Gargi (2022) Movie Script

1
'I was spellbound'
Water?
Don't be so loud
They are writing an exam
Sorry
Water?
'Gargi, your amma called
How did the meeting go?'
'Is your alliance fixed?'
'No, akka'
'No, akka
not yet'
'Oh! Is that so?
Did he call you?'
'No, akka'
'No, akka
I'm quite tense'
- Hello
- 'Hi'
- Tell me
- 'Invigilation, huh?'
Quick, tell me
Your parents are
happy about us, right?
'Gargi'
- What?
- 'Don't know how to break this to you'
What happened?
'My parents are expecting an Innova car
and 15 lakhs in fixed deposit as dowry'
'That's why-'
What is this, Pazhani?
Even after my father agreed
to bear the entire wedding expense
Do you need an Innova car now?
You know how much
he will struggle even for this?
I swear I won't trouble
my father beyond this
'Hey...hey!
Cool...cool'
'I was just pulling your leg'
'In a split second
you got so heated up'
How can you be kidding about this?
'Idiot! For some unavoidable reason
if our wedding gets called off'
'You aren't even bothered
that we will break up'
'But you're concerned only about
your appa being hassled, right?'
'Anyway, had lunch?'
No
Only after the exam
'What lunch has your mother packed?'
Her favorite 'upma', huh?
'Doesn't my mother-in-law to-be
know to cook anything other than upma?'
'Will our wedding menu have
variety or just only upma?'
'Stop writing
Tie your papers'
Check if you've written your name
and roll number in the additional sheets
Quick
Time's up!
What are you still writing?
Hmmm...good
'Monsoon session of Parliament
has commenced for the month of July'
'Chennaiites woke up this morning
to this horrifying, heartbreaking news'
'In Chennai, about a month ago'
'A 9 year old girl was drugged by
four out of State workers in her area'
'And gang raped her'
'Following a thorough probe conducted
by an exclusive task force set up for this'
'The four accused in this case'
'...were arrested in Khurda
railway station in Odisha'
'And were brought to Chennai'
'The police who interrogated them
secretly for the past 1 month'
'The four accused will be produced
in court with concrete evidence tomorrow'
'Madam, isn't this your area?'
Don't know, anna
Press & Media report address
and area in all the TV channels
But later claim names have
been changed for privacy!
By then the history of the victim
will be known to the entire city
What kind of journalism is this!
No one is safe anymore, sir
She is just a 9 year old kid
As far as I know, this is the third
or fourth similar case this year
'How can they heartlessly do this
to a young innocent girl?'
That's why background check
of all employees is important
Otherwise it will
backfire like this
'Breaking News'
'In the gang rape case
of a 9 year old girl in Chennai'
'In addition to the arrest
of the four accused'
'A fifth person has been arrested
creating a furor in the neighborhood'
'While the four accused,
arrested earlier were from North India'
'It turns out, the 5th person
who was arrested today'
'...is a local resident living in
the same neighborhood as the victim'
'Gargi'
'Only if I make you kneel down
on the ground will your brains work'
'Why didn't you bring them?'
'Didn't I tell you yesterday
to bring your parents?'
'Why didn't you do so?'
How dare you stare back
in stony silence?
Don't you have brains?
Dinakaran, what are you doing?
'She's a kid'
'You mean her, sir?'
'She doesn't do her homework
or pay attention in the class'
'Didn't bring her parents
though I had told her'
'Not bothered
to send her for tuition'
'You go, Dinakaran
I'll handle this'
Please leave, Dinakaran
- Do what you want!
- Go
I was also like you
I was a hopeless student
My father used to
beat me black and blue
I went for tuition, studied well
and look where I am now
I teach Mathematics now
I'll talk to your mother
Every evening you must
come for tuition, Gargi
Only then you can pass, understand?
What do you want?
Fail or pass?
Fail or pass?
Fail or pass?
Fail or pass?
'Pass...pass...take out your bus pass'
'Ladies who haven't bought tickets,
please ask and get now'
'Show me your pass'
- Good evening, miss
- What happened?
Bicycle chain slipped
- Not coming for tuition?
- I'll park my cycle and come
Wait, let me help you
Did you consult the eye doctor?
Where is your beloved husband, ma?
Why didn't he come to pick me up?
'Not getting enough salary'
'He has gone to check with Bhanu anna
if he can get him some other job'
If you had told me
I wouldn't have waited, no?
'Don't harp on it, I forgot'
'Consult the eye doctor tomorrow'
'We must never postpone anything'
Where is Akshara?
'She has gone out to play'
I think she's in Gandhi park
Amma, how can you say it so casually?
Do you know how bad
the outside world is!
'She will be back
Get ready for tuition'
I'm answering the next question
[murmuring]
'You'll casually say this
and you will top the class'
Hey! Study well
Don't spoil my good name
- Okay...okay
- Bye
- Why so late?
- I was ready long ago, miss
Pazhani 'sir' was late
Hey! Shut up
- Where's uncle?
- Gone to buy Innova car!
Oh! Aunt?
- 'Hello'
- Athai?
'How are you?'
- 'Would you like some coffee?'
- It's okay, I have to go
Wait for 2 minutes
I'll serve you hot 'upma'
No, it's okay
I'm leaving now
- 'Gargi'
- Ma...?
'Your students are waiting for you'
'Go in, dear'
Bye, aunt
- Poorni, come here
- Yes, aunty
Give this batter to your amma
Tell her to add salt and
leave it out overnight
'Where is my sister?
Hasn't come yet, right?'
No, but she'll be here soon
'How is it you don't understand, ma?'
Haven't I told you not to
send her out to play after 5:00 p.m?
Hey! Haven't I told you 1000 times
not to wear this yellow dress?
You never take anything
I say seriously, right?
I forgot
Did you forget to eat?
Did you forget to play?
How do you forget this alone?
Have you prepared
for your class exam tomorrow?
I'll study now
Don't pester me
You'll get it from me, pest!
How many times have I told you
to be home by 5'o clock?
- Where were you?
- When I was coming from Gandhi park
It was really crowded
That's why I got delayed, 'ka
Amma, she always comes up with a reason
- No, policemen were all over that place
- Where?
Outside Shanti apartments
Shanti apartment?
'The number you are calling
is either switched off or not reachabl-'
Madam, what happened here?
- Who are you?
- My father works as watchman here
He hasn't come home
So I came looking for him
'Some inquiry it seems'
All the workers here have been
taken to the police station
Usual procedure only
- My father too?
- How will I know?
- 'Which station?'
- I don't know
'Akka?'
Sandra, where's your father?
Don't know, akka
I came looking for my appa
He isn't here it seems
He has been taken
for interrogation
Madam, please tell me
who will know further details?
I honestly don't know
At least tell me which police station
Don't worry, when they get the accused
they will send everyone home
'Incident happened a month ago
You live in the same apartment too'
'But if you haven't got any news
are the policemen very smart or-'
Sir, I'll call you back
Amma?
Who is that?
Some other problem
in the apartment it seems, ma
That's why the police were there
Is that so? When will
your appa come home?
Er...he has night shift duty it seems
Night shift, huh?
Why didn't he tell me earlier?
I've cooked for him too
Maybe he didn't want you
to get stressed out
Forget it, ma
If he had called me
why would I get tense?
His phone battery
was dead it seems
Relax, he will be
back home tomorrow
'Akka...?'
I got a call from the police station
They are asking me to come
Wait, I'll come with you
Amma
I'll be back soon
Where are you both off to?
My father is-
In the hospital it seems
I'll just go with her, ma
What happened?
Just a regular checkup, ma
I'm going for moral support
1 minute, wait
Appa hasn't taken
his pills for the night
This is his BP tablet
His diabetes pills got over
- I'll buy it on the way
- Okay
'First you should understand this'
'My client hasn't been dismissed'
'He has been deferred'
'Means suspension'
You mentioned something else too?
He has set a precedent
Yes...he has
You asked if it can be dismissed?
If so, someone would've filed a case
But it didn't happen, right?
What do you mean, sir?
Everyone knows his true colors
Mohanraj, let me explain this
It is not what you know
It is what you can prove
That is how court functions
'As long as it is not unconstitutional'
'A lawyer can go to any extent
to defend his client'
Istamet 50/500 mg
'Wherever it is should be found
and furnished in court at whatever cost'
1 tablet is enough
Not as a single tablet
- Available only as a strip
- Why?
Your sugar level won't reduce
with just 1 tablet
Do I look like a diabetic patient?
Can't tell by just looking, madam
You should take a blood test
in the morning on empty stomach
Then 2 hours after breakfast
you must test aga-
No, I'll take the strip
- How much?
- Rs 380
Do you have cash on you?
I'm slightly short of cash
Short by how much?
Rs 330
You mean you have only Rs 50
Why say you are slightly short?
I should have known
when you asked for 1 tablet
Sir, emergency
My name is Gargi
I teach in St Peter's school
What is your name?
Kar-ki?
What kind of name is car-key?!
'Not car-key'
'Ga ga...Gargi'
Sorry, don't get me wrong
This 50 rupees is for auto fare
Can I pay you
the full amount tomorrow?
Give me your phone #
Sure, I'll finish and send
- Vanakkam, sir
- Hello
Akka, appa is here
'I didn't have the RC book with me
I haven't paid my insurance due'
- 'So will you race like that?
- I panicked, sir'
Ap...appa
Uncle, did you see my father?
Escort him with care
'He was totally intoxicated
when we interrogated him'
Appa, get up
Hey!
'Don't I know my way home?'
Please get up, dad
Who are you?
Are you her sister?
No, sir, I'm her neighbor
My father has also been
brought here for interrogation
'What is his name?'
Brahmanandam
Did you say Brahmanandam?
I'll call an auto for them
Sub Inspector Bennix sir is inside
First go and meet him
- Sir...?
- What do you want?
- SI Bennix
- Sir is busy, wait here
'Anna, where is the delete button?'
'I don't know, anna'
- 'Are you related to sir?'
- No, sir
My father is here for an inquiry
I want to see him
Why name my baby
after her grandmother?
His name is Brahmanandam
He's the watchman
in Shanti apartments
Excuse me
Please wait inside
I'll call you back
'Actually I wanted to call
and ask you to come over'
Anyway you've come
of your own accord
'Where is my father?'
'Why isn't anyone
telling me anything?'
Wait
Where are you from?
- Where do you work?
- Sir, where is my father?
'First answer my question'
Sir, I'm a teacher
in St Peter's school
We are from Tuticorin
When did you come to Chennai?
Sir, it has been 8 years
We came to Chennai
after I finished my 10th grade
We live in the same area
and we have our own house
I've a younger sister
studying in school
My mother sells 'dosa' batter from home
That's all, sir, at least can you
tell me now where my appa is?
See, first of all
Being a girl, you had to come
to the station at this time of night
So I'm saying it
out of concern
Leave this city at the earliest
Sir?
'It is almost impossible
to come out of this situation'
I don't understand
We've arrested your father
in a gang rape case
Sir, what are you saying?
'Do you know what you're saying?'
Please leave now
I'm saying it for your own good, just go
No, sir, something is wrong
I want to meet my father
- Please be calm
- No, sir
- Something is really wrong
- 'Calm down'
This is my police station, understand?
You can't see your father now
Besides even we don't know
which station he is in now
'Drink water'
'Please have it'
'Don't assume we've arrested your father
because we couldn't find anyone else'
They would've followed him for 1 month
Confirmed their suspicions,
only then arrested him
Sir, I want to see
my father just once, please
- 'Good evening, sir
- Who is this?'
Brahmananda's daughter
Madam, before the news leaks
through the media, leave the city
Listen, Bennix
- 'Double check all the documents
- Yes, sir'
- 'There should be no errors
- Sir'
'Media is desperate to
find some news on this'
'Yes, sir'
'The person you are calling
is not answering'
'We will continue after a short break'
Ramu, 2 coffee
Sir, someone called Gargi
kept calling
[phone vibrating]
Hello
Uncle, this is Gargi
Tell me, dear
'The police have arrested my father'
Gargi...?
No idea where he has
been detained, uncle
- Gargi-
- 'They are asking us to leave the city'
Calm down and tell me
Don't know what to do, uncle
I'm now outside
S5 police station
I'll check and call you back
Okay
Karigalan, are you in the police station?
[phone vibrating]
Hello...?
Gargi, your father has been
taken into custody
'The detention station is confidential
to avoid the public creating a ruckus'
Uncle, I'll stay here until you come
Don't cry, dear
Listen to me now
Don't hang around there for too long
Station is not the place for a young-
Please leave that place immediately
I'm there for you, right?
I will take care
I'll come home tomorrow
We'll set everything right
'I'll see you tomorrow'
'- Did you buy diabetes pills for that man?
- Yes'
'Okay, give it to me'
'Eat and sleep now
Sub inspector will come tomorrow'
Hey! Who is that?
Didn't I already tell you
to go home, huh?
- Mani anna
- Sir, my appa is innocent
- Leave her at home
- 'Okay, sir'
Take Vimala along
Sir, you told me you had no idea
where my appa is detained
He's right here
Why did you lie, sir?
What is happening here?
- Listen
- Sir, something is fishy
I understand you wouldn't
have expected this to happen
But nothing can be done
Minimum life sentence is
confirmed for your father
'Proper evidence is in hand to support it'
'Please leave'
'Go home'
'Madam'
Madam...?
Anna, please stop here
I'll get down
'We have got shocking news
about the 5th culprit'
'While the earlier four who were
arrested are from North India'
'The 5th offender resides
in the same neighborhood'
'And also from the same city'
'Gargi, have dinner and keep the 'chutney'
in the fridge before you go to bed'
[sound of pelting stones; glass shattering]
Amma...?
What happened?
Take Akshara inside
'Batter for 'idli' and 'dosa' sold here'
'Watchman Brahmananda arrested
as the 5th offender in the gang rape'
- 'Hello, uncle
- Tell me, dear'
'News about appa is out'
- 'Aiyo! Which news?'
- Morning newspaper
Get the camera
'Did you talk to anyone last night?'
'No, uncle, I didn't whisper
a word to anyone'
'Alright'
- 'Come to court at 11 a.m
- Okay'
'Be out of media's sight'
'Okay, uncle'
[indistinct chatter]
'Ma...amma?'
Come here
Shut the door
Go...go
Sit there
'Come and sit here'
What, dear?
What is it?
Both of you don't step out
till I come back
Okay? Akshara, do as I say
'Madam, are you
Brahmananda's daughter?'
[overlap of voices]
'Is your father a perpetual offender?'
Madam, just 1 question
Don't run, talk to us
I don't know please
Let me go
Anna, take me to the court
Anna, let's go
Anna, move a bit
I'm going 'live' now
'Raju, we are standing outside
the accused Brahmananda's house'
'Most importantly
his eldest daughter Gargi'
'Refused to meet the reporters'
'She was rushing to see her father
being brought to the court'
'You are watching it for the first time'
Cut the shot
'All college students, boss'
They will escape after bashing up
Not one of them will be nabbed
Our name won't be revealed
Okay, sir
Doesn't even let me pee in peace
- Is everything ready?
- Yes, bro
- Shouldn't miss the target
- We won't let you down
Get tea for the boys
Okay, anna
Give the boys
8 tea and 10 samosas
'10 minutes, machan'
That's when we have a song, okay?
Rowdy, media, milk man,
paper boy in that area
All of them are fully aware
he is the killer
Including the villain
But you know that heroine?
She won't know, machan
- How is it?
- Sooper story
Awesome
So you think criminals don't reform
through punishment, right?
Yes
Punishment will not be an answer for him
Peace will
Okay, sister
Thank you
Cover the corridor
Take close ups of the building
Cover this ground floor fully
'Take 2 crowd shots
Will be useful for inserting'
'Ma'am, we should get all the case details'
[indistinct chatter]
Sir
- Why all this crowd?
- Students, sir
Clear the area, quick
'Hang the beasts
who resort to child abuse'
'Send Brahmananda to the gallows'
'Do not let him loose
Tighten the noose'
Good morning
Are you following me?
No, madam
Actually my name is Indrans
I owe you Rs 380, right?
I didn't come here
to ask for the money
- 1 minute
- Gargi madam
I work for Bhanu sir
He was the one
who asked me to meet you
None of his advocates turned up?
I'm an advocate too, madam
I work part-time in the pharmacy
That's after 6 pm
Where is your boss?
Sir is in court hall
They started the case early by 10:30
to avoid any unnecessary problem
It will get over anytime now
He will be here soon
Is it always this crowded?
'In our program today-'
'Of the 5 accused
brought to court today'
'4 have already confessed their guilt'
'But the 5th accused'
'Brahmananda, watchman in the apartment
is refusing to take the blame'
'Leading advocate Bhanu Prakash
will be defending him in this case'
'Everyone is aware the course of this case
will change with Bhanu Prakash at the helm'
'But my question is-'
'Bhanu Prakash takes a fat fee
of Rs 15 lakhs per case'
'How is he defending a watchman-'
'Justice for all'
'Justice for the child'
'Brahmananda deserves the noose'
'Justice for all
Justice for the child'
- 'Send him to the gallows'
- Idiots!
'We want justice
Justice for the child'
[shouting slogans]
'Justice for one and all
Justice for the child'
'Don't let him out loose
Brahmananda deserves the noose'
'Justice for one and all
Justice for the child'
'Don't let him out loose
Brahmananda deserves the noose'
'Pa...appa!'
Appa!
APPA
Appa
Appa
'Appa, look here'
I understand
[phone vibrating]
1 minute
Vanakkam, sir
Long time since we spoke
Do you remember me?!
Yes
'1 minute, hold on
I'll come out'
I'll just come back, dear
- Would you like a glass of water?
- No need
Pcccht!
'I am asking you
Do you want some water?'
Shall I go to the police station
and collect the documents, sir?
'Wait'
Gargi
A small problem, dear
What happened, uncle?
Advocates Association has sent me
a notice barring me from taking this case
Why?
Why, uncle?
I don't get it
This is a case involving a girl child
So no member should defend a rapist
Sorry, I didn't mean that
We should not defend Brahmananda
or take up his case in court
Uncle
What are you saying?
What should I do now?
I understand, dear, but-
I don't know what to do either
But as a member
I can't take up this case
overruling the association policy
Uncle
'Sir'
'In 2009, in Screwdriver Shankar case'
Similar notice was sent
from the association
But lawyer Hussain defended
and won the case, sir
'He was praised even by our Govt, sir'
I won't defy the association
and take up this case
That advocate has
settled down in Malaysia
You came to this city
completely empty handed
'Even if you earn a bad name
it will be your gain'
'But not so in my case'
I've earned name, fame, wealth
Everything is right here
I have to preserve all that
Sorry, dear
You know my intention is to help you
But-
Sir, high profile case
Why don't we take it up?
You can talk whatever you want
within these four walls
Only the lawyer who defends
his client will know
Don't teach the teacher!
You leave, dear
Uncle, think about it please
Not only did my father
escort your daughter to school
He has run errands for you
night or day, anytime you called
For his sake
Help him just once, please
Listen, dear
Not just media
I would have defended your father
even if my own family had opposed it
'But I can't break the rules
of the association, Gargi'
I can't risk my career
Gargi, I've gone out of my way
to help your father, on many occasions
And please remember
I got him his current job too
Don't forget that
'Madam'
Why don't you go to
Free Legal Aid Cell?
3rd floor in Civil court
It is the duty of the State to see
that the legal system promotes justice
On the basis of equal opportunity
for all its citizens
It must therefore arrange
to provide free legal aid
To those who cannot
access justice-
Due to economic and other disabilities
Why I'm saying this is
if we can't afford a lawyer
Govt will provide
a lawyer free of cost
That's what I meant
You claim my boss
is your family friend
How will he pay heed to me
when he turned you down?
I'm just his junior
He won't even respect me
What can I do now?
Actually even I don't know
Only a lawyer who doesn't care
about the association's regulations
...will take up this case
I think it's going to be really tough
- Okay
- Also
To be on the safe side
avoid coming out in public like this
Hello?
Hello?
Hello?
Pazhani?
I have to call from some
random number to hear your voice!
I don't know...how to explain?
Our whole lives turned
topsy-turvy in a single day
Okay...okay
I understand
I don't know what's happening
I don't even know what to do, Pazhani
No worries
We are going to Bangalore
I'll manage my family's reaction
You bring your mother and Akshara along
I don't understand
I'm saying let's get married
and lead a happy life together
- What about my dad?
- Are you out of your mind?
Even I heard what happened in court
So you want me to
abandon him just like that?
I didn't mean it that way, Gargi
The case is very strong
According to everyone-
1 minute
If this happens to your family
will you be listening to hearsay?
No, Gargi
Listen to my point of view too
We have a whole life ahead of us
Should we ruin our lives
because of this problem, huh?
Your lawyer will take care
What will you achieve being here?
Do you realize what you're saying?
Which mother can bear her son
running to court day and night?
Tell me
We can pay the lawyer
to handle everything
You come with me
If it was your father
is this how you will react?
My dad isn't that kind of man
That's exactly what
I'm saying too
My dad isn't that kind of man either
Aiyo! Gargi, you aren't getting
the gravity of the situation
Because of this issue
not only your lif-
Stop it, Pazhani
Whether you believe me or not
I will definitely ensure
my father is freed
If you can wait for me, do so
Otherwise, I'll understand
That's my appa, Pazhani
My father!
And also, if you feel like talking
to me again, come home
Not like this in the middle of the road
Gargi-
'Continuing our program'
'The fifth accused culprit
in the Shanti apartment case'
'...revealed by journalist Ahalya
is with us today'
'We shall continue our talk'
'So you are living
in the same apartment, right?'
'Were you aware
of this News earlier?'
'No, sir, all of us knew
only after the arrest'
'Okay, but even the police had not
revealed the 5th culprit's identity'
'Why did you do so?'
'We can't be waiting
till the police disclose the name'
'My job is to publish the News'
'When you first reported this'
'It has been said you did so
based on your own guess work'
'Isn't that wrong?'
'A guess doesn't flash
just like that, sir'
'It comes only to a prepared mind'
'Maybe because the 5th accused Brahmananda'
'...was working in your apartment
were you even more prepared?'
'Not at all, in fact
the opposite happened'
'Whomever you ask about
Brahmananda in the apartment'
'They will only praise him'
'Then how did you zero in
on him as the culprit?'
Someone is at the door
- Who, ma?
- I don't know
'You stay with Akshara in there'
Who is it?
Who is outside?
'Vanakkam', madam
Actually my full name is
Indrans Kaliyaperumal
I hail from Kathalampatti near Tirunelvelli
I finished Law and
I was working over there
Around 5 years ago
My parents
Bo...both of them died
Then I shifted to Chennai
But I didn't get a single case
On top of it
I have this stam...mering problem
That's why I take up
whatever job comes my way
If you agree, I'll take up
your father's case
You may wonder
he's just an assistant
- How can he be trusted with the case
- Okay
It's too late now
Come tomorrow morning
Ah...then
You can't keep looking
for a pharmacy
So I bought the diabetes pills
That's for my father
Is that so?
I think someone has
removed the main fuse outside
I'll check it on my way out
See you, good night
'Politics, cinema'
So many calls from the Trustees
and management, madam
They are questioning me as to why
I haven't suspended you yet
Sir, I need this job badly
The case hasn't come for hearing
Let the verdict come through
Simple, then you can rejoin
'I have informed the accounts team'
'Collect your settlement amount, okay?'
'We mourn the death of
Indrans Kaliyaperumal'
"At the tip of a teardrop
one can glimpse a sliver of hope"
"Even a ruby-red bird is flying high
over a volcanic outburst in the orange sky"
'Tamil Nadu lawyers Union
condemns Indrans'
"Despite a block or barrier
a flash of light will scatter"
"Beyond peals of thunder deafenin'
music will soothe the heart and mind"
"It will break down every door
Your conscience will take over"
'Vacate immediately, bitch!'
"Drunk and drowning in humiliation
self worth will laugh in derision"
"Like the gold-feathered phoenix
soaring from burning embers tragic"
"An avatar to affirm
with courage and confirm"
"Absolutely pure, a flawless girl
Like a right-curved conch; a rare pearl"
"Spreading scent of confidence
Sugarcane and honeyed essence"
"Radiating a fragrant power
Brow to toe; sweetness all over"
"Absolutely pure, a flawless girl
Like a right-curved conch; a rare pearl"
'Prisoners Interrogation Room'
UTP 19192
'Call him, he has a visitor'
Make it fast, sir
He is asleep
He won't come now
Check properly, sir
You are saying it off hand
I told you, he is asleep
and he can't come now
Go home and come another day
I am not say...ing you are lying, sir
How many times will we come?
Sir, leave now
Sir, we came yesterday too
You are giving flimsy excuses daily
'Leave, madam'
'Sir, take her and leave please'
- Let's go
- Pain in the neck!
'UTP 16735, call him'
Ready?
What is the opening argument?
That public prosecutor disregarding
the judge's presence will ask mad questions
You'll pee in your pants
in front of him
What did you tell me?
'I have a stammering problem'
'No one will give me
a chance to prove myself'
This is what you said and opted to
work in a pharmacy in the evenings
How dare you take up this case!
Even a lawyer without a case
will get his chance one day
But when the entire State
has its eyes on you
If you lose a media trial case
defending the accused
You won't get a single case
in your entire life
No one will touch you with a barge pole
even if you do it for free
You will lose
You will lose this
Your entire life will
just go away from your hands
It will slip away
Sir
What do I hold in my hand
for it to slip away?
See you, sir
"Quest of pure love so true"
"Sheds no tears undue
though raw wounds all through"
"The desire of stars to shine bright"
"Does not decrease in daylight"
"The mask that conceals has to slide
True face will be revealed outside"
"An offering will take place
opposing the offender face to face"
"Taking a stubborn stance
Tolerating pain with patience"
"So light and dainty is a feather
It can measure the horizon however"
"This firebird will cross fearless
jagged boulders and cyclones fierce"
"Like the gold-feathered phoenix
soaring from burning embers tragic"
"At knife-point, spanning the skies
defying her fate lines she flies"
"An avatar to affirm
and in fairplay confirm"
"Absolutely pure, a flawless girl
Like a right-curved conch; a rare pearl"
"Spreading scent of confidence
Sugarcane and honeyed essence"
"Radiating a fragrant power
Head to toe; sweetness all over"
'Sudha, first transgender judge
appointed in Shanti Apartment rape case'
'We mourn the death of
Indrans Kaliyaperumal'
- Madam, please wait
- Yes?
How many years have you been married?
25 years
'Does he change his job often?'
Not often
Maybe 4-5 times
Okay
Tell me why he changed jobs
so often and also-
Ma, you attend to
your work, I'll talk to him
Nothing
What are you doing?
No, I was thi...thinking
What is in your mind?
Well, the case of course
Whether our side has any--
Do you know how long it has been
since you took over this case?
'Trial begins today, Indrans'
'You haven't found a single clue'
You can't bring appa out on bail
but you're sitting here questioning amma
If you can't do it
just let me know
Hello! I'm trying my best
from all angles possible
Witness statement report is very strong
There's nothing to support our side
By nothing, I mean
Absolutely nothing!
And please realize
It is almost impossible to get him
out on bail for such cases
What do you mean by 'such cases'?
What are you trying to say?
No...no, not implying anything
Do me a favor
Go back to working as an assistant
Aiyo! I didn't mean it
in a pessimistic way
No, I'll take care of it myself
You can...please leave
Gargi, as a lawyer, I must think
from all sides, that's why-
Don't spin some tale, Indrans
Time is being wasted
Look here, Gargi
You know this very well
This is my first case
And in court
I...I am the one who has...to argue
That's why I'm thinking
from all sides
No need at all
Enough if you think from one side
That had better be my side!
Okay...okay
The way you're saying 'okay'
doesn't seem right
All I said was 'okay'
Now leave
Ma, see you
Madam
Don't waste the 'dosa'
Pack it in a tiffin box
I'll eat it in court
Oh!
Let's go
Wait in the 2nd floor
I'll join you in 5 minutes
Isn't the victim here?
'Medical emergency, madam'
I mean, sir, Your Honor!
The victim is the first witness, right?
How can we commence without her?
I'll adjourn the case
to another day then
Victim has already identified
accused #5 Brahmananda in TIP-2
So we can proceed with the case
I request you, Your Honor
'Okay, proceed'
Thank you
Investigating Officer Bennix?
'IO Bennix'
- Your name?
- Bennix Jayaraj
- Father's name?
- Jeyaraj Navarasu
Take your oath
I swear I'll tell the truth
and the whole truth
Which station
are you working from?
Sir, S5 police station
- Sub inspector Bennix
- Sir?
You're the one assigned
to Shanti Apartments case
9 year old girl, PW1
You're following this gang rape case
from the beginning, right?
- Yes, sir
- I object, Your Honor
I humbly request PW1 to be
first brought to the witness stand
PW1 has already identified the accused
in a test identification parade
So it isn't necessary
Yes, Your Honor
'Objection overruled'
Thank you, Your Honor
- Bennix
- Sir
Please narrate the facts
of the case to the court
Okay, sir
Accused #1
Mukesh Thakur
A hired help in F5 on the floor
above the victim's house
His owner has a pet dog
He takes the dog for a walk
daily at 5:30 p.m
Pets are not allowed in the lift
So he has to use the stairs
'The victim loves dogs'
'So she comes at 5:30 p.m
to play with the dog'
Mukesh taking the dog for a walk
and the victim playing with the dog
'...is an established routine'
'Mukesh notices the stairs
are always deserted'
'And the victim plays with the dog
without her father's knowledge'
'Mukesh shares this information
with his friends who work in the same area'
'They plan to use this situation
to their advantage'
Next evening at 5:30 p.m
When the victim comes
to play with the dog
...as planned they sedate the victim
and take turns to rape her
'They hear a noise, panic and flee'
Next day, as per the complaint
lodged by her father
She was admitted
in the Govt Hospital
And all the tests were taken
Once they knew the police were aware
Mukesh and his 3 friends escaped
We set up a task force
to search for them
That's when we got the news
they were in Orissa
With the help of Orissa police
we arrested them
At Khurda railway station
and brought them to Chennai
In Chennai we matched the swab test
from the victim and their DNA samples
Result was positive
But meanwhile
Victim's medical condition became unstable
'Since the victim is just 9 years
we waited till she recovered'
Afterwards we somehow
convinced her father
According to protocol we held
the first identification parade
'In the parade the victim identified
the 4 accused correctly'
But after the parade
Victim ran to her father and
whispered something in his ear
That was when we came to know
there was another offender involved
Then we started reinvestigating
everything in this case
Right from the beginning
That's when we got a clue
Witness Brahmananda
had carried the victim home
As per the victim's grandma's statement,
the time then was 6:30 p.m
But the time the 4 criminals
heard a sound and fled was 6:00 p.m
So for half an hour
'Only witness Brahmananda
was with the victim, no one else'
Did you say 'witness' Brahmananda?
Yes, sir, at that time
he was only a witness
Hahn...okay, okay
Based on only this, how can you be certain
Brahmananda was the rapist?
'It could have been anyone else, right?'
Yes, sir, your conjecture is right
That's why with the 5 men
involved in the crime
'As per protocol, we carried out
a second identification parade'
'The victim correctly
identified Brahmananda'
Clear cut case, Your Honor
In the 2nd identification parade
Victim has identified
Brahmananda clearly
Nothing left to argue here
Since the crime has been proved
beyond reasonable doubt
I request the judge to give maximum
punishment to the accused
Teach a lesson to these animals
That's all, Your Honor
'Indrans'
'Do you wish to cross-examine PW-2?'
Yes, Your Honor
Then come and do the needful
[clearing throat]
'What happened?
Drink water'
It's okay
Mr Bennix
- When was the complaint lodged?
- November 15th
Morning around 10:30
- When did the crime occur?
- November 14th
Between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m
Why did you file an FIR 16 hours later?
Victim's father panicked because she is
only 9 and her life will be ruined
That's why he didn't
file a complaint
Once he knew police complaint was
mandatory for hospital admission
Then he relented and filed
the case, hence the delay
Everything has happened
to your convenience
Then my client's name was missing
in the first complaint that was filed
- You added it later
- Sir-
He already mentioned he knew
of your client's involvement only later
Move to the point, Indrans
'He can move only if a point exists!'
DNA...DNA
DNA report did not match, right?
Yes, sir, it did not match
Victim's grandma bathed her
and scrubbed her clean
So we got very little sample
for the swab test
- Moreover, Brahmanand-
- No DNA, that's your point, right?
I object, Your Honor
Answers to the Defence counsel's doubts
...have been mentioned in detail
in Inspector officer Bennix's report
Objection sustained
Defence counsel, don't repeat
what's already in the court records
Yes, Your Honor
So when the 4 accused fled
on hearing the sound, time was 6:00 p.m
The time when my client dropped
the victim at her residence was 6:30 p.m
This half an hour gap is your only clue
With that you've decided
my client is the 5th culprit
What other clue do you need?
I want to know
what other clue is needed
Ask your client where he was
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m
Sir, this day last month
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m
Can you remember your whereabouts?
You'll ask a silly question like this
Then you'll ask the color
of the judge's pen!
This is not a cinema court
to ask irrelevant questions
Real court! You need
evidence for everything
Didn't your senior
teach you all this?
'Defence, ask only the questions
pertaining to what you want to prove'
Don't waste the court time
What to do, Your Honor?
These half-baked lawyers!
They drive us up the wall
Where was he between
6:00 and 6:30 p.m?
Does he have an alibi?
'Do you know what an alibi is?'
Your Honor, Defence counsel's head
is devoid of any brain power
Nor any evidence in his hands
He may be jobless
But I am up to my neck in cases
How can you say my head is empty?
'As if you opened my head?'
Where was your client
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m?
Does he have an alibi?
Why are you bugging me, sir?
Repeating it 100 times!
Don't you have
any other qu...question?
- Fro...from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m
- Indrans
- From 6...to 6:30
- 'Indrans'
- 6:30-
- 'What is it?'
First sit down please
'Go sit down, Indrans'
'Court officer, give him some water'
Brilliant...! Why come
to court with such a condition?
Mr PP
Please
'Yes, Your Honor'
Indrans
Is there something else or-
- Yes, Your Honor
- No, you may sit down and ask
Thank you, Your Honor
'Check your Whatsapp
I'll send her photo'
'Did you see, man?'
'Look how fair she is!'
- 'Mr Bennix
- Sir'
While conducting
the 2nd identification parade
Can you elaborate on what
exactly happened?
Yes, sir
We summoned the 5 alleged offenders
for the 2nd identification parade
'That is the protocol'
'Victim was normal while
identifying the 4 offenders'
'Then she got stressed and blacked out'
When we asked her father
He said his daughter had forgotten
to take her usual medication that morning
I asked him for the name of the tablet
and asked my driver to buy it immediately
Luckily my driver said
he was taking the same medicine
We took the tablet from him and
showed it to victim's father, confirmed it
Gave it to the victim
without further delay
She became normal
in a short while
Only after that, Your Honor
Victim clearly identified
A5 Brahmananda
Report has all the details,
defence counsel
Yes, Your Honor
'Very good!!'
Are you reading it only now?
Report has details to the Go on, read
'Indrans'
Yes, sir
Report has all the details
It is comprehensive
Sorry, Your Honor
I got a little stuck
- Mr Bennix
- Sir
What is your driver's age?
45, sir
How long has he been
taking this medicine?
He said for the past one year
1 year
- Why does he take it?
- As if you don't know?
You spend half your time
in the medical shop?
It's fine, sir
You tell me
He said he takes it when stressed
to calm his nerves
- For stress?
- Defence counsel
'What do you need to know now?'
I'm getting there, Your Honor
Just 1 minute
So he's been taking it for 1 year
- Yes, sir
- For stress?
Yes, sir
The tablet you took
from your driver
...which you checked with
the victim's father before giving it to her
What is its dosage, sir?
Dosage...dosage
You know 500 mg, 600 mg, 650 mg
Different quantities
That is termed 'dosage'
You said the report was in detail
'Your Honor'
The child was administered a barbiturate
Meant for mental health issues
The medicine a 45 year old man takes
shouldn't be given to a 9 year old child
It's very dangerous
'Even if the dosage
was a little high'
It could have turned fatal'
I object! I object, Your Honor!
PW-2, so you did not check the dosage?
I checked the medicine's name
Dosage-
Objection overruled
Court officer, arrange for
an expert opinion
- 'Your name
- Dr Senthil'
- Father's name
- Gnanaprakasham
I promise to tell
only the whole truth
'Where do you work?'
I've been working as a neurosurgeon
at BMD Hospital for the past 18 years
Hand over the medicine to him
Can you elaborate on this medicine?
This medicine
Belongs to the family of barbiturates
It is prescribed for
mental health issues
It's a scheduled drug
You won't get it over the counter
in any pharmacy
In an unavoidable situation
if a child is given an adult dosage
...will there be any harm?
In no situation should adult dosage
be administered to children
If administered
it will cause overdose
Overdose can cause concentration loss,
confusion and lack of focus
There will be confusion
in making decisions
Your Honor, note down
this point alone please
'Yes, there will definitely be
confusion in making decisions'
Sometimes, this can become fatal too
Thank you, doctor
That's all, Your Honor
There is no evidence for
the accusations against my client
That child was given an adult dosage
impairing her consciousness
Identification parade held at that time
won't hold good on any ground, Your Honor
'What are you blabbering?'
Your Honor, don't take him seriously
Given a chance he will talk nonstop
Only you have
the right to talk, huh?
He's jabbering nonstop and
you're tolerating his nonsense?
I'll take care of that
Mr PP, maintain discipline in court
- What is this?
- Should I maintain discipline?
Or fight for justice?
Indran is justified
in his argument too
'Leave it to me
I will decide'
God knows what you will decide
Had it been a normal judge
this case would've ended long ago
'How will you-
I don't understand anything'
Court adjourned
First half session is over
The child was given an adult dose
during the parade
I've proved that
This PP is trying to mess it up
Seems to be moving positively
- Lawyer sir, please come
- Yes, I'm coming
1 minute
'For having endangered
the life of a 9 year old child'
This court strongly censures the police
for their extreme negligent behavior
'This court recommends strict action
against the concerned officer'
Do you have any sense?
Don't you know how to handle
a case involving a minor?
Don't you know how to follow
child-friendly processes?
'First learn all that'
Then you can carry out your investigation
'Now coming to the point'
Defence counsel, taking into
consideration the gravity of the crime
This case cannot be
adjourned immediately
On the contrary, in order to
reinvestigate this case thoroughly
Court of law has given 7 days grace time
Okay, Your Honor
'To conduct a fresh
test identification parade'
In front a Tahsildar and myself
The court of law orders the police force
What did you say in the end?
'Mr PP'
If it had been a normal judge
This case would have
been wrapped up?
What you think is abnormal
is what I see as a balance
I know where it hurts a woman
I know where a man's arrogance stems from
I know the arrogance of man
and pain of a woman
Both!
I am the best person to decide the case
- 'Satyamurthy
- Sir'
- Appa, how are you?
- You can't see him
Can't talk to him here
Ma'am, let me talk
to him for a second
They aren't letting me meet appa
You can't meet him here
Submit a petition at
the judicial custody and meet him
We've applied many times
They aren't allowing us
Mr Bennix
- Yes, ma'am
- Why aren't you allowing them?
'Under trial prisoners have
visitation rights, correct?'
Why are you blocking them?
You messed up the case there
You are denying them their rights
Shall I recommend the case to CBI?
- Make arrangements immediately
- Thank you, ma'am
They have given us 7 days
Another parade will be carried out
in front of the Tahsildar and this judge
- Judge postponed the verdict it seems
- Will there be another parade?
'Being a teacher, don't you
know right from wrong?'
'This is your 1st case
How was your experience?'
Heard you gave
the PP a hard time
'Why did you take this case
against all odds?'
'Don't you think you were wrong?'
'Lawyer, pharmacist
What else do you do, sir?'
'What sin did the child commit?'
Why are father and daughter
colluding like this?
New judge said action will be
taken against all including the accused
Apparently you're using some point
to divert the case
[overlap of angry voices]
Excuse me, this is a court
Maintain some decorum please!
Come to crib and complain!
Sir
Why are you so eager to let
a rapist roam free in society?
Look here
Just because we are quiet
doesn't make us guilty!
He's a father of 2 daughters
I've been with him since my birth
for the past 24 years
I know him better than you do
Let the court decide
If he is guilty of the crime or not
Go tell the public
about the court's verdict
News is not what you wish to report
but reporting what actually happened
My father didn't commit this crime
I'm fighting only to prove his innocence
If your father gets branded like this
will you sit back and watch?
Huh?
Will you sit back and watch?
Note this down
Gargi
Will you get me ink from the shelf?
'This is a simple fool-proof case'
'And look how you've messed it up'
Your aim is to finish
the case at the earliest
I can understand
But why did you write the information
about the drug in the report?
Sir, it is wrong to miss
any piece of information
Then isn't it wrong to administer
adult dosage to a child?
'Don't use morality
for your convenience, Bennix'
Enthusiasm alone isn't enough
If you lack clarity
this is the outcome
Now if the family refuses to identify
what the heck will we do?
Sorry, sir
It's my mistake
It's his mistake it seems!
You got me wrong, sir
I'll somehow convince the family
and bring the child, sir
You don't have to do anything
Give him the details and leave
I've put in a lot of effort and worked
on this case from the beginning, sir
I didn't even take off
when my child was born
Do you understand the pressure
I have on this case?
I can understand
only too well, sir
- But what's important now is-
- Bennix
'Why are you on the offensive?'
How long since your baby was born?
'Sir, 3 months'
Okay, I'll suspend you
Go and take care of your child?
No need, sir, my wife's mother
is visiting and she will take care
You have a ready answer for this
You should have shown
this smartness in the case
You messed that, right?
Sorry, sir, I spoke without knowing
I can understand, sir
You have pressure from all sides
Higher-up calls, media
I bungled the dosage and all that
But, sir, give me 1 more chance
Just last chance
My responsibility to convince
the family and bring the girl
Please, sir, just give me
one more chance please
If they don't agree?
You have your ways, sir
Suspension, transfer
It's up to you, sir
'Prisoners Interrogation Room'
Wait...wait
When you meet your appa
don't get sentimental
And take up all the time
I have loads of questions for him
Hey boy!
Go this side
Gargi
I'm okay, dear
'Your appa is doing okay'
'You don't worry about anything'
'Did you see the eye doctor, dear?'
'Akshu'
What is my 'dosa batter lady' saying?
How are all of you?
Sir, Gargi lost her job
Akshara isn't going to school
No one comes to your house
to buy 'dosa' batter nowadays
Then...someone broke the glass
of front right side top window, sir
That's the status
She is unable to
See me locked up like this
Sir, the court has given us
only 7 days grace time
We have to work on this
and sort it by then
If you can narrate
what happened that day
It will be really helpful
to this case, sir
'I shouldn't have gone
to work that day, sir'
'When I saw that child in that state'
'I panicked and did
exactly what a father will do'
I carried her and
ran to her house, sir
See, Saravana, this isn't the time
to feel bad about what others will think
Admit her in a hospital immediately
She is suffering from
some internal injury
She needs medical care
'Sir'
He is right, sir
Rush her right away
to a nearby hospital, sir
Will you please leave us alone?
I'll take care
I understand, Saravana
But this is my sincere advice
You please leave
I'll handle this
'After that I left their house, sir'
Sir, what was the time
when you left their house?
About 8:00 p.m
What was the time when you took
the child back to her house?
Around 6:30 p.m, sir
6:30
Sir, did anyone see you
when you carried the child home?
No, sir
No one saw you?
- How's that possible?
- I was the only one there that day
Her house is close to the staircase
'No one uses the steps
in the apartment'
'They prefer to take the lift'
'That's why no one
can vouch for me'
Sir, 1 more question
Your duty gets over at 6:00 p.m daily
Why were you still
hanging around till 6:30 p.m?
That is, your usual routine is
to go home by 6:00 p.m daily
'What were you doing there, sir?
That too all by yourself?'
Pcccht!
Answer my question, sir
I would have left
as usual by 6:00 p.m, sir
A groom was coming from Nagercoil
to meet Sandra formally
Her father took off that day
So because I had to
continue the night shift too
Because of that?
Indrans
Will you let me do my job?
'Continue, sir'
He's hesitating to open up
because of your presence
- Will you give us 5 minutes privacy?
- I'll stand here
Tell me, sir
Evening of November 14th
what were you doing 6:00 to 6:30 p.m?
Sir
'My duty gets over by 6:00 p.m'
'Correct, sir'
'I will feel like staying back
at home and not run these errands'
'What to do?'
'I have 2 girl children'
Before I can eat
a handful of rice
The residents will call me
as a handyman to run errands
'My bones will be
creaking by 6:00 p.m, sir'
'Because anyway I had to
stay behind for night duty'
Sandra's father has a stock
of brandy always in the lift room
I drank a bit because I had time
in-between the next shift
Gargi doesn't approve
of my drinking habit, sir
'Why didn't you tell the police
about this during the inquiry?'
I went to help that child
Look at my present plight
If I had confessed then
I was intoxicated...?!
Sir, understand this clearly
We are doing our best
to get you out of here
What is the use, sir?
'Time is up'
How many ever times
you ask her to identify
That child will point
her finger only at me
I was the last face she saw, right?
'Your time is up, leave now'
'Gargi'
Won't you look at my face
even once, my dear?
Like everyone else
Do you also suspect me?
Brahmananda has stepped in
for Sandra's father for night shift
2nd point
'From 6:00 to 6:30, some 'Y'
has been in the crime spot'
'Most important is the 3rd point'
'If the parade is scheduled
I am 100% sure, the victim'
...will identify only your father
Until we find out this mysterious Mr Y
We must somehow postpone this parade
Why is it 'Y'?
In this kind of situation
usually the suspect is marked as 'X'
I decided to be different
and mentioned it 'Y'
How will all this help us?
For starters this will do
Only after this we should think a bit
like a detective and a criminal
Like Sherlock Holmes + Vijay Mallya
What's so funny?
It's okay, tell me
We have to think like Sherlock Mallya!
Listen, can we find a way to talk to
the secretary of Shanti Apartments?
- Anna
- Who are you?
We want to meet the secretary
Why do you want to meet him?
We would like to talk to him
If you tell us,
we can meet him
Who are these two?
Sec...secretary of this apartment
We would like to meet him
Haven't you given us
enough headache? Clear out
Don't come in here
Close the gate
- Go...go
- Sir, please
I said 'clear out'
Close the gate
'I will close it now, sir'
Sir, why did you take off
on that particular day?
A groom had come with his family
to meet my daughter Sandra formally
So I didn't step out anywhere, sir
I joined back in duty
only the next day, sir
Indrans!
Madam, what a surprise!
What brings you here?
After that problem, everything changed
The entire apartment was shaken up
Here, sir
Wait, dear
Sit here
Wait...wait
Sit on my lap
In that apartment complex
Every flat has a maid or a cook
Our ears will be the first to hear
the slightest hint of any gossip
Is there any secret
the maids are unaware of?
- Do you suspect anyon-
- No one I can think of
What doesn't seem wrong to you
may be a helpful lead for us
'Tell us if you know
something like that'
You take tuition class
for my children free of cost
You'll be the 1st person I'll tell
if I think of something odd
- Sir, know Ganesha Murth-
- He lives over there
Wait for me
'Do you remember me?'
'I am Brahmananda's daughter'
Oh! Tell me
They told me you're incharge
in Shanti apartments
Did anyone vacate
from there recently?
No...not that I know of
No, sir
I thought I can wrap it up
as a secret operatio-
Dump your secret operation
into the sea!
'Whole world knows now'
Nowadays she doesn't even
want to look at me, sir
She hasn't come out of that trauma
'Only if you have
a daughter of your own'
You will understand
how I feel
When she pointed her finger
and said 'he did this to me'
Do you know how my heart broke?
But for your bloody law and justice
I would have hooked them
and dumped them in the sea
I have a daughter too, sir
I swear I can understand
how you feel inside
I messed it up the last time, sir
But I won't repeat it again
Trust me, sir
Even after I try my best, if I fail
You can do as you wish, sir
'Yes, sir'
'Sir, we can schedule the parade'
'Yes, sir'
'March 7th, sir'
'Sir'
Sir, tea
I'll go, buy some green chillies
I'll be back in 2 minutes, sir
Amma, let me also come with you
- Amma, I'll come with you
- Why do you want to come?
Sir has come only for you
He has agreed to teach you
without taking a single rupee
Go and study, dear
You have lots to study, come
'Sit down'
Come and sit here
Come
You look very pretty
in this yellow frock
What are you looking at?
Scumbags like you should
be exiled from this city
Get out, man!
Gargi
Whose daughter are you?
Can you be scared of all this?
If anyone touches you
in a wrong way
Think of your father for 1 minute
Courage will flow
through your veins
'Drink this'
Is this tea so important now?
Pccht! Sorry
It's alright
A glass of hot tea reduces tension
I mean, for me!
Something is not right
If we take 1 step forward
feels like we are moving 4 steps back
What is wrong in what we are doing?
We are exploring all leads we've got
Starting from appa, everyone working
in the apartment, paper boy, courier
'Residents, Swiggy, Amazon, this maid'
Right up to Ganesha Murthy now
we have interrogated everyone
We left no stone unturned
We forgot one person
Hello, I don't think
it's right to go there
Then you stop right here
I'll handle it on my own
I didn't mean it like that
Are...you aware of the repercussions?
I must save my appa somehow
That's all
'It is legally wrong to go there'
Sir, just 2 minutes, please
Your child must have identified
my appa by mistake
I'll just clarify with her
Will 2 minutes be enough?
Sir, we understand your pain
But still you should see
the justice on our sid-
Hey!
What is the justice on your side, I say?
How messed up is your job!
My daughter stored biscuits in this box
To feed the dog
Now it is filled with
just strips of medicine
She lost her mother
when she was very young
'I mean the world to her'
She used to come running to me
and hug me if anything troubled her
When those 5 filthy men-
Abus-
'My appa will come'
'He will somehow save me'
Wouldn't she have thought that?
Those 5 filthy buggers
should be dissected to pieces
Nowadays I can hear
my daughter screaming at night
'It's paining!'
I open
The door to comfort her
Looking at me she screams
even louder in anguish
Nowadays she doesn't
look at me as her appa
She looks at me as a man!
She might as well have died
than go through this torture
'My daughter is a gem'
Very intelligent
She has never gone
for tuition or extra class
She is unable to remember
even her daily routine now
I had to teach her
everything all over again
In that parade the other day
She couldn't identify the beasts
responsible for this trauma
'Madam'
I thought my child too would
grow up to be a young woman like you
I don't know if that dream will come true
You asked me for 2 minutes, right?
Take 10 minutes
Go, talk to her
Clarify whatever you want
Verify whatever you want
Thank you, sir
- Gargi
- No, Indrans sir, I must talk to her
How dare you walk into our house
after all that has happened?
I'll kill you
Get out, you bloody female!
Are you okay?
Or shall we go to a hospit-
'We were talking and suddenly
his brother came and manhandled-'
Indrans, will you keep quiet?
Gargi-
'What will happen tomorrow, Indrans?'
'She will anyway point
her finger at my father, no?'
'If that happens, then-'
'That's it, right?'
'Aiyo!'
'That should never happen'
'Indrans'
'Shall we go to their house
just one more time and ask them, huh?'
'Shall we go, Indrans?'
'You...you need to sleep'
'I'll see you in the morning'
In the last minute you did something
and bought us time previously, right?
Similarly, this time also can you
do something and try to-
Not possible, no?
Try to get some rest
See you in the mornnn...ing
'Why did you go to their house?'
'That too at this time of the night?'
We have to do something, ma
So...will you get roughed up
by some random man?
I don't know what to do, ma
'Enough...whatever you did so far'
- That lawyer is an useless idi-
- Maa!
Stop it
He's doing the best
that's humanly possible
He hasn't even taken
a single paisa from me you know
Listen
Whatever fate has in store
let it happen likewise
A good conclusion will be
arrived at tomorrow morning
Aiyo!
This is the problem with you, ma
I've become tired trying to
explain everything to you
What 'good conclusion' will be
reached tomorrow, tell me?
You believe in good time,
fate, karma and all that crap
But you won't trust me
I'm not your male heir, right?!
I'm after all a female!
'What is the justice on your side?'
'Your child must have identified
my appa by mistake'
'I'll just clarify with her'
'Those 5 filthy buggers
should be dissected'
'Leaving this city is the only option'
'She is unable to remember-'
'No girl should face
such a trauma in her life'
'In tomorrow's parade'
'I will escort my daughter
and ensure she identifies your father'
What is this?
Submitted new evidence
in the last minute?
Your Honor, like I have mentioned
in my request letter to you
I couldn't follow the protocol because
I found some evidence in the last minute
I request the court to accept this
Your Honor, Section 65 B
of the Indian Evidence Act
Electronic records
That is, mobile video recordings like this
If it should be submitted
in court as evidence
An expert officer should certify it
Another officer in power should verify
That is the law
That is the customary procedure we follow
But not mandatory
Court is keen to know
if the evidence is valid or not
You may proceed, Indrans
Thank you, Your Honor
'My daughter is a gem'
'Very intelligent'
'She has never gone
for tuition or extra class'
'She is unable to remember
even her daily routine now'
'I had to teach her
everything all over again'
'In that parade the other day'
'She couldn't identify the beasts
responsible for this trauma'
'I had to teach her even that'
'In tomorrow's parade'
'I will escort my daughter
and ensure she identifies your father'
'I swear I will do it, madam'
What does this mean?
What do you intend to prove with this?
Your Honor, we can infer
2 conclusions clearly from this
One is victim's father Saravanan
Arrived at a pre-conceived conclusion
that my client Brahmananda is guilty
Secondly, he has agreed in this video
he helped his daughter identify my client
What we infer from this is, the victim
didn't identify out of her own free will
She was able to identify only with
her father's help is crystal clear
This will follow suit
in the parade today
And the same will follow in
how many ever parades, Your Honor
Therefore I appeal for
cancellation of this parade
I humbly request the court to suspend
future parades in this case, Your Honor
What nonsense!
To blabber in the last minute
has become this man's habit!
- The court can't accept this
- 1 minute, Mr PP
Wait
Play that video once more
'My daughter is a gem'
'Very intelligent'
'She has never gone
for tuition or extra class'
'In that parade the other day'
'She couldn't identify the beasts
responsible for this trauma'
'I had to teach her even that'
'In tomorrow's parade'
'I will escort my daughter
and ensure she identifies your father'
'I swear I will do it, madam'
You are trying to imply
it is preconceived notion?
- Yes, Your Honor
- 'Alright'
- Court officer?
- 'Yes, ma'am'
At 12 noon organize
a fresh identification parade
Don't involve the victim's father
'Arrange for a welfare committee officer
to escort the child to court'
'Okay'
APPPAAAAA!
Your Honor
So far in this case
The parade report was the only evidence
they had against my client
That too, a parade conducted
on unlawful grounds
I've proved all this
in the previous session
But the Honorable Court gave them
another chance to conduct the parade
And it was proven in court, the victim
could identify only with her father's aid
Again the Honorable Court
gave them a third chance
You witnessed the drama
with your own eyes
I can understand
Young girl
It is such a helpless situation
But doesn't the same
apply to my client?
'He is 60 years old'
'Father of 2 girls'
Both Press and Media have maligned him
and his family round the clock
And literally exiled them from society
For the sole reason, he has
no alibi from 6:00 p.m to 6:30 p.m
'How long can we continue
to drag this case?'
How can we decide on a verdict based on
just public sentiment, Your Honor?
Isn't that wrong?
Don't we need proper evidence?
Don't we need evidence, sir?
Do you have any other evidence?
No, right?
Why should my client be in jail
for a crime someone else committed?
Your Honor, I humbly request you to dismiss
all the accusations against my client
And release him on bail at the earliest
'You want him roaming free?'
How can you expect that, I say?
Your client is guilty
I know!
It's not what you know, sir
It is what you can prove
That's how court works
I agree the victim didn't identify him
But at the same time
neither did she say it was NOT him
'More importantly'
There were hassles in court proceedings
because of Mr Saravanan
So the interrogation will continue
once the victim comes
Your Honor, how long can my client
be imprisoned because of that?
Fine, I will grant
conditional bail to your client
'But again in the parade'
If the victim identifies him
We will cancel the bail and
take him back into custody
Ask him to sign daily
in S5 police station
Thank you, Your Honor
- Gargi?
- Appa?
Where's Akshu?
'I sent her to buy milk'
Let me go check
'Gargi, you keep talking to
your father, I'll go and-'
'What do you want me to say?'
'No, you tell me what I should say'
I've come out with my family
and you are torturing me even here
Then imagine the extent you would have
tortured that child and her family
'How will they co-operate then?'
'You are a reason too
for this case not being wrapped up'
'Bear that in mind'
Anyway if the victim comes,
the parade can be scheduled
Only then the case can
reach a conclusion
Till then let everyone
enjoy some peace and privacy
Driver, reverse
This case is in a delicate situation
'Mr Saravanan has planned
to relocate elsewhere with his child'
'He has decided not to co-operate
with the court proceedings'
'Due to lack of any other
incriminating evidence'
'Accused Brahmananda's release
is almost confirmed'
'Does that mean he was wrongly framed?'
'Did the affected child'
'...identify Brahmananda
only in a state of confusion?'
'With cameraman Deakin Rogers
this is Ahalya reporting'
'I told our boss
right in the beginning'
Let us report after
investigating thoroughly
Obsessed with Flash News
he gave me sheer hell
Look how humiliating it is now
It isn't our fault, ma'am
If the investigation had
been conducted properly
The police could have nabbed
the 5th criminal long ago
They botched it and pressurized
the poor child unnecessarily
'So sad! Wonder who
that child misidentified'
Okay, da, life will
come back to normalcy
I'll go home
What, appa?
I heard you wanted
to shift from here?
Amma told me about it
But don't we have to adhere to
signing at the police station daily?
Alright, let's leave this city
as soon as the case is over, okay?
Uncle
Uncle
'Tell me, dear'
'Don't hesitate'
Which brand of alcohol
does appa prefer?
No, he is still having a long face
I thought he should relax a bit
Leave it to me
I'll handle it
No, uncle, it's okay, tell me
I'm telling you
I'll take care of this
Okay
Appa...uncle
Hey! What, da?
Come, let's step out for a while
No, you go
I'll come another day
Don't make a fuss
- Come on
- I'll take this
Come
I've put him to bed, dear
He drank very little
But it has been a long gap, right?
I think he got high too soon
'He kept talking about you'
'Blaming himself
for the hassles you faced'
'He wants to vacate
this house at the earliest'
We'll shift, uncle
But we have to wait
for the case to be closed
He doesn't understand that
I feel bad when I think of him, uncle
I should find a job for him
far away from this area
Don't worry about that, dear
I'll spread the word around
We can get him
a job definitely
It's okay, uncle, I'm sure
you have a lot on your mind
Sorry, dear
I should've visited you earlier
and been of some help
I panicked at all that happened
It's alright, uncle
Appa doesn't have
any other close friend
Visit us often till things
get back to normal, uncle
But next time I won't
agree to this drinking bout
Don't you worry
He is blessed with you as his daughter
purely due to his golden heart
But that same God is
giving you a hard time
I want appa with me
That's all, uncle
I'll do whatever I can for that
You ask Sandra if you want
She would have done
the same for you
'She is very clear headed'
She eloped with her classmate
last week and got married
- Sandra?
- 'Yes, dear'
'She is an adult it seems'
She said she knows what to do
with her life and ran away from home
But you had found
a groom for her, right?
'Oh yes!'
'I did everything I should
as a father for my daughter'
The groom I finalized
had a secure bank job
I took off the whole day and
arranged every detail possible, dear
'The groom-to-be came
with his family to meet us'
'You know what she said
when she saw him?'
'I am in love with someone else
and I will marry only him'
She made me hang my head in shame
in front of everyone, dear
I lost my cool and
slapped her left and right
'In that distressed state
I got drunk as a skunk, dear'
I agree what Sandra did was wrong, uncle
But how does getting drunk and
hitting your child resolve anything?
Maybe you could have solved it
if you had sat down and spoken to her?
Your father gave me this same advice
that day over the phone
'I was so mad I wanted to go home
and beat her to a pulp'
But your appa consoled me
and calmed me down
Until I become sober he asked me
to lie down in the apartment
I silently dozed off, dear
'Sir, a groom had come with his family
to meet my daughter Sandra formally'
'So I didn't step out anywhere, sir'
'I joined back in duty
only the next day, sir'
Sor...sorry, dear
Give me the bail order copy
Sign here
Give me your ID card
You have to sign too
Sorry, dear
'I should have told you earlier'
I was scared but I shouldn't have done that
You are the cause of
all my father's problems
I'll call the police
- I'm calling the police
- Wait, please listen to me
Please, dear
'I will fall at your feet and beg you'
Please, dear
Hear me out
'Listen to me'
Sign
Sign as 'Daughter of'
'That day I went to the apartment
because your father called me'
'When I was taking the steps
to go up, I heard a sound'
'I was the first one who saw
that child lying semi-conscious'
'I was shell shocked
I didn't know what to do'
'My limbs went numb
and my mind went blank'
'I managed to go
up to the terrace'
'And told your father
about the gruesome sight'
He said, 'don't whisper a word
to anyone, to top it all you are drunk'
'The case will be foisted on you'
He said, 'go sit in the lift room'
'He carried the girl to her house'
'He did all he could
to help that poor child'
When I was leaving
the apartment the next day
Brahma called me and said
'If anyone asks you about this'
'Tell them you were at home
waiting for the to-be groom's arrival'
He asked me not to say anything else
'A groom was coming from Nagercoil
to meet Sandra formally'
'Her father took off that day'
What were you doing that evening
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m?
What, my dear?
Appa, I'm asking you this time
November 14th
Between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m
Where were you?
What were you doing?
I told you already, dear
I was drinking all by myself
in the lift room on the terrace
Ask them to come in
All of you, go out and wait
Sir?
You wait here
Gargi
What is all this?
Sir, come inside
Come
For my sake
Just only once
See this and tell me, please
It wasn't him, right?
Please, dear
Just once
One last time
It isn't him, right?
Please take a look once
Only once
IT WAS HIM!
Why are all of you torturing me?
Leave me alone please
Sorry
Be bold and point out
the 5th criminal
I'm here for you
Gargi, please forgive me
Take him into custody
'If one decision can change the world'
'If one decision can change the world
that is not the end but the beginning'
I got you the bangles
Oh! You wanted red, right?
I bought yellow in haste
Give, I'll go and exchange it
It's okay, this is colorful too
- Uncle
- Hi
Please take a seat, uncle
- Come in
- Hi
Come
- Hello?
- 'Hi Gargi, how are you?'
Hi, aren't you coming?
'No, is Akshu there?'
She's right here
I'll give the phone to her
Here, Ahalya on the line
Hello, 'ka
Where are you?
I got stuck in a shoot, dear
Tell me, how do you feel?
Don't know, akka
I said I had stomach cramps
They 'exiled' me and
made it a ceremony
Now that pain will be a monthly visitor!
Along with it your sister's advice
will stretch a mile and a half
'Don't talk to him
Don't meet this boy'
'Be home by 6:00 p.m'
'Don't wear shorts and go out'
'She will make up new
do's and don'ts for you'
'Akka isn't like before
She has reformed now'
'She has lessened her advice'
'Her situation is such'
'I think she has realized
that advice never really helps'
'You must have done great penance
to be born a woman'
Everyone will quote
from classic poetry
Don't be fooled believing them
'Having been born a girl
each day is world war III'
'Anyone can be our enemy'
'We win some
We lose some'
'But the way in which
you handle your defeat'
'This world will know
your true worth'
Welcome to womanhood
subtitled by rekhs
assisted by harini & sam
subtitled by rekhs
calibrated at AP International
"Water teaches the fish to swim in the sea"
"Wind nudges the feather to fly carefree"
"Time and again
life teaches (wo)man pain"
"Woman burdened"
"Woman emboldened"
"Traveller"
"Explorer"
"Through darkness & dizziness you'll go
until your own divinity you get to know"
"Traveller"
"Tireless traveller"
"On a mission forever"
"Danger and death overkill
Agony and anguish overspill"
"Pain immeasurable
Blame innumerable"
"Betrayal to the nth degree
Folly of ignorance to infinity"
"Self-conceit countless
Ego and airs endless"
"Measure each step crossed in life
Walk all those miles of strife"
"Traveller"
"Tireless traveller"
"On a mission forever"
"Danger excessive
Distress extensive"
"Pain immeasurable
Blame innumerable"
"Immorality boundless
Ignorance & folly bottomless"
"Vanity never ending
Ego never bending"
"Measure each step crossed in life
Walk all those miles of strife"
"Traveller"
"Relentless traveller"
"With a mission possible"