Original subtitles

All events and characters in this film are fictitious.

No animals or birds were harmed in the making of this film.

In memory of those who were awarded death penalty for fighting for freedom of mankind.

Our country faces several problems that need to be addressed.

Garbage and waste is one of it.

This problem has not spared even Space.

The annual expenditure for recycling and management of waste generated in India....

...is about Rs 3000 crore.

According to the Basel Convention treaty...

...every nation should manage its waste within its boundaries.

Particularly for developed countries, the cost of exporting a country’s waste to India...

...is lesser than recycling toxic waste in their country.

So, without paying heed to such treaties...

...‘not new goods’ such as electrical and e-waste and hazardous...

...bio-medical waste are being imported into India.

In the pretext of recyclable metals, used and unused bombs, expired ammunition...

...and military waste from rich nations are dumped in our country.

In Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, while a woman was dismantling military waste…

...one of the weapons was still active.

New Delhi

Special Fast Track Court

The charges proven against Balu, head of the Asian wing of the banned communist outfit, are...

...bank robbery and murder, hijacking and looting a train and...

...mobilising people and ammunition to wipe out the army and waging war against the State.

Thus, under Sections 121, 122 and 396 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),

...the accused stands sentenced to death on three counts.

Based on the judgments given in the past, the execution should be such that...

...the convict loses consciousness immediately through instant death.

There should be no impairment to his body parts.

The execution should be conducted in a civilised manner.

For this, the Court recommends the appointment of...

...a skilled and experienced hangman for the execution.

As per Indian democratic ethos, the convict is given reasonable time...

...to plead for mercy before the execution.

This is the recommendation of this Special Fast Track Court.

Sir, can I speak in Tamil?

I am not going to plead for mercy.

I do not consider the charges levelled against me as offences.

I planned everything and executed it in all consciousness.

You are accusing me of waging a war against the State.

I appeal to the Supreme Court to consider me as a prisoner of war and shoot me down.

To be shot down or death by hanging?

Mr. Sivagnanam, what is the update on this sensational case?

The Supreme Court has rejected Balu’s plea for execution by shooting.

At the same time, the Supreme Court has announced that the death by hanging sentence...

...has to be executed within 27 days.

Do you have information on where the hanging will take place?

Since his terrorist movement has penetrated every nook and corner of India,

...the information about the place of his execution will not be revealed.

But, it is certain that he will be hung to death within 27 days.

Balu, who faces death penalty, has operated under multiple identities...

...and disguises and was involved in various acts of sabotage across many countries.

Several demonstrations were staged to withdraw the death sentences of...

...Perarivalan, Santhan and Murugan.

Further, even the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu had passed a resolution.

We have with us two eminent personalities to debate this death by hanging sentence.

Death sentence is not a punishment.

It is a well-planned murder by the government.

Balu has submitted a plea to be shot and executed.

Is he instigating the government to commit an act of violence?

Wait...

The Indian government will never insist on any form of violence even as punishment.

Hang him in a peaceful, painless and non-violent manner.

This is the first time I hear someone say that death by hanging is non-violent.

The government has to disclose the identity of the executioner.

That is the most critical aspect of this judgment.

An experienced hangman will be commissioned.

Who is this experienced hangman?

Balu has to be executed within 27 days.

You have been selected out of the three officials in your cadre.

Everything should be by the law and the execution as per judgment.

The Media should not have anything to find fault with.

They will not.

The public is already celebrating Balu’s conviction by bursting crackers.

You can’t take advantage of that and use an amateur hangman.

The identity of the hangman in Afzal and Kasab’s execution was a secret.

You cannot follow that here.

The details of the hangman and the place of execution have to be revealed to the Media.

Balu’s group is trying to make him a martyr like Bhagat Singh.

That is not possible.

The documents for ‘Operation Phoenix’ are ready.

Ok, leave.

His name is Yamalingam.

Official records say that in the last execution, he replaced his father as the hangman.

Another interesting thing...

He filed a nomination for the Indian Presidential elections.

He now works as a lineman in the Railways.

He is the only experienced hangman we have.

Look at what your son is doing.

The train is coming.

Pull the lever.

Pull the lever.

Go to the other side.

Wait.

Move to the other side.

Pull the lever.

I hope you bought everything from the ‘Elite’ bar.

It’s all inside the bag.

Why have you bought so little?

I gave you my entire salary.

The salary you earn from the government is not enough.

Where is the tapioca wafers to go with this?

There is a whole lot to choose from.

The woman who sells it is here.

Really?

"Oh, grandma…"

"Oh, grandma who sells tapioca at the street corner…"

"Will you come and dance to a song I sing in happiness?"

"The tea that you’re drinking from the ‘Nair’s’ tea-shop…"

"What’s that dead and floating in it?"

"Is it the fly from the breakfast cafe? "

"Our wheel rotates without brakes!"

"Different coloured balloons are fluttering in my heart."

"Big desires come and salute me."

"The girl smiles, my eyes twitch, guns explode."

"'Kalasi’ ‘Kalasi’ the railway ‘Kalasi’."

"Let the fun rub off, I am going to dance."

"Oh, girl, are you this grandma’s granddaughter?"

"You keep gaping at me, are you from the guava grove?"

"Won’t you come close to me and coddle me?"

"I can’t bear it! Can’t sleep at night!"

"To forget that worry, I drink every night!"

"Eat heavy, drink light."

"I have many troubles too, my man!"

"Do I use that as an excuse and drink like you?"

"Do I chew tobacco like you?"

"Smoke like you?"

"I am a woman! And alone I balance my life."

"Ain’t I right?"

"Like grandma, like granddaughter!"

"Life is like an empty box, there’s no one to question."

"When I drink I speak profoundly."

"Death will come on its own. Why should it come wrongly?"

"Should Man kill Man?"

"What Lord Krishna said in the Gita, this brother will tell you in drunken stupor, listen."

"Who runs this puppet show called life? Tell me."

"You dance aimlessly!"

"I dance for money!"

"After six in the evening all of Tamil Nadu dances."

"Tired after a day’s work, the masses seek the liquor shop."

"The family is destroyed, but the government makes its profit."

"When you drink that damned thing your insides burn out."

"Give your life to save your country."

"Oh, grandma who sells tapioca at the street corner…"

"Will you come and dance to a song I sing in happiness?"

"The tea that you’re drinking from the ‘Nair’s’ tea-shop…"

"What’s that dead and floating in it?"

"Is it the fly from the breakfast cafe? "

"'Kalasi’ ‘Kalasi’ the railway ‘Kalasi’."

"Let the fun rub off, I am going to dance."

So many bottles in two days!

He spends his salary in the liquor shop.

At least the bottles can earn me some money.

Hello!

Here is your son’s salary.

Is anything left of it?

His salary is barely enough for his women and wine.

How about getting him married to one of those women?

They are not good women.

Only fate would have driven them to this.

None of the relatives want to give their daughter in marriage to him.

If we get him married to one of them, she will turn a new leaf after marriage.

I am relieved that you are taking Balu.

Why?

I will retire in three months.

At my age, it is terrible to have someone’s blood on my hands.

I intend to begin my stint in prison with his hanging.

Are the files ready? – Yes.

I’ve seen you in many disguises.

So, this is the real you?

By law, one should not be handcuffed while travelling.

Central Government, hang traitor Balu immediately!

You claim you are giving your life fighting for people.

But, they are protesting that your life be taken immediately.

What you see here does not represent the entire Indian population.

Turn left.

That route does not take us to the airport.

I know. Turn left.

That route is not secure.

Just do what I say.

My men will be on every route that you take.

Are we travelling by a helicopter?

Many important people have been killed in helicopter crashes.

What is the guarantee for my life?

Even military helicopters are compromised because of scams.

You are just the Police.

Get in.

You are doing a test drive at the expense of my life.

Kuyili is coming.

Hello!

We got to know about this abandoned theme park through a fellow member.

This is going to be our hideout. Let us go in.

This is Vishwa from the district committee.

I remember meeting you at the Patna congress.

This is Naveen.

They both belong to the computer wing.

She is Kuyili from the central committee.

Hello!

I am Vetri.

This is the team that is going to help Balu escape.

We have kept it confidential.

Only the headquarters and the five of us know about your arrival.

I have gathered information about the new prison-in-charge Macaulay...

...and the hangman Yamalingam.

Classifieds reveal that Macaulay has undergone six months training with Mossad, Israel.

He can handle any assignment, big or small.

We have to target the hangman Yamalingam immediately.

What are you saying?

Why should we kill Yamalingam?

Our plan was to help Balu escape.

There is no other way out.

We have to kill Yamalingam.

That is the only way to stall the hanging.

It is only after that can we work on an escape plan for Balu.

Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh

It is my right to escape.

If I want to, I can escape even now.

And it is routine for you to shoot.

I’ll run. Will you shoot me?

Why don’t you kill me in an ‘encounter’?

None of you have the guts to shoot me.

We are of the same age.

I have the same guts you have.

But I am a law-abiding police officer.

It is my job to protect the country from criminals like you.

We are not murderers.

We too have a Court of law.

If you do something wrong, we’ll arrest you and question you in Court.

If our Court sentences you to death, we’ll deal with you the very same way.

I will get away somehow.

Wait and watch.

Central Prison, Chennai.

That’s enough, leave now.

Move…

The officers are on their way.

Everyone get back to your cells.

What’s your name? – Ramamurthy.

Go in.

What’s your name – Annamalai.

Go on.

Even the Prime Minister has a smaller security cover than I do.

This is Balu’s Tihar prison record.

Verify the records and file them.

Allot a cell in the high security block.

Do you know who he is?

He is the fiery communist leader, Balu.

He has been charged for attacking the army.

He’s supposed to be hanged here.

They are beating me up.

You are not supposed to hit prisoners.

The Court has already punished him.

Why are you punishing him again?

We are following the rules of the prison.

He has tried to escape seven times.

In his eighth attempt, he attacked and injured police officers.

We are following the prison manual.

We are allowed to beat them for what they do in prison.

That is why we gave him a light beating.

As per the Geneva Convention, you are not supposed to hit prisoners.

Refer to the new manual.

We are not supposed to hit them, but we can punish them.

Going by the new manual, cut his ration.

Keep him in solitary confinement for 15 days.

Warden, why are they standing outside?

Lock them up.

Even though you are a prisoner sentenced to death, you can step out…

I give you permission to be just like the rest of them.

That is a right given by the Indian Constitution.

The date for executing my death sentence has not been scheduled.

I will schedule it soon.

I want some books to read and a table and chair to write.

You are going to die in a few days. What are you going to write before that?

Everyone’s going to die. Won’t you die?

What we do before we die is more important.

Take care of his requirements.

Why do you come drunk to work?

What if you fall and hurt yourself?

You live a good life!

I will go away and die.

Why should you die?

Don’t go.

I am a burden to you.

I’ll die.

You be happy.

Wait, why are you doing this?

You’ve been doing this for the last 15 years.

Why do you do this?

Boys, help me.

We could have killed him.

His mother is here.

We’re not mercenaries.

Let’s go.

Your relatives are here to file petitions for you.

Come in one by one as I call out your names.

The public prosecutor has not come here for the last three years...

...to address the concerns of death row prisoners.

Balu is writing a petition to make him come here.

My mercy plea has not got any response for the last 18 years.

The review application has just gone to the Constitutional Bench for re-consideration.

I don’t know what the response will be.

I am dying every day wondering what the outcome will be.

I think this boy will get caught in a similar trap.

He’s been sentenced to death in the train derailment case for something...

...as trivial as buying a pen for them.

I am very scared.

Balu, why didn’t you appeal for mercy?

You asked to be shot. Is it because it will be less painful?

It is because of my political stand.

All death penalties are horrific.

There are many methods.

Stoning to death, beheading, lethal injections…

I am scared of lethal injections.

A man in America was administered a lethal injection.

He suffered for two hours before he succumbed.

Won’t an electric chair give you quick death?

It’s not that easy.

Even at the time of Thomas Alva Edison, that method was a failure.

Did the man who invented the bulb make that chair too?

Put your signature there.

Not all inventions were meant for the betterment of mankind.

Several inventions are for monetary gains.

Shouldn’t the prison hospital be near the senior citizen’s block?

Isn’t that the basic layout?

Why is it different here?

I don’t know. It’s been this way ever since I joined.

Rahul, move the senior citizen’s block close to the hospital.

I asked you to call Chellapandi. What happened?

I’ve been trying since morning. I am unable to get through to him.

Sit down.

What’s happened to Yamalingam?

He’s right in front of me.

On 28th morning, it’s half a bottle, a full bottle in the evening…

On 29th, it’s a full bottle in the morning and evening…

He’s been drunk since morning.

He’s in no state to come.

Where’s the liquor shop?

Why does it say I bought four bottles on the 1st?

Where is the food that I ordered?

I am coming. He’s torturing me.

I stocked up on the 1st because sale of liquor is prohibited on 2nd which is Gandhi’s birthday.

What do you infer from this?

Drunkards are the only men who think of great men and their birthdays.

Give me a pen. I need to sign the cheque.

I don’t have a pen. Give me the money first.

He’s a nuisance every single day.

I am coming.

Help me, sir.

I have an account at the bar.

I have a chequebook with me.

I have to settle my dues.

Help me with a pen.

Do you have a pen? – I don’t.

We don’t have a pen.

Aren’t you educated?

I have a Master’s in science.

How did you write your exams?

That is why I don’t like coming to local bars.

The problem is between the two of us.

Why do you want to drag the bar into it?

I’ve had an account here for the last seven years.

Who are you calling a ‘local’?

Is it the police station?

Keep something there to support the table.

You have your drink in peace.

I’ll take care of it.

This table needs support as well.

Don’t you want a pen?

The two men there seem to be educated.

They will definitely have a pen.

Ask them.

Brother…

I have two pens.

Which one do you want?

Do you know to read and write?

I have a Doctorate.

You are the God of education.

Are you being a nuisance after your drink?

Don’t I have the freedom to write?

Our officer will tell you that.

You’ll have to treat me better. I am a central government employee.

He is the ADGP. (Assistant Directorate General of Police)

Which law allows you to arrest me for signing my own cheque?

Put him into the police van.

Get him into our vehicle.

Which police station are you in charge of?

I am in charge of the prison.

I swear I wasn’t expecting this.

I thought you were going to beat me up.

But you’ve brought me to a very classy bar.

You are God!

Eat and drink to your heart’s content.

Do you have a monthly account with them?

What’s your name? – Kasi.

Kasi, bring me more food and liquor over there.

Take care of him.

Bring me a glass of juice and leave the rest on that table.

Kasi, a repeat of that.

Leave it beside the recliner.

Kasi is faster than us. Let’s go there.

Lingam, have your drink after hearing me out.

I have a policy. I don’t listen while drinking and I don’t drink while listening.

Now tell me. What’s the matter?

Do you read the newspapers?

I don’t do all that.

It’s only movie news for me.

Do you know of the traitor Balu who attacked our army?

I don’t.

He’s in my custody now.

He attacked the army single-handedly.

And if they’ve handed over the accused to you, you must be great.

He must be hanged.

You are the one who is going to hang him.

I am not a murderer.

I can’t murder someone.

What happened, Lingam?

Why are you blabbering?

Lingam, get up.

Listen to me.

I can’t murder someone.

You don’t understand what I am saying.

We will talk later.

Kasi, go.

Drink it.

You don’t get the difference between punishment and murder.

Balu conspired to kill several people.

You are going to punish him by hanging him.

Why me, sir?

If we let him go, he will kill more people.

Let’s talk in the car.

Come here.

This is for you.

There’s a mobile phone inside.

You can call me whenever you want.

I will call you tomorrow.

Have dinner and go to bed.

I don’t want to.

Did you meet Yamalingam?

Is everything going smoothly?

Have you finalised the date?

There is a small glitch, but nothing to worry.

If you ignore something small, it will turn big.

These gallows were constructed by the British.

Till now, 586 executions have taken place here.

It was Yamalingam who carried out a death sentence here 12 years back.

Two persons can be hanged at the same time.

That’s the right thing.

Why haven’t you maintained this place?

The earlier prison superintendents were against capital punishment.

How can a person in the police department be against punishment?

Based on the severity of the crime...

...one should cut off a hand or leg or even the head as punishment.

A criminal should be stoned to death in public.

Hang at least 20 criminals every day.

Do this for two years.

Let’s see who will then dare murder someone, molest a child or plant a bomb.

Not one terrorist will be able to raise his head again.

Get the gallows ready.

Yamalingam needs to come here for that.

Wake up.

How did you get this phone?

This police officer has been calling since morning.

What’s the matter?

What do you want me to say?

They are asking me to hang someone and commit murder.

The very same job your father and grandfather did?

I learnt about your father’s job only on the day you were born.

I’ve not lived with him ever since.

That’s enough.

This cursed job that your forefathers took on, hasn’t spared you either.

Tell me you won’t hang anyone.

They won’t let me go.

I begged your father not to take you along to the gallows when you were just 18.

He didn’t listen.

He took you along because he was not well.

Ever since you executed that hanging, you were in a daze for over 10 years.

You’re all right only now.

Don’t answer the policeman’s call.

I’ll talk to him.

They insist on hanging people.

He has hanged 84 people so far.

Your father’s last drawn salary was Rs 150.

Your grandfather has hanged hundreds of men in the days of the kings.

What did he get in return?

A hut to stay and some food to eat…

This job is neither well paying nor fulfilling.

This is no worthy job.

We don’t need this job.

Switch off your phone.

If you go out, the police officer will find you.

I’ll lock you inside and step out to buy groceries.

He usually goes to the teashop at 5 am.

He hasn’t come out as yet.

His mother has locked him up and gone out.

Is there a backdoor?

I’ll call you after checking.

What are you cutting out?

We are censoring newspapers distributed to the prisoners.

What are you cutting out?

‘Prisoners at the Vellore prison go on a hunger strike.’

What are you cutting out?

Photos of movie stars.

They look good. – Yes, sir.

Haven’t we seen them? -Yes, sir.

Let them see it too. Send them over without cutting anything out.

This is not censorship for cinema.

People here have a different set of problems.

‘Government files a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to review...

...its earlier judgment on homosexuality.’

They’ve been prisoners for 10-15 years.

Will other people understand their problems?

Why should we follow what the Englishman, Macaulay wrote 150 years back?

The central government has sent an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Send it to them without cutting these out.

I am a ‘Macaulay’ too.

I am Chellapandi. Can I speak to our officer?

Yes, Chellapandi.

I brought along Yamalingam’s mother.

Bring her to the office.

Please come in.

Sit down. The officer will be here.

It is best you agree to do what he asks you to do.

All right.

Please sit down.

What did Lingam say? All Ok?

He’s very scared. He seems to be in a state of shock.

Please let him go.

Please sit down.

Please sit down.

Think of me as your son.

Lingam will be fine if he listens to me.

I’ll ensure he gets a permanent job in the government with a good salary.

He can get married and have a good life after that.

Ask him to hang Balu.

Can you please make a recommendation to the government, I will hang Balu.

If that were possible, I would hang him myself.

If he does what I tell him to do, he’ll be fine.

Else, you know what the police can do.

Don’t worry. Ask Lingam to meet me.

Lingam’s mother is coming down.

Take her to her house.

Yes, sir.

You were right.

He will not let go of you.

I gave it some thought.

Neither your father nor your grandfather were happy about hanging people.

Trust God and just obey the prison official’s orders.

We pray to so many Gods.

Why does God test the faithful?

Different Gods have asked for different sacrifices.

Why don’t you believe that this is the sacrifice God wants of you?

How can poor people like us go against the government?

Just do what the officer tells you to do.

See if you can fall asleep after drinking this.

Son, I am innocent.

Believe me.

Are you done?

Lingam is going somewhere holding a suitcase.

Whatever happens, we shouldn’t miss him this time.

Give me an update about the route as you follow him.

I’ll be there.

He’s going past the graveyard.

We’re following him.

I’ve come to the graveyard.

If you go past that, you’ll find a pond.

You’ll see a temple after that.

We’re waiting there. Come.

You seem very happy.

What do you care?

You get blood as offering everyday!

It looks like someone has offered a hen as sacrifice.

But I am the only one who has offered you a human sacrifice.

Not just me, all my ancestors have done the same thing.

We offered blood before every hanging.

You took it all.

What should you have done?

You should have blessed me with a boon.

But you cursed instead.

I’ve decided to make one more human sacrifice.

This is the last one, but it’s special.

Do you know who you are trampling on?

That’s me.

You’re trampling on me.

Just see what I do to you.

You are my mother. You should be around.

I told you. I told the policeman.

I told my mother.

No one listened.

Why are you staring with your saucer-eyes?

I cannot offer another human sacrifice and turn crazy after that.

I just cannot do that.

That is why I’ve decided to give up my life.

My poor mother….

I don’t know how she’s going to manage, that too with a limp.

Mother!

Let them hang any number of people they want.

Let anyone hang them.

It doesn’t matter to me.

I’ll hang myself right in front of you. Take me.

Is it the Goddess talking?

Let me go.

Won’t you even let me die in peace?

Did you send them? Who are they?

We are Balu’s people.

You must not die, Yamalingam.

I must die.

If I stay alive, the police officer will ensure I hang him.

You are not a kid for them to force you to do it.

It’s Macaulay who is pleading with you to do this.

He is the one who needs you.

I’ll take your words to be my Goddess’ words.

I will go right away and tell the police officer I will not hang him.

Don’t be in a hurry.

Do what I say.

Come.

Get on the bike.

No one can harm you.

You are not alone.

We’re with you.

Hope you’ve made note.

After meeting Yamalingam yesterday...

I’ve been thinking about using him for Balu’s escape plan.

How will he agree to help us on such a risky venture?

The three prisoners who were supposed to help us have been shifted to another prison.

I got that information just today.

That could be a part of Macaulay’s plan.

Balu is the only one who can have access to Yamalingam.

I’ll work on convincing Yamalingam.

You work on the escape plan.

Please try your best to forward my case to the Supreme Court.

Public Prosecutor...

Nothing can be done without the case documents.

I will write a letter to the High Court requesting for the case documents.

Please put in a request for a local branch of the Supreme Court.

Calling Arumugam from Vaiputtampatti village, Krishnagiri District.

How many years have you spent in this prison?

Twelve years.

What was the offence you committed?

I raped and killed a 14-year- old girl and burnt the body.

Really?

Yes, I have enacted the scene a number of times in the courtroom.

Shall I enact it for you?

Not required.

The sub-inspector who filed a false case against you committed suicide.

His suicide note says you were innocent and that it was just an allegation.

The ex-city commissioner, Nandakumar Choutala, has also admitted to have pressurised the inspector.

Balu, come up.

It was Balu who gathered all the details and helped in your release.

Therefore, as per law, Arumugam is found ‘Not Guilty’ and is accordingly acquitted.

Arumugam’s wages for the last 12 years of work done in prison is Rs 3,60,000.

Take it.

Unable to bear the disgrace of the rape charge levelled on me,

...my wife and daughter committed suicide.

I am now declared innocent and released.

Can this government now bring back my family?

I am now an orphan.

I don’t want to leave this place.

I’ll stay here.

I believe you filed a nomination to contest the Presidential elections.

I was feeling bad about hanging a person.

That’s when one of my friends suggested that if I became the President of the country…

I could accept all the mercy pleas received and abolish capital punishment once and for all.

I thought it was a good idea and sent in an application.

But they rejected it.

Tell me who supports a good cause the way you do.

What about the hangman Yamalingam.

I’ve given him some time.

There’s no time.

The Media will question me.

We have to submit proof of an experienced hangman executing the sentence.

You have to shoot a video of Yamalingam hanging Balu.

We might have to send it to the Prime Minister’s Office.

We have to get Yamalingam to agree to hang Balu.

Hurry! The body should be out before roll call.

The old man Tamilmaran is dead.

They are taking his body in an ambulance without anyone’s knowledge.

Come on, everyone.

This is Syed on line. – Tell me.

The prisoners are marching agitatedly.

Allow them to come towards my room.

I’ll handle it.

Could the police have tortured him?

Stop the vehicle!

Has he become your leader?

We’ve accepted him as our leader because he is worthy.

The government has appointed me as prison in-charge.

I can do what I want.

They’ve even given me a pistol.

Will you shoot us?

Do you think I am scared to shoot, because I’ll lose my job?

I am not scared of anything.

Neither am I scared of anything.

I am going to be in this prison till I die.

I am the one who is fearless.

Do you think you are a big thug because you’ve murdered a few people?

You’re the one who’s acting like one.

When we come to ask you for something, you’re pointing your gun at us.

You’ve lodged 3000 people in a prison that has the capacity to lodge just 2000.

The dead man was 84 years old.

Taking his age and illness into consideration...

....even you could have set him free as per Prison Rule Number 632.

What do you all know?

Anantharaman, tell them.

For the last 15 years, no one has even submitted a plea to see him.

No one from his party came to his aid nor did they seek his release.

We took care of him till he died.

We are only doing what we should legally do with an unclaimed body.

Give way.

He is not an unclaimed body.

He struggled for Tamils, lived and breathed his last in prison for that.

He’s a martyr.

We’ll conduct his last rites.

The law doesn’t allow that.

You’ve learnt the law to come here.

But we’ve come here and learnt the law.

Please have a humane approach.

If I want to, I can shoot down 10 of you and make it appear legal.

But I am not doing that.

On humanitarian grounds, I’ll agree to your request of conducting his last rites here.

Make arrangements.

The post-mortem report has come.

Mr. Macaulay has signed the papers as the prison in-charge.

You sign it too.

Please sit down and sign it.

Fellow prisoners!

Late Tamilmaran came into this prison as a 24-year-old youngster.

He is known to all of you.

He fought for the Tamils.

He was shot at in an encounter with the police.

Because he revolted, he was trapped in a conspiracy and died here serving a life sentence.

The prisoners or even the police officers here understand the agony of serving a life sentence.

Late Tamilmaran has written a book, ‘Computers and the Tamil Language.’

The manuscript is available in the prison library.

I don’t know if I will live to do this.

But those getting released from prison must take the manuscript from Mr. Macaulay and publish it.

That is the best way to pay homage to him.

What I like best of what Tamilmaran has said…

‘No freedom struggle is complete without considering class considerations.’

You light the pyre.

Let me wash that for you.

No, that’s all right.

Everyone is talking about you.

Everybody likes you.

You shouldn’t die.

I know every nook and corner of this prison.

This old man has access even to Macaulay’s room.

Nobody will question him.

He has that good a reputation.

Only after his consent, did we plot out an escape plan.

You can definitely escape.

We don’t want you to die.

Don’t get me wrong. Let us discuss this in the next meeting.

I trust the two of you.

He is going to hang Balu.

He is hesitating because he thinks it’s a sin.

He is a retired judge.

Hello.

Why are you worried about sinning?

That’s not the point.

Based on the evidence produced by the lawyer...

...you award a ‘death by hanging’ sentence to an accused.

Police officers like him execute the sentence.

Society ignores the role of decision makers like you but call us murderers.

We look through their harrowed eyes and then hang them to death.

Now tell me, whose burden is that to carry?

While serving as a judge, I’ve awarded 26 death by hanging sentences.

On further appeal, 13 got life imprisonment from the High Court...

...and eight of them from the Supreme Court.

The President accepted four of their mercy pleas.

It was just one person who was hung to death.

Can you tell me who is responsible for his death?

Is it the President or is it me?

It is God Almighty.

I have a doubt.

Can I refuse to hang Balu?

Is Macaulay compelling you?

Are you compelling him, Mr. Macaulay?

As per law, no one can compel you.

But you can very well consider it on ethical grounds.

I think you are confused because you think Balu is innocent.

He is a criminal.

Who said Balu is a criminal?

Balu himself will admit to having hijacked a train.

Did he hijack a train?

Yes, why don’t you come to the prison and hear it straight from him.

Give me 5 minutes.

We have to pay Rs 5000 to the van driver.

Take this.

I carried out a death sentence on this day.

I conduct the last rites for the unclaimed bodies at the government hospitals.

But nothing alleviates the sorrow in my heart.

Saving people dying from hunger will put you out of your misery.

I want you to visit Balu in prison.

I forgot to tell you this.

I heard Balu is a dacoit.

I believe he hijacked a train and robbed it.

Please stop being friends with Balu’s men.

I was his accomplice in the train hijack.

Shall I disclose things that Macaulay didn’t?

People of my village were dying of hunger and disease.

Dying was the only option.

It was then that the Communist party sent Comrade Balu to our village.

Hurry up!

‘Red salute!’

‘Red salute!’

"Come! Let’s dance, sing and celebrate."

"Grab all the happiness."

"Push away poverty."

"Shoo away darkness."

"Brighten up your life."

"Take each and every minute of your life and brighten it up."

Give it to the old and children first.

Save the rest.

‘Red salute!’

The Supreme Court passed a ruling to distribute all the unused grain in the granaries.

I carried out the Supreme Court’s orders but the Special Court punishes me for that.

Balu attempted to attack the army, which protects our country.

A person who doesn’t follow the law of the land has to be hanged to death.

I was supposed to attack the army.

Balu trained me for that.

Turn left.

Do you see the palace?

I can see it.

Drive through the wall.

People suffered in the deserts while the kings lived in such palaces.

They now make a living by letting it out for film shooting.

All the forts have been made into hotels now.

Did you see any fear on my face?

Not a bit.

I’ve trained four people for the same thing.

They were perfect.

But you are better than them.

How?

While driving through the wall, the others took their feet off the accelerator.

But you went ahead with more gusto.

You are the perfect candidate for this mission.

He has attacked army men who endure the toughest of situations...

...just to protect people like you and me.

Bhagat Singh planted a bomb in Parliament in order to draw youngsters’ attention to politics.

We wanted to gain public attention to prevent India from becoming a military dumping ground.

We turned suicide bombers and targeted the army.

Is everything ready?

Once you are sure about the distance and the time of the explosion, press this button.

This light will blink.

At the same time, the light on my remote will blink.

The bomb will explode as soon as I switch on the remote.

If the remote fails to work, pull the trigger on this belt.

The bomb will explode.

The mission is in your hands now.

Give me the soldering stick.

Careful.

Apply the ointment immediately. Healing is slow in winter.

You will end up with a scar for life.

My life ends tomorrow.

You know I am going to die tomorrow.

Won’t you ask about my last wish?

"The sharp wind which attacks the body…"

"Will it touch me tomorrow?"

"Will my body become a weapon?"

"Will the world change slowly?"

"There is no battle without bloodshed…"

"Your sacrifice is the greatest…"

"That won’t fade away…"

"This will be a life that lives beyond time…"

"My dear… come."

There is another 20 kms to go.

This is the fastest and safest way to travel.

What are you going to do after this attack?

I have to inform the Party.

Only then will our country become aware of this operation and its objective.

This is our last tea together.

There is a small change in the plan, Comrade.

I am going to wear the bomb.

I am the human bomb.

You will handle the remote.

I am the one who will be blown into smithereens.

Whose decision is this?

Mine.

I cannot obey independent decisions taken by you.

I have to receive directions from the headquarters.

I head this mission.

You have to follow my orders.

I want to die for a cause.

Don’t demean me.

The government knows everything about me.

They are on the lookout for me.

Wherever I go, death will follow me.

I will vanish after this assignment.

You are well trained and the government doesn’t know you.

You can train and create many more revolutionaries.

This is also a part of your training.

You need a lot of grit to blast a human bomb.

Do this and you will be able to continue my mission.

‘Red salute!’

Press the button as soon as the light blinks.

Fool, who are you?

What are you doing here? Go away.

Stop making India a dumping ground.

Run away from here or I will shoot you down like a dog.

Shoot me.

Along with me, the ammunition in the vehicles will blow up too.

Let this blast be heard across the country.

There is so much waste around.

You are killing people by dumping all the waste here.

Let the resonance of this blast save the people of our country.

The Indian army is here to save the people of the country.

You can scream as much as you want.

Stop it. We’ve spoken enough, screamed enough.

You can save only the borders, not the people of this country.

This explosion will be heard all over the world.

Let it explode now!

I was ready to give up my life but was unable to take someone else’s.

You tried giving up your life because you didn’t want to take someone’s life.

If we join hands, we can save Balu.

He is one of us now.

He will do anything for us.

I don’t want to hang Balu, that’s all I want.

You have to convince Macaulay and meet Balu.

Wear this jerkin.

The tear on this blue jerkin will tell Balu you are one of us.

Observe Balu’s every move.

Tell them you need help to work on the gallows...

...and procure entry passes for the four of us.

My job ends there, doesn’t it?

You do this first.

I will go to the prison right away and will help Balu escape.

Prisoner Kandasamy has been

transferred to Vellore

prison. Look at him jumping the queue.

Fill in a request

form if you want to meet someone.

I don't need to fill

forms to see an officer. Which officer?

I am here

to meet Macaulay. The

desperate to meet your

boss. Macaulay wanted to see me.

with Chellappa. Wait, do you

know Chellappa? You can

ask Chellappa. All right, come.

Don’t get touchy. I

am Karthikeyan calling from Gate 1.

Someone’s here to

meet Macaulay. He’s dark-skinned.

He says he knows

you. Tell him your name. Yamalingam.

Thank God, you

are here. I would have lost

look like movie stars! What is it?

I’ve brought

Yamalingam. Take him to the control room.

I am on my way

there. Ok, sir. Brother, I

am overwhelmed by this kind

of respect. What do you

have in your pocket? This

is a mere formality. My wallet...

Macaulay gave him

that phone. Hand it over to him.

I see many changes in

the prison. This wall wasn’t this high.

We raised its

height after we shot a

prisoner who tried to escape.

Wasn’t this the warehouse?

We converted that into a

control room. Walk up the

stairs and you will meet

Pasupathi. Chat with him.

Yamalingam, come in, sit down.

How do you know me?

I saw you when you entered Gate 1.

This is a live

telecast from all the cameras

installed in the prison.

I get the first glimpse of

pornographic books here! You

don’t have to be embarrassed about this.

Give me your

mobile number. I will send

come here because you’re

not in a dilemma anymore? I

didn’t come here because

someone asked me to. I

just obeyed ‘NTR’. (Famous

yesteryear actor ) ‘NTR’? In

my confused state, I watched

‘Karnan’... ...there NTR

tells ‘Muthuraman’ (Tamil

actor) that Lord Krishna is

the doer of good and evil.

Follow me. You promised me something.

A promise? What

did I promise? That I can

speak to Balu directly and

hear about the crimes he committed.

Ok, let’s go. Sir,

why do have to trouble

yourself over something so

trivial? This is the first

time I’m going to witness

an interaction between...

...the hangman and the

person sentenced to death. Let’s go.

Hello! That looks

like Yamalingam. Have you

taken a work contract for

mending slippers in the prison?

I haven’t seen my

family in the last four years.

Will you please tell my

wife to submit a petition for me?

Ok. Please don’t forget.

You seem to know most of

the thugs here. They are

from my neighbourhood. How

your name? Mani. Lingam is here.

I wonder who he is

going to hang. Do you know him?

I even knew his father.

He is another murderer like him.

Somebody important

is here to meet you. Who’s

going to visit me and that

too with you! This is Balu,

the person sentenced to

death by hanging. This is

Yamalingam, the hangman

appointed to hang you. Did you

read the judgment thoroughly?

I have to be hanged without

pain by an experienced

hangman. He looks like a comedian.

He might tremble

at the mere sight of a

alive. If you unlock the

gate, I can go in and have a

relaxed conversation. Unlock the gate.

Please come

in. Sit down. You wanted to

speak to him… Strangling

two people to death and the

bank robbery... That is

true. I did it. The train

hijack in the desert... Did

he tell you? I did everything

including attacking the

army. He is willing to hang

you to death only after

hearing you confess. That’s

a bit too much. The person

sentenced to death convinces

the hangman to hang

him. I’ve been through hell,

hanging an innocent man

to death. You are great though.

You are writing,

will escape from here. Am I

not right, sir? Good tea.

How are you managing here?

Isn’t it very sultry? What

are you wearing? It is in vogue.

This isn’t his jerkin.

This style is for women.

Further, it’s old and

torn here. He must have

stolen it or he must be in

love. Show him the gallows.

I don’t think you remember

me. I took your father and

you home after the last

hanging. Your father was my friend.

You look so different

now. You had a great physique

those days. Macaulay

gave me this job just

because I know you well. He

usually keeps unfit people

at a distance. The Home

Secretary has finalised the

date for sending back...

...the seven South African prisoners.

I told you those

matters could wait until Balu’s hanging.

No sir, this

was a collective decision made by...

...the State,

Central and South African governments.

Why are you eating food

Take this,

sir. Sign here, Yamalingam.

Can I have four people

to assist me? Take 40. Shall

I bring them tomorrow?

From where will you bring them?

My neighbourhood… I

told you to take four men from the prison.

They should

know the job. What kind of a job?

Tinkering, painting,

carpentry, plumbing… What

did you think of this

prison? It doesn’t house

just ex-politicians. It has

scientists who can launch

rockets, heart surgeons,

engineers… How many of them do you need?

This prison

is like a science academy.

Provide him with everything

he needs. Be with him. Come along.

This looks like an

old map. I am unable to find

the control room. You’re

having fun while I am stuck.

Macaulay is not as dumb

as you all think. I can’t

take any of you inside

the prison. Sit down. Macaulay

has asked me to take the

help of inmates. Your aim

in life is to never hang

anyone. But our ambition

is to get Balu out alive.

Did Balu recognise the

jerkin? He did...he knew it was yours.

We were waiting

say? The control room is

above the old warehouse. Did

you meet the person in-charge

of the control room?

That’s Pasupathi. He has a

weakness for women. We are

friends now. He gave me his

phone number and email

ID. Do you have his email ID?

That’s great. Remove

the SIM card from this phone.

Macaulay gave him this

phone. Do a thorough check.

This is a dual SIM card

phone. One SIM card is from

a general service provider

while the other isn’t. My

guess is that it belongs to

a special frequency network.

I am going to phish a

virus into his inbox. We can

then have total control

over their network. We’re now connected.

He seems to

be online always. A person

like him in-charge of the

control room works well for us.

Vishwa, explain it.

The computer we’ve hacked

now does not control the

The camera controls

are on another LAN. You have

to help us connect that

LAN to the internet. What should I do?

We cannot count

on the wireless transmission in prison.

Plug this into

this socket. This is the

Ethernet switch. Plug the

other end of the cable into

the internet modem. Observe

this carefully. The control

room should have a

setup like this. A cable

connection is safer. Repeat

it. Plug this end of the cable into this.

other end here. This is the

Ethernet switch and this

If you succeed in

What is the first

thing I should do? When you

enter the prison, wear

this cable wire around your

neck like a talisman. Be

confident and start work on the gallows.

We do not

normally allow them to handle these tools.

They’ve now

been allowed to because

they are working. You be

careful. Please don’t hold

a grudge if something goes

wrong. Take it. We murdered

people out of rage. We

repent it today. We’ve built

temple towers as well as

tombstones. But you have

demeaned us by making us work

on these gallows. Who needs

this damned money? Use

it to buy yourself a drink.

When I touch a sickle, I

get the urge to kill. Goddess Kali...

From now on, no

phone should work within the

prison premises. That is

why I am getting this special

jammer fixed. We can’t

maintain confidentiality

communicating through a

walkie-talkie. I’ve taken

permission from the government.

Just eight persons will have

classified information. Balu

knows everything about you.

I am an Indo-African. I

was caught spying for my country.

I was involved in

many explosions across the country.

But they are

linking me to an unrelated

case and torturing me with

by my country when I was

charged with espionage. All

espionage agents who work

help when I need it. Do

not disturb the patient. Thank

God, you listened to that

police officer. I was worried

that you would revert

to your old ways. Open our website.

Fellow Comrades,

please share any information

that you know about

the Chennai Central Prison.

Translate this message into

all languages and upload it.

You’ve been given this

phone because until the day of hanging...

...this team

will be held responsible

for anything that happens

Apart from the eight

of us, there is another

person on this network.

That’s the hangman. If anyone

presses ‘1’ on the keypad,

an emergency beep will

you always inside the bathroom?

Lingam, what are you

doing here? I am monitoring

how the men work when I

am not there. You are monitoring them?

Keep the door

locked. Lingam’s activities

must be monitored as well.

Play the footage from the gallows.

Delete the footage

of Lingam in the control

room immediately. The camera

It is 175 years

since this prison was built.

The young inmates are

going to capture important

moments of these years... .

..through a cultural programme.

Tamil Nadu Prison

Department, Central Prison

175th anniversary. "At the

Marina beach..." "As she

walked in the breeze..."

"She became one with my

breath..." "I’ve fallen in love,

brother!" "Oh, naughty

rascal, is that all?" "Jail

is a torture, don’t understand

the future." "If one

is born a bird, there is

no imprisonment." "But to

fly away, we don’t have two

wings." "The jail didn’t

come on its own. It’s what

we built…" "And what we

built, has now bound us." "At

the Marina beach..." "As

she walked in the breeze..."

"She became one with

my breath..." "I’ve fallen

in love, brother!" "For a

mere cigarette, a war could

erupt here." "The police

will charge with batons."

"Even ‘encounter’ killings

happen here." "Who will be

the witness?" "Politics and

crime come together in

jail." "And with that they

make the country wail." "They

even imprisoned the man

who said the world was round."

"And now apologies to

him abound." "This is the

place where great books

were born." "This is the

land where great thoughts

were sown." "At the Marina

beach..." "As she walked in

the breeze..." "She became

one with my breath..." "I’ve

fallen in love, brother!"

"Oh, naughty rascal, is

that all?" "Jail is a

torture, don’t understand the

future." "Out of suspicion,

this sinner strangled and

killed…" "His wife was

innocent." "He’s serving a life

sentence but is innocent."

"Now, he’s turned insane."

"It is the Indian Penal Code

that brought us together."

"Who wrote it?" "He was

a man from England."

"Our country supports that

man ‘Macaulay’." "Our

‘Macaulay’ is a hot-tempered

man." "Worrying about the

world outside, we are

distraught." "They should look

at our situation and give

it some thought." "At the

Marina beach..." "As she

walked in the breeze..." "She

became one with my breath..."

"I’ve fallen in love,

brother!" "Oh, naughty

rascal, is that all?" "Jail

is a torture, don’t understand

the future." "If one

is born a bird, there is

no imprisonment." "But to

fly away, we don’t have two

wings." "The jail didn’t

come on its own. It’s what

we built…" "And what we

built, has now bound us." I

have configured a QR code

application on your phone.

When you touch this icon,

the application will open.

What you see on the shirt

pocket is not just a design.

When you focus your phone

Read it. All the

cameras in the prison are now

in our control. ‘Plan 1 –

On Anna’s birthday’ ‘2

- The day the minister visits’

‘3 - On the day, the prison

police undergo training’

When you get a chance,

wear this shirt to prison

and meet Balu. Make Balu

take a picture of you using

this phone. He will read

picture. If he reads it, he

very simple. I will prove

to you that I am a hero.

Keep quiet.

Hello, sir.

Step aside.

You stay fit until you get the job.

Lingam, what are you doing here?

One has to follow several steps before hanging a person.

I require five ropes...

I have to make a dummy that matches Balu’s height and weight.

I have to practise hanging the dummy.

It is hard to explain all this.

I am here to take Balu’s measurements.

If I get my hands on him, I’ll squash him.

Open the gate.

Hello, sir.

Are you all right?

What did you do, sir?

I am terrified to walk in here.

When the prison was under his control, everyone welcomed me.

Not sure, whose control it is in now...

You seem to have drawn everyone to your side.

I don’t know when someone will kill me.

Just do your job.

Please hold this.

Write down these measurements.

Perfect!

Look straight.

Please hand me the measuring tape.

That’s 5 ft 4”.

Why are the measurements taken only up to the neck?

The head will be held intact by the noose, we can skip that measurement.

Will you include the weight of the head as well?

No, that weight will be deducted automatically.

That’s 75 kilos.

Seventy-five multiplied by 3?

That’s 225.

Make a note of that, sir.

Why triple my weight?

We have to make a dummy that will be three times your weight.

I have to hang the dummy a few times to test the strength of the rope....

... and then you can die easily.

Will the dummy look exactly like me?

Yes, it will. You’ll be astonished.

Why don’t you see for yourself?

Can I watch the practice session?

What next?

I need a photograph.

For what?

To make the dummy.

Can I take a photo of the two of you?

Just for a memory.

Can you smile please?

You both look great.

Will you click a photo of us now?

You have to press this button.

Will you click a photo of us now?

You have to press this button.

Remove the towel.

I will pose without the towel.

Am I looking all right?

‘Plan 1 – On Anna’s birthday.’

‘2 – The day the minister visits.’

‘3 – On the day the prison police undergo training.’

Are you done?

Yes.

Goodbye.

Put him on the speakerphone.

I made Balu read the plan even while Macaulay was around.

Are you happy now?

I am very happy.

Balu might pass on information through you at anytime.

Be alert.

Kuyili...

Yes...

You might have misled him with an ‘Ok’.

We have to be patient until we finish this operation.

That is why I said ‘Ok’.

He should not feel cheated.

Do you want me to fall in love with him?

This is not a problem that concerns just Lingam and me.

This is about our movement.

When a girl works in the public domain, problems like these are bound to come up.

No matter what, I have to continue this e-waste assignment.

That’s the directive from the Party.

When the assignment is through, you have to take care of Lingam and help him understand.

The old man will bring the duplicate key from Macaulay’s room to Balu’s cell.

I will manage the police in charge of your block.

Nobody will suspect me.

My good conduct for the past 34 years will not give rise to any suspicion.

I will fetch the key and unlock your cell.

Even if you help me escape from the cell,

...it is impossible to get past the security personnel in this prison.

This is a different route.

They brought you in through the tunnel block.

You would have taken a left at the sixth junction.

But now you have to turn right.

When I am taken to South Africa, they’ll give me a blue shirt and black trousers.

You can find it in a bag numbered 245 in the prison costume room.

If the dress can be replicated, we can switch places.

Do not worry.

I can get the dress ready and hide it under the stairway of block 'A’ the previous day

You can change there.

What are you all doing here still?

Leave now.

He is one of us. He is just putting on an act.

Disperse now.

We toil for these people but they label us as extremists and terrorists.

I agree.

Aggregation of Government, Private and Foreign capital has resulted in capital accumulation.

We worked towards uniting all the workers.

But all the capitalists have come together.

The Media has joined them too.

The public perception will depend on how the Media projects us.

These circumstances are a big hurdle to mobilise people.

We are still a minority in this society.

Four years after the success of the Russian revolution,

Comrade Lenin said..

‘Communists are but a drop in the ocean, a drop in the ocean of the people.’

We are just a drop...

Mao said the same.

Communist members have always been a minority when it comes to numbers in this society.

It’s not a disadvantage being in the minority.

We have to work towards resolving people’s problems, gain their trust and win their support.

Is everything ready?

The biggest crime is the conspiracy to commit murder.

How will you be punished for planning my killing?

What is his punishment for executing it?

Hanging you is my punishment.

How does my dummy look?

Like my own reflection.

Come on, we are all set.

You will not get hurt.

This is just a trial.

What is it?

I have a request...

I want to hang instead of the dummy.

I have a request too.

Can you handle the lever instead of me just once?

Hanging a person is easier said than done.

Do you understand how difficult it is to just hold the lever?

Threatening me constantly!

Hold on.

Are you ready?

Wait.

Come here.

Hand over your bag.

Check his bag.

Do you have to frisk us even when we leave?

The officer has instructed us to frisk everybody when they leave the premises.

Turn around.

What do you have in your pocket?

Plain paper?

Throw it...

Don’t waste paper.

I can use it for something.

He’s been checked. You can go.

Do I look like a comedian or is Balu cracking a joke at my expense?

I risked my life to bring this clue to you.

But it’s just plain paper.

Comrades, Yamalingam has brought a message from Balu.

Join us right away.

Seven prisoners are being sent to South Africa on the 21st.

This is the plan.

Join us.

This is like magic. I couldn’t see it.

When you write with milk on a white paper, the letters will be invisible.

They become visible when shown over a flame.

We are familiar with this technique.

How is that?

Have you reached the destination?

We’ve reached.

Give us a call when the van leaves the prison.

We will come with Balu.

Is the plan perfect? -Yes.

The feed that you see on the right is the recording that is being telecast in the control room.

The feed on the left is the live telecast from the prison.

The live feed can be viewed only by us.

There he is. Zoom in.

He’s here!

It is raining!

The feed that we are sending to the control room doesn’t show the rain.

Do we have any footage with rain?

We’ll be in trouble otherwise.

Hurry up.

Should we switch to a live feed in the control room?

No, Balu will get caught.

Allow only this vehicle to go.

Ok, sir.

Do we have any footage of the rain?

We don’t have any.

Macaulay is in the control room!

It’s raining outside. What...

Close the check post.

Close the gates.

Hurry up.

Don’t shoot him.

We have to capture him alive.

Shut down all the systems.

Cut off all connections.

They will find our hideout.

Don’t leave any evidence behind. Take everything away. Hurry!

The operation is a failure.

We have to vacate this place immediately.

What about Balu...?

Go to the prison as usual tomorrow.

We have to learn about Balu’s condition.

After we vacate, I will call you myself.

Sir, I will surrender.

Carry him.

A comrade from Afghanistan has responded to our post.

He’ll join us for a video conference at 6 pm IST.

Lingam must be present for the video conference.

I am handing over charge of the control room to the cyber crime department.

Lingam, come here.

These two prisoners helped with the escape plan.

Someone from outside has hacked the computers in the control room.

If you question them, you’ll get at the truth.

We did all the work inside the prison.

But don’t know who helped from the outside.

We’ll have an enquiry and submit a detailed report.

I will also give you a proposal on strengthening safety measures.

Please give me your feedback after that.

Why didn’t you come here yesterday?

It was raining and I wasn’t well.

I want to check on the progress of work done in the hanging area.

Is the battery all right?

Afghanistan.

Record this.

I’ve been in the Tamil Nadu prison for eight years.

I know Tamil well.

Comrade Edwin was lodged there 30 years ago while awaiting his death sentence.

That is when my comrades and I prepared a detailed blueprint of the prison.

Right opposite the gallows, there is a drainage line that runs adjacent to the compound wall.

We dug a trench that connected the drainage to the area under the gallows.

But before we could complete this escape plan, they transferred comrade Edwin to another prison.

The trench should be there even now.

Once you clear the trench, we can use it to get comrade Balu out.

We can use the trench to get in.

But, how can we get Balu out.

This is a risky affair.

You have to let them hang Balu in order to get him out of there.

Even before the hanging begins, our team should use the trench and wait in the room below.

The doctor will come there to examine him only after half an hour of the hanging.

That should give us sufficient time.

Those of you waiting below the gallows should free him immediately as he drops down.

Is this feasible?

It is.

Balu should be informed of this plan ahead of time.

That’s when he can hold his breath while hanging and co-operate with us.

Thank you, comrade.

We have to inform Balu.

After his attempt to escape, they have lodged Balu at a secret place.

No one can meet him, not even me.

I will meet Balu myself.

File a petition to meet him, the way we filed one to meet him in Delhi’s Tihar jail.

I am on my rounds. I am riding the bike.

I’ll call you later.

This is the place the Afghan comrade was talking about.

‘Chennai Corporation – 18/4’

This is the place.

Macaulay wants me to pull the lever and hang Balu.

You want me to do the same thing.

If the plan fails, you will also get caught waiting below the gallows.

You too are in danger.

I will do anything for Balu.

…because you are in love with Balu.

You didn’t want him to die that is why you didn’t pull the trigger.

That’s not it.

Else, Balu is in love with you.

That is why he didn’t want you to die and changed plans at the last minute.

That’s not possible.

Does that mean you’re in love with me?

You have to agree to this plan for my sake.

You continue working.

There’s some more work to be done below. I’ll go there.

We’re here.

I am ready.

Mother, don’t disturb me. I’ll be back.

Should I come down to help you?

Not necessary. Just take care of things there.

I’ll do that.

This is the prison wall.

We’re inside the prison now.

Hope this is a safe route.

Even if Balu gets unconscious, we can carry him out of here in 10 minutes.

On the day of hanging, all of you wait here as early as 3.30 am.

As soon as he is hanged, take him down and suspend this weight instead.

That’s when no one will get suspicious.

Let’s go.

Let’s go.

Go.

Balu knows 16 languages.

Among these, Kuyili knows Sanskrit.

We cannot communicate our plans in Tamil inside the prison.

That is why I’ve written out our plan as a Sanskrit verse.

Shall I read it?

‘We have plans of rescuing you from below the gallows.’

‘Be ready.’

If Balu repeats the last line, it means he is ready.

Did you meet Balu at the Tihar prison?

I’ve given you all the records. Why are you questioning me?

That is the norm.

You met him when he was a prisoner on trial.

But now you want to meet him when he has been sentenced to death.

This has political implications.

We cannot send you in without questioning you.

Answer me.

A girl named Seetha Lakshmi is here to meet Balu claiming she is his relative.

Did you verify the records?

I have. It is in order.

Ask her to wait there. I’ll send Rahul.

Go with him.

Leave your bag here. Take this token with you.

My name is Seetha Lakshmi.

I am Balu’s fiancée.

Balu’s…?

Fiancée…

If Balu is hanged to death, you should hand over his body to me.

If you decide to bury his body, you will be denied permission.

His men will raise a memorial for him and gather crowds.

If you give a written statement agreeing to burn his body in front of the police...

I will make arrangements.

All right…

Sign this.

Take her.

You needn’t have come here.

How could I not come here?

I am struggling to find a legal loophole to save you from the gallows.

I will save you.

Try.

I am confident that you will take charge and attend to everything.

Hoping you will not be sent to the gallows, I am going to chant this verse.

‘We have plans of rescuing you from below the gallows.’

‘Be ready.’

In addition to the eight people on your special frequency phone...

...one more person called Kuyili has been added.

That person has called Yamalingam and sent messages as well.

Is it possible to call or send a message to Yamalingam using Kuyili’s identity?

You can once you alter the setting.

It looks like Kuyili is using Yamalingam to help Balu escape.

Should we arrest her?

Don’t do that.

Let’s not disturb Yamalingam now.

Let’s finish the hanging.

The Magistrate…

The Circle officer…

The Joint Chief Secretary…

The Prison doctor…

In the presence of these officials...

I would like to announce the date of execution of the death sentence.

There are other prisoners who have been awarded death penalty...

...why are you rushing to execute his sentence?

Afzal Guru was sentenced to death before Ajmal Kasab.

But Kasab was the first one to be hanged.

Also, this case does not have any legal impediments.

People have opposing viewpoints about capital punishment.

What is your personal opinion?

Whatever is advocated by the Indian Parliament, the Supreme Court...

...the Constitution and the Indian Penal Code binds me.

Sengodi, the first woman to immolate herself to protest against capital punishment...

...belonged to Tamil Nadu.

Is there any political motivation behind Balu being hanged here?

You have to ask the politicians.

This is the information.

Balu, who has been convicted in the ‘attack on army’ case,

...is sentenced to be hanged on the 10th at 4 am.

Only an experienced hangman is supposed to carry out the death sentence.

Will you not reveal the name of the hangman to the Media?

You will get the details after the hanging.

What if you are unable to execute the sentence on the 10th?

You will get news of Balu being hanged to death on the 10th.

They’ve fixed the date for execution.

We have just one day.

Let’s get Lingam here tonight and firm up our plans.

Macaulay has informed the Press that the hanging will take place at 4 am on the 10th.

However late it gets, he wants you to meet him before you leave.

One personal favour…

After you’ve hanged him, give me a piece of the rope you used…

If we keep that at home, that will keep ghosts and evil spirits away.

It is to ward off the evil eye.

Sit down, Lingam.

He is Yamalingam, the hangman.

Balu’s execution will take place with your co-operation.

I need your signature on some forms.

Can all of you hand me your mobile phones?

You gave me this phone.

Keep it there.

Keep it.

Why are you taking our phones?

There is a change in plan.

Balu is not going to be hanged the day after tomorrow.

He will be hanged tomorrow.

That is at 4 am on the 9th instead of the 10th.

We have just six hours more to go.

This is illegal.

The date given to the Press is 10th.

But you’ve secretly changed plans.

Violation of human rights is one of the many problems.

Don’t get us into trouble.

I only want your co-operation.

I have made the necessary arrangements.

You will be spending the night in prison.

Only after Balu is hanged can all of you go back home.

Can I go home and return at 3 am?

No one will be allowed to leave the prison.

We’ve closed all records for the day.

My mother will be home alone.

I haven’t told her.

I’ve already told her that you won’t be home tonight.

Your families have been informed.

You have diabetes. We have your tablets for you.

You cannot compel me to stay back in prison.

I will face the legal implications after Balu has been hanged.

You can file charges, tell the Media or do anything else you can do.

Armed forces are guarding the prison.

We have intelligence reports saying Balu is likely to make last minute attempts to escape.

He has done that in the past.

If something goes wrong with executing the death sentence...

...you will be suspected of being an accomplice.

Take good care of everyone.

Can I be back in an hour?

Go away.

It’s been a long while. Lingam is not here yet.

Check his house.

I need to speak to you in private.

Please sit down.

It’s my duty to formally inform you about the date of hanging.

It is at 4 in the morning.

You have just five hours more to go.

What else?

I decided the time.

You can submit a plea for mercy even now.

I will make arrangements for you to stay alive.

The gallows are right behind us.

You can hang me even now.

I don’t need to stay alive by seeking your mercy.

You don’t fear losing your life?

I do.

I wish to stay alive too.

But, why do you expect me to plead with you to stay alive?

You bomb places in the name of revolution.

You want to give up life for an impossible cause.

All of you look like fools to me.

Your salaries are paid from the taxpayer’s money.

You serve bosses who are against people or who are moneymaking politicians.

You look like a thug in uniform.

This is a government elected by the people.

How will people choose governments, which are against them?

It is possible.

It’s been happening.

I don’t understand something.

Youngsters today are obsessed with Facebook, Twitter or other technologies.

How do they relate to your movement?

You are looking down on youngsters.

Several responsible youngsters are a part of social media platforms.

It is possible for all of them to come together in just a day.

I am not under-estimating your group.

I only suspect that even in the last minute you will have plans to escape.

No one from the outside can save you now.

I am a police officer.

I will keep changing plans.

Yamalingam continues to be my biggest challenge.

I am still wondering why he agreed to hang you.

If he knows you will die, I don’t think he will hang you.

I am going to send him a message in your presence.

The date of hanging is 9th.

We are aware of the change in date. We’ll be waiting – Kuyili.

Yamalingam needs to believe that your group is aware of this.

Will you tell Yamalingam not to pull the lever because you’ll die if he does?

Or will you sacrifice your life like Bhagat Singh?

I want to know if you’re ‘Bhagat Singh’.

Tell me that before you leave.

You will know that at the gallows at 4 in the morning.

When he’s down and out, he lies drunk at his father’s memorial.

Macaulay has arrested me and kept me locked up.

This is not an arrest.

Even your father would stay for a day before execution.

Don’t you know?

That’s not it.

He has taken my phone.

Everyone’s phone is with me.

Please give me the phone. I’ll have a word with my mother.

Hurry up. I will lose my job if we’re caught.

The date of hanging is 9th.

We are aware of the change in date. We’ll be waiting – Kuyili.

Take it back.

It’s all right, talk to her.

Macaulay is not more important than you are.

Keeping your job is more important to me.

I need to wake up early. I have a lot of work to do. You leave.

Sir, you will get away.

Yamalingam has read the message.

He became happy after reading it.

You’ve played an important role during this entire operation.

Please appreciate me after Balu has been hanged.

Did you find him? – No.

Lingam’s mother has also been looking for him.

Could it be some other problem?

Let’s get to the prison.

If you find someone unauthorised entering the prison premises, shoot at sight.

What’s your name?

Balusamy alias Balu…

A bullet wound below the left shoulder blade.

A cut mark behind the right shoulder blade…

Case Number: 457

As per the Indian Penal Code 121, 122, 396, the Special Fast Track Court...

...had sentenced you to death by hanging.

You had submitted a petition to be considered a war criminal and to be shot.

The Supreme Court had dismissed your petition and confirmed death by hanging on three counts.

Under charges of treason and three other categories under which death penalty is awarded...

...your sentence is about to be executed.

Do you have anything to say before you die?

It’s a time and age where one is confused and does not know...

...who he is fighting or shedding blood for…

The capitalist approach is the common enemy and cause for all problems.

Socialism is the only way to free people.

I whole-heartedly give up my life for people in the world to realise this.

Long live the Revolution!

We’re unable to open the door.

It’s locked from the inside.

He’s all right. Let him go.

He’s fine. Let him go, sir.

Go away.

They’re gone.

No one can harm you.

Sir, come. Let’s go.

I have something to say, sir.

You would quote Mao Zedong often…

...that, life lived for your own self is as effortless as a feather blown around in the wind…

But living your life for people who depend on you, is a mountainous task.

Do you know the extent of its reach today?

You would say I always speak the truth.

Don’t say anything.

I salute you.