Original subtitles

1999 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Where lies the core of my being...

Whose shadow am I seeing here...

The fire of agony burns bright...

Body and soul in the light...

Is this the truth, the eternal state...

Or just a riddle, a fleeting fate...

Oh, heart, is this why you wandered in dismay...

Who are you...

And who am I...

A mere home to endless agony...

Stories told are mere drops...

In an endless ocean of woe...

Unceasing waves of grief wash over...

The battling heart cries out in pain...

If all must eventually leave, why this birth...

Answer me, Lord...

You, the eternal master...

Soothe my agonising heart...

Is this the divine play...

Is this the true state...

Or is it a riddle...

Is this world a grand illusion, a mere dream...

1986 Poomparai, Kodaikanal

Go on.

Let it graze. It's our harvest after all.

Boys, join us for lunch. -It's okay, you eat.

They will come. You eat.

Where is this sudden love coming from?

What love? Ask him to split your share.

Just one mouth.

Feed him. Go on! -Eat slowly.

Selvam, did you see this? -Feed Thyagu.

Oh, my! He is eating when Thamarai feeds him.

Good boy! Come on, eat.

Thyagu, look, it's our house.

Here you go, Thyagu. Take this.

They will be here. -Get everything ready.

We'll start when my brothers come. -Selva, where are your parents?

Senthil, don't you know?

Dad is paralysed. So, mom is taking care of him.

You didn't tell me. -What is left to say?

We've tried every possible treatment.

Nothing seems to help.

Brother, we'll go there and walk out with our share.

But first, we'll eat heartily. Then we'll leave with the assets.

How is your mansion business doing? -It's doing well!

Great to hear that. -I'm sure you know that...

...I used the money from selling properties as a downpayment.

It has picked up a steady pace.....

Careful, buddy.

You'll lose your balance. -I'm steady.

Hey, put the bike on the stand. -Stand steadily.

What nonsense is this? How can they do this...

...on an auspicious day? -Let it be. Don't talk to them.

They are drunk every day.

They have started their nonsense. -Hey, priest!

Honey! -Selvam, see to them.

Can you come here?

We're here to pray to our ancestral deity.

Why are your brothers doing this? -Hey!

Hey, lift him.

He is our child. -Come here.

Come here, my son.

Take him. -Give him to me.

You raised them without being strict.

Look at him now. He has gone crazy.

-Dad, Thyagu is crying. -Why, dear?

Come. -Dad!

Hey, give him to me. Are you crazy?

What are you even doing?

All this to devour the sacrificial meat.

Stop nagging us and do the ritual preparations.

Get lost! -What are you saying?

Selvam, come here. Let's start the pooja.

All right. -Don't cry, Thyagu.

Here you go.

Don't cry.

Dad! -Don't cry, Thyagu.

Lord Karuppu!

What's going on over here? -He is scared.

Hey!

Guys, don't! The priest must do that.

Give the knife to the priest!

Why are you doing this?

Let's slash the right one at the right time.

Lift it.

Hey! -Stop it.

Guys, stop! -Let's go!

Brother, please. Please put it down.

I beg you both. We might sin! Please!

Go! -Listen to me, please.

It's a sacred offering! Please leave that alone.

He's our God after all. He'll understand.

I'm doing this for the well-being of my family.

Selvam! -Why are they doing this?

When they announced you as the winner of the writing contest,...

...I was the first to clap. -Yes, I noticed that.

Grandma! -Come in, dear.

Are you done for the day?

Did you finish your lunch? -Yes, I did.

What did you learn today? -Maths.

I've been begging you to take me to Kaasi.

Now, you are bedridden. Who will take me now?

Will you take me, sweetie? -Sure, grandma.

My precious little one!

Give it to me, grandpa. I'll hold, you read.

Aunty, Thyagu won first prize in the writing contest.

Fat Gopal who lost pushed Thyagu in a fit of anger.

But I did not let him go. I bit his hand!

Really? -Yes. Later, he ran off.

You are my dearest. With you beside,...

...Thyagu will always be safe. Sit down, Thamarai.

Where is Thyagu? -He is with grandpa.

I read what you told me to and wrote just that.

I won first prize in the writing contest.

When we read, we become more aware of the world,...

...learn about nature's wonders,...

...and get a clearer understanding of our society and community.

You must read. Don't just stop there, you must write too.

Because reading will only be beneficial to you.

But when you write, it'll be beneficial to the whole world.

All the things that you see, read and experience,...

...compile and write them down. Okay?

Your writing will take you to the highest of highs.

Will you write, my dear?

Sit down. -It's all right.

What is the core belief of a spiritual person?

Detachment, Guruji.

When you are supposed to be detached, why do you seem so tense?

There are only two things in this world.

Being here without being seen.

You can't force one to be seen. It should be seamless.

Only then can you remain unseen.

What's inside your heart? Writing or spirituality?

Both, Guruji.

You can't sail in two ships at once.

Your heart finds it difficult to make you commit yourself to God.

But deep inside, your heart keeps dreaming about writing.

When all your thoughts revolve around writing,...

...you can't devote yourself to God.

The basic law of the universe is living hand in hand.

Similarly, in your life's journey...

...even if you lose many, someone may travel alongside you.

Who knows? Nature is a treasure trove of mysteries.

No one can predict what will happen next.

That's the law of life.

One's greatest love transforms into their spirituality.

In your case, writing is your spirituality.

It's wonderful. If you want it to reach everyone,...

...this is not the right place for you.

Stay with people from that community.

Decide what you want.

Vanakkam, Guruji.

You came here with nothing. Are you leaving with nothing?

Why don't you take something?

I am, Guruji.

Being here by remaining unseen.

Excuse me!

Sorry. Move, please.

Excuse me!

Sorry. Excuse me!

Please!

Is this not a reservation compartment?

Yes, it is. -But why is it like this?

This is the Indian Railway.

Particularly in the northern zone, it is like this.

Can you please check my ticket?

Sure. Yes, it is your compartment.

Your seat number is 21. And mine is 25.

Please, brother, I think this is my seat.

What is your seat number? -21.

Go and ask the TT.

Stay quiet. -Why are you doing this?

She's coming from a different country.

She's come from abroad just to visit our country and people.

Is this how you insult them?

What to do? Shall we give her the seat?

Get up. Let her sit.

All right. Here.

Come.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

It's okay.

You sit here.

I'll sit down.

I'm going to eat. Aren't you going to eat?

I'm not hungry.

Just one small piece? -Okay.

Oh, sorry. It's mixed, it has meat.

I didn't think about it. -So what?

I've heard that preachers don't eat meat.

But I am not a preacher. -But you look like one.

I have been searching for God in myself.

But no use, I couldn't find myself.

So what? Is there any law that says I should not eat meat?

You can give it to me.

Do you know Tamil?

Yeah. -How?

I love Tamil, so I learned it. Why are you so surprised?

Even I haven't read that book yet.

Do you know Tamil?

I am a Tamilan. -Wow!

Then you could have spoken to me in Tamil earlier.

Shall we do one thing? You read this. I have another book.

Oh, God! I almost gave it away.

Sorry.

Hi, good morning.

Hi, good morning.

So, where are you from?

May I know your name?

Should I lie or tell you the truth?

Your wish.

I am from Germany.

My name is Janani Thomas.

I'm studying Tamil literature at Heidelberg University in Germany.

I have come to research about the culture,...

...habits and the customs of Tamils...

...in my journey around India, meeting Tamil people along the way.

When I was young, I saw something that struck me...

...and never left my mind.

I've come looking for it.

If I ask you something, I hope you won't take it the wrong way.

Sure. Go on.

Yesterday, you said that you couldn't complete...

...your search for the soul.

Yes, I'm unable to bring my mind to peace.

It is wandering like the devil.

I have been practicing for ten years and nothing has changed.

My mind is filled with the struggles my people face every day.

That is why I left.

I write. My thoughts revolve around it.

Do you write? -Yes.

Give it to me.

I will read it. -No, I didn't bring anything.

I threw everything in the Ganges and left with nothing.

I am happy to be friends with you.

I feel like I have seen you somewhere.

I think I've seen you somewhere too.

Can I come to your village?

I don't want to go back to my village ever.

If you're not going back, where are you headed?

My father's friend runs a mansion in Chennai.

I ran away from there when I was young.

I have decided to stay there for a few days.

Mansion? -Yes.

Can I stay there too?

At the mansion?

We're going to pay for the stay, aren't we?

If I stay near you, I will feel a lot safer.

Come on.

Hi. Welcome to Sivam Mansion.

I am Ganesan. What's your name?

Why is she laughing? Did I make a mistake?

I should speak faster like a white guy.

What's your name? -What happened to, sir?

Did you know my father, swami?

It has been years since dad died.

He was fine.

He kept talking about a boy till the day he died.

A kid called Thyagu.

My father's friend brought him here...

...and asked my father to take good care of him.

Uncle, where are we going now?

We don't need that village.

If you stay there.....

Let him stay here. Come on, Thyagu.

I will take care of him.

That little devil ran away without telling my father.

Unable to find that boy, my father went into a depression...

...and kept saying that he had sinned...

...till the day he died. But before he died,...

...he made me promise that I would find him...

...and bring him back no matter what.

Where am I supposed to find that hobo?

Haven't you renounced everything, swami?

Why don't you use a spell or some magic to find out where he is?

Who? -That Thyagu.

Did you find him, swami?

Where is he? -Right in front of you.

In front of me? I don't see anyone.

You are in front of me, swami. -I am that Thyagu.

Swami, what are you saying? I've been looking everywhere.

We don't have any rooms. Go away.

Don't you speak English? Why is she laughing all the time?

She is my friend.

Your friend? -Her name is Janani.

None of this makes any sense.

Sorry. Welcome to Sivam Mansion.

Get two cups of tea for them, Brother Guru.

Sure.

I brought her here to stay hoping your dad would be around.

Why? What do I look like? Don't you trust me?

I've done my BA. Pachaiyappa College.

2000 batch. My name is Sivaganesan.

Five inches.....

Five feet, three inches tall. I go to the gym regularly.

My weight is..... -Give me your horoscope too.

I will find you a suitable bride. You fool!

How come she speaks Tamil so fluently?

She's here to learn about Tamil culture.

I promised to help her.

Do you have any rooms available? Or shall I find one outside?

Why would you even ask? Our mother tongue is Tamil.

We don't even take the effort to learn it properly.

She's a foreigner. She has come all the way here...

...and speaks in our mother tongue so beautifully.

It wouldn't be right if I didn't help her.

Madam, I will help you.

Thyagu, if I don't help you,...

...my father's soul would never rest in peace.

You two are staying here, regardless of the duration.

Okay? -Fine.

Thyagu, thank you. Bye.

Wow!

I came here just to see this. Come on.

Many foreigners like you come here to learn about our culture.

No one here pays any attention to it.

Look at that. Who is this priest?

He is new in this neighbourhood.

He is going out with a white woman.

And she looks hot too.

A man who once shunned women ultimately finds himself one.

But look at our luck. -The swami must be gifted.

Yeah, buddy.

There's no way we'll find someone like her.

Why does everyone here look at us so differently?

They are making fun of us. It is hurting me.

When a girl goes out with a guy, they say hurtful things.

I look like a holy man. And you are a foreigner.

What do you expect?

Can I ask you something? -Go ahead.

Do you plan to stay like this for the rest of your life?

I want to live a little and I want to write a lot.

Can I ask you something else? -Yes.

I can't change the way I look.

Why don't you change your looks for me?

Sorry. Did I say something wrong?

No, you asked me the right thing.

Oh, my God! Are you sure?

I can't believe it. Are you sacrificing for me?

I can't believe this. I'm so happy.

Sir! -Yes, sir.

There's a reservation under the name of Janani.

Okay. Is it? And your name, sir? -Thyagu.

Okay.

Come in, sir.

Hi, excuse me. Is Thyagu here? -Yes, ma'am.

Could you please give it to him? -Okay.

Thank you. -Welcome.

Wow!

Wow!

You look good.

Wow!

Oh, my God!

I have to take a photo.

Smile.

Wow!

Janani, that's enough. I feel shy, please.

Please!

I finally found my Tamil prince.

I love you, Thyagu.

I love you too, Janani.

I can't believe this.

I came here without any hope.

I love you too, Janani.

Mom, do you remember the boy we saw at the temple in Rameswaram?

Do you remember him?

I found him again.

No, on a train. I told you I saw a priest.

And I confessed my love to the priest.

And I asked him if he could shave his beard and he did.

And it's him, mom.

No, I compared the photos with each other.

Really, mom.

Yes, okay, mom.

Sure, I'll call you again, okay?

Yes, sure. Okay, I love you, mom.

Okay, I'll call you later. Okay, mom? Okay, bye.

Crossing nations and lands, I find you to surrender my heart...

Leaving town, shedding names, I blossom at the sight of you...

The withered rainbow...

Blooms anew in the sky...

A cool, fragrant breeze...

Caresses my soul...

As paths come to an end...

A lone footstep befriends mine...

A longing to journey far...

Rises in my being...

Thyagu!

Thyagu, it's okay.

Thyagu, cool down.

Thyagu, come. lie on my lap.

Can I come with you to Pondicherry, Janani?

Why? Are you worried that I'd run off to Germany?

No, I want to visit temples with you, Janani.

No, my dear.

What if you leave me and become a holy man again?

What would I do?

So, you stay here.

I'll be back safe and sound.

What? It's just five days.

Promise? -I promise.

Thyagu, shall we get married according to Tamil traditions?

Why?

Why do we have to get married so soon?

I can't wait.

Let's get married then.

Janani!

I'll be back soon.

What's wrong, Thyagu? Why are you so nervous?

It's nothing.

You take care, okay?

I'll handle that.

You promised me you'd write, but you haven't shown me anything.

I'm leaving you alone for a few days so you can write.

By the time I'm back, I want you to have at least one story ready.

Okay? You won't disappoint me, will you?

Now that you've mentioned it, I'll get it done.

Are you sure?

I have a surprise waiting for you when I'm back.

What surprise is it, Janani?

Thyagu, smile, please.

Bye!

Sivam Mansion. -It's me, Janani.

Hello, how are you? -I'm fine, how about you?

I'm fine.

How is work? -I need to talk to Thyagu.

One minute, I'll call him.

Thyagu!

Brother Guru? -I'm coming.

Call Thyagu. -I'll get him.

Did everything go well? -Yes, it's going well.

Thyagu, Madam Janani is on the line.

Janani?

When are you coming back?

Janani. -Give it to me.

Hello, Janani! Are you fine? -Yes, I'm fine.

How are you? I'm fine.

Did you eat? -Yes, I have.

Your favourite, pepper pongal.

I've started writing after a long time, Janani.

Is that so? I'm happy to hear that.

It's coming along well. -That's what I wanted.

I'll have it ready before you come. I'm sure you'll like it.

I should be the first to read the story you write.

Sure.

You're laughing so beautifully.

Where did you steal this smile from in Germany?

You laugh at everything.

I've written a poem for you.

Listen to this.

You're the one I lost at the beginning of my life.

You and I lost our way.

Although you are close, we are still far apart.

And in your warm breath,...

...I suffocate, dying a thousand deaths.

I don't want to be saved. Even if it's for a moment,...

...I yearn to see you just to tell you how much I love you.

My eyes can't stand it.

They blink, interrupting my sight when I look at you.

Janani!

Why are the police here? I paid them just last month.

Hello, sir. -Hey, get me the register.

Give it to me.

Thyagu and Janani.

Where are they staying? -Upstairs, sir.

Show me their room.

What is it, sir? -Show me the room.

Go. -Is there a problem, sir?

I'll tell you later.

What are you looking at? -What's wrong, sir?

Which room is it? -This one.

Hey, are you Thyagu? Get up. -Get up.

Check all this. Get up.

Don't skip anything. -Take it.

Where's the girl who came with you? Come.

Hey, take him. -Hey, get down quickly.

Sir! What's wrong, sir?

Sir, just a minute.

Sir, why are you taking him? -Hurry up.

Brother Pandi, what happened?

Get him in, hurry up. -Sir, don't spare him.

Sir, make sure you beat the life out of him.

He has been fooling the public by dressing up like a godman.

Who are you? Get lost!

Sir! -Where are you going?

Sir! -Get going.

He didn't even tell me why he was being arrested.

He's a good man.

Hey, drag him out. -Sir, I don't know anything.

Sir, I'm telling you the truth.

Let me go, sir.

I don't know anything. -Throw him into the jeep.

Get in, I said.

Do you know these guys? -No, sir.

I don't know them. -Where did you see that girl?

Sir, that girl came when I was at the French Colony stand.

Where are you going, madam? -Go to Puttu Temple, brother.

Your Tamil is good. Are you from Chennai?

No, I'm from Germany. -Germany?

We've forgotten the Puttu temple.

But you've come from Germany just to see this.

Madam, we've arrived. -Thank you.

How much, brother? -Rs100, madam.

Here you go. Thank you. -Thanks, madam.

Tell me what happened.

Pour me another drink.

Look at that, buddy. It's foreign stuff.

Do you want to have a go at it?

Hi. -Why, madam?

How can you leave so soon?

No, I came to see God.

Just to see God? Why don't you make an offering?

Buddy, we take what is ours. We shouldn't ask.

Hey! -Look at that. Come to us.

Let go. Help! -Where are you off to?

Help! -Come here.

Get her. -Someone, help!

Do you think you can outrun us? -Help!

Let me go! Help me! -Come here.

Are you all right? -I'm fine. Catch her.

Stop!

Where do you think you're going? -Let me go!

Do you think we'll let you off that easily?

Hey, hold her. -You're trying hard to get off.

Let's get rid of this camera.

Come here. -Hold her legs, buddy.

Hold her tight. -Don't let go of her.

Thyagu!

Wake up!

Come on, wake up.

What is this? She's lying motionless.

What happened? -I don't know.

She's not breathing.

You killed her. -What did you guys do?

Come, let's go. -Come on.

Who is she?

Sir, I found a camera.

Sir, I found a bag. -Bring it here.

Hello! -Sir, I'm the Inspector speaking.

Tell me. -We told you to take Thyagu...

...into custody on Janani's case, right?

Yes. -We have caught three suspects.

You've caught them? -Pondicherry Police will be there.

Hand over Thyagu to them. We'll take care of the formalities.

Okay.

What happened, sir?

What happened, madam?

What happened, madam? -Doctor, please remove the cloth.

Janani!

Janani!

Janani!

What happened, madam? She was fine when she came.

What happened?

Sir, tell me what happened.

Sir, please tell me.

I'm sorry. -She has no one, sir.

Three men tried to rape her.

But she slipped, hit her head and she died.

Oh, no!

Janani!

Janani!

Look at me, Janani.

Oh, Janani!

I've written a poem for you, Janani.

Wake up, Janani.

Come on, Janani, look at it.

Janani!

Janani, wake up.

I'm here to read the poem, Janani. Wake up.

In your warm breath...

...I suffocated, dying a thousand deaths...

...not wanting to live.

Constable.

Sir, the formalities are over.

Shall we hand over the body to them?

So, according to the autopsy reports,...

...she has had a severe head injury.

And that's the cause of the death.

Okay. -The case is still ongoing.

Further details will be provided to you soon.

We've returned all her belongings.

You may proceed with the formalities...

...and take possession of the body.

We sincerely regret for what has happened.

I'm sorry.

Why did you extinguish, the flame of my life...

Why did you cease, the rhythm of fate...

Seeking your scent...

My love drifts in the wind...

Without seeing...

Without speaking...

Why have you vanished...

I have a surprise for you when I come back.

What surprise, Janani?

To gaze upon you...

I waited longingly...

To intertwine our hands in love...

I counted the days...

In pen, my dear, I poured out tears...

Writing down unbearable grief...

The sky is still insufficient...

Without seeing...

Without speaking...

Why have you vanished...

Rishikesh Uttarakhand

Oh, life...

Why place a fire on my path...

Oh, defeat...

Why harbour desires upon me...

In the guise of a wanderer...

Living endlessly in the warmth of your love...

What will become of my life...

In whose dream...

Will it all happen...

In whose relation...

Will it fade...

The path moves on its own...

Time whispers sundry things...

Oh, tears...

They become wisdom...

Oh, tears...

They become wisdom...

One day after winter...

Have it.

Here you go.

Come inside.

You can write, Thyagu.

Keep me in your thoughts. I'm leaving you, so you can write.

Babaji, give me your phone, please.

Hello, Sivam Mansion.

Is Ganesan there? -Yes, he is here.

Sir, call for you. -Who is it?

I don't know, sir.

Hello! -Is it Ganesan?

Yes, and you are?

Hello!

I'm Thyagu. -Thyagu, where have you been?

Where have you been for the past 15 years?

I thought everything was over.

But my dad's belief didn't go to waste.

Where are you, Thyagu? -I'm in Rishikesh.

What are you doing there? -I've been living a hermit's life.

Now I'm writing a story.

I'll send you all the stories I've written so far.

I'll also send you some of the details.

Can you send it to the press, print it and publish it?

I'll do it, Thyagu.

If anyone asks you about me, please don't say anything.

Because it's not mine, it's Janani Thomas'.

Is that so? Okay.

I swear I won't tell anyone. Let your wish come true.

Anyone can publish the writings from Janani Thomas.

I have signed it saying that I won't ask...

...for any rights related to that work.

Okay, Thyagu. I'll do as you say.

By the way, when are you coming back, Thyagu?

I'll talk to you later.

Thyagu, hold on. Don't hang up.

Janani Thomas' book, Aalan, is fantastic.

You must read this book, Aalan.

If you want to go to Kasi or Varanasi,...

...read this book first.

It makes you feel like you are there.

Like everyone else, I too recommend you to read Aalan.

You told me you were going to take back something that was not there.

Haven't you left yet? -I did, swami.

But I was knocked down by time, with the same vigour.

As you said, I went to my hometown from Kasi.

I thought I would have a fresh start in my life...

...filled with happiness.

I lost everything before I could relish that happiness.

Why didn't you come back to the ashram then?

I didn't have the courage to face you.

But I didn't give up on writing.

I've written many books under the name, Janani Thomas.

I heard it became popular. The people who read it praised me.

Give them to me. Let me read your books too.

I don't have any of them. -What? You don't have any?

I live a nomadic life.

A sage does not need an address.

But the author of the book is its face.

His writing is his identity.

Have you seen husbands who walk restlessly...

...in front of the labour ward in a hospital?

Their ears will be open...

...to the sound of their wife's cry...

...and to hear the child's cry.

Their ears will hear only what is going on inside the labour room.

Only when they carry their child, and look at their wife's face,...

...will they calm down. That is how your writing is too.

How could you not see what you've created?

I.....

Madras literary society

This book, ma'am.

Okay, thank you.

Vanakkam. -Vanakkam. How can I help you?

Can I have a few books to read?

Do you have a membership? -No.

Oh, then you can't take any books outside.

You can read here though. -Okay.

I know you are looking for something.

If you tell me what you're looking for, I'll get it for you, sir.

I came looking for Janani Thomas', Aalan.

That book is never on the rack. -I see.

I'm from Rishikesh. I tried at the bookshops...

...and with the publisher to get hold of that book.

I couldn't find it anywhere. -It's surprising to see...

...that you've come this far looking for a book, sir.

Come, sir, take a seat.

Sir, I'm just curious.

Why are you so interested in that book?

I have been living with the River Ganges for 25 years.

I heard the book has lots of information...

...about the holiness of the Ganges...

...and about the life of the people living around there.

So, I wanted to read the book. -I feel very proud of you, sir.

Wait, let me see who has taken that book.

Hello, who is it? -Hello!

Sir, I'm Selvi from the library. -Yes, tell me.

Is Janani Thomas' Aalan with you? -Yes, madam.

Sir, a person has come from far away to read that book.

If you've read it, can you return it this evening?

Sure, madam. But I might come late.

It's okay, sir, I'll come to your address and pick it up.

Okay, madam. Then come after 7 o'clock.

I'll have it ready. -Okay. Thank you very much, sir.

Wait for me. I'll get it in the evening.

You're taking so much effort for me.

Thanks a ton. -It's okay, sir.

Hello, sir. This is the librarian.

Sorry, madam. I wanted to call you.

I'm currently at the head office for an urgent matter.

I'll pass it to you tomorrow, madam.

Okay.

Sorry. He's out dealing with something else.

It's all right.

I wanted to tell you something. But I forgot.

We host an event called 'The Reader's Panel' every month.

This session is centred around Janani Thomas' book.

You must attend. -Sure.

You'll get the book there. Okay? -I'll be there.

Sir, come, let's have dinner.

No, it's all right. -Come on.

Do you want anything else? -I'll let you know once we're done.

Brother, look at that girl.

Yes, buddy.

These hot girls always fall for fake priests.

Give it a shot, we might get lucky too.

Sir, please eat.

Right, buddy?

Help! Let go of me!

Buddy, come. Let's talk to her.

Careful, buddy. Be gentle to her.

She'll fall for you.

That's right. He's indeed a fake priest.

Be respectful. -Oh, wow!

Why is she getting furious when we make fun of the priest?

He is fake. Is your chain at least real?

Hands off, moron! -What's with that tone?

You dirty dog!

No, don't!

No!

Oh, harmonious whisper...

A sweet nectar...

Oh, tender plume...

Vast, endless blue sky...

I melt and sing just for you...

Come, let my soul find you...

You, the dream of mine...

Tender reflection...

My eternal sky...

Endless path, you are...

Let me bloom for you in this world...

Come closer, let our hands meet...

So I may feel alive again...

Like a leaf...

That drifts and glides in a stream...

I will go wherever you take me...

I will transcend time just for you...

Like an echo, carried by the breeze...

I will be with you through every life...

Even in my dreams, I will stay united with you...

I am the lotus...

Unfolding under your rays, the sun...

I dwell on this land...

Like the village's Andal...

As long as love exists...

I will love you forever...

Draw me near as your heart longs...

Come to me...

Weave our days into a beautiful tale...

Oh, let our souls unite...

This longing to become yours will be my guide...

You are a blossom amidst the flames...

Thyagu!

Gopalan, perched on a rock, took in the breathtaking,...

...luscious beauty of the mountain in the spring.

The mountain queen, nestled in a green blanket,...

...refused to rise and remained in her slumber,...

...sleeping peacefully.

The frozen snow melted away under the warmth of the morning sun,...

...without making a sound..... -Hey!

Don't read it, Thamarai. Give it to me.

Thyagu, leave. -Why are you reading what I wrote?

I won't give it to you. -Hey, wait!

Give me my book back. Don't you dare, Thamarai.

Wait, I'll come.

Don't run! Hey, Thamarai!

Thamarai, stop reading it. Listen to me.

You're done if I get there. Please unlock the door.

I won't open it. -Hey, Thamarai.

Thamarai, give it to me.

Dad!

Thamarai, why are you sitting here and studying?

It's because I'm afraid of your son.

Afraid of my son? Isn't it usually the opposite?

I secretly read the story he wrote.

He came after me.

So, I'm reading here, uncle. -Did he write a story?

Thyagu? -Yes, uncle. He's done a great job.

Is that so? It's all thanks to his grandpa.

I ratted you out.

Hey, Thamarai! -I won't give it to you.

My eyes are now witnessing the mother's love for her daughter.

Thamarai! -Uncle?

Did you do this? -No way, not me, uncle.

Hey, give me my book back.

Thamarai, don't make me snatch it from you.

Go ahead. No one is stopping you.

This is not the time to play, Thamarai.

Give it to me. Don't make me mad. -Stop it, Thyagu. Let go of me.

Sit down, now.

Thyagu, did you write this? It's amazing.

Keep writing. You'll become a great author someday.

So, who is Gopalan in your story?

Do you love your mother that much?

So, don't you like me? -Hey, I didn't mean it that way.

Thyagu, I like you very much, as vast as the sky.

Do you know that?

If we have to talk about Janani Thomas' writing,...

...there will be no end.

His writing's core strength is that empathy...

...it shows towards all living beings.

Rather than taking a hidden approach,...

...his writing embraces the subject's essence with empathy.

It is commonly believed that...

...the acclaim given to detective novelists...

...is seldom shared by writers of serious literature.

But Janani Thomas' writing has proven otherwise.

We might not know what Janani Thomas looks like,...

...but his writing keeps him near, within our thoughts.

And one day, he will reveal himself for sure.

His revelation will give us new joy and happiness.

Thank you and vanakkam.

Next, I'd like to call Writer Manushiya Puthiran...

...to address the gathering.

Vanakkam, everybody.

Janani Thomas' writing is indeed spellbinding.

His thoughts are surging like a typhoon...

...in the sacred river, Ganga.

The light he lit up within us...

...will keep shining brighter and never diminish.

He's indeed a prized writer of this generation.

I'd like to extend my heartfelt wishes for his book.

Thank you and vanakkam.

Thank you, sir.

Lastly, I'd like to call upon Professor Gnyanasamandham...

...to share his thoughts.

Vanakkam, everybody. Not just one person,...

...a book will bring a change to an entire nation.

Let's uplift Tamil Nadu by crafting excellent books,...

...engaging in reading, and nurturing the Tamil language.

I only have one wish.

That I have to meet Janani Thomas.

We all strongly believe that he'll show himself someday.

With that belief in our hearts, we'll wait for his arrival.

Thank you and vanakkam.

Let's welcome Janani Thomas,...

...who is seated amidst the readers to join us.

He's here. -I know it.

He has been with us all along.

Congrats, Thomas.

Aalan, Secret of the Universe by Janani Thomas

Yes, I'm that unlucky writer, Janani Thomas.

Should I beg for everything just because...

...I am not the head of the house.

So, I've decided to sell cabbages.

I've called Bhai. -Let's get it done, brother.

Peace be upon you, Bhai. -Peace be upon you too.

Vanakkam, Bhai. You kept your word.

Here. -Vanakkam.

Here, is the amount that we finalised.

Give it to me.

Bhai, you'll get all the goods that grow in our land.

Happy? -Yes, thank you. All right, bye.

We'll visit often. -Sure.

Our lives will reach a whole new level from now on.

Serve my brothers first. Let them eat.

Shall I serve you some kootu? -No, enough.

Guys, we had a contract to supply cabbage to Mayilvaaganam for years.

Why did you go to Bhai without even informing me?

Why discuss this over lunch?

You can talk about it later. Eat first.

Then, when will he talk?

Everyone listens only to him. What say do we have?

I didn't mean it that way.

We've been relying on him ever since our father was around.

He felt very bad.

So I asked you. -What's there to feel bad?

Bhai said he'd give Rs50 extra for each sack.

Calculate how much we would earn for 100 sacks. Rs5,000.

So we went to him. -How dare you raise your tone!

Why? Should we fear him?

What? Are you playing favourites? I'll kill you.

Just be quiet.

All right. I will not ask anything. Please eat.

People in this house should stop eating.

This is why I asked you to stay patient.

Look what happened. -I didn't ask anything wrong.

They are the kids that we raised.

I can't believe they are back-stabbing us.

As a family head, you have to tolerate all this.

He always worries about his brothers.

But they don't understand your heart, brother.

It's okay if they don't understand me.

But they treat me with utter disgust.

That's what pains me.

My father handed over all the assets to me...

...because he knew they would waste it all.

I tried my best to change them.

But it seems impossible.

How can I not worry about them?

Please don't worry, brother. Things will get better.

Selva, I don't think they will change.

Why don't we get them married?

We looked all over the town to find a match for them.

Nobody was willing to take them in as their son-in-law.

I've decided something.

As soon as we get back from Rameswaram,...

...I'll hand over their shares to them.

Okay. I know you won't do anything without thinking it through.

Do what you feel like doing. -Forget about that.

You're heading out to deal with something important.

Send Thulasi and Thamarai with me. I'll take them to the temple.

Okay? Okay. -Yes, brother.

Careful.

Come on, let's go.

Dad, we'll go and visit the temple.

Be careful. Okay? -Okay.

Don't take too long. -Okay.

Can we perform rites for my father? -Sure.

Shall we? -Sit down.

Look at this inscription.

It's amazing, isn't it? I'll read it out loud.

Will you write it? -Okay.

The Lord with the radiant forehead,...

...who displays the fiery hand,...

...with a form that reveals the feminine...

...and the matted locks adorned with the crescent moon.

The one who sings melodious tunes,...

...who brings forth the nurturing rains,...

...dwelling in the pure white forest...

...he is the flag-bearer of the mighty bull.

He who grants boons to those who truly seek.

Without a trace of separation or doubt.

The one who worships Lord Shiva.

The one who worships Lord Shiva.

The one who worships Lord Shiva.

Thyagu, look over there.

Look at how fluent that foreigner is in Tamil.

Her mother is teaching her so well.

You go ahead.

You have very nice handwriting.

Will you give me this? -Sure.

Why don't you sign it as well?

Won't you write my name as well?

Thank you.

So, you'll give them your writing, but not me?

Thyagu!

In the garland of lotus flowers,...

...woven densely it shows a play...

...as radiant as pearls from the ocean.

Look, someone is hanging up there. Let's go.

Selvam!

What happened?

Selvam!

Please don't leave me.

Selvam! -Brother!

Don't die on me, please.

Mom!

Mom! -Go faster!

Mom, what happened?

Sister!

Thamarai!

Thamarai!

Thulasi!

Dear, look at me!

Thulasi!

Thamarai!

Wake up, dear. Look at me.

My dear!

Sweety!

Thyagu!

Thyagu!

Hey, Thyagu is hanging up there.

Thyagu!

Thyagu!

Thyagu!

We put him to sleep.

This is a short story I wrote when I was a kid.

This is a poem I wrote while listening to another person...

...reciting at the Rameswaram temple.

The Lord with the radiant forehead.

Who displays the fiery hand.

With a form that reveals the feminine.

And the matted locks adorned with the crescent moon.

The one who sings melodious tunes.

Who brings forth the nurturing rains?

Dwelling in the pure white forest.

He is the flag-bearer of the mighty bull.

Haunted by separation with the mind of a child.

Those who pray with heartfelt intent are blessed.

No need for greater relations, with Parvati by his side.

He who bathes in the holy waters of the white forest.

Their actions untainted their destiny divine.

The blood of the person who recited this is on this paper.

And she's with us now.

Thyagu!

They told me that I had become conscious only after six months.

I searched for you.

I waited for you because I thought you would come back one day.

But, they said you'd never come back and tried to fool me.

I didn't believe it.

Soon, my father became depressed.

I finished my studies.

I decided to work in the library.

Because I knew you wouldn't give up writing no matter what.

I thought you'd publish a book.

And I'd find it. My belief didn't go to waste.

You thought I was dead and didn't come looking for me.

But you did find out that your uncles...

...ruined our families.

Didn't you want to avenge them?

No, Thamarai.

If I take revenge on them,...

...do you think we'll get back what we lost?

Let them be happy.

How can they be happy?

What do you mean, Thamarai?

Both of them sold all the land, and spent all the money on drinks.

Due to excessive drinking, the elder one died.

The younger one got married, but couldn't get over drinking.

And that got him bedridden.

It has been many years since I left town.

I have no idea how they are or where they are now.

This one piece of land ruined both our families.

What has the land got to do with this, Thamarai?

It has always been there.

Humans fight over it and kill each other.

Land and place are immobile.

Humans are the ones who change.

Thyagu, how could you think like this?

Is this the wisdom of spirituality or the lesson of life?

Both.

Thyagu, this society calls those without land and houses nomads.

Even the wars in this world are happening only for land.

Does that mean humans are crazy?

Silence is the answer.

Come, let's go to the Rameswaram temple tomorrow.

Sure.

It has been 25 years since you came to this temple, right?

Sir, you are Janani Thomas, the writer, right?

Yes. -Sir, I read your book.

Your writing is excellent.

Sir, where did you get this experience?

Travelling with nature teaches you a lot.

Hope you write more, sir. Congratulations.

I'm your adherent reader, sir. Thank you very much.

Thank you. See you.

Why do you keep looking back?

No, it feels like someone is following us.

Time is ruthless.

Everything was blown in the blink of an eye.

And turned life upside down.

You got diverted with spirituality, love and writing.

But I.....

Thyagu, shall I lie on your lap for some time?

Forgive me, Thamarai.

Do you want me to forgive you, Mr. Writer?

Keep giving me kisses all your life.

And then I'll decide whether to forgive you or not.

For sure. I will love you a lot.

I will write a lot. Okay?