Wonder who it is...
Ananth? Is everything OK?
How is your Dad?
The same as the last update.
He is getting better.
What does “Thelivaina Modhodu” mean?
Who told you this?
No one told me anything.
I found a Book of Poems by Bharathiyar in my dad’s bookshelf.
And I found a greeting card inside it, in which someone...
...has written Telugu in English.
And there is a photograph with it too.
Please send me the photograph immediately.
That is Sandeep Sekaran.
Oh. I didn’t recognise him at all.
Do you know how he was when he came to Anantham?
Do you know what condition he was in then?
Ramu, if you aren’t sleepy, could you tell me his story please?
Of course.
And before you start the story,
...tell me what this “Thelivaina Modhodu” means
It means “An Intelligent Idiot”
That Intelligent Idiot...
Set foot in Anantham... In 1975...
“I AM A HOUSE”
“I AM ALIVE AND I HAVE FEELINGS”
“I HAVE A SOUL”
“IF YOU GIVE ME A LITTLE IT IS ENOUGH. I WILL GIVE BACK IN ABUNDANCE”
“THE REWARD FOR A SMILE CAN ONLY BE A SMILE”
“IF ONE WANTS TO BE HAPPY, ONE CAN”
“AND ONE CAN MAKE OTHERS HAPPY TOO”
“ALL YOU NEED IS A LITTLE “HEART” ”
TITLE – REKHA
What a big house!
Yes it is!
I am sorry Rekha, the house is a bit ordinary.
It is very nice Sandeep. I really like it.
Look at the garden.
They’ve maintained it well despite the house being empty.
Are you sure? Do you “really” like it?
I really like it Sandeep.
I am happy.
Lasika, Varun, don’t you want to look around. Come on.
Come on Pluto. Let’s go.
Varun, be careful. - Lasika come on.
Varun, careful! (Varun) The house is really big.
What is it?
All my classmates live in big mansions.
I had to search for an inexpensive house...
... and found this dilapidated bungalow.
I shouldn’t have started the Consultancy Business.
Now I’ve lost everything.
Sandeep. I am here for you.
We’ll get back money, friends and family the moment we succeed.
I feel everything is going to change for the better now that we are here.
Let’s keep a target of 3 months.
But haven’t we sold your last necklace?
I still have 2 left, plus these earrings and this chain.
I am sure things will change soon.
Maybe it is our destiny that we should live here at this very moment.
But it is up to us to make it a happy life.
You know Sandeep...?
I feel like this house is calling out to us
-Rekha... -Yes...?
The only good thing I have ever done...
...was to carry you off from Tirupathi.
In a temple town where one hears cops asking devotees to “Move on”,
I can only remember your father screaming for us to “Stop”!
Idiot! What a thing to remember now!
I don’t know...
...but you are my lucky charm and positive energy.
Dad, I really like this place.
There’s so much space behind. - Really?
We can build that tennis court we wanted. - You mean that?
Let’s go check it out. Come on.
-Dad, let me try. -Even Pluto has sat down.
Let me try again please.
Idiot... Aren’t you supposed to be an engineer?
-Do we have coconut oil? -Yes
-It’s in the car, in the boot. -Make it quick.
One drop will do. It will open.
Fast. Open it.
Hold it.
Just a drop will do. It is rusted.
Now watch!
Did it work?
It’s opened.
“Open Sesame”
Come on Pluto.
Hey! Wait!
-What? -Like this...
I really like this house Sandeep.
I am definite that we are going to make it big here.
Do you mean that?
Don’t keep asking me again Idiot.
Don’t keep calling me an idiot.
Use a new cuss word please.
“Thelivaina Modhodu”
Intelligent Idiot. - Yes.
Just watch how beautiful I am going to make this house.
It became beautiful the moment you stepped in.
I will check out the 1st floor.
“The mind must be firm”
“Words should be kind”
“Thoughts should be pure”
“And everything should be within an arm’s reach”
“The mind must be firm”
Already 10 days are gone.
We still have 2 months and 20 days.
Oh Really?
Can we manage? - Yes we can!
“Dreams must come true”
“And they must happen fast”
“Dreams must come true”
“And they must happen fast”
“There must be prosperity and joy”
“And the earth should be filled with pride”
“With eyes wide open”
“Everything should be done with determination”
“With eyes wide open”
“Everything should be done with determination”
“Women should have freedom”
“And the Supreme Power above must protect”
“Women should have freedom”
“And the Supreme Power above must protect”
“Our land should be fertile”
“The whole Universe must be visible”
“And truth must remain steadfast”
Hi! My name is Chitra.
Hi Chitra.
And this is my brother Ramu. (All together) Hi!
These are my friends. (All together) Hi!
I am the gang leader.
Really?
There’s a place at the back.
Shall we go play there? - Yes.
There are a lot of secret places here.
Go on! Go!
Careful!!!
They look so happy!
What is it Sandeep?
I love you.
(In Telugu) Intelligent Idiot!
Hey! Curse me in Tamil.
Hey, Tamil Lion... You’d better learn Telugu.
(lovingly) Telugu Woman!!!
Stop it Mum!!!
What’s the problem?
Sorry Mum...
Lasika, Lasika... What happened?
Lasika, what happened?
Tell me!
How can you be so cheerful?
Why are you blabbering?
Yes... You are always smiling...
You’re always happy.
But I am unable to.
Dad refuses to buy me what I ask for.
When will he find a job?
...and buy me the bicycle I asked for?
Tell me Mum!
I’ll explain.
If we keep yearning for something we don’t have, we can never be happy.
We have to happy with what we have.
It will be tough in the beginning.
But if you train your mind, then it becomes a way of life.
Remember how we were last month?
But today we live in this beautiful house.
Shouldn’t we be happy about that?
This house was sad and lonely.
But we’ve come and made it a happy home.
Only good things will happen to us.
What are you saying?
Does this house have life?
It does! Look here.
If you listen to the walls of this house,
...you can hear its heart-beat.
Come on! Come here.
Listen with belief and you can hear it.
Mum...
-Can you hear it? -Yes.
Varun, this house has life. I can hear it.
Really? Yes, come on!
(Rekha) Lasika, Varun, go in.
Bajaj Sir...
Fantastic! Not bad at all.
You can’t even pay the Interest on the loan...
But you live in such a big house.
The rent was cheap so we shifted.
Does your house owner know that you can’t pay even that rent?
A Rs. 500000 Principal...
...And you haven’t paid the interest for 3 months.
But you move house...
(Bajaj) Look here Sandeep...
I am a businessman.
There is no Good and Bad in this.
But if I do become a bad man...
You have to take full responsibility for that.
Are you threatening me?
You can take it how you like!
I’ve paid more Interest than the loan itself.
Isn’t this your signature?
(Bajaj) Didn’t you read it and sign?
Aren’t you an Engineer from IIT?
(laughing) You can’t even pay Rs.3000 as Interest...
Then why does she need Diamond earrings?
Give me 3 months.
I will pay up the Principal and the Interest.
No. I will give you two months.
Pay the Interest by then.
-Bajaj Sir... -Rekha don’t...
Your 2 months Interest.
Please take it.
It doesn’t matter.
It is very rare to find a wife like her.
You are lucky Sandeep.
I am sorry Rekha.
When I see him I feel murderous.
I will find a job within a month and throw the money on his face.
He is actually helping us!
What are you saying?
An insult can inspire one much more than 1000 praises.
He has motivated you.
Just watch, we’ll be thanking him very soon.
What do I do when people reject me because I am over-qualified?
It will get better. Come on.
(Varun making engine sounds)
Varun, be quiet.
I’m telling you to stay quiet.
Dad, get on to the plane. It’ll be fun.
VARUN!!
Didn’t I tell you to be quiet?
When I tell you to keep quiet, you must!
Do you understand?
Do you know how tense I am?
Do you even know what is happening in this house?
Cry! Cry for everything!
Where can I go and cry?
Where can I go and cry, thinking about my life?
I am bloody sick of this whole shit! - Stop it Dad!!!
Why do you keep shouting at us?
You keep snapping at us for everything!
We never asked to be born into this family!
What can we do if you are having troubles?
-Lasika!! -Sandeep!!
-Lasika... -Step aside!
Lasika, you must always speak to your father with respect. Do you understand?
Is it OK for him to talk to Varun like that?
I too admit he was wrong.
But I would have talked to him.
You mustn’t kick someone who is already down!
Go and apologise to your father!
Sorry Mum... You can act like you’re not angry!
You can even put up an appearance of being happy.
I cannot be like that!
Lasika!!
What kind of a girl have I brought up??
How dare she disrespect her father?
She will learn only if she has to toil hard!
There are so many children suffering much more.
She has everything she wants in this house!
Rascal!
I will never pass my stress on to you again.
You are everything to me!
You are so important to me.
I am so happy and lucky that you are all there for me.
I am sorry too, Dad.
No. You don’t need to carry my burden. I am sorry.
No Dad. We have to take care of each other.
That’s what being a family means.
Oh Really? OK Madam!
Don’t tease me! I am not a baby!
You’ll always be my baby!
Thotta... Have you seen Varun?
He is playing at the back.
I didn’t want to disturb you. That’s why I am playing here.
Was I too loud?
What’s wrong dad?
Nothing Varun. - Shall we play together?
Do you know how a real aeroplane flies? - No.
Shall I teach you?
Will I understand?
I’ll teach you in a way that you do!
-OK. -OK. Let’s go.
OK.
Go on then.
Thotta... I don’t need this plane anymore. Catch!
-Hey! I am going to beat you both. -Come then...
I will kill you! - No, I will kill you!
Careful.. Careful.!
Hey..
No.. No.. No.!
Dad, please teach me too.
-I will teach you. Come. -I am going to hit you first!
What did you teach him?
You taught him to make a paper rocket?
We are grateful to you Sandeep.
You’ve given life to a house which has been locked for 3 years.
You’ve made Anantham a beautiful home!
So my brother has said he will not accept rent from you till you get a job.
Thank you sir. But all I need is a job sir. Not charity.
It’s OK if it doesn’t fit my profile.
I will surely try Sandeep.
But if you are over-qualified, they won’t employ you.
I am facing this everywhere!
They reject me because I am over-qualified.
I am not getting work that suits my degree.
Don’t worry. You’ll get a job soon.
My brother has high hopes that you will make it big!
You keep this money till you get a job.
We’ll worry about the rest later.
It is enough that he believes in me!
Don’t tell me you don’t want the rent.
Just find me a job.
If Anantham is happy, she will give back in abundance!
I don’t believe in all this sir.
This is not about superstitions. This is about life.
My whole life changed in that house.
And your life too will change there.
OK Sir... Let’s see.
I’ll take leave.
Just one...
Fine sir. Thank you.
Sir grant me just one interview.
Sir? Hello? Hello?
Hey Sandeep. Come on.
You’re here at the right time. Come and help us.
What is all this?
Idiot! It is Varun’s 8th birthday! Have you forgotten?
Where’s the money for all this?
We have the money, don’t worry.
How?
Hmm... Magic!
Don’t worry about it...
Where are your earrings?
You know we are in trouble and yet you waste money...
Two months are up.
Bajaj may land up anytime. You know that!
I do! But life can change in a moment Sandeep!
You know what I feel?
I feel something magical is going to happen today!
Are you mad?
Am I mad? Maybe!
-Rekha... -What...
REKHA!!
What are you thinking?
Who taught you that if you ignore a problem, it will go away???
What do you think I am?
Am I a bloody clown to you?
You keep blabbering about “Magic”
And that man blabbers that the house will take care!
What do I look like to you?
Be practical Rekha.
See the reality.
I am not getting a job.
Over-qualified!
And I don’t know when I am going to find a job.
Even if we sell everything, we will be on the streets in a couple of months!
You know that!
Sandeep!! Just stop it!!
Look here...
You were a school topper..
You passed with distinction and topped college too didn’t you?
Yes or no?
Then you saw me, fell in love...
And when my family didn’t agree, you carried me off... we eloped.
Yes or no?
Everything you touched turned to gold.
You’ve got everything you ever wanted from the day you were born!
Now you’ve faced a small slip.
Ups and downs are a part of life, Aren’t they?
Can’t you handle this small set-back?
Do you know why I fell for you?
Do you even know why I fell in love with you?
Because of your positivity and confidence!
Where has all that gone?
What happened?
Rekha... Stop it.
Ups and downs, victories and losses are all part of life’s struggle.
It is my fault!
I am a mad woman.
I thought it was enough that I was positive...
But it is not helping!
But let me tell you something!
We will succeed only if you change this negative attitude!
(Rekha) And I am very sure about it!
And let me tell you something else.
It is Varun’s birthday today!
I will not sacrifice my children happiness just because you're frustrated.
The party will happen. The magic will happen.
Just watch! - Don’t say that word “Magic”
If you want you can join the party Or else, just get lost!!!
Go!
Pluto!
(Kids indistinct)
The Birthday cake has arrived.
Dad isn’t here. - It’s OK.
(Happy Birthday Singing)
I am sorry!
Give dad a piece.
Dad.. Have it
Here have another piece.
All of you have snacks.
After this we have games and lots of prizes.
OK kids, you’ll be playing musical chairs now!!!
(Ravi) Hello Arjun! How are you?
Mum, can I play too?
No you are the host, you can’t play.
OK... Come on all of you.
Hey.. - Come.. Come..
You’re giving the prizes to everyone. - Thotta.. Play the music
You are the guest of honour
That is why you can’t play.
Stop!!
Prasanna is the winner.
Hand it over.
Hi Sandeep! I’m Ravi.
My kids are here more often than at home.
-There’s a lot of space to play here. -Yeah. True.
That talkative one is my daughter. And that is my son Ramu.
Very intelligent kids.
Oh they are precocious.
I’m unable to keep up with them.
I am a salesman. I talk a lot.
I come from old money.
We have a lot of property.
We have agricultural land in Nellore.
I have only a Bachelor’s degree.
I’ve spent more time at the movies and clubs than at college.
But these kids ask so many questions...
...about science and history...
My wife too has only passed her PUC.
We both compete in gaping foolishly every time they ask us questions!
I wish I had done better at college, just to be able to answer them.
That is difficult now isn’t it? - That is the problem.
Chitra... She’s my daughter.
-Congratulations! -Thank you!
Now we are going to play and interesting interactive game.
(Kids cheer)
You are going to make a kite and let it fly.
(Kids cheer)
But the rule is, only one parent can help one child.
...Either the mother... or the father.
(Indistinct) Oh No... How can I... We don’t know...
What are you saying? Haven’t you flown a kite once in your life?
I’ve flown kites with my brother during festivals at my hometown.
-Me too! Me too! -Yes...
It is not Rocket Science! Give it to them.
Mum, shall I participate too?
No. We are the hosts. Let them play.
You’re always this way. You don’t let me do anything.
Isn’t it my birthday? Why shouldn’t I play then?
Let him join in please.
OK... Go.
Now you’ve forced me to play too.
I don’t need your help. Dad will help me.
Dad... you help me please.
OK. Come on.
Lasika, give him the stuff.
Here it is, dad
(Chitra) Dad, hurry. Let’s begin.
-Varun, shall we try with this paper? -OK Dad!
Everything has a logic and reason.
If we understand the logic behind it, Then it is easy to do it in practice.
There is logic behind this simple kite too.
If everything is precise, then it'll work.
Like your mum said, this isn’t Rocket Science, but aerodynamics.
A kite and an aeroplane fly on the same principle.
Even a bird does.
Now what is the most important thing needed for flying?
(A kid) Wings!!!
(Ravi) Do you know? (Ramu) No I don’t dad!
Everyone is looking at Dad.
No-no
Only if there are wings something can fly. - Yes-yes.
What are you saying, dear?
(Varun) No Chitra... you need...
You don’t know anything. Dad you tell us.
He he... why do you put me in a spot?
Ask Uncle. He will explain.
Uncle!!!
Varun, what is the first requirement to fly?
Air! - Yes. Correct!
Wings are needed to fly... but more importantly we need air.
(Sandeep) Air is what helps an object fly.
When you ride a bike and lift your hands up to your sides, how would you feel?
(Kids) Like we are flying!
That’s right. Why you feel that way is...
...The air lifts your hands up and pushes you from the back.
(Sandeep) The force that takes you up is called “Lift”
(A kid) Lift.
The force that pushes you from behind is “Drag”
(Kids) Drag.
(Sandeep) Yes... Lift... (Kid) Drag
These two forces make an object fly.
There is no aerodynamics without them.
And a plane cannot fly.
(Kids) Oh...
Now we will look at the 3rd important force we need.
Do you know what it is? - Dad... let me tell them.
Wait Varun, let’s see if they know.
We don’t know, let him tell us.
OK tell them.
“Gravity”. Am I right? - Yes. Very good.
“Gravity”
If the kite is heavy what will happen?
(Kids) It will fall down.
(Sandeep) And why does it fall down?
The Earth’s gravity pulls it down.
That is why it falls down. That is why we all can stand.
If not for gravity we would...
(Kids laugh)
We would fly away.
(Sandeep) Am I right?
The plane is so big and heavy.
How does fly without falling?
Very Good Ramu. Very good.
(Music)
Now shall we make a kite and try to make it fly?
(Kids) Yes... -Are you ready?
We’re ready!! - Come on then!
This is the moment!
If this kite flies, then our lives will surely change!
Call it now... 1... 2...
Let it fly oh God... let it fly... - 3...
It should fly... fly...
“Dreams must come true”
“And they must happen fast”
“There must be prosperity and joy”
“And the earth should be filled with pride”
“With eyes wide open”
“Everything should be done with determination”
“Our land should be fertile”
“The whole Universe must be visible”
“And truth must remain steadfast”
If I’d had a teacher like you, I too would have done a doctorate.
Using a kite, you taught us something so big in a way we would understand.
You should start a Coaching class.
You will shape many brilliant minds.
I would need a lot of money and space for that.
Tell me how much. I will give it.
No. I cannot borrow money again.
I never said it would be a loan.
We’ll do this together.
I see a potential business here.
I have great faith in you!
This will become a big success.
There’s a bloody future in this Sandeep.
You have to start this Coaching Center.
Thank you Ravi, but I’ve already failed once starting a business.
I am not cut out for it.
It is only money.
Even if it fails, I would have the satisfaction of at least trying.
You please tell him. Convince him.
One minute.
What is this?
What is she doing?
Take me on as a partner!
-What is this? -Why Rekha?
Don’t worry; you are going to buy me several more.
Don’t glare. I will buy you many more too.
-Sandeep... Say yes... Please. -Dad...
Pluto has something in his mouth.
We were playing in the study room and there is a big cupboard there.
He kept sniffing under it.
He got something from there but refuses to give it.
Pluto... come on... drop it...
Hey come on...
(Lasika) That is what you’ve been sniffing
(Varun) He’s been doing it ever since we came here
(Ravi) Oh My God!!! (Varun) I wonder who put that chalk bundle there.
This is destiny!!
Yeah sure. Truly!!
Superb man! Superb!
You please keep this inside!
All the best man!
You’re going to make it big!
We started Pluto School of Knowledge right here.
He gave us the 1st seed... I mean chalk piece to make it happen.
That is our Pluto.
And now we have many branches in Bombay, Calcutta and Ahmadabad.
Can I take a picture?
-With Pluto? -Yes of course!
Please...
Ready. - Ready... Smile.
Rekha!!!
I am spraying them regularly.
Yes there are insects.
You should mix it properly in the soil.
-Yes I will do that. - (Sandeep) Rekha!
Then they will grow better.
Varun and Lasika...
Guess what?
It is time to take a giant leap!
I got a call from the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s office.
- (Sandeep) The Principal Secretary spoke to me.
They’ve asked me to join the Education Ministry.
(All chorus) Wow... (Sandeep) We are going to Delhi.
Congratulations.
Dad... That’s great!
(Varun)It would have been so good if Pluto were still with us.
(Sandeep) He’s always there in spirit.
-Aren’t I right Thotta? -Yes definitely.
Varun, let’s go. Dad... Talk to mom
What is it?
This is good news Sandeep... but... the coaching class?
We started small right here...
Now it’s grown huge.
There are brilliant people taking care of it.
But Rekha...
This is the right time I step away.
I spoke to Ravi.
He will buy us out.
Sometimes you have to let go and move on Rekha.
I can help so many more if I have a post in the government.
We can change the whole system of education.
Yes Sandeep.
All this is good...
Rekha...
What is it?
No Sandeep... it’s just that...
I don’t want to leave this house.
Shall we just buy this house?
Or, if he doesn’t agree to sell, we can at least retain it on rent.
Do you think I didn’t think of this?
Did you talk to him?
Both won’t happen Rekha.
Why not?
Venkatesan sir has been transferred to Madras
He has appealed to the Railway Ministry to stay in his own home, rather than their quarters.
Oh.
Maybe at this time, he needs this house’s positive energy more!
Hey... YOU are my positive energy!
Hey... Intelligent Idiot...
I didn’t do anything. It’s all Anantham’s positive energy.
Take care of the house Pluto!
We are leaving now. Let’s go.
We’ll take leave Thotta. - Go on son.
Bye Michael
-Bye Chitra... -Bye Lasika
Bye... Take care... All the best.
They’ve shifted your father to a normal room.
You must go and see him.
Look... your article has been published.
You are now a “Tamil” Celebrity.
And the house has become famous too.
Why are you so quiet?
I am hardly a celebrity!
This year’s Padma Vibhushan awardee flew kites in this house 30 years ago!
What a man!
Such a positive and inspiring story!
Chitra and Ramu have spoken so much about Sandeep sir.
I don’t know how I forgot all that!
You didn’t forget. You’ve completely blocked it out!
Because you’ve faced so much more in your life!
What are you thinking about now?
So many good things have happened in this house.
Why did everything go wrong only for me?