Death… death… death…
I’m telling you please leave this house!
-I’m telling you, leave! -Who is this?
Leave from here! Leave!
-I’m telling you again! -Don’t…
(Indistinct shouting)
I’ll talk to him.
-Don’t come close -What do you want?
-I’ve lived here -What is it?
-OK…OK -Don’t touch me…
-Don’t come close! -Who are you?
-He is drunk! -Yes I am a bloody drunk!
-Hey -Because of this bloody house!
-Thotta… tell them… -It is OK son…
-Look at this… -You know him???
-Look at this -I know him very well…
-I saw this and came here -He is known to me!
-OK son… -I lived in this house. I am telling you…
Control… come on let’s go inside and…
(Indistinct fighting)
-Come on, come in -Come in…
-Come in. We’ll talk… -We’ll talk, come in…
“I AM A HOUSE”
“MY WALLS CAN TELL MANY STORIES”
“A FEW HAPPY STORIES…”
“A FEW SAD STORIES…”
“A FEW HORRIFYING STORIES…”
“WHAT IS FEAR?”
“IS IT THE RELUCTANCE WE HAVE…?”
“—WHEN WE ARE FACED WITH THE UNKNOWN?”
“I HAVE SEEN FEAR!”
“I HAVE SEEN FEAR WHICH CAN MAKE ONE SHUDDER, SHIVER AND DESTROY COMPLETELY”
LALITHA
My room…
Oh… really?
I can’t hear you!
Yes… just now…
Actually it is almost ready… Everything is almost done…
It’ll be done by the time you’re here.
Yes Mom… it is 4 PM…
I’ve eaten…
Thotta… Mom has left…
Right now? Good…
What? I can’t hear you; come away from the window seat.
Now I can hear you! Tell me…
It won’t match up to your standards…
Yeah Ma… everything is sorted.
You wait outside the compartment tomorrow.
I don’t want you to be loitering around here and there!
OK ma… OK…
I’ll see you tomorrow…
The weather here is better than Hyderabad…
Yeah… it is the sea breeze…
Madras always had that charm…
The old and new merge well…
Balu… isn’t this the area we lived in before?
Not bad… you’ve got a house in the same locality?
Not just the same locality… The same house even…
The same house…? Wow… I’m more excited now.
Balu, that was the house we lived in…
Wait Mom…
Didn’t we live here too?
What beautiful memories we have…!
Look Mom… It all looks just the same!
This house has been waiting for you for 20 years!
When I found out I was transferred to Madras, I could only remember this house…
If we had a bond towards something here… --It would probably be only Anantham right?
Who else did we know here?
Come on mom…
I thought the house would be broken down and made into apartments…
Surprisingly, it hadn’t been…
You and Sundar Uncle were so happy here.
I cannot bring him back to life…
But I think you’ll be happy if you lived here…
You’re happy, right?
“I AM GOING TO TAKE YOU TO THOSE DARK DAYS”
“Come Lalitha… I was waiting for you”
“Shall we both skip together?”
What happened mom?
Come on in Mom… I am hungry… come…
So, what do you think?
It is nice?
Wait, I’ll go and leave the bag and come back…
Ma’am careful!
Mom, what happened?
What is it Mom?
Ma’am I am Mary!
Have you forgotten me?
I think she was startled to see me!
What is this Mom…? This is Mary…
You could forget her, but not her cooking!
What is she doing here?
Where else can I go?
Once Sundar sir sent me away, I struggled a lot…
I worked in and around this area…
And by coincidence I met Balu sir on the road…
He recognised me instantly…
He said you were moving here and needed help…
I immediately accepted…
Where ever we go, we ultimately have to come back here, right?
Come ma’am, I’ll make tea…
Give me the bag mom… Give it to me…
You go and have tea…
-I want one too -OK…
Balu said you moved to Hyderabad from here…
I heard Sundar sir had cancer…
Poor thing…
He was a good man…
She’s the one who went mad!
I was really upset when I was sacked.
But he did the right thing, didn’t he?
I never should have opened the door for her.
(In Seetha’s voice) Now I’ll make the tea!
Ma’am?
I don’t want tea… I’ll rest now!
I’ve asked my daughter to help out too.
When I am not around she’ll help you…
Please go and rest now. I’ll ask her to heat the water!
Who are you? The hot water is ready ma’am…
Who are you? I am Mary’s daughter.
Go on, I’ll join you…
(Young Balu) Seetha, I have moved it.
Now, it’s your turn
Let’s see your move
Which coin are you moving??
(Young Balu) No Seetha, you’re cheating…
I won’t give up the game…
Seetha, you are cheating.
Otherwise, let’s start again
Now where should I place this?
What is it mom?
Are you OK?
Mom, what is this?
Nothing…
You asked for this room…
So why haven’t you unpacked yet?
I asked Mary’s daughter to help you…
Wait… Mary Auntie…
No need. She said she would help.
I was the one who said no.
I have a meeting now. I’ll leave. It is late!
You have a meeting in the evening?
Clients from the USA…
It is morning for them there.
Our office has computers now.
The government has funded it.
Do you know there’s something called the “Internet”?
With that one can write letters through the computer…
It is called “Electronic Mail”
I understand only half of what you speak…
Shall I wait for you for dinner?
No need. You eat and sleep…
Mary will be here, right?
Mary doesn’t live here!
Oh really?
What is it Mom?
Are you scared to stay by yourself?
It’s not that…
It’s been so long since I’ve lived in such a big house…
-Oh… -That’s why I feel a little odd…
Don’t blabber mom…
Call me if you need anything.
OK mom, I’ll leave now.
Oh… Not one light is bright here…!
I think I will eat now.
Ma’am did I frighten you?
Mary… It’s you!
I forgot my purse… so I came back for it.
Why come this way?
You could have come via the front… Why come like a thief?
I didn’t want to disturb you…
Shall I come and serve you dinner?
No need. I’ll take care… Go…
OK ma’am…
What is that noise?
This is an old house… There are a lot of bats.
That’s the sound!
Oh… OK you leave now…
OK ma’am
(Indistinct TV sounds)
Oh No…
Where are the candles?
(LAUGHTER)
“DARKNESS AND LIGHT ARE THE SAME TO ME”
“YOU’RE THE ONE WHO HAS TO BE CAREFUL”
(LAUGHTER)
(SINGLE BAT SOUND WHICH SOUNDS LIKE CLICKING)
(CREAKING AND THUNDER)
(CREAKING INTENSIFIES)
“I WONT LET YOU NEAR HIM AGAIN!”
(TV BLARES ON)
(PHONE RINGS LOUDLY)
Hello? - Hello?
Balu… Balu…
What happened, Mom?
Balu… There’s lightning…
-Lightning… -What?
I don’t understand… what happened?
What lightning?
I feel uneasy… - I’ll come home…
Don’t worry. I am on my way.
I don’t like staying in this house.
What is the problem?
I don’t know…
But I’m not feeling good.
I thought you liked this place!
Isn’t this where you got your second chance?
You met Sundar Uncle here, didn’t you?
It is not that! - Then what…?
It is… I don’t like it here…
-Let’s move to another place -Don’t be childish…
I’ve paid a year’s rent as advance…
And you say you want to leave?
Then find someone who can stay with me all the time.
Only if you tell me what the issue is, can I solve it.
Tell me mom…
Balu… Am I a good person?
What sort of question is that?
You’ve overcome so many problems alone!
Trouble in your first marriage… Divorce…
And in the second you had Seetha to manage…
You accepted a mentally ill person like Seetha…
--and you took good care of her, didn’t you?
Didn’t you take care of Sundar Uncle till his death?
You are a good woman Mom…
I’ve never met a better woman…
You know what… come, come… enough of this…
Get up… you haven’t slept properly for 2 days…
I am going to tuck you to bed. Come…
Ma… Don’t be embarrassed.
You’ve tucked me in so many times…
Come… Come on Ma…
Otherwise I’ll carry you…
Come…
Come on Mom…
What is it Mom? What happened?
Why are you scared for a light flicker...? Come…
Come on Mom…
All we need to do is change the bulb!
Is this what you called lightning?
Come on Mom…
You’ve bought so little for Rs.100?
-That’s all we get -Mary Auntie, I won’t be eating here today…
I just want tea… I’m already running late.
Chee… It’s all an illusion…
Oh… It is open…
There’s nothing here…
It’s in my mind…
You are only my imagination!
My anxiety was needless!
Your husband didn’t like you.
He’s the one who came to me!
It’s not my fault!
Why should I leave this house?
I will stay right here!
(DOOR BANGS SHUT)
Open the door…
Is anyone around?
“YOU THINK YOUR MIND IS PLAYING TRICKS ON YOU?”
“THIS IS A REAL GAME”
“I SPY!!”
(LAUGHTER)
Someone please come… Open the door!!
-Mom… -Nooooo
Save me!!
Mom…
- Sir… - Mom…
- Ma’am! - Mom…!
Sit down Mom!
You haven’t eaten properly since last night.
Drink this at least...
-Ma’am -Thank you.
Drink up Mom!
Who asked you to go there?
Tell me Mom...
Balu, do you remember Seetha?
Yeah. I remember her!
I remember playing with her.
Then she started to behave oddly.
She kept screaming all the time.
She’d blabber that we were playing “Robber and Police”
I remember bits and pieces like this...
I didn’t realise then she was insane.
Balu, Shall I tell you something?
I don’t know if you’ll believe me.
But I feel Seetha is right here...
What do you mean by that?
I feel her ghost is wandering around this house!
What is this mom?
The same night Seetha died
I knocked on your door wanting to use the restroom.
Remember what you told me then?
Do you remember?
What is it?
I want to use the bathroom. But I am scared.
There’s one in your room. Use it!
I can hear Seetha screaming there.
Seetha isn’t here anymore!
I am scared it could be her ghost!
There are no such things as ghosts... go on!
-But -Don’t be silly. Go...
What if the ghost harms me?
That ghost won’t do anything to you...
Do you know why? -Why?
That ghost is blind!
-Oh yes! -Right!
Be brave! There are no ghosts in this world.
Will you be brave?
-Yes -Go on...
I’ve never been scared or believed in ghosts since then.
Your words changed me!
Tell me you don’t like this house.
I’ll accept that.
But don’t say there are ghosts and monsters!
The problem isn’t the house. It is you.
OK? I’ve to leave now. I am late for work. I’ll leave.
Call me if you need anything.
Bye.
Mom...bye!
A beautiful picture!
Why didn’t he put this up?
(SWING CREAKING)
Who’s on the swing?
Crap! This is only a hallucination!
I’m not going to bother anymore!
So what if there are noises?
I’m not going to be scared!
Ma’am whom are you talking to?
None of your business!Do your work! Go!
Come on
-Who is she talking to? -Shut up and come.
(Seetha) I am hungry...
(Seetha) I am hungry.
(Seetha) I am HUNGRY!
(Seetha) I AM HUNGRY!!!
Ma’am?
Ma’am...?
(Seetha’s voice on Mary) I AM HUNGRY WOMAN!
Ma’am what happened?
Please eat...
I don’t want to eat. Don’t come close.
I don’t want food.
I think something’s happened to her.
“YOU’LL NEVER BE ALONE ANYMORE”
“I’LL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU”
You stole my husband and now my sari as well!
“Those who know the eternal truth”
“Will never be mindful of you, Oh Illusion!”
“Those who know the eternal truth”
“Will never be mindful of you, Oh Illusion!”
-You ruined my life with a skipping rope! -“Those who have determination”
“Will never be affected by you, Oh Illusion”
“Those who have determination”
“Will never be affected by you, Oh Illusion”
Lalitha...
“You are determined to destroy me, Oh Evil Illusion”
“But know that I will destroy you surely, Oh Illusion” -Mom!
My Mom! Had lunch, mom?
What did you have?
“When deceit is destroyed”
“Where will you be, Oh Insignificant Illusion?” - Listen to me
Go
“When deceit is destroyed” - Won’t you listen to me?
“Where will you be, Oh Insignificant Illusion?” - Why are you torturing me?
Stop Stop!
“In the presence of the Enlightened”
“You will surely flee, Oh Illusion!” -Go
“In the presence of the Enlightened”
“You will surely flee, Oh Illusion!”
Mary says you are behaving oddly...
--That you’re imagining Seetha and talking to her...
It is not my imagination!
Seetha’s ghost is really wandering around here.
OK, we’ll do this your way!
Let’s say Seetha’s ghost is really here...
But why are you scared?
Wasn’t Seetha your friend?
Didn’t you take care of her well till she died?
Didn’t you?
Answer mom!
Didn’t you take care of her well?
Why then are you scared?
You think I am mad, don’t you?
No mom!
I know... you don’t believe me!
You think I am mad...
Not at all Mom... - Yes you do!
Mom...
Mom... I worry only when you behave this way...
Please mom...
Please calm down mom...
This is entirely my fault!
I’m sorry!
Coming here was meant to be a pleasant surprise!
I didn’t expect it to become such a bad experience.
You’re the one who gave me courage as a kid.
Now it is my turn...
I promise you...
We’ll look for another house tomorrow whether the ghost exists or not.
We’ll stay at a hotel till we find another place.
Let’s leave in the morning.
Will you eat now?
Eat mom... Eat from my plate.
You seem to be pouring over the news?
Did you sleep well?
Yes... after so long!!
(Cheerful humming)
What is it?
It’s been so long since you’ve looked this normal...
I was so tense...
I am not scared anymore...
Yes! Does that mean we don’t need to move?
No-no...
Wasn’t I OK being alone in Hyderabad?
You would always be back late!
Have I ever said I was scared? - No...
Being here brings back memories...
They’ve been disturbing...
The house is a good house.
I just want to forget a few things. That’s all.
OK Mom... Whatever you say!
I just want you to be happy!
Just pack a few necessary things.
I’ll be back by 8 PM.
We’ll then leave for the hotel.
I’ll start packing now.
You won’t be able to leave this house that easily.
Mary...
Mary... Mary...
Mary...
Mary... Mary... Mary...
Mary... Mary...
Mary...
You’re going to pay for what you did!
I didn’t do anything!
Then why are you scared of me?
Let me go...
You’re the one who’s coming looking for me!
You’re the one who’s holding on to me!
You still don’t understand?
I didn’t do anything wrong. Let me go please!
I’ll leave... I won’t come back. Please.
I too said I’d leave... did you let me go then?
Thotta... Thotta... Thotta...
You made everyone believe I was mad...
Now you’re really going to go mad!
Want to see??
No-no...
Thotta...
You must go through the pain I did!
No...
-Hello -You cannot escape...
I beg you, let me go.
It is too late Lalitha... It is too late...
Everything will be over soon.
Please forgive me Seetha!
Please...
No... no...
(Seetha’s voice & Balu’s voice) Open the door...
Don’t come in...
-Open the door mom -Don’t come in...
-Open the door... -Don’t come in
Please open the door...
-Listen to me mom -Leave me alone.
Please open the door...
-Thotta I can’t reach the latch! -Open the door ma’am...
I can’t reach the latch! Mom please...
Balu... Balu...
Seetha will kill me if I come out...
Seetha isn’t here... Open the door. Please!
This is the only place I can’t hear her...
There’s no one here!
You are imagining things.
No! She is right there!
(Indistinct shouting)
No... Don’t break the door.
Don’t... Seetha will kill me!
Don’t...
Don’t... don’t come in...
-No...no... -There’s nothing wrong with you.
Please listen to me. Mary...
-Come -Come on...
No... I can’t see...
I’ve gone BLIND!!!...
I can’t see!!
Open the door... Open it...
Poor thing, she reminds me of Seetha!
Sundar and I would laugh when Seetha begged to be released.
What are you saying mom?
Oh Seetha... forgive me!
It was all because of me!
I ruined your life!
I split Sundar from you!
I made you mad!
I starved you!
I was the one who told him to kill you!!!
It is my fault! All mine!
I did it!
I did it. It is my fault!
(laughing hysterically) I did it!
I did this!
I was about 7 then.
I understood it all very differently.
This house was always a happy home...
I knew Seetha suffered...
I really thought she went mad.
Now I know it was because of mom...
Don’t get emotional Balu...
We’ll worry about the rest later.
Everything will be all right.
What about me???
How will I ever get better??
It was different before I knew the truth!
What will I do now?
Mrs Lalitha. Please come out!
There’s nothing wrong with you mom.
See, the door isn’t bolted at all!
You can easily come out.
No one can save me from Seetha!
Seetha cannot do anything to you!
(Lalitha) She’s already blinded me...
Lalitha, you can actually see!
Leave me alone. Get lost!
I want you mom... Please...
Is this it Sundar?
Is this all my life is?
Mom, we are coming in now!
Sundar... Sundar...
Don’t kill me... -Just a small injection
Sundar don’t kill me No Sundar...
Just relax...
No, let me go... Sundar...
Seetha...Please forgive me.
Sundar let me go...
Mom... What’s happening?
Mom... Take your hand off... Don’t choke yourself...
Mom!
Brain haemorrhage...
They said she became blind because of that!
They said she died due to Cardiac Arrest!
But I don’t believe that...
It was Seetha’s ghost that killed her.
I brought her here and offered her for sacrifice!
I’m sincerely sorry for your loss Balu...
But there are no ghosts or demons here.
This is the punishment your mom gave herself!
We can escape from others!
But not from ourselves!
You shouldn’t blame yourself for this.
We both are sailing on the same boat Balu.
We... we need to heal ourselves.
Yeah...
Take him and clean him up
-Bathe him -We’ll take care.
-Come -Come on
You should stay here for a while.
You need to realise there are no ghosts here.
Your mind must accept that fully!
Only then can you come out of this!
But before that we need to visit a place.
Trust me Balu. Nothing will happen to you.
Trust me!
This treatment is necessary to become normal.
Ramani or I will drop you here every day!
-No please -We’ll pick you up in the evening. OK?
You’ll be fine.
Why are you doing this for me?
I don’t get it.
I told you didn’t I Balu.
The reasons are different…
But you and I have been affected the same way.
I had a friend who lifted me up.
Since you have no one, you’ve struggled a lot.
All this must change.
We’ll change it. OK?
Sir, can we go please?
OK… Carry on…
Come on..
Excuse me… - Yes?
Have you ever lived in Anantham?
GN Chetty Road. T. Nagar. Anantham?