Original subtitles

'Respected elders of the village, listen'

'Dalit, Muslim'

'From the tribal clan'

'Anyone can become the President of our nation'

'But in our village, only a member of our caste can hold that title'

'Only that enhances our pride and endorses honor to our caste and community'

- 'True - Main reason'

'Panchayat board election is scheduled for next month'

'Koppulingam who has been president for the past 10 years'

'He has set aside Rs 2000000 as welfare fund'

'And contesting the election'

'If anyone wishes to contest opposing him kindly register your name'

'We can write the names on a chit and accept as per divine oracle'

'Goddess, guide us'

'Apanadha from Malavaraya clan'

'Why fight between close relatives?'

'Apanadha, you want the title let me know, I'll drop out'

'Kinship is more important to me than title, name or fame'

'Only man who played politics equal to your father is Koppulingam'

'He is giving in graciously Why are you being stubborn?'

'Take a pond on auction'

- 'Don't butt in to compete' - I will withdraw, leave me, sir'

'Can't voice a single opinion'

'Can no one oppose them?'

'Mirasdar!'

'My foot, mirasdar! More likely threadbare'

'That chap ran away unable to afford a gift for a function wants President's post?'

'Better sit down'

'Hello, don't shoot off your mouth because you feel indebted'

'We ruled this village'

- 'Our generosity made us poor! - To your mistress?'

'Shut up!'

'Is this a debate for a TV show to talk all kinds of rubbish?'

'This is a temple'

'Panchayat needs a person willing to spend'

'That being the criteria, this time too let Koppulingam contest the president post'

- 'Am I right? - His stooge is speaking!'

'Whatever sir says is equal to a divine oracle'

'Is anyone prepared to even flout and contest?'

'He will be the president for the 3rd term now'

'He is the right person to hold this post'

[chatting in low tone]

Nandhan

M. Nandhan

Won't you write my name as contestant?

Are we choosing workers for 100 day scheme?

You are coolly suggesting names unworthy of the post

Hey clerk!

In all these years, none of our people have been elected even once

Discussing like this and deciding

Opting for divine oracle Wrong selection tactics

Conduct a fair election Whoever wants can contest and win

The cattle owner aspired for cows alive The drummer wanted the dead cow's hide

Hello! What did I ask and what is your reply?

Nandhan, stand right there

Will your community consist of 10-15 families on the whole?

There are 2000 families belonging to our caste

You think you can contest and win?

'Just turn back and go'

Or else I'll break your skull into two

Hey! Sit down

You shouldn't talk like that

Anyone in our village has the right to contest

Aren't you Marimuthu's son?

Your question is justified

But we have enough problems even within our group

We can think about it in the next election

- Leave now - 'Why should I?'

- Give me a proper answer - Hey! Leave, boy

- Get out - What temerity!

Making trouble in our temple!

- Obey us - Go, I say

Wait, am I not handling this issue?

You leave, my boy

Why don't you walk with him to his house?

Instead of using your fist you're resorting to sweet talk

If my fist talks, he will go straight to the police station

He will file a PCR

Are you prepared to walk to and fro to court?

A ghost can be exorcised

But this fellow?

'Nandhan'

Show me your tongue?

Grandpa, you won

Your tongue is redder than mine!

I always win

- Let's see tomorrow who wins - Try your luck

It's getting late I'll go and look in on my sir

Chew this too

Tomorrow I'll win

Koozhpaanai, not you

Even your lord and master can't defeat this Karuppan

As if you are an Olympic medalist!

Don't over dose on your tobacco!

Hear me out

Just because you think you're royalty you can't wash with a gold mug!

Have we leased out our village to Koppulingam?

Tell me

- I'll contest against him this time - Go ahead

Even the rooster in my house that picks on garbage will die in a cock-fight!

I am ready to contest

If Shiva wants to become strong let him choose the right Shakti

- Don't simply get an edge in - Let's see who wins

Lord Shiva, bless me

Finally we have 2 contestants

Koppulingam and Pudhiyaprasu

Clerk, write down their names

Clerk, in cahoots with this chap

I know only too well what you'll stoop to

You write down only Koppulingam's name

I will write my name myself

Nandhan, is 'aiya' in the temple?

Why did you slap me?

All I asked was where is our master?

The elders insist on writing the name of the next president

They are deriding our clan

Should I be the only one to validate our caste?

Can't you speak up for us?

Are they writing down names for Divine Oracle to decide?

- Get lost! - Wait, anna

Brother!

Why buy trouble in high places?

Focus on your studies

Nondisamy, our Guardian deity

I have never asked You for any special favors

You bestow even before I ask

'Tell me what I should do for You'

'Should I appease You by offering a rooster or a goat?'

'Do You want anything else beyond these offerings?'

'Tell me in my dream and I will abide duly'

But I don't know how You will fulfil my wish

The chit that's chosen should have my master's name

My master should become the President this term too

I stupidly thought you were praying for our family's welfare

Enough of praying for your great master

First drop our son in school

I have to go buy cashews in Gandharvakottai

I have some important work to do

You consider this as work?

Take this

Forever obsessed with your 'master'

- 'What kind of crappy job! - God, forgive my stupid wife

Silly fool, spoke in ignorance

Dear deity, somehow make my master the village President

I vow to tonsure my son's head

God, I am in no way connected to this Let my father tonsure his head as a vow

Don't be so rude

He is our greatgrandfather Not just our God

Our greatgrandfather?!

"Here comes the bull so bold"

"Temerity filled gait manifold"

"Bellows with confidence untold"

"Shaking its hump, lo and behold!"

Sir

Koozhpaanai, we got the seat Hattrick, da

Why depend on a mere chit?

If our God could speak He would only select you

"Here comes the bull so bold"

"Temerity filled gait manifold"

"Bellows with confidence untold"

"Shaking its hump, lo and behold!"

"We rule the roost every season always; for many a generation"

"I won't give in to anyone whatever maybe the reason"

"Move aside, helter-skelter run far away and scatter"

"Just wait and watch, man Win hands down, sure we can"

"Here comes the bull so bold"

"Temerity filled gait manifold"

"Bellows with confidence untold"

"Shaking its hump, lo and behold!"

When your name was written on my chit even I thought it was an ordinary idea

That child picked up the chit with my name

If my name had been written on that chit I would have been the village President

If that was the case I would have killed you too

And occupied the President chair

'You are quite capable of doing so'

You know that boy Mari who tried to create trouble in the temple

You gave a befitting answer

They won't hesitate to file a PCR case

He has gone up to the collector to insist on a proper Panchayat election

I heard about it

Attend to that too

He is just a pipsqueak I can handle him with ease

"Our lineage continues for generations"

"Courage in our blood has no reservations"

"Know our history if possible We are known to cause trouble"

"If you create any issue we are warriors out to get you"

"Who can beat us hollow in your view?"

"We kill a youngster or toddler or even at 100 or older"

"If you try to oppose foolishly dust you'll become, trust me"

"We rule as lord of all we survey With a whip in our hand we play"

"If you shower love on me like Jesus I will be"

"I am a warrior proud with no stones unturned"

"If you have the guts, come Face off with us, welcome"

"I can cross barriers speedily Even jump over fire steadily"

"I will butt into my foe if he touches me, you know"

Hey, wash this room after he leaves

Why are you asking your wife to clean?

I can do it myself

When I can clean the porch here won't I know to mop your room, huh?

I'll do it, sir

'I like that!'

He will clean you up I will clean up the room

Why do a double job?

If we throw you out job done and dusted in one swing

Lying here and giving me grief instead of passing away

Urine had collected like the water in our canal

I'll drain the bag

Hey! My life

Aren't you having a tough time?

You have to strain to pee

It is free flow for me

Are you pitying me? Get lost!

- 72 - Untie that calf

74

76

78

80

Fat lady and a duck, 82

Welcome Vanakkam

What are you staring for? This is my master's...!

'He eats just 4 idlis'

5 cigarettes to poop

Imagine the strain on the body, huh?

Sir, you have visitors

'Come, is it Kalingarayar?'

'Neo-rich!'

'Real estate income overflowing'

- 'Come...come' - What a welcome?

Do we come into the toilet?

'Your usual sarcasm is intact'

'I believe you have printed my name in the 4th place in the invitation?'

'Union and township are more important now'

'Will you print my name below a random fellow from a nameless caste?'

Our partymen tend to misunderstand, uncle

That was why-

So does it mean I won't misunderstand?

Only half a coconut earns respect in our family deity's temple

The fight turns bloody as to who is the first recipient

Self respect is life

Fine, whatever

All said and done you are my son-in-law

Come inside

Welcome

'I thought Anjana will come along with you'

Aunt, she wanted to take you saree shopping to Saradha's

Uncle, join us Shouldn't let food get cold

You enjoy our spread

Koozhpaanai

'Eat, enjoy your meal'

Coming, sir

Sir...?

Come in Just come, I say

I've cleaned your father's room

Stop pampering him Come inside

Sir, how can I enter?

I'm inviting you in, right?

- 'Will you come in or not?' - Okay

- How can I disobey you? - Eat here

- Okay, sir - Where are you going?

Sit down and eat

'I told you to sit'

I usually sit on the porch seat How can I eat in your dining room?

They are part of my family Sit and eat with them

No, sir

- Eat, I say - My master has 101 valid reasons

My first time at the dining table

'My dear'

Why are you glaring? Enjoy the feast

What is this new habit of yours?

'Your grandfather used to follow me holding on to my sari'

I am telling him to join Modi's scheme and he is refusing point blank

I have no idea what he keeps writing all the time

In present Whatsapp times, he is writing a love letter

Hey catch it

Out!

Aiyaiyo! Wait, I'm coming

Oh God!

Hurry...quick!

Oh gawd! He is hurt badly

What happened?

- Who are you? - Who?

What happened, brother?

Which village are you from?

- Whose son are you? - Looks like a college student

His whole body is hurt

Come quick, help us

Call the ambulance service

'There's been an accident Come...come and help'

'Hurry up'

- Who is he? - Is he hurt?

'What happened?'

'My dear son'

'Sir, look at my son lying lifeless'

'Open your eyes wide'

"President is here to see you, my dear"

'My precious son'

Keep this for funeral expenses

First attend to all the rites

'Accident case'

'You should not delay the cremation, do it immediately'

Sir, we came and paid our respects

Why did you give him money?

Is this an election to grease palms for votes?

We have no opposition in any case

Sir

- District councillor - Okay...okay

District councillor, I wanted to call you

The black beads around my neck worked in my favor just as you said

I will be President now for the 3rd consecutive term

- Looking forward to your presence - Hey! Shut up

You are unaware of my predicament

I got information just now from Collector's office

Your Panchayat village has been changed in favor of reservation

In your Panchayat hereafter

Only a Scheduled Caste candidate can contest

'What do you intend doing?'

Councillor, can't this ruling be revoked?

Not me, even our minister can't do anything about this

All this is because of the antics of Election Commission

Tell me about it!

God knows what else is in store!

This is so unfair, sir

Among so many villages, why choose only my Panchayat as Reserve?

Did you plan this revenge on me?

Nothing of that sort, man

Wanting to improve the lives of Dalits won't 10-15 Panchayats be changed?

'Sadly, your Panchayat was jinxed enough to be chosen'

'This cannot be changed, man'

Why not?

Like I did in Pappapati and Keeripatti

I'll compel our people to boycott the election

You think you can get away with it

Burning buses, boycotting are measures that succeeded 10-15 years ago

Media has a stronghold now

5-6 Parties play politics instigating them to butt their horns

These chaps are no better

Combat and defeat Yama

'Raise their voices in protest'

Get lost!

You have to pipe down till your village becomes Common Panchayat as before

Understand?

'I know to retain my chair'

Didn't those who went behind bars for corruption

...place a dummy in Chief Minister's chair?

Similarly I will also find a dumbo dummy for my chair

Dalit, reserve, bull shit!

If they occupy a post can they equal us in status?

Then is Scheduled Caste president of this village?

We are done for!

Hey!

This is my post, my Panchayat

Whoever comes into power has to obey my orders

All of you step back I'll handle everything

You can't twirl your mustache with pride hereafter, shave it off

[funeral chant]

Hold this damn thing

Give me a fresh betel leaf

Here, sir

Blessing in disguise I attended this funeral

I can select a slave right here

Yes, president

We prayed many years for a son

Hey...hey!

Will that Govindaraj fellow be suitable?

That butcher?

'He will fit the bill, sir

He won't cross the line you draw

Only disadvantage when he is drunk he will show his beastly nature

Wrong choice

I can't tolerate lion and tiger!

Sir, what about that chap Madhi?

He is like your pet dog for the past 40 years

He won't get tanked nor raise his voice at all

He may be the right choice?

Don't think he is just SC

He has passed SSLC

We must never trust an educated fellow

Look at an aged candidate

'Aged?'

This fungal eared fellow?

You'll have a by-election sooner than intended

He is a weirdo!

Sir

Sir, did you see my sister's son lying lifeless here?

Yuck!

Not only is he good at falling at sir's feet

He's adept at being subservient

He is perfect

I know what a subservient chap is capable of, just shut up!

Get up

Get up...up

- My poor sister - Go...go

Given a chance he will even lick my feet!

You there, Koozhpaanai

Sir...?!

'We forgot this slave'

'He'll implicitly obey you and sign on whatever trash!'

He won't enter any temple or tank!

Why just our village?

We can elect him as world-president!

Sir...?

You've been here for far too long

My father's bag must be full to the brim

- Just peep in - Sir...?

Before the funeral procession go, check and come back

'Go, I say Listen to me'

Okay, sir

I'll make him president

Who will wipe and wash my father at home?

My eldest grandson

What is it, grandma?

Tell me, I have to go to our master's house

I don't think he died a natural death

It was a planned killing just like they killed my husband

Complain to the police even if they demand a postmortem

Don't talk like a lunatic

I have to attend to sir's urine bag, I'll be back

I wonder how many will fall under their revengeful hands?

That rotten chap Panneer

He won't be a mere slave

But a lifetime slave He will be perfect

Hey Panneer?

- Come here - Sir?

Come my dear heir to my political career

Greetings, master Yours truly, Vanangamudi

Wait, 1 minute

Hey, should I tell you exclusively?

Greetings, sir

Sir, did you see my nephew?

I am not the President of this village hereafter

Oh God! What do you mean, sir?

Didn't he want one of you to occupy the President's chair?

We can burn him to cinders

But his wish?

Sir...?

So one of you will be President for this term

Our leader excels in politics

- Panneer will be an ideal choice - Sir...?

Why do I need all this fame and name?

His soul has to rest in peace

He wanted someone like you to represent our village

How can I do justice?

Venus is butting you in your but-

Clerk, when is last date to file the nomination?

7th of this month

Be ready and waiting in your house I'll come and take you

- Do you agree? - Okay, sir

Big packet is Rs 300 Small packet is Rs 100, sir

Are you quoting Rs 100 for such a small packet ?

Cashew is roasted by hand, sir

No adulteration at all

First eat and then tell me if the rate is exorbitant or reasonable

I'll be back, sir

Gawd! It's getting charred!

Sir, taste it

Taste and tell me

This cashew packet is Rs 100 it seems

Sir...sir

Sir...sir!

Sir, stop

Sir

'80 year old, a nominee for Panchayat election'

'...was opposed by her own daughter-in-law as contestant'

'Deadline for nomination of Panchayat election closes in 2 days'

'Someone from our caste has always occupied that chair'

'Now you have chosen a chap from a lower caste!'

'Only today I regret being bedridden, son'

'I would have burnt down this entire village'

'Has God given me a lease of life to witness all these wretched developments?'

Didn't you ask for water for a sponge bath?

It is luke warm Is that alright?

Hey! Am I the father of this son you gave birth to?

'If he were my real son he would have erupted in rage'

'How will I face my father in heaven when I die?'

Your mustache resembles ex-DGP Devaram's!

- Sir? - Car is here

Good morning, sir I'll come, please wait for 5 minutes

Sir

Sir

Sir...sir

Sir...sir

My wonderful husband

Where the hell are you?

Why can't you drop in at my shop when you have time?

One chap in a car swindled me of Rs 100 today

I am so stressed

Forget it

I am equally stressed

Master is asking me to stand in the election for President

What are you saying...huh?

- President? - Hahn!

'But Panneer uncle was their choice the other day'

I thought so too

But now my master wants me to contest the election

'He showed me some paper and asked me to sign'

I refused to do all that

Are you mad or what?

Hey! You are the one who is mad, not me

It is such a prestigious post

How can I usurp his place?

Isn't it disgusting?

Listen, your master didn't give up his seat to you, okay?

Our village has changed into Reserve it seems

That's the reason

Village peon told me

- You stand, dear - Hey! Hang up

- I thought sir is confusing me - Don't burst crackers here

You are worse than him

Hey...listen

Pcccht! My dear

You are asking to stand for President Foolish fellow is refusing

If he had said 'yes'

My antenna would have gone up!

You heard him say 'no' vehemently, no?

I want only him

You beat our 'ma hollow in selecting the ideal stooge!

Hey Koozhpaanai

- Sir? - Come here

Sign on this nomination paper

Sir, how can I stand in the place that's rightfully yours?

So...can I change from my caste to yours?

Will you take me?

Come, you silly fool

'Where are the nominees for Kattunaval Panchayat election?'

'How many times to call? Hurry up'

- 'Real estate' is here - Yes, sir

Welcome, my dear son-in-law Actually I wanted to call you

Get down, da

Good lord! Karuppan is arriving in a car!

You humiliated me by making me eat along with this fellow

I'll return your insult by making this chap contest against you

That's all

Does it make you happy?

Hey Koozhpaanai

- Sir? - Go

'Maapilai'

This isn't our family function for you to do tit for tat

Election

- Divine oracle chose me - Thank God I'm out of it

Then you should be contesting?

- They sent you away too? - Why are you sitting here?

You said your lineage will continue as president forever

'You are going back on your word Keeping a promise is a must for our clan'

Listen, Panchayat has become 'Reserve' now

You are nominating the chap who wipes and washes your father

I am nominating the chap who grazes our cows

Do you know why he has brought you here?

What do I know?

I was happy with my cattle-grazing

When he said, 'Karuppaiya, get into the car', how can I refuse?

He wants you to contest the Presidential election

My goodness!

No one will even call me to cast my vote!

Don't you know when to just fool around?

Even I thought my master was playing the fool

You know what they say

What is that?

- Aiyo! - What?

When a car stops because of no fuel, some word is used, no?

Hahn! Reserve

Our village has been changed as Reserve instead of regular Panchayat system

That means?

My master cannot contest this election it seems

Only someone from our caste has the right to contest

So my master has made me the nominee

'You are the chosen candidate by your employer'

Now the contest is between you and me!

Then you and I should come to blows Why are all of them fighting?

I'm telling you, no need What about my self respect?

What is your final say, son-in-law?

Putting a spoke in my wheel?

I am not inviting trouble, uncle

Just as a matter of pride

My grandfather replaced his good tooth with a golden tooth

Won't I continue that tradition?

What do you want from me now? I must apologize to you, that's all?

Why are you being so formal to your own son-in-law?

Our lineage fights for mutton and then unites for chicken, but our bond is strong

Give me just the pond contract

You will always be the president of this village

Whomever you nominate will be the president

- Don't forget the contract, uncle - Okay, son-in-law

- Karuppa, come here - Koozh, I am the president

Don't forget our clan once you get elected

- Greetings to all the elders here - Koozhpaanai

Go back to your grazing!

How brainy is this 'real estate'

He used Karuppan as bait to secure the contract!

- Come to sir's house tomorrow - Yes, anna

He thinks this is a great honor!

He won't reform even in his next birth!

Will you get a better opportunity than this?

Why are you in a bad mood now?

I thought you were being greedy when you told me to accept

But when my master insisted a couple of times

I realized it must be for our good and I signed the form

Are you serious?

Is it really true?

I signed for the President's post

Honestly?

Do you know how prestigious that post is, dear?

I don't know all that Sir asked me to sign, I did

- My dearest - Hey...hey!

Put me down

- My 'dhoti' will slip off - Super news, dear

- My darling husband - Look, my 'dhoti' has loosened, go

Go...go

Selvi, romancing when the sun hasn't set?!

- Get me coffee - Don't fall on him too much

- Obey the president! - My brother-in-law can't take it

"Like a cat standing tiptoe to see"

"Like the elephant trunk swirling he lures me"

"Slightest excuse, to apply sandalwood paste he circles me, my beloved soulmate"

"Like the breeze caressing gently the scented buds of 'nirgundi' dainty"

"My glances he reciprocates fiery fervor filled with haste"

"Like water merging with red soil here I am entwined in my love for you, dear"

"He came with a specific love-vow His tongue to flirt with my nose now"

"His beard to mingle with my tresses I yearn but I hesitate in shyness"

"Like a cat standing tiptoe to see"

"Like the elephant trunk swirling he lures me"

"Slightest excuse, to apply sandalwood paste he circles me, my beloved soulmate"

"Like the lice carefree strolling on my sari"

"Like buttermilk fresh and cool I dissolved in his healthy gruel"

"He teased me with his love so true stamping ownership like his tattoo"

"Up and down, alluringly he sized me I offered myself as a coconut to my deity"

"Like plucking spinach keezhanelli-apos for keezhanelli with his glances he feasted on me"

"Like alum in water he dissolved me I became the queen bee"

"He laughed amusedly; ridiculing me I bowed my head shyly, twisting my body"

"Like a goat he grazed happily on the pastures of my sari"

"My darling, in youthful vigor you took my breath away forever"

"Like a cat standing tiptoe to see"

"Like the elephant trunk swirling he lures me"

Pudukottai district

Kandharva Kottai Union

"My beloved soulmate"

As Panchayat president

I take up the responsibility

Fantastic, sir

He has offered apple garland for our deity!

'He is our president now and forever'

'Toilet contract is his for sure'

'Wait, my dear Will you go in this attire?'

'What's wrong with this 'lungi'?'

'How can you go in your usual dress?'

'So what? Should I wear a crown on my head?'

'Will you drape this or not?'

'Hey! How can you threaten our president like this?'

'President of India is the First Citizen of the country'

'You are the first citizen for our village, dear'

'Hold, drape it'

'I'm telling you'

- 'Listen to me - Don't fidget, dear'

'Hey...hey, give it to me'

'Aiyo! Stubborn woman!'

'Now look at yourself in the mirror What a transformation!'

'I will be the laughing stock'

'I feel like laughing too'

Haven't you gone to work?

What are you doing here?

Your make-up is shining bright!

- She smeared layers of powder, uncle - You are looking so smart, dear

Did you listen to my protests?

- Is it okay now? - You dazzle like a foreigner

'Uncle'

Bless me

May you always be happy

Nephew, I will carry you in a procession

How can our president walk? Lift him, give a hand

Don't be silly Lower me down

'You have made our community proud'

Don't gang up with them Lower me, uncle

You lift a goat when dead

Why should a man lift another man?

- Let me stand on the ground - You make us proud

Let go of my father He will repay his loans for sure

Please let him go

- No one is hurting him - Let go of my father

Uncle, you'll get it from me My son is getting scared

Gently...lower him now

He is looking so smart in white

Let us escort him to Panchayat office

Come, walk with him

Why are you following me?

- Attend to your work - I'll drop you, brother

Did I go in a bike all these years? I'll walk as I usually do

I can go to the office by myself You don't have to accompany me

Aunt, leave now to work in the 100 day scheme

Go and attend to your work

Why are you holding the betel leaves in your hand?

I'm telling you, go home I can go, no need of any company

- Our beloved leader - I am on my way to see him!

All this water being wasted?

Neelu, I'll levy a heavy penalty if you don't turn off the tap

What are you rejoicing for with one foot in the grave?

My husband was stabbed to death for wearing a white 'dhoti'?

My beloved grandson is clad in white and white

Wait, let me ward off all evil eyes

For me?

I am the one doing this for everyone

I'll safeguard my grandson from negativity

Cast away all evil eyes, green-eyed monsters, envious eyes

Careful, you may fall down unable to hold the pumpkin!

Enough of toiling so hard

Our Koppalingam sir has changed it seems

Then why strain so much?

Our Koozhpaanai is president now

Let's go then

We can watch 'Edhir Neechal' on the phone without disturbance

Men can avail very soon

Ayyadurai, look at this sight

Vanakkam, anna

I'm going to the office to see our sir You want to come along?

Oh! Will you come later? Then I'll wait in the office

'You take your time I'll manage'

'Is that our Koozhpaanai?'

Koozhpaanai, why are you clad all in white like this?

Who will work in 100 days scheme

Only if I go to the office and sign you will get your wages

If you are simply sitting I will mark all of you as absent

We won't work We will simply sit here

- Sign and get us our wages - First go and buy tea for us

What? Even I worked along with you in our Govt's 100 days scheme

You can't fool me like you fool our master

You have to pull out weeds around the banyan tree and dredge the lily pond

Uproot all the invasive thorny mesquites

So many thoughts are swirling in my mind

He is going ahead of Modi!

All of you are sitting around happily gossiping

Go and do your work

Only if you work you get your wages, that's final

What a changeover! Such a shocker from Koozhpaanai

Given a chance he will become MLA

With him as president even rain will abstain!

15 calls till now He is calling nonstop

I consider even saving his number on my phone as untouchability!

The chap who came in to file his nomination in his daily wear

'He is clad in style in white today'

If he stands by your side people will think he is your relative

Hey weaver, wait

Will you make bonded laborer sit on the same chair your family occupied?

Don't give him so much importance

[vendor selling vessels calling out]

Your father isn't here?

Thank God she didn't see me

She would have ridiculed me for guarding a locked office!

Why is sir coming on a bike?

- Good morning - Shining like a star!

Vice-president, vanakkam

Why are you looking at me like that, sir? I was here promptly at 8'o clock

You are the one who is late, sir

'I have called the clerk some 18 times'

No reply at all Come in, sir

Come in, sir

Sir

Lord Muruga, bless me

I have never stepped into this office till now, sir

This is my first time

'That too, by your grace and kindness'

Come in, sir

What are you saying?

Imbecile!

I'll send someone

What is it, sir?

Sluice gate in the west has broken and the fields are getting flooded

Fertilized field of crops Just go and check it

I'll take care of good and bad here

Only you can supervise over there

True, sir, no one knows what to I have to go in person

I will take care Don't worry

Sir, you be here I'll deal with it

How was my plan?

Sir is heading to his chair!

How cleverly you sent him to the fields on a bogus call!

You are Chanakya of politics, sir

My son played games on the street You are doing the same on your cell

Have fun!

Did I make you study till 8th grade for this?

'If one constituency needs 40 crores'

'40 areas is 1600 crores which is 16 billion'

'Does hero Vijay have that kind of money?'

'That is a question raised'

'Only now he's getting a whopping sum of crores starting with 3 digits'

'Earlier his salary was crores starting with only 2 digits'

- What are you writing? - Your president's name

Only Koppulingam is our president

Stop it!

We have been sent from Union office to write the newly elected president's name

We are just obeying orders

So will you write the name of that low-life?

Call our sir

Periyasamy anna Stop...stop

Drop me at the 3 road junction

Speed up Rev the engine

I'll break his limbs and burn him alive

Our leader is here

You'll get it now

Welcome, sir

Look whose name he has written to humiliate our village pride

Ambed or some animal

They let him off easily Should have killed him

Stop...stop, brother

Why is sir here?

Hey! Shut up

What happened, sir?

Look, he is coming

He is the village president

- Sir, why are you- - Hey! Shut up

Only his name has to be painted

My dear boy, get up and write

If you are writing this name

...we don't even need this board in our village

Shut up for God's sake

You have to write only his name

'Honor his name with M.A B Ed'

You intend to insult us you might as well do it royally

You write his damn name

But first wipe out my name as vice president below his

I said, wipe it

My name below yours is fine But beneath his is beneath my dignity!

Disgusting

Don't magnify such a trivial issue

- Koozhu? - Sir

- Ambed, supervise - Okay, sir

Move aside

Go...disperse

We thought you'll scold him Instead you're shooing us

Jobless, expecting mediation!

Write bold and broad, brother

'President: Ambed Kumar Vice President: Periyakaruppan'

No one will call me by my nickname 'porridge pot'

Will they change it to 'rice-pot!'

Don't be sarcastic all the time

Our village will be proud

- See for yourself - See what?

Take a look at our village board

Get down and take a good look

Selvi, don't have a heart attack seeing my name-

'Ambed Kumar'

- Is it your master's doing? - Of course not

He fought for me and made him write my name

How will he-

Bless us, Lord Shiva as Soleeswara!

Koozhpaanai will agree not to have his name written

But won't his kith and kin instigate him to protest?

BDO is new and he is said to be troublesome

That's why I asked our people to smear cow dung all over that board

'All that is fine'

'Next week is Independence Day'

'Will you be hoisting the flag or will he do the honors?'

- 'He will - Seriously, sir?'

Most of them own a phone to click photos or snitch

Wow! You are Chanakya of politics

What does it matter who hoists the flag?

'I hold his tuft in my hand!'

She slipped in the field it seems

Why did she work at this-

Is this the age to work?

Aunt

Look who has come to see you

Grandmother

You don't worry

When have I been worried?

Your name has been written on the board in our village limit

I am so proud of you What more can I ask for?

'My heart is overflowing with joy'

'Wish your grandfather was alive to share this joy'

On that name board-

Don't tell her, she won't be able to take it, poor soul!

Kumar, they ridiculed you about your roots

All kinds of horrible nicknames and you cried your heart out

My husband told your headmaster to change your name to Ambed Kumar

We are familiar with our guardian deity Aiyanar

All of us laughed asking 'who is that Ambedkar?'

'Foolish people! Don't you dare laugh!'

He said, 'only this name will make my grandson a big shot'

Now you have made his dream come true Even if I die now I'll get salvation

Why are you thinking of death now?

Even without any title or post you'll go out of your way for me

To top it all you are the president

In a stormy weather won't you take me ashore?

He will ensure your demise at a ripe old age will be celebrated

Only wish of mine is to watch you hoist our national flag and then die

'This is not the same village you were born and brought up'

'Our village has progressed so much' I must go up and tell my husband

That is my only wish

Hoisting a flag seems to be an easy task

Salute!

My humble salutations to my people and children

President- Chee! He will be here

Salutations to president sir who made me president

I am not

Used to addressing a gathering

Don't deride me if I say something I shouldn't

Once I stole some money and my father caught me

A contented mind is comfort satisfying

Poverty is the thought that keeps wanting

My father branded me with a hot iron rod and dinned it into my head

This lesson he taught me is embedded in my mind and heart

Therefore I won't commit any blunders of accepting bribes orresorting to corruption

I have no desires to take anyone's money

I will always be a source of support and lend my helping hand to all of you

I will work for your welfare

Jai Hind!

[applause]

Father, that was a terrific speech

Soooper, my dear

My dear husband

I didn't know you had such clarity of thought

My precious treasure!

Appa, you said 'Jai Hind' at the end that gave me goosebumps, pa

Who taught you to speak so well?

How many times I've watched this on TV?

You think your father is like you both?

I am really clever!

Our flag pinned onto a clean white shirt Even you look prim and proper

My wedding shirt, sir

Move...move aside

Careful Lower her gently

Now the president of our Panchayat will hoist our national flag

Bhuwana, watch my dad hoist the flag

Give

'I care two hoots who uploads a video?'

'I won't give up my right'

'Salute'

Order

'National anthem'

'Mankind is equal in circumstance of birth Diversity of work lends each his worth'

'Kural 972 Tamil poet Valluvar'

'Jaya he'

Broom stick Broom stick!

[vendor calling out]

Azhaga, why are you sitting here without going to school, son?

I'm talking to you

I don't like to go to school

Why, my son?

What happened?

My classmates are ridiculing me

If you don't go to school they will ridicule you even more

- Come - Appa didn't hoist the flag, no?

- My friends are teasing me - Why are you so stubborn?

I'm not coming

- I'm telling you - I don't want to go to school

- Let go of me, ma - Like father, like son

- Don't beat me - Are you trying to bunk school?

Don't hit me, ma I'll stay home

You'll only be respected if you study

If your father had studied would he have been humiliated like this?

Why are you beating me? Why didn't you ask appa to hoist the flag?

'Let that husband of mine come I'll brand his butt with a hot rod!'

'Spineless fellow'

You made my mother beat me this morning

You'll get it real hard from me

Die...die into the dust

Good riddance!

Sir

You've been out of sorts from the flag hoisting day

No, sir My grandmother is unwell

So I decided to be here

My father is unwell at home Who will take care of him, huh?

He has been asking for you

Okay, finish all this and come back soon

- Take care of your grandmother - Okay, sir

Let's go

"I am singing a song true In remembrance of you"

"My dear Senthamarai; on this day why did you forget me and go away?"

"In memory of you I sing this song anew"

"Our gold studs safe at home; precious Your ear-rings in the pyre turn to ashes"

"Our jewelry under lock and key Into the pyre her gold studs will be"

Forced to obey our sir's orders we have to attend this wretched funeral

Do the needful

Grandmother is getting drenched Lift her up...lift her

- 'Bring her inside' - 'Where are you taking her?'

'Hey! Get out'

Will she dissolve in the rain?

We will leave as soon as the rain stops

Don't you know you are not allowed here?

I told you to get out of here

Will you change your caste and rites because you are president?

- It's raining - Clear out

Take your corpse and get out

Have we ever stepped into your graveyard?

My grandmother is getting drenched in the rain

We'll leave as soon as it stops raining

- Go away! - They not allowing us?

- What temerity! - No fear at all

This is our graveyard

None of you take a single step in here

Your graveyard is 15 feet away

Go there and cremate her

Barging in here as if it is your graveyard!

If sir gets to know about this

'He will skin you alive'

If we hadn't come you would have cremated her here, no?

It is fortunate we came here

Listen, after the rain stops cremate her in the area reserved for you

Otherwise I'll burn all your huts down

As if they will find out where we cremated her?

They are not letting her rest in peace Why should we listen to their words?

We'll cremate her inside and carry the ash outside

Wait for sometime I'll ask our president's permission

You are the president of this village Why should you go and ask him?

Come here and hold this end

For the sake of one death the village should not become a graveyard

Do you understand?

Uncle, I am sure my master will agree to my request

I'll ask him permission and come back immediately

Till then, wait here

Sir

Aiya

Sir?

- What, da? - Sir

- Rain hasn't stopped yet - So...?

So we wanted to burn her in your graveyard

You moron! What rubbish is this?

'If you burn her in that graveyard'

Where will you burn me?

Wretched fellow! Why has death ignored you?!

Listen

Wait until the rain stops and then cremate her

If the villagers will get to know this you will be burnt to cinders

Go

- Please, sir - I'm telling you

- Go - I came here trusting you

Coming here straight from the graveyard

Aiya!

What did the president say?

What did he say?

'Why are you digging over there?'

'Our tradition is to burn, not to bury'

Will the dead soul spring back to life?

What's the difference if we burn or bury?

Come soon Bring my grandmother here

'Even without any title or post you'll go out of your way for me'

'Now you have become the president'

'In a stormy weather won't you take me ashore?'

Why did you place so much faith in me, grandmother?

What a degrading way of bidding you the final farewell

'Long live, Tamil'

- Sir - Tell me

- I am from Vanangankudi village - Tell me

Regarding the graveyard of our village

What you need to do is meet your Panchayat president

I can help you only if you come through him

I am the president, sir

Come inside

Sit down

- It's okay, sir - Sir, please sit down

That's your seat Please sit down

Tell me

We can fight without any means of survival

But we fighting without a dignified way of dying

My grandmother carried me in her arms and raised me

We had to bury her in slush and mire yesterday, sir

Please give us at least 2 cents of land for our graveyard, sir

Which village did you say?

Vanangankudi, sir

- Near Adhanankotai? - Yes, sir

In every village, there is unowned or empty land owned by the Govt

3.5 acres

We will take 10 cents and make a graveyard for you

Later, Govt will also grant some money

With that, you can make arrangements for burning and burying

Okay?

Thank you, sir Thank you very much

Welcome

Hey!

Didn't I kill and bury you? How did you grow again?

- Amma - Tell me

Look at this

'Wild mesquite'

This will grow all over the place

This did not grow on its own

I killed this and buried it here

You always talk beyond your years!

It's a crime to have misused un-assessed Govt land not meant for private purposes

Our sir has come Talk to him now

Sir, they want to bulldoze your fields

Sir, please don't mistake us This is Block Development Officer's order

He was the one who met BDO and asked for a graveyard

BDO asked us to take action immediately

I asked him for Govt land Not my master's property

This is un-assessed Govt land

Your sir won't have a document to claim ownership

So will you raze the crops to the ground?

Hey, stop it Stop it now

- Sir, this is wrong - Be quiet

Officers, please come here

Anyone who usurps 'poramboke' land is committing a crime

I own 70-80 acres of land

I don’t have the need to grab such lands and benefit by it

My workers thought they were doing me a good turn and added this to my assets

That fact did not come to my knowledge

You have every right to clear this field

I will not interfere or hinder your action

A mistake is a mistake

Sir, we can't leave it like that

Hey! Reverse your bulldozer I won't allow it

You are a great performer!

You will call the concerned officers here

Then you will act like you are stopping them

Wonder what else is up his sleeve

- Be quiet - Sir, don't get me wrong

- Come here - I did not do it

What if I lose this field?

Will I lack food on my table for my next meal, huh?

Let them do their duty

Only now you have become a responsible president

You go ahead Let's go home

Get the bulldozer into the field, hurry up

Whether they are into agriculture or not, they are good at creating problems

Aiya

What, Bagyam?

Looks like you are getting a new graveyard

'Go and happily rest in peace there'

Listen, I cleared the land I held in my possession

Now you are occupying land which is legally mine

If you are on my land illegally isn't that also land-grabbing?

When will you vacate this place?

What are these blank stares in aid of?

When are you leaving?

Sir, we have been living here for the past 30-40 years

Suddenly if you ask us to leave where will we all go now?

Where to go, eh? Ask your president

Listen, you only have 2 days time

Before that, you have to vacate this entire area

Otherwise the same bulldozer and same bokline will land here

Move the car

- 'You have to clear out by this evening - Where can we go, sir?'

Sir, I swear from the bottom of my heart I didn't do anything deliberate to hurt you

'Trust me, sir'

You got the courage to meet BDO all by yourself?

What should I do as repentance now?

Resign your post as president

I gave you that post, da Doesn't it hurt when I take it back?

That is called power Power of authority!

Hear me loud and clear

If he resigns, all of you can continue living on my land

If not, I'll wipe out all of you

Start the car

- Lived here for 40 years - He wants us to vacate

You are so blessed to be born this way

No school, no teacher You're enjoying a carefree life

Will your father close the door?!

As if this is a palace!

They will loot it bare

'Francolin' and 'My fair bunny', tata

Hey! My wild mesquite, tata

- Amma, 1 minute - Where are you going?

'He is such a pain'

You've grown taller than me And buds are flowering too

I'm eating rice I'm eating 'idli'

I'm eating beef too

All you drink is water Then how did you grow so tall?

Amma, 1 minute

I don't want to go to school

Because everyone is making fun of me

You are the only friend who doesn't ridicule me

I'll be back to continue our chat

Tata, bye

'Where do you think your father has gone?'

Only last week you came and asked for a graveyard

In so short a time have they decided to bury you?

No, sir, I am resigning of my own free mind

I am unwell, sir

Are you really unwell or is someone threatening you?

Why should I threaten him?

He looks like a wholesome pumpkin

But he is diabetic

He has to take Viagara to even pee!

He is himself accepting he can't take the strain

Instead of accepting his resignation letter you are questioning him?

You are treating the president with disrespect right in front of my eyes, huh?

Get out

Get out of here

I know how to get his resignation letter

Leave

I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT

- Please sit down - No, sir-

Sit and we can discuss

Sir, please sit

Do you know what Reservation means?

For people like you to walk with your head held high

Many people revolted to give you that right

You know how many lives were lost, huh?

You are playing a game of dice with that precious right

I am well aware

I am well aware who pressurized you and compelled you to resign

If you name him I'll put him behind bars

Sir, don't misunderstand me

Even our fart will stink!

I feel maybe we were a bit rash and impulsive

Sir, by now that BDO would have extracted all the information

That chap would have blurted everything including the flag hoisting

Yes, whether he resigns or not

We are lucky if he doesn't file a complaint

Why are you looking at me?

Filing Protection of Civil Rights is a fashion nowadays

This is your right

Don't give it up Fight for your right

I will support you

Why are you blocking the way?

Chairs are meant for sitting

- Go and sit - We will manage

Hey! Sit

Sir...sir?

He is bringing back the letter

'That means he has not resigned'

If we compel him to resign

It will boomerang on us

You patch up with him now We'll wait for a better opportunity

'He has no other option'

What now? Didn't BDO accept your letter of resignation?

Don't worry In a way that's good too

- What do you feel? - Right, sir

Even I thought about it

You blundered unknowingly

I should not have asked you to resign because of that

I'm telling you now

I have no issues if you get back to being the president

Just this

All I expect from you is your old loyalty

Fate of our village

Is this Koozhpaanai chap back to being president?

All this is the cruelty of Time

What can he do if that BDO didn't accept it?

'I, Ambed Kumar'

- He has resigned - What are you saying?

Hey! Get into the car

I misunderstood you listening to their opinions

You proved your loyalty to me

Have I ever told you to sit in my car?

Get in

You resigned despite BDO's advise

You proved you are truly loyal to me

Sir-

BDO sent us out and asked you to sit How dare you think you're equal and comply!

- Kill him - What temerity!

Sir, BDO insisted I sit

You have the gall to be seated just because he asked you to sit!

- Didn't I comply with your order? - I'm standing and you are coolly sitting

I'll slit your butt, add salt and roast it to blister

This is reason enough to kill you

We are standing out there How dare you sit on that chair!

I should have killed you when you walked clad in white!

- That post has gone to your head - I have resigned

Blessed minister's post And sir made a huge sacrifice!

'Our fault to have offered that post to you'

- Beat him to a pulp - What temerity!

What will that BDO do now?

Get lost

Sir...aiya, what wrong did I do?

What more should I do?

Why are you hitting me?

'Aiya...forgive me'

If you utter another word I'll skin you-

I'll handle him

Demolish his hut and bash his wife and son

Let's go

Sir, spare my wife and son Please don't hurt them

'Begging you, sir'

What is the problem, uncle? Is this chap refusing to resign?

You might as well have accepted my candidate Karuppan

That fellow would have signed any damn document

I already resigned, sir

How dare you sit!

Only if I teach you a lesson other chaps will tuck in their tails!

Sir, it was wrong on my part to sit down

I won't sit even at home, sir

Ungrateful scoundrel!

We have pinned you down as bonded laborers just to be bashed, beaten, bruised, killed'

'You got this post through your reservation quota'

'You'll mediate royally and we must abide by your rules?!'

Kill him, son-in-law

'Will you forget your roots if you get a title to your name?'

How dare you retort?!

You saw that, uncle?

He has the audacity to teach us a lesson when we gave him the power!

Beat him Bash him up

Strip him of all his clothes

Don't hit me...please stop

What right do you have to gloat over his position?

We gave him this pride of place!

'Don't break all our things'

'Let go of my mother'

Don't hit me

Don't destroy our house, hey!

APPA

AMMA!

Don't, please don't Aiyo! Don't hit me

It hurts, don't, sir

Please don't hit me

I can't bear it

We will go away somewhere and earn a living

Poor wild mesquite!

- Let go of me, da - I am begging you, sir

You bloody die, da!

Our guardian deity, save me

Amma...get up Let us leave this place

Amma, hurry Hold my hand

Aaaah! Amma!!

You showed me your true colors, no?

You'll pay for it

How dare you eat the food I gave you and betray me!

My husband

Aiyo!

Move your feet, oh gawd!

You bloody fellows! Embed this in your mind

If you oppose me you will share his fate

How did you suddenly become so gutsy?

'I will skin you alive'

Tell me, you won't have a single hut left in your 'colony'

I'll burn down all your huts

You had better obey and surrender to my wishes

Please get up, my dear

How long will it take for him to use his strength and hit you back?

He tolerated all your atrocities with will power, I salute him

You think he lost and you won!

Get lost!

Considers himself a big shot

I should have given birth to him instead

Don't be offended I'm saying this

You went slightly overboard

Killing a chicken doesn't mean anger over that bird

We want chicken gravy on our dining table

Now he has resigned

We have to select someone next

We have no other choice but to choose a man from their clan

Now they are petrified of the repercussions if they go against my wishes, right?

Whichever candidate we select

For a lifetime he has to fall at our feet

That's why this loyalist was beaten to a pulp

'Let us go back to our home, come, ma'

'Azhaga, that house is not ours'

'If we had a house of our own who could have driven us out?'

'If we don't earn and buy atleast 5 cents of land we will be nomads for life'

Hey! Wild mesquite

You have sprouted leaves again?

I didn't come to see my home I came only to see you

You are immortal, you know

'Wait, I have to tell my parents'

Ma...?

Why have you come running breathless here?

What happened?

What is it?

Appa, mesquite has sprouted leaves again

It symbolizes we will also survive wherever we go, pa

Hey Mari! Why are you crying?

You are our next president

Sir, please don't misunderstand us

After our son's death we are like corpses barely alive

We don't need all this title and post, sir

Don't compel him, sir

You should consider yourself blessed that our sir has selected you, Mari

So many beg him or try to bribe our sir for it

They even stoop to kill!

You are better off quietly signing

Sir, please choose someone else

In my last phase of life

I don't want to be blamed for any misdeed

- Hey! Simply sign - Sir, forgive me

I beg of you

Leave me out of this, sir

Get up!

I'm telling you to get up

Please leave me out, sir

All your tears are fine Sign and then continue crying

Enough of 1 accident per house, sign now

'I, Marimuthu who is president of Vanangankudi Panchayat'

'I resign from my post due to personal reasons'

'Yours truly Marimuthu'

Aiya, I pleaded not to make me president

Why all this, sir?

Don't get me wrong, Mari

When I asked that Koozh fellow to resign from his post

He dragged it giving me a hard time

I wanted to ensure you don't follow suit

Now sign the nomination form

Sign

Sign here

They killed my son and now they are garlanding him!'

'Like a cow offered to fulfill a vow you fell at their feet in total submission'

But you surrendered even your duty as president at their feet, you know?

I just could not bear that

What do you want me to do?

'Who asked you to resign, I say?'

'That's why they plan to replace him in your post'

'70 year old man'

If anything untoward happens to him I will strangle you to death, I swear

Listen, talk to someone Do something about it

Marimuthu

You got angry I showed disrespect

Let me reiterate the same He...this fool is the president

2 days remaining for the deadline

How can I conclude he is President?

Village with perfect discipline following this tradition for 40 years

Without competition

No contestants is not a matter of pride

A democratic healthy competition is the jewel in our crown

You are roaming around, not able to differentiate pride and problem

We know all about pride and buffalo hide@

You attend to your work

Don't keep staring at his mouth Get out of this room

- Hey! - A special serf!

Lie at my feet like a faithful dog for the next 4 years

Like this Koozhpaanai-

Uncle, forgive me

I am also contesting for the post

- Who has instigated him, huh? - I don't know

He is registering his nomination

He needs 2 imbeciles as witnesses to sign

How can he find anyone?

Not a single soul!

Success and defeat come later

You wanted to compete, no? You won at that very moment

Sit down

Sir, my wife and son

Please come inside

Come

No way he decided this of his own accord

Someone has instigated him

So be it, even then how many votes can he get?

Me, my wife

And my witness Panneer signing for me now

I'll be happy if I get 3 votes, sir

Then why the eff is he contesting?

To win

But not me

My father's brother uncle Marimuthu their candidate should win

If he wins without any opposition

The post will be regarded as charity and they will have the upper hand

But if I lose and my uncle wins

He would have won with a margin of over 600!

Then it will be his sole victory

Only that will make him hold his head high

I explained so clearly to you that day

You didn't pay heed and resigned to please them

But today, understand truth as it is

You are contesting

But bear this in mind Be steadfast in this decision

I won't change my mind, sir

I will stay determined

Feather in our cap is no competition at all

We should not lose that

All that won't be lost

Hey clerk! You are the first and foremost reason for the downfall of our village

Punyakodi

Wait, he will set everything right

'A low life nobody has the gall to oppose us!'

You were too kind to him by just driving him away

You should have killed him

Will that fellow withdraw his nomination today?

Our village has its own protocol

You promised yesterday to make him withdraw

Today is the last day

He has to withdraw before 5:00 p.m, right?

It is my duty to safeguard the dignity of this village

He will definitely withdraw

I will do something that will give him no choice

Police force is a mere dummy-piece

We are the oppressed clan

They have razed our huts to the ground and destroyed all our belongings

We have no roof over our head now

Our family is on the road bruised and battered

You should not suffer because of my action

I left our area I was driven out

What should I do now?

Not for my personal victory

I want you to win

'Panchayat Union Office'

- Sir? - What about that loyalist?

- I don't understand, sir - I meant Ambed

'Sir, they have threatened him to withdraw'

'They are waiting for him to come here after ruining their habitat to rumbles'

I don't think he will withdraw

'He is strong in his stand, sir'

Children and all the women have been bashed up brutally

Where can we go? We have been ordered to evacuate

If I am the cause for all your suffering I am ready to withdraw my nomination

I will withdraw

Aiya...!

Your hammer-blow has made the 2 goats for slaughter come bleating

- Look - I told you, sir

Look at the desperation and despair written on their faces

No one can underestimate me Such is my political mindset

- Let's go down - You are Chanakya of Politics!

Uncle, are they coming or shall I kidnap them here?

Come

Don't say a word, follow me

What were you doing till 4:45 p.m?

Where did you get this temerity from?

- Making us wait for so long? - Taking us for a ride

- Go - Bloody rogues!

- What were you doing for so long? - What is this 'slow motion' walk?

- You won't reform - Go in there

Clerk, well hit!

How will you sign behind our back?

Wait, let him be Good he had a change of heart

Good evening, sir

Give it to sir

Despite my sound advice you will never reform, eh?

'Are you so spineless?'

They will trample you lifelong and you will suffer and die

'Border Development Officer'

No, I refuse to accept your resignation

- Time's up - You have 5 minutes

It is legally wrong to refuse accepting a candidate's withdraw petition

Will you accept it or not?

'Call the collector, I say'

'Only 3 minutes remaining'

Are you resorting to delaying tactics?

Sir, aren't you a straightforward officer?

'Why can't you accept his withdrawal?'

You are giving this lowlife too much importance

'Take the letter and throw him out, sir'

Hey! Give it to him

Ask him to accept

- Accept it - All of us are telling you

He is willing to give, just take it, sir

'Why are you refusing, sir?'

Sir, accept it for my sake

- He is giving voluntarily - Take it, sir

- 'How does it affect you? - Just do your job'

'Uncle, ask him to stamp the seal immediately'

Close it with a seal

Do it right now

- Don't delay - That's your duty

- Seal it, sir - Go on, do it, sir

'You crucified him!'

'Social justice it seems or some bloody crap'

Selling salt to the sea!

You saw how the officer had to zip his lips?!

You are Chanakya of Politics

What 'knack'ya?

Chanakya?

Who?

You can never be reform-

'From Marimuthu'

Hey! What is this?

How did this happen?

'I will withdraw my nomination'

Why should you withdraw?

Let my husband withdraw

I sacrificed my only son for their greed for name and fame

I am telling you now You should be the president

- 'You should win - True'

They tortured you in the most inhuman way

They won't hesitate to torture him in a similar fashion

They have already tricked me into signing a resignation letter

What is the use of me contesting?

You become president

They will bash us brutally And thrash us ruthlessly

Worst case scenario they will kill Is there anything new left for them to do?

We can face whatever atrocity Go and stand boldly

- You have to stand - Don't think twice

- You must represent us - Don't hesitate

We remained segregated assuming authority is needed only to rule

But only now we realize, sir

We need that power for even basic survival!

That's why we decided unanimously

- Sir? - I'll manage

S.Ambed Kumar

President of Vanagankudi Panchayat

Do not bow your head for anyone

Using your post and power, do all the good you can for people's welfare, no full stops

But be impartial

Attend to your work, go

'How much longer will you continue this drama?'

Hey you!

Are you playing political games with us?

You are an old hand in political games for decades

We have just entered this sphere

Hereafter this is how it will be

Let's go, uncle

Wretched fellows of the lowest order who are dependent on us in life and death!

They smeared defeat on our faces, uncle

Why should I stick with you now? I am better off being with them

'Ambed anna, brother I can drop you home in my bike'

'Do you have anyone to support if we dissect you to pieces?'

'We fed you and you stab us behind our back, huh?'

What audacity to oppose us!

Spineless fellows! Aspiring for the Panchayat!

'No court can put us behind bars'

'What the eff can you do opposing our superiority?'

Trying to act smart with us?

'Will we let you enter the Panchayat office?'

'You have to lie at our feet for your lifetime'

'You think you can revolt?'

'Our caste rules Our word is law'

'I don't consider myself a male if we don't hang you from a tamarind tree'

'Occupy the seat of power'

'That is our solution forever' said social reformer Ambedkar

'But despite occupying a seat of power many are unable to hold their head high'

'Success is possible maybe in reel world'

'But in the real world...?!'

After becoming the president I intended serving the people

I took up this post

But that post is giving me only strife and struggle

You had better sign or else we'll remove you from President's post

For the only reason of being born in the lowest caste

They prevent me from hoisting a flag even though I have won the election

Who respects a president from a Scheduled Caste?

If I go to the Panchayat office

'As if she is a leader and we have to listen to all the nonsense she speaks'

This is how I am treated by them

Even the police department doesn't take us seriously

Even senior officials don't respond properly

Whichever police station I go to I'm asked, 'you, huh?'

'You call yourself a president?'

Which village can justify this?!

I was tortured to this extent and needed 8 stitches as an emergency case

I was admitted in the hospital

No officer enquired about my well being

We have constructed a new Panchayat office

More than 6 months since it was built

It has not been inaugurated just because we will occupy the seat

Occupying the chair is an issue Getting work done is an issue

If we cross those hurdles we have to face issues with the officers

Respect is essential in life

The day I became President I lost my self respect completely

Why do you give a constituency to a Dalit?

Why give and then squash it?!

Wishing for such a post we lost our dignity and prestige

My life is full of strife My daughter's life is ruined

My son's education is spoilt too

I have lost everything and become a living corpse!

Which community should I have been born to serve the people well?

I have thought for many years but couldn't share with anyone

I wanted to tell someone my angst

We have been denied basic rights because we belong to this community

It is a horrible way of existence

I can't raise my head high as president even in 1 street!

I have been humiliated often

subtitled by rekhs