Gargi (2022) - full transcript

'I was spellbound'

Water?

Don't be so loud
They are writing an exam

Sorry

Water?

'Gargi, your amma called
How did the meeting go?'

'Is your alliance fixed?'

'No, akka'

'No, akka not yet'

'Oh! Is that so?
Did he call you?'

'No, akka'



'No, akka I'm quite tense'

- Hello
- 'Hi'

- Tell me
- 'Invigilation, huh?'

Quick, tell me

Your parents are
happy about us, right?

'Gargi'

- What?
- 'Don't know how to break this to you'

What happened?

'My parents are expecting an Innova car
and 15 lakhs in fixed deposit as dowry'

'That's why-'

What is this, Pazhani?

Even after my father agreed
to bear the entire wedding expense

Do you need an Innova car now?

You know how much
he will struggle even for this?



I swear I won't trouble
my father beyond this

'Hey... hey!
Cool... cool'

'I was just pulling your leg'

'In a split second
you got so heated up'

How can you be kidding about this?

'Idiot! For some unavoidable reason
if our wedding gets called off'

'You aren't even bothered
that we will break up'

'But you're concerned only about
your appa being hassled, right?'

'Anyway, had lunch?'

No

Only after the exam

'What lunch has your mother packed?'

Her favorite 'upma', huh?

'Doesn't my mother-in-law to-be
know to cook anything other than upma?'

'Will our wedding menu have
variety or just only upma?'

'Stop writing Tie your papers'

Check if you've written your name
and roll number in the additional sheets

Quick

Time's up!

What are you still writing?

Hmmm... good

'Monsoon session of Parliament
has commenced for the month of July'

'Chennaiites woke up this morning
to this horrifying, heartbreaking news'

'In Chennai, about a month ago'

'A 9 year old girl was drugged by
four out of State workers in her area'

'And gang raped her'

'Following a thorough probe conducted
by an exclusive task force set up for this'

'The four accused in this case'

'...were arrested in Khurda
railway station in Odisha'

'And were brought to Chennai'

'The police who interrogated them
secretly for the past 1 month'

'The four accused will be produced
in court with concrete evidence tomorrow'

'Madam, isn't this your area?'

Don't know, Anna

Press & Media report address
and area in all the TV channels

But later claim names have
been changed for privacy!

By then the history of the victim
will be known to the entire city

What kind of journalism is this!

No one is safe anymore, sir

She is just a 9 year old kid

As far as I know, this is the third
or fourth similar case this year

'How can they heartlessly do this
to a young innocent girl?'

That's why background check
of all employees is important

Otherwise it will
backfire like this

'Breaking News'

'In the gang rape case
of a 9 year old girl in Chennai'

'In addition to the arrest
of the four accused'

'A fifth person has been arrested
creating a furor in the neighborhood'

'While the four accused,
arrested earlier were from North India'

'It turns out, the 5th person
who was arrested today'

'...is a local resident living in
the same neighborhood as the victim'

'Gargi'

'Only if I make you kneel down
on the ground will your brains work'

'Why didn't you bring them?'

'Didn't I tell you yesterday
to bring your parents?'

'Why didn't you do so?'

How dare you stare back
in stony silence?

Don't you have brains?

Dinakaran, what are you doing?

'She's a kid'

'You mean her, sir?'

'She doesn't do her homework
or pay attention in the class'

'Didn't bring her parents
though I had told her'

'Not bothered
to send her for tuition'

'You go, Dinakaran
I'll handle this'

Please leave, Dinakaran

- Do what you want!
- Go

I was also like you

I was a hopeless student

My father used to
beat me black and blue

I went for tuition, studied well
and look where I am now

I teach Mathematics now

I'll talk to your mother

Every evening you must
come for tuition, Gargi

Only then you can pass, understand?

What do you want?

Fail or pass?

Fail or pass?

Fail or pass?

Fail or pass?

'Pass... pass... take out your bus pass'

'Ladies who haven't bought tickets,
please ask and get now'

'Show me your pass'

- Good evening, miss
- What happened?

Bicycle chain slipped

- Not coming for tuition?
- I'll park my cycle and come

Wait, let me help you

Did you consult the eye doctor?

Where is your beloved husband, ma?

Why didn't he come to pick me up?

'Not getting enough salary'

'He has gone to check with Bhanu Anna
if he can get him some other job'

If you had told me
I wouldn't have waited, no?

'Don't harp on it, I forgot'

'Consult the eye doctor tomorrow'

'We must never postpone anything'

Where is Akshara?

'She has gone out to play'

I think she's in Gandhi park

Amma, how can you say it so casually?

Do you know how bad
the outside world is!

'She will be back
Get ready for tuition'

I'm answering the next question

[murmuring]

'You'll casually say this
and you will top the class'

Hey! Study well
Don't spoil my good name

- Okay... okay
- Bye

- Why so late?
- I was ready long ago, miss

Pazhani 'sir' was late

Hey! Shut up

- Where's uncle?
- Gone to buy Innova car!

Oh! Aunt?

- 'Hello'
- Athai?

'How are you?'

- 'Would you like some coffee?'
- It's okay, I have to go

Wait for 2 minutes
I'll serve you hot 'upma'

No, it's okay I'm leaving now

- 'Gargi'
- Ma...?

'Your students are waiting for you'

'Go in, dear'

Bye, aunt

- Poorni, come here
- Yes, aunty

Give this batter to your amma

Tell her to add salt and
leave it out overnight

'Where is my sister?
Hasn't come yet, right?'

No, but she'll be here soon

'How is it you don't understand, ma?'

Haven't I told you not to
send her out to play after 5:00 p.m?

Hey! Haven't I told you 1000 times
not to wear this yellow dress?

You never take anything
I say seriously, right?

I forgot

Did you forget to eat?
Did you forget to play?

How do you forget this alone?

Have you prepared
for your class exam tomorrow?

I'll study now Don't pester me

You'll get it from me, pest!

How many times have I told you
to be home by 5'o clock?

- Where were you?
- When I was coming from Gandhi park

It was really crowded

That's why I got delayed, 'ka

Amma, she always comes up with a reason

- No, policemen were all over that place
- Where?

Outside Shanti apartments

Shanti apartment?

'The number you are calling
is either switched off or not reachabl-'

Madam, what happened here?

- Who are you?
- My father works as watchman here

He hasn't come home
So I came looking for him

'Some inquiry it seems'

All the workers here have been
taken to the police station

Usual procedure only

- My father too?
- How will I know?

- 'Which station?'
- I don't know

'Akka?'

Sandra, where's your father?

Don't know, akka

I came looking for my appa

He isn't here it seems

He has been taken
for interrogation

Madam, please tell me
who will know further details?

I honestly don't know

At least tell me which police station

Don't worry, when they get the accused
they will send everyone home

'Incident happened a month ago
You live in the same apartment too'

'But if you haven't got any news
are the policemen very smart or-'

Sir, I'll call you back

Amma?

Who is that?

Some other problem
in the apartment it seems, ma

That's why the police were there

Is that so? When will
your appa come home?

Er... he has night shift duty it seems

Night shift, huh?

Why didn't he tell me earlier?
I've cooked for him too

Maybe he didn't want you
to get stressed out

Forget it, ma

If he had called me
why would I get tense?

His phone battery
was dead it seems

Relax, he will be
back home tomorrow

'Akka...?'

I got a call from the police station
They are asking me to come

Wait, I'll come with you

Amma

I'll be back soon

Where are you both off to?

My father is-

In the hospital it seems
I'll just go with her, ma

What happened?

Just a regular checkup, ma
I'm going for moral support

1 minute, wait

Appa hasn't taken
his pills for the night

This is his BP tablet

His diabetes pills got over

- I'll buy it on the way
- Okay

'First you should understand this'

'My client hasn't been dismissed'

'He has been deferred'

'Means suspension'

You mentioned something else too?

He has set a precedent

Yes... he has

You asked if it can be dismissed?

If so, someone would've filed a case
But it didn't happen, right?

What do you mean, sir?

Everyone knows his true colors

Mohanraj, let me explain this

It is not what you know

It is what you can prove

That is how court functions

'As long as it is not unconstitutional'

'A lawyer can go to any extent
to defend his client'

Istamet 50/500 mg

'Wherever it is should be found
and furnished in court at whatever cost'

1 tablet is enough

Not as a single tablet

- Available only as a strip
- Why?

Your sugar level won't reduce
with just 1 tablet

Do I look like a diabetic patient?

Can't tell by just looking, madam

You should take a blood test
in the morning on empty stomach

Then 2 hours after breakfast
you must test aga-

No, I'll take the strip

- How much?
- Rs 380

Do you have cash on you?

I'm slightly short of cash

Short by how much?

Rs 330

You mean you have only Rs 50
Why say you are slightly short?

I should have known
when you asked for 1 tablet

Sir, emergency

My name is Gargi
I teach in St Peter's school

What is your name?
Kar-ki?

What kind of name is car-key?!

'Not car-key'

'Ga ga... Gargi'

Sorry, don't get me wrong

This 50 rupees is for auto fare

Can I pay you
the full amount tomorrow?

Give me your phone ♪

Sure, I'll finish and send

- Vanakkam, sir
- Hello

Akka, appa is here

'I didn't have the RC book with me
I haven't paid my insurance due'

- 'So will you race like that?
- I panicked, sir'

Ap... appa

Uncle, did you see my father?

Escort him with care

'He was totally intoxicated
when we interrogated him'

Appa, get up

Hey!

'Don't I know my way home?'

Please get up, dad

Who are you?
Are you her sister?

No, sir, I'm her neighbor

My father has also been
brought here for interrogation

'What is his name?'

Brahmanandam

Did you say Brahmanandam?

I'll call an auto for them

Sub Inspector Bennix sir is inside
First go and meet him

- Sir...?
- What do you want?

- SI Bennix
- Sir is busy, wait here

'Anna, where is the delete button?'

'I don't know, Anna'

- 'Are you related to sir?'
- No, sir

My father is here for an inquiry

I want to see him

Why name my baby
after her grandmother?

His name is Brahmanandam

He's the watchman
in Shanti apartments

Excuse me

Please wait inside

I'll call you back

'Actually I wanted to call
and ask you to come over'

Anyway you've come
of your own accord

'Where is my father?'

'Why isn't anyone
telling me anything?'

Wait

Where are you from?

- Where do you work?
- Sir, where is my father?

'First answer my question'

Sir, I'm a teacher
in St Peter's school

We are from Tuticorin

When did you come to Chennai?

Sir, it has been 8 years

We came to Chennai
after I finished my 10th grade

We live in the same area
and we have our own house

I've a younger sister
studying in school

My mother sells 'dosa' batter from home

That's all, sir, at least can you
tell me now where my appa is?

See, first of all

Being a girl, you had to come
to the station at this time of night

So I'm saying it out of concern

Leave this city at the earliest

Sir?

'It is almost impossible
to come out of this situation'

I don't understand

We've arrested your father
in a gang rape case

Sir, what are you saying?

'Do you know what you're saying?'

Please leave now

I'm saying it for your own good, just go

No, sir, something is wrong
I want to meet my father

- Please be calm
- No, sir

- Something is really wrong
- 'Calm down'

This is my police station, understand?

You can't see your father now

Besides even we don't know
which station he is in now

'Drink water'

'Please have it'

'Don't assume we've arrested your father
because we couldn't find anyone else'

They would've followed him for 1 month

Confirmed their suspicions,
only then arrested him

Sir, I want to see
my father just once, please

- 'Good evening, sir
- Who is this?'

Brahmananda's daughter

Madam, before the news leaks
through the media, leave the city

Listen, Bennix

- 'Double check all the documents
- Yes, sir'

- 'There should be no errors
- Sir'

'Media is desperate to
find some news on this'

'Yes, sir'

'The person you are calling
is not answering'

'We will continue after a short break'

Ramu, 2 coffee

Sir, someone called Gargi
kept calling

[phone vibrating]

Hello

Uncle, this is Gargi

Tell me, dear

'The police have arrested my father'

Gargi...?

No idea where he has
been detained, uncle

- Gargi-
- 'They are asking us to leave the city'

Calm down and tell me

Don't know what to do, uncle

I'm now outside
S5 police station

I'll check and call you back

Okay

Karigalan, are you in the police station?

[phone vibrating]

Hello...?

Gargi, your father has been
taken into custody

'The detention station is confidential
to avoid the public creating a ruckus'

Uncle, I'll stay here until you come

Don't cry, dear Listen to me now

Don't hang around there for too long

Station is not the place for a young-

Please leave that place immediately

I'm there for you, right?

I will take care
I'll come home tomorrow

We'll set everything right

'I'll see you tomorrow'

- Did you buy diabetes pills for that man?
- Yes'

'Okay, give it to me'

'Eat and sleep now
Sub inspector will come tomorrow'

Hey! Who is that?

Didn't I already tell you
to go home, huh?

- Mani Anna
- Sir, my appa is innocent

- Leave her at home
- 'Okay, sir'

Take Vimala along

Sir, you told me you had no idea
where my appa is detained

He's right here
Why did you lie, sir?

What is happening here?

- Listen
- Sir, something is fishy

I understand you wouldn't
have expected this to happen

But nothing can be done

Minimum life sentence is
confirmed for your father

'Proper evidence is in hand to support it'

'Please leave'

'Go home'

'Madam'

Madam...?

Anna, please stop here
I'll get down

'We have got shocking news
about the 5th culprit'

'While the earlier four who were
arrested are from North India'

'The 5th offender resides
in the same neighborhood'

'And also from the same city'

'Gargi, have dinner and keep the 'chutney'
in the fridge before you go to bed'

[sound of pelting stones; Glass shattering]

Amma...?

What happened?

Take Akshara inside

'Batter for 'idli' and 'dosa' sold here'

'Watchman Brahmananda arrested
as the 5th offender in the gang rape'

- 'Hello, uncle
- Tell me, dear'

'News about appa is out'

- 'Aiyo! Which news?'
- Morning newspaper

Get the camera

'Did you talk to anyone last night?'

'No, uncle, I didn't whisper
a word to anyone'

'Alright'

- 'Come to court at 11 a.m
- Okay'

'Be out of media's sight'

'Okay, uncle'

[indistinct chatter]

'Ma... amma?'

Come here Shut the door

Go... go
Sit there

'Come and sit here'

What, dear?
What is it?

Both of you don't step out
till I come back

Okay? Akshara, do as I say

'Madam, are you
Brahmananda's daughter?'

[overlap of voices]

'Is your father a perpetual offender?'

Madam, just 1 question
Don't run, talk to us

I don't know please Let me go

Anna, take me to the court

Anna, let's go

Anna, move a bit
I'm going 'live' now

'Raju, we are standing outside
the accused Brahmananda's house'

'Most importantly
his eldest daughter Gargi'

'Refused to meet the reporters'

'She was rushing to see her father
being brought to the court'

'You are watching it for the first time'

Cut the shot

'All college students, boss'

They will escape after bashing up
Not one of them will be nabbed

Our name won't be revealed

Okay, sir

Doesn't even let me pee in peace

- Is everything ready?
- Yes, bro

- Shouldn't miss the target
- We won't let you down

Get tea for the boys

Okay, Anna

Give the boys
8 tea and 10 samosas

'10 minutes, machan'

That's when we have a song, okay?

Rowdy, media, milk man,
paper boy in that area

All of them are fully aware
he is the killer

Including the villain

But you know that heroine?
She won't know, machan

- How is it?
- Sooper story

Awesome

So you think criminals don't reform
through punishment, right?

Yes

Punishment will not be an answer for him

Peace will

Okay, sister Thank you

Cover the corridor
Take close ups of the building

Cover this ground floor fully

'Take 2 crowd shots
Will be useful for inserting'

'Ma'am, we should get all the case details'

[indistinct chatter]

Sir

- Why all this crowd?
- Students, sir

Clear the area, quick

'Hang the beasts
who resort to child abuse'

'Send Brahmananda to the gallows'

'Do not let him loose
Tighten the noose'

Good morning

Are you following me?

No, madam

Actually my name is Indrans

I owe you Rs 380, right?

I didn't come here
to ask for the money

- 1 minute
- Gargi madam

I work for Bhanu sir

He was the one
who asked me to meet you

None of his advocates turned up?

I'm an advocate too, madam
I work part-time in the pharmacy

That's after 6 pm

Where is your boss?

Sir is in court hall

They started the case early by 10:30
to avoid any unnecessary problem

It will get over anytime now
He will be here soon

Is it always this crowded?

'In our program today-'

'Of the 5 accused
brought to court today'

'4 have already confessed their guilt'

'But the 5th accused'

'Brahmananda, watchman in the apartment
is refusing to take the blame'

'Leading advocate Bhanu Prakash
will be defending him in this case'

'Everyone is aware the course of this case
will change with Bhanu Prakash at the helm'

'But my question is-'

'Bhanu Prakash takes a fat fee
of Rs 15 lakhs per case'

'How is he defending a watchman-'

'Justice for all'

'Justice for the child'

'Brahmananda deserves the noose'

'Justice for all
Justice for the child'

- 'Send him to the gallows'
- Idiots!

'We want justice
Justice for the child'

[shouting slogans]

'Justice for one and all
Justice for the child'

'Don't let him out loose
Brahmananda deserves the noose'

'Justice for one and all
Justice for the child'

'Don't let him out loose
Brahmananda deserves the noose'

'Pa... appa!'

Appa!

APPA

Appa

Appa

'Appa, look here'

I understand

[phone vibrating]

1 minute

Vanakkam, sir

Long time since we spoke

Do you remember me?!

Yes

'1 minute, hold on
I'll come out'

I'll just come back, dear

- Would you like a glass of water?
- No need

Pcccht!

'I am asking you
Do you want some water?'

Shall I go to the police station
and collect the documents, sir?

'Wait'

Gargi

A small problem, dear

What happened, uncle?

Advocates Association has sent me
a notice barring me from taking this case

Why?

Why, uncle?

I don't get it

This is a case involving a girl child

So no member should defend a rapist

Sorry, I didn't mean that

We should not defend Brahmananda
or take up his case in court

Uncle

What are you saying?

What should I do now?

I understand, dear, but-

I don't know what to do either

But as a member

I can't take up this case
overruling the association policy

Uncle

'Sir'

'In 2009, in Screwdriver Shankar case'

Similar notice was sent
from the association

But lawyer Hussain defended
and won the case, sir

'He was praised even by our Govt, sir'

I won't defy the association
and take up this case

That advocate has
settled down in Malaysia

You came to this city
completely empty handed

'Even if you earn a bad name
it will be your gain'

'But not so in my case'

I've earned name, fame, wealth
Everything is right here

I have to preserve all that

Sorry, dear

You know my intention is to help you

But-

Sir, high profile case
Why don't we take it up?

You can talk whatever you want
within these four walls

Only the lawyer who defends
his client will know

Don't teach the teacher!

You leave, dear

Uncle, think about it please

Not only did my father
escort your daughter to school

He has run errands for you
night or day, anytime you called

For his sake

Help him just once, please

Listen, dear

Not just media

I would have defended your father
even if my own family had opposed it

'But I can't break the rules
of the association, Gargi'

I can't risk my career

Gargi, I've gone out of my way
to help your father, on many occasions

And please remember

I got him his current job too

Don't forget that

'Madam'

Why don't you go to
Free Legal Aid Cell?

3rd floor in Civil court

It is the duty of the State to see
that the legal system promotes justice

On the basis of equal opportunity
for all its citizens

It must therefore arrange
to provide free legal aid

To those who cannot
access justice-

Due to economic and other disabilities

Why I'm saying this is
if we can't afford a lawyer

Govt will provide
a lawyer free of cost

That's what I meant

You claim my boss
is your family friend

How will he pay heed to me
when he turned you down?

I'm just his junior
He won't even respect me

What can I do now?

Actually even I don't know

Only a lawyer who doesn't care
about the association's regulations

...will take up this case

I think it's going to be really tough

- Okay
- Also

To be on the safe side
avoid coming out in public like this

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Pazhani?

I have to call from some
random number to hear your voice!

I don't know... how to explain?

Our whole lives turned
topsy-turvy in a single day

Okay... okay
I understand

I don't know what's happening
I don't even know what to do, Pazhani

No worries

We are going to Bangalore

I'll manage my family's reaction

You bring your mother and Akshara along

I don't understand

I'm saying let's get married
and lead a happy life together

- What about my dad?
- Are you out of your mind?

Even I heard what happened in court

So you want me to
abandon him just like that?

I didn't mean it that way, Gargi
The case is very strong

According to everyone-

1 minute

If this happens to your family
will you be listening to hearsay?

No, Gargi

Listen to my point of view too

We have a whole life ahead of us

Should we ruin our lives
because of this problem, huh?

Your lawyer will take care
What will you achieve being here?

Do you realize what you're saying?

Which mother can bear her son
running to court day and night?

Tell me

We can pay the lawyer
to handle everything

You come with me

If it was your father
is this how you will react?

My dad isn't that kind of man

That's exactly what
I'm saying too

My dad isn't that kind of man either

Aiyo! Gargi, you aren't getting
the gravity of the situation

Because of this issue
not only your lif-

Stop it, Pazhani

Whether you believe me or not

I will definitely ensure
my father is freed

If you can wait for me, do so

Otherwise, I'll understand

That's my appa, Pazhani

My father!

And also, if you feel like talking
to me again, come home

Not like this in the middle of the road

Gargi-

'Continuing our program'

'The fifth accused culprit
in the Shanti apartment case'

'...revealed by journalist Ahalya
is with us today'

'We shall continue our talk'

'So you are living
in the same apartment, right?'

'Were you aware
of this News earlier?'

'No, sir, all of us knew
only after the arrest'

'Okay, but even the police had not
revealed the 5th culprit's identity'

'Why did you do so?'

'We can't be waiting
till the police disclose the name'

'My job is to publish the News'

'When you first reported this'

'It has been said you did so
based on your own guess work'

'Isn't that wrong?'

'A guess doesn't flash
just like that, sir'

'It comes only to a prepared mind'

'Maybe because the 5th accused Brahmananda'

'...was working in your apartment
were you even more prepared?'

'Not at all, in fact
the opposite happened'

'Whomever you ask about
Brahmananda in the apartment'

'They will only praise him'

'Then how did you zero in
on him as the culprit?'

Someone is at the door

- Who, ma?
- I don't know

'You stay with Akshara in there'

Who is it?

Who is outside?

'Vanakkam', madam

Actually my full name is
Indrans Kaliyaperumal

I hail from Kathalampatti near Tirunelvelli

I finished Law and
I was working over there

Around 5 years ago

My parents

Bo... both of them died

Then I shifted to Chennai

But I didn't get a single case

On top of it

I have this stam... me ring problem

That's why I take up
whatever job comes my way

If you agree, I'll take up
your father's case

You may wonder
he's just an assistant

- How can he be trusted with the case
- Okay

It's too late now
Come tomorrow morning

Ah... then

You can't keep looking
for a pharmacy

So I bought the diabetes pills

That's for my father

Is that so?

I think someone has
removed the main fuse outside

I'll check it on my way out

See you, good night

'Politics, cinema'

So many calls from the Trustees
and management, madam

They are questioning me as to why
I haven't suspended you yet

Sir, I need this job badly

The case hasn't come for hearing

Let the verdict come through
Simple, then you can rejoin

'I have informed the accounts team'

'Collect your settlement amount, okay?'

'We mourn the death of
Indrans Kaliyaperumal'

"At the tip of a teardrop
one can glimpse a sliver of hope"

"Even a ruby-red bird is flying high
over a volcanic outburst in the orange sky"

'Tamil Nadu lawyers Union
condemns Indrans'

"Despite a block or barrier
a flash of light will scatter"

"Beyond peals of thunder deafenin'
music will soothe the heart and mind"

"It will break down every door
Your conscience will take over"

'Vacate immediately, bitch!'

"Drunk and drowning in humiliation
self worth will laugh in derision"

"Like the gold-feathered phoenix
soaring from burning embers tragic"

"An avatar to affirm
with courage and confirm"

"Absolutely pure, a flawless girl
Like a right-curved conch; A rare pearl"

"Spreading scent of confidence
Sugarcane and honeyed essence"

"Radiating a fragrant power
Brow to toe; Sweetness all over"

"Absolutely pure, a flawless girl
Like a right-curved conch; A rare pearl"

'Prisoners Interrogation Room'

UTP 19192

'Call him, he has a visitor'

Make it fast, sir

He is asleep He won't come now

Check properly, sir
You are saying it off hand

I told you, he is asleep
and he can't come now

Go home and come another day

I am not say... ing you are lying, sir

How many times will we come?

Sir, leave now

Sir, we came yesterday too

You are giving flimsy excuses daily

'Leave, madam'

'Sir, take her and leave please'

- Let's go
- Pain in the neck!

'UTP 16735, call him'

Ready?

What is the opening argument?

That public prosecutor disregarding
the judge's presence will ask mad questions

You'll pee in your pants
in front of him

What did you tell me?

'I have a stammering problem'

'No one will give me
a chance to prove myself'

This is what you said and opted to
work in a pharmacy in the evenings

How dare you take up this case!

Even a lawyer without a case
will get his chance one day

But when the entire State
has its eyes on you

If you lose a media trial case
defending the accused

You won't get a single case
in your entire life

No one will touch you with a barge pole
even if you do it for free

You will lose

You will lose this

Your entire life will
just go away from your hands

It will slip away

Sir

What do I hold in my hand
for it to slip away?

See you, sir

"Quest of pure love so true"

"Sheds no tears undue
though raw wounds all through"

"The desire of stars to shine bright"

"Does not decrease in daylight"

"The mask that conceals has to slide
True face will be revealed outside"

"An offering will take place
opposing the offender face to face"

"Taking a stubborn stance
Tolerating pain with patience"

"So light and dainty is a feather
It can measure the horizon however"

"This fire bird will cross fearless
jagged boulders and cyclones fierce"

"Like the gold-feathered phoenix
soaring from burning embers tragic"

"At knife-point, spanning the skies
defying her fate lines she flies"

"An avatar to affirm
and in fair play confirm"

"Absolutely pure, a flawless girl
Like a right-curved conch; A rare pearl"

"Spreading scent of confidence
Sugarcane and honeyed essence"

"Radiating a fragrant power
Head to toe; Sweetness all over"

'Sudha, first transgender judge
appointed in Shanti Apartment rape case'

'We mourn the death of
Indrans Kaliyaperumal'

- Madam, please wait
- Yes?

How many years have you been married?

25 years

'Does he change his job often?'

Not often

Maybe 4-5 times

Okay

Tell me why he changed jobs
so often and also-

Ma, you attend to
your work, I'll talk to him

Nothing

What are you doing?

No, I was thi... thinking

What is in your mind?

Well, the case of course

Whether our side has any...

Do you know how long it has been
since you took over this case?

'Trial begins today, Indrans'

'You haven't found a single clue'

You can't bring appa out on bail
but you're sitting here questioning amma

If you can't do it
just let me know

Hello! I'm trying my best
from all angles possible

Witness statement report is very strong

There's nothing to support our side

By nothing, I mean

Absolutely nothing!

And please realize

It is almost impossible to get him
out on bail for such cases

What do you mean by 'such cases'?

What are you trying to say?

No... no, not implying anything

Do me a favor

Go back to working as an assistant

Aiyo! I didn't mean it
in a pessimistic way

No, I'll take care of it myself
You can... please leave

Gargi, as a lawyer, I must think
from all sides, that's why-

Don't spin some tale, Indrans

Time is being wasted

Look here, Gargi

You know this very well

This is my first case

And in court

I... I am the one who has... to argue

That's why I'm thinking
from all sides

No need at all

Enough if you think from one side

That had better be my side!

Okay... okay

The way you're saying 'okay'
doesn't seem right

All I said was 'okay'

Now leave

Ma, see you

Madam

Don't waste the 'dosa'

Pack it in a tiffin box
I'll eat it in court

Oh!

Let's go

Wait in the 2nd floor
I'll join you in 5 minutes

Isn't the victim here?

'Medical emergency, madam'

I mean, sir, Your Honor!

The victim is the first witness, right?
How can we commence without her?

I'll adjourn the case
to another day then

Victim has already identified
accused #5 Brahmananda in TIP-2

So we can proceed with the case

I request you, Your Honor

'Okay, proceed'

Thank you

Investigating Officer Bennix?

'IO Bennix'

- Your name?
- Bennix Jayaraj

- Father's name?
- Jeyaraj Navarasu

Take your oath

I swear I'll tell the truth
and the whole truth

Which station
are you working from?

Sir, S5 police station

- Sub inspector Bennix
- Sir?

You're the one assigned
to Shanti Apartments case

9 year old girl, PW1

You're following this gang rape case
from the beginning, right?

- Yes, sir
- I object, Your Honor

I humbly request PW1 to be
first brought to the witness stand

PW1 has already identified the accused
in a test identification parade

So it isn't necessary

Yes, Your Honor

'Objection overruled'

Thank you, Your Honor

- Bennix
- Sir

Please narrate the facts
of the case to the court

Okay, sir

Accused #1 Mukesh Thakur

A hired help in F5 on the floor
above the victim's house

His owner has a pet dog

He takes the dog for a walk
daily at 5:30 p.m

Pets are not allowed in the lift

So he has to use the stairs

'The victim loves dogs'

'So she comes at 5:30 p.m
to play with the dog'

Mukesh taking the dog for a walk
and the victim playing with the dog

'...is an established routine'

'Mukesh notices the stairs
are always deserted'

'And the victim plays with the dog
without her father's knowledge'

'Mukesh shares this information
with his friends who work in the same area'

'They plan to use this situation
to their advantage'

Next evening at 5:30 p.m

When the victim comes
to play with the dog

...as planned they sedate the victim
and take turns to rape her

'They hear a noise, panic and flee'

Next day, as per the complaint
lodged by her father

She was admitted
in the Govt Hospital

And all the tests were taken

Once they knew the police were aware
Mukesh and his 3 friends escaped

We set up a task force
to search for them

That's when we got the news
they were in Orissa

With the help of Orissa police
we arrested them

At Khurda railway station
and brought them to Chennai

In Chennai we matched the swab test
from the victim and their DNA samples

Result was positive

But meanwhile

Victim's medical condition became unstable

'Since the victim is just 9 years
we waited till she recovered'

Afterwards we somehow
convinced her father

According to protocol we held
the first identification parade

'In the parade the victim identified
the 4 accused correctly'

But after the parade

Victim ran to her father and
whispered something in his ear

That was when we came to know
there was another offender involved

Then we started reinvestigating
everything in this case

Right from the beginning

That's when we got a clue

Witness Brahmananda
had carried the victim home

As per the victim's grandma's statement,
the time then was 6:30 p.m

But the time the 4 criminals
heard a sound and fled was 6:00 p.m

So for half an hour

'Only witness Brahmananda
was with the victim, no one else'

Did you say 'witness' Brahmananda?

Yes, sir, at that time
he was only a witness

Hahn... okay, okay

Based on only this, how can you be certain
Brahmananda was the rapist?

'It could have been anyone else, right?'

Yes, sir, your conjecture is right

That's why with the 5 men
involved in the crime

'As per protocol, we carried out
a second identification parade'

'The victim correctly
identified Brahmananda'

Clear cut case, Your Honor

In the 2nd identification parade

Victim has identified
Brahmananda clearly

Nothing left to argue here

Since the crime has been proved
beyond reasonable doubt

I request the judge to give maximum
punishment to the accused

Teach a lesson to these animals

That's all, Your Honor

'Indrans'

'Do you wish to cross-examine PW-2?'

Yes, Your Honor

Then come and do the needful

[clearing throat]

'What happened?
Drink water'

It's okay

Mr Bennix

- When was the complaint lodged?
- November 15th

Morning around 10:30

- When did the crime occur?
- November 14th

Between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m

Why did you file an FIR 16 hours later?

Victim's father panicked because she is
only 9 and her life will be ruined

That's why he didn't
file a complaint

Once he knew police complaint was
mandatory for hospital admission

Then he relented and filed
the case, hence the delay

Everything has happened
to your convenience

Then my client's name was missing
in the first complaint that was filed

- You added it later
- Sir-

He already mentioned he knew
of your client's involvement only later

Move to the point, Indrans

'He can move only if a point exists!'

DNA... DNA

DNA report did not match, right?

Yes, sir, it did not match

Victim's grandma bathed her
and scrubbed her clean

So we got very little sample
for the swab test

- Moreover, Brahmanand-
- No DNA, that's your point, right?

I object, Your Honor

Answers to the Defence counsel's doubts

...have been mentioned in detail
in Inspector officer Bennix's report

Objection sustained

Defence counsel, don't repeat
what's already in the court records

Yes, Your Honor

So when the 4 accused fled
on hearing the sound, time was 6:00 p.m

The time when my client dropped
the victim at her residence was 6:30 p.m

This half an hour gap is your only clue

With that you've decided
my client is the 5th culprit

What other clue do you need?

I want to know
what other clue is needed

Ask your client where he was
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m

Sir, this day last month
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m

Can you remember your whereabouts?

You'll ask a silly question like this

Then you'll ask the color
of the judge's pen!

This is not a cinema court
to ask irrelevant questions

Real court! You need
evidence for everything

Didn't your senior
teach you all this?

'Defence, ask only the questions
pertaining to what you want to prove'

Don't waste the court time

What to do, Your Honor?
These half-baked lawyers!

They drive us up the wall

Where was he between
6:00 and 6:30 p.m?

Does he have an alibi?

'Do you know what an alibi is?'

Your Honor, Defence counsel's head
is devoid of any brain power

Nor any evidence in his hands

He may be jobless

But I am up to my neck in cases

How can you say my head is empty?

'As if you opened my head?'

Where was your client
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m?

Does he have an alibi?

Why are you bugging me, sir?
Repeating it 100 times!

Don't you have
any other qu... question?

- Fro... from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m
- Indrans

- From 6... to 6:30
- 'Indrans'

- 6:30-
- 'What is it?'

First sit down please

'Go sit down, Indrans'

'Court officer, give him some water'

Brilliant...! Why come
to court with such a condition?

Mr PP Please

'Yes, Your Honor'

Indrans

Is there something else or-

- Yes, Your Honor
- No, you may sit down and ask

Thank you, Your Honor

'Check your Whatsapp
I'll send her photo'

'Did you see, man?'

'Look how fair she is!'

- 'Mr Bennix
- Sir'

While conducting
the 2nd identification parade

Can you elaborate on what
exactly happened?

Yes, sir

We summoned the 5 alleged offenders
for the 2nd identification parade

'That is the protocol'

'Victim was normal while
identifying the 4 offenders'

'Then she got stressed and blacked out'

When we asked her father

He said his daughter had forgotten
to take her usual medication that morning

I asked him for the name of the tablet
and asked my driver to buy it immediately

Luckily my driver said
he was taking the same medicine

We took the tablet from him and
showed it to victim's father, confirmed it

Gave it to the victim
without further delay

She became normal
in a short while

Only after that, Your Honor

Victim clearly identified
A5 Brahmananda

Report has all the details,
defence counsel

Yes, Your Honor

'Very good!!'

Are you reading it only now?

Report has details to the T

Go on, read

'Indrans'

Yes, sir

Report has all the details

It is comprehensive

Sorry, Your Honor
I got a little stuck

- Mr Bennix
- Sir

What is your driver's age?

45, sir

How long has he been
taking this medicine?

He said for the past one year

1 year

- Why does he take it?
- As if you don't know?

You spend half your time
in the medical shop?

It's fine, sir You tell me

He said he takes it when stressed
to calm his nerves

- For stress?
- Defence counsel

'What do you need to know now?'

I'm getting there, Your Honor
Just 1 minute

So he's been taking it for 1 year

- Yes, sir
- For stress?

Yes, sir

The tablet you took
from your driver

...which you checked with
the victim's father before giving it to her

What is its dosage, sir?

Dosage... dosage

You know 500 mg, 600 mg, 650 mg

Different quantities

That is termed 'dosage'

You said the report was in detail

'Your Honor'

The child was administered a barbiturate

Meant for mental health issues

The medicine a 45 year old man takes
shouldn't be given to a 9 year old child

It's very dangerous

'Even if the dosage
was a little high'

It could have turned fatal'

I object! I object, Your Honor!

PW-2, so you did not check the dosage?

I checked the medicine's name

Dosage-

Objection overruled

Court officer, arrange for
an expert opinion

- 'Your name
- Dr Senthil'

- Father's name
- Gnanaprakasham

I promise to tell
only the whole truth

'Where do you work?'

I've been working as a neurosurgeon
at BMD Hospital for the past 18 years

Hand over the medicine to him

Can you elaborate on this medicine?

This medicine

Belongs to the family of barbiturates

It is prescribed for
mental health issues

It's a scheduled drug

You won't get it over the counter
in any pharmacy

In an unavoidable situation
if a child is given an adult dosage

...will there be any harm?

In no situation should adult dosage
be administered to children

If administered
it will cause overdose

Overdose can cause concentration loss,
confusion and lack of focus

There will be confusion
in making decisions

Your Honor, note down
this point alone please

'Yes, there will definitely be
confusion in making decisions'

Sometimes, this can become fatal too

Thank you, doctor

That's all, Your Honor

There is no evidence for
the accusations against my client

That child was given an adult dosage
impairing her consciousness

Identification parade held at that time
won't hold good on any ground, Your Honor

'What are you blabbering?'

Your Honor, don't take him seriously
Given a chance he will talk nonstop

Only you have
the right to talk, huh?

He's jabbering nonstop and
you're tolerating his nonsense?

I'll take care of that

Mr PP, maintain discipline in court

- What is this?
- Should I maintain discipline?

Or fight for justice?

Indran is justified
in his argument too

'Leave it to me I will decide'

God knows what you will decide

Had it been a normal judge
this case would've ended long ago

'How will you-
I don't understand anything'

Court adjourned

First half session is over

The child was given an adult dose
during the parade

I've proved that

This PP is trying to mess it up

Seems to be moving positively

- Lawyer sir, please come
- Yes, I'm coming

1 minute

'For having endangered
the life of a 9 year old child'

This court strongly censures the police
for their extreme negligent behavior

'This court recommends strict action
against the concerned officer'

Do you have any sense?

Don't you know how to handle
a case involving a minor?

Don't you know how to follow
child-friendly processes?

'First learn all that'

Then you can carry out your investigation

'Now coming to the point'

Defence counsel, taking into
consideration the gravity of the crime

This case cannot be
adjourned immediately

On the contrary, in order to
reinvestigate this case thoroughly

Court of law has given 7 days grace time

Okay, Your Honor

'To conduct a fresh
test identification parade'

In front a Tahsildar and myself

The court of law orders the police force

What did you say in the end?

'Mr PP'

If it had been a normal judge

This case would have
been wrapped up?

What you think is abnormal
is what I see as a balance

I know where it hurts a woman

I know where a man's arrogance stems from

I know the arrogance of man
and pain of a woman

Both!

I am the best person to decide the case

- 'Satyamurthy
- Sir'

- Appa, how are you?
- You can't see him

Can't talk to him here

Ma'am, let me talk
to him for a second

They aren't letting me meet appa

You can't meet him here

Submit a petition at
the judicial custody and meet him

We've applied many times
They aren't allowing us

Mr Bennix

- Yes, ma'am
- Why aren't you allowing them?

'Under trial prisoners have
visitation rights, correct?'

Why are you blocking them?

You messed up the case there

You are denying them their rights

Shall I recommend the case to CBI?

- Make arrangements immediately
- Thank you, ma'am

They have given us 7 days

Another parade will be carried out
in front of the Tahsildar and this judge

- Judge postponed the verdict it seems
- Will there be another parade?

'Being a teacher, don't you
know right from wrong?'

'This is your 1st case
How was your experience?'

Heard you gave
the PP a hard time

'Why did you take this case
against all odds?'

'Don't you think you were wrong?'

'Lawyer, pharmacist
What else do you do, sir?'

'What sin did the child commit?'

Why are father and daughter
colluding like this?

New judge said action will be
taken against all including the accused

Apparently you're using some point
to divert the case

[overlap of angry voices]

Excuse me, this is a court
Maintain some decorum please!

Come to crib and complain!

Sir

Why are you so eager to let
a rapist roam free in society?

Look here

Just because we are quiet
doesn't make us guilty!

He's a father of 2 daughters

I've been with him since my birth
for the past 24 years

I know him better than you do

Let the court decide

If he is guilty of the crime or not

Go tell the public
about the court's verdict

News is not what you wish to report
but reporting what actually happened

My father didn't commit this crime
I'm fighting only to prove his innocence

If your father gets branded like this
will you sit back and watch?

Huh?

Will you sit back and watch?

Note this down

Gargi

Will you get me ink from the shelf?

'This is a simple fool-proof case'

'And look how you've messed it up'

Your aim is to finish
the case at the earliest

I can understand

But why did you write the information
about the drug in the report?

Sir, it is wrong to miss
any piece of information

Then isn't it wrong to administer
adult dosage to a child?

'Don't use morality
for your convenience, Bennix'

Enthusiasm alone isn't enough

If you lack clarity
this is the outcome

Now if the family refuses to identify
what the heck will we do?

Sorry, sir It's my mistake

It's his mistake it seems!

You got me wrong, sir

I'll somehow convince the family
and bring the child, sir

You don't have to do anything
Give him the details and leave

I've put in a lot of effort and worked
on this case from the beginning, sir

I didn't even take off
when my child was born

Do you understand the pressure
I have on this case?

I can understand
only too well, sir

- But what's important now is-
- Bennix

'Why are you on the offensive?'

How long since your baby was born?

'Sir, 3 months'

Okay, I'll suspend you
Go and take care of your child?

No need, sir, my wife's mother
is visiting and she will take care

You have a ready answer for this

You should have shown
this smartness in the case

You messed that, right?

Sorry, sir, I spoke without knowing

I can understand, sir
You have pressure from all sides

Higher-up calls, media

I bungled the dosage and all that

But, sir, give me 1 more chance
Just last chance

My responsibility to convince
the family and bring the girl

Please, sir, just give me
one more chance please

If they don't agree?

You have your ways, sir

Suspension, transfer

It's up to you, sir

'Prisoners Interrogation Room'

Wait... wait

When you meet your appa
don't get sentimental

And take up all the time
I have loads of questions for him

Hey boy!
Go this side

Gargi

I'm okay, dear

'Your appa is doing okay'

'You don't worry about anything'

'Did you see the eye doctor, dear?'

'Akshu'

What is my 'dosa batter lady' saying?

How are all of you?

Sir, Gargi lost her job

Akshara isn't going to school

No one comes to your house
to buy 'dosa' batter nowadays

Then... someone broke the glass
of front right side top window, sir

That's the status

She is unable to

See me locked up like this

Sir, the court has given us
only 7 days grace time

We have to work on this
and sort it by then

If you can narrate
what happened that day

It will be really helpful
to this case, sir

'I shouldn't have gone
to work that day, sir'

'When I saw that child in that state'

'I panicked and did
exactly what a father will do'

I carried her and
ran to her house, sir

See, Sara van a, this isn't the time
to feel bad about what others will think

Admit her in a hospital immediately

She is suffering from
some internal injury

She needs medical care

'Sir'

He is right, sir

Rush her right away
to a nearby hospital, sir

Will you please leave us alone?

I'll take care

I understand, Sara van a

But this is my sincere advice

You please leave
I'll handle this

'After that I left their house, sir'

Sir, what was the time
when you left their house?

About 8:00 p.m

What was the time when you took
the child back to her house?

Around 6:30 p.m, sir

6:30

Sir, did anyone see you
when you carried the child home?

No, sir

No one saw you?

- How's that possible?
- I was the only one there that day

Her house is close to the staircase

'No one uses the steps
in the apartment'

'They prefer to take the lift'

'That's why no one
can vouch for me'

Sir, 1 more question

Your duty gets over at 6:00 p.m daily

Why were you still
hanging around till 6:30 p.m?

That is, your usual routine is
to go home by 6:00 p.m daily

'What were you doing there, sir?
That too all by yourself?'

Pcccht!

Answer my question, sir

I would have left
as usual by 6:00 p.m, sir

A groom was coming from Nagercoil
to meet Sandra formally

Her father took off that day

So because I had to
continue the night shift too

Because of that?

Indrans

Will you let me do my job?

'Continue, sir'

He's hesitating to open up
because of your presence

- Will you give us 5 minutes privacy?
- I'll stand here

Tell me, sir

Evening of November 14th
what were you doing 6:00 to 6:30 p.m?

Sir

'My duty gets over by 6:00 p.m'

'Correct, sir'

'I will feel like staying back
at home and not run these errands'

'What to do?'

'I have 2 girl children'

Before I can eat
a handful of rice

The residents will call me
as a handyman to run errands

'My bones will be
creaking by 6:00 p.m, sir'

'Because anyway I had to
stay behind for night duty'

Sandra's father has a stock
of brandy always in the lift room

I drank a bit because I had time
in-between the next shift

Gargi doesn't approve
of my drinking habit, sir

'Why didn't you tell the police
about this during the inquiry?'

I went to help that child

Look at my present plight

If I had confessed then
I was intoxicated...?!

Sir, understand this clearly

We are doing our best
to get you out of here

What is the use, sir?

'Time is up'

How many ever times
you ask her to identify

That child will point
her finger only at me

I was the last face she saw, right?

'Your time is up, leave now'

'Gargi'

Won't you look at my face
even once, my dear?

Like everyone else

Do you also suspect me?

Brahmananda has stepped in
for Sandra's father for night shift

2nd point

'From 6:00 to 6:30, some 'Y'
has been in the crime spot'

'Most important is the 3rd point'

'If the parade is scheduled
I am 100% sure, the victim'

...will identify only your father

Until we find out this mysterious Mr Y

We must somehow postpone this parade

Why is it 'Y'?

In this kind of situation
usually the suspect is marked as 'X'

I decided to be different
and mentioned it 'Y'

How will all this help us?

For starters this will do

Only after this we should think a bit
like a detective and a criminal

Like Sherlock Holmes + Vijay Mallya

What's so funny?

It's okay, tell me

We have to think like Sherlock Mallya!

Listen, can we find a way to talk to
the secretary of Shanti Apartments?

- Anna
- Who are you?

We want to meet the secretary

Why do you want to meet him?

We would like to talk to him

If you tell us, we can meet him

Who are these two?

Sec... secretary of this apartment
We would like to meet him

Haven't you given us
enough headache? Clear out

Don't come in here
Close the gate

- Go... go
- Sir, please

I said 'clear out'
Close the gate

'I will close it now, sir'

Sir, why did you take off
on that particular day?

A groom had come with his family
to meet my daughter Sandra formally

So I didn't step out anywhere, sir

I joined back in duty
only the next day, sir

Indrans!

Madam, what a surprise!
What brings you here?

After that problem, everything changed

The entire apartment was shaken up

Here, sir

Wait, dear Sit here

Wait... wait
Sit on my lap

In that apartment complex

Every flat has a maid or a cook

Our ears will be the first to hear
the slightest hint of any gossip

Is there any secret
the maids are unaware of?

- Do you suspect any on-
- No one I can think of

What doesn't seem wrong to you
may be a helpful lead for us

'Tell us if you know
something like that'

You take tuition class
for my children free of cost

You'll be the 1st person I'll tell
if I think of something odd

- Sir, know Ganesha Murth-
- He lives over there

Wait for me

'Do you remember me?'

'I am Brahmananda's daughter'

Oh! Tell me

They told me you're in charge
in Shanti apartments

Did anyone vacate
from there recently?

No... not that I know of

No, sir

I thought I can wrap it up
as a secret operatio-

Dump your secret operation
into the sea!

'Whole world knows now'

Nowadays she doesn't even
want to look at me, sir

She hasn't come out of that trauma

'Only if you have
a daughter of your own'

You will understand how I feel

When she pointed her finger
and said 'he did this to me'

Do you know how my heart broke?

But for your bloody law and justice

I would have hooked them
and dumped them in the sea

I have a daughter too, sir

I swear I can understand
how you feel inside

I messed it up the last time, sir

But I won't repeat it again

Trust me, sir

Even after I try my best, if I fail

You can do as you wish, sir

'Yes, sir'

'Sir, we can schedule the parade'

'Yes, sir'

'March 7th, sir'

'Sir'

Sir, tea

I'll go, buy some green chillies
I'll be back in 2 minutes, sir

Amma, let me also come with you

- Amma, I'll come with you
- Why do you want to come?

Sir has come only for you

He has agreed to teach you
without taking a single rupee

Go and study, dear

You have lots to study, come

'Sit down'

Come and sit here

Come

You look very pretty
in this yellow frock

What are you looking at?

Scumbags like you should
be exiled from this city

Get out, man!

Gargi

Whose daughter are you?

Can you be scared of all this?

If anyone touches you
in a wrong way

Think of your father for 1 minute

Courage will flow
through your veins

'Drink this'

Is this tea so important now?

Pccht! Sorry

It's alright

A glass of hot tea reduces tension

I mean, for me!

Something is not right

If we take 1 step forward
feels like we are moving 4 steps back

What is wrong in what we are doing?
We are exploring all leads we've got

Starting from appa, everyone working
in the apartment, paper boy, courier

'Residents, Swiggy, Amazon, this maid'

Right up to Ganesha Murthy now
we have interrogated everyone

We left no stone unturned

We forgot one person

Hello, I don't think
it's right to go there

Then you stop right here
I'll handle it on my own

I didn't mean it like that

Are... you aware of the repercussions?

I must save my appa somehow

That's all

'It is legally wrong to go there'

Sir, just 2 minutes, please

Your child must have identified
my appa by mistake

I'll just clarify with her

Will 2 minutes be enough?

Sir, we understand your pain

But still you should see
the justice on our sid-

Hey!

What is the justice on your side, I say?

How messed up is your job!

My daughter stored biscuits in this box

To feed the dog

Now it is filled with
just strips of medicine

She lost her mother
when she was very young

'I mean the world to her'

She used to come running to me
and hug me if anything troubled her

When those 5 filthy men-

Abus-

'My appa will come'

'He will somehow save me'
Wouldn't she have thought that?

Those 5 filthy buggers
should be dissected to pieces

Nowadays I can hear
my daughter screaming at night

'It's paining!'

I open

The door to comfort her

Looking at me she screams
even louder in anguish

Nowadays she doesn't
look at me as her appa

She looks at me as a man!

She might as well have died
than go through this torture

'My daughter is a gem'

Very intelligent

She has never gone
for tuition or extra class

She is unable to remember
even her daily routine now

I had to teach her
everything all over again

In that parade the other day

She couldn't identify the beasts
responsible for this trauma

'Madam'

I thought my child too would
grow up to be a young woman like you

I don't know if that dream will come true

You asked me for 2 minutes, right?

Take 10 minutes

Go, talk to her
Clarify whatever you want

Verify whatever you want

Thank you, sir

- Gargi
- No, Indrans sir, I must talk to her

How dare you walk into our house
after all that has happened?

I'll kill you

Get out, you bloody female!

Are you okay?
Or shall we go to a ho spit-

'We were talking and suddenly
his brother came and manhandled-'

Indrans, will you keep quiet?

Gargi-

'What will happen tomorrow, Indrans?'

'She will anyway point
her finger at my father, no?'

'If that happens, then-'

'That's it, right?'

'Aiyo!'

'That should never happen'

'Indrans'

'Shall we go to their house
just one more time and ask them, huh?'

'Shall we go, Indrans?'

'You... you need to sleep'

'I'll see you in the morning'

In the last minute you did something
and bought us time previously, right?

Similarly, this time also can you
do something and try to-

Not possible, no?

Try to get some rest

See you in the mornnn... ing

'Why did you go to their house?'

'That too at this time of the night?'

We have to do something, ma

So... will you get roughed up
by some random man?

I don't know what to do, ma

'Enough... whatever you did so far'

- That lawyer is an useless idi-
- Maa!

Stop it

He's doing the best
that's humanly possible

He hasn't even taken
a single paisa from me you know

Listen

Whatever fate has in store
let it happen likewise

A good conclusion will be
arrived at tomorrow morning

Aiyo!

This is the problem with you, ma

I've become tired trying to
explain everything to you

What 'good conclusion' will be
reached tomorrow, tell me?

You believe in good time,
fate, karma and all that crap

But you won't trust me

I'm not your male heir, right?!

I'm after all a female!

'What is the justice on your side?'

'Your child must have identified
my appa by mistake'

'I'll just clarify with her'

'Those 5 filthy buggers
should be dissected'

'Leaving this city is the only option'

'She is unable to remember-'

'No girl should face
such a trauma in her life'

'In tomorrow's parade'

'I will escort my daughter
and ensure she identifies your father'

What is this?

Submitted new evidence
in the last minute?

Your Honor, like I have mentioned
in my request letter to you

I couldn't follow the protocol because
I found some evidence in the last minute

I request the court to accept this

Your Honor, Section 65 B
of the Indian Evidence Act

Electronic records

That is, mobile video recordings like this

If it should be submitted
in court as evidence

An expert officer should certify it
Another officer in power should verify

That is the law

That is the customary procedure we follow

But not mandatory

Court is keen to know
if the evidence is valid or not

You may proceed, Indrans

Thank you, Your Honor

'My daughter is a gem'

'Very intelligent'

'She has never gone
for tuition or extra class'

'She is unable to remember
even her daily routine now'

'I had to teach her
everything all over again'

'In that parade the other day'

'She couldn't identify the beasts
responsible for this trauma'

'I had to teach her even that'

'In tomorrow's parade'

'I will escort my daughter
and ensure she identifies your father'

'I swear I will do it, madam'

What does this mean?

What do you intend to prove with this?

Your Honor, we can infer
2 conclusions clearly from this

One is victim's father Sara van an

Arrived at a pre-conceived conclusion
that my client Brahmananda is guilty

Secondly, he has agreed in this video
he helped his daughter identify my client

What we infer from this is, the victim
didn't identify out of her own free will

She was able to identify only with
her father's help is crystal clear

This will follow suit
in the parade today

And the same will follow in
how many ever parades, Your Honor

Therefore I appeal for
cancellation of this parade

I humbly request the court to suspend
future parades in this case, Your Honor

What nonsense!

To blabber in the last minute
has become this man's habit!

- The court can't accept this
- 1 minute, Mr PP

Wait

Play that video once more

'My daughter is a gem'

'Very intelligent'

'She has never gone
for tuition or extra class'

'In that parade the other day'

'She couldn't identify the beasts
responsible for this trauma'

'I had to teach her even that'

'In tomorrow's parade'

'I will escort my daughter
and ensure she identifies your father'

'I swear I will do it, madam'

You are trying to imply
it is preconceived notion?

- Yes, Your Honor
- 'Alright'

- Court officer?
- 'Yes, ma'am'

At 12 noon organize
a fresh identification parade

Don't involve the victim's father

'Arrange for a welfare committee officer
to escort the child to court'

'Okay'

APPPAAAAA!

Your Honor

So far in this case

The parade report was the only evidence
they had against my client

That too, a parade conducted
on unlawful grounds

I've proved all this
in the previous session

But the Honorable Court gave them
another chance to conduct the parade

And it was proven in court, the victim
could identify only with her father's aid

Again the Honorable Court
gave them a third chance

You witnessed the drama
with your own eyes

I can understand

Young girl

It is such a helpless situation

But doesn't the same
apply to my client?

'He is 60 years old'

'Father of 2 girls'

Both Press and Media have maligned him
and his family round the clock

And literally exiled them from society

For the sole reason, he has
no alibi from 6:00 p.m to 6:30 p.m

'How long can we continue
to drag this case?'

How can we decide on a verdict based on
just public sentiment, Your Honor?

Isn't that wrong?

Don't we need proper evidence?

Don't we need evidence, sir?

Do you have any other evidence?

No, right?

Why should my client be in jail
for a crime someone else committed?

Your Honor, I humbly request you to dismiss
all the accusations against my client

And release him on bail at the earliest

'You want him roaming free?'

How can you expect that, I say?

Your client is guilty

I know!

It's not what you know, sir

It is what you can prove

That's how court works

I agree the victim didn't identify him

But at the same time
neither did she say it was NOT him

'More importantly'

There were hassles in court proceedings
because of Mr Sara van an

So the interrogation will continue
once the victim comes

Your Honor, how long can my client
be imprisoned because of that?

Fine, I will grant
conditional bail to your client

'But again in the parade'

If the victim identifies him

We will cancel the bail and
take him back into custody

Ask him to sign daily
in S5 police station

Thank you, Your Honor

- Gargi?
- Appa?

Where's Akshu?

'I sent her to buy milk'

Let me go check

'Gargi, you keep talking to
your father, I'll go and-'

'What do you want me to say?'

'No, you tell me what I should say'

I've come out with my family
and you are torturing me even here

Then imagine the extent you would have
tortured that child and her family

'How will they co-operate then?'

'You are a reason too
for this case not being wrapped up'

'Bear that in mind'

Anyway if the victim comes,
the parade can be scheduled

Only then the case can
reach a conclusion

Till then let everyone
enjoy some peace and privacy

Driver, reverse

This case is in a delicate situation

'Mr Sara van an has planned
to relocate elsewhere with his child'

'He has decided not to co-operate
with the court proceedings'

'Due to lack of any other
incriminating evidence'

'Accused Brahmananda's release
is almost confirmed'

'Does that mean he was wrongly framed?'

'Did the affected child'

'...identify Brahmananda
only in a state of confusion?'

'With cameraman Deakin Rogers
this is Ahalya reporting'

'I told our boss
right in the beginning'

Let us report after
investigating thoroughly

Obsessed with Flash News
he gave me sheer hell

Look how humiliating it is now

It isn't our fault, ma'am

If the investigation had
been conducted properly

The police could have nabbed
the 5th criminal long ago

They botched it and pressurized
the poor child unnecessarily

'So sad! Wonder who
that child misidentified'

Okay, da, life will
come back to normalcy

I'll go home

What, appa?

I heard you wanted
to shift from here?

Amma told me about it

But don't we have to adhere to
signing at the police station daily?

Alright, let's leave this city
as soon as the case is over, okay?

Uncle

Uncle

'Tell me, dear'

'Don't hesitate'

Which brand of alcohol
does appa prefer?

No, he is still having a long face

I thought he should relax a bit

Leave it to me I'll handle it

No, uncle, it's okay, tell me

I'm telling you
I'll take care of this

Okay

Appa... uncle

Hey! What, da?

Come, let's step out for a while

No, you go I'll come another day

Don't make a fuss

- Come on
- I'll take this

Come

I've put him to bed, dear

He drank very little

But it has been a long gap, right?

I think he got high too soon

'He kept talking about you'

'Blaming himself
for the hassles you faced'

'He wants to vacate
this house at the earliest'

We'll shift, uncle

But we have to wait
for the case to be closed

He doesn't understand that

I feel bad when I think of him, uncle

I should find a job for him
far away from this area

Don't worry about that, dear

I'll spread the word around

We can get him a job definitely

It's okay, uncle, I'm sure
you have a lot on your mind

Sorry, dear

I should've visited you earlier
and been of some help

I panicked at all that happened

It's alright, uncle

Appa doesn't have
any other close friend

Visit us often till things
get back to normal, uncle

But next time I won't
agree to this drinking bout

Don't you worry

He is blessed with you as his daughter
purely due to his golden heart

But that same God is
giving you a hard time

I want appa with me
That's all, uncle

I'll do whatever I can for that

You ask Sandra if you want

She would have done
the same for you

'She is very clear headed'

She eloped with her classmate
last week and got married

- Sandra?
- 'Yes, dear'

'She is an adult it seems'

She said she knows what to do
with her life and ran away from home

But you had found
a groom for her, right?

'Oh yes!'

'I did everything I should
as a father for my daughter'

The groom I finalized
had a secure bank job

I took off the whole day and
arranged every detail possible, dear

'The groom-to-be came
with his family to meet us'

'You know what she said
when she saw him?'

'I am in love with someone else
and I will marry only him'

She made me hang my head in shame
in front of everyone, dear

I lost my cool and
slapped her left and right

'In that distressed state
I got drunk as a skunk, dear'

I agree what Sandra did was wrong, uncle

But how does getting drunk and
hitting your child resolve anything?

Maybe you could have solved it
if you had sat down and spoken to her?

Your father gave me this same advice
that day over the phone

'I was so mad I wanted to go home
and beat her to a pulp'

But your appa consoled me
and calmed me down

Until I become sober he asked me
to lie down in the apartment

I silently dozed off, dear

'Sir, a groom had come with his family
to meet my daughter Sandra formally'

'So I didn't step out anywhere, sir'

'I joined back in duty
only the next day, sir'

Sor... sorry, dear

Give me the bail order copy

Sign here

Give me your ID card

You have to sign too

Sorry, dear

'I should have told you earlier'

I was scared but I shouldn't have done that

You are the cause of
all my father's problems

I'll call the police

- I'm calling the police
- Wait, please listen to me

Please, dear

'I will fall at your feet and beg you'

Please, dear Hear me out

'Listen to me'

Sign

Sign as 'Daughter of'

'That day I went to the apartment
because your father called me'

'When I was taking the steps
to go up, I heard a sound'

'I was the first one who saw
that child lying semi-conscious'

'I was shell shocked
I didn't know what to do'

'My limbs went numb
and my mind went blank'

'I managed to go
up to the terrace'

'And told your father
about the gruesome sight'

He said, 'don't whisper a word
to anyone, to top it all you are drunk'

'The case will be foisted on you'

He said, 'go sit in the lift room'

'He carried the girl to her house'

'He did all he could
to help that poor child'

When I was leaving
the apartment the next day

Brahma called me and said
'If anyone asks you about this'

'Tell them you were at home
waiting for the to-be groom's arrival'

He asked me not to say anything else

'A groom was coming from Nagercoil
to meet Sandra formally'

'Her father took off that day'

What were you doing that evening
between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m?

What, my dear?

Appa, I'm asking you this time

November 14th

Between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m

Where were you?

What were you doing?

I told you already, dear

I was drinking all by myself
in the lift room on the terrace

Ask them to come in

All of you, go out and wait

Sir?

You wait here

Gargi

What is all this?

Sir, come inside

Come

For my sake Just only once

See this and tell me, please

It wasn't him, right?

Please, dear Just once

One last time
It isn't him, right?

Please take a look once

Only once

IT WAS HIM!

Why are all of you torturing me?

Leave me alone please

Sorry

Be bold and point out
the 5th criminal

I'm here for you

Gargi, please forgive me

Take him into custody

'If one decision can change the world'

'If one decision can change the world
that is not the end but the beginning'

I got you the bangles

Oh! You wanted red, right?
I bought yellow in haste

Give, I'll go and exchange it

It's okay, this is colorful too

- Uncle
- Hi

Please take a seat, uncle

- Come in
- Hi

Come

- Hello?
- 'Hi Gargi, how are you?'

Hi, aren't you coming?

'No, is Akshu there?'

She's right here
I'll give the phone to her

Here, Ahalya on the line

Hello, 'ka Where are you?

I got stuck in a shoot, dear

Tell me, how do you feel?

Don't know, akka
I said I had stomach cramps

They 'exiled' me and
made it a ceremony

Now that pain will be a monthly visitor!

Along with it your sister's advice
will stretch a mile and a half

'Don't talk to him
Don't meet this boy'

'Be home by 6:00 p.m'

'Don't wear shorts and go out'

'She will make up new
do's and don'ts for you'

'Akka isn't like before
She has reformed now'

'She has lessened her advice'

'Her situation is such'

'I think she has realized
that advice never really helps'

'You must have done great penance
to be born a woman'

Everyone will quote
from classic poetry

Don't be fooled believing them

'Having been born a girl
each day is world war III'

'Anyone can be our enemy'

'We win some We lose some'

'But the way in which
you handle your defeat'

'This world will know
your true worth'

Welcome to womanhood

subtitled by rekhs
assisted by harini & sam

subtitled by rekhs
calibrated at AP International

"Water teaches the fish to swim in the sea"

"Wind nudges the feather to fly carefree"

"Time and again
life teaches (wo)man pain"

"Woman burdened"

"Woman emboldened"

"Traveller"

"Explorer"

"Through darkness & dizziness you'll go
until your own divinity you get to know"

"Traveller"

"Tireless traveller"

"On a mission forever"

"Danger and death overkill
Agony and anguish overspill"

"Pain immeasurable
Blame innumerable"

"Betrayal to the nth degree
Folly of ignorance to infinity"

"Self-conceit countless
Ego and airs endless"

"Measure each step crossed in life
Walk all those miles of strife"

"Traveller"

"Tireless traveller"

"On a mission forever"

"Danger excessive
Distress extensive"

"Pain immeasurable
Blame innumerable"

"Immorality boundless
Ignorance & folly bottomless"

"Vanity never ending
Ego never bending"

"Measure each step crossed in life
Walk all those miles of strife"

"Traveller"

"Relentless traveller"

"With a mission possible"