Original subtitles

Hey. We reached the Mad Teacher's house.

Oh, look. He's asleep outside.

Wait, boys.

Watch how Gnanam will come running to save him!

Be careful.

Careful.

Alert me if someone's coming.

Be careful while tying.

He might wake up any moment!

Keep the plates ready.

Got it.

Hurry!

-Give me that. -Here.

Unlock a lock…

…with a key!

Unlock a mind…

Hey, that Mad Teacher's grandson is here!

Run! Run for your lives, boys!

How dare you tie a fallen coconut leaf around him?

You, grandson of that Mad Teacher!

I'll deal with you in school.

Call me that again and I'll screw you all!

Where else will you hide but at school?

-What happened? -Mom!

They constantly tease me by calling me "Mad Teacher's grandson"!

And my head feels like it will explode hearing it!

If they call me that again, I'm not stepping into school!

I feel humiliated, Mom!

-I'll ask Dad to teach them a lesson. -My head still aches hearing it.

Look, that fellow's grandson eating peacefully.

Nerve of him to throw stones at me.

They kicked sand into my plate, Sakthi!

You!

Don't spare them! Solai, Karuppa, come!

Bash them to a pulp!

This is payback for teasing me!

Damn, they're bashing them to a pulp.

I didn't do it on purpose, sir.

I was passing that way when I tripped over and sand fell.

These two are lying, sir!

-They're lying, Dad! -Gnanam…

Step forward.

I'm innocent, Dad.

It wasn't my fault! Please don't punish me, Dad!

It hurts, Dad! I swear I'm innocent!

Don't, Dad! It hurts!

Why did you beat him up

when he kept telling you he wasn't at fault?

Kamatchi…

A teacher's child

must neither make mistakes

nor be in a place where mistakes are made.

Hey, why isn't he waking up?

Oh, yeah.

I wonder why though.

Oh, crap. Gnanam's here. Run, boys, run!

Damn it, I forgot my bag!

If I see you setting foot in here,

-I will screw you all! -Gnanam!

-Mom, they're at it again! -What are you doing there?

Why do you always pick a fight with them?

They were trash talking us.

Why do you care about what they're saying?

Gnanam…

We don't have to act the same way.

-Rather, we come from a family of teachers. -Dad?

So whatever they speak about us,

learn not to take it to heart and let go.

-Alright? -Okay, Mom.

Dad?

Dad…

What's wrong, dear?

Dad?

Father-in-law?

-Father-in-law? -Dad?

Oh, no. Father-in-law?

-Dad! -Please, no.

-Father-in-law? -Oh, Dad!

Father-in-law!

Dad!

From now on,

I won't be teased with his name.

Who passed away?

Annadurai Teacher passed away, sir.

Sir!

Annadurai Sir is no more.

Sir!

Mad Teacher is dead.

Grandpa?

Why do we call Gnanam's grandfather 'Mad Teacher'?

Only our people must be the intelligible group of our village.

But that Teacher wanted everyone to be intelligible.

Pettasaami wasn't happy with his decision

and made him unintelligible.

Arasan…

Don't think that you're setting me on fire

but a beacon of light I'm leaving behind.

You must never stop the spark

of educating each and everyone

whatever hurdles may cross your way.

Make sure to read every day.

Don't betray anyone's trust.

PANCHAYAT MIDDLE SCHOOL

[in unison] Long live!

The language of Tamil!

The language of Tamil!

Long live! Long live!

Long live! Long live!

As old as the skies

As old as the skies

and spanning all lands!

and spanning all lands!

Long live our beautiful language!

Long live our beautiful language!

Surrounded by water bodies all over.

Surrounded by water bodies all over.

With pride swelled hearts,

With pride swelled hearts,

dancing to tunes of the land!

dancing to tunes of the land!

Long live our language of Tamil!

Long live our language of Tamil!

Forever and always!

Forever and always!

Ma'am, you can stop class and clear them all out.

-What's the matter? -We're going to demolish this so clear out.

-Come out, children. -Take down the roof, first.

-We can raze the rest down later. -Hurry, children.

-Get over here, Madhan. -Coming, brother.

-Start dismantling the roof. -Take your books and leave.

-Come here, ladies. And help him out. -Move out quickly, children.

Ma'am…

-Hurry. -Start with the walls, first.

Don't break too many bricks while you're at it.

Sure, I'll take care of it.

Stop right away!

Mari!

Get down from there!

-Welcome, Brother. -Hey.

-Why did you halt the work? -Hey…

What is going on?

I received an order to demolish the building since it was old, sir.

-I can show it to you if you'd like. -No need.

-You'd demolish… -And build us a new one!

Crap. Did I talk out of turn?

-You will, right? -I'm fine with the demolishing.

But when will the order to rebuild it come?

Why is he thinking twice about it?

You're unsure about it, I see.

Do you see the children on the verandah?

And the rest stand on the roads.

Bring the rebuild order, first.

You can then demolish the school.

Sir…

It was a government-sent order.

I'll deal with the authorities. You can leave from here.

Leave, all of you.

-Get going. -Sorry, sir.

Teacher, take the children in.

All of you go back inside.

Sir, you can resume the class.

Petta Saami!

I entrust you to flourish this town with its riches!

I make this earnest prayer in Your name!

Take care of us, please!

Why can't we visit that temple, Uncle?

This is their temple and we're not to enter it.

He is Periyasamy.

Kolautchi's eldest.

He has been assisting people possessed by God for 20 years now.

This is Sakthivelu.

Kolautchi's favorite grandchild.

His father passed when he was small.

He's very much like his grandfather.

They say that he's going to take after Periyasamy.

This is Kaariyam.

He’s a loan shark and a clever trickster.

-Is this the time to ask for money? -Why are you getting angry now?

Get lost! Who the hell let you inside the temple?

Brother…

That teacher refused to let us demolish the building.

And the panchayat leader that we set up, left as well.

Don't anger the deity!

DON'T ANGER THE DEITY!

Make way for Petta Karuppu!

Where is my path?

What is this in my way?

Where the heck is my path?

Restore my path!

My path!

Where is my path?

Restore my path…

Where is my path?

'The learned are said to have eyes But the unlearned have two sores in their face'

Where is the path for Petta Saami?

My path…

Greetings to all the villagefolk.

I remember how this used to be a small school earlier.

I also remember how his father and him

struggled to make this school even bigger.

I pray to Petta Saami for the continued growth of this school.

Thank you one and all.

Please say a word or two.

Greetings, everyone.

When a teacher comes to a new town,

everything is new to them.

The town accepts them

as one of their own and nurtures their lives.

In return, that teacher imparts knowledge to their kindred.

A teacher has never had any such expectations.

My father built a small school at first.

After I took over him, I made this into a middle school.

I feel dissatisfied despite having done so much.

When I was still in service,

I dreamt of turning this into a higher secondary school.

But in vain.

Anyway…

My son…

now works as a teacher at Ramanathapuram.

I have gotten his transfer out of great difficulty.

And will now work at our school.

I strongly believe…

…that he'd fulfill my dream and ambition.

Hey.

Hey, listen up.

Excuse me!

Umm…

I've come from afar.

I'm feeling tired.

With Ilaiyaraja's music playing

and the chill breeze blowing…

If you could sit on this side,

I'd happily doze on the window bar.

I caught this seat for the exact reason that you wanted, an hour ago!

Buzz off, you.

The nerve he had to ask me that, despite my frightening mustache!

Get down if your stop is Karuppukurichi!

Halt for a minute, brother!

Ah, he finally fell for it!

Hop on.

Damn, such huge steps for a bus.

Stash that load elsewhere, ma'am!

Goodness gracious.

Get up, you mustache fellow!

-Why? -How dare you sit at the women only seats?

Are you that blind to read the sign?

-I caught this with my towel. -Aren't you ashamed of being brainless?

Move your bum elsewhere.

Ugh, the people I deal with this early.

Take your seat.

He's so screwed.

Buddy?

-Sir? Are you headed home? -Yeah, I am.

You must have come from afar and are tired.

With Ilaiyaraja's music playing and the chill breeze blowing…

Are you thinking about asking me for the window seat?

-It's all yours. -Thank you! I wonder how you knew.

-Thank you so much. -I hope you don't make me get down.

You did me a huge favour, how could I?

Alright then.

We've reached Mangollai. Get down.

Let's move.

Stop.

Welcome, Teacher!

-Welcome! -Hey!

Sakthi! How are you, bro?

Did you forget about us

after going out of town?

Why are you saying that?

I stayed there to escape my dad.

"Do this. Do that."

"Wake up early. Get some work done."

"Go to school early…" He'll kill me with his complaints.

I have to get a transfer and leave this city soon.

Let's do that later. Now, let's enjoy the dance.

So, the party's for him?

-Of course! -Okay, okay.

Shall I start then?

Go ahead.

♪♪♪

Come on, girls!

♪ Man with a heart of gold In the village, his tales are told! ♪

♪ No one can compete With your smile and charm ♪

♪ His love speaks In grand gestures! ♪

♪ With honor and pride His tales are sung! ♪

Hey!

Enough about me.

Now, make my buddy happy.

♪ Hey, you girl in A puffed silk blouse! ♪

♪ Draped in eight yards of silk So pretty! ♪

♪ Shall I linger in anticipation for you? ♪

♪ Or should I sleep alone With your thoughts as my company? ♪

♪ In a dhoti so bright With an undone shirt ♪

♪ Your charm took flight! ♪

♪ But I won't be swayed Not by words so light! ♪

♪ In the cane farm ♪

♪ Where the water pump hums ♪

♪ Come with me there Where only nature's whisper clings! ♪

♪ Keep dreaming That's not happening! ♪

♪ So hush your schemes! ♪

♪ Under the sun's bright glare This world belongs to every single soul! ♪

You would've known if you had studied something.

You're a dumb duck, after all.

♪ No school for me Why do you think? ♪

♪ Doors stayed closed, It never called me in! ♪

♪ I did a sin Says the holy priest! ♪

♪ Because knowledge lifts It threatens those who seek control! ♪

-Hey… -Sir!

♪ Is saying this a sin? ♪

♪ Will the Gods show mercy for my sin? ♪

♪ Is saying this a sin? ♪

♪ Will the Gods show mercy for my sin? ♪

♪ Hey, you girl in A puffed silk blouse! ♪

♪ Draped in eight yards of silk So pretty! ♪

♪ In the shadows of a theater ♪

♪ A racy scene unfolded! ♪

-♪ I ran to you to be in your arms ♪ -Okay?

♪ Darling, let me hold you! ♪

♪ Green chili gleams ♪

♪ It is shiny and bright! ♪

♪ Break it You'll have tears in your eyes! ♪

♪ Spicy sting, Unveiling pungent surprise ♪

♪ My pretty darling! ♪

♪ What if I run the government? ♪

♪ I discarded you You're a rusty walnut! ♪

♪ Why do you persist in teasing me, my boy? ♪

♪ Hey, you girl in A puffed silk blouse! ♪

♪ Draped in eight yards of silk So pretty! ♪

♪ Shall I linger in anticipation for you? ♪

♪ Or should I sleep alone With your thoughts as my company? ♪

Didn't I tell you?

They've started it again.

He reached at four this evening.

Instead of coming home directly…

Oh, please.

You got him a red scooter simply because he liked it.

He was at peace when he was out of town.

-Why did you bring him here? -Hey…

What are you talking?

You have no idea how much effort it took

to get him transferred here, even harder than making him a teacher.

My father worked for this school. Then I did.

And now my son's turn.

I am now at peace, Kamatchi.

Dear?

Gnanam!

It's your first day at school.

Wake up, son.

-What do you want? -Wake up.

Why are you waking me up early?

The rooster that woke up before you is getting cooked for you.

♪ May it be the good's reign or the evil's… ♪

♪ I don’t care! ♪

♪ I am the ruler of my heart! ♪

♪ Every one of you

♪ May it be the good's reign… ♪

Gnanam…

What is this?

Dad bought a shirt and dhoti for you.

He wants you to wear this to school.

Yellow-bordered dhoti and towel. Just like his.

Where do you think I'm going? Move now.

MOM!

What happened?

My God, what a sight!

Look, how beautiful it is now.

So, this was what he was up to last night!

It was my favorite red scooter.

And he ruined it!

He painted my favorite scooter in the color he likes!

Look at this.

He didn't even spare the keys.

Why did he leave out my face?

I can never be myself.

He wants me to be exactly like him, right?

♪ From the egg laid by a goat… ♪

♪ Came a chick ♪

Gnanam!

Hey, Rani! How are you?

When did you come back? How are you?

I'm good. You?

How is it going, brother?

-All good. You? -I'm doing well.

It's been a while since we saw you.

Seems like your house is in a festive mood!

We would’ve come for a feast if you had invited us.

Celebration? At my house?

-What are you blabbering? -Look.

Your scooter has come of age.

Even gave it a turmeric bath!

Why didn't you invite us for it?

Thanks, Dad.

Yeah, right. Ask your husband to come home

with gift plates for my scooter.

I greeted you because you were my classmate.

And you go on to tease me?

I'll deal with you when I teach your son in school!

Subramani, don't close the gates! I'm here!

Welcome, son!

Late today?

-Yes, a bit. -Okay.

Your dad said you'd be arriving.

It's just the first day. Why are they kneeling?

The school’s reopening after a month off,

yet they’re irresponsible by showing up late.

Only the students, not the teachers. Please, go in.

Sakthi!

Catch me if you can!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a well-known priest like my grandpa.

What about you?

My dad wants me to become this school's teacher like my grandfather.

This is an inter-district school competition.

Sports is the only thing that unites children despite their disparities.

So, make sure all students participate.

This is your responsibility.

Brother, he forgot that he has retired.

I worked wholeheartedly here for 30 years.

I came here out of habit.

Please forgive me.

PANCHAYAT MIDDLE SCHOOL MANGOLLAI

-Your dad always started from this class. -Okay, sir.

-You can start from here. All the best! -Thank you, sir.

[in unison] Good morning, sir!

Hello! Good morning! Please sit down.

How are you all doing?

[all] We're fine, sir.

But your faces tell a different story.

Why do they sit there like they're plotting an evil scheme?

Let's see.

They're definitely planning something.

But what is it?

You…

I was also a mischievous student who studied here.

Don't try to play your acts with me. Understood?

Yes, sir.

-Shall I introduce myself? -Yes, sir!

My name is… Sivagnanam.

I am your new class teacher.

Okay. Since it's the first day,

we'll get started with a Bharathiyar song.

Okay, sir.

"Live forever…"

[in unison] "Live forever…"

Buddy, don't. You'll get caught.

"Long live my Tamil language."

[in unison] "Long live my Tamil language."

Hey, there!

Told you I'd catch you.

Proud of my fast reflexes.

Please, sir!

-Sir… -How dare you splash ink on me!

-Please leave me-- -I'm sparing you only because it is my first day.

Sit and listen to the class.

I've also had my fair share of splashings.

Hi!

I am Annamalai.

-Hello, sir. -You didn't face a lot. Not bad.

Be glad they only splashed ink.

They stuck a devil's thorn to my chair, and I hurt myself.

Look at those devils laughing.

Such tailless monkeys.

Are you an English teacher?

No. Ainglish teacher.

Yeah, I can tell.

That's because I have a native accent.

Okay, bye.

Okay, sir.

I pity those who have to learn the language from him.

Gosh, we came back to school. Come on, guys. Let's run.

"Live forever…"

"Long live my Tamil language."

Repeat it.

Where are they?!

[in unison] They heard a car's horn and ran to it.

She shouldn't come to our class.

What are these guys looking at?

-Hey, move!-Let me see.

Come on. Move.

Let me see.

Who is it between my legs?

Hey…

-You boys want to see this oldie so badly?! -Valli…

Sign here.

You brats!

What are you all doing there?

Off to your classes.

Gosh, why is this man standing here?

Hey, get down.

Go to your class, everyone.

Where are they?

Congratulations.

-Thanks, sir. -Thank you, sir.

-Thank you. -My pleasure.

Mom, you leave now. I'll be back after class.

Gosh!

God, I wonder which class she's going to handle.

Sir, when will you continue the lessons?

Like you're going to be attentive like a hawk if I did.

Aren't you my classmate Anantharaman's son?

Sit down.

Even your dad never scored above zero.

Are you going to be any different?

Without knowing my situation…

Good morning!

[in unison] Good morning, teacher!

Sit down.

Finding your village was a task. That's why I was late.

Okay?

I am Vallinayagi.

-Sweet name! -I'm your class teacher.

Now, will you introduce yourself?

[in unison] Okay, teacher.

My name is Gnanam.

Mangollai Ponnarasan Sivagnanam.

Isn't my name sweet?

-Worst name. -Did they tease you on your first day?

See what they gave me. They didn't even mind the white shirt.

What did they give you?

Sir… sir!

-What do you think you're doing? -No ink splashes.

Let's check for thorns on your chair.

No thorns as well.

I wonder what they've planned.

What do you want?

-Hey… -Sir!

What do you have in mind for this teacher? Tell me.

We won't tell you, sir.

Asking you politely won't get me anywhere.

Look what I do to you.

What is this?

God! My hand's stuck. I can't move it.

Removing it is not an easy job.

It's got the devil's thorn gum on it.

You have to soak it in water to remove it.

Nasty brats!

Madam…

They let you off with applying gum.

They stuck a devil's thorn to my chair, and…

-they punctured me! -Sir…

Stop repeating it.

Doesn't know how to talk with women.

Jealous fellow. Doesn't want me to talk with her.

Ma'am?

Can I send you my cane? I'll take this.

-Go ahead. -Thank you.

[radio program plays]

Are you coming from the farm?

Yes. We're plowing.

[vehicle honking]

Son, stop honking.

Hey… hey, Vellaiya!

Sevala, it's alright.

Go that side.

Gosh, it's broken.

Damn! That's okay. Leave it.

Hey, stop it.

Okay, sir.

Look how they behave!

What is it?

Two teas.

Arasa… how many times should I tell you?

The two cows don't get along.

Why can't you sell the unruly one and get a different cow?

What if it attacks you?

Hey, what if I have two kids,

and one is unruly? Can we throw them out?

We'll talk to them, right?

This isn't any different.

-I'm taming it. It'll get tamed. -Hi, son!

Hi, uncle! Is your collection over?

Yeah, yeah.

Hey, Saravana…

-What do you want? -Give me four idlis.

Dad, bring the vessel here.

Brother, don't get angry and listen to me.

I have to go to Singapore. They're asking me to pay.

Please give me back my money.

Huh?

What money?

What money?!

Stop playing around.

Give me back my money.

You lent it to me for interest, right?

Did I get it to lock it up in my house?

Your money is in rotation.

I've lent it to a two percent loan shark.

He must have lent it to a four percent lender.

And that guy must have given it for seven percent interest.

The seven percent guy should return it to the four percent guy.

And the four percent guy to the two percent guy.

And when it comes back to me, I'll return your service.

-Understood? -This isn't the first time I'm asking you.

I've been behind you for three months.

Shameless man, can't return what he borrowed.

Instead, shows off around town, striding his mustache.

You, stray dog!

How dare you talk to me like that?

-I'll slit your throat. -Leave him.

-Slit it if you can. -Don't get angry, son.

Hey, did he ask something wrong?

Won't the lender want his money back?

Teacher…

You don't have anything to do with this.

The town was perfect before you and your father came in.

We lost our respect, power, and position because of you guys.

And today, we're forced tobeg to these guys.

Do they even know what a passport or a visa is?

You made them study, work, and earn a handful.

Now, they've grown bold to touch me.

Teacher…

Don't take the townfolk that easily.

They'll show you…

in a way you'll never forget.

How dare you touch me?

I'll show you who I am.

Come on.

-Get him. -Stop right there!

SARAVANA!

Saravana!

-He's gone. -Hey, step back.

I said, step back!

Step back, lady.

-Go back. Step back. -Climb up.

Climb up. Make way.

This is what happens when you show off your money.

I wonder how many deaths will follow.

Saravana!

You should've raised him better.

He made a decent income in Singapore

and clashed with everyone due to his stubbornness.

He leered behind women to make matters worse.

He messed around with someone's wife from the next village.

He must've killed him and thrown him in the pond.

What's the point in crying now?

I know how I had raised him.

I raised my son properly.

I know it all too well.

Pick up this body.

-Make way. Move. -Clear the place, people.

Go over there. Hey, clear the crowd.

-Move away. Get going. -You heard him, get going.

-Get going. Nothing to see here. -Oh no! My son!

-Make way. Make way. -My son!

-Saravana! -Silence.

Only two languages in this world

are recognized as the oldest.

One of those languages is Chinese.

And the other is our mother tongue, Tamil.

Therefore, we should…

[in unison] Good morning, Teacher.

Good morning. Good morning.

-Have you all completed your homework? -Memorize it, students.

-[in unison] Yes, Teacher. -Now, look at the board.

Nalan and Damayanthi.

Does anyone here know about King Nalan?

[in unison] We don't, Teacher.

I'll tell you his story. Nalan ruled over the land of Nishadha.

He was the most handsome of all kings.

-Better looking than me? -His wife, Damayanthi,

was very pretty.

Not just women,

but even men used to adore Nalan.

Do you know how he looked?

Was he anything like MGR?

Did he look like Sivaji?

Or like Sudhakar, the hero of Kizhakke Pogum Rail?

No. No. No.

He looked like…

Your tea's here, Teacher.

There's no one like him here.

Nalan was an excellent king.

-Hey. Did you look at your marks? -Sir?

-Hundred out of seven, sir! -Seven out of a hundred, you fool.

Now, it's 70 out of 100.

Double the pass mark.

What's this, sir?

Why have you given me so much?

Yes. She's from out of town.

-Huh? -She hardly knows anything about our village.

She was looking for someone like Nalan,

and said she couldn't find anyone.

-Why, don't I look like him? -Yeah.

-Why don't you tell her that? -I'll tell her right away!

-Go on, then. -Teacher! How could you say that?

You think there's no one like King Nalan in our village?

Take Gnanam sir, for example.

People here call him King Nalan instead of calling him Gnanam.

-Isn't it, sir? -I don't like bragging about it.

I thought people used to call me that.

-Take thrice the marks. -Ninety marks?

-Sir? -Go on.

-Can I add some more to that? -Go ahead.

Teacher.

You're looking good like Damayanthi, too.

-Is that fine, sir? -You've done more than what I could ask.

At this rate, I'll ace all the tests.

Why is Damayanthi giving me that look?

What are you all looking at?

-Get back to the lesson! -Uh… The story of Nalan and Damayanthi…

Damn it, I forgot what I was teaching.

-Teacher, have you finished your portions? -Yes. You?

Teacher, the house you're staying in belongs to my friend, Sakthi.

Do you find the place comfortable?

It's fine,

but there isn't a toilet in the village where King Nalan stays.

What about showers then?

We head to the pond early in the morning for a bath.

-You're off by seven o'clock, early in the morning? -Seven? Early morning?

Early morning means four o'clock, brother.

Four o'clock?

That's almost, like, midnight!

Hey, why are you setting the alarm for four o'clock?

-I've got to meet someone important, Mom. -Like a ghost or something?

I'm going to meet your daughter-in-law.

-What? -Don't forget to wake me up if I continue to sleep.

-Daughter-in-law? -Yeah.

-Don't forget to wake me up. -Dumb kid.

Hey…

Son…

Gnanam?

Wake up.

You said you wanted to meet a ghost.

Oh! Is it four o'clock already?

-What's wrong with him? -Thank you, Mom!

Where the hell is everyone?

She made me wait in the dark.

I know of at least 10-15 people who jumped into this lake and died.

Oh, no!

I don't want to be a part of that list.

Is love this hard, Gnanam?

It's cold too.

Damn it!

The water's as cold as ice!

How do I take a bath in this?

♪♪♪

♪ The personification of beauty The walking moon! ♪

♪ The river comes to bathe in the pond ♪

♪ A storm dressed in a saree ♪

♪ Is she the peacock That shines amongst birds? ♪

♪ Like flowers in a gust She adds fragrance to the air! ♪

♪ Her voice gives me the shivers ♪

♪ There's nothing beautiful On the other side ♪

♪ After seeing her Nothing really stands a chance ♪

♪ The fragrance of flowers That moves my soul ♪

♪ Moves like the daughter of the King ♪

♪ On the drops that fall from her feet ♪

♪ I can see the falling stars ♪

♪ If you put a price on her beauty ♪

♪ Not even God can afford it ♪

♪ As she moves, The world spins ♪

♪ Anything's possible Thanks to her! ♪

♪ The Perfect Woman ♪

♪ I saw her! ♪

♪ Despite the breeze ♪

♪ I burn on the inside ♪

♪ In bliss! ♪

♪ In bliss! ♪

♪ In delight! ♪

♪ In delight ♪

He wants me to handle both classes four and five.

Oh! How's that possible?

-I told him I can't do it. -You are correct.

-Yawn. -Brother!

Hey, Priya. What's happening?

What are you doing here at this hour?

Don't you know? I'm up by 3:30 every day.

I work out for an hour.

After a shower, I do yoga.

By 6:30, I prepare for lessons that need to be taught.

And by 8 o'clock sharp, I'm in school.

-I'm a very disciplined person, basically. -Yeah. I know.

Unexpectedly, I'm half an hour late today.

-Come on, Valli.-Why is she giving me that look?

Did she figure it out?

-Quiet, Gomathy. -Based on the wind pressure,

humidity,

-and the temperature… -Teacher, tea.

Hey.

-Where is your teacher? -He's not feeling well.

-He's on leave.-And never in this whole world…

Bye! Don't forget to do your homework.

-Bye! -Bye-bye!

This way, Valli.

-Aunty? -Welcome, Priya.

She's the new teacher in our village.

We heard he was sick and wanted to check in on him.

He's inside. Go.

Damn it, this ration rice won't cook!

When my own son won't budge,

how would this rice?

-Priya, I'll bring some coffee. Wait. -Brother?

Brother?

-What happened? -I've never seen him up before 8 o'clock in his life.

Oh, no! It's Valli.

But he woke up to the alarm by 4 o'clock today.

This damn blanket.

When I asked him why, he said he was going to meet my daughter-in-law!

I wonder what ghost he saw by the lake today

-that he's shivering with fever!-She's giving me that cold look.

-Shut up, Mom! -Oh.

-So, that's the reason. -Teacher!

-Keep quiet, Mom. -What do I say?

-Teacher. Please wait! -Kids these days never listen.

-Hey, Valli. What happened? -They act in a way that makes them mad.

Hey, Priya! Why are you leaving?

I'll be back, Aunty!

Hey, Valli!

Why did they leave?

That's because you gave it away.

-When did I do that? I still have it!-Comedy?

The one I was talking about. That's her.

Your daughter-in-law.

Yes. What do you think?

She's beautiful.

I have a lot of respect for you.

That includes your family.

When I was six years old,

my mother's caste-obsessed relatives

hacked my father dead right before my eyes.

My mother could only save me.

My mother's only wish

was to see me become a teacher.

I became a teacher from a community that hardly knew what a school was.

My job is to teach students, sir.

I'll continue to teach till the end of my breath.

Marriage isn't something that'll suit my life, sir.

Please forgive me, sir.

Teacher.

Please don't cry.

I'm so deeply in love with you that I can't bear to see you cry.

Teacher. What's the problem?

You'll stop crying if I tell you I'm not in love with you?

I'm not in love with you then.

I want you to be happy.

-Aristotle was born around 384 BC…-She shot me down and started talking philosophy!

-He categorized plants… -Have you all completed your homework?

-[in unison] It's done, sir. -Bring it here, then.

Look at the board, everyone.

Sir.

Hey, did you complete the homework?

Hey. See how the arrow passes through the heart?

-Yeah! -I draw stuff like this to keep him in a daze.

If he sees this, I'll get good marks!

Shall I draw this too?

Go ahead.

Make it fancy!

Sir.

Sir.

-Hey, Pandi! -Sir?

Do you need to be told separately? Come here.

Well?

-Hey, come here. -What is it, sir?

-What is it? -An arrow through the heart, sir.

I told you to do your homework, but you're doing this instead?

-Will you do this again? -Sir! Ow! It hurts!

-Will you do this again? -Sir! Ow! It hurts!

It hurts, sir.

It hurts, sir.

-It hurt, sir. Ouch! -Go.

Kneel outside.

Hey, come here.

Oh, no. I've been caught.

Pandi gave the idea, sir.

-Ow! That really hurts, sir. -How dare you? Go, kneel with him.

Bloody rascal.

Hey, Sangeetha. What lesson did we cover yesterday?

You were talking about Murugan and Valli from Skandapuranam.

There'll be no more talk about Valli or a wedding. Sit down!

Today, I'm going to teach a lesson about Hanuman from the Ramayana.

He was a bachelor till the end!

Tomorrow, I'll teach you about Ganesha.

And about Kamarajar, the day after.

And about Vivekananda, the next day.

We're talking about bachelors this week!

-Why, sir? -That's because…

I'll lead a bachelor life, too!

Looks like they had a fight.

My back hurts, thanks to you.

Hey, sorry.

Hey, why did you hit Muthupandi's son for that?

Hey, Teacher! Didn't know you could get so angry!

Don't get mad at us.

Hey!

What are you joking about?

He has come to us to pour his heart out.

And you find it funny?

Hey, is she some beauty queen?

Why do you even regret losing her?

She's just a woman.

Give her a child, and she'll spend the rest of her days at your feet.

Why do you even regret this?

You want us to kidnap her?

I'll take care.

-Teacher? -Yes.

-I want to tell you something again. -Tell me, sir.

-You won't cry, right? -No. Tell me.

-The thing is… -The thing is?

For the last two days…

I pondered over this without any sleep.

-I… -Here's your tea, Teacher.

Let's read about declarative verbs today.

[in unison] Okay. sir.

-What are the types of declarative verbs? -What are the types of declarative verbs?

-Simple declarative verb. -Simple declarative verb.

-Compound declarative verb. -Compound declarative verb.

These are the two types of declarative verbs.

Time's up, the next teacher will be here soon.

I am a gentleman.

Hi!

I'm basically a very disciplined guy.

You should lead a happy life. Mine is a bachelor's life!

♪ With your impressive mustache so black ♪

♪ You urged me to chat! ♪

♪ Like a fish in the muddy pond ♪

♪ When alone, you're all I think of! ♪

♪ You're a garden with flowers so neat ♪

♪ I waited for you, my love's complete! ♪

♪ Your eyes, they did the trick! ♪

♪ With your impressive mustache so black ♪

♪ You urged me to chat! ♪

One minute, sir!

Teacher?

What is it, Teacher?

I spoke to Mom about us.

She accepted for our marriage.

I'll…

I'll also talk to my parents.

♪ My confused heart ♪

♪ Sensed clarity for the first time ♪

♪ And you became my world! ♪

♪ We lived like lost letters, all alone ♪

♪ We finally united Ready to become one! ♪

♪ Oh, enchanter! You're my true treasure! ♪

♪ Oh, I wish to lay on your chest! ♪

♪ Will we live together forever? ♪

♪ With your impressive mustache so black ♪

♪ You urged me to chat ♪

♪ In your heart, A fire burning bright ♪

-Give way to King Nalan! -Why are you all loitering about?

♪ I want to live there, Day and night ♪

Hey, you. Get me that stick.

♪ Swooning like a hike, It feels so right ♪

♪ His rugged look, Swept me off the floor ♪

♪ Ask anything, I'll give it all ♪

♪ But I can't bear to let go of you ♪

♪ In your arms, Forever I wish to be! ♪

♪ With your impressive mustache so black ♪

♪ You urged me to chat ♪

♪ Like a fish in the muddy pond ♪

♪ When alone, you're all I think of! ♪

♪ You're a garden with flowers so neat ♪

♪ I waited for you, my love's complete! ♪

♪ Your eyes, they did the trick! ♪

-Greetings, sir. -Greetings.

Oh, God!

Tell him, Mom!

There's a teacher working in his school.

He likes her.

So…

What are you doing, dear? Please finish your meal.

Son…

don't you like being a teacher?

Dad…

So, why didn’t you act like a good teacher?

Do you know what "aasiriyar" means?

"Aasu" means mistake.

"Iriyan" means one who corrects.

You don't act like one.

We can earn from a lot of jobs.

The only job where you get paid for doing a service…

…is being a teacher!

There are things that a mother can't teach

and a father can't make you understand.

But a teacher can do both.

That's why a teacher is celebrated after parents and above God.

A teacher is one…

…who becomes an example for a society…

…the minute he takes up that job.

We cannot live like ordinary humans.

My dad wished for something he knew he wouldn't be able to achieve.

He wanted to see it through my eyes.

Just like he wished,

I changed a primary school

into middle school.

I also wished

you'd change it into a high school after you joined here.

But that's not going to happen.

It's not just me you are fooling.

But also, this society…

and the future generations.

Looks like Petta Saami is still furious.

He'll calm down only when he reunites with Karukkaayi.

Do we have to shut down the school for that?

God struck him on the head, leaving him in a pool of blood.

If a godman ends up like this, imagine our fate.

ARIGNAR ANNA GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL

His life isn't in danger.

But he's in a vegetative state.

We call this vegetable.

His severe head injury caused him to forget many things.

He might not even remember you.

He may cry for no reason or get angry suddenly.

The reason behind this

would be things that are stuck in his subconscious mind.

Gnanam, he's like a child.

Patients like him have recovered.

But few don't. I'm sorry!

He should live under your care.

Give him a hand, brother.

Oh, God!

Careful.

Come.

What is this? How did this happen?

You can grow your intellect if you live under a neem tree.

Of course, you'll lose your mind if you live under a tamarind tree.

That’s why the son lost it, like his father.

When I was a kid, they said his dad was punished by God.

-He roamed the town like a madman. -Oh, is it?

The whole town then decided to chain him.

He's in the same state. God knows where this is heading to.

Hey, Sir has lost his mind.

-He's the talk of the town. -Yes.

-They say he's gone mad. -Really?

It seems he's gone mad.

-Has he really lost it? -Yes, sister.

The doctor's have confirmed he's a lunatic.

You can grow your intellect if you live under a neem tree.

Of course, you'll lose your mind if you live under a tamarind tree.

-I'm no longer the mad teacher’s grandson. -It seems he's gone mad.

-Isn't he the mad teacher's grandson? -I feel ashamed. I won't go to school anymore!

Hey, Mad Teacher's grandson!

I can't even remember what I'm studying, Mom!

They say he's gone mad.

It seems he's gone mad.

Hold yourself together.

If you don't, how will you console Mom?

Sir…

I didn't expect this to happen, sir.

He was a fantastic teacher.

We all loved him.

I heard your grandpa also… had a similar condition.

Now, Sir is also like this.

What if this is genetic? Get yourself checked, sir.

-Hey, Annamalai… -Sir, let go.

-Sir, please. -Aren't you educated?

The villagers and the uneducated aren't aware of these things.

You are educated. Don't you have any sense?

My grandpa fell and injured his head.

The villagers spun a tale saying it was God's wrath.

My dad injured his head falling in the field during plowing.

Would you also brand him as crazy?

He's a vegetable now.

Do you even know what it means?

He's like an infant.

-Do you get it?-Oh, like that?

But you call him…

Get lost!

I've understood it very clearly now.

How can he talk like this?

Arrogant fellow! Look at his actions.

How will the villagers understand when the educated talk like this?

I feel awful!

Okay. Ask if you need anything.

We'll take care.

I'll come by later, Mom.

They commit suicide for love.

They don't even listen to us.

I wonder how many more bodies will turn up in this pond.

Are they serious about demolishing the school?

That's what I've heard, dear.

Careful. Don't break it.

Okay.

Will they demolish it at least today? Let me see.

Every attempt to destroy this building gets interrupted.

-Demolish it completely. -Sure, brother.

Stop!

It's the town's school. Don't demolish it.

Stop it!

Please, don't!

-Don't do it. -Dad…

Get lost!

-Dad! -Sir, sir!

-Crazy fellow. -Ask them not to demolish it!

Sir… Sir, don't.

Valli, take care of him.

Don't you have any sense?

How could you push an elderly man down?

Get lost!

-Hey, you… -We've received an order to build a school.

This is an order to build a new building.

What do I gain from demolishing it?

It's an old building. What if it collapses and something happens to the children?

You'll just walk off. I'm the Panchayat head.

I'm answerable.

And you support this madman. Take him away.

Crazy guy! Chain him up.

Making things difficult for others!

-Get lost! -Sir, please don't.

Come on, Dad.

Come on, Dad.

You continue, guys.

Come on, Dad.

-"To forget a good turn is not good" -"To forget a good turn is not good"

-"and good it is" -"and good it is"

-"To forget at once what isn't good." -"To forget at once what isn't good."

Why are you behaving like this? Come inside, Dad.

Come inside, Dad.

Take your hands off.

Come inside, Dad.

Come on, Dad.

What is your problem?

Come inside, Dad.

Come, Dad.

-Oh my God! Dear… -Mom…

Where did you go?

-What happened? -Why didn't you lock him inside?

He came to the school, and they humiliated him.

Dear…

From now on, I won't be teased as 'Mad Teacher's grandson.'

How long will you keep bowing down to others just to make a living?

Don't our kids need an education?

Those guys just spout nonsense and send the teachers away.

We can't let him go, too.

Come out with the kids.

Hello! Why are you all sitting like this?

All of you sit cross-legged. Don't worry about anything.

My name is Annadurai.

I'm a retired headmaster from a government school.

I heard there are no schools within 35 miles of here.

I want to build a school here to educate your kids.

I need your support for that.

Good or bad…

We've always bowed down and saluted the village heads.

For the first time, you earned it by respecting us.

We believe you'll do good for us.

-Tell us what to do. -Hey, you are a young lad.

You'll talk your heart out. But there are certain practices in our village.

We have the village elders. They are the deciding authority.

We can't do anything without their approval.

Okay. I'll talk to them.

What? You want to build a school?

You need land to build a school.

All of this land belongs to God.

The nerve of you to build a school in the path of Petta Saami!

Don't you know what would happen if you mess with Him?

Everything within 30 miles belongs to Him.

Don't you ever mess with Him!

How arrogant you are?! You won't get even a small of land!

Everyone, get back to your work now.

You're all here to earn a meager living.

And now you want to study?

Stick to the work you are given.

How dare you think otherwise?

Get going now.

They dare to ask us for land, listening to this teacher.

We'll have nothing left if they get an education.

Don't give away a piece of land!

Sir, we knew this is what they'd tell.

This is not the first time.

We couldn't study. But our kids should get an education.

You are our last hope.

He has a brother, sir.

And he also owns a land here.

I'm sure he'd be ready to give his land.

He's different from them.

Let's go meet him, sir.

Let's go.

Clean this place with a disinfectant.

What is this, sir? Would I be an obstacle to a good deed?

You want the land to build a school, right?

I'm not against their education like my brother.

I'm like you.

I want everyone to get educated.

Why must you fear him?

Why do you think he built temples?

Why do you think he introduced you to religion?

Do you know who God really is?

Our forefathers, great-grandmothers,

grandparents and our parents… They are our God.

All other Gods were made to fool us.

They'll understand this only if they get educated.

Enlighten them. That makes you a God, too.

I'll give you this land, a family possession, as a donation.

Let's have the registration tomorrow.

-Start building the school immediately. -Thank you, sir.

[all] Thank you.

Come on. Let's go!

Don't betray anyone's trust.

They've finished building the school.

My brother… that black shirt fellow gave them his land.

He's someone who won't think like us.

Kaariyam, that school shouldn't exist.

Uncle… Shall I kill that teacher?

Do you think murder is a solution?

We should first demolish that school.

And we should make the villagers do it.

♪ Pettakaaran is here! ♪

♪ I'm coming around ♪

You made a mistake!

Valli…

Get me to Karukkaayi!

SCHOOL MANGOLLAI

What did you think about this town?

This God guards a 35-mile radius.

We, brothers, are the government of this town.

The people living here are laborers.

They came to farm…

They are cow rearers.

We've given a piece of land even to our mistresses.

This is the town, Teacher!

Do you know what it's like to educate them?

A cow asked its customer…

"Why don't you pull this cart

while I sit inside?"

What is this new habit? Why are you sitting cross-legged?

Sit on your feet.

How could you forget how to respect?

Will you change your practices?

Look at what's happened for having listened to youngsters.

Petta Saami wants to reunite with Karukkaayi.

We built a school in his path.

That angered God and took the life of Sadayan's son.

We built the school listening to his words.

God is furious, and now the entire village is burning.

We must demolish that school to calm our God and live peacefully.

We have to ostracize that teacher.

Come on, all of you. We shouldn't let that teacher stay here.

Come on!

Come on!

Come, come. Let's beat up that Teacher.

Stop!

Welcome! I knew you'd all come.

I've been waiting for you!

What happened?

Did the fields burn?

Did Sadayan's son die of blood vomiting?

Didn't Ramasamy die of a heart attack?

Your huts would have gone up in flames.

They'd have told you it's God's wrath!

Hey…

Where did all this happen?

At Kizhatheru.

Wouldn't God punish the people living in Melatheru?

You think the school is in God's path and want to demolish it.

Right?

Won't God take another route?

Or doesn't God have another path?

Will your God demolish a school and take only this path?

How is it a good God then?

All these aren't your God's doing. But of the family who've been ruling you.

They only wish to stay in power and have you serve as their subordinates.

If your children get educated, that will change.

That's their fear.

And that's the reason they are stopping your education.

They have instilled fear in you in the name of God.

I'm standing here to impart knowledge

to change your kid's life

and not yours.

Times will change.

And your children will also study.

Even then, there will be gangs that will encourage them to take up violence.

That shouldn't happen.

Do you wish for your children to be slaves like you?

Or do you wish they become educated?

Give it a thought.

A man's true beauty lies in his honor and intelligence.

Go now.

How could you blame God after burning our huts?

How could you do this?

You'll burn in hell.

Shouldn't our kids study?

Good that the teacher exposed you!

Our kids will study! All our kids will receive education.

Our kids will study.

Our kids will study.

Pettakaaran is an angry man!

That teacher didn't know he'd slay

anyone in his path.

This is the punishment if you go against God.

Now get back our path.

Welcome! I've been waiting for you!

My name is Arasan…

Annadurai teacher's son!

I'm here with the government order.

You can't even come near this school again.

The whole village branded your grandfather a madman as a punishment…

Your father decided to punish himself in the same manner.

It's not just me you are fooling.

But also, this society…

and the future generations.

He said they couldn't afford to build the new school.

-How can you be so casual about it? -Then?

The kids are already struggling to study.

You demolished it. So, you have to build it.

I can't build it out of my pocket.

Talk to the one who canceled the order.

-Hey, listen… -Forget it.

We'll talk to the District Education Officer.

We shouldn't let these morons escape.

T. SENTHILVEL, CEO -The school building has grown old.

If it collapses, the students will be in danger.

I have a petition from the villagers

asking for the school to be demolished.

I haven't received any petitions

asking for a new building or changing it to a high school.

No, sir. They've been submitting petitions for years.

-Where are those petitions? -I'll have a look, sir.

What are you looking for?

They instead destroy petitions from people demanding justice.

What do I do with them?!

Furthermore, the government won't approve anything for a school with few students.

-Be it higher classes or new buildings. -Sir.

More than 100 children around my village

cross the river to get to their schools.

Do this then.

Get a petition from the villagers who once asked

to destroy the school, now requesting a new one.

Can you do that?

We can, sir.

We cannot, sir. We dream of sending our kids to college.

But the buses to our village aren't regular, sir.

The kids have to walk across the river,

to get to Avudaiyarkoil to study.

It gets dark by the time our girls return home.

Despite her pleas, Kamakshi's daughter was adamant about attending school.

But…

When she was crossing the river while returning from Avudaiyarkoil,

-I want to study, brother! -Okay. Okay. Come with me.

-It's just school, right? -Please let me go. I want to study!

-I want to study. -She's my only child.

I want my daughter to remain alive and to live with her honor intact!

My daughter needn't study, sir.

I hope you understand our plight now.

This is the state of our village, sir.

If you put your heart into this, our village will get a secondary school.

♪♪♪

Even my father had filed a lot of petitions.

But it never reached you.

♪ We'll go to school… ♪

See you later, sister.

♪ We'll go to school… ♪

♪ After school ♪

♪ We'll make a living ♪

♪ When you study You'd know what's right and wrong ♪

♪ The darkness of a thousand years Should be lifted! ♪

♪ When you study The world opens up to you ♪

♪ Even if the world is against it Don't ever back down! ♪

♪ Don't lose hope, my dear Your time will come ♪

♪ A cork deep in the water Finds its way up ♪

♪ If the skies come crashing Have strength in your heart, my diamond ♪

♪ We're on the brink of change Wipe those tears ♪

If our village had a secondary school,

your daughter wouldn't have met this fate.

This should never happen to girls from our village again.

Sign the petition, sister.

♪ We'll go to school… ♪

♪ We'll go to school… ♪

♪ After school ♪

♪ We'll make a living ♪

Your school has been permitted to run classes nine and ten from next year.

-Hope to see your school transform soon. -Thank you, sir.

♪ Parents who've never seen schools Now send their kids to school ♪

♪ They're about to scale new heights ♪

Let’s see if you ever get to pull this off.

♪ …they're about to hold pens ♪

He was supposed to get this contract.

I roped you in. That's why he's mad at us.

♪ The waves struggle at the shore As the shore laughs with her spray ♪

♪ Before you win What else do you have but pain? ♪

♪ It might seem as big as a mountain It could be daunting at first ♪

♪ Once you take the first step It's as easy as walking ♪

Tell me, Teacher.

Instead of standing behind you when you win,

I want to stand by you, as you struggle.

Marry me, Sir.

In the current year of Raudhri,

on the 19th day of the month of Aavani,

Thursday, during the period of Panchami tithi…

♪ When you study You'd know what's right and wrong ♪

♪ The darkness of a thousand years Should be lifted! ♪

♪ When you study The world opens up to you ♪

♪ Even if the world is against it Don't ever back down! ♪

Dear, your son is now engaged.

Bless them.

What is it, dear?

I just met with the DO.

He even told me about the monstrosity without hesitation.

Did you think you abolish education just by demolishing a school building?

Of course, you'd target education to keep the oppressed, oppressed.

And you targeted the girls as well.

Educating a girl is equal to educating a family.

Educating all of them is equal to educating a town!

The thought of you destroying a school to deny the children education.

I will prove it to your face by educating them in that very school!

Do whatever you can to stop me.

[popular Tamil song plays]

Are you alright, sir?

-Who hit me? -What are you talking about? We didn't hit you.

It wasn't you'll?

Someone's hitting me from afar, brother!

What happened, sir? No one's hitting you.

-Someone's hitting me. -What is he saying? No one's hitting him.

Why is he shouting like he's been hit?

Can't you see? Someone's hitting me!

-It hurts! -Mani, look around and see if anyone's hitting him.

He's blabbering like a madman. Don't waste my time.

Will he turn out like his dad?

Gnanam,

they've hit you with BB pellets from afar.

They were deeply embedded in your head. I've removed them all now.

No need to worry.

Don't do any strenuous work, or the stitches might open up.

He needs to rest for 15 days, ma'am.

-Take care of him. -Thank you, Doctor.

I have no idea what happened.

-That'll be 150 rupees, brother. -Hey, why is he hurt so bad?

My parents were talking to each other.

He has become like his dad.

He fell on the road and cried.

No one hit him, but he screamed like someone hit him.

Why is he staring here instead of going home?

-Yeah. -What are you looking at? Take the kids inside.

-Hey, come on. Let's hide. -Come here, Sangeetha.

What are you saying, sister?

Yes. His dad has taken the place of his grandpa.

And it'll be him next.

I wonder what other curses Petta Saami will bring upon this family.

Park up ahead.

I'll meet him.

Take this.

-What happened? -Come in.

-Come in. -How are you?

Sit down.

How are you?

I'm fine.

I told you to stick to just teaching, but you never listen.

You've crossed so many people to build that school.

See what they've done to you.

Take care, I'll see you on the way back from the market.

Get some rest. I'm leaving.

No, I'll see you out.

You think the Panchayat leader hit me?

I'll ask the guys to check.

Stay clear of any trouble.

Stay home instead of roaming around.

Get going. See you around.

Son…

-To save Tamil, -[in unison] To save Tamil,

-she came like an elixir. -[in unison] she came like an elixir.

-Seethalai Saathan, -[in unison] Seethalai Saathan

-to sing his praises -[in unison] to sing of his pride

-with his eloquent speech -[in unison] with his eloquent speech

-he called us forth. [in unison] he called us forth.

-The fragrance of wildflowers -[in unison] The fragrance of wild flowers

-and the smell of plants -[in unison] and the smell of plants

-comes wafting -[in unison] comes wafting

-as a sign of his leadership. -[in unison] as a sign of his leadership.

Eat up.

Why hasn't Valli come to meet me?

It's been a week since she visited.

Where did Valli go?

-Her house is locked. -I asked around, too.

After she found out what happened to you

she took a transfer and left, they say.

♪ Like a thorn ♪

♪ She tore open my heart ♪

♪ Her thoughts burn like fire ♪

♪ My broken heart ♪

♪ Makes me reel in pain ♪

♪ It kills my sleep ♪

♪ Your beauty never leaves my eyes ♪

♪ How could I hide my tears in them? ♪

♪ I stand in silence On the streets ♪

♪ Oh, why did you leave me In the middle of everything? ♪

Gnanam?

Gnanam?

Gnanam?

Valli?

What is it?

-Valli… -Valli?

I thought I heard Valli call me.

I didn't hear anything.

Go back to sleep, Gnanam.

Hey. Hey. What is this?

-Where are you off to? -To the school.

Why don't you go after you've fully recovered?

It's been two weeks since I went.

The doctor told me to rest for 15 days.

It's not a problem. The half yearly tests are coming up.

I don't know how the kids have been studying.

We had asked permission for a high school.

I wonder what happened to that. I've got to take care of things. I'll see you later.

Hello, sir.

Hello, sir.

Attention! Time for theTamizh Thai Vazhthu.

-Long live -[in unison] Long live

-the language of Tamil. -[in unison] the language of Tamil.

The language of Tamil.

-Long live! Long live! -[in unison] Long live! Long live!

-As old as the skies -[in unison] As old as the skies

-and spanning all lands. -[in unison] and spanning all lands,

-Long live our beautiful language! -[in unison] Long live our beautiful language!

Prayer, disperse.

Why didn't you take some more time off to get better?

Sir, I'm feeling much better now.

That's not the problem. The people in town are…

-Shall I sign the attendance, sir? -Yes, go ahead.

-I'll go to the class, sir. -Go ahead.

Good morning.

Were you guys happy that I wasn't in school for a week?

I won't let you guys off easy.

The exams are almost here.

Today, we're going to read about a scientist.

The Sun never revolved around the Earth,

it was the Earth that revolved around the Sun.

This was discovered by the scientist Galileo.

But no one accepted it when he said it.

The whole world

called Galileo a madman

when he went against what the whole world believed in.

"How could you question our faith and beliefs," they asked.

He was imprisoned for this.

He, too, had to bear it.

He died a dejected man.

But only after his death,

did they realize that Galileo was right.

The Earth indeed did go around the sun and…

The world finally accepted it.

Whoever speaks the truth

or works for the betterment of the world,

is called insane by the world.

Okay.

I hope you all thought that this lesson was boring.

Next, shall we move to a math lesson?

Sangeetha?

You like math.

Come here and write what I say, on the board.

Come here, Sangeetha.

Come here.

I don't want to, sir.

I'm scared, sir.

Sangeetha?

What are you scared of? Don't be scared.

-Come and write on the board. -I won't come, sir.

-Come here. Why are you afraid of me? -Don't come close, I'm scared!

-I don't want to. Please don't come any closer. -Come.

-Come here. -Please don't come any closer. I'm scared, sir!

Mummy!

Wait, Sangeetha.

Don't run. Wait.

Sangeetha!

You are scaring me, sir.

I will never come to this school again, sir!

Hey, Sangeetha.

Son?

What's the matter? Why are you back so early?

Gnanam?

-What is it? -Mom…

Am I alright?

Hey! What kind of talk is this?

Everyone was looking at me weirdly at school.

This kid, Sangeetha,

she… she ran away from me, all scared!

Am I alright, Mom?

Hey. Why are you imagining things?

What's your problem?

You are perfectly alright.

Get back to your work.

You better stay home.

No need to go back to that school.

Mom?

Mom?

Yes?

I'm coming.

They've hit you with BB pellets from afar.

Someone's hitting me from afar, brother.

Don't you see? Someone's attacking me.

I'll make sure you don't completethe construction.

Hey, hey! Catch him!

Hey! Hey!

Why did you hit me?

Tell me… Why did you?

I didn't harm you in any way.

-Then why did you hit me? -Listen to me.

-Hey… Hey, stop it. -Why did you hit me?

Tell me.

Why did you hit me?

HEY… HEY!

Hey, let him go.

I didn't hit you.

Sakthi…

Bro, where is Sakthi?

-Sa… Sakthi… -Close the door.

Sakthi… I need your help.

Will you?

-What is it? -It wasn't one person who hit me,

but four or five men.

One guy hit me from atop a palm tree in the moor forest.

And one guy has hit me from a neem tree.

-They were hitting me from all sides. -Who did?

Who… Who did… I don't know, bro.

We need to find out. We have to find out.

The Panchayat head said it wasn't him. We need to find who it was, Sakthi.

Sure. You go home.

-We have to find them. -I'll take care of it.

-You go home now. -We have to find them, bro.

Hey, pour some water.

[door knocks]Gnanam…

Gnanam!

Gna…

-What happened? -Mom…

-Valli is here. -Valli?

Shut up and sleep.

No, Mom. Valli is here.

-Listen. -Valli…

Valli?

Valli?

You must be wondering why I kidnapped you, right?

Years of rivalry…

You got caught in between.

My grandpa… My God…

He ruled this village…

Until Annadurai Teacher came here.

All these aren't your God's doing. But the family who've been ruling you.

They only wish to stay in power and have you serve as their subordinates.

People who obeyed him had started questioning him.

How could you do this?

Our kids will study! All our kids will receive education.

He avenged his humiliation by killing Annadurai.

This is not over, son.

I don't care if your uncles demolish this school.

But when God descends over you…

My grandson…

This school shouldn't exist.

Backstab them! Backstab them!

Grandpa!

That vow is deeply ingrained in me.

I waited for my uncle to demolish that school.

But that didn't happen.

The day came when I had to follow our tradition.

Why did you descend on him? What do you want?

I need to get God-possessed.

I've faked the villagers' signatures and submitted many petitions to demolish it.

Yet, you still couldn't get it done.

Times have changed. It's a school run by the government now.

It isn't that easy.

So, you went on to bless the school.

You might have forgotten your promise to my grandpa.

But I haven't.

It's my turn now.

You can't take the forefron when I'm alive.

After that, I ruled.

Even if they tried to get close to girls from my caste,

I made sure they lay dead in the pond.

-Shameless man, can't even… -How dare you?

-If they talk ill about my caste… -I'll kill you!

If my caste is in trouble…

Sakthi…

I don't care about friendship.

A mustache might be just hair to you.

But that's our identity.

It was my day.

I asked Arasan Teacher to leave this village, respectfully.

The reason I ignored all that you did and stayed silent

was not fear. But it was my profession.

The respect I gave to my profession.

Are you trying to act like your grandpa?

I won't leave this village.

Arasan Teacher paid no heed to my words.

I mistook Gnanam to be naive.

Gnanam transformed into a mix of Annadurai and Arasan.

And I didn't like it.

I made him wander the streets in a frenzied state.

When he stood broken and alone…

You came into his life.

That's why I kidnapped you.

God will descend on me today.

God won't forgive him.

And now the God in me wants

to take out his entire family.

Get that mad teacher into the village.

Sir, someone is demolishing the school!

Please! Please come and save it!

Come on.

Oh my! What happened?

-Who is it? -Him?!

Oh, God! My son is bleeding.

Please come and save the school, sir.

Who threw the stone?

Hey, come out!

All of you keep quiet!

-Dad is missing, Mom. -Huh?!

My dear…

Hey, don't fight.

Ostracize this mad family from our village.

Don't spare them. Thrash them.

My son could have died.

His family shouldn't live in this village. Send them away!

He tried to stone a young boy to death.

He's hurt that old man. Set this whole village on fire.

Are they fools?

-Send them out of this village. -He's right.

Come on, everyone. Thrash them!

Oh, you, wretched people!

-Please save my son. -Sakthi…

-Sakthi… -Spare my son.

-Sakthi… -Let's go. My uncle will take care of the rest.

Oh my, son! Dear, look at our son.

Don't beat him up. Spare my son.

Hey, let him go.

Leave my son. Please… Spare him!

Gnanam…

Sakthi…

Did you…

Sakthi…

I trusted you blindly!

How could you?

Hey… Leave him. Let him go.

Go… Move away.

Hey, don't thrash him.

Oh, my dear son!

Please spare him!

He's a lunatic.

Don't stain your hands by killing a madman.

Please spare him.

What are you all waiting for? Thrash him!

-Why are you being so unfair? -Please, sir. Spare my son.

Sir, please. Don't beat him to death.

Hey, out, everyone.

Leave now. Move… Give me way.

Move, stop. Stop it. Leave now.

-Leave everyone. Go. -Sir, he shouldn't be spared.

Move away, everyone. Go, move.

Get going. Come on. Go!

Make way!

Get going. Should I tell you separately?

Hey, clear everyone. I don't want anyone standing here.

Go, go. Go back home. Clear the crowd.

Send them all home. Hello, stop it!

Listen now. If this continues, the villagers will burn your family alive.

They are that furious.

It's better you vacate from here and skip town.

-Okay, sir. -Do you get it?

Who the hell was that? Send him away.

Gnanam…

My dear…

My dear!

My dear!

Wake up, dear.

Dear…

You said things will change if you teach them.

Nothing ever changed!

You couldn't change a thing, dear!

Nothing will ever change here, and no one will either.

Look. None of your students stood for you!

Oh, my dear!

Let's not live here anymore.

Come, let's go.

Why should we stay here when the people have no gratitude?

They made me call my son a lunatic.

My dear, please get up.

Let's not live here.

We'll go somewhere else.

Gnanam… look at your dad!

He taught the entire village. But now, he's lying all alone.

We don't need anyone. Let's go.

You don't have to teach anymore. Let's move somewhere else with our son.

Dad…

What's wrong with you?

-What happened to your dad? -Dad…

-Dad… Dad. -Get up, dear.

-Mom… -What is it? What's wrong with him?

-Dad died on us. -Oh my, dear!

DAD!

I thought the entire village would have thrashed him to death!

Sollai! Bash him!

Slash him!

Come on!

♪ Like a wave of life… ♪

♪ You caressed me! ♪

♪ This thorn-like heart… ♪

♪ Embraced by your gentle love ♪

♪ It burns me, my love ♪

♪ With memories of you ♪ -Valli!

♪ This sweet breeze… ♪ -Valli?

Valli, what happened to you?

Wake up, dear!

♪ That beautiful, silver moon! ♪ -Valli? Hey, Valli…

♪ Brought me back to life ♪

♪ How do I get my heart To rest a while? ♪

-Valli? -Gnanam!

How did you end up here?

He isn't as good as you thought to be.

He's going to do the sacred ritual.

The deity's path…

…has no school in sight.

Eradicate every other school!

PANCHAYAT MIDDLE SCHOOL, MANGKOLLAI

Destroy everything!

Prepare the entrance for our God!

Clear all traces of this school.

Demolish everything!

I wish to become a God manifester just like my grandfather.

Welcome, Teacher!

Welcome, grandson of Annadurai!

I dare you!

If you can become like your grandfather,

why can't I though?

I made a promise!

I promised my grandfather to demolish this for him!

I'll make sure to fulfill it!

This is a grudge that’s lasted for years!

And I'm ending it with you!

Anything I say, the villagers will blindly believe.

They will!

Because I am their God!

I am going to demolish this school!

I'm the grandson of Kolautchi, after all!

His spirit will rest peacefully.

I'm putting an end to it all with you!

Nobody should enter this town like you did!

Make way for Petta Saami!

I'm going to clean my path.

This school was built in the path of Petta Saami.

I will tell them that I destroyed it.

And these morons will believe it.

Keep your rage away from the school!

It should cease to exist…

It should cease to exist!

No one should study!

Don't! Don't do this!

There should never be a school here again!

Hey, Sakthi!

No one must ever study again!

They will get educated.

I will make sure of it.

I cleared our path!

MANGOLLAI SCHOOL AT PRESENT

♪ Let us get educated… ♪

GOVERNMENT HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL (BOYS AND GIRLS)

♪ Let us get educated… ♪

♪ You've done your part ♪

♪ Now, let us live… ♪

♪ With education, we discern good from bad ♪

♪ Let the dawn break Ending a thousand years of night ♪

Teachers enlightened us with new concepts and knowledge.

Discovered a whole new world within us.

By debunking superstitions,

they illuminated our minds and refined our thinking.

Teachers do more than just write with white chalk on blackboards.

Many have even sacrificed and shed blood to shape our lives.

From Abdul Kalam,

Sivan,

Mayilswamy Annadurai,

Veeramuthuvel,

to Nigar Shaji.

Every remarkable scientist emerged from government schools.

Teachers who have shaped numerous leaders,

geniuses,

business tycoons,

and engineering prodigies

often remain modest and never boast or seek recognition.

The wisdom you provide

will continue to stay with us as a lifelong asset.

This film is a dedication

to the revered teachers who impart knowledge on truth and integrity.

Subtitles by QUBE

♪ You've done your part ♪

♪ Now, let us live ♪

♪ The father grew unlettered ♪

♪ His child now strides to school ♪

♪ He's set to reach greater heights ♪

♪ Father carried trees for his daily bread ♪

♪ Son marches on with a pen instead ♪