'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?
'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, 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?
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...mering 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 firebird 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 fairplay 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, Saravana, 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, Saravana
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
06:30
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 anyon- - 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 incharge 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 hospit-
'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 Saravanan
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 Saravanan
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 Saravanan 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
'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"