Original subtitles

Far away, on a quiet hillside, there stood a house.

A tiny house with a tiled roof, painted bright white.

A father, a mother and their little boy lived there happily.

The father was a jeep driver.

One day, when the father went to the plantation to carry a load,

an elephant trampled him to death.

And just like that, the mother and child were left alone.

Neither the villagers nor their own relatives cared about them.

Blame and poverty were too much to bear...

so, they left that house one day...

and got into a lorry bound for the city.

A lorry?

Oh no, not a lorry... a bus.

A blue one.

There were trains and buildings that touched the sky...

cars and scooters of a kind we had never seen before.

Mom, look! A scooter!

Bath time?

Okay.

[whistles]

What the hell!?

Be careful!

How do I look?

So, you're leaving without telling me?

No...

I was coming to see you.

Call me once you're out.

You’ve no idea what I went through to cut down your sentence.

I even had to actually go around begging people.

Forget the lawyer's fee.

Consider it part of the advance.

We can earn it back once we're out.

It won’t be like jail...

Out there, 'Shamnatha' won’t be around to save you.

But just relax.

Shamnatha will be out soon enough.

You may leave now.

Hey...

I said you may leave!

Hey!

Make sure you call me.

Put in a pinch more salt.

Here are your belongings,

along with the salary you’ve earned so far.

Take good care of the child, okay?

This is the NGO I mentioned.

If you go there, they'll arrange a job.

I've already spoken to them.

Why don’t you eat something before you leave?

No...

his uncle will be waiting for us outside.

Which uncle? Has any of them cared so far?

I shouldn't have to explain this to you.

Start living responsibly.

It’s these innocent kids who suffer for the wrongs you’ve done.

Puppy!

It's a dog.

Dog!

'SHAMNATHA'

Ticket? Ticket?

What is this, Mom?

I’ll tell you later.

Where to, huh?

Hmm?

Where to?

You don't even know where to go?

'BALAN-THE BOY'

- Sudheer... one tea, please. - Oh, tea?

You want tea?

Sudheer, how long does it take to get some chutney?

Oh, chutney.

170 rupees.

Brother...

we don’t have any money.

No money?

And yet you gobbled up everything in sight?

We were hungry.

You can go.

Brother, can I get some work here?

Work?

Yeah... I’ll do anything.

Well, I barely earn enough...

to get by.

I don’t need wages, brother...

just something to eat.

I’ll sleep anywhere... on a bench or something.

We’re from Idukki.

When his father...

went to the plantation to carry loads...

an elephant trampled him to death.

Left with no one,

we had no choice but to leave home.

We wandered from place to place.

I don’t even know where to go now.

What’s your name?

Indhu.

And his?

Abh-- Abhijith Kumar.

Abhijith Kumar...

I’ve already explained my situation.

I can’t help you here. Better you go.

I’ll do any work...

I can wash plates or sweep...

Please leave for God's sake, dear.

I'm already pretty tied up.

- Why are you late? - I overslept.

Oh, is it?

Who’s this lady, Brother Sudheer?

Whoever she is, she’s someone dear to me, Sunny.

And what’s the name of this “dear” person?

Indhu.

What now?

Nothing.

By “dear,” do you mean you married her?

No...

If that happens, you’ll get an invitation!

Didn’t you get what you asked for?

Go on, go!

Lucky old man!

Indhu...

You don’t have to sleep here anymore.

Come home...

Be my daughter and grandson.

Here you go.

Indhu?

Indhu?!

Abhijith, dear?

Mom, why did we leave that grandpa’s tea shop?

All we need is each other.

No one else in between.

Hmm?

Hmm.

Seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve...

Twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five...

How many boats did you see?

Twenty-five.

Mom...

what’s our new story?

I’ll tell you.

And what’s my new name?

Adhiseshan.

Did you like it?

Yes, super!

♪ Like leaves floating along ♪

♪ Two wandering souls ♪

♪ Lonely shadows ♪

♪ Across the trails where shadows stretch, daylight faded ♪

♪ And they turn into nightly tales by wayside inns ♪

Your ID card still hasn’t come from home?

Don’t you dare show up without it!

Understood!?

Get it done fast.

♪ In a nameless tent burning in silence ♪

♪ And in this endless revelry, do these disguises still dance on? ♪

Too hot, isn’t it?

How about a beer?

Blood!

Hey!

Your mom's crazy!

♪ Barren trees swaying only for one another ♪

♪ The clamor... ♪

Once again.

Mom...

how many more stories do I have to learn?

Plenty...

you still have many to learn.

Hmm... do I have to remember all the stories I learn?

All those stories...

♪ Where are you off to, like the wind? ♪

♪ Where are you off to, like the cloud? ♪

♪ Is it to reap the great rain in the fields of the sky? ♪

♪ O hands, legs and eyes ♪

♪ Where are you all off to? ♪

♪ Chasing the fleeting deer, a mirage ♪

Didn’t I warn you already?

Don’t talk about us to anyone.

And certainly not the police.

Got me?

There’s my aunt’s son.

He's a divorcee.

Shall I see about an alliance for you?

Think it through and let me know.

If you’re willing...

I’ll take care of you.

And him too.

Like my... own son.

Not done yet?

Move that a bit.

Hello?

Hello!

Are you working here now?

Don’t you recognise me? We’ve met at Sudheer bro’s tea shop.

Super! That didn’t work, Sunny!

Wait, wait! I know her.

Is it true, Mary?

Mary?

Oh really? You said you know her?

Yeah… it wasn’t Mary. It was some Hindu name.

Then you’ve got the wrong person.

No way, brother. That boy was with her too.

Where were you working before this?

Nowhere.

Why not?

It's only now that I've had to start working.

Brother...

Something feels off about this.

Stop overthinking. Unload the goods and leave.

Wait, wait. This feels fishy. Repeat your name.

Mary...

Mary Luca.

And the boy’s name?

Benny.

Show me your voter ID. Come on!

Damn… that’s what she lost in the landslide.

Landslide?

Forget that. Your husband’s name? What did he do?

Luca. He was a mechanic.

Your house… the one that got buried...

what colour was it?

White.

White?

Err... Tiled roof? Or was it a terrace?

Tiled roof.

You heard that.

Did your husband own a vehicle?

Yeah...

A scooter.

A scooter, right?

Stay right here.

- Brother, come with me. - What is it?

Well, she seems like a pro at lying.

Hey, kid!

Turn this way.

What’s your name, dear?

Benny.

And your mom’s name?

Mary.

So...

Where is your father?

He's dead.

What was your dad’s name?

Hmm... Luca.

Haven’t you seen me before, boy?

At a tea shop?

No!

What was your mother's job earlier?

She wasn't working.

You clever little boy!

Do you remember your house’s colour?

- Yes. - What was it?

White.

Tiled roof or terrace?

Tiled roof.

Your dad had a vehicle?

Yes.

A...

A yellow scooter.

Super! Come here, you!

Just troubling people for no reason!

- Unload the stuff and get lost, Sunny! - Wait a sec.

You’re Christian, right? Say a couple of Bible verses.

Just come!

Enough with your nonsense questions!

She’s a fraud! You’ll regret this!

Dear, she’s not right in the head.

Don’t let this stop you from coming to work.

Bye, bye!

Bye!

Go change your clothes.

Vandana, give Vasudev some milk.

Yes, right away, sister.

Give some to Manu as well.

That's fine, sister. I’ll give him later.

No, do it now.

He’s so excited about coming there.

No, he just got back from school.

I’ll hand over the documents to Ajayan.

No, no.

I won’t forget.

Vandana...

These are Vasu’s documents.

Get two copies made to send to the Gulf.

I’ve already put in a word for your husband.

Why keep struggling in Delhi?

What happened?

The school rickshaw Vasudev was in… it met with an accident…

[school rickshaw accident news]

Did I lose it?

Where is it?

I kept it right here.

Is it gone?

- Your name is Sherly, right? - Yes.

Even though your agency's shut,

I'm sending you there as I've been told you're experienced.

I slipped off my scooter,

so walking’s a bit difficult at the moment.

Once I recover, I’ll come there.

I've been put in charge of everything out there.

So make sure everything’s handled properly.

Alright.

Only an old woman lives there.

All of her children are settled abroad.

The house won’t be locked.

Go in and tell her Iype sent you to look after her.

Also, at 1 p.m., her son will call from England.

He’ll guide you further.

Listen, that old lady doesn’t really talk.

She’s a little hard to put up with…

you’ll have to manage.

Take off your slippers.

[phone ringing]

- Hello? - Hello...

This is Joseph speaking.

Iype told me about you.

You know, mom is an odd character.

She's a bit tough to handle.

Hope you guys figure it out.

So, you can choose any room you like...

and you can live there.

I suppose Iype’s already told you about the salary.

And I’ll call you on the first of every month at 1 pm.

Be attentive to everything out there.

Where were you working before this?

At an old-age home--

Yeah, yeah, whatever!

Sherly, right?

Yes.

Who the hell are you, wretch?

Sh--Sherly.

I’m here to look after you.

Did that prick Iype send you?

Yes.

I’m waiting to put that scoundrel at my gunpoint!

Please don’t... hurt us.

Is this your son or what!?

Yes.

Where’s his father?

He’s dead.

Good for you!

You’d better behave yourself.

Did you bring me anything to eat?

No… shall I make something for you?

Be quick.

The hungrier I get…

the madder I become!

Go on!

Mom…

Is that grandma going to hurt us?

You never know.

Scared?

A little.

Don’t worry.

Are you gonna hurt her, mom?

Let me see.

If it comes to that...

Grandma…

Grandma, what happened? What do you want?

Where’s your medicine?

- This one? - No...

This?

Or this one?

Yes...

I was told that Grandma doesn’t talk to anyone.

That’s only for that blockhead son of mine.

Why won’t you speak to anyone?

Do you need every damn detail?

No.

My husband was a freedom fighter.

Not some coward who stayed silent, mind you.

He hunted down the British!

After driving them out and winning our freedom...

his own son went back there to work like a slave.

And you expect me to cuddle a fellow like that!?

I don’t want that useless guy in my sight!

Still, how can you not speak to him for 15 long years?

Back then…

as they couldn’t capture my husband…

the British police arrested me instead.

I was locked up for six months.

Tied up and beaten.

Tortured in every possible way.

Forced to drink urine.

My body left covered in wounds.

Chilli powder rubbed into them.

Even my nails were torn out.

Still, I did not utter a single word.

And you think I’ll crack for my son!?

What did you say your name was?

Sherly.

Ranjini… your husband?

He’s in the Gulf.

This address…

it’s quite far from here.

It’s my mom’s house.

She lives there alone.

And there aren’t any good schools nearby either…

Fine, fine.

Grandma, are you going to shoot us?

That hasn’t crossed my mind yet.

But if I must, I will!

Then we’ll mix poison for you!

Oh, please!

Do you think I’d blindly swallow whatever your mother gives me?

But you wouldn’t even know.

What if we mix it in your coffee?

Huh?

I don’t want it.

There’s no poison.

I only said that to give him some peace.

And there goes my peace!

Shall I take a sip first?

No! Give it to me.

If I die, so be it!

Listen to your teacher and study well, okay?

- Don’t forget what I told you. - Yes.

Only we need to know who we are.

No one else does.

Vasudev, right?

Come.

Vasudev, wait here. I’ll be back in a minute.

[school bell rings]

Students, we have a new admission today - Vasudev.

Vasudev...

introduce yourself.

Silence!

Tell them your name.

Also, where you’re from and your parents’ names.

Can you tell us where your house is?

What’s your father’s name?

Your mother’s name?

Kavitha!

Indhu!

Vandana!

Farzana!

My dear!

Okay.

Go sit over there.

Students...

we’re going to learn a poem, okay?

Green trees, green trees...

Green trees, green trees...

Blue birds, blue birds...

Blue birds, blue birds...

Wait, wait!

Let me check if that old lady is around!

Come, come.

Hurry up, hurry up!

Otherwise it’ll turn into a big scene!

Quick!

We have to get out before she comes!

- Who’s there, you little brats!? - The mad woman’s here! Run, run!

Are you crazy, you wicked woman?

What if something had happened to those children?

Wicked woman, huh!?

Mom, poison her!

As if your mom would be alive to do that.

This bullet will go straight through her!

Mom!

It only makes a sound, you dumbass!

It’s just a blank.

Just to scare fools like you.

After all, I'm living here alone.

There’s a rumour that the old lady here

shoots anyone who steps into her yard.

So, not a single thief dares to come near.

Got the trick?

Go get me some tea.

Mom…

I learnt a new song today.

Go ahead, sing it.

♪ Have you seen the key? ♪

♪ The tiny froggy’s key ♪

♪ The key that slipped while wandering here and there ♪

♪ The key that slipped away ♪

♪ O crab-bro, digging the sand, ♪

♪ Have you seen the key? ♪

♪ Have you seen the key? ♪

♪ While I dig the muddy earth ♪

♪ How could I see your key? ♪

♪ Hey tusker, wearing a golden caparison ♪

♪ Have you seen my key? ♪

♪ Have you seen it at all? ♪

♪ It’s not in the beating drum, ♪

♪ Nor in the bursting crackers ♪

♪ O my egret, have you seen the key, ♪

♪ while hanging on the cattle's tail? ♪

♪ Only the fish popping up have I seen with my eyes ♪

Where were you working before this?

In Kannur…

at an old-age home.

Why do you take the boy by the back route to school?

You can have the school bus stop at the gate.

I understand…

you’re not here to steal.

If you were, you wouldn't have enrolled him in school.

Anyway, no one will come looking for you here.

Lay me down.

How’s this?

That’s you, you fool!

This is you, Grandma!

Not that one, the green one.

This one is just to scare people…

and that's to kill them!

[gunfire]

[phone rings]

- Hello? - Hey, Sherly?

Is mom doing well?

Yes.

Does she say anything about us?

She doesn't talk to anyone at all, though.

Yeah, that's right.

Call Iype if you need any help.

Okay.

Good job.

What?

Good thing you didn’t tell him I talk to you.

Why?

One less bullet wasted.

♪ O bat hanging from a tree trunk ♪

♪ Did you see my silver key? ♪

♪ It's not in the pitch-dark night ♪

♪ Nor on the roof beam ♪

♪ As the frog went around asking ♪

♪ Stretched out long and flat was ♪

♪ A key like a wriggly water-eel ♪

♪ A key like a wriggly water-eel ♪

♪ Even today, the tiny frog asks everyone ♪

♪ Croak, croak, did you see the key? ♪

♪ The silver key to my home ♪

♪ Croak, croak, did you see the key? ♪

♪ The glowing firefly key ♪

♪ The glowing firefly key ♪

I was only a little late, huh!?

Why did you wander off instead of waiting here?

Huh?

From now on, however late I may be...

leave not this place.

Remain here.

Mother will come.

Do you hear me?

And so…

My husband and I hid in a dark room for seven days…

without food and not even water.

You suffered a lot, didn’t you?

That was absolutely nothing.

Instead of me going on and on, don’t you have anything to say?

There’s nothing much to say about me.

Then make something up, just so I can enjoy hearing it.

What about a story?

That’ll do.

Once upon a time, a demon pretended to love a princess, kidnapped her...

and made her his slave.

Once she understood the betrayal,

she made several attempts to escape.

But she couldn’t.

Slowly…

with no other way out…

she began living as his obedient slave.

One day…

she realised she was pregnant.

From then on, all she could think about was the child growing inside her.

When that child grows up…

what if he becomes a demon like him...

or a slave like her?

That very thought haunted her.

The thought turned into fear...

then anger…

and finally, rage.

And so, one day…

pregnant as she was…

she killed the demon and buried him…

and planted a banana tree over his grave.

She was arrested...

and gave birth to her child in prison.

Determined never to surrender her child to demons...

or let it become a slave like herself...

she stepped out of that prison.

Just burn that gun.

Why?

I don’t need it anymore.

- You’re there for me. - No...

I won’t be.

I can’t just--

No!

I don’t want any deep attachments.

Just treat staying here as a job.

And if I die, bury me right here in this yard.

And plant a banana tree on top.

Let no one see me!

And then?

Then you may live here comfortably with your son.

You won’t have to go anywhere.

But don't poison me to make that happen!

There’s one more thing...

I should tell you.

What is it?

Half my stories were just cooked up!

Mom...

So, my name will be Vasudev for a while?

Yes.

So… no more new stories to learn?

Just learn what they teach at school.

Okay.

Try this. It'll look good on you.

Nice!

Brother, do you have perfume?

I’ll be right back. Keep trying these on.

Hey, dear!

Hey!

Where have you been all this time?

Not a word from you!

Look at you, you've become so pretty!

Wait a minute.

It’s been three months since I got out.

Why didn’t you call me?

I gave you my number, right?

You missed it?

Well,

where’s your kid?

Hey!

Make it fast!

Those are our girls.

I'm glad I ran into you.

Where are you staying now?

They’re all just trash!

You should get in the game, dear.

Come on, we could prosper!

Don’t you know how much 'Shamnatha' struggled for you?

Anyway, let me take a photo of you.

Might come in handy.

Hey!

Are you leaving?

Hey!

What? Are you trying to avoid me!?

Hey, stop!

Hey!

I’ll deal with you later!

Stop staring…

and go get your things.

Go!

I want to go to school.

To hell with his school!

Didn’t I tell you?

Huh?

When I say we can’t stay here anymore, that’s the final word.

You know the situation, don’t you?

Go change your clothes.

I said I want to go to school!

Hey!

You’d better go change your clothes! Got that!?

Or I’ll dump you here and walk away!

Here…

What happened?

Didn’t I tell you... not to leave this place?

How long will you keep running?

Doesn't this have to end?

At least now, think about him.

Live for him.

Take this as the last words of this old woman…

and abide by it.

Grandma…

Grandma!

Grandma!

Grandma…

♪ Up in the sky lives a Grandma, our dear moon Grandma ♪

♪ Up in the sky lives a Grandma, our dear moon Grandma ♪

♪ If Grandma cries, won’t the sky cry too? ♪

♪ If Grandma cries, won’t the sky cry too? ♪

♪ When Grandma smiles, the sky blooms with moonlight ♪

♪ When Grandma smiles, the sky blooms with moonlight ♪

♪ If Grandma cries, won’t the sky cry too? ♪

You’re quite smart.

First time someone’s managed to put up with Mom this long.

Good job!

Aha, sounds like she’s right there with you.

Yeah.

Anyway, you just tell her we won't be coming down for Christmas.

I’ll call you next month.

Quick! Quick!

[gunfire]

That grandma’s coming!

Run!

Hey, hurry up!

[humming]

[phone rings]

Hello?

Hello?

[calling bell rings]

My dear…

Open the door.

Look, Shamnatha is here!

I know you’re in there.

You can keep it shut as long as you want…

but, Shamnatha’s not going anywhere.

Open the door, dear.

Hey, dear…

Dear…

How heartless can you be!?

Huh?

In jail, 'Shamnatha' protected you like a mother hen guards her chick.

Right!?

And now that you’ve landed a good setup…

Shamnatha’s just trash to you!

- Right? - It’s not like that…

Yeah, yeah!

Anyway, looks like you’re making the right moves now.

Well done!

Quite a setup you’ve got here! Wow!

Where is she?

Where?

Wh... Who?

I heard there’s an old woman here.

That…

she’s… in the hospital.

You killed her?

No… no.

What, chopped her up and buried her somewhere!?

That’s your signature style, huh!?

No… I didn’t... kill her.

Forget all that.

Why did you run off when you saw me that day?

Hmm?

I… I had to buy…

Now, leave all that behind.

No more suffering for you.

Life's about to change for us, girl.

Shamnatha’s here, right?

Listen, dear…

I’ve got two naive girls with me.

I’m going to let them stay here.

You saw them at the shop that day, remember?

Those girls.

Poor things.

Ugh!

These policemen are such a nuisance, dear.

But here, it’s safe.

And you’re here too.

You know, people are lining up out there!

Let me call those girls and tell them how to get here.

Where’s your son?

At school.

Oh, wow…

He’s started going to school?

Seems you didn't like Shamnatha coming here.

No… nothing like that.

Like it or not,

Shamnatha’s here to stay!

Tea?

[scoffs]

Hello?

Have you arrived?

Cheruthoni? Damn it, not Cheruthoni!

It’s Cherukunnu, not Cheruthoni!

Yeah!

You--

Hello?

Call me once you--

Ugh!

No signal!?

Vasudev, very good!

See, students…

This is how you do a project.

Everyone, give Vasudev a big round of applause.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

How many times did I call you?

Where were you?

Phone not working?

I... was at the market...

Sir’s son and wife are coming to Kerala today.

Don’t tell grandma. It’s meant to be a surprise.

Just giving you a heads-up.

And keep the house clean.

When will they arrive?

They’re almost here. I’m waiting at the junction.

Alright then.

Vasudev! Vasudev!

Vasudev, your pencil.

You left this behind?

Friends?

No…

not like that.

Bye, Vasudev. See you tomorrow.

[gunfire]

From now on, however late I may be...

leave not this place.

Remain here.

Mother will come!

- Which cop harmed you? - Pavithran, sir.

What did he do?

He was taking revenge on my son, sir.

He ran him over with a vehicle and put him in the hospital.

Hold on, he ran him over?

If that was intentional, that’s attempted murder.

Didn’t you file a case?

He didn’t do it himself, sir. He used another lorry driver.

Then how are you sure it was Pavithran?

The next day,

he came to my house for passport verification.

He returned the form stating that my son wasn't at home.

Wait, what’s his problem with your son?

They had some scuffle ages ago while playing on the ground.

Since then, he hasn’t let my son live in peace, sir.

My son had just secured a job and was about to leave for the Gulf.

- That’s when this happened. - Hey…

Just because of a silly playground fight,

you're saying he tried to kill him?

Your son was probably hit by some random lorry.

Don’t jump to conclusions.

No, sir.

I’m sure it was him.

Given Pavithran,

there's a chance something like that could've happened, sir.

He’s a strange fellow!

Pavithran…

Sir is calling you.

Sir!

Uncle?

What brings you here?

Why are you taking revenge over such petty matters?

Revenge? Sir, he’s my relative.

Why would I do that?

You run over anyone you have a grudge against?

Shall I file a case?

Sir, that’s a case I investigated myself.

If you investigate it too and find me guilty,

you may punish me.

Why didn’t you clear his son’s passport verification?

Sir, I went to his house for verification…

- He wasn’t there-- - Hey!

I’ve dealt with plenty of smart crooks like you to reach this chair!

Got that?

You’d better clear his son’s verification!

Oh no, sir… I’ve already sent it back.

You… you step outside. Get out!

Your duty isn’t over. I’ll call you.

- Go. - Sir!

Uncle…

You can go. I’ll get it cleared.

Go! He won't harm you.

Don't let him go. Keep him buried in some case.

Sir!

Ugh, what a stink!

Should I quit smoking?

No need for that.

Just brush your teeth before you try to kiss me.

Then I have a suggestion.

Can you come home this evening?

I'll brush up and make up for it with a few kisses.

What excuse am I supposed to give at home?

Tell them it’s extra duty. They won’t question it.

It’s not like they don’t know about us.

But that’s only after marriage.

Damn the marriage!

I’ll come.

You know the SI is madly in love with you.

And he dumps all that anger on me.

As if it’s not because of your own antics!

- What’s wrong with my antics? - Pavithran…

We got a call. A boy's been standing by the road for hours.

You go check it.

Can I go home after that, sir?

Report back here first, then you can leave.

Cicily, dear...

You need to be careful with Pavithran.

He wouldn’t hesitate to harm someone.

He only harms people he dislikes...

but he’s very fond of me, sir.

Who are all of you?

- We live nearby, sir. - Huh?

Why is he standing here in just his underwear?

What’s your name, son?

Who are you?

Sir, I’m the one who called you.

Has he been standing half-naked all this time?

No, sir. He had his uniform and schoolbag.

Then where's it?

I stepped away to buy a cigarette.

So I didn’t see what happened then.

Boy...

Who took off your clothes?

Huh?

What’s your name?

Say something!

I tried too, sir… but he didn’t say anything.

Where the hell did you pop up from!?

Why doesn’t he have any clothes on?

That’s how I found him, sir.

Why didn’t you get him some clothes?

Do one thing...

Buy him some clothes, ask around again and get him back home.

Sir, how am I supposed to manage that?

He won’t even say a word.

Sir...

anyway...

someone will come by morning saying the boy’s missing, right?

So, why don’t we deal with the rest tomorrow?

Yeah, that’ll do.

Anyway, let him stay with you tonight!

Sir…

Come.

He slept.

Got everything?

Hey!

When you saw him…

- Are you sure he was in uniform? - Yes, sir.

Do you remember which school?

That's not easy. A lot of school buses pass this way.

You know that, sir.

Who took your uniform off, kid!?

Hey!

Still, who took it off him and threw it here?

No one else...

he did it himself!

Vasudev!

Why are you in this dress? Aren’t you coming?

Hey, hey!

Stop right there!

What nonsense are you talking?

If needed, run his photo in the newspaper.

His parents will see it and come looking for him.

This doesn’t need a big investigation!

That’s not it, sir… something feels wrong.

He doesn’t seem like an ordinary kid.

As if he’s some terrorist!

Sir, I got his school details.

Sir, give me a day. Let me look into it.

Just because you took the SI test,

don’t act like some big-shot CID!

Go to the school and get his address.

Trace it and find someone responsible for him!

Simple as that.

Understood?

Sir!

Hey, I need to step out for a bit. Can you watch him?

Seriously?

Don't make it a big deal.

I know how to handle a kid.

Then I’ll be off.

Yeah!

Yes, Gopi sir?

I’ll send you an address.

It falls under your station limits.

Can you get me the details?

It’s a bit urgent.

The address is correct, sir...

but everything else seems wrong.

No such house or family exists here.

Have you… seen this boy anywhere?

No, not around here, sir.

Alright.

Yes, Gopi sir?

Pavithran, I checked the address you gave.

That Girija and her husband are settled in Dubai now.

And that boy named Vasudev is no longer alive.

What?

There was a school rickshaw accident a few months ago.

He was one of three kids who died.

Got you!

Yes, Sabu sir?

Sir, things aren't adding up here.

The name we got from the school doesn’t match him.

The boy with that name died in an accident a few months ago.

What are you talking about?

It must be a clerical error.

Sir… but--

We need to investigate this thoroughly.

Francis sir won’t listen if I tell him.

Right now, we’re tied up with an inquest on the cooperative bank robbery.

I also checked with the East Police Station.

No missing complaint has been reported there.

You just get back here as soon as possible.

Stop playing!

Go sit there!

Have you seen this boy?

Yes… I had seen him walking that way.

This way?

- Pavithran! - Oh, hey…

What are you doing here?

I came here on another case.

What's going on?

You didn't hear? It’s a murder.

Not one, but two.

The maid who worked here did it.

That’s serious trouble.

Of course!

- We've got a problem too. - What?

Robbery at the cooperative bank.

Also, was that maid here alone? Did she have a child?

Anyone else with her?

No… no kids.

If there were, we’d have found their clothes or something.

All we found were some of the woman’s clothes.

Why did you ask?

No… nothing.

Hey, isn't that boy there?

Yeah, he was around here.

He was? Go check!

Why the hell did I leave him with you?

Sister… did you see that boy?

No, I didn’t.

- What’s wrong? - No, nothing.

Sir, that boy is missing.

I know that!

That’s exactly why I rushed down here!

Sir, how about we publish his photo in the newspaper?

Didn’t I say that first, damn it!?

But you had to act smart and play Sherlock Holmes!

I even informed Childline.

That boy could be an eyewitness or even the culprit in the murder case.

I’ll make sure you get fired!

But he didn’t go missing from me, sir.

Pavithran…

You do realise the consequences of what you just said, right?

And how it will affect Cicily?

Brother Soman, come.

Sir…

I’ll investigate this case.

Enough of your crap!

Cicily…

I wasn’t--

I ignored everyone who warned me.

But you’ve just shown your true colours.

Dear, calm down. Let’s do the needful.

You go now.

Stop the bus.

[In Tulu] What’s wrong?

Just let Abba know. I'm getting down here.

Should I come with you?

No, no.

I’ll call you.

♪ Have you seen the key? ♪

♪ The tiny froggy's key ♪

♪ The key that slipped away while wandering here and there ♪

♪ The key that slipped away ♪

Bro...

Why’s that house locked up?

No one lives there anymore.

What happened?

Who are you?

My uncle runs a coffee business.

I came to check if they had any coffee beans to sell.

How can I contact them?

There’s no one left alive there to contact.

Only a crazy old grandma lived there.

And she was murdered by her home nurse.

Why?

Maybe she caught her stealing.

On top of that, she even shot the family who came looking for her.

And then?

What happened to the nurse?

The police caught her the same day.

That was actually the first time we saw her.

What a crowd it was!

Yeah!

Never before had such a crowd gathered here.

Sir...

Sir...

A lady police officer was working here, right?

A lady officer?

There are many lady officers here.

Who are you looking for?

She worked here about 6-7 years ago.

I think her name was Cicily.

It's only been 2 years since I came here.

Tell me what this is about.

Is anyone from that time still here?

Just tell me what the matter is.

I mean...

What is it, man? I’m the one taking all the flak!

Sir, wait a minute.

Sir...

Yes, tell me.

Do you remember me, sir?

No, I don’t.

I came here once when I was about 5-6 years old.

Soman, don’t go. You have duty.

Who’s this?

Just a small case.

No, sir...

Sir, don’t you recognise me?

I’m the one who stayed in your room...

many years ago.

Hey!

You?

What brings you here?

Came back to collect something you left behind?

Or to finish that little hide-and-seek from before?

I need a favour, sir.

Why not?

This whole station runs just for your needs!

Come.

Come on.

Sir...

Where's that lady officer, sir?

Did you marry her?

She got married...

just not to me.

Do you know anything about my mom?

Where were you all this time?

Only now you suddenly remembered your mother?

Sir, I made a mistake back then.

I’m sorry.

I was passing through just now...

and I recognised this place.

Sir, please help me.

I’ll listen to your story.

But before that...

do one thing.

Go get me some water.

Your mother, huh?

We’ll see what can be done.

Go get the water.

Why did you come here?

My mom...

He’s not going to spare you.

And he won’t help you find your mother either!

You need to get out of here immediately.

I have no other option.

I have to find my mom.

I’ll give you a cop’s number.

His name is George.

Your mom’s case was handled at the station where he works.

Call him and meet him once.

Go.

If you don’t leave now, you may never get the chance again!

- Where is he? - He ran away, sir.

You must’ve scared him off, right?

No, sir. I didn’t say anything.

Damn!

I had already prepared myself to help him find his mother.

Soman, you may go.

I’ve stepped out to meet George.

Yeah, let's go there.

Listen, George...

Things aren’t like they used to be.

These days, it’s very difficult to dig up an old file or someone’s details.

But I did it only because you asked.

Your mother is a handful.

She tried to escape from prison twice.

She injured nearly 7-8 people.

One of them was a lady officer.

She lashed out, saying she wanted to see her son.

Where is my son?!

Where is my son?!

Where is my son?!

Since they couldn’t control her,

they declared her mentally unstable and sent her to a mental hospital.

What a tragedy, right, George?

How long has it been since you saw your mom?

Almost... 6-7 years.

Where were you all this time?

I...

Sir...

- Any update? - I know this woman.

When they brought her in, she was extremely violent.

Open it!

I said open it!

But once the medication kicked in,

she’d just sit quietly somewhere.

She was here for about two years.

By then, her sentence had also ended.

But if no one claims them, we'll have to keep them here.

So… is she still here?

After that, she remained here for a while longer.

But our records show someone claimed her later.

Who?

My mom has no one but me.

It’s listed as her brother.

Name: Pavithran KS.

Hey...

Sir is calling you in.

What’s going on?

It’s been two days since you went to get water!

Why are you holding my mom captive?

Your tone has changed.

Getting cocky because I was friendly with you?

The register says you took her.

I’ll take whoever I want.

If you’ve got a complaint...

submit it over there.

And when you file it...

attach some proof that she’s your mother.

An ID card or something, okay?

Oh wait...

even your birth certificate is fake.

Isn’t it?

What will you do?

Sir...

We got a call from the forest department. They've crossed the border.

Oh wait. Okay, okay.

Sir! Please, sir!

Aren’t you the one who outsmarted all those cops and got away?

So, find her the official way.

Sir!

- Sir, my mom... - Get your hands off me!

Didn’t I tell you?

Search for her your own way!

Let’s go!

Why did you come back?

He’s taken my mom away.

Sir, do you know... where my mom is?

I only know what happened until she was jailed.

Sir...

Can you please help me, sir?

I’m trying to wrap this up and get away from him for good.

Pavithran isn’t the man you take him for!

Even though it wasn’t intentional, he lost Cicily because of you.

Before he does something dangerous to you...

leave this place, son.

When did he come?

He’s been around since morning, sir.

Yet another serious lapse on your station's part!

Sir, that was a mistake--

How many years has it been?

A new excuse every damn year!

If you can't handle the job, step down, Pavithran!

I want the full report by Friday!

I'll take care of it, sir.

I'll... send it over soon, sir.

What is it?

- He’s becoming a real pain. - You go inside.

What are you up to?

Is this some kind of protest?

Not going to say anything?

A protest to get your mom back?

Sir, what exactly do you want?

What?

What revenge are you taking on me by holding my mom?

You?

Come here!

What can I possibly do to you?

Take your time and decide, sir.

I’ll be right here.

You’re not giving my mom back because you lost that lady officer, right?

You little brat!

Trying to provoke me with your big talk?

Let’s see if your mom can survive without her hands and legs.

Shall I send them to you in pieces?

One instalment at a time!

Huh?

Or maybe I just won’t return your mother at all.

Do whatever you can!

This is how I deal with things!

Hey! Hey!

- Didn’t you leave? - No. I won’t leave without my mom!

Can’t you understand?

I’ve got bigger criminals to deal with here!

Just show her to me, sir. At least I’ll know she’s alive.

What do I gain from doing that?

Get out! Come back when you’ve grown up.

Then I'll decide how to deal with you!

No. I’m not leaving.

Hey, if you stay here any longer...

I’ll reopen your old case and put you behind bars!

I don't care. At least I'll get to see my mother.

Take him out!

If I bring you the person you're after, will you show me my mother?

Who?

I wasn’t the only one who escaped from you back then...

there was someone else too, right?

Abbas?

Hold him. Hold him!

Yes, that’s it.

Who’s this boy?

He was in your lorry. Don't you know him?

My lorry?

I don’t know. No idea!

He was inside when I got in, so I thought he was with you.

- With me? - Yeah.

Who are you?

Why did you sneak into the vehicle?

Trying to steal?

Huh!?

His eyes say it all.

He’s 100% a thief, I'm telling you!

So what do we do now?

What? He was in your lorry. You deal with him.

- Abbas! - We’ll see tomorrow.

Wait, man!

I’ll chop your legs off if you trouble me again!

Get lost!

Go away!

I said go!

What do you want?

Why are you following me?

Go away!

Didn’t I tell you to leave already?

I’ll peg this at you, mind it! Run!

- Hey, Abbas! - Sir?

What? Didn’t you see us?

I didn’t notice, sir.

What?

I didn’t notice, sir.

Where were you off stealing from?

Where did you go stealing?

I’m coming back from work, sir.

I’m coming back from work, sir.

I’m well aware of what you’re up to at night!

What’s that? What’s in your pocket?

Just a phone, sir. Nothing else.

Nothing in the bag, sir.

- Is it? - Nothing.

What did you throw there?

What did you dump over there?

Just waste.

Waste? What waste?

Food waste.

Show me.

- Show me. - Sir, it’s just food waste.

Show me. Come.

- Walk! - It’s just food waste, sir.

Check it.

Search!

Look there.

Why do you look nervous?

Nervous? Why would I be nervous, sir?

Just waste, sir.

Waste? I know. Look properly.

Nothing, sir. Just waste.

Really?

Let’s go then.

Told you, sir.

You suspected me for nothing.

You’re messing around in Kerala, huh?

I’ll nab you here one day.

And when I do, I'll just rip you apart!

Go!

Go!

Give it!

You...

So you really are a thief, huh?

Thank you.

Here, keep it.

Take it.

No need?

Fine then!

So what do you want?

Huh?

Mom!

What?

So...

your mom didn’t come to pick you up after school.

Then the police caught you.

You escaped from them, got into a lorry...

and ended up here.

Right?

Okay.

Remember where you got into the lorry?

No.

Do you have any idea where this place is?

No, not that either.

Wait...

Why did you run away from the police?

If you had stayed, they would’ve taken you to your mom.

Hmm?

Something’s totally off about you, huh?

What’s your name?

Tell me your name. I need something to call you, right?

Let me see.

Who does this belong to?

Pa-vi-thran...

Pavithran?

That works.

Good name.

Sister!

- Sister? - Yes?

Is there anything to eat?

- Yes. - Then serve it.

Serve for two.

Do you bathe?

Who is this kid!?

That’s Pavithran.

What are you up to, bringing kids here from Kerala?

Listen, Abbas. Hand him over to the police.

Oh, great!

He escaped from the police and came here!

Wait till morning. I’ll send him back in a fish vehicle.

You never listen to a word I say!

- Sister, serve the rice. - Yeah, I will.

Hey!

Good thing you escaped from the police.

They’re just a bunch of thieves!

Don’t worry.

You want to find your mom, right?

Consider it done!

First thing in the morning!

Hey, Abbas!

Wake up! It’s already evening.

Are you going to sleep all day?

Who are you?

Mr Pavithran!

You woke up early?

How's our place?

Do you like it?

Say something, boy.

Mom...

Mom?

That’s what bothers you.

Let's sort it out.

Let's sort it out.

Listen...

Take this boy back to where he belongs.

He was crying all night.

But he has to tell me something first.

Let’s see.

Do you brush your teeth?

Show me your hand.

What’s your mom’s name again?

Leave it. Brush first.

Udbhav?

Pavi...

Food’s ready.

Come eat.

Don’t worry.

Abbas has gone looking for your mom.

They’ll be back tomorrow.

Come inside now.

Come on!

Here, I bought this for you.

It's clothes.

No luck at all.

I searched everywhere for her.

It’ll take a lot of effort.

Hold this.

Come on.

See?

Look how much this costs.

Finding your mom will cost money too.

We’ll have to work for it.

For that...

you need to learn first.

And there’s a perfect place to start learning.

- Pay the money and play. - I’ll pay it.

- Didn’t you say that yesterday? - I will give you.

- I will. - When exactly!?

I’ll give you the money.

Oh, hey.

- He’s with you now? - Poor boy. Come.

Boss is over there.

Boss...

Who’s this boy?

My sister’s son.

Is that so?

Seems like you have many sisters.

What’s his name?

Pavithran...

Pavi.

- Pavithra? - Pavi!

Take this.

Take it! Give it to table number four.

- Udbhav! - Coming!

Are you new here?

♪ O' my son ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

Like a key!

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ You bloom like the night ♪

♪ O' my son ♪

Abbas...

Boss?

You've trained him well.

He's got the hang of it.

Smart kids like him are hard to find these days.

Can you sell him to me?

Not for sale, boss.

Since when did you turn into such a saint?

Let's go.

♪ Is it the dew in those brimming eyes? ♪

♪ Or the radiance in that waning smile? ♪

Your hometown...

Is it in the forest...

or somewhere by the backwaters?

Any idea?

Do you at least remember your school?

Little Flower!

Oh, great!

There are countless Little Flower schools in Kerala.

There’s even one in the town of Irinjalakuda.

See that building?

Superb, right?

Good boy!

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

♪ O son, my son, my dearest one ♪

Give it to him.

Don't worry.

He's one of ours.

Go give it.

Go.

This isn’t enough. You’ll have to pay more.

Sister...

Get me something to eat.

Here, give it to him quickly.

Go, hurry up!

No one’s here to serve the fish fry I asked for!?

Huh?

Hey...

- Aren’t you happy? - Happy, happy.

Give it!

How long have I been asking?

You’re cool.

I like you.

You...

You can just stay here.

Be one of my boys.

Let’s rule together!

What about my mom?

Did you hear him?

Forget your mom. You've got Abba now.

I understand...

I understand your feelings.

I will...

I’ll take you to your mom.

I’ll do it at any cost!

Got it?

Stop me, if you dare!

No one on earth can!

That’s...

my power.

I'll find your mom.

What happened?

Hmm?

Stop staring and tell me!

They've been calling me from Bangalore.

There’s a job.

A pretty big deal.

A big deal?

What big deal?

So, you've become a big-shot now!?

You’re not going anywhere. Stay right here.

How long are we supposed to rot here, Abba?

Only the two of us are left here.

So what?

At least let me go, Abba.

You want to go?

Huh?

I didn’t raise you all these years to go work for strangers!

Do you have even a little gratitude?

You want to find your mom, right?

How will that happen if you roam around Bangalore and Mysore?

- Please listen to me-- - You listen to me!

Nothing to eat here!?

Go buy something! Damn!

Yes, boss?

I’m coming. I’m coming.

Where the hell were you? Get this nuisance out of here!

I've told him a hundred times not to act mad when he's drunk!

Better take him away or you'll get beaten too!

Want some more slaps, you dog!? Stay put!

I’m leaving!

Will you?

Then what about your mom?

Stop bringing that up all the time!

I know you just can't do it!

Then go ahead.

Go!

All of you can go!

Hey...

You fool...

Your mom abandoned you!

And I was the only one there for you!

Abbas was the only one there for you!

And now you pushed me?

Hey?

What’s wrong?

Are you upset with me?

When are you heading to Bangalore?

Listen…

Shall we do one last job?

You’ll need money for Bangalore too, right?

I’m sick of this place.

Please…

Just one last job.

For me.

Let’s go tomorrow.

Tomorrow, okay?

Come with me.

Hey!

Where the hell were you?

Didn’t we have a job to finish?

Hey!

Where did you go?

Why did you disappear without telling anyone?

Because you were furious with me!?

Look what he's done!

Do you know what work we came here for?

Do you?

You idiot...

we found your mom!

For real!

Actually...

a few days after you first came here...

I went to Kerala...

and made inquiries about you and your mom.

That’s when I found out...

that your mom was in jail.

How could I send you back without your mom?

So I thought...

once her sentence was over,

I’d take you to her as a surprise.

It was a perfect plan.

But that didn’t work.

Your mother...

they...

they moved her to a mental hospital.

Only recently...

I found out that a cop named Pavithran took her from there.

Who is this other Pavithran?

Abbas!

Police!

Hurry up, Abba!

No need.

They must be all around.

- Hey! - Let go of me!

Abbas...

All good?

So this is the real Pavithran, right?

Put your hands out.

Why the hurry?

Couldn’t you have waited a bit longer?

Why didn't you tell me this earlier, Abba!?

And then what?

So you could send me to jail?

Move, move!

What was going through your head!?

Do you really think he’d take you to your mom?

- Sorry, sir. - What the hell!

My plan was just perfect!

I made a mistake, Abba.

Take him!

Move!

It's for your birth mother.

Your foster father can take the fall.

- Right, sir? - Walk!

No need to pull me, sir. I'm not going anywhere.

- Get in! - Alright, alright!

Can’t you at least give my mom back now?

I'm never giving her back.

Just like I never got my Cicily.

But I'll let you see her.

Only once.

Take it as proof.

Come.

You still remember her as that beautiful mother, huh?

She’s in the last cell.

Go take a good look!

Go on.

Mom...

Mom!

They're the ones who killed your son!

♪ Where are you off to, like the wind? ♪

♪ Where are you off to, like the cloud? ♪

♪ Is it to reap the great rain from the fields of the sky? ♪

♪ O hands, feet, and eyes, ♪

♪ Where are you all off to? ♪

♪ Chasing the fleeting deer, a mirage? ♪

♪ Where do all these roads lead? ♪

♪ Stretching on and on, where to? ♪

♪ To the very edge of the earth, ♪

♪ Seeking the bright moonlight? ♪

♪ Swaying like a milkweed seed, ♪

♪ Where are you off to? ♪

♪ Unseen by anyone else? ♪

♪ Where are you drifting away? ♪

♪ You, fallen leaf? ♪

From now on, however late I may be...

leave not this place.

Remain here.

Mother will come!

Didn’t I tell you...

to stay right here no matter how late I get?

What’s our new story, Mom?

I’ll tell you.

And what’s my new name?