THIRUVERUMBUR, 1990
Anna, it's time to reap!
Lord Karuppanna, please be with me!
Let me tell you the first point. Get this into your head.
So, how many points are there?
- Tell me, Anna. - Come on.
Always pick a secluded house that's hidden by trees to break into.
If anyone happens to see us, say we're from the Electricity Board and slip away.
- Got it? - Okay.
Now climb!
Get the gunpowder.
The wick…
Light it.
Touch it and say a prayer. It's your first lock.
And my last.
Hey, listen.
One hit!
Hit it!
Hey, hey!
Hold it yourself and hit it!
Come on!
Why have they kept so much money at home?
For us to steal.
Here you go. This is your share.
Take it!!
I don't know how I'll handle this job without you, Anna.
Listen!
I can't keep running from the police anymore.
I want to marry her and build a new life somewhere.
I've got to give her a good life.
Other than me, who does she have?
Here. Take it.
Take it, man!
No sense of what to say or when!
Anna!
Hey. Get it quickly.
Check if anything's missing!
- That's why I'm going in, right? - What do we do now?
Run! Run!
Hey! The lock is broken!
- Come quickly. - What are you saying?
- Looks like someone's inside the house! - Who is it?
Hey, Moorthy! Bring the machetes!
Hey, go and call all the neighbours.
- Who dares enter my house! - I'm really scared...
- Anna! - Come quickly!
Help me climb up first, Anna!
- Hurry up! - Hurry up!
Climb!
Hey, catch this!
Anna!
Murugesan!
Muru--
Hey, he's here! Look!
Hey. Come on!
THIRUVERUMBUR POLICE STATION
Hold on tight.
- Ma'am, please just listen. - Let him go, sir!
You've got the wrong person.
- He works in the electricity board. - We know what we're doing.
He's not a thief, sir.
Selli!
- We caught him red-handed! - Don't be here. Go, Selli.
"Not a thief," my foot!
Selli!
Oh, God! What is this?
Go away.
Why are you staying silent?
Why won't you tell them the truth?
- Hey, get up! - Hey, he's trying to say something!
What is it?
Forgive me, Selli.
O flower of gold, Has your scent turned cold
Into a serpent with venom untold?
Forgive--
Hey, grab her.
Hey, Constable! Get him down!
If the blood keeps rushing to his head… he's going to drop dead.
DISTRICT POLICE OFFICE, THIRUCHIRAPPALLI
M. BHARATHAN, DSP
Hello?
Dear, when will you come home?
I'm busy with work.
I can tell from your voice that you were sleeping.
Hey! Didn't I tell you that I've got work?
Whatever! Don't come banging on the door at some odd hour.
The key's in the rangoli powder tin.
Okay.
What's for dinner--
Sir…
You can meet the SP now, sir.
12 check posts. 6 jeeps on patrol. Regular route, sir.
A total of 18 SIs and 30 constables on duty, sir.
All teams are in contact, sir.
So far, it has been a quiet shift.
Control to Mic M1, sir.
Receiving, over.
There has been an attempted robbery at the Thiruverumbur MLA's house, sir.
The accused was arrested at the scene, sir.
He has been remanded to C1, sir.
The local DSP is on emergency leave.
Additional charge has not been assigned yet, sir.
Over, sir.
Connect me to the Cantonment DSP. Over.
Sir! Sir! Sir!
Hey, I'm on the wireless!
That's why, sir. Assign this case to me, sir.
Why?
N. AZHAGAR NAMBI SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
Sir…
In my 30 years of service, I've solved some of the biggest cases.
But I never received credit for any of them.
It always went to the higher officers, sir.
The closer I get to retirement, the respect I am receiving is diminishing.
Since it's a robbery at an MLA's house,
there will definitely be press coverage.
My name will appear in the papers.
Cantonment DSP to Mic 1, sir.
Sir?
Stand by. Over.
Sir, if I'm allowed to handle this…
I can finally retire with some dignity, sir.
Hey. The accused is already in custody.
What is left for you to do?
Sir… The case file will be written the way we decide, right?
- Many times, for you, I have-- - Alright, alright!
I'll inform the P.R.O.
Instead of issuing a statement, arrange a press meet.
Thank you, sir.
- Hey! - Sir.
You won't screw this up, right?
Sir!
- Sir! - Sir!
- Where is he? - He's upstairs, sir.
Sir, evidence tray.
The Chinese racked their brains to invent a lock…
And you chiseled through it and broke in, huh?
On top of that, you've applied glue on your hands so you won't leave prints.
Balm on your body, to mislead the sniffer dogs.
Quite the mastermind, aren't you?
Sir.
Give him food and clean him up properly.
The press will be here by eight o'clock.
Hey, call Gangadharan from Thanthi newspaper and wake him up!
- Okay, sir. - Hey, make sure he's here.
He's the only one who can put me on the front page.
Okay, sir.
- Sit down, Rajendran. - Sir.
Start writing.
How many sovereigns of gold was he caught with?
54 sovereigns, sir.
- 54? - Yes, sir.
The accused escaped from the MLA's house with 100 sovereigns of gold.
Nice, sir.
He attacked a civilian who tried to stop him
and fled the scene.
Within an hour of the incident,
I traced the accused to Palakkarai,
where he was hiding behind the old temple, and arrested him.
Right, sir.
That was when the accused
attempted to stab me with a knife.
Right, sir.
I restrained him and seized the weapon.
Yes, sir.
He tried to escape. I chased and caught him.
Yes, sir.
So we charge him with breaking in,
theft, assault on public, attempt to murder,
criminal intimidation,
and err… obstruction of justice.
Also, pull up four unsolved robbery cases
- and add them to his name. - Yes, sir.
Only then
will the headline read, "A thief wanted in a series of robberies
is finally trapped in DSP Bharathan's web."
Only when it reads like that in the papers will it have real weight.
Nice, sir.
How about that?
Shall we go with that?
No, sir.
No?
I was just being polite.
- Rajendran! - Sir!
Rewrite the scene memo, witness statements,
and everything else according to what I just said.
- Okay? - Alright, sir.
Get going! Double up, double up!
Sir!
What is it?
This is wrong, sir.
So you're going to teach me right and wrong now?
You filthy thief!
Only when people like you are behind bars
can this town finally live in peace!
"Trapped in Bharathan's web!"
They'll be taking my photos!
A smile would work best.
How did you even get up?
And now you're walking?
Come here!
Hey--
Constable, take the lamp and head upstairs.
Sir!
Sir?
- Sir? - Don't let him get away!
Sir?
Grab him.
Catch him!
Somehow, just this once… Save me, Lord Karuppa!
Somehow, save me, Lord Karuppa!
I promise I won't ever steal again.
I swear I won't steal!
RENIGUNTA, SIX MONTHS LATER
Anna, have a seat.
- What will you have? - Bring some rasam.
- Rasam? - Hey, you done?
- Go ask him what he wants. - Yes, on it.
- All okay? - Yes.
Anna!
Two omelets, one country chicken fry.
Kannamma, my Kannamma, The only sight my eyes can see
Hey, you could've just called me.
What happened?
It's nothing. You carry on with your work.
It's you, and only you, my love, The life my heart holds close to me
Born as a blessing, just for my sake
Is this the joy that a life can make?
As I rest my head upon your lap, Tell me stories that lull my soul to nap
My heart has taken flight, Will it reach the heavens' height?
My life, oh my life, just stay by my side
And the lost, wandering boat Will survive the tide
Kannamma, my Kannamma, The only sight my eyes can see
Come on!
Non-veg for you.
Veg for you.
It's you, and only you, my love, The life my heart holds close to me
To shield me from the scorching sun, Your veil guards me till day is done
A shade that grants me eternal peace, You've given me this calm release
Like a candle melting in grace, Because of you, O woman of grace
It's spoiled. Dump it outside and wash the vessel.
Okay, sir.
All my burdens Will fade away, will gently wane
As long as I shall be
You are the crescent moon That rules over me
I am dissolving, becoming you, Into your essence, through and through
Take it.
Shall we go?
Take it.
You carry on. I'll join you.
Anna…
The pay's too little. We've been working our backs off here since morning.
- If you could please… - It's only been six months.
Wait until it's been a year. I'll give you a two rupee raise.
Already asking for a hike...
You said it was nothing, but this is a pretty bad burn.
Why do you have to suffer like this, marrying a thief?
I didn't know you were a thief when I fell in love with you.
You should've left me when you found out, right?
I wanted to…
I just couldn't.
Damn!
Get up.
Let's scoop this water out.
- Here. - Throw a sack over there.
Hey, get another vessel--
Hey, what's wrong?
How much longer do we have to live like this?
Let's open our own canteen.
What are you even saying?
You really think it's that easy?
I know it's not easy.
But why must you suffer like this?
Did I ever say I was suffering?
Listen!
I don't know whether you're actually not suffering,
or if you're just pretending so I don't get hurt…
But it really hurts me to see you like this.
Do what your heart says.
As long as you're not hurting anybody, however you make money
is fine with me.
If you're happy, I'll be happy too.
You tell me, brother.
On what basis should I give you a loan?
S-Sir…
The canteen will definitely do well, sir.
She cooks really well.
Brother! Brother!
First, understand what surety means!
Now…
If you own an orchard or farmland,
anything like that…
Based on those documents, we can give you a loan.
You're saying you don't even own a house!
So after I give you a loan,
am I supposed to follow you around like a stray dog?
Alright, leave now, boy!
Be on your way! Go!
Go! Go!
What?
- Sir… - Yes?
Back in my village, I have eight acres of land, sir!
Eight acres?
This is exactly what I meant.
The surety!
So what's the hold-up?
Just bring the papers and get yourself a loan.
Set up a canteen or a hotel and be happy.
Huh?
KING SETHUPATHI BUS STAND RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT
RAMANATHAPURAM
Stay here.
ASHOK LODGE
Go inside.
Lock the door. I'll be back by night, okay?
I'm coming with you.
What I mean is…
If I come along,
maybe your father will ease up a little?
He's not someone who'll soften like that.
He'll for sure make a scene and say something awful.
You don't need to hear all that.
I have a passenger waiting in my auto. Fill up the petrol!
We're out of petrol and diesel.
How can we supply it if it hasn't arrived?
Calm down!
Hey!
We've reached Kiliyur. You may get down.
In these 16 years, I've gone to the edge of my village several times,
but I always turned back, not knowing how to face him.
Only when I reach the village will I know what things are really like.
God knows what he'll say.
I'm going to meet my maternal uncle. He's very fond of me.
I'll have him do the talking.
- Stay safe. - Okay.
Good morning. The Gulf War has now reached a critical and alarming stage.
Hundreds of oil wells in Kuwait
were set on fire today by the Iraqi army.
With several months expected to be required to extinguish the fires,
there are increasing concerns of a serious impact on the global economy.
Hey! Get me that ladder!
Brother!
The smoke is choking me, brother.
Of course it will!
Until the next harvest, shouldn't the stove at home keep burning?
Hey, Karasaami!
How are you, Uncle?
Have you come to repay the money you stole from your father?
And you've come back… without a shred of shame!
I had enough regard for you to come meet you first!
You should have come much earlier.
Why have you come now?
Do you need a favour?
Get lost!
At least I stopped with just a slap.
Don't let your father see you.
Take the same bus you came on and leave at once.
Passengers to Kiliyur may get down!
Don't you worry, Shanmugham.
Yeah, okay. Okay.
Shall I step down first, young man?
Hey!
Hey, wait a second.
My son!
My child!
Karasaami!
You've come back home!
Karasaami!
You're finally back!
Karasaami, my son!
Why did you keep us waiting all these days?
Not knowing if you were alive, we searched from street to street.
Lord!
Lord Karuppa!
You've brought him back safe and sound!
My son, my son, You are the mirror of my soul
Without you here, I'd never be whole
The love I kept guarded
Will never be lost or discarded
Time wounded us and left its mark somehow
But who is there to blame for it now?
You return like a million blessings
Now I've no words left for expressing
The dry, dormant seeds Have started to bloom
In my caged soul, temple bells now loom
I was like a fish gasping
As the waters ran dry
My withered sorrows have faded
Gone on their own
Son…
Here's some hot water.
Why don't you go take a bath?
Why are you just standing there? Clothes--
Didn't you bring a bag?
I don't need silver, I don't need gold
Nor diamonds that never fade or grow old
For my lineage to live and endure
A son like you by my side Is enough, for sure
What is a chariot Without its linchpin to hold it?
If the vine withers, what remains of the root of it?
To live, is there anything more, My prince, beyond it?
In this world so vast and true
For me, there is nothing beyond you
Even while standing far away
Like the sky in my eyes at play
I long to see you every day...
I need to talk to you about our land.
Did you call me?
The fertilizer sacks have arrived.
Hey, son.
Give me a hand.
Don't just stand there staring. Give me a hand.
Wait, son!
Hey, prop up another sack.
Never take the load straight onto your face.
Turn around.
Place it on your shoulder.
The strength to lift
is not in your hands, it's here.
Now bend a little, tighten your core and lift.
Yes. Now walk!
Come!
Now stop!
Now bend your knees and put all the strength into your legs.
Yes. Now lift it up and put it there.
That's how!
That's it.
Hey, Kanthasaami!
Brother!
Stay right there, I'm coming.
Will you shift all those sacks?
- Yeah. - Alright then.
I'll be right back.
The soil…
It's way too acidic.
When you apply the fertilizer, add some lime along with it.
Sure thing, brother.
I'll check the eastern fields and be back.
Have you shifted all the sacks--
Okay.
What are you looking at?
That tractor?
It's ours.
But it hasn't been used in seven months.
- Why? - Well, with the war going on,
diesel prices are sky-high.
Even though we can't afford to run it,
every month they still demand the loan installments.
- You're repaying a loan? - Yes.
To whom?
To the bank, son.
We mortgaged our deed to buy this tractor.
It's not just us. Look around. They're standing in every field.
We're all in debt.
No, I don't get it.
Which deed?
Our land documents, son.
They said buying a tractor would increase the yield!
But only the debt increased!
But don't you worry about that, son!
They say we will have a good monsoon this year. We'll see.
Kara!
Hey, Kara!
Hey, Karasaami!
- What? - Hey!
Come, brother.
Son, can you drop the old man at the bus stop?
Bye, brother.
Take care.
I'm…
I'm just heading to town. I'll be back soon.
What for, son?
I need to meet a few people I know.
Come home for lunch, son.
Good, son.
You've put the past behind you and come back to support your father.
My children aren't like that.
They gave up farming and left for the city.
I can't entirely blame them either.
- Tell me, Grandpa… - What is it?
If the deed is with the bank, will we be able to sell the land?
I wouldn't know, son!
You'll have to ask someone who is educated.
Go carefully!
You can certainly sell it. It's ancestral property, isn't it?
Yes, it is.
Then legally, you have full rights.
Kasi, see if you can spare four thousand rupees.
How would I have that much money, Brother-in-law?
See if you can hustle or scrounge some cash from someone.
Why do you need so much money, Brother-in-law?
Well… I had taken a vow to sacrifice a goat to Lord Karuppan
if Karasaami returned, that's why.
Don't mistake me, but I have my doubts about his return.
Hey!
Why would you say that?
He's come back a reformed man.
Brother, we have eight acres in Kiliyur.
What price will it fetch?
You could demand as much as ten lakhs.
- Who is it? - Selli, it's me.
Your father is very affectionate towards you, isn't he?
Don't you feel like staying with him?
No.
That's not going to work.
No matter what's going on between the two of you…
Demanding money from someone already struggling with debt
- just doesn't seem right to me. - Listen!
I am only doing what's best for him.
I'm trying to find a way to clear his debt.
Otherwise, he will be stuck paying interest forever.
If we approach them together with a written petition,
the bank officials will be compelled to enter negotiations.
Yes, sir...
Brother, if they seize the land, I won't be able to bear the shame.
- I'll end up hanging myself. - Hey, why are you talking like that?
Didn't I say I'll handle it?
First, focus on getting everyone's signatures.
- Okay, sir. - You may leave.
Get going.
He must be right.
Hey, old man.
- Yes! - I need a sacrificial goat.
Pick out a young one for us.
All the ones are young here. See for yourself.
I checked in town.
Land near our field is fetching around 1.25 lakhs per acre.
I've even found a buyer.
If you sell the land, we can clear the debts.
From the remaining amount,
if you give me two lakh rupees, it would be a great help.
I believed you had come back reformed.
What did I do wrong to need reforming?
Your father worked tirelessly to save that amount.
Wasn't it wrong to steal it?
I did come and ask you for it.
But you refused to give it!
You were sixteen, asking to start a business.
- How could I simply hand it over? - You should have had faith in me!
Fine!
The money you took from me…
Where is it now?
What?
Where is it?
Enough! I won't be deceived by you any longer.
Listen!
I really need that money right now.
You won't understand my situation.
If you really love me,
sell the land and give me the money!
You think I don't love you?
Hey, don't force me to lay my hands on you in front of everyone.
Get lost!
I will not sell our land.
It won't be sold!
Where is our son?
Well, he'll be back.
Listen.
I'll go to the dairy farm and be back shortly.
There's food in the kitchen. Will you eat?
Fine.
Sir, post!
Yes!
What is it?
Here you go, sir.
See you later, sir.
PANJAVAN UNION BANK NOTICE OF LAND SEIZURE
- Where did you go? - You saw this, didn't you?
Neither of us will get anything… The bank will take everything!
I won't let that happen.
What do you mean?
What can you possibly do?
If they seize the land now, they'll auction it off for a pittance
and be done with us.
If we go with the buyer I've brought and sell this wretched land…
Hey! Don't you dare curse the land!
This is the temple where our forefathers dwell.
It should never leave our family.
If this land means so much to you,
why did you pledge the deed to the bank?
I was cheated!
I trusted an educated man to do right by us, but I was fooled.
Trusting me, these villagers have taken on heavy debts.
We are the ones who must fight for them, son.
You can't safeguard your own land, and you speak of saving others'?
Fine.
Assume I sell this land as you insist.
You'll take the money and walk away.
But…
Did you ever stop to think
how your mother and I will survive without this land?
Hey, Karasaami!
Karasaami, what did I even say
that you're leaving again without saying a single word?
Karasaami!
Wait.
Son, please wait.
I believed my son had come back to stand by me.
My mistake.
Just a minute. I know you've made up your mind.
I didn't buy a goat for the sacrificial offering that I had planned for you.
I still have that money. Rs. 4,000. Keep it for your expenses.
Fine. Just do one thing for me.
Write to me,
and tell me where you're staying.
I can't go searching from street to street again, son.
Please!
You shouldn't have walked away without saying anything to him.
If I had stayed a minute longer, I would've broken down and cried, Selli.
Even if you had, so what?
He's your father, after all.
It was too humiliating to admit that I've failed in life, as he said.
A man who once stood so proud,
today, like a beggar,
I made him plead.
How can I look him in the eye now?
He deserved a better son.
At least then he would have been happy.
Hey.
Go back and be with him.
Then you will understand how happy that will make him.
Whatever they say, just stay calm.
Don't respond at all… Is that clear?
Anna, how have you been?
Scoundrel! What are you doing here?
Anna, I ran away because I panicked.
Forgive me, Anna.
I was the one who told her they had you locked up at the station.
Hey!
I could have died, and you're asking me for forgiveness?
- Get lost. - Anna!
Can't you hear me? Get lost!
Anna!
I'll kill you. Get lost!
Amma…
This is Selli.
She…
She's the girl I married.
I was planning to tell you.
Hey!
Wait, dear.
What is all this?
You go in. Tell Appa first.
Appa!
O my creator, the one who bore me
A soul so pure, no fault could ever be
So many burdens, so much weight
You carried them all in silence, Strong and straight
What's wrong, dear?
A world without your bond Stands frozen still
On the path you flew away, darkness fills
O Father…
My heart has turned to a stone inside
This bond's a wound that will not subside
O Father…
The evening sky has become a crying eye
This spinning world has come To a standstill, gone dry
Hey!
What happened?
The rainbow has shattered and is gone
The sacred pattern at our door Is no longer drawn
The one who gave me life and breath
That very soul is lost to death
The garland is laid on his lifeless frame
The sky all around has darkened the same
The whole town has gathered In sorrow profound
My very foundation Is torn from the ground
O my father, my lord divine
A light I saw, yet could not call mine
O Father…
My heart has turned to a stone inside
This bond's a wound that will not subside
O Father…
The evening sky has become a crying eye
This spinning world has come To a standstill, gone dry
Hey, stop it!
What are you doing there?
Stop it!
Hey, you stay right here.
Someone go check what's going on.
Go!
Come here.
Hey. Who gave you permission to do this?
Why should we ask anyone? First of all, who are you?
Sir, read out the court order.
"Panjavan Union Bank has, on several occasions, notified you, and yet you…"
Sir, read the last part.
"Until the outstanding loan amount is paid in full,
the following properties,
wherever they are and in whatever condition they are,
- will be--" - Do you understand that?
This is an official seizure notice, and you are just burying trash here?
How dare you call him trash!
While the ledger of sins remains undone
While these wretched people understand none
The path ahead is filled With piercing thorns
Where can I go now, Where can my path take turns?
Upon this earth that looks up to the sky
Like a wilted flower left to die
To keep this wounded heart alive
I reached for a hand to help me survive
But you have fallen, you are gone
The great banyan tree lies broken and torn
The songbird trembles In silent pain, unaware
Its nest lies scattered in dark despair
While the ledger of sins remains undone
While these wretched people Understand none
The path ahead is filled With piercing thorns
Where can I go now, Where can my path take turns?
LAND SEIZURE NOTICE
There are people whose only principle in life is to remain debt-free.
Instill in them the idea that the only way to get ahead in life
is by taking a loan.
That will be your job.
This is the loan application form.
You should have it with you at all times.
Half the people we are giving loans to…
cannot read.
And even those who can will not understand what is written here.
Legal charges, pre-payment charges,
processing charges, stamp duty, registration fees…
We have hidden fifteen such charges in here.
Your real talent is in steering them through this without disclosing any of it.
Sir?
Yes.
But sir, we are giving them loans to help them, right?
Then why not be transparent about it?
- Does anyone else have the same doubt? - No, sir.
Alright. You may all return to work.
- You may leave your job. All the best. - Sir?
Sir, there's a man waiting who refuses to leave without meeting you.
He says he knows you well, sir.
Who?
The one in the red shirt, sitting over there.
That's him.
All of this was snatched from us.
Only when we snatch it back will they know our pain.
Hey…
The manager is calling you. Come on.
See? I told you we know each other.
Greetings, sir!
Who are you? What do you want?
Sir, don't you remember me?
Kiliyur. The retired soldier's brother-in-law.
You came there to sell tractors, didn't you?
Oh… right, right…
So, how's the retired soldier?
He passed away today, sir.
Oh, my God!
Alright, alright.
I understand your situation.
But here, everything happens according to the rules.
There's nothing I can do. You can leave now.
Hey!
Sir, you spoke to us so sweetly that day.
Why are you speaking like this now?
Get your hand off me.
Hey, get your hand off me, you rascal!
What did I even say to you?
Knowing very well that money was coming his way,
it was your brother-in-law who signed, grinning with glee.
- How dare you! - Hey!
Hey, who was grinning? You came to us grinning…
Look at him, fuming as if he has the right!
I'll bloody kill you.
- They cannot even repay their dues. - Hey, drag him out of here!
Yet they strut in here like kings.
You went to him to sell the tractor. We did not come to you.
Take your brother-in-law and dump him in some rotten shithole!
How dare you say that!
Bloody scoundrel!
Hey!
Drag him out of here!
Get out of here!
Take him outside first.
Sir, sir… No, sir. Please don't lose your cool, sir.
Hey! Let go of me!
I'll kill you!
Get lost!
Look at you!
Hey! Someone over there is humiliating your father.
Does that not make you want to rip his throat out?
And you are just standing here?
Hey, I'm talking to you. What are you staring at over there?
I am talking to you, and you just walk away?
Hey!
Whatever you decide, let me know quickly.
I'm here only until 8:00 p.m. Keep that in mind.
What's he saying?
They say they can keep the body there for about seven days, Anna.
How much are they asking?
The amount seems to be fair, but--
Just blurt out what the issue is!
But they will only take him if he is left as an unclaimed body.
Hey!
What are you even saying?
Let Appa stay in the hospital just for a few days.
Think about the man he was. Do you want to leave him as an unclaimed corpse?
So, like that dog said, should we just dump him in the woods?
Is that what you call dignity?
It's only for a few days.
- We will arrange the money by then. - Arrange the money?
It's three lakhs. How are you going to manage that?
Didn't you say,
they'd know our pain only when we snatch it back?
I am going to steal their money and give it back to them.
What is he talking about?
- He says he's going to rob the bank. - What?
Has he lost his mind?
You mad fools. Get out of here.
Hey. I'm a thief.
Stealing is how I have survived all this time.
What are you saying?
- Did your father know? - He didn't.
Only now do I realise that even if he had known, he would have forgiven me.
Breaking through roofs, dropping in through holes… that's all I know!
So what am I supposed to do now?
But for that…
Do you have a better plan?
Do you know anyone who will give us that much money the moment we ask?
This is not just about giving my father a dignified burial.
Those scoundrels at the bank must not win.
If he were alive,
he would've fought in his own way and won somehow.
This is the only way I know.
And I'm going to do this for my father.
Tell Amma some excuse and bring Appa to the hospital. That's all you need to do.
If the river itself turns to waste
PANJAVAN UNION BANK, RAMANATHAPURAM HEAD OFFICE
I will handle the rest.
What becomes of the little fish displaced?
If the root itself collapses
Won't the wind lose breath after all?
He has to be buried on this land,
right beside his father.
In all these years,
the only thing
he ever asked for himself…
was this.
And I don't know how I'm going to make that happen.
Won't even fresh milk Turn sour in that state?
If a cloth falls upon a thorn
It can be taken back Without a tear or scorn
But since you've fallen Upon it all the way
What is left for me to save today?
When rain falls upon the earth
The peacock dances in joy and mirth
But now that you lie buried in that earth
Where is the path for me to walk forth?
If breath is gone and words run dry
Are these days and nights Nothing but a lie?
If what I speak and what I swore decay
Should I not curse myself this way?
Listen, boy.
After 3:00 p.m. on the eighth day, the body will be cremated.
Alright, Anna.
When do we start?
Don't drag yourself into this. I'll handle it myself.
I was a worthless loser. It was your father who made me someone worth being.
I owe it to him to stand by you.
We can't touch the main branch.
Since there's a hospital right across the road, there'll be movement all night.
First, we decide which branch we're going to hit.
We move in at night.
Shops around the bank are fine. But there must be no houses nearby.
To make a quick escape after stealing the money,
we'll need a vehicle.
We've dreamt about this for so long, Anna.
Having a vehicle of our own.
Hey!
It's not ours.
Once the job is done, it goes right back where we took it from.
We need to know everything that happens around that bank all night.
For a place holding so much cash, why is there no security at night?
Even the cops don't patrol this area.
That means there's something else to this.
We need to find out what that is.
Hey, you'll ask them exactly the way I told you, right?
Hey, what are you staring at?
- Ask how they keep the cash safe at night. - Yeah, I'll ask.
- You will, right? - I will.
Come on!
Tell me. How can I help you?
I have a large sum of money.
I need to keep it safe in your bank.
Of course, sir. We can certainly do that.
If you have any jewellery or valuables, let me know.
We have separate locker facilities for those.
There's no jewellery.
Just the cash.
That's fine.
Here you go, sir. The account opening form.
You do this. Fill out the form,
and bring a photocopy of your ration card and two photographs.
I'll handle the rest.
The safety…
What?
Ask about that.
Sir, you seem troubled. What's the matter?
Well, we're entrusting you with a lot of money.
You're all here now, but the place is locked at night, right?
Sir!
Fine!
If someone tries to break in at night
and so much as touches that door…
Do you see that?
That's the alarm wire.
An alarm will go off immediately at the nearest police station.
Within five minutes, the police will surround the place.
He won't be able to take even a pin.
Sir!
Well, how much are you planning to deposit, sir?
- Well… - It…
It'll be ten lakhs.
Ten? It'll be completely secure, sir.
You have my guarantee.
Sir…
We offer this only to our most valued customers, sir.
- Hope to see you soon, sir. - Huh?
That means I'll be expecting you soon.
Okay, see you.
Someone I know in Thanjavur has agreed to give us the money, Akka.
We'll head out and be back tomorrow.
Alright.
No matter what, in two or three days, I'll bring Appa home, Amma.
You said that already, right?
Go and come back safe.
What's that noise?
It's just my leg. It's shaking!
Set up the ladder.
Hey!
Fix it.
Hey.
You see that dark corner over there?
Go hide there.
If anyone shows up while Uncle and I are inside… Here, take this.
Blow it!
- What? - Anna…
I'm coming with you. Give this to Uncle.
Look, just do what you're told.
Anna, I won't mess up again.
Trust me, Anna. I'd give my life for you.
Do what you're told. Stop your damn drama. Get lost!
Get going!
What happened?
Hey!
What happened?
- Hey, I'm talking to you-- - What don't you understand?
- There's no cash inside. - What?
If you have any jewellery or valuables, let me know.
We have separate locker facilities for those.
Hey!
Wasn't there an iron grill door here?
It looks different now.
You can break it open, right?
In all my life, I've never seen a door like this.
You've never seen one?
Hey! Stop it, man.
Hey, you're making too much noise.
Hey, just stop it!
If it's this loud, we'll get caught.
There's no money.
No money.
Following the overwhelming public response
to our tractor loan service,
we are now offering motor vehicle loans at a very low interest rate.
- Apply today and enjoy the benefits. - Here, Anna.
- The farmers' friend, Your Panjavan. - Hey!
Take it.
- The news has started. Come quickly! - Coming, coming.
Hey, aren't you coming?
- Where? - To watch the war.
They're showing it on a color TV at the salon across the street.
- Anna, the money? - Just leave it there and go.
How can you just leave the shop like this?
No one will show up for the next half hour.
Here you go.
Find all the branches along the bypass route.
They lock the cash in the vault only after nightfall.
Let's strike during the day.
Two guns are all we need.
Man, what's with you? It's one headache after another!
It doesn't have to be heavy, Anna.
It just has to look heavy!
I've got a ton of work, man. Take this and manage with it. Go!
Anna! Anna!
- Anna! Anna! - What is it?
I can't convince my boss, Anna!
I'll get you another two hundred.
Finish it in two days. You'll earn blessings by the million!
Sigh!
Fine, you go. I'll bring it.
- Go. - Thanks a lot, Anna.
Blessings by the million…
Wages in the hundreds. What nerve!
Anna!
What, Kasi? Haven't seen you in a while.
- You doing good? - Getting by, Anna!
So what brings you here?
Can we talk inside?
Listen up.
This one's good for under ten feet.
Anything farther than that, you'll need this.
Anna, it's not to shoot.
Just to scare them.
Everyone who comes here says the exact same thing.
So, will you buy them without bullets?
Give me both of these.
With the bullets.
Alright!
Now listen to me!
I don't treat people anymore.
If things go south,
don't bring anyone back here.
Give me two of those.
PANJAVAN UNION BANK, MUDUKULATHUR
Anna, there are eight people in total.
That includes the guard.
He's armed.
You know what you have to do, right?
If you're not back by ten, I have to get in,
light the fuse and throw the handmade bomb.
The news has started. Come quickly!
Anna, we've never pulled a job in broad daylight before.
I'm scared, Anna.
So am I, man!
Hey, it's going to start. Come on!
Let's move.
Alright, that's enough! Everybody, get up!
Get up! Get up!
Hey, get up!
Get up! Do I have to tell you one by one? Move!
Get up, hey!
Hey, get back!
Get over there, move!
Move! Move!
All of you, get against the wall.
Here you go.
Please don't shoot us! Please!
Sir, sir! Please don't, sir. Let us go, sir.
No, sir! No, sir.
Hey! Stay quiet and this will be over in five minutes.
Stand against the wall.
If you move, I'll blow up your heads!
Where the hell is the key to that door?
Hey, what are you staring at? Go find the key!
That won't work!
We've cut the line.
Come!
Hey, face the wall. Stand there. Face the wall!
Anna, there are eight people in total.
That includes the guard.
One, two, three four, five, six, seven?
Let go!
He bit me!
See!
Step aside.
What happened?
We're taking only what we need. Leave the rest inside.
Hey!
Are you the only one here?
What happened?
Nothing happened, sir.
Where is everyone else?
Well… it's the manager's daughter's wedding.
So they've all gone there.
Even the security guard?
No, he just stepped out for tea nearby.
I've recently moved to Sadayaneri.
Before this, I had my account in Parthibanur.
I've closed it now.
I want to open an account here.
Alright!
If you could go,
bring a photocopy of your ration card and two photos,
we can get it done, sir.
I have them!
Sir.
It can't be done without the manager's signature.
Please don't be upset, but could you come back tomorrow?
Don't take this the wrong way, sir.
I'm going away on leave for a week.
Just give me the form.
I'll fill it out before I leave.
When the manager arrives, get it signed.
What say?
Can I have the pen?
I know what's going on.
You don't know how to read or write.
You're just standing here, too shy to ask.
Isn't that it?
Give it to me. I'll fill it out for you.
Sir.
Why are you doing all this, sir? I'll handle it, sir.
You should've done this earlier.
Look at the poor man, standing confused.
You don't even ask if people know how to read or write.
You just shove the form at them.
He'll fill it out for you.
Finish his work and send him off quickly.
What happened?
I bumped into it while reaching for the towel, sir.
You're quite a character!
Careful now.
Rub it properly,
- or it'll swell up. - Okay, sir.
What now? He said he'd fill it out, right?
Go and sit down. Go.
See! The guy who went for tea still hasn't come back.
You shouldn't ignore this, sir.
No two days are ever the same!
Hey, why are you running? Walk normally.
"SANDHANA KAATRU" "MICHAEL MADANA KAMA RAJAN"
Sir, there's been a bank robbery in Ramanathapuram district.
No, sir.
You had told me about the lock, right?
The lock was broken in the same way to break in here as well.
I need the sequence numbers of the stolen notes.
If it's a fresh bundle, they should definitely be in sequence, sir.
I'll check and let you know right away.
Sir!
I'll check and get back.
Have the police calculated the missing amount from the vault?
No, sir. They've just arrived.
Where's this branch's locker key?
It's still in the locker, sir.
I see.
They're asking for the sequence of the stolen bundles.
We can give it, sir.
Hmm.
- Add this to the missing amount! - Sir!
Just write it.
I'll take care of you.
Where did I keep it? Where did I keep it?
Sir, I've found it!
You're done for!
Hey!
It's getting late. Come on, let's go pay the money.
Akka, we are leaving.
- Hey. - Sir?
What's that burning over there?
They set it on fire themselves, sir.
What for?
Because the insurance payout brings them more money than the harvest.
Everywhere you look in this village, it's just drought and poverty.
What are you doing here, sir?
Is this punishment duty, sir?
I asked for this posting myself.
There's an old score…
I need to settle!
WELCOME TO RAMANATHAPURAM
Sir, it was the security guard who saw it first.
- Tell this to him. - Okay, sir.
Sir.
Did you tell anyone
about this alarm recently?
Sir, just recently.
Two or three days ago.
Two men came asking how safe their money would be in the bank.
Hello!
What are you doing here again?
We're here to settle our debt. Where is your manager?
Have you seen this man anywhere?
No, sir. I haven't.
Sir, the man who came here…
He looked just like him.
Sir,
the Chittarkottai manager identified the thief, right?
Why not use that to secure an order and run his photo in the newspapers, sir?
Hey, the only evidence we have is that he came to the bank.
Not that he committed the theft.
How are we supposed to get a proclamation order from the Collector with that?
Sir, is it really that hard to come up with witnesses?
I've already been disgraced once for pulling that stunt.
Give it.
- How much is there? - The full amount that's due.
Count it if you want.
- Mr. Krishnan. - Sir.
Can you bring the serial numbers of those stolen notes?
I'll get it right away, sir.
Mr. Krishnan… Sorry, sir!
Forget it. These are all old notes.
I'll go deposit this, get the documents ready and bring them.
Stay right here.
Hey!
How did you do it?
Control requesting K-1, sir.
Go ahead.
Sir, the serial numbers on the stolen notes are a match.
But he swears it is his salary money.
We've taken him into custody.
Where does he work?
When I came to open the shop, the lock was broken, sir.
There was salary money in the drawer, so I rushed in and opened it.
When I checked the drawer, the money was just as I had left it, sir.
That's when I realised… every single note had been swapped.
- Where's that broken lock? - Here it is, sir.
Bharathan, D.S.P.
I'm here on deputation for the bank robbery case.
Oh. I'm Muthu Selvan.
Regional Manager. Please.
How are you related to Kanthasaami?
- I am his son. - You know how to sign, right?
Sign wherever you see an 'X'.
Saturday night…
He broke into a bank and tried to rob it.
But he failed.
Normally, after something like that,
a thief would lie low.
But this guy,
just one day later, on Monday morning,
goes to another branch of the same bank and robs it.
That means he must have been in a hurry.
Are you done?
The total loan you took was three lakh rupees.
For that, you were to pay a monthly instalment of Rs. 5,134.
But the records show
that you paid regularly only for nine months.
After that, sometimes once in three months,
sometimes once in five months… There are several defaults.
So, all the unpaid interest gets added to the principal.
And interest is then levied on that principal.
The stolen money…
He swaps it with the cash in a textile shop's cash box.
He had the chance to take all the money from there.
But he didn't do it.
And on top of that, there are documentation fees,
late penalty charges, administrative fees,
processing charges, stamp duty charges,
and then tenure changes.
Adding it all up…
The total amount comes to Rs. 4,47,184.
You've paid three lakhs now.
Bring the remaining amount, and I'll close the account for you.
But the longer you take…
Are you messing with us?
What kind of calculation is this?
Listen, all these terms were agreed to and signed when the loan was taken.
How are we supposed to understand any of that?
So for him, it wasn't just an urgent need.
Even though he had other options,
he chose to take the money he needed only from your bank.
So he must have some kind of grudge against this bank.
Why?
DO YOU WANT LOANS?
Sir, if someone misses paying a loan instalment to this bank,
their house, jewellery, land… you seize everything, don't you?
Yes, sir.
But we make sure we send them a notice exactly one month before the seizure.
Only if they still fail to pay, do we put it up for auction.
One month.
You keep repeating the same thing, writing it however it suits you!
What do you think you're doing? Do we look like fools to you?
Hey! Why the hell are you shouting?
- A bank functions by its own rules. - Hey!
Return those three lakhs.
- I'll deposit it again later. - Are you messing with me?
I just made that deposit. Didn't you just sign the papers?
We can't give and take money as you please.
If you have any issue, go see the manager.
Why should we go see him? Ask that scumbag to come to us.
Hey, it's your problem! Why should I see him?
- Don't just stand there yelling. - Am I his servant?
- Give me the receipt. - Hey!
Why are you asking for the receipt?
Police!
- Take it. - Walk! Keep walking!
In the past month,
approximately,
how many seizure notices have you sent out?
I'd say about fifty or sixty, sir.
I need that entire list.
Sure, sir.
One moment.
Have you seen him anywhere?
No, sir.
What will we do for the rest of the money?
We only have two days left.
What is it?
Get that bank diary.
By the bypass again this time?
Paramakudi will be a good choice.
They think they can keep making us run around?
Sir. In total, 35 people have not paid their installments at the Sikkal Branch.
- Right? - Correct, sir.
Sir.
This is the full list, sir.
Thanks.
Start searching.
Sir, we didn't find anything here.
Let's go to the next village.
- What is it, sir? - Checking.
What's the next village?
Sir, nothing here either.
Ulaiyur, Meesal, Posukkudi. Nothing from these three villages, sir.
Head to the next village.
How far is Paramakudi from here?
It'll take at least an hour.
All well?
I know you're the one who robbed the bank.
Hey!
Hey, don't be scared.
I had every chance to hand you over to the police.
Sir…
This is the complete list.
Thanks.
But…
I didn't.
Because,
you're a goose that lays golden eggs.
You only have one and a half lakh rupees left to pay.
You can make much more than that.
Simple.
You'll rob the bank I pick, when I tell you to!
And we'll…
split what we get.
From the Mudukulathur branch, a total of five lakh rupees was stolen.
You must've read about it in the papers, right?
You didn't notice it?
You guys stole only three lakhs, right?
Then who stole the remaining two lakhs?
Alright, let's say...
You somehow manage to clear that debt.
What are you going to do after that?
Like your old man,
are you going to take up farming?
Do you have any idea how much those imported seeds cost?
Once you sow those,
there's fertilizer, pesticides, labor, power bills,
transport… a mountain of expenses.
After all that work, once you harvest
and sell it at the price the government fixes,
what will you get?
Three thousand rupees a month.
You're lucky if you even get that.
Knowing all this, you saddled my father with a Rs. 5,000 monthly instalment?
You thieving scumbag!
You have no right to say that!
The plan I'm suggesting benefits both of us.
If you change your mind,
give me a call on this number.
Sir, we've searched every house on the seizure list.
We couldn't find anything. Over.
G MUTHU SELVAN, REGIONAL MANAGER, PANJAVAN UNION BANK
[vintage song playing on radio]
What is it?
Changed your mind?
This is the D.S.P. speaking.
Sorry, sir.
Sir. Tell me, sir.
We need to check if anyone closed their loan today
by paying more than five lakhs in cash.
Sir…
Loan closures are permitted only at the main branch, sir.
No one came in for that today, sir.
A thief like him would pay off the loan with the stolen cash and flee,
before the police can even catch his scent.
But this guy…
He still hasn't cleared the loan.
Something feels off, sir.
Sir.
It's not just the people under seizure notice
who would have a grudge against the bank, sir.
From someone coming to open an account,
to people filling forms, or not knowing how to fill them,
those refused a loan,
and even those who get one,
but have no money to repay it.
Many such people would be furious with the bank, sir.
The thief could be anyone among them, right, sir?
It's just, I feel like
- you might be on the wrong track. - What did you say?
No, sir, sorry!
- Just a suggestion. - No, no, no!
Didn't you mention people who can't repay their loans?
Yes, sir.
That's exactly why he hasn't closed the loan yet, sir.
I don't understand, sir.
That means he could rob again.
No.
He'll definitely rob again!
Come to the head office. Immediately.
How many branches does your bank have in total?
Eighteen, sir.
I need that list.
Call your branch managers. Wake every single one of them up.
Everyone is to report to their branches immediately.
Hello!
Get the nearest police station for every branch on the line,
and keep them on standby.
Hello, Keelakarai Police Station.
As soon as they reach the bank, every manager must call us.
PANJAVAN UNION BANK
Sir, the Keelakarai manager is on the line.
Sir, the Keelakarai Inspector is also on the line.
Tell them to press it.
Sir, please press it now.
It's ringing, sir.
Next branch.
Sir, Sayalkudi branch.
Hello, Sayalkudi Police Station.
I'm pressing it now, sir.
Sir.
- Yeah? - It's ringing.
You can press it, sir.
I'm pressing it, sir.
It's ringing, sir.
Sir, the Kamuthi inspector is on the line.
PANJAVAN UNION BANK, PARAMAKUDI BRANCH
Press it now, sir.
Sir, the Paramakudi inspector is on the line.
Sir, press it now.
Alright.
Sir? Did he press it?
Tell him to press it, sir!
Sir. Press it, sir.
I am pressing it, sir.
Ask him to press it again.
It's not working, sir.
Son of a gun!
Didn't I tell you, sir?
We've got him, sir.
I told you, right?
PANJAVAN UNION BANK, PARAMAKUDI BRANCH
- Sir! - Where are all the staff?
I've sent them out, sir.
Everything is ready, sir.
Stand by.
An Ambassador car has just pulled up.
Be ready.
Hey.
Go in and take a look.
A man is getting out.
He's heading towards the bank.
His face isn't covered.
He could be a customer.
Stay alert, just in case.
Switch off the wireless.
Err…
The cash deposit form… I've come to get one.
He said he wanted a form, took one, and left, sir.
If he came only for a form,
why would he park the car that far away?
Stay alert.
Anna, there are five of them in total.
No one's guarding the place.
But the men inside… there's something not right about them.
Just be careful, Anna.
The car hasn't left yet.
Put the gun in the bag.
Let's go.
Hey, step out and check what's happening.
- Sir. - Huh?
What happened, sir?
There's been a robbery at the bank.
- This bank? - No, not this branch.
The Keelakarai branch.
Split up and find out what happened.
Move… Move… Get out of the way.
Hey.
Have you seen the person in this picture?
I don't know.
Look.
Take a good look.
Have you seen the person in this picture?
You thought you could deceive me, didn't you?
You think I can't find another thief in this entire town?
The police are everywhere.
Get out of here, before you get caught.
- Hey, cover your face right now. - Why? What happened?
The police have your picture.
Get an order issued to publish his photo in the papers.
What about the witness, sir?
Just set one up. To hell with it.
The Collector can't humiliate us any more than this fellow already has.
Okay, sir.
Send a team to the Head Office right away, in plain clothes.
Okay?
He'll have to come there to close the loan.
Right, sir.
- Hey, wait. - Sir?
Post an armed officer at every branch.
- Got it? - Okay, sir.
I have no damn clue what this guy will do next.
They will station cops at every branch for sure, Anna!
We can't get anywhere near.
There's only one way to get the money now.
Hello, Lakshmi Lodge.
Lakshmi Lodge.
Hello?
Where would that be?
Ask him if it's in Kottaimedu. Kottaimedu.
Is this Lakshmi Lodge, Kottaimedu?
Yes, this is Kottaimedu. And you are?
Hello? Hello, who is this?
- What is it? - Look.
He's just leaving now, Anna.
Uncle, you follow him and see what he's up to.
See you at home in the morning.
Okay.
Anna, where are we going?
LAKSHMI LODGE, KOTTAIMEDU
The thieves working for the bank manager are in this lodge.
But how do we figure out who they are?
Write your name and address here.
MOHAN
There's an auto outside with its light still on.
Did it come here?
Fill this up. I'll be right back.
Anna, what happened?
Fourteen people have booked rooms here.
How am I supposed to find the right ones?
He's coming, Anna.
- Did you fill it up? - Yeah, I did.
Room 302, 3rd floor.
- What's wrong? - The torch light was not switched off.
What's that in the back?
It's a bar.
- Come on! - Awesome job, bro!
Come on, let's play. Come on, place your bets!
Come on!
Here we go!
Five!
In!
Out!
In!
Out!
In… Out… In… Out… In… Out.
In!
Wow, bro! It's your day today!
Grab it all, man! It's our lucky day today!
Grab it all!
Hey, isn't it always the one cutting the deck who keeps winning?
Let him cut the deck this time.
Do you want to cut it?
Why so quiet? You don't have money?
In… Out… In… Out…
In… Out…
Nailed it!
- He's at his peak! - No one can beat him!
So… is the problem with the one who cuts, or the player?
Got money for another round?
Looks like the boy's out of cash.
Call the next one!
What are you staring at?
Call the next one. Where is he?
There's an Ambassador car outside.
Why so quiet now?
You don't have money?
I need to see the car.
What's wrong with you? You're betting so much money just like that?
That's the manager's money. What if you lose?
Hey!
A man walks up to me and offers me a car and you want me to let that go?
If I win, I get the car. If I lose, I'll say I'll pay,
take him to a room and beat the hell out of him.
These guys look dangerous, Anna.
You just stay outside. I'll handle it.
What?
The car's in perfect condition.
Do you want to cut, or should I?
I need to see the money.
Go!
Come on!
Hey, go with them.
Hello.
Yes, he's here.
He's inside, playing cards.
Alright, sir.
Hello, sir.
Check!
Hey Murugesan, get out of here!
Hey, get out of here!
Hey, don't! Hey!
Hey!
Hey, let's go.
Get the bag.
Anna!
Anna… it hurts, Anna!
Hey, Murugesan! Hey! Hey!
Murugesan!
Look at me. Don't you close your eyes. Don't close your eyes.
Hey! Hey!
What are you doing here at this hour?
Hey, Murugesan! Open your eyes!
- Open your eyes! - Hold his mouth shut!
Shut it!
Get that shirt. Let's go burn it.
Hello!
What now?
So you came sniffing after me like a dog
and still couldn't do squat, huh?
I need money.
Tell me what to do, I'll do it.
Go to hell.
When I came to you myself, you acted all high and mighty.
Now do whatever you can.
But remember this…
Until you get caught,
I'll keep stealing in your name.
You won't get any money.
But you'll take the fall for everything.
Where have you been?
I went out on some work.
Thieving work?
Before you married me, what did you promise?
You swore on my life that you'd quit stealing after marriage.
Did you swear or not?
I didn't go to steal.
Lies! Lies!!
Lies!
If you didn't steal, why are the cops carrying your photo?
Tell me.
Why are you doing this?
Let's go.
We must go.
For marrying you,
I'll have to keep running till the day I die.
Come. Are you coming or not?
Hey!
Listen!
I did swear to God in front of you.
He knows…
I didn't go there to steal. I went to take back what's ours.
But I failed.
I'm already lost, wandering without a path.
And Murugesan is lying somewhere, stabbed.
I left my father's body there like an abandoned corpse.
And my mother still believes we'll bury him on our land.
The hospital has given us only till tomorrow evening. Do you even know that?
If I don't pay the money by then… my father…
And you want me to leave all this and go where?
You didn't think about me at all, did you?
Hey, it's--
What am I supposed to do if something happens to you?
I came here trusting only you.
When our child asks where his father is,
what am I supposed to say?
What am I supposed to say?
What happened?
Amma, I couldn't…
I couldn't raise the money, Amma.
Appa…
We can't bury him on our land.
Forgive me, Amma.
What are you apologizing for?
I know you would've tried as much as you could.
If there's no other way, what can we do?
Even if his wish didn't come true,
at least he got to see you one last time.
That's enough.
Hey!
He…
He must have left this world in peace.
Don't cry.
Your father will understand.
Amma…
It's not what you think…
I didn't come here to stay with you.
I came to sell our land,
take the money and leave. That's why I came.
When he found out, it shattered him…
I'm the one who killed him, Amma.
Forgive me, Amma. Please forgive me!
I swear I only came back to tell him the truth
and beg for his forgiveness.
Get up.
Don't cry.
- Hey, number 327 is for today, right? - Yes.
- So that's five for today. - Okay.
Ask the cremation worker to get enough kerosene for all of them.
Alright, Anna.
Here…
Don't stay on an empty stomach.
I know…
Have it.
Hey.
Go bathe and light the lamp.
Your father himself has been reborn in her womb.
Get up.
Say your prayers and go bring your father home.
Let's check in on Murugesan on the way.
Anna…
What about your father?
Kasi, deliver this machete at Appanur on your way,
they'll pay 500 rupees. Collect it.
Alright, Anna.
PANJAVAN UNION BANK, SAYALKUDI
Don't take the bypass.
Go through the village.
Hey, where's Thenappan?
He'll be over there, by that van.
What film is this?
- What? - What's the name of the film?
"Thevar Magan."
- Give this to sir. - Okay, sir.
- Hey, Babu. - Coming, sir.
Did you call Madras?
I spoke to them. The money's been transferred.
We need to go to the local branch and collect it.
With all this work, I can't be going around town.
Where's the nearest Panjavan Bank?
The nearest one…
Sir… here…
The nearest one is in Sayalkudi, sir.
Hey, you heard him, right?
- Ask him to get it. - Right, sir.
- Hey? - Sir.
- Five lakhs, right? - Yes, sir.
Go!
Hey.
Didn't you see the cops at the bank entrance?
I never said I'd steal the money from the bank.
Get in.
The customer is waiting at the Sayalkudi branch.
Get the cash there, fast!
Kara, they're on the move.
There are spikes. Avoid them.
Pull over.
Give it.
Where to next, Kara?
Let's go to the head office and make the payment.
Sir, as you asked,
this contains all deposit details from the last four days.
From all 18 branches.
If he has deposited the money, it'll definitely be in here, sir.
If you had informed me,
I could have checked everything and told you myself, sir.
It's alright. I'll check it myself.
Who is it?
Kanthasaami's son, is it?
Yes, grandpa. How have you been?
I'm doing okay, son.
What brings you here?
- Just came to get some water. - Alright.
Go ahead. Go ahead.
Hey, grandpa!
Yes?
Why is the tractor tire missing?
That…
My wife wasn't well.
We didn't have money for her treatment.
It was just lying there unused, so I took it off and sold it.
At least it served some purpose.
Son…
This…
It came from the bank.
Read it and tell me what it says.
SEIZURE NOTICE
What do they want now?
Huh?
It's from the bankers.
They want the money.
How much more do I have to keep paying?
My grandfather wore himself out paying taxes to the white man.
Now I'm wearing myself out paying interest to the bank.
I can't fight them anymore, son.
Your father was the one who kept saying
he'd submit a petition to the Collector.
If he were still alive, he would have done something.
Trusting me, these villagers have taken on heavy debts.
We are the ones who must fight for them, son.
If I go there, they'll demand money and humiliate me.
That's why I haven't gone back for the last seven or eight months.
I can't even afford a single square meal…
How am I supposed to repay this debt?!
Get up and go lie down inside, or you'll be coughing all day.
Son…
I'm saving up, little by little.
Will you write them a letter
saying I'll come later and settle everything?
Forget the letter.
I'll go tell them in person.
Alright.
Sir, Panjavan Bank's cash truck has been looted near Sayalkudi.
Hey, when did this happen?
Just now, sir. About a few minutes ago.
Was there a cash truck headed to Sayalkudi today?
Yes!
What force do we have at our disposal?
Sir, we've already deployed our men across 18 branches.
Redirect everyone to Sayalkudi. Move them now.
- Okay, sir. - Only four men need to go to the spot.
Have the rest form a perimeter around Kadaladi, Kuruvadi, Sikkal, Enathi
and establish check posts. Speed up!
- Hello. - Hey!
- Sir? - Are there any cops there?
No, sir.
The cop who was here just left.
My men will reach there shortly.
Cut the alarm wire,
leave the chest key on the table and stay put.
- They'll take care of the rest. - Sir!
Nothing will go wrong, right?
Hey!!
Keelakarai went just fine, didn't it?
Nothing will happen. Just do what you're told.
Hit the Mudukulathur branch.
Today. Immediately.
I'll take care of it.
Hey, today is payday.
There'll be plenty of cash.
Tell them to carry extra bags.
Once you finish the job…
Once you finish the job, stay low at your place.
Stay clear of the Sayalkudi route…
- Sir? - All the cops are over there--
All…
All the files
should be on my desk within one hour.
One minute.
Okay.
Yes?
- Sir, the DSP wants to see you. - What for?
I don't know, sir. He asked me to bring you.
What is it, sir?
Come on, sir. Get in the car.
Why?
Sir, I'm heading to a remote area.
If I need to ask you something urgently,
I can't waste time looking for a phone. Come with me, sir.
- No… Err… I… - Sir, we're losing time. Please.
Today, he is definitely getting caught.
Either alive…
or as a corpse.
Tears flood the edges of our hearts
Thoughts surge and burn Like scorching waters
A heart once clear as glass Lies broken and bare
Where are you now, my lord, Are you there?
Casting wide a treacherous net of deceit
Lord Karuppanna, please be with me!
The weeds have risen up To clutch our throat
They choke our breath, my lord, With growing strain
In the fields where elephants Threshed the heap
And mountains of grain Were ours to keep
A swarm of bedbugs, mean and thin, Are feasting now, from deep within
O Lion-hearted man
Come, reap what was sown
Come now, claim what has grown
All the wounds carved deep in bone
Come burn them clean Till they are gone
O guardian deity
Karasaami, hear our plea
O guardian deity
Karasaami, set us free
PANJAVAN UNION BANK, PARTHIBANUR BRANCH
The hour of harvest draws near, Come forth, Karasaami
Step in and end this wicked game, Our guardian Kulasaami
Come forth, Karasaami
Our guardian who washes every stain away
Come forth, Karasaami
The guardian who'll bring us Safe to shore one day
The hour of harvest draws near, Come forth, Karasaami
Step in and end this wicked game, Our guardian Kulasaami
The foe is already bound for sacrifice
A vow is made for the offering, He'll pay the price
No need for blows or reckless rage
As we return the pain, their rightful wage
Stay quiet, and this will all be over in five minutes!
Face the wall.
Turn.
Hey, are you done?
This way.
Come!
If you move, I'll shoot you down!
Hands up!
Karasaami…
Your hands alone can't lift that weight.
Bend your knees,
and shift all the load onto your legs.
Pull your core in tight…
Now heave it up!
Don't lose your life protecting someone else's money.
- It's bolted from the inside… - What are you saying?
- Yes. - Should we call the police?
If you claim your justice as true, I have my own justice too
With whatever life is left to live, Why count the dead we cannot revive?
Chased and beaten again and again, I had nowhere to run
Now when I turn and face them, No one dares come, not a single one
Come forth, Karasaami
Our guardian who burns all injustice away
Come forth, Karasaami
Sir, he took only 1.5 lakhs and left the rest untouched.
I can't figure out what this guy's up to, sir.
Who all know the money gets moved along this route?
Well, at the head office…
- Actually, only the main branch- - Sir! Sir!
Parthibanur branch has been robbed, sir.
Lady, I'm in the middle of my lunch. What is this?
It's my pension money, sir. I walked a long way to get here.
So what? Should we starve for you?
Go. Go on, and come back later.
Right as the month begins,
they all land up asking for their pensions!
- What's up, Mohan? - Sir!
What did you bring for lunch?
Vathakuzhambu and broad bean stir-fry, sir.
I can smell it from here.
- Janaki? - Tamarind rice, sir.
- Excellent. Venkat, what about yours? - Tomato rice, sir.
- Fantastic! Ramanan, what about yours? - Curd rice, sir.
Well, that's quite a spread today!
Wow!
Aren't you going to ask what's cooking at my place?
Tell me.
Sir, another bank robbery has been reported.
I know. We're headed to Parthibanur.
Sir, this one isn't Parthibanur. It was in Abiramam, sir.
Huh?
Sir…
Where do we go, sir? Parthibanur?
Or Abiramam?
Not here. Come inside.
It's your money.
But I haven't taken it from you.
It'll come back to you. Okay?
If you claim your justice as true, I have my own justice too
With whatever life is left to live, Why count the dead we cannot revive?
Come forth, Karasaami
Our guardian who burns all injustice away
Come forth, Karasaami
Why didn't you call right away, sir?
He cut the phone line, sir.
- Sir. - What is it?
Kamuthi branch, sir.
- What about the Kamuthi branch? - He has hit that one too.
The foe is already bound for sacrifice
A vow is made for the offering, He'll pay the price
No need for blows or reckless rage
As we return the pain, their rightful wage
Come forth, Karasaami
Our guardian who washes every stain away
Come forth, Karasaami
Our guardian who washes Every stain away...
Sir.
Should I bring the car, sir?
Hey.
Go to the bank that was just robbed and do what? Pay our respects?
Where is it?
You must have one, right?
What's that, sir?
The map. The map!
The map… it's inside, sir.
Come!
PANJAVAN UNION BANK RAMANATHAPURAM BRANCHES
Parthibanur.
Abiramam.
Kamuthi.
We'll get to the next bank before him.
Mudukulathur.
- Hey, let's go to Mudukulathur… - Sir. Sir. Sir.
The Mudukulathur branch was already robbed, right?
So what if it was robbed once? Did you lock it up now?
There's still money inside, right? Come on, get moving…
Err… I'll manage everything from here, sir.
What are you going to manage from here, sir?
- Don't stress me out, sir. - I'm coming, I'm coming.
Come on!
Park the vehicle where no one can see it.
Sir.
Everything seems normal here.
- There's another branch nearby. Let's go-- - Hey!
All you scumbags! Put your hands up!
Go! Go! Go!
Sir, are the cops on our side?
Don't shoot me, sir. Sir! Sir!
Sir! I don't know anything, sir!
We only came because he told us to. Don't shoot me, sir!
Please, sir…
Sir! Sir! Don't shoot me, sir!
Sir…
Please… save me!
PROTECTED BY LORD KARUPPASAAMI
We've been told to log this body and cremate it. Come on, push.
HEARSE
If the river itself turns to waste
Hey, what is it?
He's my father, sir.
What becomes of the little fish displaced?
This is the truth, sir.
If you go to Kiliyur,
you can catch him.
Just tell me how much you need.
We'll talk about it in private.
Right from the start, something just felt off.
Staying right beside me, you had me running in circles.
In all my years of service, only two people have made me run like this.
One was him.
The other is you.
So…
Sir.
There's a message from the control room, sir.
They want you on the line right away.
- We've to go to Kiliyur. Get the car. - Sir, it's an emergency.
It's an emergency, sir.
What's the emergency?
Sir, you haven't returned the deed.
I've signed for it, right?
There's a huge crowd.
Come tomorrow, I'll have it ready.
They won't do squat! We have to come again?
Hey! Everyone, stay quiet!
Stay quiet!
Anyone got urgent work?
No! No! No!
No one's leaving without their deeds!
What's with them? They aren't giving us our deeds even if we pay them!
What is wrong with them? We have to check--
Hey, give it.
- Are you aware that this is stolen money? - We are, sir.
It's the money that was stolen from us.
- Hand it over, sir. - What is your problem, sir?
Is it a crime to deposit money in a bank? Get going, sir.
Hey, people!
We got our deeds back!
O Master, O King
You saw it all, bore every suffering
O Deity, O Lord
You guided our steps with every word
The pain you endured will lead us ahead
The tears you shed Will teach us everything instead
Do not be troubled, Do not grow weary
Once the mind is clear, Let nothing block your journey
Do not waver, Do not lose your way
Let not your light Be stained or led astray
- Where's your jeep? - Sir, it's parked a little further away.
- Give me the keys. - Sir?
The keys.
Sir, what do we do about the crowd?
"What do we do?"
Tell them to line up, pay, and leave.
It's like they've all been told to bring old notes.
Move!
After a life of sin, mistake upon mistake
If you right all your wrongs And a new path you take
And live for the good, Then the God in you will awake
You are goodness, True to yourself, no pretense
You are the ladder, A scholar of your own order
You are the guardian, Worthy of the name you've won...
If every debtor starts stealing like this,
then what the hell are the police for?
If you don't repay your loan, they'll take your land.
What's wrong with that?
And he's come to save his father's name!
Hey, hey!
Don't.
Have you ever taken a loan from a bank?
Answer me, sir. My hand is shaking. I might just shoot.
Yes.
What for?
To buy a car.
To buy a car!
How much do you pay every month?
Rs. 3,500.
If you didn't get paid for three months,
could you still pay it?
Tell me!
It'd be tough.
What if you didn't get paid for three years?
Impossible, right?
At least you took that loan out of your own desire, sir.
They planted those desires in us, gave us money, and walked away.
If we knew how interest works,
and what happens when you fail to repay it,
we would never have taken that loan, sir!
They didn't cheat us by giving us a loan.
They cheated us by giving us hope.
What I did was wrong, under the law.
But to me, it felt fair.
It felt like justice.
The same way this gun ended up in your hands.
I once said people like you belong behind bars so the town could have some peace.
But it is because of you that the whole town is at peace now.
But that doesn't mean I can let you go, does it?
Hey, don't sweat it.
It's only seven years.
By then, the town will have put up a statue for you and made you a hero.
And then what?
Straight to Panchayat President, Ward Councillor…
Wait, no. That doesn't feel right.
See…
A man robs a bank to pay off the town's debt.
If I catch you,
the way things are now,
it's your face they'll splash across the papers.
Then you'll become the hero.
And the one who caught you… I become the villain.
We can't have the story end that way, can we?
Now…
What if the one who robbed the bank was the bank's own manager?
And I'm the one who cracks the case, investigates, and exposes him?
In that news story, I'll be the hero.
The manager who kicked the bucket will be the villain.
Then they'll have no choice but to print my photo instead… and bigger!
What do you say? Shall we go with that?
You're not serious, are you?
Hey!
If your name comes up… even one more time…
No matter where you run and hide, I'll hunt you down and crush you!
I'm not going anywhere, sir.
This is my village.
This is where I belong.