Kottukkaali (2024)

[bunniefuu]

THE ADAMANT GIRL

It's getting late.

(By the Grace of Lord Munusamy)

Things are out of our hands,

Shanthi.

What do you want me to do?

Weve no choice but to obey them.

This is our fate for having given birth

to a girl child.

We must go.

Why are you all struggling

to convince her?

Just break her limbs

and marry her, brother.

Will it cost us more to feed her?

As if we couldnt find another bride.

Brides will queue up to marry

my brother.

Just say the word

and I'll find you a better bride

in my husband's family.

You troublemakers!

Dont change his mind.

Father, weve beaten her

for the past 15 days.

Did she change her mind?

Such an adamant girl.

Why are you so obsessed

with her, brother?

You think you'll be happy

marrying this arrogant girl?

Get lost!

Get lost, wretch!

Calm down! Dont be rude

to a woman.

Carry on.

-Why did you provoke him?

-Stop this drama!

Leave it. Put your shirt on.

You all want that adamant girl

to marry him?

What will my husband think

of our family?

Rani, you dont know when

to open your mouth.

-Come, Pandi.

-Shanthi, is your daughter ready?

Don't start another fight.

He's furious. Must you remind him

about what shes done?

'We are going to the temple

Don't hurt your foot'

Trying to escape, huh?

I got off work saying Im attending

a funeral.

What about you?

I took leave without telling anyone.

I'll figure it out tomorrow.

Our relatives have a problem.

Its our duty to stand by them.

They'd do the same for us. Right?

-What do you say?

-True.

An huge insect bit my heel this morning

when I was taking a dump.

It still hurts.

The crown flower milk is an antidote

against the deadliest poison.

We'll find plenty on our way.

Apply that to the bite.

I can see his bike. But is he at home?

As if that old junk needs a key!

Let's just take it.

Theyve already left.

Selvam, bro! Are you there?

-Who's that?

-It's me.

Why's he removing the milk can?

Were taking Meena to the Seer in Palamedu.

We need your bike.

-I have milk deliveries this evening.

-We'll be back before that.

Why dont you go to the Vilacheri?

Many praise the Seer there.

As if we decide! Pandi's father

does the deciding.

So many knots? It took me ages

to untie the milk can.

Careful with the bike!

We wont run away with it.

Don't worry!

I forgot to ask you.

I heard your father was missing.

Any news about him?

Don't remind me of that lowlife.

It makes me mad.

Why?

We searched the village for two days.

Then we heard he was in the

Samanar hills.

We rushed there and the lowlife said:

Stop looking for me.

I shall live as an ascetic.

"Im no longer part of the family.

I was baffled.

My mother made a scene,

begging him to come home.

She somehow persuaded him.

He stayed for two days, brother,

then ran off.

Look, how many houses have

mushroomed here.

When I asked my brother

to buy land here for me,

he sneered and said: No one will develop

this land, you moron.

Now see how its developed.

Theres even a fish farm nearby.

Soon they'll have a highway here.

If he had bought me a small plot,

I wouldve built a house

and settled down here.

My brother is mean. He was jealous

in case Id become better off than him.

So he cunningly brainwashed me.

Don't feel bad. If you were rich,

he wouldve listened to you.

Did your father answer the call?

Wait, mother. I'll pass you the phone

if he answers.

It just rings.

Whats the matter?

I don't know why my husband

is angry with me.

It's been a few days since I came here.

He doesnt care or even take my calls.

What's his problem?

Ever since he heard about Meena,

hes derided our family and me,

as if I had eloped with a man.

I know your husband well.

Shall I talk to him?

No need. I know him like the back

of my hand.

He's tight lipped now but just wait,

hell create a scene

at my nephew's function.

Why make me feel worse?

Its just a week before my son's

ear-piercing ceremony.

I thought youd all join in and complete

the ceremony.

But everything thats happening now

scares me.

Don't worry, Muthu.

Your brother Pandi won't disappoint you

in public.

Hell spend at least 100,000 rupees

to shut them up.

Do you think so little of me?

You think I care about cash or gifts?

Don't get me wrong, Pandi.

Both your sisters fear you

and they asked me not to tell you.

-Did I ever hide anything from you?

-sh*t! Look, it's them.

We took the long route to college,

to avoid these guys

-How come?

-They will rob us, Pandi.

Theyre the worst kind.

Stop! Come aside.

Why don't you take two more

pillion riders?

Our girl is possessed by a spirit.

Were going to Palamedu

to exorcise the spirit.

-Now what?

-Sir, a girl in our family is possessed.

We want the Seer in Palamedu

to exorcise the evil spirit.

-Why is the policeman coming here?

-Be quiet.

-Is this her?

-Yes.

How?

She mustve wandered off alone,

sir.

She seems very young.

Take it.

Carry on.

I'll excuse you this time.

Accompany her with care.

Fill fuel for 100 rupees.

-Excuse me.

-Yes?

I need some things for the prayer.

Muthu, its an offering to God.

Check the coconut before you buy it.

Coconuts from our grove

are always fresh.

Give me the best one.

-Mom, shall I buy some snacks?

-You'll buy the whole shop? Sit there.

Get him something to eat.

Fill my bike with fuel too.

How much?

285 rupees.

-For everything, right?

-Yes.

Uncle, are these for someone else?

Its for your daughters sake.

Won't you pay? Must my brother pay

for this too?

Hey, Muthu. Why are you being rude

to an elder? Come, Muruga.

Be quiet, father.

You keep telling us to be quiet.

-My brother keeps paying for everything.

-Shanthi amma, why did you get down?

Did I refuse to pay?

But you didn't offer either!

Get in!

We say this for your sake.

Muthu, we better not speak.

Our words are not respected.

You expect me to shut up?

We must show them their place.

They keep feeding off us

because we let them.

Cant you see how unfair they are?

Don't be upset, Muruga.

You know my daughters very well.

Their bark is worse than their bite.

They don't bear grudges.

Morons! Just like their mother.

-As if their nature was new to you.

-Not at all, brother-in-law.

-Then why are you so upset?

-Its not that.

The children we raised deride us now.

That hurts.

Thats hardly a new thing.

I have a granddaughter too.

What if the same thing happened

to my family?

Don't stress.

Muthu, I just remembered something.

When my son was very sick,

I vowed to our Goddess that

Id make an offering of a temple bell

when he was cured.

But I completely forgot!

How can you take it so lightly?

You can't afford to forget sacred vows.

You havent kept your vow

in all this time?

I would've reminded you,

if you had told me.

This path is used a lot.

Itd be better if they made it

into a proper road.

Come again!

"If you change it even a little,

Ill leave."

So spoke our Goddess!

-Is that so?

-Yes, it's true.

Did you hear about Karuthakannan?

I thought that drug addict

would die among us.

It seems hes got a police job through

influence and holds a high position.

His father must've stripped his pants and

made out at an auspicious time!

Just our luck. It mustve been

a bad time.

We should be happy. At least someone

from our caste got lucky.

Karthi, get down.

-Get down quick.

-Take off your slippers.

-Leave them here.

-Meena, come.

Muruga... Come, Pandi.

Mind your step.

Dont look at the Goddess.

Stand as far away as you can.

Youre impure when you have

your periods.

I know. You dont have to remind me.

Keep walking.

So youre now finally taking my calls?

We just arrived at the temple

of our family Goddess.

We havent seen the Seer yet.

What are you doing? I can't hear any noise

behind you.

You didnt go to work?

You didn't go to work,

nor did you take my call.

What are you doing there

in my absence?

Let everyone pray to God

to solve our problems.

-Hurry up!

-Im coming, father.

Stand next to me, Karthi.

Kumar, open this packet of sacred ash.

Give me the camphor.

Oh God!

Suresh, ring the bell!

Hurry. Lets quickly meet the Seer.

Rani is waiting all alone outside.

Meena is still there.

Keep walking!

Come, Muruga.

What happened to Lakshman?

That deaf fellow? He was a rash driver.

He drove his rickshaw into a stream.

Thank God the passengers survived.

He has two children.

And now this mishap.

Lets go.

-Suresh...

-I'll start the rickshaw.

Get in.

-Let's go!

-We must get there soon.

Keep going.

What is it?

Ask them to get down.

Everyone! Get down.

-What is it?

-How far can you reverse?

Pandi asked everyone to get down.

Get down!

Its okay. I'll turn it around somehow.

We know how that would go.

Siva, Munish and Mani! Give us a hand.

Hurry up!

Listen, dear.

Meena, get down.

-Why isnt she moving?

-Get down.

Look at her! Sitting there ,

still like a rock.

Hold it!

Uncle, stop staring!

Why not help us instead?

Why trouble our elder?

Hold it! Lift! Heave-h*.

"Getting pelted is better than

suffering the evil eye."

Wonder whose evil eye

has cursed our family.

Why are you complaining?

Didnt we pray to our family deity?

Good times are ahead.

What else do we want?

Look at my brother.

He is at his wit's end.

Once the problem is solved -

if she marries him and gives birth

to a prince,

wont we jump for joy?

I keep putting my foot in it.

We told Pandi to marry her

when she was in high school.

Meena's mother influenced him.

So he said:

"Don't you want my future wife

to be a graduate?"

"Should she be illiterate like you?"

He was mocking us.

If he had heeded us,

things would be different today.

Stop. Lets ask that man the way.

Brother.

Brother.

-Is there a wine shop nearby?

-What?

Wine shop! Liquor!

Where is it? Nearby?

Am I sitting here to direct you

to a wine shop?

Get lost, junkheads!

Don't look at me like that!

Jobless addicts. You carry on.

People usually help out.

Whats wrong with him?

Crazy guy!

Why did they stop here?

Check if its dirt? Or an insect?

Put your leg down!

-Whats wrong with uncle?

-Nothing.

-What happened?

-An insect got into Pandi's eye.

-Where were you both?

-Shut up! I'm furious.

Suresh, get some water.

Look here. This side.

No... no... look up.

Up. Yes, like that.

Ive found it. Look that way.

Dont move, brother.

What is this?

So tiny! But how it made him suffer.

Its not poisonous. His eyes will sting

a bit, thats all.

Wash your face, brother.

Can't keep your hands to yourself?

Come here.

Splash water over your eyes!

His eye is very red.

Check if her fever has come down.

Kumar, can't you ride the bike?

-I can but your brother insisted...

- He would insist but

Let's move.

-Come with us in the rickshaw.

-No need.

The wind will make your eyes worse.

Kumar, drive the bike.

You come with us.

-Come with us, brother.

-Get in the rickshaw.

He never listens to us.

Let's go.

Get in!

Blow warm air on cloth

and dab your eye with it.

-What happened?

-Let me check.

Pandi, get down.

Ma, I have to take a dump.

Youre such a pain!

Your son has no sense

of time or place.

Like father, like son.

Eating and crapping all the time.

Itll only ruin your health,

and youll look scrawny.

I can't hold it in any longer, ma.

Go once we get there.

I cant control it, ma.

Eww! He might crap in the rickshaw.

Stop at once.

Thats why you shouldn't buy him

junk food.

Stop here.

Help him find a spot.

-What happened?

-He wants to take a dump.

Oh, come on now!

She shouldve left him at home,

like you left your kid.

Is he like my son? He won't go

anywhere without his mother.

If we keep stopping, when will

we ever get there?

What to do? He couldn't hold it in!

Hurry up!

Doesn't look like mother and son

are coming back any time soon.

Once we're home, ask Rasu for some

mother's milk. Dab it on your eye.

Hey!

Why is the rooster unwell?

Maybe its poor blood circulation -

its legs are tied too tight.

Are you suggesting we untie it?

Youd happily let anyone go Scot-free.

What were you two bird brains doing?

It was fine so far!

If something happens to it

then how will we complete the ritual?

Mani, Siva, check it.

-Careful!

-You think we hurt the jugular vein?

If that was the case, it would

be dead by now.

-Check properly!

-Let me check the ears.

They are so hot.

-Really?

-Check its butt.

Get some water!

It seems fine.

Check the legs.

Hold it upside down and it'll flap

its wings. Did it get hurt?

Hold it. Let's spray.

Wait... wait.

Spray now.

-You're spraying me!

-Move aside.

That's enough. Pour some water.

Some more.

-Shall we fan it?

-Yes.

Move aside. Let it get some air.

It looks fine.

Enough.

Give it to me.

All right now?

Yes, it's healthy.

Keep your hands to yourself.

Don't disturb the rooster.

Karthi, stay put.

Uncle...

One bad omen after another.

Its very unsettling.

Shall we take your daughter back home?

Is the Seer we're meeting

an ordinary seer?

You think our girl is stubborn?

I've known worse cases

that have been cured.

She claims to be deeply in love.

After we meet the Seer, she'll

forget all about her love.

He'll totally change her heart

and mind.

I know what I'm doing.

Don't overthink. Trust me!

"My rights as maternal uncle began

the day my niece was born"

"The pride of a maternal uncle

is something only our caste can boast about"

"A mother nurses her baby only after

maternal uncle feeds her sugar water"

"When the niece is a toddler, she sits on

his lap and has her ears pierced"

"He gifts her a trousseau.

So special is the maternal uncle"

"When the girl reaches puberty"

"He builds a thatched hut

to shelter her"

"Assuring her 'I am there for you!'

So special is the maternal uncle"

"Maternal uncle brings a trousseau

filled with a variety of gifts for you"

"He brings silken finery,

golden anklets and jewellery"

"And the people of our caste

follows in the procession"

"Once they cross the river,

they will arrive at the village"

"And the people of our caste

follows in the procession"

"Once they cross the river,

they will arrive at the village"

"Maternal uncle brings a trousseau

filled with a variety of gifts for you"

"He brings silken finery,

golden anklets and jewellery"

Why are you honking?

Can't you see a procession is passing?

-Slow down!

-Okay, sorry.

Kumar, don't disturb them.

"Maternal uncle brings a trousseau

filled with a variety of gifts for you"

"He brings silken finery

gold anklets and jewellery"

"And the people of our caste

follows in the procession"

Muruga, for your daughters

puberty ceremony

my son borrowed cash for the trousseau.

Hes still paying interest on that.

(Krithika's puberty function Jan 29th 2023

Courtesy: Maternal Uncle Mani)

"As I jump for joy and run down

the narrow streets"

"I wilt as I search for my soulmate"

"Her sweet sandalwood

fragrance intoxicates me"

"I wish I could hold her in my arms,

never let her go"

"I can no longer control my heart,

or wait any longer"

"So let's tie the knot of marriage

now"

"Your beauty enchants me"

"O sweetheart of mine"

"You make me forget my sorrows"

"Your beauty is without compare"

"An angel has descended on this earth"

"I will follow you like a shadow"

"Just turn around and look at me

this once"

How dare you sing!

Why are you hitting her, anna?

Love duet, eh?!

Stop hitting her.

[overlap of voices]

Do you think all of us are idiots?

-Bloody wretch!

-Stop hitting her. Stop.

-I'll k*ll you!

-Don't hit my daughter, Pandi.

Get away from me!

Ill k*ll you all. You wretches!

Brother, no. Don't hit her.

-Brother, I beg you, stop it.

-You wretch!

What have you women done?

-Pandi, calm down.

-God help us.

You shameless old wretch.

This is all because of you.

A mother can tell when her daughter changes.

You must've known. Immoral woman.

Pandi, calm down.

Tell me, who did you pray for?

Standing there all that time?

For your wretched lover?

Pandi. No!

Pandi, stop it!

Pandi, please calm down.

I'll k*ll you. You think you can stop me?

Pandi, don't k*ll my daughter.

Let her go.

If one of my sisters had fallen in love,

my father would've hung himself

in shame.

You don't seem to be bothered.

Pandi, he's your future father-in-law.

Show some respect.

Let him screw himself.

Father-in-law. My foot!

I was working out of town,

I trusted you all.

And you turned a blind eye

to her lust and so-called love.

-Useless fellow!

-Pandi, stop.

-Patience, Pandi.

-Isn't your college near her college?

-Couldnt you have kept an eye on her?

-I didn't know.

This is how the evil spirit creates obstacles.

Let's go to the Seer at once.

Or things will only get worse.

Don't act crazy. Shell have a change

of heart.

-Shell reform.

-Get lost!

She will never reform. Never!

The adamant wretch.

Wretch. Singing a love song!

I should chop her into pieces

and throw her into that stream.

Pandi, stop! Come on now.

Calm down.

Don't do anything rash.

Youll end up ruining the ritual.

Patience, brother. No!

Bloody wretches! Stop telling me

to be patient.

That wretch is adamant and wants to

marry a boy from a other caste.

Instead of k*lling her,

youre trying to pacify me?

Be patient, brother.

Pandi, if she insists on marrying that boy

after today's ritual,

you will not need to k*ll her,

I'll do the honours myself.

Get lost! Move aside.

You wretch!

I'll slit your throat.

What were you doing, stupid women?

He was better off on the bike

with me.

He was riding with us and all of a sudden

he lost it.

Never mind, my dear.

I took a sacred vow,

and they broke my sacred garland.

This is a family of crazy folk.

See if I have a bruise.

-Here?

-Yes, the pain is excruciating.

-Looks like a blood clot.

-What!

-I said, it looks like a blood clot.

-Is it a big one?

Yes. You'll need a bandage.

Whats he doing down there?

Suresh? Your sacred garland broke?

Shut up, you junkheads!

It's okay. Come on now.

Grumpy fellow.

-Munish, did you get hurt?

-I'm fine.

-Don't tell your mother. She'll be upset.

-Why would I tell her?

Father, ask Pandi to come by bike.

Yes, that's better.

Rani, get in.

Let's go.

See if shes bruised.

Kumar, let Pandi ride with you

on the bike.

Why? Any problem if I get

into the rickshaw?

As you wish.

Let's go, Muruga.

Pandi, please get down.

Stop here.

Buy some snacks.

What can I buy for 120 rupees?

Give me two.

Siva, one day we must also buy

a classy bike like this.

Well ride it in our village

and beam with pride.

Ill show it off in front of my future

father-in-law.

My father had his own bucket list too.

But that lowlife died a loser.

The cap came off easily.

So it must be quality liquor.

What's with him? Hitting everybody

and creating a scene?

He hit me when I tried

to stop him.

He only stopped when his father intervened.

Doesn't he respect us?

Stop whining and drink up.

You know Pandi well.

This ritual was his father's idea.

If there's no change in her behaviour

after the ritual,

Pandi will show no respect to his father

and unleash his wrath on him.

"Come here, you lowlife.

"I'd have slit her throat but it was

your idea to perform a ritual.

"She's unchanged, the adamant girl."

Saying this, he'll beat up his father.

Don't you underestimate Pandi.

I don't think any evil spirit

has possessed her.

-I think shes slept with her lover.

-Why do you think that?

I'm sure of it or why is she so adamant?

I think so too.

-Do you think that boy lured her?

-No doubt of that.

Things are beyond fixing.

No use going to the Seer.

Take her to a doctor. Find out

if she's still a virgin.

Look. Were drunk and so

we spoke our minds.

Don't spread rumours like this

around the village.

Why would I tarnish her reputation?

Stop judging me.

It's standing right in the middle

of the road.

-Ma, look at the size of that bull.

-What's this new problem?

-Bad times are upon us.

-Theyre unending.

Munish.

Chase it away.

What happened?

It looks very dangerous.

Dangerous, my foot!

-I've encountered many bulls.

-Then go. It's waiting for you.

Watch out! Careful.

Father, come back.

-You better come back.

-Don't take unnecessary risks.

It's charging at you. Why do you want

to get any closer?

Do you think youre still

young and strong?

Come back and wait with us.

Its used to this hilly terrain.

No wonder its wild.

We have enough problems,

don't create a new one. Dont move.

I warned you, but you insisted

on playing hero.

Should we not get going?

Sit inside. The bull may attack

at any time.

Don't mess with the bull.

Can we take another route?

Thats a long way around.

Let's wait till the bull moves away.

Doesn't look like itll move.

Listen.

Go, ask if it's their bull.

Brother.

Brother.

Who's there?

-A bull's blocking the road. Is it yours?

-Yes.

Selvi!

I told you many times - tie

the bull up properly.

Look, it's blocking the road.

Selvi!

-What is it, father?

-Come here!

Look at what your bull is doing.

Why shout? The knot mustve

got loose.

Youre always shouting at me

and my bull.

Keep talking back like this

and I'll sell you both in the

livestock market.

I knew you'd be up to some mischief.

Why are you blocking the road?

Father is shouting at both of us now.

Come on!

You may go now.

Get in the rickshaw.

Hurry up!

Father is unhappy enough

that I play with you.

Carry on like this and hell sell you

at the livestock market.

If you're gone, I wont have any friends.

Ill have no one to play with.

Muthu.

What is it?

Suresh, stop the rickshaw.

Whats the problem now?

We can't keep explaining everything

to you.

Wheres my mother going?

Shell be back. Sit inside.

Lot of insects there. Be careful.

Why did you stop?

Meena.

Come.

You mean Raja's goat?

There's a famous saying in our village:

Only the lucky get goat ba*ls

to relish.

I hope the goat is okay now.

If the goat's horns are intact,

then theres nothing to worry.

I lost my temper and spoke hastily.

Don't take it to heart.

Are you upset with me?

Oh, come on now, Pandi. For whom

are we doing all this?

Its for him, so he saves face

in front of our caste folks.

Do you think he doesn't realize that?

Tell him, Muruga.

I didn't mind...

What happened, brother?

Where is she?

-What happened, brother?

-What is it?

Go and see.

-But why?

-I said, go and see!

Oh my God! Did she help her elope?

Shanthi, speak up!

Oh! Where do I look for her?

Where did she go?

Thank God!

I had my heart in my mouth.

Get down. Calm down.

Give it to me.

Ask everyone to get down.

Bring her with you.

Come, Pandi.

Ma, buy me a popsicle.

When she was young,

she fell in love with a boy.

We thought it was the whims of

adolescence.

So we married her off,

hoping shed forget the boy.

She seemed fine for a couple

of months.

But we don't know what got into her

recently.

She wakes up at midnight

and sits up like one possessed.

If we ask her whats wrong,

she refuses to answer.

If we try to force her to talk,

she glares at us.

The Seer will call us.

You should all find yourselves

a good place to sit and wait.

Shanthi, take Meena with you.

We are unable to answer

to our relatives.

We want her to change, bear a child,

and lead a good family life.

Dont worry. Now youve poured

your heart out to our God.

Hell take care of your problems.

-Karthi, come here.

-Grandpa's calling. Go.

Sit here.

Stay put. Okay?

What's the problem you need to solve?

My maternal uncle's daughter was promised

to my brother in marriage.

She fell in love with her college mate

and is adamant on marrying him.

He mustve done some black magic

on her.

Weve come to exorcise her.

-Is that her?

-Yes, shes the girl sitting there.

Here.

Drink some water.

My dear.

Drink some water.

Youll need strength to withstand

the beatings.

Have some water.

They are not just beating me.

Give me that.

Shes under a spell. I shall break it.

Are you the husband?

Rub this on her head.

Is that all the strength you have,

young man?

Apply more pressure. Only then

her madness will go away.

She needs cleansing from head to toe.

Enough. Give me the sacred ash.

Hold it.

Give me that holy pipe.

Check how many tiny voodoo ba*ls there are.

It has hardened over time.

Shes been under the spell for a while.

I have broken the spell.

I'm surprised that she is still with you.

She shouldve eloped by now.

You brought her to me right on time.

You and your family have done well.

You seem most capable.

-Light the camphor.

-Okay.

Give me the rooster.

-Hold it.

-Listen to the Seer.

Go around the burning camphor

three times.

Listen, I have broken the spell

he cast on her.

Shes fine now.

Even if you try to chase her away,

shell remain forever a sl*ve

to your family.

That is all we want.

May our God save your family

from all evil forces and bless you.

Come with me.

Cut its head off.

Don't look.

You were right behind us

but where are you now?

Have you reached the village?

Come straight down that road.

Our bike is parked at the street corner.

Park and come inside.

Okay.

Pandi.... Pandi...

Pandi, come. The Seer is calling us.

Come.

Come quickly, Pandi.

What is it, brother?

Come on, Pandi.

What are you waiting for?

Whats troubling you?

Why aren't you coming?

Pandi...

Whats happened to him?

What happened, brother?

Why are you hesitant? Come.

Don't waste my time.

Hurry up. It's getting late.

We came all the way here,

what's stopping him now?

-Kumar, whats his problem?

-I don't know.

What happened, Pandi?

Come, Pandi.

Come on, Pandi.

Don't make the Seer wait.

Come, Pandi.