Original subtitles

[Vintage Malayalam song playing]

[Vintage Malayalam song continues]

[Musical Night by Cochin Kalamela]

- Hey, son... Psst! - Huh?

Here's the orchestra list.

This is the final song.

Don't forget to add my name at the end of the announcement.

Saji Pattambi, Troupe Manager. Got it?

- What was that? - Saji Pattambi!

- Right, right. - Okay.

[Song continues]

[Vintage Malayalam song plays faintly in the background]

- Hey, Razak... - Yeah?

The visas for the Europe trip arrived.

Good for you, Saji Chetta.

Oh no!

What's wrong?

We submitted 15 passports for the trip.

But we got visas for only 14 people.

One person's visa is missing.

Whose visa is it?

[Song ends. Applause]

[Announcement] Keyboard: Francis.

[Claps]

Francis Chettan is cleared.

Violin: Xavier,

Linto,

Kundara Das.

The entire violin team has received visas.

Tumba: Joy.

[Claps]

Tumba Joy made it too.

Tabla: Surendran, Chacko.

[Claps]

Even Chacko, the troublemaker, got through.

Prabhendu on electric guitar.

[Claps]

[Mic feedback]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Scattered chuckles]

- Hey, Razak... - Yeah?

It's Prabhendu who didn't get the visa.

[Truck horn]

[Snoring]

[Playful music]

[Bus horn. Brakes screech]

- And then? - Huh?!

Okay, okay.

Let me sleep for a bit.

Prabha...

What's going on?

I'm searching for a jacket to handle the cold in Europe.

My jacket from the US tour has turned all mouldy.

I have to place the order today to get it before we leave.

Ah, true, true.

Hey, that room behind our rehearsal space...

I'm going to use it for two months, okay?

I'm vacating my current apartment.

So, to store my stuff...

So you already vacated your flat?

What is this? You could've at least asked me first!

Just a second. Let me just enter this OTP.

Wait, wait! Don't enter it! - 4--

They've cut the electric guitar, man.

You're the only one who's not coming on the trip!

What?!

[Sudden braking]

And then?

[Street food stall ambience]

- Who's having the omelette? - Just keep it here.

How about some chicken fry for you, sir?

It's our speciality.

We've also got quail fry.

- No need. - We have pork with Chinese potatoes.

- It's amazing. - Get going, will you?

He's a Namboothiri (Brahmin). Pure veg.

Then I'll remove the pork and get him the Chinese potatoes.

Hey, this isn't some wedding spread where food keeps coming.

I still have to pay you, right?

Will this idiot go around asking everyone the same thing?

We don't even have enough budget for everyone's omelettes.

If budget was a problem, you should've said it earlier.

You know, adding an omelette to the dosa gives it a touch of luxury.

I mean the electric guitar here, not the omelette!

Yeah, I asked them the exact same thing.

Then, that sponsor guy sent a message.

Let me find it.

Chetta, one of the investors pulled out at the last minute.

We can pull through only if we remove one person.

- So I... - And also...

Please convey my special apologies to Prabhendu Ma'am.

[Chuckles]

Prabhendu "Ma'am"? Idiot!

Look, Prabha...

Don't think I'm just trying to make you feel better.

What if this is actually for the best?

What? Being broke, homeless for two months, and starving?!

Oh, give me a break!

It's not like you come from some poor household!

Wouldn't even a tiny bit of your dad's and brother's puja income

be enough for you to manage a full Europe tour?

Wasn't it your ego that made you snap your sacred thread

and choose to live by cutting costs?

If someone loses faith and becomes an atheist,

that's their personal choice.

That is not ego. That's confidence.

- No, Prabha... I didn't mean-- - I'm not finished.

To become a truly passionate musician,

you have to sacrifice a lot of things.

Just imagine if A.R. Rahman had played it safe,

packed his lunch every day and gone to a bank job,

would we have even half the songs we performed on stage today?

Prabha, I wasn't trying to argue with you.

What I actually wanted to talk about was the passion you have.

You're the most talented person in our troupe.

Have any of these guys ever played for a movie?

You're the only one they call for studio recordings, right?

But that only happens once in a while, right?

Anyway, since your trip is cancelled,

you should attend your father's 70th birthday celebration.

Your elder brother called you so many times, right?

No, that's not a good idea.

Look...

There's a proven trend of grumpy dads becoming warm and loving

once they hit 70.

This is your chance to slip in and stay there for some time.

You can save money on food and rent, right?

Plus, free WiFi, free laundry! How great is that?

Hey, son! Got any quail eggs?

Him and his damn eggs!

Eggs! Eggs! Eggs!

Where do you keep shoving all these eggs?

So now it's quail eggs instead of chicken eggs?

Can't you eat a meal without eggs, huh?

[Radiant at 70 - Neelakandan Namboothiri]

[Serene veena notes]

- Indu...

- I know you won't come.

- But still, whenever you're free, if you come home,

it would make Dad very happy,

- even if he doesn't express it.

- Even uncle keeps talking about wanting to see you.

[Soothing music]

I'm busy.

I'll try.

[Cheerful village music]

[Brakes screech]

Passengers getting down at this stop, please step out.

[Sruthi note resonates]

[Radiant at 70 - Neelakandan Namboothiri]

Hello...

Huh?

Aadi, no. You'll get hurt.

When was this?

What?

What did you see while passing?

You must stay for lunch, okay?

There's nothing wrong with Dad.

Just stop the car and read that flex board properly.

Flex boards aren't just for funerals, you know!

Okay.

What is it, Thulasi?

Your Dad had asked me to let him know once the water filter service is done.

Ask them to wait for a bit.

I'll tell Dad right after the Minister leaves.

[Claps]

This is my eldest son, Deepankuran.

He was with me at Sabarimala.

Then I must have seen him.

Do you work with your Dad at the temple here?

Oh no.

He's always abroad.

He handles only VIP pujas.

He's flying to Kenya tonight.

And from there, to Dubai.

He even moved closer to the airport for convenience.

And this is his wife.

Where is your younger son?

He'll be late.

- Let's click the photo. - Alright.

Sir, over here!

[Camera click]

[Soft music]

[Whimpering softly]

Hey, Pappu!

[Whimpering softly]

Why are you coming in from the back, Indu?

There were too many people at the front, Thulasi Chechi.

Dad was there too.

I just wanted to avoid creating a scene.

And this way, I could see Pappu too.

Not Pappu. You have to call him “Uncle Pappu” now.

When your mother brought him here from behind the temple,

my child was only four days old then.

She's studying in fifth grade now.

He really lost all his cheer after Mom passed away, didn't he?

Not just him…

You did too.

[Radio tuning static]

[Sanskrit news plays on radio]

[Exhales sharply]

Sigh! How many times do I have to tell him?

Ugh!

[Toilet flushes]

[Heartwarming music]

Welcome back, Indu!

You know, if you press that like this after peeing, it sprays water.

It doesn't even take a second.

Why do you have to make the whole room stink?

We're already peeing into water, aren't we?

So why flush more water in?

Aha! So uncle's favourite is here!

Indu, I need to leave right away to catch my flight.

Go take a quick shower, wear a nice mundu,

and go take care of things downstairs.

I have a doubt, Uncle.

For the puja in Kenya, ebony twigs are required for the sacred fire.

That's not easy to get at the moment.

And we also need to check in early.

Is there an alternative I can use?

- Isn't it for an auspicious occasion? - Yes.

Then just use small twigs from the Bael tree.

That's a relief! We have Bael in stock.

Okay, so that's sorted.

Want me to bring you anything from Kenya?

Bring back a Kenyan beauty for our chronic bachelor here.

Sounds good. Just make sure she belongs to the Namboothiri clan!

Yeah, right! High hopes you have!

- Okay. I'll call you, Indu. - Okay.

- I'll come see you when I'm back. - Alright, alright.

Deepu Chettan bought his assistant a car.

I heard he pays him very well, too.

If you still had your sacred thread on, Deepu would've taken you along.

Had you stayed with Neelakandan,

you would've been the chief priest of our family temple by now.

Well, it's all because of the path you chose, isn't it?

At least what I chose...

is something I can feel and hear.

All you have is hype, right?

There's nothing to see or hear.

That's enough.

He's just ignorant!

Forgive this ignorant fool, O Lord!

And please remind him to flush after he urinates, O Lord!

Please don't mind!

[Warm music]

[Guitar strums softly]

[Chanting mantras]

[Indian classical music]

Rupesh, the owner of the shop is this madam here.

Oh!

I'm not saying this just because I did it, but the puja was a big success.

It's all the Lord's blessing.

Correct.

- Sreekutta... - Yes.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

Hmm!

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna...

Sreekutta...

You can take it yourself, sir.

[Melancholic music]

I'm not saying this just because I did it,

but the puja was a big success.

- So? - So, well...

- Sreekutta... - Yes.

Just check whether that broom works.

The broom is in excellent working condition.

But you'll need to pay me extra for cleaning.

Don't be so greedy, Sreekutta.

Why shouldn't I be?

Don't I take on these low-budget pujas for you too?

- Is that so? - Yes.

Then why were you trying to find a new assistant instead of me?

No way! Would I ever do that?

Oh, really?

Just a minute.

- Bhasi, that Sreekuttan is a complete fraud.

- Do you know anyone else who can assist me?

[Playful music]

Even if I say all this, I'm really fond of you.

Of course, I know that, Rupeshetta!

And that ₹500 the madam gave…

I'm keeping it.

Just consider it my travel expense.

- Huh? - Yeah.

[Melancholic music]

- Aren't you happy, Rupeshetta? - Yes.

I'll get going. I've got work.

- Pavithran... - Yes?

We need to leave at 4:30 AM tomorrow.

Okay.

Unni, start cutting vegetables for the Sambar at 3:30 AM.

So where's the feast, Aunty?

In Thrissur.

Oh! You got your bike fixed?

That's great.

- I'll be here for a couple of months. - Okay.

The 70th birthday feast was fantastic, Uncle.

I couldn't eat on a banana leaf because I arrived late.

Come on! Subramanyan Namboothiri's feast must be eaten on a banana leaf!

It's really embarrassing when you talk about yourself in the third person, Dad!

Hello!

Give me your phone, Mom.

How's your uncle keeping, Indu?

He's doing well overall. Only his leg is giving him some trouble.

Hey, do you need a towel?

No need. I showered before I came.

- I'm heading to the temple pond. - Okay.

Looking handsome!

What's on Aunty's mobile phone?

I just checked Anagha's WhatsApp status.

I can't see it.

She blocked me after we broke up.

- Aren't you ashamed? - Why should I be?

It's not like I'm bothering her.

Even if we're out in the semifinals,

we still need to know who wins the cup, right?

And don't step on the snake.

- What? - What?

Ugh! Aren't you ashamed?

- Rupe... - Yeah?

Do you know of any jobs

that could help me get by for the next couple of months?

There are many options in my dad's line of work.

Would you be willing to serve at feasts?

No, that won't suit me. Too many people, too much noise…

Do you know how to grate coconuts?

How about chopping vegetables?

No way! If I hurt my hand, I won't be able to play the guitar.

Why don't you just work as my assistant?

As a priest's assistant?

That's not happening.

Didn't you and your brother Deepu study the Vedas properly together?

Even after all this time, I haven't learned as much as you.

But I'm still able to keep it going, right?

But that was ages ago.

I'm not really convinced about this whole "God" concept anymore.

In that case, are you certain we'll even be alive tomorrow?

That just comes down to luck.

So why not treat that luck as God?

[Distant chatter]

Hey, tell them to buy it only if they really need it!

[Eerie music]

[in Hindi] Bhai, this is quality stuff.

Hey, where are those guys headed?

This has been going on for a week.

No fire, no smoke.

Must be hardcore stuff!

Here? With me around?

How dare they!

- Rupe... - I'm not the same Rupa anymore. Move!

Rupe, drop it! You'll land in trouble!

This is common everywhere!

Just zip it!

Hey! Hey!

Who are you guys? Huh?

What's going on here?

Go on! Go home!

Clear out!

Want me to call the cops?

[In Hindi] Go, go! Go home!

Say something, man.

Who the hell are you guys?

Look at those jeans, that bag, that chain!

You better cut that hair and beard tomorrow!

Just chase this pest away.

[Playful music]

Scared?

Me? What for?

Oh no!

No, child! Don't do that!

I said don't!

Oh, Goddess!

Don't! Oh, Goddess!

- Run! - I am running!

That child has such perfect aim!

Indu, I am coming!

Take the soap and towel with you.

[Sinister music]

Okay.

[Sinister music]

[Guitar plays]

[Stops playing guitar]

Chetta, that was awesome!

You elevated the song to the next level.

It's all because of the Goddess's grace!

- Right, chetta? - Yes, yes.

Can I just GPay you?

[Cheeky music]

You don't have cash?

Err... Sanaletta...

We don't have cash. It'll be credited to your account.

Don't worry.

Nice work.

Psst... Psst!

[Playful music]

I've told you so many times

not to call me for these low-budget music albums.

Oh, I see!

You said I should call you even for a ₹1000 job.

This one pays ₹2500.

- Then where is it? - It'll come when it comes.

I barely have money to get home, Faizal.

Don't get stressed, Prabha.

Money comes today, goes tomorrow.

How can it go tomorrow if it hasn't come today?!

You know the composer Viraj Trivedi, right?

He's looking for new electric guitarists from Kerala.

There's a new Malayali girl in his management team.

That's where this came from.

Remember the session you did for Justin?

I've already sent it to them!

All his movie and stage-show teams are from Mumbai.

Photo! Photo!

But it's worth a shot, right?

- What? - I said, we can try!

Okay.

Is this to check your oxygen level?

It's for credit card verification.

- Want one? - No, no! It's too stressful!

You can withdraw up to ₹60,000 per month, sir.

- Really? - Yes.

Hell yeah! Bro, get him one.

What do you do for a living, sir?

I'm a musician.

Oh, then you'll definitely be rejected.

- Huh?! - Sign here.

Sir, one photo.

Don't smile so much.

Bro!

You got ₹200?

I went to Ernakulam yesterday and came back with nothing.

There's zero stock!

How would I have money?!

Why don't you just ask your dad?

Me? Ask him?

Not in this lifetime!

[Laughs]

What is it?

Never mind, it's fine.

Who is fine? Me?

Well, not that...

If you have something to say, just say it.

Do you have change?

How much for?

For... errr... two hundred.

Will two hundreds work?

A single 200 rupee note is also fine.

Then that isn't really “change,” is it?

[Everyone laughs]

Why do you need it?

Just to step out for a while.

Then why don't you just… step out?

[Laughs loudly]

I was thinking I'd get a tea as well.

Oh...

- One minute. - Okay.

You recognise us, don't you?

Of course!

I remember seeing your daughter when she was very young.

She's grown up so much!

Oh no, she's just my neighbour.

When I told her we were coming here,

she came along to see your ancestral house.

Yeah, yeah.

Oh, sorry!

You both have a son, right?

This is my brother.

My husband is in Qatar.

[Bittersweet music]

It's okay. Don't worry.

Here you go.

There's enough tea for three cups.

Help yourself whenever you want.

Okay?

Back in our day, if Father knew I drank tea from outside,

I'd get beaten instantly.

Kids these days...

they are just different.

[Laughs loudly]

That was funny!

Weren't you the first one to gain fame here, Prahladan Namboothiri?

Even my father started off as your assistant, right?

So what?

How do you put up with Dad's attitude and still stay here?

Because I'm very fond of myself.

Huh?!

What do we really want in life?

Someone who loves us dearly, and takes good care of us.

Right?

Yes.

Why can't I be that person?

I love myself dearly.

And I take very good care of myself.

You don't care about anyone but yourself!

You have no idea what I'm going through!

[quotes a sloka from the Mahabharata]

What comes next?

Say it out loud. Don't you know this sloka?

[completes the sloka]

What does it mean?

No crisis can take away your ability to think.

If you apply that ability, wealth can be earned again.

Simple.

That's it.

Now go on, earn.

[Gentle, uplifting music]

Aunty, where's Rupesh?

He's bathing in our pond.

I don't know why... He's stopped going to the temple pond.

[Crickets chirping]

Rupe...

Yeah?

I'm ready.

Ready for what?

I'm ready to put on the sacred thread

and perform pujas.

[Cheerful melody begins]

♪ The crystal-clear star in the heavens so bright ♪

♪ It's holding its solemn vigil in worshipful light ♪

♪ To the tune of the soft chant in gentle sway ♪

♪ That blooms on the tongue's tip in a blossoming way ♪

♪ Within the realm of fading memories that drift like shade ♪

♪ The Vedas endure, refusing to fade ♪

♪ Counting them one by one as patterns shift ♪

♪ Habits change, letting the unwanted drift ♪

♪ Not seeing with the outer eyes, perceiving where the inner soul lies ♪

♪ Without seeking the safety of faith's embrace ♪

♪ On the stylus tip where thought arises, what counts as truth, what slips as lies ♪

♪ Don't worry about any of that today, Just turn to yourself, be yourself your way ♪

[Everything is a Delusion]

♪ The crystal-clear star in the heavens so bright ♪

♪ It's holding its solemn vigil in worshipful light ♪

♪ To the tune of the soft chant in gentle sway ♪

♪ That blooms on the tongue's tip in a blossoming way ♪

♪ Within the realm of fading memories that drift like shade ♪

♪ The Vedas endure, refusing to fade ♪

♪ Counting them one by one as patterns shift ♪

♪ Habits change, letting the unwanted drift ♪

♪ In some distant sanctuary set high in the sky ♪

♪ Who is there above us to whom we must bow or comply? ♪

♪ Is any light greater, any radiance akin ♪

♪ Than the fire that blazes brightly, fiercely within? ♪

Seriously? Lighting a match in a fireworks shop?

♪ This is the start, the time to prepare with heart… ♪

♪ We must seize the battlefield, whatever it costs ♪

♪ We must loosen the tangles, undo all the knots… ♪

♪ We must chant the mantra fearlessly, and must rise to our victory ♪

♪ Let us move forward, ahead of the rest ♪

♪ By your own true being, Blaze forth as lightning at its best ♪

♪ As time's own phases onward glide, as your rituals flow in a faithful tide ♪

♪ As your deeds take form on life's broad shelf, discover yourself within your self ♪

♪ The crystal-clear star in the heavens so bright ♪

♪ It's holding its solemn vigil in worshipful light ♪

♪ To the tune of the soft chant in gentle sway ♪

♪ That blooms on the tongue's tip in a blossoming way ♪

[Song fades out]

[Children playing]

- Indu... - Yeah?

I just noticed something.

Has your accent changed slightly?

- Is that what has come to pass? - Yes!

Exactly! That's our traditional accent.

Does that really matter?

Priest, breakfast is ready.

- Please have it before you leave. - Is that so?

- Can't we just eat at home later? - There's only Upma at home.

It's masala dosa here. I'll be right back.

Oh dear...

Five, six...

6 x 5 = 36... It's okay.

Move.

This looks good!

- Did you make this, Paulose? - Yes.

- Is it made of teak? - Yes.

Paulose insists it's teak.

Then it must've cost a lot.

Anything Paulose builds never comes cheap, right?

I just hope it's sturdy enough.

It's sturdier than the wig on your head.

Better hold on to it. Don't let it fly away.

How many people can sit on this, Paulose?

It won't move an inch even if the whole village sits on it.

Stop exaggerating, Paulose!

Me? Exaggerating?

Please step aside, sir.

I'll prove it now!

All of you, move aside.

Come here, son.

You sit there.

All you kids, go and sit.

Go sit, Chechi. Go on.

Come on, everyone. Come and sit.

- What? You want to sit, Priest? - No, no.

Please sit. It'll be an honour.

Move aside. Let the priest sit.

- No, really... - Go on, sit.

How about now?

Call your dad or mom, whoever's around.

Let them try swinging on it.

[Cheerful Indian classical music]

Psst...

Coming?

Come here, big shot!

Give it a good push!

Oh my!

Oh no!

[Shouts and cries]

Nothing to worry!

The swing is perfectly fine.

[Cries loudly]

Go on, cry again.

[Cries loudly]

Shush!

[Muffled cries]

Move, move!

[Melancholic music]

Rupe!

[Cow moos]

Does it hurt, son?

Not at all.

The doctor said the MRI scan showed nothing wrong with his head.

Such a waste of money!

At least the X-ray was worth it.

It shows swelling at two spots on his spine.

Luckily, with Indu around, all the pujas you agreed to won't be cancelled.

- Yes. - Hmm.

Now, if you both could step outside.

I need to talk to Indu in private.

Go on.

Go on, Mom!

Let's go.

- Indu... - Yeah?

Yes, I'm your cousin.

But now...

Now what?

Now I'm your employer too.

So what?

You're fully capable of doing pujas on your own now,

and making your own money.

That makes me proud.

Look, I'm not planning to do this forever.

I'll leave once I'm financially stable.

Sure, you can leave.

That's not my point.

From tomorrow, we split whatever you earn from the pujas,

fifty-fifty.

Huh?!

But I'm the one doing the puja!

And I'm the one bringing in the clients, right?

- Rupe! - Listen, Indu...

When family and friends turn into business partners,

having clarity about financial matters

can help prevent future conflicts.

There's no point spoiling our relationship over it.

That's all I wanted to say.

- 60-40. - Yeah, that's fine. Fine.

40 is fine, 40 is fine.

You are happy, right?

[Ceremonial bell rings]

[Song restarts]

♪ It clears up like the sky in its vast renew ♪

♪ It fills like the ocean of milk breaking through ♪

♪ Ascend the chariot of that wisdom alive within you ♪

♪ And continue your journey, steady and true ♪

♪ Every single battle that comes our way ♪

♪ Let us face it with blazing determination each day ♪

♪ On the stylus tip where thought arises, what counts as truth, what slips as lies ♪

♪ Don't worry about any of that today, Just turn to yourself, be yourself your way ♪

♪ The crystal-clear star in the heavens so bright ♪

♪ It's holding its solemn vigil in worshipful light ♪

♪ To the tune of the soft chant in gentle sway ♪

♪ That blooms on the tongue's tip in a blossoming way ♪

♪ Within the realm of fading memories that drift like shade ♪

♪ The Vedas endure, refusing to fade ♪

♪ Counting them one by one as patterns shift ♪

♪ Habits change, letting the unwanted drift ♪

[Song fades out]

Prabha... Just a minute.

- Almost done. - Okay.

Hey, Prabha...

Faizal told me.

Congrats!

Don't forget us when you make it big in Bombay!

Oh, come on!

Hey...

I've sent you a request on Instagram.

I'm not very active on it.

Well, you can just accept it right now.

[Phone rings]

Oh... just a minute.

Hey, Rupe...

Indu, where are you?

Remember I told you about Viraj Trivedi, the Hindi music director?

He loved the track I sent him.

He has called me to the studio for a video call session.

Wow, congrats! That's amazing!

What are you doing tomorrow evening?

I've got a Ganesha Puja at Kadampuzha at dawn.

I thought I'd watch a movie later in the evening.

Ugh! That's a horrible movie!

But I never told you which movie it was!

Oh, you didn't?

- He didn't! - Yeah, you didn't.

Anyway, listen...

Can you handle one more puja tomorrow?

You can go after 6:00 PM.

The pay is huge!

The biggest one our astrologer Krishnanunni has ever given us!

What kind of puja?

A lawyer from Palakkad...

His son who's a 12th grade student, is said to be possessed.

He's been seeing and hearing things.

Rupe, I honestly don't know anything about exorcisms.

Hey, I'll walk you through it.

I'll send you a PDF on WhatsApp with updated chants and procedures.

Otherwise, it's the same Sudarshana Homam setup.

Just add more fire and flowers for extra punch.

[Ominous tone]

Sometimes I wonder why we named you 'Rupe'. You're obsessed with money.

How is that my fault?

Hey... please!

Alright.

- And hey, don't forget... 60-40.

Yeah, okay.

Hey Prabha...

Sorry, man. Not today.

Viraj sir's manager just called.

He worked through the night and is sleeping during the day.

Okay.

That's fine. Just keep me posted next time.

Okay?

Okay.

So...

Can you add my Insta ID now?

Chokichosky.

Chokay... I mean, okay.

[Straight from the heart]

If you're going for physiotherapy, use the car.

Ha! It's such a struggle for me to climb down into that low car

and then haul myself back up.

An auto rickshaw is far more comfortable.

Don't you have a puja today?

Yes.

- Be careful. - Okay.

What, am I supposed to drive it myself now?

[Honks]

Hey, what's all this you've been chopping off?

Will you destroy all the plants?

For the plants, this is just like a haircut.

They might even be enjoying it.

I'm crazy about plants, you know.

Shall we go?

[Door closes]

Name?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

It's also called "China Rose".

Not that! What's your name?

Oh!

I'm Animon.

- Ready to go? - Yeah, let's go.

Feel free to take the car when you go for your pujas.

It's okay. I'll just go in this auto.

[Soft sad tone]

[Lift doors open]

What puja is happening so late, sir?

Is it for the Goddess?

No! It's an exorcism.

[Ominous tone]

[Doorbell rings]

- Advocate Dileep? - Yes.

Rupesh had called.

Need a hand with your supplies?

No, it's fine. I have someone with--

[Ominous music]

I'll call the driver.

[Unsettling tone rises]

Can I keep this here?

Yes, please.

Just the grass mat is left, right?

Yes, that's it.

- You can bring the boy in 10 minutes. - Okay.

Deepthi Chechi!

Here you go.

It'll be ready in 10 minutes.

[Unsettling tone rises]

Alright.

Do you practice at the District Court here?

Yes, for the past two months.

- I'm from Kuttikkanam. - I see.

[Guitar strings play]

Whose guitar is that?

That's Kuttu's.

Ah... I mean, Avinash.

He plays really well.

He always says, "I'm hungry, Latha Chechi."

Now, he has zero appetite.

[Unsettling tone]

Oh.

Didn't you take him to a doctor?

We did. There's a doctor at NIMHANS.

Dr. Raphael. He's brilliant.

We consulted him.

Kuttu is on medication too.

But my wife insisted on having this puja done.

I don't really believe in any of this.

[Door opens]

[Unsettling music. Anklets jingle]

You can sit.

Kutta... Sit down, son.

Sit down.

You can sit with him, Ma'am.

That will make him more comfortable.

Sit down, son.

When did all this begin?

It's been about a week now.

One night, he walked into our room crying and lay down beside us.

He says someone keeps approaching him, trying to say something.

A man or a woman?

It's a young girl.

Now he needs me with him 24/7.

Even when he goes to the bathroom!

[Unsettling music]

Hello!

[Unsettling music rises]

He makes no eye contact at all now.

I see.

We're about to begin the puja.

The spiritual reading suggests this is a case of possession.

Once this puja is complete,

the spirit will leave his body and merge with the supreme.

[Ceremonial chanting with music]

[Ceremonial chanting continues]

[Distant dog barking]

[Ceremonial chanting continues]

[Conch shell blows]

[Ceremonial chanting continues]

[Music turns reflective]

[Soothing music]

[Music swells dramatically]

Hi Latha Chechi...

Huh?

[Uplifting music]

Kuttu! Oh, my son!

- Latha, are you seeing this?

It worked?

Dileepetta!

That's not possible!

- Look, our son! - Hey, Kuttu! Are you okay?

Yeah, I am okay.

Deepthi!

See? Didn't I tell you?

[Gentle, soothing music]

[internalized sacred echoes]

- Gho... - Gho...

Go on, say it.

You go ahead.

The ghost is definitely gone.

All the chants I sent you worked like a charm.

Oh, come on! They had already consulted a doctor.

I think the medicine finally kicked in.

Oh...

Still, if that lawyer paid ₹1 lakh instead of the ₹60,000 we asked…

- Indu... - What?

Ever since you started wearing the sacred thread and doing pujas,

don't you feel some kind of divine presence?

I see this as a job I'm paid for.

So shouldn't I just be sincere, stay disciplined,

and do the job I was hired for as honestly as I can?

- You should. - That's what this 'presence' means to me.

Oh.

I'm leaving.

And I need a three-day break, starting day after tomorrow.

Oh no, no, no!

I've already scheduled three pujas for you!

- Take your break after that. - No! No way!

How about 60-40?

- 70-30. - Okay.

Mom, give me your phone.

She hasn't posted any status update today!

Oh.

[Melancholic music]

[Phone rings]

Hello?

There are several types of silver idols here for today's ritual.

I've sent you the photos.

Which one should I get?

Oh, just a second.

Get the smallest one.

Okay, okay. I'll take this one.

By the way, who's that Chinese fellow in your WhatsApp DP?

Chinese fellow?

[Ominous tone]

He's a Korean singer.

Oh, I see.

For a moment, I thought I'd called the wrong person.

- Alright then. - Okay.

[Ominous tone]

Thank you.

Okay.

[Comically menacing music]

Hello.

You're Prabhendu, aren't you?

I'm Sreekuttan.

I used to be Rupeshettan's assistant.

Oh!

Rupeshettan used to talk about a cousin

who left home twelve years ago,

threw away his sacred thread, and has been wandering around playing the guitar.

So that's you, huh?

And on top of that, you're an atheist!

Good heavens!

Let's keep this between us.

[Comically menacing music]

So what if I charge a little extra?

You're better off with me by your side.

Okay, right?

Yes, we're okay!

[Music rises]

[Yells]

[Indistinct voices]

Oh dear...

What just happened?

He must be hurt. Move, move.

[indistinct chatter]

- Are you hurt? - You're okay, right?

- Hello! - Is he okay?

Oh Goddess!

If I've done anything wrong without meaning to,

please forgive me, Priest.

Let's go.

Chechi, are you Prabhendu?

- Huh? - I asked if you're Prabhendu.

- No. Why? - I have a parcel for Prabhendu.

- Give it to me. - To you?

- What's the problem? - Go call Prabhendu Chechi.

I'll hand it over to her myself.

Not Chechi. He's a Chettan.

- Chettan? - Yes.

Alright. Go call him then.

I'll make sure the crows don't peck it.

Wait here.

There's a parcel for you, Indutty.

For me? What could it be?

I haven't ordered anything!

Maybe you've got the wrong address.

Prabhendu N. Namboothiri, Mullasseri House.

That's you, right?

- Yeah. - Here you go.

But I don't even have your app on my phone...

It's there, right?

You'll get an OTP. Can you read it out?

[Message notification]

- 6, 2, 0... - 6, 2, 0...

- 4, 0, 9. - 4, 0, 9.

- Okay. - Wait, what about the payment?

That's already done.

Payment was through credit card.

Credit card? But I never added my credit card to--

So that's saved too?

This is clearly a mistake.

Please return this.

I can't just take it back.

I need a return token from the company.

That'll take a couple of days.

I swear, I didn't order this.

Sir, if you have a complaint,

take your time and call customer care.

That's what they're there for, right?

[Unsettling tone]

What's going on with your phone? You've been glued to it for a while.

I'm just deleting some unnecessary apps from my phone, Uncle.

The WhatsApp photo keeps changing on its own!

It's downloading apps on its own and ordering clothes with my credit card!

Must be some Chinese app.

Did you lose any money?

Yup.

I've requested a refund.

Hopefully it comes through.

[Crickets chirping]

[Owl hooting]

[Thunder rumbles]

[Dog whines softly]

[Indistinct noise]

[Heavy thunder rumbles]

[Ominous music]

[Startled yelp]

Hi!

[Ominous music]

Hey, don't panic.

I'll go and come back later.

Bye!

[Thunder rumbles]

[Ominous music]

[Music rises]

[Music fades out]

[Morning birds chirping]

[Exhales sharply]

[Toilet flushes]

Why did you sleep here last night?

What's with this sudden affection?

I had a dream last night.

It really shook me.

Oh!

There was a girl...

She was just sitting there, staring at me.

A very beautiful girl.

That's a standard dream for bachelors well past their marriage age.

Even at my age, I get such dreams.

So naturally, you would too!

This wasn't like that.

I even heard her voice clearly.

She said, "I'll go and come back later."

This is a 90-year-old ancestral home, right?

All sorts of things can show up here.

Damn!

I've been available right next door for all these years,

and not a single one ever came to see me!

Nah, this one seems pretty modern.

She didn't even try to scare me.

She was just sitting there casually, scrolling through my phone.

Next time you see her, send her my way.

At least I'll have some company.

Hey, call Paul and ask him to send an autorickshaw.

I've got a meeting at ten.

Okay.

[Ominous music]

[Startled gasp]

Hi!

Good morning.

Please, come in.

[Playful music]

Come on in.

Kuttoos had an Android phone, you know.

I was never really comfortable with Android.

The fact that you have an iPhone is such a relief, Prabha!

Which 'Kuttoos'?

Remember the puja you did that day?

What was his real name again?

Oh... Avinash!

Gosh, he was such a cutie!

But scared out of his mind.

So scared, he wouldn't even make eye contact!

How are you supposed to talk to someone who won't even look at you?

But you're very brave, Prabha.

You have good eye contact.

I like it. Ten on Ten!

But you did get scared yesterday.

It's totally understandable.

Anyone would have been scared.

It was your first time, right?

[Nervous laugh]

By the way, is it okay if I call you Prabha?

Sure.

I noticed your friends calling you that in your chats.

Also, it's such an interesting name.

Prabhendu.

Super sweet.

I like it.

- I really like it. - Indu!

- I need the auto rickshaw only at 11 o'clock.

- I just read the notice.

Okay!

[Playful music]

Alright, you can have your phone back now.

I don't need it again till the night.

[Playful music continues]

[Birds chirping]

Anxiety?

Bipolar?

No.

Then what on earth is it?

Huh?!

I was talking to her.

It's not dry yet.

Can you please call Doctor Raphael?

That's me. What's the matter?

So… I'm a person who performs pujas.

Three days ago, I went to a house for a puja.

- Not a house, actually a flat, for puja-- - Stop, Stop!

Could you please move, Chechi?

- Continue. - Like I said, I perform pujas.

Three days ago, I went to a flat for a puja.

It was meant to drive out a spirit.

His parents said they had brought him to you, Doctor.

Avinash. He's slightly chubby…

Oh, yes!

Anyway, after the puja, he recovered completely.

But now I'm experiencing the same symptoms he had.

I'm seeing the same girl he said he used to see.

I saw her last night, and again today, in broad daylight.

I could hear her voice too. Crystal clear.

Can you see her right now?

[Ominous music]

Not right now.

And?

Well, that's all.

Also, the moment I saw that boy, I understood what the issue was.

Seeing people who aren't there, hearing voices nobody else hears…

Sheezo-phrenia!

Schizophrenia.

I Googled it and I have all the symptoms.

- You Googled it? - Yeah.

I'm willing to take any medication.

Am I talking too fast right now? Doctor, are you following me so far?

Didn't you say you fixed Avinash's problem with your puja?

- Yes. - Then similarly…

why not perform a puja and cure your own condition?

I...

I don't believe in God, Doctor.

I'm...

an atheist.

Huh?!

Then how can you be doing pujas?

Well...

I'm basically a musician.

A guitarist. I'm on a short break right now.

I was trained in all these rituals until I turned nineteen.

When did you begin losing faith in this "item"?

Which "item," Doctor?

God.

[Gentle, nostalgic music]

Well... that...

Come with me.

[Gentle, nostalgic music continues]

One day, it was just my mother and me at home.

My brother, father, and uncle had gone to Delhi for a puja.

Mom and I were watching an A.R. Rahman concert on Doordarshan.

Mom had Master's degree in Music.

She even played the veena.

We have a shrine inside the house, almost like a small temple.

When it was time to do the puja there,

I purified myself and went inside.

We call it the 'Thevaram'.

Just as I lit the lamp and began the Puja,

I heard my mother calling out to me loudly.

I ignored it.

I thought I would finish the puja first.

When I went back,

I saw my mom lying face down on the floor, next to the sofa.

The moment I held her, I knew she was gone.

It was a cardiac arrest.

[Gentle, nostalgic music continues]

I held my mom in my lap and stared right at the lamp,

still burning after the puja.

I could see it clearly from where I was.

That day,

more than sadness, what I felt was anger.

In that moment,

I lost my connection with God.

Man, this is your real issue!

You have deep-seated trauma.

No way.

Those two things have nothing to do with each other.

Whether they're connected or not, let's deal with this trauma first.

What if that girl shows up again?

Let her show up.

She'll go away the same way she appeared.

I'll give you a simple fix for that.

There's a tablet that contains melatonin.

It's not a sleeping pill.

Just take it before you go to bed.

You will get a good sleep.

Huh?

Don't I need any other medicine?

There's no better medicine in the world than a good night's sleep.

Trust me. You're fine.

[Hopeful music]

[Music fades out]

[Crickets chirping]

[Playful music]

[Switch clicks on]

Okay.

[Playful music continues]

Okay.

[Owl hoots in the distance]

[Playful music continues]

You are okay!

You are okay!

[Distant dog barking]

[Dog whines softly]

[Indistinct sound]

[Swing creaks]

[Swing creaks]

[Distant dog barking]

[Swing creaks]

[Swing creaks]

[Ominous music builds]

[Indistinct cry]

[Indistinct laughter]

[Indistinct phone sounds]

[Ominous music]

[Startled yelp]

Hi!

I didn't want to wake you up, so I just came and sat here quietly.

Anyway, I'm glad I saw you today.

Why should we keep startling each other like this?

We're well past that stage now, aren't we?

[Playful music]

Whoa! Relax.

This isn't a dream.

Look, the time is 1:40 AM.

Uncle just went to the wash room and got back in bed.

As usual, he didn't flush.

Shall I flush it for him?

I can do it from here.

[Toilet flushes]

[Playful music continues]

Shall I turn on the light?

[Bulb shatters]

Sorry, I'm just figuring this out.

You just need to change the bulb.

Indu!

I think he got up.

Tell you what. You go back to sleep.

You've taken the medicine, right?

And if you don't mind, I need to check some stuff on this.

I'll return it in the morning.

[Door opens]

What was that sound?

[Playful music continues]

Oh! He can't see me.

Your uncle can't see me.

Oh!

What do you mean, 'Oh'?

I asked what that sound was.

Oh, that...

I think the bulb blew from a voltage surge.

My dear Indu,

just say your prayers and go to sleep.

No faith in God, but scared out of your wits!

Ugh!

Go back to sleep, Prabha.

I'm okay out here.

By the way, good call on placing the return request for the kurta.

I ordered the white kurta with lavender accents.

But I think they sent white with pink instead.

Anyway, I've scheduled the pickup for tomorrow.

Just make sure you hand it over.

Is there something you want to ask me?

Finally! Go on, ask me.

Who... are you?

I hate to say this.

But I think I'm a ghost.

Yeah, I think so.

[Ceremonial chanting with music]

[Ominous music builds]

Pradeep...

July 12th and 13th are auspicious days.

Plan it accordingly.

Okay?

What are you doing here at this hour?

[Chuckles]

What's in the bag?

[Laughs]

Psst... psst!

Don't! Don't! [chants slokas]

Psst... psst! Over here!

Where did you see it?

In my room.

- It's still here. - Still there?

Why didn't you tell me this when you called?

- But my phone is with her! - Oh.

Come on.

Will she hurt me?

- I don't think so. - You don't "think" so?

Why is this door locked?

So she can't get out.

Oh.

The ghost? Seriously?

Open it.

[Door creaks open]

And that? Open that too!

[Door creaks open]

She's gone!

[Laughs]

Didn't I tell you, Indu?

It's just your mind playing tricks.

The rest will sort itself out after the puja.

You know who's doing it, right?

East should be this side, right?

- That side. - Right.

No, I'll handle this.

Right now, you're the client.

- You've got a lamp? - Yes.

Bring it here. I need to light it.

I'll handle that as well.

Once you conquer fear, the battle is half-won...

Hey! Where are you off to?

You asked me to bring the lamp.

Don't go alone. I'll come with you.

Oil, coconut, matches… Take everything at once.

Don't keep going in and out while I'm inside.

It isn't safe.

What are you staring at? Let's go!

My god, I've never seen anyone so scared!

[Playful music]

Phew! Safe!

Uncle, I've come to collect a parcel for return.

What parcel?

It's a kurta set.

But nobody in this house wears kurtas.

This one is a ladies' kurta.

Prabhendu must be your son, right?

- Yes. - Ah, he ordered it.

- Here you go. - Right!

Indutty gave it to me in the morning.

Valentine's Day is around the corner, right?

Must be a gift for someone special.

Oh dear, this Indutty!

[Reflective music]

[Chanting mantras]

Phew!

I'm not just saying this because I did it...

- What? - The puja was a big success.

Hmm.

That thing you spoke about…

She's a real terror.

I watched her leave with my own eyes!

[Playful music]

Hmm.

I'm thinking maybe I should see that doctor again.

Come on! What for?

This is a form of treatment too.

This time, I decided to add a touch of extra sorcery,

just for flavour.

And it worked perfectly.

[Playful music continues]

Why do you look so unconvinced?

No, I'm not doubting anything.

Alright then! Get up.

Oh my...

Let me know once you're done being scared.

There are a few pending pujas.

Let's wrap those up too.

Alright then, I'll get going.

- Okay. - I forgot something.

Your father is upset that you don't visit the temple anymore.

At least go once in a while.

Poor soul.

What are you thinking?

That item?

She's gone!

Chill! Okay?

Let me see how she dares to return now!

Okay.

Huh!

Done getting shocked?

Who's he calling an "item"?

Do I look like an item?

[Music builds]

[Door locks]

Don't go without talking to me.

If you keep running away, that's all you'll ever do.

Listen... have I done anything to you like those horror-movie ghosts?

Yes or no?

No.

Other than you getting shocked seeing me

and me getting shocked seeing you,

have I troubled you in any way?

Yes or no?

No.

Look, I don't have clarity on this either.

I don't even know what happened to me.

And... I have no clue why I'm following you around

as if we're connected via Bluetooth.

Do you even realise how hard this is for me?

Huh?

It's just that...

you didn't ask yes or no.

For the love of Jesus, don't be scared of me!

It makes me feel guilty for no reason.

Jesus?

[Church bell]

Huh?

[Playful music]

So, you're a Christian?

Oh! Yeah.

Oh!!

No wonder!

[Laughs]

[Laughs hysterically]

[Awkward laugh]

[Forced loud laugh]

[Church bells]

[Snoring]

[Whistling snore]

Do you sell crosses here?

What's the purpose?

For...

protection.

Protection from what?

No, no… just general safety.

Safety from what exactly?

For my own peace of mind, Chetta.

Wood or metal?

Which one is more powerful?

This isn't a lightbulb you pick by wattage.

That depends on your faith.

Lali!

Yes?

Show him the crosses.

Are you Roman Catholic?

No.

Oh, from the Jacobite Church then.

Err...

No.

Mar Thoma church, then?

Mar...

Yes.

[Music builds]

- Huh? - Yes, you're right.

Ah, I knew it!

The moment I saw you,

I knew you were a proper Mar Thoma boy.

- Yes. - Right.

So, pick whichever one you like. Okay?

[Church bell]

[Hallelujah music]

[chants slokas]

[Tense music]

[Church bell]

So, this should clear things up, right?

I mean, I'm literally standing surrounded by crosses right now.

Including you.

Hey! If Jesus had a problem with me,

wouldn't I be gone by now?

Look, I honestly don't know how I became a ghost,

or why I am one, or how to stop being one.

And you know what's the funny part?

I can't remember a single important detail!

I can't even recall my name!

[Phone rings]

Answer it.

- Faizal... - Hey, Prabha...

Wherever you are, drop everything and get to the studio by midnight.

Viraj sir said he'll join on a video call.

He wants to test you for a track in his next film.

I'm kind of stuck right now.

Can we reschedule?

Don't be an idiot, Prabha!

If you miss this now, there won't be another chance.

I've given Saadhya my word. Stop stalling and get here.

It's 5:00 PM already.

- I'll be there. - Okay.

[Gentle music]

I heard that.

Congrats.

[Gentle music continues]

[Background music swells]

[Music fades outs]

[Door creaks open]

[Door closes]

Ah! Come in, come in.

I didn't take the bike, in case it rained tonight.

Caught a direct bus. It was pretty comfortable.

You don't mind me eating non-veg, do you?

Not at all.

I think I'll order a dosa.

I'll order for you, man.

You haven't eaten yet?

How about podi masala dosa?

Yeah.

Who are you looking for?

Oh, nothing.

I asked if podi masala dosa is okay.

Yeah, that's fine.

[Phone rings]

Dude, hold on. Saadhya's calling.

Hello, Saadhya...

Yeah.

He's logged in already?

No, no problem. We're coming.

Dude, Viraj sir has already logged in.

Come on, hurry up!

What about my dosa?

I'm ditching my biriyani, and you're worried about your dosa? Move!

[Plucks guitar to warm up]

[Keyboard typing]

Prabha, ready.

He's here.

Hi Faizal. All good?

Hi, sir. All good, sir. All good.

The guitarist. Is he ready? What's his name?

Prabhendu, sir. Prabhendu.

Shall I call him here, sir?

No, no. No need.

I can hear what he plays, right?

Yeah, of course. Of course.

Okay then. Let's start now.

Hey...

Sir has composed a new track.

He needs a guitar groove for it.

Kill it!

[Humming melody]

[Humming melody continues]

[Humming melody fades out]

Faizal, I need a catchy riff for the melody.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Prabha... 2-bar cue.

Yeah, okay.

[Guitar plays along humming melody]

No, no. Stop, stop.

Prabhendu, I don't want that.

It's not sounding good. Try some strumming.

Prabha, don't try anything too fancy.

Just stick to your comfort zone.

Okay.

[Guitar plays along humming melody]

No, no, no.

What are you doing, man?

Feel the melody and try again.

Faizal, give him a shorter cue.

Sure. Sure, sir.

Prabha, what's wrong with you?

Let's go. Ready.

Okay.

Take.

[Guitar plays along humming melody]

Stop, stop, stop.

This is not even close!

Faizal, what is this?

I already have people in Mumbai who play like this.

I want that magic!

We shouldn't waste our time. Let's look for someone else.

He just can't do it.

[Somber music]

Just follow the melody.

Huh?!

What is it, man?

Oh, it's nothing.

Prabha, focus only on the melody.

It's that simple.

[Hums guitar melody]

Play this.

Prabha...

What do I do?

- Ready. - Okay, man.

Sir... One last time, sir?

Okay, try.

Okay, sir. Thank you, thank you.

Prabha, take.

[Hopeful music]

[Guitar plays along humming melody]

Oh, nice! I like it!

Faizal, this is exactly what I want!

Thank you, sir.

Prabha, that's brilliant. Stick with that.

Super. Add one more layer.

Faizal, turn up the reverb.

I'll add one more layer.

Ready!

[Guitar plays along humming melody]

Too good, man!

Continue!

[Hums along]

Too good!

Faizal, call him! I want to see him.

Sure, sir.

Prabha, come over here.

Sir wants to see you.

[Cheerful music]

[Door lock opens]

You killed it, man!

You just made the tune better, Prabhendu.

We will do the full song together in Mumbai.

Thank you, sir.

Perfect!

Faizal, I'll ask Saadhya to coordinate.

Okay.

[Soothing music]

[Music swells]

[Music swells]

[Music fades out]

[Google Maps] Your destination is on the left.

[Brakes screech]

[Distant dog barking]

Hey! Kiddo!

[Distant dog barking]

[Playful music]

Hey, look at that.

To be honest, I didn't quite get that initially.

Great!

And then?

That's exactly what I was thinking.

I know music, and I know how guitar chords work.

Oh Jesus!

Kuttoos was a guitarist too!

Music connects the three of us!

[Warm guitar notes]

Strange!

Also, you're an acoustic guy?

Electric Guitar is my favourite.

But people like Viraj sir

usually prefer acoustic when they're composing.

Ah, I see.

Looks like you've lost your fear and found some guts.

The fear is gone,

but the confusion remains.

Just relax, Prabha.

I think I'm just delulu.

Alright. So, delulu... Ordering things online--

[Laughs]

Delulu means delusion.

Seeing things that don't exist.

What's the Malayalam word for delusion?

The Malayalam word for delusion...

"Delulu" works.

Actually, it's cute.

You can just call me Delulu from now on.

- Delulu! - Delulu...

Can you please stop ordering all these clothes?

I'm a little short on cash right now.

Let me explain why, Prabha.

I remember every outfit I used to wear.

But my favourite kurti...

The white one with lavender flowers on it...

I simply can't wear that one now.

So I thought, maybe I could wear it if I saw it.

Oh.

Hey...

Can you conjure up a 500 rupee note?

Hey! I'm not some genie you summon from a bottle!

I can handle a few simple things.

I have some skills.

Like last week, when that guy acted smart with you, and I made his bike crash.

Stuff like that.

Which guy? Sreekuttan?

I don't know his name.

Oh my God!!!

Oh, sorry! Not God, not God.

[Chuckles]

Actually, I do remember certain things about myself.

Like my lifestyle, my habits, my interests.

But I can't remember any of the main things.

Like my family, or my friends...

Nothing at all!

Except for one thing.

What's that?

Right before I died, someone, somewhere, said "Yes."

It's like someone wanted me to die.

Who was it?

I don't know.

Well... I meant to say this back at the studio.

You have a beautiful voice, Delulu.

You're gifted.

If you hadn't died...

you would've become a star.

Now that I'm dead, becoming a star is my only option, right?

[Sad melody]

[Thunder rumbles]

[Humming melody]

♪ When someone sat close to me at night, like new-fallen rain in cool delight ♪

♪ My heart shifted, lighter than ever, turning at once to a moonlit river ♪

♪ Slowly unfolding its wings in tender delight ♪

♪ Weaving a chain of laughter pure and bright ♪

♪ My mind fills up on its own tonight ♪

♪ Come, let's go to distances we've never seen ♪

♪ Becoming two lovely, colourful clouds serene ♪

♪ In this new birth where our paths convene ♪

♪ Let's find our shelter on a blossom branch kissed by morning dew ♪

♪ Becoming the breath that rises soft and true ♪

♪ Till every painful memory softens and bids adieu ♪

Stop!

♪ From which stretch of sky did I fall and fly ♪

♪ A lost little star slipping out of the sky? ♪

♪ Who else must I search for as days drift by? ♪

♪ I still don't know the right paths to surmise ♪

♪ Yet I carried a deep desire for a safe haven's rise ♪

♪ Which lingered as moisture gently filling my eyes ♪

♪ In all this rush that surrounds me endlessly ♪

♪ Isn't there someone nearby who cares for me? ♪

♪ Even at my lightest mischief, soft and carefree ♪

♪ Doesn't he keep smiling, happily? ♪

♪ Will you join your hands and shape a swing? ♪

♪ If you do, I will step forward with joy and gently begin to swing ♪

♪ When someone sat close to me at night, like new-fallen rain in cool delight ♪

♪ My heart shifted, lighter than ever, turning at once to a moonlit river ♪

♪ Slowly unfolding its wings in tender delight ♪

♪ Weaving a chain of laughter pure and bright ♪

♪ My mind fills up on its own tonight ♪

[Song fades out]

[Astrologer: Krishnanunni Panicker]

So you just want me to visit the houses you're trying to sell?

Not every one of them, Rupe.

Only the ones where unnatural deaths have happened.

Yes, houses where notorious murders have occurred.

And suicides.

Altogether,

I've got nearly 28 such houses on hold across Kerala.

Will one puja take care of all of them?

Not like that. First, I will do an astrological assessment

and then determine the required remedies.

After that, you just have to carry them out.

Your learned cousin is the one

who went for the lawyer's son's puja that day, right?

He's very skilled. It'd be great if he came too.

No chance! Prabhendu works only part-time.

He only deals with cases involving children.

Risky cases like these are handled by me personally.

Yes, what is it?

I'm looking for the office of the family court lawyer.

Is it a mutual divorce?

No. I'm okay with it.

But my wife is the one who wants to end it.

That's something we can resolve right here.

Still, go meet the lawyer.

- It's the office next door. - Okay.

So, what about the payment?

What if there's more than one ghost in those houses where mass murders occurred?

That depends.

We'll even leave some room for you to negotiate.

If that's the case... err...

a per-head rate for each ghost.

- Isn't it okay? - Okay.

Okay!

Lord Guruvayurappa!

[Birds chirping]

Just hold this and give it one pull.

Wow, this is so easy!

Also, no tears wasted.

- Thulasi!

Your dad!

Grab Pappu's blue spray from the kitchen.

Or never mind. I'll come there.

Okay.

Indutty...

Your dad is coming.

Get going. I'll call you when lunch is ready.

[Guitar playing]

[Guitar playing continues]

Huh?! You're here?

Who is in there then?

[Stops playing]

It... it... it's from the speaker, Uncle.

Then how did it stop now?

Oh, really? Let me check.

Hey, don't pull these kinds of stunts when I'm not around.

Sorry!

I thought you had grand plans for cooking today?

What happened? Finished helping her already?

Well... it's just...

Dad was there with Pappu.

So I just came back inside.

By the way, why aren't you two talking to each other?

What's the reason?

It's because of Pappu.

What did Pappu do?

Well...

The day my mom passed away...

everyone was here.

It was chaotic, with all the crying and commotion.

When it was time to take her body away,

Pappu suddenly started barking non-stop.

Mom was his favourite person.

[Gentle music]

He was tied up in the backyard then.

So I hurried out and brought him inside.

He deserved to see Mom one last time, right?

The moment Dad saw him, he shouted,

"Both of you, get out!"

Dad never liked animals.

He wouldn't even look at Pappu.

I took him and stood outside...

until all the rituals were over.

[Soft, nostalgic melody]

Dad took away...

the last chance for me and Pappu...

to be with Mom.

From that day on, I've barely spoken to him.

And neither has Dad, not since I removed my sacred thread.

But that was back then, right?

Now you've got your sacred thread again,

and your Dad is now Pappu's favourite person.

Then why aren't you two talking?

It's not possible now.

We just… got set that way.

Then just reset it!

Look, Prabha...

staying upset with someone and holding onto it forever...

it's simply exhausting.

Life's too short for all that!

Hmm.

Point.

Thank you.

[Music stops abruptly]

Errr...

I'm on the phone, Uncle.

Thulasi has called us to have lunch.

Come on.

- Yes, I'll be there.

I'll tell Indu.

Alright.

- Was that Neelakandan? - Yes.

Deepu chettan has come home, along with everyone.

He called to ask if Indu will attend the temple festival.

Uncle is hesitant to ask him directly.

Indu had lunch, took his bike, and went off somewhere.

Is that so?

Uncle...

Has Indu been acting a little unusual lately?

- Ha! I was just about to ask you that. - Oh really?

- One thing's certain. - What?

- He's possessed. - By a ghost?

Not a ghost! Possessed by love for a girl!

How do you know?

I caught him red-handed today.

He was whispering away on the phone.

From the looks of it,

it was definitely a girl on the other end.

Oh! I had no idea!

There's a lot you've got no idea about!

Do you even know all the puja rituals?

Well,

you should've thought of that when you got your sister married to a cook!

The fact that I made it this far from that background

is purely because of my own talent!

That much I'll accept.

Uncle...

I'm thinking of focusing on exorcisms.

There are families that have been doing that for generations, Rupe.

To avoid the side effects,

you need the expertise and spiritual energy passed down through generations.

I'm doing this after proper study.

So I'm not scared.

- Fear is a good thing! - Huh?!

Fear was the very first emotion humans ever had...

for basic safety.

I do follow basic safety precautions when I perform exorcisms.

There are three types of spirits. Do you know?

Hmm. I don't.

Randukama...

Bhokthukama...

and Handukama.

The first two are relatively harmless.

But the Handukama comes only to kill!

It won't go back without taking a life.

[Ominous music builds]

Oh god!

[Church bell]

Annamma Joseph.

Born in 1932.

Not this one either.

Delulu!

Here's one... a girl named Tessa.

Born in '88.

Try to remember... Could your name be Tessa?

No! Born in '88 means she's over 30!

How old do I look to you?

About twen--

Thirty-thirty two!

What?! I'm not that old!

Are there any other Mar Thoma churches around here?

Let's see... around here...

If you're a ghost who's crossed districts,

we might have to check the Kottayam-Thiruvalla area.

It's alright. We'll keep looking.

Lillykutty!

I just wish I could at least remember my name.

Don't worry, Delulu.

We will keep trying.

Won't we, Lillykutty?

- Did you know my grandmother? - Huh?

I asked whether you knew my grandmother.

Yes… your grandmother…

I went to her tuition classes back in eighth grade.

Don't you recognize us?

Yes, I do.

Kalarickal Davis… the one who lives near the tile factory?

Of course! Davis Chettan is like family to us!

I am Davis!

[Church bell]

Davis Chetta...

Are there any other new cemeteries nearby?

Cemetery? There's St. George Cemetery.

I already went there.

Anything else, dear?

Then... there's Paleparambil...

Did you go to Paleparambil Church?

Yeah, I went there too.

There are no other cemeteries.

None, huh? Hmm, alright then.

Okay, get up. Let's go.

Okay.

Come on.

You look really beautiful after switching from that T-shirt to a churidar.

[Firecracker shoots into the sky]

[Firecracker bursts]

[Festive temple ambience]

[chanting slokas]

Rupe! Where's Indu?

I brought him. But he didn't come inside.

Go check on him, Rupe. Ask him to come and be here.

Okay, Deepu Chetta.

[Festive temple ambience]

[Gunshot]

That's Animon for you!

My turn.

Don't miss. You see that teddy bear? That's the prize.

I need it for my autorickshaw.

Wait and watch!

[Gunshot]

It didn't pop?

Not even close!

Guess I've lost my teddy bear.

[Festive temple ambience continues]

Just a minute.

Psst!

One single shot. Make it pop, okay?

- Okay. - Okay.

[Sudden drum beat]

What?

You called me, didn't you?

Err... it's just... balloon...

It didn't pop.

- Huh? - Sorry.

[Playful music]

[Laughs loudly]

Don't worry. No one saw it except me.

My prestige is on the line here, okay?

It has to pop on the count of three.

Done.

One...

[Anklets approaching]

Two...

[Gunshot]

Sorry! [Finger snap]

[Balloons burst]

[Sudden drum beat]

[Traditional satirical storytelling performance on stage]

[Sneezes]

Bless you!

[Performance continues]

[Performance continues]

You stole it already?!

Ugh! No!

I just need one good look at someone.

I can wear it.

How do I look?

Hmm... not bad.

A little appreciation would be nice.

I have to feel like it, right?

Hey, you! Over here!

Talking to yourself? Huh?

What?!

I'm on the phone!

So you were lost in that, weren't you?

Every young prince these days

sleeps and wakes up with that thing in hand.

Put it away!

Who's this "young prince"?

[Scattered giggles]

- Prabhendu. - Oh.

Indu looks radiant today. Looks like he's met his maiden.

Indu!

[performance continues]

It's Rupa. He's probably calling me to the temple.

Come on, let's go! - Hey!

- Indu! - Are you leaving?

[Distant temple announcement]

Hey, Prabha... your ticket to Bombay has arrived.

For Viraj Trivedi's recording session.

Aren't you coming to Bombay, Delulu?

Of course I am!

Anyway, I've got nothing else to do here, right?

Hey...

When the flight is up above the clouds,

will you be tempted to go to heaven?

[Fake laugh]

I'll save the rest of my laughter for tomorrow!

[Phone vibrates]

Hey, your brother's calling.

Don't pick up! That'll just bring trouble.

Must be because I didn't enter the temple.

You're seeing a ghost this close...

Yet, why don't you believe in God?

The answer lies within the question itself.

It's because I can't see God.

Can you see music, Prabha?

You can only hear music, right?

Yeah, I mean... we can play or sing.

That's just like taking a printout from a printer.

But what I meant was...

the original source. Music itself.

Where does music come from?

It's...

It's talent and practice.

Exactly!

Talent is God, and practice is prayer!

Simple!

Incredible!

A devil is vouching for God!

Don't call me Devil!

I am a nice spirit!

A good soul.

Sorry, sorry!

I'm not entirely convinced about you either, Delulu.

I keep calming myself down by thinking you're nothing more than my imagination.

A very powerful and impactful hallucination.

Oh Jesus!

So you're saying my skills are worthless?

Ha! Skills?

You're still on a learner's permit!

You tried switching on the light and blew the bulb!

Can you even touch anyone at all?

Pathetic!

Yes, I can.

Huh?!

[Soothing music slowly swells]

This...

This breeze that hit me just now...

That was my touch.

Breeze is the easiest medium to do that.

A soft breeze.

[Soothing music]

Give me the phone.

Let me see if I can take a picture.

Go ahead. You won't get anything.

[Playful music]

Did it work?

Let me try a video.

Hmm.

Did it work now?

You won't see me in it.

[Music fades out]

[Tense music]

Google Pay is risky. Do you have cash?

Crush it properly, mix it with water and have it.

Okay bro, thanks.

Huh?

- Hey! - Where?

What is it?

What is it?

Wait, we're coming. Come on.

I'm screwed!

Come on, get up! Let's go!

What's wrong?

I'll tell you later. Let's go!

[Tense music]

Hello... how high are you...

I mean... Hi... how are you?

What were you filming on your phone?

No, I wasn't filming you guys!

He'll show it to the cops, Sreerag.

Didn't we chase this guy off the other day?

Don't you remember?

Boys, honestly, I have nothing against you.

Give me your phone.

Don't give it to them, Prabha.

Let me deal with this.

You can check my gallery.

I haven't taken any pictures!

These guys are so rude, Prabha!

Grab the phone from him.

Just be quiet, Delulu!

- Huh? - Huh?

- Huh? - Huh?

Hit him, Prabha!

- Idiots! - Delulu, please!

I can solve this!

What's wrong with this guy?

Just give me the phone, Kiddo.

I don't usually get involved in things like these.

I don't even know who you guys are.

How about I let you know?

[Tense music swells]

[Music fades out]

Alright then.

Okay.

Let's go.

Sreerag...

Hey!

I just...

I got high all of a sudden.

- Is he gone? - Yeah, perfect!

While you stood there like a tableau, he walked off with the phone.

Huh? When?

Come on! If we hurry, we can catch him.

Right!

Are they following us?

[Tense music]

- Yes. - Oh no!

They are just kids, Prabha.

This is bad, this is really bad!

Stop for a second, Prabha.

Are you planning to spend your whole life being scared like this?

Are you?

No.

Oh no!

Dude, go get him!

- Where's my bike key? - Huh?

The bike key, where is it?

Can we talk after this?

Fine, fine.

Dude, don't leave!

Oh no!

- Hereafter... - Hereafter?

- If you ever pull this kind of stunt-- - "on this street again..."

- I'll smash your face-- - "and change its shape," right?

- Yes! - That's fine, Chetta. No problem.

- Hmm. - Right.

Scram!

Oh, sorry, Chetta!

[Song fades out]

[Claps]

- All good? - Absolutely!

Let's go!

What's the check-in time?

Ah... At 2:00 PM.

And the return flight?

That... we'll book that only after tomorrow's recording.

Deepu Chetta, the reason I didn't enter the temple yesterday...

It's not something anyone should be forced to do.

It's your choice.

God is inside us, after all.

Temples and churches are just like mirrors

that reflect that power.

Dad's a bit upset...

that even after taking up pujas, I still avoid entering temples.

I've already talked to him and sorted it out.

Dad knows very well how sincerely you perform the pujas.

And that's why your pujas are so effective.

Exactly!

Hey...

- What is it? - What is it?

- Huh? - Huh?

- What? - Don't you hear a sound...

coming from the car?

- Really? - Yes.

[Knocks on car roof]

Oh, yeah.

You've got such sharp ears, Indu!

Looks like the car is due for a service.

Yes, yes.

17-B

You can sit here, Prabha. I'll be over there.

[Soothing note]

[Plane takes off]

I was in Bangalore.

Yes. I was in Bangalore.

Did you board the wrong flight?

This flight is going to Mumbai.

Prabha! It's me, Delulu!

Huh?

But how? You've started possessing people now?

How else can I talk to you?

This girl was a perfect fit.

Hmm! Your 'perfection' is getting out of hand!

Yes, yes. Prabha, listen.

I used to fly from Kochi airport to Bangalore.

I'm very sure.

Did getting on the flight trigger her memories?

Quick! Remember the rest.

Who was the one who said "Yes"?

Think quickly!

Even half of it is fine.

We'll figure out the rest on the return flight.

[Melancholic music]

Don't stress yourself.

Perhaps it will just come back bit by bit.

Prabha...

I'm sensing something else too.

What is it?

Now that I've remembered this one thing,

I feel much lighter.

It feels like a burden has been taken off me.

That's a good thing, right?

Guess you're on your way to salvation.

I think once you find out who said that 'Yes,'

you'll move on for good.

Full free!

So you won't miss me if I go?

Ha, great!

Isn't it more important that you get your freedom?

Salvation is important!

Wow!

So you won't miss me at all, huh?

[Playful music]

[Playful music continues]

Psst!

Psst!

Psst!

Yeah?

I'll miss you too.

What?!

I will miss you.

Psst! Prabha!

Sorry! I lost the connection.

[Playful music]

Sorry, Madam.

- Creep! - Yup!

[Playful music continues]

I knew you'd miss me!

[mocking] I knew you'd miss me!

[Waves crash. Call to prayer from a mosque]

[Train horn blares]

[Low rumble of a train]

[Melancholic music]

[Phone rings]

Hello?

No.

He's almost here.

I've packed all his things in carton boxes.

His clothes, shoes, and books.

And the bluetooth speaker he gifted me.

Hey, he's here. I'll call you later.

Thanks, dear.

[Train horn blares]

[Melancholic music]

Hey...

Are you okay, Saadhya?

I'll be fine.

Don't worry.

These are your things.

Thanks.

- See, I-- - I'm getting late for work.

You take care, okay?

Enjoy New York.

[Melancholic music]

[Studio recording]

Superb!

Didn't I tell you?

He is such a find, Saadhya!

Prabhendu, beautiful!

Please come here.

Thank you, sir.

[Door creaks open]

She is the one who found you.

- Oh. - Hi.

Saadhya.

Faizal keeps talking about you.

He's your biggest well-wisher, Prabhendu.

- Oh! - Shift to Mumbai soon.

We need you here.

Sure, sir.

- Just a minute, Saadhya. - Ah, sure, sir.

- Come on. - Okay.

Good night, Prabhendu. Until next time.

See you, sir.

See you.

I'm officially your fan, Prabha!

How do you play so well?

Well, that's just how talented I am!

Ugh!

Rupa has scheduled a puja for tomorrow evening!

What do we do?

I've sent you the door password for the service apartment.

The location too.

- It's close by. - Got it.

Are you okay with the evening flight tomorrow?

Err... is it possible to get a flight that lands before noon tomorrow?

Ah... there's one at 6:30 AM.

Will that do?

I'm on that flight too.

Yeah, that's fine.

Okay.

Yes, it's okay.

[Playful music]

Okay.

You had dinner?

No.

Come on. You can leave your bag here.

Okay.

Let's go.

We need to leave for the airport at 4:30 AM.

- Okay. - It'll be busy since it's the morning.

I brought my bags, thinking the recording would go on all night.

You're amazing, Prabhendu!

You finished it so fast!

[Message notification]

Pretty cool breeze, huh? [mimicking Nivin Pauly]

Sorry.

[Sobs. Melancholy music]

She seems to be in some kind of trouble.

I'll check.

[Melancholy music swells]

Ugh! Classic heartbreak!

- Poor thing! - Oh.

Aren't you eating?

Huh?

I asked... aren't you eating?

Her boyfriend dumped her, Prabha.

Commitment issues.

Stop it, Delulu!

Poor girl. Still, she's handling the situation so maturely.

Yeah.

Prabha, just ask her if she's fine, no?

Uh... uh... uh...

What uh, uh, uh?

Don't just keep staring! Say something!

Saadhya...

Aren't you eating the bun and gravy?

[Pleasant music]

Pav Bhaji.

Ah, Pav Bhaji.

[Pleasant music continues]

[Music fades out]

Even though I'm really angry with him...

he is actually a good guy.

[Gentle music]

[Gentle music continues]

My first instinct was to block him, just like anyone would.

But then, I decided to go through with it,

even though it's a painful process.

It's better for getting a proper closure.

Sometimes,

we can only blame the situation, not the person.

If someone walks out of your life,

it's important to keep your heart clear.

No anger, no grudges...

wishing only the best for them.

It's not easy.

But...

we get healed just by being nice to them.

[Reflective music]

Prabha...

Are you able to see me?

Yeah.

I think I was in love.

I was in love with someone.

[Gentle, nostalgic melody]

[Gentle, nostalgic melody continues]

Do you remember his name?

So...

could he be the one who said 'Yes'?

Then I should've been happy, right?

I didn't have to die!

Hello, sir.

Your friend has upgraded you to an XL seat.

You can shift there and sit more comfortably.

Thank you, sir.

[Pleasant music]

Come.

Go on.

[Pensive music]

[Pensive music swells]

[Music fades out]

Won't this run?

It ran out of charge.

[Laughs]

Uncle, you must've received an OTP.

Who are you calling "Uncle"?

Oh... sorry, bro.

An OTP must have come. Could you tell me?

I've been sitting here for an hour.

I haven't seen anyone.

Prabhendu N. Namboothiri?

- Don't you have his number? - I do.

Then just call and ask him.

Okay.

[Tense, ominous music]

I thought you didn't believe in ghosts and stuff.

- I don't believe in them, but I'm scared. - Oh!

Aren't your mantras strong, sir?

Absolutely! A mantra saves the one who chants it.

What was that line, Indu?

- A lie? - Not a lie! A line!

Ah, it's "Manana thraayathe ithi mantrah"

[Steps on a squeaky toy and yells]

A doll!

[Tense, ominous music]

Take the sacred ash.

Clean. Let's go, let's go.

Wait, there's a guest room too.

- That's not really necess-- - Come on!

[Tense, ominous music]

Clean! Can we go now?

Close the window, Sashiyetta. We don't want pigeons getting in.

Sir, next is the grandmother's room.

That's the main one.

[Tense, ominous music rises]

You're not scared?

Of what?

You know plenty of mantras, right? Chant them.

[chanting]

Come.

You too.

Who is he talking to?!

[Evil laughter]

This is the grandmother's room.

After what happened, not even the staff will enter here.

- She'd be in here all the time. - Even now?

No, I mean before she died.

Okay.

She hardly slept.

Why are you telling me all this?

She really loved the balcony.

Why? Was she a smoker?

No, no. To enjoy the breeze.

Shall we cleanse that area too?

Yeah! The balcony's safe. There will be sunlight.

Open it! Open it!

[Door creaks open]

[Sinister music]

[Anklets jingling]

[Startling sound]

Prabha!

What is it?

There...

Where?

- It's... - What?

What?

[Ominous music slowly rises]

[Water drips]

[Ominous music continues to rise]

[Yells]

What is it?

Don't kill us, sir!

[Yells]

We're not thieves, sir.

We were staying here since it's an empty room.

- What? - Is this the grandma?

[Yells]

Get out, you!

[panicked muttering]

Oh no!

Don't call the police, Chetta!

Is the spirit gone?

Yes!

Clean!

[Phone vibrates]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Phone vibrates]

Hey, did you decide to stop doing pujas because of what happened today?

Not all all! Today's puja worked, right?

We got rid of the spirit, didn't we?

It's just that...

The thought of you not being here with me anymore…

I'll be in Bombay from next week...

busy with stage shows and practice sessions.

I can't commit to pujas in the middle of all that.

It'll be a hassle for you too.

[Whistles]

Hey!

Just leave the sacred thread on for now.

Drop by when you're free.

I don't feel as scared when you're with me.

Here, take this.

It's 50K.

50K? Wasn't our deal 60-40?

You take the whole thing.

Consider it your provident fund!

Also, if you get any puja work in Bombay, don't say no.

I've never been on a flight.

Get up! Let's go!

[Sudden drum beat]

What?

Huh!

[Sudden drum beat]

Hmm?

What?

[Startled yelling]

- Oh no! - What is it?

- Snake? - A snake?

Get inside! It's not safe, not safe!

Let's go.

[Scooter rides away]

Wow! Such a brave ghost!

[Song plays]

One, two... Three and four...

Guys, guys, guys!

I have to give the final count for food tomorrow.

- Is anyone else coming? - Yes.

There's one more person.

[Romantic music]

Veg.

- Hi, Prabhendu...

- Shall I book our tickets to Bombay together for next week?

- With you on the flight, I barely noticed we'd reached Kochi.

- Thanks for the company.

There's one more.

Play, play, play!

- Tomorrow evening is my cousin's pre-wedding party.

- Just reminding you, since you said you might come if you're free.

- I've sent the location.

What? Pookie Prabha is feeling shy?

Why don't we go?

No, no, no.

You've got to play a little hard to get, to be taken seriously.

Ugh!

When someone's being this frank,

don't put on these stupid airs, okay?

I'm not putting on airs, Delulu.

I just feel weird when someone gets close to me too quickly.

See… she just met us… No, actually… sorry… met you.

Did she really have to tell you her whole break-up story right away?

No.

I think she's into you.

No! It's…

Maybe it's just because she cried in front of us.

Not just that!

Any other guy would have used this chance to make a move.

And... don't think I'm saying this to flatter you. But...

I think you are actually a nice guy.

Really?

Yeah!

[Gentle music]

In that case, if I ask you something...

will you tell me the truth?

This is such a classic guy move!

When you're circling around for parking and spot someone leaving a good space,

you just swoop straight in!

Love-sick fools!

Love?

And me?

Music is my only love!

Oh, spare me the drama!

Just leave music out of this.

And it's always the single guys who are the most romantic!

Ugh!

What do you mean, "Ugh"?

Come here, Prabha.

Come here. Sit down.

[Playful music]

Prabha, a good relationship just makes life better.

See... Someone who can understand what's in your mind with a single glance...

And someone who can understand the meaning of your silences.

Wouldn't it be great to have that kind of support?

You're absolutely hell-bent on making me park there, aren't you?

- Look, afterwards-- - That's not it.

Look, you'll be seeing her again anyway.

So you'll have a good friend in Mumbai.

We should go, Prabha.

It will be fun.

That place is on the outskirts.

Going by bike could be risky.

Why don't you take your dad's car?

Nah, that's not a good idea.

Why so much ego, Prabha?

It's not ego. It's just-- [Dog barks]

Is that Pappu?

Yes.

How did he get in?

No idea.

All done, Pappu.

If we don't let this wound heal,

the doctor will have to operate on you again, just like last time.

[Soothing music]

Sleep now, okay?

Just call me if you need anything.

Dad is right here, okay?

[Whines softly]

[Soothing music continues]

You haven't slept?

No.

Pappu has a wound on him.

If he remains outside,

flies will land on the wound, and it'll end up getting infected.

I feel at peace when he's in here.

[Soothing music continues]

[Music swells]

[Somber, reflective music]

When did you start this?

Two years ago.

It used to be a big cylinder.

Deepu brought this one.

It's comfortable.

[Somber, reflective music continues]

Please put that spray bottle in the cupboard.

Pappu might chew on it.

[Almirah creaks open]

[Gentle, nostalgic music]

I haven't moved any of your mom's belongings.

Thulasi washes them every week.

I press them and put them back.

[Gentle, nostalgic music continues]

[Gentle, nostalgic music swells]

When I open that cupboard, I feel like Sujatha is here,

even if just for a little while.

It gives me strength.

[Gentle, nostalgic music continues]

You can go to bed, Indu.

We are okay.

[Soothing music]

[Music fades out]

Dad...

Can I...

take our car tomorrow?

[Soothing music swells]

[Magical music]

♪ I saw you on the floor In the crowd yet alone ♪

♪ The music in my heart Rings the lub-dub tone ♪

♪ Would you let me sing my love? ♪

♪ I drifted through the night You're the star in my sight ♪

♪ The moment makes it right For me and you ♪

♪ Would you let me sing my love? ♪

♪ My heart snaps in two Oh baby, looking at you ♪

♪ The music slows down My sweetheart, dancing with you ♪

♪ As the new groom arrives in splendid array ♪

♪ The whole place suddenly glows in a lovely way ♪

♪ Like an ocean where foaming waves lift and play ♪

♪ In this canopy decked with garlands and bells ♪

♪ The colours now blossom as beauty swells ♪

♪ Never to separate again ♪

♪ They must flow through life's terrain ♪

♪ With one shared mind under the sun, together… forever… as one ♪

♪ Smile and step where rhythms deploy, ankle bells chiming in light convoy ♪

♪ O sparrows looping in ecstatic ploy ♪

♪ Who is ready to dissolve in that whirling joy? ♪

♪ In eyes lit bright where feelings beam, there flickers softly a tender gleam ♪

♪ There's a tiny rattle of naughty dreams that tattle ♪

♪ Yet no words can capture such a dream ♪

♪ Without saying anything to each other aloud ♪

♪ Through the sharpness of glances their hearts have avowed ♪

♪ Will not all that's written on life's turning page ♪

♪ Blossom forth as moonlight that will never age? ♪

♪ Won't even their silence, like a drifting cloud ♪

♪ Melt into honeyed words, soft-falling, unbowed? ♪

♪ The umbrella is unfurling, its shelter well dealt ♪

♪ And beneath its shade, a calm is felt ♪

♪ Weaving a love as vast as the ocean we span ♪

♪ Won't you and I rise together like dawn… ♪

♪ Forever… as one? ♪

♪ I saw you on the floor In the crowd yet alone ♪

♪ The music in my heart Rings the lub-dub tone ♪

♪ Would you let me sing my love? ♪

♪ In eyes lit bright where feelings beam, there flickers softly a tender gleam ♪

♪ There's a tiny rattle of naughty dreams that tattle ♪

♪ Yet no words can capture such a dream ♪

[Song fades out]

I need to tell you something, Prabha.

What is it?

I like you, Prabha.

[Soft musical notes]

Well...

I like you too, Delulu.

That's not what I meant.

I'm in love with you.

[Music swells]

Thank you.

I love you too.

When I am speaking so frankly without any ego,

why are you behaving like this?

When someone else showed up suddenly, did I become nothing to you?

What's gotten into you, Delulu?

Weren't you the one who told me to go meet Saadhya?

You're the one who set us up, even after I said no.

Where did this love come from all of a sudden,

like flipping a switch?

I don't know.

I don't know!

I can't hide things from the people I care about the most.

I won't have any peace of mind.

And you're the only one I have!

I have no one else.

[Warm, empathetic melody]

This is...

This is just a kind of possessiveness.

You'll get over it.

[Warm, empathetic melody continues]

Also,

even though you're a ghost,

you're not old enough to get married.

And I'm almost past that age.

Prabha, stop calling me a "ghost"!

I've told you this many times.

Then what should I call you?

You don't know your name.

I can't even touch--

Prabha, love is not physical!

People love each other from great distances.

People fall in love even when they're much older.

It's about the deep emotional connect we share.

We have that between us.

Can you honestly say we don't have that?

[Compassionate music]

That's not what I meant.

See...

I'm trying to be practical here.

When Saadhya hugged me today,

I felt my heart fill up.

It's the first time I've ever felt something like that.

Today was the happiest day of my life.

And you were the first person I shared it with.

And now you've spoiled it!

You're so selfish!

You've changed so much, Prabha!

Your life has only gotten better since I showed up, right?

I'm the reason you even met Saadhya!

You are all the same!

All men are the same!

[Stirring music]

[Phone rings]

Answer the call.

[Brakes screech to a halt]

[Phone rings]

I'm sorry.

Talk to her.

I need some privacy!

[Heart-wrenching music]

I'm the one who needs salvation... from you!

[Loud honk. Brakes screech]

What the hell, man?

Don't you have anything better to do, you jerk?

[Door slams shut]

[Engine revs. Car drives off]

[Tense music]

[Indistinct murmurs]

[Ethereal music swells]

[Ethereal music continues]

[Sobs]

[Ethereal music swells]

[Music fades]

[Music swells]

[Music fades out]

Annie...

Our daughter has something to tell you.

I know what it is.

Not happening, Vinod.

Huh!

She wants a new iPhone, right?

She's making a habit of this.

No, Mom. It's not about an iPhone!

- Then what? - It's... well...

Papa, just tell her!

Mummy...

Chechi wants to dye her hair blue.

Not blue, Chacko! Lavender!

- Oh, so I have to say that too? - Ugh!

Oh, Papa, just tell her the main matter now!

What is it?

Well, Annie...

We're not just their parents.

We're their best friends too, right?

Skip the intro.

Get to the point.

Our daughter likes someone.

Oh, it's that Joe from Kottayam, isn't it?

The moment I saw his gaze, I knew it.

Eww! Joe and Aishu are already in a relationship.

Huh! Since when?

Papa!

Okay. Straight to the point.

It's someone she met in Bangalore.

Not from college, but through a mutual friend.

I warned you before,

many guys will come after you, so watch out.

Annie, let me complete.

She's the one who's going to propose!

Yes.

See, we're the first ones she's telling this to.

I think we should appreciate that.

Yeah, we should.

He's coming tomorrow.

We'll just meet him, grab a coffee, and head back.

That's it.

Does he like you?

He hasn't said so yet...

But I'm so sure... we have a deep emotional connect.

Show me his photo.

See, Papa? What did I say?

This is the problem with Mummy.

She judges instantly by looks!

Ha! We're meeting him tomorrow, aren't we, Annie?

What's the harm in showing a picture?

You don't like beards, Mummy.

He has a beard.

Also...

He is a Hindu.

And he's a little older than me.

Jesus!

Hey, relax!

Her prediction is that you'll be the first one to like him, Annie!

Let us go, Mummy.

Chechi will be happy.

- "Us"? No way! - Huh?

You've got school tomorrow morning!

Your Papa and I will meet him first.

- Yeah! Yaay!! - Success!

[Joyful laugh]

I'll show you, okay?

I'm sure you'll be happy.

Promise?

Promise.

You know Varkey, right? He runs the coffee shop here.

His cold coffee is already famous, Annie.

Where is he?

He's late.

He needs time to get here, Mummy.

[Message notification]

What is it?

[Message notification]

[Phone typing]

[Phone typing]

Dear...

Papa, one sec.

[Message notification]

[Phone typing]

He's not coming, right?

Yeah, he's not coming.

Are you happy now, Mummy?

[Message notification]

[Melancholic notes]

Sorry, Papa.

I think he guessed it.

He guessed why I asked him to come.

That's okay, dear.

It's alright.

We shouldn't expect anything from anyone.

Your generation generally has a hesitation to become committed.

It's quite natural, dear.

How can you judge someone you don't even know, Mummy?

[Phone rings]

[Phone rings]

Papa, I think he is just confused.

Maybe it'll be fine if I just talk to him.

[Sudden crash. Brakes screech]

Dear!

Dear!

[Unsettling music]

Rakhi, please ask the Head Boy to come to my office.

[Footsteps]

[Door creaks open]

Good afternoon, Ma'am.

Good afternoon.

Jacob V. Manjooran from 8-C... His sister had an accident.

She's in critical condition.

Avinash, I need you to go with him to the hospital.

I'll have a staff member go with you.

- Okay, Ma'am. - Jacob's parents will be there.

Till then, make sure that he's fine.

Sure, Ma'am.

[Hospital ambience]

[Melancholic music]

She's in the ICU. Third floor.

[Melancholic music continues]

[Melancholic music continues]

[Music fades out]

Papa...

Where is Chechi?

[Melancholic music swells]

Chacko...

Do you know when your sister was her happiest?

When you were born, on the floor right below us.

[Soothing, compassionate music]

To make your Chechi happy now,

Papa needs your help with something.

The doctors are saying...

that your sister is gone.

Her brain is dead.

[Soothing, compassionate music]

To stop the machine support...

and set her free...

they need my permission.

They need a... "Yes" from me.

[Soothing, compassionate music continues]

But...

unless... unless you also say "Yes"...

I won't say "Yes."

[Music fades out]

If I say "Yes"...

will Chechi be happy?

Yes.

[Soothing, compassionate music swells]

Promise?

Promise.

[Music fades out]

Yes!

[Ethereal music swells]

[Ethereal music continues]

[Music fades down]

My Papa's name is Vinod Mathew Manjooran.

We have a plantation.

Magic Hills Plantation.

It's in Kuttikkanam.

My Mummy's name is Annie.

Chacko's real name is Jacob.

Same name as my grandfather.

What's your name?

Delulu.

That's just the name we gave you, right?

What's your real name?

Delulu...

means delusion...

means Maya.

Maya Mathew.

♪ Don't leave; don't make my eyes turn to tears ♪

♪ Don't disappear and fill my heart with painful spears ♪

♪ Wasn't it in your eyes that I saw myself clearer ♪

♪ As though I stood before a living mirror? ♪

♪ When I stood all alone in silent plea ♪

♪ Didn't you arrive and breathe life into me? ♪

♪ As I climbed the steps where darkness spread ♪

♪ To sparkle and shine in the path ahead ♪

♪ You appeared as a star in golden frame, you rose as a lamp with a steady flame ♪

♪ You flew from the sky and landed with art ♪

♪ Resting gently on the branch of my heart ♪

♪ O petal, O angel, sweet counterpart ♪

♪ O magic unending, eternally rare ♪

♪ May you never disappear anywhere ♪

♪ O magic unending, eternally rare ♪

♪ May you never disappear anywhere ♪

♪ Don't leave; don't make my eyes turn to tears ♪

♪ Don't disappear and fill my heart with painful spears ♪

♪ The memories simply soak in the rain of sorrow's tears ♪

♪ And in that rain your face appears, whispering its stories to my ears ♪

♪ The summer of separation scorches everything in sight ♪

♪ And in that heat, thoughts of you smoulder like an ember bright ♪

♪ O smile that enfolds me in wings of feathered gleam ♪

♪ Do not fade like an unseen wind lost in a dream ♪

♪ You flew from the sky and landed with art ♪

♪ Resting gently on the branch of my heart ♪

♪ O petal, O angel, sweet counterpart ♪

♪ O magic unending, eternally rare ♪

♪ May you never disappear anywhere ♪

♪ O magic unending, eternally rare ♪

♪ May you never disappear anywhere ♪

[Song fades out]

Indu...

Everything you said could be your imagination,

or it could be true.

I'd like to believe that it's true.

Her parents haven't seen the person she loved, till date.

A soul can find peace and salvation

only by freeing itself from sorrow!

[Soothing music]

[Car engine stops]

Lakshmy, the guest room first.

Okay, Madam.

- Would this do? - Yes.

Yes?

I'm a friend of Maya's.

I was in the area and thought I'd drop by.

Oh.

Come in.

[Soothing music]

Maya always used to say...

that regardless of how much you both fought,

when she was away, the one she missed the most...

was her mom.

She's a big liar.

She'd say the exact same thing about her Papa.

[Campassionate music]

We still haven't been able to accept that reality

So, we don't really... miss her, as such.

[Campassionate music continues]

Her Papa has turned into a complete workaholic.

And Chacko keeps studying all the time.

He's even the class topper now.

[Gentle, caring music]

But there are two things that really trouble me.

I miss her whenever I open the fridge in the kitchen.

She always used to walk over and open the fridge,

ever since she was a little girl.

[Gentle, caring music continues]

And then, when I see clothes lying all over the bed.

No matter how many times I told her, she always left her clothes on the bed.

Clothes were her weakness.

She was always on her phone, browsing for them.

[Gentle music]

Let me get you something to drink.

[Heartfelt music]

[Heartfelt music swells]

"You don't like beards, Mummy."

"He has a beard."

"And..."

"He is a Hindu."

"And he's a little older than me."

[Gentle, caring music]

What's your name?

[Music fades out]

Prabhendu.

You were the one she was in love with... Isn't that right, Prabhendu?

Yes.

[Ethereal music]

[Ethereal music swells]

[Music fades out]

[Birds chirping]

[Soft rustling of flowers]

[Breeze. Ethereal music]

[Music swells]

[Music fades down]

[Electric guitar solo]

[Electric guitar fades down]

[Music swells]

♪ When someone sat close to me at night, like new-fallen rain in cool delight ♪

♪ My heart shifted, lighter than ever, turning at once to a moonlit river ♪

♪ Slowly unfolding its wings in tender delight ♪

♪ Weaving a chain of laughter pure and bright ♪

♪ My mind fills up on its own tonight ♪

♪ Come, let's go to distances we've never seen ♪

♪ Becoming two lovely, colourful clouds serene ♪

♪ In this new birth where our paths convene ♪

♪ Let's find our shelter on a blossom branch kissed by morning dew ♪

♪ Becoming the breath that rises soft and true ♪

♪ Till every painful memory softens and bids adieu ♪

[Song fades out]