Original subtitles

Chennai, the beautiful capital of Tamil Nadu that welcomes everyone

Chennai, an amazing mix, makes the rich and the poor live well together

Chennai has hundreds of star hotels and skyscrapers

Between them are thousands of cottages without basic amenities

Not only poeple who have a house live in Chennai

For his own survival and to alleviate the poverty of his family

Hard working all day long and homeless

Poor people sleeping on the sidewalk at night

In Chennai where different people live like this

Mostly the slum areas of Chennai will tell a thousand stories everyday

Homes that are closely intertwined with intimate relationships

Love, romance, compassion, affection, even poverty

Little enmity, fightings, quarrels, conflicts

From the Chennai metropolitan slums where there is no shortage of excitement

Against the cruelty that would befall her

This is the story of the woman on fire

Kanal(Translated: Intense heat)

What Sakthi? Children did not wake up yet?

No sister, they are still sleeping

Okay, I am going to work.

Hema...

Karthi...

Wake up...

How long will you sleep?

Don't you want to go to school?

Hema, wake up.

Karthi... Karthi...

Both of you, wake up.

Hema, wake up.

Karthi, Wake up.

You have to get ready.

Mom...n

Mom just for few more minutes, please.

That's enough.

Time to go to school. Its already late.

Both of you go and take bath.

How long will you sleep?

Wake up and go get ready.

Its time. Both of you get up.

Go. Go and take bath.

Hey Sakthi, the water tanker has come. Come on.

Just a minute. I'm coming.

Sister... Sister... Just this one waterpot sister.

Only this one, sister.

Hey, come soon. Let's play.

Hey, he is chasing. Run run run.

Hey, watch where you go.

-Children laughing and running-

Ouch!

(Tamil idiomatic phrase) (Soppana Sundari=Beautiful lady)

Hey! you cannot go to work. But you want a beautiful lady?

Eat and go to work.

Have you finished your work?

Shanthi! I washed all my clothes. Is there any other work?

My husband does all the work.

Mom, I feel hungry.

I am preparing. Come.

In this urgency, this cooking stone is also not good.

Take this. Share and eat with brother.

Okay.

Karthi come, lets eat.

On my way.

Eat. I will bring the stew.

Here, eat with this stew.

Okay mom.

Eat fast and put on your shirt, Karthi.

If only you had not been drunk driving,

We would not have come to this situation.

My life has been ruined, because of your drinking habit. (Background children shouting)

--Hema reading math tables--

Hey! What are you doing?

Hurry up and keep all your books inside the bag.

Don't forget to eat well at the lunch provided by the school.

Got it?

I am going to work now. Okay?

You lock the house and keep the key there safely before you go

Pack fast, its getting late.

Here, look at this head.

My golden boy.

All right, I'm leaving. Bye, be safe.

Bye...

Let's bunk the school for today.

Why? Where are we going?

Lets go to the ground.

Okay.

Devil has come so early in the morning.

Sivagami... Sivagami... (Children shouting in the background)

I'm coming... I'm coming...

You usually come as soon as I call... What's the matter...

Can't you see I am coming?

OMG what is this... Got a baby so soon!

--Laughing--

Enough is enough.

Look at me, you should give me the interest correctly.

This Vincent is very serious with money.

Do you understand?

Just like you

Ah!

How is it?

Let it be, write fast and give it to me.

Tell something good about me.

Leave.

Two is enough. Leave.

Are you going to raise them? Its my husband.

Hey! How are you playing?

Why do you care?

Look at how I'm playing now.

--Dog barking--

This dog!

--Dog barking--

Hello sister! Come in.

Rohit... Rohit...

Put it away and come here. Let's eat breakfast.

Rohit eat properly. Stop playing...

No I don't want it

Why don't you wanna eat?

Hmm, eat it.

I will feed you. Eat.

I don't want

Sakthi, bring some water.

I am coming.

No. Here eat this Rohit.

I don't want.

OK, will you eat the egg?

I don't want anything.

Eat! No... No...

Rohith don't be stubborn. Eat something.

No... No...

Please eat, mom is requesting, right?

Okay at least eat an apple.

Eat this, just one mouthful.

Rohith don't be stubborn, eat.

Sakthi!

Ma'am?

This part of the fruit is spoiled.

Do you want to take and go?

Hmmm, Okay mam.

Take this.

Thanks ma'am.

--Children playing--

Hey, mom has come.

Mom!

Hey, mom bought us something.

Lets go home, wash and eat.

Give me mom.

Not obeying whatever I say Okay come let's go

--Clearing throat--

--Man singing song--

Who is that?

Hey! Hey!

I am your house child (Song from movie "Pudhiya Bhoomi")

Hey, go away you drunk.

This is a known fact (Continues singing)

Wrong. I should be the only one doing it.

I am your house child. (Continues singing)

This is a know fact. (Continues singing)

The path I take is... Hold on... Hold on... Hold on...

Bro come bro. We are missing a person for the game.

Hey, distribute the cards too.

Anyway, I'm the one going to win.

Hey...! (Cheering)

Bro, no one in Chennai can beat you!

Hey...!

Hey, get lost! In this slum, I am the...

King...!

(Song starts) Chennai is our city.

We are all equals.

You are right bro!

We are rude guys!

We sing this song for our city.

(Singing north Chennai gana Slang)

(Singing in north Chennai gana slang)

(Singing in north Chennai gana slang)

(Singing in north Chennai gana slang)

What master? Where is our local slang?

See, I'll show you now. Come on!

(Singing north Chennai gana Slang)

Hey? What? Okay, daddy. You are my big daddy.

Wait I am singing

(Singing in north Chennai gana slang)

(Singing north Chennai gana Slang)

Chennai is our land! Land!

We are equals.

We are rude guys!

We sing this song for our city

Master! Sing a love song

Love... Sounds sweet...

You no no no song. My song.

You see buddy, I sing-a song.

Desire to do virtue.

Your vision is a naughty one.

Turn towards me.

This uncle is sweet.

Desire to do virtue.

Your vision is a naughty one

Desire to do virtue.

Your vision is a naughty one.

Turn towards me, this uncle is sweet.

Turn towards me, this uncle is sweet.

I'll look after you with affection...

I won't be bad...

I'll look after you with affection...

-I won't be bad...

If you tell me your love,

this world is nothing.

I'm tired, will drink some juice and come.

What? What feeling? The song took off.

(Singing north Chennai gana Slang)

(Singing north Chennai gana Slang)

Chennai is our land!

We are equals.

We are rude guys!

We're singing this song for our city.

Hey man, you want love?

Hey cast less one, sing something political.

Look that way to the bridge

The buildings look shiny.

More than half the houses here are cottages.

This country treats this as a slum.

Look at the cottages built closer.

Still no change. Who is responsible for this?

The city created by the laborers.

What makes us city-gypsy people?

Like a magician carrying a book in his hand.

We will study and rise in like, not be afraid.

You can become a great person with education.

You should stand alone and bold.

You should talk about equality!

Fight for social justice like "Periyar"

(Singing in Chennai gana slang)

(Singing in Chennai gana slang)

Chennai... Chennai...

Hey, Chennai is our land! Land!

We are equals.

We are rude guys!

We're singing this song for our city.

(Singing in north Chenni gana slang)

(Singing in north Chenni gana slang)

(Singing in north Chenni gana slang)

(Singing in north Chenni gana slang)

--Fish seller-- (Background voice over lapping)

Come get ready. fast.

Where is your brother.

He has gone to play "Goli".

Okay, you go and take bath.

--Fish seller--

--Children playing Goli--

Hello

Yeah Sakthi.

Hello

Mam, can you hear me...? Hello?

Hello Sakthi, can you hear me?

Yes, Mam tell me.

You must come earlier today

Okay Mam...

My husband went to the office for a meeting.

And today my friends are coming to my house .

Okay, Mam.

And Sakthi...

Yes, Mam?

You only have to drop Rohit in school today. Okay sister

Okay sister I'm coming fast. Okay, sister.

--Children are playing--

How are you playing?

Play well.

Oh, you play very well?

Take this, play!

Keep it.

Coming... Coming... Coming...

You are talking too much.

Hema... Dear close the door.

Sure mom.

Hey! Move... move...

How is my goal?

Hey Sakthi! Are you going to work earlier today?

Yes sister, guests are coming there.

Owner called me.

Thats why I left early.

And need to drop the owner's son in school?

Bye. Okay go.

Bye. Sister must go.

--Child speaking--

How is it?

I never miss my mark.

Do you know that?

--Sakthi Panicking--

--Dogs barking--

--Dogs barking--

Go away.

--Dog continues barking--

Bye dear. Bye mom. Go safe.

Go inside.

Santosh brother? Come out soon.

How long will you stay inside?

Brother... Santhosh Brother...

Shall I go a little further?

--Woman continuosly making noise--

Yes sister, it's time to go to school

Please allow. Let the baby go. Dear, come front.

How many times have I told you not to smoke cigarettes in the children's bathroom?

What ?

Don't children need to go to the bathroom.

Go... Go...

All right, you go.

I will take a wooden log and break your skull.

Ignorant.

--Phone Ringing--

--Phone Ringing--

--Phone Ringing--

Hello.

Sakthi

Hello, mom. How are you?

Are you and the kids good?

We are good mom.

How is everyone in town?

Brother, children. How is everyone?

We all are good here.

Why are you staying there and struggling

Come here with the children.

Why me?

You suffer staying alone there.

I will just be a load.

Sakthi?

Come here and clean this spilled tea.

I'm coming, Mam.

I will talk to you later?

You keep it down.

Okay dear.

Be safe with your children.

Sakthi, its time for school to end.

Go and pick up Rohith.

Okay, I'm going, Mam.

Did you have lunch? Yes, I had aunty.

Do you want any snacks? No aunty.

Don't disturb me please.

Mind voice: (How many days will you stay away from me?)

--Counting currency--

(Mind voice: I'll watch you like this too.)

Did you eat?

Yeah, I ate sister.

--Karthi playing--

Mom, when will you come to our house soon?

You can eat only when mom goes to work, right?

If you go to a good job and start earning,

mom will always be with you.

What should I do to get a good job, mom?

If you want to get a good job,

you have to study well and score a lot of marks.

Only then you will grow as a better person.

Well, let's go eat.

Don't you?

I will read for a while

and then I will eat, mom.

You. Me too.

Really?

Both should become great.

Here, hold it.

Karthi come here!

Mom, only half an egg today too?

Ah, Yes darling.

I will get my salary and buy you the whole.

Mom, feed me.

Here.

You eat properly.

Come on come on. Where are you going?

Want eggs?

--Karthi paying--

--Hema laughing---

--Karthi moans--

Karthi?

--Sakthi panics--

Why is his body so hot?

Karthi?

--Karthi continues moaning--

--Sakthi gives first aid to Karthi--

Oh, what happened!

Hema?

Hema, wake up.

Hema come here.

(Male background voice overlapping)

Sister? Who is it?

Sister? What happened?

Sister? What happened Sakthi?

The boy is not well, sister.

I will take him to the doctor. Hmm, take him.

Please look after Hema until then. I will take care of Hema.

Be safe. You take care of him.

Hey!

Brother!

Are you not going to work?

Not going brother. How will you repay me the money?

I will give you all that, brother. What?

Can you give me hundred rupees, brother?

I will break your jaw.

Get lost, scoundrel.

Him and his hairstyle!

--Vincent whistling--

I'm expecting you only, brother.

You are the one person who is correctly paying me the interest.

Aahn! Is he going to work?

Just got a job and going.

Is he going?

Good boy!

Where brother, cannot even save the money.

Give me another ten thousand rupees.

First settle the existing debt.

Give me brother, I will give you soon Go... Go... Let's see later.

How much for the ride? Eighty rupees!

Here, brother.

Right, sister.

Come.

--People speaking in the Background--

Right... Right...

Bring me the reports. I have some patience.

I'll check and tell you later.

What happened?

Sir, he is not well. Fever from yesterday night.

Yes, fever.

Look up... Look up...

Okay

Open your mouth.

Good. --karthi opening mouth--

What did you eat?

Shall we check?

Let's check.

Okay

Breathe in deeply and breathe out.

Good.

Check the temperature once.

Temperature is very high.

And nowadays viral fever is so common.

I'll do one thing.

Let's take a blood test.

There will be a nurse infront.

Give her this and she will take a blood test.

Maybe one or two days, he must be admitted to the hospital

Doctor, will it be too expensive?

The boy is very weak.

Must be admitted.

The boy's health is very important

Right ? Right !

--Vincent whistling--

Damn, its locked.

--Hema laughing--

Where? He went to the market in the morning.

Did your father return from work?

What Sivagami?

Hey, sit. Why are standing suddenly?

Am I a school teacher to you?

Hey!

You are the Sakthi's daughter, right?

Yes.

Where is your mother?

Mom went to the hospital.

Why are you sad about that?

Come, let's go in bike.

I will buy a lot of candy, come.

No. No need.

Tell her.

Go. See, uncle is calling.

Just go and come.

Go.

No.

I will look like that. But a very nice person.

It will be hard outside, but sweeter inside, like a jackfruit.

Yeah yeah, he is so sweet!

Karthi?

Hello.

Sister.

Time is 10.30.

What are you doing without coming to work yet?

Sister, my son is not well.

I have admitted him to the hospital, sister.

Need some money...

Every month keep saying something like this for a reason.

I employed you to work but doing all the work myself.

Come soon.

(background voice overlapping)

Hello?

Hello sister.

Sister.

Hello, tell me Sakthi.

Sister, need to admit my son to the hospital.

I don't know what to do, sister.

I don't have any money, sister.

Okay, Sakthi did you request from your employer.

I just called them, sister.

They are angry.

I could not ask them sister.

Then wait for the money lender.

I will try asking him.

Hello Sakthi?

Hello?

Sister, anyone else?

Who else will give us moeny.

No one else for the emergency other than him.

OK, I'm going, you tell him.

OK Sakthi. I will tell.

Hey! Sakthi?

Come.

Come Sakthi.

Brother? What do you want?

I'm surprised.

To see me?

My son is a little sick.

Our child?

Come, let's go to the hospital.

All that is needed is a little money.

Money?

All this is yours.

How much do you want?

Take everything and go.

If you can give me three thousand rupees.

I'll be returning in the coming months.

Just three thousand rupees?

You are not so brilliant.

Why dear?

Take this.

Take these too.

Everything's yours.

Tell me if you want more.

This is enough.

Enough?

Take and go soon.

Even take the car if you want. Do you want a car?

Thank you very much.

Sakthi.

Call me tomorrow.

God's creation is ultimate!

Hey Karthik

How are you?

I'm fine.

Good.

Which grade are you studying?

2nd standard

Wow!

2nd standard

Hmm.

Ahaan?

After studying, Who do you want to become like?

Want to be a doctor like me?

How can we become like that?

If you study well and get good marks,

you will become a doctor.

Understand?

See this.

You should also study well, score good marks,

and become a great doctor.

Will you do it?

Hmm!

Doctor Karthik

Hmm?

Good

Hey Sakthi

How is your son's health?

He is fine now.

Good!

I'll go and bring sister.

Okay go safe.

What Sakthi, Did the debt collector give you the money

Is there any problem?

Voice overlapping: Sakthi call me tomorrow

Sakthi?

What happened to her?

She is telling nothing and leaving?

Sister!

Sister!

Karthi!

--Hema is smiling--

Hey, when did you come?

Where is mom?

Mom is at home.

Okay, shall we go?

Okay? Did the doctor give you an injection?

Hmm.

--Karthi is clicking pen--

--Karthi is turning the notebook's pages--

Doooooctor... Karthi...

--Doctor Karthi--

--Phone is ringing--

Hello...

Hello.

Sakthi

Who is this?

Its me.

Vincent.

--Vincent is laughing--

The call ended?

Did she cut the call intentionally?

--Phone is ringing--

--Phone is ringing--

Ha.. haan.. Hello.

Why did you cut the call, dear?

I know you would not have cut the call.

Is the signal weak?

See, I have borrowed money from you.

I'll repay you soon.

Children... My children are sleeping here.

Did I ask you about money?

Children are sleeping, It's a perfect time.

See, don't call me again.

Huh! Just a minute.

--Sakthi panicks--

--Phone is ringing--

How dare you cut my call?

Hey Sakthi...

I will attain you.

Mom... Mom...

What happened?

What dear?

Mom, I'm scared of that uncle.

Which uncle?

He comes riding the "bullet bike".

That uncle, Mom.

Why?

Even if I refuse to go,

but he forcedly takes me for bike ride, mom.

I am scared so much, mom.

Please tell him to not come, Mom

He will not come hereafter.

You go to sleep. I'll take care.

Why did he come?

I borrowed money from him.

Why did he take the child?

Oh God!

Sleep.

Oh shit!

This bothers me a lot.

Shit!

--Sakthi is trying to turn the burner on--

Sister Banu... Sister Banu...

What Sakthi?

I ran out of kerosene while cooking.

If you have exta, please give me some.

Wait, I'll take a look!

Take this Sakthi. I have very less.

Why are you look different today?

Yes, sister, my son is not well.

I couldn't get my salary till now.

I can't pay the interest on the loan.

I'm totally down, sister.

Shall I do anything for you?

No, thanks sister.

I'll get my salary within a couple of days.

Don't hesitate to ask me.

Yeah sure, sister.

I'll do anything for you.

Hmm.

Sakthi!

How are you?

I'm fine.

I heard your son fell sick

How is he?

Yes sister.

Now, he is better.

Why are you standing outside?

Come inside Sakthi.

It's okay, sister. I am late for work. I will come later.

No problem, come inside.

It's been so long since I last saw you.

Wait. I'll get you some water.

This shirt? Have I seen it somewhere before?

Sakthi... Tomorrow?

Sakthi,

Borrowed the money without thinking twice.

He smiled and said it was not a problem.

Borrowed so much money,

that I am not capable of returning.

Will the lending person be idle?

His men are scolding with harsh words.

Scoldings and beatings.

Even my husband left me because he could not tolerate it.

Where is he till now...

I do not even know if he is still alive.

Can I settle this much debt on my own?

I don't have the physical strength to tolerate the beatings.

I did not know any other way.

To live such a life,

I can even die, Sakthi.

--She is Crying--

Sakthi, no matter how difficult it may be

Don't borrow money from him Sakthi.

Okay sister.

Sakthi, water!

Its fine. I'm leaving.

--She is crying--

Sister, work is all over. I'm leaving.

Shakti, wait a minute.

Sister! Here, is this month's salary.

Thank you so much, sister.

Check how much money is there.

Its okay. Please check it.

Okay sister.

Sister?

That's nothing Sakthi,

this month you have availed 3 days leave, right.

That's why I deducted it.

Don't say like that sister.

My son was sick.

That's why I could not come.

This month give me sister. You can deduct next month.

What can I do about it, Sakthi?

I am depending on this only, sister. Everyone will have problems.

I only deducted the 3 days left you availed.

I am only doing what everyone is doing.

Sister... I have a lot of work.

You go and come tomorrow.

(In phone)Hello? Hi. When are you returning?

Really?

Okay okay.

--Voice over--

(Song start) My mind, my mind...

Will this sadness end?

My mind, my mind...

Will this situation change?

Daily, its struggle.

Is this my fate?

My lord? My God?

Is this his plot?

Will he provide me the strength to endure this?

Or will he keep testing me?

My mind...

My mind...

Will this sadness end?

I am in the middle of the sea and want to reach the shore.

like a wobbly boat.

Struggling alone.

As you change into a paddle.

Like a tide, without retreating,

Need to keep working hard.

Live like a leaf that withstands the storm.

We should reach the shore.

My mind... My mind...

Will this sadness end?

My mind... My mind...

Will this situation change?

Daily, its struggle.

Is this my fate?

My lord! My God!

Is this his plot?

Will he provide me the strength to endure this?

Or will he keep testing me?

My mind... My mind...

Will this sadness end?

Hey Rohit!

The time is ten, you are still playing?

Enough playing games. Mom... mom... Please, mom...

There is online class tomorrow morning.

That's enough.

Sleep, come on, sleep.

Sleep fast, need to wake up in the morning.

Hey Swathi,

is something wrong?

Yeah, she won't come to work,

But she want full salary.

Do we have that much money?

Three days leave.

Cleaning this entire house, my backbone is almost broken.

By deducting the money for her leave, you should have seen her face.

Alright let it go.

What's alright?

What leave it?

She said her son was sick.

There would have been a lot of expenses.

What can we do about that?

She should have had a checkup at a low cost.

Why now? Come.

Come.

Come and sit here.

I'll ask you something. Will you answer?

What's her monthly salary?

Three thousand.

How much will she earn if she works full time outside?

She works at three houses.

She will get around eight thousand or nine thousand.

If you have that nine thousand?

Dear, we have a lot of expenses.

What does she have?

Just tell me.

Anyway, ten thousand rupees a month for the workers.

School fees, sports fees, tuition fees.

And then your petrol expenses.

Fruits, vegetables, provisions,...

For one day, it'll be four to five thousand.

Sometimes, we go to restaurants.

We order what we want.

We enjoy vacations.

We spend a lot, right?

But they can not even think of all this.

They will have to live by keeping an account of the salary.

Borrow only at interest on unexpected expenses.

If they suddenly get sick they can not rest at home like us.

I will ask something. Will you answer me?

Okay.

Maybe if something happens to me,...

Why are you talking like this?

Nothing, just tell me.

Okay, I will tell myself.

Maybe if I die,

you and our son have an insurance policy,

education policy, claim in office. There are many like this.

You will not be facing any financial crisis.

But did you think about them?

How difficult is their everyday life without any kind of backup?

In such a situation, their whole family will suffer.

There will be no food to eat.

Even for emergencies, they need to depend only on someone else.

Can we all think of everyone for that?

We need to.

We must think about everyone around us and who depend on us.

God has given us a lot.

We should do what we can.

Or at least give them what they deserve.

Need to take good care of everyone.

Okay?

Come on.

Come. Lets go.

Hey.

Time is twelve. Still not asleep?

No.

I dont feel sleepy.

I need to see Sakthi first.

That is nothing.

Sleep. Sakthi will come tomorrow.

Lets take care of it tomorrow.

Lie down and sleep.

(Singing song) Hug me, hug me!

Hug me tight!

What Sakthi?

Come so sudden? What's the matter?

What is it?

The money I owe you.

Why so sudden?

Who told you to bring the money this soon?

Take it and leave.

No brother.

Have it.

What?

Brother?

I thought you would call me your lover.

Brother? Haha.

Brother, don't come to my house hereafter.

Hey, are you a fool?

Just now, I told you.

Do you want any more money?

No.

If I was thinking,

I would have already kidnapped you and kept you by my side.

No one to stop me.

But I love you.

I'm waiting for you to come yourself willingly.

You are bringing me the money. Take it and leave. I don't want it.

Look at me, hereafter, never come to my house,

never take my daughter on your bike,

You will face the consequences.

Get lost.

What are you talking about?

Hey,

do you know how many people like you I have faced in my life?

You will come.

You will come and stand quietly.

I will make you come.

After you come,

I will hug you like this.

Only if you sleep with me, your life will be so good.

Can't you take it as fun?

What are you staring at? Get lost.

Disturbing me when I am working.

Hey, what are you doing?

You are enjoying it only because you have money, right?

(Background music & song)

Hey, Sakthi!...

Stone, paper, scissor. (playing children's games)

Mom, why are you late?

What's wrong mom?

Nothing.

You lie down.

--Playing--

There is no one to stop me.

Do you know how many people like you I have faced in my life?

You will come.

You will come and stand quietly.

I will make you come.

I would have already kidnapped you and kept you by my side.

That uncle is very scary, mom.

I said no.

He took me on that bike.

I'm so scared.

Tell him not to come.

Why are you staying there and struggling with your children?

Come and stay here with your children.

A daughter is not a weight to her mother.

If I have to live here only by leaving out my honor,

I don't want to live in this place.

No matter where I go, I can work hard and save my children.

Definitely can.

(crying)

(crying)

(crying)

Karthi... Hema... Wake up...

Come lets go.

Where are we going?

I'll tell you.

What mom?

Get up.

I am hungry mom.

Me too.

What do you want? Cake.

Sister? Sister?

Yes?

How much is this cake?

Five rupees each.

Give me two.

Wait a minute, brother.

Here.

Hold this. Eat.

Today also in the account?

When will you settle the old balance?

Will give you soon, sister.

Chidambaram...

If we own farmlands, they will seize it.

If we have money, they will snatch it.

But if we have education, they can never take it away from us.

If you really want to win against them...

study.

Study hard and become a powerful man.

But when you have the power, don't do to anyone what they did to us.

It's easy to deepen hate. But we must rise above it.

We were born in one soil. We speak the same language.

That's all we need to come together.

Okay, Father.

Here, sister.

What else do you want?

Come, lets go.