Ponman (2025) Movie Script

[waves crashing]

Who is it over there?
They're walking on two feet
Who is it I see?
They're furious and hard to beat
They look quite crooked
Yes, of course, they do
They swear non-stop
Yeah, that's true too
Though they stir up trouble
whenever they could
Their hearts are golden,
pure and good
Have you seen Kollam,
my friend?
Then you won't miss your home
in the end
Check out Kollam,
my friend
You won't miss your house
in the end
What is it,
so tall and bright?
It's the clock-tower,
showing the time just right
What's that fire up high?
It's the lighthouse
lighting the sky
What's that massive gate?
It's the shut Parvathi Mill,
sealed by fate
And that smell of mutton I spy?
It's from Hotel Fayalwan, nearby
Check out
Chamakkada and Chinnakkada
Payikkada, Poyilakkada
and Pullikkada
Where is this night heading?
Where is this road leading?
On a thousand legs,
where is this town racing?
Have you seen Kollam,
my friend?
Then you won't miss your home
in the end
Have you seen Kollam,
my friend?
Then you won't miss your home
in the end
Have you seen Kollam,
my friend?
Then you won't miss your home
in the end
PONMAN
[church bell tolling]
[wind whistling over the beach]
What are you doing, Parish Clerk?
Bruno had put up that poster.
Terror Bruno!
So what?
Is the church wall the place
for this kind of nonsense?
Oh, okay!
Consider it your fate then!
What the hell have they done!
Who's tearing down
our party's posters?
-I did it!
-Move!
Who are you to question me?
-Son!
-Get lost!
- Let go of my dad!
- You scoundrel!
Tear it now!
The party runs in my blood.
If you dare touch it...
Move away!
-Let's go!
Oh!
-Is this the border of your property?
-Yes.
[waves crashing]
Is that boat yours?
Yes, but I don't
venture out to sea.
So, what does the
bride's brother do?
I am a party worker.
-A party worker?
-Yes.
That's interesting.
-Do you like freshwater fish, dear?
-Yes.
-Agnus...
-Yes.
What's cooking?
Oh, it's fish curry?
There's no salt at all.
Yes!
It's perfect now.
He has received a few other
marriage proposals as well.
Among them, Shirley's family is willing
to offer up to 23 sovereigns of gold.
We became interested in your proposal
because you promised to give 25 sovereigns.
If there's any change in that,
tell us now, okay?
In that case, we'll stop by
Shirley's house on the way.
Oh, that's not necessary.
We never go back on our word.
Oh, okay.
We've got to marry off
our younger daughter too.
Her marriage is fixed with
a boy from our coast itself.
They seem to be in a hurry.
So, before it slips away,
we need to get it done.
That's why.
Is there any issue?
No. Not at all!
Then, you decide on the
date and inform the broker.
But the wedding needs to
happen before Lent begins.
Oh, no!
-Before the Lent?
-Why?
Is there any problem?
Well... No, there's no problem.
-Hey, Lucy!
-Don't we have to go?
-Oh!
Oh, no! He is calling!
Let me leave.
He is very short tempered.
-Agnus...
-Yes.
Before Lent begins, okay?
Yeah... Okay.
-I'm leaving.
-Okay.
[tense music builds]
-Hey, Bruno!
Stop there!
-Stop there!
This is the last
time I'm telling you.
This entire issue will be
over with an apology from you.
If you say it here, this issue
will stay within this Parish.
-What do you say?
-Like hell I'll apologize, Father!
He dared to touch
the party's poster.
He's lucky that's all he got!
Father, This is not
an attack against me.
This attack is against our Parish.
I am not open to any
compromise, Father!
I am filing a police
case for sure!
Sue me then!
You tore down party
posters, right?
Party workers will
deal with the case.
Hey, you!
I will make sure you'll
run around in circles!
-I'll show you!
-You go inside!
-Go inside! Sit there!
Hey, hey!
Don't be so arrogant, alright?
You should consider
your family's situation.
Don't forget that your
sister's wedding is coming up.
Don't rub the fisherfolk and
the church the wrong way!
If they abandon you,
you know what will happen, right?
That will happen
smoothly, Father.
We have facilitated
many weddings
that the churches
have disapproved.
Don't try to scare me.
Let's go!
We are not fully satisfied
with the proposal, Lovely.
But when I thought about it,
-she's already 32 years old, right?
-Of course.
This guy works in the backwaters.
-He is strong and well-built.
-Is it?
No matter what, his fishing net should
catch five or six carp daily, right?
-That, along with some
rice will fill their stomachs.
That's the first thing we
should consider, right?
That's true, Chechi.
I had told her earlier also
not to waste time waiting
for an educated guy.
-Come, Chechi.
Let's sit there.
Okay.
And, with God's grace,
we'll be able to organize
the wedding well.
When her Papa had
a fishing boat,
he used to contribute generously to
all the weddings on our coast, right?
-Don't you know it as well?
-Of course!
All that will come back to us.
And then, her brother's
party workers...
They will also offer
some help, right?
But when they told me to rush the wedding,
I started feeling the financial squeeze.
She needs some gold to wear
on the wedding eve, right?
We can give it back when we receive
the donations on the wedding day.
Please give me your
gold ornaments.
Oh, no! My dear Chechi,
are you referring to these, Chechi?
These are rolled gold
ornaments, Chechi!
My husband keeps taking my gold saying
that he needs money to repair his boat.
He's the one who
got me the gold, right?
How can I refuse when he asks?
Moreover, there's a girl growing
up in this house as well, right?
My head is spinning
when I think about it!
Here too.
-Steffi! Come, let's go!
Have food and go, Chechi!
-No, thanks!

Didn't I tell you that
Lovely Aunty won't give it?
When she eloped
with her husband,
it was your dad who took my 3 sovereign
gold chain and draped it around her neck.
And she's telling this colossal lie
wearing that same chain!
Rolled gold! My foot!
[waves gently lapping at the shore]
Look at him lazing in the sun!
-Are you mad, you old hag?
-Yes, I am mad.
If my child's wedding
gets cancelled
because we can't give
the gold we promised,
I'll jump into this
sea with her and die!
Mind you!
And he's basking
in the sun at noon!
Don't make a scene,
you old hag!
It's her wedding, right?
It will go smoothly.
How will you pull it off?
Just like how
everyone else does it!
Something will turn up.
We have been asked to vacate
this rented house next month.
Then, we will turn up...
on the streets!
You old hag!
Hey! What are you looking at?
So keen on snooping
on your neighbours!
Go inside!
-You old hag!
-Get lost!
She is Bruno's sister.
-You know that?
-Yes, I know!
I know very well!
I didn't raise her
expecting anyone's help!
I know how to conduct
her wedding. Okay?
She's got a thousand efficient
brothers in our party.
Yeah, right!
I'll show all of you!
-You get lost!
[band music playing]
- Isn't it time to leave, Comrade?
- He said we'll leave by 11 AM.
He's discussing that
issue with the church.
Let's leave when it's over.
-Is it about Bruno?
-Yes. That same issue.
Why should we put up
with his atrocities?
Hey, it's nice!
Yes, come on!
-Just a minute.
I'll be right back.
-Bruno did it for the party, right?
-Then what's the issue now?
-When these random guys cause
problems using the party's name,
they need to remember we've got
to seek votes from the coastal areas.
-Bruno has arrived, Comrade.
-Those votes will come to us.
-We'll see.
-He's outside.
Huh?
What is it, Comrade?
Come, Comrades.
Let's go.
Comrade...
What is it?
Hey, the poster incident
has turned into a real mess.
That parish clerk has
filed a police case.
So what? The party
should fight the case.
-Against the church?
-It's not against the church, right?
You idiot! Come here.
You're charged with attempt
to murder. Understood?
Didn't I do it for
the party, Comrade?
For the party?
Did the party ask you
to smash his skull?

-Did the church call you for a compromise?
-Yes.
And did you inform
that to the party?
Did you?
My sister's wedding is coming up.
I can't let this ruin it.
You do things recklessly and...
You should have
some common sense.
What can we do now, Comrade?
Tell me that.
Nothing can be done this time.
It's election time.
The party is really scared that
this might affect the results.
It's been decided
to keep you out.
For the time being,
let's try to get an
anticipatory bail for you. Okay?
You stay away from here for now.
There is no other way.
But where will I go?
[mobile phone ringing]
I'll arrange something.
-Hey, Comrade...
-Did those workers
we called show up?
-Hey! They can
leave only after this!
[band music grows louder]
[band music fades out]
[local band music fades in]
[local band music playing]

Hey everyone!
Jesus is coming
Bro!
Hey, who is this guy?
Who opened my room for him?
This is Bruno. Comrade Sunil sent him
here to stay in hiding for a week.
He has a few issues
within the party.
No matter who sent him,
this is not acceptable.
Take him and leave!
Dude, he's got some
money with him.
If we use him, we can
sail smoothly for a week.
You know our situation, right?
This is what you always do!
Bringing along some nuisance!
Come, bro!
Come here.
Hey everyone!
Jesus has born
Hey, bro!
Do you want a drink?
-No.
-Then eat something.
I've got Papads.
I ate from the church.

Have it, Comrade.
[melancholic music]
-The party has decided
to suspend Bruno.
-Given all his antics, we really should've
kicked him out long ago, Comrade.
-Why should we bear this burden?
Huh?
These guys won't even let me sleep!
What is this, you spook?
I'll be right back.
He is in a big mess, bro.
The party just suspended Bruno
for beating up the Parish Clerk.
So what?
It's his sister's wedding, bro.
He has promised to give 25
sovereigns of gold as dowry.
But he's got only very
little cash in hand.
We need to arrange
the remaining gold, bro.
Huh? Why should we?
Bro...
He's got his people spread
from Neendakara to Vaadi.
The donations will be huge.
Money will flow in.
But the bride needs gold
to wear on the wedding eve.
That's the problem.
Haven't we helped a
lot of people, bro?
It's the matter of a
girl's life, right?
Please help him, bro.
Isn't he a Comrade, after all?
Look at his sorry state.
Poor guy.
[scheming music builds]
Hey, call Bastin.
-Huh?
-Call Bastin.
[scheming music builds]
-Hello, Bastin.
-Yes.
-Wait. I'll give it to him.
-Bro, this is Sharma.
-Tell me, bro.
-Spook will tell you something.
-Okay.
-It's for a close friend of ours.
-Okay.
-Please help him out, bro.
-Okay.
-Hey, Bastin bro...
-Tell me.
-The issue is that...
-Hello?
-There is no issue!
-Hey!
-The city is in Bastin's grip.
-Tell me, Spook!
Yes... Hello...
-Our friend's sister's
wedding is coming up.
We've promised to give her the
gold to wear on the wedding eve.
-Can you arrange something, bro?
-Thanks, bro!
-You will be there?
-We will be here.
-What about Spook?
-He is here.
-Okay then.
Okay, bro.
-Hey!
Hey, get up!
Get up!
There's that Ambujam Jewellery
in Payikkada road, right?
That blue painted shop
near that banyan tree.
Yes.
Tell your sister to go there
tomorrow, select the ornaments,
take photos, and send
it to you on WhatsApp.
They need to be reserved.
Tell her to select the ones with
less labour cost. That's cheaper.
You will get it on time
only if you book now.
A guy named Ajesh
will come tomorrow.
He works with the
jewellery shop.
He's got a short fuse.
So keep your
crankiness to yourself.
You just keep mum.
I'll handle him.
My dear Bruno...
Life is a balance.
There is no point in
going to war directly.
You won't return to the shore.
You have to skilfully
balance your boat.
Understood?
[majestic, reverent music]
[Sharma laughs]

P. P. Ajesh!
I'm Markandeya Sharma,
whom Bastin told you about.
Shall I fix you a drink?

Well... So...
What's the deal?
We've got some cash with us.
Should we give it to
the jewellery shop or not?
-Don't give them a single penny.
-Huh?
Our deal is not with
the jewellery shops.
I'm the one who gets the
gold from jewellery shops.
This P.P. Ajesh!
25 sovereigns, paid in full!
Oh!
Well, didn't you
come on a motorbike?
Won't it be a problem?
What problem?
All the cops in the city
are my men!
I've handled the weddings of so
many women in the department.
In Kollam, the money raised on
the wedding eve is the real deal.
We will assign two smart
girls as accountants.
That way, there won't
be any cheating, right?
If I give 500 for your wedding,
you should give me 600 for mine.
That's basic decency.
500 is the minimum amount.
-It's quite shady.
Keeping tabs
and collecting cash.
How is it shady, Sharma?
-Is cash such a bad thing?
-No, but...
It's cash that decides our status.
Understood?
Cash!
If we had 10 Crores, would
we even be sitting here?
-Would I be sitting here?
-No. Well...
If you have enough money,
-you can marry your sister to a decent guy.
-Yes.
You will get sardine
fish for 100.
-But will you get king fish?
-No.
Begging on the streets
is better than this.
Who is this guy?
He is the girl's brother. Bruno.
Oh!
You will feel like this
during your sister's wedding.
It will change when
it's your wedding.
-That's the tradition.
-Then I'm not getting married.
-How about that?
-Hey, cool it!
-Please get up.
-Huh?
Get up, Comrade.
Stand up.
-Get up.
Now walk.
[tense music builds]
Well, forget it. Sit.
He is perfect.
If he's not too stubborn, his looks
could get him at least 25 sovereigns.
He's jobless.
He is a party worker.
-What should we do now?
-You don't have to do anything.
This Ajesh will
handle everything.
I saw the gold
that you selected.
You may not get all of it.
But I will arrange and
bring whatever I can.
Where is the girl's house?
-It's in Thekkumbhagam.
-Okay.
In Thekkumbhagam, does the fund collection
happen on the wedding day or the day before?
Us Latin Catholics follow different
customs in different places.
We...
According to our custom,
the groom stays at the bride's
house on the wedding day.
You do that as you like it.
When should I come and leave?
Tell me that.
There's a fund collection
on the wedding eve.
The rest of the guests will come the
next day, the evening after the wedding.
So, the first night is
at the bride's house.
So, I should arrive
the previous afternoon
and stay until the next night.
But Bastin didn't tell me
this is a two-day job!
-This is too much work.
-We've got you covered.
With local hooch like this?
No way! Not like this one.
We're getting some great booze.
-Right?
-Okay.
I'll hand over the gold to you
at 3 PM on the wedding eve.
You should wrap up the
wedding day party by 8:30 PM.
I'll calculate the money collected
during those two days,
and if it's short, I will take
back that much in gold.
There will be an agreement.
Are you okay with this?
Listen...
If you trick us...
I'm buried in problems here.
There is nothing
shady in this, dude.
This is a direct deal.
100% guarantee.
And you should treat me very well.
Of course, we will do that.
Enjoyment is always
a thrill for me.
That is why...
That's is why I do this job
despite the risks.
-Okay, then.
-Okay!
Dear, make sure you get all the guests'
names and addresses down right, okay?
We are noting them all, Mumma.
And don't forget to keep track
of the money they give, okay?
Yes.
Sigh!
[melancholic, solitary music]
It's already 5 o'clock, dear.
Is that guy who said he'd bring
the gold really going to come?
Oh, Lord! Guests have
also started to arrive.
[melancholic, solitary music]
Will we get screwed, dude?
He's your man, isn't he?
Son, why hasn't
that boy come yet?
Mumma, they've reached
the Beach Road.
Go on.
Mumma, go and keep this inside.
Go... Go on.
Bastin, is this happening or what?
He isn't like this, usually.
He's a man of his words, dude.
Where is he then?
-Buddy, you guys just come over.
-He's least bothered!
-Everything is ready here.
Oh, committee? Like we
haven't seen any committees!
-I've arranged everything here.
[cheerful music playing]
- Bro, bro...
- Here he comes!
[cheerful music playing]
Where were you, dude?
-Why didn't you answer my calls?
-Bro, I'll call you back.
-After promising...
-Just as I was about to leave,
I realized someone else had
taken had taken the gold scale.
I had to wait for him.
This Ajesh never
breaks his word.
Dude, did you get
what I asked for?
Of course!
We've brewed
something ourselves.
It's really strong, local hooch.
No way! That won't do.
Get it from the government liquor store,
so we're aware of how much we're
drinking and how high we're getting.
I'm dealing with cash;
I should keep my brain sharp!
- Go stand in the queue.
- What queue?
-What is this?
-Local hooch, huh?
Where is the kitchen, dear?
-It's at the back.
-Well, don't I know that?
-Yeah, that's true.
-Come, come...
Do you really have the
gold with you, buddy?
And that makes it...
25 sovereigns of gold.
Ask the bride to come here.
Let her try this on first.
Steffi, dear!

Steffi Chechi, right?

It's your wedding day, and the
bedroom is still undecorated?
Come on, wear these.
Let me see!
You've weighed the gold, right?
Everyone, step out;
I will wear them myself.
How can that be?
You must sign the
agreement, right?

Sign here.
Right here.
Shucks!
The bride should--
Let me tell you
something right away.
After the wedding tomorrow,
and once you've shown it to anyone
who might come in the evening,
at 8:30 PM,
or by 9:00 PM at the latest;
I have to count the cash,
wrap up the deal and leave.
Then, don't say that
your Sister from the South
or Aloshi who has gone to
the sea, are yet to come.
I've seen this
trick at many places.
I just mentioned it
beforehand, that's all.
Okay then.

She's got nothing going for her,
yet look at her
arrogance!
[uplifting, hopeful music]
[music cuts off abruptly]

Blindfolded,
tied the knot so tight
I found a pearl that fell from the sky,
shining bright
It's the wedding of a girl
as lovely as ten
A midnight wedding
under the full moon's zen
Blindfolded,
tied the knot so tight
I found a pearl that fell from the sky,
shining bright
It's the wedding of a girl
as lovely as ten
A midnight wedding
under the full moon's zen
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
What's with all the dressing up,
O' girlie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
Why the fuss and stressing,
O' Bridie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
What's with all the dressing up,
O' girlie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
Why the fuss and stressing,
O' Bridie?

Bruno, come.
Just make this happen somehow.
Don't expect any
help from the party.
-We will sort it out.
-Comrade?
Stay strong!
[taps a number on mobile]
[mobile phone ringing]
What's burning within the heart?
Who's leaving without a word to impart?
Is it the bride who's bidding farewell
to the house and the shore
Or is it the gold
they cherish even more?
Is it the bride who's bidding farewell
to the house and the shore
Or is it the gold
they cherish even more?
The bride is coming,
The wine is flowing
On her neck, heavy and bold,
Hangs plenty of gold
Everyone's seated for the feast,
so right
Smiles fill the house,
glowing bright at night
Dear, Philipose hasn't come!
Philomina from
Edasseri hasn't come.
Thressia!
We invited so many people!
No one has come!
- Let's wait till tomorrow and see.
- I'm going crazy.
I don't know! Why didn't the
priest from the church turn up?
Bro!
At exactly 8 o'clock
tomorrow morning,
I need to run through the beach.
You may run!
Wearing only briefs.
A 'brief' sprint!
Hey! A gathering
before we part ways.
Life is a celebration!
Hey, lazy bum!
When he runs in his
underwear tomorrow,
you should take care that
he doesn't fall and die, okay?
-He says he will take care.
-You don't worry about that.
I won't fall.
Even if I do, I won't die!
I've handed the ornaments over,
you know.
The bride is coming,
The wine is flowing
On her neck, heavy and bold,
Hangs plenty of gold
Everyone's seated for the feast,
so right
Smiles fill the house,
glowing bright at night
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
What's with all the dressing up,
O' girlie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
Why the fuss and stressing,
O' Bridie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
What's with all the dressing up,
O' girlie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
Why the fuss and stressing,
O' Bridie?

Wake up, guys!
Get up!
Come. Let's run in undies.
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
What's with all the dressing up,
O' girlie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
Why the fuss and stressing,
O' Bridie?
Blindfolded,
tied the knot so tight
I found a pearl that fell from the sky,
shining bright
It's the wedding of a girl
as lovely as ten
A midnight wedding
under the full moon's zen
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
What's with all the dressing up,
O' girlie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
Why the fuss and stressing,
O' Bridie?
O', Bridie! O', Bridie!
Why the fuss and stressing,
O' Bridie?
[Hubalt - Boss]
[ringtone - vintage jewellery ad jingle]
-Yes, Boss!
-Have you left from there?
-Did you get the cash?
-No. I'm headed there.
-Okay. Call me once
you get the cash.
Okay, Boss.
I'll call you.
[phone rings again]
Hello, Mom!
-Son! Will you be late?
Can I go to bed?
You may go to bed, Mom.
-Should I lock the door?
No, don't lock the door.
-Have you eaten anything?
No, I'll come after
eating from here.
-Okay.
-Okay, Mom.
[counting]
Dude, there's an issue.
Where is there no issue?
How big is the issue?
That's the real issue!
Tell me that.
We couldn't raise as
much money as we expected.
Hitting the parish
clerk has backfired.
And... no one showed up from
the party or the church.
It's okay. The wedding is over,
right? The rest is your issue.
I must check the accounts and
leave. Call Mumma. Come, come...
Ah, Mumma!
Here's all the money we got.

Ten...
[counting]

This is nowhere
near enough, Mumma.
The man of the house should
have good character first.
Only then will the
family survive.
I'm taking the money
for 13 sovereigns.
Remaining is 12 sovereigns.
I'm taking it back, including that big
necklace with the high making cost.
Call the bride here.
Oh no!
Then we'll have to remove half of
the gold and give it to you, right?
Won't they find out?
Aha!
I don't need to know all that.
I had warned you at
the beginning, right?
I need to settle the accounts and
leave. Are you calling her or not?
-Well, son...
-Then, I'll call her myself.
What else should I do?
This gold is a cursed
thing, you know?
Wherever you keep it,
trouble follows.
- I'll go call her.
- No, he shouldn't.
You go and bring Steffi, Mumma.
Go on, Mumma.
-How can I?
-Go and call her!
-Go on, Mumma!
-Go!
[suspenseful music builds]
Damn it!
[suspenseful music builds]
Huh?
[suspenseful music builds]
-Who's there?
-Let me see.
[suspenseful music builds]
-What is it, Mumma?
-Dear!
That guy who brought the gold
is asking us to return 12
sovereigns worth of gold.
-What's happening there?
Just come here!
-Everything else can wait till tomorrow!
Let him go to sleep, Mumma!
Oh no!
Oh Jesus!

Where?
Where is my gold?
Well, son...
They both have locked the room.
If they've locked the room,
knock and call them.
Oh no! How can I
knock on their door?
I'm asking you,
where is the gold?
Are you trying to trick me?
You old hag!
Hag?
Hey! That's enough!
Enough...
with your god-damned dealings.
Get out!
- Get out!
- Hey!
-Hey, Bruno!
I will smash your skull!
He and his damn accounts!
-What are you doing?
-Stop it, Terrence!
Terrence, please be quiet!
He will hear you.
-Stay right here and talk.
-Be quiet!
So I'm the villain now, huh?
I'm the one who
gave you the gold.
Lower your voice!
Go bark elsewhere!
-Son, keep it low.
-Stop it, dude!
No matter how big of a goon
you are, I still want my gold.
-I won't leave without it.
-Please let me speak!
Let Mumma say what she told her.
Son, she will give it back.
She said she will leave
it outside when he sleeps.
This is what all
the fuss was for!
Son, you can check the accounts
and take back all that you need.
We'll bear with
whatever happens after.
How will I know if he is asleep?
She'll turn off the
light in the room then.
Who told me about the
local hooch earlier?
-Get me a glass of it!
-Dude!
Dude, stop there.
Ajesh!
I can't go to the city
alone with the gold today.
Let me find a spot where I can
see the light from the room.
Stop there, dude!
[playful, expectant music]
Isn't he out of steam yet?
Hey, just shut up!
[playful, expectant music]
What the hell is that son
of a gun doing in there?
You rascal!
I'm going crazy here!
If you keep throwing
tantrums here,
you won't be leaving alive,
let alone with your gold.
- Wanna see?
- Be quiet now!
-We've waited this far, right?
Sharma, get him out of here!
He's going over-board with this!
Even when I try to ignore
it, he keeps rubbing it in!
[indistinct chatter]

[melancholic music]
[waves crashing]

[quirky, suspenseful music]
[suspenseful music]
Son!
[creaking cot and soft moans ]
[melancholic music]
Damn it!
[melancholic music]
[waves crashing]
[birds tweeting at dawn]
[waves gently lapping at the shore]
[birds tweeting at dawn]
[autorickshaw engine starts]
[tense music builds]
Where is my gold?
Hey, son!
Stop the vehicle, hey!
Hey!
[tense music]
Damn it!
Where is my gold?
-Did she leave with it?
-Son, we will get it back for you.
-He is a peculiar type.
-Where has she gone?
By the time I woke up,
he whisked her away
in an auto rickshaw,
saying the bathroom
here is faulty.
Damn it!
[gargling noisily]
Who deflated my tyre?
Where was she taken?
Son, err...
He will go and bring the gold back.
Who? This guy?
If my gold's gone,
I know how to get it back!
Where is the groom's house?
Bring me the wedding invite.
I'll find the address.
Yeah! Mom, get it for him.
If he's that adamant,
let him force his way in.
It's quite a notorious area.
Have you heard of Thalavettichira?
[tense music builds]
It's surrounded by
water on three sides,
and there's only one exit.
If they shut it, you'll
never make it out.
[birds calling mid-flight]
[tense cymbal sound]
So, just calm down now.
Please relax, dude.
I will go there and bring
it back tactfully.
Don't get so worked up.
Didn't you tell me to go get it
myself if I was being adamant?
I am adamant!
You and your sister have
thrown dirt on my daily bread.
I will get my gold back, even
if I have to eat that dirty bread.
And if I lose my head over this,
then I don't need that head anyway!
Go ahead.
-Son!
-Move!
[melancholic, vengeful music]
[festive church music playing faintly]
Chechi, I'm placing it on
this side and tying it up, okay?
Is this not done yet?
-Be quick.
-It's almost done, Aunty.
This saree suits you
really well, Chechi.
You look so pretty.
Go over there, Chechi.
The bride will be coming out soon.
You can see her then.
Didn't you wear these yet?
Show me your hands, Chechi.
I'll put them on.
This doesn't seem like
it's only 25 sovereigns.
-It looks far more precious.
-I'll wear it myself.
-Hey, Niva!
-Yes?
Get her outside!
The guests have
started to arrive.
-Oh no! Chechi!
-The priest has been waiting for so long.
Come, dear. Come.
[a wedding song playing]
Careful!
It's the high tide, Chechi.
That's why it's like this.
You can go this way.
Ask her to lift her Saree.
Careful!

Dear, come over here.
They will click our photos, alright?
You should stick
close to your Uncle.
Move, move...
Move closer.
Look into the camera.
Smile, everybody!
-Yes, yes! Okay!
Dear, step up there.
[indistinct chatter]
See, this is my husband's family.
Move a little bit.
- Hey, Marian!
Marian, something has come up.
This is just child's play.
You should look at it that way.
I'm telling you so you don't hear it from
someone else and make it a bigger issue.
Tell me what the matter is.
I think it's Aniyappan's boys.
They have taken some
shrimps from your farm.
The boatmen told me.
Don't make a big deal out of it.
I have asked them to
come and meet you.
We can settle it like that.
You heard me, right?
Honey, please come.
Everyone stand closer!
Marian bro!
Just come and stand
over there, dude!
-Just click and send them away!
-Oh!
-Everyone, please look here.
-Go stand there, man!
Your brother disrespected me
by walking off during the photo.
Give it to me.
Wear the gold properly, dear.
Let the people see!
Dear Aunty, just let the girl
wear the gold, at least for tonight!
It's going to be yours from
tomorrow anyway, right?
Get lost!
[people laughing]
Sit down, dear.
Sit.
[sounds of caterers bustling]
-What are you
messing with over there?
Bring the curry over here!
- Come over here!
-There's no curry here.
People are waiting here to eat.
-Talk to your boss, and
if the prawns are grown,
just give them to someone, dude.
-When are those boys coming?
-Just let it go, bro!
-I'm not letting it go so easily.
-Then, do as you wish.
[tense music builds]
[tense music cuts off abruptly]
[indistinct chatter]
[tense music builds]
O' Lord, won't you let me live in peace?
[tense music builds]
Hey, they guests from Kollam
have arrived. Fix the sheets!
-Hey, make it quick!
-Mumma!
It is very muddy here, dear.
Watch your steps.
-Steffi, dear!
Aunty, please wait.
I'll be right back.
The guy who gave us the gold
has landed here, Mumma.
Oh no!
-Hi, Steffi.
-Has he come here as well?
O' Lord! What will we do now?
I never thought he'd
come all the way here.
Would anyone leave so easily,
leaving behind this much gold?
You have to get him out
of here somehow, Mumma.
Or else, you'll need to make room for one
more person in the car when you head back.
-Mind you!
-Shut up, wretch!
Where is Bruno?
-Where the hell is that boy?
-Agnus!
Are you standing over here?
What's up with the mother and
daughter having a secret chat?
Come, wash your hands... Come.
Please give us a minute, Lucy.
What is this, Agnus?
Come and sit over there.
Dear, it's hard to say
when he'll come to eat now.
Why don't you join your mom?
Come, come on.
Come, come...
-Hey, did you eat?
Is there any way
out of this, dear?
There is no way!
That hag and his sisters
have weighed all the gold
with their eyes and
hands at least forty times.
[tense music builds]
Son!
Are you trying to play
tricks on me, you hag?
No one will live here peacefully
until I get my gold back!
Are you giving it back or...
Aha! Why are you crying, Aunty?
Don't girls leave home one day?
Why be so sad about it?
Isn't that the tradition?
Eat this, Aunty.
Here you go...
I didn't recognize you.
I had seen you earlier too.
Err.. I am a cousin...
-of Steffi's.
-Are you?
I am Brosh, also known as Brochan!
I am your brother-in-law's
favourite brother-in-law!
Eat this, Aunty.
-Hey, cousin, eat up.
-Okay.
-Where is she going?
-Did you eat?
-Yes, I did.
-Aren't you eating?
-Yes, I will.
My dear son!
I am begging you!
Let her husband and those
women quit eyeing the gold.
Aunty, haven't you eaten yet? The Appams
and chicken curry are still there.
I'm not hungry, son.
Son, I went through a lot of
struggles to finally get her married.
Please don't humiliate us.
If he finds out, I'll have no other option
but to end it all by jumping into the sea.
When they return home for
the feast, I'll get it back from her.
Just give me two more days.
Don't you also have a mother?
Trying to trick me again, huh?
-Bro!
-Yes?
Do you have something to drink?
What a question, bro!
Just come with me!
Of course, there is!
Needless to ask! We
have everything ready.
Come on then.
Where is it?
It is over there.
Come on, Cousin.
You will be amazed to
see our arrangements.
Watch your steps.
Oh! Will they burst
everything all at once?
-There is some chicken left, boss.
-Serve some here.
-Hold this, boss.
-The lads are killing it!
Brother-in-law!
This is Steffi's cousin.
-Brochan, there's nobody to serve here.
-Yeah, I'm coming!
Damn it! I was thinking of having
a few drinks for new year's eve.
That went for a toss!
Let them gulp it all.
How exactly are you her cousin?
Tell him, Bruno.
He is the son of one
of my dad's sisters.
What does the sister's
son do for a living?
-Okay, then.
Carry on.
Fix another one, bro!
Okay.
We only have water here.
[firecrackers bursting in the sky]
I've got some amazing
things I do for a living, bro.
Have you heard of
Madiyil Jewellery, bro?
What is it, bro?
It means, we carry the
jewellery in our hips (Madiyil).
Back in the day,
goldsmiths used to do this.
People seem to trust
jewellery shops more nowadays.
So, we hang around
these jewellery shops.
If there's any financial difficulty in
arranging gold for a wedding, I step in.
I provide the
ornaments in advance,
and the next day, I settle the deal
with the money they've collected.
We call it Madiyil jewellery since we
transport the gold in our hips ('madiyil').
We're also known as
walking jewellery shops.
That's what I am.
Quite impressive!
There are a couple of such
desperate weddings coming up here.
-Will you intervene, bro?
-Of course, bro!
Isn't that my job?
But nobody will offer
to help us so easily, bro!
Our characters are such.
That's alright, bro.
Just know that a fearless
guy has shown up.
P. P. Ajesh.
But isn't this risky?
What if someone runs
off with all the gold?
There are some
scoundrels who do that,
but I know how
to deal with them.
That's true!
I knew you were a shrewd
one, the moment I saw you.
Fix another drink, bro!
Hey, Bruno! Your
Mumma is calling you.
-Ask his Mumma to wait there.
-Hey, she is calling.
Don't go until you've finished this.
-Okay?
-No...
-You can leave after this, dude.
-I'll be right back.
Whatever!
Where is he rushing off to?
Off you go!
Fix another one, bro.
Aha!
Hey, shouldn't we leave?
While that guy is still around?
I've asked him for a
couple of days' time.
He left without a word.
Every minute he stays
here means trouble for us.
Let me see.
-He is boozing hard over there.
-Oh, no.
What if he spills
the beans there?
I will kill him then!
Yeah! You were up for killing
everyone in the country, right?
Go ahead and kill him!
Go! Go, kill him!
But if you're killing him, do it before
that guy reveals something.
As her brother,
do at least this for her.
I can't bear with this any more.
-Chechi, shouldn't we get going?
You should come after
getting him out of here.

Why are we leaving
before the booze got over?
Hey, Bruno!
What's up with this
cousin of yours?
How can someone drink so much?
He drinks like a fish.
So, the walking jewellery shop turned
into a sleeping jewellery shop! Crazy!
Hey, Bruno!
Happy new year!

[tense music]
[rock splashes into water]
That was some
hardcore drinking, man!
I thought the guys here
were the tough ones!
-So, brother-in-law!
I am heading out.
I must go to the farm.
Brother-in-law,
we are also leaving.
Okay.
Have you been getting
any fish lately, bro?
Fishing has become quite tedious.
I catch a few fish at
work, just enough for curry.
He guards a shrimp farm.
He has to keep guarding.
-Bro!
-Yes?
Any chance we could
party there one night?
Yeah, come along.
-Hey, Soniya! Take
the glass from the child.
-Give it, dear.
-Here you go.
[tense music builds]
Shall I leave?
Didn't I tell you?
Her wedding has also been fixed.
After the church festival, we'll
move forward with her wedding.
The groom is from this coast.
Of course, Aunty! We'll be
here on the wedding eve itself!
- Just let me know if you need any gold.
-Okay.
Hey, come!
-We're leaving then.
-Okay.
Steffi, dear!
Please come with us to the road.
Go ahead, dear. Your brothers
might have something to tell you.
Go, dear.
Big bro!
The people here are
just making things up.
We haven't entered your farm.
Okay, dude.
If it's not you guys,
why would I have a problem?
-I'll handle the rest.
-Okay, Big bro!
Let's go!
Hey, wait.
Don't go yet.
[tense music builds]
You didn't touch my shrimps, huh?
Huh?
I'm not going anywhere.
I'll be around here,
and I'll leave only
when I have the gold.
Which gold?
Steffi doesn't return
what she has got.
What did you say?
Your mom said she'll give the gold
back when you go home for the feast!
-Let's talk later.
-Let go of me.
You don't have any role in this.
This deal is between me and her.
What deal do we have between us?
I haven't taken anything from you,
so don't ask me for anything either.
Who should I ask, then?
It's true.
You've incurred a loss.
What we're doing is
pure embezzlement.
It's your livelihood.
You should get it back.
But, not from me.
From this scumbag,
who calls himself my brother!
- Steffi, dear!
- Dear! My foot!
Just go and die somewhere.
Hey!
Grab his collar
and get it from him.
Isn't he well-built?
Ask him to work as a coolie
and buy it with that money.
His damn politics and violence!
Do you know something?
He's never broken a sweat in his life.
He didn't care that the family had no
head, and that a sister was growing up.
In the end, he threw me away to
a barbarian the size of a mountain...
and dares to call
himself my brother!
You will give it back!
Ajesh has given gold to girls who've been
married off to even more notorious places.
And I've taken it back as well.
You won't do shit!
Shit?
I will ruin your life.
Do you want to see that?
-Enough! Come with me.
-Oh, no!
-Oh, no!
-Leave him!
Oh no!
-Oh God!
-Come on!
Let go of me!
-Leave them!
Hey!
Kick him, big bro!
[indistinct crying]
-Kili, run away!
-Stop it, boys!
Don't hit me, Chetta!
Hey, Mariano! These
guys are the limit!
-Stop there, you!
-Aunty!
Aunty! Aunty!
-Catch him! Catch him!
-Move away, Chetta!
-Bro!
Stop it!
Let them go!
Let them go!
You better stick to
messing with your own kind!
-Hey, leave them!
-How dare you touch my prawns!
-Let him go!
-Mariano, let him go!
- Mariano, let him go!
What is this, bro?
Aren't they just kids?
You threatened to ruin my life, right?
Well, losing this gold will do just that!
If you can take it away from here,
go ahead!
[tense music slowly builds]
[ominous, menacing music]
He beat those kids senseless.
No point in blaming him.
If anyone dares touch his stuff,
he goes absolutely wild.
Even as his friends,
we're cautious with him.
He's like a puppy when you're
his friend, really easygoing.
But cross him, and he turns
into a devil, no doubt about it.
Stop here, bro.
Okay.
What are you doing here?
Hey, no need to pay.
I don't want money, bro.
-Okay then, bro. See you.
-Okay.
What do we do now?
I'll be staying here in this lodge,
until I get my gold,
or until I die!
Do you really think you'll get the
gold from me, like she said?
I know you don't have a
bloody dime to your name.
You aren't my enemy either.
Who wants you, after all?
All you are is someone who has to
watch me grind my teeth in frustration.
My goal is to get to
where the gold is kept.
This is just a minor setback
from when I went to fetch it.
That will be over soon.
To believe her and
expect gold from you,
I'm not a fool!
Understood?
Come, let's grab a
drink, if you're up for it.
Come.
You're chilling here, huh?
I can't do that, right?
I ended up in the
middle of this, right?
Hey! He's stuck in Kundara!
But he didn't even
call me to complain.
He's a faithful fellow!
How could we have
known she'd cheat us?
Bastin...
Seeing Bruno's distress, we got involved
thinking it was about saving a girl's life.
You and your involvement!
Hey... I'm not saying you
should give him the gold.
The girl straight up said
she's not giving it back.
He is staying in a lodge there.
Call that old hag and
sort this out somehow.
She isn't answering our calls.
-Then how can we meet her?
-You calm down.
Let me see if there's a way out.
Do you have a cigarette, bro?
I can't believe she said that!
I've carried her on my shoulders
across that beach so many times!
Yeah, right! As if carrying
a child is so difficult!
Stop it, will you?
What she said is true.
I didn't even ask if she was
interested in the wedding.
[phone rings]

[tense music builds]
[tense music]

[tense music]

[music rises to a crescendo]
Red salute!
You dog!
Hasn't your sister
made enough of a mess?
Do I have to deal with
the police for this now?
Get down!
Get down, you scoundrel!
Get down!
Bloody hell!
This was my single good garment!
Is your daddy waiting
for you up there?
You guys are such lazy snobs,
because you've never
faced the reality of life!
They've ousted
me from the party.
If you hang yourself,
will they take you back?
The party runs in my blood!
I can't live without it!
If there is a door
to kick you out,
there will be another
to let you back in.
A party is made
up of individuals.
A framework is formed only
when different opinions arise.
It will ease up for you eventually.
You just wait.
He wants to hang himself!
Your sister went
away with my gold.
I've become a thief in
front of the financiers.
The bedrock of my
life has been shaken.
Shouldn't I be the
one to hang there?
If guys like you do this,
won't it affect people like
us who fight without giving up
even after getting
slapped and sworn at?
You won't understand that.
You guys have only
wielded daggers.
You have never
toiled like humans.
That's why.
Our ancestors didn't
leave us even a dime.
But still, we will survive.
We will enjoy every situation
and battle through
the hard situations.
That's life!
With just one phone call,
Lakhs would flood into this room.
Why?
Because of my character. Trust!
Ajesh built that from nothing,
and now it's destroyed.
If I don't get that gold,
Ajesh won't exist anymore.
And you're doing
this in between all that?
Ajesh may be a rotten pauper,
but I'll keep fighting in
whatever space I have.
And in that battle, Ajesh
is Alexander the Great!
-Hey!
-Oh, God!
-Who are you?
-Stop it, Bruno!
This is between us.
Move aside!
Why didn't you answer
when Papa called?
My dear Ambro, I messed up!
-That girl left with all the gold.
-Huh?
I'm short of around
12 sovereigns.
12 sovereigns?
What were you doing?
Tell us where she the hell she went.
We'll take care of the rest.
She went to Thalavettichira.
Huh?
Thalavettichira?
That's where I'm
trying to retrieve it from.
Shouldn't you have called
and informed us, you moron?
Papa thought you
ran away with it.
Of all people, Papa never
expected this from you.
That's why Papa got so stressed.
This is my first mess-up
Tell Hubalt Sir...
that Ajesh will settle this...
on my own!
I'll return to Kollam
with the gold...
in two days.
Otherwise, Ajesh will be no more!
Come with me.
Come.
-Come!
I have something to say.
-Hey, Ajesh...
-Yes.
This deal is without
tax or any bills.
There is no other
way to retrieve this.
-You know that, right?
-Yes.
Well, do you need any money?
No.
You keep this.
If you need anything,
just call me.
-Did it hurt?
-No, no.
Okay.
This Ambrose...
is a great footballer.
His kicks are so powerful, you know!
He always plays centre-back.
When he kicks the ball from there,
it lands in the opposing
team's goal post.
He kicks like a bull.
That's why his nickname is 'Bull-Ambro'.
So what if he smacked me in the face?
I got two extra days to
get the gold back, right?
And I was able to convey our
position to Ambro too, right?
That's enough.

Give me your brother-in-law
Mariano's number.
-What for?
-Give it. You will see.
[phone rings]
-Who is it?
-Hey, brother-in-law!
This is Ajesh...
Steffi's cousin.
What is it?
Nothing much. I just called
to check if you're back at work.
Was the case with
those boys resolved?
Yeah, yeah.
Why have you called?
I got a couple of bottles
from the military canteen.
-Oh!
We were thinking of coming
there tomorrow night with it.
-To the shrimp farm?
We'll get to see your
workplace and hang out as well.
Well, come over.
Okay, brother-in-law.
What is your intention?
If you want to drink, you
can sit here and drink, right?
Why do you want to go there?
Will your dad bring that ambience?

Hey, look at the shrimps!
Over there!
Walk carefully, Spook.
Brother-in-law!
What is this? You brought
the entire town, huh?
These are my friends.
They helped us with the wedding.
Okay. You carry on.
I'll join you.
Okay then.
Come on, guys!
-Go on, brother-in-law.
-Okay.
It's true. What a view!
Right, bro?
-Yes.
-It's good, right?

Have one more!
No. I'm on duty.
Shrimps are lying all around
and tempting us, bro!
Right?
If we had fire, we could
have fried some, right, bro?
You'll have to fry
your own marbles!
I care for them like
they're my own kids.
Get lost!
Come on, Mariacha!
You have acres of them, right?
If we fry a couple, no one will know.
They will know.
First, God will know.
-Then, my boss will know.
-No way!
And I will realise it
when I lose my job.
Drink what you got and leave!
Oh!
[tense music builds]
-Drink, bro.
-Calm down.
How much are you drinking?
-He is talking to you.
It applies to you as well.
Hey, it's enough.
Stop it.
You get lost!
What will happen?
I will sway a bit.
My words may get slurred.
But Ajesh won't get
drunk from the neck up.
I won't forget anything either.
It's Ajesh! Ajesh!
You don't know him, right?
-That's enough. If you drink more,
it will be a problem.
-He made me say it.
What you said is true.
If we had some shrimps,
we could have fried them.
Brother-in-law's boss and
God must have slept by now.
[tense music]
Hey!
Keep an eye on him.
There's some problem with him.
Take him and leave!
Who has a problem?
-Hey, Ajesh!
-Who has a problem?
-Leave my brother-in-law!
-Who has a problem?
Who has a problem?
Hey, take him and leave!
-Let go of me!
-He has been blabbering from the start.
Who has a problem?
He and his enjoyment!
Leave me!
Come here!
Bro, that's the booze talking.
Forget it.
Hey, Spook! Leave that and come!
Keep that bottle there!
How many times did I
tell you not to come here?
What a nuisance! Bloody hell!
-Leave, my dear Ajesh!
He is going through
some other mental stress.
His anger wasn't towards you.
Please don't take
it to your heart.
-Just leave it.
-I'm not going to leave it like that.
He said he'd stay sober from the neck
up, no matter how much he drinks, right?
So he knows very well
why he grabbed my collar.
He said something
when he was wasted.
If he is wasted,
he should make it clear.
'I was drunk, Mario.'
'My anger was not towards you.
Please let it go.'
He must come to Kuzhiyanthodu tea
stall at 3:00 AM in the morning.
If he has any other
intention in his mind,
let him say it if
he is man enough!
At 3:00 AM in the morning...?
He grabbed me by the collar
when it suited him, right?
So, now he should
come when it suits me;
at 3:00 AM, before dawn.
That's the time that suits me.
[ominous, menacing music]
[sound of vomiting]
He is throwing up!
[sound of vomiting]
Yuck!
Will it ever end?
[door latch opens]
-Here he comes.
-Puke artist!
Hey! Do you remember
anything from yesterday?
-Well, I wasn't dead yesterday.
-Oh!
If I hadn't pulled you guys apart,
it would've ended differently.
Mario is a dangerous guy.
Just tell him you said it when you
got wasted. He will forgive you.
Apologize to him?
Me?
Why should I apologize
to your brother-in-law?
If Ajesh has grabbed his collar,
I had a reason for it.
It was part of my plan.
And I got the result right away.
Your brother-in-law has asked me
to meet him when I'm sober, right?
I'll go and I'll tell him
my problem in person.
We saw his nature, right?
That's because those boys
entered his shrimp farm, right?
He didn't get on
anyone's nerves, right?
Do whatever you want!
-Have a small drink. You
will become clear-headed.
[tense music builds]
Who did you say he is?
From which side of the
family is he your cousin?
That...
What is his name?
His name...
What is his intention?
I don't know.
You said you know to
read and write, right?
Yes.
Go, bring a pen and a paper.
[tense music]
Bring your mobile phone as well.
-Okay.
[tense music]
His name is Ajesh.
Ah, yes! Ajesh!
Write your actual relationship with
him on this paper and give it to me.
[tense music]
[distant birds calling]
Read it.
He is...
my second aunty's
husband's sister's son.
Oh!
Now, dial your Mumma
and pass the phone to me.
Dial her.
[tense music]
[phone rings]
Yes, dear.
-Hello...
-Yes, Mumma.
It's Mariano. Are you fine?
I'm fine, Son.
-How is she?
-She is fine.
I called you for something.
You know Ajesh,
Steffi's cousin, right?
How is he related to you?
She knows that, right?
[call disconnects]
Ah!
That was quite cunning!
Let's call your
brother and ask him.
We have to know
the truth, right?
What is it that you want to know?
Why is he wandering around here?
Why does he hold such
a grudge against me?
I don't know why he
has a grudge against you.
But he has a grudge
against my family.
We owe him...
some gold.

Which gold?
Are you talking about the gold
you wore when you came here?
Yes.
He works...
for that jewellery shop.
The wedding fund collection
fell short of our expectations.
We were supposed to return the
gold for the amount we were short.
How much were you short?
He said it's around
10-12 sovereigns.
12 sovereigns?
Did you and your mom
think you can fool us?
Hey, Mario! What are you doing?
I had warned back then
that they were frauds!
-One whack I'll give you!
-Move aside!
Is this how you treat women?
-Come, Chechi.
-Go on.
She's brought gold that was
scammed off a random guy!
Brides are easy to find
in town, but gold is not!
Hey, that's what I'm also saying.
We can't get gold so easily.
The gold we got is
still with us, right?
Come here, Chechi.
Sheesh!
We've dealt with
plenty of frauds,
but never one like this!
-What are you staring at?
-Chechi!
Come!
Just come with me.
[distant dog barking]
Hey, do you have to go?
Yes, I should.
Go and calmly explain to him
what happened, then come back.
Yeah, that's all.
I am thinking about
leaving this lodge for now.
Huh? Then, what will
we do with this?
You will have to pack
it up and take it along.
Me?
I had spoken with Comrade Chettiyar
from Parvathiyarmukku.
There's a loading job at
the Government liquor shop,
but only one post is vacant.
He can do it if he wants to!
Otherwise, there are other
guys who are ready for it.
If he wants the job,
ask him to go and meet him.
[door latch opens]
[door closes]
Let him do what he wants.
[motorbike approaching]
[indistinct chatter]
You had asked me to come.
Come, we need to talk.
[crickets chirping]
Your shirt got ripped
when I grabbed you.
I bought a new one.
It's not too expensive.
[menacing music]
Explain why you
grabbed my collar!
Explanation?
You owe me an explanation!
Do you understand?
You want an explanation, huh?
Tell me!
Why did you grab my collar?
I felt like doing
it in that moment.
Am I here just to be grabbed
whenever you feel like it?
Huh?
What is it?
I grabbed your collar
when I was drunk.
You grabbed my collar
while you are sober.
Aren't we even now?
Now, even if you don't forgive me,
I still forgive you, Mariano.
You are not part
of this, Mariano.
We are not enemies, either.
But your wife is
involved in this.
You know everything, right?
Mario, I've become a thief in
front of the financiers now.
It's been many days
since I went to work.
If you help me,
all my problems will be solved.
Can you intervene?
Why should I intervene?
Didn't you tell me I
wasn't part of this?
Mariano, I am not
here to beg you.
I've come to claim
what's owed to me.
I'm in deep water myself!
I have to marry off
my younger sister,
I still owe dowry
for my elder sister,
and I'm buried in debt
from my own wedding.
I need this gold
to settle it all.
What will I do if
I give it all to you?
So, it's not possible.
You should get going.
Where should I go?
My gold is here.
I am not leaving without it.
I will be here itself.
Why don't you understand?
I will tell you
the best solution.
You should go camp at
their beach just like this.
Her mother will arrange
it from somewhere.
That is not possible, Mariano!
I came to you because
I have no more options.
Didn't I tell you?
That gold was given
to me as dowry.
No, Mario.
That gold was stolen by
your wife and family,
and if you're in on it,
you're a thief too.
A big-time thief!
Don't you dare spew
that filthy talk at me!
Who are you calling a thief?
Me?
I work hard to earn my living.
That's what I thought
before coming to you.
That's why I expected
some integrity from you.
Okay!
You needn't hold
such expectations.
You better get going!
Hey, Mariano!
You told me you work
hard for a living.
Why should a hard working
man need dowry?
He will work hard to
provide for his family.
What do we call a man who supports his
family with what his wife has stolen?
Although this is the
kind of job that I do,
I can't help but say this.
There's a saying in Kollam.
'Don't raise a dog hoping to get
the shit from someone else's butt!'
It's meant for men like you!
[menacing music]
Get lost!

Is this all you've got, Mariano?

[booing]
[booing]

[booing]

[booing]

This spite,
rises like smoke in the air
This spite,
pains like a birth's despair
This spite,
stinks like sludge below
This spite,
runs deep, where the roots grow
Tying up the wounds
deep in your heart
Kissing your eyes,
wiping tears that depart
Someone is coming in,
with footsteps so light
As you wear the burdens
time kept in sight
Tell me.
-Mariano had gone to meet Ajesh.
He stabbed him.
Stabbed him?
And where is he now?
I don't know.
You should come here tomorrow.
I will come.
Tying up the wounds
deep in your heart
Kissing your eyes,
wiping tears that depart
Someone is coming in,
with footsteps so light
Brother-in-law, I am
here to take Steffi home.
Mom is not well.
Aren't there any other women at
your coast to keep her company?
She wants to see
her own daughter.
She is her mother!
I must go.
Come!
Remove your bangles.
You needn't go home
wearing all that gold.
Remove it!
You may leave now!
Didn't the night say,
it can't help but sway
And make way
for the dawn of day?
Didn't you seek a shore,
To embrace and cherish forevermore?
Uncle, where is
Gold Ajesh's house?
It's over there.
Something happened to my heart,
It wrapped me tight, tearing me apart
And then it blossomed,
like a work of art
I'll try knocking.
Chechi!
Chechi!
Standing at a height,
Someone searches for a bounty bright
On the hook of the mind, desires ignite,
Anabas fish are taking the bite
-Aren't you Ajesh's mother?
-Yes, dear.
-Ajesh?
-He went for a wedding last week.
I haven't been able to reach
for him for the past two days.
Have you come
regarding a wedding?
Yes, yes.
It's regarding a wedding.
He isn't answering.
Hey!
Had your brother
called you today?
No!
She is Ajesh's sister.
-Make it fast!
-Can't you see the
bricks piling up?
-Pick them up fast.
Ask him to call me if you
get through to him, okay?
He's risking everything by mortgaging
our home and the small plot of land we own.
Where could he have gone to?
Who should we call now?
Let us enquire
at the jewellery shop.

Chetta, isn't this Kuzhiyanthode
tea stall?
-Yes.
-And the boat jetty?
-Over there.
-That side?
Hey! His bike is here!
I wonder if there's
any fuel left.

Come quickly, dear.
Hop on.
Chechi, see you!

Just walk and avoid eye
contact with anyone, dear.
There's nothing to worry
once you board the bus.
Be brave!
-Shall I go?
-Okay.
Walk towards the west.
[Thank you.
Thalavettichira panchayat]

[indistinct chatter]
[drum beats]
[indistinct mic accouncement]
[drum beats]
[people howling]
[suspenseful music playing]
- Will this win any prize, dude?
[suspenseful music playing]
[To Kollam]

[bus engine starts]


Where the hell are you going?
I need to go to Kollam.
Let go!
- This is my gold!
- This is his gold!
I should return
this to his home.
Like hell you will!
-What's the problem?
-Come here!
- What is the problem, bro?
- Move aside, bugger!
Get down!
- Get down!
-What is this?
What's happening? Huh?
What are you looking at?
Come with me!
[melancholic music]
Come on!
Get inside!
Get inside!
-Her damn phone!
-Oh no!
-What is this?
You better stay here
and behave yourself.
Nobody will dare to question me!
Got it?
- Get inside!
- Oh no!
Hey, Mario!
Chechi!
-What happened, Chechi?
The duck-catching competition
being held as part of the church festival,
will begin shortly!
Among the 12 male ducks with
silver ring designs on their necks,
whoever catches the one with a yellow
thread tied to its legs
will receive a prize of 10,000 and
a bunch of red bananas from the church.
After winning the last two years,
and now aiming for a hat-trick victory,
here comes...
the son of Roberto, Mariano!
Mariano! Mariano!
The duck-catching competition,
being held as part of the St. Mary's
Church festival, will begin shortly!
[ducks quacking]
[commentary continues]

There comes Mariano,
to catch the duck!
[commentary continues]
[booing]
Mario!
[booing]
Mario!
[booing]
Go!
Get lost, Mario!
Boo at him!
I will also boo!
[booing]
Sheesh! Such a shame!
Sheesh! Such a shame!
Come on, boo at him!
Keep booing!
[indistinct chatter and booing]
Aren't you dead yet?
For that, you will have
to stab me again properly.
I didn't stab you to kill you.
I have the knife for
that in my waist pocket.
Then take it out, Mariano.
But you should stab me, bury me
after ensuring that I'm dead,
plant a coconut
tree on my grave,
and leave only after making
sure that it's blooming.
Otherwise, I will
rise up from my grave
to get my gold back!
The bare minimum I'll make
you do is commit a murder.
Sheesh!
But I don't plan on spending 12
years in prison for killing you.
I have other tricks up my sleeve!
Bring them on!
[booing]
[booing]
Yay!!
Yay!!

[train horn blaring]
[motorbike approaching]
-Why did you call, bro?
-She wanted to see you, bro.
[indistinct chatter and
mic announcement]
Sorry.
I know what Mariano did to you.
It's all right.
That's part of this job.
But I didn't expect this much.
I had gone to your
house looking for you.
Your gold is in my
room's wardrobe.
And I know where
Mariano keeps its key.
Are you asking me
to come and steal it?
I don't know that.
It's your wish.
Otherwise, there
is only one way.
Chris Soniya has a thing for you.
If you take the plunge with her,
Mariano will give
you the 12 sovereigns.
You have a brother, right?
Ask him to take the
plunge with her.
Then, get that gold
and settle my debt.
But she has to agree, right?
I took that gold
with my own hands,
and Ajesh will get it back
with these very hands.
But you should be careful.
There's more to Mariano
than meets the eye.
It's you who should be careful.
You're the one who
has to live with him, right?
You're down to just four
sovereigns of gold now, right?
Once that's gone, it's all over.
After that, you'll be
worth no more than a dog.
-Hey!
-Don't we have to leave?
-I have some rides waiting for me.

And yeah...
Make sure you don't bite the dust.
Why do you care if I bite the dust?

Hey, Mario!
Ask her to wear that gold.
It's the first festival
after your wedding.
Everyone will notice.
Don't give them a reason to gossip.
Wear it and come.
Don't think you can
escape with this.
I won't wear this.
We got this gold by cheating him.
And now it reeks
with the scent of blood.
Wear it, I say!
I won't wear it
even if you kill me!
If you leave it here,
he will come and take it, right?
He's not someone who
would sneak in and take it.
-Hey! It's late. Come.
-Come, get in.
Brother-in-law... After the festival,
remember what you promised.
The ten sovereigns
that you owe me...
We can't give you ten
sovereigns, Brochan!
I need to get my younger
daughter married.
I'll take three sovereigns from it
as your contribution for her wedding.
-We can give you only the rest.
-Come on, Mom!
Don't think you can make
this Brochan a buffoon!
Come and get on the boat.
-Come!
-Wasting time for no reason!
Let's go!
[Christian devotional song playing]
Hello, Pilatos Bro!
[indistinct chatter and
mic announcement]
Did you see him?
He's standing near that bridge.
-Have it, bro.
-What is his plan?
Who knows?
He's waiting there saying,
'This is Ajesh... Ajesh!'
I told him to come here.
But he wouldn't listen.
Where? On the stage?
Careful, bro. The crown
will pierce your head.
Are you waiting to
escape with the gold?
Oh, it's not time
for that yet, Mario.
Let it get darker.
Move aside from there.
Coconuts might fall on your head.
Four...
Two...
One...
Yeah, it's exactly 13 sovereigns.
So, where is my gold?
You won't keep it in your house,
which is as secure as a leaky bucket.
That too, on this festival night.
Mario...
It's in your hip.

Hey... No, no!
I don't want it now.
Later!
You can give it when I ask you.

Steffi....
You should be at
the church ground!
I will come...
with my gold.
Yeah, right!
I want to bid farewell
before I leave.
Get lost, man!
[yearning, heartfelt music]
[tense music]
You stand there.
Stay where I can see you.
[tense music]
Keep an eye on her.
What is the problem?
I will tell you later.
I'll keep an eye on her.

-Pour it.
Yes, that's enough.
Move it closer.


-Keep it here.
-Tie it tightly.
-Hey, keep it here.
-Fasten it tightly.
-He is just standing there ogling!
-Don't stand there!
It's a character's position.
-I won't stand there.
-That's it.
Will this hold?
-Bro!
-Ah!
Hey... Stand where
there's light.
When I'm hanging on this,
my neck will be
tilted to the left.
You should be
on my right then.
Only then will I see you.
If he drowns you in some pond,
saying, 'This is Ajesh... Ajesh!'
won't do any good!
Understood?
-Tie Jesus's hands.
-Tie them.
-Don't break the cross!
Hey, Amal...
Apply some blood there.
-Hey, the cross will tilt!
-Fix the bottom properly!
-The boys will do it, Spook!
-Hey! Hey!
-Fasten it tightly!
Remember, I can't do anything
while I'm hanging from this.
-Did I ask you to do anything?
-Huh?
You carry the weight
of the sinners;
I'll manage mine by myself.
I came here to tell
you that as well.
No one should follow me.
It is dangerous.
Hey, where are you going?
Come here!
-What did he just say?
-Nonsense! Let him go and get some!
Hey, loosen this!
[suspenseful music]
[suspenseful music]
Six parishes are competing in total,
and we're going on stage fourth.
Our Jesus should rock!
O' Jewish Priest, Gamaliel...
Your plan is wonderful!
But isn't Jesus, the one
crucified, also a Jew?
[phone rings]
-Hey, Mario!
What is it?
-My gold which is in your hands;
How much is it worth, brother-in-law?
You get lost!
-I will tell you.
-One sovereign is worth 60,000.
-So 12 sovereigns
will be 7,20,000.
-So what?
How much does one
kilo of shrimp cost?

What?
I asked around.
It's 500 per kilo.
So how much will all the
shrimp on your farm be worth?
-It must be worth ten times
more than my gold, right?
Well, listen to this
sound now, brother-in-law.
[water gushing out forcefully]

[water gushing out]
I just flushed out
prawns worth 1000.
-That was just a sample.
- Hey, you bloody son of a gun!
If you don't get here with my gold
in five minutes, things will go wild.
All your shrimps will
be in the lake, bro!
On your mark!
-Ready!
-One...
Two...
Three!
Hey, you!


- Hey, you!
- Come! Come on!
[tense music]
Come on!
Come on!
-Come, come, come!
-Hey!
-Stop there!
Stop there, I say!
If I lift this shutter, the rush
of water will destroy the mud dyke.
You can decide what you want.
Here's another sample.
-Glug, glug...
-Hey!
-Glug...
Hey!
I'm telling you!
Don't lift it!
Don't lift it!
Lower it, you bugger!
Toss me my gold!
Toss it to me!
Toss it, you loser!
-The dyke will break any minute!
-Toss it to me!
Hey!
I will kill you!
Hey! Give it!
My gold!
Give me my gold, you dog!
Give me my gold!
Come here!
This is Mariano's farm!
I'll stomp you into the muck
and bury you beneath it.
Hey!
Hey!
Don't lift it!
Lower it!
Hey! No!
Hey!
[christian devotional song playing]
-Soniya...
-Yes.
Do you like this
marriage proposal?
You are the only
person who asked
if I like this marriage
proposal, Chechi.
Don't marry someone
you don't like.
In the end, neither the ones who married
you off nor your husband will stand by you.
Huh?
Why are you doing this, Chechi?
Let this be with you.
[menacing music builds]
[menacing music]
[suspenseful music]
[machine powers on]
Stop there!
Hey!
Where is my gold?
Give me the gold!
Give it!
I will kill you!
Give it!
My gold!
-Give it!
-Get lost!
-Give me my gold!
-Get lost!
Get lost!
[growls in pain]
My hand!
[growls in pain]
[growls in pain]
[growls in pain]
-Give it!
-No!
Don't take it!
Don't take the gold!
My gold!
Hey!
[growls angrily]
Didn't I tell you I'd reclaim
the gold with these very hands?
Didn't I tell you?
This is Ajesh!
Ajesh!

-Mario!
-Row quickly!
-Hey, Mario!
-Mario!
-Mario bro!
-Mario!
-Row fast!
-I am doing it, right?
Who is it?
-Hey!
-Who is it?
-Why are you here?
-Come, come!
-Hey!
You get going.
I will handle this.
You said I've never fought
for anything, didn't you?
Let me try fighting!
Go!
-Hey! Get going!
-Just go!

I didn't expect...
that you'd wait for me.
I waited to find out
whether you died or not.
Why do you care if I die?

You said your life will be ruined
if you don't have this, right?
How will you live
here without this?
But I'm not going to
live here anymore.
Then?
You don't have to
know about that.
For that, you need to leave
this place first, right?
If you're headed to Kollam,
come with me.
I'm going there too.
[uplifting music]
Shall I say...
why you were waiting there?
Even if I had come defeated,
the gold you are wearing
is what you owe me.
Exactly 12 sovereigns,
as calculated.
Just one sovereign...
is missing somewhere.
I don't want anyone to weigh
the gold on me anymore.
This thing made me
lose my peace of mind.
Can a girl really live
here without any gold?
Let me try.
Steffi...
It's now that you're
finally glowing.
To be honest...
It's when she's free
from the weight of gold
that a girl is truly beautiful.
Flawless.
Perfect!

Didn't the night say,
it can't help but sway
And make way
for the dawn of day?
Didn't you seek a shore,
To embrace and cherish forevermore?
Something happened to my heart,
It wrapped me tight, tearing me apart
And then it blossomed,
like a work of art
Standing at a height,
Someone searches for a bounty bright
On the hook of the mind, desires ignite,
Anabas fish are taking the bite
Wishes whispered
are filling my ears
If gold burns my body,
I'll toss it, no fears
Like thunder and lightning
striking the skies
It's raining hard
from my teary eyes

Tying up the wounds
deep in your heart
Kissing your eyes,
wiping tears that depart
Someone is coming in,
with footsteps so light
As you wear the burdens
time kept in sight
Within your heart, aren't little shrimps
dancing with delight?