["Firebrand" Benny]
My dear Saint!
I'm on my way back after taking my 32nd government job test.
I lit a candle when I went for it.
32 multiplied by 2 is 64.
64 multiplied by 10 is equal to
640. I lit 640 candles so far.
Don't think that I am keeping a tab.
Don't you see these candles that I keep lighting?
Why am I not getting a job?
Is it because I didn't study?
Is it because I was not in the rank list?
At least now, you should take a decision in my case.
This is my last candle.
At the moment, I don't have money to contribute to the donation box.
So, I'm handing over this hall ticket to you.
Both are just worthless paper pieces for you, right?
Please bless me, Saint.
- Kudukki! - Yes! See you in the evening.
Okay.
Halt 'Shahpur Kandi dam project' on the Ravi river at Pathankot district, Punjab.
Hunger strike led by Vattakkuttayil Chettaayi.
Doesn't he have any other job?
Oh, the revolutionary crusader is here?
My dear man!
What's wrong with you?
Have you shifted to Punjab because there are no more problems here?
It doesn't matter if it's Punjab or Kerala or India or the world.
A comrade should always keep on protesting against someone.
In that case,
please come home if you get time after this Punjab protest.
I return home every evening, right?
No, no! Don't come like that.
Please bring something with you.
We have run out of rice and groceries at home
We need to feed ourselves, right?
Nowadays, taking caring of the house is solely my responsibility.
Gruel for two stomachs.
Is that such a big deal?
You have only wandered all over protesting, right?
We're still grappling with the debt from my two sisters' weddings.
I had asked you to sell our house and property, right?
Oh!
Do you only talk about selling off everything?
You are talking about your two sisters.
I married off six sisters of mine.
Anyone can do that.
One party garland for the bride and one party garland for the groom.
Ang three lentil patties and one glass of water each.
Tea was also served.
I married off my sisters in a respectable way.
At least from now on, you should do as I tell you.
Neither this place nor you have prospered with this protests.
Someday, I'm going to torch this shed of yours.
Wait and watch!
Get down, get down.
Fast.
Let's go!
- Are you taking an auto rickshaw, Ponnila? - No, I am going to meet Chettayi.
- Oh. - Okay then.
He gets ready in the morning only for protests.
Hey Benny!
Another nuisance!
What happened to your job test?
Will you become a Collector soon?
Get lost!
Won't you come for the wedding?
The wedding conducted by Che Guevara and Rani of Jhansi?
- Don't expect me. - Oh.
- Red Salute! - Red Salute!
Won't you come, Benny Chetta?
- I will come soon. - Okay.
Mom!
Yes.
How was the exam?
It was okay.
Here you go.
So, this one is over.
All my hopes are on this one.
Hey, apply some oil.
- I don't need oil. - Wait.
Hey,
shouldn't we give a gift for tomorrow's wedding?
That man has already given everything, right?
What will they think if we don't go?
What will they think?
Let them think what they want.
Huh?
This is a problem with all Malayalis.
What will those people think? What will these people think?
That should change.
Let them think what they want.
We should decide what we want to do.
Malayalis will never prosper without changing this attitude.
Why should we care what they think?
Oh.
Then you don't go.
Maybe, I should go.
Or else what will they think?
It's a good photo.
[Inauguration by Chief Minister Thomman Kunju]
Chief Minister is coming to this function.
We must get the Chief Minister's attention somehow.
Only then can we sustain.
I have a plan for that.
What plan?
- 50 people can sit on that stage. - Okay.
We will keep two chairs away.
And when we get on the stage, we will take those chairs and sit on them.
Who can stop this Sojan?
You're really intelligent!
Smart chap!
They could have kept our photos too.
Our time will come.
These buggers just roam around in whites without doing any work.
Hey Sumesh!
What's happening?
Hey, you were supposed to come yesterday, right?
I had a government job test yesterday.
I don't understand.
Has anyone cursed you with this government job fixation?
You don't know its importance.
The importance of the curse?
No, the government job test!
Oh, okay.
- Hey. - Yes.
Take the measurement.
Leave that.
Which exam was it yesterday?
Conductor, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
You came in front of me 2 months ago saying that you will be a policeman, right?
And you didn't become one?
My dear brother,
I wrote the exam and passed the physical and medical tests.
I was on the rank list too.
Then the rank list was put on hold since two people cheated in the exam.
So, you won't get it now?
If you ask so...
It's a government matter, right?
- It's not an issue. - Okay.
I am on the rank list for Secretariat assistant too.
I need to wear this shirt for that interview.
I'll be promoted to a Gazetted rank in three years.
- What? - Gazetted rank.
Oh!
64. Hey, your measurement is already here.
Do this.
We will stitch a covered pocket...
Let's not make it half sleeves.
- Let's make it full sleeves. - Okay.
- Isn't that enough? - One more thing.
It's not like earlier. I am very busy here.
If you want it quickly, tell me right away.
Are you so busy...
that you can't spare a moment to remove cobwebs?
True.
Okay then.
When is the auspicious time?
Morning 10 a.m.
Sharadechi will come, right?
Yes, of course.
It's been so long since we saw them.
- Greetings. - Greetings.
Aren't you done yet, Comrade Kuttan?
It will be done now, Chettayi.
- Chettayi is here, Mom. - The wedding is tomorrow.
- Remember that. - Please step inside.
Chettayi!
Where is the bride?
She is inside. She will come now.
Swayamprabha!
Look, Chettayi is here.
Come.
Normally, I am against these lavish weddings.
But I will conduct this wedding in all grandeur.
My Comrade Sreedharan's daughter...
should leave this house like a princess.
Take it away quickly, Chetta.
It's just a rice pot, right?
Don't think that Sreedharan is not here.
I am here to conduct everything on behalf of Comrade.
[singing a folk song]
Baby!
What about the catering?
It's for tomorrow, right?
It's very simple.
I will get it ready.
Please leave me alone.
The groom for today hasn't arrived yet, and he's talking about tomorrow's feast.
They could have held a folk dance with 600 people.
- Get that glass. - What?
- Where is it? - Here.
Why are you lifting your clothes when I asked for it?
Forest whiskey!
- I will get the glass. - Get it quickly!
Arrack and cocoa beans.
Sali Chechi, 3 glasses please.
- Don't you want water? - No, it's a local brew.
Hey, hey!
Don't flirt too much. She will set up a tent over your head.
I flirted with her once.
Now, I have three kids.
You talk as if they were born without your knowledge.
Did you feel that way?
Yes, a little bit.
- I too felt it. - Why is that?
Hey, Kudukki!
Here comes the bookworm.
Can't I come here?
- We are classmates. - Is it?
Till 8th grade.
Oh.
Give me that glass, Chechi.
Chettayi has come.
The welcoming ceremony is in progress.
Oh, he came?
- Babychan! - Yes.
Fix me a drink.
Hold your glass.
- Enough, enough. - Give it to him.
Here you go, dude.
- Have it. - One for me.
It's my 25 cents of land that's boiling here!
Pappetta!
Hey, Pappetta!
Can you check if the rice has cooked properly?
What?
Can you check if the rice has cooked properly?
What are you saying?
One minute. Hold this.
This man...
What are you doing?
Let me turn the antenna.
Aunty? Which Aunty?
I was not talking about seducing any Aunty. Antenna!
Signal is okay now. Ask him.
Can you check if the rice has cooked properly?
You can open your mouth and ask that, right?
I will check now.
As if he will hear it if we ask it normally.
Will this be enough, Benny?
I will tell you if I need more.
Hold this.
Aren't you just standing around?
Look at her stride!
Actually, how much land do you have left?
50 cents of land and the house.
If you don't want to lose that as well, get married to her.
Or else your Dad will sell that too and conduct this Vazhayila's wedding.
It's Ponnila, not Vazhayila.
Let me see how that happens!
She is the witch who ripped off all my dreams.
If she falls into my hands, I'll make her suffer.
Hey Benny, beware!
I believe Chettayi has sworn to oversee the weddings of every girl in this town.
These days, numerous politicians, starting from humble beginnings,
steal and loot and become billionaires...
and send their kids to study in America and London.
The 3.5 acres of land which he sold and mortgaged for helping the townsfolk...
was supposed to be mine.
Vattakkuttayil Chettayi,
the Comrade!
Who are you to accuse Chettayi, you scoundrel?
In the 90's, when this entire town faced the risk of a bank seizure,
due to the destruction of crops we had planted with bank loans,
it was Comrade Sreedharan and Chettayi who saved this town...
by litigating a case in the High Court.
Though the townsfolk and the party workers have forgotten Sreedharan,
Chettayi hasn't forgotten him.
That's because...
Chettayi is a human being.
If you ever accuse Chettayi,
I will throw this piping hot gruel on to your face.
Wow!
So much swag!
So much swag, right before dying.
How did he hear it?
I don't know.
Did anyone see you coming here, Pappetta?
But it was you who asked me to bring chicken, right?
I'm asking if anyone saw you.
No, no, no.
Hold this.
Enough, enough.
We, Comrades doesn't believe in souls and spirits.
In spite of that, I am saying this.
Sreedharan might be happy seeing all this.
Why aren't you happy, Pappetta?
What?
I'm feeling scared seeing all this.
My grand-daughter has returned home after completing her studies.
When I think about her wedding...
Don't worry, Pappetta.
This wedding happened, right?
Similarly, that wedding will also happen.
When everyone else left me,
the only one who remained with me...
was my girl.
That is my fear.
Both the leaders are secretly boozing hiding from everyone, huh?
It's a happy day for us, dear.
- Grandpa! - Yes.
Bring Chettayi and come. Let's eat something.
You get going.
We need to discuss some global issues.
- Right? - Carry on.
You go on.
When did you reach?
Just a while back.
- Have you pressed the shirt? - Yes.
She used my money to marry off her sister and now preaches about communism.
Oh, Che Guevara and Rani of Jhansi are leaving.
I have only one thing to say about what happened yesterday.
We should not support anything that dilutes our ideology.
Then you add some alcohol in it.
You carry on, Chettayi.
I will talk to him and come.
Hey Benny!
Come here.
Come here if you want.
Hey, did you consider what Kudukki said?
What?
Are you interested in marrying me...
so that you won't lose your remaining 50 cents and the house?
Get lost!
It's not because I love you.
It's because I would love to look after Chettayi until his death.
You can just take him...
and look after him till he dies.
Then you dry his dead body...
or cook it and eat it.
I think you will lose your 50 cents of land, unnecessarily.
What's the update on my house, dear?
I have told the Panchayat President.
Please make it fast, dear.
Everything will be all right, okay?
- Shall I leave now? - Okay.
Sharadechi!
Nothing is going to happen.
It's just a false promise.
Where is your mom?
She is in the kitchen.
These bloody politicians.
We can't trust them with anything!
We scheduled today's committee...
for taking some important decisions.
He says this every time.
There are only a few months left for the election.
As part of that, Party secretary Comrade RK
is coming for the district conference.
At least one bus-load of people from this branch should attend that event.
I hope we get enough people to fill at least an auto rickshaw.
Our party which used to rule this Panchayat back in the day,
has only one elected member now.
In fact, that seat was obtained because of Ponnila's personal charisma.
It's high time that we change our working style.
It's not because of us.
It's because of the party's district leadership.
We got beaten up and endured hardships while trying to strengthen the party.
But has the party or the party leadership ever cared for us?
We are not leaving this party...
because we love this party very much.
Comrade Kuttan,
rather than proving a point to the leaders,
we should be working for the betterment of the town and its people.
We should be able to attract new members to the Party with our work,
especially youngsters.
This is what I have to say.
His own son keeps taunting him all the time.
And he is talking about other youngsters!
The Government has announced a house for everyone.
But when we go with an application,
the Panchayat says that there's no land to build houses.
Meanwhile, the ruling party is trying to grab the Government’s wasteland...
to build a party office in it.
Not just a party office,
their plan is to seize the entire land under that guise.
Our party is considering to hold a strong protest against it.
Wow, that's great!
It's been so long since we created some strife, comrade.
Do you see the goosebumps?
- Great! - What is this, Comrade Baby?
As a sign of protest, the Party is planning a march from Neyyassery till Muthalakodam.
Shucks! That spoilt my mood.
Are you going for the protest march? I'm not going.
But what's wrong with a protect march?
We have to walk, right?
But the protest march is only till Karimannoor.
- And the rest? - The rest is a foot march, right?
Then, I will come. You should also come. Okay?
Tea.
- Lentil patties? - Oh no! I don't want lentil patties.
Why don't you want lentil patties ?
My dad became a martyr for this party. Do you know that?
What is the relation between a martyr and lentil patties?
There is no relation?
Every morning, my dad used to come here and eat lentil patties.
He got cholesterol and died of a heart attack, vomiting blood.
Do you know that?
The party cannot bear another lentil patties martyr, Kutta.
You have it.
If no one has anything else to say,
let's conclude for today.
Comrade.
As the treasurer, I have something to say.
What is it?
There's only Rs. 150.50 remaining in the treasury now.
Why do we need money for a protest march?
Well, Comrade,
on the way, we would need tea, posters, spit tobacco etc.
- Spit tobacco? - No.
It came out of my mouth as a flow.
Understood. I get it.
Do whatever you want, Comrade.
Don't bring shame to the party.
Shucks!
- Pappetta. - Yes.
Where is the receipt book?
Comic book?
Novel!
I didn't say anything.
I have to go to the registrar's office.
What for?
Benny agreed to conduct Swayamprabha's marriage...
after I promised to transfer the land and house to him.
Chettayi...
It's fine.
A committed communist should not have personal possessions.
In fact, I am beginning to become a true communist from today.
Please protect me, Jesus.
Who hung this religious picture here?
This is a house of a communist comrade.
All that was till yesterday.
From today onwards, this is Vattakkuttayil Benny's house.
Oh no!
Listen.
You can have your Karl Max and communism in the party office.
I will decide what to hang here and what not to.
It's only now that this has become a house.
So, we have soaked the rice and kept it aside.
When the ghee becomes very hot,
we should put some onions and tomatoes in it and stir fry it very well.
Okay. Now let's add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it.
After this, it's time to add the rest of the masala powders one by one.
What is it for today?
Biriyani.
There will be some rice left from lunch, right Mom?
Yes, rice is there.
You come with your excavator when I finish cooking!
Yeah, right!
Where is my dear fool?
- Who? - My brother-in-law.
Move aside.
Tell me this, Mom. Will you come?
- What? - Tell me whether you will come.
How can I say that?
Why are you talking like that?
He is alone here, right?
You don't need to avoid going because of me.
But he is not alone here, right?
Chettayi is here, right?
Oh, it's all the same even if he's here or not.
It's because I am here that these kids were born.
Three things to take care during the preparation.
What I am saying is only for people who likes variety.
For variety, you take our Che Guevara home, Chechi.
You'll get it from me!
Let me and my Mom live peacefully for some days.
I truly desire that. That's why.
What happened to your government job?
The interview is on the 10th of next month.
If I crack it,
Mom and I will just take off.
We will live a good life after that.
Right, Mom?
I am leaving.
Where are you going?
To harvest Kudukki's bitter gourds.
Have you also started helping others like Chettayi?
Yeah, right! Rs. 1000 is the wage.
- When will you be back? - Morning.
It's because he toils like this...
that things around here move smoothly.
I hope the poor thing gets this job at least.
He will get it, Mom.
Chettayi.
What are you doing?
Come. Come, sit and write.
My dear Chettayi,
isn't it time to stop this writing?
Earliet it was like this.
Regardless of whether it is day or night,
we sit in the party office...
and write posters and short articles.
These flexes and printers came out only now, right?
Taking a print was easier.
The soul of the writing is lost in print.
So, it's not because you don't have money?
I am leaving, Mom.
Benny!
Stop there.
You got everything transferred to your name from your Dad, right?
You are smart.
Get lost.
It's not enough to have a Dad.
You should realize his value too.
Oh, okay.
Oh God, it's with this guy that I wished to live with!
There's not a trace of love for his Dad in this bugger!
Hold it properly.
It was a connecting error. Or else it would have been fine.
This is not yet over?
- It will be over now. - Okay.
We lost to them last time as well
But we should win this time, some way or the other.
Didn't I tell you then that I'll be the captain?
None of you agreed.
Whatever happens, I will be the captain today.
Yeah, right!
My dear Benny, is there any point in changing the stable of a barren cow?
First, you play properly.
Aim for the ground, not the canal when you hit the ball.
My dear Benny Chettayi,
captaincy is not the problem.
It's because we don't practice properly.
You saw what happened yesterday, right?
We couldn't even complete two games properly.
If we had two lights,
we could have really enjoyed the game.
I've casually mentioned it to Sojan Chettan.
He said he will arrange it.
Nobody else will believe those buggers other than you!
They keep on saying that they will arrange it.
Have they done anything useful to us?
- I don't think so. - Hold this.
Hey, let me go!
I won't let you go.
Give me my money.
- I won't let you go if you don't give my money.
What is the issue?
Where do I move my horse knight?
What is the issue, Kolappan Chetta?
Kolappan is your Dad!
Tell us the matter, Chetta.
I won't leave him until he pays Rs. 238 that he owes me.
- Give it, my dear Babycha. - Yeah, right!
I won't leave here until he pays Rs. 362 that he owes me.
Leave me.
Tell us the issue instead of grabbing each other's collars.
Do you know what he gave me after filling his stomach with parotta and beef?
Look at this.
- [Communist Revolutionary Party - Donation receipt for Rs. 500]
I wrote Rs. 500 because I thought you are a poor guy.
I should have shown my true colours and written Rs. 1000.
I will give his money, Chetta.
Leave him.
I don't care which bugger gives it.
I just need my money.
Oh, that's how it is!
You don't know who I really am.
Who are you really?
I said I don't know, right?
- No wonder people call you a fool! - Babycha!
What?
Can't you take up begging as a livelihood?
Are all the politicians like this?
You don't do any work and you...
Look over there.
If he had a job,
we could have gotten him a transfer, right?
The white cockroaches are roaming around!
Benny.
What is it, Sojan Chetta?
Come here.
I was referring to Babychan when I said that.
I really didn't see you standing here.
We understood that.
That is not the issue.
Why is Chettayi opposing the construction of our party office?
He's going house to house, talking nonsense.
The party, especially Shekharettan, is very much interested in this matter.
Shekharettan is the next MLA candidate. You know that, right?
We can't just stand by and watch.
You do what you want, Varkey Chetta.
We are just informing you. That's all.
- Go on. - Okay.
Don't get involved in unnecessary matters.
I made this so that we don't starve because your Mom isn't here.
I'm not talking about what you prepared.
It's about your protests.
I saw Maramattam Varkey and Kuttivalli Sojan today.
You must have been a firebrand back in your day.
At that time, the townsfolk probably talked about it as well.
But the situation is different now.
Nobody is beating you up because of the sentiments they have for me.
Son,
I was in jail at your age.
Yeah, right!
You went to jail for your family, right?
I am saying this...
not out of love for you.
I will have to take care of you if you get a beating.
That's only after I get a beating, right?
You sit down and have this rice now.
I don't want your rice.
Hey, don't take out your anger towards your Dad onto the food.
You can live even if you don't have a Dad.
You can't live if you don't have food.
Sit.
Sit down.
Oh no!
I forgot to bring your favorite chutney.
When I sit with you, I feel 10 years younger.
When I sit with you, I feel 20 years older.
Keep the plate here itself after you finish eating.
I will clean it.
Okay.
The library's anniversary is just a few days away.
You should pay for the painting, stage work and decoration.
Don't ask me to pay it after everything is over.
You shouldn't just collect donations.
We will do all that, Chettayi.
You should do it. That's why I emphasized it.
- Chettayi! - Yes.
RK's press conference is happening now. Come.
I am coming.
Ask Varkey and Sojan to move things forward.
Call me if you need anything.
Come.
- How is your Dad, Kumara? - He is okay.
Come fast.
It's because you are elder to me...
that I have this sentiment.
Henceforth, I will forget that.
I haven't changed at all.
The new Chettayi is still the old Chettayi.
Go, mess with your kind!
Come on, Chettayi.
Get lost, Shekhara.
I will show...
Leave it, Shekharetta.
Nothing will happen here based on his words.
It's not a small amount that we took...
saying that we will get that land behind the party office.
But we didn't get anything.
I'm not talking about the money they stuffed into my throat!
It was for the party fund.
Both are same.
- What? - Nothing.
I will get something from there for both of you.
Say creative things like that.
- Right, Varkey Chetta? - Absolutely.
Start the vehicle, Sojan.
- Come., Varkey. - Okay.
Come fast. It will be over soon.
Speed news is over. Greetings.
Oh no! It got over.
Shucks!
Since we are here, let's have black tea. Sit.
- Three cups of black tea. - Okay.
What is there to eat, Chetta?
We've rice cake.
- Get me a rice cake. - Okay.
Have you seen this RK, Chettayi?
Have I seen RK?
RK and myself were together in jail several times.
Yeah, right!
I don't want that rice cake, Chetta.
Why don't you want the rice cake, Benny?
My stomach got full hearing the bragging.
Shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
I am not getting peace of mind anywhere.
There's jack fruit stew and chutney at home.
We can have it if we go now.
- Shall I drive? - You can.
Okay.
[singing a Tamil song]
- Glass salute. - Forest whiskey...
and game meat.
- It's superb, right? - It smells good.
Who did you think I am?
Even the coconut pieces are so tasty.
You will love this.
Where is my drink? Did you take it?
- No. - Hey,
today is 20th.
Our library's anniversary is on the 1st.
- We know that. - What's our programme this time?
Pettai Rap, as always.
What else?
I am not doing it this time.
My mind is occupied with the Government job test.
If I crack it,
I will be a government employee.
You will get it.
When is your interview?
It's on the 10th.
You still have time for that, right?
What if you are posted at some other place next year as part of your job?
Anyway, we don't need practice since it is Pettai rap.
I know it by heart.
- [starts singing] - Stop it!
We have been doing this for 5 years.
Pettai rap! I will throw this at your face!
Then what will we do?
Shall we do fire dance?
- Yes. - That's good.
Who will teach us?
What?
I will teach you.
- Oh! - Fire dance!
This time, we will hit it out of the park!
That Ponnila...
and her bloody classical dance!
We should slam it.
We will do that. First, you have the game meat.
You won't get it later.
Coconut... coconut.
- Babycha. - Yes.
Will you get upset if I ask you something?
You ask.
Did you hunt down coconuts and put them in this?
You don't have to eat my game meat.
Hey Benny,
you can talk ill of Babychan's coconut dish if you want to.
But don't talk ill of Ponnila's dance.
Is it just her dance?
What is her name?
Ponnila.
She is gold, right?
Stop it.
She doesn't deserve that much praise.
Long ago, these two were in love.
Get lost! Don't lie.
It's not a lie.
We were very close till 8th grade.
- Is it? - Yes.
Then what happened?
Listen.
One day Paruthimala Vipin hit me in front of her.
In order to hit him back in front of her,
I asked Chettayi whether he will send me for karate lessons.
He not only refused to enroll me in karate lessons,
but also sent her for dance classes.
That made me upset.
And then her politics.
With that, I totally hated her.
Were you carrying such a deep sorrow in your heart, my dear?
Yes.
Do you still love her?
I don't know.
Don't worry.
You won't get her.
If you want to get her,
it's not enough that you go behind government jobs.
You should be fortunate!
She is gold, right?
♪ Gold shining in the moon light ♪
Once more.
♪ Gold shining in the moon light ♪
Not the song. Pour one more drink.
Hey, go after eating the game meat.
Get lost, you bugger!
He also left.
Who will drink this now?
Have you actually eaten game meat?
No.
Him and his game meat!
- Hey, stop. - Get lost, you fool!
No wonder your wife doesn't let you in the house!
♪ Will you approach, O' moon-face divine? ♪
♪ Time to stroke your cheeks, so soft they shine ♪
♪ Gift me dreams anew, within my heart's domain ♪
♪ Desire to bloom like a flower, free from life's chain ♪
Who is that?
Are you stealing the Cocoa beans?
It was you?
Yes.
What are you doing here?
I came to see whether I could get some pea seeds.
- Pea seeds in the midnight? - Yes.
When I came this way,
I thought I will ask her.
- That's good. - Who is there?
It's Benny, son of Vattakkuttayil Chettayi.
He came to see whether he will get pea seeds.
Isn't it?
Yes.
This is not Agriculture department's office to get pea seeds.
Don't they have any other job?
Duffer!
Tell me the truth.
You came to see Ponnila, right?
Hey, the truth is that...
my anger towards my Dad ended up being directed at her.
And?
And nothing.
And nothing!
[singing a romantic song]
We can go ahead with it, right?
It's easy.
Look at him scratching his armpit.
Simple.
Everyone will like it.
I am not doing it.
- It's difficult. I am also out. - It's simple.
It's nothing. We just have to use the fire.
It's nothing.
- This won't work. - I am here, right?
We are gonna kill it!
This is an opportunity for our town's male and female artists to perform...
Place your hands like this. 1, 2, 3, 4. Keep your shoulder like this.
Get lost, you fool.
I genuinely hope that this year's library anniversary
will be as splendid as every year's.
I warmly invite Father Ibraham Kizhakkumchal...
to deliver the presidential speech.
To those sitting on stage...
Father has begun.
...my humble greetings.
I have served as both a Father and junior clergy in numerous places.
I witnessed something I hadn't seen in any of those places, in this town.
I saw it. I alone saw it.
Here, everyone lives a life built on hard work.
Oh, true!
You're not the one he had in mind
No, he really didn't mean you.
No?
The culture here is closely knitted with the library.
I asked several people how it came into being.
I got the answer to that from several people.
A generous man donated his land for our library, club,
volleyball court, church, and school, shaping both this town and its culture.
Who is that man?
- Who is that man? - Who is that man?
Who is that?
Another thing which surprised me...
was that he is not a believer of God.
He is an atheist.
He is a communist.
Vattakkuttayil Chettayi.
One day, I asked Chettayi...
What is it?
It's not you? Hey!
It's okay.
Don't be upset.
At least now you realized your Dad's worth.
You have my respect.
Get lost, you rascals!
He is bragging about the sale of 5-6 acres of land...
that my Mom and I were supposed to enjoy.
Didn't you hear it?
It's a new knowledge to me that he donated land for the school and church.
I was supposed to live like a billionaire.
So instead of crying, should I laugh?
It's correct if you think like that.
I consoled you for nothing.
- I am sorry. - I am also sorry.
- Get lost! - A few years ago,
I had the good fortune to visit European countries...
such as Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland.
Father has deviated from the matter and is in a different mood.
I will take care of it now.
One day, while I was walking along Austria's city streets,
a small boy ran towards me.
Please stop instead of prolonging it.
Otherwise, howling along with cobble stones will start. Signed, a believer.
That was a prayer request from a sheep.
So I am wishing the best for this program and concluding my speech now.
Thank you. Greetings.
So our letter worked.
Yes.
Rehearse your steps.
I will check my next step and come back.
Watch your step. Otherwise, you will fall down.
- Do you remember our step? - What?
Chettayi, let's go for a stroll. Come!
Where to?
Let's have two drinks and come back. Come, let's go.
Come, come.
- Give me that lipstick. - Strike on the left and then on the right.
Hey, look at me!
What are you doing?
It was a great dance.
No, no, no.
She made a mistake on the 2nd step of the 3rd line.
No way.
It was all good.
What's behind this new change in you?
We have to slam her classical dance, right?
Hey, if Benny goes and calls her now, she will come with me.
Then why don't you call?
Get me that.
With daring steps that our eyes haven't seen and our ears haven't heard yet,
Master Benny's students present "Fire dance"...
which will take Neyyisheri to heights of excitement!
Performing on the stage are Binumon and Baby.
- Please bless us, Guru. - Oh God!
- Oh Jesus! - Please burn them.
- What? - Please make it grand.
Okay.
- Hey. - Yes.
You are playing with fire.
You should be a bit careful.
You nicely opted out saying that you are the master, right?
We are feeling a bit afraid, right?
Why should we be afraid?
How many fires have we seen?
What if a step goes wrong?
No need to be afraid if a step goes wrong.
- Just set fire to the stage. - Okay.
Should we start with the legs or the hands, master?
- Start with wherever you want. - Start with your nails!
Poor fools.
I hope the townsfolk don't bend them down and set fire to their bums.
- Master! - Yes.
Start the fire.
Start the fire!
Swing it.
These boys are good believers.
They are drawing the cross with fire.
Come here.
- Come. - You come here.
- Come! - I am coming, right?
- Careful with your armpit. - Oh God, is he going for my chest?
No, right?
Shake it, shake it.
Are you setting my leg on fire?
I had to scratch. What the hell are you doing?
Okay. Once again.
Start.
Point.
Move.
Move aside, move aside.
Oh my God!
We are getting huge applause, Babycha. Let's rock!
I am supposed to get these claps.
- It's good, right? - Yes.
I didn't teach them these steps!
Hold hands and lean back.
- Pull my hand. - I will show you, buggers!
Grinder step, Babycha.
- I am not used to this. - Grind, grind.
- Where did he come from? - Look, master is here!
- Oh no! - Oh!
Oh my God!
I think he will set the stage on fire.
This is the talk of the town now.
From old grandmothers to little kids.
Don't think that I am saying this while you are in bed.
Now, everyone in town has sentiments towards you.
- It's true. - Townsfolk will say many such things.
Then they will stop saying it.
How will they stop it? They won't stop.
It was okay if it was a leg or a hand.
That's what got burned, right?
People will forget all this, my dear Babycha.
Will you forget if it was yours that got burned?
No.
What I don't understand is this.
- Ask me. - Not to you!
While we were properly drawing crosses there,
why did you jump in suddenly?
Why did you guys come here in the morning itself?
Is it for consoling me or...
Where is our fireman?
Move aside please. Let me see him.
There is nothing left to see now.
Wow!
What a magnificent posture!
These are some ice cubes.
Okay.
This is caring. He will get good relief.
Get lost!
Careful!
It's a valuable thing, right?
Listen. It's only a small burn.
It didn't fall off.
Oh, there is nothing to worry.
Just be a little cautious while walking.
Shall I leave, fireman?
Call me if you need anything.
- Can you please leave? - Okay then.
I am thinking of leaving this dreadful place and going somewhere else.
But nothing serious happened now, right?
- It happened. - Oh!
If it was the 10th,
I could have left for Trivandrum.
What will you do till then?
It's a problem only if you stay here, right?
Let's do this.
Tomorrow, I am going to the town with the vegetable van.
You come along with me.
You can go. That's fine. But you have to come back here itself, right?
Shucks!
Can you do me one more favour?
What is it?
Can you take this bugger away and dump him somewhere?
Such a nuisance!
- Kudukki. - Yes.
- I will go to a shop and come. - Come back soon. Okay?
Everyone is in whites here!
5+3=8. Balance 1...
My shirt, Chetta.
Didn't I tell you that I am busy and that you should call before you come?
I gave it several days ago, right?
I just stopped by when I came to town for something else.
- Okay. - It's only a minor work, right?
Fix it and give it, Chetta.
- You haven't touched it yet, right? - No.
Hey, move this vehicle.
- Move the vehicle. - One second, Sir. I will move it now.
- Hello. - Come fast.
Some big function is about to start here now.
- Police is asking me to move the vehicle.
Okay. I am coming now.
Okay, okay.
Hey, give me 10 minutes.
I will fix it right away.
I will give it to some other shop and fix it.
But...
Benny!
That too has gone!
Hey Thomman Kunju, the bribe king!
- Resign and get out! - Move the vehicle fast!
- Should I say it with the lathi stick? - I will move it now, Sir.
- You should move it fast. - Okay.
How many times should I ask him to move the vehicle?
Move, move, move.
Thomman Kunju, our brave hero!
Lead us bravely!
Thomman Kunju, our brave hero!
Where are you, bugger?
I am coming.
Police is making a fuss here.
- Move it fast. - I will move it now.
Jai!
- Did you see me? - I didn't see you.
These white guys are too much!
Where are you? I can't see you.
One second. Wait, wait.
Our followers are very excited.
Did you see me?
Hey, look here!
Look here!
Yes! I saw you!
Move aside!
This youngster waved a black flag at the Chief Minister...
after turning a group of protesters into spectators.
He is done for!
What are you doing?
- What is it? - Are you waving a black flag?
Black flag?
I will do what I want. You get lost!
Shekharetta!
Move, move! Shekharetta!
Hey Benny!
He also protested by pushing the next MLA candidate to the ground.
Hey Kudukki!
He made it clear that his protest will not end here.
Take me with you, Kudikki!
- Come here, Kudukki! - Shekharetta,
I will teach him a lesson.
We should not let him get away with this!
This youngster has proclaimed...
that he would wave a black flag wherever the Chief Minister goes.
The smile on his face reflects achieving his goal by parting a large crowd.
He is jumping with excitement.
Look at that, Chettayi.
Look at who your son is waving the black flag at.
It is the Chief Minister.
Was he really waving the black flag?
It looks like that.
Anyway, your bravery should be appreciated.
Waving the black flag alone!
That too, at the Chief Minister!
My dear Sir,
I did it by mistake.
Take a look outside.
Those are their men.
Proper criminals.
It's not safe for you to go alone.
The person you pushed to the ground...
is the MLA candidate for the upcoming election here.
Shekharan.
He has eight criminal cases here itself.
He won't sit idle.
Hello.
Yes, Sir.
Okay, Sir.
Thank you, Sir.
Shekharan is not filing any charges.
Hey duffer!
When Shekharan says that he is not filing charges,
it doesn't mean that you are saved.
It means that Shekharan will take care of you!
But... Sir...
Let's do this.
Drop him at his house, Anand Sir.
Okay.
- Sir. - Okay.
- You can go. - Sir.
hey, you should not touch black again!
No, Sir.
You can go now.
Oh Jesus!
Only a communist's son can do this.
The party comrades had planned to protest against the Chief Minister.
You did that alone.
I am proud of you, my son.
Please accept this garland and bouquet, Comrade.
Red salute!
You are nicely trying to make me join the party, right?
There is no need for that now.
It was a mistake that I made.
Move aside.
Another thing.
It's fine since it's me.
But when you invite someone else to your party,
instead of tying these mango leaves and hibiscus flowers on a stick,
at least consider using a rose.
And this garland.
It's color is gradually changing...
as if you are moving to a different political party!
It will be good if you take care of those things.
Oh no!
- What all hopes we had! - Yes.
It's also our fault.
There were good red roses in comrade Lilly's house.
Smash it!
- Hit it, hit it! - Yes.
Finish it!
It was super!
Don't just stand there. Take the ball.
Why are you not playing?
I am not feeling well.
- Hey. - Yes.
Pappettan is siting there talking to himself.
If she likes the proposal,
rest of the things...
That will happen. All that will happen.
He is like that now.
He can't hear what we say.
He just talks to himself.
We simply shouldn't say anything to him, right?
Do what you can do, you scoundrel!
- Who is it? - I don't know.
Then why did you raise your voice?
He said he will kill me.
What?
Benny, don't be afraid.
It's a simple thing, right?
You just have to be vigilant.
Throw me that ball.
But do you know how to play?
This is how you learn, right?
I smell trouble.
- Shall we go? - Yes.
Shall we leave this place for the time being?
Why?
I am feeling kind of afraid.
No one will come to my home town and harm me.
Oh God!
Hey!
Are you hurt?
No.
Who were they?
I don't know.
Didn't I tell you earlier that I smell trouble?
I was lucky that nothing happened to me.
But let's not take any risk.
Let's go somewhere else for the time being.
Where?
I have an interview in Trivandrum on the 10th.
We will stay in some lodge away from the city.
Okay.
When we return after the interview, things will have cooled off here.
Yes, that's a good idea.
You leave this place as soon as possible.
- Me alone? - Yes.
You should also come with me.
I'm sitting here, afraid and wondering how I'll get back home by myself.
That's why I said let's go to Trivandrum together.
Then what about my peas, bitter gourd and bananas?
You can ask that duffer Babychan to take care of it, right?
Setting them on fire would be better.
I can't come.
- Is it? - Yes.
They hit us both with that vehicle.
Yes.
You were also there when I waved the black flag.
Yes, I was there.
You were also there at the police station.
I was there.
Anyway, I am going to Trivandrum and escape.
You die here hugging your bitter gourd and peas.
What time is our bus?
Where to?
We have to go to Trivandrum, right?
- Are you coming? - I am also coming.
Okay.
Sojan,
the accounts are not tallying whichever way I put it.
We have to loot some money somehow, Varkeychaya.
It's Chettayi!
What happened, Chettayi?
Did you come to the wrong party office?
Varkey,
what Benny did was a mistake.
You should not do anything to him again.
What are you saying we did to him, Chettayi?
No outsiders will come here and do this without you informing them.
It should not happen again.
Varkeychaya,
who do you think Chettayi is?
When we see something on the treetop,
Chettayi will see it from the sky.
What you guessed is correct, Chettayi.
But we can't do anything.
You can go now, Chettayi.
If something happens to my son,
I will stab your chest with one like this.
- Hey! - Yours too!
You know, right?
If I say it, I will do it.
There is no need, leader. Leave it.
It was a mistake from his side, right?
What happened, Sojan?
Did you move over to the non-violent path?
Chettayi, his Dad, came and threatened us.
He has only around seven followers.
Moreover, we are already watching him closely.
That's exactly what I am saying.
If Chettayi troubles us again, we will finish him off.
He and his protests!
Leave it, leader.
That Benny is not that much of a troublemaker.
Moreover, he left town fearing for his life.
Maybe we can make him say an apology.
He has gone to Trivandrum.
Leave him to me.
I will take care of it.
The lodge that you took is great.
I wasn't carried away by mosquitoes...
because the bed bugs were firmly biting and holding me down.
What a fresh joke!
Hold this.
- Run! - I already ran!
Oh mother of God! They are going to kill me!
You can't catch me!
I won't get that job again, Mom.
It's alright, son.
You can get another job if you try again.
I don't think I can do anything now, Mom.
Don't you know?
I wanted to become a police officer.
Don't you know how much I struggled for that?
I cleared all the tests.
Just because two random people copied during the test,
they have held back the rank-list.
These politicians have made it impossible
for me to live in this town,
or my own home.
Stay strong, son.
In a single day,
what all happened in my life?
I'm fortunate to still be alive.
Stay calm, son.
My son will write the test again,
and get a job too.
Listen! I'll get you a cup of tea.
Forget that job, man!
Let's just start some farming and rear a couple of cows.
This land will give us what we need to survive!
Do you know how many years I had struggled for this?
Hey!
If there's fertile land,
and a willingness to work hard,
we can survive anywhere!
I can give you fertile land.
Are you willing to work hard?
No! Never!
Then stop blabbering and drink it!
Anyway, the issues are solved now, right?
Have a drink, man!
Drink it!
Aren't you okay now? It's very simple.
Don't stress; let your mind be free.
Stay active through volleyball games and spending time at the library.
Everything will be alright.
I'll have a few drinks with Babychan's coconut scrape curry and head home then.
Go ahead! Drink!
Coconut scrapes shot down by Babychan!
[Singing a song from "Vaishali"]
Kudukki, where are you?
I'm at home.
Hey! Don't step out of your house now.
I'm in trouble.
I'll be at Ponnila's house.
I'll tell you!
Ponnila!
Ponnila, open the door!
- Benny? - What happened, son?
- I was slashed. - Come here.
Mom, get some medicines.
Sit down.
Let me see.
Did you see who it was?
I don't know.
They're not from here. Careful!
Slowly!
[knocks on door]
Ponnila, it's me!
It's Chettayi.
What happened, son?
Oh no!
It's nothing.
I'm getting scared.
Hey, Benny!
This is not a small issue, unlike what you think.
I know more about politics than you do.
We must figure out a compromise somehow.
Until then, it's better that you stay away from here.
Son!
Ponnila is right.
I'll go to Jerry's place in Coimbatore.
He might get me some job.
Running away won't solve anything, Benny.
I'm the one who got slashed, right?
If it was you...
Forget Coimbatore. You'd have escaped to Gokarna!
These aren't mosquito bite marks!
I've both assaulted and been assaulted.
I didn't succumb to death even after all of this,
not because I'm Vattakkuttayil Chettayi,
but because an institution stood by my side.
Regardless of how long you're gone,
you'll remain Vattakkuttayil Benny when you return.
Those who attacked you today,
will still be here when you return.
What do you suggest that I do?
If a red flag and the AKG centre...
could protect you at least temporarily,
this institution can protect you from being killed, lifelong.
Benny, my son...
You don't have to listen to anyone.
These people are crazy about their party.
You try to escape to some other place.
Hey!
Aren't you going to Jerry's place in Coimbatore?
I'm not going, Mom.
Let me see if I can survive here.
We survived on three meals a day until now.
What are you up to, Benny?
Tell your mother that a lion's son won't end up being a donkey.
Yeah, right. So, when you come back...
the lion and donkey should buy some groceries as well.
We've run out of groceries.
Come on, son.
Seeing the change in you has awakened her inner bourgeois.
Do you refer to people who ask us to buy household groceries as bourgeois?
At some special instances, we may have to call them that.
- Hop on, Chettayi. - Am I allowed to?
At some special instances, you are allowed.
Well, before that... I need to tell you something.
I want to meet that...
PK... or KK...
- Who was that? - You mean, Comrade RK?
Yes, him.
- I need to meet him. - The State Secretary?
I don't care if he's the State Secretary or the District Secretary.
I need to meet him.
I need to talk to him.
Do you have 10 Rupees on you?
To meet him?
I can give him 10 or 20. That's not an issue.
20 won't be necessary.
First, you should pay Rs. 10 and get a temporary membership of the Party.
Then, the Party will analyse you for six months.
After that, if the Party feels that you are fit to join them,
you'll get a permanent membership.
Oh!
The bye-laws are quite strict, huh?
Yes, they are.
It's alright.
Hop on, Chettayi.
Wait and watch, son.
Sooner or later, our red flag will soar high in Delhi.
Before that, see that your flag here stays put.
Two young gems are joining our Party today.
Benny and Binumon.
I invite Comrade Chettayi to welcome them to the Party,
with a red garland.
- Red Salute! - Red Salute!
Explain the party's bye-laws to the new comrades, Ponnila.
Okay.
Pappetta, shall we go to the hospital?
- Huh? - Don't you want to treat your ear?
Yes!
So, we needn't be scared of being beaten up now.
We've joined the Party, right?
Why don't you look happy?
I think all my calculations have gone wrong.
There are only ten people here.
And one of them is Dimwit Baby.
He's a good-for-nothing.
He'd escape at the very mention of a fight!
The rest are all toothless old men!
What protection can we get from them?
So, it's certain that we'd get beaten up?
Yes, almost.
Then, why didn't we join the opposite Party?
We could have.
I gave it a deep thought.
But the chances to get beaten up quickly are really high.
So, I dropped that idea.
- Hold this. - Why?
I have resigned!
I'm cutting all ties with you!
Kudukki, don't make hasty decisions.
Come here. Sit down.
He'll see the end of me!
I find my courage in both you and Baby.
Oh!
Why are you two sitting here?
Just like that.
Are you scared?
- No way! - I am scared.
Anyway, no one will enter the party office and beat you up.
Happy to hear that!
To be frank, we're trapped.
I have no idea what to do.
- Me too. - I got into this mess,
and also lost the job I longed for.
Seems like life is slipping away from me.
Hey, Benny!
Chettayi didn't recruit you into the Party without a motive.
It will have a hundred meanings.
You'll realize it gradually.
Aren't you educated?
Just give it a thought.
Didn't you just say that you find your courage in Kudukki and Baby?
If there are ten more people along with them,
wouldn't you gain more courage?
Yeah, right. Dream on!
[Martyrs don't die]
Martyrs....
I need a photo of each of you two.
What for?
It will come in handy!
♪ Let me pay my homage to you ♪
He's just kidding!
How was the game?
Oh! It wasn't so great.
What happened?
We want to play for some time after work hours,
but we're unable to play even two games.
We can't see anything.
It would be easier if there were two more lights.
We're fed up of asking the Panchayat.
There's no point in relying on the Panchayat members.
They'll just give false promises.
What did the MLA say when he came the last time?
That he'll sort it immediately, right?
And did we get anything?
What else can we do?
Shall we tie nets on all four sides,
change this poor set-up,
and build an awesome flood-light court?
Ah! That will be awesome!
We needn't go around searching for the ball.
How's that possible?
If all of us take an initiative, it's possible.
What do you mean, Benny Chetta?
All the members of our club
will contribute whatever small amount they can afford.
The remaining cost will be my responsibility.
We'll do it together.
Will you stand by me?
What a question, Benny Chettayi!
We are with you! We will rock this!
In that case...
Okay! Set!
♪ Let the flag ascend the sky so high, In the clear expanse, it dances nigh ♪
♪ In battles fierce, your courage found, Beneath the surface, wars resound ♪
♪ An empire's touch within your reach ♪
♪ Sparks in words and glances, lessons each ♪
♪ Raging fires spread, hearts ignite, In every soul, they burn so bright ♪
♪ A sea of people's mighty roar, Ocean's depths, their spirits soar ♪
♪ Approach the field with cautious tread, Every step counts, where heroes tread ♪
♪ Dream of skies, let your vision glide, Through watchful eyes, aspirations wide ♪
Very good, Benny.
The boys are so happy!
Isn't it for our town, Chetta?
That's it!
Great job!
We've yearned for this for such a long time.
Yes! All this was possible because you took the initiative, Benny Chettayi.
Or else, we'd still be waiting in vain, relying on Varkey and Sojan.
Will you all stand by me?
To do one more good deed?
What is it?
We need to change the roof of Sharadechi's house.
They're really struggling.
The Panchayat has been fooling them too.
Just one Sunday of collective effort from all of us will get it done.
Go ahead and promise them, Chettayi.
We are with you!
Go ahead! Continue the game!
Very good, Benny!
I don't understand.
What's wrong with you?
You're renovating the court, changing Sharadechi's roof.
How much money did you spend?
Did you understand the meaning of what Ponnila said that day?
- No. - That's what!
Make yourself clear.
Did you see the photos at the party office?
EMS, Nayanar, AKG...
- How did they become leaders? - How?
When others felt that they were saying the right thing!
Isn't that why people rallied behind them when they called?
So, are you going to be a leader?
You don't want to get beaten up, right?
Yes!
[Comrade Sreedharan, 20th commemoration]
Red Salute, Comrades!
Comrades...
Red Salute!
The martyrdom of Comrade Sreedharan...
turns 20 years old today.
- Martyr? - As long as I can remember...
I've been hearing the name, Comrade Sreedharan.
Chettayi, didn't my father collapse to death?
- Yes. - In front of that martyr,
- I pay my homages. - Why is he lying then?
I joined the party only recently.
At least some of you may be thinking, "What nonsense is he uttering?"
As we know,
- What is he saying? - 20 years back,
our beloved Comrade Sreedharan...
united the labourers and the underprivileged,
to commence farming, taking on the town's landlords and bourgeoisie.
He had to face constant threats from those landlords and bourgeoisie...
Didn't our beloved Sreedharettan collapse to death,
unable to handle that mental pressure?
So, I'm stating that...
Sreedharettan's death was not a natural death.
Comrade Sreedharan is a martyr, by all means.
So,
for the dream that Sreedharettan saw then,
and for a brighter tomorrow when goodness prevails,
beckoning all of you to awaken,
I conclude my words.
Thank you, everyone.
I am dispersing this commemoration meet.
Long live the revolution!
Long live the martyrs!
May the prison cells tremble in shock!
May the handcuffs be broken!
May the slave chains be destroyed!
May the vulture soar low!
May the waves of the Arabian sea tremble!
Long live the revolution!
How many are there behind us?
Around 10-30 guys.
If four people come at us now, will they be able to touch us?
No.
This 30 should become 300.
And 300 should become 3000.
Long live the revolution!
That's enough.
What all utter nonsense did your son say?
I'm afraid he might publicly declare tomorrow that I'm not his father.
Yes, you should be afraid.
You must!
This has been going on for a while.
Come. Both of you come and eat something.
Hey, hey!
Don't grow up so quickly!
Someone here is terrified of getting you married.
As long as you're here for us, I'm not scared about it.
Yes! That's my confidence as well.
Have the drink, man!
What are you thinking about?
I should have finished him right then and there.
But it was you guys who initiated a compromise talk.
But we shouldn't spare him any more.
I'm still saying that we should not make any move.
If we hadn't messed with him then, he wouldn't have grown so much.
If we mess with him again, he will grow even further.
He is Vattakkuttayil Chettayi's son.
No one has to get involved in this any more.
I know what to do.
Come, Chettayi. Let's go home.
You go ahead.
I'm on a hunger strike for Ukraine...
for another 15 minutes.
The time is over in Ukraine.
You and your hunger strike!
Hop on! Let's go home and eat something.
Though what you spoke about Comrade Sreedharan was utter nonsense,
I liked that you repaired the volleyball court,
and renovated Sharadechi's house.
After all, you've decided to follow my path.
Red Salute!
Wait, Chettayi.
Are you crazy?
What did you think?
You think I did all of this out of my desire to offer a helping hand?
Then you are wrong.
My politics is not your politics, Chettayi.
People should rally behind me upon my command.
And for that, helping them is the best strategy!
I fostered that goodwill,
and I will continue to expand it.
Hop on now! Red salute!
Farmers are the lifeline of India.
I am with the farmers.
This will be awesome.
Now, for the youngsters...
Okay, thank you.
The likes are growing!
My dear Chettayi, I'm unable to live because of that loser.
Tell me the matter.
All the cow-pea seeds I got from the Panchayat, to give at the fourth ward...
He broke into my house and stole them.
And he gave it to some random guys who do no work.
I'm certain they'd simply stir-fry it.
[Free seed distribution for farmers]
- Smile. - Money is not at all an issue for me.
- Yes, yes. - But your health...
That's more important for me.
Take it, take it.
How's it?
The issue is quite complicated.
Yes.
This is not at all an issue for me.
First, you write a proper complaint.
Address one copy to the Chief Minister and another one to the District Collector.
And one copy to me.
I'll sort the rest.
Carry on, brothers.
How are you going to sort this?
These are just false promises.
Oh! Like that!
I'm not receiving as many likes as I expected for the banana tree photo.
Now, let me show some animal love.
Nice!
Benny Chetta!
- What is it, guys? - Chetta, we're from St. Mary's College.
You should inaugurate our Arts Day this time.
It's usually done by movie stars, right?
But you are the hero of this season, Chetta.
That's true.
- But should I come? - It's our college. You must come.
- Okay then. - Chetta, can I take a selfie?
Yes!
#FirebrandBenny
- Don't forget. - Okay.
Nice!
It feels good!
Kingini!
The groom's family had called after meeting my grand-daughter.
They said that they like her.
I have around five to eight sovereigns of gold with me.
I have no idea how I'll manage the rest.
You are my confidence.
She is alone at home.
I'm leaving.
Aren't you all happy?
Your presence made the function special, Chetta.
Okay then! See you for the next function!
- Okay, Chetta. - Okay!
- Bye. Good night. - Good night.
What are you doing here, Chettayi?
I stayed here, having noticed your parked bike.
Where did you go?
My dear Chettayi, I don't have time for anything.
Prize distribution, Arts Day inauguration...
I am the hero now, right?
You're not on the right path.
I am your son, Chettayi.
But Chettayi, in politics, people would notice us only if we do certain things.
So strange!
I was about to be a Government employee,
but now I've become a politician.
Politics isn't as bad a profession as it may seem.
And I became vexed with you over a trivial issue.
I need to clear that.
Will you tell me the truth?
About what?
Long ago, you didn't permit me to learn Karate despite my request.
But you sent Ponnila to learn dance.
- Why? - Oh!
So, that's the matter?
Ponnila had a strong desire,
and you didn't.
How did you realize that?
You got many opportunities to learn it, didn't you?
And did you learn it?
Ponnila is still learning dance.
But that's not your issue, my son.
If I express a desire, will you fulfil it for me?
Tell me what it is. Let me hear it.
Will you give me your Ponnila?
It's really late. Let's go.
Hey! Say something!
Never!
Start your bike.
Why are you talking like this now?
That's how I talk now.
Our house is not far from here.
You can walk home.
Chettayi, don't be upset!
Ponnila!
Come here.
I'll tell you something that will make you happy.
As you told me earlier,
to prevent losing my house and 50 cents of land,
I have decided something.
What?
Stop nodding your head and tell me what it is.
I've decided to get married.
You've decided?
The wedding will happen on the nearest auspicious date.
With whom?
With you!
You think you can decide that all by yourself?
Well, didn't you want to look after Chettayi until his death?
I will look after him.
After that, I'll eat him up too.
For that, I don't have to marry you, right?
What's with this sudden change?
Change?
Everyone has changed, right?
Ponnila, I'm really serious.
Hey! Doesn't "Firebrand" Benny have any inaugurations to do today?
Get going! I have other work to do.
He thinks he's a big politician!
He doesn't want his father, and he's fooling the townsfolk!
And he wants to marry me!
It's really screw...
Oh my God!
In all my years, I've never heard such insults and contempt.
If I was in his place, I would've committed suicide, thrice!
Stop it, you dogs!
She just said so, in that moment.
Her heart is full of love for me.
I saw that from the top of the tree.
I wish I was there too.
Someone has played a game.
Both he and she said the same thing.
I suspect him.
I'll set him straight today itself.
Hey!
Chettayi!
You loser!
Come out!
Or do you want me to come inside?
I need you here, all alone.
You can't give me your Ponnila?
What do I lack?
Huh?
I'm asking you!
What do I lack?
Everything is lacking in you.
Am I not a famous politician?
Politician!
Why do you have so much contempt for politicians?
Didn't you tell me that politics isn't as bad a profession as it may seem?
And now you're changing your word?
Politics isn't a bad profession.
But your politics is quite bad.
Oh!
What the hell did you make by living an idealistic political life?
Except for some slashes and scars!
I was the Branch Secretary twice,
Area Secretary once,
and District Committee member once.
Are these mean feats?
Then how did you end up like this?
If the party takes a stand that's against out ideology, I will oppose them.
If I lose my posts because of that,
it doesn't matter to me.
What gave you the confidence to put up a show at Varkey's and Sojan's office?
Aren't you the one who made me don this avatar?
I was about to escape to Coimbatore.
I'm asking you!
Why did you ask me to stay back?
Consider it my selfishness.
If you leave,
who else do I have here?
I'm not sad that the Party has abandoned me.
But when my family abandons me,
it's much beyond what I can bear.
Even you started talking to me, only recently.
What wrong did I do to you people?
Chettayi!
Come, let's have dinner.
I don't need it.
You have dinner and go to bed.
I was just kidding earlier.
Please don't think about all that now.
Come, Chettayi. Let's have dinner.
It's not because of that.
I don't feel good.
I'll sort that out.
- Here you go. - Pour some water!
No way!
This is not foreign-made.
It's forest-whiskey.
It should burn your insides!
Drink it!
Hey!
Do you know what your problem is?
You don't mingle with people.
Then, you have some loser friends,
and silly ideologies.
Instead of lazing around on this chair,
can't you go to Dincy's or Jincy's houses and play with your grandchildren?
I can go only if they call me, right?
Why should they call?
You should barge in.
For that, Vattakkuttayil Chettayi should be born again!
Oh! That would be difficult!
Hey! Don't get me drunk at midnight,
and talk nonsense to me!
Both your sisters keep calling your mother every now and then.
They come here often and take her with them.
Nobody even bothers to inquire whether I'm alive here or not.
Once daughters grow up, they need only their mother.
It's just that I didn't carry them in a womb for ten months.
Who realizes a father's love?
Cheer up, Chettayi.
I'm with you, right?
I'll suffocate you with love!
And about my sisters!
Leave that to me.
Are you drinking this or should I..?
Fix two drinks.
You?
How come you're here unannounced?
- Where's Mom? - She has gone to church with my child.
What happened to you?
- What is this? - Read it.
I'm aware that you keep bringing Mom to your house often to take care of her.
I express my heartfelt gratitude and love for that.
But hereafter, there will be a correction.
Bringing only our Mom to your place is not possible hereafter.
I instruct those who take her, to take Chettayi also with them.
If I notice any kind of change in this,
my reaction would be really severe and violent.
Yours lovingly, your younger brother.
There's a reason why I don't bring Dad here.
He keeps walking barefoot, smoking Beedis.
And to show him affection, I've never felt that Dad has shown any affection to me.
That's not the reason.
If you bring Mom, you can make her do household work here.
If Mom falls ill, will you look after her?
Who are you to ask me all this?
Vattakkuttayil Chettayi's son, Benny.
"Firebrand" Benny.
Within 24 hours...
Or let that be!
If Mom doesn't reach home by 6 p.m. today,
This is for my other sister!
When I try to hold myself back...
she's putting up a drama!
To show affection to you,
you've never shown them any affection.
That's what they are saying.
When daughters cross a certain age,
fathers tend to maintain a certain distance from them.
That's not because they don't love them.
That's a father's common sense.
It's the mother who should make them understand that.
And I agree with my sisters about one thing.
What's wrong if you walk wearing some footwear, decently?
My father was a Congressman.
Once I told my father,
that I also wanted to become a politician.
My father asked me why.
I didn't have an answer for that.
Dad asked me to go to Pulleri colony and meet the people there.
I met them.
I found my answer to why I should become a politician, on that day.
I removed my slippers there, on that day.
In front of those who are suffering,
I can't stand wearing footwear, Benny.
When life becomes simple,
experiences grow.
That is Communism.
Spirituality is the same too!
You should see things that others don't see.
Politics isn't about gathering people by speaking lies.
The day you make an intervention in at least one persons's life,
when he really needs it,
you will become a good politician.
And a good human being too.
Mom, I'm leaving.
Ponnila!
Excuse me!
I need to tell you something.
The day you make an intervention in at least one persons's life,
when he really needs it,
you will become a good politician.
That is Communism.
Spirituality is also the same.
- Understood? - No.
That means,
the day you make an intervention in at least one persons's life,
when he or she really needs it,
you will become a good politician.
I understood that.
But why are you saying it now?
Ponnila!
I have decided to intervene.
Where?
You're a fatherless child, right?
Why shouldn't I intervene?
I will intervene.
If you really want to intervene,
I'm running late. Drop me at the Panchayat office.
That's not the intervention I meant.
I know what you're coming at, "Firebrand".
Stop fumbling and mind your own business.
Chettayi's marking is completely wrong.
Spirituality! Nonsense!
Chettayi!
The groom's family has asked us to conduct the wedding on the 20th.
20th is really close, Pappetta.
Yes.
The groom has to return immediately after the wedding.
Including the party workers, acquaintances and townsfolk,
there will be at least 400 people, for sure.
If you talk to Surendran, we can get the temple's wedding hall.
When we go to buy gold, you must come along with us.
They will give us gold, only upon your assurance.
You know, right?
I'm not really capable.
You should be handling the wedding feast and everything else too.
Well,
who am I saying all this to?
You've conducted so many weddings!
What's this one wedding for you?
Let me go meet the priest.
I'm inviting him first.
Okay.
What do we do now, Chettayi?
I have no idea, dear.
Pappettan has entrusted me with everything.
He doesn't know that I don't have any money.
Chettayi, this is all I have.
- I will... - No, dear.
I'll knock on one more door, as a final attempt.
It will happen!
No way!
Since one girl didn't have a father, you got her married.
And now you're trying to get another girl married, since she doesn't have a mother?
Shouldn't we give thought to what's left here?
You don't have to shoulder such heavy responsibilities any more, Chettayi.
I will run this family somehow.
For democracy!
#FirebrandBenny
Let it rage!
I'll set you straight!
Come on!
Both you and I know that it was an accident.
Yet, you want to mess with me.
Do you think you can leave this place after messing with me?
And Shekharetta,
that MLA chair that you were dreaming for?
You may lose it!
That means,
I will take it.
If you come at me another time,
you won't leave the same way you arrived.
Get going, Shekharetta.
Move away!
- Hello? - Hello, Chettayi!
The caterers are here.
I don't know what to tell them.
You talk to them.
Here you go.
Chettayi, this is Sudhakaran.
So, what's the plan?
We'll make it grand, right?
- Yes. - So, 16 varieties of curries,
and four desserts?
We'll plan it that way, right?
You didn't say anything, Chettayi.
Do whatever is required, Sudhakaran.
Okay, Chettayi.
That's how he speaks.
She...
She is his daughter as well.
- Hello? - Hello, Ponni?
Vattakkuttayil Benny here.
Why have you called now?
- Any change in your decision? - No.
I'll give you some more time.
Give it a deep thought.
Not necessary!
Where's Mom?
She's here.
Did you eat something?
Why are you inquiring about unnecessary things?
Just hang up!
Benny!
Son,
can you do anything for Pappettan?
I have given him my word.
That's why.
If I mortgage this house and property,
the co-operative society has agreed to give me a loan.
And how are you planning to repay it?
I've told you several times that it's not possible.
And after all that happened,
I let go of everything and got close to you,
because I thought you'd choose my path.
I'll tell you something else.
I'll never choose your path.
Go and sleep, for the time being.
Oops!
Where's Chettayi?
I don't know!
Did he leaver early in the morning?
Are you still grinding it?
I'm starving!
Make it fast!
Go have a bath, boy!
Go!
Tea.
Did Chettayi come here?
- No. - No?
No.
Don't ask me about the stage.
Discuss everything with Chettayi, okay?
- Pappetta! - Yes!
Did you see Chettayi?
Painting work is going on at home.
He had told me that he'll come there.
But he didn't turn up.
What are you doing here?
Did Chettayi come here?
No.
Chettayi has been missing since morning.
I had inquired at the party office and the tea shop.
Is there any other place where he could go?
He goes to the branch committee office sometimes.
Okay.
- Kuttetta! - Yes!
What is it, Benny?
Did Chettayi come here?
No. What happened?
Chettayi has been missing since yesterday.
Was there any issue at your house?
No.
Hey, wait.
Chettayi isn't the person you judge him to be.
We were a bunch of people nobody cared about.
He's the one who made our lives better.
You stay calm.
We will also search for him.
I inquired at all the party offices and houses of all the Comrades I know.
Now, the only remaining option is to file a police complaint.
That's not what I suspect.
Since he couldn't get hold of you,
would Shekharan have done something to Chettayi?
Sojan!
Chettayi is missing.
If I come to know that you've hurt Chettayi because of your grudge against me,
I will finish all of you.
I'm out of control now.
Benny!
Didn't you tell Shekharettan that day,
that you might take up the MLA's chair that Shekharettan has been dreaming of?
He understood what you meant.
Hence, he won't come after you again.
Even I'm worried that Chettayi has gone missing.
I will inquire in my own way.
It's been two days since Chettayi went missing.
I don't know, Ponnila.
I don't know where to look for him.
Why are you searching for Chettayi?
He's a father you never wanted, right?
What's with this sudden love for him?
Ponnila, you...
You never gave him peace of mind at his own house.
Haven't you told me,
that it's not enough to have a father,
but I should realize his value too?
I never realized it then.
If I hated my Chettayi for the past 10 years,
within the past 10 days,
my love for him has grown a thousandfold.
In these past two days,
I traversed every path Chettayi had walked.
Chettayi hasn't destroyed anything, Ponnila.
Instead, he has bestowed dreams upon a thousand people.
Without my Chettayi,
and his dreams,
I cannot survive, Ponnila.
Son, did you see Chettayi?
Hey! Don't project your anger towards your dad onto the food.
You can survive, even if your dad isn't with you.
Hello?
Huh?
Chettayi!
Dad!
What the hell did you do, Dad?
I looked for you everywhere!
Get up. Come, let's go.
I'm not coming.
I asked you to get up.
You had told me that running away won't solve anything.
And when a small issue arose,
you ran away without thinking of anyone else.
If you're not with me,
who else do I have, Dad?
Come, Dad!
I'm not coming.
How will I face Pappettan?
Don't worry. Just come.
Come!
When so much was happening here,
where did you run away to?
Huh?
- What? - It's nothing.
It's not enough to see the wedding.
You need to hear it as well, right?
So, Dad had gone to buy a gift for his friend,
on the wedding day itself.
It wasn't nearby.
It was quite far.
Wasn't it?
Can you hear me?
- Pappetta! - Huh?
Let the function continue.
How did all this happen, son?
You have told me that
we have to intervene in a person's life, when they really need it.
I made a small intervention in my own style, Dad.
Dad,
if a wedding has to happen,
we need two things.
First is gold.
These are all already decided.
What's with this sudden change now?
Our family isn't desperate enough to hold a wedding
by taking 8.5 sovereigns of gold.
Yes!
We're not interested in this alliance. You may leave.
Have all of you finished speaking?
Kudukki, haven't you got everything?
Yes!
Now, I'll tell you something.
Don't you all know that giving or accepting dowry is a crime?
I've captured everything you said.
You'll go behind bars for 11 years.
How old are you, Grandpa?
81.
So, Grandpa's fate is sealed.
How about you, Uncle?
- 65. - Aww.
So, he has enough time to enjoy his stint there.
- Enjoy! - Huh?
Let all that be.
What's your opinion?
My dear brother, it's not because I'm scared hearing what you said.
And about the gold.
I've never spoken anything about it.
They were being rigid about it.
I'll snatch her, come what may.
So, the groom is okay.
Grandpa, shall I leave?
Wait!
Palaykkal family isn't desperate enough to live off the dowry from the bride's family.
Yes. We have enough wealth for him and his next two generations to live happily.
Even otherwise, who even accepts dowry these days?
Wow! Awesome!
So, it's all good.
Now, once we leave,
if Palaykkal family has any sort of confusion,
to know who I am,
just do a search on the internet.
"Firebrand" Benny.
- Shall we leave, dude? - Let's go.
Dad!
Our generation doesn't need gold, Dad.
That's a tradition followed by you elderly people.
And.. the feast.
We don't have to employ caterers for that.
Stop carrying those bananas and do some work.
Get lost, you idiot!
Look, Dad!
See how many mothers are preparing the feast!
My mother is the greatest cook I've seen in my life.
Like that, see how many mothers are here!
Haven't you told me,
that we should open our eyes and see everything around us?
I saw it, Dad.
The vegetables for three or four such weddings,
are being farmed in our town itself.
See who all are standing there.
Kuttiveli Sojan and Maramattam Varkey.
Your enemies!
This is the politics of this place, Dad.
What did you gain by attacking, shooting and killing each other?
As far as our generation is concerned, we have only one politics, Dad.
That's love.
Without bothering about religion, caste or politics,
if a few compassionate people come together,
a wedding is just a simple task that can be conducted easily.
You needn't sell off all your assets for that.
You are a "Firebrand" indeed!
No way. I am just Benny, Dad.
I just added your "Firebrand" prefix when I was in need of it.
Chettayi...
If I ask you something, will you do it for me?
Ask me, dear.
Can you give your Benny to me?
You are my children!
In that case, if we get two garlands and two bouquets,
we can make it happen right away.
Right? Even the feast is ready!
Shall we consider that?
- No, Dad. - Why?
Let us romance for a while.
- Right? - Yes.
My dear Saint!
I lit candles for you, for so long,
and you never gave me what I asked for.
But you gave me two things, without me asking for them.
My dad and my Ponnila.
This is for my 33rd Government job test.
If you grant this also to me,
you'll be the greatest saint ever!
Wish me well!