On the dry plains lies the village of Avarutti. L
Like every village, it has a temple, crowded with devotees.
Those burdened by problems offer money; those with no money offer their hair.
So faith turns into business.
And business, often, gives birth to monsters.
The business of hair yields rich returns.
This is a story of that richness—of gold.
Hey Lokesh, are you done stitching my shirt?
I'm doing the buttons, hold on.
You've been doing that forever!
Why don't you hurry up?
Yeah sure! It's festival season for everyone. Not just you.
So you'll continue wearing shabby clothes while your son gets all the new ones?
Give it. -Here, take it.
Not everyone in the village is lucky to become an officer like my son!
Yes, only your son is fortunate. -Don't offer me advice!
Ramanna!
-Ganganna, please come!
1/2 kg jaggery
1/2 kg lentils
And then 10 paise worth cardamom, cloves and khus.
You're having grand festival this year, huh?
The festival is no big deal to me.
But my son, who was studying in the city, is coming home.
So I wanted to make" payasa ("sweet dish) for him.
You're a lucky man!
It's all because of blessings from people like you!
Everyone isn't blessed to have a son like yours!
Put it in my account.
I'll pay you later.
Okay. -See you.
Wow!
It smells amazing in here!
Ganganna, your son is lucky indeed!
What's cooking? Damn! It's hot!
What the hell are you upto!
I was checking if it's done.
Wait till Ashoka comes! You'll burn your hand or else!
Let's go, it's late.
C'mon let's be quick.
The bus may have arrived by now.
Hey Shantakka, Mallamma, Saroja!
Do you know who is coming now!
Who? -You'll know once they come!
"Akka (sister)" do you want to come along?
Get lost fool!
[-Ganganna the van is here!]
Get down everyone. -Ashoka!
Gopala! -Ashoka!
I'm here dad!
Ashoka, give me your bags.
Give it here. -Okay.
Give it to me. -It's okay dad.
It's okay dude.
Get down, please. -All well?
Of course, he's doing well!
Come, let's go. -Come on.
The entire village is waiting for you.
They're all celebrating!
Ashoka, you've become fair after moving to the city!
That's my boy!
Look! Even the birds are gloriously flying about because my son has come!
They are thrilled!
I'm sure you're thrilled, but I'm getting roasted in this harsh sun!
Let's get home quick.
Ashoka, step in with your right foot.
Are you getting your daughter-in-law home to enter with the right foot?
"Appa" (father), it smells yum in here!
-Hey Ashoka!
Come here!
I'm hungry! -First, go shower.
then perform "puja", after which you can eat.
Go on. -You won't quit nagging even on a festival.
I'm tired.
It's a tradition to have a proper bath on festival days.
Why are you fidgeting like a child!
You can't scrub with that stone. Take this brick, Ganganna.
I'll smash you!
Ashoka!
"Appa, "please pour cold water!
Who is it?
Who is it, huh!
Open your eyes and see dude!
Hey Chandranna!
Yes, your Chandranna is here!
Sit!
Srub him well Ganganna!
Scrub him until he shines like a diamond. What say, Gopala?
The entire village must be stunned! -I agree.
We shall cleanse the evil eye after that.
Yes, I need to cleanse my own evil eye!
Yes my friend!
You haven't changed one bit!
Isn't it?
Chandranna!
I'm coming!
I have something to tell you
Take your time and finish bath.
Let me dry my hair and show you something!
Sure!
Have you made "payasa", Ganganna?
Chandranna! -Ashoka...
Come here, please.
Why? -Just come.
Come!
Close your eyes.
Don't open your eyes. Stay here.
[-Okay!]
Don't open your eyes. -I won't dude. Come.
I’ll be back in a moment
Where are you? -One moment!
Come soon. -I'm here.
Here I am!
Open your eyes.
Look!
First class!
I'm done with studies.
Next is an exam for the revenue inspector's post.
If I clear that...
Really?
Do well, Ashoka.
You must grow.
And help others grow too.
If people like us have to survive, we must develop resilience and strength.
That's when true change happens.
[-Yes Chandranna.]
There he goes again!
What change are you talking about?
First, your brains need an urgent change!
Keep your protests to the streets!
Give that here, Ganganna!
Hold this.
You must do well!
Fire symbolises revolution, Ashoka
It's crackling and how!
Ganganna, let's feast on the "payasa" now.
Keep going everyone! Ashoka!
Hey Chandranna!
Where is Gopal’s?
He’s gone for work.
Why don’t you come? I’ll join you later.
Come! I’ll come later. Hey Chandranna!
[Rhythmic chant]
"Shiva!"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear, Mahadeva"
"Praise Mahadeva!"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear Mahadeva"
"Wake up Mahadeva, lend us your ear Mahadeva!"
[Rhythmic chant]
"You are the grain of rice"
"You are the pride of our bulls"
"You are the fuel that feeds our kitchen"
"You're the vibhuti that's on our forehead"
"You're the very taste of salt itself"
"You're glory of nature"
"You're the able hands of the washerman"
"You're the life force who gives us water"
"You're the grinding stone that gives our food"
"You're the thousand winds that blow"
"You make no distinction between classes"
"You stand by us through everything"
"You're in the crowing of the rooster"
"You're the wings of the flying bird"
"You're the cry of a grazing cow"
"You're the breast milk that sustains life"
"Mahadeva!!"
"Wake up Mahadeva, lend us your ear"
[Rhythmic chants]
song
"Look at how handsome our Lord is!"
"He sits he majestically in the procession"
"Nobody dares stop this celebration"
"If we all stand as one"
"Look at how handsome our Lord is!"
"He sits he majestically in the procession"
"Nobody can stop our celebrations"
"if we all stand as one"
"We're silver beams of moonlight"
"Roaming carefree around this land"
"And should you ever try to catch us"
"we will gift you golden butterflies"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear Mahadeva"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear Mahadeva"
"You're the grinding stone that gives our food"
"You're the thousand winds that blow"
"You make no distinction between classes"
"You stand by us in everything"
"You're in the crowing of a rooster"
"You're the wings of a flying bird"
"You're the cry of a grazing cow"
"You're the breast milk that sustains life"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear Mahadeva"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear Mahadeva"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear Mahadeva"
"Wake up Mahadeva"
"Lend us your ear Mahadeva"
Oh my god!
A low-born wretch! How dare you!
Who allowed you to dance with upper caste folk?
Remember your worth and stay within your boundaries!
Ashoka,
listen to me okay?
Chandra is from Kelgalkeri.
You think they will spare him if he dances with Melgalkeri folks?
You concentrate on your exams, all right? Let this be.
Ashoka, what would be your salary if you become a revenue officer?
300 rupees? If so, let's buy two cows.
Milk sells at a good price lately.
And let's get Mangalore Tiles for the roof.
It cools the house down.
You're saying "hmmm" to everything.
Has the cat got your tongue?
Don't loiter around. Stay right here.
I'll go finish my exams.
Ashoka!
Do well in your exams! -Stay there, okay?
Okay son.
Nothing at all. -Let's go.
Have you done well in your exams, Ashoka?
Listen to me carefully, Mr Gangaraju.
Chakke is called cinnamon.
And kottambari is corriander. Got it?
That's all.
Kottambari.
Corriander powder.
Yes!
And" chakke?"
Chakke...
Chakke Mona...
Hello...
Chakke is not Chakke Mona.
Repeat it. Cinnamon.
Cinnamon.
Cinnamon!
Perfect!
Very good Mr Gangaraju!
Very good!
ನಿಲ್ಸಿ Stop it boys!
Shekhara!
Picchandi
I trusted you all and loaded the lorry with the hair that was supposed to go to Bhutan.
Hey Vetri
Yes "anna"
Coming Boss.
Music.
Make way!
Make way.
Come this way madam.
Hey, move it!
Make way! -Stop the cycle, son!
Get down! -Why!!!
Get down! -What's the matter "appa?"
We don't need that detail. -"Appa..."
Keep quiet.
What's the matter with you?
My slippers... -What's wrong with you!
Keep quiet, will you?
Why should I?
Sssh! -But why!
Out of our way, everyone!
Make way!
"Appa"
Keep quiet. -Why?
Go home straight.
"Appa!"
Stop right there!
Stop!
But why "appa?"
Take your feet off right now.
Off, now!
Take your feet off now!
But why?
Don't question me.
Be off now.
Never again step into the " mudi katte "(hair tonsuring spot) again!
Why?
Stop talking and just leave!
Bothvaramma, please bless my son with a government job.
Token #21
Present.
Token #22.
Present.
Token #26
Present
Token #17
Present
Token #33
Present
GANGARAJU
Ganganna
Gangu!
Hey Yaley Swamy!
Hope you're well.
I'm good. Let's go sit somewhere.
Been long since we last met.
Why didn't you come home?
I came for the village fair.
But I couldn't visit your home.
My daughter had come home (CHECK)
I heard Ashoka is becoming an officer.
I was happy to hear the good news!
My daughter has also completed her SSLC.
I've waited four years to get her married to an officer.
Yet, I haven't been able to find a suitable boy.
I can even arrange for money for your son's job.
Ganganna
Give me a moment. I'll join you.
Okay, let me have a word with Ashoka.
Send him home some time.
If he pays four annas, he'll reach our village in half an hour.
Okay, I shall send Ashoka.
I heard this week is auspicious. Send him soon.
Okay.
Sure Swami. -See you.
Coming!
Hey, eat slowly dude.
You'll just swallow those ragi balls whole!
What's up "appa?" Done with work?
Yaley Swamy from Kuruvatti had come to meet me.
He was asking if you would marry his daughter.
He will take care of the expenses related to your government job.
Appa! I don't even have a job.
If I get married, where's the income to support a family?
Let me first find a job, "appa."
Yaley Swamy suggested we hold the wedding around the time your appointment letter arrives.
That little girl who was roaming around with marigold flowers?
That little girl is now a beautiful woman!
Go meet her once.
[-What's up Chandri! I heard you're in love with Rajendra!]
Everyone's talking about it!
That chap perpetually has a cold. If I marry him, I'll have to keep wiping his nose!
Get lost!
Oh dear Chandri!
Did he get the floral thread, Mangala?
Yeah right! Don't you know how unpredictable he is!
He just disappears for weeks. Let's make do with what we have.
The flowers have dried up. Let me get some water.
It's not just the flowers that have dried up. We have too.
Move those flowers a bit.
Ambika!
I'm coming.
Why is he in such a hurry?
No idea. -Rajeev "anna," business is booming huh!
Ambika, there's a fair at Maravatse tomorrow (CHECK NAME)
Keep the garlands ready.
Don't forget. I'll get shouted at otherwise.
Of course.
Ambika, wait. -What's it "anna?"
Let me pay you, my dear.
This is last week's payment.
I'll clear the pending amount next week. -Okay.
Hey Swamy (CHECK NAME)
How can you make such a pretty girl sit at home, stringing flowers?
You should quickly find her a groom who will decorate her hair with flowers! Let's go.
Your income as a barber is enough to hold a royal wedding!
Get her married quickly!
Ambika
Yes "appa..."
Come here.
Who do you think a princess should marry?
A prince, of course. -Isn't it?
And for the princess of my home, I have fixed an emperor called Ashoka!
Oh c'mon "appa!" -I'm serious!
In Avaratti village, there's a boy called Ashoka.(CHECK NAME)
He will soon become an officer.
He's nice. I've finalised a match with him for you!
He's a friend's son.
In a week's time, the prince will come here to see you.
And I shall see you off in a palanquin!
Stop teasing me "appa!"
Come here, my girl.
Do I have your consent?
Just see her blush!
Oh c'mon "appa!"
[Chatter}
Hey, the van is leaving! Come fast.
My cycle!
Hey, stop!
Don't leave us behind.
Heggade, Maranapura, Kuruvatti!
Yes, that's where we're headed.
Heggade, Maranapura, Kuruvatti!
Where to madam?
Think of her as your sister and sit. -Yes, we go there.
Kuruvatti!
I hope the picture turns out like Kalpana!
Maranapura. Kuruvatti.
Go inside.
Let's go.
Hey wait! -What happened!
[-Hey Ashoka!]
[Hey Ashoka! Stop the van!
My friend's got off the vehicle!
Hey Ashoka!
It's been a while since I last saw you!
When did you come back?
Just a few days ago. -Are you done with studies?
There's a huge fair coming up at Maruvatti (CHCK NAME)
And nobody can play the shehnai (musical instrument) like you.
Hey Ashoka! Stop!
[-You'll get paid, come!] -Get lost now!
[-Don't accept any work for that day. Be there Ashoka, okay?]
See you.
Hey, why did you get off the van?
I saw a girl during the Shivaratri festival in our village.
I felt like I saw her again around here.
Nonsense! Let's go now.
Hey wait. -What?
My father won't let me go later. C'mon let's head to Kuruvatti.
Does your father own a fleet of vans to travel when we wish?
There's no transport available now. Let's go tomorrow.
He's meant to see a prospective bride, yet he's eyeing someone else!
Ashoka!
"Appa..."
Bring me some thread.
Okay.
Take
How long will you keep mending the same pair?
[-I can't throw them, can I?] -You can.
"Appa!"
[-It hasn't worn out yet.]
It's late. Go to bed.
"Anna.".. -Please come.
I want to buy a pair of slippers for my father. -What size?
8. -8?
Yes. -Sure.
Here it is.
Not this. Something else please. -Certainly.
This is made of original leather. Take a look.
Nice.
Pack this. How much is it?
That will be two and a half rupees. -He's made me look just like Kalpana!
"Anna..." -Tell me madam.
Show me that pair.
How about this?
Show me the other one.
That one?
Yes. -Take a look.
[Why is he staring at me?]
You're done buying, isn't it? Carry on.
I don't want this. Give me the other pair.
See if this works.
Not this. Give me something else.
What's your problem? Wait.
Not this. Give me that one!
Let me get it.
It's a lovely pair!
I'm referring to the slippers, not you two!
Take madam.
Why is this guy staring at me?
Who is he?
Hello mister!
Which one have you chosen?
Take this.
Here.
Isn't this the one you packed earlier?
You checked everything and finally chose the one you selected first.-I want this!
I don't want anything else.
And you're doing the exact same thing!
Why do you keep turning around to look at him?
"Appa..."
"Appa!"
Give that to me.
Take this. -What's this?
Don't ever wear those torn slippers again.
Wear this from now on.
How's it? Liked it?
It's very nice!
Once you become an officer, this is the only pair I'll wear.
You'll never listen to me.
Do what you like.
"Come and give it a listen..."
"Why does my heart dance away in joy, I wonder!"
Ashoka...
"Appa..."
You're busy writing huh?
Did you meet Yaley Swamy?
He said you never visited their home to meet his daughter.
He's sent her photo.
"Early in the morning, I woke up stretching with a soft smile"
"And there you stood with a coffee cup in hand"
"Early in the morning, I woke up stretching with a soft smile"
"And there you stood with a coffee cup in hand."
"A colourful dream took shape"
"And I thought of you amidst the gentle breeze"
"You appeared unannounced and left me stunned"
"And I lost myself in that heavenly feeling!"
"Why does my heart dance away in joy, I wonder!"
"Come and give it a listen...it's singing your tune"
"Why does my heart dance away in joy!"
"Makes me want to visit your doorstep and adorn your hair with flowers"
"Me walking admiringly behind you, you striding in front of me confidently"
"I wish to whisper something precious to your heart"!
"You are the thunder that strikes and I'm the spark that's ready to ignite"
"There is a love to be lit that will glow up the skies"
"A curious cloud takes a gentle peek"
"Which makes this wild flower blush!"
"Your one look has sent my desires soaring sky high!"
"Why does my heart dance away in joy, I wonder!"
"Come and give it a listen...it's singing your tune"
"Why does my heart dance away in joy, I wonder"
"Makes me want to visit your doorstep and adorn your hair with flowers"
"Early in the morning, I woke up stretching with a soft smile"
"And there you stood with a coffee cup in hand"
Hey, why are you following me!
Who else should I follow?
Are you joking?
Not at all.
Don't try your tricks with me.
My village folk are really nice.
But if you bother them, beware!
You claim they're nice. So why should I be scared?
Why should I even talk to you!
The flowers are falling off!
I don't care. Why are you bothered?
Please listen to me.
Why should I?
Please listen...
Leave me alone. -I really need to talk to you. Wait.
I have nothing to talk to you.
At least tell me your name.
Why should I!!
Please, at least tell me your name.
Please tell me. Hello!
It's Channakka.
Channakka? Nice name!
Get lost! -I won't harm you, don't worry.
Listen to me please!
I won't.
The flowers are falling off. -I won't listen to you.
Channakka, wait! -I won't!
Wait! -I won't!
Stop! -No, I won't!
Oh no, Channakka!!!!
Where's Channakka?
Channakka!
I can't spot her anywhere!
Channakka!
I'm struggling to stay alive and you're calmly walking away?
Is this what they call falling in love!
Whose shehnai is this? -It's...
My mother used to play it.
She was the only one who could play it in the whole of Karnataka.
She'd play it for me every night before sleeping.
Mukhari raaga.
One morning I woke up, but my mother didn't.
That evening, someone played the same raaga at the village fair.
I never got to know who it was.
But I continue to feel it in me.
Mukhaari raaga. My mother's favourite.
Listen mister, my father has already fixed a match for me.
Stop following me.
Please wait.
Just listen to what I have to say.
I know the boy who plays the Mukhaari raaga.
I will bring him to the shrine near Siddur hills tomorrow.
Please come there.
Give me one last chance.
I will stop following you after that.
You will surely feel happy.
Hello!
Hello, Miss Channakka!
Please listen to me.
Hello Channakka!
Wait!
Don't forget!
Mukhaari raaga!
The boy plays it really well.
You'll surely feel happy.
Ashoka?
Appa,
why don’t you quit working at that mudi katte.
Appa,
I’ve been hearing some crazy stories about that place.
And about Kutti Babji too.
Who the hell has been feeding with this information!
Just concentrate on your exams okay!
Appa, but listen to me..
Your appointment letter hasn’t come.
How long has it been since I told you to go enquire about it at Donipete office! Do it right away!
District Employment Office
Give this to him -Okay sir.
Sir, namaste.
I'm Ashok.
Please sit.
I had appeared for the revenue officer exam.
Please check whether the appointment letter has come.
Let me check.
Confirm your name please.
Ashok.
Is there an initial?
Avuratti sir, AG. (CHECK) -AG
AG Ashok.
It's been a week since the appointment letter was sent mister!
Go check in the post office.
It's been a week? -Yes.
Thank you, sir.
"Anna", did post man Kempanna hand over any letter?
No Ashoka.
No?
Shamanna...
Did postman Kempanna hand you a letter?
No Ashoka.
You did get a letter, Ashoka.
Where is it!
I kept it on a ledge on your street.
If I personally hand it to you, the folks on the main street get angry with me.
They have forbidden me from coming to your homes to deliver it.
[-They will not take any delivery from me, if I personally deliver to you.]
I'm helpless.
Check if someone's kept the letter aside.
Time may change, but people will never. Get lost!
What's the matter Ashoka?
Why that look on your face?
The post man had kept my appointment letter on a ledge on our street.
I searched for it every where.
But I couldn't find it.
I can't report for work without it.
Ashoka...
A letter has arrived for you.
Appa, your son is now an officer!
Chandranna! -Ashoka..
I got the job!
Our Ashoka got a government job!
Ashoka got a job! Come here everyone!
"Anna", Ashoka got a job! -"Akka"," "Ashoka" "got a government job!
Ashoka, I wish the best.
Because (CHECK)
Rajanna, our Ashoka got a government job!
[-Let me go tell everyone about this! It's party time!]
Appa, what did you ask God for?
When do you have to join work?
From the day after!
I'll be back.
Protect us O lord!
How long can we go on doing this back-breaking work?
Our kids will be born with a hunched back!
We never went to school.
Must our kids suffer the same fate?
That Kutti Babji started his trade and we got trained.
Two packets of toddy. One piece of meat.
What bloody lives are we leading!
A tender will go out this year.
Let's ask for better daily wages.
If there's any difference in weight, you'll have to face me!
ಹೇ, ಇಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಬಾ. Hey you, come here.
Apparently, you've called all the workers and instigated them to ask for more wages.
What you pay us is peanuts, sir.
Pay us at least eight annas to make a living.
It gets tough for us otherwise.
ಹೋಗೋ Be off now.
I shall look into it.
What are you staring at? Leave.
Boss!
My boy!
Nothing at all..
It seems you said you're finding it tough to make a living.
No boss...
If you're finding it tough to live,
You lower class wretch!
Oh god!
You left us all behind!
[Mourning continues]
[Loud wailing in the background]
Oh no....Chandra!
Chandra!
The culprit behind all this is Kutti Babji!
We have let him go scot free and look what he's done to our Chadranna!
Hey, speak softly.
If he gets word of our talk, we'll be done for.
Talk softly.
Talk softly everyone.
Talk softly.
TALK SOFTLY!
What if they hear of this?
Even if we all fall dead, speak softly.
Even if the entire village is destroyed, speak softly.
SPEAK SOFTLY YOU ALL!
Chandra!!!
Ashoka!
Our Chandra went away!
Let's all keep dropping dead one by one!
It won't take long!
Please speak softly.
Chandra!
How could you just go away!
Look at your daughter, Chandra!
Ashoka...
I may not be related to you by blood,
but you're my brother.
[CHECK]
But you and I look at life the same way.
Even if I die, I'll always live inside you.
"Appa..."
Who is Kutty Babji?
What did you just say!!
"Appa," who is Kutty Babji?
Everyone's saying it was he who killed Chandranna.
Don't get into that matter.
Now focus on your new job.
"Appa," it's a matter I have to get into.
It's our Chandranna who was killed.
I have guarded you with my life since your mother died.
I have gathered every anna to ensure your clothes are ironed and you're dressed well.
Because I wanted you to become an officer.
But look at what you're focusing on instead! Totally unnecessary.
Let it go!
Stop making a big deal about it!
Ashoka!
Ganapaiaah
Chandranna is dead.
Who is...
Kutty Babji!!!
What's going on in this village?
What's going on at the "mudi katte?" (hair tonsuring spot)
I know you're aware of all that's going on!
Ganapaiah, tell me!
I'll tell you,
but only if you will patiently listen to me.
Only then will I tell you.
Listen to me patiently.
Breathe!
You must breathe.
If we have to breathe easy,
you must breathe.
Kutty Babji.
Kutty Babji....
It's all over.
Everything is finished!
All our lives are ruined.
He's wiping us out one by one.
Chandranna is gone.
We will all go soon!
Tomorrow it will be me.
Then you.
The other day,
Lift your heads up.
Do you know why I've called you here?
So that you're informed about what's going on here.
Hey Rangayya (CHECK)
Boss...
Yes boss.
You want a holiday and your pay!
If your son becomes an officer, what's left for me -- becoming a barber?
Beware if such news comes to me again!
Forgive us, Ashoka.
None of us could come to his rescue that day.
We were helpless.
He's built a huge empire.
And has monsters to guard it.
The entire village trembles in fear, Ashoka.
Anyone who dared speak against him is dead.
If we become jobless, we'll die of hunger boss!
Please give my job back!
ಅವನನ್ನು ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗು! -ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಹೋಗಲು ಬಿಡಿ. Take him away! -Let me go.
"Amma!"
Amma!
Please take care of my house dear goddess!
So many families have lost their lives because of his greed.
They will stoop to any level to gather more hair!
Hundreds of girls have been defamed because of him.
It's not just him.
His son is another monster.
A devil.
A demon!
I don't know how to wrestle, "anna."
Rajanna!
Give me a nice haircut.
I want to look amazing!
How dare you try to be on par with us!
Get lost you wretch!
Why have you started this new trend now?
This is the first and last excuse for you.
If I spot those lowly people here again, you won't be spared!
This is a message to all of you!
If I spot any of those lowly ones at a barber's shop in Avurutti,
I'll remove their intestines and decorate the shop's entrance with it!
Let's go Vetri!
Who will stop them Ashoka!
Who will stop them!
Who!!!
They have earned thousands by creating a hair mafia.
For a mere four" annas", we've sold ourselves Ashoka.
There's no escape now.
He spells death.
Take your feet off!
Why?
Don't let anger guide you.
Think calmly.
A fool's folly is a villain's gain.
"Appa!"
Get on the cycle.
Listen to me, wait.
"Appa, "get on the cycle.
"Appa!"
I'm talking to you.
Instead of focusing on a government job, he wants to tonsure heads!
Did I have to work so hard for this!
Mahadev" anna "has sent this.
This is your number. When you're called out from the token table, raise your hands and say "present."
Take water from the tank outside.
There are separate rooms for gents and women's hair. Deposit it there.
Hey, did you understand what I said?
Take this. Treat it like your deity.
You can't take a day off even if there's a death at home.
Present
Women - 3
Kids - 7
Men -- 31
Total - 51
I'm sorry boss! Please spare me.
I won't repeat it; please let me go!
Vengam!
Yes boss.
Hair.
And to build this empire of hair trade,
Now should the hair be in my hands or someone else's?
Your hands boss...only yours.
Now should I take it back or not?
Go on, give it to me.
a man died in our "mudi katte."
How did he die?
People are saying all sorts of things.
But I'm unable to understand!
Show me how it was done!
Forgive me boss.
Just show me!
Forgive me, please!
My family has cholera and I didn't have money for medicines. Forgive me boss...
I'm an old man. But you still have a long way to go. You made a mistake beating him up to save me.
I made a mistake telling you about Babji.
He's a cruel man!
One can't predict what he will do next.
Ganapaiah,
All this while, you were scared and he continued to intimidate you.
That won't work any more.
Be brave.
There were so many people, but he alone beat them all up!
Yes, do that!
Eat boys!
Eat, c'mon eat!
Vengam "-Anna..."
yaro avanu? Who is that boy?
I don't know "anna."
Where did he come from?
I don't know "anna."
Ambika
Bring the kerosene my dear.
Ambika!
Mava! (father-in-law)
Why did you come here?
The moment you stepped into the "mudi katte", I sent word that I didn't want this wedding.
Why are you staring at her? She too has agreed to this.
You have invited death by taking on Kutty Babji.
Now should I get my daughter married to a dead man?
Tell me.
Kutty has fed more blood into the river than the ashes it carries!
You haven't stepped on a sword; you have the sword dangling above your head!
Now tell me, you'll marry my daughter and take good care of her?!
He's tonsuring heads instead of being an officer! Get lost!
What's the matter "anna?"
They've taken others in for work, but sent us away, Ashoka.
We at least had a job and managed to feed our families.
Now you've snatched our livelihood from us.
You're an educated man.
And will somehow get a job.
But what about us?
You're still young and will manage somehow. What should we do?
Speak up! - We too have lives to lead and families to feed. What do we do now?
You beat them up and became a big shot! Now what should us lowly mortals do for a livelihood?
We'll beg and plead Babji and go back to work.
Please don't bother us again.
Let him be. -Let's go. It's a waste talking to him.
District Commissioner's Office
Sir, "namaste."
"Namaste." Sit down.
Tell me what's the matter.
Sir,I'm Ashok.
I'm from Avaratti. And my entire village has been working for generations at the Avaratti mudi katte.
A man called Kutty Babji has forced the entire village into bonded labour.
People pay one rupee fifty paise for each head that is tonsured.
But he pays us 25 paise.
And those who have questioned him haven't survived.
Hundreds of people have died because of this.
Nobody dares submit a tender against him.
Now he's rendered people jobless and sent them home.
And many others have died for questioning authority.
And it's not just one village; the entire district doesn't dare submit a tender against him.
Right now you're only seeing one Kutty Babji.
But there numerous Babjis backing him in many other forms.
Politicians, cops, the heads of the neighbouring villages and so many more.
He's filled all their pockets rather well.
Now tell me if you have the strength to take him on?
This is a "chakravyuha" (maze).
You might go in. But don't even think of getting out.
If you step in, they'll create caste-based controversy.
They'd have already devised a strategy to make you powerless.
You are aware of just one "mudi katte."
But Kutti Babji has hundreds of "mudi kattes "under his control.
This is a huge empire.
If they realise their empire is in danger,
they'll be ready to destroy hundreds of Ashokas.
Are you ready to float a tender despite all this?
Tell me.
Why are you silent?
If people had feared for their lives, would we have ever gained freedom?
The men who gave up their lives are my people.
The ones dying out of hunger are my people.
The money that's generated rightfully belongs to my people.
Sir, we're all living corpses.
Why then should we fear death?
I will apply for the tender, sir.
Sure.
Your knowledge and strength is immense.
My best wishes!
I will proceed as per law.
And you do whatever is necessary.
The flowing water, the wind, even a blade of grass doesn't belong to a single person.
It's for everyone.
None of us are important nor unimportant.
From a tiny insect to an elephant, every creature has a right to live.
And people like you must live!
If a hundred brave hearts like you step forward, it's enough.
A huge change can be made!
Step up! -Thank you sir.
Leave now!
See you sir.
Wait.
Your life matters not to you alone, but your community too.
Take care.
See you sir.
Right sir.
If we lose the tender, we're as good as dead, Babji.
Boss!
ಏನಾಯಿತು ಅಣ್ಣಾ? What happened boss?
What is it?
Having an ass doesn't qualify you to poop on my behalf.
ಹೋಗೋ Get lost!
Hunger is like a dog riddled with worms.
It gnaws at you.
Vengayam (CHECK) - Boss...
Eat it my boy.
Call for the tender.
I'll handle the rest.
ನಾಯಿಗಳು The lowly scoundrel!
All well sir?
All good.
It's yours this time too.
That's all that matters!
Why have you called us here?
We lost our only job.
And we have families to support,
unlike you who only has a father to take care of.
Quit wasting time and let's leave!
I don't have anyone Nagraj "anna."
But you have everyone.
So why are you here?
Leave!
We've all been dead for a long time!
The breathing is just a habit now.
I haven't come here for you folks.
I've come for our children.
The next generation.
So folks,
how much longer will you stay silent?
We lost Chandranna.
You lost your uncle.
He too lost a loved one.
My father's life is at risk.
And it's the same with you!
And him too.
Let our kids fear death constantly.
All of you bow down your heads to Kutty Babji,
eat the leftovers thrown by him,
and continue living this miserable life for another thousand years.
Learn to live with pride even if heads roll!!
Learn to live with pride!
And not bow down.
It's okay if we starve.
Our kids must study,
They must build a good life.
But how! We have lost our jobs!
The "mudi katte" doesn't belong to his father!
We are the one who've toiled there for generations!
If I had been worried about my own home and government job, I'd not be here with you!
But I will not bow down and live like a corpse like you all!
Until I die, I will not give up!
Mark my words!
Tell me Ganapaiah,
you stopped us from responding when they abused Chandranna and we held back.
And then we lost him.
How many more lof our people must die? Tell me Ganapaiah!
Folks, tell me!
Why are you silent?
Tell me!
I'm not a sacrificial lamb to stay silent like you folks!
When I go, I won't go alone. I'll take ten such Kutty Babji's with me.
Give it a thought and tell me.
They will announce the tender tomorrow.
And our future will be decided too.
We need money.
Those who wish to stand with me, stay.
If not, leave.
Be off.
Chandranna isn't dead. He's alive.
He's alive inside you!
I am with you!
I'm alive because of you.
And I'm ready to die for this cause!
And I'll join you in this mission every lifetime!
I'm with you.
We are with you!
Mysore: 13 miles
It's not just you who's facing injustice at the "mudi katte."
This fight will never end.
We must continue engaging youngsters until this problem is eradicated from its roots.
This is the money I've earned from writing "bandaya kavithe" (revolutionary verses).
I had kept it aside for our movement.
But it's not enough to cover your requirement.
Take.
A word of advice, Ashoka.
If you bow to them, they will step on your head!
Caste doesn't make you a king.
Only intelligence, courage, strength and resilience can make you one.
You share a name with an emperor.
Only if you fight, will you survive.
And you possess the spirit to win! Go on!
The auction process for the "Mudi Katte "of the Pothuramma temple under the jurisdiction of Avarutti panchayat, is now about to begin.
Interested participants should place their bid amount in the box placed on the table.
[Only 15 minutes left]
[Only 5 minutes left]
Stand there.
Announce it.
Kutty Babji's bid stands at Rs 15,000.
Ashok's bid stands at Rs 18,000.
Victory to Ashoka!
This is your money.
It was sent to me as bribe. And I ensured it reached you.
Ashoka, this victory was much needed.
This victory is ours!
Go on. [-Victory to Ashoka!]
Victory to Ashoka!
"Jai Ashoka!"
"Ambika, "
"let’s go my dear"
Ashoka, what is love?
Knowledgeable folk give it big descriptions.
But to me it means...
leading a life with you.
How much do you love me?
As much as a penguin which endures the rain and snow, yet holds its loved one close and protects it.
I don't believe in rebirth. But I'd like to live this lifetime with you.
I want to loot the entire world...and ensure only our voice are heard.(check)
Will you give me all (CHECK)
All my moments are for you Ambika.
Love you Ashoka. -I love you Ambika.
Ambika
Please come, my dear.
Please come out.
Yele Swamy
How can you back off after agreeing to the engagement?
Tell me.
I understand you wanted to give your daughter to a government officer and secure her life.
But our Ashoka is no less than a government officer.
He's educated.
You had agreed to get them engaged. How can you back off now?
Tell me.
When he takes care of the entire community,
won't he take even better care of Ambika?
Please tell us Ambika.
What do I say? All you men stood together and left me alone.
"Appa"
I saw you as my own mother and lived all these years.
And nobody can take care of me like you do.
We hadn't formalised the wedding, that's all.
But we were married in our hearts.
So mister Ashoka,
you confessed your love to me and the moment my father said 'no', you just left.
Didn't you feel hurt at all?
Even goats and sheep are leading a better life than me!
I'm not sure if god exists.
But I do believe everyone deserves what's rightfully theirs.
It's not fair to separate two hearts that are in love.
Ashoka
Ashoka...
Oh no! Please forgive me!
Please forgive me, my dear!
"It's Gowri's wedding!"
"The one with the doe eyes of Saraswati"
"And the alluring divine smile"
"She is Girija, the companion of the blue-throated warrior!"
"Oh goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord"
"Bless this daughter of yours"
"Oh behold this king who will arrive on an elephant"!
"For my son is a true king!"
"Oh behold this king who will arrive on an elephant"
"For my son is a true king!"
"My regal son is now set to be your son-in-law"
"And when it comes to romance, he's unbeatable!"
"The auspicious hour has arrived"
"for both Shiva and Girija!"
"The auspicious hour has arrived"
"for both Shiva and Girija"
"Behold the handsome groom on his horse!"
"My son is a playful fella, beware!"
"My playful son is now set to be your son in law"
"When the wedding is solemnised,"
"the bride is a picture of laughter"
"and soon after, she's led to her new home"
"after the wedding is solemnised and the bride is led to her new home, her father misses his little girl!"
Ambika!
"When the bride enters the threshold of her new home,"
"the gentle rains heralds a new beginning for the blessed couple"
"When the new bride enters her marital home, they begin a new life of hopes and dreams"
"You're the guiding light of our home, may that smile on your face never fade"
"You're the goddess of our home, grace us with peace and prosperity"
"It's Gowri's wedding!"
boss! come boss..
"Appa!"
"come Appa!"
"Appa!"
I don't care if I lose the mudi katte, my properties or money.
Reputation.
My reputation.
The ones who used to sit by my feet waiting for orders,
are now standing eye to eye with me.
"Appa!"
What's up mister!
Who is this for?
For my father in law.
She's kicking away! -How do you know it's a girl?
It has to be a girl. She will fill my mother's absence.
See you.
You're my queen!
Take care.
"Appa..."
Take care. -Okay.
"Mava" (father-in-law)
Here's your coffee.
I agree that you've struggled hard to make your son an officer.
But have you recognised that his education is helping an entire community to live well today?
Gandhi, Ambedkar and Netaji didn't use their education for their own benefit. Their greatness lies in using it for the betterment of society.
It's Ashoka's dream to see the children of our community study and become officers.
He's taken the responsibility for everyone, buried his pain, yet it's killing him that his own father refuses to speak to him.
Just speak to him, "mava."
Don't be so stubborn.
It's clear you're in pain too, by not talking to him.
Let go off that burden. Talk to him "mava."
Ashoka!
I met your father at Donipete.
He wishes to speak to you. Go home, quick.
Go soon.
To me? -Of course Ashoka.
Ganapaiah, is this true?
Why would I lie?
My father?
Go slowly!
Ashoka! -What's the matter?
Kutty Babji's men are on a killing spree! -Come sit.
Let's go quickly!
Quick!
Your father's cycle.
What happened?
Ganganna!
"Appa!"
"Amma!" (mother)
Ashoka!
This is unbearable!
Ashoka, this is unbearable!
Please save us Ashoka!
But you destroyed it in a flash!
Are you even a human!!
Don't talk nonsense.
Don't chew my brains!
You're a street dog who survives on the scrap I throw at you.
Ambika!
"Appa!"
Here, look!
What are you waiting for Ashoka?
Don't spare him! Beat him up!
Beat him up Ashoka! Don't spare him!
"Appa!"
You're fine, "appa."
No! Ashoka!
Please spare him!
The flowing water, the wind, even a blade of grass doesn't belong to a single person.
It's for everyone.
Nothing is worst, nothing is great
None of us are important nor unimportant.
"I know the hearts of those who have been oppressed, "
"I know the truth of those who have given."
"I know the hearts of those who have been oppressed, I know the truth of those who have given."
"I know the hearts of those who have been oppressed, "
"I know the truth of those who have given."
"like a spark of Lord shiva"
"like a Lord shiva hiding poison in his neck"
"carrying DAMARAKA in hands"
"Come, Lord Shiva!"
"Oh Lord Shiva, descend upon us!"
"Unmindful of the burning sun or pouring rain,"
"Oh Lord Shiva, descend upon us!"
"Ignoring the biting cold and wind,"
"and the will to not succumb to fear"
"He is the one who rises with dawn"
"He turns a blazing red when provoked"
"He remains unparalleled"
"He will burn you to ashes with his force"
"The magician who will tame a tiger if he wills"
"He bears a compassionate heart"
"He is the incarnation of thunder and lightening"
"Descend on us O Lord Shiva!"
"He will tear the wicked and cruel apart"
"and dance with their severed heads"
"And shatter the pride of those who boast about their mighty class"
"He will tear the wicked and cruel apart"
"he will dance with their severed heads"
"and shatter the pride of those who boast about their mighty class"
"Oh Lord Shiva, descend upon us!"
"He takes on a fierce form that can swallow a volcano"
"When he sees injustice, he strikes with a fierce blow"
"He takes on a fierce form that can swallow a volcano"
"When he sees injustice, he strikes with a fierce blow"
"The haughty and the arrogant are struck down"
"and their blood-stained bodies"
"fall mercilessly to the ground, as though struck hard by lightening"
"Lord Shiva, descend upon us!"