'The White Elephant' Story of Paradise
The officers are coming.
What happened, Murugan? - The officers are coming. Run!
Oh, no!
Hello, sir.
The officers are coming!
Manjula! Stop rattling the vessels.
The officers are coming. Don't make a sound.
I've locked the front door. Let's wait till they leave.
Why are you hiding, Dad?
Those educated folks squeezing the have-nots.
Uneducated folks like me don't stand a chance.
We will pay them back once the crops start to grow.
Leave for school, girl.
No.
What if they started grilling the child?
That's Marudhu's house, sir. Door number 43/3.
Around 50,000 due including interest.
Who's the lady? - Marudhu's wife.
Lady, is this Marudhu's house?
Yes!
Is he home?
I don't know. He needn't keep me posted on his whereabouts.
You say that every time!
Quit trying to cheat us!
Or we will have to take criminal action.
Let's go. - This is how they keep stalling!
Sir, sir, sir...
What is it, Senthil?
Look, there's a pair of slippers.
I told you he's not home. Where are you going?
Don't cause trouble when my husband is not here.
We can't walk away when you make excuses.
Let him take a look.
Where is Marudhu?
I told you, he's not home.
Won't you answer me?
My brother-in-law is not under the basket.
We're picking twigs for a living, stop harassing us by asking for repayment!
There's no one under it!
Why would you kick the hen?
But he's not under the basket.
I, too, said he's not under the basket.
But his slippers are there. - When did I deny that?
Why are you causing trouble?
She says he's not home.
Why don't you leave?
There's no rain and we got no water from Cauvery.
How do you expect us to pay back the loan?
Let's go.
Valli, have they gone?
Yes, they have.
I forgot, but how could you be so stupid?
Why didn't you hide the slippers?
I never saw it. Or I would have hid it.
Thank God I didn't hide under the basket.
Be careful.
If I'd hid there, your brother would have got me caught.
They pretended to leave, saw the slippers and came right into the house.
I was terrified!
Why can't you just run out of the village, like others?
I would have if I could have. - Aren't you a man?
You dare not disrespect me! - Don't hit my sister.
Let go of my sister. - Out of my way, boy.
The officers are hovering around here.
Don't keep shouting and draw them back in.
Don't hurt my sister... - Don't shout!
Govindan, our Village Post Office receives two letters every month.
And four money orders worth 25 bucks leftover from other expenses.
There are no other posts.
Postman, who is this officer?
He's an important officer. Go away!
He's a lad from the village.
The villagers don't even accept the bank notice for their loans.
So our department has decided that this VPO will be shut.
I only have one year and six months left in my service.
Postman, when will they open the flour shop?
Can't you see I'm talking to the officer? - Why not just tell me?
Come back later. - How can I keep coming and going?
So you will finish your service as an ED till the very end?
Hello, sir. - Hello!
I bet you didn't find a single soul in the village. Everyone ran away?
I have a feeling this guy must have tipped them off.
What's the update on the 7th pay commission?
We've asked for the arrears from January.
If we are not paid, all the unions will get together and strike. - Good!
Goodbye! - Yes.
What's that look? - Nothing, sir.
You will get a salary hike, too.
Uncle Natesan said you were very cheerful before the wedding.
You have started suffering only after the children and I came?
Do days and nights stand still?
They run away when it's time.
Similarly, our troubles will run away too.
The bank officers came and yelled today, too.
Tomorrow we will meet textile shop owner
He will show us the way for bank loan You don't get disturbed ok?
I have faith in your honesty,
but not your income.
I will seem like the good guy while lending to someone with poor income.
But I will become the bad guy when I ask for it back.
You are unable to pay back the bank loan.
How will you pay back the loan you're asking of me?
We can't draw a sale agreement against the land...
as your property documents are with the bank.
What can I do?
Tell me.
There is one option.
My son-in-law...
You called me?
he's looking for a property to set up his factory.
He hasn't had any luck. So let's do this...
I will pay off your loan at the bank and recover your documents.
Then I will pay you the amount that's the going price for the land.
Just give your land to me.
You may leave. - Okay.
What do you think?
What?
Valli, let's go.
A factory in a fertile soil?
We shouldn't have come to this guy.
Women always get angry for the right reasons.
Who would not be angry when fertile land is sold to wretched people?
Take your time and convince them.
Okay, sir.
You don't want the bank seizing your property.
No, this is not an answer.
I don't want excuses, I want results.
You have an outstanding amount of over 50 lakhs in loans to farmers.
There is over 16 lakhs in just Chaturvedi Mangalam village.
The collection team headed by you came back empty handed.
They escape somehow, sir!
Is that your answer?
This is like a robber getting caught by farting out loud.
Okay, I shall announce a new scheme.
Whoever among you collects the loan from the farmers,
will get a 5% incentive from the collection amount.
And to build a house or anything else,
a ten lakh interest free loan in our bank.
Anybody interested to do that?
Two tickets to Chaturvedi Mangalam.
Who are you visiting there?
We have come from Vilachukulam to lay fence for the goats.
There is no rainwater in the village.
The river is parched.
The scorching heat is vaporising the piss before it falls on the ground.
We're close to giving up on farming, who would use your goat dung?
Exactly.
I see pants under the trader's veshti.
Really?
I'm not used to wearing veshtis.
I wondered why someone would wear pants under veshtis when he got on.
Who are you people?
You're the authorities sent to check if we're eating cows?
No, we're bank officers.
Oh, no! - Don't you recognise us?
We have come in disguise to collect the repayment. - Driver, stop!
Stop the bus! - Let's go.
We went to the merchant to pay off these people, but he wants our land!
And these people are putting on a disguise to come after us.
My master plan went for a toss!
Scoot over.
Officer, please get down. - No, I won't.
I'm pleading you with folded hands. Please get down.
We paid for the tickets. Why should we get down?
You did pay for your ticket. I can drop you at that village too.
But I won't be able to go on the next trip. - Why not?
Because...
Will you pay for the damages to my bus?
You're fired. Get out of here.
You don't worry.
I predicted something of this sort, so I had our office car tail the bus.
Wasn't that smart? - You're my assistant, alright!
Thank you, officer.
I don't need your thanks. You should make these steps shorter.
Oh, sure.
Postman, heard they are shutting this post office?
I'm starting a canned water business. Care to join me?
You're a wretched man who sells water for money.
Postman, where did the villagers run off to?
Hold on.
Will you give me five bucks? I'll tell you.
Bad fellow.
Give it to him.
I only have ten rupee note.
I'll take the ten.
Is this Cauvery?
They driven down in their cars.
Hide!
Fine, but they won't come here.
You just relax...
Marudhu said you met the textile merchant about the money...
That guy is trying to snatch my land!
Every time we have to run with wife and children...
I feel like hanging myself.
Those bank officers smooth talked us into borrowing money and trapped us!
When it rains, we can easily pay off the loans.
Don't go selling your farmlands.
They will construct buildings there.
The fertile soil will never forgive us.
As tillers of the land, we must not commit that sin.
What's that noise? - Take a look?
The tyre is just rotating on on spot!
What's happened? - Looks like the tyre is stuck.
They're stuck?
Yes.
Now we must rescue them.
Outsourcing collection to an agency...
is what private banks do.
They indulge in all kinds of violence.
If there's a problem, they'll just lock up the banks and leave.
But our banks function with the small tax amounts...
paid by the people, even without their knowledge.
It's wrong to threaten them to recover the loan.
Just hit them where it hurts, by attacking their society values.
They will pay up to protect their pride and self respect.
In this region,
3 crores 13 lakhs 37 thousand...
16 rupees and 50 paise in outstanding amount.
Mr. Prabanjam... - Yes, ma'am?
There's 35 lakhs in loan to farmers pending in your branch.
You need to collect at least 70% of it by the year end.
Madam, in the 35 lakhs,
Pinnamangalam Ponnusami, Councillor Rajamanickam,
and ex-MLA Sivakadaksham
have a loan overdue of about 22 lakhs.
We are sending legal notice to them every month, but no response.
If we recover that, we can cover 60%.
That's not possible.
If we send our staff to politically affluent people,
we will receive calls from more affluent people.
In the hope that when they come to power, they will give a loan waiver,
they won't pay a single rupee till the next election.
So we must target the agriculture loans to small farmers.
Supporting them will not help our year-end report in any way.
So you must collect at least 60 - 70% of the loan immediately, as soon as possible.
Okay? - Okay, I'll do my best, ma'am.
Good. Carry on.
Aravind, any progress?
The process is going on, ma'am.
How many children do you have?
Is that the process that's going on?
Hope you manage to perform better on that front.
This applies to every one of you.
If you fail to collect as per my target, don't work in this region.
Apply for a transfer and get out of my sight.
If you just want to sit and warm your chairs,
the next meeting, I will have to cuss at you.
Sir, there they are!
Are you running to hide?
You think we'll let you go if you climb to the tree top?
We loaned you the money. We know how to recover it too.
This is a government bank.
That loan you got is government's money.
Sir, we never said we won't pay back.
We are unable to pay now.
Can't you see, even the palm trees stand headless because of the draught.
Isn't it also our government?
That's before the election.
Now it's your turn to listen to the government.
We gave you two months to pay back the loan.
We will post an ad on the newspapers that you failed to pay up.
And if you still don't pay up,
we will blow up your photos like this,
put up the notice in public places and humiliate you.
And if you still don't pay up,
whatever collateral you placed in the bank,
your land and your house,
with the help of a court order,
will be seized to cover the loan and your interest amount.
Sir...
Even if you return after two months, I won't be able to pay up.
I don't have the money.
There has been no crop yield in the drought.
There's been no rainwater in 4 - 5 years.
Our day-to-day has been a struggle.
If you threaten to seize, we will not stay quiet.
What can you do, man?
You can't do anything. You can't even repay the loan.
Why are you speaking so disrespectfully, sir?
You're just a mongrel who can't even repay the loan.
And yet you have so much pride?
Please don't insult us just because we borrowed money.
Do you think we hide the money and run away from you?
Look around our village.
It's parched!
Our children are starving.
Pride and self-respect mean everything to us.
But here we are, running and hiding from you.
In the name of God, all we have left is our lives.
Your life is not worth anything.
It will be of use only to you.
You're the kind of man who hides inside the house...
and has your wife lie to us.
You're a deadbeat who hides behind his wife!
All of you were so well-spoken when you came to the bank to borrow money.
Now when we ask for the money back, you think it's unfair?
You shameless people! - Sir, stop that.
I'm telling you, stop. - Or what?
You came to the bank first. Will you send your wife next?
That's my wife you're talking about--
Watch out! - Marudhu!
Get down, fast!
Natesan, hurry!
Climb down fast.
Marudhu!
Can you hear me, brother?
My friend! You did warn me.
You said, small or big, interest is interest.
But I didn't listen!
Why did I rush in?
Please wake up!
Wake up, mate.
Look what you've done to my husband.
Didn't he tell you it was a bad idea?
Look what you've done to him!
My dearest!
Marudhu...
The law obeys the rich.
The poor must obey the law.
Do you need me to explain this?
Why are you causing trouble for everyone over this incident?
I have taken a crop loan, too.
Am I not managing?
Fools!
Stop wailing and wait.
Hello?
Hello, sir. - Tell me, Kuttiyandi.
You never come to the bank these days.
The mediation work is keeping me busy. How is the manager?
He is well.
Who came here this morning?
Aravind's team.
He's the grumpy type.
It's gotten so big.
One of them wants to protest in front of the body.
And another guy wants to do a sit-in outside the bank.
This is not going to be easy.
Make sure no one from your bank comes to the village for a month.
Thank you!
He said he will handle it.
Tell Aravind to take a month off and go to his hometown.
Hello, sir.
The issue could get out of hand.
Let's speak in private.
If we speak in private, the villagers will get suspicious of me.
They voted for me.
Constable!
Get four of the main people among them to come here.
Inspector, we need to make sure this doesn't get media attention.
Look, what happened is unfortunate.
But what's the point in wailing and whining about what's past?
Your leader is right here.
I'll arrange for a compensation.
Wasn't it wrong on our part to not repay the loan?
What's the point in blaming the bank officers?
But, sir... - Be quiet.
These are our people, sir.
I understand what you're trying to say.
We, too, are upset over the loss of a life.
Everyday, because of verbal battles, ego
clashes, family disputes, marital disputes,
so many people lose their lives everyday. Don't you read the papers?
Why are you comparing this to marital disputes?
Since he couldn't repay the loan, they humiliated him and killed him.
And you're talking about fights with wives and mistresses!
That's not what I meant.
Do you have any evidence to prove that he died because of the bank?
Did he leave a note behind?
Does anybody have any evidence?
If you do, please bring it to me right away.
I will take immediate action.
Am I right, Leader?
Marudhu!
Vellai...
Forget about what's past and think about what's next.
What's happened has happened. A case will go on forever.
Let's try to get a compensation for Marudhu's wife.
Don't ruin her chances of getting money.
Follow up on the post mortem. I will cover the expenses.
Who is Valli?
Marudhu!
Mate... - Yeah?
My life is pitiful as a crooked-mouthed yawn!
My legs are going to fall apart pedalling all the way to buy you a sickle.
Savari Muthu lives less than a mile away.
I asked him for a billhook, but he made me a sickle!
I'm sure he did.
With smiths like him, how can we farm? - How can we?
Though it's four miles away, Kuppam Pattrai tools are the best.
Looks like you will insist on going to Kuppam Pattrai even to buy needle.
Yes, because of their quality.
I'm sure.
Apparently, Karnataka is getting a lot of rainfall.
We will have water this season.
We should set up shop at the Mannargudi farmers market this week.
Okay, boss. - Hit it!
Welcome!
It's the cultivating season. I knew you would come to me.
Let's get to business.
I'm on it.
Oh, Lord Muruga!
Kuppa...
My mate wants a sickle.
What kind do you want?
What kinds have you got?
There's country sickle.
Then there's Madurai sickle.
There's the billhook sickle.
Then there's Tirupachi sickle.
What kind do you want? - Right...
I can even forge you the Thekkathi kind.
Mate, I think he's going to be a pain.
You think so?
Show me one of each kind.
Venaam! (No)
Show them a sample of each type of our sickle.
You go and spin the wheel.
Look at that!
So her name is Venaam?
So you don't want her? - I do!
Mate...
Now you'll drag me down to Kuppan's even to buy a safety pin?
Of course!
With every slash, my sickles shout my name out loud.
Am I right?
That's Kuppan's interpretation.
He's right in way.
Where's Venaam? Tell her to hurry up.
There are many samples.
It will take some time to search and pick one of each.
Why put her through so much trouble?
One of these sickles on your cot will do.
I just need a sickle to take with me to the farm.
Yes, or we can return next week. - Pick and choose the right one.
When you want to marry a twenty year old girl...
you can't marry two ten year old girls instead.
Can you? - No!
Today is Friday. - Yes.
We don't take returns on Fridays.
Looks like she's short tempered.
Look at her!
Why are you ringing the bell? - You carry on. I have an important work.
Right! Have fun.
Nagaraj! - Hello.
Is that Kuppan's daughter?
Yes, they have leased two fields.
Can't a smith's daughter plough?
Oh, she should. It's a good thing.
How is it good for us if she ploughs?
It's good for me. - For you?
It's good for my family.
I don't get it.
Do you get it?
Do you have a problem with that? - Why should I?
Then mind your work. - I'm minding my work.
Why are you looking over here? - I'm just observing.
Uncle. - Yes?
If my brother asks, tell him I went home. - Okay.
So there's a villain!
I'll handle him, too. Go on, I'll see you.
Get lost!
I'm leaving. - Where are you off to?
I had asked her father to forge two ploughs. I have to check on that.
You could have asked when she was here.
That would be rude. I should go to their house and ask.
Amudha, get home safe. He's trouble.
Careful.
Oh, no!
Can't I do anything without him?
I thought it was my lucky day, that I could finally nab her.
But Marudhu came in the way!
Why is my mate's lady looking anxious?
Let me ask her.
Why are you waiting here?
I'll wait where I want. What is your problem?
Suit yourself.
You're looking this way and that. What are you looking for?
I will look wherever I want. What's it to you?
Okay.
Have you seen Vella Kunju?
I'll leave out the "Kunju" part. Have you seen Vella?
Why would I see him?
Okay, forget about it. - I will ask him if he's seen you.
Arrogant prick! Get lost.
Weirdo acts like he has grown a pair of horns!
Kuppan's daughter is so short tempered.
Could he have ruined it for me?
I wonder what he said.
Hello, mate.
Oh, hi!
What brings you here?
Forget about me. What are you doing by the graveyard?
I came to piss.
What's he looking for?
I don't see or smell piss.
Did you piss into your own mouth? - No, I wet myself.
Let's go.
She left a long time ago.
Why do you keep grilling me with questions?
Let's go. - Stop!
Who's that?
Your brother-in-law. - Is that him?
What? - Which of you is behind my sister Amudha?
Why would you go behind her? Are you stupid?
I'm talking to you!
I heard you're behind her.
He's behind the girl he's going to marry. What's your problem?
What? Marry her?
Who's going to marry her? - Me!
I'll thrash you!
I'll rip you apart! - Calm down, brother-in-law.
You can't insult your sister's fiancé in front of his friend.
Listen, though he insulted you in front of me,
don't jump the gun and hit your fiancée's brother before the wedding.
Hit me before the wedding? Hit me!
Calm down, brother-in-law! - I dare you, if you're a man...
Wait, brother-in-law. - Am I your brother-in-law?
I won't hit you, even after the wedding. He's joking.
Trust him.
After the wedding?
I never said there will be one. - You did.
When did I? - Just now.
Who's your brother-in-law? Who's the groom?
I'm. - Look!
I will get my sister married to an employed man.
We are not robbers. - Listen!
I won't let my sister marry a farmer with no future!
I'll never come this way again. I'm going the other way.
I'll deal with you later.
I agree. Get lost.
He's so proud of having a salaried job at a water company.
My brother-in-law's brain is over-heated from too much exertion.
I will make him snail curry after the wedding.
Make it without salt.
I'm sure his sister is waiting around here somewhere. Let's find her.
I wanted to marry her to a salaried person.
Nobody listened to me.
Now they've gotten her married to a farmer. They are going to suffer.
She says she won't work in the shop after the wedding.
When she has children, as their uncle, I will be responsible for them.
I'll whack you!
He may be a fool, but he is family.
Step in with your right foot.
What kind of a name is Venaam?
Oh, that!
After my brother, my parents had two babies who died.
Oh, no.
So my mother named me "No" so that no harm should befall me.
I survived.
But my mother died.
Why are you getting teary now?
So what if your mother is no more? I'm here for you.
Be brave. We will live a good life.
Bury the fallen twigs into the soil. Bring the Neem manure and oil cake.
Wealthy men like you are using imported salts, and chemical fertilizers.
But you are still dealing with dung and twigs and oil cakes!
Let them do as they desire.
We have our cattle.
We will farm with natural manure as long as we have our cattle.
Well said!
We need 25 people for planting tomorrow.
Inform Amudha. - Okay!
We will need about a hundred of those bundles.
Marudhu!
Before his marriage, Vella Kunju and you were inseparable. Where's he now?
His wife is five months pregnant.
He's probably researching whether it's a boy or a girl.
Why I should spoil that?
That's right! - Keep quiet and eat.
People are asking. - Asking what?
Whether we have a name for the baby.
We depend on soil and water for a living. If it's a girl, we'll name her Cauvery.
If it's a boy, we'll name him Bhoominadhan.
Pray for a baby girl. She will feed us till the end.
Dresses for girls who were born to rule!
Here.
Here you go. - Keep it.
Vella Kunju's second baby is a girl child, too!
Even the livestock in this village are friendlier to us.
These people want to practice agriculture among themselves.
And trade within themselves, too.
I don't have any hope.
They are like a co-operative society.
They may not know about the world economy.
But as educated people, we should understand globalisation.
Can we let these people be in an independent economy?
Then what's the point of an office, election, or government?
Or educated officers like us?
Be positive, Aravind.
The bank people are back to offer us loans.
Really?
They keep coming all the way in their car. Let's hear them out.
Mate...
We can't just turn them back everyday.
Let's see what they have to say?
They are after profit. Forget about it.
They're educated people. They won't do harm.
You don't get it!
Valli, that's enough. Come and have lunch.
We'll finish this column and come.
They have stopped the car to talk to us. Let's hear them out.
Agriculture loans at low interest rates.
Read it.
Pass it to the last row. And this gentleman.
You have given each of us a piece of paper.
We are staring at it.
But we are not educated.
Those who had some education went to the cities to work.
If you explain in detail, we will understand.
Dear Farmers,
Our bank has brought in a special scheme just for you people.
This notice carried information on how to utilise and develop on it.
The officers are here for a meeting. Go play elsewhere!
We have come here to provide low interest bank loans to farmers.
Low interest rate or high, interest is interest.
In our village, we only borrow money be it a ear-piercing ceremony or wedding.
And we return it once it's over.
Don't burden our heads with interest and loans.
Hold on, mate.
We haven't even heard them fully. Why are you refusing already?
Tell us clearly, sir.
Please explain it to them. - Okay, madam.
The gentleman is right.
We are here to explain this to you.
Listen up!
Do you think all the big companies invest their own money in the business?
He invests three rupees.
The bank loans seven rupees to him.
They develop their business with a loan of thousands of crores.
Wishing that the farmers could also benefit from these methods,
the government has sent us to go from village to village to educate you.
Whose money do you think we are giving to you?
It's all tax money collected from you.
The banks are giving it back to you in the form of a loan.
Sir, we give you our money so that it may be safe.
You want us to pay an interest over our tax?
How is this fair? - Mate!
They are trying to do good for us. Why do you keep obstructing them?
Think about it. Take Murugesan, for instance.
He didn't have money for diesel so he had to graze the saplings with cows.
Natesan didn't have money to buy water, so he burnt his cane farm down.
Have you forgotten? Be quiet.
They are here for our good.
They have been coming to us for four months now. We paid no heed.
Ours is not the only village.
They have so many places to go to, to educate and help people.
They want farmers to be prosperous. We must respect that!
Sir, whenever something good is happening, there will be people to argue.
You want to offer us farmers low interest loans.
We understand that you care about us.
I'm happy. I will make them understand.
Those who understand will take a loan from you. Forget about others.
When they are short of money, they will come to you.
Goodbye now. - Goodbye!
Goodbye!
Good day!
See you at the bank.
Thank you.
Mate...
This doesn't feel right to me.
A month after Marudhu's death,
they put up notices with our photographs in all public places,
and decided to seize our homes and lands if we fail to repay them in three months.
We didn't know what to do.
We were paying the interest regularly when there was good yield.
Now when our lands are parched, you plan to snatch our properties?
Does this seem fair to you?
The district collector will be here. Please maintain silence.
Stop chanting, people.
Who wants to submit petitions? What's your grievance?
We need to submit a petition. - He will come at 9 AM. Wait.
It's the police.
The police?
That looks like the bank officers.
No, they won't come here.
I'm out of here. - No, don't go!
Let's run! - Come back.
Stop!
They have come to submit a petition. - Why did they run away?
They got scared that the bank officers brought in the police.
Bank officers?
Yes, sir.
We took a bank loan for farming five years ago.
For two years, we suffered because of too much rainfall.
The next three years, because of too little rainfall.
We couldn't pay them back.
They kept charging us an interest over the loan.
Unable to handle the pressure, my friend Marudhu died.
He was her son.
Hello, madam. - Hello, sir.
Look at this notice.
Just look at it.
They have humiliated us by printing our photos in the papers.
We are too embarrassed to step out of our homes.
Even the Inspector knows.
They promised a compensation. But we never got it.
Which village? - Chathurvedhi Mangalam.
Comes under Valaingaiman Taluk.
We have applied for a drought fund for the district.
We will give everyone relief once it is granted.
Okay, sir.
I'm working on a scheme for alternate employment.
I can't help you with this bank loan.
It's under RBI's control.
The bank follows their rules.
Why don't you try speaking to the bank manager?
They know how important you are.
They don't.
They will help you out.
Okay?
You said someone died?
My friend.
Give him the details in writing. I will take it from there.
Write down the petition. I'll come take it from you.
Can't we help them now?
They can help themselves.
India's prestige in the world is that we are an agricultural country.
If they get together...
the whole world will support them.
"When one doesn't realise their own power, they will be forced into begging"...
that's the elephant's lesson to us.
Farmers are no different.
Let's go meet Kozhukattai.
He did bring shame to the village before he ran away.
But we have no other choice.
He was the thief who shamed our village.
Just because he's made some money, should we fall at his feet?
I heard he works in Bangalore and sends money home every week.
What use is ancient history?
We need a way out.
Brother...
he has a big house.
He even lends money for interest.
Everyone speaks highly of him.
Don't overthink it.
He has set up a shop. He's even going to buy a car.
Kozhukattai must be a big-shot in Bengaluru.
Step aside!
How was my driving?
This is the perfect car for a majestic lion like yourself.
I'm happy with the car's condition. - Okay.
I like the driver's face too. - Thank you!
I will give you 8 lakhs in a single payment. Let's sign it.
People worked hard for that money. - True.
I must spend it prudently. You both discuss it.
Okay, we will. - Carry on.
Stop staring at me! Go.
Hi, Daddy. I'm off to school.
Though you go to an English medium school, address your parents in Tamil. Okay?
"Okay" is an English word too, Daddy.
Son of a thief! Talks too much.
Free-loader! Drop the kids at school. - Okay, sir.
You have nothing to do. Stay there and pick them up after school.
Yeah? - Okay, sir.
[Speaking Kannada] Give water to Tamil Nadu! I should bring a bucket?
Sit down.
How are you? - I'm well.
Sit down, Auntie.
Sit.
How is everyone?
We are well. - Not bad.
I'm happy that you all came to see me.
I didn't come back to our village because I felt like I betrayed you all.
But I always enquired about our village and stayed updated.
I'm happy you didn't hold grudge against us for the past.
Thank you for being the same old Kozhukattai.
I was at fault.
Sometimes...
I feel like bad things happen for a good reason.
He actually fell asleep on the reigns?
Is he riding the bulls, or are the bulls riding him?
He's fast asleep, like a bull!
As long as I get the bull...
Here comes my weapon.
I will perform a stunt like an action hero!
What a heavenly smile!
What's that noise?
The roads are bumpy. - Watch it.
Okay, man.
Do you want the bulls? - Why not?
They're a great breed. They pulled carts. - Whose cart?
Get lost. - They are stolen goods, am I right?
These are my bulls. Who said I stole them?
Aren't these two years of age?
Last month, at the market, I traded them from the Koradachaari trader.
My final price is 5,000 rupees. What do you say?
These bulls are worth 50,000. You are offering 5,000?
I can't pay 50,000 for stolen bulls.
We can send them to Kerala for meat. The price for beef is only 5,000.
I can hand you the cash now. If you're not interested, I'm out.
Just 5,000? - Yes.
Okay, hand me the cash, bald guy.
Robbed cattle with lot difficulties but this guy giving me only 5000rs
Why is the cash damp?
Because I had kept it in my underwear.
It's 300 rupees short. Who will pay the tax?
Stolen Goods Tax?
A bull being sold for meat doesn't need a collar.
I will sell it for 500 rupees.
Take it. That collar is the noose around your neck.
It's my problem, you get lost.
Which village is the bull from? - Kodaivasal.
I'll see you tonight.
I just sold the bulls. I only have the collar.
It's only 500 rupees. You want it?
Why are you looking at me that way?
You look familiar.
The bulls belong to you?
Yes.
Curse that bald guy's mouth!
Let's go. - Are we going by car?
There's a draught in the village and-- - That's why I had to steal.
Beat him to death!
Say it, scumbag.
It's true that I stole the cow.
I sold it for 5,000 rupees for slaughter.
5,000 rupees?
He keeps saying that.
What do we do with him?
Sell his house, settle that man's due, and give him the remaining money.
He can leave with the money. - Not the house!
You bring us shame because you have a house in this village. Go!
And stop stealing.
If we sell the house, he will become destitute.
So, should we pay from the village funds?
There is no money.
Unable to pay for tax, we haven't had a village festival in four years.
He is a fellow villager. We must help him out.
Then why don't you pay the 48 grand out of your own pocket?
Like he has the money in his pocket.
Are you play-acting?
I want my money. - We are speaking for you.
Doesn't seem that way. - Don't shout. Be calm.
Learn to show some respect. - You people don't deserve it!
How dare you speak that way? - Hold on!
I'll beat the hell out of you. I want my money!
Can't you see we're talking?
I'll slit your throat. - Listen to us, please.
Please don't fight on my account.
As Brother Vella Kunju suggested, sell my house and settle what's due to him.
I won't cause any more trouble in our village.
Please forgive me.
I'm leaving this village.
If you hadn't chased me out of the village...
I wouldn't have turned over a new leaf and become a successful man.
Brother Vella Kunju...
I hope you're not mad at me.
Come on!
We have come to you for help.
Fine...
How can I help?
I will do what I can.
We don't want money.
You are working in the city and making good money.
We are all suffering.
If you show us the ropes, we will work hard and survive.
My line of work?
We will save money and send it to the wife and children back home.
Vella Kunju and I have put up our kids in hostels too.
We have no choice.
There's no rain. There's no yield.
We are struggling to repay the bank loans.
The bank people pressured and humiliated to no end, and that's why...
Marudhu died.
Auntie!
Don't be angry with us.
Help us if you can.
We will make sure your reputation is not tarnished.
Help us out.
We put our trust in you.
No, it's just that...
this is not like farming.
This is tricky.
Tricky? What kind of job is that in the city?
When you can do it, why can't we?
Drink you tea.
Dear, can you come in for a moment?
This is my wife, Kanagambaram.
She served us coffee.
We use unrefined sugar. It's good for your health.
Drink up, I'll be back.
Yes, my dear?
Why did you call me in here?
They have come here for help.
They are not asking you to support them.
They just want you to show the ropes.
We need our people, too.
Your villagers have known you since you were a baby.
It's fine if they address you informally.
But they call you by your old nickname, Kozhukattai.
Ask them to call you K.K.
You are not my wife.
You're my minister.
Come, I want to crib about you to them.
Don't act like you can cook. Come!
What are you looking at?
We were discussing your job.
Leave the empty glasses behind and get ready.
Why is it taking so long for the unauthorized truck to arrive?
It's been three hours.
You...
What's this for?
I've got work clothes, change of clothes, a blanket...
I heard it gets cold out there.
You don't even know what your job there is.
But you brought work clothes?
Listen up, everyone.
Clothes aren't important in our job. Just carry two sets.
Carry a blanket for the cold.
225 rupees for the bus tickets.
Leave behind everything else. Okay? - Okay.
If you need anything, K.K. will help. - Okay!
Kozhukattai is a nice name. What's with this K.K. nonsense?
Are you here just to get on my nerves?
I'll smash your face in with a rock!
Please don't go, Daddy! - I'm just going to work, dear.
Why are you crying?
Your father isn't joining the army! He is going to work.
He will be back in two months.
You should be happy your father is getting a good job!
They have finally come on-board.
The vehicle is here. Get ready, everyone.
Soldiers, hurry up.
Come on!
You kept us waiting.
Kozhukattai, we're going by truck?
No, the first three kilometres by lorry. Then we board the helicopter.
Fine, then. - Rascal!
You climb trees for a living, you want a helicopter?
Stuff this vermin inside the diesel tank.
I'll pick you with a stick when we arrive at Bangalore. Go!
Grandpa, what are you doing?
Driver, release the ladder on this side.
Hop on, people.
Oldie, what are you doing? - Trying to climb up.
If you hold this rope, you will be gone forever!
Then our plans will be ruined. Use the ladder.
Come on up!
Careful.
Call me after you reach.
Lift up the ladder.
Wave to your wife!
What?
You were happy in the village during tough times.
We are going to earn money.
You should be happy!
Brother?
Right.
I too was destitute when I left the village.
I had no one.
But all of you have me!
You have nothing to worry about.
Get it?
Stop crying!
Okay.
You have come to the city from a village.
Be disciplined and send home all the money you earn.
What about accommodation? - You can come and go as you please.
Okay?
One second...
Sathish, I'm coming with ten of our people...
Please leave ten sets of idly and dosa at the door.
Money? I'll write you a cheque in the morning.
Wants money for his sour batter!
It's not hot like our village out here.
The days in Bangalore are as cool as the nights.
The only problem is they will never give us any water.
Why?
They didn't give it to four generations of Chief Ministers. You'll have no luck.
Greetings, sir.
This area in Banglore has maximum traffic.
It's our hub.
This is the Tamil's area. But everything's written in Kannada.
This is Sathish's tiffin stall.
I pay him every month.
That's the laundry shop.
They will wash and press your dirty clothes and bill you.
Hello, K.K!
Hello, Major!
He is from Vellore.
They are from my village.
Nice. Welcome!
Major has arranged for our accommodation.
Is that so? - He took money for it, too.
Don't mention it.
Get some sleep now. Let's talk in the morning.
Cover yourself with the blanket and sleep, Major! - Goodbye.
Why do you call him Major?
He was a Major in the army. He shot 13 people.
Not at all. He got piss drunk and shot our own people.
That's why he's lying in a bed on the streets.
Did you eat well?
Yes.
You showed us around, fed us a hearty meal.
You have arranged for a place too.
Should I massage your feet too?
No, you still haven't told us what the job is.
They want to know the job...
You have put your faith in me.
I won't let you down.
Okay.
I need all of you to promise me something.
It's for our own safety.
Why are you looking at me that way? I only asked for a promise.
I didn't ask for your possessions.
More importantly...
You shouldn't talk about this job to anyone back home.
Mother, father, aunt, uncle, wife, son, friend, distant relative...
I mean, nobody!
You don't breathe a word about it, okay?
Is it such a tough job?
It is quite tough.
Kozhukattai, we couldn't make a living back home, we came with you to the city.
You and I are from the same place. We will have the strength to do what you do.
Fine, we promise.
We won't talk about this job to anyone in our village.
Tell us what the job is.
Tomorrow morning...
all of us...
Out with it!
We are going to ask for alms.
Alms?
What do you mean?
Alms.
Look.
We are going to hit every single place. Roads, houses, and shops.
Bus stands, temples, railway stations.
Our team should be present in all the crowded places.
I will tell you the bus routes.
We assemble here in our bungalow at 6 in the evening.
Get it, brother?
I'll explain in detail.
If we ask 10 people, atleast 3 to 4 people will give us.
But we must treat all the customers the same way, impartially.
Okay?
Those who don't help today, will do so some other day.
Here's a trade secret.
You put on a sad face in front of everyone.
Understood?
You are eligible.
My wife warned me not to trust him and leave home.
We didn't clarify what the job is. It's our mistake.
He told us not to carry any money either.
What do we do now?
What?
What's all this?
You don't like this job?
Talk straight. What's the job?
Okay.
I'll talk straight.
A business with no investment.
Okay?
We walk around...
hold out our hands...
and seek charity.
I'm not asking you to steal or lie.
You just need to tell them your problems.
You say...
"We haven't had any rains."
"The rivers are dry."
"We can't farm anymore."
"We can't survive in this world."
"Please help me!"
It's as simple as that.
You still don't get it?
Fine, I'll put it bluntly.
We are going to beg.
Is this even a job, jerk?
Murugesan, I'm like your elder brother!
I'll beat the hell out of you! - What?
Beat the hell out of me?
You were real meek when you came home asking for a job.
Now you're showing me your true colours.
They insult me! - Kozhukattai!
I'm K.K. in this city. - Screw that.
We were proud farmers in the village.
We came to you for help, and you make us do this?
What did you accomplish by farming?
Sit down, baldie!
What?
I shouldn't have trusted a man who grew fat by eating from stolen money!
Get lost, then.
Please sit!
Be quiet, Vellai. This is our predicament now.
But it won't always be this way.
You father blew up all his wealth to his mistress...
and died empty-handed with nothing to his name.
And his son lost the house by stealing, and is now begging in the city.
Be quiet. - We had everything there.
What do you have?
You only have debts to repay!
Yes, my father left everything to his mistress.
It was his money, not your bloody father's.
Don't be disrespectful! - I'm being disrespectful?
You married a girl without a brother and mooch off of your in-laws.
Don't! - Don't what?
You take money from your wife and smile at her mother.
What did you say?
He got angry at the mention of his mother-in-law.
You brought us out here just to humiliate us. - You can't hit!
I suspect foul-play in his father-in-law's death.
We went to him for help.
He is trying to help in his own way though we humiliated him.
We can choose to do it, or go back home.
Money from dog trade doesn't bark.
Money from fish trade doesn't stink.
It doesn't matter how we earn, but we need money now!
How could you say that?
What, then?
Stop talking or I'll stick the candle up your nose.
Learn from him and keep your mouth shut!
Look at his ugly nose.
Don't quarrel when we have travelled in search of a livelihood.
It could end badly.
Look...
I wanted my fellow villagers to make money and support their family.
If you are going to hold onto your pride, you can never pay back your debts.
Take up this job.
Then get to know a few people.
And then you can find other jobs.
I swear, my intention wasn't to humiliate any of you.
If any of you felt that way...
forgive me.
I'm dizzy from that slap.
I will go to bed.
If any of you change your mind, I'll guide you.
I'm off.
Serves me right for helping... - He's like your brother, don't mind him.
Be quiet.
This is the only honest job in the world.
Where will he find a more dignified job?
Why are you crying?
No!
If our villagers found out that I begged...
how will I ever face them?
I have a daughter.
Who would marry a beggar's daughter?
I've got two daughters!
We can't let our pride bring our children out to the streets.
Just earn some money and even God will respect you.
Getting your daughters married is no big deal.
If you can't, we will get them married.
He slapped me, but he's crying?
What?
He made beggars out of us and went to sleep!
He didn't.
So many others did.
He just made us realize what we have become.
Phew!
Only now have you realised who you really are.
Lord of Alms! Bless me with a good collection.
Where are the others?
They left in the morning.
Wise men. They listened to KK's advice and left.
You haven't left yet? - We must leave. We need money.
Money?
So you have decided.
I will even beg, but not borrow.
I will give you money after my day's work, you can go home.
I'll order food for you both.
We don't need food.
Then let it be. I'll eat it at night.
You can't afford a meal, but you have so much pride.
Boys and girls, what about you?
Good. You are part of KK's army.
Spit on their faces and come with me.
Go on.
I'll transform you into beggars.
Namaste, Major! - Hello, KK. Off to work?
Yes, with the new appointees.
Don't let the old people slog in the heat. Give them a spot in the shade.
Then we must seat them inside your shop.
Old people are like Gods. We must treat them right.
Don't worry, Major.
I will adorn both their photos and pray to them.
Give me the parcel. Idlies again?
Here.
Here, Auntie.
So, Auntie?
Do you feel bad about begging with the hands that harvested crops?
I don't have an option. My only son is dead too.
I need to look after my daughter-in-law and grandchildren at any cost.
God will open His eyes.
God won't open his eyes.
He will send someone like me in his stead.
That's our address. - Fine.
You must finish collection in all the areas I had mentioned before 6pm.
You should come to this address after 6pm.
Okay? - I'll see you.
Walk that way.
Started begging already!
It's your first day, so the collections might be low.
Don't lose heart.
It will be 6pm by the time they walk there.
Sathish! - Yes?
Two of them are still upstairs.
If they ask for food, give it to them.
Sure.
Your trade is booming. I know I'll get my money.
Only he respects my profession.
I should get him on the team soon.
Sir, please help me out. I don't have money to return home.
Are you Tamilian? - Yes, sir.
God bless you.
Hello.
I'm looking or a job.
No vacancies, sir. Please go out.
No job for Tamils here. Get out.
Careful! Watch it.
Watch it, man.
Let's go.
Sir? - Thanks!
Leave!
Get out of here.
Pick up your stuff and leave.
Clean it up properly.
I need money to buy a earpiece.
You don't have money, why do you need a phone?
I'm hurt.
Please!
Thank you.
You are going to work.
We will study hard, get good jobs, and take care of Mom and you.
Don't worry, Dad.
Hey!
Come here.
Sir?
You've been sitting here for a while. Who are you?
I'm looking for a job.
What?
I'm looking for a job. - Oh. You're a Tamilian?
You can't sit here.
I've received a complaint since you are new here.
There's a CCTV camera there. See?
You can't loiter in this area.
Go.
Walk!
Ma'am?
Anyone home?
Sir?
What?
Who is it?
Greetings. - What do you want?
Sir, let me pluck those coconuts from the trees.
Can you pay me some wages?
I'll pluck all the coconuts, and clean up the place.
You can pay me after I finish the work.
Please give me something. I'm starving.
I'm a farmer.
What is he saying? I can't understand.
Let's go.
Sir...
Grandpa, he is speaking in Tamil.
He said he will snatch coconuts...
and we can pay him.
He said he is very hungry.
You know Tamil?
I cannot speak.
But I can understand.
Because I have Tamil friends in my class.
Oh, very good!
Grandpa, he said he is a farmer too.
Hello, farmer!
Mr. Farmer!
Sir?
Come!
Keep it. This is your hard-earned money.
You worked hard and did a good job.
Do something.
Give me your address.
I have a lot of friends.
I will recommend you to them, okay?
I don't understand what you're saying.
But I can tell that you are trying to help. Thank you.
No problem.
You bought vegetables?
Yes, we must cook.
That's why it's great to have a mother around.
Sir. - What?
You will become the next KK. - Thank you.
Lazy idiots.
What did you do all day?
What could we do? We were lying down all day.
Aren't you ashamed to say that?
You've wasted a whole day.
Natesan hasn't eaten all day.
Who? Him?
Did he ask you to tell me that? To melt my heart?
He doesn't look starved.
Here is the money. Get going.
Don't tell anyone what we do here when you go home.
It's one's thoughts that gives him a life.
When I came to this city, this was the job that fed me.
A few strangers gave me money.
I said I was hungry. They fed me.
Maybe this is the only job that would suit my face.
That's why I stuck to it.
I have no shame in that!
Half the people begging out here were farmers like you who got cheated.
The other half are begging because of their children.
They don't do it by choice.
They need to save their lives.
And the lives of the people dependent on them.
That is why they beg.
Please understand that!
I brought you out here only to help you.
If I hurt your self respect...
forgive me.
Don't utter big words, son.
A person with helpful nature is equivalent to God.
We did what he said...
and we made 150 rupees each today.
But unlike us, you don't need to do this job.
This is a big city full of opportunities.
I'm sure you can find other jobs.
Yes, Natesan...
We found jobs for ourselves, and made 200 rupees each.
You should postpone your travel plans.
Murugan, let them leave.
Get going.
Go back to farming and deeper in debt.
We will reach home and return your money.
You don't need to return it. It's your money.
I made this money with the seal from yesterday.
You can keep this.
Guys, postpone your return.
Yes, you should postpone it.
There is a lot of work for a farmer in this city.
Why is he carrying a spade and plough?
What job did you do?
You're carrying a spade and plough.
I'll tell you, Auntie.
How many times will you count the money?
We must keep track of our income.
Wow!
Correct.
Only he is following my footsteps.
I knew he was going to be the next KK.
Well done. - Don't flatter me.
My bad. Get lost.
Everyone has reached safe.
They have all found jobs.
They work in the shade!
They have promised to send money once they have saved enough.
We should go pay off the bank loan and tell them never to come back here.
Most of them have run away from the village fearing you.
The few people left here are ones who didn't borrow money from you.
Sir, what do we do now?
Well, what did we do to those who borrowed crores and fled the country?
Sir, these are proud people.
They will repay your loans before they die.
I'll see you. - Bye.
Sir, we can say something and handle our manager.
But how are we going to handle the Regional Manager at the Zonal Meeting?
Tell that woman to try collecting.
Hello, sir.
What are you doing here?
If the family of the dead man see you, there will be trouble. Leave.
I'm leaving, sir. - We are just leaving.
Don't stand here. Leave.
He's dressed in white and white, but has borrowed lakhs in loan.
Get our men to collect the repayment from him first.
Fools.
Really? - Get in the car.
They want us to collect from people who have nothing.
All this bad karma will be carried by us.
Mr. Farmer!
Who are you?
He is a Tamilian.
Sir, I'm just like him.
Get lost.
What are you doing here?
We hardly have any water here from River Cauvery...
What the hell have you come for?
Get lost!
I said, run.
Don't hit us, sir.
Please!
Let's run away, man. - Don't hit us!
You are spoiling the image of all your people.
I'm spoiling the image? Get lost.
Wait!
What happened?
They are chasing us.
Look, it's them.
Count the money. - Look there...
You are bleeding!
They beat us up.
Their whole gang is here. - We will sort them out later.
Brother! Ganesha!
Let's go the other way.
Come on, guys.
We have come here to earn a living. We must adjust.
Why is he wearing glasses? - To hide his eye infection. Quiet.
KK! - What?
Do you have any clothes for laundry?
We don't have any. Spare us some old clothes if you can!
He is making fun of us!
When have farmers worn pressed clothes?
We only have our loincloths!
Soon, you will strip us off that too!
Major, give that to me.
1300 rupees.
30 rupees extra for you.
I told you...
Major gives us some extra money!
That's how you butter him up!
How do you not have any coins in your box?
I do whatever jobs I can find. Household work, gardening etc.
Well done, farmer.
There is 1200 rupees in it.
1200, right?
Major, I heard you got drunk and went wild last night?
Major, I need change for 20,000 rupees.
Wait for a few minutes. I'm getting change from them.
Here.
20 rupees extra.
No thanks.
Who are these people?
They are contract labourers from Tanjore.
Next time they come here, can you call me?
Sure.
Well done, farmer.
Don't be ashamed to do any job.
If you can't find any job...
don't be ashamed to do KK's job either.
He is only collecting alms.
The people who drove you away from home are the ones who should be really ashamed.
This is your way of getting back at the nation by humiliating them.
It's not going to solve anything!
People who don't respect farming...
will end up with plastic rice and vegetables.
Their food is going to be loaded with toxic chemicals...
and they will fall sick to new diseases.
All the big shops pay him a commission to get loose change.
He gives that commission to us!
I can't come inside this post office.
You go in, send the money order, and come out quietly.
This is the first time we are sending money home.
You need to help us.
You must know someone who works there.
I know someone.
But I will be in trouble if he sees me.
What trouble?
O Generous One!
Sir...
What are you doing at the bus stand without any money? Here, take this.
He pretends to get a phone call!
Sir...
This guy?
Mother Mary! Thank you.
Sir...
Hi!
This guy?
I'm not taking anything.
Hi! Is he your father?
Thanks.
Dear, even he doesn't respect you!
Give me some alms, sir.
You look like healthy.
Why can't you take up some job?
Just shut it and give me some money!
Looks like an alien doll!
Get lost!
Sir...
Not taking anything from him!
Sir...
Even a beggar refuses to take money from you?
Beggar!
Stop.
Are you insulting me? - Of course!
One, two...
three.
Here you go.
That's better!
That gentlemen works here?
In this office.
Kozhukattai, you go overboard! - Yeah?
He insulted me in front of my wife!
Hello, sir! I was just talking about us.
You can't beg here.
Sir, when have I ever asked you?
You five it to me on your own. - Don't piss him off!
Just find a way in.
Sir, please forgive him for our sake.
We aren't here to beg.
We want to send money home.
Send money?
I'm half-Tamilian, and he insults me!
Why would you do that?
Do you people do the same job as him?
No, sir.
We do household work.
Manual labour.
We do any job we get.
If we can't find any job...
they just sit at home!
We need to take care of our families.
Where are you from?
Chaturvedi Mangalam near Tanjore.
We are farmers.
We got no rains.
The rivers are dry.
The earth is parched too.
What can we do? We are here begging for alms.
How many forms do you need?
We need to send money to 9 people, sir.
To whom? - Give me the money.
Address? - Valli...
Her husband's name is Marudhu from the middle street.
Chaturvedi mangalam, Valangaiman, Tanjore.
Street name?
He's the only Marudhu in the middle street.
What's your address here?
You're in the middle of the streets here, too.
Dhanabagyam...
C/o KK the gentleman. - Who is that?
That would be me, sir.
Upendra Nagar, Puneet Raj Kumar Street,
Bangalore...
Sivaraj-- I mean, Dargah.
How much money?
1500 rupees, sir.
Should I write a message with it?
Tell him.
Our children and grandchildren shouldn't know about our struggles.
They need to spend the money wisely and repay my son's loan in instalments.
No more lives should be lost in our village.
No one should end up like us, sir.
Give me that, brother.
Murugesan, give that.
Have you given yours? - Yes.
You give it to them.
Listen carefully.
12,000 rupees per acre for rice.
For rye, maize and finger millet...
we give 8000 rupees.
For barnyard millet, foxtail millet etc, we give 7000 rupees.
Only the cash crop, sugarcane, gets 15,000.
Understood?
Submit the form at the cash counter and collect your money.
Thank you, sir. - See you.
The interest rates are lower than what we get outside.
I told you this won't work out, but you've dragged me into it.
I'm scared, buddy.
Give it to her.
You are going to meet our sales targets selling our company's pesticides...
and go on trips to Bangkok and Hong Kong!
As you promised, I need 3 months credit.
You shouldn't supply it to anyone else.
I don't want them selling at a cheaper price than me.
I'll take care of that!
Don't just say it, do it.
Boss, you are the only dealer in this town.
No one can sell it at a cheaper price.
They notice fertilizer shops only when the bank gives them loans.
Or they use manure.
Welcome, rich people.
You mean "debt-ridden people".
I'm no different. I've borrowed from the bank too!
I want the leaf miner repellant for my one acre.
And a bud moth repellant for his farm.
Tell him about our products.
This is an American invention.
It's high demand these days.
Read it all you want.
It's got skulls and bones!
That's for bugs and worms!
You're cocky!
And we need compost, too.
35 kgs of urea, and 25kgs of potash.
How's the muck's consistency? Parched? - It looks right.
Then add 15 kilos zinc sulphate to it.
I'm sure you haven't prepared the base soil yet...
so a bag of DI'mmonium Phospate for each of you.
Boss, what about the weed killer?
Have you used a weed killer yet?
The ladies pluck out the weeds. - Fair enough.
Farmers needn't toil anymore!
The American pesticide company has come up with a special weed killer!
Well... we will use it from next year.
They will!
I know them very well. They always buy from me.
Vellai, your bill is 1300 rupees.
1090 for you.
What about the tonic?
Oh, right. I almost forgot!
This is a tonic called 'Result'.
This is a special tonic for the crops.
It's making the grains grow fast and healthy.
It yields 10 extra sacks per acre.
Rajagopal just got this tonic for his entire 10 acres.
Don't come here after the stock runs out. - Okay, I'll take a bottle.
Me too.
How much is it? - 700 rupees a bottle.
Give me whatever you have.
Pack a bottle of tonic for each of them.
They say overuse of fertilizers kills the soil...
and also leads to an increase in pests.
Gold coins.
And bangles.
Okay, brother.
And this earring.
Have a seat. - And the child's waist chain.
I can give you 2000 rupees.
Throw in another 500 bucks. - It's not worth more.
I have a lot of debts!
Fine, I can throw in extra 200 bucks...
and give you 2200 in total.
Let's buy the pesticides after we settle the weed pickers.
There are no rains in Karnataka...
Greetings, brother.
Hello, Vellai. How can I help you? - Look what's happened!
I've been spraying insecticides to no avail!
It's only inviting new insects.
I don't know what to do.
Oh, come on!
Try this and see the results for yourself.
The saplings are still tiny.
I've got ammonia sulphate.
That will help them grow.
It costs 540 rupees.
Mix these together in water and spray it on the crops.
It's 1400 rupees.
It will result in lush crops!
I've only got 400 rupees.
You want me to give it on credit?
Babu, give them the sulphate.
The solution? - Here...
Give this to her.
Here. - Let me get that.
Vellai, you take the sack. Careful.
Don't forget to pay the rest! - Of course.
Sir...
On behalf of the American insecticide company.
You will have a great harvest.
We pay for the goods, and they advertise for free?
Get to work.
Hello, Vellai.
My well is out of water...
Devarajan has agreed to give me some water.
I need a tube to irrigate my fields.
You can take that.
What does it cost to rent it?
Just 5 rupees per metre.
It looks really old and worn out.
The new one down there is just 15 rupees per metre.
That's really expensive!
You can only afford this!
Use some old cloth to cover the holes and use it.
Okay. - Take it.
Are you paying a deposit for it?
I'll pay it right after the harvest.
Okay!
Hide the local fertilizers!
Kaveri... - Yes, Father?
chase the birds away!
Clap!
Clap harder.
If we let them dry while they're secreting, the crops will go to waste.
Turn the water on! - I'm on it.
Devarajan, turn the engine on!
Vellai, it's 50 rupees an hour for the water.
You told me! I'll pay you.
No one is giving us the details.
We've been sitting here cluelessly since morning.
Uncle, have you weighed your grains?
They've shut down the Direct Procurement Centre.
They've shut it down? - Yes.
Why? - They say the supply has reduced.
Go ask for yourself.
Greetings, sir. - Hello.
I heard the DPC has been shut down?
How many times should I repeat myself?
Yes, it has been shut down.
We need to get 150 sacks of grains per centre every day.
It's Government orders. We can't help it.
We even advertised in the papers.
See for yourself.
Sir, if we could read, we wouldn't be farmers.
This isn't a shop where you can supply as you please.
This is a DPC. I can't help you!
What do we do now?
Store the grains at your home and sell it the next time the TPC opens.
Sir, we need to pay the interest for our loans.
I can't help you.
Sell it to private companies if you wish.
Gathering here in masses isn't going to help you.
Sell it to some traders and carry on with your business.
Buddy, let's go.
Come.
Stay here and mind the bulls. I'll be back.
Careful.
Welcome, Vellai. - Brother...
Greetings. - Check out the goods.
Is it the Deluxe variety? - Yes.
Greetings.
Your townsfolk don't come to me anymore.
That's not true!
The grains are moist.
Oh no!
We have dried it properly. See for yourself.
Not good enough.
Fine...
I can pay 950 rupees.
They pay us 1300 rupees at the TPC.
The government can afford to! We are a private company!
Didn't you know the prices drop when the government closes the TPC?
Sir, please!
I can't afford it!
This is my best rate. Take it if you want.
We have to cover the tractor rent too.
Give us an extra 200.
I can't!
We were counting on you. - See you!
I'll see you.
The final price is 950 per sack.
Take it if you want, or get going.
We can't repay our bank loans either.
It's the same rate everywhere. 950 rupees.
They are price fixing.
We can't do anything!
The Government has forsaken us.
Selling the grains is harder than growing them!
We aren't united like the traders.
Farmers toil hard so that everyone can eat.
But no one cares about the farmers.
The Chaturvedi Mangalam people are headed over to your place.
They have 900 sacks. The grains are of good quality.
I've told them it's 950 rupees per sack as per the syndicate's decision.
All of you people quote the same price!
Tough times!
We used to export our grains to other countries and states.
But these days, they sell their grains to us at low prices.
I'm still in the rice trade only for legacy.
I'll give you a few bucks extra per sack.
Don't overthink it. Unload your grains.
Raju, unload those sacks.
I heard the grains didn't fetch a good price.
We were forced to sell at half the price.
We take the pains to grow it but someone else decides the price!
They price fixed and screwed us over.
I was about to repay the jewel loans...
but I could only pay the interest now.
With the remaining money...
I could barely afford household expenses.
This year has ended up a disappointment too.
You even used the tonic!
I did everything.
I should have drank it instead.
Tough times, brother.
I don't know how I'm going to repay the bank loan.
You've been giving me hell for the last few years!
This barely covers the amount you need to pay!
You take loans from the bank and use it for random things...
and now you are trying to fool us by putting the blame on the rains?
Sir, if you don't believe us you can ask at our homes or the place we sold the grains.
Why should I come and ask at your home? I'm not your servant!
He is such a senior officer.
Thanks to you, he has to answer a lot of people with folded arms!
I don't need your stories.
If you don't repay the loans...
you will be shamed in public!
We put our blood, sweat and tears into this, sir.
You just threw it away?
Cut those bloody sentimental dialogues.
How can we pay the loans if we don't get a good price?
You are getting on my nerves! Get out.
Sir, we won't cheat you. We will repay the loans.
Let's go.
Bless you, sir.
Let's go.
He just flung the money carelessly.
They give lame excuses like this and suck the lives out of us!
We need to confiscate their properties and teach them a lesson.
Buddy...
Marudhu...
My friend!
Marudhu!
Mate!
What is it?
Did you get scared?
It was just me burping.
Go back to sleep!
Just go to sleep. We have work in the morning.
You aren't going to command a ship in the morning!
Amudha and Valli. - Yes, sir?
Come here. Both of you have got money orders.
Can you sign? Right here.
Here is 2000 rupees. 1000 rupees each.
I'll see you.
Are you from Chaturvedi Mangalam?
Yes.
How do I fill this up?
Write your account number here, and your name here.
Fill up the amount here.
Should I sign here? - Yes.
Fill this up, and pay at the counter.
Let's hope no one runs away after seeing us.
The vehicle is here. Run!
They will nab us if they see us begging.
Run, run, run!
But the car is here, what do we do?
I'm not going anywhere!
Where are you from?
Sorry, sir? - Oh, you are Tamil?
Yes, sir.
Where in Tamil Nadu? - Tanjore, sir.
How many of you are here?
Nine of us, ma'am.
Greetings, grandma.
This is the sleeping quarters. - Hope we aren't woken up early!
This is the dining room.
It's tea time. - I'll be there on time!
Next, madam? - This is the TV room.
The theatre is almost empty!
You can watch whatever you want. We have Tamil channels too.
You don't need to roam the streets anymore.
We have all the facilities here. You can live comfortably.
More importantly, you don't have to worry about the police or rowdies here.
You can consider this to be your home.
My people...
Please forgive me.
I didn't know such a nice place existed.
If I had known, I wouldn't have made you sleep on the roads or under tin roofs.
Let's strike a deal.
Ask them. - Sir...
Sir, we haven't come here to live a comfortable life.
We are here to make a living.
We have our home and families back in our village.
If we get good rains, we will go back to farming.
But until then, we need to earn money to send home.
That's what he meant.
Thanks a lot for wanting to help us.
As you wish.
Yes, Basava?
You are a prideful man. You don't take any extra money!
You are a revolutionary too, in your own way.
All of them are here to change notes.
Will they be right for our work?
Yes.
There is no shame in any profession.
I mean my business of picking trash too.
You people roam the city, bus stands, shops etc.
Out there on the roads, outside houses, near trash cans...
you will find all sorts of trash like
plastic boxes, metal scrap, polythene covers.
Don't ignore them as trash.
It's money!
Money? - Yeah!
Collect all that stuff in a sack.
I'll pay you for it.
Kozhukattai...
You showed us we can make money by begging.
She says we can make money by picking up trash.
Looks like we can make money in everything except farming!
Experience is the best teacher!
I heard you are farmers.
That's why we are begging out there.
You know what our previous PM said? "Quit farming if it doesn't pay you."
He said that?
You didn't understand because he said it in Hindi.
It's not too late...
Earlier, you were part of 'Green India'.
Now, join the 'Clean India' movement!
Sir...
It's 5 kgs?
Make a note of it.
God bless you, son.
Live long and prosper.
Grandpa, this load is 7 kgs. - Okay!
This weighs 12 kgs, brother.
KK, that shawl looks new! Where did you buy it?
You know Rajkumar's Memorial?
I picked it up from the big trash can next to it.
But this isn't a shawl. It's a muffler.
Don't be ashamed about picking up trash.
Why should we be ashamed?
It's on them.
Farming might have let you down. Trash never will!
All of you please sign here and collect your money.
Okay.
You use your thumbprint, right? Here is an ink pad.
Hello, Amudha. What's the matter?
I've brought the organic seeds they had asked for.
Here.
Red spinach, black nightshade...
sessile joyweed, and eggplant.
I've only got a little of everything.
This isn't "a little"!
You've got half a kilo of each.
I'll fill up the address and send it across.
This time is alright.
Next time, you shouldn't leave your jobs and come here.
Okay, sir.
I will come to you and give you your money.
The Government pays me to do that!
Go and pay this at the bank.
Why are you cutting it?
Because it's grown!
Why are you watering it? - It grows only when I water it!
Right!
They've paid the money we sent them to the bank.
What are you writing?
It says, "Go green, and save green."
"Green area. Don't step on the grass."
Turned the villages into barren lands, and now you're turning the cities green?
Which grass should we not walk on?
This is the place.
They will have a 50 x 50 area with grass in a week.
Do cows graze on it?
Even humans aren't allowed to step on it, forget about cows!
The cows will throw up if they eat it! - What?
This is expensive Korean grass.
Korean? - Yeah!
The Britishers have left. Looks like the Koreans have taken over.
If we had this land and water in our village...
it would have supported a few families.
That looks like the Collector. - Yes.
Did you guys verify the quotations?
Sir!
Greetings, sir.
We are from Chaturvedi Mangalam.
We met at the Collector's office.
Right!
What are you doing here? - Well...
We came here because we couldn't make a living there.
We have a lot of loans to repay.
We need to feed our families too.
See you, brother.
Those are our people.
We are happy to see you here, so far from home.
He was our Collector!
Come on! - Let's go!
What jobs are you working here?
Nothing specific, sir. We do any job we get.
What's that sack on your hand?
We pick up trash, sir. - Wait!
Sir, they are beggars. They just stormed in.
Sorry, sir.
Sir...
they are from our village.
We are begging because we don't have an option.
Okay, sir.
Meet me at my office. I'll see what I can do.
Sir, you can do something for us right away.
They said they were going to plant some Korean grass here.
They also said if a cow eats it, it would throw up.
If you give the nod...
we can plant a garden here with tomatoes, okra, and eggplants.
Along the sides, we can plant scutch grass...
stone breaker and aloe Vera.
Over there...
Solanum trilobatum,Balloon vine,Veld grape It will be useful to everyone!
Okay, come with me.
Sir there's alot for health tips
Gooseberry can help improve your immunity and
protect from simple ailments and chronic conditions.
Hibiscus flower helps to strengthen heart
Balloon vine reduce knee pain! Mexican mint cures cold infection!
Black nightshade for mouth and stomach sores.
Scutch grass to purify the blood.
Pomegranate to prevent heart attacks.
Custard apple to prevent cancer.
Pineapple for digestion.
Papaya for a healthy mind.
Malabar nut for asthma.
Fenugreek leaves for gas trouble.
Pennywort leaves improves memory power.
Spinach for blood pressure.
There is more...
Mint for indigestion.
And herbs for dark hair.
Grapes for a bright face.
Sessile joyweed for lustrous skin.
Turkey berry for chest cold.
Carrot for eyesight.
Beetroot for hypertension.
Stone breaker for jaundice.
Plantain stem for removing kidney stones.
Once it was food for us. Now they converted as medicine for us
I saw outside...
people were paying to consume it as juice.
If we plant them here, the people who come walking
can pick up some leaves and go home.
It will help the families.
This seems to be a good idea. Why didn't we think of it?
What will you do for the seeds?
We do-- - Sir...
We have them at the horticulture farm.
The genetically modified ones?
Yes.
We have organic seeds with us. - Good.
We can prepare some of them right here.
Cancel all the Korean grass plants.
And do whatever they need. - Okay, sir.
Wherever you can implement this plan, please do it immediately.
Okay, sir.
Sir, thanks a lot. - No need for that!
We should be apologising to you for bringing you to this state.
When are you going to start work?
Right away, sir.
All the best.
You guys be here and guide them.
Do it as soon as possible.
See you. - Okay, madam.
Take this.
We have tilled the columns.
Tomorrow, we will irrigate it and plant the seeds.
Okay.
I'll see you. - See you tomorrow.
Let's go.
All of you needn't leave work and come.
Just one or two would do.
Are you Natesan's wife?
You've got 22,000 rupees.
Who is Vellakunju's wife? - Me, sir.
You've got 24,000 rupees.
Who is Maruthu's wife?
19,000 rupees.
Within two months you have to pay full amount.
Then your property documents will be released.
Understood?
It's been 45 days, sir.
It will start flowering in another 10-15 days.
After that...
With in one and half months it will become completely matured
Brinjal and ladies finger!
This side it's chillies
Like before I said it's Veld grape around compund borders
What is that?
Sir it's chillies
Rather than croutons, organic vegetables are more necessary.
In this park, all of this was done by these village farmers.
I don't know whether I can give them permanent jobs.
But I'm going to implement this plan across several parks.
You've done a great job!
Achievements of farmers from Chaturvedi Mangalam village.
Our townsfolk? - Indeed!
Give me some rice.
Valli... - Coming.
Amudha, your husband's photo is in the newspapers.
Oh no, what happened? - Nothing to fear, Amudha!
It's good news.
Don't panic. It's good news.
It is good news!
They are doing a good job growing vegetables and plants in the city!
The article is about that.
Look there.
Chaturvedi Mangalam stop!
Watch your step.
Welcome!
Are you well?
Is everything alright?
Yes?
I'm fine.
Murugesa how are you?
Let go and see them!
It's time you moved on.
Your sister will handle the arrangements.
Just say yes!
The village has collectively decided to give up farming.
Farmers are committing suicide these days.
We are only saving our lives with this proactive measure.
When people like you live happily after giving up farming...
why should the rest of us be stuck with farming?
Yes, brother.
Farmers aren't respected in our village anymore.
We don't make any money either.
The people are slowly taking up other jobs.
Even Amudha and I are working as construction labourers now, aren't we?
I don't know another way.
Next time you go to the city...
please take people like me along and help us out.
I'm ready to do any job but farming.
Do what's good for the village.
I thought I'll repay these loans and come back to farm in the village.
But these people want to come with me!
Did I set a bad example?
Anyone wants to get off at Chaturvedi Mangalam?
You are off to the city?
Get in carefully.
Let's leave.
The people of Chaturvedi Mangalam only have a month left to repay their loans.
If they don't repay it on time, we can legally auction their properties.
This file has the draft copies.
Bangalore is borrowing 200,000 crores from foreign investors.
The city needs to be clean when the investors visit.
Round up anyone you find suspicious, including homeless people on the streets.
Don't spare anyone. - Yes, sir.
How many people did you round up? - 106 people in total.
Where are they from?
36 Tamilians, 8 Malayalis, 30 Telugus, 10 Kannadigas, and 22 Hindis.
There are 36 Tamilians? - Yes, sir.
It's June.
It's the Cauvery dispute time. We can't trust anyone.
"The Mettur Dam has no water."
"We have a share in Cauvery too!"
They might hold a protest when our minsters are meeting the investors.
It will become a big problem.
File some case on the Tamils, and send them to the care camps.
For the other people... just follow the formalities.
Okay, sir.
You've given up farming?
That's a big decision.
How will the Collector answer the Central and State governments?
Would you rather get your kids fancy degrees and send them for jobs abroad...
or would you make them farmers like us?
Sir, why have you gone quiet?
What can they say?
The doctor wants his kid to become a doctor.
The engineer wants his kid to become an engineer.
You would wish your kid becomes a Collector like you.
But does any farmer wants his kid to become a farmer like him?
How is this fair?
Do we make any money?
We don't even recover our investments.
You really don't care about us when you fix the rates.
Why should we farm?
If all the villages give up farming, imagine our country's plight.
We are slowly repaying our debts after having given up farming.
Instead of trying to talk us out of it...
take the appropriate measures to ensure no other village gives up farming like us.
Leave!
Let's go, people.
Don't get carried away.
We are here for you.
Think about it, you don't know anything apart from farming!
We might even beg. What do you care?
If you want to save farming, why don't you do it yourself?
They've insulted us.
Get me the list of people who've left this village.
Where they are, the jobs they are doing, how much they earn.
I want all the details.
We have come all the way for them.
They don't even heed us.
Bangalore is borrowing 12,000 crores from an overseas investor.
These banners and hoardings are to fool the foreign investors.
See?
And you're running away from the village after borrowing a few ten thousands.
What will they do with all that money?
The officials will split the booty.
Question them, and you get killed. - Hello?
Dear...
The Collector and Thasildar came to our village.
They've ordered an inquiry to look into the jobs you are doing there.
Be careful.
Was it the missus?
Since our people decided to give up farming...
the Collector and Thasildar have ordered to check what jobs we are doing here.
Hello, Inspector.
This is the list of people who borrowed loans and fled to Bangalore.
Is it?
Thank you.
Ramgowda, call those people.
Hey, come here.
I meant you. Come here.
All of you stay right here. I'll handle this.
That side.
Yes, sir.
Greetings, sir.
Where are you people from?
A village near Tanjore.
Where do you live here?
Sivaji Nagar.
You are from Tamil Nadu? - Yes, sir.
So what if we're from Tamil Nadu?
What is your address in Sivaji Nagar?
I've got proof, sir.
See.
Take a photo.
Leave the place quickly, okay?
Leave.
What is it?
What did they say? - Quiet! Not here.
Come on.
What is he doing?
Hurry up, woman. They might be back.
Sathish... - Yes, brother?
You are closing your shop? Is there no food left?
The police gave me a strict warning.
They are threatening me for keeping the shop open late night.
Where is the laundry man? And the Major?
They left 4 days back. No idea where they went.
The police are harassing everyone in Tamil populated localities.
Looks like there is a problem.
What's that noise inside?
The lock is open. Who is inside?
Have they got any weapons? - No, sir.
Check thoroughly.
It's the police.
What jobs do you people do?
We are manual labourers.
You, answer me!
They are my townsfolk.
Why have you people come here from Tamil Nadu?
Are you here to protest? Or incite riots? - No, sir!
Sir, you are mistaken. We are here to work.
Everyone come out. Constable, get the vehicle.
Get down.
Hurry up.
Walk in a line.
Make it quick.
Here, form a line.
What's your name?
Nallakannu.
Which state?
Tamil Nadu.
Did you see those people?
Let's handle it. They can't do anything!
Vellakunju...
Those are the people who beat us up.
Yes, it is them!
Switch your phone off, boy. - I did, sir.
Anyone else has phones?
Give it.
Forgive me, brother.
It's our livelihood.
We can make a living here only if we pretend to be like them.
What's your name? - Tamizh.
My name is Kural.
You hid your Tamil identities for your bread, huh?
What's your name here?
Seetha Ramaiah. - I'm Bedha Ramaiah.
Why don't you call yourself Thambi Ramaiah?
Kozhukattai!
What about the others?
They are from Nagapattinam, Pudhukottai, Ramnad etc...
to escape poverty.
Sir, these are Malayalis.
These are Telugu people.
Where are the Tamils?
File an FIR against them under Section 75, 145, 153, 155 and 188.
Sir?
Poor guys.
Those are the orders from the higher ups.
Okay, sir. - Do it immediately!
Get the register.
Pass that register.
Who is Vellakunju?
It's me.
Who is KK?
Me, sir.
Natesan?
Sir...
Sir, what is going on?
You could have been happy in your own village.
Instead, you are stuck here!
What were you doing in your village?
Sir?
You are honest, hard-working people. They have forced you in here.
The police have ordered us not to let you go for three weeks.
But your properties will be seized if you don't pay back your loans.
That is painful.
You can't repay your loan, but you have so much pride?
The law obeys the rich.
The poor must obey the law.
"When one doesn't realise their power, they will be used for begging."
that's the elephant's lesson to us.
We've received information that your
people have been arrested in Bangalore.
We don't know why they got arrested.
We have given you the maximum tenure we can afford.
If you don't repay it in 3 instalments, we will take legal action.
We will have no option but to seize your properties to recover our money.
No excuses. Sorry.
They have only been arrested there.
They haven't been killed yet, unlike what you did to Valli's husband.
Enough!
Let's go.
You made us give up farming, which was more valuable than life.
But we will not give up our properties.
Sir, can you come to Teresa Home immediately?
One of the Tamilians you brought yesterday is in a critical position.
Yes, sir.
Sir, their homes are empty.
Sir, all stations in the city have been informed about the accused.
They can't leave the city.
How could you be so careless?
If they end up doing something, we will be in deep trouble!
I'm accountable for them!
Sir, I was talking to them till 2 in the morning.
But when I woke up, no one was here.
I only found this letter.
Please forgive us.
In a city where we couldn't speak the language...
we thank all the people who gave us charity, jobs, and helped us.
We've found hope that no matter where we go...
good people like you will always protect us.
We are fleeing to another city.
We need to send money home every week.
We need to protect our homes and farms.
No other village should have to make the decision we had to.
No man who grew up in the farms surrounded by nature should think...
he needs to go to the city to make a living.
Let us be the last people to give up on village life.