Original subtitles

This is my homeland.

Nellikampoyil.

Bordering Tamil Nadu...

People came from everywhere,

different cultures.

Now it feels like one big chaotic place.

And yeah, the folks are deeply superstitious.

Nellikkampoyil stop, get down.

Come on, get down.

Yeah, get in.

Look...

This is me.

Let's go.

Shyam!

Some call me 'Shyamee'...

Others go with 'Shyamaa'.

This PSC center has a different vibe!

I’ll get to that later.

Ravishan.

Isn’t that Premila’s son?

Kuttapetta!

-Hey, Shyam! -What’s up?

From Mangalore?

Nope, Mangalore.

I’ll go home and be back.

Ok

Go on, go study well!

What’s the point of studying?

He was a guy well-suited for hard labour.

What goes around comes around.

Like I said, the guy’s hopeless.

People in my hometown are a bit... special.

They see things that aren’t there,

hear things no one said.

They’re scared of their own shadows.

At night, they believe Kooli comes out with wings spread...

and roams as the guardian of this land.

-Kooli is the one everyone fears the most. -Mom!

Even my mother, running toward me right now.

[laughing happily]

Let me get something for you to eat.

Check!

How come?

Come on, Rajesh etta…just walk away!

This one’s not even worth our time, huh!

I’m sick of winning.

That’s check!

Ugh! Bishop!

Look... Queen!

There’s a hundred rupees less.

Is this really how you play, Rajesh etta?

Use the knight, take the queen.

Get lost!

Then do whatever!

You don't even know the game.

-Hey, Rajesh! -Huh?

I need a ride.

Don’t expect a drop from him.

Let’s go, Shaji.

Up for another round?

Rajesh etta, just walk away!

Hey, hey! Don’t start with all that drama.

What?

I’m the one who lost, and I’m cool with it. What’s your problem?

I am the one who won, right?

Ahaa!

Pack all that up.

Hey, give me the bat. I’ll bat now.

Ahh... Kunchacko Boban (Actor) is here!

Rajesh etta, look.

Shyam!

I'm batting, then only the next can play.

I’m next!

That’s out. Totally out!

Shyam.

I'll bat first.

Hey!

Did you bring the Hans?

No one leaves without bowling!

Who’s that?

Throw the ball.

Tantanatan…

Whoa! So this is Hans?!

Dude… dude, pass the ball!

Damn, he got the liquor!

Whoa!

[cheering and laughing]

No. I can’t.

I can’t do this.

-Then what? -Hop on!

-Let’s go. -Come on, move ahead!

Hit it!

God!

Damn...

No other place to booze?

Do you only get booze if you climb all the way up here?

Come on!

There’s no safer place than this in Nellikampoyil to drink.

Even early in the morning.

Sorry!

By noon.

Up here,

there’s never a shortage of light.

Even at night.

The graveyard’s close.

They gave you the light?

-That’s not about light. -Huh?

Maybe someone is burning out there at night.

Drink up!

Here.

Clink it!

- Ahh...Cheers! -Cheers!

Such a vibe!

Even if drinking alone…

feeling like you are not alone out here.

See...

Look at that.

Pure Madness.

Hey...

You drink.

You know Shaiju's friend Bibilesh, right?

He fell from the top of this rock!

You knew that?

Ahh...

Ravishan says he slipped down,

scared after witnessing Kooli's night procession.

But we know he fell cause he was drunk, right.

Since then, no one's come up.

It just stayed abandoned.

And then we're the ones...

who cleaned up and turned it into this bar setup.

Hey,

Did you meet Dhanya, huh?

-No. -Then what?

That’s why I skipped the send-off and came straight over.

Planned a surprise visit for tomorrow!

Huh!

Hey...

Go and meet her.

She’s been reading all these detective novels

and saying she wants to marry someone like Pushparaj!

Will she slip away?

[laughing wildly]

You better watch!

That was hilarious!

[laughing]

What’s the time, dude?

Hey!

-Dude? -Rest tomorrow!

Mom will look for me.

Thirty ml is enough.

Yeah!

Huh?

Hey, pour a small peg and go.

Don’t mess up the routine, Rajesh etta.

I don’t like being the reason you’re getting addicted to alcohol.

Idiot!

I am leaving.

[suspenseful music]

Oh!

Time to light the lamp.

[singing] Oh blossom, caught in your smile…

Is that the sweetness of honey I feel…?

[humming]

Nice.

[TV playing]

Mom, what time's the power cut today?

At eight.

[power goes out]

Power's out?

Went off just a minute early today.

As if power cut is a big deal to them.

- Luckily, we had the emergency light. -Hmm!

Thira festival begun, right?

You better go see the Kooli tomorrow?

No way, Mom!

[intense drumming and wild dancing]

[drums beating steadily]

'NELLIKKAMPOYIL NIGHT RIDERS'

A thief like him...

not even in Sherlock Holmes stories!

In that pitch dark…

running at full speed…

Shyam grabs him with a gutsy move!

Oh... What a beast!

Yeah!

If he had this much talent,

he could’ve joined the police!

He’s got no real interest in police.

Then?

Still… kinda thrilling!

But don’t say this to anyone.

You know Raw agent, ri ght?

He was just looking for that application form.

- Come down here! - Mom, what’re you doing here?

You come home, I won’t even give you a drop of water!

Please, ma’am! Keep it down!

-Ugh, his new gimmick! -Mom, quiet... please!

-Calm down, please! -What were you thinking? Huh?

-Please madam! -Oh God!

Didn’t I come here to study?

So this is what all those loans and your education were for?

Hey, that's Shyam!

Mom, Kannan...

Don't act smart! Just come down!

You better listen!

Mom, stop making noise!

No matter what you say,

I won’t let you join here!

Actually, Mom… it’s for a surprise!

Mind your own business and get lost!

Ugh! Surprise!

-Mom, just lower your voice... -For what?

Just for a timepass, right?

Can you make her understand?

See madam...

A government job isn’t a bad thing or anything, right?

So why the hell should he join this bullshit?

Come, Mom. Let's go to home!

Let's go Mom, come.

Don’t we have to go home and sell pappadams?

O cold breeze, why do you tease me so?

A touch that stirs… on the body, in the soul.

But still... who could’ve spilled the beans?

Pft! All this madness, just for love!

-Hey, pass that striker here... -Take and eat it!

Flower, your smile holds tiny drops of honey… Does it feel this sweet?

With yearning, I ache to feel you. Hey, I saw these two coins fall.

Look, look! It’s falling now!

Here, I’ll show you!

O southern bird. Hey, zip it!

Upon your gentle, rainbow-hued skin. Damn! Just missed!

At least hit one shot, kiddo!

Wait for the next round, I’ll show you.

I ache to lay my head upon you, full of desire. Isn’t this the same thing

you said last game too?

No shame, huh?

What dude, huh?

Go on, play!

Dhanya dear!

Go on, play kiddo!

Hey!

Leave my hand, Shyam!

You barely call or show up these days.

And?

Vidya chechi’s saying...

you’ve got a new girl in Mangalore.

Huh?

Is it true?

Dhanya, I warned you to stay away from that liar.

No one ever listens to what we say!

Go on and keep following them at PSC centre.

If you’re leaving, go ahead, I'll play alone.

I'm not playing!

Stop tickling, someone might see!

Eat that striker!

Shyam, please!

What else would it be?

Why bother listening to Vidya?

Get lost, kiddo!

I’m sober.

Kanna! Where's Shyam?

-He's inside! -Hey Shyam!

-Hey Shyam!! -What?

Hey, Rajesh ettan’s calling!

Rajesh ettan's calling, let me go!

Hey, come on man!

Hey! Don't go!

Hey idiot!

Huh? What?

Vasappan's not well!

- What happened to him? - Get in, dude!

Yeah, coming!

That’s all there is to a human life.

He saw something last night and got scared.

And by dawn, he was babbling names like crazy.

Scared? Who, Vasappan?

Don’t blabber for no reason.

Why are you like this?

Hey, it's true!

What’s the point in saying he’s army? Anyone can get scared.

-Yeah right! -Of course!

In this homeland...

I’ve never seen anything like this.

Maybe it's a...

Demon?

Spirit?

Ghost?

But from the looks of it,

Definitely a demon!

Vassappan!

You came?

Sit down, son.

You should hear this too!

What's wrong?

Huh!

What's it Vassappan?

Kooli Thirra Festival is happening, right!

Since it’s the sacred place where Kooli occasionally appears.

I went down there at night to have dinner.

[ominous bird cry]

[eerie music builds]

[bat swooshing]

Huh?

[eerie music builds]

Nani Muthassi?

Where's she going all alone?

Nani Muthassi!

Muthassi!

Wait, Muthassi!

Why’s that old hag walking so fast?

Wait Muthassi!

Hey! Hey!

Wait!

[eerie music intensifies]

How did she get there so fast?

Wait, Nani Muthassi! I’m coming too!

Wait, Muthassi!

[eerie music]

Hey Muthassi!

Why’s she so fast?

If you're going to the festival ground, don’t go alone.

Just... Just come with me!

Stop there, Muthassi!

Wait, I'm coming too!

Slow down a little, Muthassi!

Muthassi!

[heavy breathing]

[unsettling sound]

Huh? Uh!

[screaming in terror]

When I was alone...

I thought it was just fear messing with me.

But when I got home...

...there's Nani Muthassi,

standing there, brushing her toothless gums.

[spits]

When exactly did you get back?

I called you several times, did you even hear me?

Festival ground?

Didn’t you notice me resting yesterday...

after applying the Ayurvedic oil?

I just woke up now.

What's wrong with you Vasappa?

Drank some stuff, showed up in the morning!

[gulping]

Actually...

There's a mistake from my side.

When Nani Muthassi, who can’t even stand properly,

runs like P T Usha,

I should’ve thought twice.

True!

Damn!

Premium stuff!

Could be from the military.

Anything left?

No chance!

He just got scared.

Gave him some sacred ash. He'll be fine.

Sacred Ash?

Which era is he from?

His damn sacred ash!!

Don’t mock!

Do you know what kind of Kooli and Thirra that is?

[shouting] Who's that?

Whoa, everyone freaked out!

Was that a Thirra?

[chanting]

[Laughing]

-Bullshit! -Scaredy-cat!

You guys wasted your life on drinking and frog hunting

See Shyam? That’s what you should be doing

Staying away and actually learning something.

Hey, Brat!

You'll get it from me!

Don’t you have anything to study?

Go home!

A lesson from Naxal Sekharan’s son

A life... and it's just poverty!

Hey Rajesh! Cut it out!

You’ve been at it for quite a while now..

Don't do it!

Huh?

What's it, dude? It's been a while

That was not military, Rajesh etta!

Then what?

If my guess is right...

he probably brewed it himself at home.

-Who? -That Vasappan!

Not just that…

he hasn’t stepped out in days.

You still haven’t let that go?

Brewing? Huh?

I think...

There’s sense in what Vasappan says.

Hey!

Come on, he was in the military, right?

Would he be scared for no reason?

-Something’s definitely up! -Bullshit!

Stop talking like Ravishan!

Now go and say there’s a Kooli in Koolippara too!

What's that?

Huh?

Rajesh etta!

Rajesh etta!

Rajesh etta!

Did you see that?

-[Panicking] I saw! I saw! I saw! -I saw it too!

-Maybe... if it really felt like it? -No, It's real!

-Tell me it’s not real! -It's real!

It’s real! Just look that way!

Not just a hunch… Something’s standing!

Who’s that?

No one's around.

Could be just a feeling.

See, I told you it was just a hunch!

Yeah! Right!

Uh...

Huh?

[murmurs]

A chicken’s head placed inside the chakra.

Someone isn’t supposed to know about it

Who could it be?

[man chanting indistinct mantra]

Either it's black magic...

The... what?

...or everything’s about to fall apart.

What's left here to fall apart now?

Huh? That chicken coop?

Hope you didn’t skip any Thirra fasting this time, Chandrika?

No!

I do it every year.

What?

Huh?

See...

This is a warning for everyone!

Something bad has happened at the Kooli ground

Need to find out what's going on.

Once it’s past dusk,

no one should step outside.

What's it?

Is all this really true?

Not at all.

People have lost their minds.

What's all this, temple offerings and everything?

I know you won’t remember.

Um...

What's this?

It was this day, last year you told me you liked me.

But...

You gave me your answer after a week, right?

I was confused about which date we should celebrate.

Don't give excuses!

Don’t get upset, Dhanya!

You're getting upset so quickly these days!

Hey! It's purple saree!

Our outfits match!

-Is it good? -Why not?

See...

Shall I give you a surprise, huh?

Give!

-It's not that! -Huh?

Come in the evening for the Thirra festival.

I'll tell you in person.

Ok!

See you!

Smile… Don’t you fade away

Dream… Don’t rush astray.

Spark… Never let it die.

Don’t be lost On the wrong way tonight.

When your eyes fall on me

Something burns inside.

Butterflies... Take flight in my mind.

In the silver glow Of a moonlit night,

I just want to see you, My treasure, my life.

Oh golden dove, my love that kills,

Don’t you daze me, Don’t rule my heart at will.

Oh golden dove, my love that kills,

Don’t you daze me, Don’t rule my heart at will.

If you drift beyond my sight,

Far away… from here tonight?

No one else can ever touch

That blush of shyness on your cheeks.

Even if the whole world longs for you, Longs for you…

It’s only I who’ll carry you through.

Oh no!

Let's not be late any more.

-Isn’t it six already? -What?

Give!

-It's not for me to receive. -Then shall I?

I have something to say.

What's it?

I’ve planned a surprise...

that’ll blow your mind!

If this turns out to be some detective story twist,

I swear I’ll smack your head!

It’s nothing like that.

Then? Huh?

-Dad and Mom... -Yeah?

...are going to Mookambika.

Nice! That's really good!

So, they’ll only come tomorrow.

It’s Balachachan who’ll look after me.

-Is that so? -Yeah!

He’ll pass out after his drink.

Oh no! What a pity!

So...

Come over to my place tonight.

What say?

Surprised?

-Yeah! -All set, right?

Then see you at home tonight.

Ok?

Bye!

[Humming]

[murmuring]

[murmuring]

[murmuring]

Even after getting an open chance,

instead of scoring a goal,

This fool’s busy drinking water.

Isn’t that what we’re all thinking?

Well, I’ve got a problem.

There’s a flashback in this world...

one that only me and my mother know.

[Power goes off]

Yes!

I'm scared of the dark.

But the ones who come out only in the dark…

ghosts are even more scared of them.

It’s a problem that started when I was five.

Chothi!

Why are you staring like that?

Chothi Chechi!

Chechi!

I'm going to the ancestral home with Vasu ettan.

We’re going there to divide the property.

It’s not a good idea to take him along.

You better keep an eye on him.

You’ll be with me, won’t you?

Chothi, don’t stand so close to the well...

we’ll ask Vasu ettan to get it out tomorrow.

Is it the moonlight that cloaks this night,

Or is it the fire that burns inside?

I saw a glow, I saw it shine…

Like the moon at dusk’s decline.

Chothi chechi, Amma used to say...

...a Kooli sits on this champak tree.

Will it take away kids who don’t finish their food?

Not at all, Kooli won’t harm kids.

Then who does Kooli take away?

When darkness falls, the wicked ones who come to trouble us,

Kooli takes them away.

If anyone stands in Kooli’s path...

without showing respect during their passage,

they’ll be led astray till dawn.

Kooli can see through any darkness.

They are the guardians of this land!

Amma said Chothi chechi is going to get married and leave from here.

When Amma's not around, who's going to feed me?

No matter where I go,

Won’t I come flying back just to feed my little one?

Then make this promise.

Promise!

Hey Shyam, hey Shyam!

I don't want the rice, Chechi!

Shyam! Stop there!

-Have this rice, eat! -No Chechi, I don't want it.

Come on, Have this! Don't play around!

Step in rhythm, endlessly

Shoulder close, let warmth remain,

Chest to chest, no space between.

Amma!

I saw a glow, I saw it shine…

Mom!

Hey! Have this before you go!

Like the moon at dusk’s decline.

Mom!

Son, where's chothi chechi?

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[ominous music]

[rising suspenseful music]

What happened to her?

Heard she set herself on fire at noon and took her life.

[panicked breathing]

[panicked breathing]

[heavy breathing]

[Faint flickering and buzzing]

[gust of wind]

[cawing of crows]

[torch flickering]

[mysterious rattling]

[Ghost]: Shyaamaa..

[soft, eerie hum]

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[mysterious rattling]

[window creaks open]

[Faint flickering and buzzing]

[flickering]

[torch flickers and goes out]

[screaming in terror]

[voice trembling]

Come and have this bite!

[screams]

[ghostly laughter echoes]

Help!

- [Mom]: Hey, it's nothing! - Eat this!

[ghostly laughter echoes]

I don’t want it, didn’t I tell you to leave!

[ghostly laughter echoes]

Mom!!

Mom!!

- [Mom]: What's it? - Mom!!

[panicked breathing]

Hey!

[heavy breathing]

Shyam! Hey!

It's nothing, mom!

-It’s her… Chothi chechi! -What?

Chothi chechi!

- Did she go? - Yeah! Gone!

Now close your eyes and sleep.

Power's back, right? Then what’s the problem?

Yes!

Wherever I go,

She’ll come flying to feed me, just like she promised

Chothi chechi...

Even in death, she didn’t forget that.

Yeah!

[singing] Tonight is Shivaratri...

Hands and feet will clap together...

Eyes will speak to eyes in silence...

Anklets on the feet will dance in joy...

[laughing]

What a night!

[singing] Tonight is Shivaratri...

Argh!

Who the hell put a stone there?

My dhoti?

Ugh!

Who the hell throw that stone over here.

[man howls playfully]

[man howls playfully]

[grunts]

At a growing age, what drunkards need is nourishment.

Nobody's here!

I'm a complan boy!

Hey!

Stop there!

Hey!

If you came to rob my house,

or if you're my wife's lover...

I don't care! No problem!

Got it?

To light this beedi, I need a matchstick.

You’re not taking a single step unless you give me one.

Got it?

Where's it?

Waiting for your dad to bring it?

Hit the hell out of him!

[match striking]

What's this?

Uh!

Oh my! Horse-legged guy!

[screaming]

[peacock squawks]

[humming]

Dhanya!

Hey! I told you, just ignore him!

Wait! Just hear me out!

Calling your boyfriend home at night without any decency

I’d say that’s an insult to womanhood.

-Dhanya! -You should see my Sooraj ettan!

While my father was in the ICU...

he still climbed over the wall to come see me!

And that too when three brothers...

and one fierce Dobermann were right there in the house!

Dhanya!

Dhanya, I can’t do anything except show you the reality.

Dhanya! Just listen to me!

Dhanya has nothing to say to you.

Vidya! Just a minute! Come.

-What's it? -Come!

Wait here!

Vidya, see...

Yeah!

Did you see a bird over there?

Yeah!

Just keep an eye there for two minutes, I’ll be right back.

Oh, dear Dhanya!

Dhanya, just try to understand my situation, please!

What situation am I supposed to understand, huh?

Mom’s sister from Meppadi passed away.

She died by hanging.

They want someone from the family...

with courage to stand guard at the mortuary.

How can I not go?

-In Mortuary? -Yeah!

Just try to imagine being in that situation, Dhanya.

I didn’t even have anyone...

to share the pain of not being able to see you.

Why?

It’s a corpse, right, Dhanya?

Hmm

Ok, leave that, Dhanya!

There’ll be another chance, right, Dhanya?

If I’m still alive,

I’ll come to see my Dhanya no matter what.

I’m praying for it… praying with all my heart.

Oh God, may Dhanya always be left alone at night.

Om Namah Shiva! Please protect her!

Well…

God really did listen to that prayer.

You know...

Shyamala aunty from Kozhikode?

She just gave birth.

So my parents will definitely be there for a while now.

So…

there’s tonight,

and tomorrow night as well.

So, how’s that?

Shyam!

-Hey? -Is it a boy or a girl?

Um...

I think it’s a boy.

Oh, okay!

Hey, Shyam!

Huh?

-Hey Shyam, come quick! -Hey Shyam!

Come over!

Oh! Um!

Okay, fine then Dhanya! Take care.

Shyam!

Vidya, see you later!

Still… what could it be, Rajesh etta?

Hey, I just can’t figure it out!

Better to die than feel hatred for someone you truly loved.

What was that?

Maybe it was just your hunch.

Yeah maybe!

I have to go see her today itself.

I have to see her tonight.

You can, Shyam!

You can!

Yes, I can!

-YES I CAN!! -What's it, man?

What, dude?

No need to be afraid, Rajesh etta!

-Right Kanna! -Yeah!

If it ends up like usual with some issue,

anyone with the guts to face it can come along.

Go on!

Come dude!

What’s he up to?

Go slow, man!

No matter what, smash it!

Ugh!

UGH! Um...

Kuttappettan upgraded from a bicycle...

to a bullock cart!

Not the bull’s, dude...

It’s a horse’s!

What’s wrong?

Not going?

No going back!

Only forward!

Hey, Kunchakko's team is coming!

If he’s that terrified, he should just stay home!

-Simple as that! -Yeah!

See...

Let’s plan something to trap him!

Yeah!

Let’s nab him, Shaiju etta!

Hey, today’s special is mutton head!

Walk faster!

What’s that on this goat’s head... a beedi?

Kuttapetta!

[lip flutter]

Kuttapetta!

[lip flutter]

Oh no!

Kunjunniyetta...

Try calling him?

Hey...

[lip flutter]

Oh my!

Feels like he’s got a horse’s curse!

Didn’t really think bringing Ravishan along would help.

Kunjunni!

Kuttappa!

Vasappa!

Hm!

[lip flutter]

This is something fishy!

First it’s animal bali ritual,...

Next it’s human bali ritual!

Oh my!

Will there even be anyone to do bali ritual for us?

You treat my words like a joke.

But Kuttappan, no matter how drunk, won’t lie. I know for sure.

He’s the one who beat his own son for stealing money from school.

Really?

Something’s definitely off with all this.

These days, even house dogs won’t bark at thieves.

But this one’s been barking at nothing for a whole week.

Poor thing’s about to drop dead.

Exactly!

Animals can see them!

Who?

Ghosts!

Yeah!

Vasu etta!

Huh... Oh my!

Isn't it over?

[gulps]

Oh my! I'm parched!

Ravishan!

He said his master, Raman Gurukkal will arrive by morning to perform the rites.

Phew, finally some peace!

Anyone who's able should go along with him.

-Okay! -There...

-They’ll need some hands there. -Okay

Wait, so Vasappan isn’t coming?

How can I?

I feel all weird, like I’m burning up!

Fever, huh?

Didn’t you feel the change in voice?

No problem at all.

There is!

I went through something.

I didn’t tell anyone…

thought you all would make fun of it.

Now what’s the point of cracking a joke?

-Go on, say it, Kunjunni! -Okay!

Two days ago,

It was my happy birthday.

But since I had no one to drink with...

I went up to Koolippara.

I was drinking alone…

Well, it was my birthday after all.

I mean, who wouldn’t want a slice of cake on their birthday?

And while I was sitting there, feeling low…

[crying loudly, man laughing]

Merry Christmas!

Same to you!

A Christmas Santa Grandpa showed up and gave me a cake.

Oh!

That's a good for you, isn’t it?

What’s so good about it?

How can a Christmas Santa show up in October?

And do you know how that grandpa left?

Like a horse-jump!

I swear on Vasappan!

Uh..huh!

[engine revv]

Hey, get the stuff down quick!

Come on, quick!

Come on!

Hey, make sure that kerosene doesn’t spill!

What's all this, Shaija?

You’ve started painting, huh?

Those old folks might curl up inside...

but we youth don’t sit around like that!

Hey, quit messing around!

Let Raman guru finish his ritual pooja first then do as you can.

Hell with your raman guru!

Vasappan is terrified already!

Get going, Vasappa!

And while you're going…

don’t forget to drag that guy along too!

I’m going home to study.

Yeah, I’ve got to study too.

I have the PSC exam tomorrow.

Really?

Dude, I’m heading home.

Kiddo, come on!

Let go of me!

I have to go with Shaiju chettan!

-I’ll drop you home. Come on! -Leave me!

Rajesh etta! Can you take me home? My mom’s alone!

Yeah! Mom’s all alone at home

She’ll be scared!

I better go!

Oh, what do I say now?

Why are we standing here? Shall we go?

Why? Are you scared?

Huh?

Go?

Let’s grab some tea and leave.

-Be careful where you walk! -Okay!

There are thorns everywhere.

Actually, that horse-legged guy...

The moment I get hold of his neck,

You better catch his legs!

But Shaiju etta!

Hey, You!!

Just shut up and walk.

Damn, what a thorn!

[screams in terror]

Shaiju!... Shaiju!

Hey! Keep it down!

If you're that scared, just walk with us.

Get up and come here!

Shaiju etta!

How about we come back and check in the morning?

Hey, you!!

You’ll be scared shitless!

Hey Jony! Scared?

Then you go first, man!

Chetta!

Huh!!

Babu!!

[struggling, choking screams]

Hey!

Babu!!

[trembling voice]

[punches]

OH MY!!!!

Shaiju etta!

Oh my!!

Babu! Jony!

Oh my! What happened?

Didn’t I tell you earlier, something was wrong.

Run!

Run for your life!

Vasappa!

I saw a figure in the dark…

I just looked once.

And I still can’t stop trembling.

I warned you, didn’t I?

Are you satisfied with what you’ve done?

That black magic rooster’s throat was slit, and the ashes scattered,

that's something strange...

Definitely not a bird!

It was some figure, flying right above us.

Whatever it is, I’ve got this feeling…

which means...

Raman guru’s ritual pooja is finally starting to work.

Bullshit!

To guard a dead body?

Are you crazy, Dhanya?

What I said was true...

He’s got someone in Mangalore,

just for timepass.

Still… this isn’t right.

With such a golden opportunity in hand,

how could he do that?

Or maybe, like the locals say...

he freaked out after seeing horse-legged guy and rooster head.

That’s right!

No chance!

Even if he leaves me,

he’s not the type to get scared.

He’s got guts!

He's standing over there!

Monkey-fellow!

Dhanya, just ignore him.

Walk straight!

Dhanya, I... huh?

Oh no!

Dhanya, that wasn’t what I meant at all!

The truth is, Abhi, who came secretly, has forgotten.

Dhanya, where to?

Home!

Huh, isn’t your house just beyond that turn?

Why not just walk there?

Chetta, just drop me off there!

[engine revv]

[bike engine starts]

After all these days together,

Now you felt like telling us she was about to leave, huh?

What did you think?

That we’d just make fun of you?

[laughing]

Hey!

Is all this really such a big deal?

This could have been solved if you opened up everything, right?

Then she must leave, leaving me behind.

I’ve done everything I could to hold it all together.

Hmm, Yeah!

They won’t forgive us if we lie.

That's true!

I told her I didn’t have any bad habits,

but the moment she found Hans in my pocket,

Ramya dumped me.

That witch!

Ramya!

Hey! For you...

it’s ghosts and darkness that matter, right?

Yeah!

Not lizards, cockroaches, or rats they’re not even a problem, right?

No!

Come to the point, Rajesh etta!

-There's a plan! -What's it?

What's the plan?

Hmm! There's!

Huh?

Since darkness is your big issue...

Around five or five-thirty in the evening...

Quietly sneak into her compound.

Make sure no one sees you.

Then run and climb into her house's woodshed.

Be very careful...

not to trip or crash into anything while running.

[grunts]

And just to be safe...

carry an emergency light or torch…

maybe even two candles.

Make sure they actually work before you go!

It's working!

Set!

When the moment’s right, sneak into her place neat.

Ugh!

And then, wait there patiently.

The rest… no need to say it, right?

No need Rajesh etta!

I know the rest!

I'm gonna rock it!

Uff!

[Dhanya humming]

-Dhanya! -Huh?

How did you get in?

[door thuds shut]

-I crashed in through the roof! -Huh?

Really?

Shyam!

Hey, Shyam!

O cold breeze, why do you tease me so?

A touch that stirs…on the body, in the soul.

Here!

If that’s the case, it won’t work out.

[murmurs]

[thunder lightning]

[lights flicker rapidly]

[Panicking]

[demonic voice laughs softly]

[screaming in terror]

Hey! Come on man!

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[panicked breathing]

Have this!

Come!

Have this bite!

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[panicked breathing]

Come and have this!

[panicked breathing]

[panicked breathing]

[lights flicker rapidly]

[panicked breathing]

What was the point of coming?

There was no need at all.

I’d already said,

there are people around.

Huh?

[lights flicker rapidly]

[voice trembling]

[Dhanya Humming]

[Humming]

[Humming]

[Humming]

[door knocking]

Shyam!

[radio song]

Who's that?

Oh no!

Balachachan!

Balachacha!

[door creaks open]

Hey!

[Balachachan murmuring]

[chuckles]

[Balachachan murmurs]

Hey Shyam!

Hey!

Hey, stop messing around!

Shyam!

Where the hell is this guy?

Shyam!

Is it dawn yet?

I don’t fit into all this.

Better to tell her everything straight…

or forget it!

[sighs in frustration]

Come on, what’s the point staying here now?

Damn! What’s the point saying anything to her now?

Let’s ask if there’s a time in the...

morning when Balachachan knocks out.

Then set the plan between two and six in the evening.

Hey!

Hey Shyam!

What the heck did you just do?

-Huh? -What huh?

Get inside!

Um.. okay!

Ouch... Torch!

Man, that turned into a total mess!

Might’ve been Shyam, possibly.

Totally lost it and went into a rage.

Can’t really say anything, right?

-Look after her, okay? -Okay

-I’ll be back soon. -These two will watch over them

Ok

You look good in this green churidar!

For real!

-What? -What's it man?

Wasn’t it you?

No!

Go inside!

I’ll be right back

What happened to her?

Go!

Dhanya!

What happened?

Go ahead, talk.

Huh?

You guys talk, I’ll wait outside

I don’t know if you came here yesterday or not.

I opened the door just for you.

Dhanya, tell me what’s going on.

What happened?

[Panicked]

[panicked breathing]

[voice trembling]

[voice trembling]

Hey!

[panicking]

Balu chacha...

Balu chacha!

Leave me!

[whimpering]

[whimpering]

Balu chacha!

[choking sobs]

[grunts]

[screams]

[screaming]

[panicking]

[voice trembling]

[voice trembling]

[whimpering]

[stifled scream]

[stifled scream]

If he's a horse-legged guy!

Or a beast or whatever… I don’t care.

I want him.

Can you go catch him for me?

Dhanya!

There are police around, right?

Can you catch him or not?

[monitor lizard hissing]

Yes!

I can!

No one here better lay a hand...

on my Dhanya again!

I’ll take care of it!

Dhanya, get some rest.

Actually...

Didn’t we get hit by that horse-legged guy?

-Yeah! -But...

The one who broke into Balettan's house...

that was someone else's doing.

Hey youngsters!

Who are you talking good about?

Your god-damn father!

Get lost brat!

That’s enough, now go go.

Where the hell is Avaran?

We’ve been waiting so long!

It’s about time, right?

He's coming for enquiring someone, right?

-Let him come! -If it’s one person, then so be it.

-Whoever he is, he better have total mass! -Yeah

[bus engine revving]

[bus horn honking]

Isn’t that the bus coming?

[bus brakes screech]

Could he be in this bus?

[footsteps]

He dropped like a soggy chicken leg!

Is that him?

How's that possible?

-Who’s this police guy? -Idiot fellow!

That Koran who fell from the coconut tree and died. That’s his son

Yeah, that's him!

Seriously? Got promotion just because his dad took a fall?

But dude...

Even if he’s a ghost or not, we…

Oh, again with the ghost talk!

Oh Rajesh etta!

Come on, even Dracula wouldn’t go grabbing people without consent!

-Not that one! -Then?

This guy’s scared of the dark,

How’s he gonna catch that loser who only comes out at night?

Say!

Yeah! That’s what I’ve been thinking too.

Tsk!

How am I gonna catch him?

But I have to!

Shyam!

-Fear’s your problem, isn’t it? -Yes

-There's a way! -Huh?

Hey...

I used to be terrified of my dad,

He’d come home drunk every day and beat me and my mom.

You know what I did to overcome that fear?

-What? -What you did?

One day, I got drunk and beat him up.

Huh?

-Now guess who he’s most scared of? -Who?

-Me. That’s right… me! -Best!

That's all!

[laughs]

Get lost dude!

Get lost!

Shyam!

When the sun sets behind Peeli Hill,

we’ll drag you out of the darkness at Nellikkampoyil,

and together we’ll defeat both the ghost you fear most and the darkness itself!

And we will win!

Turn left!

Turn right!

If that’s the case,

we’ll lock him up tonight...

...in the darkness itself!

Yeah!

Yeah!

Yeah!

Yeah!

[background martial arts training]

Yeah!

[background martial arts training]

[energetic music]

What?

Don't worry! Let's walk!

Shyam!

No need to be scared.

Day or night, it’s all the same.

But there’s no darkness during the day, right?

That’s only cause the sun’s still there, right?

What's it?

Just walk!

Ok. Let's walk.

Nothing! Just walk!

Don't worry!

-Shyam! -Yes!

[Ghost]: Shyam!

[Ghost]: Shyam!

Can’t you enjoy any of this?

You can!

-Take a look around! -[Ghost]: Shyam

Uh! um...

How beautiful!

[Ghost]: Hey, Have this!

[Ghost]: Have a bite and go!

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[tense music]

Just say I already ate.

To whom?

To Chothi Chechi!

-ChothiChechi? -Yeah!

-Where? -Behind me!

She's behind me!

Chechi!

He had food already.

Don't leave my hand!

You can go and sleep, okay!

-Enough? -Yeah, okay

There's no one there!

-But... -Huh?

How did Chothi chechi die?

Yeah!

How she died?

Pregnant, Break up, depression!

Huh?

That’s what mom said.

Why does this happen to all the devils?

Actually...

What does Chothi chechi look like?

Yeah, you didn’t say that. How's she?

That Chothi!! Chothi...

Come!

-Just say it and go, dude! -Oh no!

Why I'm alone?

Come on dude, in this big wide world, there’s nothing to be scared of.

One night, when I was returning from Chandrika chechi’s house...

after the usual naturopathy treatments…

Rajesh etta...

[eerie owl hoot]

Why's that owl so loud?

Are you scared of lovebirds?

Ugh!

Huh... No!

Then no need to be scared of the owl either.

This one's a bird, that one's a bird too.

Huh?

This one's a bird, that one's a bird too.

Kanna!

[indistinct conversation]

[mock owl hooting]

Huh?

[owl hoots]

Heard that?

Uh! Kanna!

[errie sound]

Kanna!

Don't worry!

I’m tired of being scared... shall we just head home?

[panicked breathing]

Let's go check!

[errie sound]

Kanna, your hand’s trembling!

You’re the one shaking, not me.

Huh!

[panicked breathing]

[screaming]

[calf steps softly]

Phew!

He got scared for no reason.

[screaming]

Doesn’t it ever sleep?

Looks like we gotta do it one more time!

Yeah!

Otherwise, he’ll never change.

Come!

Huh?

-Come this way, Rajesh etta! -Oh that way!

Don't say!

[intense music]

[ominous music]

[sobbing]

[sobbing]

Chechi...

Since when was the cow missing yesterday?

Fed her last night and tied her to the post.

Now she’s just lying there like that, Vineesh

[sobs]

Before tying her to the post last night,

Did the cow seem off in any way?

I mean anything unusual!

Oh yeah!

There was a bit of breathlessness and restlessness.

Will you sit quietly!

Is this guy crazy or what?

Not just crazy, he’s a full-blown lunatic!

[Sobbing]

Not even a tear like this when his father passed away!

[Sobbing]

What's it Vassappa?

I tried imagining myself in his place for a moment.

Oh, before that, I could’ve locked him up.

Don’t let go of your self-belief.

Let's see

You can leave this place with whatever life you've got left!

Yeah

Even if you bring the whole police, it’s still useless!

Don’t scare him off, Vassappa!

The more you challenge,

the more blows you’ll get.

He's a beast!

[sobs]

His eyes are about to pop out of his head!

Oh my Ammini!!

[sobs]

'NELLIKKAMPOYIL RURAL LIBRARY'

[screams]

-What? -You moron!

[gulps]

God!

I ran with my eyes closed cause I knew the way home.

[shaky breathing]

Now...

let’s come up with some more practical ideas.

Rajesh etta!!

[Screaming in terror]

I saw! I saw! I saw!

Who? Horse-legged guy?

Didn't even get time to check his head or feet

All I saw below was a skirt, face covered in black

-I just ran! -Oh!

Yeah!

[breathing heavily in fear]

Where are you going, Rajesh etta?

Huh?

[intense music]

[high-energy music]

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

Come!

Go!

[suspenseful music]

Kanna!

Catch!

Very good!

Let's go!

[suspenseful music]

You stay here.

We’ll take care of the rest!

Can you drop me home, please?

Kanna!

You walk ahead!

[intense music]

[flips torch]

[light flickers rapidly]

Ugh!

[Ghost]: Shyam!

[screaming in terror]

[door shuts]

[voice trembling]

[shaky, voice trembling]

[Ghost]: Shyam!

Shyam!

[screams]

Hey Shyam!

Hey, open the door, it's me, dude!

Hey open the door! Open it!

Shyam!

It's me Rajesh ettan!

Dude!

Open the door! It's us!

Hey, open the door as I say!

[door unlocks]

Phew!

[flips torch]

Hi Dhanya.

When did you come?

[tense music]

What?

Go ask!

I just can’t sit at home...

without making a decision about him.

My motive is that I really need to catch him badly.

I’ll come with you guys too.

Dhanya, what are you saying?

This is a super risky move.

We haven’t even made a plan yet.

Right, Kanna?

Yes

What if I'm ready to take the risk?

Come on, let's make a plan.

[striker strikes on board]

Correct!

Not just that.

If you keep roaming...

around at night with us guys like this.

Will you get a good proposal?

Will you ever find a decent guy?

-Right, Kanna? -Yes

Yeah

[playful music]

Hey...

If you’ve got the guts, take me with you.

Otherwise, I’ll find my own way.

Dhanya, why do you keep saying courage all the time?

Because there’s none.

Kanna!

I won’t spare anyone who hurt my Dhanya.

Fine, you can come along too.

That way she’ll know everything.

-Yeah! -Yeah!

Once we’ve made a plan,

I’ll call you

Are you sure?

Yeah sure!

You can go. It’s close by, isn’t it?

Dhanya!

Good night!

Don’t go overboard, dude.

Phew!

Dude! Hope she didn’t doubt it, right?

She’s got no brains.

How will this work?

What?

Dude, if she comes,

she’ll know he’s scared of the dark, right?

-That's right! -Damn!

[hand hits]

[carrom striker slides]

Huh?

[gentle music]

[gentle music]

She’s got night trauma too now.

Not gone crazy like me.

Just a little!

So?

[soft background music]

There's a way!

[upbeat music]

[Ghost]: Shyam!

Don’t hold back, don’t hold back jump in, strike back

Bite through the reins of your mind, tear it apart

Sharpen the heartbeat that’s pounding inside

Count the light that hides away the dark

Don’t hold back, don’t hold back jump in, strike back

Bite through the reins of your mind, tear it apart

Hey Shyam, your plan’s not bad at all!

We can land a couple of light-weight punches too.

People in the village might actually start valuing us!

That's right.

Shyam’s got brains.

[Laughing]

I did all this setup after pawning mother’s bangle.

If we can’t catch that horse-legged guy,

we’ll lose both the bangle and Dhanya.

Yeah

[Laughing]

The wolf that haunts you nonstop grab it, don’t let go

Isn’t this the ocean with no other shore to know?

Even in a desert, the duty won’t fade

Obstacles come in many forms, don’t be afraid

With a frozen mind, don’t walk into the gate

Has the time gone dark, has the night turned to scars?

The hunt kicks off, four souls moving hard.

Has the time gone dark, has the night turned to scars?

The hunt kicks off, four souls moving hard.

Hey, we’re almost at Dhanya’s house put everything back in place.

'Swami Nivas'

Who’s Nivas? Her father?

Rajesh etta!

[blows]

Oof!

Really?

Go dude, go!

No, I meant… will she catch on?

You go there and grab her.

What’s up with you?

Oof!

Who is she, Mother Mary or what?

Isn’t that her?

Dhanya?

[laughs]

[gate lock opens]

Dhanya!

-Didn’t Dad notice? -He slept!

So I got out.

Come, let's go!

He’s already asleep?

Yeah

-Rajesh etta, move aside. -Okay

Kannan, move over there.

What’s this big setup with all the lights?

Isn’t Dhanya afraid of n ight?

So I did the whole setup, how's it?

Yeah, yeah!

So, how is it dear?

Shyam’s very own Taj Mahal for Dhanya!

[laughing]

Shyam Jahan!

-Are you drunk? -What?

Are you drunk?

Just a small sip.

Come on Kanna, start the ride.

This light’s got full 360-degree coverage!

[eerie sound]

Huh?

[eerie music]

[creepy music]

Oh no!!

[running footsteps]

[auto engine revving]

Huh?

[distant running]

He?

Isn’t that the coconut guy?

Hey, turn off the light.

Hey, don’t let them see me.

Okay

Come out Kanna!

[intense music]

Woah!

What’s going on, Mr. Coconut sir?

All geared up with deadly weapons, huh?

I was out on patrol, Rajesh etta.

Oh my!

Kanna!..

What?

Hey, did any of you see someone?

No!

Come on, flash your torch and check.

Is that him?

These fools?

So it was you, huh?

I’ll dice him, salt him, and make a damn pickle out of him!

What are you doing here?

Why are you here?

When our homeland is in trouble,

Naxal Sekhar won’t be able to just stay at home out of fear.

All this darkness you see is just an illusion.

I’ll smash you, brat!

Did your mom see you?

Don’t involve women here.

Rajesh etta,

Drop him at home.

You!

Hey Rajesh, get off me.

Enough of your drama!

Who else is in the auto, Rajesh?

Your father, Naxal Sekharan.

Come here!

Hey Rajesh, what are you doing, playing around?

[indistinct murmuring]

Seriously, his father’s a Naxal?

Who knows?

He was the main thief in the village.

The locals beat him up and drove him out of town.

Hey, Rajesh etta, just walk with a little swagger.

Yea!

Coming!

[screaming]

Hey Kanna! Come on!

Come!

[running footsteps]

Shyam!

I’ll go and check, don’t be scared.

Kanna! Come here,

Where are you running to?

You wait here!

Hey, Kanna!

[upbeat music]

Hey, come fast!

Wait, wait, wait!!

Wait there!

Hey!

Rajesh etta!

Wait!! Wait there!

Kanna where's he, Rajesh etta!

Hey!

Come on!

Vineesh that’s a banana tree! Not there, this way!

It's alright!

There he's!

Where are you?

Ask him in Tamil!

[tense music builds]

Hey!

Hey Rajesh!!

[tense music builds]

[eerie sound]

[tense music builds]

[screams]

[grunts]

[imitating horse footsteps]

Rajesh etta!

This way!

Rajesh etta! Got him!

Err... um!

Catch him!

So close! Almost had him!

Now I understand everything.

This was the problem, right?

Uh.. uh...

No, Actually...

I was about to say it…

You didn’t go after him...

because you wanted to protect me, right?

Yeah.. yeah!

Yes, you are right!

It’s not safe here at all.

I won’t be here from tomorrow.

I've decided.

Good decision!

Don’t worry, dear.

Just stay safe at home.

I’ll bring him down and drop him right at your feet.

Okay?

Happy?

Will it work out?

What will you even know?

Rajesh etta!

The evidence criminals leave at a crime scene…

It’s like a clue from God.

And it’s hidden somewhere around here!

Crap!

Yesterday was just a near miss.

That Horse-legged guy, right?

No, it's me!

She would’ve caught me...

If I had done something stupid.

You should’ve seen it, dude!

That jump… unbelievable.

Maybe…

What if it's some gorilla-chimpanzee...

...creature we've never seen before.

Hey, no way, Rajesh etta!

That was a human, I saw it.

Then maybe he’s some circus guy or a magician.

Oh, dear Vineesh!

Ask anyone in your department with the guts to handle this!

Hey dude, the report’s filed already.

An officer will be here soon.

When’s he gonna show up? After someone dies?

Only if someone dies,

these people will open their eyes.

Hey, Vineesh!

So what do we do now?

What choice do we have?

We’ll have to search on our own.

Good idea!

Nonsense!

Do quick then!

[bottle clinks as foot hits]

-Kuttapetta! -Yeah!

Let’s eat first, then get back to work.

Okay

Let’s at least arrange some event from outside...

for the library anniversary this year, Kuttapetta!

Why not?

Long back, your brother brought that...

cycling guy thinking he’s some kind of hero.

Do I really need to remind you how that ended?

That was ages ago, wasn’t it?

We’re all sick of your drama shows.

-Here's chutney! -Ok

That’s good.

What’s up, man? It’s already noon!

Kuttapetta!

Yes!

What’s with the talk about that cyclist?

That all happened ages ago!

You weren’t even born then.

For the library’s anniversary,

your uncle, Vasappan...

brought in some Tamil cyclist guy from who knows where.

The moment he arrived, he had everyone laughing their heads off

Pitched a tent too.

Brought his wife and kid along, started settling in.

And?

Then what...

But once he stepped into our village,

thefts started rising.

Like a flash of lightning,

Everyone saw someone flying through the darkness.

The whole place got shaken.

And when folks finally stepped out and checked,

They realized, he was the one behind it all.

Back then, me,...

Kunjunni, and Balettan...

we were all young, right

We gave him a solid thrashing...

and drove him out of town.

Only one thing still bothers me.

His wife and kid.

They didn’t deserve that.

What a wild time that was!

[chuckles]

Hey, no way, Rajesh etta!

That was a human, I saw it.

Then maybe he’s some circus guy or a magician.

What's it man?

Seems like you don’t trust it.

Hey, nothing!

So, after that, there was no circus act here at all?

After that, we haven’t let them step foot in this village.

If you really want to see them,

just cross the border and meet them.

Over there...

You’ll always find shady teams like this hanging out there.

[intense music]

[clowns dance around]

But Shyam...

Talking about that old circus guy’s son and revenge?

Isn’t that a bit of a wild guess?

Rajesh etta!

Even crazy guesses like this...

have helped crack big cases.

Hey, after listened to Kuttappettan's story,

came this far…

And we've still got eight km to Nellikampoyil!

Right!

So, putting it all together...

...chances are pretty high, Rajesh etta.

[nodding] Hmm!

Yeah, right!

Aren’t there any men here?

[Male voice] What's it? Huh?

-You tell them! -Oh no, I don’t know!

Say it, man.

Err.. um...

Brother!

[Tamil] Is there anyone here doing acrobatics on a swing?

[Tamil] What if there is?

Err.. um...

[Tamil] Actually, We’re from nearby…

So?

[Tamil] Over there…

Um... for the temple fest…

...need to book someone for the program.

[Tamil] Yeah, there is, Hari annan!

Hari Anna!

[suspenseful music]

[horse neighs]

[taps horse’s head]

Hari Anna!

[Tamil] Hey! Why are you shouting my name?

[Tamil] I’m right here!

[Tamil] They're here to see you.

[Tamil] Why do they want to see me?

How dare you step into Nellikampoyil...

again with your circus stunts!

[Tamil] What swing, brother?

[Tamil] I haven’t seen one even in my dreams.

Tell the truth!

Rajesh etta, it’s not him!!

That guy is the short one!

God! Huh!!

[Tamil] Actually, um... brother...

[Tamil] Is there anyone else...

who does acrobatics, other than you?

[Tamil] There was one person.

[Tamil] The owner kicked him out, saying he wasn’t right.

[Tamil] Brother! Brother!

Can you tell me more about him?

-Detailed about him? -Yeah!

[Tamil] In the morning, he acts all innocent.

[Tamil] But at night,

[Tamil] No matter who it is, he’ll playfully poke at you through their eyes.

[Tamil] he turns wild...

This is a story from his childhood.

Because he was short, some rough guys from his village...

used to make fun of him.

So he left without saying a word.

At night, when the three of them were drinking and lying unconscious…

He came dressed like the devil.

One of the three who saw him… dropped dead on the spot.

One day, while he was drinking, he told me about this…

Even I haven’t spoken about this to anyone so far.

He has nothing to worry about concerning anyone else.

Scaring people was his hobby.

He’s a psycho brother.

After being kicked out by the house owner,

he assaulted the owner’s daughter.

In the dark, he can do whatever, he want to.

He’s a psycho brother.

After being kicked out by the house owner,

In the dark, he can do whatever, he want to.

We’ll be scared, brother.

Got a photo of him? Photo?

PHOTO??

Yeah photo!

[eerie music]

Put it up so they can see it from any angle!

Come on, stick it on!

[upbeat music]

Rajesh etta!

If he sees this photo, he won’t realize it’s him.

Isn’t it enough if the locals can figure it out, kanna?

[Tamil] Sister!

[Tamil] Remember this face, okay?

[Tamil] Get lost, idiot fellow!

-Is that Dhanya? -Seems her father's with her.

Oh, in a car?

She didn’t see you that day?

How could she see?

Love’s blind, right?

Get lost, dude!

[laughs]

We’ve got this strategy between us.

On campus we act like strangers.

See, she just walked past without even noticing me.

Rajesh etta, why does Vidya always look so sad?

That’s only because you keep staring at her face all the time.

Right?

Hey, she’s coming back!

Rajesh etta, see that?

That’s my girl!

Huh!

Dhanya, matching-matching!

Damn!

[sits on table]

Did she fail the PSC exam?

Dhanya!

See that?

A new twist in this case!

His face!

Even after tracking him all the way to Tamil Nadu,

The findings are spot on, we’re on the right track.

[Laughing]

Eh, didn’t work out, huh?

I’m setting up a whole new war field now,

He’s gonna fall in it!

I’ll bring him down!

Had a bride-seeing this morning.

Seriously? This is what your father does?

Setting this up twice a week!

[tsk]

Then?

What’s the guy like?

He's good!

I said 'Yes'!

Huh?

[laughing]

Funny.

Very funny.

Can’t you stop all this already?

Huh?

Why are you always making me look stupid, Shyam?

Why would I treat you like that?

I had a feeling something was off with you that day.

What problem?

I only came with you that night to be sure.

That’s when I heard you.

Dhanya!

Good night!

Hey, once she comes, won’t she find out he’s scared of the dark?

She’s got night trauma too now...

Not gone crazy like me.

Just a little!

Hey, Hope she didn’t doubt it, right?

No way!

She’s got no sense, right?

I know it's wrong to eavesdrop.

But hey…

That night I stood by you, supported you, right?

But you…

fooled me then...

and you’re still fooling me now!

Dhanya!

Couldn’t you be real, just once?

I went against my own father for your sake.

The rays of sun spread out,

I thought a lot about it, Shyam.

As the days bid farewell.

Because someone tried to harass me, I’ve earned a bad name in this land.

And when I found out...

you betrayed me too.

To cause endless pain

Memories blaze like fire, searing my heart

We’ll be moving out tomorrow.

Through the entirety of my heart

As you set forth on your journey,

I am left shattered and fallen.

I’m getting married next month.

Last night was...

...our final journey together.

Don't go after that evil man any more.

Just stay somewhere safe.

The moonlight has faded

Alright then, I’m leaving!

The moonlight has faded

From my tear-filled eyes.

I shatter on my own.

At the doorway of summer,

And in the distant sky,

Like a drifting cloud of freedom,

Come!

Have you too… gone away?

The rays of sun spread out,

As the days bid farewell.

Melting away into the night,

The darkness covers life in silence.

To cause endless pain

Memories blaze like fire, searing my heart

Should we grab her?

Just give your word.

Through the entirety of my heart

All this time, wasn’t I the one fooling her, Rajesh etta..?

There was never anything real in our love.

In a way… maybe it’s for the best.

This flashy auto…

and chasing that horse-legged guy no need for it any more.

Vasu etta!

Huh? What’s this now?

What’s written up there?

Who left this written here?

What’s this now?

It’s written in Tamil!

[suspenseful music]

[Tamil] No one’s ever dared to face me till now.

[Tamil] But you…

[Tamil] you showed up in my town.

[Tamil] Even God didn’t know my face...

Face-ah?

[Tamil] until you made it public like a wanted poster.

Screwed!

[Tamil] That’s when...

[Tamil] I started liking you.

[Tamil] But...

...ending a game halfway? That's foul play!

Foul??

[Tamil] So let’s begin again… shall we?

[suspenseful music plays]

It wasn’t just something Dhanya left behind.

And now we’re stuck in an even bigger mess.

We were all pumped to take on that horse-legged guy.

In his case...

he took it as a challenge.

His trouble doesn’t bother anyone here any more.

Except the three of us!

Mom...

Mom, looks like I’ll have to pawn your other bangle too.

The auto's got a small issue.

You heard it, right?

Hey, Where's mom?

I don't know!

Mom!

Mom!

Oh God! Where's she?

Mom!

What happened?

Mom!

Hey! Don’t shout my name and make a scene!!

Don't act like a fool!

Do you know why I took a Kudumbashree loan and bought the auto?

To run it and bring in cash here!

If you don’t repay that loan,

I swear, not even a drop of water you'll get from me!

[Kalaripayatt moves] Right, side turn, jump

Shyam is the only one with a bit of sense.

People around here are saying it’s you who messed up his life.

-See! -What's it?

People will say all sorts of things!

Believe in the power of karma!

Do good,

and God will give you good in return.

[firecracker swooshes]

-Mom!! -Yea!

Hey, stop yelling!

Hey fool, shut the door and get out!

Mom!!

-Mom!! -Oh no!!

Come, come fast!

[screaming] Oh no!

Oh my! Son!

[loud cracker burst]

[screaming]

[suspenseful music]

Are you just fooling around here?

Get to the library.

Help out or do something worthwhile!

Ugh, this man!

Hey Shyam! Stop all this and just say something!

Yeah, right!

We better make a plan,

or we’re gonna lose control of this.

Shyam!

Hey machi, give me!

Customer is already frustrated.

-Take this too! -Give that quickly.

Here’s the kebab and the roast you ordered, here you go.

Ordered another dish, right?

That table only wants a quarter, right?

I'll bring soon.

How can I serve more? I’ve only got two hands

Hey!

Clear that table. Customers have left, right?

What?

But Shyam...

Hey, we stood by him through all those deadly messes.

Now he acts like we don’t even matter.

Leave it, Rajesh etta!

He’s already down, right?

He’ll be fine soon. Yeah!

Two and a half lakhs for one cent.

Let’s get one more, yeah?

Nice little hidden spot!

Yeah, I'll just take a leak and be back.

Hey, got a matchbox?

-Pass the matchbox. -Okay

O elusive Hemant… O shore of pristine snow…

O fragrant bloom…

O beauty beyond compare…

Be it the blazing sun

or the Earth’s endless spin

O beloved, is it the heat, or the lingering sorrow that burns?

Don’t talk like that and cause trouble here.

Not that place. It’s a different one.

Got it?

he breeze sweeps through the forest…

[screaming]

[man groans as he’s punched]

[thud as body hits]

What?

So, is it out by then?

Oh no!!

[Screaming in pain]

Rajesh etta!!

Can't hear!

-Louder! -[screaming]

Did you bring it when I asked?

Fate and destiny… the story of fate.

O one with a downcast, sorrowful face… what a heavy fate you bear?

Hey!!

Kanna!!

What happend?

Rajesh etta… my hand…it hurts!

-What's this? -That horse-legged guy!

- Betrayed… -Horse-legged guy did!!

Hey!

You filthy pig!

Trying to act smart while hiding, huh?

Come out into the light, man!

Hey!

[Pain grunts]

My hand!

Come!

[grunts]

Where is he, Amma?

He’s inside… hasn’t stepped out at all.

He’s not eating anything.

Hasn’t even spoken to me in days.

Open the door, Shyam!

I'm telling you! open the door!

[lock clicks open]

[door open]

Want it?

[scoffs]

[gulps]

Dude, he’s in the hospital because of you.

And you’re here celebrating!

He’s all I ever had, then and now.

If we meant anything to you, come with me…

Or...

If that girl matters more,

then rot and die here, you fool!

Yeah, so what!

Kidneys are easy to get these days.

No need to worry!

Careful, son!

-Oh my! -Huh?

-Don’t slam into me, idiot? -What did you just do?

Just fixing my shirt!

Hey, slide over, sun’s all on you.

-Shyam came to see me. -What?

-Did he come? -Yes

Wasn’t he high after drinking liquor?

Why’d you do all that, Rajeshetta?

You’re the older one here, right?

What’s the need to show off in front of him going through depression?

What’s the point?

Tsk!

When everything piled up, things just got out of hand.

Oh!

Anyway, he’s not on the right track.

Got a smoke?

Huh?

Is Hans enough?

He stuck his finger in my mouth and pulled it.

If I’ve kept Hans, it’s gonna puff up!

Ask!

Do it!

Come on!

No way!

[laughing]

[laughing]

[laughing]

[laughing]

-Come, son… let’s eat. -Not now, Mom!

What curry is it, Amma?

-We’ve got fish curry! -Fish curry?

Rajesh etta, it's fish curry!

-It's your favourite! -Come man!

Come!

-Come man! -Come inside!

Come!

Rajesh etta!

-What's dude? -What's it?

Sorry!

Aww, see Kanna!

He said sorry!

It's okay, man!

Come, let's go inside!

Come on!

After food, let’s go for a small ride.

-Where? -That's a surprise!

[mouse squeaking]

[grinding with foot]

[grinding]

[suspenseful music]

[bottle shatters]

[screaming]

[screaming in pain]

[engine revv]

Don't worry.

Just apply this, it'll heal!

Just calm down!

[sobs]

Enough... enough!

It's hurting!

It hurts!

[sobs]

I’ve put the medicine on, it’ll get better.

[sobs]

[sobbing]

[sobbing]

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

"We won’t spare you!"

Tte!!

This ain’t a shoot out…

shouting as pe! tte!

That pe! tte!

The archer’s not meant for you

I’ll smack every one of you!

I thought I’d go to Lanka, meet Sita Devi, and come back!

Tsk! Um...

That’s when Ravanan...

Shucks, this dialogue!

I set it off there...

What’s this, Vaasappa?

Do you even know the role you're playing in this?

You're playing Lord Anjayanan!

No! I'm Lord Hanuman!

Ugh! It means the same thing!

Speak up, and say it with confidence.

I'll go to Lanka, meet Sita Devi, and come right back!

You gotta get that tone right!

Like I said!

Hey! Don’t do stupid stuff here like before!

This was meant for everyone, not yours alone!

-Chill, Sita! -What Sita?

-See... ten heads! -So?

Still not enough!

All the morons are in the library!

Leave it, Rajesh etta...

What have they really done?

Let them celebrate if they want!

[distant stage performance]

We don’t have a retirement option in this.

We catch him, no matter what.

[distant stage performance]

Doesn’t he want to play games??

We’ll play too.

Shyam, If I get my hands on him...

I’ll bury him alive!

Rajesh etta!

Kanna!!

Shyam, it’s on fire, come fast!

Huh? What??

Someone set fire to the library.

Huh!?

Come on!

Come! Let's go!

Oh no! Run, quick!

Oh no Kuttapetta, do something!

Hey, Babu, quick!!

[chaotic crowd noise]

[chaotic crowd noise]

Oh no! Everyone hurry!

Help! Pour water! Hurry!

Pour water!! Hurry!

Move away!

Come on quick!

Oh no, everything's burned down...

Come on! Quick!

Tell them to put out the fire!

Come on, do something!

Hey Babu!

Hey, go on everyone?

Get the water! Pour it now!

Calm down! calm down!

[sobs]

Scoop it up! Pour it out!

[sobbing] Oh no!

[sobbing]

[faint crowd murmuring]

Everything’s gone… all burned down.

Hey, try to put the fire out!

Somebody do something!

[sobbing] Oh no! Everything's gone!

Oh no!

Who’s behind this?

Pour water!

Oh no!

[sobbing]

Oh no!

I won’t leave this place...

until those three who came after me are gone from this land!

Are they even getting it, Shaiju etta?

Villagers!

I'm Raj!

SI Pushparaj!

I was in the forests near the Karnataka border before this.

Heard of Veerappan’s hunt?

Yeah! Yeah!

That was me!

[applause]

I personally requested this transfer.

-Oh! -What for?

It's for the woman I'm going to marry...

for my love... Dhanya!

I only found out about all this...

when we came to see Dhanya as a bride.

And for my girl, I decided, I’ll catch him myself!

Oh, Great!

And Dhanya threw down a challenge, no wedding until it’s over.

[crowd applauds]

And yeah... I’m here to save all of you.

So yeah, why I called everyone here...

I did a preliminary investigation.

I don’t think he’s got any personal grudge. Nothing like that!

-Ever heard of psycho killers? -Yeah, heard of it!

For them, killing’s like an addiction.

His addiction is people’s fear.

Fear!

He attacked for no reason,

just to enjoy that fear.

I checked the department records...

found a similar case!

Reported just recently in a border village near Nellikampoyil.

When I analysed the details...

I was certain, it was the same person. And now, he’s here.

Woah! Super! Super!

Hey, is this the circus guy’s revenge you were talking about?

Revenge?

This guy, here in Nellikampoyil…

That’s all just a tale.

A tale was spun to give you courage… and you believed it?

The way things are done is the same.

What Sir said is true.

Dhanya

-Take evidence! -Oh ok

-Here! -Thanks for the bottle!

Hold this!

Psychos like him...

always have a specific modus operandi!

-What did he say? -[Pushparaj]: Got it?

Useless scum!

About pattern...

-That's can be called as butt -Yeah right!

When I asked Dhanya,

if she remembered anything specific about him.

The clue I got was...

the strong smell of alcohol from him.

So I followed that lead...

And at every spot he attacked...

these liquor bottles were found.

What does that tell us?

Before he gets into action, he gulps down this cheap liquor.

So, villagers, no need to worry!

Because...

Who’s gonna put an end to him?

SI Pushparaj will be the one to end him!

What are you thinking, dear?

Huh?

That's not it.

The dialogues were all punchy.

But what's the plan to catch him?

[laughing]

For sir, this is nothing!

We’re not supposed to share department stuff with our wives,

-Right Vineesh? -Yeah, right!

But Dhanya…

since you’re not officially my wife yet,

-I can spill a little. -Ok!

He only comes out every three days.

So...

I’ve officially ordered all beverages shops to stay shut for three days.

And since there’s no other bar or outlet in this village,

once he’s cut off,

his hands will start shaking.

And then, his real behaviour will come out.

He’ll start brewing. Right sir?

Come on man! No!

Even if he starts brewing...

It'll take at least seven days to turn into alcohol.

Takes time for that ammonium battery and fruit mix to ferment,

He’s not going to wait that long.

He’ll show up at the Beverages shop to steal a pint.

I’ll have him locked in by then.

How's my plan?

Very clever!

Really?

Seriously, that’s brilliant, sir! Too smart!

See Vineesh...

Just keep an eye outside.

[chuckles]

[TASMAC WINE SHOP]

Will he come, sir?

Even a self-controlled guy like Veerappan couldn’t resist my idea.

Vineesh!!

He’ll definitely come!

Let him come!

[tamil song playing]

What’s up, uncle?

Enjoying your drink, huh?

You think I don’t know...

where to get booze if the bars are shut?

Who the hell are you to sneak out only at midnight?

Owl, huh?

Aren’t you here during the day too?

Looks like you know everything that’s going on here.

Huh!

When all the toddy shop are shut,

I know exactly where to get military booze.

I did think about that plan once.

Come on man!

Shall we play now?

[rapid kicks and blocks]

[chuckles]

[nail tapping on wood]

As time flows, the heart turns into fire.

Come on!

[punches exchanged rapidly]

Silences climb like mountains.

As time flows, the heart turns into fire. -I’m ready to fight!

Silences climb like mountains.

[heavily breathing]

My dearest love

Forever seeking you

I too shall find you.

To walk beside you…

With you, my heart resides.

Come on! Fight with me.

Lights on!

Put the light on, Rajesh etta!

[lights on]

Shyam!!

Go and catch him!

Hurry up, man!

Catch that guy!

Shyam!

Run and grab him!

Don’t let him go! Catch him!

[Heavy breathing]

Hey!

[Heavy breathing]

You pig!!

That was my bottle you took!

Hey there!

-Come kanna! -Rajesh etta!

Catch him!

Hey!

Stop right there!

[heavy breathing]

Stop there!

Hey!

Shyam!

[screaming]

[heavy breathing]

[jump, thud]

[man laughing]

[man laughing]

Argh!

OH NO!!!

[pain grunts]

Oh my!

[grunts]

[heavy breathing]

Rajesh etta!!!

Kanna!!!

Rajesh etta!!!

[grunts]

[grunts]

[strong wind blowing]

[heavy breathing]

Shyam!

Huh?

Huh?

Huh?

Come here!

Come and have this!

Um.. huh!!

Come!

[man laughing]

[ghostly laughter echoes]

Come!

[Screams]

[man laughing]

Have this bite and go!

[ghostly laughter echoes]

[jump, thud]

[Screams]

Come on eat!

[heavy breathing]

Have this bite!

Come on eat!

Rot and die here, you bastard!

Promise!

Come on!

Have this!

Come on!

The night is not over…

[gulps, grunts]

The fear he held yesterday… shall vanish this very night.

The veil of darkness will lift… tonight, the night turns blue.

The fear he held yesterday… shall vanish this very night.

[stone impact,glass breaks]

The veil of darkness will lift… tonight, the night turns blue.

Running on and on… with no path in sight.

Fighters know not the prize they seek.

The battlefield’s edge remains unknown,

Yet the cat’s keen gaze misses nothing.

[screams]

Fighters know not the prize they seek.

Yet the cat’s keen gaze misses nothing.

Light, O radiant light… Heart’s own glow, shining bright…

-Light, O radiant light… -This is not over!

-Heart’s own glow, shining bright… -Come on!

Who… who… who… Races through the shattering night?

Who… who… who… Runs, shattering the night?

Face it… face it… The fight draws near, brave one

Stand tall… stand tall battle draws near, O brave one

[lights flickering]

[man laughing]

[jumps]

Not there!

Over here!!

[heavy breathing]

[jumps]

[grunts]

[grunts]

Hey!

Stop there!

[running footsteps]

Hey! Stop there!

[Grunts]

[man laughing]

[man laughing]

[man laughing]

[grunts]

Huh!

[man laughing]

[lash hits the ground]

[man laughing]

[raises lash threateningly]

[raises lash]

[grunts while lashing]

[fight breaks out]

[grunting, struggling]

Hey Shyam!

[grunts]

[Screams]

[heavy breathing]

[screams]

Don’t let him escape! Grab him!

[heavy breathing]

[man grunts]

Don't leave him!

Stop there!

Hey, you!!!

Stop there!

Don’t let him go! Grab him!

Grab him! Don't let him go!

Catch him! Don't leave him!

Come on!

Huh?

-Hey there he's! -Come on!

Oh no!

[screams]

There! There! Come on guys!

Jony!

He’s right here!

He's here!

He had no time to get away!

Hey!

Come on guys!

[running footsteps]

So many people are running!

Hey Vineesh, run faster!

Hey, run behind me!

Well, I am the SI, right?

Move aside! Back off!

What's it?

He's here somewhere!

[heavy breathing]

Sir! Sir!

It’s a river beyond that, sir.

Maybe he’s hiding up on a coconut tree.

It’s all coconut trees here how can we tell which one?

Point the flash light up!

Hey, wherever you are, surrender now!

Surrender!

Hey! Point the flash light up!

Sir, he's up in this tree!

Come on! Hurry up!

Take the shot, sir!

Sir, he's up there!

Hurry!

Don’t try to take the law into your own hands!

Don’t try to take the law into your own hands!

I’ll go up!

Come on! Get down!

Hey you fool! Do it properly!

Come on!

Climb on!

Get down here!

Sir, go up and grab him!

Come on catch him!

Come on! Climb and grab him!

Get down! come and get down!

Damn his horse-legged guy!!

We need to break his leg.

[kooli roars threateningly]

[screaming]

He fell!

He fell to the ground.

Move away!

Wait Shyam!

Come on smack him, sir!

Move aside!

Surrender! Surrender!

You won’t be able to escape now.

Surrender,Surrender!

You won't able to escape from here.

Huh?

Gunshot?

[strains and grunts]

Who shot it?

[screams in pain]

[painful grunt]

Vasappan!

You dare stealing from the military officer’s liquor crate...

You filthy pig!

Yes! Shot him in the leg!

Good shot old man!!

You did it!

CP Vineesh, take him!

Huh? What sir?

Hey, Lift him and lock him up inside!

[grunts in pain]

[grunts in pain]

Kooli’s eyes can see through any darkness.

He is the guardian deity of this land.

Well done, villagers.

Now everyone can sleep peacefully.

How's it?

[laughing]

Pushparaj stood by his word.

Right?

[laughing]

[window opens]

They believe that if danger comes to this hometown,

Kooli will appear as a guardian deity.

But when it comes to horse-legged guy,

I don’t know if that ever happened.

Truth is, I was never an enemy to that horse-legged guy.

For him, it was just timepass.

But because of him…

I defeated my biggest foe.

Fear!

It only ends in two ways…

Either you die clinging to it,

or someone is born who knows no fear!

O keeper of endless wisdom…

He who trembled yesterday… Tonight, that fear shall fade.

Fear of the dark will fade…

Tonight, the moonlight lingers long.

He who trembled yesterday… Tonight, that fear shall fade.

Fear of the dark will fade…

Tonight, the moonlight lingers long.

[windows closing]

Ghost:Shyama...

[screaming]

Don’t hold back, don’t hold back jump in, strike back

Bite through the reins of your mind, tear it apart

Sharpen the heartbeat that’s pounding inside

Count the light that hides away the dark

Don’t hold back, don’t hold back jump in, strike back

Bite through the reins of your mind, tear it apart

Sharpen the heartbeat that’s pounding inside

Sharpen the heartbeat that’s pounding inside

Throw the fear away, the win is yours to claim,

Don’t let your mind shake blind, forgetting the game.

Don’t sink in the tide where the ground won’t stay,

Even if you fall hard, it ain’t your grave today.

Scream loud, run or hide still, stand and hold your way.

The wolf that haunts you nonstop, grab it, don’t let go

Isn’t this the ocean with no other shore to know?

Even in a desert, the duty won’t fade

Obstacles come in many forms, don’t be afraid

With a frozen mind, don’t walk into the gate

Has the time gone dark, has the night turned to scars?

The hunt kicks off four souls moving hard.

Don’t let your knees tremble, don’t freeze in shock.

At dead midnight, don’t spin around in panic.

Don’t back off after seeing just one of the two.

If there’s none, still leave one share behind and move on.

Is it a monstrous presence, or an unseen form?

Will the temple lamp stand guard tonight?

At twilight, is it a heaven stuck in between?

Or will thunderbolts fall upon me?

Into the fierce forest I must step, I must claim a fearless heart.

With the strength of black iron I must strike,

I must guard against the pitch-black night.

Into the fierce forest I must step, I must claim a fearless heart.

With the strength of black iron I must strike,

I must guard against the pitch-black night.

Shyamaa.

Don’t sink into the groundless swamp.

Even if you stumble and fall, let it not be your grave.

Whether you scream or hide, still hold on tight.

Keep wrestling down the wolf that torments you without end.

Isn’t this the sea with no other shore?

Even in the desert, your duty stands.

Disguised in many forms, obstacles come.

Don’t step forward with a frozen heart.

Has the hour turned into darkness, has this night turned into wounds?

The hunt begins, with a pack of four wolves together.

Has the hour turned into darkness, has this night turned into wounds?

The hunt begins, with a pack of four wolves together.