My name is Maithreyan.
I met Arikkuttan for the first time in 2018, in Auran, Maharashtra.
"Thadippalam Arikkuttan" and his gang from Thiruvanchipuram,
a city at the southern tip of India, bordering the Arabian Sea.
They were a bunch of young men from a slum in the city.
A group that belonged to a small city
where politicians, police, and criminals ruled the streets.
While A-class gangsters smuggled gold and drugs,
and B-class gangsters pulled off hit jobs and street fights,
the C-class gangsters, Arikkuttan and his 4.5 gang,
grew by starting with milk and flower lobby.
This also inlcudes the story of those who suppressed and defeated them.
The story explores the socio-economic, cultural,
and political factors that shaped the growth of the gangs.
This story is an eventful chronicle of the 4.5 gang!
'THIRUVANCHIPURAM: 0 KM'
[crickets chirping] [tense music]
'KAMALAKUMARI: 101 KM'
[bike rumbling]
[tense music intensifies]
[iron rod unsheathes]
[glass shattering]
[In Tamil] Hey, who is that!?
[Lady in Tamil] Who is that?
Hey, whatever happens, don't turn on the windshield wiper!
[wheels screeching]
[loud crash]
[shattering crash]
[pulsating tense music]
[muffled voice in the background]
[pained grunt]
[panting heavily in pain]
[grunts]
[gunfire]
Arikuttan!
[stifled scream]
[man] I don't know where to start from.
No matter where I start from,
this is how everything would end for us.
If we had just made a slightly different choice...
...we could have been something.
We could have achieved something, somewhere.
Even if we die, the world shall lose nothing.
Well, perhaps, they'll lose a vote.
[soft rustling wind and waves]
[boat engine humming]
[purring of the boat]
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music intensifies]
[music continues]
[man 1] That person, Maithreyan...
He is here.
-[man 2] Hey, is this your son? -[man 1] Son, come, meet Ari Uncle.
-[Arikuttan] What's your name? -[boy] Moidu.
-Huh? -Moidu.
[Arikuttan] You have one more kid, right?
[man 1] Didn't want to carry both of them to welcome you.
That's right.
You could've brought the younger one too.
Let's handle this business first, then we can focus on the kids.
Does anyone know you're here?
No.
I travelled ticketless on a train to Panvel, then a local train.
Finally, a boat to get here.
It's Bombay, after all.
There are a lot of people.
Everything will go smooth.
But he's a bit tough to handle.
We won't be easy for him either.
What planet is he from?
I came because you said he's a Malayalee.
He's from Chandiranmukku, Thiruvanchipuram local bloke.
Whoa! Our own planet, huh?
So, we won't get along.
Let's see. You head out.
Hey Moidu, let's go.
-What grade are you in? -[Moidu] Third.
[Arikuttan] Wow! He knows Malayalam!
This looks like our old Ilinjam.
[man 1] That's what I like most about this place.
[Arikuttan] But Ilinjam has changed a lot.
[man 1] It's two stops away from here. Hop on this bus.
When will Kanji (Miser) arrive?
[Arikuttan] He'll come with the money later.
This looks like our Thadippaalam, right?
-Go and play, son. -[In Hindi] Okay, Dad.
-This is the house. -Which one?
[gentle knock] [man in Hindi] Who's there?
Maithreyan Sir...
[door creaks open]
Sir...
Is this the guy you told me about?
Yeah, this is... Thadippaalam 'Arikuttan' (Rice Boy).
I've heard a lot about you.
Come in, but only when I tell you to.
Stay right here.
Huh?
Can I get you some tea, sir?
[Maithreyan] Brew it if you want.
Wait here. Let me brew some tea.
[footsteps receding]
What will I do now?
[door creaks shut]
[toy gun clicking] [kid mimicking gunfire]
[door creaks open]
You're sweating, right?
Auran is a bit too hot.
Come on in.
[Maithreyan] You need a Robinhood kind of portrayal, right?
So, it's good to sweat a bit.
Since it's my day off, I won't be writing today.
You too, go ahead and rest.
You're meeting your friend after a long while, right?
Huh?
Tomorrow morning, same time...
Let's kick off with the first chapter.
This is a paid job, by the way. Did you bring the advance payment?
[glasses clink softly]
Oh, yes.
Where are we planning to have him stay?
-Is there space in your house? -Yes.
Leave it.
We have a small room here.
But you'll need to provide a copy of your ID.
[perplexed sigh]
Do you have any weapons with you?
It's always with me.
You'd have to surrender it before me.
[sarcastic smirk]
I'd use it only if I needed to.
That's all I can tell you right now.
I can't sleep without it.
There's something you should understand.
It's mere coincidence that I ran into him.
Running a tea stall in a place like Auran...
That itself was confusing for me.
[subtle, tense music]
I have a few questions for you.
What's the motive behind writing such a book?
I mean, what's the purpose?
Is it to target someone in particular?
Or to whitewash someone politically?
There are many purposes.
You don't need to know it.
Also, I require full rights to adapt your story into a movie.
Including other languages.
That's the approach I'm planning to take with the story.
Forget movie rights and all those fights!
You won't get a single penny more than what you agreed.
Write if you're willing to. Got me?
Have you ever heard of Naxalbari!?
[music stops]
Don't you dare threaten me!
...50-50 profit sharing work for you?
Hey, let's go.
Hey, where are you going? Sit.
I'll give 50% of the movie rights.
No need.
What about 10% of the royalties too?
I'd take this deal right away if I were you.
Sit down, man.
Listen, this is my story.
-This will be released under my name. -Okay.
You are just my writing assistant.
And he'll hand over a written contract.
Just read and sign it.
You are setting up camp here for another Kerala award, right?
I'll get it for you and that's my promise.
Consider this as just an additional income.
Got me?
[chuckles] If that's the case, so be it.
Listen...
No need for an ID proof copy.
Let him stay at your place.
There are too many mosquitoes here.
That mosquito-filled room is enough for me.
At least I can have a buzzing chat with them!
Well… makes sense!
[thud] [strained grunt]
Advance payment.
I'll count it, but I hope you've double-checked the math.
[upbeat title music]
[Arikuttan] Thiruvanchipuram is packed with great statesmen.
Maybe it took 'headquarters' too literally.
Heads as far as the eye can see!
Well, you already know that.
Ayyankali's statue near the Temple.
Subhas Chandra Bose at the Post junction.
Pattom Thanu Pillai (Kerala politician) by the market.
Kumaran Asan's (Poet) statue at University junction.
We've even got Yuri Gagarin up there!
But the face that sticks in my mind is Brother Britto's statue,
who lived in our colony.
The boys built a statue for him while he was still alive.
He did so much for us.
He was jailed back then.
My father hoped I wouldn't follow in his footsteps.
He dreamt of me becoming a doctor instead.
Also, Dad had gone to school. Don't forget to write it.
[smirks]
Every year, the schools doubled as relief camps during floods.
Didn't you catch the cyclone warning on radio?
Lost my radio in the last flood!
[cymbal chime]
[loud cymbal chime]
[music fades out]
[Arikuttan] There was a big tree in our school.
[singing a prayer song]
[Arikuttan] Maniyan used to sing prayer songs.
He is like that.
He has no interest in attending classes or taking exams,
but, jumps at every opportunity to sing.
[prayer song continues]
His songs always kept us on edge.
[pleasant, cheerful music playing]
♪ Our youth seeks... ♪
♪ ...the moonlit festival ♪
♪ Chasing beautiful hues ♪
♪ And euphoric melodies ♪
♪ If we touch them in this enchanting night ♪
♪ I'll transform into a magical pond ♪
♪ Brimming with blossoms ♪
♪ I'm a symphony of rainbows ♪
[music fades out]
What if we make you the singer instead of Maniyan?
[Arikuttan smirks] No, no. He is the best for that.
[Pledge] India is my country.
All Indians are my brothers and sisters.
[Maithreyan] Well, from artist to anarchist.
I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.
Moonga (Grey Owl) and I have a long history of violence.
Moonga is more violent than me.
[Arikuttan] He's a demolition domino!
[dynamic music]
[sharp thwack]
Plants aren't exactly his thing.
Such a strange sadism.
From rose to rosemary, he won't spare a single plant.
Rather...
Don't write that I'm violent, sir.
Let's say I'm more of a peaceful person.
Now Moonga, write him down as violent.
He'll love it.
[sharp slash]
Have you gone nuts, boy!?
[water splashing]
[grunts]
[school bell rings]
[Arikuttan] Kanji joined me in 9th grade after I tried 4 times to pass...
Maniyan also stuck around with me for 3 years.
Then, we somehow made it to 12th grade...
and Althaf was still in 11th grade.
However, we were the first science batch from Thadippaalam.
Yet, everyone looked down on us.
They are used to that.
[light playful music]
Sir...
Write quickly.
[Teacher 1] Teacher...
is anyone absent today?
Yes.
Arunkumar.
Roll number 12.
[Teacher 1] Oh... that bastard, right?
[Teacher 2] What? Sir, mind your language!
[Teacher 1] Why?
The students are listening,
they learn from the way teachers speak.
I can call on someone without them hearing, right?
-So be it! -I will.
[Teacher 2] Aravind...
Why is Arun absent?
That bastard won't have studied.
I don't know, teacher.
I’m not friends with him.
Get lost!
[Aravind] You should've studied.
Pass on this.
[soft hissing]
Yay! 1 mark scored.
[Teacher 2] Hey, what's happening there?
Huh!?
I'm asking you.
Why are you crouched down there?
What's in your hand? Eh?
Just a pen.
Pen and crayons.
That's fine.
Where's that paper that was passed on to you?
Where's it?
-Show me your pocket. -There's nothing here, teacher.
Stand up!
It's my sweat.
Sit down and show me your hand.
-Show me. -Here you go.
I said show me your hand!
Teacher, once I take the pen, I won't let go.
Open your hand!
I found it on the... floor.
That's why I was looking down there.
Don't even bother studying!
[paper crinkling]
Eh?
''Come to the bicycle stand after the exam.''
[Kanji] Who wrote up all this?
Really? What's this all about?
[Teacher 2] At least put some effort into cheating!
[energetic rock ‘n’ roll music plays]
[Arikuttan] Before a fight, there's a lot to consider.
First, develop a plan of action.
Anticipate your opponent's movements,
including their entry and exit points.
Prepare for all possible scenarios.
Once engaged, commit to the fight!
[playful music continues]
[snickers]
Back then, we were just kids.
We had no idea whacking someone's face could be a legal issue.
Our plan was to smash his head.
[music intensifies]
I can't help this case now.
Oh no! Don't say that, sir.
See, he has done out-and-out hooliganism.
-Sir, he was unknowingly-- -What? Really?
His act was no different than a goon.
This school has a reputation to uphold.
Sir, he was being so ruthless!
-Look, look at his language. -Calm down!
Please talk more politely.
No one's setting a good example for him at home, sir.
His dad is in prison.
Like father, like son!
As if you’re some role model. You yourself are living apart, right?
I had a divorce, sir! A glorious one.
That bitch had another affair!
-Hey, hey! -I'm just spitting out facts.
This is a school. Watch your words.
Sir, what will I do now?
How about beating him up, sir?
Stop fooling around! Move away!
How dare you bring shame to your parents!?
He promised he’d teach me,
then backed out the day before.
You should’ve studied yourself! Am I your personal tutor!?
-But, you promised me! -[telephone rings]
-Hello... -Hello Aravind, when will you come?
Hey, we can't do it today.
Oh no! I'm waiting for you.
Teaching you on a day before the exam is not going to happen.
-But, you already promised me. -I can't, bro. -I didn't study anything.
If he can’t teach, fine. But hitting him is too much.
Sir, Ari didn't open the book as this guy promised to teach.
[soft drip]
[Arikuttan hums]
Pretty pink colour, right?
Keep quiet.
Potassium permanganate.
It's not even on our list.
Eh?
I've seen it being used to clean our wells.
[soft shushing]
Why isn't it mixing?
[soft dripping]
[shattering noise]
-Oh no! -Nothing, sir.
[soft playful music]
[Arikuttan chuckles]
The biology exam is stressing me out.
I'm so anxious about it.
Don't worry, the biology exam is easy.
Easy? Not really.
I don't understand any of it.
Which is your salt?
Mine is...
Sodium Bicarbonate.
And yours?
I'm trying to find out, but I'm stuck.
Oh!
[finger snaps] [playful tune kicks in]
Antony...
Hmm?
Brother, which is the salt Aravind got?
Listen Arikuttan, I can't disclose it.
-Come on, bro. -Antony Bro...
Which is my salt, my dear brother?
Sodium carbonate.
Bicarbonate.
Aha!
You can disclose it to Suma, huh?
-Tell us too, bro! -Arikuttan, calm down.
Brother, I'll treat you to something good later.
Please.
A small treat or a grand one?
Up to you.
Come on, tell me.
Tell him it's some Ammonium stuff.
Ammonium stuff?
Just tell him. He'll get it.
Try opening your books once in a while! Buzz off!
Ammonium... oxide.
Ammonium oxide?
Ammonium... Chloride...
Ammonium chloride?
Ammonium...
-Ammonium chloride! -[Kingini smiles]
-Ammonium chloride. -Are you sure?
Just smell it.
Balasree theatre's...
[coughs] ...stinking smell of the urinal!
[sneezes]
[Arikuttan] Hey, it's enough. There are only 3 salts.
[Aravind] All thanks to him.
Arun...
Hey...
Don’t worry, I’ve got the class notes from my tuition session.
I'll teach you biology with its help.
Relax until then.
Hey...
I'm there for you.
Only 3 days are left for the model exam.
Are there 3 more days?
Alright, have fun for the next two days.
On the day before,
I'll come over to your house and teach you biology.
The entire syllabus!
Why didn't you teach him, Aravind?
I had... to cover some pending chapters.
Otherwise, do you think I'd cheat someone?
[Aravind] I'll get full marks even if I don't study at all.
There are lots of...
Have some hot tea and fritters.
-Alamelu, have the fritters. -Okay.
Let me know if you need anything else.
This ATP cycle is super easy.
I’ve taught this to loads of people.
Look, I'm there for you.
Oh, come on!
-Sir, he purposely cheated Arikuttan! -Get lost, man!
Sir, their class is evident from their talk.
Sir, I didn't make any promises or cheat anyone.
Even if I did cheat, you had it coming!
[upbeat playful music]
[thud]
OUCH!
Oh no!
[Aravind] Don't hit me.
[Althaf] Smash him!
[Arikuttan] Hit him on the head!
[boy] Ma'am, these guys are always causing trouble.
They get into fights in the slums too.
Hold his pumpkin head!
My aim isn't great, hold him still!
[sharp pat] [music stops]
This guy!
[pained grunt]
What's all this, man?
Please ask him to let us go.
We had a few drinks.
That’s the cause.
I don't trust you at all.
Does it hurt?
I saw a shooting star come out of my nose.
I spat out maroon-colored blood!
We’re cutting all ties with the station.
You did what you did because it's your hood!
You reap what you sow!
My dear sir, it's just a silly brawl case.
Like this is... something new?
[playful folk music kicks in]
Pyelakuttan (Little Cop), didn't you get enough?
If I find out you went anywhere near the temple...
let the festival go on without you.
Sir, he created all the ruckus!
Whoever it is...
no matter who creates the ruckus, you'll get hammered!
[Temple Announcement] Marking the joyous first day of the...
...9th Great Festival of Takilukavu Temple,
we have an opera performance on stage by Shibi Chakravarthy
and today's enchanting Bow Song by Sparky and team.
Today's offering of rice cakes, porridge, and food
has been graciously presented to the deity by Vikraman Fans Thadippaalam.
Hey Pyelakuttan, give me 6 rice cakes.
My sister's kids are at home.
Buzz off, bro!
The committee's decision is final, just two rice cakes.
Ask your mom...
remember the day I was on the electric pole?
I fixed your TV, fan, everything, right?
Just 2 extra rice cakes would do.
No way, brother. Get lost!
Only a few rice cakes are left.
Can't you see the number in the queue?
Sister...
Sister is here.
Darling...
For you, and some extras for our kids.
Move.
-[man] Two per person, that's it. -Four for her?
When I went to fix his refrigerator--
Hey, when I went to fix his refrigerator,
do you know what I saw?
Porridge, grams, and all that jazz.
All stolen from here.
Listen, you won't get any rice cakes!
You may leave.
[Suni] You have to store all that in your fridge, huh?
This guy!
Come here!
Man, it's just a rice cake, not a whole bowl of rice!
It's an offering.
Go away, man!
-You don't know who Suni is! -Eh?
You have no idea who Suni is.
-Ask them. -Ask who?
Anyone here know who he is?
Man, people who knew you are already dead.
Go away!
Do you want to eat the dust?
I'll toast you like bread!
Run away! To hell with your rice cake!
[crowd booing]
You could've gone with what you got.
You dimwit!
[on stage] I won't allow to kill the pigeon.
Take my flesh instead.
Instead of the pigeon's flesh...
[drama continues] I'll chop off the same amount of flesh from my thighs...
Don't do that, my lord.
-Hey Sarge... -Yes, my Lord.
Take the flesh from my thighs.
If we use that trick here? How will the USA make money?
And Gulf countries won't even get a penny.
Your turn.
[crowd applauding]
Come here.
Is this for them?
-Yes, brother. -Give it.
I have to give it to them.
[screaming]
Not enough amount, my lord.
[honks]
-I'll gift it to my daughter. -Good idea.
Look who is coming.
YAY!
Move aside, sister.
[playful folk music continues]
[Cop] Hey Pyelakuttan,
-Come here. -Sir...
Where are you off to?
What's with this money garland?
Gifted by my fans. Why? Am I not deserving?
What's in your hand? Soda?
Sir...
Some committee members... are experiencing heartburn.
Let loose with the booze if you want,
but cause a scene and you'll get a sweet treatment!
Come on, sir. Relax.
Go home and booze.
If you start any trouble...
Hey!
Go to your home and drink!
Sir, how about a small shot?
-Clear off! -Go away.
Sir, just tell me if you need anything, okay?
Looks like the festival unearthed every numbskull in town,
make sure they don't create a mess.
[honks]
[epic music]
[loud thud]
[painful grunt]
Brother, Pyelakuttan is being stomped to death over there.
-Eh? Who? -Our Pyelakuttan.
Get there quickly, brother.
This guy! Let's play the rest later.
Who wants me to eat dust now? Come on!
Do you want to?
Come on!
[folk infused trance music]
♪ Bold plans soon go astray, ♪
♪ As revenge is plotted, come what may ♪
♪ Yet, a serpent lies in wait ♪
♪ As their schemes falter ♪
♪ A gun is drawn, ready to fire ♪
♪ But, a tickling bomb awaits ♪
♪ Bold plans soon go astray, ♪
♪ As revenge is plotted, come what may ♪
♪ Yet, a serpent lies in wait ♪
♪ As their schemes falter, ♪
♪ A gun is drawn, ready to fire ♪
♪ But, a tickling bomb awaits ♪
[groans]
Go away!
Hey, hey!
Move away!
[Suni smirks] Come on, man!
[Pyela] Throw him down!
[honking]
[glass shattering]
[honking]
How dare you break the police jeep windshield!
[painful scream]
He is the one who did it.
[Cop] Shut up!
I'm a government officer, sir.
Me too!
[telephone rings]
Good god!
[footsteps closing in]
[telephone ringing continues]
Hello, Petay police station.
[woman] Hello, can you hand over the call to the Sub-Inspector?
This is the Sub-Inspector. Who's calling?
[woman] My dear, it's me Shantha.
Oh, Shantha! Is that you?
-[Shantha] OH NO! -[glass shatters]
Shantha!
What happened?
I lost the second prize by just 2 digits!
What a pity!
You scared the hell out of me!
I thought the pressure cooker exploded.
Are you seriously freaking out over this small thing?
I would have won 15,000 rupees
if I'd gotten just two more digits right.
Try to be a good sport about it.
Let it go.
[Shantha] I lost 15,000 rupees, my dear.
Understood?
Aren't you going to school, my dear?
Stop eating the bananas like a monkey
and have two dosas, my dear.
[Kalyani laughs]
[playful music]
No time for that.
I have a lot of work to do.
We have Shamnaz's sister's wedding next week.
Saturday, right? I'll request a leave for that day.
Not that...
I need to get two bangles and a necklace to wear for the wedding.
Shantha, we're very short on money right now.
Honey, why not set up a "helmet checkpoint" on the side street
and fill your pocket?
Are you trying to get me fired?
It seems like you only play honest when I need something.
Hey, making money for groceries and gold is different.
I can't face my friends and family at the wedding...
...with nothing on my wrists and ankles.
I won't come for the wedding.
Cutie!
Oh! You won't recognize my voice after you leave home?
Forget it, you didn't recognize my voice either
when I picked up the call.
Just tell me the matter.
I'm pretty occupied now.
Why are you losing your temper, darling?
The doctor warned you about your high blood pressure.
Shantha called you out of love as you left the home upset.
Shantha, understand the situation,
I have no time for sweet talks.
-Hang up the call. -Darling, darling!
Don't cut the call yet. One more thing...
[Shantha] We lost the cable TV connection.
I've been reminding you to fix it for days!
-Yeah, I will. Hang up the call. -Alright, bye.
Kalyani! Haven't I told you a million times not to draw on the walls?
It's a rented house, you can't just draw on the walls!
What's wrong?
Sir, what should we do with them?
We haven't filed a case against them yet.
You could've given him the rice cake when he asked.
Exactly what I told them, sir.
[Cop] Shut up! I wasn't talking to you!
Sir, we only had two rice cakes per person.
He asked for six.
Will the townsfolks spare us if we do so?
We let go of the case right away.
He then got under our skin again.
You saw it, right?
Hmm.
Enough! Enough with your excuses.
Hey, don't you know my house?
Yes.
The cable TV at my house isn't working. Go fix it.
We already paid for the broken windshield.
You think it will solve everything? Huh?
You won't see the light if you act too smart! Should I do it?
N...no.
Also...
return after fixing the cable.
We aren’t done with the case yet.
What if we escape?
[smirks]
If you do, that will be the last antenna you ever fix.
I'll mash you into potatoes and make you eat them! Got it?
Where can we go? We’ll be right back.
Go on, then.
-Come. -Let's go, brother.
[grunts]
[finger snaps]
[Cop] Come here, government officer.
Go!
[ominous music]
[echo of shattering glass]
[Maithreyan] The two travelers,
who carved their dark path through a world of brutal crimes!
Their minds always ready to attack anyone at any time.
Born criminals with some sort of mental instability.
Meet Bruce Lee and Pyelakuttan.
After a secret nighttime attack on the electrician,
they appear at the police station.
From there, they head straight to the inspector's house for a robbery.
[ominous music fades, transitioning into calm, playful music]
Intense moments of fear and anxiety.
How’s that? Sounds good?
Yeah, amazing!
[laughs]
[bike rumbling]
Unfortunately, we missed the grand fireworks display of the festival.
So what? You’ve got fireworks all over your face!
Why the heck do you always invite trouble?
-Bro... -Huh?
I’m hungry.
Munch that cable!
[continuous beeping]
[Bruce Lee] Sister, are you getting a signal?
Damn...
Huh?
Are we getting a signal yet?
[Shantha] No, no.
[tsks in frustration]
From where did he find such nitwits?
Check it. [commotion]
[Bruce Lee] And now?
Did you get the signal?
Just check, sister.
Bro...
Some guys are beating up a boy over there.
That's his fate.
We’ve got to finish this and get back to the police station.
Bro, they’re just students.
Look what they’re doing instead of studying!
Don’t get into unnecessary trouble.
[Pyela] Should I just stand here and watch?
Tie that wire.
Bro, you’re a kingpin, I agree!
I'm going to interfere. Wait and see!
No, no!
Don’t ask me for help after messing up.
[Pyela] You carry on with that.
-Let go of me! -Thrash his eardrum!
You spoiled my 'education' to teach some random girls, you scum!
[subtle, tense music]
Hey hey!
Stop it, you pea-brained kids!
Help me! Ouch!
[yells in pain]
[Pyelakuttan] Hey boys!
[Althaf] Hold him still, my aim isn't great!
[heavy fall]
Who is this?
Dude, did you just kill him?
Me?
Brother?
[folk infused trance music] ♪ Bold plans soon go astray, ♪
♪ As revenge is plotted, come what may ♪
♪ Yet, a serpent lies in wait ♪
♪ As their schemes falter, ♪
♪ A gun is drawn, ready to fire ♪
♪ But, a tickling bomb awaits ♪
Seems like that's your relative.
[roars]
[Kanji] Oh no! Run for your life!
[painful scream]
Ouch!
♪ After conquering all with a cool, steady mind, ♪
♪ a blazing storm awaits, fierce and unkind ♪
♪ In search of waters pure and clear, ♪
♪ deep mud awaits in danger ♪
[music stops]
Back in the day, to be respected in our town,
either you go to the Gulf and mint money,
or you become someone like Bombukad Shaji.
[Arikuttan] He never had to pay for his tea
and always got free cigarettes.
Very rich and had good connections with politicians.
[epic music]
Everyone also respected Brother Britto a lot.
He was our inspiration.
When we were beaten up, everyone looked down on us.
We were expelled from the school too.
We can fill the house with boats in this year's flood.
Don't think that you can ever go back to that school.
You won't be admitted to other schools too.
Go for work and make some money.
Then-- Look here
we have to take care of her marriage.
Whoa! Wait, wait.
What about marrying after 6 months, little kid?
A sand mining assignment has come up.
Moonga has informed about selling movie tickets in black.
Selling movie tickets in black, huh?
Find something honest and decent!
Otherwise, you'll end up in jail just like your father.
Don't get me started!
As if he was jailed for selling movie tickets in black.
Look, don't take my books.
[crowd arguing]
-Let's smack that pig! -Why do you care? Let's go.
[Woman] We are right holders of this property.
[Arikuttan] While in prison, I read a book by a white guy that said...
''You can always identify a gentleman by his shoes.''
But who would wear shoes in Thiruvanchipuram?
But, I noticed that all the wealthy people
who visited the colony wore good watches.
So, watches became my obsession.
Hey, be careful.
My Dad's sweat and the Gulf's sand are still on it!
-So what? -Show some respect.
[birds chirping]
What's up, dude?
Let him also come.
What's it, Althaf?
His name is Bruce Lee.
He used to be a big shot.
Now, goofing around as a cable worker.
There's an assault case on his record.
And then the guy I knocked out...
The one you knocked out accidentally, right?
Uh, that's Pyelakuttan.
He is a loser.
He runs a business selling movie tickets in black.
-Arikuttan, they are your father's team. -I know.
Hey, Kanji...
-Does Bruce Lee actually know karate? -No, the real Bruce Lee knows Kung Fu.
Who knows what he knows?
Probably something like karate.
But, he is a daredevil.
Look how he thrashed us!
I found out he was at the police station on the same day.
Hmm.
[goat bleating]
Anyway, he laid his hands on us...
we have to payback.
Hey, we just got out of school, right?
Let's settle this after our exams.
-Our exams will be messed up. -To hell with the exams!
Two exams to go, I don't mind if I skip them.
You'll fail even if you try.
So, it's better to hit him back without delay.
Hey, I meant we should be careful.
SI Suresh will toast us.
If we have to hit him back...
a secret attack at night is better.
I found out that Pyelakuttan has plotted against all of us.
-Really? -Especially me.
Pyelakuttan as in Lil Cop.
Where is that moron from?
Why does he go by that name? Is he a cop for real?
That idiot is not a cop.
But, he tried a trick, long ago.
He went to the liquor shop and...
[Althaf] ...told everyone he is a police to skip the queue.
-[gritty music] -Move aside!
Are we waiting in line for no reason?
If it's hard here, come to the police station.
I'm a cop.
-Got it? -A cop with a beard?
I'm undercover, want to see my ID?
He's messing with a cop!
Clear off!
Hey, I'm a cop.
Cop here.
-Move back. Are you carrying weed? -No sir.
Stop clowning around and leave!
Quarter.
[Pyelakuttan] Stay put! Get in line.
Who the hell are you?
Trying to act too smart with the cop?
Should I drag you over to the police station?
Oh! He was a cop? Sorry, sir.
Make way for me!
Sir, which station?
A nearby station.
-I wasn't aware, sir. -Don't ever mess with cops.
Your branch?
-Which branch? -Crime branch.
Crime branch? State or CBI?
-What? -State or CBI?
-S...State? -Which department in the state?
Man, State Branch of India!
[Crowd] He is a fraud!
He is fooling us!
Get lost, loser!
Branch of India, it seems!
Do you know who am I?
[Pyelakuttan shouting]
I'll finish you off! How dare you mess with cops?!
[squelch] [pained grunt]
[upbeat music]
Pyelakuttan charged into the crowd like a wild tiger!
And stabbed out 3-4 people singlehandedly!
Overwhelmed by regret, he burst into tears.
[sobbing]
How's it?
Shall I write it?
Yeah.
Like a wild tiger!
[Maithreyan] Pyelakuttan, realizing the harsh truth,
that he has been labelled a criminal,
fearing a dark life ahead
cried his heart out in despair.
Should we really mess with those criminals?
Big Brother Britto is jailed.
Brother Thambi absconded.
-Didn't you go to school? -You go to school first, you toddy cat!
Listen.
I said Big Brother Britto's locked up.
And Brother Thambi has absconded.
Now who is left? Bruce Lee.
If we strike him now, we'll be heroes in this town!
Everyone in Thadippaalam will respect us.
What a life Brother Thambi and Britto lived!
Walk into a tea shop? Free tea and snacks.
Go to a clothing store? Free clothes.
Takilukavu Temple festival...
And the fireworks.
-Mayoora! -Music fest by Mayoora Troupe.
Who arranged all this? Them.
Bro, we should also be like them.
Then why did you waste time in school?
Hey...
All of these guys also went to school. Got me?
Move aside.
At our age, if Brother Britto walked down the street,
everyone used to be scared out of their wits.
If we walk around the colony naked, people might be scared.
But that's not the fear we want.
We need respect. Got me?
But if we try to hit him for respect...
he'll rip us apart!
There's no point in beating a useless old man.
Bashing Bruce Lee only makes sense.
But why?
I have... another reason.
What's it?
Long back, when I was playing cricket in Jack and Jill ground...
He was also there as a wicketkeeper.
[playful music]
Six! Just miss!
Bro, give him an oar. Let him row!
[player 1] You are going to face a fireball now.
Be it fireball or cheeseball...
That electric pole is the boundary. Don't complain later.
Touch the ball first, then let's see.
Watch out.
Dude, please touch the ball once.
[thud of ball on stumps]
[excited cheers]
YAY!
[players shouting in joy]
To hell with the dust!
-Not ready, not ready. Bowl again. -For what?
I couldn't see because of all the dust!
-You are out! -Out? Really?
Clean bowled.
Come on, man. Let us finish the game.
-Alright then. -Dude, what are you doing?
Man, give it back. Let us finish the game.
Dude, I have a headache. Let me go home.
This is your usual trick, isn't it?
What? Usual trick?
It's because of my headache.
Listen, we'll take this back home after the game.
I have to go to the temple tonight, and nobody will be home...
We'll keep it there, what's the big deal?
-No, no. -Let us finish the game.
Come again?
This is my bat and stump. I'll do what I want with them!
Who is this jerk?
Bro, he's always like this.
Headache, diarrhea, doesn't matter.
You can't take it back until the game is over. Keep it here!
What if I don't?
If not, huh?
Give it!
Do you want to get beaten?
Clear off!
Go away!
Fix the stumps!
Get lost! [upbeat music]
[Bruce Lee] What are you looking at? Run away!
[players booing]
Fine, I'll bat now.
Give me the bat. Let me fix it.
[tense comedic music]
[chair clanging]
[vessels clattering]
[Kanji's Mom] Hey!
What are you doing?
My fate! I don't have anyone to care about me!
Where's the slasher knife?
-It's on the shelf. -As if this is a supermarket with shelves!
[vessels clattering]
[Kanji's Mom] Son, please crack me a coconut then.
14 years of imprisonment?
Are you mad or what?
Skip it.
-Where's the iron rod? -Iron rod?
[metallic scrape]
[Kanji's Brother] Iron rod? Have you gone crazy?
It's a murder attempt, you'll be locked up.
Forget it, dear.
Iron bar is the issue, huh? I'll show you!
[music intensifies]
[Kanji] All those who booed me earlier, come out!
If I can bring a bat and stump, I know how to take it back!
Who do you think you are? Rahul Dravid?
[heavy fall]
Did you kill him, brother?
[finger snaps]
[everyone laughing]
That's why I ran away when I saw him last day.
He thrashed me so bad that day.
It was out of nowhere, he also got some.
Don't worry, man.
He even knocked out a badass like me.
Hey Kanji...
Who is backing him?
Nobody is with him.
He is just a cable guy.
No political connections as well.
He is not on good terms with the cops either.
What about knocking him out?
I am ready.
But, there's something.
We need a plan.
Plan as in...
A superb plan. Understood?
[dog barking in the background]
Hey Ari, there comes your love.
Guys, look over there.
Go ahead, man.
Arikuttan, go and see her.
Don't be shy.
[Althaf] We haven't had such fortune. Lucky you!
[Moonga] Look at his smile!
Buzz off.
[goat bleating in the background]
It's okay, man.
Leave it.
[Kingini] Have you told them forehand?
[Suma] Yes. Let's get it.
Do you have papad fritters?
No, but they have peanut candies.
-[shopkeeper] What do you want? -Tamarind candy.
[Arikuttan] Done with the exams?
At least you could have attended today's exam.
Did we have an exam today?
Was it easy?
You can write with me next time, if you fail.
[chuckles]
Please leave for God's sake, Arikuttan.
If her mother sees you, she'll scold me too.
Get lost!
Do you want any drinks?
Nothing? Lime juice?
No, we have ice pops here.
-Just clear off! -I didn't ask you.
No? Are you sure?
-I'm waiting to remove your teeth braces. -Buzz off!
If you're not going to classes, why not look for work?
I'm already on it.
Actually, I have something lined up.
If you have an interview, wear a nice shirt.
Why don't you buy me one?
-My dear Kingini, please just go. -Yeah, I am.
Shall I go?
[Arikuttan] Brother, give me that sweet.
Quick! Quick!
Kingini...
Want some more?
Shall I go?
And we planned our first attack.
Moonga was in charge of that.
[soulful hip-hop beat plays]
Shucks! You went on a bicycle to attack?
Kanji arranged a bike for a quick getaway
in case things went wrong.
[Arikuttan] He placed it on the correct spot too.
[Maithreyan] I'll write that you went on a motorcycle.
I'll somehow get a bike from Vimal Bro.
But, you have to get cow dung.
I'll get it.
Make sure the shit belongs to a cow.
[indistinct chatter]
'MOIDU VEGETABLES'
Bro, look, bubbles.
Shall I threaten him and get it?
Stay put.
We should hit him from the back.
Right on his head!
One hit and he should be knocked out!
Right away, we'll be ready after starting the bike.
At that time, we'll escape on the bicycle.
-YES! -CHEERS!
Earrings?
He usually buys vegetables from the market.
He needs cassava and meat every Wednesday.
Wednesday!
Dude, shall I smash him one on one?
Yeah, go ahead.
No, it will make you look like an audience.
It's fine, go ahead.
No need.
[Pyelakuttan] Wow! Amazing stuff, bro.
Try it.
-This? -Its superb.
2 kilos, please.
[Althaf] Teach me to ride bikes after this.
Don't worry, I'm right here.
Hey...
Kickstart the bike.
We are running out of fuel. I'll take care when you begin.
No wonder he goes by the name Kanji (Miser).
He must have saved a few bucks on fuel, huh?
[intense rap music]
♪ Peace ain't an option ♪
♪ Grinding to get a good life ♪
♪ Rat race, fast paced ♪
♪ Nothing ain't enough now ♪
♪ Depression ain't a thing ♪
♪ I do what I do, what I like ♪
♪ What I do, what I like ♪
♪ Everything's a problem, when I'm doing it my way ♪
♪ Looking for some trouble? It's just what I am, I thrive in ♪
♪ Confines constraints ♪
♪ Nothing stands in my way ♪
♪ Pain in this rhythm ♪
♪ Gotta get you are now my prey ♪
[Street Vendor] almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and every essential oil...
all were mixed together to create this medicinal oil.
Brother, hey hey!
Bro, I'm right here.
And this oil, sample is absolutely free.
[Bruce Lee] Will your hand get fixed?
If not, he'll be dead.
Pack it.
Sister...
pack it, I'll be right back.
Bye, sister.
[folk infused trance music] ♪ Bold plans soon go astray, ♪
♪ As revenge is plotted, come what may ♪
♪ Yet, a serpent lies in wait ♪
♪ As their schemes falter, ♪
♪ A gun is drawn, ready to fire ♪
♪ But, a tickling bomb awaits ♪
[metallic scrape]
[Shantha] Such a high price, sister!
[sharp thrust]
Darling!
[pained grunt]
[Pyela shouting in joy]
[Pyela] Did you get enough now?
[Bruce Lee] How dare you smack me in the police station!
CLEAR OFF!
Is your TV signal working now, sister?
[Shantha crying] Darling!
-Oh no! Darling! -[music intensifies]
'GOON ATTACK AGAINST POLICE INSPECTOR IN BROAD DAYLIGHT'
MOVE ASIDE!
♪ After conquering all with a cool, steady mind, ♪
♪ a blazing storm awaits, fierce and unkind ♪
♪ In search of waters pure and clear, ♪
♪ deep mud awaits in danger ♪
♪ Struck down, their senses fade, ♪
♪ Eyes meet the stars ♪
♪ But not cowed by the strikes ♪
[Kanji] Althaf, hold on tight! I'm going to fly it!
[bike rumbling]
[loud crash]
[Althaf] Is this how you fly it?
[Kanji] Come quickly with the bike!
To hell with his jackpot! Go home!
Buy an ice pop and sip it up!
[laughing]