do they worship such a man like a God? I don't understand

Maybe it's not the public alone who is helping him

Someone is informing him where and when you're going to raid

Meaning?

Velu Naicker had two children

The son died in an explosion

And the daughter is still alive

He sent them to Madras as children

Few people know that he has a daughter

How's that relevant?

Why come here? We'll manage...Please go

Oh God!

God!

Iyer, what's this?

Not a word I didn't say a word

I didn't know I had the guts

Selva, put him to bed

- Are you well? - I'm fine

It would be an honour for me to die for you

Anjamma! It's Velu here

She's unconscious

She can't speak

The doctor said that she would not survive the night

Naicker, if you lose heart, what will happen?

O Mother, enough

Enough

- Where's the telephone? - Come

- Call the Assistant Commissioner - What are you going to do?

Call the AC

Their sacrifice will be meaningless

All that I have done is meaningless

I always thought it's fine to do wrong if it helps others

All these people, the children are suffering for an old man

This is not right

Velu!

Leave me

Father? Is that you?

Is that you?

Yes...

Velu Naicker speaking

Is the Assistant Commissioner in?

What happened? Are you hurt?

Apparently he is looking for me

Tomorrow is Nila's...

...your mother's death anniversary He can arrest me after the ceremony

I can't

Listen to me

You know what they'll do

I know...Tell him

I can't do that

Who was that? Who called?

Who were you talking to?

Tell me...who?

Who was on the phone?

- My father - You mean Velu Naicker?

Does he want to know where the next raid will take place?

And where to hide

- What did he say? - He told me to take you to him

He told me where you'd find him tomorrow

He said you could arrest him there

'Velu Naicker Arrested'

You must give evidence against Velu Naicker

He named my child...I will not stand in court against him

You've known him a long time, you must testify

- His trial is coming up - I know

You must stand witness for the prosecution

Don't be scared We'll protect you

Why not? You know the sort of man he is

That's why I cannot give evidence against him

Your husband, Inspector Kelkar

Do you know who killed him?

Velu Naicker

I know

And yet you won't testify?

- No - Why?

He gave my son a life

He made him a man That is enough for me

Let's go

Leave us alone

Sit down

Many say that Naicker never refuses to help

I need your help

I'm just an ordinary man in prison

You're a senior police officer

How could I help you?

I thought you were scum

I was desperate to throw you in jail

But so many hold you in high esteem, it seems I was wrong

Our aims are the same, with one difference

I wear a uniform and you don't

I need your help now

You're educated, you use big words

I'm uneducated

I will do what I can. What do you want?

The verdict is tomorrow

There's tension on the streets

If there's rioting, people will die

Only you can help us in avoiding bloodshed

I believe that you can do it

The verdict may be against you, perhaps it's a death sentence

I should've died when I was ten

There will be no trouble tomorrow

You can go now

I want to ask another favour

Would you bless your grandson?

Thank you

Long live Velu Naicker!

Long live Velu Naicker!

Why are you in prison?

Did you do wrong?

Are you a good man or a bad man?

Tell me, are you good or bad?

I don't know

Don't know

- What's your name? - Velu...Sakthivelu

Do you know my name?

No

The same as yours: Sakthivelu

O Lord!

Nothing will happen to you, we're all here

Okay, sir

Okay

Don't worry, sir

Go inside Nothing will go wrong

We are here for you

Nothing will go wrong

Everyone is here

You go inside

There are so many of us, no one can touch you

There's no evidence against Naicker

No witnesses

No one can do anything to our Naicker

Naicker...sir

Father?

Father?!

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"O moon, do not disappear"

"Do not weep"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"Your tears will break my heart"

"In the southern realm of the Pandiyas, on the streets where chariots race"

"He skipped along like a deer Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"

"Who could have hurt him?"