All language subtitles for Nandhan (2024)_track3_[eng]

'Respected elders
of the village, listen'

'Dalit, Muslim'

'From the tribal clan'

'Anyone can become
the President of our nation'

'But in our village, only a member
of our caste can hold that title'

'Only that enhances our pride and
endorses honor to our caste and community'

- 'True
- Main reason'

'Panchayat board election
is scheduled for next month'

'Koppulingam who has been president
for the past 10 years'

'He has set aside
Rs 2000000 as welfare fund'

'And contesting the election'

'If anyone wishes to contest opposing him
kindly register your name'

'We can write the names on a chit
and accept as per divine oracle'

'Goddess, guide us'

'Apanadha from Malavaraya clan'

'Why fight between close relatives?'

'Apanadha, you want the title
let me know, I'll drop out'

'Kinship is more important
to me than title, name or fame'

'Only man who played politics
equal to your father is Koppulingam'

'He is giving in graciously
Why are you being stubborn?'

'Take a pond on auction'

- 'Don't butt in to compete'
- I will withdraw, leave me, sir'

'Can't voice a single opinion'

'Can no one oppose them?'

'Mirasdar!'

'My foot, mirasdar!
More likely threadbare'

'That chap ran away unable to afford a gift
for a function wants President's post?'

'Better sit down'

'Hello, don't shoot off your mouth
because you feel indebted'

'We ruled this village'

- 'Our generosity made us poor!
- To your mistress?'

'Shut up!'

'Is this a debate for a TV show
to talk all kinds of rubbish?'

'This is a temple'

'Panchayat needs a person
willing to spend'

'That being the criteria, this time too
let Koppulingam contest the president post'

- 'Am I right?
- His stooge is speaking!'

'Whatever sir says is
equal to a divine oracle'

'Is anyone prepared to
even flout and contest?'

'He will be the president
for the 3rd term now'

'He is the right person
to hold this post'

[chatting in low tone]

Nandhan

M. Nandhan

Won't you write my name as contestant?

Are we choosing workers
for 100 day scheme?

You are coolly suggesting
names unworthy of the post

Hey clerk!

In all these years, none of our people
have been elected even once

Discussing like this and deciding

Opting for divine oracle
Wrong selection tactics

Conduct a fair election
Whoever wants can contest and win

The cattle owner aspired for cows alive
The drummer wanted the dead cow's hide

Hello! What did I ask
and what is your reply?

Nandhan, stand right there

Will your community consist
of 10-15 families on the whole?

There are 2000 families
belonging to our caste

You think you can contest and win?

'Just turn back and go'

Or else I'll break your skull into two

Hey! Sit down

You shouldn't talk like that

Anyone in our village
has the right to contest

Aren't you Marimuthu's son?

Your question is justified

But we have enough problems
even within our group

We can think about it
in the next election

- Leave now
- 'Why should I?'

- Give me a proper answer
- Hey! Leave, boy

- Get out
- What temerity!

Making trouble in our temple!

- Obey us
- Go, I say

Wait, am I not handling this issue?

You leave, my boy

Why don't you walk with him to his house?

Instead of using your fist
you're resorting to sweet talk

If my fist talks, he will go
straight to the police station

He will file a PCR

Are you prepared to walk
to and fro to court?

A ghost can be exorcised

But this fellow?

'Nandhan'

Show me your tongue?

Grandpa, you won

Your tongue is redder than mine!

I always win

- Let's see tomorrow who wins
- Try your luck

It's getting late
I'll go and look in on my sir

Chew this too

Tomorrow I'll win

Koozhpaanai, not you

Even your lord and master
can't defeat this Karuppan

As if you are an Olympic medalist!

Don't over dose on your tobacco!

Hear me out

Just because you think you're royalty
you can't wash with a gold mug!

Have we leased out
our village to Koppulingam?

Tell me

- I'll contest against him this time
- Go ahead

Even the rooster in my house that picks
on garbage will die in a cock-fight!

I am ready to contest

If Shiva wants to become strong
let him choose the right Shakti

- Don't simply get an edge in
- Let's see who wins

Lord Shiva, bless me

Finally we have 2 contestants

Koppulingam and Pudhiyaprasu

Clerk, write down their names

Clerk, in cahoots with this chap

I know only too well
what you'll stoop to

You write down
only Koppulingam's name

I will write my name myself

Nandhan, is 'aiya' in the temple?

Why did you slap me?

All I asked was
where is our master?

The elders insist on writing
the name of the next president

They are deriding our clan

Should I be the only one
to validate our caste?

Can't you speak up for us?

Are they writing down names
for Divine Oracle to decide?

- Get lost!
- Wait, anna

Brother!

Why buy trouble in high places?

Focus on your studies

Nondisamy, our Guardian deity

I have never asked You
for any special favors

You bestow even before I ask

'Tell me what I should do for You'

'Should I appease You
by offering a rooster or a goat?'

'Do You want anything else
beyond these offerings?'

'Tell me in my dream
and I will abide duly'

But I don't know how
You will fulfil my wish

The chit that's chosen
should have my master's name

My master should become
the President this term too

I stupidly thought you were
praying for our family's welfare

Enough of praying
for your great master

First drop our son in school

I have to go buy cashews
in Gandharvakottai

I have some important work to do

You consider this as work?

Take this

Forever obsessed with your 'master'

- 'What kind of crappy job!
- God, forgive my stupid wife

Silly fool, spoke in ignorance

Dear deity, somehow make
my master the village President

I vow to tonsure
my son's head

God, I am in no way connected to this
Let my father tonsure his head as a vow

Don't be so rude

He is our greatgrandfather
Not just our God

Our greatgrandfather?!

"Here comes the bull so bold"

"Temerity filled gait manifold"

"Bellows with confidence untold"

"Shaking its hump, lo and behold!"

Sir

Koozhpaanai, we got the seat
Hattrick, da

Why depend on a mere chit?

If our God could speak
He would only select you

"Here comes the bull so bold"

"Temerity filled gait manifold"

"Bellows with confidence untold"

"Shaking its hump, lo and behold!"

"We rule the roost every season
always; for many a generation"

"I won't give in to anyone
whatever maybe the reason"

"Move aside, helter-skelter
run far away and scatter"

"Just wait and watch, man
Win hands down, sure we can"

"Here comes the bull so bold"

"Temerity filled gait manifold"

"Bellows with confidence untold"

"Shaking its hump, lo and behold!"

When your name was written on my chit
even I thought it was an ordinary idea

That child picked up
the chit with my name

If my name had been written on that chit
I would have been the village President

If that was the case
I would have killed you too

And occupied the President chair

'You are quite capable of doing so'

You know that boy Mari who tried
to create trouble in the temple

You gave a befitting answer

They won't hesitate to
file a PCR case

He has gone up to the collector
to insist on a proper Panchayat election

I heard about it

Attend to that too

He is just a pipsqueak
I can handle him with ease

"Our lineage continues for generations"

"Courage in our blood has no reservations"

"Know our history if possible
We are known to cause trouble"

"If you create any issue
we are warriors out to get you"

"Who can beat us hollow in your view?"

"We kill a youngster or toddler
or even at 100 or older"

"If you try to oppose foolishly
dust you'll become, trust me"

"We rule as lord of all we survey
With a whip in our hand we play"

"If you shower love on me
like Jesus I will be"

"I am a warrior proud
with no stones unturned"

"If you have the guts, come
Face off with us, welcome"

"I can cross barriers speedily
Even jump over fire steadily"

"I will butt into my foe
if he touches me, you know"

Hey, wash this room
after he leaves

Why are you asking
your wife to clean?

I can do it myself

When I can clean the porch here
won't I know to mop your room, huh?

I'll do it, sir

'I like that!'

He will clean you up
I will clean up the room

Why do a double job?

If we throw you out
job done and dusted in one swing

Lying here and giving me grief
instead of passing away

Urine had collected
like the water in our canal

I'll drain the bag

Hey! My life

Aren't you having a tough time?

You have to strain to pee

It is free flow for me

Are you pitying me?
Get lost!

- 72
- Untie that calf

74

76

78

80

Fat lady and a duck, 82

Welcome
Vanakkam

What are you staring for?
This is my master's...!

'He eats just 4 idlis'

5 cigarettes to poop

Imagine the strain
on the body, huh?

Sir, you have visitors

'Come, is it Kalingarayar?'

'Neo-rich!'

'Real estate income overflowing'

- 'Come...come'
- What a welcome?

Do we come into the toilet?

'Your usual sarcasm is intact'

'I believe you have printed my name
in the 4th place in the invitation?'

'Union and township
are more important now'

'Will you print my name below
a random fellow from a nameless caste?'

Our partymen tend to
misunderstand, uncle

That was why-

So does it mean
I won't misunderstand?

Only half a coconut earns respect
in our family deity's temple

The fight turns bloody
as to who is the first recipient

Self respect is life

Fine, whatever

All said and done
you are my son-in-law

Come inside

Welcome

'I thought Anjana
will come along with you'

Aunt, she wanted to take you
saree shopping to Saradha's

Uncle, join us
Shouldn't let food get cold

You enjoy our spread

Koozhpaanai

'Eat, enjoy your meal'

Coming, sir

Sir...?

Come in
Just come, I say

I've cleaned your father's room

Stop pampering him
Come inside

Sir, how can I enter?

I'm inviting you in, right?

- 'Will you come in or not?'
- Okay

- How can I disobey you?
- Eat here

- Okay, sir
- Where are you going?

Sit down and eat

'I told you to sit'

I usually sit on the porch seat
How can I eat in your dining room?

They are part of my family
Sit and eat with them

No, sir

- Eat, I say
- My master has 101 valid reasons

My first time
at the dining table

'My dear'

Why are you glaring?
Enjoy the feast

What is this new habit of yours?

'Your grandfather used to
follow me holding on to my sari'

I am telling him to join Modi's scheme
and he is refusing point blank

I have no idea what
he keeps writing all the time

In present Whatsapp times,
he is writing a love letter

Hey catch it

Out!

Aiyaiyo!
Wait, I'm coming

Oh God!

Hurry...quick!

Oh gawd! He is hurt badly

What happened?

- Who are you?
- Who?

What happened, brother?

Which village are you from?

- Whose son are you?
- Looks like a college student

His whole body is hurt

Come quick, help us

Call the ambulance service

'There's been an accident
Come...come and help'

'Hurry up'

- Who is he?
- Is he hurt?

'What happened?'

'My dear son'

'Sir, look at my son lying lifeless'

'Open your eyes wide'

"President is here
to see you, my dear"

'My precious son'

Keep this for funeral expenses

First attend to all the rites

'Accident case'

'You should not delay
the cremation, do it immediately'

Sir, we came and
paid our respects

Why did you give him money?

Is this an election
to grease palms for votes?

We have no opposition in any case

Sir

- District councillor
- Okay...okay

District councillor, I wanted to call you

The black beads around my neck
worked in my favor just as you said

I will be President now
for the 3rd consecutive term

- Looking forward to your presence
- Hey! Shut up

You are unaware
of my predicament

I got information just now
from Collector's office

Your Panchayat village has been
changed in favor of reservation

In your Panchayat hereafter

Only a Scheduled Caste
candidate can contest

'What do you intend doing?'

Councillor, can't this ruling be revoked?

Not me, even our minister
can't do anything about this

All this is because of the antics
of Election Commission

Tell me about it!

God knows what else is in store!

This is so unfair, sir

Among so many villages, why choose
only my Panchayat as Reserve?

Did you plan this revenge on me?

Nothing of that sort, man

Wanting to improve the lives of Dalits
won't 10-15 Panchayats be changed?

'Sadly, your Panchayat was
jinxed enough to be chosen'

'This cannot be changed, man'

Why not?

Like I did in Pappapati
and Keeripatti

I'll compel our people
to boycott the election

You think you can get away with it

Burning buses, boycotting are measures
that succeeded 10-15 years ago

Media has a stronghold now

5-6 Parties play politics
instigating them to butt their horns

These chaps are no better

Combat and defeat Yama

'Raise their voices in protest'

Get lost!

You have to pipe down till your village
becomes Common Panchayat as before

Understand?

'I know to retain my chair'

Didn't those who went
behind bars for corruption

...place a dummy in
Chief Minister's chair?

Similarly I will also find
a dumbo dummy for my chair

Dalit, reserve, bull shit!

If they occupy a post
can they equal us in status?

Then is Scheduled Caste
president of this village?

We are done for!

Hey!

This is my post, my Panchayat

Whoever comes into power
has to obey my orders

All of you step back
I'll handle everything

You can't twirl your mustache
with pride hereafter, shave it off

[funeral chant]

Hold this damn thing

Give me a fresh betel leaf

Here, sir

Blessing in disguise
I attended this funeral

I can select a slave right here

Yes, president

We prayed many years for a son

Hey...hey!

Will that Govindaraj fellow be suitable?

That butcher?

'He will fit the bill, sir

He won't cross the line you draw

Only disadvantage when he is drunk
he will show his beastly nature

Wrong choice

I can't tolerate lion and tiger!

Sir, what about that chap Madhi?

He is like your pet dog
for the past 40 years

He won't get tanked
nor raise his voice at all

He may be the right choice?

Don't think he is just SC

He has passed SSLC

We must never trust
an educated fellow

Look at an aged candidate

'Aged?'

This fungal eared fellow?

You'll have a by-election
sooner than intended

He is a weirdo!

Sir

Sir, did you see my sister's son
lying lifeless here?

Yuck!

Not only is he good
at falling at sir's feet

He's adept at
being subservient

He is perfect

I know what a subservient chap
is capable of, just shut up!

Get up

Get up...up

- My poor sister
- Go...go

Given a chance
he will even lick my feet!

You there, Koozhpaanai

Sir...?!

'We forgot this slave'

'He'll implicitly obey you
and sign on whatever trash!'

He won't enter
any temple or tank!

Why just our village?

We can elect him
as world-president!

Sir...?

You've been here
for far too long

My father's bag must be full to the brim

- Just peep in
- Sir...?

Before the funeral procession
go, check and come back

'Go, I say
Listen to me'

Okay, sir

I'll make him president

Who will wipe and wash
my father at home?

My eldest grandson

What is it, grandma?

Tell me, I have to go
to our master's house

I don't think he died a natural death

It was a planned killing
just like they killed my husband

Complain to the police
even if they demand a postmortem

Don't talk like a lunatic

I have to attend to sir's
urine bag, I'll be back

I wonder how many will fall
under their revengeful hands?

That rotten chap Panneer

He won't be a mere slave

But a lifetime slave
He will be perfect

Hey Panneer?

- Come here
- Sir?

Come my dear heir
to my political career

Greetings, master
Yours truly, Vanangamudi

Wait, 1 minute

Hey, should I tell you exclusively?

Greetings, sir

Sir, did you see my nephew?

I am not the President
of this village hereafter

Oh God! What do you mean, sir?

Didn't he want one of you
to occupy the President's chair?

We can burn him to cinders

But his wish?

Sir...?

So one of you will be
President for this term

Our leader excels in politics

- Panneer will be an ideal choice
- Sir...?

Why do I need all this fame and name?

His soul has to rest in peace

He wanted someone like you
to represent our village

How can I do justice?

Venus is butting you in your but-

Clerk, when is last date
to file the nomination?

7th of this month

Be ready and waiting in your house
I'll come and take you

- Do you agree?
- Okay, sir

Big packet is Rs 300
Small packet is Rs 100, sir

Are you quoting Rs 100
for such a small packet ?

Cashew is roasted by hand, sir

No adulteration at all

First eat and then tell me
if the rate is exorbitant or reasonable

I'll be back, sir

Gawd! It's getting charred!

Sir, taste it

Taste and tell me

This cashew packet
is Rs 100 it seems

Sir...sir

Sir...sir!

Sir, stop

Sir

'80 year old, a nominee
for Panchayat election'

'...was opposed by her own
daughter-in-law as contestant'

'Deadline for nomination of
Panchayat election closes in 2 days'

'Someone from our caste
has always occupied that chair'

'Now you have chosen
a chap from a lower caste!'

'Only today I regret
being bedridden, son'

'I would have burnt down
this entire village'

'Has God given me a lease of life to
witness all these wretched developments?'

Didn't you ask for water
for a sponge bath?

It is luke warm
Is that alright?

Hey! Am I the father of
this son you gave birth to?

'If he were my real son
he would have erupted in rage'

'How will I face my father
in heaven when I die?'

Your mustache resembles
ex-DGP Devaram's!

- Sir?
- Car is here

Good morning, sir
I'll come, please wait for 5 minutes

Sir

Sir

Sir...sir

Sir...sir

My wonderful husband

Where the hell are you?

Why can't you drop in
at my shop when you have time?

One chap in a car swindled me
of Rs 100 today

I am so stressed

Forget it

I am equally stressed

Master is asking me to stand
in the election for President

What are you saying...huh?

- President?
- Hahn!

'But Panneer uncle was
their choice the other day'

I thought so too

But now my master wants me
to contest the election

'He showed me some paper
and asked me to sign'

I refused to do all that

Are you mad or what?

Hey! You are the one
who is mad, not me

It is such a prestigious post

How can I usurp his place?

Isn't it disgusting?

Listen, your master didn't give up
his seat to you, okay?

Our village has changed
into Reserve it seems

That's the reason

Village peon told me

- You stand, dear
- Hey! Hang up

- I thought sir is confusing me
- Don't burst crackers here

You are worse than him

Hey...listen

Pcccht!
My dear

You are asking to stand for President
Foolish fellow is refusing

If he had said 'yes'

My antenna would have gone up!

You heard him say 'no' vehemently, no?

I want only him

You beat our 'ma hollow
in selecting the ideal stooge!

Hey Koozhpaanai

- Sir?
- Come here

Sign on this nomination paper

Sir, how can I stand in the place
that's rightfully yours?

So...can I change
from my caste to yours?

Will you take me?

Come, you silly fool

'Where are the nominees
for Kattunaval Panchayat election?'

'How many times to call?
Hurry up'

- 'Real estate' is here
- Yes, sir

Welcome, my dear son-in-law
Actually I wanted to call you

Get down, da

Good lord! Karuppan is arriving in a car!

You humiliated me by
making me eat along with this fellow

I'll return your insult by making
this chap contest against you

That's all

Does it make you happy?

Hey Koozhpaanai

- Sir?
- Go

'Maapilai'

This isn't our family function
for you to do tit for tat

Election

- Divine oracle chose me
- Thank God I'm out of it

Then you should be contesting?

- They sent you away too?
- Why are you sitting here?

You said your lineage
will continue as president forever

'You are going back on your word
Keeping a promise is a must for our clan'

Listen, Panchayat has become 'Reserve' now

You are nominating the chap
who wipes and washes your father

I am nominating the chap
who grazes our cows

Do you know why
he has brought you here?

What do I know?

I was happy with my cattle-grazing

When he said, 'Karuppaiya, get into
the car', how can I refuse?

He wants you to contest
the Presidential election

My goodness!

No one will even call me
to cast my vote!

Don't you know when
to just fool around?

Even I thought my master
was playing the fool

You know what they say

What is that?

- Aiyo!
- What?

When a car stops because of no fuel,
some word is used, no?

Hahn! Reserve

Our village has been changed as Reserve
instead of regular Panchayat system

That means?

My master cannot contest
this election it seems

Only someone from our caste
has the right to contest

So my master has made me the nominee

'You are the chosen candidate
by your employer'

Now the contest is between you and me!

Then you and I should come to blows
Why are all of them fighting?

I'm telling you, no need
What about my self respect?

What is your final say, son-in-law?

Putting a spoke in my wheel?

I am not inviting trouble, uncle

Just as a matter of pride

My grandfather replaced
his good tooth with a golden tooth

Won't I continue that tradition?

What do you want from me now?
I must apologize to you, that's all?

Why are you being so formal
to your own son-in-law?

Our lineage fights for mutton and then
unites for chicken, but our bond is strong

Give me just the pond contract

You will always be
the president of this village

Whomever you nominate
will be the president

- Don't forget the contract, uncle
- Okay, son-in-law

- Karuppa, come here
- Koozh, I am the president

Don't forget our clan
once you get elected

- Greetings to all the elders here
- Koozhpaanai

Go back to your grazing!

How brainy is this 'real estate'

He used Karuppan as bait
to secure the contract!

- Come to sir's house tomorrow
- Yes, anna

He thinks this is a great honor!

He won't reform
even in his next birth!

Will you get a better
opportunity than this?

Why are you in a bad mood now?

I thought you were being greedy
when you told me to accept

But when my master
insisted a couple of times

I realized it must be for our good
and I signed the form

Are you serious?

Is it really true?

I signed for the President's post

Honestly?

Do you know how prestigious
that post is, dear?

I don't know all that
Sir asked me to sign, I did

- My dearest
- Hey...hey!

Put me down

- My 'dhoti' will slip off
- Super news, dear

- My darling husband
- Look, my 'dhoti' has loosened, go

Go...go

Selvi, romancing
when the sun hasn't set?!

- Get me coffee
- Don't fall on him too much

- Obey the president!
- My brother-in-law can't take it

"Like a cat standing tiptoe to see"

"Like the elephant trunk
swirling he lures me"

"Slightest excuse, to apply sandalwood paste
he circles me, my beloved soulmate"

"Like the breeze caressing gently
the scented buds of 'nirgundi' dainty"

"My glances he reciprocates
fiery fervor filled with haste"

"Like water merging with red soil here
I am entwined in my love for you, dear"

"He came with a specific love-vow
His tongue to flirt with my nose now"

"His beard to mingle with my tresses
I yearn but I hesitate in shyness"

"Like a cat standing tiptoe to see"

"Like the elephant trunk
swirling he lures me"

"Slightest excuse, to apply sandalwood paste
he circles me, my beloved soulmate"

"Like the lice carefree
strolling on my sari"

"Like buttermilk fresh and cool
I dissolved in his healthy gruel"

"He teased me with his love so true
stamping ownership like his tattoo"

"Up and down, alluringly he sized me
I offered myself as a coconut to my deity"

"Like plucking spinach keezhanelli-apos for keezhanelli
with his glances he feasted on me"

"Like alum in water he dissolved me
I became the queen bee"

"He laughed amusedly; ridiculing me
I bowed my head shyly, twisting my body"

"Like a goat he grazed happily
on the pastures of my sari"

"My darling, in youthful vigor
you took my breath away forever"

"Like a cat standing tiptoe to see"

"Like the elephant trunk
swirling he lures me"

Pudukottai district

Kandharva Kottai Union

"My beloved soulmate"

As Panchayat president

I take up the responsibility

Fantastic, sir

He has offered
apple garland for our deity!

'He is our president
now and forever'

'Toilet contract is his for sure'

'Wait, my dear
Will you go in this attire?'

'What's wrong with this 'lungi'?'

'How can you go
in your usual dress?'

'So what? Should I wear
a crown on my head?'

'Will you drape this or not?'

'Hey! How can you threaten
our president like this?'

'President of India is
the First Citizen of the country'

'You are the first citizen
for our village, dear'

'Hold, drape it'

'I'm telling you'

- 'Listen to me
- Don't fidget, dear'

'Hey...hey, give it to me'

'Aiyo! Stubborn woman!'

'Now look at yourself in the mirror
What a transformation!'

'I will be the laughing stock'

'I feel like laughing too'

Haven't you gone to work?

What are you doing here?

Your make-up is shining bright!

- She smeared layers of powder, uncle
- You are looking so smart, dear

Did you listen to my protests?

- Is it okay now?
- You dazzle like a foreigner

'Uncle'

Bless me

May you always be happy

Nephew, I will carry you
in a procession

How can our president walk?
Lift him, give a hand

Don't be silly
Lower me down

'You have made our community proud'

Don't gang up with them
Lower me, uncle

You lift a goat when dead

Why should a man
lift another man?

- Let me stand on the ground
- You make us proud

Let go of my father
He will repay his loans for sure

Please let him go

- No one is hurting him
- Let go of my father

Uncle, you'll get it from me
My son is getting scared

Gently...lower him now

He is looking so smart in white

Let us escort him
to Panchayat office

Come, walk with him

Why are you following me?

- Attend to your work
- I'll drop you, brother

Did I go in a bike all these years?
I'll walk as I usually do

I can go to the office by myself
You don't have to accompany me

Aunt, leave now to work
in the 100 day scheme

Go and attend to your work

Why are you holding
the betel leaves in your hand?

I'm telling you, go home
I can go, no need of any company

- Our beloved leader
- I am on my way to see him!

All this water being wasted?

Neelu, I'll levy a heavy penalty
if you don't turn off the tap

What are you rejoicing for
with one foot in the grave?

My husband was stabbed to death
for wearing a white 'dhoti'?

My beloved grandson
is clad in white and white

Wait, let me ward off all evil eyes

For me?

I am the one doing
this for everyone

I'll safeguard my grandson
from negativity

Cast away all evil eyes,
green-eyed monsters, envious eyes

Careful, you may fall down
unable to hold the pumpkin!

Enough of toiling so hard

Our Koppalingam sir
has changed it seems

Then why strain so much?

Our Koozhpaanai is president now

Let's go then

We can watch 'Edhir Neechal'
on the phone without disturbance

Men can avail very soon

Ayyadurai, look at this sight

Vanakkam, anna

I'm going to the office to see our sir
You want to come along?

Oh! Will you come later?
Then I'll wait in the office

'You take your time
I'll manage'

'Is that our Koozhpaanai?'

Koozhpaanai, why are you clad
all in white like this?

Who will work in 100 days scheme

Only if I go to the office
and sign you will get your wages

If you are simply sitting
I will mark all of you as absent

We won't work
We will simply sit here

- Sign and get us our wages
- First go and buy tea for us

What? Even I worked along with you
in our Govt's 100 days scheme

You can't fool me
like you fool our master

You have to pull out weeds around
the banyan tree and dredge the lily pond

Uproot all the invasive thorny mesquites

So many thoughts are
swirling in my mind

He is going ahead of Modi!

All of you are sitting around
happily gossiping

Go and do your work

Only if you work
you get your wages, that's final

What a changeover!
Such a shocker from Koozhpaanai

Given a chance
he will become MLA

With him as president
even rain will abstain!

15 calls till now
He is calling nonstop

I consider even saving his number
on my phone as untouchability!

The chap who came in to file
his nomination in his daily wear

'He is clad in style
in white today'

If he stands by your side
people will think he is your relative

Hey weaver, wait

Will you make bonded laborer sit
on the same chair your family occupied?

Don't give him so much importance

[vendor selling vessels calling out]

Your father isn't here?

Thank God she didn't see me

She would have ridiculed me
for guarding a locked office!

Why is sir coming on a bike?

- Good morning
- Shining like a star!

Vice-president, vanakkam

Why are you looking at me like that, sir?
I was here promptly at 8'o clock

You are the one who is late, sir

'I have called the clerk
some 18 times'

No reply at all
Come in, sir

Come in, sir

Sir

Lord Muruga, bless me

I have never stepped into
this office till now, sir

This is my first time

'That too, by your grace and kindness'

Come in, sir

What are you saying?

Imbecile!

I'll send someone

What is it, sir?

Sluice gate in the west has broken
and the fields are getting flooded

Fertilized field of crops
Just go and check it

I'll take care of
good and bad here

Only you can supervise over there

True, sir, no one knows what to
I have to go in person

I will take care
Don't worry

Sir, you be here
I'll deal with it

How was my plan?

Sir is heading to his chair!

How cleverly you sent him
to the fields on a bogus call!

You are Chanakya of politics, sir

My son played games on the street
You are doing the same on your cell

Have fun!

Did I make you study
till 8th grade for this?

'If one constituency needs 40 crores'

'40 areas is 1600 crores
which is 16 billion'

'Does hero Vijay have
that kind of money?'

'That is a question raised'

'Only now he's getting a whopping sum
of crores starting with 3 digits'

'Earlier his salary was crores
starting with only 2 digits'

- What are you writing?
- Your president's name

Only Koppulingam is our president

Stop it!

We have been sent from Union office to
write the newly elected president's name

We are just obeying orders

So will you write the name
of that low-life?

Call our sir

Periyasamy anna
Stop...stop

Drop me at
the 3 road junction

Speed up
Rev the engine

I'll break his limbs
and burn him alive

Our leader is here

You'll get it now

Welcome, sir

Look whose name he has written
to humiliate our village pride

Ambed or some animal

They let him off easily
Should have killed him

Stop...stop, brother

Why is sir here?

Hey! Shut up

What happened, sir?

Look, he is coming

He is the village president

- Sir, why are you-
- Hey! Shut up

Only his name has to be painted

My dear boy, get up and write

If you are writing this name

...we don't even need
this board in our village

Shut up for God's sake

You have to write
only his name

'Honor his name
with M.A B Ed'

You intend to insult us
you might as well do it royally

You write his damn name

But first wipe out my name
as vice president below his

I said, wipe it

My name below yours is fine
But beneath his is beneath my dignity!

Disgusting

Don't magnify such a trivial issue

- Koozhu?
- Sir

- Ambed, supervise
- Okay, sir

Move aside

Go...disperse

We thought you'll scold him
Instead you're shooing us

Jobless, expecting mediation!

Write bold and broad, brother

'President: Ambed Kumar
Vice President: Periyakaruppan'

No one will call me by
my nickname 'porridge pot'

Will they change it to 'rice-pot!'

Don't be sarcastic all the time

Our village will be proud

- See for yourself
- See what?

Take a look at our village board

Get down and take a good look

Selvi, don't have a heart attack
seeing my name-

'Ambed Kumar'

- Is it your master's doing?
- Of course not

He fought for me
and made him write my name

How will he-

Bless us, Lord Shiva as Soleeswara!

Koozhpaanai will agree
not to have his name written

But won't his kith and kin
instigate him to protest?

BDO is new and he is
said to be troublesome

That's why I asked our people
to smear cow dung all over that board

'All that is fine'

'Next week is Independence Day'

'Will you be hoisting the flag
or will he do the honors?'

- 'He will
- Seriously, sir?'

Most of them own a phone
to click photos or snitch

Wow! You are Chanakya of politics

What does it matter who hoists the flag?

'I hold his tuft in my hand!'

She slipped in the field it seems

Why did she work at this-

Is this the age to work?

Aunt

Look who has come to see you

Grandmother

You don't worry

When have I been worried?

Your name has been written
on the board in our village limit

I am so proud of you
What more can I ask for?

'My heart is overflowing with joy'

'Wish your grandfather
was alive to share this joy'

On that name board-

Don't tell her, she won't
be able to take it, poor soul!

Kumar, they ridiculed you
about your roots

All kinds of horrible nicknames
and you cried your heart out

My husband told your headmaster
to change your name to Ambed Kumar

We are familiar with
our guardian deity Aiyanar

All of us laughed asking
'who is that Ambedkar?'

'Foolish people!
Don't you dare laugh!'

He said, 'only this name will
make my grandson a big shot'

Now you have made his dream come true
Even if I die now I'll get salvation

Why are you thinking of death now?

Even without any title or post
you'll go out of your way for me

To top it all
you are the president

In a stormy weather
won't you take me ashore?

He will ensure your demise
at a ripe old age will be celebrated

Only wish of mine is to watch you
hoist our national flag and then die

'This is not the same village
you were born and brought up'

'Our village has progressed so much'
I must go up and tell my husband

That is my only wish

Hoisting a flag seems to be an easy task

Salute!

My humble salutations
to my people and children

President-
Chee! He will be here

Salutations to president sir
who made me president

I am not

Used to addressing a gathering

Don't deride me
if I say something I shouldn't

Once I stole some money
and my father caught me

A contented mind is comfort satisfying

Poverty is the thought that keeps wanting

My father branded me with
a hot iron rod and dinned it into my head

This lesson he taught me
is embedded in my mind and heart

Therefore I won't commit any blunders of
accepting bribes orresorting to corruption

I have no desires to
take anyone's money

I will always be a source of support
and lend my helping hand to all of you

I will work for your welfare

Jai Hind!

[applause]

Father, that was a terrific speech

Soooper, my dear

My dear husband

I didn't know you had
such clarity of thought

My precious treasure!

Appa, you said 'Jai Hind' at the end
that gave me goosebumps, pa

Who taught you to speak so well?

How many times I've watched this on TV?

You think your father
is like you both?

I am really clever!

Our flag pinned onto a clean white shirt
Even you look prim and proper

My wedding shirt, sir

Move...move aside

Careful
Lower her gently

Now the president of our Panchayat
will hoist our national flag

Bhuwana, watch my dad hoist the flag

Give

'I care two hoots
who uploads a video?'

'I won't give up my right'

'Salute'

Order

'National anthem'

'Mankind is equal in circumstance of birth
Diversity of work lends each his worth'

'Kural 972
Tamil poet Valluvar'

'Jaya he'

Broom stick
Broom stick!

[vendor calling out]

Azhaga, why are you sitting here
without going to school, son?

I'm talking to you

I don't like to go to school

Why, my son?

What happened?

My classmates are ridiculing me

If you don't go to school
they will ridicule you even more

- Come
- Appa didn't hoist the flag, no?

- My friends are teasing me
- Why are you so stubborn?

I'm not coming

- I'm telling you
- I don't want to go to school

- Let go of me, ma
- Like father, like son

- Don't beat me
- Are you trying to bunk school?

Don't hit me, ma
I'll stay home

You'll only be respected if you study

If your father had studied
would he have been humiliated like this?

Why are you beating me?
Why didn't you ask appa to hoist the flag?

'Let that husband of mine come
I'll brand his butt with a hot rod!'

'Spineless fellow'

You made my mother
beat me this morning

You'll get it real hard from me

Die...die
into the dust

Good riddance!

Sir

You've been out of sorts
from the flag hoisting day

No, sir
My grandmother is unwell

So I decided to be here

My father is unwell at home
Who will take care of him, huh?

He has been asking for you

Okay, finish all this and come back soon

- Take care of your grandmother
- Okay, sir

Let's go

"I am singing a song true
In remembrance of you"

"My dear Senthamarai; on this day
why did you forget me and go away?"

"In memory of you
I sing this song anew"

"Our gold studs safe at home; precious
Your ear-rings in the pyre turn to ashes"

"Our jewelry under lock and key
Into the pyre her gold studs will be"

Forced to obey our sir's orders
we have to attend this wretched funeral

Do the needful

Grandmother is getting drenched
Lift her up...lift her

- 'Bring her inside'
- 'Where are you taking her?'

'Hey! Get out'

Will she dissolve in the rain?

We will leave as soon as the rain stops

Don't you know
you are not allowed here?

I told you to get out of here

Will you change your caste and rites
because you are president?

- It's raining
- Clear out

Take your corpse and get out

Have we ever stepped
into your graveyard?

My grandmother is
getting drenched in the rain

We'll leave as soon as
it stops raining

- Go away!
- They not allowing us?

- What temerity!
- No fear at all

This is our graveyard

None of you take a single step in here

Your graveyard is 15 feet away

Go there and cremate her

Barging in here as if
it is your graveyard!

If sir gets to know about this

'He will skin you alive'

If we hadn't come
you would have cremated her here, no?

It is fortunate we came here

Listen, after the rain stops
cremate her in the area reserved for you

Otherwise I'll burn all your huts down

As if they will find out
where we cremated her?

They are not letting her rest in peace
Why should we listen to their words?

We'll cremate her inside
and carry the ash outside

Wait for sometime
I'll ask our president's permission

You are the president of this village
Why should you go and ask him?

Come here and hold this end

For the sake of one death
the village should not become a graveyard

Do you understand?

Uncle, I am sure my master
will agree to my request

I'll ask him permission
and come back immediately

Till then, wait here

Sir

Aiya

Sir?

- What, da?
- Sir

- Rain hasn't stopped yet
- So...?

So we wanted to burn her in your graveyard

You moron!
What rubbish is this?

'If you burn her in that graveyard'

Where will you burn me?

Wretched fellow!
Why has death ignored you?!

Listen

Wait until the rain stops
and then cremate her

If the villagers will get to know this
you will be burnt to cinders

Go

- Please, sir
- I'm telling you

- Go
- I came here trusting you

Coming here
straight from the graveyard

Aiya!

What did the president say?

What did he say?

'Why are you digging over there?'

'Our tradition is to burn, not to bury'

Will the dead soul spring back to life?

What's the difference if we burn or bury?

Come soon
Bring my grandmother here

'Even without any title or post
you'll go out of your way for me'

'Now you have
become the president'

'In a stormy weather
won't you take me ashore?'

Why did you place so much
faith in me, grandmother?

What a degrading way
of bidding you the final farewell

'Long live, Tamil'

- Sir
- Tell me

- I am from Vanangankudi village
- Tell me

Regarding the graveyard of our village

What you need to do is
meet your Panchayat president

I can help you
only if you come through him

I am the president, sir

Come inside

Sit down

- It's okay, sir
- Sir, please sit down

That's your seat
Please sit down

Tell me

We can fight without any means of survival

But we fighting without
a dignified way of dying

My grandmother carried me
in her arms and raised me

We had to bury her
in slush and mire yesterday, sir

Please give us at least 2 cents
of land for our graveyard, sir

Which village did you say?

Vanangankudi, sir

- Near Adhanankotai?
- Yes, sir

In every village, there is unowned
or empty land owned by the Govt

3.5 acres

We will take 10 cents
and make a graveyard for you

Later, Govt will also
grant some money

With that, you can make
arrangements for burning and burying

Okay?

Thank you, sir
Thank you very much

Welcome

Hey!

Didn't I kill and bury you?
How did you grow again?

- Amma
- Tell me

Look at this

'Wild mesquite'

This will grow all over the place

This did not grow on its own

I killed this and buried it here

You always talk
beyond your years!

It's a crime to have misused un-assessed
Govt land not meant for private purposes

Our sir has come
Talk to him now

Sir, they want to
bulldoze your fields

Sir, please don't mistake us
This is Block Development Officer's order

He was the one who met BDO
and asked for a graveyard

BDO asked us to
take action immediately

I asked him for Govt land
Not my master's property

This is un-assessed Govt land

Your sir won't have a document
to claim ownership

So will you raze the crops to the ground?

Hey, stop it
Stop it now

- Sir, this is wrong
- Be quiet

Officers, please come here

Anyone who usurps 'poramboke' land
is committing a crime

I own 70-80 acres of land

I don’t have the need to grab
such lands and benefit by it

My workers thought they were doing me
a good turn and added this to my assets

That fact did not come
to my knowledge

You have every right
to clear this field

I will not interfere
or hinder your action

A mistake is a mistake

Sir, we can't leave it like that

Hey! Reverse your bulldozer
I won't allow it

You are a great performer!

You will call the concerned officers here

Then you will act
like you are stopping them

Wonder what else is up his sleeve

- Be quiet
- Sir, don't get me wrong

- Come here
- I did not do it

What if I lose this field?

Will I lack food on my table
for my next meal, huh?

Let them do their duty

Only now you have become
a responsible president

You go ahead
Let's go home

Get the bulldozer
into the field, hurry up

Whether they are into agriculture or not,
they are good at creating problems

Aiya

What, Bagyam?

Looks like you are
getting a new graveyard

'Go and happily rest in peace there'

Listen, I cleared the land
I held in my possession

Now you are occupying land
which is legally mine

If you are on my land illegally
isn't that also land-grabbing?

When will you vacate this place?

What are these blank stares in aid of?

When are you leaving?

Sir, we have been living here
for the past 30-40 years

Suddenly if you ask us to leave
where will we all go now?

Where to go, eh?
Ask your president

Listen, you only have 2 days time

Before that, you have to
vacate this entire area

Otherwise the same bulldozer
and same bokline will land here

Move the car

- 'You have to clear out by this evening
- Where can we go, sir?'

Sir, I swear from the bottom of my heart
I didn't do anything deliberate to hurt you

'Trust me, sir'

You got the courage to
meet BDO all by yourself?

What should I do
as repentance now?

Resign your post as president

I gave you that post, da
Doesn't it hurt when I take it back?

That is called power
Power of authority!

Hear me loud and clear

If he resigns, all of you
can continue living on my land

If not, I'll wipe out all of you

Start the car

- Lived here for 40 years
- He wants us to vacate

You are so blessed
to be born this way

No school, no teacher
You're enjoying a carefree life

Will your father close the door?!

As if this is a palace!

They will loot it bare

'Francolin' and 'My fair bunny', tata

Hey! My wild mesquite, tata

- Amma, 1 minute
- Where are you going?

'He is such a pain'

You've grown taller than me
And buds are flowering too

I'm eating rice
I'm eating 'idli'

I'm eating beef too

All you drink is water
Then how did you grow so tall?

Amma, 1 minute

I don't want to go to school

Because everyone is making fun of me

You are the only friend
who doesn't ridicule me

I'll be back to continue our chat

Tata, bye

'Where do you think
your father has gone?'

Only last week you came
and asked for a graveyard

In so short a time
have they decided to bury you?

No, sir, I am resigning
of my own free mind

I am unwell, sir

Are you really unwell
or is someone threatening you?

Why should I threaten him?

He looks like a wholesome pumpkin

But he is diabetic

He has to take Viagara
to even pee!

He is himself accepting
he can't take the strain

Instead of accepting his resignation letter
you are questioning him?

You are treating the president with
disrespect right in front of my eyes, huh?

Get out

Get out of here

I know how to get
his resignation letter

Leave

I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT

- Please sit down
- No, sir-

Sit and we can discuss

Sir, please sit

Do you know what Reservation means?

For people like you to walk
with your head held high

Many people revolted
to give you that right

You know how many
lives were lost, huh?

You are playing a game
of dice with that precious right

I am well aware

I am well aware who pressurized you
and compelled you to resign

If you name him
I'll put him behind bars

Sir, don't misunderstand me

Even our fart will stink!

I feel maybe we were
a bit rash and impulsive

Sir, by now that BDO would have
extracted all the information

That chap would have blurted everything
including the flag hoisting

Yes, whether he resigns or not

We are lucky if he
doesn't file a complaint

Why are you looking at me?

Filing Protection of Civil Rights
is a fashion nowadays

This is your right

Don't give it up
Fight for your right

I will support you

Why are you blocking the way?

Chairs are meant for sitting

- Go and sit
- We will manage

Hey! Sit

Sir...sir?

He is bringing back the letter

'That means he has not resigned'

If we compel him to resign

It will boomerang on us

You patch up with him now
We'll wait for a better opportunity

'He has no other option'

What now? Didn't BDO
accept your letter of resignation?

Don't worry
In a way that's good too

- What do you feel?
- Right, sir

Even I thought about it

You blundered unknowingly

I should not have asked you
to resign because of that

I'm telling you now

I have no issues if you
get back to being the president

Just this

All I expect from you
is your old loyalty

Fate of our village

Is this Koozhpaanai chap
back to being president?

All this is the cruelty of Time

What can he do
if that BDO didn't accept it?

'I, Ambed Kumar'

- He has resigned
- What are you saying?

Hey! Get into the car

I misunderstood you
listening to their opinions

You proved your loyalty to me

Have I ever told you
to sit in my car?

Get in

You resigned despite BDO's advise

You proved you are
truly loyal to me

Sir-

BDO sent us out and asked you to sit
How dare you think you're equal and comply!

- Kill him
- What temerity!

Sir, BDO insisted I sit

You have the gall to be seated
just because he asked you to sit!

- Didn't I comply with your order?
- I'm standing and you are coolly sitting

I'll slit your butt, add salt
and roast it to blister

This is reason enough to kill you

We are standing out there
How dare you sit on that chair!

I should have killed you
when you walked clad in white!

- That post has gone to your head
- I have resigned

Blessed minister's post
And sir made a huge sacrifice!

'Our fault to have
offered that post to you'

- Beat him to a pulp
- What temerity!

What will that BDO do now?

Get lost

Sir...aiya, what wrong did I do?

What more should I do?

Why are you hitting me?

'Aiya...forgive me'

If you utter another word
I'll skin you-

I'll handle him

Demolish his hut and
bash his wife and son

Let's go

Sir, spare my wife and son
Please don't hurt them

'Begging you, sir'

What is the problem, uncle?
Is this chap refusing to resign?

You might as well have accepted
my candidate Karuppan

That fellow would have
signed any damn document

I already resigned, sir

How dare you sit!

Only if I teach you a lesson
other chaps will tuck in their tails!

Sir, it was wrong on my part to sit down

I won't sit even at home, sir

Ungrateful scoundrel!

We have pinned you down as bonded laborers
just to be bashed, beaten, bruised, killed'

'You got this post through
your reservation quota'

'You'll mediate royally and
we must abide by your rules?!'

Kill him, son-in-law

'Will you forget your roots
if you get a title to your name?'

How dare you retort?!

You saw that, uncle?

He has the audacity to teach us a lesson
when we gave him the power!

Beat him
Bash him up

Strip him of all his clothes

Don't hit me...please stop

What right do you have to
gloat over his position?

We gave him this pride of place!

'Don't break all our things'

'Let go of my mother'

Don't hit me

Don't destroy our house, hey!

APPA

AMMA!

Don't, please don't
Aiyo! Don't hit me

It hurts, don't, sir

Please don't hit me

I can't bear it

We will go away somewhere
and earn a living

Poor wild mesquite!

- Let go of me, da
- I am begging you, sir

You bloody die, da!

Our guardian deity, save me

Amma...get up
Let us leave this place

Amma, hurry
Hold my hand

Aaaah! Amma!!

You showed me your true colors, no?

You'll pay for it

How dare you eat the food
I gave you and betray me!

My husband

Aiyo!

Move your feet, oh gawd!

You bloody fellows!
Embed this in your mind

If you oppose me
you will share his fate

How did you suddenly
become so gutsy?

'I will skin you alive'

Tell me, you won't have
a single hut left in your 'colony'

I'll burn down all your huts

You had better obey
and surrender to my wishes

Please get up, my dear

How long will it take for him
to use his strength and hit you back?

He tolerated all your atrocities
with will power, I salute him

You think he lost and you won!

Get lost!

Considers himself a big shot

I should have given birth
to him instead

Don't be offended I'm saying this

You went slightly overboard

Killing a chicken doesn't mean
anger over that bird

We want chicken gravy
on our dining table

Now he has resigned

We have to select someone next

We have no other choice
but to choose a man from their clan

Now they are petrified of the repercussions
if they go against my wishes, right?

Whichever candidate we select

For a lifetime he has to fall at our feet

That's why this loyalist
was beaten to a pulp

'Let us go back to
our home, come, ma'

'Azhaga, that house is not ours'

'If we had a house of our own
who could have driven us out?'

'If we don't earn and buy atleast 5 cents
of land we will be nomads for life'

Hey! Wild mesquite

You have sprouted leaves again?

I didn't come to see my home
I came only to see you

You are immortal, you know

'Wait, I have to tell my parents'

Ma...?

Why have you come
running breathless here?

What happened?

What is it?

Appa, mesquite has sprouted leaves again

It symbolizes we will also
survive wherever we go, pa

Hey Mari! Why are you crying?

You are our next president

Sir, please don't misunderstand us

After our son's death
we are like corpses barely alive

We don't need all this title and post, sir

Don't compel him, sir

You should consider yourself blessed
that our sir has selected you, Mari

So many beg him or
try to bribe our sir for it

They even stoop to kill!

You are better off quietly signing

Sir, please choose someone else

In my last phase of life

I don't want to be
blamed for any misdeed

- Hey! Simply sign
- Sir, forgive me

I beg of you

Leave me out of this, sir

Get up!

I'm telling you to get up

Please leave me out, sir

All your tears are fine
Sign and then continue crying

Enough of 1 accident
per house, sign now

'I, Marimuthu who is president
of Vanangankudi Panchayat'

'I resign from my post
due to personal reasons'

'Yours truly
Marimuthu'

Aiya, I pleaded not to make me president

Why all this, sir?

Don't get me wrong, Mari

When I asked that Koozh fellow
to resign from his post

He dragged it giving me a hard time

I wanted to ensure
you don't follow suit

Now sign the nomination form

Sign

Sign here

They killed my son and now
they are garlanding him!'

'Like a cow offered to fulfill a vow
you fell at their feet in total submission'

But you surrendered even your duty
as president at their feet, you know?

I just could not bear that

What do you want me to do?

'Who asked you to resign, I say?'

'That's why they plan to
replace him in your post'

'70 year old man'

If anything untoward happens to him
I will strangle you to death, I swear

Listen, talk to someone
Do something about it

Marimuthu

You got angry I showed disrespect

Let me reiterate the same
He...this fool is the president

2 days remaining
for the deadline

How can I conclude he is President?

Village with perfect discipline
following this tradition for 40 years

Without competition

No contestants is not a matter of pride

A democratic healthy competition
is the jewel in our crown

You are roaming around, not able to
differentiate pride and problem

We know all about pride and buffalo hide@

You attend to your work

Don't keep staring at his mouth
Get out of this room

- Hey!
- A special serf!

Lie at my feet like a faithful dog
for the next 4 years

Like this Koozhpaanai-

Uncle, forgive me

I am also contesting for the post

- Who has instigated him, huh?
- I don't know

He is registering his nomination

He needs 2 imbeciles
as witnesses to sign

How can he find anyone?

Not a single soul!

Success and defeat come later

You wanted to compete, no?
You won at that very moment

Sit down

Sir, my wife and son

Please come inside

Come

No way he decided this
of his own accord

Someone has instigated him

So be it, even then
how many votes can he get?

Me, my wife

And my witness Panneer
signing for me now

I'll be happy if I get 3 votes, sir

Then why the eff is he contesting?

To win

But not me

My father's brother uncle Marimuthu
their candidate should win

If he wins without any opposition

The post will be regarded as charity
and they will have the upper hand

But if I lose
and my uncle wins

He would have won
with a margin of over 600!

Then it will be his sole victory

Only that will make him
hold his head high

I explained so clearly
to you that day

You didn't pay heed
and resigned to please them

But today, understand truth as it is

You are contesting

But bear this in mind
Be steadfast in this decision

I won't change my mind, sir

I will stay determined

Feather in our cap
is no competition at all

We should not lose that

All that won't be lost

Hey clerk! You are the first and foremost
reason for the downfall of our village

Punyakodi

Wait, he will set everything right

'A low life nobody
has the gall to oppose us!'

You were too kind to him
by just driving him away

You should have killed him

Will that fellow withdraw
his nomination today?

Our village has its own protocol

You promised yesterday
to make him withdraw

Today is the last day

He has to withdraw
before 5:00 p.m, right?

It is my duty to safeguard
the dignity of this village

He will definitely withdraw

I will do something
that will give him no choice

Police force is a mere dummy-piece

We are the oppressed clan

They have razed our huts to the ground
and destroyed all our belongings

We have no roof over our head now

Our family is on the road
bruised and battered

You should not suffer
because of my action

I left our area
I was driven out

What should I do now?

Not for my personal victory

I want you to win

'Panchayat Union Office'

- Sir?
- What about that loyalist?

- I don't understand, sir
- I meant Ambed

'Sir, they have threatened him to withdraw'

'They are waiting for him to come here
after ruining their habitat to rumbles'

I don't think he will withdraw

'He is strong in his stand, sir'

Children and all the women
have been bashed up brutally

Where can we go?
We have been ordered to evacuate

If I am the cause for all your suffering
I am ready to withdraw my nomination

I will withdraw

Aiya...!

Your hammer-blow has made
the 2 goats for slaughter come bleating

- Look
- I told you, sir

Look at the desperation
and despair written on their faces

No one can underestimate me
Such is my political mindset

- Let's go down
- You are Chanakya of Politics!

Uncle, are they coming
or shall I kidnap them here?

Come

Don't say a word, follow me

What were you doing
till 4:45 p.m?

Where did you get this temerity from?

- Making us wait for so long?
- Taking us for a ride

- Go
- Bloody rogues!

- What were you doing for so long?
- What is this 'slow motion' walk?

- You won't reform
- Go in there

Clerk, well hit!

How will you sign
behind our back?

Wait, let him be
Good he had a change of heart

Good evening, sir

Give it to sir

Despite my sound advice
you will never reform, eh?

'Are you so spineless?'

They will trample you lifelong
and you will suffer and die

'Border Development Officer'

No, I refuse to
accept your resignation

- Time's up
- You have 5 minutes

It is legally wrong to refuse accepting
a candidate's withdraw petition

Will you accept it or not?

'Call the collector, I say'

'Only 3 minutes remaining'

Are you resorting to delaying tactics?

Sir, aren't you a straightforward officer?

'Why can't you accept his withdrawal?'

You are giving this lowlife
too much importance

'Take the letter and
throw him out, sir'

Hey! Give it to him

Ask him to accept

- Accept it
- All of us are telling you

He is willing to give, just take it, sir

'Why are you refusing, sir?'

Sir, accept it for my sake

- He is giving voluntarily
- Take it, sir

- 'How does it affect you?
- Just do your job'

'Uncle, ask him to
stamp the seal immediately'

Close it with a seal

Do it right now

- Don't delay
- That's your duty

- Seal it, sir
- Go on, do it, sir

'You crucified him!'

'Social justice it seems
or some bloody crap'

Selling salt to the sea!

You saw how the officer
had to zip his lips?!

You are Chanakya of Politics

What 'knack'ya?

Chanakya?

Who?

You can never be reform-

'From
Marimuthu'

Hey! What is this?

How did this happen?

'I will withdraw my nomination'

Why should you withdraw?

Let my husband withdraw

I sacrificed my only son
for their greed for name and fame

I am telling you now
You should be the president

- 'You should win
- True'

They tortured you
in the most inhuman way

They won't hesitate to
torture him in a similar fashion

They have already tricked me
into signing a resignation letter

What is the use of me contesting?

You become president

They will bash us brutally
And thrash us ruthlessly

Worst case scenario they will kill
Is there anything new left for them to do?

We can face whatever atrocity
Go and stand boldly

- You have to stand
- Don't think twice

- You must represent us
- Don't hesitate

We remained segregated assuming
authority is needed only to rule

But only now we realize, sir

We need that power
for even basic survival!

That's why we decided unanimously

- Sir?
- I'll manage

S.Ambed Kumar

President of Vanagankudi Panchayat

Do not bow your head for anyone

Using your post and power, do all the good
you can for people's welfare, no full stops

But be impartial

Attend to your work, go

'How much longer will you
continue this drama?'

Hey you!

Are you playing political games with us?

You are an old hand in
political games for decades

We have just entered this sphere

Hereafter this is how it will be

Let's go, uncle

Wretched fellows of the lowest order
who are dependent on us in life and death!

They smeared defeat on our faces, uncle

Why should I stick with you now?
I am better off being with them

'Ambed anna, brother
I can drop you home in my bike'

'Do you have anyone to support
if we dissect you to pieces?'

'We fed you and you stab us
behind our back, huh?'

What audacity to oppose us!

Spineless fellows!
Aspiring for the Panchayat!

'No court can put us behind bars'

'What the eff can you do
opposing our superiority?'

Trying to act smart with us?

'Will we let you enter
the Panchayat office?'

'You have to lie at our feet
for your lifetime'

'You think you can revolt?'

'Our caste rules
Our word is law'

'I don't consider myself a male
if we don't hang you from a tamarind tree'

'Occupy the seat of power'

'That is our solution forever'
said social reformer Ambedkar

'But despite occupying a seat of power
many are unable to hold their head high'

'Success is possible
maybe in reel world'

'But in the real world...?!'

After becoming the president
I intended serving the people

I took up this post

But that post is giving me
only strife and struggle

You had better sign or else
we'll remove you from President's post

For the only reason of being
born in the lowest caste

They prevent me from hoisting a flag
even though I have won the election

Who respects a president
from a Scheduled Caste?

If I go to the Panchayat office

'As if she is a leader and we have to
listen to all the nonsense she speaks'

This is how I am treated by them

Even the police department
doesn't take us seriously

Even senior officials
don't respond properly

Whichever police station I go to
I'm asked, 'you, huh?'

'You call yourself a president?'

Which village can justify this?!

I was tortured to this extent and needed
8 stitches as an emergency case

I was admitted in the hospital

No officer enquired about my well being

We have constructed
a new Panchayat office

More than 6 months
since it was built

It has not been inaugurated
just because we will occupy the seat

Occupying the chair is an issue
Getting work done is an issue

If we cross those hurdles
we have to face issues with the officers

Respect is essential in life

The day I became President
I lost my self respect completely

Why do you give
a constituency to a Dalit?

Why give and then squash it?!

Wishing for such a post
we lost our dignity and prestige

My life is full of strife
My daughter's life is ruined

My son's education is spoilt too

I have lost everything
and become a living corpse!

Which community should I have
been born to serve the people well?

I have thought for many years
but couldn't share with anyone

I wanted to tell someone my angst

We have been denied basic rights
because we belong to this community

It is a horrible way of existence

I can't raise my head high
as president even in 1 street!

I have been humiliated often

subtitled by rekhs