Original subtitles

Smoking causes cancer. Smoking kills.

Liquor drinking is injurious to health.

Be safe. Don't drink and drive.

The aboriginals of that land...

...will not show mercy to anyone searching for gold.

There's no gold at all.

There's nothing there except for demons that take lives.

Even recently, five people have died.

People are lured there with false hopes.

We don't even manage to recover their bodies.

That's why the province has been declared a prohibited zone.

That silly Frank wrote some nonsense.

That is all just a lie.

Please do not disturb me with this anymore.

Lunch was nice.

Let me take your leave now.

Hey, Varatha! -Be careful!

Where's your focus?

Still caught up in your wedding excitement?

The sacred string hasn't even been renewed.

Why did you return to work with your wife?

He doesn't listen.

You can say. You have no issues.

You sleep soundly even after the rooster has crowed,...

...wake up after the sun rises,...

...take your time cooking and eating before heading to work.

I'm having a tough time managing that quarter-acre of land.

At least you have a quarter-acre. We don't even have that.

If we don't sow rice before it gets too hot,...

...life can get really challenging.

The zamindar will ruin my joy.

Quiet! What are you talking about? -That's the truth.

The zamindar won't let us be. -Sister, goodbye!

Goodbye, Arasani!

Quiet! Don't start early morning.

Where has he gone to?

Ashoka!

Oh, Ashoka!

Yes, Mother? I'm at the peepal tree.

Why did you go there this early?

Everyone else is heading off to work in the morning,...

...but my husband is still sleeping soundly.

Hey!

Wake up I say!

Hey!

Wake up!

Regain your senses! Gee!

Why did you yell like that? You frightened the kids!

You always do this. It's alright, sweetheart.

Dear! It was a prank.

How many times have I asked you not to disturb my sleep?

If something happens to you,...

...what would I tell my children?

Why should it matter to you? They don't need me.

The only lack is that you don't produce milk, you shameless man.

I wonder what truly goes on in your mind.

See how they're laughing. Wake up!

Sweethearts, let's go.

Hey, brother-in-law! -Yes, brother-in-law?

You know that glittering saree with a golden border...

...worn by the landowner's wife?

I want something similar for Gunawathy.

Sure! I'll weave one for her.

As if you could make a fortune from that quarter acre of land.

The ideal father for the kids.

Have you ever asked what your wife wants?

Hey lady, this Thangalaan is for you.

Don't give me lame excuses.

Listen. For this harvest season,...

...I want outfits like the upper-class women wear.

Or, I'll give your sharp nose a pinch!

Look at that! Your mother wants to feel young again.

I'm still young.

You don't have to give it for free.

I'll give you a child for each outfit.

Do you think this is barter system?

You can't settle my deal, you debtor!

I'll buy you a hundred attires.

Will you give me a hundred children?

I will! Just buy me first!

How? -Just like that!

(Mantra recital)

Oh, Lord Govinda! -Oh, Lord Govinda!

I bow to the ultimate reality, Narayana!

I bow to the ultimate reality, Narayana!

What is that? Raise your hand!

Salutations to Lord Krishna! -Salutations to Lord Krishna!

Salutations to the infinite! -Salutations to the infinite!

Actually,....

You are all children of Lord Perumal.

Children of Lord Perumal.

From now on, don't eat beef...

...and stay away from the low caste people. Got it?

We belong to a different caste and must follow certain rules.

When we die, our souls should reach the abode of Lord Narayana.

Understand? Hey, Ashoka!

There's no point in looking from there.

Come and put on the sacred thread. Join us!

Ashoka! -Your mother....

Come on! -I'll be back, priest.

Ashoka! -I was talking to the priest.

When do want to become a Brahmin? -Yeah, right.

Gengu aims to tie a sacred thread to everyone in this village.

I told you not to join him. Will you not listen?

(Indistinct chatter)

Oh Goddess!

Father, why does the landlord has a vast piece of land,...

...while we have just a tiny plot?

All this land belongs to his paternal grandfathers.

Don't you know?

Why deny it? See, this entire piece of land is ours.

The upper-caste landlords...

...were encouraged by the British rulers to impose taxes.

They tricked us and stripped us of everything.

Land is for those who work hard,...

...not for those who don't.

Come and eat! -I'm good. You all enjoy.

Ganggama, are you sleeping?

No.

Dad!

Aren't you asleep yet, kids? -We're not sleepy, Mom.

When will you sleep, little night owls?

If you tell us a story, we'll fall asleep.

You'll sleep if I give you a thump.

Mom, we don't want your stories. Dad, you try.

What story? -Share a ghost story.

Dad, tell us the tale of Aarathi.

Dad, share the tale of how you got tricked on your gold hunt.

Please, Dad. -No, no!

You'll be frightened if you listen to that story.

We won't be! Please, Dad.

Your children are like demons. -Please, Dad.

Dad, dad.... -Fine. I'll tell.

I'll tell the story, but you have to nod along, okay?

Once upon a time,....

Do you see those majestic mountains lined up in the distance?

Beyond those peaks, forests and rivers,...

...there stood a mountain known as Aanamalai.

Elephant?

Not elephant. It's a mountain that resembles an elephant.

Around the mountain...

...echoed the sounds of elephants, tigers and wild boars.

It was a jungle with all kinds of creatures.

A huge river named Ponnar flowed nearby.

As our king was crossing that river,...

...returning with his battalion after defeating a foreign foe....

Who are they?

In that Ponnar river,...

...our great-grandfather,...

...Kadaiyan was mining for gold.

It's the gold mining team.

Oh!

Everyone, stay still!

Senggolan has ordered your arrest!

Senggolan?

Pure gold. I want it. More! I want more!

Senggolan!

Only those in need will receive it.

Searching for others will yield nothing.

Head down to the river!

Senggolan! Gold flows in the water...

...like young fish. They slip through our grasp.

How about the gold on land?

Mother Earth has only gifted the people gold in the river.

The gold on land is not meant for us!

I want that gleaming rock.

Not all that glitters is gold, Senggolan!

It's destruction!

Get going!

Snake!

Didn't the snake venom anything to you?

No, Senggolan.

It's a snake of illusions.

It won't harm me.

It won't harm.

The snakes guard the gold.

They'll lure with visions of glittering gold,...

...to strike and kill anyone who dares to take it.

Who is the sorcerer skilled in this?!

It's not a sorcerer, Senggolan.

It's a sorceress.

Aarathi!

She's the leader of this forest who came from the Nagar tribe.

She safeguards all the gold in this place!

She is the queen of this land.

Every land belongs to Senggolan.

Are you not aware of that?

This is not your land!

This land is under her enchantment.

You can't do anything.

Make your way to the village.

The snakes can't harm us anymore.

Move forward!

Step back! Step back!

Run! Run!

Stay alert!

Can't anyone bind that sorceress?

Why not?

I'll do it.

Then do it. Go!

What will I get?

Hey, what nonsense is this?

Don't you know what to ask the king?

Do you think I don't?

Man of the lower caste.

I want gold! What do you want in return?

Land.

I want land, Senggolan!

Gift of life, offerings for deities and grants for the Brahmins.

You used these excuses to take our land...

...and gave it to the Varna caste, didn't you?

I want that land.

See how proud this untouchable is!

The unscrupulous guy's new phase.

Hey! -Priest!

Can! You can get one part of the land.

I want gold.

If you provide it, you'll get back your land.

Run!

You are a hero.

I'll appoint you as the commander of my army.

A gift.

Gold. Gold. Take it all.

Gold. Gold.

Gold.

No, King.

These are sand!

Sand. -Liar!

Is this the gold you mentioned?

Let it go! Give it!

Senggolan!

This Aarathi has the power to turn gold into sand!

Gee! Don't feed me these lies.

You are a deceiver!

King!

The cause of all this is this sage statue.

This satan is the cause of the sorceries occurring here.

Decapitate this satan and dispose of the head!

The gold belongs to us!

"All the gold belongs to me! Gold! Gold!"

The blood spewed from her abdomen...

...transformed the sand, stones and rocks of that entire land...

...into shimmering gold.

Unfortunately,...

...I couldn't bring back even a small piece of gold.

Stop babbling and go to sleep.

Who is that?

Ashoka! What's going on?

Mom!

Pour water!

Pour water!

Who is that?

Who are you?!

The two plots of land owned by Thangalaan, the farmer...

...from Veppur Village, Gudiyattam subdivision,...

...Vadar Forest District...

...that benefit from lake irrigation are subject to:...

...10 pagodas or 80 bushels of paddy under the Ryotwari system,...

...and 20 pagodas, or 160 bushels of paddy...

... under the British government taxes.

The aforementioned is ordered to comply with these tax obligations.

Step back!

Dad! Dad!

Payment of the 30 pagodas due to the British government...

...will be settled by the landlord.

In addition, based on the amount and interest paid,...

...all seven, including Thangalaan and his two-year-old son...

...are required to work as slaves on the farm.

They are not permitted to seek work or relocate elsewhere.

Non-compliance...

...will result in the death penalty for violating government orders.

Head down to the field!

Why are you chatting while at work?

They have taken our land and are beating us.

Dad, what's wrong with you?

Those people are mistreating us and insulting us at will,...

...yet you're staying silent.

I'm so angry that I'm going to hit you.

Be quiet and eat.

Attention, all residents of the Veppur village!

Please gather at the peepal tree immediately.

This is a directive from the British official!

We have reached Veppur village.

Fool! Fool! Keep your distance!

Pay attention! Be quiet! -Be quiet!

His excellency, Mr. Clement...

...has come to this village to seek your help.

From the Chola dynasty to Tipu Sultan's reign,...

...we've been working with Kolar and Vadar Forest districts,...

...which are part of the Mysore government.

It is your people who helped in retrieving gold.

And now, His Excellency Mr. Clement...

...wants to continue the work with your assistance.

(Indistinct dialogue)

Stop!

Ashoka! Ashoka!

Go home! Go home! Come I say. Get inside!

There are no ghosts!

Come on! -That is just superstition!

Why are you standing like a tree? Let's go!

You will come with me!

That is an order!

Go get them! -Yes, Sir.

There are no ghosts!

Sir will pay the wage you ask for.

You'll be paid one pagoda per day.

Food and drinks are provided at no cost.

Thangalaan must go to save the village, Ganggama.

Even if you stand upside down,...

...he still won't come. Go look for someone else!

Thangalaan, this isn't right. Discuss and make a decision.

You want to take my son with you?

You expect me to leave without him? -If everyone flees in fear,...

...what will we tell the Sir? -That's true.

Stop crying! -Let's go talk to the others.

Dear!

Why are you doing this?

Do you want us and our children to be the landlord's slaves forever?

Even with one day to live, we should live and die with dignity.

Do you understand?

Self-respect is what truly matters.

Okay, come.

What's wrong with you?

Okay, come. -Go away!

You're a brave woman, aren't you?

Nothing will happen to us.

Listen, look after the children.

I'll go and be back soon.

You expect me to look after the children,...

...but you don't even consider me.

You are my gold. My treasure.

Being away from you feels like a stab to the heart.

I'll carry your memory with me.

You're leaving us behind.

When I think about the hardships you'll face there,...

...it makes my stomach churn.

Look, my whole body is trembling.

Hey! Press here.

Let me be enveloped in your warmth.

Then you can leave.

I will give you all my warmth. Please keep it safe.

Watch how I'll return before the warmth fades.

Hey, you'll come back. Go!

Come on. -Move away!

Come on!

Watch the moon.

Go take a peek inside, Nagamma.

I bow to Lord Narayana! -I bow to Lord Narayana!

Glory to Lord Govinda! -Glory to Lord Govinda!

Glory to Lord Govinda!

Glory to Lord Govinda! -Take care. Govinda! Govinda!

You will be fine.

I don't want.... -Go!

Just go!

Uncle, are you leaving already?

Dear, take care of Ashoka!

Brother, stick around father.

Uncle! -Quick!

Look! Instead of working in our field,...

...they're following His Excellency. Traitors!

They think the grass on the other side is greener.

My father, my mother.

Please guide us to avoid trouble and keep things smooth.

What are they doing? -They call it as hero stone.

People die in war and for the village welfare.

Tiger and boar hunters are considered as heroes.

Small God worship.

Lord Narayana, if the journey goes smoothly,...

...I'll use that income to build a temple for you.

I'm placing my fate in your hands. -Hey!

Sir? -Holy ash, holy thread.

The holy thread has lost its significance. Take it off.

When I die, I wish to go to heaven.

You fool!

Will wearing a holy thread guarantee your place in heaven?

Shouldn't your desires be based on your status?

What nonsense! This is all Ramanujam's fault.

The truth is....

We can't control our birth. -Oh, shut up!

Exaggerator! If you say another word,...

...I'll take off your holy thread and drive you away.

Let's go. -Govinda! Govinda!

The road ends here. Beyond this point, it's all jungle.

Sir, this is it.

We need to enter this forest and cross this river to get there.

This way. I'm sure.

There's a path this way. Let's go!

Go behind, you fool. -Give me your hand.

This white guy won't leave without the gold.

The demons here won't allow it. He'll soon realize...

...getting the gold here is like risking our lives.

Return to your villages quickly.

Use your provisions wisely. Got it?

I'll seek his permission and leave.

Sir! With your permission,...

...I'll take leave. Have a safe journey.

Hey, give way!

You're blocking the way!

There! -There!

That is the way!

Get ready to leave!

We are ready to leave.

I'm familiar with this land since I was small.

I know the story of ghosts sleeping in here.

The scorpions riding serpents will hinder our path.

What are you waiting for? Get going! Ready?

Yes. -Hurry up!

Let's go!

Come.

Is the whole land across the river gold?

Yes.

Can go! The water level is just nice!

We'll advance from this side. Let's go!

No! No! Sir....

Go that way.

What do you know? Sir, let's go.

Sir! Sir! There's a cliff. No!

Shut up. Sir, I'll lead you. -Quiet!

Is this the way? -Yes.

Oh brother!

The jungle stream that blocks the path,...

...dust storms that swirl,...

...snakes that come to strike...

...and scorpions that are ready to attack...

...are the guardians of this land.

Life is at stake.

Strengthen your body. -Keep moving!

Strengthen your steps, oh brother.

We are not afraid of anything. Fear is not in our nature.

We are resilient, brother!

Ashoka, watch out!

Stay alert!

Keep moving!

Brother! -The current is getting stronger!

Hold tight! -Uncle.

Don't stop! Keep moving!

Keep moving!

Ashoka! -Thangalaan, where are you?

Priest! Where's Dad? -Gengu! Gengu!

Thangalaan!

Come!

My Holy Bible. -Jesus.

Despite our refusal, you still brought us here!

Are you trying to get us killed? You are a devil!

I wonder what else awaits us, Lord Perumal!

A thousand obstacles.

Strengthen your body, brother.

Strengthen it.

You are a demon!

He is a demon.

Enough.

Relax, relax. It's nothing.

Grandfather, be gentle. -It's nothing.

(Indistinct chat)

Dad!

You mentioned Aanamalai in your tale, right?

Is this the one?

Sir,...

...the place where the kings acquired gold...

...is located on the other side of that mountain.

Let's go towards Aanamalai.

We will find gold. -Hey....

Hey.... Hey.... Hey....

Do not speak.

Do not open your mouth.

Until we depart from here.

Demon....

Demon do not mislead us.

William, what do you see?

Rich vegetation is surrounded by dry lands.

It means these lands are rich in minerals,...

...especially gold.

Not just gold.

Silver, brass, copper and iron are also available here.

However, there's plenty of gold to be found here.

There are just stones. -You fool!

It might be in the soil, perhaps in stone or in stone form.

Once washed, it becomes as small as pearls.

It's not easily visible to the naked eye.

The Chola kings from centuries ago and...

...Tipu Sultan more recently have also obtained gold from here.

We're almost there.

Less fire.

Higher! Higher!

Payment for the work we did, Sir?

Pay! Payment!

Keep this.

Dig here.

We dig in this area.

Hey, you! What are you looking at? Get working!

Hey! This shows us where the gold is.

The spot where it stops is filled with gold.

Sir, this is the location of the gold.

We can find it in two days. Yes.

See these flowers, that shine like gold?

If we dig where they grow, we'll uncover gold.

Give it back, boy! It's ours! -Hey, boy! It's ours!

He got it! He got it!

Wow!

Priest! Priest, wait!

Put out the fire!

My aunt's daughter sent me here.

If I were adorned in gold,...

...even the upper-caste women would be outshone.

It feels great just to imagine it, doesn't it?

Arasani, there's no gold here.

Come and take me, dear.

Hey, Narayana! Show us the way.

It's a tunnel!

Sir!

I've found the tunnel. I've found it.

Get down!

Sir, this is not a tunnel.

It's the saint's....

It's a lightning strike pit.

Hey! Why do you say what you're unsure of?

I'm sure this is a Chola King's tunnel.

Hey.... -This is a Chola King's tunnel.

Wait.

What happened? -Nothing, nothing.

Come up!

Uncle, there's a head inside.

I was terrified. -Inside?

Pull me up. -Is there a head?

It's nothing! Get back in!

Ashoka! -Hey!

Don't you have a brain? Don't you know what to say to him?

Hey! Hey! Ashoka!

That's a demon!

That's a demon! -Let's take it, priest!

Enough!

Sage.... Head.... My king....

Gold....

Gold!

Kill....

My king.... Gold.... Killed....

Stop crying like a scared chicken.

Quiet!

You're disturbing my sleep.

Your life is over.

I miss my wife, Uncle.

My heart feels heavy.

It hurts and weighs me down.

If you allow me, I'll head back home.

Hey, why did you come here?

I told you all to break that head, but no one listened!

Just do it, and everything will be fine.

Why do you want to go back?

The demons here are controlling us.

Don't you see he's spinning a made-up tale?

Do you understand what I'm saying?

I'm not sure whether what he says is true or false either.

Let's go search at the Elephant Mountain he mentioned.

We may find it. -No! No!

I cannot accept this. -Arthur....

I'm worried that I might fail at this work I've just begun.

My pockets are empty.

I cannot return empty-handed after all this effort.

Even if fate is against us,...

...we must succeed.

We will win. Jesus is with us.

But don't believe them. -Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Enough!

Look at me!

Do I look like a British man to you right now?

What will happen to my family if I die here?

Even these untouchable Indians look at me with contempt.

He may be right.

We will follow him.

He is my last hope.

Are you intending to go to hell?

He's a demon. Look at him!

Even if the demon haunts him and shows me the path,...

...I will still follow him.

Nonsense!

Jesus!

So many kings have descended to this earth.

Are these stories true or false? -You!

Lead us.

Everyone up! We move out!

Dad! If the sage's head is here,...

...then the body should be here too, right?

If we find that, we can discover where the gold is, right?

If the statue or the sage's head is found,...

...the entire area will be destroyed.

Do you know the name of this place? The Wrath of the Demon.

That head needs to be crushed and buried,...

...or the sage won't spare us.

Keep moving!

Thangalaan, something's wrong. -Don't stop!

I can't see anything.

Come, come. Keep moving!

No! Listen to me.

Jesus.... Jesus.... -Please don't proceed.

A black rock will be visible.

The forest trees will split apart.

Evil forces will rise from beneath the earth and attack us.

This area is under the control of the satan.

No! No! -Brother!

This vast land is no ordinary land!

It is the satan's domain!

Listen carefully.

There's a sound of a thousand trowels vibrating.

The sage's body must be somewhere around here.

Come on! -You're a satan.

Yes. This man is actually right. -I'm not coming!

Attack that dark spirit! -I'm not coming!

Stop!

Stop! You stop! You stop,...

...or I'll put the bullet into your dark heart.

Lower your damn gun, or I'll put a bullet in yours!

Clement, listen to me. This time listen....

Run everyone! Run!

Run! Run! -Dad, run!

Run! Run! Run!

Run!

Thangalaan!

Come! Come!

Come!

Boy, stop! Be careful!

Thangalaan!

(Indistinct dialogue)

Dad, get up! Get up!

Be careful! -Ashoka! Shoot!

Dad! -Uncle, get up! Uncle!

Uncle, get up! -Dad!

I knew this would happen! He has shown that he's a satan!

Look at me! Look at me, Clement!

Now do you see who he is?

We are almost there.

I'm going to kill you!

Hey, Thangalaan. You're quite the devil!

Move! -Move!

Arthur! -Demon!

Don't you dare shoot my dad!

Ashoka, no!

Stop!

What are you doing? Move!

Ashoka! -Move!

Take it and run!

I'll kill you! -Don't run!

Stop! Stop!

Take it and run!

Run towards that barren land!

Get back!

Son!

Keep running!

"The one with no principles."

"I want gold. What do you want in return?"

What are you doing here?

Hand....

Sir! Hand!

The sage. Dad! -No!

The hand is here. -It's time to die.

Dad! Dad! Dad! -Ashoka.

Dad! -What is it?

Sage! The sage's hand has killed Sir.

Sir! Sir! There! Dad! Hand. Hand.

Dig. Sir has been hit.

He has been killed. -Arthur.

There are so many people. -Arthur, wake up.

They surrounded us. I'm scared, Dad.

Look!

William!

Back off. -William!

Attack him!

Cover that side!

You'll find a pit covered with sand.

I can hear the sound of howling coming from it.

Brother! The gun aimed at our backs...

...is forcing us down into a deep pit.

The shooter aiming at our hearts is unaware of one truth...

...that this is not just a body, but gold.

Narayana!

A rancid smell is creeping into my nose.

I feel as though a buried skeleton is rising from the ground...

...and choking my neck.

Come on, brother!

Rise and fight bravely to conquer life's darkness.

There is neither sin nor virtue in war.

It's time to end the hostility between us.

I won't allow myself to be defeated.

Put it in.

Put it in, man!

Damn! Rain!

Hurry up! -Hurry up.

Is it there?

What do you see?

Gold!

Gold!!!

Jesus! Finally we have found it.

Gold.... -Shut up!

Son! -Gold....

(Indistinct dialogues) -Run! Run!

William!

No!!!

William,...

...this land has claimed you.

In return,...

...it has given this gold.

This is you.

It's you.

Thank you.

What are you still doing there? Hurry up!

What's done is done. Let's help gather all the gold here...

...and take our share, priest.

No! Listen to me! Let's head home.

Sir.... Sir....

Sir, I want to leave....

Sir,....

Take it.

Thanga....

You are truly a worthy man.

I offer you my thanks.

This to me...

...is bigger than the mountain.

Now, we can show the world who we are.

My god, man! We've made history.

History!

Your life is about to change.

All of your lives!

The lives of your parents and children is about to improve.

And everyone will look at you with respect.

You wear this.

Wear.

Arthur! Thangalaan and I...

...will bring labourers and funds.

In the meantime, you take charge.

Hey! All of you do your work well!

Wow! A horse! -Hey! Do your work!

Is that Dad? -Yes, it is.

Ganggama!

What?

Are you back, my god?

Get up. -Are you back, my king?

Get up. -After seeing your face,...

...my nearly lifeless spirit was revitalized.

Get up! Keep quiet! What nonsense!

It feels as if I've come back to life.

Why? What do you mean?

He was constantly thinking of you.

Kannimuthu! Sweetheart!

Where is our son? -Your son is safe there.

Don't worry. Arasani! -Come.

My pearls.

You're looking like a Britisher.

It's nice, isn't it?

Okay, give me a minute.

Hey, clerk!

Uncle! No!

If you get any closer,....

Clerk, come here.

Thangalaan, what are you doing? -Hey, no!

Count it.

The sum....

The sum is correct.

That leaves you with 36 pagodas to settle.

How does that work?

Separate interest and separate taxes?

For the lifetime of work my family has given,...

...the salary you're paying doesn't add up.

Mind you!

Give me the documents!

Give it.

Brother,....

Poor husband of mine. He's a coward.

I'm concerned about where he's and what he's doing.

Hes doing well.

He eats heartily and puts in a lot of effort.

He often talks about you.

Arasani likes gold. Arasani adores gold.

He constantly mentions wanting to buy you jewellery.

Was there any gold? -What?

Was there any gold? -Arasani!

They've found the gold mine. It needs to be excavated.

This gentleman has come to recruit people for that purpose,...

...wearing a shirt.

Don't mistake his visit as love for us.

See how shes grinding Thangalaan like a pestle crushes rice.

Yes, Uncle! -Uncle!

My father appeared in my dream yesterday. It was a bad dream...

...and I was terrified. Why hasn't he returned yet?

Your father guards all the gold there.

Why are you scared?

We'll all go and see him, alright?

Brother! Did my father give anything for me?

Your father, Munian, hardly speaks.

By the time he speaks, the cows will be back home.

So I left first. -Did you hear that?

Is this all it takes to amaze you? There are more stories.

Whether its the Sir or anyone else,...

...I collect the payment right after work and give it to everyone.

Thangalaan is the real deal.

You're right. He's left the landlord gasping for breath.

Brother! You came and tossed the money in his face.

Wow! What a sight to behold.

You surpass all the British.

Has everyone united?

There must be a catch. Cut to the chase.

When there are thousands of people in this country,...

...why should they seek us out?

It is to labour in any weather and face the demons...

...to obtain the gold for them.

No one else can do this work except us.

Have you come to take us all and kill us?

What kind of life are you living now?

You toil like oxen hitched to carts your entire life, right?

You cultivate numerous varieties of paddy,...

...but can you manage to bring home even a handful?

Isn't this land ours?

But does anyone among us actually own a piece?

Even if we did, someone always snatches it away.

The land is ours and the labour is ours.

Yet they don't pay us our wages.

If our children are to be born as slaves,...

...then what is the purpose of this life?

Will things change if we go there? -It will!

Didn't you all see it? Today, my land is rightfully mine.

Do you all understand?

Have you forgotten?

You said there were demons, didn't you?

Why are you bragging and calling us there now?

Aren't we toiling hard enough for the land?

Don't you want to rule?

Do you want to stay indoors because of the demons?

If you fear death, you can't survive.

Look!

I'm not saying we can live like a king if we go there.

Instead of being oppressed the whole life,..

...we'd rather die in the quest for change.

Do you know what the sir wants to do for us?

Homes, schools for the children,...

...full payments and clothes like mine. Aren't these enough?

What you say sounds lovely, but is it really feasible?

Even if we want to go, will the landlord permit us?

What?

The British have written it down on paper and stamped it.

Who has the audacity to go against it? Let's see.

See this?

Are we going to die here in tattered clothes and loincloth,...

...or are we going to wear the white man's attire...

...and take charge?

Look!

Gold will transform our lives.

Period!

Woman, are you still pounding?

Go distribute the cakes I brought. Let everyone eat.

Hey, don't you have hands? Get it yourself.

He has come wearing a shirt.

That's true. Here, man!

Wait, wait! -Arasani, give it to everyone.

Here you go. Has everyone gotten their share?

Here, take it.

Hey! You asked for something didn't you?

What is it? -Blouse.

Is it for me? -Of course!

Wow! Is this women's blouse?

Hey, hey! It's for everyone! Don't fight!

Hey, Arasani! How do you put this on?

How?

For me? -He got you one too. Go ask.

How?

It's beautiful.

Isn't it beautiful?

Hey, come on! See this!

See this. How is it?

You look like a young woman.

It feels lifted up, doesn't it?

It looks like it's open, right?

How is it looking?

Hey! What's this? -Why?

Remove it! Remove it I say! -Why?

How will my children drink milk if you wear this?

Uncle is very concerned about breastfeeding children.

I'm her first child.

How bold of them!

Who allowed them to leave the village?

Who will work here if everyone goes there?

The British officer wrote it on paper and sent it.

Opposing it is considered treason.

There's nothing we can do.

If not, you'll lose your rights to collect taxes.

Hurry up! Hurry up!

This is absurd!

There's not a drop of water in this big canal.

I wonder what else is in store.

Ganggama, we are relying on you.

Hey, come here!

Hey, take that horse away from him!

Take that thing off his shoulder as well!

Hey! Everyone go that way and stay there.

Rice and lentils are provided. Just cook and eat.

No one should come this way. Go over there.

I want to see Sir. -Stop!

Come this side! Idiot! Idiot!

Are you the representative of His Excellency British Rice Roy?

Go arrange accommodation for the people you brought.

Want to see Sir it seems. Go!

Come!

Come on!

If Sir had seen me, he'd have come and hugged me.

I guess he's busy. Okay, let's go!

Dear!

Arasani! -Dear!

Arasani!

Why did you come here? Who brought you here?

Oh no! I told you not to come.

Where's Ashoka? Ashoka!

Varatha, where's Ashoka? -Ashoka! Ashoka!

After you left, everything changed.

The Britisher, Clement that you hold in such high regard...

...brought that battalion...

...and shot the aboriginals in that mountain.

They stabbed everyone regardless of their age.

Everyone managed to escape, except for one old man.

Ashoka is unsettled by his howling.

The poor boy keeps glancing around, looking up and down.

Where is he?

He attacked a soldier.

So they all beat him up and tore him apart.

I couldn't do anything. -What are you saying?

Ashoka! Where is he? Where is Ashoka?

Where is Ashoka? -He's over there!

Ashoka! Son! Son! -What happened to him?

Ashoka! Wake up! Open your eyes!

What happened to you? -Ashoka!

Sir! My son!

What are you looking at? Hit him and break his limbs!

Tear off that western clothes first. Go, man!

Those wretches are ripping his clothes apart.

Sir!

Enough! Step away!

Sir!

Sir, my son. My son.

They have beaten him.

Even I have never touched my child.

See this. They ripped off the...

...the clothes you gave me. -I'm deeply sorry, Thangalaan.

Deeply sorry. Kalis, release this boy.

Sir.... -Quiet!

He's not in good health.

Give all the assistance he needs. -Yes, Sir.

Kalis, look after the labourers.

Ashoka! -Make sure they're settled.

It's okay, it's okay.

These are my villagers. I brought them here at your request.

My thanks to you all!

We are creating history at this time.

You all have right over the gold that we mine.

But it is Thangalaan that you need to thank for this.

He is a truly remarkable man...

...who has restored pride to your community.

May you all be safe in your endeavours.

Yes, Sir!

Sir said....

"All of you are my slaves!"

"The mercenaries."

"You must do your work properly." -Hey!

He's mistranslating it. That's not what Sir said.

We are going to create a history.

We all have right over the gold that we mine. Yes.

We'll have a bright future.

Thangalaan. Sir said all of this happened because of me.

He also said sorry for hitting me.

Grab your things. Let's go to our designated place.

The British officers hold great respect for Thangalaan.

Yes, Uncle.

I'll satisfy all my wants today.

Don't cry.

Even though I forbade it, the Britisher fixed the satan's statue.

I came to meet you, filled with excitement.

But witnessing all of this, my heart shakes with fear.

Sir promised us a share of the gold we mine. Understand?

We'll take it and continue building the Perumal temple.

Afterwards, we'll return to Ramanujam with the children...

...and see who calls us the lower caste.

Why do you keep staring at that shirt?

It's been torn by the soldiers.

You looked like a British officer in that outfit.

Their eyes were filled with disdain.

They couldn't stand seeing you receive the same respect as them.

It's fine. Don't dwell on it. Just toss it aside and come.

Dear,...

...why is our son like this?

He seems a bit off.

You're hiding something. There must be more to it.

What is it?

Don't overthink it. Trust me.

Why haven't you left this land that has been condemned to death?

What are you still doing here? Everyone, leave now.

What you're doing is not right.

Gold, a yellow demon.

It will kill you. It will kill everyone.

You go and inform everyone to get out of here quickly.

Be quiet! That's ridiculous!

Give!

Hey, what's wrong?

Why are you all just standing?

We'll deal with it. Why be afraid of this?

Why are you all hesitating? Come on, let's go!

These are my workers.

Thangalaan,...

...let us begin.

Hey, start working. What are you staring at?

Hey! Let's start working. -Perumal!

Please protect everyone. -Hurry up!

Don't just stand there! Let's get started. Bring all the tools.

Eswara!

Jesus, save us.

Hey! Dig up the soil and gather the stones separately.

Don't leave any stone unturned.

Granite can contain gold.

Stones that have fungi can contain gold.

White, red, yellow...

...and darker stones can contain gold. Got it?

Bring the collected stones over to that pile.

They will be ground into a fine powder and combined with water.

Can you see those white people?

That's where the stones should be stacked. Got it?

Quick! quick!

Arasani, come.

He secured the payment as promised. -Yes, yes.

Thangalaan has fulfilled his promise.

Let's earn more and reclaim our lands.

Everything is coming to an end.

Celebrate one last time.

Aaran!

You are the tree that has forgotten its roots.

This war, which has spanned several eras,...

...is about to end.

Hey! What happened?

Give it here.

It's nothing.

Why do you say it's nothing?

It's drawing blood and a lot is going on here.

You're hiding something from me.

I'm not hiding. -You are hiding!

Something's on his mind, just like yours.

Whats happened to my son?

My son wasn't like this before.

Look at what you've done to him.

No.

What happened to me is now happening to him.

Aarathi is haunting me.... -Oh God!

Aarathi! Aarathi! Aarathi!

She's not real.

Isn't she just a tale?

This is not a tale. It's true.

Your childhood tales keep playing in your mind.

It's true. -Get over it.

This is not a tale.

Ganggama....

This is true. It's not a tale.

It's not a tale.

The one haunting my mind?

I saw her with my own eyes.

I fought with her.

I shot her with a gun.

This is not a tale. It's true. Everything is true.

Stop babbling and sleep. -It's true.

Hey! Trust me.

I saw her blood and flesh.

Right here. She appeared as the snake leader.

After I shot her,...

...they took her and fled.

They didn't flee.

They'll definitely come back. -Go away! Go away!

Who are you referring to?

The one standing here.

Oh, dear!

Whether you're real or fake. Whether you exist or not.

We left our hometown and the land we toiled on....

...travelling through the woods to earn a living here.

Please leave my husband, children and people.

Thank you a million.

Oh, mother!

Please show us where the gold is.

We will return to the village.

This is gold, isn't it?

Dear!

Come here.

This is gold, isn't it?

That's a rock. -Isn't this gold?

Arasani! You are also gold.

Soon, you'll uncover the gold and adorn yourself from head to toe.

Come on. Trust me.

I thought it was gold. -We will discover it.

Idiot! Get up!

You're always chatting away.

Get back to work! Why are you staring here?

Get back to work!

Hey! Quick!

So far, we have found only iron and silver.

There is no gold in this land.

It's true. Nothing can be found here.

What kind of stone has gold?

It's not in black, white,...

...or red stones. -Okay, I'll show you.

These can be found in our village. Did we come this far for these?

What are you staring at so intently?

My rival wife.

I wonder where she is.

She's driving him crazy.

Just wait and see what I'll do if I find her.

Are you talking about that demon?

Why? Is there nothing I can do to her?

Sister!

She is Aarathi, right? -Where?

Over there!

Where are you?

Where is she?

I am Aarathi. Aarathi.

See what I'll do to all of you!

Hey! Arasani! Everyone, get back to work.

I'll slap you! -What kind of joke is this?

Why are you playing the fool? -Were you scared?

Go on, Varatha. -Varatha!

Were you scared? -Go away.

What should I do to you? -Everybody!

Stop laughing! Do the work!

Get working.

Something is shining.

Sir!

Varatha!

Tie it! -What happened?

Nothing. He was bitten by a snake.

Take him to my tent quickly!

Hey, hey! There are so many snakes!

Get up! Ashoka!

Ashoka! -Mom! Mom!

My child! Dear, come here!

What happened? -She's been tainted with venom.

Her breathing has stopped. Check her pulse!

Varatha! Bring the first aid box!

Her head has fallen.

My sweetheart!

My child. -My child. My sweetheart!

This bloodshed will not end.

Don't you know?

How did our ancestors retrieve gold from here?

We need to use the same way.

How did the gold beneath the sage statue was discovered?

After it was tainted by the blood of the tribal girl.

This is a battle that spans generations.

That tribal girl from the past is Aarathi in the present.

If her blood is spilled, all the gold in this land...

...will become visible to us.

Go and do the needful.

Hey, what are you talking about?

If that was my intention, I'd have done it the day I arrived.

What can you get without having to work hard?

Do you think I'm scared of her game?

You will break this rock!

That is an order!

We cannot mourn your passing. Time marches on.

There are no demons or spirits here. You won't die.

That shimmering rock.

A rock plateau.

It's the same shimmering rock.

If we quit, our fate won't change!

Let's begin. Hurry up! Hurry up!

We are almost there. Get up, get up!

It's difficult to break this stone.

Strike it where it's jagged! Come on!

Keep going!

This is not enough for us.

This is not enough for us.

Moving forward, you'll only be paid if you find gold.

Hey! Send them away. -What's this?

They say we get paid only if we find gold.

We came here because of you.

I don't know what's the deal.

I'm starving.

I have no hope.

But you are...

...sleeping, huh

You are selfish, my friend.

You are selfish!

You won't even drink with me. Are you going to drink with me?

Drink. Drink it. Drink. Drink!

No one....

No one.... Can....

I know.

You are fooling me.

You're trying to make a fool of Clement.

There is gold here.

Why won't you show it to me?

Don't I deserve it?

Don't I deserve it?

Where is the gold? Where is it?

Where's the gold?

You....

Sir....

Sir....

Sir....

Sir....

Sir....

It's all because of you.

You are the reason for everything!

You!

You are the reason for everything!

Aaran! The more mistakes you make,...

...the farther apart we become.

You are supposed to be on my side!

You're also accountable for the gold here!

Just stop bothering me!

I.... I'll gather my people,...

...break this rock and retrieve all the gold inside.

Let's end this suffering!

There's no food here.

Instead of dying here, it's better to work on the paddy field.

Quick, before he gets here.

Wait!

Enthusiasm is the sustenance for an empty stomach.

There's gold in that rock. Trust me.

Let's set that rock on fire, break it, extract the gold...

...and change our lives. What did Sir say?

He said he'd share the gold if we find it, right?

I'll get it for all of you. Please listen to me. Gengu!

Let's break it before the snakes come.

Everyone, leave. No one stays! -Please listen to me.

Leave him.

Gengu!

Stop! Don't run!

You cannot run from me!

You can never run from me!

There's a buffalo over there to satisfy your hunger.

You live, brother.

Your food has arrived.

Enjoy your meal!

With the strength gained from this food, not only that rock.

All the struggles of our people should also diminish. Yes!

For the sake of our better lives,...

...our ancestors fought for generations and finally died

We are their descendants who are still here.

My children died.

Uncle Munian died and many more....

Just because the rulers oppress us and the British kill us,...

...should we stop the struggle?

No! -What demons?

Is this a fight for wealth? -No!

This is a generations-long battle...

...to restore the dignity and status of our people.

Yes! Yes!

Only those who dare to die can survive here!

The gold we are about to mine...

...will transform our lives.

Now the gold will kill you all.

Uncle, carry it!

If we hit it hard enough, it will break apart.

Strike it! Come on!

This is the Chola mine.

It's not just the Cholas.

This is also where Tipu Sultan tried to extract gold but failed.

Sir, this is the tunnel I mentioned!

Is it gold?

Is it gold?

Arasani, we've found the gold!

Gold. Uncle, gold.

Lord Narayana! Perumal!

Please guide us on the right path! Narayana!

Watch me adorn jewellery from this...

...and flaunt in front of those upper-class women.

You'll look like royalty.

Wow! So much gold!

Hey!

Why not take more? -This is enough for us.

This is already a lot. We've taken as much as we can.

You want to bring back? Put them down!

Where are you taking that? Useless fellows! Give it!

This is ours. -Give it!

Don't beat me.

Beat her!

This gold is mine! Nobody steals from me!

Nobody!

Uncle!

Uncle, wake up!

Uncle! -This belongs to me.

Uncle! -This belongs to me!!!

Do you hear me?

Kalis, you'll tell them...

...that if anyone steals from me,...

...I will kill every single last one of them.

Yes, Sir. -Tell them!

Hey! None of you owns this gold.

You must keep them here.

If anyone tries to steal them,...

...you'll face the same fate. Do you understand?

Stubborn people!

Now get the all of it!

Now!!!

Now mine me all the gold,...

...or I feed you to the dogs.

Gengu! Come here and collect all the gold from everyone.

If you be a loyal servant,...

...I'll get for you awards, recognition, or gifts.

Shut up! Don't say anything!

You read the holy scriptures, but wants to tear down a temple?

Who wants awards, gifts, or recognition?

This is our hard work. Yes.

It's our blood and sweat, mind you!

Where did you get the right that we don't have?

Who gave you the right? What did you promise us?

Didn't you promise to give us a share? What happened to that?

I won't give it. I promise upon Lord Narayana!

Fool! How dare you?! -I won't give it.

Put it down. -I won't give it.

How dare you oppose me? -I won't give. No!

Don't scream! Don't scream!

Look at that, William.

You will go in there and collect all the gold...

...that these dogs are hiding from me.

Do you understand? Go!

What are you guys doing? This is not gold.

It's a stone that shines like gold! It's not gold!

Put it down!

Stone? Is this what we worked so hard for?

Aarathi tricked us by giving stones that shine like gold.

This is all the sorceress's tricks.

See! See, everyone. They's are stones.

Why are you fighting?

This...

...is fake.

I know how to get the real gold!

Now....

Aaran!

He who doesn't know his identity...

...will perish by his own doing!

Those who accept him as their leader will also perish.

Although I've told you many times, you still haven't changed!

Do you not understand?

Don't you, Aaran?!

Won't you stop it, Aarathi?

What's going on? -Everyone, follow me!

Let's be on Aarathi's side!

Universal retention!

Attachment is the root of suffering.

The duty of safeguarding these gold from the greedy...

...lies with Aaran and Aarathi.

Aarathi....

The cavalry battalion...

...is coming here to take the gold!

You are the protector of this land.

We'll fight to stop the thieves from stealing the gold.

War! War!

Aarathi.

Who is this?

I am Aaran.

This is my land.

This land belongs to the people.

I won't allow you to take a single grain of gold from here.

You....

Do it now!

Now get the gold.

Aarathi....

I.... I....

I've discovered my true identity.

Forgive me. Forgive me.

We have lost in the war.

Like the rest of the people,...

...we've transformed our lives...

...and become the generation that has forgotten the Nagar tribe.

We have been oppressed by the upper class.

We have lost our nation, our land...

...and have been ostracized. To deal with this,...

...I've incarnated as Adhi Muni, Kaadaiyan and Naga Muni...

...and was deceived while seeking gold for them.

Now I have returned as Thangalaan.

It is our responsibility to protect this land.

Likewise, it is our responsibility to...

...improve the living standards of the people.

Allow me to fulfil the needs of life...

...that we've lost in this world.

Give me the permission.

Will the needs be fulfilled?

Give me the permission.

Give it a try.

Go!

Lives are about to improve!

Oh, brother!