Original subtitles

[singing a Carnatic song]

[Years ago]

She's right around the corner. Go quickly.

Okay.

Indira Chechi,

I've been watching him from when he was buying groundnuts from Kunnappadi’s.

What?

He has been gazing at you with his mouth agape.

Tell him that I don't like all this.

You really don't like it?

I didn't mean it that way, but I need to play hard to get, right?

- He's good looking. - Yes.

But he's got a fraud's demeanour.

Doesn't he? Look, look.

Even his dad has that!

Also, who gets through life today without being a bit of a fraud?

Here he comes.

I don't like people following me like this.

I won't repeat it.

I have no other option. That's why.

He's head over heels in love with you.

Huh?

Love letter, love letter!

Last night, my plan was to sleep until 11 PM and then study hard.

But I woke up only at 7 AM.

I went into the exam completely clueless.

If I don't answer all the questions when I get back home,

Dad will tie me to the coconut tree and beat me.

Can you please teach me everything on the way home?

Is this why you were following me?

Yes.

You're a big shot in the literature society, right?

Aren't you a writer?

It's of absolutely no use.

As per the Indian education system,

losers with excellent memory are considered star students.

So, you just called me a loser?

- No, I didn't. - You did!

No. Forgive me!

- I won't forgive you! - That's alright, but please help me.

Go and ask your friends.

I have no friends who are knowledgeable in history.

What about the studious ones in your class?

- They won't let me near them! - True!

So, will you help me?

Tell him that you lost the question paper.

How come I never had this idea earlier?

How was your exam?

I haven't written any exam as well as this one.

Where is the question paper?

Errr... there's a breeze that's seen only in North Kerala...

That breeze must have swept it away, huh?

Yes.

- Dear! - Huh? Who dear?

Oh no! The Tiger!

Question paper for the History exam.

Oh! It has a name and a picture on it, huh?

In which year was the Charminar built?

Huh? Last year?

You donkey!

Who built the Qutub Minar?

Must be some carpenter!

Carpenter?

Oh my God!

Oh God!

Mom, brother hasn't stopped crying.

No point in me saying anything, really.

It's because he's going after cinema and theatre, right?

You do this.

Buy him some lentil fritters from Syed Alawi's shop.

All his problems will vanish when his tummy is full.

Two lentil fritters!

["This World" directed by Shakespeare Shekharan]

Hey, watch where you're going!

His damn phone and his Bluetooth!

His focus is everywhere but the road!

Sorry, Sir.

These guys drive without their eyes on the road.

We just had a narrow escape.

What's the name of this person you're looking for?

Murali Vishwambharan.

When did he go missing?

It's been a while.

I searched for him in several places.

I didn't get any leads.

This morning,

one of my friends...

saw him leaving after buying something...

from a grocery shop in a village near Erode.

By the time we turned the car around and reached there,

he was nowhere to be found.

Was it the shopkeeper who gave you the location?

He doesn't know this person...

but he has said he'll track him down.

And...

I got the location only now.

This missing person...

Who is he to you, Sir?

My closest friend.

Today is December 22nd.

50 years ago,

it was on this very day...

that I met him.

Where did dad go, Grandma?

He has gone somewhere.

He has left?

Tell me what time it is!

From the shadows, it seems like 4:30 PM.

- 4:30 PM? - Looking again, it's 5:30 PM.

There he goes!

How was your exam, Venu?

- Excellent! - Will you pass?

No chance!

[Nalanda Cultural society presents "This World"]

- Raviyetta! - Yes.

Can I raise the curtain today?

- I don't mind. - Okay.

But come only after you've done your peeing and pooping.

You can't leave in between.

I won't leave! Where's Shekharettan?

He has been looking at a wire ever since he arrived.

- Wire? - Yes. A telegram.

Sari.

Who sends a telegram from Tamil Nadu asking for a Sari?

Don't they get Saris over there?

Would it be due to inflation?

The wire came from Tamil Nadu, right?

Shall we ask a Tamilian?

- Nanu. - Yes, Shekharetta.

Call Velu from the light and sound department.

Please check this dialogue, Nanuvetta.

Velu, what does Sari mean in Tamil?

- Women's garment, Sir. - That's okay.

Is there any other meaning?

Other meaning for Sari...

Apology, Sir! [in Tamil]

- Apology? - Shekharetta, it means S-O-R-R-Y.

There's a good news for all of you.

That scoundrel who plays the hero in our play...

has absconded!

- He and his bloody apology! - Shekharetta!

I've been asking you for so long!

Shall I be the hero of this play?

I know all the dialogues by heart.

Okay. Tell me the dialogues from the last scene.

For decades,

melting away in the summer sun...

Melting away and?

Melting away...

What was the rest?

It's my misfortune that's making me do this, boy!

You are the hero in today's play.

But don't utter a single dialogue in the last scene.

Do whatever you can with your face.

I'll hit it out of the park, Shekharetta!

I have no doubt about that.

That's enough!

Get me the dialogues. I'm the hero.

Today will probably be the biggest boo-fest of my theatre life.

Should I arrange goons to shut them up?

No. Even the goons will boo today.

We'll have to play some tricks with the music.

Shall we ask Peethambaran to raise a notch with his harmonium?

He raised a notch last week in Kottiyoor.

It shattered my heart!

Oh!

I will have to come up with an idea.

Shekharan doesn't have "conference"!

- Aren't you Unni Master's son? - Yes.

Don't tell my dad that I came here, Shekharetta!

I won't tell him. I don't like him.

No one likes him, Shekharetta.

Will you do me a favour?

Yes. I'll do anything you tell me, Shekharetta.

You should go to Kunjahammed Sahib's house.

People have come there from Persia, Kozhikode and Bombay.

- A party is going on there. - Okay.

There's this guy there who sings and plays the violin really well, Murali.

- You must get him here. - Okay.

Just tell him that Shekharettan is calling him.

You may take the bicycle.

- Okay. - Go quickly!

Venu, where did you get the bicycle from?

I don't have time to talk.

Shekharettan has given me a task.

You don't need us now, right?

Isn't that your guy, Chechi?

Shut up, wretch!

Come on! Come on!

♪ Pour forth the wine, O' starlet divine ♪

♪ You're the desire in my heart's shrine ♪

♪ Pour forth the wine, O' starlet divine ♪

♪ You're the desire in my heart's shrine ♪

♪ When you grace my lips ♪

Huh?

♪ O' sweet nectar ♪

Oh!

♪ I soar to mystic realms, my dear ♪

And?

♪ Why, despite my longing for you, do you not draw near? ♪

Wow! Bravo!

♪ Why, despite my longing for you, do you not draw near? ♪

♪ Why, despite my longing for you, do you not draw near? ♪

♪ Despite my countless calls, why do you not appear? ♪

Wow! Marvellous!

♪ When your waves waltz, my heart's on an overflow ♪

♪ When your waves waltz, my heart's on an overflow ♪

♪ When your touch eludes, tears begin to flow ♪

♪ When your waves waltz, my heart's on an overflow ♪

♪ When your touch eludes, tears begin to flow ♪

♪ O' night's companion, O' queen of my heart ♪

♪ Will you come along this way, play your part? ♪

♪ O' night's companion, O' queen of my heart ♪

♪ Will you come along this way, my sweetheart? ♪

♪ Longing for you with all my might, yet, why's your arrival not in sight? ♪

♪ Longing for you with all my might, yet, why's your arrival not in sight? ♪

♪ Longing for you with all my might, yet, why's your arrival not in sight? ♪

♪ Calling you day and night, yet you stay out of sight ♪

♪ Pour forth the wine, O' starlet divine ♪

♪ You're the desire in my heart's shrine ♪

♪ Pour forth the wine, O' starlet divine ♪

♪ You're the desire in my heart's shrine ♪

♪ Pour forth the wine, O' starlet divine ♪

[traditional Moplah song]

This one's grander than Sahib's previous feast, right?

Who is Murali over here?

Open that door and see for yourself.

Are you Murali?

Why? Can't I be Murali?

Is his name Murali?

I don't know that.

But he's a top-notch boozer!

Shekharettan asked me to bring you along.

Oh, no! I am really busy!

I need to drink some Scotch,

down some rum,

and then puke it all out!

So yeah, I'm pretty occupied, buddy!

It's Shakespeare Shekharettan who's calling you.

Shake-Spear!

What did he shake?

Shake-Spear!

Shake-Spear Shekharan!

It's a lame joke!

It's a lame joke!

Then why are you laughing, rascal?

I'm drunk.

I'm drunk too!

Tell that petty bourgeois that I'm not coming.

You must tell him, okay?

Comrade E.M.S. is also coming to watch the play.

Hey, hey!

E.M.S. Namboothiripad?

Yes!

- Sahib, Sahib! - Yes.

Can you please give me your car keys?

Slow down, man!

- Is this your first time in a car? - Huh? Yes!

- Mine too. - What?

Just kidding.

I haven't brought my bicycle.

Sahib's men will bring it.

- Oh no! - They have to take this car back, right?

Do you even know the story of this play?

I've read all of Thanniyoor Bhaskaran’s writings, even those he never penned.

- Hey. - Yes.

Which lighter do you like?

What? Lighter?

Not lighter! I mean, writer! Writer!

- Rabindradev. - Oh, wow!

- Bengali author! - Yes.

Rabindradev is my favourite as well.

Every time his book releases,

I make sure to find it and read it.

Go slowly, man!

There are people sitting there!

Shall we run over them?

Do whatever you want after I get out!

- Where's the gear box? - Don't throw it away!

Take everything to the stage.

I'll run over them in reverse!

Shucks! Nobody was hit?

Hold this.

Quick!

You seem to be sloshed! Will you be able to do it?

I'll kill it!

I'm still dealing with the aftermath of what another guy did.

Well,

when is E.M.S. coming?

He just stepped down from power, right?

He will come.

Comrade will come back!

You come with me now.

Huh?

You're swaying.

Should I hold you?

Soap, comb, mirror!

Soap, comb, mirror!

Rumi,

are you cross with me?

Don't talk to me.

You are a liar.

What liar?

- Do you know what this is? - What is it?

- Dangling bangle! - Who's going to wear it?

Give me your hand.

Wow!

I'll be going to Persia after a few days.

You'll go to Persia and...?

In Persia...

I'll make plenty of money.

When you make plenty of money, will you forget me?

How can I forget you?

One.

Two.

Three.

Clap!

[singing a famous Malayalam song composed by M.S. Baburaj]

Where are you off to, swaying?

To your wife's house!

I shouldn't have asked! I really shouldn't have!

- Isn't that enough? - That's enough for today.

[singing a famous Malayalam song composed by M.S. Baburaj]

Singing Babukka's song while rowing the boat through the Eranholi river...

is an amazing feeling!

[singing a tune]

Sahib brought this when he came from London.

This item is not available in India.

Whenever I come up with a tune in my mind,

I can record it on this immediately.

- Murali. - Yes.

Can't you go to Madras...

to compose movie songs?

On a coal train that rushes out in a cloud of smoke, why don't I head to Madras?

Right?

What's the point in making songs for somebody else?

Just like how it is abroad,

I must create songs on my own terms.

You don't have the courage to leave this place and its people, right?

The ones who are around us...

are our strength, aren't they?

Murali,

wherever you go,

a crowd will follow you.

Your strength does not lie in this place or its people.

You...

are a fan of M.S. Baburaj, right?

Who doesn't like Babukka's songs?

If he hadn't boarded a train from Kozhikode to Madras,

could we have sat on this boat today,

listening to this masterpiece of his?

You just have to get out there.

Careful when you get out. Don't fall down.

Murali! Your coat!

I don't know whose it is.

Keep it.

Venu!

- See you! - See you!

The next time I saw him...

was after two years,

while I was doing my second year of pre-degree.

Murali!

Do you remember me?

We...

Have we boozed together?

[singing M.S. Baburaj's famous song]

- Do you study here? - Yes.

Well, can't say I'm studying here.

I just show up and mark my attendance.

Your Principal is my neighbour.

Rabindradev's new book has arrived in your library here.

I've come to ask if there's any way I could get it.

Is it?

In that case, let me search for it in the library.

- I can also read it, right? - As you wish.

- Mr. Pillai! - Shush!

- Hey. - Yes.

Why didn't you inform me that Rabindradev's book has arrived?

To inform you, are you my father or what?

A first year Malayalam student took it as soon as it arrived.

What's the name of the student?

I don't know.

Won't you know if you check this register?

- Yes. - Check it and tell me then!

Annie.

So, you know the name without checking, huh?

- Yes, I do! - Bloody....

- I may get the book today, right? - Let's try asking.

- Hey, Venu. - Yes.

Vijayan Master was looking for you.

What's the status of the college magazine article?

Oh! You write too?

Of course! He's the big shot playwright here!

Hey, can you take Murali to the classroom of Annie from first year?

- There? To Annie's class? - Yes.

- Give this book to Vijayan Master. - Okay.

- Come. - Hey!

Are you guys twinning?

From Balettan's shop, right?

Everyone gets the same one.

Up next is the song, "Why this union?", sung by Balram.

If you're done reading the book you have,

could you please give it to me?

My name is Murali.

I'm a friend of Venu, the young writer of this college.

I'll finish reading it by tonight.

Is it okay if I hand it over to Venu tomorrow?

I share your eagerness to get my hands on the novel

and start reading as soon as it arrives.

I'm not patient enough to wait.

If you could give me your address,

and if I have your permission,

I shall come to your house tonight and get it.

Post-Script:

I swear on my mother,

I'm not a stalker.

If you take the by-road near Manayoor pond,

and come straight,

you'll see stone steps on the right side.

If you come there at 8:30 PM,

I will give you the book.

Post-Script:

There are no stalking wolves there.

But there are snakes. Beware!

Where are you off to at night?

To Rajasthan.

- Go and return quickly. - Okay.

Murali!

What is it, Grandpa?

Get me the betel leaves and tobacco.

Oh!

Here you go.

Bye!

Always say, "See you soon".

See you soon!

♪ Why this union? ♪

♪ As springtime yields its grace And summer's sun takes its rightful place ♪

♪ Desires, with an intensity newfound, Mysterious and profound ♪

♪ Why this union? ♪

♪ Secrets entwine, Roots deep-seated, in hearts they define ♪

♪ Flames dance, impatiently they shine ♪

Once you finish reading it,

hand it over to Venu.

Are you saying that we shouldn't meet again?

I never said that, did I?

Bye.

I mean, see you soon!

That was the beginning of a romance.

After that, Murali started visiting our college often,

under the pretext of meeting me.

But the one he met...

and had endless conversations with,

was Annie!

An accident had claimed the lives of Annie's parents.

She lived with her older sister and brother-in-law.

Given the family's passion for literature and music,

Murali became their favourite in no time.

Annie was a fan of Victor Hugo, the French writer.

Murali got the Malayalam translation of a novel written by him

delivered from Kozhikode to Thalassery Railway Station via Mangalapuram Mail.

So, this hasn't been published yet?

- It hasn't been published. - Oh!

An officer from Kozhikode Radio Station...

has translated it to Malayalam.

That's nice. A handwritten novel, just like a handwritten magazine.

- Hey, Venu! - Yes.

There's a small problem.

- What? - It doesn't have the last chapter.

Are you sure?

I have read the English version. I remember it.

The last chapter is missing!

This is like the power going off when a movie is approaching its climax.

The one who sent this is in for a thrashing from me.

If it's not complete, shouldn't he inform me?

I had promised Annie that I'll give it to her tomorrow.

Narrate the story to me!

What for? Will you write the rest?

Well, I can try!

Hey!

Won't that be trickery?

We can trick only the ones we love, right?

Shall we dilute it a little bit?

Yep, let's dilute it a little bit!

Let's do it then!

Let's do it!

[Chapter 14]

- Hey, Murali! - Are you done?

Yes. Catch it!

How is it?

Why don't YOU go to Madras?

Dude,

I can visualize what you've written, just like watching a movie.

You're cut out for more than just theatre.

No way! Movies won't work for me.

What's the point in going to some place and making movies for someone else?

I can do plays on my own terms in my own place, right?

You don't have the courage to leave this place and its people, right?

The ones who are around us are our strength, aren't they?

There is no shortage of advice from you.

That's right!

Annie!

I'll be right there!

Knowing you were coming,

she's been in the kitchen since morning, to make fish curry.

Does it usually take this long to make fish curry?

Not at all.

It wasn't until she became friends with you

that I saw this side of her's.

Earlier,

it was like she was always hiding something deep down.

When your parents died,

how old was she?

She was nine years old.

When you're showered with plenty of love,

and when you lose it all of a sudden,

it's not so easy to handle.

I wish I could shake your hand and say thanks to you.

You know it's because I'm unable to, right?

Say it.

Thanks.

Lunch is ready!

Go on.

Tell me how it is.

How did you make it taste this good?

That's a secret. You eat it.

We haven't had an open conversation yet.

But I thought I'll say it from my side.

I really like you, Annie.

I would like to marry you.

I'm not a rich guy.

But I won't let you starve.

Annie...

Did I scare you by bringing up marriage?

Once you complete your studies,

or if you're planning to get a job, after that...

We can take it slow.

I am ready to wait.

Murali, there's no need for anything between us.

Please leave now.

What happened, Annie?

When I ask you to leave, just leave!

I'm not a wimp to leave when you ask me to!

I've seen what you have for me, in your eyes.

Tell me the reason!

[humming a romantic Hindi song]

Thank you.

Earlier, while working in Bombay,

I had danced with an actress to this song at a party.

Don't bluff.

Yeah, right! Danced, it seems!

- Shall I show you? - Show me.

Well, I can't dance alone.

I'll join you then!

Okay.

[singing a romantic Hindi song]

Annie, may I...

kiss you?

Please?

What we had between us....

What was that then?

It was a beautiful escape from my reality.

Your elder sister...

That poor thing is lying there unaware of all this!

Is that why you slept with him?

Get...

out!

Get...

out!

♪ What's this union for, why combine? ♪

♪ Secrets wound, roots intertwine, In hearts, they embed, malign ♪

♪ Flames rage in fatal attraction, In impatience, they pine ♪

Oh, Murali! You were here?

Chetta!

After that, I didn't see Murali for some time.

When I enquired in his home-town,

no one knew where he was.

No clue where he is.

He has always been that way.

When his mind is hurt,

he just disappears.

Just as he disappeared now.

Right, Sir?

When was the next time you saw him?

Who is Venu here?

There's a letter for you.

During the interval,

go and collect it from the staff room.

You've begun getting letters from the first day itself, huh?

Boarding a coal train that rushes out in a cloud of smoke,

shall we head to Madras?

If you bunk my class on the first day itself,

don't think you can ever come back here!

Sir, I'm leaving not just this class, but this town itself!

- Where to? - Madras!!

You are destined to doom!

Thank you, Sir!

As soon as I read it, I didn't think twice.

- I left immediately. - That's good.

Hey, we're going to stay at a lodge in Kodambakkam.

People who do ground work in cinema hang out there.

It'll be easy to get acquainted with many.

What's the name of this lodge?

Swami's Lodge!

I've got money...

I've got enough money to cover the rent for 2-3 months.

I have also taken enough money for immediate expenses.

If we walk 30 minutes from the lodge,

we can reach most of the studios

where film shoots and song recordings happen.

We may be...

able to do something, right?

Let's knock on all doors.

One of them will open.

We will work our way up from there.

- Okay. - Okay?

Long live M.G.R.!

[crowd raising slogans for M.G.R.]

- That's Swami's Lodge! - There it is!

Why have you left me alone to clean this mess? Hey, Senthil!

Where did he go? Who are you?

- Who are you? - Brother, where is Swami?

Here I am, scrubbing. I am Swami.

He's the one.

- Can we get a room here? - What room?

- Kunjahammed Sahib... - What?

Oh! You're the one Sahib told me about?

Chetta, are you a Malayali?

South Indian. I know 5-6 languages.

Oh!

You've come to try your luck in the movies, right?

Yes, yes.

Half of the screwballs come here for that.

And you've brought the rains along with you from Kerala!

Today is a very good day.

M.G.R. has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu today.

Very lucky day...

for M.G.R.!

Did you see M.G.R.'s cut-out over there?

- Yes. - There's a water tap near it.

If you drink water from it, you can become a super hit.

Actor Prem Nazir Sir drank it five times.

The great actor, Sathyan Master drank it three times.

Actor Adoor Bhasi drank it four times.

Joshiy is coming tomorrow.

- You want a room, right? - Yes.

Where is the key?

Was he counting while they were drinking?

Seems to be an expert at cooking up stories.

Come here, Senthil!

- Coming, Boss! - They need a room.

- Give them the key. - Okay, Boss.

The room is upstairs.

All rooms are comfortable.

There's water leakage in all of them. Go happily.

Do you have towels?

- Yes. - I don't have it.

Give it. I'll take it.

Hey!

Once you become a superstar,

don't forget me.

My name is Swaminathan.

S-W-A-A-A... Well, forget it.

Hey!

Is this rain water or toilet water?

It stinks!

How is this place?

It's a superb place, Sir.

It's like a magnet for madcaps!

Kneecap?

- Is there Ayurvedic treatment here? - Sir! Mental cases, Sir! Mental!

There's a guy in this room.

He has come here from Mettupalayam to try his luck in movies.

He utters Shivaji Ganesan's lines from morning till night

and tortures us, Sir.

There's a guy in this room.

He always catches the cigarette with his mouth like this.

But he's a good guy. He has a unique style!

And then there's another guy in that room

who works as a reporter in a movie magazine.

He is always on dope!

- Must be an intellectual, right? - Of course! Of course!

By the way, in our lodge, we only have common toilets.

They will be neat,

but won't have latches.

Latch means?

Lock, lock!

- Oh! - Oh God!

Beware! Anyone can enter any time.

So, wear underwear when you have a bath.

Did he ask us to wear underwear while bathing?

- Yes. - No need. Let's buy a lock.

- Everything is set. - Okay.

Shall I leave?

Okay.

Oh! Just a minute.

10 paise.

Buy and eat whatever you like.

Do that, okay?

Bloody misers!

Did I chatter non-stop for this?

Did he just say that we're misers?

Do you doubt that?

I don't doubt it.

Can't you see that I'm cleaning here?

Is that his Mom?

Wait! I'll ask the boss to fire you!

Then your boss will have to sweep this place! Get lost!

Yaay!

Come on, drink it!

♪ O' ballads of life, come draw near ♪

♪ This way, let's move without fear ♪

♪ In search, with hearts sincere ♪

♪ The bright future's already here ♪

♪ This path we choose, without fear ♪

♪ Victory's anthem, in our hearts, we revere ♪

♪ O' ballads of life, come draw near ♪

- Can you write in Malayalam? - Yes, Sir.

But the article won't come out in your name.

The byline will be mine.

I'll give you a share of the fees I receive.

That's okay, Sir.

Could you... get me a chance to work in the movies?

Action.

How did it go?

I can't climb so high, Sir.

It's too risky. I won't do that.

Then why are you taking money?

Sir!

P.R.O. Arumai Prakash asked me to come here.

Can I get some job here?

Tell Arumai that I'll consider during the next movie.

- Arumai! Bloody idiot! - Sir! Sir!

I don't want any money, Sir. Please give me a chance.

Hey! Didn't I say we'll see in the next film? Get lost!

- Hey, you! Stop! - Sir.

Will you work without pay?

I will, Sir.

Good. Hey, moron! What are you doing there?

Get out!

Hey! Get lost!

I'm saying this from my heart.

You'll be doomed!

My pleasure!

- Do you know carpentry? - If you show me how to do it, I'll do it.

- You'll have to hammer nails. - I'll hammer anyone, Sir.

You need not hammer anyone.

Will you hammer nails?

- I will, Sir. - Go inside!

Yikes!

That's not how you do it.

Slam it like this. Do it.

Oh no! Sorry!

Did he like it?

Sir, I'm a violinist. Can I get a chance?

Get lost, man!

I can even give you some money, Sir.

Please.

Don't you understand, you idiot?

It's okay! No need!

Stop it!

Do you think I came here from Neyyattinkara to eat nougats?

I'll grab his foot and smash him to the ground!

Hey, hey, hey! You composer!

What's with the bows in the hands of those three guys?

Won't they touch the strings?

- Will the violins get pregnant if they touch it? - Hey, he found out!

I'll even give your Dad a run for his money!

If you do fraud jobs and try to steal money,

you'll see my true colours!

You do this.

Throw these three dummies out.

And within ten minutes,

bring in guys who actually know how to play the strings.

Get out!

Brother.

- Brother! - Yes!

Do you know how to play the violin?

- Yes. - Thank God!

Come.

Come fast.

Thank you!

This is the hand of an artist.

Huge success is coming your way soon!

- Hey, Venu! - Yes.

- Come. Let's go. - Alright, Grandpa!

Bye, Murali! See you in the evening!

Son, take good care of him.

You both can achieve great heights together.

But if ever a problem occurs between the two of you...

There will never be any problem between us.

If it stays that way, that's good!

♪ In times to come, as foretold ♪

♪ Great rhythms fill, precious as gold ♪

♪ On the paths you tread, Where tears are shed ♪

♪ Remain aflame, ahead, Like a fire, strong and spread ♪

♪ O' ballads of life, come draw near ♪

♪ This way, let's move without fear ♪

♪ In search, with hearts sincere ♪

♪ The bright future's already here ♪

♪ Dreams quietly bloom, unseen, inside ♪

♪ From others' eyes, they silently hide ♪

♪ With steadfast hearts, and steps so sure ♪

♪ Day by day, our path we secure ♪

♪ Let's take to the sky, on wings we fly ♪

♪ Surging like waves, under the open sky ♪

♪ As stars, united, we form a light ♪

♪ To shine together, forever bright ♪

♪ O' ballads of life, come draw near ♪

♪ This way, let's move without fear ♪

♪ In search, with hearts sincere ♪

♪ The bright future's already here ♪

♪ This path we choose, without fear, ♪

♪ Victory's anthem, in our hearts, we revere ♪

♪ O' ballads of life, come draw near ♪

♪ This way, let's move without fear ♪

♪ In search, with hearts sincere ♪

♪ The bright future's already here ♪

♪ O' ballads of life, come draw near ♪

♪ This way, let's move without fear ♪

♪ In search, with hearts sincere ♪

♪ The bright future's already here ♪

- Come on, guys! - I'm just going to perform a prayer.

Performing a prayer, huh? It'll be your funeral today!

Come, come!

- Hey, why are you guys doing this? - Come on, bro!

- Come, come! Fast! - It's a jolly day!

Hey! Has he started?

He'll start now. Come quickly and look!

- Take a look! - Hey! Don't look!

How long have you been knocking, bloody dogs?

Do you guys eat rice or crap?

Stray dogs! How dare you show up here and fool around!

Shameless dogs! Is this your dad's home to knock?

Rotten scoundrels with no shame!

Shameless fellows!

Leave me, you buffalo!

You're getting nothing today!

Silence!

1-2-3-4

Come.

Wait! My hat just fell down!

Come here.

All the movies we've done here have become super hits.

May your film also have the same destiny.

Hit him!

Superb, darling!

- My Golden Lub! - My Lion Cub!

I have to buy a Benz once the film releases.

What a pathetic film!

Such torture!

Let's have some tea and go straight to A.M.V.

This is my first production.

I've sold everything except what I'm wearing.

Will I prosper?

- Super hit, Sir! - Wow!

Next!

Will the movie be a hit?

365 days!

A worldwide blockbuster!

Oh, dear Goddess!

The movie will be a super hit, right?

What is your name, Sir?

Mr. Keshavadev, from Kamukara.

- I'll pray for you, Sir. - Thank you!

Thank you!

Shall we pay him ₹5 extra?

Don't spoil them.

- Right. - Oh God!

I'll invite you for the Golden Jubilee.

You must come.

[humming a Malayalam song]

Hey!

The Veena player!

Violin.

Both have strings, right?

Have you been to the Keecheri Palottukavu festival, Sir?

Oh, sorry! I don't travel much outside Kerala.

This is near Parassinikkadavu in Kannur.

Is it? What's the speciality there?

Fireworks!

You should see the fireworks blowing up in the sky, Sir!

Must be a blast, right?

Of course.

But your movie will bomb with an even louder blast!

Are you mocking me?

Everyone who took money from you was mocking you, Sir.

I told you the truth. That's all.

My movie will be a superhit.

It will tank on the very first day.

It's foolish to make movies,

trusting these bourgeoisie who wear kurtas, sunglasses and hats.

Talented people are wandering around here,

without any opportunities.

I can show you so many!

My movie will be a super hit.

Why are you repeating the same thing?

Your film will bomb!

- Wanna bet? - Yes!

If my movie tanks, I'll shave off half my moustache!

If it succeeds, I'll shave off my entire moustache!

- Bet! - Bet!

Eww!

Move your hand!

You move.

It'll be a super hit.

It will bomb!

It will be a super hit.

- It will be a super hit. - It will be a super-flop!

Cut it!

Hey, Gopi!

- Come, change the screen! - Coming, Sir!

Hey, come here. His bloody umbrella!

Give me a massage!

Come on, rub properly!

- Hey! Shameless fellow! - What are you doing here?

Go!

Get lost!

Radhika, dear!

I'm doing my make-up, Sir.

I'm in no hurry.

Take your time, Radhika.

Shucks!

[retro song playing in the background]

Under the 'Predators Films' banner,

I am doing a movie with a noble message for society.

"Tender Games"

I know, Sir. They had narrated the story to me.

I'm the one who sent them.

- How's the story? - Terrible!

Oh, no! We can make it better.

It's not just that, Sir.

There are some intimate scenes in it.

I can't do them, Sir.

Why are you talking like this?

Of course, you can do it!

I will help you.

No need, Sir.

- Don't say that. - Please don't, Sir!

- Everything is for art's sake, right? - Please don't, Sir!

Leave me, Sir!

Let go of me, Sir!

- Leave me! - There's no one here, Radhika.

- Just once, for the sake of art! - Leave me, Sir!

I'll make you a big movie star. Isn't it all for art's sake, my dear?

Bloody scoundrel!

- I'm an orphan. - What?

I've never got a mother's affection

or a father's love.

But I must get you, come what may!

If you dare come near me...

- I have incurable diseases. - So what?

- I've already had a cardiac arrest. - Very good!

I have to do certain things before I die!

Please cooperate!

Leave me, you dog!

- Just a kiss, Radhika. - Shameless fellow!

What is this, Radhika? This is not fair!

- Just a kiss, please! - Don't beg like this!

- How arrogant are you! - I said, leave me!

Don't be so cold-blooded, Radhika!

- Venu! - Yes?

I'm acting in films only upon my family's insistence.

I don't wish to continue this.

I am a primary school teacher.

I haven't left my job yet. You needn't provide for me.

I really like you. Will you marry me?

Chase her out of here!

Unless you throw her out of here,

don't expect me to act in your film!

Kamraj, your entire shoot got completed this afternoon.

Someone else will be dubbing for you.

I don't need you anymore.

You can't create a scene here.

Thambidurai, take him to the hospital quickly!

Look at him bleeding from his butt!

This one starts with a piano piece.

Eight to nine bars,

followed by a melody.

[humming a tune]

It's beautiful.

Sir!

Hey, don't call me Sir.

Indradhanush.

Indra.

- What's your name? - Sir...

Murali, Sir.

Indra!

Do you wish to be a composer, Murali?

Sir! Please bless me, Sir!

God bless, God bless!

- Do you drink? - Eh?

Err... I'll pass.

It's Scotch Whisky.

Oh Lord! What a fall from grace!

Maybe... I'll have a couple of drinks, Sir.

Come, Murali.

Come.

Composing music is not a problem, buddy.

Convincing the music to people is the problem.

What the director likes, the producer won't.

What the producer likes, his wife won't like!

If his wife likes the song,

his mistress will definitely hate it!

Overcoming a thousand such hurdles,

by the time the song gets out,

I feel like gulping down an entire bottle and fleeing from here!

I'm not into all this, Indra.

I can't handle the pressures of the film industry.

What then?

What do you plan to do?

First, I want to become a music conductor.

Then, straight to Bombay...

to compose Ghazals on my own terms

and live a peaceful life.

I really envy you.

Your thoughts are so simple.

And your compositions are even simpler.

What do you lack?

You're doing big films with big stars, aren't you?

Big stars and their big films! Sigh!

That big star you just spoke about?

He called me over to his home yesterday

to compose music.

When I went in, neither the director nor the producer was there.

There was a group of his so-called friends.

He made me sit in the centre and asked me to compose music.

Cigarettes, liquor, weed.

I could even hear women from the next room.

Amidst all this, I had to compose music.

I composed twenty tunes sitting right there.

And he sent me away, saying he'll call me another day.

Another round?

Sure.

[Shanmugham Cinema]

Hey!

- Murali! - Yes.

The producer who made a bet with you? Keshavadev?

Yes, yes.

I just watched his movie.

How is it?

There are two opinions among the audience.

- What? - Bad and very bad.

Poor chap!

Who is it?

Oh!

Where are those talented rascals wandering around...

without opportunities?

Show me at least one guy!

Please!

I'll call him right away! Don't go anywhere, sir.

Ilango brother!

Brother!

Where is Venu?

There is a Muneeshwaran Temple nearby, right?

He has gone to the hostel behind it.

Why there?

Go and see. You'll know.

Let's roam around Marina beach and...

I've found a producer.

- What? - Yes.

Go!

- Come! - Go!

What?

I haven't even completed the screenplay.

You'll be able to write it. Narrate the story now.

But... what if he doesn't like my story?

No way! He'll like any story you narrate!

You're never gonna find a producer as foolish as him in this lifetime.

Come.

♪ Oh Narayani, my coconut ♪

♪ Your disgusting dimples ♪

This is the director I told you about, Sir.

- Which movie have you directed? - He hasn't directed a movie as yet.

Then how did he become a director?

Err... Well...

You can sit.

You start!

I'll be right back, Sir.

- You can sit. - All the best!

Bye, Sir.

You can sit.

Sit down!

You may sit.

Okay, Sir.

Which direction should he face while accepting the advance? East or west?

Accept the advance from whichever direction it comes from.

Are you sure?

Why does it matter where the Goddess of Prosperity comes from?

Just grab it!

A deserted, hilly region.

And there, an old ancestral house.

Hmmm... Low budget!

The kitchen in the old house.

The home maker keeps a vessel on the stove.

She pours some water into it.

She puts firewood into the stove,

and lights it.

The water boils.

She puts tea powder into it.

Even I know how to make black tea!

- Narrate the story, will you! - I will, Sir.

As the tea begins boiling,

from the room inside, you'll hear a loud, deafening bang!

Who died?

Will he narrate it properly?

He hasn't even completed the script.

This guy forced him to narrate it.

- Listen. I have faith in him. - Who is that?

Wait.

Looks like he messed up!

Keshavadev's second movie will be directed by...

- me! - Hey!

Venu bro has become a director!

Venu, the tap water seems to have done its trick!

Sir, your moustache?

I shaved it off.

While paying the advance to the director of a Tamil movie

that's going to be a hit across South India,

I need to look dignified, don't I?

- Wait, Sir. Let me take a photo. - Alright.

Give us a smile, boss! Smile, bro!

- Come, Murali. - Hug him tight, bro!

- Do we look good? - You're going overboard, Boss!

Buddy...

Will you compose the songs for my movie?

Film industry is not my thing, buddy.

Moreover, it's your first movie, right?

Let's hire a well-experienced music director.

And employ the most talented technicians across all departments.

Then, even as a project, its value will be greater.

I know all that, dude.

Don't you think that I'll want my movie to have a song like the ones you compose?

Murali,

isn't this wrong?

It's my closest friend's first film.

You must stand by him.

Hey...

If this news comes out, it will be a huge insult to me.

Once our name is spoilt in this industry...

No one will know of this.

You have my word.

[humming Murali's tune]

This is enough, Sir.

This is... way beyond what I expected.

Thank you, Sir. Thank you so much.

[Murali]

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

♪ Memories rush back in a fierce embrace ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ With open eyes, through day or night ♪

♪ I throbbed within, holding tight ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

♪ Without arriving, without bestowing ♪

♪ The heart drifts away, quietly going ♪

♪ Without arriving, without bestowing ♪

♪ The heart drifts away, quietly going ♪

- Hey! Your film should be top-class. - Certainly!

It should be a super hit.

That will make me proud!

This is not just an ordinary place.

- See you! - You too!

[Months Later]

Hey, Thamizh!

Here.

[Indistinct conversation]

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ As the heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

Hey, turn up the volume.

♪ Memories rush back in a fierce embrace ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ With open eyes, through day or night ♪

♪ I throbbed within, holding tight ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

♪ Without arriving, without bestowing ♪

♪ The heart drifts away, quietly going ♪

♪ Without arriving, without bestowing ♪

He has composed it so beautifully.

♪ The heart drifts away, quietly going ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

♪ Memories rush back in a fierce embrace ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ For those memories, crystal clear ♪

♪ For that fragrance, I hold dear ♪

♪ Time and again, my heart yearns to be near ♪

♪ For those memories, crystal clear ♪

♪ For that fragrance, I hold dear ♪

♪ Time and again, my heart yearns to be near ♪

♪ Forgive my flaws, just this once, come near ♪

♪ I’m pining for you, wish you would appear ♪

Everyone gets the same wage. We can't pay you extra. Get lost.

Pay me what I ask for, you scoundrel.

- How dare you call me names? - What?

- You dog! - What?

- What will you do to me? - Get lost, you outsider!

- Leave me! - How dare you call me names?

♪ Wish you would appear ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

Stop, stop!

Murali, you play it.

♪ Memories rush back in a fierce embrace ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

Murali!

It's been many years since I arrived in Kodambakkam.

I've seen everything here.

For those who live without discipline,

Kodambakkam is almost like a Bermuda Triangle.

You may be able to enter.

But...

you'll surely be lost to never be found.

Hey, brother!

Wow! You look so different, brother!

- How are you? - Me?

I'm doing great!

- Where is Swami sir? - Swami?

He has gone outside.

Your friend is upstairs. Go see him.

- See you! - Alright.

Buddy!

I couldn't attend the preview of your film.

I had a recording session.

That's alright.

- When is the release? - Soon enough.

I'll watch it in the theatre on the very first day.

I need to share some good news.

Shall we go to the tea stall?

Yeah! Why not? Come!

Come.

Let's go.

How's the tea?

Same as always!

Buddy,

I'm going to marry Radhika.

Dude!

Where? At your home-town?

No!

I've booked a hall in T Nagar.

If it's here, all the film folks will be able to attend, right?

Just that my family will have to come here.

That's right.

Anything you need, just let me know.

I'm here for everything.

I don't need anything, buddy.

You...

I just need you to get a hold of your life.

I heard that you got into a fight at the studio,

got drunk, threw up and ended up on the road.

My friends told me.

Who are these friends?

♪ Memories collide ♪

I'll come sober for your wedding.

I... shall cause no trouble to any of your friends.

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

Damn! Why are we talking like this?

You'll have a lot of people to invite for your wedding, right?

You better leave. Come on.

Come.

- See you. - You too.

To Indradhanush?

Why did you give your song to him?

He was here during his beginning stages.

Do you know how many musicians he has cheated?

He'll talk ill about the film industry.

He'll say that working here is hell,

and then he'll offer cash.

He'll shamelessly copy other people's music,

and release it as his own.

But...

he never asked me for my song.

Why does he have to ask you?

You gave him the song even before that, right?

He knows how to manipulate everyone.

And now, the entire town is singing your song!

That's your baby!

And you sold it off, didn't you?

Aren't you ashamed?

Can I talk to you for a minute?

You gave me this song voluntarily, didn't you?

Yes.

And you're the one who asked me to release it in my name, right?

Yes.

So now, how can I admit that this is your song?

I don't want any credit for this.

No one needs to know this,

except him.

Only Venu has to know.

Please!

Impossible!

Please.

Venu is not just your friend.

He's the director of my movie as well.

If he gets to know, the entire industry will come to know.

I can't handle that.

I've reached here after years of hardship and battles.

Indradhanush!

Indra!

This name and fame...

I'm not ready to lose them.

Are you going to create an issue?

- Very well! Do it, then. - Sir...

I'm not here to cause any trouble.

In his eyes, I'm just an alcoholic now.

And I can't bear it.

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Why are you making a fuss?

This is just one song.

Just one bloody song!

You're someone who knows music, right?

Go, make another song.

Listen, Murali!

Not just to your friend,

you need to prove who you are, to the whole world.

You can do it!

Go, make a new song.

Go!

[doorbell rings]

Were you asleep?

Why are you here at this hour?

I....

I want to talk to you.

You seem to be really drunk!

Don't you know that I'm a drunkard?

Haven't your... friends told you about me?

Wow!

Radhika, you're here?

If they know that you're living together before marriage,

your family will go crazy.

Murali, leave and come back tomorrow.

Radhika,

you may go inside.

I shall leave after talking to my friend.

Didn't I tell you that you can talk tomorrow?

Go inside, Radhika.

Oops! She didn't like it one bit!

What do you have to say?

I shall...

I shall compose the songs...

for your next movie.

Wasn't it your great wish...

that I should compose a song for your movie?

I shall compose all the songs for your next movie.

Let's...

let's discuss it tomorrow.

Why leave it for tomorrow?

You tell me the situations. I'll give you the songs.

After a hectic run for my film's release

and inviting people for the wedding, we just got to bed.

I'm exhausted.

- Let's meet tomorrow. - Buddy...

I don't need that much time.

Just give me five minutes.

You tell me the situation,

and I'll compose the song. Don't you know how quickly I make music?

You come with me.

Sit down.

Okay, tell me the situation.

Tell me! Let's finish this quickly!

- I'll tell you. - Yeah, go ahead.

With their hearts full of dreams,

two friends come to a sprawling city.

And one of them sees success after success...

and reaches great heights.

And the other...

with his life in shambles,

hits rock bottom.

Slowly,

they drift apart.

Finally, on a wretched night,

they find themselves in a fight and ultimately part ways.

This is the situation.

Now, compose a song.

Compose it.

Compose it, I say!

When your fingers touch the harmonium,

dimwits may cheer you on like frogs in a well, back home.

But this isn't your Koothuparamba.

This is Madras.

From the cooks working at Directors' Colony...

to the Godfathers of this industry,

everyone here is an artist!

This city is an endless sea, Murali.

You're not even a tiny drop here!

Then what the hell makes you this arrogant, you loser?

Seriously, what do you even possess, to be so arrogant?

Do I need to ask you to get out?

Damn!

This one begins with a piano piece.

8 to 9 bars,

followed by a melody.

[humming the tune of "Memories collide"]

Swami, is he upstairs?

I...

I am a bit late, aren't I?

♪ Forgive my flaws, just this once, come near ♪

Hey! Hey!

Get out.

- Leave me. - Hey, you idiot!

- That's my song! - It's not yours! It's his song!

I haven't cheated anyone.

You've ruined our friendship!

Leave me! Bloody dog!

- That's my song. - Leave me!

I haven't cheated anyone.

Leave me.

- I will show you what I can do! - Get lost.

I'll see to it that you suffer!

I'll throw you out of this industry!

Scoundrel! How dare you lay your hands on me!

You're still a bloody amateur!

I've given you such a big hit, you ungrateful dog!

Hey, Pandya! Start the vehicle.

For a few years after that,

I had no idea about Murali's whereabouts.

I got married to Radhika.

My first film became a super hit.

Many films that followed also became super hits.

At some point,

I started losing hold of myself.

My movies got worse and worse.

Even before the mid-90s,

my film career...

came to an end.

In the meantime,

haven't you met,

or spoken to Murali?

I did speak to him...

in 1989.

I will never forget that night.

Hello?

Mr. Venu Koothuparamban!

You must've recognised my voice, huh?

I watched one of your films today.

A screwed-up movie!

Though I said "screwed-up",

you know what I mean, right?

Huh?

Didn't you tell me once...

about frogs in the well?

Today, you are that same frog that relishes being in the midst of yes-men in Madras!

You do one thing.

Head straight to Directors' Colony.

Priyadarshan,

Padmarajan,

Bharathan, or the likes may be staying there.

Head over there and slave away in their kitchen.

And while you're cooking,

be sure to keep the kitchen door slightly open.

So that you can listen to sensible directors

discussing about the evolving Malayalam Cinema...

and learn something from them!

And if you can't even do that...

Hasn't your dad bought 30 cents of land in Pattiam?

Go, break your back tilling that dirt!

After that phone call,

for several years, there was absolutely no contact between us.

Last year, I had come to Kochi

to receive aid arranged by the association

for my wife's medical treatment.

That's when I noticed the room boy at the lodge I was staying in,

passing by, after getting a tape recorder repaired.

Since I had seen a similar tape recorder...

up close for several years,

I noticed it.

A little later,

I heard someone playing the violin from a distance.

A tune that I've heard before.

Many years ago,

I had heard the same tune while travelling on a boat through the Eranholi River.

I heard that exact tune,

with not even a single note altered.

Years later!

Sir!

We've reached the location.

That's the house.

♪ Forgive my flaws, just this once, come near ♪

♪ I'm pining for you, wish you would appear ♪

♪ Forgive my flaws, just this once, come near ♪

♪ I'm asking you again today, come before me, appear ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ As the heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

♪ Memories rush back in a fierce embrace ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ As the heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

You...

aren't dead, yet?

You haven't changed one bit, you scoundrel!

[Years Later]

Venu Brother!

How are you, Brother?

I am Senthil!

Senthil from Swami's lodge.

Senthil...

- Where is Murali? - He has left, Brother.

- Where did he go? - Near Salem,

there's a village named Karpagam.

He has gone there.

For nearly three months,

he was with me.

He was trying to land a job as a music teacher somewhere.

Just yesterday,

he got a call from Karpagam Music Society.

So, he left early in the morning.

Is he not here?

No, let's head to Salem.

Is he touring the whole state of Tamil Nadu?

-Sir... -Huh?

You had paused at the point...

where the two of you had reunited.

I'll tell you the rest.

That day,

it was my ego that took me to Bombay...

to become a music director.

Knocked on many doors...

But when some Madrasi who doesn't know the language knocks...

who's going to open the door?

Finally, at Mehboob studio...

I got an opportunity to meet music director Ali Zafar.

Until the '93 bomb blasts,

I was with him, in Bombay.

As his assistant,

as a music conductor and so on.

After the bomb blasts,

Ali Zafar left Bombay for good and headed straight back...

to his home-town...

in West Bengal.

Murshidabad.

And I went along with him.

Near Katra Mosque, we started a music institute.

We taught music to a lot of people.

Some of them became popular musicians...

and some of them, music directors.

And you?

After all these years,

why have you come back here?

A week ago,

while I was in Kolkata,

I had seen you on TV.

Venu Koothuparamba...

Lifetime Achievement award...

And the Lifetime Achievement award goes to...

Venu Koothuparamba!

Is Mr. Venu Koothuparamba here?

Where are the superstars you said would show up?

Chechi, can I also have a Lifetime achievement award?

Stop it, you woman!

Bringing unknown old chaps and conning us, huh?

When the credits read, "Written and Directed by Venu Koothuparamba",

the entire theatre used to erupt in applause, back in the day.

What happened to you after that?

I got stuck amidst the flatterers.

Success went to my head.

I did wish to make a comeback as my old self.

But that never happened.

As I failed time and again,

my golden, victorious past...

has been forgotten by people.

To show the world who you really are,

there's an inherent power within you.

Your writing talent is not something to be buried away.

You must unearth it once again!

We're long past our days, right?

This world belongs to the youth now.

This is their time, isn't it?

We don't have to give exclusive rights of anything to anyone, Venu.

This world belongs to each and every person who's alive.

It's been many years since I finished writing these.

I take them along with me, wherever I go.

Try reading all three of them.

Where are we going now?

An old friend of ours has passed away.

We are on our way to his house.

Who is it?

To the Emperor of....

Melodies...

- Co... - Condolences.

Huh? Indradhanush?

Yes!

But... is he a Malayali?

A pure Malayali.

To become successful in Tamil movies,

he was acting like a Tamilian.

He was such a fortunate man.

Will artists like him be born ever again?

Songs like "Memories"...

Will anyone else be able to compose them?

That's my song...

Scoundrel!

Where were you when he was awarded the Padma Shri?

I was in a bar.

I spent a whole day... and a night there.

God makes the wicked flourish like a palm tree!

I'm feeling a bit hungry.

On our way back, let's stop at Lakshmi Amma's shop,

and have Sambar Rice.

Okay.

So many wreaths for him?

All these should have been yours.

Come on, let's go.

Hey, Venu...

-Yes? -Isn't that...

Kamraj?

What to do! Human life is so unpredictable.

All the scoundrels are here, huh?

Hi, hello!

Do you recognize me?

- No. - I am Poduval, the legislator.

A man who lived only for the sake of art, right?

- Everything is for art, isn't it? - Definitely.

Is she your daughter?

No, my wife.

- What's your name? - Kala (art).

Oh, Namaste. Let me go and pay my respects.

I'm feeling unwell.

- Kametta, one selfie please. - Move aside, you.

I'm really sick!

Sir!

I am a huge fan of yours, Sir.

Huh?

Son, I think you've got the wrong person.

No, Sir.

I am... an assistant director in the movies.

- Pradeep. - Oh.

I've watched your old movies, Sir.

I am a huge fan.

- Is it? - Yeah.

Take a photo if you want to.

No, Sir. We're here for a funeral, right?

- A photo wouldn't be appropriate. - Son...

I wasn't telling you.

It's been really long since you've met a fan, right?

Quickly take a photo with him.

Who knows when you'll get such a chance again?

How do you know Indradhanush?

I am his fan, Sir.

Especially of his song,

"Memories"

Scoundrel!

Wow!

Who else is here to do such brilliant compositions again?

Absolutely!

There's no one else here.

How about we take that photo?

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

♪ Memories... ♪

Didn't you find any other song to sing?

When I stand here, only this song comes to mind, Sir.

This one song is enough...

to remember this legend, right?

Damn...

Pradeep!

- Are you going to Ernakulam? - Yes, Sir.

We are also headed there.

- Come, join us. - Thank you, Sir.

Pradeep, who are you working with?

I am with Pothettan, Sir.

Oh!

Who's this Pothu?

Well.... Dileesh Pothan.

Oh, Dileesh Pothan.

Before that, I was Syam Pushkaran's script assistant.

-In films like "Kumbalangi Nights". -Oh!

Son.... could you please read this script,

and tell us your opinion?

It's almost a 3-hour drive to Ernakulam, right?

Who wrote this, Sir?

It's Venu's.

Sure, I'll read it right away.

Listen, this is my favourite script among all the ones you've written.

The new generation will also like it.

I am sure about that.

[singing a song from the movie "Neram"]

The first four to five scenes after the interval, were classic cringe material!

Do you mean that it's good, Son?

You'll be booed all over Kerala.

Oh, no.

So, what do we do now?

You'll have to rewrite all the dialogues.

We can do everything that's necessary.

How is the script, overall?

It's an ultimate feel good story, Sir.

The way the scenes flow...

is outstanding.

It's a film meant for the movie theatres!

Will the young generation like it?

Sir, if the movie is good, it will work for both old and young alike.

If the output turns out to be good,

Malayalis will flock theatres in huge numbers.

The line producer of my previous film had given me an advance of ₹3 Lakhs....

to make a film.

He wants to do it this year itself.

My script isn't ready yet.

If I tell him that I like this script

and that I'm working as an associate on this,

he may agree to produce this film.

If that's the case, why don't you have a word with him?

But I am a bit sceptical.

Sir, I'm saying this without considering your seniority.

Don't feel offended.

You must not consider the seniority.

You can tell us anything.

In case he gets an impression that two old men are spinning yarns in their old age,

he won't do this movie.

But he is a filthy rich Great Gatsby who likes to show off.

If you can stage a cheap show to blow his mind,

he will fall for it.

What do you mean by this "cheap show", son?

How can I explain the meaning of cheap show to you, Venu Sir?

I think, I've understood.

I knew it.

You... transfer that advance to my account.

For what? To flee with it?

Venu Sir has told me that you are an expert at fleeing.

At this age, where can I flee to?

Didn't you just mention that...

Cheap-show?

Yes. We have to stage that, right?

-Yeah. -Then transfer the money soon.

Do you need the full amount?

- Where's the director? - He will be here soon, Sir.

You mean, I should wait?

He'll be here in five minutes.

Damn!

Okay, whatever.

I have a security agency in Dubai.

It's called Fearless Security Services.

So... So, what was our movie's title, some "Life shit", right?

"Ballads of Life".

Yeah, right! Too cringey.

How about we add my company's title to it...

and make it, "Fearless Ballads of Life"?

That will be cringe overload.

Let's skip it then.

I am getting a new logo done,

with my face on it...

for Fearless Cinemas...

We can keep that, right?

We can chop off the head and keep the rest.

That's okay. That will do.

Where? Where is everyone?

Sir, they'll be here in five minutes.

Call them, no?

- They will be here soon. - Well, I can't...

stand the heat in here. This tropical climate...

doesn't suit me.

Sir, you just have to take off your sweater.

It's not a sweater. It's a cardigan.

You won't understand all that.

Call them. Ask them to come soon. Or should we go there?

- Coming soon! - Let's go there.

- No, they'll come. - You sure?

- Yeah. - Alright.

Have you reached?

Man, immigration clearance isn't as simple as it was earlier.

Send it on our ship.

That's much safer.

Okay.

Sir! That's the director...

and the music director.

Huh?

Radhika...

What is this? An old age home's anniversary celebration?

They are all talented oldies, Sir.

Guess we'll have to put condolences up on the screen before the thanks card.

Don't say that!

What if they die in the middle of shoot?

They won't die like that, Sir.

How can you be sure?

- Sir, you come with me. - Well...

Why don't we make them do a full body check-up before the recording?

We can do that, Sir.

This old hag dressed in a Churidar is doing the music?

- That's a man, Sir. - How can you say that?

I know, that's why.

Oh, yeah, he has a beard.

♪ The fire within me, burning with might ♪

♪ Brings dew drops down, sparkling and light ♪

This is how we used to record songs back in the day.

Instrument players...

and singers,

performing together.

Shall we record our movie's songs...

like this?

Nice!

The first movie of Fearless Cinemas...

must be like this.

This is how it's going to be!

Listen!

Let's record the music of all our movies like this.

Can we get this studio for all our movies?

♪ The fire within me, burning with might ♪

♪ Brings dew drops down, sparkling and light ♪

♪ From a bloom of pain, so pure and devout ♪

♪ Honey streams, sweetly spreading about ♪

♪ Watching rain's embrace, so tight ♪

♪ The summer dragonfly hums with delight ♪

♪ These moments, these good times we find ♪

♪ Become silk threads, intertwined ♪

♪ With the past in tow, not evading ♪

♪ Let’s seize the present, no delaying ♪

♪ Spinning futures with dreams, ever cascading ♪

♪ This music, this song so bright ♪

♪ O' world, lend your ears tonight ♪

♪ Time's gift, a magic so free, This music within me ♪

♪ The fire within me, burning with might ♪

♪ Brings dew drops down, sparkling and light ♪

♪ From a bloom of pain, so pure and devout ♪

♪ Honey streams, sweetly spreading about ♪

♪ Watching rain's embrace, so tight ♪

♪ The summer dragonfly hums with delight ♪

♪ These moments, these good times we find ♪

♪ Become silk threads, intertwined ♪

♪ The fire within me, burning with might ♪

♪ Brings dew drops down, sparkling and light ♪

♪ From a bloom of pain, so pure and devout ♪

♪ Honey streams, sweetly spreading about ♪

♪ Watching rain's embrace, so tight ♪

♪ The summer dragonfly hums with delight ♪

♪ These moments, these good times we find ♪

♪ Become silk threads, intertwined ♪

♪ With the past in tow, not evading ♪

♪ Let’s seize the present, no delaying ♪

♪ Spinning futures with dreams, ever cascading ♪

♪ This music, this song so bright ♪

♪ O' world, lend your ears tonight ♪

♪ Time's gift, a magic so free, This music within me ♪

♪ The fire within me, burning with might ♪

♪ Brings dew drops down, sparkling and light ♪

♪ From a bloom of pain, so pure and devout ♪

♪ Honey streams, sweetly spreading about ♪

♪ Watching rain's embrace, so tight ♪

♪ The summer dragonfly hums with delight ♪

♪ These moments, these good times we find ♪

♪ Become silk threads, intertwined ♪

Another gold raid in Kerala.

Movie producer Alex Mathew under arrest.

Middle East businessman and the owner of Fearless Entertainments,

Alex Mathew has been arrested by the Police, moments ago.

Let go of my hand!

Why do you keep saying that this is smuggling?

I brought the gold with the help of all the officers in the airport,

through a proper green channel.

Do you even realize the seriousness of what you're stating?

Fatso, do you even know what a green channel is?

Who took you into the Police force?

I... I smuggled a few...

gold biscuits, proudly! Is that the problem here?

Nurses are underpaid here...

Fishermen's tears go unnoticed...

I'll expose you and your government.

The cabinet will go to the dogs!

Saji!

What do we do now?

Sir, the set work and purchasing haven't begun yet.

And the actors are all newcomers.

We haven't confirmed them yet.

Shall we put this film on hold for now?

But I'll try to find a producer at the earliest.

Huh? Isn't that enough?

I said that only because all of them were there, Pradeep.

Who is going to invest in this project now?

Not just that...

Such an elderly director...

making a movie with newcomers...

In the last 20 years,

can you show me even one such movie that's become a hit?

Tell me!

Are you heading back to your home town?

I haven't decided yet.

- See you. - Okay.

See you.

Sorry, Sir.

I wasn't aware of the producer's shady background.

It's okay.

You were only trying to help me.

Thank you, Pradeep.

Annie?

Remember the last time we met?

A week after that,

I moved into a hostel.

I never set foot into that house again.

The one who took care of me and my education...

was a nun at the convent, Sister Mary.

She... is the one who got me married as well.

Husband?

He runs a media company.

He has a movie theatre business too.

We are settled here.

Children?

Two girls.

One is in Canada,

and the other one is in Bangalore.

How about your family, Murali?

I don't...

have a family or kids, Annie.

Do you...

ever think of me?

Eat.

Hello!

This is Annie.

What is it, Annie?

I'll pass the phone to my husband.

Hi, Murali.

I am Annie's husband...

John.

- Namaste, John. - Your movie got shelved, right?

Call the director and the crew back.

A friend of mine is interested in producing your movie.

He'll get there by tomorrow morning.

Okay?

Bye.

Venu!

We have found a producer.

Turn the vehicle around!

Thank you.

Keshavadev Sir?

Not Keshavadev.

Jayan Keshavadev.

The stories behind the super hit movies you directed for my dad...

I have heard them plenty of times...

even until just before he passed away.

And today, when you are in need,

if I don't stand by you,

what's the point in saying that Keshavadev is my father?

- Shall we begin? - Yaay!

[everyone cheering]

Let's minimize the set-work on the movie...

and shoot the indoor scenes in actual locations.

We may have to work multiple shifts.

But if we stay united as a team,

we can make it work.

But that didn't work.

I guess not.

The assistant directors, camera assistants,

costume assistants and art assistants...

of this movie will be paid salaries.

On top of that, they will also get an additional daily allowance of ₹1000.

[everyone cheering]

But... but...

But...

to get this extra allowance,

apart from the scenes charted for each day,

you must complete at least two additional scenes.

- Sure, we will. - Yeah, that's the spirit. Great!

If we complete two additional scenes daily?

The shoot will be completed ten days before schedule.

That way, Jayan can save at least ₹30 Lakhs.

So, what's the harm in giving some extra allowance?

He is not like his dad.

He is very sharp!

Must have been raised by his mom.

Jimmy jib, track and trolley...

Let's skip all the fancy equipment.

All we need is a good gimbal without any stability issues.

Okay.

This camera works in low light, right?

Yeah, it will work in low light.

- But won't work if there's no light. - Eh?

I watched around 30 odd movies that released in the past four years.

All the good music directors are doing the same thing.

They take traditional music...

and blend it beautifully with different genres of western music.

I am also going to do the same.

But in a different way.

In my own style.

♪ O' ballads of life, draw near ♪

♪ In this moment, appear ♪

♪ The luminous dream you chase ♪

♪ Is right here, in this place ♪

♪ O' ballads of life, draw near ♪

♪ In this moment, appear ♪

♪ The luminous dream you chase ♪

Annie's husband seems to be pretty strong.

If he finds that you're up to any mischief,

he'll knock the living daylights out of you.

Don't talk rubbish!

How could you think of such things at this age?

I sense great chemistry brewing between the two of you...

If I ever feel it's getting out of hand...

If you do?

I'll inform John that what's happening here is not composing, but flirting.

Pradeep, give her a break. Let's go.

If we use only newcomers, it won't be financially viable.

I'm not asking for big stars.

An actor who's famous enough to generate some kind of business.

That's necessary!

We'll listen to the story.

But... the payment should be perfect.

Two Crores?

His last four movies bombed, right?

Please bring it down.

The construction of his house is going on.

Okay.

Do you have anything like KGF?

I want to keep fighting from start to finish.

Oh, Pan-Indian!

I'll inform you when I get one. Okay?

- Did you get him? - I'll get one soon.

- He's not doing movies this year. - Oh no! What happened?

He's off to the Himalayas.

He can do it when he comes down, right?

Once he's back from the mountains, he's off to Europe.

- Where is he now? - On top of some rocky hill.

There's no network coverage over there.

These guys!

What is it, Saji?

My dear sir, instead of acting,

some dudes are just out there hiking the mountains!

Do they even have a life?

Shucks!

What's wrong with these guys?

Here, I can't even climb the stairs.

And they are off to the Himalayas!

Can't they just work and make a living?

Venu Sir!

Only one guy is available now.

He's a good actor.

But his last six or seven movies have bombed.

He can fetch decent satellite sales.

His overseas market is also okay.

What is his name?

Nithin Molly.

What is he like to work with?

He won't cause any headache, Sir.

He's a good guy. Sometimes he gets angry and leaves the set,

but if we get the association to call him, he returns immediately.

Nithin Molly.

Molly must be his Mom, right?

His full name is Nithin Mulanthuruthy.

It was Mulanthuruthy that eventually became Molly.

Oh, okay.

Venu Sir.

Shall we consider him?

♪ O' dear hero, loved, near and far ♪

♪ Pan-India's calling, you're the star ♪

♪ Box office's mate, raise the bar ♪

♪ Your comeback, awaited, by far ♪

♪ O' dear hero, loved, near and far ♪

♪ Pan-India's calling, you're the star ♪

♪ Box office's mate, raise the bar ♪

♪ Your comeback, awaited, by far ♪

♪ To blow your trumpet, loud and clear ♪

♪ A stormy sea of people gather near ♪

♪ You can never stop me, I'm born again ♪

♪ I'm here to rule again ♪

♪ Oh boy, I'll go again ♪

♪ Boo me, Blame me ♪

♪ Throw me I'll fly again ♪

♪ I’m here to rule again ♪

♪ Oh boy, I'll go again ♪

♪ You can never stop me, I'm born again ♪

♪ I'm here to rule again ♪

♪ Oh boy, I'll go again ♪

♪ Boo me, Blame me ♪

♪ Throw me I'll fly again ♪

♪ I’m here to rule again ♪

♪ Oh boy, I'll go again ♪

Sir, the director would like to meet you.

For what?

I've met plenty of directors in the last eight years of my career.

It's pointless.

Well, don't you want to listen to the story?

Why should I?

There aren't any stories that I haven't heard

in the last eight years of my career.

It's pointless.

In that case, what about the dates?

You can discuss all that with my manager.

This guy?

Damager!

- Tell me. - Chetta.

- The schedule is okay. - What's okay?

Some adjustments have to be made.

During the dates you've asked for,

there are three inaugurations, two baptisms,

and one feeding ceremony.

The feeding ceremony is not a problem.

After feeding, Chettan will return by noon.

What's the use of this baptism and feeding ceremony?

You just have to bless the children.

You'll be paid in plenty! All in black!

Very nice.

- I'm glad. - So everything is okay, right?

It's okay, Sir. Thank you.

Then why are you still here?

I don't like seeing film folks while I am eating!

Leave, leave!

Can I eat this buffalo leg in peace? Please!

- You eat, Sir. - Leave!

Pay the bill on your way out.

Come.

Hey, start the vehicle!

Hi.

Since we're starting shoot today,

I visited the temple and prayed.

Here is the offering.

Where is Venu Sir?

Ready.

Ready!

Clap in.

Sound!

Rolling!

Roll camera!

Rolling, sir!

Action!

Cut it!

Hello?

Hello?

Oh! Yes!

The movie is starting today.

Thank you! I'll call you later.

Okay, okay.

He will come now.

Hey.

Aren't you ready, Venu Sir?

- Ready. - Okay.

Start, action, cut!

Do you remember anything?

Or will you also jump into the pond when the actress jumps?

I've heard this somewhere!

I know my job very well.

Yeah, sure! I know that very well too!

Come.

What is this, Sir?

When they see such a senior director,

can't they even greet him good morning?

Can't they at least smile?

Wait until tomorrow and see.

Yes. The one for cholesterol.

Here you go, Sir.

- For BP? - Here you go.

Blood thinner.

- Did you take insulation? - Insulin, not insulation!

- I'll take it tomorrow. - I'll inform Chechi.

- I'll take it today after some time! - Okay.

Groundnut toffee, laddu and honey toffee.

Don't give any of these to Sir.

- Okay? - Okay.

- Get me an orange juice. - Okay, Sir.

Add lots of sugar.

Am I the boss or is it him?

You seem to have all the ailments, huh?

Who do you think I am?

Impressive!

New kid in the block!

Where are you going?

To the location, Sir.

Why are we going to the location?

Am I not the artist?

- Go to the caravan. - Okay, Sir.

- Tea or coffee, Sir? - Only Pepsi.

- Got the content for the reels? - Yes, Sir.

- Slow motion? - Yes. This will be viral.

My foot!

Didn't you say the same thing last time?

This is the scene, Sir.

Get lost!

- Spoiling my mood in the morning itself! - Good morning, Sir!

Shall we go and meet the Director?

- Why do I have to... - It's okay, Sir. Let's meet him.

Come on, then.

- Where is he? - He's down there.

Why can't he come up?

No! Don't allow anyone inside.

Let the kids stay there.

Ask the others to leave.

Sir, sir.

That's the Director.

Ask everyone there to move a bit!

- Cool. Youngster, huh? - Move left!

Good.

Not him, Sir.

- The one sitting next to him. - Move this side!

Move this way! Move!

It's spot on now! Perfect!

Which one?

That old chap?

Even my eighth is going to flop!

This is it. This is what we want.

Let me get my make-up done.

Don't you want to hear the story, Sir?

What's the point? It's going to flop anyway!

Aargh!

- Get lost! - Oh no!

- Shut up, guys! - Get lost!

What's that ruckus?

Well, Nithin Mollywood has arrived.

Oh.

Venu Sir, is the framing okay?

It's really good.

Pradeep, where is the artist?

- Isn't 'Best actor' available? - It's Mohanlal, Sir.

- Youth icon? - Youth icon is Mammootty.

Promising talent?

If you confirm now, it's yours.

Okay, I'll come.

- Okay, Sir. - Send the ticket.

Economy would do, right?

You read the script, right?

Yes, I read it.

You're a very friendly school teacher.

So, you should always maintain a smile.

Okay, I'll maintain it.

Which place is he from?

Aluva.

Oh! Aluva, huh?

But you needn't use that slang.

Just a shade of it is enough.

- What shade? - Pradeep will show the positions.

- Pradeep? Who is he? - I am he!

Arrogant fellow!

Do you need a rehearsal?

For whom?

In that case, let's go for a take.

Okay.

Okay. All the best.

Ask Pradeep to show me the position.

Standing there with his chest out!

What's the first shot?

When you walk and reach the main lobby,

- you'll wish the kids there - She looks awesome.

and when you get inside

you'll notice the choir group kids sitting on the steps.

Then when you walk forward,

you'll see some teachers there.

- Male or female? - All male, Sir.

- Shucks! - After seeing the teachers,

you'll enter the classroom, wish the kids there,

and when you turn,

you see one kid and your reaction changes.

All this will be covered in the first shot.

All this in a single shot?

It's a single shot, Sir.

We'll die doing re-takes, man!

All these junior artists should walk here and there.

The camera's choreography should be correct.

Can't you keep a simple shot as the movie's first shot?

Venu Sir says that if we finish the complicated shots first,

we can finish the rest easily.

That guy is an ancient relic.

Not an ancient relic, Sir.

He's a genius veteran.

Get ready for take!

Ask him to stop his cheap-show and move aside!

He's been at it for long!

- If you've come here to work, do that. - Is it for me?

- And don't annoy your co-workers!

- Arrogant fellow! - Understood?

- Shall I get him banned? - I'm saying this to everyone!

Pradeep, is everything ready?

ADs, get ready!

Venu Sir, waiting for your call.

- Sound! - Sound rolling!

Roll camera!

Rolling, Sir!

Clap in!

Clap out!

- Background action! - AD-1!

Okay, Sir. Go, go!

Go, go!

Action!

Good morning!

- AD-2, artist entry! - Okay, copy!

Sing, sing!

[school children singing a gospel song]

- Good morning! - Good morning!

Come, come.

- Good morning, sir. - Good morning!

AD-2, inform me just before the artist enters the classroom.

AD-3, artist entry!

Okay, copy!

Come on, kids! Talk! Talk! Laugh loudly!

Say good morning!

Good morning, Sir!

Good morning!

Sit, sit.

Cut it!

Don't relax, children.

It's a retake. One more, reset!

- Shot okay! - Huh?

- Okay! - Shot okay!

Shot okay!

The shot is okay?

My first take is okay?

MY first take?

There's a small speed variation over here, Sir.

I'll ramp it in edit.

Keep a mid shot of Nithin as the next one.

Steady block.

Didn't I tell you, Sir?

That he's a genius veteran.

Make-up!

Wipe Nithin Sir's sweat and freshen him up!

Fresh!

Hey, Subin!

-The scene is about to get done! Get up! -Sorry. We dozed off.

- Get up! - What?

- Roll camera! - Rolling!

Clap in!

Clap out!

Action!

Cut it!

Cut, cut!

Isn't it okay?

Nithin Sir, keep it subtle. Don't overdo it.

Pradeep!

Don't insult the artist by announcing it on the mic.

Others needn't know about the correction in performance, right?

Sorry, Sir. Henceforth, I'll use the walkie.

Sir, going over-board has become a habit now. That's why.

You must go over-board where it's required.

The public likes that too, right?

You're doing very well, son.

Thank you, Sir!

Shall we go for a rehearsal?

For whom?

Action!

- This shot is okay. - Are you sure?

Dear, if the Director Uncle doesn't like it,

he will say 'cut' like this.

If he likes it,

he will raise his hand first and then say 'cut'.

He brought his hand up for this one!

- Shot okay! - See, see?

You don't have to leave, Tara. Sit.

We can sit and chat, right?

You may leave, dear. Go!

Don't sit, Chechi! Costume change.

Let the scene we're shooting get done, man!

-It's done, Chechi. -Huh?

-Take it and leave. -Thanks, Chechi.

You've been telling me only about expenses since dawn!

- Jayan Sir! - What?

- It's pack up. - What?

Oh no! It's only 5 PM, right?

Shoot for some more time!

Go, go!

Sir, not just today's scenes,

we've finished shooting tomorrow's scenes as well!

How many additional scenes have we shot?

- Four. - What?

- Four? - Yes.

Where is Venu Sir?

♪ With the past in tow, not evading ♪

It doesn't feel like we are very different from these kids now.

Right?

That's the power of Cinema!

Good morning, Sir!

- Good morning, Sir! - Good morning, Sir!

Good morning, Sir!

Things worked out way beyond our expectations.

Scenes that we were supposed to finish in 16 days,

were completed in just ten days.

Meanwhile, news broke out about some problems in Jayan's finance company.

"Don't worry about anything."

"Focus only on the shoot."

Jayan reassured me.

But 11 days after the shoot started...

Venu Sir!

Venu Sir!

Our Jayettan!

Heart failure, they say.

For the past one week,

I had lost my peace of mind.

The finance company's...

problems on one hand.

And the fact that our movie's rights aren't sold yet,

on the other.

Currently, Dad has a debt of ₹2.5 Crores.

He hasn't paid for his medical insurance in two years.

We don't even have money to pay bills when he gets discharged.

Don't worry about all that, dear.

All of us have received some advance payments from him.

We are all with you.

Only when Jayan is back to normal and can handle all the problems,

will we resume the movie.

Uncle,

I know what I'm going to say will upset you.

But... thinking realistically,

I doubt this movie will ever happen.

Venu...

Two and a half years ago,

in a place called Pambanar near Kuttikkanam,

I was invited as a guest for a school's annual day.

Radhika was with me.

A kid studying in second grade...

I still remember her name.

Devika.

She sang songs from my movies really well.

And...

the local legislator...

spoke a great deal about me for 15-20 minutes.

There was a pride I saw on Radhika's face that day.

It was on our way back from there,

that we had an accident,

and she lost her leg.

With that same pride on her face,

do you know when I saw her next?

When she came to listen to the songs from our movie.

How do I tell her...

that my movie has been shelved?

[Ballads of Life]

Without anyone noticing,

away from the limelight of the film industry,

I would have lived and died like a nobody.

Why did you encourage me to dream?

After that night,

I haven't seen Murali.

After that,

didn't the movie happen, Sir?

It did...

because of one drunken mistake!

Only because of one person.

Nithin Molly!

How's the mutton, Chetta?

Isn't it awesome?

I like all the food that you bring.

But I can't enjoy the taste of anything today.

What happened, Chetta?

I'm shattered, Rishikesh.

Bloody! Who gave you this name?

Sorry, Chetta.

It's okay.

Everything isn't our fault, is it?

Seven consecutive flops later, all my hopes were pinned...

on this movie.

"Ballads of Life."

- Did you hear this song? - Yes.

How is it?

- It's simply fire, Chetta. - Yes!

Fire! Fire!

The song is fire! The script is fire!

The director is fire! And the crew is fire!

But the movie suddenly got shelved!

Why?

Why?

Why, Chetta?

Because I'm an outsider!

I have no support!

I have no Godfather, goddammit!

- Yes! - That's it!

I came to the Malayalam film industry hoping to do good movies.

But when I got here, what was going on here?

- What? - What?

Caucus! Belt!

Groupism! Favouritism!

Nepotism!

Yes, yes, yes!

Enough with your "yes, yes, yes"!

Sorry again, Chetta.

- It's okay. - Okay!

Will this be a problem?

That guy's son, this guy's son,

and the other guy's son

are ruling the Malayalam film industry, aren't they?

Amidst all the stress I go through trying to make my mark here,

I may just eat three or four extra Biriyanis.

And when I gain some weight because of that,

some social media megalomaniacs who only have negative comments,

body-shame me.

They mock me from head to toe!

I came here all alone, carving my path!

How dare you make fun of those who've come up on their own, you dogs?

How dare you body-shame me, you dogs?

I'll kill you, you bloody dogs!

- Jayan. - Sir!

Did you see anything, Sir?

Saw what?

What the heck has this clown done!

How's he going to face others in the industry?

How's he going to face the nepo-kids?

Hey, what is this?

When he drinks, he should keep his mouth shut!

He checked into some star hotel and got drunk.

He's not in Kochi.

Couldn't you get him over the phone?

His phone is on flight mode. But he has Wify.

Did you mean WiFi, dear?

Yes. Anyway, he will call when he wakes up.

- Let me know when he calls. - I will.

[alarm ringing]

[multiple notifications]

Who is calling?

I don't have a film releasing today, do I?

They body-shame me!

They mock me from head to toe!

No!

I came here all alone, carving my path!

Oh shit! Buddy, scram!

How dare you make fun of those who've come up on their own, you dogs?

Come fast!

I laughed my *** off watching Nithin Molly's video.

Those who admire that schmuck should be chased away!

He's a lost cause!

Whatever said and done,

everything he said is 100% true.

Film industry...

has totally gone to the dogs.

Nithin Chettan is in my heart!

I laughed when I heard what that fool said.

Carved a path? Who? Where?

But there was a song playing in the background.

That was nice. If it releases, I'll make great reels with it.

Nithin Chettan is my heartbeat!

Body-shaming is toxic behaviour and it has to stop.

I support Nithin Molly.

Nithin Chettan is my life.

Everything else is ****!

What do you say now?

Had he performed even half as well as he did in the video,

he'd be a star today.

Nithin Molly is someone who struggled and made it, from among us.

His movie and that song should be released at least through crowdfunding.

Now let's learn how to make a salad.

I liked that song very much.

Let the movie release.

All the best, Nithin Molly!

Please suscribe my channel. Okay.

Nithin Molly's rant...

should pierce the hearts of every Malayali who uses social media!

It pierces my heart everytime someone mocks me!

You invited me to your room, entertained me,

and then screwed me over, you scoundrel!

Couldn't you have avoided this inauguration?

We had taken the money in advance, Sir.

What is this wedding necklace for?

Isn't it superb?

Young vibe!

Why are you getting scared, Sir?

The Malayalis waiting there are the ones who nurtured you, right?

The ones who nurtured me are waiting to boo me!

It's true.

You guys are making me a scape goat, Fe...

- Frederick. - Frederick!

All their names are so difficult to say!

I'll go and set things up, Sir.

Do whatever you want! Bloody hell!

I have to look for another job. I can't stand this rascal!

[chanting prayers]

Oh God!

I'm stepping out.

Nithin Sir has stepped out.

Control the crowd.

Girls should be specifically controlled

because we can't control Nithin Sir.

Is there anyone behind me?

There's no one, Sir.

Wherever you look, there are only fans!

Nithinetta!

Isn't this the applause that every star dreams of?

So, all this applause is for me?

Those who come on their own...

are even more powerful, Sir!

Love you, Nithinetta!

♪ To blow your trumpet, loud and clear ♪

Nithinetta!

♪ A stormy sea of people gather near ♪

Stay back!

♪ A stormy sea of people gather near ♪

♪ You can never stop me, I'm born again ♪

Wow! Nice!

♪ Oh boy, I'll go again ♪

♪ Boo me, Blame me ♪

Nithinetta, marry me, please!

Sweety!

Let's call upon the most sought-after celebrity right now.

The darling of Mollywood,

Nithin Molly!

The same new kid in the block!

Namaste!

Hey! How are ya?

Chetta, Chetta!

Say one dialogue, Chetta!

- What? - One dialogue!

The dialogue about coming up on your own!

What?

The dialogue you said in the video, about carving your own path!

Hey, that's not necessary!

- Please, Chetta! - Come on, Nithin Molly!

Please say that dialogue which all our viewers are waiting for.

Nithin, Nithin!

- I'll say it. - Nithin! Woohoo!

I came here all alone, carving my path!

Yaay!

How dare you make fun of those who've come up on their own?

- Wow! Wonderful! - Thank you!

- Chetta! - Yes.

Say the entire dialogue!

- What? - Say the cuss words too!

Oh, no. That's not necessary!

- It won't be right. - It'll be right, Chetta!

Say it entirely, Chetta!

"You dogs!" Say that too!

- Oh no! - There is no problem, Chetta!

Call them, Chetta! Cuss their Dad or Mom or anyone else!

I said that yesterday because I was in a very emotional state. Sorry, sorry.

It's that emotion that we want, Chetta!

Pay it back to those who mock you and body-shame you, Chetta!

Pay it back! Give it back!

- Chetta. - Yes.

Just add "you dogs" when you say it!

It'll be pure fire!

Fire! Pure fire!

Come on!

Nithinetta, give us the cuss words!

I came here all alone, carving my own path!

How dare you make fun of those who've come up on their own, you dogs?

Nithinetta!

How dare you body-shame me, you dogs?

Love you, Nithinetta!

How dare you make fun of those who've come up on their own, you dogs?

Nithin, you are my everything!

- How is it? - Wow!

Bloody stray dogs!

Chetta, will you give me your Whatsapp number?

DM me on Insta.

- Will you forget? - I won't forget even if I die, Chetta!

Vanish mode, Vanish mode!

You dogs!

Nithinetta!

Oh no! Who allowed girls near Sir?

- Sir! Sir! This way, Sir!

Move away, you bloody bouncers!

Just when a girl falls for me!

- Nithinetta, come back! - This is my dream!

This is my trip!

Aren't you coming with me today?

Come, let's get out of here.

And so, by abusing everyone who mocked him,

Nithin Molly became an overnight star.

Our movie,

the songs in our movie,

and the age of the makers of the movie...

All these became major discussion points.

Jayan, heard you're resuming the movie?

Please give us the audio rights.

With pleasure, Santhosh!

But the old rate is not possible.

₹1 Crore, only.

Jayan, that's too much!

I won't reduce even a penny. Call me only if you're okay with it.

Hope everyone at home is fine?

Okay then. Bye!

Isn't ₹1 Crore too much?

Hey, Babu! I had fallen at their feet when our movie got shelved.

None of them came to my help.

And now they are calling me,

only because the public wants to watch this film.

I won't sell this movie for peanuts.

If my father's name is Keshavadev,

I will decide the market value of this movie!

Here comes the call for satellite and OTT rights!

Good Morning, Jacob Sir.

Morning, Jayan. We discussed your proposal today. We have an offer.

- Tell me, Sir. - ₹7 Crores!

J TV has offered me ₹8 Crores.

People are going crazy over Nithin Molly now.

If I close that deal soon, I'll get the cash before shoot resumes.

Give me a call if you can revise this, Sir.

- Okay, Jayan. I'll call you back. - Okay, Sir.

Do you really have an offer from J TV?

J TV, my foot! We've got squat!

Oh wow! Boss is back in form!

- Yes, Jacob Sir! - Jayan, final offer. ₹8 Crores...

- Plus... - Plus?

- If the TRP crosses 9.5... - Come on, come on!

- Hike it up! Up! - ₹50 Lakhs, additional!

Take it or leave it!

- Sir, I will take it. - Great!

I'll send a confirmation mail.

Okay, Sir. Thank you!

That was awesome, Boss.

Messing with my Boss, huh?

- Santhosh! - Jayan!

Yes

₹1 Crore is not possible. ₹80 Lakhs.

I don't have anything more than that. Please agree!

I want ₹50 Lakhs credited to my account by this evening.

If that's fine, let's close the deal.

I swear on Lord Guruvayoorappa!

It will be credited within half an hour!

- Is that confirmed? - Of course!

Okay.

Wow! You seem to be so happy today, Jayan!

Yes, Doctor. I'm too happy today! See you tomorrow.

- What about your dialysis? - Forget it!

I'm not in the mood today. I'll come tomorrow.

Me too.

WELCOME BACK SIR!

Hey!

Hey, Venu Sir! Your star is back!

Shall we have a blast?

This suitcase and kurta look quite familiar.

Hello!

[Ballads of Life]

If you ever restarted the movie,

Murali sir wanted me to give this to you.

Throughout this copy of the script,

he has marked the cue points for the background score.

The entire book contains the notes for the score.

In case there are changes in the movie's length,

he has even instructed me about the alterations to be made.

Basically, it was only after writing the entire background score of the movie,

that Murali Sir left from here.

♪ Memories.... ♪

♪ Memories.... ♪

I regularly see music directors who are adamant

that they won't begin the score until they get the final reels.

But here, for a movie that hadn't even commenced shoot,

he composed the background score

and how it has perfectly blended with the final film,

is beyond my comprehension.

It's hard to comprehend...

several incidents that have happened while this movie was being made.

The kind of reception from the public for every song that released until now...

How, with the movie's pre-business earnings alone,

Jayan paid off all his debts...

How, a movie that everyone had written off, saying it will never happen...

has released all over the world today...

Sir!

Your movie released today?

Venu Sir, our Friday is here!

Are you nervous?

Everything feels like a dream, man!

Where would Murali be, Jayan?

Boss, your tea!

- Cigarette! - I won't give you.

Your film will be awesome!

All the best.

Hello.

Venu Sir, I'm Najeeb who works in the film unit.

Yes, Najeeb. Tell me.

I saw Murali Sir near Erode.

You saw Murali?

Yes, I did.

Where is he?

Where did you see him?

I shall send you the location in half an hour.

- Yeah! Okay. - Okay, sir.

[Ballads of Life]

All the A-centres are sold out.

Even the lower-tier theatres are booked 80%.

We just need to know the response now.

Hey! Venu Sir is calling.

- Hello! - Saji!

I need a cab.

Theatres are filling up fast.

Shall we go this evening?

Why not!

Let me call the theatre.

Okay.

Any orders, Sir?

I don't want anything, dear. It's my first movie. Just pray for me.

Sir, I'm an atheist. I don't pray.

Splendid. You may leave.

My foot!

Did we pay these people to come?

No. They've actually booked tickets.

- Is it? - Shut up and sit down.

Okay okay.

[chanting a prayer]

At least this movie...

Yaay! She recognized me!

The theatre is full, Venu Sir.

My heart's racing!

Switch off the camera!

Or else, you'll be behind the bars.

- Who's that? - Shadow Police, I guess.

The movie has started, Sir.

Nobody is reacting?

Are they sleeping or what?

Sir, people aren't laughing as much as we expected in the second scene.

Venu Sir, there's not much of a response for our outdoor scene either.

Our classroom exterior scene has zero response, Sir.

- Come let's go. - Where are you going?

Let's leave once they start booing. Sit there.

Oh God!

Pradeep!

Tell me how the response is for the scene where Nithin is with the kids.

That scene has worked well with the audience, Sir. They're laughing!

One...

Two...

Three...

Clap!

They are all applauding, Sir.

Huh? Was this a comedy film?

Sir, our canteen scene has worked wonders.

Tremendous applause!

The scene just before the song is simply hilarious! Everyone's having a ball!

This is my comeback!

The crowd is going crazy, Sir. I don't understand what's happening!

Sir, this is Murali Sir's location.

Okay, Sir.

Yes, Sir.

You needn't message me anymore.

Go, watch the movie peacefully.

Our film is a super hit.

You can be sure of that!

What's happening, dude?

This is the magic of cinema, bro! Magic!

Now there's nothing to be worried about!

Thank God! Finally he has a hit!

I am back, baby!

It's been so many years since I've seen anything like this!

Yes! He's back!

Let me call and inform some people!

Dude, it's a hit!

I don't know how! But it's a hit!

The film is top class up to the interval.

It's top notch! The narrative doesn't drag anywhere.

It's superb!

The songs and score are amazing!

- Venu Sir! - Thank you.

- Sir! - I shall call you back soon.

Venu Sir, the first half is exceptional!

All the theatres are calling up, to increase the shows.

People are waiting outside with phones and cameras, to record responses.

- What did you say? - I said the movie is extraordinary!

They don't know that I'm the producer, do they?

I've got Murali's location.

I'm leaving for Tamil Nadu.

Oh God!

Sir!

Please come and watch the movie with me.

We worked so hard for this, right?

Jayan!

The first time I watch this film in the theatre...

will be with him.

That's my decision.

You go and watch the entire movie.

After that, head outside,

look at all those cameras, and tell them with your head held high,

that this is your movie.

The second half is about to begin. I've got to go, Sir.

But when it comes to the character arc, there's a small clash between...

Give your review after the movie, man!

Please say good things, kiddo!

Welcome back! Though the first half is good,

the second half needn't necessarily be good. We'll have to wait and watch.

♪ Forgive my flaws, just this once, come near ♪

♪ I'm pining for you, wish you would appear ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

♪ Memories rush back in a fierce embrace ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ Leaving my soul in a languished space ♪

♪ Memories collide ♪

♪ The heart yearns, riding the tide ♪

Venu!

Check out the messages I've received on my phone!

With the songs you composed,

and your background score,

our movie has released today, Murali.

It's a blockbuster!

Pack your bags and come with me!

Venu!

I want to listen to all the songs,

alone.

[music from the movie playing]

It'll take just fifteen minutes.

[another song from the movie playing]

- Sir! - Yes?

Murali!

Murali?

Murali!

- What! - Huh?

You aren't... dead?

Do you want me to die?

My first film has released today, right?

You think I'll die today?

But...

you...

when I checked your breath...

When I held my finger under your nose...

When did you hold the finger?

While I was inhaling... or exhaling?

Probably... between the two.

I made a blunder.

Well, that's nothing new, right?

Dude, I want to see the response in the theatre.

Sure, as if the theatre at Lulu, Edappally is right here.

Idiot!

You should've thought of it before you fled from there.

Why? Has it released only in Kerala or what?

Sir!

Let's... head to Coimbatore.

Who is over there now, Sir?

There's no one there.

We need to go to the theatre where our movie is playing.

- Start the car. - Yeah.

Can you increase the speed a little bit?

With two old men in the car... how can I, Sir?

And that too, on a highway!

Pull the car over.

What happened, Sir?

I want to pee.

Just a minute.

- Come out. - What?

Get out, kiddo!

Go, go!

Go, sit on the other side.

Well...

Aren't you twirling your moustache?

Nah! Not now!

Sir, how come you've worn the seat belt?

You'll know why, soon enough.

Oh God!

Sir!

Sir! Sir!

Please slow down, Sir!

Please tell him, Venu Sir.

Slowly, Sir!

Sir, there's a car in front! Careful!

Oh no!

Look straight while you're driving, Sir.

Just kidding!

Murali Sir!

Shall I drive for some time, Sir?

This is a new car, Sir.

160 kmph?

Oh, no!

Oh, no! We're dead meat!

Sir!

Are you a music director or Michael Schumacher's brother-in-law?

Greetings, Sir.

I was informed that you'd be coming.

The film is fantastic, sir.

But the show is about to end now.

That's okay.

I can gauge the response of the audience in person, right?

For sure, Sir. Come in, Sir.

Hey...

Aren't you coming?

Isn't this your movie?

You carry on!

It's playing on this screen, Sir.

Okay.

- We'll take it from here. - Okay, Sir.

Isn't that the score for the climax?

I haven't changed anything that you composed.

It has ended.

One...

Two...

Three...

[claps and cheers]

♪ O' ballads of life, draw near ♪

♪ In this moment, appear ♪

♪ The luminous dream you chase ♪

♪ Is right here, in this place ♪

♪ O' ballads of life, draw near ♪

[Ballads of Life]

♪ In this moment, appear ♪

We shouldn't have waited this long,

to make a movie together, right?

How come we didn't think of this idea earlier?

Do I have to answer this?

Then? Do you expect your dad to come and answer this?

Just say it, dude.

There's a right time for everything, buddy!

♪ Crossing the waves of the endless sea ♪

♪ Let's continue this journey, you and me ♪

♪ As birds of desire, high we aim to soar ♪

♪ In this moment, rising, forevermore ♪

♪ Crossing the waves of the endless sea ♪

♪ Let's continue this journey, you and me ♪

♪ As birds of desire, high we aim to soar ♪

♪ In this moment, rising, forevermore ♪

♪ Crossing the waves of the endless sea ♪

♪ Let's continue this journey, you and me ♪

♪ As birds of desire, high we aim to soar ♪

♪ In this moment, rising, forevermore ♪

♪ Crossing the waves of the endless sea ♪

♪ Let's continue this journey, you and me ♪

♪ As birds of desire, high we aim to soar ♪

♪ In this moment, rising, forevermore ♪