Kaantha (2025) Movie Script

This.
"Saantha begins again."
This news bit.
And the phone call that came after.
Everything changed.
We can shoot whatever you want
The latest lenses German camera.
Everything. Everything!
Last time, the movie stopped midway.
This time, I'll make it for you.
Think about it.
Tamil cinema's first horror film.
You're a very lucky man.
Okay
The phone call that changed everything
You never asked me who it was from.
- Who?
- Who else?
Your disciple.
The one and only
The king of acting.
T. K. Mahadevan.
What does he want?
He wishes to act in Saantha again.
And what did you say about it?
Obviously, a "yes"!
I was anxious to get this film made.
Just think about this.
Saantha with T. K. M.!
Financiers will queue outside
the studio for his name alone.
We can shoot this film in a grand manner.
- We can clear the debts of the studio...
- Hey!
I am the one to decide
who needs to act in my film.
Ours was one of the first three
studios in Madras.
Today we are in such a bad shape.
If we end up shutting the studio down
I will have to blame you.
For your previous film
You wanted 5,000 extras
for the battlefield scene.
Did you not get it?
You wanted pearls and
precious stones from Jaipur.
Didn't we get it for you?
But when the studio is struggling
and asking for help
Isn't it your turn to help out?
My father has always told me
We can lose anything
Money can be lost.
But we should never lose good artists.
My father always had a special
respect towards you.
Even if not for the film
For my father
For this studio
At least for everyone relying on you...
Yes.
SAANTHA DAY 01
You there, move the mic.
I can see its shadow.
Don't touch the mic
If you like, move the camera.
Brother, to hear is secondary.
First is to see.
Ayya told us. The scene is here,
the mic will stay here.
Babu Babu, come here.
He won't move his mic.
There will be shadows in the frame.
Babu, this comes from Ayya.
Ayya said that?
- Then we cannot move the mic.
- Exactly.
And you can't move your camera.
Then, move the lights!
Baybu!
- Baybu! Baybu!
- Stanley.
Baybu, no. Babu!
Why are there two 'Kennedys'?
- 'Kennedys'?
- 'Glasses'.
Ayya had asked for two or three glasses
Ayya's here
- Babu.
- Yes, Ayya.
- What is the first shot?
- Chandran seeing the ghost's painting...
I mean, Neeli and gets spooked
He is in it, right?
He is, Ayya.
When the hero arrives,
we can start the shoot.
- First, go clean that up.
- Okay, Ayya.
Sit. Sit.
Ramu, give us the room.
Your pronunciation needs to emote
exactly in every word.
Your Burmese Tamil
accent should not show up.
Sure, Ayya
Okay
What is the story of this film?
Who's the hero?
You.
Everyone will tell you, it's him.
As the writer of this film.
As the director. I say this.
Hero, heroine,
everything is you.
I saw my mother hung herself to death
This story is my wish of how
she should have lived.
It was only after seeing you
That I decided to make this film again.
I have agreed to a lot of
compromises to make this film
Kumari.
You have to make me a promise.
Whatever happens,
your attention should not waver.
Promise me that you will act
the way I ask you to.
Swear to me.
Everyone look, TKM is here.
- Greetings, Anna.
- Welcome, Anna.
This set was made just for you.
Look at the sheer scale of it all...
- Babu.
- Anna?
What scene are we starting with?
Today, you and Chandran talk
about seeing a haunted painting.
Let's not do that, Babu.
We will start with a good scene.
Me and my wife...
Who's the one playing her?
Is she close by?
Bring her quick!
- W-What is her name?
- 'Kumari'.
Okay
The scene where I come back
from work early
and surprise her. Let's do that.
We will start where we left.
Scene 60,
Page 64.
Wow!
- Any changes?
- No.
There is, now.
I changed the climax.
I'll fill you in later.
One more thing.
The film isn't called 'Saantha' anymore.
'Kaantha'.
- Works better, right Martin?
- Of course.
It's catchy
- The audience will like it, too.
- Absolutely!
It's going to be a golden jubilee hit!
Ready.
KAANTHA
Ayya, shot ready.
Should I tell anything to Anna?
He merely comes in and sits down.
That's it. Nothing fancy.
- Tell him that.
- Sure, Ayya.
'Saantha'. Scene 60. Shot 1. Take 1
Action.
My dear, hope I didn't startle you?
To float in the flood of happiness,
I freed myself from the shackles of work
to come here and be with you.
Babu, is the shot okay?
Ayya, is the shot okay?
Wasn't it good, Babu?
Didn't everyone applaud?
Did you think I was making
this film for your damn applause?
Who applauded this? Who was it?
Your applause created
these half-assed actors!
Did you forget who this film is about?
And you're thinking about applause
Ayya
If you'd prefer, I will do as you say.
If I... If I prefer?!
I know damn well what I want
and what I don't.
Babu.
Shot
okay.
What? 'King of acting'?
Making quite a scene.
Things I learned from you.
What's the plan, then?
I will make this movie.
You can watch it from a corner.
You think my acting is half-assed?
Let's see you fight the urge
to applaud my acting.
This movie will be released
with the climax I want.
You can watch that too from a corner, too.
Babu!
Scene change!
Relax. A little more
Just like that. Hold it.
Look here, look here
Keep your hands on your waist.
Wider eyes.
Chin up.
Be like a King. Very good.
Mahadeva.
This is nothing.
You are destined for much bigger cameras.
Over there.
Stanley.
- Looking good.
- Thank you.
Camera should be on my right side.
Right side, Stanley.
- My fans like right side.
- Okay, sir.
I'll change.
You heard him. Move the camera!
Kumari will tell her lines and
then comes your dialogue.
This is your mark.
Kumari, here is your mark.
Ayya?
What's the matter, Kumari?
Kumari, this is your mark.
Ayya?
Ayya!
Ayya, where should I stand?
Ayya, I can't hear you.
Where should I stand?
Stand there.
Where should I look?
- Look into his eyes.
- Still can't hear you
Look at his eyes!
This is your story. Your film.
It's your call.
I will listen only to you.
You might have bought so
many things with that arrogance.
Money, reputation, fame
But you can never buy
that girl's loyalty towards me.
With her as my weapon,
I'll destroy your arrogance.
And I will make my film
Ready.
Action.
Mohan.
My love.
What's wrong?
Why are you tearing up?
As a symbol of our love,
there is going to be another
beating heart inside of me.
Last night...
Is this what you tried to say, last night?
I fell asleep like some damn fool.
Yes
You're a fool, indeed.
Cut.
Stanley
Switch to the opposite angle.
Babu
Tell me, Anna.
- Let's do another take.
- Give me one second.
Ayya
He's asking for another take.
Ayya, do you think we need it?
Ayya says 'no'.
Ayya
It's not much he is asking for.
Just another take
Anna I asked
He wanted to do Kumari's angle instead.
Kaantha. Scene 14. Shot 2. Take 1.
My dear, what's wrong?
Why are you tearing up?
Who says you tear up
only when you are sad?
I am happy and I am tearing up.
These are tears born out of happiness.
There is going to be another
beating heart inside of me.
Is this what you wanted to say last night?
I fell asleep like some damn fool.
Yes
You are a fool, indeed.
Fantastic!
She is Ayya's student, after all.
That explains it.
Looks like she is going
to surpass everyone.
I was afraid that if you knew
about what I did
I thought I would lose you forever.
Which is why I hid this from you.
I acted.
Your husband
is begging for your forgiveness.
Will you forgive me?
Cut!
Kumari. Kumari!
Why did you slap him?
In the script, it is only mentioned
to hold his hands and cry.
Babu, he acted really well.
He would have asked
for another take by now.
Why hasn't he?
We will go for another take, Babu.
Anna?
We're going for another take, Babu.
We'll take it from the last line.
You slap me exactly like that.
Your husband is begging
for your forgiveness.
Will you forgive me?
There's no need to worry
You slap me exactly like you did before.
Will you forgive me?
Kumari.
Slap me exactly like the first take.
Just like he taught you.
Like you did on the first take.
I'm begging for your forgiveness.
Will you forgive me?
Stanley, don't cut!
Keep rolling!
Why did you stop?
Kill me with these hands
The very hands I held on to
Isn't just to embrace...
It can also destroy.
Kill me! Kill me!
Don't stop.
Kill me with your bare hands.
My darling
My love
My life
Kill me Kill me
Kill me! Kill me!
with your own two hands.
Cut.
Ayya
Can I ask you something?
Why don't you two talk anymore?
A fat leech thought it
could climb a sharp knife.
I don't understand.
Go to sleep
So you can focus on the shoot tomorrow.
Babu!
Yes, Anna.
Scene paper.
First, your close up.
Then Kumari.
This is her scene.
- We will start with her close up.
- Okay, Boss.
Stanley, madam, close up.
- Okay, move. Move. Fix it.
- Silence!
Shot 1. Take 1.
Action.
Mohan
Before we moved into this house,
did something abnormal happen here?
Why do you ask?
Is this not the place where
our child is going to play?
A mighty boy or a beautiful girl
The baby shouldn't have any problem.
Our house should be like a garden
with blooming flowers.
But
But then
But then again
You killed me on that staircase!
Isn't that true, Mohan?
Our child should grow up without
any problems, right?
You acted really well.
One day, Ayya came across Anna
in a street play.
Seeing him play eight
roles in a single play
Ayya was mesmerized.
When he found out that Anna had no one
He brought him straight home.
Anna used to stay in the same room as you.
The habit of Ayya sharing his food,
before eating
That ritual started with Anna.
Ayya.
Why don't we make this into a movie?
A story decides when it has to be told.
Let it rest for now.
Modern Studios have accepted
to do a movie with you.
I have made them accept.
The world is finally going to see
who you really are.
Greetings, Ayya.
Mahadeva!
Get a chair for him.
No need, a cloth would be enough.
My King.
Whatever Ayya asked
him to do, TKM followed it.
Ayya looked after him like his own son.
For the word I gave...
For our people...
Held the sword with his hand.
Let's march against the enemies
who have encircled us.
Stand proud!
I saw that film four times myself.
You should have seen that crowd
for yourself, Kumari.
Move it! Move it!
They're gonna start the film soon!
KOMALI RAJA
The two of them made quite a team.
Kumari?
Why are you standing here?
I want to talk to you.
Tell me
Forgive me
Say what?
Forgive me
For what?
For slapping you that day, during shoot...
You came alone at
this hour just to say this?
Come with me, I'll drop you off.
- Selvam, when is the event?
- At 7:00. We should probably leave now.
That's alright. We'll
drop her off first. Come on.
But you still haven't forgiven me.
Is this really a big deal?
Yes.
Okay, I forgive you.
Say it with a smile if you mean it.
Fine, I forgive you. Come on.
Selvam, we can leave now.
Where is your house at?
I stay in Ayya's house.
I live in the daat.
"Daat?"
I was in Burma for a while
And daat means upstairs.
Daat.
Mind if I ask you something?
Ask.
Why don't you and Ayya talk to each other?
Any difference can be solved
by having a heart to heart?
No one can respect him like I did.
That includes you, too.
Little by little, I'm starting
to see what he saw in you.
I thought I wouldn't like anybody
as a competition
but that's what I like about you.
Want to come with me?
Where to?
Here he is
The one we've all been waiting for.
The king of acting, T K Mahadevan himself!
Let us all embrace his arrival.
Raise the whole roof
with your roaring applause!
Fill every corner of these
halls with your burning passion.
A giant making waves
as he walks by his fans.
Today.
A film produced by Central Studios
starring the king of acting,
T. K. Mahadevan, himself.
'Sundara Kumaran' movie is celebrating
its 1,000th day victory event.
The hero of this event
A star that never fades.
A man of art.
A man, born solely for the art.
All of this is waiting for you
on the other side.
Let's welcome him on to stage.
Raise your voices!
Greetings, sir.
Please sing something for us!
Sing! Sing! Sing!
Sing! Sing!
Sing! Sing! Sing!
"The beauty of eyes Like a dark rain cloud"
The beauty of a singing girl
The beauty of eyes Like a dark rain cloud
The beauty of a singing girl
As her dancing feet move,
Flowers are scattered
Is it a shower of honey?
Is the girl's heart changing?
Is it your smiling face?
To search for her in every direction,
To long and pine for her
Will our hearts unite?
The beauty of eyes Like a dark rain cloud
The beauty of a singing girl
As her dancing feet move,
Flowers are scattered
"Is it a shower of honey?"
Very nice.
Suits you really well.
I see that you missed
the dinner last night.
About that
You're still using the studio bus, right?
- Ayya...
- I heard a door opening
in the dead of night.
Ayya
Ayya? Greetings. How are you?
I'm doing well. How are you doing?
His happiness is my happiness
- Send my regards to your dad.
- I will do that for sure, Ayya.
- I'll leave you to it.
- Okay.
Dear
Could you walk me to the car, please?
Fine.
Kannama?
Oh, there you are?
What's with the longing look?
I have a doubt.
Can't tell which contains more beauty
That moon over there?
Or this face of yours.
Mohan?
Who is Neeli?
She tells me not to trust you, Mohan.
My dear.
But that's not part of the scene.
Do not fret.
Gaze into my eyes
Don't you have faith in me?
That comes later on.
It's fine. Don't worry.
Wrap it up for today.
The next three days will be song shoot!
Get lost.
Fool! Fool!
Did you forget what you came for?
Did he mesmerize you with his fame!?
Why do you talk this way?
He respects you a lot.
-Mr. T.K...
-Mister!?
Mr. Big Shot!
The one who rewrites the story
I named after my mother.
And you're laughing alongside him.
Now you're acting too.
Just like him.
I know.
I know everything.
With his money and fame
He has entranced you.
Fooled you.
- That's not it at all.
- Hey!
If you'd like, you can rest in my room.
You must be joking.
The sole reason I came here
was to see you in action.
I must write about it in vivid detail.
- Babu?
- Coming, Anna.
Today's scene paper.
- Mirror scene?
- Yes, Anna.
Walk four steps, then say two lines
of dialogue facing the mirror
- That's it, right?
- Well
I'll take care of it.
There's a bit more to it in the script
And what happens
if we stick to the script?
- Will the film succeed then?
- Ayya
Doesn't the director
explain the scene to you?
Isn't that the norm?
All he does is just watch.
Unfaithful dog!
You are an unfaithful dog!
In the script. In the film.
When you realise that,
that guilt weighs on your soul.
It shows in your walk.
Walk
Your next step
You're an ill-mannered opportunist!
And the success you earned because of it.
The ego.
The pressure these builds up on your face.
Mark.
Next step.
You're a damn scoundrel!
Dishonesty stains your eyes red.
Another step
A scum with no integrity.
Your head filled with venom.
Mark that, too
Troubled by all those emotions
The ghost that resides within you
What do you call it?
Kaantha. Kaantha!
Even when you wish to cry,
it forces you to laugh.
Makes you say the lines and
hit your head against the mirror.
What will you do then?!
Four steps.
Walk. Let's see.
- Ayya, should we switch to a prop glass?
- Hold on
Let's see what the ghost does.
Keep watching.
Kaantha. Scene 52. Shot 1. Take 1.
Action!
This face
How could anyone despise it?
But it disgusts me!
What happened?
The hero crashed into a real glass!
Selvam, quick!
We need to rush him to a hospital.
Brother!
How is he unfazed by any of this?
Ayya, what do we do now?
- Why are you asking him? He doesn't care.
- Selvam, go get the car.
UNFAITHFUL DIRECTOR
T. K. MAHADEVAN IS INURED ON SEAnna?
What, Babu?
Ayya isn't coming in today.
Why's that?
A couple of punks on their bikes hit him!
His leg's fractured!
I see. Let him recover.
Till then, you take over.
Think of it as your movie.
Ayya said the same thing
Anna, also
Kumari hasn't shown up either.
Martin wanted to talk to you. And today
It's only the combination shots
between you and Chandran.
Okay, Babu.
I'll be on set if you need me.
Finish it off.
Singaram!
You're acting was superb!
Can we move on to the next scene?
If you look at this scene,
you and Chandran
are planning to get rid
of any evidence left behind.
Any problems?
- Nothing, Babu.
- Okay.
What do you want?
You should come back to shoot.
What about him?
You made sure that he can't come.
You're really blaming me for this?
Think what you will.
Doesn't matter.
Are you coming to the shoot or not?
I don't wish to hurt him.
Back when I had nothing,
he gave me everything.
Talk to him.
Apologize.
Why should I?
I did nothing wrong.
Then forget about me coming to the shoot!
Why did you come here?
How's the leg?
After sending your goons to rough me up
You have the nerve to ask me that?
Cheat! Get the hell out!
What were you saying?
He gave you everything
when you had nothing?
He only does that when
you have nothing though.
But when you begin to fly on your own
He tries to clip your wings.
His false accusation landed me in jail.
Ask him to deny it.
I spent every day in prison
pierced by one question.
Who wants to see me
in such a miserable state?
I suspected everyone
But not once did I think it would be him.
He wants me to be always beneath him
Why should I?
I refuse!
Kumari, it makes no
difference if he's there or not.
Are you coming or not?
If not, this film gets dropped again!
Ayya, I'll take my leave.
I'll visit you as often as I can.
Mahadeva
Don't act after you hear cut.
Okay, Ayya.
Take a seat.
Long time no see.
Sorry, Ayya. Caught up with shoot.
Here. As you wished.
Ayya. In this film
My character dies in the climax.
What are you saying?
Everyone looks at him like he is God.
He cannot die.
- Better not to, my boy.
- This is why, Ayya.
Your boy just acted as a God.
Here you go.
Coconut candy.
Your favorite.
Don't be shy.
Shooting is in ten days
Get ready for rehearsal.
A ghost, you say?
Put your foot down.
What happened to you?
Stick to the script.
This could work, Ayya.
The audience will like it.
Audience?
When did you learn this word?
Mahadeva
The audience you speak of,
won't exist in 50 years.
But this film will endure.
Just do what I say.
- Action!
- A ghost!?
Cut
Just do what I taught you
- One more.
- A Ghost!?
A Ghost!?
A Ghost!?
Cut
Show fear. Don't act like a fool.
One more. Action.
A ghost, you say!
I can't die at the end.
Doesn't seem right.
My fans will never accept it.
But Ayya would never
accept a change in climax.
Sir
How much did Ayya's last film make?
Not much. Around Rs. 30,000.
I've had ten continuous blockbusters.
This film should be one too.
However, this is a story that
is very close to Ayya's heart
I've heard him say this story is
about his mother
Sir, do you think crowd shows up
to see my face?
Or to hear his mother's sob story?
You think about what's right for the film.
Ayya! Ayya! Ayya!
- Please forgive me, Ayya.
- Stop with the act.
I shouldn't have said that. Forgive me.
Words don't come from here.
It comes out of here.
Fame is starting to blind you.
Arrogance has gotten to your head.
Mahadeva
Don't face me ever again.
- Ayya...
- Greetings! Welcome!
We were just talking about you.
How well do you act?
You know what they call him now?
Not that you wouldn't know
They call him the king of acting.
A king, indeed.
He was acting the whole five years
he spent with me.
I'm realizing that just now.
Go act.
Sit.
Get the camera close.
Closer to my face.
Camera close!
Did you think I was making
this film for your damn applause?
I know damn well what I want
and what I don't.
"The film was dropped within weeks
into the shooting.
When asked why, TK Mahadevan said
The film was beneath my image... "
Ouch!
Breaking news!
This morning,
Actor TK Mahadevan was arrested
for the attempt to murder
of character artist, Parthasarathy.
He was taken with handcuffs at
Central Studios in mid-shoot.
This has left his fan base in utter shock.
Sign here.
You've been granted a bail.
He has given the surety
needed for the bail.
Until the case closes, we need
you here every week to sign.
'Cause of one false accusation...
All those people I
surrounded myself with...
Not a single one showed up.
Who could be behind this?
Has to be out of a grudge.
What makes you think the
person did this out of a grudge?
It could even be your teacher
who cares about you
People only show up to see
your face, isn't that right?
One lie. Made you arrogant.
Now one lie
Has shown you the truth.
Mahadeva
We should never forget our roots.
The fame, name and wealth that
comes with cinema
is corrupting you.
Why don't you just
Go back to whatever village you came from.
I thought it would teach him a lesson.
But he didn't.
He's still the same arrogant boy.
Babu, what are we shooting today?
You're gonna love it. Give that here.
Marriage? Who's the girl?
If there's any change in
Ayya's script, I won't agree to it.
No changes, Babu.
Yes. Do you like it?
Isn't that the way to live?
Cut!
You staying at his place makes
me afraid that it could affect us.
Some days, even I get scared
Windows and doors slam on their own.
And then a faint sound in the distance
Then...
Quit messing around.
I need you to promise me.
Promise me that you won't tell him
anything about us.
I can handle anyone else.
But I can't handle him
Do it.
Ayya Your Leg?
Still got it.
Today, stay by my side.
Dad, the IG will be here in 10 minutes.
Son-in-law.
Happy birthday, Uncle.
- Thank you.
- Greetings, sir.
The Chief Minister couldn't make it.
This is his gift.
Media king.
King maker.
My father-in-law.
The great Sivabalan Mudhaliyar's
60th birthday.
Greetings from me and my wife, Devi.
We welcome you all!
In sculpting the lives of each and
everyone gathered here
My father-in-law has a strong hand
It is not an exaggeration.
Myself included.
When I hit rock bottom
You pulled me up.
I feel the need to acknowledge it.
Selvam
Only three people own this watch.
Humphrey Bogart.
Winston Churchill.
And now
You, Uncle.
Happy birthday, sir.
Thank you, Commissioner.
Son-in-law. Could you spare a minute?
For the work I do, I have got eyes
and ears everywhere.
Uncle, these were taken during a shoot...
I get it
But what if someone else got wind of this?
If Devi saw this?
Chandran gets spooked by something.
When he tries to tell you that...
Where is Kumari?
There is no Kumari in this shot, Anna.
Tell me when she gets here.
Sure, Anna.
Are you okay?
Don't move! Stay there!
I'm not sure why, but
Seeing you scared to death
Fills me with immense pleasure.
I am going to kill you, Mahadeva.
Someone throw out all this trash.
And wipe the floor.
Martin!
Kick that man out or I refuse to act.
He is trying to kill me.
What will become of
the studio and this film?
Kick him out this instant!
He won't.
What was that?
He won't go away.
Why's that?
He seems to know something
about you, that he shouldn't.
And he is threatening
to release it to the press!
Could it be
about Kumari?
Are you kidding me?
It does not look like he is kidding.
Have some fruit.
Maybe after work.
Cut!
Stanley, don't cut until my signal.
Now start rolling.
Cut!
Babu, now ask him if he would like
another take.
Your dialogues for today, Anna.
Boss.
Boss.
- What?
- Anna called for you immediately.
- Now what?
- Something about the script...
God!
Greetings.
What?
I came to see the last day shoot.
There's a lot happening today.
Just go home.
What's going on?
You wouldn't get it.
Why? What? What happened?
Martin, this is the wrong climax.
Mohan must repent his sins,
leaving the audience in tears.
Those tears make this film a success.
Not him dying in vain.
People will reject this!
No Problem. We can just change it...
Who are you to decide that?
Who am I?
The one who's revered by everyone.
The king of acting!
That was my charity!
You gave me an opportunity.
Not life.
I refuse to be intimidated
by him any longer.
Devi, you shouldn't be here.
Selvam, take her home.
Let's go, ma'am.
Devi, you stay!
You won't get scared?
After cheating an innocent girl,
you won't be scared?
You might shut her mouth. Not mine.
Selvam, his father-in-law wanted
to see her, right?
I will bring her there tomorrow.
And tell him everything he needs to know.
Selvam, take Devi home!
Martin
This guy should leave here right now.
Why would I leave? Why should I?
If this film has to finish today,
this man must leave! Now!
This is my set! Why should I leave?!
I won't... Take your hands off me!
We'll be shooting my climax!
I'm not going anywhere.
I'll see it for myself.
Selvam, Anna.
We will stay here for a while.
Kumari gets shot and falls down
the stairs, I'll say my monologue
This is the climax we are going to shoot!
I want everyone to get on board!
Scene 144.
Shot 1. Take 1
Leave my brother alone!
Or I'll have to kill you.
Your brother will die today.
Save yourself, if you can.
Chandra!
Don't do anything foolish.
- Saantha, you stay there!
- Brother, this is not your wife.
This is the ghost that inhabits her body.
- It's going to kill you!
- Stay there, Saantha!
You are delirious.
That is still your sister-in-law.
Hand me the gun!
Mohan, your death is in my hands...
Chandra!!
Dear!
What...
- Take the close up, Babu.
- Okay, Anna.
- Chandran, hand me the gun.
- Here you go, Babu.
Devi, come on.
Devi, come on let's go!
Selvam, you stay here.
Did he say anything?
Babu.
- Tell me.
- Where is the gun?
- It's in the table drawer. I'll go get it.
- No, I can get it.
Scene 144. Shot 1. Take 2.
Action.
Leave my brother alone!
Or I will kill you!
Your brother is going to die.
If you can, save yourself.
Chandra!
Don't do anything foolish!
Brother, this is not your wife.
This is the ghost possessing her.
And she'll kill you.
You are delirious. That
is still your sister-in-law
Hand me the gun!
Mohan!
Even though I knew you were going to die,
I extended my hands to support you, Mohan.
I have got another
beating heart inside of me...
Cut it!
What just happened?
Are you okay?
That man's trying to kill me.
And all of you are watching it happen.
If I didn't duck in time...
And why did you?!
Why?
Tell us why?
Stop acting.
You knew there were bullets in the gun.
'Cause you were the one who put it there.
Why are you trying to kill her?
Me?
I'm the one trying to kill her?!
Everyone is aware
of who's trying to kill whom.
Did I make the chandelier drop?
Was I the one who tried
to strangle my own neck?
You loaded the bullets in the gun!
You want me dead.
Martin, there's nothing
you can do about him, right?
Please
Then call the cops.
Or else, I refuse to act in this!
No need!
You don't need to act.
Martin, the film is over.
The film will be done
with a close-up shot of Kumari.
Stanley, get a close-up of her.
I'm not acting either.
I refuse to be a part of this.
Kumari...
Let's see you finish your film now.
Sorry. I don't know how this happened.
Please take rest.
I will have this sorted out. Trust me.
I don't understand what's going on.
What are you crying for?
I should be the one getting angry
What did I do?
I made a promise to him
that I will give him his film.
I had no idea there were
real bullets loaded in the gun.
Your father-in-law calling me
I have no idea how he found out.
Trust me.
Don't abandon me.
I am not going anywhere.
I'll be by your side.
Tomorrow, let us go
to Tirupati and get married.
Really?
Yes
But I need you to tell me something first.
You mentioned a promise
that you made to Ayya.
But you also made a promise to me.
Remember?
You swore that you wouldn't tell
Ayya anything about us.
Did you tell him anything?
Tell me the truth. And I'll stay with you.
I won't look at your face now.
A simple yes or no.
Our secret meetings, relationship
Does he know any of this?
Tell me.
No.
I didn't tell him.
He doesn't know a thing.
Then let's get married.
The inspector is on his way.
You can ask him when he gets here.
Sir, what's going on here?
Tell us.
We have no idea what's going on.
And no one has any answers.
The inspector's here.
Sir, you owe us an explanation.
Tell us what happened to Kumari.
Be patient!
We're still investigating.
You'll know soon enough.
Until then, remain calm.
Why should we be patient?
Can't be patient!
Can't be patient, is it?
Didn't they tell you to be quiet!
Being patient is your only option!
Now sit!
Everybody sit apart.
- I told you you sit apart.
- You heard him!
We won't say it again.
Starting now,
this is no longer a film set.
It's my police station!
Look at him
The nerve to just sit there after
murdering someone.
Hasn't said anything either.
We can't get a confession
out of him until he speaks.
Suitcase?
Take a look at this,
they even took photos together.
Where did you say this girl was from?
Does her family know?
When asked around, they said
she is an orphan
An orphan?
Yes, sir
Fine, then. Consider it done.
What's the orphan's name again?
Cat got your tongue?
She died with a smile.
What?
You're right.
Strange
- Okay, have you called the hero?
- Sir
IG sir has given strict orders
not to call the hero
Yes. He is high profile.
We probably shouldn't disturb him.
After all, he's the one killed her.
Why did you do it?
Was it out of love?
Envy?
This is what happens, when
you fall in love this late at life.
Don't write all this. Hand it over.
Fine, keep your lips sealed.
Your reasons for killing the girl
Why? How? Write it all down.
Saves us the work and we can send
the body for a post mortem.
Not body. Kumari.
I thought you didn't speak.
Whatever, have it your way.
Bring that over here.
Didn't you say
This was supposed to be the girl's
first movie?
Too bad that it became her last.
For a film about your mother,
why did you turn it into a horror?
Were you that scared of your mom?
Saantha!
Burn, baby. Burn!
You want me to talk, is that it?
Bring Mahadevan here. Then we'll talk.
Okay, where is the gun?
Aren't you the police? You figure it out.
- Get the reel for fingerprints.
- Okay, sir.
Phoenix, it's an open and shut case.
The killer is right there.
But you're interrogating everyone.
During yesterday's shoot, they
used a Colt 350mm with live bullets.
The murder weapon is neither in the
suspect's hands nor the crime scene.
So it's not an open and shut case, sir.
So what?
What now?
Nothing at all, dear. Nothing.
So what? You can't just hold them
captive at the studio.
Especially, during a TKM shooting.
I asked for you with hopes of finding
the killer before the news gets out.
But it looks like you will
leak the news yourself.
Now listen carefully.
I will come there around 12'o clock.
Get the written statement
from the accused.
Phoenix.
I say this again.
TKM must never be bothered.
Correct, sir.
We should call him here to interrogate.
I was also thinking about the same thing.
We will take care of this, sir
Thank you for the permission as always.
Come on
Sir, I have a doubt.
What?
It seems you fought with a bear
on the Chinese border
and tore it apart.
Tore what apart?
The bear.
What's your doubt in that?
Are there even bears
on the Chinese border?
Dear?
There's a constable looking for you.
- A constable?
- Yes.
Someone's been murdered at the studio.
What?!
A Murder?!
The victim?
Not sure.
They insist on questioning you.
Are they outside?
Should I call my Dad?
So when was this taken?
Ayya took this photo. In the refugee camp.
Cinema and acting were my interests.
She was never into any of this.
I was the one who talked her into acting.
She was an innocent girl.
Then why was Ms. Innocent alone
in the studio last night?
Yesterday, Ayya and TKM fought
in front of everyone.
After the shooting, both of them
spoke to Kumari.
Although when Ayya spoke to her
There was a lot of yelling from the room.
Traitor!
Ayya was screaming
at the top of his lungs.
Did you join forces with him?
If you think about going with him
I'll kill you myself.
Kumari, what happened?
Why was Ayya mad at you?
Did you have your talk with Anna?
What did he say?
What's with the-
Kumari, I am talking to you!
W-What?
Why are you smiling?
Rani
- Rani!
- Yes, tell me.
We are going to Tirupati.
We are going to get married.
- When did you two decide this?
- Just now.
So that's why Ayya was mad.
I thought he said things in the moment.
But just thinking about it now, scares me.
What is it that you do here?
I work as an Art Assistant.
What does that mean?
We're responsible for building the set.
What about the gun?
Producer...
Did he lend his real gun for the shoot?
What?
Spit it out.
Sir, the photographer, Sabapathi...
He took photos of the hero
and Kumari together in private.
In exchange for producer Martin's cash.
One day, he got drunk and spilled
all the beans.
Pretty sure I kept it here.
Goddamn it!
He stole the gun and killed Kumari!
I knew it!
Why did you stay in the studio last night?
Like I said, there were a lot of problems
And I had to handle a lot of nonsense...
I will tell you, Kaathu.
He had an eye on Kumari for a while.
Yesterday was the last day of shooting.
Kumari had stayed here.
When he tried to misbehave with her...
She didn't play along, so
he killed her with his own gun.
Lies! These are lies!
Now, he is trying to hide the gun
and frame the director.
- Look at him, Kaathu.
- You are totally right.
He even looks like a criminal.
Shut up, you low life buggers!
Sir, he's insulting us.
I will call IG Uncle and remove you
from the case.
Hey, Uncle! Uncle!
Quit complaining like a school boy.
What are you calling your uncle for?
You make a movie in front of everyone
and then one behind their backs.
Right?
Where are the secret photos
of the hero and heroine?
I don't know what you're talking about.
It looks like someone beat me
to the punch.
Stop it!
The mad director beat me up.
He even took the photos with him.
Go ask him!
One more thing.
Not sure if this has any relevance. But
About two days back
After tomorrow's shoot, don't go anywhere.
Someone wants to meet you.
Who?
The hero's father-in-law.
Okay, I will check with him once.
Is he your husband?
Do you run all your decisions by him?
We're going to see him. No one else
should know about this.
The same goes for you too.
- Anna, I need to tell you something.
- What happened, Rani?
Don't take this the wrong way.
But while you were away
Selvam visited Kumari and insulted her.
- She is quite down after that
- What did he say?
Well, he
Don't be afraid.
How dare you speak to her that way?
Who the hell are you to ask her
if I'm her husband?
Where did you get the nerve?
Rani, tell her to stay the night here.
Tell her I'll be back.
Where are you taking him?
Do you think we'll just let you take him?
Let him go! Let him go!
They're saying someone murdered Kumari.
And they won't even let us see her.
I want to see Kumari.
We can't allow you to see the body now.
Please sit down, sir.
I didn't come here to sit.
I want to see Kumari now.
Where is she?
- Please try to understand...
- Hey. What's with the ruckus outside?
What kind of policemen are you?
Hero?
Pleased to meet you.
What is the problem here, sir?
I want to see Kumari.
Kaathu, bring the body here.
He wants to see it.
Kumari.
Sit down, sir. Please.
T. K. M.
Anna
They're saying Ayya killed her.
Moorthi, the watchman saw him.
- Are you saying Ayya did it?
- It's true.
- Our Ayya?
- It would seem that way.
Kumari...
Rolling...
Camera...
Action.
What sort of a person are you?
It was between the two of us.
What did she ever do to you?
Last time, you tried to kill me.
And now, you've killed her.
Are you laughing at this?
What right do you have to take her
from us?
Tell me!
Tell me!
Why aren't you guys applauding?
Why are you not cheering him
for his acting this time?
You're the actor. It's you.
Why her?
Why? Why her?
What do you think happens
if this were a police station?
You said you'd talk
if the hero arrives, right?
Come on, old man.
Why did you take her from me?
Stop hugging each other.
- Let him go. He came, didn't he?
- You only killed her.
- It's you.
- No, it was you!
- Why?
- It's you
- I know it's you.
- Stop that!
Hero! You just wait over there.
Get your hands off me!
Not here. Over there.
Your turn. Sit.
Your film set after all.
Kaathu
- Is he really that good of an actor?
- Sir, what are you asking?
He's a king among actors.
In the film Latchiyam Nichayam,
he did all 16 roles.
Why's that?
No other actor in your town?
That's a fact!
There really aren't any other
actors like him.
Then again
Take a look at his face.
So emotional So sad, right?
That's how it would be, right?
When the girl you want to marry
gets killed.
He would have never married her.
- How would you know?
- I know him better than anyone.
He might have you all fooled.
As if you are a saint.
Kaathu
Sir?
Do you remember the 13/46 case?
The attempt to murder case?
Yes, the same.
That kept TKM in jail for a few days.
That was all made up.
You want to know who set him up?
- Who did?
- Our old man.
What do you mean?
Yes or no?
That was a lesson I taught him.
Good grief!
Okay, Professor!
Who did you give a lesson
to in the studio last night?
I knew he was gonna kill Kumari.
Man, how does he know everything?
Yesterday, in the shoot
He planted real bullets in the gun.
Did you see it?
Ayya left the bullet case with me
for safe keeping.
After Anna finished the first take
Take a close up of the gun, Babu.
After a close up shot of Chandran
loading the gun,
I put them both back inside
separate drawers.
Which drawer was it? This or that?
Gun in here.
The bullet over there.
Who was the first to handle
the gun yesterday?
Ayya was the one who handed it to me.
- After that?
- Then it was me.
Who else entered the room after you?
When I left the room,
I saw Martin come in.
Who took the gun from the drawer?
It was Anna
Who did you say used the gun in the film?
Chandran, sir.
And who did he get it from?
Also, Anna-
Who the hell is Anna?
- The hero, sir!
- The hero. Got it!
Now tell me. How did the bullets
from that drawer end up in this gun?
Sir, I think gun was in this drawer...
Who loaded the bullets in the damn gun?
It has been bugging me since last night.
You need to help me figure it out
Ayya spoke to the camera man
and me privately.
He said that when the horror music
starts playing
And whatever happens, we should
follow his climax.
Whatever happens?
Yes, sir.
So, the professor knew there were
real bullets in the gun.
Okay, so what was your hero
saying back there?
- I swear I don't know...
- Weren't you close by!
Fine. Leave.
Get out!
Hey, Operator. Play this part in a loop.
He definitely said something to her
He said something. And she walks away.
You act...
You act very well.
Kaathu, call your hero now.
You danced here, right? I saw.
Film-making is like that, right?
A lot of things can happen all at once.
Shall we begin, sir?
Your name, sir?
TK Mahadevan.
Full name, sir?
Tiruchengode Kalidas Mahadevan.
What a grand name? Did you name yourself?
Place of birth?
Probably Tiruchengode.
Correct. Sorry.
Parents name?
I wouldn't know.
Then a guardian perhaps?
Is it the professor?
Or your father-in-law?
What do you want now?
Just ask what you want to know.
Who is Kumari to you, sir?
She was my co-star.
Was that it?
I heard something different
That you two were about to get married.
Why do you want to risk it, sir?
You could have just
kept her as a mistress.
Isn't that the norm?
To search for her in every direction,
To long and pine for her
Will our hearts unite?
Whom did you sing it for?
Do you sing to all your heroines?
Where are your parents?
I do not have anyone
Then you are the same as me.
Both of us started our
journey from nowhere.
We can be therefore be anywhere we like.
But this is where I wish to be.
I truly loved her.
Let's get married.
I wanted to live with her.
Then why did you keep the bullets
in the gun to kill her?
- Did you see it for yourself?
- Not me. It was the professor who saw it.
- He's lying.
- Lying?
It's nothing new to him.
He's the one you should be investigating.
Not me.
Sit down!
I will decide whom to investigate.
You can go home after answering
a few questions
Now sit.
Who is Selvam to you?
My helper.
Driver.
After hitting Selvam that day,
where did you go?
Get out!
You have a right over me.
Not denying that
But what did that girl do?
What right does Selvam have to insult her?
I told you I'd take care of it.
And I've seen the way you take care of it.
My daughter wanted to marry you.
That's what made you what you are.
If something happens
that breaks her heart...
It won't be just you.
That low life girl will pay the price too.
Watch your tongue.
Her name is Kumari.
If something happens to her,
I won't care who it is.
- Has it gone that far?
- Yes.
All I need is five minutes to destroy you
I am not some dust that you can blow away
I am a mountain.
Is it? We'll see.
Watch me.
Nice.
So you told your father-in-law.
Did you tell your wife?
I wanted talk to her.
I had planned on talking to her
in the morning.
I knew it would break her heart but
I couldn't live a lie anymore.
I understood what true love
meant, only after meeting Kumari.
A new place
A brand new life with her.
What would people say?
What will they say about her?
My wife's sadness.
My father-in-law's anger
My fans, journalists...
I went to sleep, thinking about
all of this.
But now, everything is shattered
into pieces.
That's alright.
You can come clean right now.
Surprise!
Your turn, madam.
You look dressed up for a wedding
Even though it's a funeral.
Is she always like this?
Madam
Why did you come to the shoot yesterday?
She came to see my shooting.
Now why did you bring her here?
Sir, you wait. Let her talk for once.
Madam, you know why we called
for you, right?
Yes, I heard
That the girl passed away.
Passed away?!
Murdered by gunshot.
We are trying to catch the killer.
Mister, know your limits.
Okay, sorry.
You can ask questions, but don't touch me.
Don't touch.
Madam, in the few minutes you had come
A bullet was fired at your husband.
Did you know about any of this?
Yes, Selvam told me.
Oh, no, what? Did you not tell her?
Do you tell her anything?
Fine
What has he told you about the girl?
Why would we talk about that girl?
Madam, you are so innocent.
Your husband was truly in love with her.
In fact, they were planning to elope.
It didn't happen, now did it?
What didn't?
The marriage. Didn't take place, right?
He's still with me, isn't he?
And after this is over,
he's coming home to me
When did your husband come back
home last night?
Around 8 o'clock.
Throughout the night, was he at home?
Think it through
When it rained, he never went out?
He was with me the entire time.
Your turn, sir.
Where were you last night?
In my house.
And her?
We were together.
Okay, just leave
You can go now.
Not you though, sir.
You sit.
You can leave, madam.
Ayya, come on.
It's only your hero. Come on in.
See for yourself.
Scoot over a bit, sir.
He is an elder, isn't he? So please.
Ayya, be careful.
You won't even look at each other,
but finished an entire movie together.
What's the use of making a movie?
- When a girl got killed.
- Killed by him.
What makes you so sure that he killed her?
Would you believe it if he said
that he did love her?
To be in love, you need to be honest.
And he could never do that.
All he knows is to cheat.
Narcissist
So maybe he didn't love her
But why kill her?
Kaathu, how long have
they been friends for?
- Their first film came 12 years back.
- 12 Years?!
And yet neither of them understood
the other.
Hey! Law man.
He's not a scripture to decipher.
He's a scoundrel.
Swapping bullets in that gun,
proves that he killed her.
Lie!
A complete fabrication!
Did I plant it?
Did you see me plant it?!
Professor, did you see him
keep the bullets in the gun?
He couldn't have seen what
didn't happen to begin with.
Did you or did you not see him keep
the bullets in the gun?
He was the last person to handle the gun.
First, told me that you saw him keep
the bullets, now you are changing it
Stick to a single story!
He should have kept it.
He should have killed her.
- I know.
- Should have...
Kaathu, call him in.
Come on.
- What's your name?
- Selvam.
What job do you do?
I work as Brother's help.
What work did you have
in this room yesterday?
Whose orders were you following?
Was it him?
His father-in-law, maybe?
Or was it his wife?
DEAR DEVI
Who is this Devi?
Oh, it's madam. Sorry.
Hey, Kaathu
I understood everything. Do you?
It's all Devi.
Let's wrap the case.
File it against Devi.
You guys are free to go...
I switched the bullets!
Yesterday, I was the one
who kept the bullets in the gun.
But I did not kill her.
I did not expect this to come and
fall on my brother.
It's a good thing that he dodged it.
I am who has to see it happen
every single day.
Let's get married.
She deserved to die.
Now she's dead!
I have raised Devi since she was 5!
Selvam!
- Why are you talking about Devi now?
- This guy...
- Shut up!
- Daddy
Let's go.
Daddy, I can't leave without him.
Bravo! What a family drama?
Very nice.
You're the one who brought in my daughter?
The IG will be here soon.
You can take it up with him.
Devi. Selvam. Come, let's go.
Mr. Rich Man!
Your driver has killed that girl.
Under whose orders? I have to investigate.
That could even be you.
I heard that you wanted to meet that girl.
What for?
To tell her to watch her steps
or that she could die.
- Is she dead now?
- Yes.
- How come?
- Someone shot her.
Interrogate these small fries
and find out who the killer is.
I will come and pin a medal on you.
- Just because some lowlife died...
- Hey!
Who are you calling a lowlife?
You know nothing about her!
- Hey, watch your damn mouth!
- Relax, Professor!
Relax! Take a deep breath!
Be careful...
- Look here!
- What now?
I am taking my daughter home now.
Tomorrow, you won't have a job
to worry about.
- Kaathu, file the charge sheet.
- Sir?
Name his daughter as the accused.
This man committed the murder,
under her orders.
Case closed!
Yes, sir.
Your daughter will be
in the police station tonight.
If you want, come in the morning
and take her home.
Charge sheet.
Or just answer my questions...
Then you can take
your daughter with you now.
Want to talk now?
Yes.
Come with me, Mr. Rich Man.
This room is too crowded.
Let's take this somewhere private.
Let's go. You too, ma'am.
I knew you'd be here
if I called your daughter.
You would do
everything for her, after all.
- Have a seat.
- Here?
It looks rich enough. Please sit down.
Sir, I heard that you
have four guns at home.
I'll have 40 if I wanted to.
What's it to you?
Where were you last night?
With the IG.
So you came fully prepared.
Writer, the inspector wants you there.
Leave those two alone.
What did I do wrong?
Why did you stop talking to me?
What is that made you so angry with me?
You cheated me.
I acted for the applause.
That's the problem you have
with me, right?
If you expected something
else from me., what can I do?
This is me. This is all there is to me.
When I was a child, I used to
finish acting and close my eyes.
My body will be shivering with hunger.
You never know what's
coming at you - rocks or pennies.
Until you finish the play.
The noise the bag makes
was the only thing that told me
how many days of hunger
will I satisfy with it.
For that, they need to applaud.
This is a game.
Are you in it? Or out?
Are you struggling or on top?
This is the question.
Yesterday, Kumari was alive.
Today, she is not.
I have told her many times.
Don't trust everything you see
and hear blindly.
But every time she would
say because I trust blindly...
That's why I am happy always.
While you find your peace only
when you close your eyes.
Ayya
Time's up.
Come on in, Ayya.
We searched the whole studio.
We couldn't find the gun anywhere.
We still haven't looked in one spot.
Your safe.
You're the only person with the code.
Open it up.
I forgot.
You don't seem like the type to forget.
What is inside this?
What could the professor be hiding?
Is it the photos you took from Martin?
Is it still inside?
There's another set of clothes?
Is there another pair of shoes?
Was it there yesterday?
Yes.
Remove your shirt and shoes
and give it to me.
Need to send it for a forensics test.
Wear this.
Sir
The tire marks we found at the
back gate matches with Devi's car.
Hey
What's this?
Macaw?
Sir, what are you doing over here?
What is even happening?
At least, tell me what you know so far.
Tell me, sir.
I might also learn something.
Last night
That girl was shot in the
position she got from her bed.
What makes you say that?
You can see it in the impact area
and the blood splatter direction.
That girl did not lock her door. Why?
Because she knew someone she
trusted will come.
If you look at the boot marks
at the killer aiming position,
it feels like the killer lacked
the courage to face her
and shot her without looking at her.
- I just have one doubt.
- What's that?
Why would a killer turn their face away?
You asked once if there were bears
on the Chinese border.
Not just in China.
Bears are all around us.
Every criminal is like a bear.
Sometimes if there is no witness,
the criminal acts like a bear.
Sometimes, the witness
is their own conscience.
Sir
I did not understand a word you said.
But see, I got goosebumps.
Hey, it's 12 o'clock already. Time to go!
Come on in, madam. Sit.
Last few questions. That's it.
Madam, do you know how to drive?
Yes, I know.
When did you drive last?
I came here driving.
- Could anyone else have driven your car?
- Phoenix!
Hello, sir.
What's happening?
I told you specifically not
to call them for inquiry.
Stand up!
- Kaathu.
- Sir?
Arrest someone on the basis of doubt.
Then we should arrest the director, sir.
I still have my doubts on him.
His boot marks are in the blood.
- Get his confession statement.
- Yes, sir.
I am taking them now.
Come on, sir. Let's go.
You are letting the criminal escape.
But I won't.
I know who the killer is.
I've even got the evidence.
Babu
You wanted the world to know Kumari
through the movie.
The film won't be released.
I burnt the climax reel.
I hit you too. My apologies.
Martin. You would do anything
to save this studio, right?
How will your movie release
without the climax?
Look
Another bumper offer.
And you can lock up the studio now.
And you let real guns into the set.
- So you're under arrest! Shut Up!
- I did not do anything.
- Uncle, I did not do anything!
- Shut up!
Selvam
You kept the bullets in the gun.
Attempt to murder.
You are under arrest.
But these guys are not the killer.
You want to know why?
The killer is pretty cunning.
He planned the murder perfectly.
He didn't just want to escape
He also knew how to shift the blame
on someone else.
But fate is stronger than everything.
It gave me a witness of the killer.
Even though this witness can't speak.
It showed me everything that happened.
Devi, is there an African Macaw
in your house?
There are four.
One of them is the witness!
What?
One feather
I found one feather
in the scene of the crime.
In the blood!
If you had killed her
Would you have seen her face or not?
You would have, wouldn't you?
Because you despise her.
However, the killer never saw her face.
Would you?
Some truths need to be hidden
in the dark, right?
Meeting her in the nights
made you feel good, right?
Don't you dare slander her name!
Her name or yours?
Why are you hiding from everyone?
What are you so scared of?
I'm leaving now.
Sir!
It doesn't work that way.
You may be a star in your films.
But around here, until I see fit,
you remain a criminal.
For the murder of Rajakumari,
you are under arrest!
- Anna!
- Phoenix, stop it!
You are exceeding your limits!
I know my limits and I am within it, sir!
- Handcuffs!
- Do you realise the trouble we're in for...
Sir.
What do you want?
You want to arrest me? Is that it?
Isn't that what you've
been getting since morning?
I'm used to being punished
for a crime I didn't commit.
Arrest me.
What are you doing?
Let it happen. I'll get you
a confession statement.
He's a crook, Uncle.
Since he got here, he's been
behaving like a degenerate.
You cannot arrest him! No!
Sir, you mustn't arrest Anna.
Not just for his sake alone.
But for Kumari's sake, too.
Jail, arrest, guns and bullets...
We're not familiar with any of this.
But Kumari didn't deserve to die.
She was pure.
And now how would the world
get to know her?
Just some girl who died in a studio.
That's not fair.
She deserves to live forever.
The only way to do that
is through cinema.
Through this film.
With this movie, people can
know her for who she was.
They'll know her then.
So it has to happen.
And for that, Anna needs to finish
what he started.
Please don't arrest him.
We're begging you!
You will not arrest him!
We won't let you get away with this!
Please don't arrest him.
- He's not the kind of person to do this.
- Exactly, sir.
Please don't, sir.
Don't worry.
I'm not worried.
'Cause, I didn't do anything wrong.
But like they said,
this film needs to be made for Kumari.
Just one more scene. After that
I'll come anywhere you like.
I'll do anything.
Okay.
Even after knowing I was such a bad man,
you embraced me with love.
As a result
I removed all my masks in front of you.
Did I do all that to see you as a corpse?
My dear.
Open your eyes, dear.
I plead with you.
Please open your eyes once for me.
My whole life is in it.
Don't make me an orphan again, dear.
You always asked me to say anything
with a smile.
How will I smile and tell you that
you aren't there anymore?
How will I smile anymore?
Once you asked me...
Who did I sing for?
I did not tell you back then.
But I'm telling you now.
I sang solely for you.
Is the girl's heart changing?
Is it your smiling face?
To search for her in every direction,
To long and pine for her
Will our hearts unite?
My wife...
My love...
My life...
My dearest...
Please kill me!
Kill me! Kill me!
Oh, God
You were telling the truth.
You loved her with all your heart.
You can go, sir.
Go to your room and take rest.
You must be exhausted.
Kaathu, get our boys out.
And leave him alone.
Relax, sir.
- Sir?
- Come with me
- What's this about?
- Sit down for a minute.
- Sit down?
- Just sit and I'll tell you.
- Sir, what are you doing?
- I know all about you.
- You're in charge.
- Thank you, sir.
Once T.K.M. leaves the studio,
release him.
- Okay, sir.
- Sir
Everyone is emotional at the moment.
This is the only time
to get a confession statement.
It's why I made him act.
Kaathu, give me the keys!
You may go now!
Sir, with your permission.
Kaathu, you only have the key.
I know where the lock is for this case.
Sir! Sir!
You were in love with her truly.
If not, you cannot express it like this.
You weren't acting.
You did not act.
Her boat from Burma capsized
in the middle of the sea.
She was in the ocean for two
days and nights.
She wrestled with death
and came out victorious.
Anyone who came face with face with death
would wish to live
their lives to the fullest.
And she did, didn't she?
Who could have the heart to kill her?
Why should they?
Which scoundrel did this?
Scoundrel
I was the one who killed her.
You made me do it.
You wished to teach me a lot of things.
And now you have taught me to kill.
That too, a girl I loved deeply.
She fooled me, Ayya.
I was ready to give up everything for her.
Everything.
But it was all just an act.
She was pregnant.
That was it, right?
The trap you set for me.
And for that, you found a girl,
made her act,
let her seduce me, took a photo
of that. And lie to me
I was about to marry that woman!
And you made me kill her.
Co-conspirators.
I know.
I heard everything.
Saw everything.
Kumari!
KUMUDHAM
Scene 60, Page 64.
Speak
Tell him you're pregnant.
Then you'll know.
Repeat everything you said.
Ayya, you were right from the start.
Actor T. K. Mahadevan is a con man.
A fraud.
He cheated me too.
He never intends to stay with me
like he claims.
He is with me only for my body.
When you are not around,
we spend time together in the studio.
Here you go
This photo is proof of that.
You can use this to have your revenge.
I'm willing to tell this to anyone
you want me to.
I'll admit this to anyone you want me to.
Actor T. K. Mahadevan is a con man.
He is a fraud.
I'm a fraud?
She's the real fraud.
She wasn't in love with me.
She wasn't pregnant.
Everything's a lie.
The acting that you taught her!
Even after knowing all this
I tried asking her.
The times we met, spent together...
Your pregnancy.
Does he know anything of this?
I didn't say anything.
He doesn't know anything.
She lied even then.
I believed her to be the only truth.
But she had me fooled.
She acted.
You made act her heart out.
Last time when you left me on the streets
I decided something right then.
I will decide the place I deserve.
No one can move me from there.
Especially you.
Now, who will you go and
tell that she was pregnant?
Who will believe that lie?
When she is not there to
back up your story.
You can take anything from me.
But the image I created on my own
I won't let you...
I will do anything to protect it.
This time, you will go to jail.
I made sure of that.
You won.
Your win, my loss. Is that it?
We both lost.
We both killed.
Forgive me.
We should have spoken to each other.
She pleaded us to talk with each other.
Ego. Arrogance. Pride!
We should have spoken to each other.
Poor girl.
Mahadeva
Why didn't you finish
listening to the tape?
Kumari! What the hell is this?
What makes you think
I want to see you like this?
You tell me everything.
Then why did you hide this from me?
I did not intend to hide anything
from you.
But you get angry
whenever I talk about him.
Even now I am angry. Furious!
You have the wrong opinion of him.
And you have the right opinion?
Fool! Fool!
- Don't call me a fool.
- Yeah, 'cause you are very bright!
After a few days, you'll
come running to me in tears.
I'll make you hear all this then. Speak
Tell me everything.
Then you'll see for yourself.
Now repeat everything.
Mahadeva
Why do we tell stories in the first place?
In a dark room...
In front of a huge screen...
People gathered from all sides
of the spectrum
What's the most we could tell them?
This is living. This is what life is.
As long you live, live honestly.
Be humble.
What more could one say?
Then how humble should we be?
Go through everything.
I want to know what else he was hiding.
Hold it right there.
Did Ayya open the safe?
He must have shot himself.
To cover for you.
But you are now going home?
Hero!
I've seen hundreds of deaths
Killed many in the line of duty.
But I've never seen
someone die with a smile.
Kumari was the only one.
I knew right then that it was you.
Now why was she smiling?
What made her smile?
Keep living your life.
Every waking minute you spent
will be a nightmare.
I told you it was him, didn't I?
The gun was here the whole time.
We should have just pried it open sooner.
But you said that the real culprit
might get away.
Now look
He wrote his confession by hand.
I lacked the skills of a mother tiger
biting her cubs without hurting them.
I grabbed on too hard and ended
up killing my own child, Kumari.
For my sins, I'll seek my own punishment.
Tell him you're pregnant.
Then you'll know.
You were right from the start.
Actor T.K. Mahadevan is a con man.
A fraud.
He cheated me too.
He never intends to stay with me
like he claims.
He likes me just for my body.
When you are not around, we
spend time together in the studio.
Here you go
This photo is proof for that.
You can use this to have your revenge.
I'll admit this to anyone you ask me to.
If I said that, you'll see
me as smart, won't you?
Then I don't mind being a fool.
I really like him, Ayya.
He stays true around me.
You might know a lot of things about him.
But I know him deeper than that.
I don't know how the world will
understand this.
But we are going to be together.
- We are going to get married.
- Hey!
Forget marriage.
Just tell him you are pregnant.
He'll have to stick by you, right?
He won't.
He will try to cut you out somehow.
Now who's the fool, Ayya?
If I tell him I am pregnant,
he would embrace me.
He would take good care of me.
I feel the safest
when I lean on his shoulders.
Do you know what he calls me?
"My dear."
How could he ever hurt me, Ayya?
I'll hold onto this
photo as proof of that.
My dear, can't tell which contains
more beauty
That moon over there
or this pretty face of yours.
Do you stand on his side or mine?
You're both on the same side.
What's a problem that can't be
solved by having a heart to heart?
Is that what you were trying to say?
I fell asleep like some damn fool.
Yes You are a fool, indeed.
Where should I look?
Look into my eyes.
How could anyone hate this face?
But it disgusts me!
After the shoot, promise me
that we'll be together.
I have no one.
You know what he calls me
"My dear."
How could he ever hurt me?
I grew up without a father.
My child shouldn't go through that ordeal.
Please don't abandon me.
Let's get married.
People are celebrating the movie.
Just like you said they would.
Everybody is celebrating Kumari.
Ayya would have wanted the same.
SAANTHA
Studio.