How is your father feeling now?
Good morning, sir
He is totally bedridden now
What happened to the man with an iron stomach?!
See for yourself
What is this, Kannappa? Lying down weak and feeble
- What to do, sir? - Here, sir
- Please sit down - Bring it here
You will be fine
He is curled up like a sick rooster
But his life isn't in danger
Looks like you've been constipated for a few days
Your intestines seem shrivelled up
I cook and go to work in the forest but he doesn't even eat a morsel of rice
Whatever I tell him will only fall on deaf ears
Mr Strong Banyan tree!
Doesn't Poongkodi need a pillar of support to lean on?
Even I am worried about that
What is the use of just being worried?
Mix this powder in warm water and give it to your father
As if he'll drink it!
I will go to the foothills and then see him later
[coughing]
Come out, I want to talk to you
His health has deteriorated
Our hills have herbal medicine that can cure any disease
Get honey from Kurinji from someone
He will recover in no time
Where will I go looking for Kurinji honey?
Then listen to me
Go and meet a man named Velu in the Kurinji hills
If you want it as medicine he'll get it, come rain or shine
- Alright - Okay?
- Please accept this - Thank you
I knew when your mother delivered you in the forest
...you will bunk school like this!
Your teacher would have brought pretzels for you, go to school
- Go to school, da - I won't go
Here, off you go Run to school now
- Velu, take him with you - Alright, brother
Watch your step
Don't fall
Ground is very slippery
- Take care, little girl - Okay
Good morning, Velu
You make sure all these children attend school, rain or shine
But these brats run and hide behind the trees
Sir, there is nothing you don't already know
If you give neem oil to kids who love honey, won't they spit it out?
You hit the nail on the head, man
- Okay, go to school - Yes, sir
Watch your step
Hey Turban-head, is this the way to Kurinjikudi?
Why are you going to Kurinjikudi?
I must meet 'Velu'
What 'work' will you do there?
Not 'velai' as in 'work' I must meet a man named Velu
That's me What do you want?
Oh! That's you, is it?
- I came to buy Kurinji honey - Why?
- What's wrong with you? - Not for me
Then is it for your child?
God hasn't blessed me as yet I want it for my father
For your father, huh?
Finding Kurinji honey now is like looking for a tadpole in a stone
You can get it only during the monsoon season
But you want it as medicine
So if I find it I'll bring it
- Put your heart to it - Okay
Hey girl, how about telling me your name and address?
I'm from around here Kolukkumalai
My name is Poongkodi
- See you then - Okay
- Bro, which is Poongkodi's house? - Go straight uphill
Thank you, brother
'It's me, Velu'
I've brought you the honey
Sir...?
Your daughter asked me to get you honey from Kuriniji hill
Poongkodi has gone to the forest for work
She has the money
I don't have a single paisa on me
As if your money will sprout legs and run away?
First drink up the medicine
Sit up
I'll teach you how to make it
Watch me mix it
Grind tailed pepper corns and mix with honey
Dab this under your tongue and you must suck it
Open your mouth
You must have this first thing in the morning
And once in the evening after sunset
Only then your fever will subside
In 3 days you'll be fit as a fiddle
Don't be worried, okay?
I'll take leave then
'40 people who went up Korankani Hill for climbing practice'
'...were caught in a forest fire'
'This has created widespread panic'
'This tragic incident occurred during a mountain climbing practice'
'The list of those who perished'
'...in this shocking, unexpected incident has been released'
'Among the 27 people rescued'
'5 are in a critical condition'
'It is feared the death toll may rise'
Why is there a barricade now?
Why this road block, sir?
Workers have to be on the hilltop in time, please open the gate
Is sir always this punctual?
Slightly urgent, sir
Urgent or ordinary
I can't open the gate for fox, wolf or any canine category!
'Since 10-15 people have died in the fire the collector has ordered this barricade'
When will you open then?
People have to go uphill and climb down
10 jeeps take this route daily Why are you ruining our livelihood?
Not my decision It is a Govt order
I'll open only as per collector's orders
The tourists took the mountain path Why barricade our route instead?
That's a good question Go ask the collector
I'll open this gate Leave now
Ask the collector!
Get down from the jeep We can't go any further
'Setting fire to the forest is their job Then they mess up our lives'
To die in a jeep is a crime I believe
It's okay to die while walking it seems
Hey! Is it Velu?
Is that Poongkodi? What are you doing here?
I came to pay you for the honey
You came so far just for that?
'How did you come? Gate has been closed'
'I walked all the way'
Tourists were trapped in the forest fire
They were charred to death like sparrows struck by lightning
That's why the path has been blocked
Our livelihood will be ruined But no one will bother about the poor
Did you see the people who died in the fire?
That sight will haunt me forever
If I close my eyes all I can see are bodies burning like logs of wood
One girl screamed out, 'I don't mind dying But I don't want to lose my chastity'
'Cover my body, brother' She begged me
Professing honor is priceless compared to their lives, they died in agony
Oh my God!
You said Kurinji honey is hard to find
That's why I came to pay you
I don't take money if it is used as medicine
But we believe if we don't pay the medicine won't work, right?
'Come in and sit'
It's alright Take the money
Will the medicine work now?
You refused to come in At least sit on the step
I'll brew some immunity booster
How is your father now?
Pepper and Kurinji honey paste should have revitalized him
He's back to his old self
Drink my herbal brew
'How is it?'
I've also brewed herbal water so often
It has never tasted so good
With the right ingredients and measures everything will taste good
Of course, everything depends on how good the heart is!
No sign of your wife and children
First I need to find a wife Then the children will follow
If my parents or siblings were alive now they would have found a bride for me
But they died in a flash flood overnight from the mountains
Now I am all alone in solitude
I'll take leave
Logu, we've been travelling for a long time
- How much farther? - We've come only 1/4 of the way
3/4 to go
My bones will break by then!
Let's drink a glass of ginger tea and continue
- 2 cups of ginger tea - Sit down while I make it for you
"It's a blind world around us choosing shortcuts to success"
I won't say anything over there
You must talk and get men to work in the factory
- That's why I'm coming - Here is your tea
Here
[song from 'Mahadevi']
"This thieving world displays talent in looting to the worst extent"
Who are we meeting in the hills?
If we talk to Velu he'll bring us the men, sir
Speak of the angel! Here he comes
Hey Velu 1 minute
- Sir? - We are here to see you
Want some ginger tea?
I don't take tea or coffee
I only drink herbal water Tell me what's on your mind
A new company is being built in the hills here
He has come to source laborers
Company?
For construction work on the hills
We need strong hands to carry loads of bricks and cement
Bring all the men and women from your hamlet
You come along too You don't need to work
I'll make you a supervisor
How long will you struggle to make ends meet?
How can I opt for whatever work comes my way just to line my pocket?
There isn't enough time to work in the forest I grew up
How can I scratch another man's back?
This holds good only for supervisors who steal blatantly
This won't work for me
I have to head back home
I'll take leave, sir
What temerity!
Such men should be thrashed and driven out from the hills
'Poongkodi, look out for creepy-crawlies while you work'
- Okay, akka - 'Hey Muthu'
'Your husband is missing from work All the other men have returned home'
'Though married to a middle-ager be glad I am now a mother!'
'Your doubt is idle gossip'
Hey Kurinji honey!
'Onion' booster!
Not onion booster Immunity booster!
Whatever herbal brew!
Forget that What brings you here?
A child here has eye infection
Hive's nursery with baby bees will cure her
- Will it improve her vision? - Yes, definitely
You bet!
You walked past me blind as a bat!
How does one improve your sight?
Red bananas are grown here?
We even get Nendran banana that's famous in Kerala
How is your father doing?
What does he lack? In the pink of health now
He wanted to talk to you
If I see him maybe I'll talk to him
Don't wait for 'may be'
- Ask, man - What?
For me, naturally!
Will you marry me?
I won't even let an ant bite you
Take good care of you Not even like a dutiful wife
But forever like our mountain
'Take good care of you Not even like a dutiful wife'
'But forever like our mountain'
'What to do, girl?'
'I thought 3rd baby would be a son'
'But that was also a girl'
'My husband is sulking Face as long as a palm tree!'
Poovu?
Looks like you thought about it all night and made up your mind
Yesterday when you said you will take care of me like this mountain
...it struck a chord in my heart as strong as a boulder
I'll marry you That's all I want
Come here and hold the banana stem
Hold that end
God, grant us permission!
God has given us His blessings!
'A cow from Kolukku hill is grazing in Kulunji hill!'
'Why are you back so early? Worked on the summit?'
'No, only in the slopes'
If you smoke your beedi night and day how will your wheezing be cured?
Why don't you get rid of it once and for all?
As if our forest won't flourish if you give it up?
Who is that chap?
He brought honey that day for you
That fellow, eh?
Honey gatherer
He will be well equipped to manage a family
He would have seen so many stings! And suffered aches and pains
Ask him to come tomorrow and formally ask for your hand
Okay, father
'If you ask a monkey for its crap as medicine'
'...it will climb to the topmost branch it seems'
'Same analogy holds good here'
We are offering honey right in their palms
But they insist on licking the back of their hands!
Are your knees complaining, sir?
You've started cribbing
Yes, my dear man If we walk uphill like this
...grease in both my knees will dry up!
How do the people living here walk up and down daily so easily?
You remove the minerals from water to make it a tasty drink
They thrive on water from herbs and inhale pure fresh air
How will their knees complain?
He must be 75+ and he is whizzing past like an aeroplane!
We are rattling like a Govt jeep at 50!
- How much longer? - Just 1 more round, sir
Hello
Sir?
- What is your name? - Velu, sir
Ask everyone to assemble here
You must be tired Drink some water
Hey! No need We have our own bottle
My heart that didn't stop when I climbed up may do so if I drink this water!
- That's why I refused, sir - Careful
Call everyone, we need to share a piece of important news
Is this village so sparsely inhabited? Call the rest also to assemble here
No one is jobless here They all go for some kind of job
Please share your news
Listen carefully, let me impart this like I would tell a group of children
As per Govt orders, we are trying our level best to elevate your lives
We are already on top here How can you take us any higher?
Don't interrupt this gentleman
Listen with an open mind
Your children should have access to good education and decent salary
So the Govt has initiated plans for weekly boarding schools
- We offer many such schemes - What good is hoarding money?
We had saved some cash and all of a sudden you claimed it isn't legal tender
Don't add 2 +2 and make it 55!
That was then, you are making us take a roundabout route now
Your attitude is jaundiced, sir
Our Govt has barricaded the check post as a precautionary measure
We were the first to rush and rescue the victims trapped in the fire
The flames devoured and destroyed everything
You are saying we must fell all the trees because a man fell from a tree and died
Is this fair?
If we take the jungle path and walk uphill with only good intentions to help you
...is this how you talk to us?
- Is there no village head? - That's me, sir
Velu, hold on, they are here to remove the barricade!
Sir, please continue
Are we here to open the road?
Enough of leading such a tough life Shift to the foothills, see the difference
'We have housing waiting for you and bank loans to follow your dream business'
'Free rice, free clothing'
'Education of your children and adequate job opportunities'
'You get first priority'
Enough of struggling with this mud, trees, beasts and the vagaries of nature
Utilize this golden opportunity
'This may be mud to you but have you tasted this soil?'
'This soil is balm for the bruises on our limbs you know'
'Whether our mother nursed us or not'
'...all of us as children have eaten and relished this mud'
Do you want us to leave our homeland, go down and face hardships?
This is very wrong, sir
Yov! What is so wrong about his advice?
Beasts roam on hilltops Humans reside in foothills
- Makes perfect sense, right? - Right
We are beasts!
If beasts climb down you drive them back to the top
Why do you ask these beasts to come down now?
We lack nothing here
We worship our trees as God We don't chop them down
We are watching you chop so many trees and transport them in lorry loads
We are leading a simple life under the trees in our huts
And your men came to hire us as construction workers on the hilltop
'Sir, we accept we are beasts'
Don't try to shift us down and cage us
We are happy as we are Just let us be, sir
I endorse Velu's opinion completely
We don't know anything like we know these hills
I apologize on his behalf if you think he spoke out of turn
This water, trees, plants, creepers and air we breathe here have medicinal value
Mother Nature will protect us from any disease
Pray to our Tree-God before you go down
No beast can harm you on the way back
Your words are loaded with temerity Doesn't augur well, understand
Let him talk all he wants, sir
One day he will need our Govt's help We will show our might then
Let's go, if we stay longer they will dance on our heads!
They won't toe the line
- Kindly lift the barricade - I'll inform my higher officials
- Then you are...? - Mockery, eh?
[indistinct chatter]
- Greetings - Welcome
- Good afternoon - Please sit down
Place the fruits and flowers on the mat, please sit down
Where is the groom? Come, make yourself comfortable
Please sit down
Poongkodi Come out, dear
Listen, Kannappa
Do you consent to your daughter marrying that boy?
I agree if my daughter consents
Don't be a bent tamarind without a view of your own
Tell us your final decision
I agree
Alright
What do you say, Poongkodi?
- I accept - Then it is alright
Velu, how do you make ends meet?
I collect honey
In the non honey-harvesting season I take up whatever job I can get
I own a house, sir Just a palm size land
- What about your parents? - They died when I was young
What can you do if it was their time to reach God's feet?
Only child like a single tusked elephant
Poongkudi the trained 'kumki' is right to tame a free spirit like you
Do you have any bad vices like addiction to alcohol, tobacco or drugs?
I don't touch alcohol
I got hooked on to beedi because I gather honey
What next? I clarified my doubts
Does anyone else want to ask any other question?
Then after things get steamed up no use pointing fingers!
- We are agreeable - He is a good boy
- You start our customary ritual - Let's see if we get divine approval
Mountain Goddess
Tree Goddess
Velu, come here Poongkodi, come, dear
Look at the mountain in the west Pray and tear this banana stem
Our Goddess did not consent to this alliance
'If we defy Her orders one of you will die'
'So let us not go ahead, my boy'
You go this way
- Poongkodi, you go that side - Sir...?
Suggest a way for us to unite
Hey...what do you say?
Velu, listen to me
They followed their village protocol
If our deity signalled a bad omen will we agree in our village?
We won't, right?
How do we carry on with our lives when we are neck deep in love?
Get us married, sir
We will ensure our Gods approve of the way we live
You know what happened to those who disobeyed divinity?
Fate played havoc in their lives They stand hapless and destitute
Only the banana plant leaves a part of it in the soil when it dies
Know why? To allow its stem to sprout into life again
Your family should flourish, right?
You shouldn't defy our deity even if you fight with all your neighbors
I am sure some girl out there is already born for you
Go and look for your destined bride Move on...that's all I can say
Who is it?
Hey! Who is that?
I won't tear a banana stem with anyone else
I'll rip myself to shreds falling from this mountain
Tell me, my decision is in your hands
You are bold enough to come at this time of night when even ghosts rest in peace?
Did you think it will be dark without the sun rising?
The rooster will crow very soon
With sunrise we will be insulted and humiliated by one and all
I am not bothered about tongues wagging
It is your call totally
Go inside
You haven't done me any good till date
She has come now with full faith in me
I trust only You
Bend your rule for us
Let me know if I have ever defied you till now
I will sacrifice my life as offering to appease You
Please permit us to marry, Goddess
Grant a good family life for us
I vow to tonsure my baby's head as offering in your shrine
Even if you have come to me as strong as this mountain
...my heart rattles as if a boulder has rolled down from the mountain top
I have walked out on my father and I am firm as that boulder
Why are you scared and worried?
Distressed and disturbed, my heart misses a beat in sheer nervousness
What if ties are broken or God abandons us?
I am here to wipe your tears and be a balm to your heartache and fears
"My breath is in a flurried state of ardor Are you my God, Lord and master?"
"Our dreams are coming true somehow Is it good times ahead for us now?"
"Whichever direction we walk hands clasped scent of our soil fills my heart unasked"
"When I live only for your sake lovingly 2 bodies are united as 1 willingly"
"My life is shaken up like lightning Are you my God as sentinel shining?"
"Whatever we wished is happening Is it good times ahead beckoning?"
- Don't drink that water - Why, dear?
It is murky and too salty
Look, there's a dead tiger
Oh dear! It is lying lifeless
"We asked God for a boon to live as a couple soon"
"We had no heart to blame the Goddess who did not grant our wish and bless us"
"Banana stem ritual as divine tradition did not favor our hearts' union"
"I saw you as the sweet mountain honey with your large heart you gathered for me"
"You and I will live lifelong, my dearest strong as a mountain in this forest"
"My breath is in a flurried state of ardor You are my God, Lord and master?"
"Our dreams are coming true somehow Is this good times ahead for us now?"
"I see the images, I swear it's true of my mother and father nestled in you"
"I am holding on to this life just to be your loving wife"
"Even a hut can be like a palace to me This is love's achievement exclusively"
"Entire forest is filled with your scent Thoughts of you in my mind omnipresent"
"Like the globetrotting wind is our bond extending over time, space and beyond"
We are going up to gather honey
Mountain top
Yes, both of us are going
Don't forget to eat the rice I have packed for both of you
'Poovu, hasn't Vel anna taken you off his lap even now?'
'Come fast, we have miles to walk'
Coming, akka
'Onion' booster! Come back safe and sound
Okay, 'midnight maiden'! You take care of yourself
Your husband finally let go of you, eh?
As if my husband will mollycoddle me like your husband does, fat hopes!
Enough of your fancy talk and walk fast
We are going up there to gather honey
Right on top
You want me to tell you a story?
Once upon a time lived 2 men Gundodaran and Mandodaran
Both of them knew only to eat and eat and eat day and night
The entire hamlet was struck by famine because of their gluttony
Villagers realized these 2 greedy men were the cause for their plight
The whole village assembled and asked them to suggest a way to eradicate the famine
Both the men promised the villagers they will fix it by the next new moon night
They kept walking and walking after their show of bravado
Their throat was parched and stomach growled with hunger pangs
They fainted in the middle of the forest
An angel saved them and handed a golden casket to them
They forgot the angel said they should open the box only when they reach home
Both of them opened the box right there in the middle of the forest
Inside that golden casket was this mountain that wiped out the famine
It is loaded with refreshing wind, rejuvenating river, hills, forest, beasts
You and me
Look over there Can you see Senkuttupaarai?
I'm harvesting honey over there
You sit here, I'll be back after I gather the honey
Appa?
What, my dear?
I asked that angel to grant a boon to make my daughter speak
She said this voice is as sweet as honey
And only she should hear this voice
Nobody else should and preserved it for herself
She is listening to your voice daily, dear
That's the truth, my princess
I will gather honey from the bees
You wait here for me I'll be back
'Looks like your husband bought corn for you yesterday'
'In your dreams, huh!'
[giggling]
- She has fainted, lift her - What happened?
Poovu...Poovu?
What happened?
Look at me
Give her water
Take a few sips
- Poongkodi, open your eyes - You'll be fine, dear
Look at us
Get up, dear
Get up...gently
Did you eat in the morning?
I had breakfast
Is your stomach hurting?
Got terrible cramps
You go back home I'll get your salary for you
'Akka, you think she's pregnant?'
'I had the same doubt But she hasn't conceived'
'Age is on her side, she can give birth to a cartload of children'
'Why did she suddenly faint like this?'
Velu, your wife fainted at work in the forest it seems, go and find out
- What are you saying? - Yes, hurry up
Poongkodi
- You fainted it seems? - Stomach is hurting
- Why all of a sudden? - Don't know
You were fine this morning
Do you feel dizzy?
Still hurts?
I'll brew my immunity booster You'll be fine after drinking it
Maaa...?
I'm feeling better Did you eat?
Get up
Drink this
Let us meet the physician to be on the safe side
Change Malar's frock
[birds cawing]
- Hello, Velu - Greetings, sir
- What brings you here? - My wife is unwell, doctor
Poongkodi? What is the matter?
She's complaining of a stomach ache
Stomach cramps? Let me check
Come in
Sit down
Show me your wrist
Please wait outside
I'll give the medicine to Velu
Velu, her pulse is erratic
Go to the town hospital and consult a doctor
Nothing drastic I hope, sir
Not critical
Pulse seems erratic
- Just go down and meet the doctor - Okay, sir
It's okay Take care
Oh God! My stomach hurts
I can't bear the pain
Wake up, dear
It hurts terribly
- I can't take it - Where does it hurt?
Whom will I wake up and where will we go in the middle of the night?
Just grit your teeth and bear the pain I'll take you to the hospital at dawn
Please bear the pain, dear
- Hurts so much - Sip some water
Lie down
[trivial talk]
Hey!
Watch your step
Wait, let me get in
We can go
- Good morning, doctor - Come in, Velu
- What's wrong with your health? - I'm not sick, my wife is the patient
What is her complaint?
'Sit here'
What did you eat?
- Nothing - Inhale and then exhale
Once more
Turn
Inhale deeply and exhale
Lie down there
Remove your hand
Ouch! It hurts
Is it paining here?
Get up and sit
Velu, this doesn't seem like ordinary stomach ache
- What do you mean? - 'Go to the Govt hospital'
My friend is the chief doctor
Give him this slip He will do the needful
'Don't worry She will recover soon'
[indistinct chatter]
- Greetings, doctor - Sit down
Doctor sent us here
- Check her BP - Okay, sir
- Is he your family doctor? - Yes, sir
Show me your arm
- Where are you from? - Kurinjukudi
- That hilltop village? - Yes, sir
'Medical camps are set up regularly over there'
'Sometimes they come'
- 'Is that so? - BP is normal, doctor'
Sit on that stool
'Turn'
Is it a nagging pain or only at intervals?
Nonstop pain
Do you have 3 meals daily?
She won't eat properly That's her only bad habit
Make her lie on the bed
'Come'
Does it pain here?
- Here? - No
- Now? - Yes, a lot
Sit down
Take an MRI scan and bring me the report
- Is my wife's health at risk? - Nothing to worry
She may have a small tumor in her stomach
Bring me the scan and then we can decide
- Scan, huh? - Yes, sir
- Which town? - Kurinjikudi
That hilltop village?
I can't take a scan now
The machine is under repair It will take a few days to set it right
Go right, you'll reach the rear gate
To the right you will see a board 'Murthy Scan center'
- What is the name? - Murthisan
Refer my name Ganapathy and get the scan done
- Go right now - Okay, sir
Doctor wants a 'contrast scan' It will cost you Rs 7000
What does that mean, sir?
7000...!
- I don't have that kind of money - Whaat?
Then I can't take the scan either
She is writing in pain, sir
Doctor said you will do it for free Please do the needful, sir
You'll be blessed, sir
If I take a free scan for your wife who will feed my stomach?
Leave now
By the way who sent you here?
He asked me to refer his name to you...Ganapathy, sir
Ask that junk piece to do the honors for free
Clear out now, go
Calling Token #7
- 'How much money do you have? - I don't have cash'
Machine is under repair Come back tomorrow with cash
They want me to pay for the scan I don't have that kind of money, sir
Doctor asked me to take the scan here
But you say the machine is under repair
I'm coming from far away Please have mercy on us
How much cash do you have? Only 'money talks' here
Look where he has stuffed the notes
Counting when your wife's health is at stake, give me the receipt
Go and sit there
You wait out with your child She will come out after the scan
Sit here and wait
I'll get milk for our child
- Sir? - Hello, Velu
What brings you here?
My wife fainted and has stomach cramps
My heart almost stopped I have brought her here
Why go through this allopathic route when your hills abound in herbs?
As if this cement structure can offer better cure than the herbs in the hill?
You shouldn't bring her here
If you come here she will get a stroke
My potion will bring out any hidden toxin and make her fit as rain you know
Doctor claims she has some tumor in her stomach
You are wearing blinkers on and being wrongly guided
Why is there a mortuary behind attached to the Govt hospital?
To make the patient exit as a corpse?
Bring Poongkodi here
I'll cure her without any threat to her life
Okay? Go
What happened, doctor?
She's almost dead
What happened, dear?
- Hurting? - I can't bear this pain
Come, I'll take you to the hospital
Get up
I can't take this
Bear with it We'll be there soon
Can't bear this pain
It hurts so bad
Very good Take care
Sir, my wife is on her death bed
Hey! Where did you disappear?
You have any sense? Where did you take her?
Why should you be bothered? If she dies you can marry the next day!
Please don't curse me like that
She came believing in me totally If she isn't alive I'm nobody, sir
What else do you expect me to say?
Ayurvedic doctor said he can cure her
I took her to get treated
Then go and cremate her Why did you come here?
I am to blame, you can hit me with your slipper
- I'll take the punishment gladly - Bring the medicine
Don't cry, dear
Stand here
Ketorolac
Your mother will be fine
- What is your wife's name? - Poongkodi
- Age? - 26
Give this chit to the man down this corridor on the right
He will admit her in a ward
Sir, will my wife be cured?
Nothing to worry Don't get flustered
Please register the admission fast
Sister, come here Take her to bed # 8
Think I am an imbecile? I've been waiting for so long my legs are numb
Look at your handlebar-face!
You think we are singing a lullaby? Do we have 2 lives?
Don't you dare talk rules to be rudely
I've been watching you from this morning
You admit those who flirt with you or grease your greedy palm
What do you take us for? Lunatics or what?
Don't raise your voice at me
All of you clear out
I'll pull you up in the right time!
Does your father own this place?
- Here, sir - What do you want?
Doctor sent me My wife is writhing in pain
- Please show mercy on us - As if I'll be scared of the doctor!
Ask him to come and assign a bed for your wife
And fan her in cool comfort!
Turning up like a bad penny!
Hello?
Is it you?
'If you don't pay up your dues to me, I'll hike it to 10%'
- 'You have to flee in fear' - I'll see the doctor, wait here
'Sir...?'
Got her admitted?
No, sir, he refused
Money has the final say!
Did you show him my chit?
He didn't even glance at it
- Nurse - Sir?
Tell him in such a way it enters his head
- Ask him to admit his wife - Okay, sir
- He'll do it, go - Thank you, sir
Come along
Doctor's recommendation Admit his wife
This doctor is a pain Expects free service!
Why didn't you tell me the doctor recommended?
- Show me the proof? - That means?
What is the proof you are so and so?
- Our God is our witness - I don't doubt your faith
- Supporting document like Aadhaar card? - Yes, sir
- I'll call you back - Our forest is our support
You are really a pain in the neck!
Ration card or voter's ID Any such identification?
No, sir
- Know your wife's name at least? - Yes
Poongkodi
- Age? - 26
I'll admit her But bed isn't available
Ask her to lie on a mat on the floor
Sir, don't discriminate us
As if I'll hog it if available
A politician is occupying 1 bed
He has 4 stooges along with him This is a politician's office now
If their life is at stake they will rush to a private hospital
When they aspire for a post they make a beeline to the Govt hospital
- Let them vacate, I'll allot a bed - Okay, sir
Here, sister
- Come - Who is the patient?
It will take 2 days to allot a bed
- Bring her - 'Can you wait?'
Sister, new admission
All beds are occupied Make her lie down on a mat now
Then lie her lie down
- I'll bring the I.V - Okay
Come along
Stretch out your hand
- Has she been admitted? - Yes, doctor
- Call that boy - Okay, doctor
Doctor, he is here
- Have you admitted her? - Yes, doctor
Do you have a medical insurance card?
- What, sir? - Govt gives a small card
- Govt insurance scheme - I wasn't given any such card
That is essential for your wife's further treatment
She has been afflicted with a complicated disease
You have to spend a lot Surgery, ICU, the whole works
If you have that medical card I can save your wife by treating her
If I go to take a scan you ask me to shell out money
You grab all the cash I have and take some picture
You made me run around, here, there, everywhere
Now you suddenly say she needs to be treated head to toe
She is frail and feeble and you are torturing her
Does this seem fair to you?
A donkey and horse look the same
But can a donkey become a horse?
This nurse and I can inject the patients
So can she take my place?
'How dare you preach to me!'
Let your wife lie on that mat, clear out
Go...go
He looks pathetic, poor man
If we give him an 'emergency' slip he will get the card at once
He shows too much attitude Let him suffer and get the card
Attend to your work
I felt sorry for him and he is preaching to me!
He is the only good man amongst the doctors here
Why did you confront him like this?
He wanted to treat your wife in his hospital and cure her
You lost your cool and ruined it
Madam
- Where should I get a medical card? - You can't get it here
You must go to the village office
Where is that office?
In Veerapandi near Bodi
Thank you
'Your temperature has reduced Nothing to worry'
'I am stinking, man 4 days since I bathed'
'Is this the care you shower!?'
'Senior lawyer said it is safer if you stay in here for a while'
'You'll end up behind bars again if you get discharged'
'So grin and bear it Stick around in this bed'
'You've been saying this like a broken record!'
'Make arrangements for my bail'
- 'Did you eat, dear?' - No
Don't starve
You won't have any energy
Have a piece of bread or something
I will be fine
Our Goddess has signed your fate
What big crime did we commit?
Is it wrong to follow our hearts and have a family of our own?
Don't harp on it
When our God calls I have to go up
Can we argue with God? Or can we play God?
Don't say it out aloud
One word will bless Another will curse
If I keep climbing up and down our hill it is the strength I get from you
If you utter the word 'fire' will your tongue get scalded?
We won't be punished when we have not harmed any creeper or creature on our hill
Don't be scared
You'll be fine when I get the medical card it seems
I'll go and get it
- Alright? - I'll be fine
Be strong
'Somehow get that card as fast as you can'
'We can go back home as soon as I recover'
'Village office Veerapandi, Theni district'
Good morning, sir
My sons are so henpecked
They don't even give me water to quench my thirst, sir
Even I obey every rule laid out by my wife diligently
You can't avail old age pension if you have sons, old man
Sign this form claiming both are dead, sir
Even young women in our village claim to be orphans to avail pension
You are no exception Have it your way
Take it
Thank you, sir
Greetings, sir
Let's go
Sir...?
Give me some alms, sir
A man is following us like a lost puppy, looks pathetic
I saw him the moment he entered our office, just shut up!
Amma...madam
Madam, have mercy on me
- Madam, when will sir be back? - He'll be back after lunch at 2:30 p.m
Whaat?
Are they selling the railway station?
'How will I benefit if I buy that?'
'Let me know if they are selling the Parliament, I'll buy it!'
Is Arunachalam's death certificate ready?
Yes, sir
- Who is that, akka? - One who died taking a Tik Tok video!
Oh! That chap, huh?
- What do you want? - My wife is unwell, sir
Then admit her in a hospital Why did you come here?
I need a medical card, sir
'The mountain is our heritage'
'Water, trees and air we breathe have medicinal value' you claimed proudly
'Why did you come here now?'
Ask that rejuvenating wind to inject your wife now
You were the one who insulted the officers who climbed up the hill
'Govt gave you shelter, electricity and all amenities'
'Still you have no gratitude'
You got any proof?
That means?
Go find out all the crap and then come back here
Will you leave now or not?
- Don't bother my boss - Please tell him
- Out you go - Get me that file
Listen to me Clear out
'Hey brother'
'Come here'
'Come here, I say'
Sit down
Please sit
Why are you upset?
Even if you sit here and cry for 6 months no one will come to wipe your tears!
Because he hasn't got time to wipe his own tears!
Would you like to drink tea?
Did he ask you for alms? Cha...cha!
Did he ask you for a bribe?
Even if I ask this, I'll be ridiculed as 'Bloody tramp is discussing politics'
- 'No' - Then?
My wife is not well
When I admitted her in the hospital the authorities want my insurance papers
They will pretend to give and then grab it from you
You mean that document?
- You need to get a new one? - Yes, bro
Will anyone cry for such a silly reason?
Give your Aadhaar or ration card
You throw it in the V.O's face He can't say no or hold back
I don't have any of those cards, bro
Whaaat? You don't have the Govt identity card?
Man without an Aadhaar card is just a fraction of a man
You are an anti-Indian You don't belong to this country
You are a foreigner
What is Aadhaar, anna?
It is a Govt identification endorsing you are an Indian
- What is your name? - Velu
Won't hold good hereafter
If they call out our # we must come running like a dog
First our Govt numbered all the trees on the roadside
Now the Govt is doing a headcount!
Let's get you a proper ID card
Hurry up
Okay
You'll get an OTP # You can take a printout
Let's go
Aunty, only you can make this anti-Indian a true Indian
What are you blabbering? What do you want?
I meant this man needs an Aadhaar card
Madam, give him a fancy # like the one you gave me
Give me your proof
Madam, Aadhaar is proof for any procedure that needs an ID
You are asking the sea to prove it has salt!
Aadhaar was introduced 10 years ago
You must be having a voter's ID, ration card or passport before that, no?
Give me one of those as ID
Do you have a passport?
Have you voted in any election?
Officers came to take a head count After that no one came anywhere near us
Forget it, one of your brothers must have voted for you!
I have no siblings, bro
Yov! I meant someone must have cast an illegal vote in your name
He doesn't have any of those ID cards
But he needs an Aadhaar What should he do? Advise us
From any higher official
Village administrative officer, Revenue officer, collector
Or some notary public should attest he knows him and his proof of residence
I'll get him the Aadhaar card, okay?
We'll be back with the letter
Let's go
Don't you have even a ration card?
The officer said he will give us only if we shift to the foothills
If the Govt gives something it will grab something else
Okay, we need money for the card So go and get cash if you have
Bro, I was led to believe everything can be got free of cost
Of course it is But not for you and me
For those on top
I don't understand a word of what you are saying, bro
Forget it then
That's why you are still good at heart
Okay, bro, I will go scrounge some cash
Only if I go now I can be back early in the morning
Come back with a bottle of honey
Alright
Ma...?
Do you have enough money?
We are stagnating here without earning any money
Doesn't matter
I have saved the money you gave me in a cylindrical container hanging on top
Use that if you want
Okay
'I will go home and be back'
'Okay?'
'Generally all women tie their husband to the tassles of their sari'
'I have you entwined in my soul, dear'
[sobbing]
Tree Goddess, save my wife and bring her back hale and hearty
Milk, bread
Baby, don't you have a mug?
Which bed?
That one?
Drink the milk and return the mug
'Milk, bread'
Ma...amma
We will get it for sure, bro?
Velu, a man should bow his head only to knowledge
Just go and fall at the tahsildar's feet
Because God has given him brains only in his feet, understand?
Sir, I bow to you
Get up...get up
I'm going on an auspicious mission Don't jinx it by falling at my feet
Sir, your signature will change the fate of a woman
Only you can save my wife, sir
I will listen to whatever you say, sir
Give me address proof so I can apply for Aadhaar
You are my address, sir
The very thought of signing your form
...makes me feel I have fungal infection in my nail
Madam, please convince your husband to keep my family intact and save my wife
I feel so sad for him
After all a signature Let him save his wife
Don't fall for his 'poor pitiful me' story
When he is on the hilltop he will reek of temerity
Meet me in my office
Thank you, sir
- What is this? - Honey, sir
Give it to my wife
Here, sir
- Move - Okay, sir
He won't relent usually
But how can he defy his wife's request?
Be positive He will definitely sign
- Listen - 'Sir?'
- Mail this - Okay, sir
- What is your name? - Velu, sir
- Age? - 33
- Home town? - Kurinjikudi
That isn't even a place It is just a mountain top
We can't bear the headache you give us clutching on to your hamlet
- What is your father's name? - Madasamy
Here, sign this document
- Get his signature - Okay, sir
You should know what you are signing
'People of my clan and I won't live in this mountain anymore'
'We will shift to the housing the Govt allocates us'
'I agree to take the responsibility to shift my entire clan to the foothills'
'If I don't comply'
'Govt can take any action against me'
This is the gist
Sign this and get your letter of proof
Address on your Aadhaar card won't state you dwell in the mountains
It will state your live in Bodinayakanur municipality
I can't sign without consulting our leader, sir
Did you ask his permission before you lectured us that day?
You behaved as if you owned the mountain
Where did he come into the picture now?
Either sign on the dotted line or bring your clan leader here
And ask him to treat your wife Get out of my office now
Clear out
Bugging me for no reason
Where is the letter?
He wants a written agreement we will shift to the foothills, bro
Why can't you sign? As if it is your inheritance
Mountain is my treasured asset How can I give it away?
You don't know these rules
Till now they have taken me 5 times to the collector's office
And made me sign I won't beg again
I continue to beg to this day
Just sign on the dotted line
Let them take that mountain Your wife is like a mountain for you
Which mountain will you live in without her in your life?
If not this mountain there are plenty of hills around
Go, sign and get that letter
- What now? - 'I will sign, sir'
Get his consent and send him
- Sign - I don't know to write
You can't sign
Thumb print case, huh?
Show your thumb
Are you hungry?
You shouldn't come all by yourself, baby
Where is your mother, dear?
Go, eat
Madam
How can you leave a little girl wander about alone?
- Don't you have any attender? - My husband
- Where is he? - Gone out
Where are you from?
Kurunjikudi, hamlet on the mountain top
Kurinjikudi, huh?
What are you suffering from?
Stomach ache
- Sister, 1 minute - Yes, sir
How can you make a patient lie on the floor?
- All the beds are occupied - So is this how you treat her?
- You should ask the doctor - Is your service over, Das?
Good afternoon, doctor
We were feeding the patients I felt sad when I saw this little girl
- That's why I came here - Is that so?
How can you make a patient lie on the floor?
Bed is not available, we can give as soon as we get a bed, okay?
How are you feeling now? Check her pulse, sister
Show me your wrist
'We serve so many people'
'As if I wouldn't have fixed a bed for you'
'Tell us what you need and we'll help to the best of our ability'
'We have given a tender for beds, Das'
'We will get it soon'
Come along, Das Take a seat
Are you done with your social service?
I am helping those who are below poverty line as much as I can
What is that young mother suffering from, doctor?
Das, she is almost dead
- What do you mean? - Both her kidneys have failed
Brain is damaged to the maximum extent
WBC count is decreasing day by day
She is suffering from lead poisoning
What causes this disease, doctor?
Water is the cause and spread of half the diseases today
In her case it is only through water
Water?
Doctor, she hails from a hamlet on a mountaintop called Kurinjikudi
They don't buy water in cans like we do
Natural unpolluted breeze Medicinal water from waterfall
How can she suffer from lead poisoning?
I find it surprising too
I have already seen 2 cases She is the 3rd case
We are also doing our best to treat these patients
I thought I can retire in my old age to a hamlet on a hilltop like this
Have our men polluted even that haven?
Doctor, please ensure she survives this
This disease is a challenge to us
We won't let her die Don't worry
- Thank you so much, doctor - See you
'Sit still, don't move'
'Press your fingers hard'
Open your eyes wide
- When will we get? - As soon as verification is done
Thank you so much, madam
Velu, let's go
Where do I meet you tomorrow, bro?
I'll lie here today
Wonder where I will be tomorrow You be with your wife in the hospital
I'll come and call you
Take care
- Pa? - My precious?
I've bought food for you Will you eat now?
I'll change your frock for you
Let me feed you now
Lying here like this I feel like I am trapped inside a snake pit
I want to go back to our mountain
And drink your herbal water
Garnished with love and care
Look at these rashes on my hand, legs and all over my body
I am not feeling good at all
Take good care of our child always
You will be fine
I'm here for you
I'll take good care of you both
Everything is processed online nowadays
Ages since we cut the offline process
All you have to do is go to some internet browsing center
Log into www.tnpds.gov.in
Fill up a form and apply in that website Your details will be verified
And you'll get an OTP #
You can get the card
Okay, sir
Let's go
All this won't work We have to resort to short cuts
Velu, bow and greet him
No need I'll handle that
Sir...?
- We came to meet you - I'll call you back
You went to meet your friend? What did he tell you?
We asked for a ration card It will take 10 days it seems
I knew when you over looked online, which is me and opted for offline!
You want a green card or white?
Green, naturally, only then we can avail insurance
Pay me 5000 now You can get it in 3 days
- Appreciate if you give it tomorrow - Then the rate is 8
We can't afford that
3 days means 5
2 days means 6000 8000 if you want it in 1 day
Sir, we are below poverty line
Kindly adjust for now
What is your proof?
- Aadhaar - Give it
Give me the cash
'This will do'
'Come tomorrow same time same place and take your card'
Give me the cash
"The rich don't have empathy The good hearted don't have money"
Here
I have very strong work ethics
I'll finish it and take the balance
Thank you, sir
Immerses in atrocities and insists this is work ethics!
Come
- Good morning, sir - Save your formalities
Take out the cash
"You are good hearted and honest Good times ahead, just be patient"
"Enough of living in fear and anxiety Rise like the river and flow to the sea"
Let me know if someone else needs
Definitely
Velu, mission accomplished
All we need is a medical card, hurry
- Is the address right? - Yes, sir
- What is your husband's name? - Mani
- What is your father's name? - Thangam
- Okay, give it to her - Come along
- But you have to pay me - For what?!
Sir...?
'What?'
'Aadhaar, ration card'
'How did he manage to get all these in such a short time?'
How much do you earn per month?
I don't know to count and give an amount like that
How much do you earn per day?
Rs 400 or 500
Then even if it is 10000, approximately
...you are earning 1,20,000 per year
But Govt has stipulated only people earning below Rs 72000 can avail this card
You are above the poverty line
How are you eligible for this card, hmm?
- You are not eligible for this - Sirrr!
My wife is on her deathbed
Please show some mercy on us
Don't hold what I said against me
- Forgive me - Clear out now
Please, sir
Take this back
Take it and go
Will you go of your own accord or do you want to be thrown out?
'Go...out'
Good morning, sir
Put your mobile in your pant so I know you aren't recording this
Tell me now
- That signature - Which one?
Title deed for that house
He refused to give me the card claiming I am above poverty line
How could I have forgotten to brief you on this alone?
You would have truthfully said 10000-12000 and he would have shooed you out
'Alright, don't worry I have another option'
Govt is here to serve poor people like you
Whom do you think we work like a dog night and day?
Only for your sake
- Hey - Sir?
Come inside
Come, you must line my pocket also!
I am doing this only because the tahsildar recommended
Go
"Who toiled with tears, sweat and sighs to build skyscrapers touching the skies"
[song from 'Unnaal Mudiyum Thambi']
- Brother? - Hahn?
Did you get the card?
Will my Poongkodi be saved, bro?
Be glad if your family doesn't fall apart
Anna, I feel faint with hunger
I don't have money
Buy me tea, bro
I feel terrible hearing you say this I know you don't have cash
You must be starving
Bro, give us 2 cups of tea
- Don't you have a ceramic cup? - Why won't you drink in this?
You want me to buy ceramic cups and be washing them night and day?
Paper cups will have a wax coating which will hinder digestion
- That's why I asked - I know you are Mr Clean!
Clear off now Pay me and go
You won't understand the politics behind this
Every shop had double standards for drinking cups earlier
Now it is disposable cups irrespective of your caste
Casteism is stuck to this too
- Buy something for your daughter - Why?
No need, bro
This isn't a debt or a loan
Treat me as your brother I have no problems in life
Govt has classified me above poverty level
I earn more than Rs 27 per day
Don't say 'no'
I don't have anything to give you in return, bro
But I cherish you in my heart's alcove
I'll never let you go
Come up to the hills with me, bro
No, you be happy with your family
That's more than enough for me
- See you, bro - God bless
Sir, I've come here to discuss about your factory in Kurinjikudi hills
You've polluted the river from the hill with your factory waste
People who drank that water have been hospitalized and in critical condition
This is equal to poisoning mother's milk
Aren't you ashamed? They consider the mountain as God
But to you it is a golden goose
They are unifying with nature and leading a peaceful life far away from you
After destroying agricultural land you're targeting forests and mountains
I won't let you get away, sir
I'll ensure you shut down your factory
If anything untoward happens to the inhabitants
...evidence in this file will nail you as guilty
Menaka
Mr Das, your anger is justified
We regret the inconvenience caused
But haven't we provided employment to so many people?
Your factory is of no use to the inhabitants
You are the one playing with their lives
Tell us your decision, sir
Shut down the factory and leave the mountains
Or else, we will make you descend
Don't broach the subject of shutting down the factory
100 more like you can threaten but can't make it happen
'We have seen many cases like this'
We can also move our pawn Kindly bear that in mind
Are you threatening to shoot me?
Don't think I'll take all the bullets lying low
A day will dawn when we will trample you Corporate officers flat on the ground
I can pay you 10 million It is all yours to enjoy
If you refuse this offer and intend closing down our factory come what may
Do as you please
We can handle any case
Take your own decision
Sir, whatever your reasons your actions are most unjust
You are playing with the lives of people Don't mix your toxic waste in the river
All this is-
I am imploring to your good heart
'Amma'
[sobbing loudly]
[sobbing uncontrollably]
Hey!
Come here
What?
Who are you?
Poongkodi
Poongkodi's husband, huh?
Sign here
Right hand...here
Appa
Poovu!
"As fair as the water lily was she Like the avaram flower so lovely"
"Like the fig's flowers, my wife you are no longer present in my life"
"Your teeth like garlic pearls, dear Your innocent smile that I revere"
"Your eyes like black beetle lured me Now lying still before me, my dearie"
"Flowers by the fence are saddened too Their petals wither to fade not seeing you"
"My dear silver moon, without you where has the sky disappeared to?"
"Flowers by the fence are distressed too Their petals droop and drop not seeing you"
'Take good care of you Not even like a dutiful wife'
'But forever like our mountain'
"As fair as the water lily was she Like the avaram flower so lovely"
How long will you be weeping like this?
The ambulance is waiting for you Take your wife home
Call me 'onion water', my dear Poongkodi
I must transport my dead wife to my home in Kurunjikudi
Kurunjikudi?
Near Kollukkumalai?
Yes, sir
Pay me Rs 4000
If I had I'll give it at once
- I don't have - If you pay me, I'll do the needful
You should be glad I'm agreeing
No proper road at all, fuel expenses plus hidden cost like vehicle damage
Go find another ambulance
Go...go Find some other van
I feel sorry for you
Drivers will ask you to pay 3000 or 4000 easily
Pay me just 2000
- I'll come - I don't have money, sir
Help me out like God please
I'll beg, borrow from someone and pay you
'We see 100 corpses a day'
'It's a dangerous route'
What if you can't pay me when we reach? Can I bring the corpse down again?
Go, man, get lost!
Sir...please, sir
How many people will I do for free?
Malar, my dear child?
"In my shattered mind's corner your words like coins scatter"
"I lie benumbed in shock here like a book eaten by termites, dear"
"Our familiar thorn strewn path somehow has lost its sense of direction now"
"Bamboos that sing in harmony sing an elegy in painful agony"
"When I woke up now here you were nowhere to be seen, dear"
"What does my future hold for me? What is my path of destiny?"
"Thoughts of you single minded cluster in my mind undivided"
"She promised her life to me Like this mountain for eternity"
"My beloved wife, my love forever Now she is taking my life with her"
"She promised her life to me Like this mountain for infinity"
"My beloved wife, my friend forever Now she is taking my life with her"
"As fair as the water lily was she Like the avaram flower so lovely"
"Like the cluster fig's flowers, my wife you are no longer present in my life"
"My sweet honey from the hills of Kurinji How did you suddenly slip away from me?"
"You climbed this hill to live with me How did you leave me unexpectedly"
"A banana from the hill so precious Torn from its bunch now lifeless"
"Which direction are you headed? I'll follow, my heart in grief enshrouded"
"I stumble and sink in strife Without you in my life, my dear wife"
"Yama as this thief is referred to The Lord of death who stole you"
"Through 7 worlds, rain or shine I will nail him, my vow sublime"
"If you meet him by chance let him know in advance"
"I swear on my dear wife I won't spare his life"
"Until that day dawns I know I will be alive to fulfil this vow"
"I swear on my dead wife I won't spare his life"
"Until I fulfill this sacred vow I'll hold on to my life somehow"
'If we defy Her orders one of you will die'
"As fair as the water lily was she"
"Like the cluster fig's flower, my dear you lie lifeless and still here"
'You are watching News 24 and I am Ananth Pai'
[News on TV in various languages]
'World Human Rights has condoned this inhuman tragic event'
'Top story, first his wife died of-'
'We shall start the debate with social activist Mr Das'
'Sir, how do you perceive this incident?
'How can I treat this as an ordinary matter?'
'This is a national disgrace'
'Every Indian should have a right to medical aid and formal education'
'They should have access to all the basic necessities in life'
'Our nation has taken progressive steps in the fields of medicine and education'
'Imagine lifting his dead wife on his shoulder, climbing uphill for 30 km'
'My heart almost stops beating!'
"Is the Govt to blame, I ponder? Or did God forsake us, I wonder?"
"Or did a man who sold his soul commit this grave injustice on the whole?"
"My heavy heart is frozen, dear I stand lone and forlorn here"
"My tear stained cheeks are dry now No one to console me with love"
"The disease that took you I wish it will kill me too"
"I blame this blessed country Common man is left in a quandary"
"How bad a sinner are we hapless to be born in this place helpless"
'Are you aware or not that our Govt provides free ambulance service?'
'Then why provide such a facility? Imagine that poor man's plight'
'How can you gloat over progress in your regime in medicine and education?'
'Our Govt is doing a good job of catering to the needs of the general public'
'Because Govt officers take bribes-'
"For the poor; without a doubt there is no justice meted out"
"To live here is a curse Our fate for better or worse"
'Why is there a mortuary behind the Govt hospital?'
'To make the patient exit as a corpse?'
[grief-stricken sobs]
'Do you have a medical insurance card?'
- 'Ration card? - Give me proof'
'Go find out all the crap'
'Clear out'
'Malar, my dear princess'
'Your father will tell you a story now'
'There was a happy couple leading a royal life in the hills'
'Don't know who cast an evil spell'
'Men with the devil's heart came up the mountain'
'They chased the inhabitants, claiming only beasts can roam freely in the hills'
'They chased the king and queen out of their homeland'
'With the beasts fattening by the day'
'They laid roads and built houses on the mountain top'
'Lions and tigers were not their enemies in reality as the couple assumed'
'But the actual culprits were 2 legged animals'
'Only much later they got enlightened'
'In the waters washed by the 2 legged beasts'
'...the queen drowned gasping for breath'
'The king who had grown with nature in the hills'
'...could not adjust to city life'
'So the king along with his angel-princess continues his journey in the forest'
'Still searching for his hilltop palace'
'Do you understand this tale of tears narrated with a heavy heart?'