[Festival music and crowds murmur in the distance]
[Bus engine rumbling]
[Bus horn honks]
Brother, move forward. Move.
The next stop is Mananthavady.
What's it, huh?
The next stop is Mananthavady.
-He's not on this bus. -No?
But I saw him board.
Didn't I tell you not to let him out of your sight?
Sir, it's the temple festival at Valliyoorkavu today.
Catching someone from within here is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Needle, my foot!
[Bus moving slowly]
[Station announcement over PA]
Those getting down at Mananthavady, get down.
[Sinister music playing]
He has gone towards the forest, sir.
Would he have gotten far?
No. He left hardly five minutes ago only.
Anyway, hurry up.
-Don't let him escape. -Okay, sir.
[Music intensifies]
[Jeep engine revving]
Come on, move.
-Let's go. -Start the jeep.
I already told you that he would go to the Thirunelly area.
But isn't it a dense forest?
How will he survive there?
So, you don't know the history, huh?
People like him
head straight to
Thirunelly forest to lay low.
[Tribal music playing]
"2003 NOVEMBER 11 6:00 PM"
[Car horns blaring]
Stop!
Hey, stop the vehicle!
Hey, stop it!
Stop! Stop!
Hey! Hello!
Didn't I tell you to stop?
Hey! Hey! You!
Pull over! Hey!
Stop. It's this vehicle.
[Vehicle screeches to a halt]
Can't you stop when we told you? Hey!
Turn off the vehicle! I said, switch it off!
You guys search inside.
-Where's the guy who was with you? -I don't know, sir.
-Trying to fool us? -There's no one in here.
-We came knowing he was here. -Sir!
[Eerie music drones]
Dammit!
Hey, stop there!
[Pulsing rhythmic beat]
Stop! You!
Hey! Stop!
[Music continues ominously]
Trying to fool us, you loser?
Hey!
[Scuffling noises]
[Music surges louder]
Hey!
[Loud metallic thud]
[Subtle suspenseful strings]
[Distant explosions echo]
[Police siren wailing]
"2003 NOVEMBER 11 11:11 PM"
[Melancholic piano melody]
'NARIVETTA'
"TWO YEARS AGO"
This is my sapling. Go away!
This is in our front yard.
So, this is our sapling.
If you want a plant, go and plant in your yard! Go!
Since you planted it here, it is now ours.
Go away!
Huh? Who hit my kid?
Get up, dear.
If something happens to my kid,
I'll kick you both! Mind it!
Hey! Why are you shouting at my kids?
Get lost, you!
This girl started the fight. Not our kids.
-Who's fighting there? -Your father!
-Hey! -Huh?
What's going on?
Why do you guys always fight?
This girl is a troublemaker!
After washing dishes, she poured the water into my compound.
You know what?
She spat on my spinach plants yesterday!
Stop it, guys.
Fighting over such trivial things?
If you guys fight again, I'll bring the tribal head.
How will it work
if you continue to fight like this?
Go to your homes!
♪ There are clouds for the wind to wander through ♪
♪ Hillocks where the fog can rest ♪
♪ There are clouds for the wind to wander through ♪
♪ Hillocks where the fog can rest ♪
♪ Drifting tunes echo in bamboo groves ♪
♪ And the night is the birthplace of howls ♪
♪ For tribal folk, a tiny treehouse is the only shelter they can hope for ♪
♪ No food to feed themselves, no water to drink ♪
♪ No cattle to till the soil, no soil to call their own ♪
♪ No food to feed themselves, no water to drink ♪
♪ No cattle to till the soil, no soil to call their own ♪
♪ Honeybees have hives ♪
♪ Ants roam freely across the land ♪
♪ Porcupines have their burrows, snakes their lairs ♪
♪ Owls and falcons nest in hollowed trees ♪
♪ Grasslands belong to elephants, rivulets to gharials ♪
♪ Dense forests cradle the tigers ♪
Take this and leave!
Take that jar and go inside!
♪ For tribal folk, a tiny treehouse is the only shelter they can hope for ♪
♪ Outsiders have sprawling farms and palaces ♪
♪ Roads, cars ♪
♪ Hearths and lamps that burn around the clock ♪
♪ Food, drink, and endless pleasures ♪
♪ But for tribal folk? Not an inch of land, even in their dreams ♪
♪ Not a drop of water in death, not a soul to stand by them ♪
♪ Come close, little one ♪
♪ Come close, my dear little one ♪
♪ For tribal folk, a tiny treehouse is the only shelter they can hope for ♪
Long live revolution!
Long live our land protest!
[Sad music continues]
Hey, you!
Why are you loitering around?
What's in your hand?
An arecanut?
You stole it, and now you're staring at me?
Thief!
[Ominous tones]
How much would this cost, Thomas?
Around six rupees, sir.
All sorted out now?
What are you saying, sir?
Whether it is six rupees or six lakh, a theft is a theft!
I can file a case if you want.
But it'll take some odd 60 pages to document the details of the case.
Moreover, we'll have to make copies and submit them to the court.
It'll all cost around a hundred rupees. Will you pay for that?
Sir...
Latex was stolen from our yard last week.
A whole bunch of rubber sheets, too, the last month.
Things are getting stolen from every house, sir.
If something gets stolen from our house,
we can say that we weren't watchful enough.
But what if he steals things from the farm every day?
Can we really sit and watch the farm 24/7?
Let's do this then.
Let's file this as simple theft.
And listen,
all of you will be the witnesses.
Sir, won't we have to appear in court, then?
Of course. And if you don't, a warrant will be issued.
Dammit! We'll have to drop a fortune for this petty six-rupees case!
Did anybody assault you?
[Soft mournful music]
Why are you asking unnecessary questions, sir?
We are the complainants.
Not unnecessary questions. He'll have to undergo a medical test.
If they find any injuries,
we won't take the blame for you guys beating him up.
If we file this, we'll file one against you for assault, too.
It's not just a six-rupee case, it's far more serious.
The court proceedings will drag on for a lifetime.
Never mind, sir. Let's not file a case.
No, let's file it.
No, sir.
Have them sign a no-complaint letter and let them go.
Okay, sir.
Give me your name and address.
K. J. Ouseph.
Marottickal House,
Ambalavayal.
Hello, sir.
Should we bail him out?
No case has been filed. You can take him.
Tell me the rest.
Did they do something to you?
Had we done something, would he still be on his feet?
Had you done something, we know how to respond.
Don't try to scare us, okay?
[Defiant musical theme]
Does anyone ever call us for work?
We don't have a penny left to buy rice or groceries.
Forget it. Can we gather anything from the forest and sell them?
Take anything apart from honey, and we'll face charges.
Am I right?
What do we really need?
It's the land that we really need.
We need to build houses on it.
A house that can protect us from rain.
A house that can save us from wind-storms.
One that can withstand the attacks of elephants and wild boars.
We should organise a protest for that.
Not in front of our houses,
but in front of the government office.
At Thiruvananthapuram.
[Audience applauding]
Hey, you! Get up!
What?!
Had enough of your chase?
Sir...
You didn't rough him up too badly, right? Pick him up.
Stay still!
Sir will be here soon.
Answer all his questions correctly.
Got it?
[Gravely serious music]
Roy sir... Here. Look at this!
[Music builds urgently]
[Music envelops scene]
[Gunshots ring out]
[Faint church announcement]
Binoy... Binoy!
Why do we go to Thiruvananthapuram to hold a strike every month?
To get the rank list extended.
Long odds!
Nothing's gonna happen!
Why are you talking like that, Varghese?
What do we even do, going there?
We put up a banner saying
'Protect the rights of job seekers,
Maintain the validity of the rank list.'
And we go on a hunger strike all day.
Has anyone ever taken us seriously?
What else can we do?
We will get a job only if the rank list stays valid.
-We should be more practical. -How?
We should break laws for the protest to be a success.
Remember Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March?
When the salt law was enforced, he defied it and made salt.
The British went astray.
And the whole of India stood by Gandhi.
Hence, the protest became a success.
Buddy, how can we break laws in a practical way?
How about
we try a suicide attempt?
I have a wife and two kids, man!
Not a real suicide, man! Just a staged one!
Tie a noose on the neck and go protest in front of the Secretariat.
And then?
The media will report it as
'A different way of protest by the job seekers'.
Or else...
we could pour kerosene on ourselves.
Even if a small burning beedi falls on us, we will end up martyrs!
Would a free martyr-ship hurt so much?
It's the boat's last trip.
Everybody, please get down. Don't sleep here.
Hello!
Get down.
Or, at the very least, let's protest on the road instead of the footpath.
That way, we'll cause some traffic.
Else, we can wave a black flag at the Chief Minister.
And maybe throw a stone or two at his car.
The cops will beat the shit out of you!
And if they remand you, you'll be stuck in jail for 10 months!
Well, you'll be fine with it. After all, you're single.
The rest of us aren't like you.
Without work, our families will be left starving.
Keep on yapping, then.
Every month, we can just blow our travel money,
go sightseeing at Thampanoor and the zoo,
and come back empty-handed!
Listen, Varghese.
If you play it straight instead of being cunning,
you could enter the Secretariat instead of protesting outside.
As an employee.
Playing it straight isn't as powerful!
Yeah, I know!
-Good night, then. -And listen,
we have a couple of classes in the morning. Come to the centre.
Okay, I'll be there in the afternoon.
Oh yeah, you'll take your net and go fishing in the morning, isn't it?
My fish is already in the net, bro!
[Gentle music]
[Door knocks]
Had you slept, Mom?
Misfired!
Mom...
[Joyful folk melody]
Nancy, dear...
I heard your bank offers better interest on pawned gold. Is that true?
Nothing like that. The rates are the same everywhere.
Any low-interest plans?
Are there any loans available for duck farming at your bank?
Please visit the bank tomorrow.
-You will be there tomorrow, right? -Yes.
[Music carries on]
The firebrand leader looks quite tired, huh?
Oh, maybe because I was on a hunger strike.
You keep wasting your time on these strikes.
My dad is busy planning my marriage.
Oh, he must've found a guy from Dubai.
Not Dubai. Muscat.
Muscat or biscuit, it's all the same!
Why's your dad so starstruck by Gulf NRIs?
Bet he's toiling day and night for some Arab guy.
But the moment they land home,
they walk around in flashy clothes and cheap perfumes!
So many Gulf NRIs!
Are local guys that worthless?
Sure, they're worth something.
And you? A bit more.
Say, half a cent!
Ticket. Ticket.
-Two tickets, right? -Yeah, two.
She'll give it.
Here you go.
Please move a bit.
Ease up on the insults, okay?
Why not?
All this attitude just 'cause you made it to a couple of random PSC shortlists?
Random shortlists?
One is for a village office assistant post!
The other one is not as great. It's in the police as a constable.
So what?
Can't you work your way up to an SI after becoming a constable?
Nab a few wanted criminals, and you might even end up a CI.
Being a constable means
even local politicians treat you like a punching bag.
If I'm getting into the force, SI post is the bare minimum.
In that case, I could retire as a conferred IPS.
Leave that aside.
You wasted months on civil service prep,
dreaming of being a collector or commissioner like in the movies!
But what happened? You are still jobless, just like in some of those movies!
Stop teasing me!
Haven't you read 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho?
If we follow our dreams, the whole world will be by our side.
I have a dream about my life.
About what job to do,
what all to do in life,
I have even planned my retirement life.
Do you know that?
So, I can't just take up any random job!
Your Paulo Coelho didn't have to deal with a girlfriend under marriage pressure!
[Sewing machine whirring]
-Sister.. -Ah! What's up, Benny?
Nothing much…
I just went to see Gopala Panicker over there,
wanted to ask him about the banana plants.
Then I thought I'd drop by here on the way.
Hey, Varkichan, what's up?
All good.
Haven't seen you in a while, Uncle.
Just been busy running around with stuff.
How's your studies going?
Think you'll get a job anytime soon?
Of course! Look, I'm stitching a collector's uniform for him!
You'll need to do some alterations.
My measurements have changed.
Yeah, only the measurements changed…
You're still the same old you!
Varkichan, we need to start preparing the field for planting.
Come by when you have time.
You're talking farming to someone who can't tell paddy from weeds!
Oh Benny, don't waste your time.
Just go ahead and do it yourself.
Come on, let's have dinner.
Don't finish that banana, save it for breakfast tomorrow.
[Benny chuckling]
Come. Let's have dinner.
Pour me some water.
Benny Uncle…
What's the point planting bananas in just forty cents of land?
Last time, it's that little bit helped us get by.
No spoon?
You're twenty-eight already, aren't you?
It's high time you found something stable.
Can't rush it, gotta think about a better future.
Mom still doesn't get that.
And neither do you, Uncle.
Your dad was just like you, always aiming for something big.
If he farmed, it had to be five, ten acres at least!
And where did that get him?
[Haunting minor-key music]
I told him back then,
not to bite off more than we could chew.
But who listens!
[Desolate music continues]
What's the point blaming him now?
What else should I do?
If people end their lives every time floods wipe out the crops,
who's gonna be left standing here in Kuttanad?
Everyone only thinks of themselves
be it you or your father!
[Metal pot clatters to floor]
[Music lingers sadly]
Where have you been?
Went to Olayappa, to see Benny Uncle.
So, you're planning to quit the Secretariat and jump into farming now?
Oh, no! I just went to give him a bit of moral support, that's all.
What about your Muscat guy?
Still floating around here.
Tell him to catch the next flight back.
[Lighthearted playful tune]
Looks like he's gonna take me along with him.
Then I'll kidnap him and dunk him straight in the lake.
First try kidnapping me if you can!
Didn't I already kidnap you? Now I just need to take you home.
Listen...
You got any cash on you?
What cash?
Just… some change maybe?
Come to the bank, I'll approve a loan for you!
Bring your land documents too.
That land's been seized long ago! Thanks to my dad.
[Uplifting melody swells]
This is my childhood jewellery Mom thinks I've lost it or something.
This wouldn't even weigh two grams!
If you want, go pawn it. Or, give it back to me.
If I go pawn this, they'll just laugh at me.
I'll better sell it. That's the smarter choice.
Just don't come asking me for money for the next two months.
And if I do?
One push and you're in the lake!
Come on, the boat's about to leave.
[Romantic strings flourish]
♪ When our eyes met ♪
♪ It felt like a thousand stars lit up the sky ♪
♪ When our gaze crossed again ♪
♪ A charming smile gently unfolded ♪
♪ I can no longer look away ♪
♪ Seeing you never feels enough ♪
♪ When I touched you, a sweet warmth filled me ♪
♪ And you opened up like a fresh blossom ♪
♪ The quiet wishes I had buried deep ♪
♪ Turned into playful glances and gentle moves ♪
♪ When you noticed it, the skies grew heavy ♪
♪ Lightning whispered through the clouds ♪
♪ O beautiful one, with a striking bangle shining on your wrist ♪
♪ You’re the rainbow in my sky, too distant to hold ♪
♪ O beautiful one, with a striking bangle shining on your wrist ♪
♪ You’re the rainbow in my sky, too distant to hold ♪
♪ When you tie your hair, place that soft glow on your forehead ♪
♪ And walk to our meeting place, the night fills with stars ♪
♪ Touched by your gentle face, the breeze paused, ♪
♪ Even the river waves stirred, as if awakened ♪
♪ We are waves touching the shore ♪
♪ We are the tide of restless longing ♪
♪ Let’s move through this world together ♪
♪ Like a river touched by the sky ♪
♪ O beautiful one, with a striking bangle shining on your wrist ♪
♪ You’re the rainbow in my sky, too distant to hold ♪
♪ When our eyes met ♪
♪ It felt like a thousand stars lit up the sky ♪
♪ When our gaze crossed again ♪
♪ A charming smile gently unfolded ♪
♪ The quiet wishes I had buried deep ♪
♪ Turned into playful glances and gentle moves ♪
♪ When you noticed it, the skies grew heavy ♪
♪ Lightning whispered through the clouds ♪
♪ O beautiful one, with a striking bangle shining on your wrist ♪
♪ You’re the rainbow in my sky, too distant to hold ♪
♪ O beautiful one, with a striking bangle shining on your wrist ♪
♪ You’re the rainbow in my sky, too distant to hold ♪
[Tires rolling on gravel]
Rameshan, two loads need to be sent today, alright?
Sure.
Okay.
Hey, finish up quickly. Don't waste time.
We've got a lot of orders today.
Hey, Varghese!
Come, take a chair.
I asked you here so we can talk peacefully.
Hope you don't mind.
Oh no. That's alright.
I'm Nancy's uncle, Tomy.
Benny knows me.
Nancy's told me everything.
Varghese...
what's in your mind?
-I like Nancy. -Aha.
Not just me, even she--
He's not asking about love and feelings.
Is it just flirting and timepass for you?
Or are you planning to take this seriously?
We are serious. It's been years now.
Is that so?
But won't it take more time before you get a proper job?
It's not like I didn't get any.
I'm just waiting for something better.
Very good!
The one you got recently was a Last Grade post, right?
I didn't take it because it wasn't a good one.
Even I was on those lists once. LD Clerk, right brother?
And look at me now, running a bakery at Edathua Junction!
Anyway, don't worry about the job.
If not this one, he'll pass another PSC test.
He's always been a bright student,
got distinction for SSLC and all.
Oh!
-Joy sir... -Yeah?
What do we do with that wild jack tree we brought yesterday?
It looks okay from the outside.
Seems like a solid one at first glance.
Yeah, not enough heartwood.
It's useless.
Should I cut it up for firewood, then?
No.
Maybe make planks.
Could use it for a toilet door or something.
Varghese, what's your income,
apart from your mom's tailoring?
Like your dad, do you fish or farm or something?
-I'm not really into farming. -Oh, really?
We've got some land.
Benny Uncle looks after it.
How much land are we talking?
Hey, don't get me wrong.
Just need to know.
About forty cents. We've planted bananas.
Just forty cents? How much will that give you?
Hardly four bunches maybe? Right, brother?
Dear Varghese,
real life's not like fantasy love stories.
Once you're married, there's a whole family to take care of.
You might have kids before you even know it.
Then you can't just depend on Nancy's salary.
Am I right?
We fell in love in high school.
She didn't have a job or salary then.
Oh no. That's not what I meant, my dear.
All these years, I've raised my girl well, never let her feel a lack.
Of course! No doubt about that.
I'd never give her a reason to worry. And Nancy knows that.
-Joy sir... -What?
Should I run that jack tree through the machine?
No, that's useless too.
Then, chop it for firewood?
Yeah, go ahead.
Okay.
Varghese, take your time and think properly about your life.
Look at your house, your situation, status and everything
Then decide what's best.
Yeah, make a proper decision.
Benny, explain it to him a bit.
[Faint sorrowful strings]
-I need this for Wednesday. Don't forget. -I'll give it on Tuesday.
How did it go, Benny?
Oh, looks like they're not planning to go ahead with the wedding.
Didn't I tell you back then, this was never going to work out?
Oh, so you were also in on it?
There's no "in on it" or anything like that.
Who's going to marry off their daughter to a broke and hapless family?
Even I knew they probably wouldn't agree.
But when they arranged a meeting,
I thought maybe things would go well.
If they were serious, would they call you to a timber mill?
Wouldn't they have invited you home respectfully?
When you kept rejecting all the jobs you got, I warned you.
But you didn't listen.
And now you've gone and made a fool of that poor girl.
Happy now?
Mom, what are you even saying? I fooled her?
If she agrees, I'll go and bring her with me.
I'll toss you into the river, I swear.
It's easy bringing her here.
Who's going to cover her expenses after that?
You won't have to, mom. She's got a job.
Here, looks like a job letter. At least check it out.
When did this come?
What's that?
Hey! This is from the police department.
You got in, Varghese! Congrats!
When do you have to join?
Mom, it's just a constable post. I'm not going.
[Music thick with tension]
[Door creaks open]
What nonsense is this?
You think this is a small job?
Being in the police, that's real power!
Benny Uncle, I told you, right?
Secretariat Assistant exam is coming up.
Maybe I'll try for SI exam, too.
But this one... not good enough.
Varghese, even if you take this up,
you can always switch later.
Or write the exams too.
If you get SI or Secretariat job, you can easily shift to that. Then, what's the issue?
You have no idea how hard the police training is, Benny Uncle.
I won't even have time to pee. How will I sit and study there?
This won't work.
This won't work at all!
Nothing will ever work!
Sister, I'm going.
I'm not smart enough to teach you anything.
But let me say just one thing.
If you've got even a bit of shame left,
don't make your mother suffer like this.
[Sad music plays]
Done with your prayers?
What's your decision?
That's all I want to know.
We don't need anyone's approval, no family, no townsfolks.
What are you intending?
About our wedding?
Or are you planning to elope?
Didn't your dad and uncle say they can't arrange a proper wedding?
So what now?
Are we going to hurt them?
Embarrass them?
Then what?
Should we just break up like they said?
You only think about yourself.
You want to live in your terms,
only do the job you want.
Have you ever thought about how I'm doing?
Have you ever wondered how I've managed all these years?
But you never said anything about it.
Certain things don't need to be said, but to be understood.
[Music drowns in sadness]
Forget me for a second.
Just think about your mother.
Think about what your home is going through.
And what have I done wrong?
All I've tried is to get a decent job.
And not just for me, it's for you too.
And for mom.
Have I ever done anything to hurt anyone on purpose?
Why don't you get that?
Who else really understands you better than I do?
Then, why are you talking like this?
I can't go on like this anymore. That’s why.
What do you mean?
Let's take a break for now.
Break?
Oh!
So this was it?
After all these years and everything we shared, it means nothing?
Don't you dare say this to me.
I can't handle any more pressure.
Take some time.
Think about it.
What's left to think about?
Everything!
If you can, join that job.
Get your life sorted a bit.
If you do that, I can somehow manage everything at home.
No one's going to marry me off without my consent.
So, don't worry.
I'll be here, not going anywhere.
[Percussive mournful rhythm]
Aren't you studying today?
You're not sick.
Take this to the bank tomorrow for the loan payment.
Tell them we'll clear the balance in another month or two.
Don't stress yourself over things you can't control.
Doesn't matter who stayed with you or who left.
You just need to keep moving forward.
Once you get back on your feet,
those who left will come back too.
[Unbroken musical tension]
[Crowd chanting protests]
-Hey, government's police -Hey, government's police
-We didn't land here yesterday -We didn't land here yesterday
-for you to mess around! -for you to mess around!
-No matter what order comes from above, -No matter what order comes from above,
-we are not leaving! -we are not leaving!
-If you come at us, -If you come at us,
-this protest will turn into a fire! -this protest will turn into a fire!
Brother, please get up. Let's go.
Where are we supposed to go, sir?
Even if we die, we won't move, sir!
-Don't create trouble. Come. -Even if we die!
-Sir, please don't grab me. Let me go! -Come on! Get up!
Come.
-Get up! -Move, sir!
-Let go of my hand! Come! -No, sir!
[sloganeering continues]
Brother, just move aside. We've been asking for a while now.
Sir, I built this house with my sweat cleaning spit, scooping sewage, everything.
Even if you kill us, we're not leaving.
Can't you understand? It's been going on for a while.
-Just get up and move. -Let go of me.
Let go!
Argh!
Kill me if you want.
Just kill me!
Can't you fricking understand?
Kill us!
-Kill us and go, you dogs! -What the hell are you doing?
-Go ahead, finish us off! -Are you gonna kill him?
Come here, you!
Come on, walk!
[Music sharpens ominously]
Isn't he of your father's age?
What if something happens to him after your thrashing?
I'll be answerable!
Don't show your entitlement and arrogance on poor people!
Got it?
Sir, people are watching.
We, cops, can't act like this.
How can guys like him be in police uniform?!
If he gets hold of someone, he'll beat them half to death.
Sir, he's from the new batch. He's still learning.
Let go of it, sir.
By the time he finishes his training, he'll be out of the job anyway.
Damn his action hero show off!
Hey, go sit in the jeep. Go.
-Basheer -Yes, sir.
India's first European fort -Pallippuram Fort.
The Battle of Colachel -1741, August 10.
Travancore, under Marthanda Varma, defeated the Dutch.
The Battle of Colachel -1741, August 10.
Here, hello…
drink this while you study. Might help you focus a bit.
So, aiming for IPS or what?
I'm not smart enough for that.
Just PSC.
Hey, don't talk like that.
God gave us a brain so we could conquer anything
if we try hard enough.
But the Bible says,
"No point casting your line for fish that'll just snap the hook."
-You are from Kuttanad, right? -Yeah.
How's farming going?
We're not into farming much.
Just a few banana plants at home.
Basheer sir...
Hmm?
I don't think this job's for me.
Then don't treat it like a job.
It's life, after all.
It'll go how it's meant to.
Just make sure this uniform doesn't change who you are.
No sir, I just want to skip this part and go back home.
Your heart's not in this, that's the problem.
Varghese, I didn't want this uniform either.
My dad was a head constable.
Same guy at home and at the station.
Pure police-mode, all the time.
Because of that,
I grew up hating this uniform, scared of it too.
Then, he suddenly passed away.
Had a heart attack.
I was in my second year of degree back then.
Had three younger sisters too.
What else could I do?
Wrapped up my course fast and joined the force.
It was all about our survival.
Didn't really have any choice.
But now, I've made peace with it.
Next time, I'm hoping to crack the Secretariat exam.
Otherwise, I'll just end up like your dad,
another angry cop.
Just don't go getting a heart attack too, okay?
[ON TV]: The Cheeyambam land protest has entered its 35th day
The tribal council states they won't withdraw the protest
until the Chief Minister honours the signed agreement to grant the land.
Varghese sir...
I forgot to take tea. Can you get me a cup of tea?
SHANTHI: Sirs, don't think you can frighten us like this.
We will not withdraw from this protest until the government keeps its promise.
You started ragging him in the morning itself, sir?
He's a bit too bouncy.
Gotta tame him.
He joined the camp only three months ago, right?
Let it go, sir.
Gotta start giving him small doses like this to keep him in line.
He'll be out of our control otherwise.
Varghese sir...
Can you get me a banana too? Forgot to take it.
[on TV] The strike is part of the effort to reclaim their land.
MAN: We're protesting here and we won't leave until we win.
Even if the police come fully armed, we won't budge from here.
What's this, Suresh sir?
It was a heat-of-the-moment mistake.
No need to keep beating him up over it.
He's a bit too heated up altogether.
Looks like the uniform is just an excuse for him to vent his anger.
Well... Why do you have a soft spot for him, Basheer sir?
[on TV] We will continue this protest
Is he Basheer sir's beloved godchild?
I see!
[Police officers laughing]
Here.
Have this now. It'll be late to come.
I gave him mine.
You guys get ready soon.
A team should be deployed to Wayanad soon. It's an emergency.
What's the matter, sir?
The tribal group's forest encroachment protest is going on there.
The SP has ordered to report there immediately.
But we didn't hear about any serious issues there.
The protesters announced the area as their self-governed zone last night.
The situation could get violent.
Hence, the rush to arrange the force.
Basheer, come.
Sir.
I've prepared a list of 35 people.
-Get them ready soon. -Sir.
I'll arrange the transport vehicle by then.
-Make it fast, okay? -Yes, sir.
Basheer sir, is my name there on the list?
-The first name is yours. -Oh, no!
-How can that be? -Don't forget to take the handcuffs.
But sir, it won't be good if I travel to Wayanad.
Wayanad is a nice place.
Let's go see a few places and then come back.
Please, sir. Let me study and clear the next test.
Amid the protests, I won't be able to study.
Haridas sir made this list. Not me. You better ask him.
What if he gets angry?
It'd be better if you ask him, Basheer sir.
You go ask him first. I'll talk to him later.
Hey, call Mahesh and Muneer.
Okay, sir.
I will do it, sir.
Okay, sir. Okay.
Sure.
Okay, sir. I will keep you posted.
Yes?
-Sir, I have a request. -What's it?
Can you please exempt me from the Wayanad list?
Why can't you go?
I have an allergy, sir.
I can't stand the cold climate.
I didn't ask you to go to the Himalayas, did I?
It's not that, sir. I catch a cold very easily.
It'll all be fine, okay?
Don't waste time. Go get ready now.
Sir...
Please exempt me from the list, sir...
Wonder who hired him to the force!
Okay, I will exempt you.
Write down a request first.
-What should I write, sir? -Your resignation.
Sir...
[Bus drives away]
Pour me another one.
Let's pour one for Baiju sir. Pour me some water.
Enough.
Baiju sir...
Have a peg.
-It's the military quota! Come on. -Military?
Pour some.
Pour some for him, too.
Sir, this cap's bottle... Err, this bottle's cap...
Basheer sir...
Pour it.
Shall I pour you one?
Pour a peg for Basheer sir.
-Pass this to him. -Okay, give it.
It's the military quota, Basheer sir!
More people are drinking now. The bottle will be empty soon!
[Cheerful background music]
[Tribal drums and chanting]
What's up, man?
Have you ever been to Wayanad?
No. Have you?
Of course!
It's a place you should visit at least once in life.
It's such a picturesque place.
Banasura dam,
Kuruvadweep,
Edakkal caves...
And, if you like nostalgia,
Pookode Lake.
It's the best.
Long odds! Isn't the protest happening in the forest?
We'll be busy fighting off leeches there!
Yet you're planning to go see Pookode Lake?
Please let me study hard and pass the next test.
Varghese...
It's just a matter of a few days.
After that, we can visit the places I mentioned,
and come back with a refreshed mind.
Then you'll remember everything you studied and even get a PSC rank.
Okay?
[Muffled conversation]
If you wanna drink, come with me. Let's have a peg.
You'll get a grip on the journey.
Isn't it finished, huh?
What's it, man? Want some?
Shall I give you?
Turn around.
Look at him staring!
[Tribal music playing in the background]
Hey, don't shout.
They won't understand if you guys shout.
I will talk to them.
Who broke our fence? Speak up!
What's there to understand, sir?
We're staying here until the fence issue is sorted out.
What are you looking at? Come.
Breaking the fence secretly at night?
We won't leave this place until this issue is resolved!
"RESOLVE THE CHEEYAMBAM LAND DISPUTE"
We don't want to talk to you.
We won't leave until your higher officials come and sort this issue out.
[Indistinct arguments]
They can't do anything, they say.
Some higher official should come, it seems.
Keep your belongings in the fourth tent.
Sign here.
[Car engine stopping]
Raghuram sir.
Raghuram Keshavadas.
[Suspenseful music]
Basheer sir, is he venomous or harmless?
You'll only know once you get bitten!
Come and see this, sir!
We are organising a peaceful protest here.
We won't leave this place until this fence issue is resolved!
[Suspenseful music]
You think you can chase us away, sir?
I am here to do my duty.
Not to trouble you.
And is that why you broke our fence?
Who broke the fence?
Who else would do it, sir?
Don't try to pin the blame on us!
Whoever broke it will put up a new fence for you.
Isn't that enough?
How many times did I tell you that they shouldn't face any problems?
Who's finding it so hard to obey my orders?
Move aside. Let them build it.
Anybody who doesn't know the seriousness of the situation
-shouldn't be here. -I'll look into that, sir.
-You should. -Sir.
[Indistinct conversation]
-I'm done for! -I woke up late.
-Where are you going? Move aside. -Move aside.
[Tribal music in the background]
[Tribal song begins]
"RETURN THE FORESTS FROM CORPORATE LANDLORDS"
"TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS - THE TRIBAL PEOPLE"
Move. Move.
-You guys go towards that side-- -Dig it properly.
Well, Basheer sir...
Wasn't their protest already settled?
Didn't the Home Minister himself come and sign the papers?
All the ministers ever did was sign papers.
That's why they risked everything and resumed the protest.
But won't this process take its own time?
It's the government process, right?
Several of our PSC rank-lists got expired, you know?
My dear PSC, install the signage for now.
Fix it properly.
We've gathered here from different places.
Even though we are from different places,
our demand is the same.
Therefore, we should stand united.
Aren't we now just serving as their watchmen, sir?
Isn't that the duty of a policeman?
these policemen will use it against us.
Yet, these people building huts and...
Well, that's how their life is.
And that's their protest.
I think the huts we have now are enough.
People from other places are still to come.
We will manage once they reach.
Everyone who went to collect honey from the forest is back, right?
You must watch their each and every moment, okay?
Okay, sir.
Sir.
I... I have seen you before...
Forgot your name.
It's Basheer, sir.
During the day-night protest at Thiruvananthapuram...
Ah, yes, yes!
When my car hit someone and things got messy,
-you came up with the right solution. Correct? -Right, sir.
It's been 36 days
since we started this protest.
I know that
we have no rice, groceries, or anything.
Yet, none of us should back off.
The police will try to scare us.
But we shouldn't back off.
We will win the protest only if we stand together.
We've been protesting for so many days now.
Not a single grain of rice is left.
I know that we have nothing.
If we end this protest now, we won't achieve anything.
We need a solution. We've been here with our kids for days.
You... I understand your concerns.
The ministers are coming tomorrow for talks.
Let's speak to them and decide what to do.
Till then, please cooperate.
Shoo!
[Dog whimpers softly]
[Dog barks anxiously]
[Dog snarls and barks]
Go away, dog!
[Man whistling]
-Sir, please... No, sir... -Move!
-Please, sir... -Move, you!
SHANTHI [OVER PA]: Who else will raise our voice if not us?
We must fight--
Dare you touch a policeman?
...till our last breath.
[Music surges violently]
-Leave me! -We--
[Protestors screaming]
Come on, everybody!
No! No!
Come on!
What are you doing?
HEY!
Let go, Varghese! Let go!
Let go!
Let go of me, sir!
What the hell are you doing?
-Let go of me! -Stay still!
-Sir... -It's a protected forest area.
-You can't enter that area! -He started it, sir!
We will talk and sort things out.
Who asked him to enter our land?
We know why you are doing this?
-Don't talk too much. -Let's talk and sort it out.
What are you all watching?
-Got nothing to do? -Sir.
-Go. -Sir.
What's it, Varghese?
Wanna play a hero?
Forget hitting somebody, we don't have the right to even go there!
Don't you know that?
We have the right to go there only if the law and order are violated.
Don't try to play the hero here.
Stick to what I tell you.
-Got it? -Yes.
Basheer...
Tomorrow, the ministers will be here for the discussion.
Sir.
If he does something like this again,
he'll lose his police cap and land behind bars!
Explain it to your friend.
-Are you completely out of your mind? -Sir...
This is a sensitive situation.
You should have some common sense.
Always asking for blame!
Let's go.
Come with me.
[Relentless tribal drumming]
[Music fades]
We've got the ballistic report.
The bullet found in the body was fired from this very rifle.
KAP 5 126.
[Rifle shot cracks]
It is my rifle.
[Gunfire erupts]
That means,
You, Varghese, are the culprit behind this murder.
I am not the only culprit, sir.
It's the confession letter. Sign it.
This case isn't going to court
on my confession.
Hey, you!
[Tense music begins]
[Tribal chorus swells]
Varghese, there's nothing wrong with what you did.
We should've scared them off with a few blows
and cleared them out much earlier.
Because of those tribal scoundrels we are trapped here!
-Here, sir. -Sir, your glass.
Here I am, in the middle of nowhere, drinking
when I should be home, curled up with my wife.
Isn't this fun, though, Baiju?
Every day, we crash under the dorm roof at the camp.
Yeah, great! Now we can crash under the sky!
Just hoping no beast or snake shows up to bite me tonight.
-Varghese, drink. -Definitely a chance of that happening!
Sir, apple.
Those guys don't fear the forest or wild animals.
We're the ones stuck here.
If we flinch even a little, we could end up in some elephant's mouth.
And if we step past the barricade, Keshavadas sir will rip us apart.
Honestly, it's like we're the ones being held hostage.
What a mess! Just hoping this will end soon.
My new house is getting tiled right now.
At least we have a place to go back to
a proper bed and someone to hug at night.
Basheer sir,
how long will we be stuck here?
[Basheer laughs]
We have just reached here.
No sir, I mean…
I miss my home.
Don't start crying for your mum now.
I'll drag you off and feed you to a bear!
Don't you ever feel homesickness, sir?
Don't you miss your wife and kid?
Not more, just one kid.
She's in 6th grade.
You should get married, too, man. Settle down.
Why, sir? Do you think once we get married,
we wouldn't feel like going home anymore?
Not like that, man.
When you get married, things balance out.
She'll take half your stress
but you'll have to take half of hers, too.
[Snoring sounds]
Hey...
Enough with the flashbacks, just go to sleep!
[man snoring loudly]
[Snoring continues]
Is that snoring or a train?
Do they understand
that encroaching forest land is a serious offence?
Let's see what can be done.
It's been 37 days, sir! Thirty-seven!
These women and kids have been stuck out here all this time.
Apart from sending cops to scare us,
what else have you actually done?
Nothing, right?
And now you're asking us to leave? That's not happening, sir.
The government will give you land, for sure.
Didn't we give you our word?
So, give us some time!
How much more time do you need, sir?
Back when we protested at the Secretariat,
the Chief Minister himself came down and signed the agreement.
And then?
It's been a year and a half since then!
We're working on it.
Very soon, you'll be given proper documents for your land.
But this protest can't go on like this.
Once you head down the Wayanad hills, you'll forget all your promises.
Sir, the monsoon's about to hit.
All our huts are barely holding up.
We don't even have a place to lie down.
Nobody will offer us any work.
Not a single rupee coming in.
We'll be starving, sir.
You won't have to starve.
We have ration shops to support you.
And if that's not enough, we'll deliver supplies to your door.
The government will do what's necessary.
But we don't have houses, sir.
If we promised you homes, you'll get them.
If we promised you land, you'll get them as well.
This isn't just any place where you can set up camp and protest
It's protected forest land.
There are endangered species here
This is a sensitive forest!
Do you even know?
Nobody knows this forest better than us, sir.
No one else knows these lands and creatures like we do.
No one!
Didn't the government already agree to everything we asked?
Then why are you still here protesting?
Just to shame the government, right?
We're not here to shame anyone, sir,
just to live with dignity.
[Ominous Music]
♪ O wilderness, you unseen highlands ♪
♪ O gentle herd, come gather near ♪
♪ The tender form lies torn apart ♪
♪ As heart and eyes well up with tears ♪
♪ Dance, peacock, let your troupes trail you ♪
♪ Sing, cuckoo, melodies will follow too ♪
♪ Dance, peacock, let your troupes trail you ♪
♪ The deity whirls in a sacred trance ♪
♪ Wearing a sickle and anklets, immersed in the ritual ♪
♪ Dance, peacock, let your troupes trail you ♪
♪ Sing, cuckoo, melodies will follow too ♪
♪ I saw a deer atop the shrine ♪
♪ So young, so soft ♪
That's a ritual practised by the tribal communities.
First, the tribals surround the tiger's den and kill it with a spear or arrow.
Afterwards, they cut out its tongue, and offer it to Muthappan.
♪ It captured my heart ♪
♪ Is that the charm of a cherry blossom? ♪
♪ Or the scent of a yam flower deep in the wild? ♪
♪ Or perhaps the jasmine’s gentle bloom? ♪
♪ I gathered them all and placed them in her hair ♪
♪ Dance, peacock, let your troupes trail you ♪
♪ Sing, cuckoo, melodies will follow too ♪
Those guys are clever, aren't they?
They're good hunters, too.
-They must still be hunting, right? -Of course.
They would go deep into the forest.
[Tribal music]
♪ The forest shook, along with the fields, homes, and roads ♪
♪ Hunters pursued the jackal that reigns over the wild ♪
♪ With arrows, slings, stones, and bows ♪
♪ Folks stormed the jungle, will they return to land? ♪
Basheer sir...
When I went to take a leak some cops were there...
Sir!
We can't let this slide. Come fast!
Come, everyone! Come, fast!
Hurry up!
Don't let go of any of them.
-They're all in on this together. -Come down here, you cops!
Call the officers! Ask them to come out!
Come out, officers!
We won't leave until we have a resolution!
It's you folks who disrupted our water supply!
Call your superiors!
What's the matter?
You covered the pond to keep us from drinking, didn't you?
We need answers.
We didn't do anything.
Oh, really? Was it an elephant or a bear that ruined the pond?
Look, I don't know about any elephant or bear.
If you have a complaint, write it down. We'll investigate.
No need to file any complaints.
-We know exactly who did it. -Sir, we shouldn't get involved in this.
You dumped all your food scraps into the pond.
And you are trying to fool us?
Do I need to make a fool of you when you are already one?
Enough, sir!
Think twice before you go waving torches and raising protests.
One step from you, and our response will be tenfold.
Got it?
Don't think you can just scare us off, sir.
Whatever you do, we're not leaving this land
without what we were promised.
Thami...
Why did you mess with their drinking water, sir?
Well... he...
[Ominous Music]
[Vehicle engine noise]
Basheer sir, isn't that the HAST team?
Yeah, the operation's going to include this group, too.
Eh?
They step in only for internal security issues, right?
There's nothing like that here now.
Trouble can break out anytime.
They will tell the plan in the next meeting.
The list of areas under the radar has been sent.
Photos of individuals on the red list will be faxed shortly.
If any are identified, report immediately to Control. Over.
Hmm. Okay.
It's been 40 days since the protest started.
A protest this well-organised,
it's not something tribal leaders could've pulled off alone.
The intelligence report has stated
that the strike is supported by the Maoist groups.
And the workers of the Kabani Dal in Kerala were involved right from the start.
Also, groups from Andhra, Tamil Nadu,
have assigned their comrades here.
And they are armed.
We don't know what their exact plan is.
First, we will find the hidden weapons.
And then we track down the Maoist camp
and figure out exactly where in the forest they're operating from.
The HAST team will provide the necessary backup.
Sir, won't it be risky to search through the protesters?
Yes.
Not just that...
We don't have the permission to enter the protest area.
Maoist people won't be among the crowd.
They are planning and operating from outside.
Everybody should be on alert.
They may do anything
at any time.
We four will go this side.
Your team, go this side.
and you, this direction.
Sir, will they attack us?
Be quiet!
We are not trekking!
We are in a situation where danger could strike at any moment.
Sir.
What did he say?
Told us to quietly go with them.
You two, head northwest.
We will go this way.
Come.
You are not good at Hindi, right?
Do one thing. Go with the Tamil guy.
I'll go with the other one.
Call me if needed.
-Hurry up. -Yeah.
Come on.
[Unsettling ambient music]
Police! Police! Run!
[Suspenseful Music]
Sir...
Control. Control, Set 3.
-Set 3, Control. -Search party reporting.
We've identified a hut, but no weapons have been found.
It's safe. Is that clear, sir? Over.
Set 3 is clear. Over.
Opposition slams government over Cheeyambam land protest,
calls it a major embarrassment.
That means?
Sir, the opposition leader has accused the government of...
... the ongoing Cheeyambam land protest.
Varghese...
Sir.
Everything was okay there?
Yes, sir.
Nothing suspicious, right?
No, sir. Everything was clear.
Are you sure?
Yes, sir
You may go.
Sir.
Even after 40 days, the government
continues to disregard the protesters' demands.
Disregard?
Sir, the government is neglecting the demands of the tribes.
Carry on.
[Folk song]
Did she sleep?
Party
Fall in!
[Ominous Music]
Hello, checking.
Checking, Alpha checking.
No use. Basheer sir's set is completely out.
Could it be a technical issue?
Hard to say. There's been no response from that end.
-They went deep into the forest, after all. -Everyone's present, sir. Over.
Maybe they lost the wireless set or something.
Location of Mike 7 has been reported as the Guest House. Over.
[Ominous Music]
What's going on, Varghese?
Did you cause any new problems?
No, sir.
Basheer sir and UP commando Daya Narayanan,
who went on the search yesterday, have still not come back.
That's not a problem.
Another team is also on the way,
your friend Suresh and that Bihari officer.
Sir, shouldn't we send a team to look for them?
They're not on vacation at their granny's place.
It's a dense forest. Even an elephant would lose its way.
Kerala Police doesn't have experience working in this kind of terrain.
They'll be back once it's daylight.
Sir, his wireless set is disconnected
Tried reaching from the Control Room, didn't work.
If you want, I'll take a helicopter and check myself?
They are not kids.
They are officers with 10-20 years of service.
They will come back.
Don't you have any duty to attend to?
I do, sir.
Then, go and stand watch over there.
Don't just stand around doing nothing,
keep an eye on them.
And don't cause any more trouble.
I'm standing on a ticking time bomb here,
understand? Go!
What's that? Honey or something?
Hey, no.
It's an Indian laurel tree.
You can use its bark to collect water.
Drink it.
Whoa! These guys are something else. Pretty smart, huh?
No, I won't give it. Go away.
-Catch her, man. -No, I won't give it.
She has got something in her hand.
Go and get it from her hand.
-No, I won't give it. -Catch her from that side.
Catch her. Get it from her.
Hey! Hey!
Stop there.
Hey! Hey!
Hey!
What are you doing here?
Go inside.
Go!
[Joyful music begins]
Hello?
[Ominous Music]
Hello?
Hello? Hello?
Hello... Hello...
Hello.
We've executed the plans perfectly...
-Sir... -and we've ensured there are--
Sir, those kids over there they're holding a walkie-talkie.
None of our team's sets are missing, right?
Then how...?
Sir, that guy with the dog, Adiyar Thami...
I feel like he knows something.
-Bring him here. -Sir.
No one should know.
Sir.
[Whistling]
Come.
Come on.
[Suspenseful music]
Hey, you!
Hey!
Let go of her!
Let go of the kid!
[Slapping sound]
Bring it on!
Didn't I warn you?
Let go!
I want you! Not the kid!
Let go, you bloody...
Let go!
[Thud]
[Water pouring sound]
[Man wailing]
Where did you find this?
I don't know, sir!
How many Maoists are there in your gang?
Do you know where they are?
You know where their weapons are, right?
Tell me.
I don't know anything, sir.
Alright.
Your folks abducted Basheer and the commando officer yesterday, right?
Where are they?
Answer me, scum!
Lift his leg.
[Wailing continues]
[Continuous thuds]
Speak up!
Tell us the truth!
Stay still! Tell us!
Tell us!
Tell us, scum!
Tell us!
Where is Basheer sir?
Control. Control Beat 1.
-Answer me! -Beat 1 Control.
The missing persons have been located.
They're injured. Requested medical assistance.
-Stop! -Over.
Enough.
Take him back there.
Oh, no... Sir...
Nobody should get to know.
[Music fades]
Hey, Daya... What happened?
Move! Hurry up!
Sir... Daya sir... What happened?
Where is Basheer sir?
-Sir... -Bring him fast.
Fast.
Sir...
What really happened?
We don't know, Varghese.
And there's no use knowing it, too.
We shouldn't take any action against the protestors.
That's the government's order.
Oh, no... But what about Basheer sir?
Basheer is missing.
A new team has been assigned to search for him.
You, too, go join them.
Sir.
Basheer and the commando had gone inside the forest for a search.
The attack happened there.
There were more than ten people there.
They had weapons.
Varghese...
It'd be better if we go that way.
This side's too tough for anyone to climb.
So, there's no chance that they'd go this way with a hostage.
-Let's go this way. -How many are there with us?
-Let's split ourselves into two. -Okay, sir.
Who is behind the attack, sir? Is it the tribal union?
Some people among them
were talking in Telugu.
So, I have a doubt that Maoists have joined the protestors.
Are they trying to keep the policeman hostage and bargain a deal?
At any cost, we will find our Basheer.
[Ambient noises of the forest]
[Ominous music]
Suresh sir...
Sir... Sir... Basheer sir...
Basheer sir... Basheer sir...
Oh, no!
Basheer sir...
Suresh sir!
Sir... Basheer sir...
Oh, no... Sir...
Sir...!
[Varghese weeps]
Sir...
Company...
Attention!
You might be feeling like leaving this place now.
But mark my words,
when you finally leave this place,
you'll be a changed policeman. A happier one.
Your life will get better.
Wait and watch.
Come on, have it.
You bet!
Dammit! Please give way!
Sir, your comment on the policeman's death?
Let the meeting get over. I'll comment then.
Sir...!
Are you planning to turn this into a riot?
Or are you planning to capture all the policemen and kill them?
If that was our intention,
we wouldn't have had to suffer this long out here in the rain and scorching sun!
We will give you time till tomorrow morning.
Demolish your huts and leave.
Not gonna happen, sir.
We're here for a piece of land to build a home of our own.
We have no plans to go back empty-handed.
Not just from Wayanad,
but we have people from all over Kerala.
We'll leave only after the land is granted.
The government has treated you with utmost respect until now.
But don't expect that from now on.
We aren't scared, sir.
We'll die here if we have to.
We aren't scared.
If we ever leave this place, it will be to a land of our own.
That decision is final.
Please think it through.
Don't rush into a decision.
Not just months,
we thought about it for years before starting the protest, sir.
There are allegations that the tribal union is behind the policeman's murder.
Do you have Maoist support for your protest?
Any comments, madam?
We are all alone.
-Madam... madam... -Please talk, madam.
They have decided something.
Maybe we should reconsider?
Madhu, if we end this protest now,
we will never get the land.
We will be forgotten by everyone.
Anyway, let's be cautious.
Let's see what they're up to. We'll plan accordingly.
Inform Thami too.
[Police van approaches]
-Keshavadas... -Sir.
End the protest at the earliest. It's only getting worse.
-We don't have time to wait. -Yes, sir. It's all--
We can't drag the policeman's murder case further. Finish it soon!
Yes, sir. We will end this all in two days.
-Finish it and let me know. -Okay.
Sir...
Hey! What are you doing here? Go be at the assembly.
Who killed Basheer sir?
Maoists did it, Varghese.
It all happened as per the advice of the tribal leaders.
Shouldn't we catch them, sir?
Give instructions to stay alert.
You don't understand the situation here, do you?
A riot could erupt at any moment.
Once the protest turns into a riot,
our department will be answerable to the government.
I wasn't talking about it, sir.
Shouldn't we conduct an investigation to catch Basheer sir's killers?
Isn't that the responsibility of our department, sir?
It's not just Basheer who died,
the lives of the rest of the policemen are my responsibility, too.
One wrong turn in this protest,
and more officers might be killed.
You could be one among them.
I could be.
But it was one among us who got killed, sir.
How can we turn a blind eye?
Varghese...
I care for Basheer the same way you do.
I sent him into the forest with a gun we weren't even certain would function.
I, too, am responsible for his death.
But we can't do anything about it in this situation.
The higher-ups are pressurising for a quick resolution to this issue.
We can discuss the investigation only after this is all over.
Go and join the squad now.
Sir...
Who attacked you?
What?
Were they Maoists?
Or the protesters?
What do you want now? Why did you come inside?
Who killed Basheer sir?
What are you asking?
Why did you come to me?
Leave now!
I got this from the spot where we found Basheer sir.
How did it end up there?
What happened in the forest that day?
[Knife swishing sound]
[Grunting]
[Continuous blows]
Officers,
there must be no casualties.
What happened, Varghese?
Did they cause any trouble?
It wasn't them who did it, sir.
There is a possibility the mob may turn violent.
It wasn't Maoists who killed Basheer sir.
Nor the tribals who are protesting.
-Then? -Daya Narayanan.
Remember to take the helmet and shield when going on duty.
What are you saying?
-The officer who accompanied him? -Yes.
Sir...
There were injuries on Basheer sir's neck. On his face, too.
There were no other injuries on his body.
Only a professionally trained person kills like that.
Sir, the tribals can't do it that way.
All they know is to hunt animals.
They'd be attacking with bows and arrows.
It'd be the same if they attacked us.
It'd be in a brutal way, with injuries all over the body.
But this... This isn't like that, sir.
Varghese...
The commando team came to help us keep the situation under control.
Not to take the officers to the forest and kill them!
Sir, you said the tribal union has Maoist support, right?
But not a single such person was spotted there.
And there's no evidence of their presence.
And let's assume it was the protesters who kidnapped Basheer sir.
But why would they kill him?
Wouldn't they keep him hostage and negotiate a deal instead?
And if that was their plan,
why wait all these days?
Wouldn't they have kidnapped one of us much earlier?
Have you gone nuts?
Do you even realise what you're saying?
There's one more point, sir.
The body was found on the riverbank, right where the search team would look.
But the murder didn't happen there.
I saw drag marks near the body.
I found a dagger too, at the spot.
Why were you brought here?
To prevent a riot, right?
Just stick to that job.
No need to act like a CBI officer running an investigation.
Sir, no matter what he has to be arrested!
We'll get all the proof we need to lock him up, sir.
He must be punished for what he did to Basheer sir.
And he will be.
Varghese, we're in the middle of a crucial mission.
Everyone's doing their job, putting their lives at stake.
Don't go creating some new issue
and mess up everyone's plan.
It's not right to pin his crime on those poor people, sir.
[Ominous Music]
[Door slams shut]
Sir!
[Suspenseful music]
You were the one who set up Basheer sir to be killed, weren't you?
[Sobbing]
Look, we didn't plan to kill Basheer specifically.
We just needed a cop to die.
The longer this protest continues,
the more the government's image tarnishes.
And because of that, they're putting huge pressure on us.
There was no other way.
But you are lucky.
You were supposed to be in Basheer's place that day.
So, drop the hero act.
I'm not going to be part of this.
I can't!
Only one life has been lost so far.
Even if another one goes, it's no big deal.
Because the blame would fall on the Maoists and the tribals, anyway.
Varghese…
Just do the damn job you were given.
Bloody hero police!
[Music rises]
Varghese...
Don't waste time fighting pointless battles.
I've decided to fight, sir.
I'm going to file an FIR
in the murder case of Adiyar Thami.
As per orders, we were told to shoot only below the protestors' knees.
But Varghese shot him right in the chest.
And there's an eyewitness, too.
The case you file,
the witness you name!
You still have a chance to avoid being the accused, Varghese.
You don't have any choice, angry young man!
[Thud]
[Weapons clanging]
[Tense music begins]
Kids, stay inside.
The police are now
moving in to dismantle the huts built illegally on forest land.
No one is allowed to protest or block the operation
Any obstruction to police duty will be met with force.
Everyone, please cooperate.
CHARGE!
[Screams and chaos]
[Police batons strike]
Get up, run!
Move... move aside!
I said move!
Back off!
No!
Grandma, run faster!
Quickly!
Run!
Back off, you!
Let go!
Move!
Hold the child!
Why should we be afraid?
Where are we supposed to run to?
Live or die, we are staying right here!
Come!
[Beating and weeping]
[Wailing in pain]
-Drive them all out. -Come down here!
Get lost, police!
Move aside!
Police go back! Police go back!
[Guns firing]
Police go back!
[Woman weeps]
[Sorrowful music]
A soldier who kills with a gun is seen as a hero.
But for the Kerala Police, it's never that simple.
Whether we use the gun or not, it becomes a problem.
Whether you believe in God or not, just pray.
Pray that you never have to use this.
Move away!
What's your problem, huh? Didn't we tell you to clear out?
Come, dear.
Back off!
Back off! Move!
Mom...
-Mom... -Give me my child! Give me my child...
Back off!
Back off, you dog!
Just go!
[Glass shatters]
You, dogs!
Move!
Attention, police officers.
You are now permitted to open fire in self-defence.
You are hereby authorised to open fire
on the protesters if they act like extremists.
[Gunfire]
[Ominous music]
"Keeping promises is the hallmark of democracy."
"The government must uphold its word to the tribal people."
♪ A body torn and weary, that’s all the tribal soul owns ♪
♪ The mainlanders sowed blood into it with their guns ♪
♪ They drift through dreams with no land to call their own ♪
♪ Not a drop of water to sip at death ♪
♪ Come closer, my dear one ♪
The police action followed the discovery of Basheer,
a police officer, found dead.
Several police personnel and tribal protestors
were injured in the clash.
Move, you!
-Hey! What are you doing? -Clear off!
I won't get in!
Let go of me, you dogs!
I said, let go of me.
We're not getting into your van.
-Get inside, you! -Come on!
No!
Go inside!
♪ Their only weapon, the song ♪
♪ That rises from their sorrow ♪
♪ The crooked power of the mainlanders roared ♪
♪ And blood was spilled, my dear one ♪
Varghese, hey, isn't this yours?
It belongs to the government.
You can't just throw it somewhere.
Keshavadas sir is calling you. Go quickly.
♪ May that blood take root, rise as a sapling ♪
♪ And may you blossom within it, O dear one ♪
♪ May that blood grow into a tree ♪
♪ And may you become its fruit, O dear one ♪
♪ O you, the harvest of tomorrow ♪
♪ O you, the blazing fire of the future ♪
[Grunting]
[on TV] We're seeing visuals of C.K. Shanthi and advocate Madhu
leaders of the Cheeyambam land protest being brought before the court.
I'll prepare a herbal mix for you.
Apply it on your face.
It'll help with the dark spots and bruises.
The police arrested Shanthi and others in the 18-round gunfire exchange.
Did you know the policeman who died?
Despite the high-pressure situation,
Yes.
the police exercised remarkable restraint.
'A policeman and a tribal youth dead at the Cheeyambam land protest'
the minister specially commended them.
Over to Minister P. Divakaran's response.
I can't believe that the cops would do such things.
My head is spinning.
Will anyone even believe us if we say this?
What are you gonna do now?
I can keep my mouth shut.
Do only the duties assigned to me.
Get paid.
Nobody will ever come to know.
But I just can't do so!
The moment I close my eyes,
Basheer sir comes to my mind.
The faces of protesters come to my mind.
It's like a lump in my heart.
I don't know how long I can hold on like this.
[Varghese sobs]
Do whatever feels right to you.
Don't think about anything else.
It's fine even if it costs you your job.
It's alright, even if a case gets filed.
[Music begins]
♪ A fire blazes within my heart ♪
♪ And embers scatter along my path ♪
I investigated your complaint, Varghese Peter.
But as per the report I received, no such thing happened there.
But sir...
Yes, ask him to come in.
Is there any evidence that says otherwise?
Come in.
Sit down.
Why didn't you report his duty violation earlier?
Sir, because of the protests and problems that were going on.
Not just that,
he is a fresher.
He is still learning things.
In this situation, we'll need to assess your mental health.
Let's not get into that for now.
After all,
we wear the same uniform, don't we?
Basheer sir's dead body, too, had
the same uniform, sir.
Varghese...
This isn't our decision.
We are obeying the orders.
Had you been in this position,
you, too, would've done the same thing.
All issues are settled now.
The media, too, is not attacking the police.
Varghese, you must obey the department.
Got it?
[Suspenseful music]
2003 NOVEMBER 12 10:00 AM
Stop.
[Varghese gasps for air]
Uncover his face.
There are even more brutal torture methods.
Let's not go that far.
Without either of us knowing,
without any problems for anybody,
can we come to a settlement?
Nobody knows what happened at the protest site.
Nobody should come to know.
You will be fine, Varghese.
But for that,
you need to stop the battle you're waging against the department.
You won't be able to win.
[Suspenseful music]
The battle...
I have already won it, sir.
DISTRICT JAIL KOZHIKODE
Even if I or my people speak up,
no one would believe us.
At this point, our protest is a failure.
I have no regrets about it.
Until our last breath,
we will keep protesting.
But what about the lives that were lost?
Shouldn't we get them some justice?
The entire department stands united on this.
Even the DGP is involved.
They have government support, too.
It's not at all easy.
Only you can do something.
If you step up, our protest will succeed.
Don't get scared and run off.
♪ As darkness swallows us whole ♪
No.
I am not scared.
♪ Our hearts mutter curses at fate ♪
Whatever happened there that day,
and all the vile things you did,
everything will come to light, sir.
♪ In the polished verses of our lives ♪
♪ We cradle fierce thoughts ♪
♪ In its endless journey, ♪
♪ the land craves a breath of solace ♪
♪ It's about time when we draw ♪
♪ The hunters close to our hearts ♪
♪ Let them not be forgotten in days to come ♪
♪ Is he our guardian? He stirs flames in our minds ♪
♪ He wages war for the sake of truth ♪
"THE NIGHT OF THE GUNFIRE"
-Is this depth okay, sir? -Enough.
Varghese...
Throw that in.
Sir...
Oh, no!
[Ominous music]
Come on, you!
There's space for one more corpse.
Come on, light them up.
Sir, that day...
in the gunfire...
it wasn't just Adiyar Thami who got killed.
I was also part of
burning five dead bodies, sir.
About the number of protesters
who got killed that day...
Nobody really knows, sir.
Several protesters haven't returned to their villages.
Well, these are...
the details of four people, right?
What about the fifth one?
That...
That was a little kid, sir.
A seven-year-old girl.
[Varghese weeps]
It was such a brutal crime that happened there, sir.
And it was committed by
my department and our state.
I am a whistleblower now.
I am all alone.
Sir, I seek protection under the law.
The court will inspect the site first-hand.
Evidence will be collected.
It will be confidential.
You are not alone.
[Music swells]
"2003 NOVEMBER 11 11:00 AM"
[Vehicles approaching]
You can kill me here.
Set me on fire.
Bury me.
But...
the truth...
the truth will come out.
[Suspenseful music]
[Sorrowful music]
[on TV] A shocking revelation has come from police constable Varghese Peter.
During the Wayanad Cheeyambam land protest,
six tribal people were killed in the gunfire.
Five of the bodies were allegedly burnt and buried deep in the forest.
The crime is alleged to have been committed by the team led by DIG Raghuram Keshavadas.
High Court orders custodial interrogation
of cops who suppressed tribal protest.
Forensic experts, in the presence of a High Court judge,
have recovered what are believed to be the remains of the protestors.
"It was not me who waited for this moment."
"It was them. Those five people."
"The slogans they shouted lying under the soil,"
"came out as my voice."
"It was that child's scream that led me all the way here."
"Maybe I was meant to wear this uniform for this."
"The ones who get shot and fall... they all have the same face,"
"the same blood."
"But for every drop of blood,"
"history will seek revenge."
"The ones alive will speak"
"for the ones who get killed."
"Today, it was me. Tomorrow, someone else will take my place."
"KEEPING PROMISES IS THE HALLMARK OF DEMOCRACY."
♪ In the wilderness of the abandoned forest ♪
♪ There's a petite lone flower ♪
♪ On the illuminating balcony of the hills, at night, ♪
♪ You will see that petite flower, a star on earth ♪
What should we get?
Where should we run to?
Live or die, we are staying right here! Come on!
[Rhythmic chants in the background]
♪ Singers, friends ♪
♪ The guardian of the land ♪
♪ The one who bled for it, in song and storm ♪
♪ Will the forest dismiss the deception as mere destiny? ♪
♪ Will the hunter’s child ever touch this earth again? ♪
♪ Show up, hunter! ♪
♪ The heart of the woodland is shattered ♪
♪ Demons in uniform have overrun the trees ♪
♪ When rifles roared and hymns were sung The mother bird wept ♪
♪ The heart of the woodland is shattered ♪
♪ Demons in uniform have overrun the trees ♪
♪ When rifles roared and hymns were sung The mother bird wept ♪
♪ O daughter of the wild, bullets tore your chest ♪
♪ The proud forest mourned, its spirit crushed ♪
♪ The gentle stream, born in the hills, ran red with blood and tender grass burned ♪
♪ A battle raged in the beautiful woods ♪
♪ Who wished to witness such a sight? ♪
♪ Truth and justice met a tragic end today ♪
♪ Who stands complicit in this slaughter? ♪
♪ O songbird of the forest, O tender shoot ♪
♪ No human heart is as pure as a tree’s ♪
♪ O songbird of the forest, O tender shoot ♪
♪ No human heart is as pure as a tree’s ♪
♪ Those who seized the land with noise and strife ♪
♪ And those who split it further with their fences ♪
♪ Have you forgotten their betrayal? Have you forgotten me? ♪
♪ My blood’s story is woven into this earth ♪
A soldier who kills with a gun is seen as a hero.
But for the Kerala Police, it's never that simple.
Whether we use the gun or not, it becomes a problem.
We will give you time till tomorrow morning.
Demolish your huts and leave.
Not gonna happen, sir.
We're here for a piece of land to build a home of our own.
♪ Show up, hunter! ♪
♪ Every sapling holds a life ♪
♪ The water that feeds their roots is alive as well ♪
♪ Every human life is equally precious ♪
♪ Don’t wait too long to see this truth ♪
♪ Every story carries meaning ♪
♪ Yet yours is shrouded in darkness ♪
♪ But darkness will lift, and a bright day will dawn ♪
♪ The sun will pour down rays of justice for you ♪
♪ O songbird of the forest, O tender shoot ♪
♪ No human heart is as pure as a tree’s ♪
♪ O songbird of the forest, O tender shoot ♪
♪ No human heart is as pure as a tree’s ♪
♪ O songbird of the forest ♪
♪ No human heart is as pure as a tree’s ♪
♪ O songbird of the forest ♪
♪ No human heart is as pure as a tree’s ♪