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UNDER MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES

Hello and welcome to 'Tomato Radio'.

It's Friday and many movies are being released today.

According to our listeners, there is a lot of traffic…

…near movie theaters.

If you're passing through those areas, call in with an update!

You are listening to RJ Manju hosting 'Five O'Clock Hits'!

And wow… still a scorchy… uh, I mean, a scorcher at 5 pm!

Every Malayali must be wishing for a rain.

Not just a drizzle…

Some of you must be wishing for a proper cloudburst, right?

-Is the pressure okay? -Yes.

But sadly, we don't have time to wait.

It is impossible to predict when a lightning bolt is going to kill us.

Picture this…

-You call in to request a song… -Alert, alert.

Target moving.

And bam! Lightning strikes you down.

But still, lakhs of people listen to your song on 'Tomato Radio'!

So pick up the phone and dial.

Let's see who is our first caller.

Who's speaking?

RJ Manju is speaking.

Yes, yes. I am RJ Manju.

Now tell me about you.

I'm Sethu.

From Tholpetty in Thirunelli Panchayat, Wayanad.

Welcome to 'Five O'Clock Hits', Sethu!

Before talking about your favourite song,

tell me a bit about yourself.

I take it you've called before.

Yes, many times.

Oh, yes! Sethu from Thirunelli!

I remember you.

So Sethu, tell me.

How are you spending your days

in the misty, serene Thirunelli?

A bunch of us are here at a resort, just asking for money.

Basically here to blast. And the weather's all romantic.

Remind me, what's your job again?

My job…

I'm just a poor Maoist!

So funny!

You have a good sense of humor.

We actually came here to perform last rites.

Thirunelli's deadly famous for that.

So your plan is to camp out in the resort

and have a blast in this romantic weather.

Isn't it, Mr Romeo Mao Sethu?

Not just the weather…

The resort too!

Fantastic!

So, Sethu, which song do you want to listen

on Tomato FM's 'Five O'Clock Hits'?

Er… The song that goes…

"O Mao… Still a drowsy haze?”

Won't it blast?

The government said it would.

Abort! Abort! Last rites cancelled.

To whom are you dedicated this song?

-Sethu, run! -Shh… silence!

Our plan got botched.

Down, down!

Oh Mao! Still in a drowsy haze, are you?

Our dream's scattered in bits

Bravado said

Bravado done

It's a huge mess!

Oh, lone sleepwalker

Draped in solitude's veil

Run, thinker

You have no other option

Why this sincerity?

Why this sincerity?

Why this darned sincerity?

Let the battle rage!

Chests will be ripped open

Alliances breaking, grounds shifting

No easy fight

But a lawless clash of blood

Shapeless, ever-turning

Boundless and untamed

Brother, the volume is so high!

Kamal Haasan's movies are always technically 'sound'.

Don't turn down the volume.

Markose won't be able to hear.

As if!

You have watched this movie together so many times.

Look,uncle is already dozing off.

Are you sleeping?

Oh, you were lost in thoughts.

What is it that's occupying your thoughts?

Uncle Markose always pulls this scam.

Come on, tell the truth.

Were you asleep or just thinking?

See, he was sleeping.

Were you sleeping?

Yes. You take a nap too, Brother.

I'll sleep after Markose leaves.

Okay, you two keep chatting then.

I'll go get ready.

And Brother,

don't start a fight with uncle now.

I am not the one who starts the fights.

Tell him.

I'm telling both of you.

You heard that, right?

A tiger was spotted in Tholpetty.

Shouldn't we react on it on social media?

Don't be ridiculous, Markose!

-Nalini… -I know, Sethu. He needs coffee.

I'm making it.

Take two cups of coffee to his room.

My dear Sethu,

I am making eighth cup of coffee for Markose alone today.

Yesterday, he came at noon

and left only after the evening prayers.

Nalini…

Please don't ruin my morning mood.

Help me handle this situation.

I'm a perfect maid.

Not a perfect actor.

Madhu, here's your coffee.

Make sure to drink it, Markose.

Markose!

Hey, did you leave? Markose?

Fine, I'll never mess with the tiger's freedom again!

-Markose left. -Markose!

-Huh? -The shadow's gone!

Markose, I was just kidding!

Hey, please don't go. I was just kidding!

What happened, Brother?

He got upset and walked out.

It was for nothing, just over a tiger.

Please talk to him… Markose!

Don't go!

I'll go get him.

Don't leave! I was just joking.

Fox or tiger. Let them come!

And kill whoever they want!

Hey, Markose, don't go!

Don't go, please!

Stop yelling, you moron!

People outside are watching.

I thought you got upset and left.

I wasn't upset, Madhu.

Looks like it's going to rain. I'm just going to the estate.

-Why didn't you tell me that? -Oh!

Don't make a scene if I don't come back today.

The neighbours will say you're crazy.

No, I don't cause that kind of trouble.

Yeah, right!

Let Sethu go to work in peace.

-Got it? -Okay.

Drop by in the evening if you can.

I'll try.

"Maoist attack in Thirunelli again. One Maoist killed."

Oh, no!

What happened?

Did the newspaper fall on your foot?

It was around 5 in the evening,

two armed Maoists stormed the resort, demanding money.

Thunderbolt forces, who were lying in wait with intel,

ordered the Maoists to surrender during the cash handover.

Without any provocation, the Maoists opened fire, reports say.

Yesterday's incident is the sixth Maoist killing

in the past 10 years.

The Opposition slammed the government,

calling the repeated Maoist clashes and killings

a total failure to maintain control.

Human rights groups warned they'd take to the streets

if no inquiry is launched into the killing.

Even after 12 hours of the incident,

media and activists are denied access to the site,

which is suspicious, according to pro-Maoist groups.

Meanwhile, reports say

a policeman was also shot in the encounter and is in critical condition.

Sir.

Have your seat.

How's it going, Armi?

Found it?

It's not anywhere on the compound.

Armiyas…

Losing a pistol is a bigger headache than dead Maoists.

That'll cause serious trouble.

-Won't it? -Yes.

I know, sir. That pistol is here, somewhere.

Neither the pistol nor whoever took it

is leaving Thirunelli on my watch.

As if he took your permission before running off with the gun!

Who handed this clown the mission?

Can't you even nab two kids?

Intel said two, sir…

There were three of them.

As if that explains why you lost your pistol.

They'll go to Chhattisgarh or Telangana and gun down cops with our pistol.

This potato is still raw.

Hey, why are you just sitting there? Back me up, man.

Sir, we told him not to shoot.

My dear 'Brothers',

last time you botched it and three guys died.

And I kept my mouth shut.

Armi, what we can do now--

Understood, sir.

Suspension, isn't it?

Accepted.

That's it, huh?

What about the pistol?

Pistol? I'll bring it, sir.

Vaidyanathan, keep an eye on him. He is a loose cannon.

Find that damn pistol before he screws up again.

Do you agree, Madam?

He is right.

This potato's still half raw.

GOVERNMENT HEALTH CENTER, THIRUNELLI

It is the duty of the government and the police

to protect the lives of the people.

The police force won't rest until those who planned the resort attack,

those who led it and those shielding them

are held accountable…

Sethu.

…in front of the public and the law.

Sir, I didn't quite understand that. Could you repeat it in Malayalam?

Just explain it.

Has this happened before?

Maoist attacks do happen often.

Each time it happened, did you have that dream?

No.

This is the first time I've had such a dream.

Dream…

-It's for the first time, huh? -Yeah.

What do you usually do in your free time?

I go to work.

I mean, what do you do when you're not working?

I spend time with my elder brother, watch movies.

What kind of movies?

Nothing specific.

All of Kamal Haasan's films.

Romance, drama, action…

Action!

No wonder you have dreams full of action, Sethu!

It's just a hangover from some old action movie you watched.

I like volleyball too, sir.

But I've never dreamt of volleyball.

So your problem is not having volleyball in your shootout dreams?

No, not that…

The pain in the heel of my foot. It's my problem.

-Do you feel pain in the heel of foot? -Sometimes.

When I watch the news, or read newspaper…

Then, here’s what you can do.

Avoid TV and newspaper for two weeks.

Okay, sir.

-About my brother… -Have you brought him?

How's Madhu? Have his symptoms reduced?

His sleep has been reduced.

During the day or night?

-Good morning, sir. -Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Quite a lot of patients today, isn't it?

Maybe because this is a hospital. Just forgive them, sir.

Here's attendance register

and salary list.

You've got a bad cough.

That's why I'm here.

Turn around.

I need to take this afternoon off, sir.

Why?

I have…

Shortness of breath.

…to go see a prospective bride.

You didn't tell me!

Where's she?

She's at the plantation.

Near Tholpetty Junction.

Okay.

Take this medicine for three days.

If it doesn't get better, come again.

-You may go. -Okay, sir.

Before you go,

get me tea from Barikka's.

Okay.

And also…

I'll buy the tea, sir. It's on me.

Ah, okay.

I need one more favor from you before you go.

Get three cases of beer and drop them at the farmhouse.

There's a small party tonight.

Join us if you're free, Sethu.

If it were just tea, I'd have managed…

But this? No way.

You go ahead.

I'll buy it.

"The Maoist attack in Thirunelli is being taken very…

…very seriously, stated the DGP."

Just answer that phone, Jaffer.

It's been going ring-tring-ring for a long time!

Alright, I'll answer the ring-tring already!

Where the hell are you?

I've been waiting forever!

I have a ton of other obligations.

I haven't sent the workers to the plantation yet.

And that girl's got some other commitment this afternoon.

I got caught at the check post.

Huh?

-When? -Now.

Why didn't you call me?

Hang up! I'm coming.

Here's ten bucks for the liquid you call tea.

I put that ringtone on my phone with my own money,

purely for my own amusement.

I only get my money's worth if it plays fully.

Do you understand what I'm saying, you fool?

Go get a haircut and walk around like a decent human being.

Don't embarrass the entire human race!

Don't pour it out, my dear sir!

Such an asshole you are!

NOORA

Ouch!

I'll call you back later.

I'm handling a scuffle here.

You dare smuggle booze in a government vehicle?!

What were you even thinking?

You need a proper smack!

Let him go.

Sir, can you step aside for a second?

-What? -Just a minute…

Please come.

-Sathaar sir! -Get lost!

I'll be seeing you!

Sir,

I'm Jaffer Parakandi.

I'm a social worker, that's my line.

Well, the uniform is inside my car.

This whole outfit is just for a function I have to attend.

That boy's innocent.

He did it out of ignorance.

He had no clue about these police checks.

-Otherwise, he'd have just smuggled, huh? -No!

Checks or no checks, he wouldn't smuggle.

He is going to meet a prospective bride today.

We need to go, sir.

-You are new in this area, aren't you? -Yeah, so?

I am Nasar sir's classmate.

I could call him… but maybe not.

Just one call would do.

Please, don't file a case and let him off, sir.

Alright, unload the bottles, take the car and go.

If you're letting it go,

the bottles, the boy and the car…

It would only be fair if all three were released.

Come on, sir. Please.

Forgive him, just this once, for Jaffer Parakandi's sake.

-Please… -Fine, go.

Jaffer, you've got to get my job transfer sorted quickly.

I'm fed up.

If you get a job transfer, who'll look after Madhu?

I'll take him with me.

There's no night service here.

If something happens to him, I'll have to drive an hour and a half.

If I get posted to the Medical College,

I can move to Mananthavady with him.

And take him to a good doctor too.

What's wrong with Dr. Saseendran?

Isn't he a brilliant doctor?

Yeah, he is a good doctor.

But not a good human being.

The government’s qualification test only checks if he is a good doctor.

There's no test to check if one is a good human being.

Come, I'll help to get your job transfer sorted.

You pay the bill.

I forgot my Google Pay at home.

394 rupees credited on PhonePe. Thank you.

If I were you,

I'd have slapped him

and quit the job right there.

You can do whatever you want.

Because you don't have a brother like yourself.

How about we just post a status on Insta?

Either open a beverage shop in Tholpetty

or stop the checks at the check-post.

Forget it!

Doctor said you must take your morning pills in the evening too.

Take them and sleep. Period.

Tomorrow, it's round two of meeting the prospective bride.

Jaffer and Armiyas will be there.

Markose too.

Uncle Markose said he's heading to Kuttippara.

What?

To check your house and property.

He said wild vegetation has taken over the plot.

Is he crazy, climbing hills in this cold climate?

Anyway, I need to leave early tomorrow.

Jaffer said the girl has some other business.

What business?

No idea, that's what he said.

Probably he meant work.

Yeah, probably.

So, what's her business?

Business?

Mind your words.

She's got a proper job.

An 'education' one!

Since she's educated,

maybe you two should tone down your English.

Good thing we're bringing Armi along. Isn't it, Jaffer?

It'll earn us some extra respect from her family.

Isn't it?

Hey moron, I'm the one taking you there,

not the other way around. Got it?

Looks like he got it.

Let's go.

My ass is in a sling and he's yammering nonsense.

Hey, don't mention anything about Madhu.

Let him be a 'surprise' for her.

Okay?

I'm Armiyas, Sethu's cousin.

I am police officer.

I'm Sebastian, the bride's brother-in-law.

I am an army man.

Sethu, you are very quiet.

Being quiet…

-is his personality. -…would be the best, they said.

Mini, our daughter,

is pretty talkative.

Modern too.

At home, we lovingly call her 'Chatterboss'.

My dear Raghavan, I haven't said a word to him.

Let them talk to each other and figure it out themselves.

That's true. Then, let Sethu meet Mini.

Sure.

You are a policeman, right?

No…

I am an office assistant at Thirunelli Hospital.

Didn't Jaffer mention that?

He didn't mention anything about Armiyas.

Oh, yes. Armiyas is in Police Force.

I thought we were talking about the groom.

Well… I am the groom.

What did the groom study?

Oh, lone sleepwalker Draped in solitude's veil…

Hello?

Yes, Nalini…

I'm in a crisis right now.

I'll call you back.

I'm an office assistant at Thirunelli Health Center.

A 9-to-6 job.

After PF, gratuity, deductions, I get around 25k.

After some debts and Nalini's salary,

I'm left with about 12k in hand.

I own a bike too.

Won't that be enough for two, Mini?

Didn't you go to work today?

No, Sister-in-law.

I had to go see a prospective bride.

Another girl for that house? Seriously?

We are 800 rupees short.

I had to buy extra medicines this time.

And then my bike broke down.

I'll make it up next month.

At this rate, when will you pay off this debt?

At least before he dies,

will you return my gold ornaments pawned at the bank?

I will.

Also, Madhu's health is much better now.

He even talks clearly.

To whom?

No one in particular.

Wow.

Somehow sell that land in Kuttippara.

And settle my dues.

I've already spoken to Jaffer.

He'll handle it.

Where's Vaishakh?

He's gone out with his gang.

Okay.

You may go now.

Otherwise, people will start gossiping.

Nalini… did you wash my lungi?

Nalini…

"Dues at Gopi's shop… 350 rupees."

"Forget his age, he should've thought of mine!

What a mysterious predicament.

I'm leaving."

Sethu…

Did the whole thing fall through today?

You!

Do you know how hard it is to find house help?

Especially for such low pay!

Forget your age, you should've thought of hers!

Your creepy stare and posture!

And filthy gestures!

What the hell were you thinking?

Why are you hounding me about this?

Nalini left.

You bit the hand that fed you!

Nalini told me before she left.

That one-eyed Nambiar tried to get frisky with her.

Nalini always said that fellow should be killed.

But why didn't she tell me before?

And what if she had said?

Do you think you can face his rifle without pissing your pants?

What's your bravery worth anyway?

If you can, carry me to him…

I'll grind his bloody rifle and bullets to pulp

and gulp it down!

Forget all that.

It'd be a miracle if you get up and gulp the food here all by yourself!

Brother…

Did you actually get up,

go to the kitchen and eat food?

Don't tease me, Sethu.

No, it's not like that.

Did anyone else come by?

Markose came.

He ate, cussed me out and left.

He'll be back tomorrow.

Damn!

What's it, Brother?

I think I heard Markose's voice.

Hear that?

So, we were talking about morning walks.

A half-hour walk can keep you energized all day long.

Assuming everyone's all set to run, let's listen to our first song.

This is your own Giri for 'Morning Savarigirigiri'.

Who are you?

Drop your weapon!

Otherwise, I'll shoot you.

Who are you?

Sethu!

Who's there?

Is it Markose?

Sethu.

I didn't come here to hurt you.

My brother is sick.

What do you want?

I don't want anything.

Do as I say and there'll be no trouble.

Hey Markose!

Uncle Markose isn't here.

This…

This is a bat.

When did he start talking to bats?

Who is Markose?

Been hearing that name since yesterday.

When will he come?

There's no fixed time.

-He can come anytime. -Huh?

No! Markose won't come.

Give me a bath before Markose gets here!

Don't listen to him.

Markose is our uncle.

He's dead.

And even if he comes…

only my brother can see him.

Finish up with your brother's chores and come back.

And…

Don't close the door.

Where's the machete?

Why? Are you going to cut something in the bathroom?

Do I need to explain that to you?

Did you take my machete?

-I will return it in the evening. -You better.

Hey, close the door.

Leave it open.

Who's gonna see us?

Stop being so logical and just close it, you filthy guy!

As we walk, we drift into a song.

Lyrics by Vayalar, music by Devarajan Master,

and sung by K J Yesudas.

from the movie 'Guns Tell a Story'.

Darn.

You go, I'll come.

-Greetings, sir. -Okay.

Jaffer, two people have run off.

Maybe they got shot

or injured while running.

If they flash that pistol and break into a house,

no one's gonna say a word.

That's because they fear the police,

not the gun.

These guys are causing trouble again.

Maybe they stole a bike.

One of them came in on that Bullet.

KL… 7…

This is motorbike is registered in Kochi, sir.

This is Rajendraprasad.

This name is familiar to me.

That's our former president.

President of which panchayat?

India's president, man! He's no more.

Oh, dear.

This guy's a Maoist from Aluva.

Jaffer, you must carry out an extensive public outreach

going around the colony and the plantation workers' houses

under the guise of Kudumbashree and kit distribution.

Okay.

They definitely haven't crossed the border.

Oh, so you want me to roam around distributing kits

right under the noses of the Maoists.

You're early today!

Nice one, Markose!

Show me!

Sethu!

Get him back in bed!

What's with the attitude, Markose? Just show it!

Brother…

This isn't Uncle Markose.

-Uncle is on his way. -Shut up, you prick!

You don't have to tell me if he is Markose.

Is it German? Let me see!

Stop all the racket!

Sethu, make him understand.

When I say I'll shoot, I'll shoot!

Who said you wouldn't shoot?

Don't start a fight in the morning itself.

Uncle's not in a good mood.

What bloody mood! Come on, shoot!

-I'll shoot! -Shoot, man!

-Don't… -Uncle!

You guys always mess around until things get serious.

Go to the kitchen, Uncle.

I'll be right there.

Didn't I tell you he's the one who always causes trouble?

His toy pistol and crappy attitude!

Brother…

was it this Uncle Markose

who ate in the kitchen yesterday?

Didn't I make myself clear in official terms?

That Markose came, ate and left.

Listen…

God!

Listen…

Please don't make a scene here.

Or my brother will make an even bigger one.

And people will gather here.

If people gathers, it's not just me who'll be in trouble.

If you knew that, why did you come here?

Are you a Maoist?

What if I am?

Sethu…

Oh, lone sleepwalker...

Give me that phone!

It has run out of balance.

Who are you?

What do you want?

I am… hungry.

You've finished a potful of rice and it's not even morning yet.

Go and cook something for me!

Markose!

Help him make breakfast.

Nalini resigned and left.

Breaking news: As protests strengthen across the state

demanding an explanation over the Maoist's death,

the Chief Minister is now addressing the media.

Over to that live coverage.

Besides the damage caused

to a business enterprise in this state by terrorists…

Has your leg pain eased, Markose?

Yeah.

You always go to the forest and land in trouble.

He was bleeding profusely.

I told him to tear your lungi and bandage the wound.

Here is what you can do.

Wait until your leg gets better. Stay here until then.

The people of this state are watching…

But…

Uncle needs to leave after breakfast.

What?

-Won't you? -Madhu…

I'll be here for a few days.

-Okay. -Don't make a fuss now.

Good thing.

I need to go to work.

How can you go?

Your brother is alone here.

What if something happens to him?

And the people's reaction to that will be…

I have no leaves left.

What are you saying?

Didn't you hear him?

Don't go!

Take leave until Nalini returns.

Moving on to lighter news…

It's Christmas celebrations everywhere,

and the markets are all set.

Listen…

Do you want a bed sheet or blanket?

It gets very cold at night here.

If you need anything,

you'll have to climb those stairs with your hurt leg.

Sethu!

It's me Jaffer!

Jaffer!

What's up?

How many people did you scam today?

That lunatic is awake!

I want to smash my fist through…

Open up! It's me!

-Jaffer! -Where on earth is your phone?

I've been calling you since last night.

You could've picked up at least once.

What's up so early?

Early?

It's almost half past seven.

Go get changed.

That girl and a few others are coming to see you today.

-Are they coming here? -No, to my house!

To see me!

They're coming to see you and this house.

Go!

Why are they coming all the way here just to see the house?

Take a photo and send it on WhatsApp.

Isn't that enough?

You two at it this early?

Uncle Markose is here.

Markose! My foot!

Just close his door and put Mani Ratnam's Hey Ram on full volume!

So nobody else hears his crazy blabbering!

Hey Ram isn't by Mani Ratnam, you idiot!

-It's by Kamal Haasan. -You…

They've reached the crossroads, go get ready!

What's with the sudden visit?

So, I'll be getting you a transfer to Mananthavady, right.

And after that,

you can go to Kozhikode or Kochi,

or Bombay, or even Singapore,

or anywhere else like that, right.

When I told her that, she seemed a little interested.

Smashed it!

Oh, dear God!

Do you think this Mini…

is a bit too advanced?

She's modern, right?

Right.

Then it should be fine.

Yeah…

She's normal modern.

Not advanced.

That's more than enough!

Come in, settle down wherever you can.

Keep your sandals on.

This isn't a temple.

Go in.

Go and get some tea.

Mr Military, got anything to blast?

Open it and eat before it gets cold.

Have some mixture too.

You said there was a maid.

Yes. Nalini.

She's on leave.

Will I have to become Nalini after marriage?

Never!

He's a better Nalini than Nalini herself.

Am I right?

-Where's your brother? -He went for a movie.

He's watching a movie.

Markose!

Why are you hiding?

Stop being such a scaredy-cat!

They're here to see Sethu.

Hey!

Hi dear, come in.

Come. Don't be scared.

He won't do anything. He's a nice guy.

Dear…

Jaffer, come on, let's play a round of cards.

-Please… -Markose is under the bed.

Have some basic decency.

What decency?

Finally got one arranged and you ruined it!

He's below.

Listen!

Madhu picked up a comb to fix his hair.

But ended up grabbing a machete.

Wait up! I'll also come down the road.

Move over a little.

Mini, dear…

Madhu got stabbed in the back during a scuffle years ago.

He hasn't walked since.

Before that?

He used to fly planes here!

Look straight and drive, man!

What about his family?

He's married and has a son too.

When he became bedridden,

his wife left him, taking the child with her.

He has this habit of daydreaming now and then.

Um… "assassination".

Hallucination?

Yes, that one. "Assusunation".

But it's not as scary as it sounds.

He's been taking medicine and it's improved a lot.

What we just saw was the improvement?

This guy!

Nobody's paying you extra for your opinions!

Stop the auto, you idiot!

His bloody…

Mini, don't say no just because Madhu scared you.

Take your time to think and decide.

Thinking is good.

And the proposal is good too!

If you let me go to the hospital, I'll get some cotton

and medicine.

No.

Sethu, just tie it up with something.

When I see blood, my head starts spinning.

How can someone watch so many movies?

He loves Kamal Haasan more than Kamal Haasan loves himself.

Oh, it's not that kind of love.

Then?

Jaffer, the guy who came this morning.

Who are these morons, huh?

He used to run a CD shop in Tholpetty town.

-Ouch! -Oh, sorry!

Careful!

One day police raided and found some "blue".

-Blue? -Dark "adult" blue.

After that he shut shop and joined politics.

And dumped the whole shop in our attic.

And Kamal Haasan in my brother's room.

-In there? -Yes

Brother had nothing to do in those days.

What happened to your brother?

My brother was a poor soul.

Uncle Markose and my brother

were busy creating all the town's problems

and then solving them too,

without bothering anyone, of course.

Most of the workers in the plantations at Kutta are tribal folks from here.

Since they provide food and lodging, the wages are pretty low.

They even give packets of arrack to make them work extra.

In the evenings, they serve toddy instead of tea.

So, people working there either end up becoming complete drunkards

or die under mysterious circumstances.

Once, when a young tribal boy died,

Uncle Markose and my brother went to ask for compensation.

But the mediation turned into a fight.

They slammed my brother to the ground and stabbed him.

And killed my uncle.

My brother lost his mind

because of the guilt of not being able to save Uncle Markose.

He still refuses to accept that he's dead.

And no one tried to convince him otherwise.

Since I don't know how he'll react if he knows how Uncle Markose died,

I sometimes pretend to be him.

By the way…

What did Markose look like?

-Did he look like me? -No!

Uncle was really good-looking.

Armi, stop.

Up until here, Rajendraprasad's phone had signal.

Okay.

He could've gone anywhere from here, right?

He is not familiar with the forest.

He won't hide for long, Armi.

Bugger escaped with my pistol.

Vaidyanathan!

Once I get my hands on him…

I'll bend him over and blast a bullet up his ass!

Sethu!

Sethu!

Markose!

If you find him, ask him to make some tea.

Nalini…

"If I don't show up at work today,

people will come here looking for me.

Give Madhu the yellow pill, Nexito, in the morning…

and the red one, Brexito, in the afternoon.

Please!"

PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER

Why do you look so low?

I've fever, Shyamala.

I think…

I think I've fever.

It's because you barely work.

I've the same problem.

Let's march as one

and rise against this state terrorism!

So, we must stand united.

And with us…

The Chief Minister's statement

justifying the Thunderbolt Force in Maoist killing

has sparked major controversy.

Opposition parties and human rights activists

waved black flags at the Chief Minister's convoy.

In connection with the Maoist deaths over the past five years…

-Why are you here, Sethu? -I… hospital…

-The medical camp… -Oh.

a notice has been given to the Speaker demanding a discussion.

Mini?

These kids are my neighbours.

I brought them here because they've fever.

Go in.

Nalini…

Nalini…

I know Sethu isn't here.

I saw him leave.

Markose! That's the one-eyed geezer!

He's here for Nalini.

Horny bugger! Come on, shoot!

Fire!

Are you playing hide-and-seek?

What?

Speak up, you idiot!

Stop performing Kathakali and fire away, Dumbose Markose!

Scaredy-cat!

Sethu.

What happened to that proposal?

You didn't say anything.

Look at his smile.

Did the girl like you?

Ask if she liked his brother, Shyamala.

I don't know.

I still haven't got a clear answer.

Maybe she'll tell.

So, how's the girl?

She's a bit modern.

Then she's a perfect match!

Didn't you go to school today?

He's got fever, sir.

He's going to the medical camp.

What's your name?

Varghese.

Where's Joseph?

He went to the plantation.

Okay.

The opposition is unnecessarily dragging the Honourable Home Minister

and the SC/ST Welfare Minister into this issue about the Maoist attacks…

Show this uncle around your house.

-Come on, dear. -Go.

The Thunderbolt Force has been set up

at a cost of lakhs of rupees to perform their duties responsibly.

A Maoist came to Sathi's house last month.

And?

-And what? -Excuse me.

Did they do anything?

Do what?

Sethu, have you ever heard of a Maoist hurting locals?

Only the government fears them.

Why did they come?

Sometimes they just drop by for tea, charge their phones and leave.

Did any uncles come by here?

To drop off a book, a bag or anything else?

After that, they've never come back here again.

Please tell him not to come by so often and break things.

Sethu!

-Yes? -A patient threw up.

It stinks. Come and clean it.

Okay.

Sethu.

Didn't you say you're an office assistant?

They don't care about my job title when it comes to cleaning puke, Mini.

As protests over Maoist killings sweep across the state,

a demonstration by human rights activists

in front of the Thirunelli Police Station turned violent.

The protesters, who arrived shouting slogans, blocked the main gate.

The police used force to remove them,

and the leader of the human rights group, M R Vasavan,

was arrested for obstructing police duty.

Why did you go out without telling me?

I know that a true Maoist won't hurt innocent people.

I went to get some medicine.

That leg could get infected and may need amputation.

You could've just told me and left.

Didn't you get my letter?

His bloody letter!

That one-eyed geezer came up to the verandah with his rifle.

And?

It was my machete that stopped him.

His bloody machete!

His useless pistol never fires!

Wanna see if it actually works?

If it does, you should've shot straight at Nambiar's chest.

What is point in blabbering now?

Please don't start fighting over this now.

Oh dear, leave me out!

I'll take a bath and come.

This is why I say

that I see things which you don't.

But no one ever listens.

Our father and Nambiar were partners in pepper trade.

When the business started thriving,

Nambiar began to swindle our father.

One day, the business collapsed

and we were left in debt.

Dad had an affair with a plantation worker

and he eloped with her.

To Kodagu.

Out of shame,

our mom hanged herself.

Up until the corner of Nambiar's house,

it was our land.

After Madhu became bedridden,

Nambiar kept shifting the boundary marker

and now it's reached our front yard.

He even poops every day on our land.

To mark his territory.

Who's that?

Armiyas!

Son of Uncle Markose.

He's a policeman.

He's coming to booze.

Sethu! Is he real or your imagination?

This is real!

He doesn't come in usually… But still…

If you're scared, hide in the storage chest.

Where the hell will I hide?

Markose!

Armiyas, what's happening with your missing pistol?

Just shut up. Will let you know once I have it.

Alright!

You got everything ready the moment you heard the sound of the vehicle, huh?

Sethu, I've arranged your coaching.

Oh, is it?

At the library in Aathattukunnu Colony.

Okay.

Since we have already hit 100% literacy,

you're the only one left in your age group here.

Found a replacement for Nalini yet?

No need for Nalini.

We've got Markose here.

Oh, still awake, eh?

Came here to drink in peace.

Armi… come here.

Your dad is here.

He wants to tell you something.

Get lost, you whack!

I won't!

-Be quiet! -What if I won't?

It's the same damn drama every time!

Stop screaming.

Just pretend there's a soundtrack playing.

Have this.

So, you need a replacement for Nalini, right?

Yes.

It'll be good if she knows a bit of acting.

Someone with a theatre background?

-Right? -Yeah.

Armiyas!

Markose will come to you. Just talk it out, you guys!

After all, he's your father.

Markose! Markose!

How do you tolerate this guy?

Now that you're a police officer, do you think you're special?

Just drop the anger!

Why don't you just feed him some rat poison?

For Markose and Madhu, the police ain't worth a rat's ass!

Even dead, he won't let me be at peace.

Pour me another, Jaffer.

Pick up all the broken glass in the garden.

Clean the spa.

Okay?

Enough.

You can drink after we wrap this up.

-This is for you, sir. -No thanks.

I'll have it.

I used to work in Toto Motors showroom in Aluva.

As what?

Slaves… I mean…

In the Sales Department.

Renuka

Good morning, Si--

-Good morning. -What can I do for you, sir?

I'm looking for a bike.

Well, in that case, you're in the correct place, sir.

Best for Aluva, sir.

I want something best for myself!

Of course, sir.

You're the Aluva!

I am the Aluva. Sorry, I forgot…

Are you on Insta?

O Renuka… You, dust of melody

Breath on the blue stillness of a dream.

As we slipped away from a rain-drenched branch

Our hold undone, we tumbled like leaves

Scorpio?

TOTO MOTORS

O Renuka… You, dust of melody…

The day after Rajendran bought the scooter,

it began having issues.

So, he'd come to the showroom every other day.

That's how we started liking each other.

Rajendran was quite the talker too.

If you don't fix my scooter by next week,

I'll burn down your showroom, you morons!

Evening six o'clock.

Lulu Mall.

Don't forget.

For a month, Rajendran pushed the scooter to work.

200 kilometers per single charge.

How can I help you, sir?

No problem. I can help myself.

Best for Kalady, sir.

O Renuka, we are two shards of cloud

Two years guarantee.

I am warranty.

Fleeting beauty beyond reach

Please hold it for me.

Beneath a shattered rainbow

We sink into a storm of grief

O Renuka… We branch into distant tides

Emptied of love.

You, a stone stripped of the river's touch

I, parched, spent, drifting dead

After that, we only talked on the phone.

And what did you talk about on the phone?

Nothing in particular.

Rajendran can talk about anything.

“Did you eat?”

“Did you sleep? What's the color of my dress?”

“Miss you” and all that.

Look here.

Did he ever talk to you about revolutionary activities?

Isn't love itself a revolutionary act?

Stop playing around, woman!

Do you know which legal section this falls under?

It's treason!

You'll never see daylight again if you are sent to jail!

I lent him money to get out on bail.

I didn't need that money back then, so I didn't ask for it.

Now, when I needed money to repair my house,

I asked him to return it.

And since then,

like every other debtor,

he ignores my calls and never replies to my messages.

How much?

One-and-a-half lakh rupees.

One-and-a-half lakh rupees for bail?

The bail amount was only 50,000.

My house repairs will cost two lakh rupees, sir.

I had about 10,000 on hand.

Does he have any other friends?

In Wayanad or anywhere?

Rajendran does not believe in friendship.

Oh, dear woman! Where's this Romeo right now?

I swear on you and this resort,

I don't know, sir.

You fell in love without knowing jack squat!

I thought we'd get to know each other after marriage.

Rajendran got fed up and torched that showroom!

Anyone would've done the same, sir!

That doesn't make him a Maoist.

He's a chemistry teacher.

Can't chemistry teachers be Maoists?

Then maybe it's a recent thing.

He was a chemistry teacher when I met him.

Sir, didn't I ask if you wanted water?

When did you last speak to him?

Last Sankranti.

In November.

He never called me after that.

Whenever I call him,

his phone is switched off.

Renuka.

From now, you, your home and your family are under our watch.

Don't worry. It's only for your safety.

And we're confiscating your phone for a week.

Okay, sir.

But please don't update the software.

On the day of the attack, when you met Rajendraprasad,

did he mention anything about the operation?

There're no rooms available today, sir. It's fully booked.

Greetings.

I'm a Maoist.

Have you booked a room, sir?

I need 50000 rupees.

And food for 15 people.

Make sure it's good food.

The money is in the office.

Come, let's go.

We usually don't provide takeaway food here, sir.

Wrap the food in a banana leaf, that'll do.

You could've fed 15 people with the money you spent on this gun.

Shut up!

Receptionist…

Renuka?

Not me.

Only 10001.

In this twilight we meet again

Hues are fading from our eyes

You fill in me

Like tears pooling in the corners of your eyes

Professor!

What's with the outfit?

Hey! Go away!

Renu!

Who the hell is this?

Love is but an illusion

Code red! Code red!

A glass palace built of hollow words

I've brought the money.

Will you…

marry me…?

Not now, Rajendran! Go back and come later!

Oh, dear mother!

-Is your mother here? -No.

Argh!

Actually, what happened to your leg?

Did you hit a tree stump while running through gunfire?

Don't know if you'll believe me…

But the day you were attacked,

the same thing happened to me too.

In my dream.

Even though it was a dream,

the pain lasted for two days after I woke up.

But for a revolutionary,

that pain's nothing… right?

COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER

Sethu!

Yes!

Keep it over there.

I didn't know you were the tutor here, Mini.

Is it that if you had known, you wouldn't have come?

Are you attending today's class?

Well… I guess…

Sit down.

My exam is in December.

I've registered.

Just teach me the questions expected for the exam.

And the answers?

The answers too.

Did you skip the 10th board exam or did you fail?

-Can you come out for a moment, Teacher? -What?

Could you step out with me?

It's "confidence".

Please come, Teacher.

COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER AATHATTUKUNNU COLONY

Teacher… I…

I never took the 10th exams.

I was scared.

What's there to be scared of?

I don't know.

Then don't be scared.

Not like that.

I can stop being scared only if I know what I'm scared of, right?

Even the phone isn't helping! It won't ring!

Hello.

Hello, Poduvaal…

Who's this?

It's me, Rajan.

Hey, where have you been? Whose phone number is this?

Forget that.

I'm stuck here, man.

My leg's hurt.

Where are you now?

I'm in a house at Thirunelli.

-Thirunelli? -Yes.

Can't you just tell them the truth and get out of there?

What am I supposed to tell them?

Here, a chemistry teacher's worth jack.

They gave me something to eat only after I said I was a Maoist.

Maoist? No wonder the police came looking for you at your house.

-Just hang up and spare me, man. -Hello?

Poduvaal?

Sit down.

So, what's the story?

Hm?

No story, sir. Rajendraprasad is one of them.

He just hasn't reached the forefront yet.

But he's the brain behind the dead Maoist.

Rajendraprasad's from Angamaly.

Lives in a flat near Aluva.

He's a chemistry teacher.

He also provides entrance exam coaching to kids at his flat.

Unmarried.

He's got his dad.

He doesn't have a great opinion about him.

Is that enough, huh?

Is that enough, he's asking?

It's been 2-3 years since he went to his own house.

He doesn't mingle with his townsfolk.

Every post he's liked or commented on Facebook is anti-government.

He has got a very aggressive behaviour, sir.

A troublemaker.

He burned down Toto Motors showroom in broad daylight.

In Aluva.

-Was there a case? -There was.

It's settled now.

He also took part in a few protests against the builder.

He's got a case for pelting stone at a bus when he was 20.

Come on! Haven't you done the same, man?

My stones never landed, sir.

Sir…

I have a BA degree in Malayalam.

He's a chemistry professor.

What if he makes a bomb?

Oh! No, no!

Armiyas,

I'll take care of the missing pistol.

You get back into service.

I can give you a new pistol.

-Isn't that enough? -No need, sir.

I want my pistol.

Why? As if it is a toy your father bought for you!

I don't want that job as anyone's charity.

I'll find that pistol myself

and get my job back.

Taking back Armi won't solve the issues, sir.

If Rajendraprasad runs his mouth tomorrow,

even you'll be held responsible.

Fine, go ahead.

Won't you prepare the report?

Report is ready, sir.

Sir, you just need to give nod.

Media will handle the rest.

How about a small peg?

No, sir. I'm on duty.

If anything's left, I'll have it at home.

Pour me one,sir. I'm on suspension anyway.

Drink up!

PRAJA TV

Sir.

There is no such mysterious circumstances in Kerala at present

for the honorable opposition leader to stir up such a huge ruckus.

Not only that…

it was during the tenure of their government

that they set up the Anti-Terrorist Squad to prevent Maoist attacks.

Sir, during our tenure, no one was shot or killed.

It was good governance, sir.

Sir, they are trying to make it seem like

these Maoists just barge in and say,

"Oh, please give us some food"

or "give us money".

Why are they painting a false picture of the Maoists, sir?

Today, police released information about one more Maoist activist

believed to be involved in the Maoist attack

at Crystal Kuruva Hill Resort.

The Police released the information

after the Opposition walked out of the Assembly,

demanding a judicial inquiry into the death of the Maoist activist.

What's it?

Should I increase the volume?

Just say that! Why are you staring at me?

The police have issued a lookout notice

for a person named Rajendraprasad, a native of Angamaly.

Stop stuffing your face!

It's all for you! No one else will eat it!

Maoist activists K P Rasheed, Rajendraprasad

and Soman are the ones who took part in the attack.

Among them, K P Rasheed was killed.

Calm down, man!

The Kerala faction of the Maoists…

You won't die!

Drink some water.

The police's preliminary conclusion is that Rajendraprasad was the one

who established close ties with the arms supply racket.

Police have also concluded that Rajendraprasad,

also known as MAACO, which stands for Maoist Armed Combatant,

may not have crossed the Thirunelli Forest

due to injuries sustained during the attack.

Maybe the food went the wrong way. Jump!

Come on, jump!

Jump!

Police say he might be hiding in one of the houses near the forest,

either with a false identity or by threatening the inmates.

Coming up next, the latest from the world of entertainment.

Kunchacko Boban's much-awaited film

'Oru Durooha Sahaycharyathil',

has hit theaters,

with Dileesh Pothan, Sajin Gopu and Chidambaram

in other prominent roles.

Time for the first-half review!

ROCKS!!!

I'm in a meeting, will call you back.

When Markose died, he must've been around 55,

as I remember.

He'd had rheumatism in his leg since young.

As it got worse,

his brawling slowed down.

Because of that, he walked with a limp.

Always hobbling around.

That's the only thing you need to keep in mind.

Which leg was it, right or left?

Oh…

I can't recall that, Rajesh Madhavan.

Isn't that the main thing?

Madhu doesn't care about the leg or size.

If he's yelling from bed, you've to respond.

Just storm in, throw a couple of curses at him,

and shut him up.

That's all.

Who's playing Markose now?

Madhu's younger brother, Sethu.

He's pulling it off pretty neatly.

Let's see who does it best.

Markose…

Make me a tea, man.

Markose!

Keep it down, Brother.

Who asked you to come? Where's he?

-What do you want? -My foot!

-Get lost! -Where's uncle?

Would I be yelling here if I'd seen him?

-Markose! -Quiet!

I am starving, dammit! Bring me food!

I haven't had a bite all morning!

How many times do I have to tell you that I'm starving?

Where the hell are you both?

Can't you hear me calling, you fool?

Markose!

I'm dying of hunger!

Just go.

If you're so useless, hire someone else.

Did you hear that?

Are you starving me to death?

Good, we came at the right time.

Kick down the door, cuss him out

and pin him down, Rajesh Madhavan.

Bloody son of a gun!

Trying to kill me, huh?

Bloody Dumbose Markose!

Hear that?

This door is quite old, it'll break.

-Should I? -Yes, you should!

Don't you want to impress, Rajesh Madhavan?

Are you coming here or shall I come there?

Am I on your payroll, you moron?

Why are you screaming?

Won't even let me shit in peace, moron!

Just get up and make your own tea?

It's your brother who's spoiling you.

Aha! We already had a Markose here!

Is this a bloody mono act?

Who the hell is he, Sethu?

Madhu, it's me, Markose!

Get lost, you nutcase!

-What's this, Jaffer? -Well…

I was an actor with Kairali Kalakendram for three years.

If you didn't like my performance, I can do a retake.

Come on, then. Take 2.

Jaffer…

acting alone won't cut it.

Doctor said we need someone stronger.

Alright then, let's see if we can fix you up with some odd job here.

Like plucking pepper or monkeying up arecanut trees. Come.

I can do portraits!

We don't need portraits.

Not yet… but when your brother dies,

don't give that work to anyone else.

Everybody makes mistakes.

Markose…

Hey, Markose…

My stomach is crying for food!

You, useless Dumbose Markose!

Madhu!

Stop with the screaming!

How many times did I call you?

At least answer me, will you?

Will you die if the tea is five minutes late?

Shut up and lie there!

What a drama king! Hmph!

I'll make the tea, brother.

I'll cut off that hand!

That boiling disaster you call tea isn't tea.

Markose, you go make the tea.

Damn his stupid tea!

Will do.

Now this… this is real tea, Uncle!

Now do you see

why I stopped you from making tea?

Tea is an emotion, man.

Right?

Brother, remember our Kuttippara trip?

Only my legs aren't functioning.

I don't have Alzheimer's.

I was 16 when our mother died.

You were 24…

Right, Brother?

Madhu, Uncle Markose and I went to Kodagu to see our dad.

When I say "see"…

I mean to kill him!

You tagged along

only because you were scared to stay home alone, not to kill.

But I came, right?

That took some guts, didn't it?

Alright then, brave man!

Halfway there, once the liquor hit,

both their plans and route changed.

No revenge.

No murder.

Inside Kuttippara forest,

we have some land property

which our father bought for ginger farming.

A small hut stood there.

The three of us ended up there.

And for eight days,

deep in the forest,

it was booze, tapioca, wild meat,

songs, and dance, all thanks to uncle.

What a blast it was, right Brother?

Yes.

Since I didn't drink,

I got tea brewed by Uncle Markose himself.

That trip to finish off dad

turned out to be the best trip of my life!

Mine too!

When I drink this tea,

I remember that trip.

That's Markose's tea, all right!

"Not everyone's cup of the tea."

Ouch, that’s bloody hot!

I asked for hot water. You boiled it, you dumbass!

Please don’t start a Russian Revolution over tea and hot water.

I’m not scared of anyone--

Don’t stir up trouble, Brother.

Let them do as they please.

Don’t look that way.

I’m not looking either.

Markose!

Come over here!

He’s is wielding his rifle!

Come on!

Minimum decency, please.

Back off! I’m talking to the real men!

Hurry up, Markose!

Why do I pay you wages and give you my clothes?

To hold that pistol and watch me die?

You scaredy-cat, come quickly!

Hey one-eyed devil!

If you’ve got guts, shoot me right here!

Do it!

Such horrible people!

Now, they will drag it off,

hang it by the fire till it bleeds out,

then dry it and tie it up…

And slice pieces off whenever they're hungry.

And you won't even ask?

No, I don't eat wild meat.

Idiot! I'm not talking about the meat!

Won't you stand up when your family is harassed like this?

What can I do?

If we question them,

they'll brand us Maoists.

Anyway…

those who live by the gun

are bound to be struck down.

Hey, I wasn't talking about you.

You use your gun for good, right?

But he doesn't.

All his courage comes from that rifle.

That rifle is the reason why no one in this house can live in peace.

Can you open this for me?

Let's go take his rifle, come on.

-Huh? -Let's grab his gun.

But…

you already have a gun.

So what? Is my gun your problem or Nambiar's?

A gun doesn't carry caste or creed.

Quit rambling and come with me!

Do I really have to come?

I'm not used to this kind of stuff.

Do you think I'm used to washing your underwear, plates and all that crap?

Do it once, you'll get used to it.

Come on. I said, come!

-Climb up. -Me?

Yes, go on!

No, you climb.

What nonsense are you saying?

How will I climb with this leg?

Climb! Grab on!

I'll hold the ladder.

-What's it? -Will this hold?

It's strong. He goes up and down every day.

Go.

Hey, Markose!

Where the hell is the TV remote?

Raise the volume.

Where are you going?

Brother's calling.

Who's Markose?

It's me, right? So, I'll go.

Maybe he mixed up the names.

You go! I'll be right back.

Sethu!

Who are you?

Maoist.

Hands up.

You got spooked by this scrap metal? It's not even licensed!

But what if someone saw?

Che Guevara once said,

"To fight a man with a gun, you need a gun."

Here.

PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER

Sethu…

Sethu…

What are you doing? Measuring the wall?

They're waiting outside for you.

You should accompany the corpse.

Who killed him?

Killed?

It was a cardiac arrest.

And he jumps straight to murder, just like that.

CONDOLENCES KANNAN NAMBIAR(60)

Should the head face north or south?

What was his preference?

Why would I lie when he's lying dead?

Kannan, why'd you leave us so soon?

I lost a loyal voter!

Now you've left me all alone!

Armiyas was asking for you, did you see him?

Did you hear any gunshots?

Yes, I did hear gunfire.

But I couldn't tell where it came from.

Sethu, didn't you get out to check?

Sir, that's common around here.

I thought they were shooting at a boar or something.

So I didn't bother.

Sir…

Nothing in the yard or the well.

I guess Karunan only stashed it away,

fearing the deer case would blow up.

Well, I'm off.

What's the matter, Armi?

Doctor said it was cardiac arrest.

Nambiar's rifle is missing.

Why does he need a rifle now?

Brother…

-Did you know? -What?

One-eyed geezer is dead!

Really?

How?

Attack!

Maoist attack?

Heart attack!

Darn!

It's fine though.

Hey, take me to him.

I want to see him lying dead like that.

No need for that.

I threw in your share,

gave him a tight slap

and settled our scores.

-And? -He didn't utter a word.

Hey, did you hear?

One-eyed geezer is dead.

What you couldn't manage,

his own heart pulled off.

Didn't I tell you, Uncle?

Without the rifle, Kannan Nambiar is just a corpse.

Where's the rifle?

Where'd the rifle go?

The rifle…

was taken by whoever needed it.

Who needed it?

Who?

To fight someone with a gun,

you need a gun.

Che Guevara said so.

Why does Che Guevara need Nambiar's gun?

It was a Maoist attack.

It was a Maoist attack, Sethu!

Really?

Which moron's howling out there at midnight?

It's me…

Madhu…

…his brother… Sethu.

Markose…

Time to find him a bride, huh?

You're right.

Hey…

Yes.

What's your educational qualification?

Why'd you ask?

No reason, just curious.

PhD in Organic Chemistry.

To become a Maoist?

Yes, to master the chemistry between people and problems.

Oh.

Makes sense.

I have a doubt related to chemistry.

What doubt?

How's…

the chemistry between me and Mini?

Is it organic?

You're a PhD, aren't you?

It's bad!

Terrible!

-Really? -Mm…

Can you be a catalyst and help me?

Are you dedicating this song to anyone, Sethu?

Yes, to a teacher.

Nice one, Sethu.

Does this teacher have a name?

Yes…

Chemistry teacher.

And now on 92.9 FM, Nishagandhi,

this song is dedicated by Sethu

to his one and only Chemistry teacher.

A secret melody stirs the soul

A sweet desire unlike any other

We tumble into rapture untamed

Lost in mysterious circumstances

Ugh!

I'm alkali, you're tart acid

Our little secret charge at play

We collide, a sparkling compound

Molecules entwined in chemistry's flame

Atoms twist, reactions ignite

From base to bond, we change

Air crackles as we combine

Inside, a tidal surge

A secret melody stirs the soul

A sweet desire unlike any other

We tumble into rapture untamed

Lost in mysterious circumstances

Hello, Poduvaal…

Don't hang up.

It's me, Rajan.

I'll somehow get to Kuttipara.

There's no other way.

Just get the vehicle to Mysore border, that's all.

Golden-flame flowers bloom

Tiny stars flicker on twilight's canvas.

Desires stir, sweet and deep

Shimmering across a silver veil

-Sethu… -Yes.

Can you drop me at the junction?

-See you, bro. -Bye.

Okay.

You, my pomegranate heart

Together we glide like leaves in River Kabani

You, my firefly beloved

Let me whisper this secret to you

I've always liked the name Mini.

It was my ex's name too.

I used to call her Mini.

That's cool.

What was her real name?

Mini.

And?

We both weren't very talkative.

Okay.

So, naturally, she never said a word about getting married…

And I never thought to ask…

Atoms twist, reactions ignite

From base to bond, we change

Air crackles as we combine

Inside, a tidal surge

A secret melody stirs the soul

A sweet desire unlike any other

We tumble into rapture untamed

Lost in mysterious circumstances

A secret melody stirs the soul

A sweet desire unlike any other

We tumble into rapture untamed

Lost in mysterious circumstances

Mini…

What happened?

He's had a fever since morning… now he's really sick.

Come.

Shyamala, I'm leaving.

Hey Sethu, I was looking for you.

Drop off the remaining goods and come to the estate.

Sir, there's a patient.

It's someone I know.

Is it an emergency?

Fever.

Fever?

Nurse, take a look.

If it rains, I'm doomed.

Call them in.

Is the doctor gone?

Yes.

Don't worry.

Unless it's a C-section, everything else is safe in my hands.

Doctor!

Where are you running off to without checking the patient?

My shift's over.

Shift isn't over yet.

There's half an hour left.

Gone the second your shift ends, huh?

What is it?

Doctor, the patient's fever's spiking.

He vomited too.

I don't think I can handle it alone.

What's this, Sethu?

It's sir's.

I'll clear it off.

Hello?

Hello.

Unload the coffee and seeds from the van.

It's for the locals to sit on.

Sethu will unload it.

If you do it yourself…

will something snap off, sir?

The Thunderbolts are here.

Looks like they're searching for the Maoists.

Even a fever can't catch a break here.

Where to?

-Medical College. -Why?

Mini's father isn't well.

What's wrong, Raghavan uncle?

Malaria…

Or maybe COVID.

Hey Thomas…

This is a hospital case.

-Let them go. -Okay, sir.

BROTHER

Who's at home?

Uncle Markose--

I mean… no one else…

I've to go…

Nurse, you got a power bank?

Jaffer, power's been out since morning.

Can you inform the Electricity Board Office?

I'll let the lineman Thanku know, sir.

There are patients here. They'll kick up a storm any minute.

Okay, make it quick.

He hasn't shown up, right?

Davis, who put him on this job anyway?

The government gave him this job as a warning…

an example of who should never be hired.

Where the hell were you?

I dozed off, sir.

I got home late last night.

I told you to check the generator before leaving.

Did I send you on a picnic with your father-in-law?

Better you die in my rickshaw

than wait for them to restore electricity.

Jaffer, it happens again and again.

Hey, asshole!

Can't you do your damn job properly?

THE EXPLOITATION OF HOSPITAL AUTHORITIES CANNOT BE TOLERATED.

PEOPLE WILL STRIKE BACK - MAO…!!

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, THIRUNELLI

I stay awake only if there's a body in the mortuary.

Otherwise, I like my sleep.

-When did you get here, sir? -By 9 o'clock.

By then, Sethu was already here.

By the time I reached, the poster was up.

That's what Sethu told me too.

Any problems related to Employee Union?

No, sir. No internal drama.

If anyone has issues, it's the locals, not us.

Yesterday, a rickshaw driver really chewed Sethu out

over the power cut.

Actually, even a girl created a fuss.

Saying there's no treatment at night.

Isn't she your relative, Sethu?

Is it Mini?

-Yes. -Aha!

So, that was your girl?

Did you hear any noise last night?

Once I'm asleep, I don't hear a thing.

That's how it should be!

Alright, carry on with your work.

Two policemen will be on guard here.

Who's this drip for?

Did you see me putting up that poster?

Why did you take such a stand in front of the cops?

Get that stand off, Sethu!

One shove and you'll shit your pants!

Sir, look at him, he's not strong enough for an assault case.

Sir, his only brother has already crossed the "interval block".

So please, sir, make a decision

your conscience won't regret tomorrow.

The whole of Tholpetty stands with you.

This is the last warning for you.

I am settling this with your suspension,

only for Jaffer's sake.

That's a compromise!

I have no complaint, sir.

No need to bring shame to the hospital.

Are you a thug or what?

He's just cooking up stories.

Jaffer knows his true colours.

I'm holding back because of Madhu.

Or else you'd already be flat on the floor.

I've put up with this long enough.

-I'm done! -You…

Armi…

Till now you followed his orders, right?

So what's the problem now?

Bloody rebel!

Seems like this place would not need

the service of policemen like me in the future, Jaffer.

The boy has started retaliating.

Even I noticed a change in him.

But I thought it was because of that girl.

If you were going to hit someone,

you should've taken Markose along.

Madhu, just zip it!

Anyone would react seeing such an atrocity.

If you set fire to a silent magnesium,

wouldn't it explode?

Of course, it will explode.

Even pouring water on potassium

makes it explode.

Why'd you drag all those nasty chemicals into the hospital?

That's what sparked this whole mess.

O Renuka, we are twin shadows

Dreams adrift in the night

Daylight stirs within us

Yet all we hold are longing and despair

Oh, my brother, please stop it!

I've an exam.

No, sir…

Let go of me, sir…

Please…

Who's out there?

Hey Markose, check who's there.

I'm at a funeral now. I'll be there soon.

Psst!

Come out.

It's about Madhu.

Madhu's in the hospital, in serious condition.

Why are you getting up?

Just focus on your exam. Don't stress, okay?

Madhu will be fine. He's not going anywhere.

Sethu is here.

Sethu…

Don't go there now.

He just fell asleep.

Park the vehicle by that door.

Yes, right there.

Should his head face north or south?

He's not dead yet, Jaffer!

Relax, I was just kidding.

Alright, hold him steady.

Careful.

Take away the stretcher.

Sethu…

Did anybody come by?

Armi… not now.

Armi, wait for me! Hang up now.

Jaffer…

What is it?

Did…

-anything else happen here? -Why do you ask like that?

No, it's just…

I've never seen my brother like this--

Don't think like that.

He's been bedridden for 15 years.

His suffering has to end someday, right?

Calm down. At least he's still breathing.

Armi's getting restless. I'm leaving.

Brother…

where's your phone?

Markose!

Markose!

Brother…

Madhu, my brother…

Why are you so silent?

Why are you crying?

Why… why are you crying?

I've got no one else but you, Mom.

See this…

It's a Kamal Haasan movie.

Look here, Brother!

Where's Uncle Markose?

Brother, tell me, where did Uncle Markose go?

Tell me, is it my fault I was born a dwarf?

No, Son. It's my fault.

No, Mother.

It's nature's fault.

Hey Madhu…

Why are you sprawled out like that?

Get up, man.

Can't you see your brother's upset?

Say something to him.

Brother…

See…

Uncle Markose is talking to you.

Brother…

If you don't say anything,

he'll get upset and leave.

Brother…

Madhu!

Look here, I'm leaving.

Listen, you!

If you won't talk,

I'm not coming back! You hear me?

Let go of the rifle, Brother.

Markose is dead.

And all this time, you hid it from me…

kept deceiving me, didn't you?

Madhu, drop the rifle.

Who told you I was dead?

You think I can be killed that easy?

Enough, Sethu.

Stop messing with me.

You tricked me, didn't you?

Brother…

You were fooling me all along…

Don't say that, Brother.

You tricked me, didn't you?

Brother…

-You tricked me, didn't you? -Brother…

Brother…

Brother…

Brother…

Brother…

Brother…

-I'll be right back. -Okay.

Jaffer, shall we take him for cremation now?

Since everyone has paid their respects,

we can proceed to cremation.

Vaishakh wants to see him.

Why's he sitting in the car? Call him in.

Vaishakh…

He's in Ooty, went on a picnic.

Should we take the body there?

He'll be back by evening.

By evening? Then forget the Ooty plan.

They didn't give a damn when he lay helpless here all these years.

I can't keep my brother lie here waiting for them.

Come on!

Just wait until Vaishakh gets here!

Alright, if you say so! Keep it back!

Shall I?

Sethu!

Make me a tea, please.

Sethu, make one tea for Markose too.

Markose, call Sethu too.

Sethu, did you hear what Markose said?

Sethu, come here.

We need to decide today.

Do you know where the TV remote is?

Sethu!

Mark…

Come here… Call Sethu…

I came to tell you I found a maid actor for you.

And?

And when you didn't open the door, I just pushed my way in.

And there he was, lying like that!

Honestly, I was terrified, you know?

I just grabbed him and brought him here in my van.

Sethu…

Why are you sweating like this?

It's really hot, isn't it?

Yeah, it's hot…

I guess because it's so cold…

I don't really feel it's hot.

Come with me.

Should we change the exterior color?

Let's retain the heritage touch.

That's the trend these days.

Have you…

saved anything…

just for yourself?

No, right?

Either take your share in this property

and leave the house to them.

Or pay them off and keep the house.

Can you do that?

But they already have a house.

It's the party's decision.

The party never asked me!

Why should they ask you?

I told you many times to take party membership, didn't I?

You didn't! That's the problem!

That boy's grown up now.

Shouldn't we settle him? Look at him now,

he should be going for party processions.

Not strutting around in Adidas jacket.

And Valsala's decided to turn this into a home-stay.

Where will I go?

That's why I asked…

Do you have a Swiss bank stash

or some Bitcoin saved?

I did…

Didn't I say? Since he's a government officer,

he must've set something aside.

But…

Whatever I saved, went up in flames the other day.

Sethu…

Instead of sitting here alone and rotting,

come to Dr. Saseendran's estate tomorrow.

Don't worry,

not to buy booze!

He's leaving our town.

There's a small dinner party.

You should go.

Sir…

is leaving?

Yes.

Ever since he saw that Mao poster, he's been shit-scared.

Before he leaves,

I'll ask him to lift your suspension.

You just need to meet him once.

Say sorry and sort it out.

He must be finding it hard to face you.

Listen dear…

dress sharp, look modern…

go there and make a great impression.

Really… impress everyone!

Badri…

This game isn't about winning or losing…

It's about living or dying.

Wise words, at the right time.

But don't think that spouting such wisdom has saved you from death.

Soon, you'll be begging me to kill you.

Do you know what bravery is?

-It is pretending you feel no fear. -It is pretending you feel no fear.

I saw the fear in your eyes.

I'll slowly…

very gently, draw it out

and let you feel it, fully.

What's this… a bag full of sorry?

Come.

We'll sit inside.

Armiyas!

Sethu…

Who killed my brother, Jaffer?

Why did you lie to me

that Armiyas hadn't come home?

I went to your house that day

because Armiyas called me.

He went to your house looking for the Maoist…

But he didn't tell me what happened there.

It was Armiyas who instructed me to lie to you…

It's true… But why are you…

Sir…

How about a public apology?

Eh?

I plan to use this party for something meaningful as well.

I wanted to…

to apolo…

say sorry to Sethu.

Not just apologise,

I'll revoke his suspension…

and even announce his promotion here and now.

Move away!

You…

Sethu, no! No!

-Hello, Jaffer? -Armi…

Armi… he shot me!

-Who? -That lunatic, Sethu!

For those tuning in for the first time,

here are the rules of Nishagandhi.

The rules are very simple.

I'll play a movie dialogue.

-You've to guess which movie it's from. -What's it?

So, shall we hear the dialogue?

Where did he go?

He didn't tell me.

Give me your phone.

Looks like we've got a caller!

Don't make me unleash my old brutal cop side!

Who's on the line?

This is Sethu…

From Tholpetty, Thirunelli…

Hello, Sethu! Greetings!

You've called before, haven't you?

Yes, I have.

-We're tracking it. Over. -Welcome back to Nishagandhi, Sethu.

How are things in Thirunelli?

Nothing much…

Nothing much is happening.

-Shall I play the dialogue? -Okay.

Terrorists aren't born…

They are created.

And in creating them,

society and politics play a major role.

-It is our duty to ensure… -Sethu…

…that the god whom the future generation will worship

does not take the form of a gun.

Did you hear that?

Kuruthipunal.

The film is Kuruthipunal…

released in 1995.

Directed by P C Sreeram.

Written by Kamal Haasan himself.

-Kuruthipunal. -Aha!

Who gave you the answer?

My brother.

What are you guys doing together?

We're on a trip.

Where are you heading?

Kuttippara. My brother has a hut there.

Cut the chatter, girl! Just confirm the answer and play the song already!

Yes, the answer is correct, sir.

This is a dramatic story

Of an intense desire for vengeance

Now the pyre will be set on fire

And the story will end

This is a dramatic story

Of an intense desire for vengeance

Now the pyre will be set on fire

And the story will end

Markose…

Uncle…

Don't be scared… It's me, Sethu….

Sethu, did you bring anyone with you?

I came alone.

Didn't I tell you not to come alone?

My dear bro…

I'm neither a Maoist nor your uncle!

I never said you're a Maoist, Uncle.

Sethu, I need you to get me to Mysore Road somehow.

A friend will pick me up from Mysore.

Armi…

-Madhu's phone is switched on. -Location?

I've sent it on WhatsApp.

Bro,

it's Armiyas who's after me

and he's the one who hurt Madhu as well.

Oh, it's you!

Sit.

Madhu, who else did you expect?

I thought it was your father, Dumbose Markose.

It's been ages since I saw you this close.

And where's my father?

Probably dozing off somewhere there.

He'll wake up soon. We have tea at 10.

Markose…

Markose makes tea now?

Yes, didn't Sethu tell you?

After Nalini left, it's your dad

who makes tea and even gives me a bath.

It's been ages since I had dad's tea.

Call him over.

That's why I keep asking you to visit.

You used to have so much attitude back then.

Stop nagging and just call him, Madhu.

I'll call…

but you two should not start another fight here.

It's time you both settle this quarrel.

Agreed?

Agreed. Let's settle it.

Now call him.

Markose!

Come here, look who's come!

Markose!

You've been dragging this drama on for far too long.

Spit it out! Who are you hiding here, huh?

Hiding who?

That's your dad!

You lunatic, my father's been dead for 12 years!

His severed head was displayed at Tholpetty Junction.

You lost your sanity that day too, you prick!

Markose…

What nonsense is he babbling?

To hell with his shadow!

His bloody…

You sent my father to his death 12 years ago

and all this time, you've been rotting away in this bed.

Do you understand?

Self-righteous fools! Out to "cleanse society",

only to be cut down by another's blade!

It was you who killed him!

And yet here you are, still screaming "Markose, Markose"!

Don't play me for a fool, Armiyas!

It's not me who's fooling you, it's your brother!

He's the one fueling your delusions!

Say "Markose" one more time and I swear I'll crush your skull!

Got that, you bastard?

Sethu!

Sethu!

Sethu!

Sethu… get up!

Sethu!

Uncle…

Uncle…

Sethu…

Enough.

Let's go home.

Yeah, let's go.

Let's go, man.

My… brother…

he's alone at home.

I should go to my brother.

Will you dare…

go to my brother…

and pick a fight?

When have I…

ever fought with Madhu?

Seth--

WHERE ARE YOU, SETHU? I CALLED YOU. YOU ARE NOT RESPONDING.

UNDER MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES