Hurry up, children! Last 45 minutes!
Hi.
I'm Mallika.
12th standard, B section.
I just love the rain.
After all, a heroine has got to love the rain, right?
Yes.
You guessed right!
I'm the heroine in this story.
Hey, Mallika, where are you going?
Mallika!
If only there was some awesome music to suit this mood.
I love dancing in the rain.
But…
am I dancing in the middle of school to relish the rain?
Or is it to entice my man to turn around and look at me?
There! The guy who ditched his game to ogle me.
He's my guy.
Miss?
Extra sheet, Miss!
-Children, hurry up! Last 15 minutes! -Miss!
Extra sheet, Miss!
Finished, miss.
This…
This is how my love story began.
Bit by bit.
Right in front of my eyes.
Every Sunday, Roja and I watch at least one romantic film.
Sometimes joined by our parents.
-Move! -Buffalo!
No matter which era it's from.
Or whatever language it is in.
It should be dripping with the sweetness of love.
Whether I shed joyful tears
or tears of sorrow.
It doesn't matter.
But I must shed tears for sure.
That's the main criterion.
Shakthi…
I don't like you.
Nor do I love you.
I don't think you're beautiful.
But I worry that all these things may happen.
Think about that.
Mallika.
Would you do anything for love?
I would do anything.
Do you want me to fight with mom and dad for it?
Do you want me to run away from home?
I will.
What else?
If it calls for it, I'd go to any extreme.
What else would you do?
I told you I'd go to any extreme!
What else do you expect?
Well, you have decided a lot of things.
But failed to mention that you'd marry the guy you love.
I didn't get what she meant.
-Not until much later. -Mallika!
My little sister Roja
is such a brat!
She isn't the hooked fish but a slippery eel!
Get lost!
Not only will she binge-watch movies with us
but will also floor our parents by acing it at school!
But that's not me.
Cinema is my life!
Dear Muruga, I have never desired for pocket money,
a mobile phone or a state rank.
I want but one thing.
A love life.
As romantic as the best love stories I've ever watched.
-Come, Mallika! -No! You go!
So the need of the hour
is a boyfriend.
Mallika, it's getting late!
Let's go home.
Mom's going to yell.
Come Mallika, please!
-Bye, buddy. -What's wrong with you?
-Such a fool! -5:00 a.m. tomorrow!
Okay, I'll be there.
-Akshaya, can't you-- -Where were you?
Did the teacher throw you out?
I was in the canteen eating egg puffs.
-Hey! It's so late, come on! -That's what!
-Let's go, come on! -Take your bag.
-Hey! -It was superb!
-Hi. -Hi!
Is this when you go home every day?
Yeah. I have basketball practice.
Why are you going home so late?
-I teach math to the dummies. -Oh!
-So, I also leave at this time. -Okay.
Did you watch the match yesterday?
Yeah, Dravid was awesome!
-Are you a Dravid fan? -Yeah.
-I actually love Sachin. -Oh!
But from now on I love Dravid too.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
Madame Math Pundit, can we go?
Why is he unaware that I stay back for him?
Why doesn't he get that I like him?
How can I ask him to be my boyfriend?
It is boys that should ask, right?
That's how we preserve our dignity.
I'll make him ask.
Dude, come for practice tomorrow!
Hey.
Hi.
-Canteen? -Yes.
Egg puff.
You said this won't be asked in the exam, but look!
Hey, Mallika!
When will he ask?
-Bye, dude! -Bye, see you later.
That's what I'm waiting for.
Hey.
If you're okay with it
can I ask you something?
Yeah! Go ahead.
Do you want to talk alone?
I…
love…
egg puffs.
If you're not eating it
can I have it?
You won't get sambar in Delhi!
-Get lost, country bumpkin! -Greetings, sir!
Hey! Forgot to tell you.
My dad's getting transferred next month.
We're going to Delhi.
Transfer?
Yeah, for good!
From next month, we are Delhi-ites!
Oh.
Yeah.
In exchange for this…
in exchange for this…
you keep this.
Thank you.
Thank you!
An egg puff is only half-filled with egg.
That doesn't make it a half-egg puff.
Similarly, it may be one-sided
but to me it's a complete love story.
My school life ended and college life started.
Here's the third participant for Light Music competition…
from the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Sorry guys! I was just tuning up!
-Whether he can sing or not, he's cute! -Okay!
-I'm going to sing a song from midway. -No! No! No!
-You have to guess the beginning. -No! No! No!
-Feel free to join in! -No! No! No!
Okay!
Well done, guys!
-I wasn't the singer, sir! -Hey!
-Come here. -Hey!
Hey buddy, you were superb!
You were awesome!
Who was that lead singer RK?
Introduce me?
But…
But?
It is Mallika he's asking about.
-What? -Bloody Mallika!
So, Mallika, shall I get you an intro?
Mallika!
Stop it guys!
Stop it!
Hold this.
Malli, hasn't he asked you out yet?
-Who? -Don't you know?
Yeah right!
Dude, do you want him to?
What are you blabbering?
Better make up your mind right now.
Because in exactly 16 seconds
he's going to come and propose to you.
What's with all the build-up?
Three… Two…
-Malli, he's coming. -He's here.
-One. -Hi, guys!
-Hey. Hi. -Hi!
Hi, KK.
If you guys don't mind…
I need to talk to Mallika alone.
Sure.
-Hey, guys. -Let's go, guys.
Yeah, let's go.
Hey wait, I'm coming too.
Stop acting pricey.
Sit!
Think it through, okay?
So, Mallika…
I would like to have a coffee with you.
Oh, coffee?
I'll order one right now.
Bro, two coffees on my tab.
-Mallika, by coffee I mean like a date. -A date?
Mom would kill me if she found out.
What are you saying?
Do you do everything with her knowledge?
I don't even know you that well.
How can I trust you?
A date is to get to know each other, right?
Okay, we'll do one thing.
We'll exchange numbers.
We'll talk and text.
Let's get familiar.
Then whenever you feel ready, we will go out.
In fact, you can even ask your mom for permission.
Okay, note down my number.
98401…
I have it.
They asked for a singer
-for my cousin's reception. -Oh!
So I got your number from RK.
-That's all. -Okay.
-My number is 983-- -I have it.
I don't need fake excuses like you.
I like you.
I wanted to talk to you.
So I got your number.
THERE? ARE YOU SO BUSY?
-WHICH SONG IS IT? -CALL ME. I WILL SING IT FOR YOU.
Like a crooning crow You are a pleasant surprise
Not a downpour But a gentle drizzle from the skies
With your firecracker gaze You won me over
Swept me off my feet, my demon lover
You're the beautiful song that lures me
The heady drug that sets me free
There's sweet honey in all you say
That bewitch me in every way
You are my all, you are my blush
My fragile anger that shatters in a flash
You're the homework I'd love to complete
And keep at it till my heart is replete
Hey! Let's go!
-Who are you? -Hey! Let's go!
-What's this? -What?
Is someone else joining us?
Are you okay?
You look uncomfortable.
If you'd told me, I'd have brought my car.
Is it my comfort you care about?
Or are you showing off that you have a car?
-Go! -It's one and the same.
All one has to do is utter your name
Their friendship I will instantly claim
Hi!
Looks like it's going to rain.
Are you bringing your bike?
Or your car?
-Hi! -Hi!
Malli!
-Wait! -What?
Wait!
I only wish to be with you for eternity
What's your car number?
One-eight-one-zero.
Why do you ask?
18/10.
That's your birthday, right?
Cool!
Even I hadn't noticed till now!
Some things are meant to be.
18/10.
What are you looking at?
Don't evade, don't think twice
Cross the line to paradise
Amidst the ravens you may abide
But always be the cuckoo you are inside
Here I come to ravish you
-In the forest of desire -Did you say 10th? I'll check with him.
-Where you bloom -Why are you late?
-Like a bounteous flower -What's it to you?
Let her be.
Hey! You're yelling!
Am I really that loud?
You're the beautiful song that lures me
-The heady drug that sets me free -Mallika!
There's sweet honey in all you say
That bewitch me in every way
Hi!
For you.
Whenever you wear this watch
you'll know that I'll be thinking of you.
I love you.
I won't take it off even while showering.
I have no idea how four years flew by.
We were so in love.
I loved our love.
It had everything I'd ever dreamed of.
Whenever I look at this rain
I am reminded of our first kiss.
What's next?
We tell our families.
No point delaying good things.
-Mummy. -Don't call me that!
-Mom. -What is it?
I need to tell you something important.
What is it?
It's nothing!
Don't panic. It's good news.
Roja, call that auto. Let's go.
Auto!
Hey, auto!
Mallika. Get in!
Can't you see it's pouring? Standing there like a buffalo!
You'll get sick! Get in!
-Roja, pull her in. -Be careful.
Mallika! Come!
Get in, Mallika!
-Come, Mallika! -Sit, Mallika!
We can go.
Call your father and tell him he doesn't need to come.
Tell him that we got an auto.
He's not bloody picking up.
The cheating asshole!
Oh no, you got wet?
It's good you didn't ask me to pick you up.
Got some plumbing work done.
Mallika!
-Take this. -What happened to her?
To heck with you and your daughters!
What happened to her now?
Have you eaten?
Come, let's eat.
Hello?
Hi, Malli-baby.
It's over between us.
What happened?
I know everything.
You know what I mean.
I don't understand.
I was at the mall.
Heavy rains have caused flooding in Purusaiwakkam, Chennai today.
Our reporter, Rajkumar has an update.
Sweetie.
There's some problem with the plumbing line in your bathroom.
The plumber will only come tomorrow.
You can use our bathroom if you like.
I can't stop these tears.
Just like in Moondram Pirai
when Seenu screamed "Viji" at the Ketti railway station.
There's a similar lump in my throat.
The moment I said it was over, he vanished.
Like he'd been waiting for me to say it.
He's not even trying to call back and patch up things.
Is that all his love is?
Why don't you call me back?
Then why the hell am I still hanging on to him?
There are a thousand songs for when girls fall in love.
But not a single one for when they break up.
For the first time
Tamil cinema has let me down.
I still had hope…
that he'd have called me in the night.
But the bastard didn't even text me!
Mom.
Until I come out of this room myself
no one will knock on the door and disturb me.
Except for food.
Hey, look here!
Sir, your pizza.
Sorry, I couldn't bring it in 30 minutes.
That's okay.
Instead, you can order any other item you like.
Like a doughnut or something.
Has the result come?
I'm back!
Mom, get me a tall glass of buttermilk.
Okay, sweetheart.
Here you go.
I ended my fast with buttermilk.
Cool down.
Over those few days, I watched so many movies that I lost count.
But they helped me get over my break-up blues.
I resolved not to fall into the love-trap ever again.
I transitioned in the span of a single song.
But life is a circle.
So Cupid struck once more.
It was charming!
Hey, bro!
What is this?
You earn so much, and yet you come in a cycle.
Why not come in an AC car in style?
What are you saving for?
Bro, it's not a question of scrimping.
It's about fitness.
You should try it.
And maybe flatten that belly?
Hey!
Hi!
Are you coming for the Pondy team retreat?
Yeah. Preethi has booked the cab already.
Cab?
Why don't I pick you up?
Pick-up?
No!
Hey! Please!
-Please! Please! -Okay.
We spread our wings
We soar like birds
Beyond the skies
Gliding up and away
You have changed me bit by bit
Pouring yourself into my heart
And killing me slowly, softly
Is today different from yesterday
Am I still the same person That I was before
Don't blow me away by your talk
Hey!
-Hi! -Hi!
Hi.
Mallika, is something going on between you and Anbu?
Do you like him?
I've been watching you both.
I understand, he is quite hot.
Okay.
Since it's you, I'm going to be open.
Anbu and I used to date.
He's a good guy.
But commitment-phobic.
So you be careful what you're getting into.
Just have an open talk with him, okay?
You should do that.
Shall I turn off the AC?
Anbu.
I need to ask you something.
Really? Right now?
Can't we save the talking for later?
There's something that's nagging away at me.
If I clear that up
I'll feel more comfortable.
Okay.
Tell me.
What is it?
Our relationship…
I don't see it as merely a fling.
I want to take this to the next level.
Marriage, children, and so on.
Do you feel the same?
Or do you see this as something casual?
I need to know.
Okay.
My phone is next to you.
Could you hand it to me?
Read this.
Hey dude, heard you're in a secret relationship with some girl?
Bro, is the girl hot?
I'm very serious, bro.
I'm going to tell my family.
There's just one thing I need to know first.
Last but not the least
she's super hot!
The heart-eyed emoji!
Am I really that hot?
Yeah, of course!
By the way, what was that one thing you wanted to know?
Whether I'm still a virgin?
Hey!
Why is that even an issue?
What kind of guy do you think I am?
I'm not that old-fashioned!
This is about something else.
What is it?
What caste do you belong to?
What do you mean?
As if you don't know your caste!
I'm sure you were told repeatedly while growing up.
I can talk to my family only if I know your caste.
I have only heard the term "my skin crawls."
But I didn't get what it meant.
Until now.
Hey!
Hey, Mallika!
Why are you getting angry?
Hello?
I'm at a con… concert.
A concert, yes.
I'll call you once it's done.
Hey, Abhi.
Your hubby?
Hey, Mallika.
Why not try one of these dating apps?
Not a chance!
Do you want me to be serial killer bait?
Don't be a dumbass.
Dating apps are totally safe these days.
If you customize it according to your preference
the algorithms will take care of the rest.
After struggling for years to find love
and to place my life in the hands of an algorithm.
It hurts.
Screw it.
I'll do it!
Don't make such a fuss!
This is at least slightly better than an arranged marriage.
Good point.
Okay, give me your phone.
Let's download the app.
Now?
Give it!
-Hi, I'm Mallika. -Hi.
Your profile says you're a musician.
Yeah.
What kind of music?
Filters!
There are loads of them.
You'd said you're a cinema-lover.
-Whose films do you like? -Bala sir.
Oh, Bala?
Bala sir.
How old are you?
T…T…Twenty three. 23, Sis.
Run.
I'm a writer.
I spin yarns, not notes.
You can give it to her.
Waiter! What the hell?
He says its your fault. You say its his?
Call the owner!
I'm looking for friends with… benefits.
Sorry.
Wow.
Who is it?
Oh shit!
Shit!
It's my wife!
She's here with her friends!
Oh, fuck! I am done for!
Don't worry, Mallika.
This too shall pass.
Thanks.
Where did you do your schooling?
Here, at SGRC.
-Wow, really? -Yes.
I studied right next door, in KSY Secondary!
Really?
Your school's math teacher, Xavier…
I attended his tuition classes.
-Really? -Yeah!
I also attended his tuition classes.
Evening batch.
Oh, I was in the morning batch.
Oh.
What's your favorite restaurant?
Wait!
On the count of three.
Okay?
One… two… three.
-Kakkada Ramprasath! -Kakkada Ramprasath!
-The Mint Street one! -The Mint Street one!
Wow!
-Clincher question. -Yeah. Shoot.
What's your favorite song?
I mean, the most favorite!
In any given language or genre.
It doesn't matter.
What's that one song?
That one song.
The angel of love
Came down to earth
And she gave me a poem of love
On this intoxicating morning
Why are you sulking in the corner?
Everyone is asking me why I'm getting the younger one married first.
I have no answer for them.
Oh God.
Why are you so bloody stubborn?
We can't even enjoy her wedding properly!
-Mom, don't say that! -You shut up!
Sister-in-law, is this your watch? I found in the toilet.
Yes.
Mallika.
Didn't you say you'd met someone on a dating app?
You said you both were a good match.
What happened?
Oh do ask her for that delightful story!
I was so happy that something good was happening.
Is the watch running?
You tell me.
Did you both have a fight?
Introduce me to him!
I'll take care of it.
Actually you already know him.
I do?
That's a good thing.
Auntie.
He's Ramadoss Uncle's in-law's son.
Oh wow, our very own Rajasekar!
I know him very well!
Wait a minute!
But that makes him like a brother to you!
What do yo have to say to this?
I'll be back.
What did I ask for that was so unreasonable?
A first rank in school?
That I become an IAS officer?
Heaps of money? Fame?
No!
All I asked for was a soulmate.
Someone to accept me in all my madness.
Whether the outside world knows it or not.
According to us,
it would be the most romantic relationship ever.
This can happen right?
Is it wrong to wish for it?
Tell me, Granny!
Tell me, coach!
Tell me!
What's wrong with waiting?
Tell me, sir!
-Sir. -Yeah?
-I'm a big fan of yours. -Okay.
In the comments section of your film reviews
I'm the one who signs off as BesottedBanshee along with a fire emoji!
Wow!
I'm also like you, sir.
I watch a lot of films.
I'm sure you've watched a lot more.
You'd have interacted with many directors and writers.
That's why, when I saw you I just asked you directly.
The romance and the feel of all those films
are sure to be influenced by real life, right?
Karthik, Mano, Surya.
There will be real people like them somewhere, right?
I'm waiting for someone like that.
Is that wrong?
In these very same films
all the hero does is throw a single punch
and four rowdies fly in different directions.
Do you think this is real?
Does it happen in real life?
Maybe fight sequences are made up.
But that mood, the feel.
The rain, the romance.
Real, right?
Have you heard of "poetic license"?
The next time it rains
just go out and dance.
Dance like your favorite heroine.
But without any music.
It will look really clumsy.
That's the difference between cinema and real life.
You say you watch a lot of films, right?
There's a French new wave filmmaker, Jean-Luc Godard.
Do you know what he said?
"Cinema is the most beautiful fraud in the world."
And I'm going to leave you with that thought.
Sir.
You're just an English-speaking blue shirt man!
-This one? -Yes, let's get it framed.
Mallika.
So far you've tried things your way to settle down.
Enough, baby.
Now we will find you a suitable boy.
What do you say?
It's not like your dad and I fell in love and got married.
The classifieds brought us together.
Listen to what your father is saying.
Okay, Dad.
Look for a boy.
What are you doing here?
Not sleepy?
If I lie down, I'll be out like a light.
I'm exhausted.
I thought I'd give you some space to change and freshen up.
So I came out here.
This look is great on you.
My feet hurt from standing for so long.
I can't even feel my legs.
My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
What are you watching?
I'm just channel surfing.
-If you don't mind-- -Yeah.
-Superb movie, right? -A very fun movie.
Shall we watch it fully?
On full volume!
Those inverter guys kept delaying.
They should fix it in a couple of days.
Bear with me.
That's no problem!
Anyway, I don't think power cuts in this area will last long.
Yeah, it will come back.
Shall I fix you a drink?
Yeah!
Whisky on the rocks?
Done.
On the rocks.
And… cheers!
Hey, it's been raining since yesterday.
You left the trash uncovered in the rain! It's bloody stinking now!
What else did you expect?
Ever thought your wedding night would be like this?
I never thought I'd even get married.
No, Mallika.
Don't be idiotic and ask him something stupid.
Listen to me!
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
Have you ever danced in the rain?
-Danced in the rain? -Shall we dance now?
Just like that?
Without any music.
However we want.
Without music?
Okay why not? Come!
Come!
Come on! Lets dance.
It was really clumsy, right?
It must have looked awful.
Awful?
This is our house!
Who's going to think it's awful?
You know what?
Fuck the world!
Let's dance, okay?
Okay.
I'd often wonder.
How do the hero and heroine dance in perfect sync?
Now I know.
When the hearts are in sync
the dancing will surely be in sync too!
Hello! What's with the loud music?
Wait, I'll go lower the volume.
Boss! I'm talking to you!
Uncle.
Excuse me… we don't need to sleep or what?
Sorry uncle, it's our wedding night.
Why should I stay up for your wedding night?
When you're sailing on a boat
why do you need a spare tyre, young man?
I don't get it. Will you explain tomorrow?
Bye, uncle! Sorry!
Muruga!
I have never prayed for the first rank in school
or that I should become an IAS officer
or for heaps of money or fame.
There's just one thing I asked for.
A girl made just for me.
Someone who'd accept me in all my madness.
The rest of the world may not see it or even acknowledge it.
But to us
our relationship will be the most romantic one in the world.
You've given me that.
Bloody!
There's hope for the 90's kids yet!
What's next?
They lived happily ever after!
LOVE IS A HEART-EYED EMOJI