Perilloor...
Nestled between the boundless sky
and the abyss of hell
is a small paradise on this Earth.
Virtue and innocence drift with the breeze and the river here.
I used to always wonder
how so many good people ended up being born in the same place.
Apparently, they couldn't find a name that could fit such a place,
so they ended up calling it a nameless place: Perilloor.
My first-ever memory of Perilloor
was accompanying my mother
to visit my uncle Peethambaran who hails from here.
When my dad got transferred to Surat,
we uprooted our lives to move here
and I also became a Perilloor girl.
This marked the beginning of the stories of Perilloor
that would forever change my life.
PEETHAMBARAN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL PERILLOOR
Wow!
Malu!
Come here!
-What? -Come here.
Look over there.
Look who it is!
Your Sreekuttan!
How is it?
Really awesome!
By the way, are you going to tell him "I love you" today itself?
Oh, no, not today!
On Monday morning.
It's my birthday.
Wow!
If you had this, why didn't you just give him this instead?
Why did you make me draw a dragonfly?
The first time I saw my Sreekuttan was on our school grounds.
That day a lot of dragonflies were flying all around him.
That day when I fell from my bicycle, he helped me up.
That's how we first met.
I fell from the bicycle because a dragonfly hit my face.
Dragonflies have a special place in our lives.
KINNARATHUMBIKAL (LOVELORN DRAGONFLIES)
-Oh, boy! -Oh, my God!
Whoa!
What's this, man?
Do such flies really exist?
Ugh!
He is not fit for our gang!
You are no different.
Can I take this home?
You can take it.
I don't need it.
Guess what?
Kinnarathumbikal will be telecasted on TV tonight.
On Perilloor Cable Vision at 10 p.m.
For real, bro?
Yeah, bro.
I will watch it tonight.
If I say there's a football match, I can watch TV as long as I want.
There's no school tomorrow, so no risk either.
You're so lucky!
I won't be able to watch it.
I also cannot watch it.
The TV is in the room my dad sleeps in.
Maybe his dad is planning to watch it.
-Good afternoon, teacher! -Good afternoon.
Sit down.
Vasu... we'll go now, okay?
Vasu must be sleepy.
Mom, there's a game tonight.
You're always watching these games!
Others also need to watch.
Which channel is it on? I'll put it for you.
It's okay. I'll put it.
Come on, Vasu. Let's sleep, eh?
Even I want to watch the game.
You also want to watch, huh?
Do you wanna end up like your brother?
Enough! Get up and go sleep!
I also want to watch the game.
Yeah, right! The game! Go to the room.
-I want to watch the game. -No need to watch any game.
Thank God.
Oh, he's still here.
Dad!
How will you not sneeze?
You bathe in all the bathing ponds in the village.
You are like a fish in a pond.
Sreekuttan, isn't it time for bed?
There's a game, Dad.
Don't scream when they score a goal.
-No, I won't. -Close the door before you go to bed.
Games are all he thinks about.
Ugh!
Who's there?
-Sreekuttan! -Babu?
Come out! Fast!
What happened, Babu?
He went that way!
There he goes!
-That way! -He is going towards the back.
-Catch him! -Come on!
-Come fast! -Catch him!
Over there...
He's hiding over there! Grab him!
Oh, no! The TV!
Dad...
Is this your game?
Let me go! Let me go!
Dear God...
Let me go!
I didn't steal anything!
Let me go! Let me go!
-You sent us away for this? -Please don't hit him...
Is this your football match?
All alone you'll watch Reshma's movie, huh?
You'll go into Sosamma's house, huh?
You'll watch Shakeela's movie, huh?
You'll go into Pathumma's house, huh?
You'll watch Mariya's movie, huh?
You'll go into Shantha's house, huh?
Oh, you know the names of all these actresses, huh?
No wonder my son became like this!
You dare watch that sleazy dragonfly movie at night!
Good morning!
I am worried if anybody in school has already come to know about it.
Nah...
Only your neighbours got to know.
They won't tell anyone else.
I am sure of that.
Why'd you say so?
Is this something they would discuss with their kids, man?
Dragonfly!
Flowers are pollinated through dragonflies.
For which lovelorn dragonflies are the best.
You must've imagined it. Come, let's go.
Hey, Dragonfly!
Dragonfly! Dragonfly!
Dragonfly...
Sreekuttan...
Oh...
You are that Malavika?
Yeah...
Oh, God! I didn't recognise you!
Do you have only this much land, or is there more?
Sorry!
That day... in that frame of mind... I...
Hey, that's in the past now.
I shouldn't have hit you...
It's okay. Let it go.
I let it go then and there.
But...
I never let go of my feelings for you.
I often visit Perilloor.
Really?
Whenever I come here, I ask about you.
As you know, I work in the Gulf.
Whenever I come to spend my leave, I spend all my time seeking a wife.
So, this time,
I decided that I'd find someone and marry her at any cost.
So, I resigned from my job and came over.
Now you can withdraw that resignation letter.
-Right? -I may have to.
Wow, what beautiful lines!
Do you still get angry if somebody calls you Dragonfly?
Nope.
What a question!
No way!
Imagine that.
She studied in Perilloor till the 8th grade.
-My elder brother stays there. -Who?
-Peethambaran. -Oh?
That means...
you're Sandhya?
-Yes. -Oh, wow!
Can't believe it is that old Sandhya!
You've gotten so much bigger, and you have totally changed!
I really couldn't recognise you, Sandhya.
You remember my name, huh?
Of course, I remember.
You know?
I used to carry her around a lot when she was a little thing.
Those were the days!
So mischievous...
For real.
Who doesn't know Peethambaran?
He has been the president for almost 25 years now.
But still... oh, my Sandhya!
Just look at her.
We didn't know you were related.
He said that he knows you all well.
He was supposed to come here today.
-Will he come? -But he didn't.
I don't know why.
Ouch!
Looks like we have reached Perilloor.
Yes, we have reached.
Listen, switch on the lights and tell him to go fast.
Didn't you hear him? Go fast, man!
WELCOME TO PERILLOOR A VIRTUOUS WORLD
-Who's in there? Where are you going? -Who is that?
The one who put you in this state, Peethambaran.
Who's that?
-Ah! So, it was you, the president! -Oh, it's you!
I thought I'd guide the ambulance.
Haven't you had enough, Balan?
-Start the vehicle! -Start it, man!
Dude?
Didn't his angioplasty get over just yesterday?
Yes.
It's heading straight to the Panchayat office.
What's happening?
What the hell are you doing, Soman?
Ouch! My ears are gone!
What you just heard was
the sound of celebration of me winning the Panchayat elections.
Oh-ho!
Did you make that decision on your own?
So, no need for elections and vote counting?
There will be an election only if there is an opponent, right?
-Your leader, Peethambaran... -Yes, our leader.
It's definite that his nomination will be rejected.
For giving false information that
there are no liabilities or cases against him,
Peethambaran's nomination will be rejected.
Then, I don't need any contest to win the 5th ward.
Huh? What's an ambulance doing here?
Isn't that Chandu?
Allah!
Did Peethambaran die before he could see you win?
-Be careful. -Heard your nomination will be rejected?
Nanukuttan had taken a loan on Peethambaran's guarantee.
-He faulted on payments. -And?
An attachment notice was sent from the bank,
which we did not receive.
Why not?
Somebody flicked it.
I know who flicked that notice.
I came to meet him in person.
Yes, that was me indeed.
I know.
A little payback for what you did.
Now you know why they call me Showman Soman.
Despite losing the election to me back-to-back 7 times,
you continued to contest without any shame.
That is why the villagers named you Showman Soman.
Mark my words, Soman.
You're never going to win!
-Let's give it a shot, Mr. President! -We'll see!
Peethambaran, hear this too.
No law or court can help you now.
You have just 24 hours to submit a new nomination paper.
And within 24 hours, I'll bring someone to run against you.
Bring whoever you can from among these people.
But still, you will lose this Perilloor Panchayat
that you've been single-handedly ruling for 20 years now.
Well, who are you going to bring against me?
Wait up!
Show me your hand.
Keep this dud cracker with you.
In memory of your dud performance during the elections.
Hey, Vasu, what's up?
-Varsha, stop calling me all the time! - Why?
Even my mother isn't this concerned about my brother.
- Tell me what happened. -I'll call you once it is over.
Vasu, try to understand my situation too.
My family is on my case to get married
before my grandfather passes away.
Is your brother going to marry any time soon?
Stop being so negative, Varsha!
This is always a negative topic for you!
They're leaving. I'll call you.
After your daughter gets married,
you'll be all alone, huh, Sandhya?
Vyloppilli's words were so true.
We should be with people who love us
rather than those whom we love.
Imagine that.
Aha!
-What is it, Mom? -What is this? It's been so long!
Just a minute. We're coming.
Why did you stop it?
It has been a while.
Oh, no! I didn't realise the time.
Has it been half an hour already?
It has been an hour.
One hour?
Imagine that!
I think we were born to be together.
May the Goddess of Perilloor bless us.
Hope it works out.
Oh, did they all leave?
Looks like they ate it all.
Come.
Bless me, mother.
Gosh!
So nice.
If I was late by 5 more minutes,
you'd have left without me, huh?
Yes, that was our plan. Are you coming?
-We shall take your leave. -All right, then.
We'll let you know in two days.
Sure thing.
-See you, dear. -See you.
Bro, how was it?
Is it okay?
I'll message you when I get home.
-Okay, bye! -I will call you.
Oh, it started.
So, I'll text you, okay?
Gomathi?
You know, right?
You don't have to do anything.
All you have to do is sign this paper.
You don't need to go pleading for votes or do a campaign.
Didn't I tell you that I'm not interested?
Please, Gomathi.
Hey, Gomathi...
-Mini, you tell her. -Ma'am, just sign it.
Your photos will be all over the village.
Then you go and contest! Give me that!
-Nah, I'm not fond of such publicity. -Hey, hey!
Don't be so stubborn, Gomathi.
Women should come to the forefront of society.
Their lives shouldn't be confined to the kitchen.
-Is that so? -Come on, Gomathi!
Why can't you give it another shot?
-Contesting isn't what's bothering me. -Then?
It's what comes after that.
What's the problem after that?
You'll definitely win because you're my wife.
Sure.
I don't want to be the president of these idiotic and irritating people!
Only a loser...
Gomathi!
Er... I didn't mean you.
Then?
I just can't do it.
In the last 20-25 years,
I have seen the kind of problems these villagers are causing here.
Maybe you get excited handling all these issues.
Which is also why these people became such rascals!
-Mini. -Yes, ma'am?
Cut up that jackfruit.
Small pieces, okay?
Listen...
The last 5 years, you were the president.
Did you feel any pressure?
Wasn't it simple?
I managed all the presidential duties, right?
I'll do the work.
You don't have to do anything.
Just consider this bank case as a good omen.
Your party has other people who can contest.
I won't let go of this power to anyone else!
You will sign this nomination paper!
Man, if you keep compelling me,
I'll sign on another paper!
Which paper?
A divorce petition.
You think and decide whether I should file for a divorce at 54.
-So, what happened? -Everything is set.
-For real? -Yeah!
What did you think of my brother, huh?
-So, shall I tell my dad then? -Of course!
The house is single-storeyed.
And whatever land we saw, that's it, I guess.
How much do you think it is? 5 cents?
No way!
Looks like they haven't saved anything for the wedding.
That girl is unemployed too.
Looks like you'll end up taking care of her mother too.
No matter what you say...
I liked her.
Whatever you like. Been a while since you started this search.
It's not because I couldn't find a girl.
So what? Finally, we got a nice sister-in-law.
-Yeah, right! -It's not because I got fed up.
I seriously liked her vibe.
What did you like?
-Vibe, vibe. -What's that?
You'll only understand it once you are a little older.
Let's do one thing.
I have a relative who stays here.
Let's go to their house and maybe ask about this girl?
What's there to ask about?
Well, we can find out about her behaviour or undesirable qualities.
Her dad died when she was quite young.
Who knows where she's been, what's happened so far?
That's a good idea.
-She studied elsewhere too. -Exactly.
Let's ask them.
-Shall I drive to their house then? -Drive away.
This will be a surprise for Shobha. It's been so long since we met.
Ouch, ouch!
Think we're screwed.
-What a stupid car, man! -Wait a minute...
I had told you!
I'll fix it now.
Bro-in-law, we will just walk.
-The car! The car! -Brake, brake!
-Shouldn't I come? -This blasted hunk of metal.
You stay out of the sun and sit here.
-What is this? -It broke apart.
Hold on to that brake and sit there.
-Hey, hey! Push the car once! -Do it yourself, Uncle.
-The elders don't seem that impressed! -Is that so?
They're not going to marry her. I am.
I am impressed.
I can understand your vibe, brother.
Yeah, it doesn't matter who says what.
I have made my decision.
I don't care if these folks give a negative report.
I will only marry her!
-That's all I care about. -Listen.
There's only one girl in my life and that's Malavika!
That's the spirit!
Ouch!
Who are you?
I asked who you are.
We came with Radhakrishnan uncle...
Radhakrishnan uncle!
Hi, dear.
They're all our people.
Where's Shobha, your mom?
Who's there?
Huh?
-Ugh, he's here too! -Oh...
Radhakrishnan!
Been so long since we've met! Come on in.
-Huh? -What are you gawking at? Come in.
-Radha... -What?
He looks very familiar.
-Him? -I'm wondering the same thing.
Were you there for the death rituals of Ammukuttiyamma?
Ammukuttiyamma had no such rituals.
They couldn't even retrieve the body.
Her corpse floated away in the river.
Then... it must be for the death rites of Raghavan Menon.
Right, right! Radha...
That could be possible.
Raghavan had his rites done.
-That's correct. -Shobha!
Oh, dear Shobha, it's been so long since we've met.
-Hope you're doing well, Radhakrishnan. -Going on.
Here have some ela ada.
The taste of Shobha's ada is out of this world!
Shobha makes it herself. Try it.
By the way, I made these.
Yuck, no wonder it stinks.
You haven't changed a bit!
Dear, bring some tea for the guests.
Nobody here has diabetes, right?
What do you do, son?
This is what he does.
He seems focused on the tea.
Hey!
He's in the Gulf.
And he has got a flex printing shop here... a side.
That name sounds rather ominous! "Side"?
That's not the shop's name. He meant that's my side gig.
Oh, like that!
Okay, okay.
Ask about Sandhya's daughter, Malavika.
You have nothing to worry about.
She's well-educated,
well-behaved
and modest.
And financially?
It's just that they don't have many assets.
We don't care about the assets. We are quite well-off, after all.
Shobha knows everything.
Tea is here! Please have it.
Please eat.
Son, your tea is here.
He seems out of it.
-I'll sign on another paper! -Which paper?
A divorce petition!
You think and decide whether I should file for a divorce at 54!
-Kunjippa. -Yeah?
-After I become the president... -Yes...
...I should honour Peethambaran's wife, Gomathi,
with a golden shawl.
Soman.
Shall we take off Peethambaran's flex boards?
No need.
Fine, no need.
Let's wait until tomorrow.
We'll make him take the posters down himself!
Oh-ho, sweet revenge!
Soman is poised for victory uncontested!
Don't be so sure, Kunjippa.
It's Peethambaran, after all.
Expect a surgical strike at the last moment.
So, I guess we can go ahead with Sandhya's daughter, right?
-Exactly. -Let's do it soon!
We'll call and inform them today itself.
Dad.
Actually, let's not go ahead with it.
What?!
Let's call and say no to them.
-No? -Why?
What you elders said is right.
It'll be embarrassing if people start saying
that Sreekuttan couldn't find a girl,
so he ended up marrying from a poor family.
But didn't you say you liked something of hers?
Vibe, right?
What's the point in inviting hardship just because the vibe was good?
Nope!
Uncle...
Call today itself and tell them we are not interested.
Oh, darn...
How will I tell this to Sandhya?
Sandhya will be heartbroken.
-Hello? - You should wear
a pink Sherwani on our wedding day.
-Wait, wait! - What happened?
-I'm on a call. - What happened? You don't like it?
-Hold off your plan. There's a problem. - What?
You're hiding something from me, Vasu!
I'll tell you! God!
Peethambaran?
I've decided to protect your honour.
For your soul to rest in peace,
I'll contest against Showman Soman and win the 5th ward election.
Also, if you will allow me,
I can also take up the presidential position.
Chandu, your father was once cheated by your maternal grandfather.
You were named Chandu in memory of that treachery,
the namesake of a famous betrayer.
-I know that. -I also know that.
And still, you want me to trust you?
He's out with his tricks.
Were you swearing at my father or grandfather just now?
Both.
What happened, brother? What brings you here?
Gomathi had called me and said that
you were in the hospital after a heart attack.
I was about to come there with Malu.
That's all right.
It's fine now.
Are you okay now?
There's nothing to worry about.
It was a minor attack.
A wild attack.
"Mild!"
Why did you come here right after your angioplasty?
You should be resting now.
There's an urgent matter, Sandhya.
Uncle!
I heard you were in the hospital.
How are you, Uncle?
I've recovered, dear.
I came to see you.
I am in a tough spot, dear child.
What happened, Uncle?
As you know, the Panchayat elections are coming up.
The opposition unfairly blocked my election bid.
My nomination will get rejected.
Oh, no!
They played such dirty tricks to remove me from power.
Shouldn't I win in front of those cunning snakes?
Shouldn't I?
Right? Shouldn't I?
You should, Uncle.
So, in this election, you must contest in my place.
Me?
-Huh? -Yes!
Mom?
How is that possible?
In case she wins, she can't go for any other job.
If she wins, she won't need to go for another job.
You'll be well compensated by the Panchayat.
And if that's not enough, there's always embezzlement.
But, brother, it won't work out.
She has no interest in politics.
Moreover, her biggest dream is to earn a PhD and become a college lecturer.
Sandhya...
I got this heart attack
after knowing about the opposition party's treachery.
I came here straight away from the hospital.
I thought my sister and niece
would help me out if they came to know my plight.
Ah! It's okay.
I don't think my heart can handle...
one more shock.
I shall take your leave, Sandhya.
-Chandu. -Yeah?
-Start the car. -To the house?
No! To the hospital.
Brother...
She will contest.
Mom, just come with me.
Give me the file.
Oh, the pen!
Mom, why did you agree to it?
You know I am going to do my PhD, right?
You think I studied so much to enter politics
and become a Panchayat president?
That too in that God-knows-where Perilloor.
I said you'd contest because it is Perilloor!
-Huh? -Yeah!
You are going to be living there anyway.
So, there's nothing wrong in fulfilling your uncle's wish
and being their president for a while.
Just think about it.
Enter their house as a daughter-in-law who is the Panchayat president!
But they didn't say they were okay with the marriage.
And those vintage dudes definitely didn't like me.
Why did you have to look at their faces?
Did you see that boy's face?
His face was lit up like Diwali decorations.
You watch! They're gonna call right now.
-Are you sure? -Yes.
Trust your mother.
-All right then, come. -Come on.
Brother.
Come, come, come!
-Uncle. -Hey!
Sign here.
No, not there!
Dear God, I hope I win!
Oh, Goddess Perilloor!
May victory be yours!
-Mom. -Take this.
Goodbye.
All right then.
Bye, dear.
See, they said they'd call in two days.
And they're already calling!
-Shush! -Put it on speaker.
Hi, Sandhya. Radhakrishnan here.
Yes, I know.
Apparently, he didn't like the girl.
He is saying she's not tall
and that her hair is short... or some such thing.
It's not like our times, Sandhya.
Anyway, I'll call you once I reach home.
Hello? Hello?
-Ouch! -Not again!
Who brakes like that, man!
Just sell this rusty old car!
Come on, Radhakrishnan!
Why are you staring at me?
It's just two feet. Get out and walk.
We'd have gotten home faster if we'd walked in the first place.
-I told you we should've taken our car. -Lakshmanan.
See you the next time you meet a prospective bride.
I'm off.
Don't go walking, Uncle. Vasu will drop you home.
Who's calling now?
In this car? No way!
- Hello, sir. -Hello.
I'm calling from K&K Automobiles.
Sir, I wanted your feedback on your car's last service.
Hey, come on...
Don't call me "sir."
- Sorry, sir. -I'm not that old.
-How'd it go? -What can I say!
Really?
So many new items we've never seen before.
I think it was North Indian, very sweet.
We never got that before, right, Dad?
-I was asking about the bride-seeing. -Ask him about that.
First, your son liked the girl.
Then he didn't like her.
If you go with such a guy,
what else can we possibly discuss but snacks?
Do you have WhatsApp on this number?
We can maybe chat on WhatsApp--
Hello?
Got cut.
I don't know what it is.
Lately, whenever I'm on the phone sharing good energy,
it gets cut immediately.
Maybe it is... Oh, no!
-You didn't get out? -Nope.
That house we went to, your cousin's house?
Yeah?
-The girl who opened the door? -Yeah, yeah.
Who is she?
That was Niharika.
Oh, is it?
Why?
That man we spoke to... Surendran?
She is his elder son's wife.
-Eh? -Why?
Have you seen her before?
What happened?
What is it? All right, you get going then.
I need to go. That girl is alone at the shop.
Go on, get out.
Get going!
Wait a minute.
-Uncle. -What is it?
-Eh? -So...
I guess we have...
already informed Malavika's mother and said no, right?
Yes, we did.
What if we call back...
and say that we are okay...
Will that look bad?
Yes, it will.
It will, yeah...
-Hmm... -What?
How about...
we tell them...
we accidentally called the wrong number?