Around 800 years ago,
the Sultan who ruled the city
now known as Madurai,
like many rulers before him,
imposed unbearably heavy taxes
and governed with ruthless tyranny.
As a result, the people
lost their livelihoods
and began migrating toward
the regions of the Western Ghats.
They traveled through the Western Ghats,
enduring countless hardships
along untrodden forest paths,
until they finally discovered
a place suitable for settlement.
A mound-shaped stretch of land
nestled in a valley.
Surrounded by mountains on all sides,
they named it Gevi.
There, they began a new life
through hunting and farming,
building everything
they needed to survive.
Centuries later, around the 1800s,
during British rule,
British officers, unable to bear
the scorching heat of Tamil Nadu,
commissioned a team led by B.S. Ward
to search for cooler highlands.
The expedition split into several groups
and began exploring
the forests of Tamil Nadu.
One of the groups, led by B. S. Ward,
after days of traveling
through Periyakulam
and the Kumbakarai Falls of Theni,
discovered the Gevi,
a tribe unknown to the
outside world until then.
Beyond the region inhabited
by the Gevi tribe,
B.S. Ward spotted another hill.
Unable to find a proper route to reach it,
he travelled in a palanquin carried
by members of the Gevi tribe
and eventually reached a plateau.
The land discovered that day,
with the help of the Gevi people,
is what we now know as
the famous hill station of Kodaikanal.
When the British departed India,
Gevi came to be known as Vellagevi.
Yet, the palanquin that
once carried the British
still rests upon their shoulders.
Governments have changed,
rulers have changed,
powers have shifted,
and centuries have passed.
Yet the people of Vellagevi
still wait for a road.
Present-day Vellagevi.
Hello, hi, and namaste!
You're listening to Kodai FM 100.5.
The election date's coming out
at the end of this month.
All parties are rolling up their sleeves
and diving deep into campaign mode.
Word is,
the ruling party's expected to win.
Hey, Shankar!
Hey, Shankar!
Is anyone in the field, man?!
Hey! Can someone hear me?!
Brother!
There's a landslide on Kanaku's land!
Our people are trapped inside!
- Come quickly, guys!
- There's a landslide on Kanaku's land!
- Come on, everyone!
- What're you saying?!
Only if we hurry can
we see what happened!
- Grab the ropes!
- Let's go, people!
- You got it?
- Yeah, come on!
- Take the rope, let's move out!
- Go quickly!
Faster, everyone!
- I don't even know what might've happened!
- Hey, it's our folks! Come quickly!
Come on! Come on!
- Come on, brother!
- Come quickly!
See who's stuck down there!
Check if someone's caught
under the sand, man!
Start assembling the palanquin.
Bro, you get down.
Muthaiyya!
What are you staring at?!
Lift him!
Get him up!
Easy now!
Careful!
Lift him up.
Come this way.
Careful!
Lift him up.
Four of you quickly go
and assemble the palanquin.
Uncle, step aside!
- Tie the rope!
- Tie the rope, pull hard, man!
Come on! Lift him up.
Grab his leg, don't let go!
Now, everyone together. Lift!
Pull him up!
Hold him properly!
Grab his shirt.
Hold tight, everybody!
Lift him, quick!
- First thing, get him to the hospital!
- Go now!
Watch your step!
To our sir who's here to fight corruption!
God bless him! God bless!
To our sir who's here to fight corruption!
God bless him! God bless!
To our sir who's here to fight corruption!
God bless him! God bless!
- The one who stood against caste!
- Live long! Live long!
- The one who stood against caste!
- Live long! Live long!
- The party that stands for women's rights!
- KMK!
- The party that stands for women's rights!
- KMK!
- The party that stands for women's rights!
- KMK!
- The party that stands for women's rights!
- KMK!
Sir?
After the election,
please help with my promotion.
- Yes, yes, I'll handle it.
- Sir.
We're not even sure
if we'll get those 350 votes.
You still don't understand people.
Political leaders like me
know them best!
Narasimha,
they're hungry!
They bark only until they're fed.
That's true, sir.
- Hey, Nagu?
- Yes, sir?
Like how a dog wags its tail
at the sight of a bone.
Similarly,
if we give a thousand or two thousand,
they'll vote without asking!
What else can they do?
Come on, everyone, hurry!
We have to save him somehow!
- Let's keep at it.
- What happened?
Why are you taking him to the village
and not the hospital?
Arumugam is dead!
Save him at least!
Quick, get him to the clinic!
- Run faster now!
- Move! Go, go!
- Don't stop, keep going!
- Run faster!
- Keep going.
- Hurry!
Go, go. Keep going.
Before we reached the border,
he had lost half his breath.
We couldn't save even one, uncle.
Let's at least save this one.
- Move quickly!
- Keep going.
Come quickly.
Hurry, folks!
- Hold him tight! Don't let go.
- Hurry!
Let's hurry up!
Come on, everyone!
Hurry!
- The light of our children!
- Long live, long live.
- The hope of the poor!
- Long live, long live.
- The guardian of the hills!
- Long live, long live.
- The son of this soil!
- Long live, long live.
- The pride of our land!
- Long live, long live.
- Your vote means everything!
- KMK!
- Your vote means everything!
- KMK!
- The party that will end poverty.
- KMK!
- The party the people trust.
- KMK!
- The party the people trust.
- KMK!
Narasimha, go check what's happening.
- Hey, Mani! Follow me.
- Come with me.
He's lying there, not moving.
What do you mean?
Muruga, wait!
Everyone, hold on!
Check if there's still life in him.
Maniya! Hey, Maniya!
He's not breathing.
He's gone.
Maniya left us too soon.
Welcome, all of you.
Did you come here just to count
how many lives are buried here?
Five men were unjustly
buried alive by this soil.
Now tell me,
what can you do about it?
When you were in power,
we didn't even exist to you!
Now that elections are near,
you suddenly remember us?
How will anyone know?
Our lives are like tender greens,
they get plucked and forgotten!
Malaiya, I understand your pain.
But it was nature's doing.
Why blame the MLA for this?
It isn't fair to do so.
I agree, landslides are natural.
If we had a hospital here,
we could have saved those
still fighting for their lives.
Malaiya!
The problem is,
there's no hospital in our village.
I understand your anger, man.
I'm telling you.
We'll handle everything!
We lost five people,
and you are still handling it!
Malaiya
Crossing the line now, are you?
We will figure something out
and make it happen.
Okay? Come along.
Don't create a scene during the election!
This matters more to you
than our lives, right?
Do what must be done.
- I'm saying we lost lives...
- Come with me!
Get your hands off me!
He raised his hand on my leader!
- Charles, hold on!
- Don't spare him! Thrash him!
Stop! Wait!
Why aren't you hitting him? Go!
Sir!
- Hey, you!
- Sir, please spare me!
- How dare you lay your hand on the MLA?
- I didn't do it on purpose.
We gave you a place to stay
and spoke to you with respect,
- yet you still don't know your place!
- Hear me out, sir.
You're making a mistake, sir.
- Don't say that, sir
- I'll make sure you cease to exist!
Who do you think you are
to lay hands on someone like him?
Hey, listen to me!
Listen to me!
Hey, don't!
Stop hitting!
Sir, please!
Please spare me!
Hear me out! Don't fight!
Brother, we should leave now.
Please leave from here, sir.
Those forsaken vermin of the forest
Had the nerve to lay hands
on me, a police officer.
Before the election ends,
you'll know the price the village paid.
What are you saying?!
You're trying to blow a small issue
way out of proportion,
and that too, right
in the heat of the elections!
Look, Narasimha.
If you move on your own,
and that ruins my political career,
I'll k*ll you.
Just do what I tell you.
I don't mourn those five deaths.
Had they died after the election,
it would've worked in my favor.
But, sir
I'm the one who got hit
with the slipper,
and you want me to just let it go?
Didn't you want that promotion?
Then take a hit when it counts.
They slapped you with just a slipper.
Yet, you're still breathing.
- Nagu?
- Yes, bro.
Let's go.
What are you waiting for, Mani?
Get it moving now!
Kumar, start the vehicle.
Shanthi sister, get in.
He didn't care about how you felt, sir.
That's how they are, sir.
We stand by them
when they're in trouble.
But when we need them,
they're nowhere to be found.
We'll handle this, sir.
We've lost more than their respect,
we've lost their fear.
Those guys used to bow
at the sight of me.
Now, they've got the guts
to raise their voice against me?
I'll put the fear back in them.
Hey, what's the use of grieving them?
Get back to minding
your own business.
Go on, people.
Didn't I tell you already?
Why are you standing frozen like that?
Come on, move.
Come.
Oh, great hill
Our god of the hills
In your lap
Our very breath rests
Oh, great hill
Our god of the hills
In your lap
Our very breath rests
One blood, one caste, we rise as one
Tied like kin, under the same sun
One river, one path, unites every heart
In this shared life, none stand apart
Like worms, our life crawls away
Fading day by day
The fading lives of our people
Will they ever survive?
Amidst the bamboo's gentle sway
Does the thorn just stay and stay?
Hollows, hills, stones, and thorny ways
Will these hardships ever erase?
Even if the lord does say
Will the ration come our way?
Why do you look so down?
Well
I don't know how to take care
of my pregnant wife.
If her parents were around,
they would've looked after her.
Why worry so much?
If anything happened to her,
I'd uproot this hill.
- What, brother?
- You definitely would!
- Why are you laughing, bro?
- He's the kind who'd really go for it!
Sumathi sister, hand over
the pension money to her, please.
With no path to follow
The donkey carries its load
When life is gone
People just let time fly
From the hill's womb we came
Were the past ones in the same game?
Are our paths all bound
By grief that wraps them round?
The wind and rain dance with joy
As at home
We enjoy our feast, oh boy!
The wind and rain dance with joy
As at home
We enjoy our feast, oh boy!
The pain we've borne, this bitter tide
Will these hard days fade and slide?
Will a straight path emerge
From these slanted hills?
- Hubby?
- Yes, love. What is it?
When our baby is born,
you must be the first
to hold our little one.
Hey, silly girl.
Of course, I will!
Come on, let's go.
Oh, great hill
Our god of the hills
In your lap
Our very breath rests
Oh, great hill
Our god of the hills
In your lap
Our very breath rests
One blood, one caste, we rise as one
Tied like kin, under the same sun
One river, one path, unites every heart
In this shared life, none stand apart
Like worms, our life crawls away
Fading day by day
Hubby, go ahead a bit.
- Did you bring the report?
- Yes, madam, I have it.
We also need to show
our scans to the doctor.
Okay, please wait for your turn.
Alright
Shall I go ahead?
Make sure to ask the doctor everything.
I'll be here.
Where's your husband?
He's waiting outside, doctor.
You shouldn't keep it inside, dear.
Just one more month,
your baby will be here!
Before your delivery date,
make sure to visit
the clinic behind
the Chola Estate within a week.
Understood?
- I don't know where that is, doctor.
- You don't?
Hey, you!
- Yes, madam?
- Tell her where the clinic is.
Sure, madam.
I'll take your leave, doctor.
- Hey, where is that girl?
- Madam?
She's attending to patients, madam.
Attending to patients?
She's only been in training
for two days.
And now she thinks she's a doctor?
She's dead meat.
You go ahead. I'll join you after
delivering some mail at Thiruvallur Nagar.
Sure!
Watch your step, love.
Be careful.
- Hubby?
- Yes?
Just because it's our first child,
don't go borrowing money to have a bash!
Don't talk like that.
I'd love to see you
in a Kora sari.
Your hair full of jasmine and
your wrists jingling with bangles!
Careful, Mandhaarai.
Try lunging to climb up.
Is it tiring you?
- Rest here for a while.
- It's fine, hubby.
Let's go.
Hey, are you kidding me?
Our home is still quite far.
Let's sit for a while.
Be careful.
Be careful when you sit.
Here, have some water.
You know,
I've walked this same path
so many times before.
I've carried so many
loads on my shoulders.
But I never really saw
the weight of it all, back then.
Despite everything we're going through,
I want to do something special
for you and our little one.
"Something" as in?
As in
My hands are itching to lift you up
like one of these hills!
You may have the strength,
but only I can carry our child, alright?
Okay, it's getting dark.
Should we head home?
Alright, let's go.
Come.
After all this, they have the nerve
to hold elections tomorrow!
We're the ones affected.
- Is that for your sister, Kadukka?
- Brother.
- Yes, that's for her.
- Alright.
- Let's wait and watch what happens.
- Come on.
Come.
- Hey, Kadukka!
- Yes, uncle.
Time to search for a bride for you
after your sister's function.
I'd rather hang out
with this horse forever, uncle.
What an idiot!
Mandhaarai,
shall we get your cousin, Lakshmi,
to help until your delivery?
Come on. Why are you
panicking for nothing?
Not like that, dear.
If I head to the forest,
she can look after you.
- Hi, dear, how are you?
- I'm fine, auntie.
What did the doctor say?
- They said everything's fine.
- Good.
I'm tired from walking.
Going to rest.
- Go on, dear.
- Alright, auntie.
Malaiya!
You go ahead, dear. I'll join you.
Tell me, auntie!
Did they say anything else?
Nothing to worry about. It's all fine.
She must be careful
- as the due date nears.
- Alright.
Hi!
What did the doctor say?
They gave me tablets for weakness.
- Bought them?
- Yes.
What is all this?
We may be close.
But as the uncle of your child,
I'm doing this
on behalf of our parents.
Come on, not again.
You really need to stop getting
emotional over everything.
- Your hubby's here.
- Hello, Kadukka!
- Brought her gifts, I see?
- Yes, yes.
You've brought quite a lot for her.
Looks a bit loaded.
Yeah, a little bit.
But I can handle it.
I've ordered vegetables
at the Periyakulam Market.
I'll go and get them.
No, brother. You look tired.
You stay here
and take care of her.
- I'll bring them
- Okay.
After I'm done with an errand.
Those coffee beans?
- Will you get Marudhu to dry them?
- Sure.
Okay, I'll go then.
- Open the door for me, please.
- Sure.
Freshen up and then leave.
Grandpa was looking for you, Seeni. Go!
Come.
Come. Come.
How come you got off so early?
My vegetables didn't sell
before it became cloudy.
- All over again tomorrow?
- Yes. Are you heading towards the river?
Yeah, dude.
Tomorrow is Mandhaarai's baby shower.
Heading to the market to get a few things.
Alright, dude.
Careful, dear.
Malaiya, did you invite everyone?
I did, uncle.
- I'll see you then.
- Sure.
Auntie, you too, come in the morning.
- Definitely, we'll come.
- I've got work. I'll go now.
Hey. Go.
Move slowly.
Go, go.
This way. Come here.
Come along.
Come on.
Come on.
Move.
Walk fast.
Go on
Keep going.
Move it, move it!
Keep going.
A heartfelt welcome
to all the devotees that
have come for
the Goddess Veerakali festival.
Wait for me, please.
Move, please.
- Tell your child this is from her grandpa.
- Will do!
People of Periyakulam,
please pay attention.
We only have until 10:00 p.m.
There's an election in the morning.
He's here, sir.
He's not going back up that hill.
I'll take care of it.
- Ask Palani to come to my place at once.
- On it.
- I'll see you.
- Okay, bye!
- See you, sir.
- Alright. Give my regards to Mandhaarai.
Sir, they've already buried five.
Why go after one more?
Poor fellow.
Let him live out his life somewhere.
Let him go.
And?
You want me to boot lick them for life?!
I'll show them the true reach of power.
k*ll one pig
and the whole herd falls in line.
Are you for real, Palani bro?
I wonder how you're so calm
after all that happened.
My blood's boiling looking at them.
Sir, we must hack them to death.
Let's not, sir.
Seems like the music
for the temple fest was on point!
- Yes, brother.
- All the arrangements were amazing!
We actually joined hands
with the folks of Kallupatti
and brought in dancers of Mayilaatam and
Oyilaatam to make it this happening!
No wonder it was a blast!
- Sir, the auto's here.
- Is he in it?
Yes! Yes, sir!
- Let's go.
- Let's go, sir!
- Come!
- Come, Palani bro!
Come along!
What is he doin...
Hey! k*ll the lights!
Do it!
- Taken everything?
- Yes.
- See you at the function tomorrow.
- Okay, see you.
Sorry for making you wait so long, dear.
Our family is getting a new member.
I cannot stop thinking about it, you know?
We'll go home?
Come along, you.
Quick, quick.
Pass the weapons.
Grab it all!
He mustn't make it tonight!
Let's get him!
TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENFOREST DEPARTMENYou
Nab him!
Hold him!
- Give me the stone.
- Beat him to death.
Hey, kiddo.
Acting feisty like your dad, yes?
Your kick's as powerful as his.
Please let me go.
I didn't know.
Let me go.
Sir
Junior Malaiya, you cheeky fellow!
I'll tell your dad that you're kicking me.
Oh, no.
No, I won't tell him.
He'll expect me to bring you out soon.
That's why.
Alright, enough!
It hurts!
Hubby?
Kadukka!
Kadukka!
It hurts!
Sister, what's the matter?
- What happened?
- It's paining!
- Is the child okay?
- It's hurting a lot!
It must be normal.
Let me fetch granny.
Please bear with it for a while.
I'll go get her.
- It shouldn't affect the baby.
- I'm scared!
- Don't be!
- I am freaking out!
- Be by my side!
- Let me fetch granny for you.
I'll be right back.
- It's hurting!
- Don't worry!
Can't believe he hasn't returned yet.
What do I do?
- I wonder why she's crying out loud!
- Hang on a minute.
It's probably just a cramp.
- Please look after her, auntie.
- Go safely.
What's happening, Mandhaarai?
- It's hurting, auntie.
- It's probably just a cramp.
- Her due date isn't soon, right?
- It hurts!
You'll be okay, dear.
Catch hold of him!
- Sir, please let him go.
- I'll k*ll you!
Sir, he could get seriously hurt.
Enough with it, boys!
All of you are acting so stubborn
- that no one will hold you accountable!
- Hit!
Just go away, man.
He'll die if this goes on, sir.
Please let him go, sir.
You've hit him enough, sir.
Now, spare him.
This is too cruel.
Please let him go.
Sir, you're going overboard!
- Don't become a criminal for no reason.
- Hold him! Lift him up!
Just leave him, sir.
- Palani, move aside!
- You
My dear
Bear with the pain for now, dear.
Your body will loosen up soon.
Stay strong, dear.
It's hard for the first child,
bear with it.
Stay strong, everything will settle.
Don't worry, you'll have your baby soon.
Don't be scared.
I hope it's all fine, auntie.
Granny's handling it,
no need to worry.
It's night already.
Why hasn't Malaiya come?
He's not a kid, he'll be back.
Bear with it for a while, dear,
all will be good.
- It should be a good delivery, isn't it?
- I will be fine, right?
Breathe in, dear.
Take deep breaths.
It's paining!
I can't bear it!
Granny
Her due date's still some time
away, right? Is this labor pain?
Will the baby come out fine?
Hold on.
Looks like the cord is
wrapped around the baby.
If she's not taken to the hospital,
the baby won't survive.
- Alright, all of you leave now.
- Get the ropes.
Assemble at the temple. Hurry up.
Move quickly.
My wife's alone, sir.
Please spare me.
I beg you.
Please let me go, sir.
Please leave me, sir.
Sir
Want me to burn him right here, sir?
He's suffered enough, sir.
- Please let him go.
- Go away, you!
Burning him will k*ll him in a flash.
Don't let him go so easily.
t*rture him slowly
Till his life flashes before him.
He should regret
Crossing us before he dies.
Now he'll know who we really are.
I was driven by my rage
at the lives lost.
I did nothing else wrong!
Please let me go.
Where did they all go?
They were just here.
Brother, call him as well.
I'll go get Moorkan.
Go on, quick.
Listen, Kadukka
Mandhaarai fed us all before.
We'll save her, don't worry.
We're all here. We will take care.
We know these paths well. Be brave.
Kadukka, people are making arrangements.
Bring her to the temple.
Uncle, go that way.
You come this side.
Watch the road.
Rain will make it tough.
Come fast, uncle.
Check if the first lot is there.
We'll be right with you.
Alright, I will take care of it.
Has he taken the rope?
Yes! Come!
You're heading the wrong way.
It's hard to see in the dark.
Come fast. Hurry up.
Bro, is the doctor coming?
They're not picking up.
Do what must be done next.
Did you talk to the doctor, brother?
I'm scared. Will she come?
- Will she?
- I'm on call with her. You go first!
I'll bring her. Go.
Shall I
Brother
You go ahead.
I'll manage here.
- Hello, who's this?
- Is this the town hospital?
Is the doctor there?
I'm calling from Vellagevi town.
The chief doctor is on rounds.
It's urgent, a woman's in labor.
- Emergency?
- Yes, brother.
- Sister?
- Tell me.
Where is the chief doctor?
- She's still on rounds.
- Alright.
What's the matter?
Tell me what it is!
- You fool, why are you falling on me?
- Sorry, ma'am.
Are you blind?
- What the hell is this?
- Emergency from Vellagevi, doctor.
- Hello?
- Doctor.
This is the postman calling.
A woman from our village is in labor.
The umbilical cord is around the child.
We're worried about the baby.
Please come fast.
Are you joking?
Look at the time!
I don't want to die
in the hands of a bull.
Weren't you all asked to move uphill?
This could've been easily avoided.
Instead, you trouble us!
You want me to die to save her?
Look, this is your problem.
If possible, bring the woman.
I will save her if she is alive.
Or else, just bury here somewhere.
Please cut the call.
Hello
Hello, doctor
Hold this.
- Come fast, man.
- Madam.
Here you go, madam.
- Hey, look.
- Yes, ma'am?
-If you get any calls for emergencies,
-Okay, madam.
- Don't pick up.
- Okay, madam.
If it's any local issue,
send them to our clinic.
- Got it?
- Sure, madam.
Madam
- Take this.
- Madam
What?
A girl's family is visiting
tomorrow for my wedding match.
I need a day off, madam.
Oh, my!
A girl is coming to see our Meenakshi!
Does the girl have an issue?
Nothing of that sort, madam.
How else did she say yes to you?
Just happened, madam.
You're good for nothing here.
- At least, do your guard duty properly.
- Please, madam.
Can't believe you're going to get married.
Like you'd be useful after that.
What will he even do
after he's married?
- Just a day off, madam, that's all I ask.
- Hey!
Go away, useless!
Bye, madam.
Don't mind her.
You come.
Will the doctor come, brother?
Tell me, brother!
Is the doctor coming?
The doctor will come, Kadukka.
Meanwhile, we'll get her to
the town hospital.
Alright then.
Let's head to Vannanthurai
and get everything set.
Come fast.
Four people can lift it. Hurry!
Mandhaarai's in labor.
Please hurry, dear.
Hold it properly.
Hold it carefully.
Malaiya's not back yet. I'll go tell
people to pass the information.
We'll send a few people to check.
Not necessary. I'll tell the women.
We need our men to carry her.
Get up, carefully.
Find your grip and then try standing.
- Hold us tight, don't panic.
- Hold on to me firmly.
- Don't be scared, hold on to us.
- Slowly. Watch your step.
- Slowly move.
- Slowly.
Stay calm and move slowly.
Careful. Nice and slow.
- Hey
- Sir.
- Set him on fire, man.
- Okay, sir.
Hold the head firmly.
Get the rope.
It'll take the four of us to pick it up.
Come quickly.
Bind it as tight as you can.
Push the rope in this space.
Tie it firmly, no gaps.
Ponnuthaayi, bring the girl here gently.
Don't worry, Mandhaarai.
You'll reach safely.
We're going too far.
Someone get Mandhaarai's
clothes from her house.
Keep your leg there slowly.
- No need to be scared.
- You guys, step aside.
Move aside, dude.
How brutal you all are!
What did he even ask for you to do this?
He only wanted a road for his people.
He'll ask for what's needed
for his place.
To fulfill your needs,
you shamelessly bend to him.
If they ask,
you call it a problem
and show your power over them.
You work for me
Or for those village idiots?
Useless!
I was slapped with a slipper.
Don't lose your life for them.
I don't mind k*lling you if you do.
I dare you.
Now get out!
Look at him advocating!
- Burn him alive, man.
- Sure, sir.
Sir?
- Sir, he's missing.
- Hey!
- Where did he escape to?
- Start searching, quick.
- He's right there, catch him!
- Go, go! Catch him!
You check that side
and you check the other side.
- Stretch your legs, dear.
- Hold steady, fellows.
- Keep her down slowly, she'll be fine.
- Okay.
Careful, Mandhaarai.
- Make sure her neck's right.
- Careful with her.
Careful.
Stay calm and lie down.
Karupaayi, stretch the cloth
to keep air moving.
Step aside a bit.
Stay strong for now, Mandhaarai.
- Yes, like that.
- Grip it tight, dear.
Secure the spot
where she'll rest her head.
Brother, hold her head properly.
Pull it and ensure
she's fine before tying.
Tie it firmly.
Don't get scared, Mandhaarai.
Everything will be alright.
The doctor will come anyway, right?
Hurry up, man.
Go, go!
Hubby?
While watching the raindrops fall,
one by one
It feels like our baby is kissing me
from the skies!
I can't find a nicer way to put it.
But to me, it feels like
My baby's peeing on my face!
Come on! Hurry!
You'll be okay.
Please hang in there.
- You'll be okay.
- We'll get to the hospital soon!
Keep pushing!
Don't let her go!
Keep it going.
Let's go!
Come on!
Come on!
What happened to my baby?!
Someone tell me, please!
- Come on, guys!
- Why isn't anyone saying anything?!
Mandhaarai, hold on.
The baby's coming!
We're almost there.
- Just hold on, please!
- Suruli bro, I can't
Kadukka! Kadukka!
At least you tell me
what happened to my baby?!
Baby's fine, sister.
They said the doctor's on the way.
Just hold on through the pain.
Stay strong, sister.
You're going to be fine.
I'm scared!
- We're here. We must make a turn here.
- Careful, be careful!
- Please give us some space!
- Hold her! Hold her tight.
- Come on! Move!
- Lift it higher!
- Higher!
- Careful!
Hey, Suruli, stop!
Her water just broke, man!
- Stop! Please, stop!
- Stop!
- Hey! Stop right now!
- Her water just broke!
Hey!
That swine couldn't have gotten far!
He must have taken
the Thondakuchi route.
He wouldn't have climbed the hill yet.
You take the Melkaatu route.
And you take the Keelkaatu route.
- Search all through Thondakuchi!
- Okay, sir.
You're the bait.
Come with me!
Dear?
Dear?
Hey, Mandhaarai!
Look at me, Mandhaarai!
Hey, Mandhaarai
Granny
She's okay, right?
Guys, over here!
Her water just broke!
She's struggling to breathe
The baby isn't getting enough oxygen!
If it takes any longer,
we might lose them both!
Find out where the doctor is!
Find out where the doctor is!
Call her, please!
They must've crossed
the check post by now, right?
Please make the call.
Why are you just standing there?!
Call her, bro! Please!
Oh, God!
Call her, bro!
No one's coming, Kadukka!
The doctor said she's not coming!
What are you saying?!
She said,
"I will save her if she is alive.
Or else, just bury here somewhere."
What do we even do now?!
Mandhaarai's screaming in pain
I can't take this anymore!
Assuming God will take care,
I asked all of you to carry her!
Is there no one left to save
my family's child?!
Is this how it ends?!
Give me the phone, please!
At least let me try!
It's already too late! Make the call!
- Hello? Yes, tell me.
- Hello.
I'm calling from Vellagevi.
Is the doctor available?
Yes, just a minute.
- Tara! Tara!
- What, bro?!
Just a minute.
You look tense. What happened?
It's an emergency. Please talk!
- Who should I speak to?
- It's an emergency. Please, talk!
- Hello?
- Hello...
Bro, can you hear me?
- Doctor, can you hear me?!
- Hello?
- Hello, doctor?
- Yes, I can hear you. Tell me.
- Doctor?
- What happened?
There are two lives at stake,
my sister's and her child's.
Both of them are fighting to survive.
They said her water broke!
And the umbilical cord is
wrapped around the baby's neck!
Please, doctor,
save my family's child!
She's lying there,
gasping for breath!
Please come quickly, doctor
Okay, don't cry.
How long will it take to reach
the hospital?
It'll take about six hours.
What do you mean, six hours, bro?!
Please come quickly!
At least take her to the nearest hospital!
Can't you understand
what I'm saying?!
Hello?
Hello? Can you hear me?
Where would we even go now
in this godforsaken path
To a hospital?
I get what you're saying.
But how can we wait when
the umbilical cord's choking the child?
Hello? Hello?
- Hello?
- Doctor!
- Are you still on the line?
- Hello, doctor!
Hello? Can you hear me?
Someone who can't feel your pain
will never come to help you, Kadukka.
If this child is to be saved
against all odds,
only God must come down!
To save us from here on,
there's no one else but you!
Save us somehow, Lord Karuppa!
Why are you worried, brother?
This mountain that cradles
a thousand species,
won't it carry this one small life, too?
Before sunrise,
we'll separate the mother and child!
They're in critical condition.
Ask them to head to
the nearest hospital fast!
But there are no other hospitals nearby.
The only one in the town is ours.
Only if we go,
there's a chance we can save the child.
They're all rich folks!
They'll never show up when we need them!
- This is a real emergency. Do something!
- What else can we do now?
Let the doctor come or not.
We can't wait any longer.
She's in pain, lift her up!
The doctor already said she won't come!
We've had two or three emergency calls.
We informed the chief doctor,
but she didn't care. She just left!
Now it's up to us to act on it.
What else can I do now
- Okay, where's the compounder?
- He was around here somewhere
We're taking the baby to the hospital!
Not a second should be wasted, man!
- Let's go! Yes!
- Our Lord Bhairavi will take care of her!
- Let's go! Move!
- Come on!
- Okay, you check that side. I'll see here.
- Okay, doctor.
Compounder?
Compounder?
Compounder, where are you?
Compounder?
Hey, what are you doing here?
- Don't you know she's looking for you?
- Which woman?
The one who's walking this way,
that one.
- Compounder?
- Oh, her?
Brother, there's a serious emergency.
They just called about it.
- Please call the doctor.
- Which case is it?
They said it's for Gevi, brother.
- Looks like they're bringing her in now.
- Oh, that case?
Yes, bro. It's urgent. Please come.
Just go do your job!
Why are you talking like this, brother?
They're fighting for their lives!
You just joined here, right?
It's only been two days.
Don't you know how madam is?
They've already informed her
about this case.
Madam went back to her clinic,
saying she won't attend this case.
Even after all that,
are you really going to step in?
Two lives are hanging
by a thread, brother!
Talk to the doctor.
Can't you see she's begging for help?
It's up to us to save them now.
It's fine even if madam doesn't come.
- Let's just go. Come on.
- I know that village too well.
Every month, two cases come in.
One survives, the other dies.
Don't break your head over it.
- Just do your job.
- How can you say that so casually?
Two lives are struggling right now,
and you're...
Why are you even begging him?!
But
I'll come with you!
You know how many doctors have come
and left this place?
But this is the first time
I've seen someone as bold as you!
Do you know how many places
I got job offers from?
But I didn't take them. You know why?
Because I can't have
a baby of my own.
But in this hospital,
a baby is born every single day.
I think of every one of them as mine.
You know how happy that makes me?
I wipe the blood of newborns
off that floor every day.
If I die doing it,
I'll die with a smile.
These hands have held
every child born here.
And I'll be the one to bring
that baby into the world too.
I'll lose this job because
I'm coming to help you, right?
I don't give a damn about it!
Don't you have a daughter?
Someday, she'll become a mother too.
And she must deliver in perfect condition,
while the others must rot in hell!
Your madam and you over here
Keep dancing to her tune forever.
Don't bother using your own brain!
You come with me. Let's go!
Come on, guys!
Don't let go!
Please bear the pain, dear
We're almost there.
Wait, let me carry it.
Slowly
Come on, let's go!
Sister!
What are you two staring at?
This guy
I was thinking about what you both said.
I don't know if you'll be able to save
that child or not.
But you're trying to save it, right?
Even I have a little humanity left in me.
How will you two get through
this darkness without a vehicle?
That's why,
after talking to my cousin,
I asked him to keep
the vehicle ready behind the hospital.
What are you two waiting for?
Come on, let's go!
Okay, brother. Let's go.
Doctor Tara!
They'll be contacting us
through this phone.
Listening to that woman's condition,
even I feel like running over to help
But with my body's condition,
I won't be able to make it.
My body just won't cooperate.
Please go and come back safely.
It's alright. You take care.
What are you thinking about?
Go bravely!
I'll take care of whatever comes up.
I hope the woman's alright.
Is she, though?
I don't know, sister.
- She's in critical condition.
- Oh, no!
We'll only know once we get there.
Raja, stop the vehicle here.
We're getting out.
Why? What happened, bro?
The election's in the morning.
If we get caught at the checkpoint,
it'll cause unnecessary trouble.
Let's cross the river this way.
We'll get to the other side,
board the jeep, and go, alright?
- Sure, bro.
- Sure, uncle.
I'll meet you at the checkpoint, alright?
Time is 01:30 a.m.
And you're listening to Kodai FM 100.5.
Then kinnam.
Here's a song coming up from the
Aatha Un Kovilile movie, music by Deva.
Wait, wait!
There seem to be men at the checkpoint!
POLICE HELP DESK
VATTAKANAL
- Sir, shall I leave?
- Yeah. See you, Raja.
Switch off the lamp, man!
Raja, did they ask anything
at the check post?
No, uncle. It's my usual route,
so there was no trouble.
- Okay, hurry up!
- Close that jeep door properly, please.
Oh, my soul!
Catch him!
We're the pride of Tamilians!
We brought it to you!
Oh, my dear!
Let's leave out this ego
Get going, men! Keep pushing!
Walk a little faster!
Come on!
- And now I'm abode the golden chariot!
- Move it!
- Walk a little faster!
- Hey, hold her tightly!
She's a gem, pure and true
A proud daughter of Tamil soil!
Oh, precious one, we brought you here
Just like gold, pure and priceless
We begged and begged
Not to lose her like the last one
Oh, my precious one, is that your blood?
Your sacred blood, staining the ground?
Brother!
She's bleeding profusely!
Looking in that direction!
Looking in that direction!
- Catch hold of him, he's escaping!
- Distance is making us
Run in circles
Run in circles
- Sir!
- Sir!
At the top of the mountain
She kept waiting
For him!
My dear baby
My precious one!
My dear baby
My precious one!
Hey, Mandhaarai
Come on, take deep breaths.
Hey, Kadukka, don't cry!
Let him cry.
Only then will his ego calm down.
Watch your step.
Granny
Tell me what happened!
Kadukka, the head's slowly peeking.
I'm unable to get it out completely.
I don't know what to do.
Mandhaarai, don't worry, dear.
It'll be okay. Stay strong.
She's carried that baby
with so much love.
Sister
I'll try everything I can to save you
Kadukka, I'm scared!
Oh, no!
I knew no one would come.
Tell Malaiya about this.
Please, save my baby somehow!
Don't lose hope
Granny
My child will survive, won't it?
Oh, God!
You silly girl!
What could happen to you?
Your child is going to grow up,
and buy this old lady betel leaves!
Would I let your baby
slip from my hands so easily?
Even if this soil swallows my life,
please, granny, just bring my child
safely into this world.
Don't panic, dear.
We'll try for a natural delivery.
I'm sorry, I'm unable to help you!
All of us have been let down
by the doctors!
For all these years,
you held this village together.
You're a goddess to us.
Please save the little life of this home!
Oh, no!
Hey, Muthaiyya!
We've carried this pain for generations.
My father, I, and now my son.
Every bone in my body
is worn to the bone!
But our spirits never wavered.
All we've ever had is hope.
But how much longer
must we go on like this?
Don't we deserve a new beginning too?
Has this road always been patchy, brother?
Why hasn't the government taken
action yet?
Come on! They realize
that this village exists
only when it's election time.
The villagers protested
against voting last time.
And?
And, you ask?
Nothing changed.
They somehow convinced them,
got them to vote,
and won the elections.
They haven't come here since.
I feel bad for that baby
It's enduring so much
even before entering this world.
Wonder what sin
that baby committed!
Call them and ask where they are.
- Hello.
- Hello?
- Hello?
- Doctor
Yes, brother.
- Can you hear me?
- Yes, I do. How's she now?
The baby
The baby's head
Hey
Hey, Kadukka.
Kadukka!
Doctor
I'm ready to do anything, doctor.
- Kadukka.
- The baby's head is out.
- I'm clueless about what to do.
- What do we do now?
I'm really scared, doctor.
Brother, please relax.
Is there any female with you?
An old lady is there.
Alright. Relax and give
the phone to her.
Grandma, the doctor is on call.
She wants to talk to you.
Hello, grandma!
Can you hear me?
Yes, go on.
How is she now?
The umbilical cord
is around the baby's stomach.
She's struggling in pain.
The baby's head is out already.
I'm not sure how to help her.
Don't worry, grandma!
Just follow my instructions.
Okay.
Grandma
Place your palm on the baby's head.
Okay. I've placed it.
Good. Now
Reverse push, grandma.
What is that?
I mean
You need to push the baby
back inside the womb.
Are you serious?
Isn't there any other way?
No, grandma.
Pushing the baby back
is the only way to keep them both alive.
If you don't,
it's dangerous for both of them.
Please bear the pain, dear.
You still have some time to deliver.
For a little longer, dear.
The baby just came out of your womb.
It's coming back in again.
Hold tight.
Grandma, is she okay?
- Grandma, you don't have a problem, right?
- Please come quickly, doctor.
We'll be there as soon as possible.
Don't stop anywhere.
Hey, pray to God.
Let's go.
Grandma is calling.
Come on, hurry.
I don't know what happened.
Let's go and check.
What's wrong, grandma?
- We need to take her. Let's go.
- Come on.
Get the bamboo.
Lift it!
A swine cries and screams
when it's trapped.
And thinks it can escape.
But it doesn't realize there's no way out.
You're just like that trapped swine.
Doctor, the girl and the baby
will be fine, right?
I'm not entirely sure.
The mother's determination
is what's keeping the baby alive.
She's still so determined, even now.
Why shouldn't we take the risk?
Not a word you speak, yet here you stay
A lifeless form to whom we pray
Was it a sin to trust in none but you?
In faith, we knew no other view
We asked for light, we read the verse
And gave you worship, blessing, purpose
Is it right, O Lord, to turn away
To close your door and leave me astray?
When ancient debts weigh down my head
Who will keep this life from dread?
-These weary roads break my spine
-Extinguish the fire torch.
Will this poor soul
Lose the fight in time?
Storms keep striking my weary head
The world just runs
- Malaiya? Hold this.
- Leaves me for dead
Malaiya Malaiya?
Look at me. Get up. Slowly!
The garden stays in bloom till when
I join Yama's realm, beyond all men
Malaiya?
You're covered in blood.
Who did this to you?
This body sways on life's last swing
When the story ends
No soul takes wing
Your wife went into labor.
The villagers have taken
your wife to the hospital.
Grandma said they won't survive
more than two hours
since the umbilical cord
is around the baby's neck.
- Why would this happen to you now?
- Oh, God!
I prayed that this wouldn't happen.
But in vain.
Ask our men to take
the Rettaikal route.
Come on, boys!
While rainclouds drizzle soft and low
My feet still chase where sunbeams go
And when the sun beats bright all day
They long for rain to wash the way
Will we be doing
a cesarean for her too?
Do you think it's safe in this forest?
I really don't know, sister.
We need to save that baby.
That's all I know right now.
Medically speaking,
what I'm doing is wrong.
Still
We should leave it in God's hands.
Who will come with silent tread?
Fall into the grave, they're lost instead
Stagnant souls among the dead
Storms keep striking my weary head
The world just runs
Leaves me for dead
Madam, this is the place.
Brother.
Are you sure this is the place?
Yes. They should be here already.
I don't know what happened. Let's wait.
Oh, God!
Go, go!
Oh, my soul!
Oh, my soul!
Did you see that, brother?
An entire village is coming.
Come. Let's go.
My sister
- I was the one who called.
- Okay, relax.
We'll figure this out.
Careful, brother.
Slowly.
Compounder, keep the oxygen ready.
Kadukka
It's been such a tough road
and yet, we've managed to save lives.
I'm sure we can save your sister
and the baby too.
Don't give up hope.
Doctor
Forget me
Do whatever it takes
To save my child.
Don't worry.
Nothing will happen to you or your baby.
Please, sir.
Let me go!
My wife is in labor.
Let me go, please!
Please, sir!
I beg you, sir!
Let me go!
Before you fall at my feet
"Sir, what I did was wrong.
Forgive me, please."
This is how I want you
to plead to me.
Got it?
What are you thinking about?
Go on. Beg!
Sir, sir Sir
Sir!
- Let me go, sir. Please!
- Don't give in, sir.
I'll douse him in petrol
and strike the match myself.
They all look down on us
because of him.
They don't fear us anymore.
Let's remind them.
You thought begging at my feet
would save you?
You're making a mistake.
Don't do this.
I'm telling this for your own good.
Let me go!
I want to see my wife.
Leave me!
You're going to die.
You think your wife will survive?
How dare you?
Leave me!
I said leave me!
Let go of my hand!
Don't do anything, please! Please!
Let go!
Yeah, just like that!
Still a bit more.
You need to push on your womb.
That's right!
Don't delaythe baby will
come out. Push hard!
Push well! Yeah, just like that.
Why are you men hitting me
like you're beating a dog?
What did I do wrong?
If I stand against you
and question you,
would you all just hit me?
Is it wrong to ask for our rights?
Why did I get angry?
Tell me.
I planned a baby shower
for my wife with so much love
and came to this village.
Only then did I learn
that they took her to the hospital
to give birth.
On their way,
I don't know what has happened
to my wife
and the baby in her womb.
Don't worry, dear.
Your child will be safe.
He'll live a long life.
Listen, dear, don't lose hope.
Your water broke too, and
the baby has been in the womb too long.
Please cooperate as long as you can.
Oh, no, doctor
I'm scared, doctor.
If only we had a hospital in our village,
why would we come
here to the town hospital?
If only we had a road,
why would we ask for our rights?
People like you would
never understand our pain!
If I have to see my wife again
only after k*lling you all,
I won't spare a single one of you!
With all that authority you wielded,
didn't you address him as "swine"?
If that swine gets angry,
did you witness
what happened to your authority?
Let them be, Malaiya.
You go ahead.
When our baby is born,
you must be the first
to hold our little one.
Hey, silly girl.
Of course, I will!
You may have the strength,
but only I can carry our child, alright?
I came running to sing you a lullaby
I came running, and running
You're my golden light
The child isn't breathing
Please take a look.
What's happened?
Sister
Because the child consumed motion,
its lungs are blocked!
Oh, no! My God
Bro, please get the oxygen pump ready!
Get it ready quickly, man!
Just give me the oxygen pump!
Make it quick!
We're out of oxygen.
What
These hands have held
every child born here.
And I'll be the one to bring
that baby into the world too.
The child is dead!
Oh, no!
What will I tell my sister?
I don't know how to console him
if my brother-in-law comes!
Let me go! Let me go!
Leave me alone, uncle!
- Let me go!
- Please don't go there
Don't go there
Don't go there, listen to me.
Malaiya
Don't look at it
- Let me go! Let me go!
- No, don't
Get lost!
Malaiya
Oh, God!
Mandhaarai
Mandhaarai?
Mandhaarai!
Didn't you say you'd be the one
to carry our child?
Look at what God did to us!
Didn't you say I should be
the first to hold our child?
You made me do it!
I had the strength to carry this hill,
yet we weren't granted
the strength to bear our child!
We're going to bury our child!
Mandhaarai
Hubby
You took a look at our child, right?
Did it look like you or me?
Like you, my love
What are we going to do now, hubby?
We let our child die!
Mandhaarai
I'll go check on
our baby and be back.
I'll be right back.
My baby!
My baby!
Didn't you promise you'd uproot
this hill for our child?
Please bring him back to life!
Your wife and you
loved this child deeply,
but God loved him even more!
That's why he took your baby
with Him!
Ask him to come!
Let's check whose love is greater,
mine or his!
Ask him to come!
Hey, granny
This is the hand that brought
dying lives back to life!
But for my child alone,
why didn't it work?
- Tell me, granny!
- Please forgive me
- Malaiya
- Go away
Malaiya
To all the Gods we prayed to
Didn't I think of it as a god?
You took my child,
thinking I wouldn't give an offering?
You shouldn't be holding
the baby for too long
Give it up
Why must this happen to me?!
We counted our days
to see you, but in vain!
My poor baby!
My curse is never-ending, I suppose!
-Like a mountain collapsing, falling
-I am just not worthy
-The world stands still
-My dear
-My love, my dearest
-I won't give my child!
-You're buried deep within my heart
-Let go!
We took immense care
On these two shoulders
My child finds rest
-But my arms
-Let me go!
Still cannot Carry this grief
-In the forest's heart
-Leave me!
-Where fox and doe give birth
-Hey! Stop!
- Hey, stop, man! Malaiya!
- No trail is laid for her to find
Yet she carries a life behind
- Oh, no, my baby!
- Don't go there, listen to me!
- Hold him back! Hold him back!
- Malaiya!
Give my child to me!
Hey, Suruli! Get that palanquin cloth
we used to carry Mandhaarai!
Hey, Kadukka!
Please show the baby's face
one last time to its father, please.
Also, it's the first son,
let him see!
-The tears we shed, the river took away
-It's my child
Carried by currents
They couldn't stay
The breath we took
So deep and strong
-Carried away by the wind along
-Give it! My child!
-A beautiful deer came
-Mandhaarai
-To sing you a lullaby
-This forest, this mountain, this path,
- everything has betrayed us, my dear.
- Without being cradled in the cradle
You left before we could even hold you
You left before we could even hold you
Nothing has happened to you!
-Our future now burns
-My child!
-Like the furnace our present set for us
-My child!
How many more young lives must fall
For dreams we barely own at all?
Day after day
Five or six coffins are
Carried out from here!
Now comes the ballot box
Once in five years!
Is this why you asked me to bring gifts
to send you off instead of seeing you?
Hey, Kadukka, give the baby!
Hey, take the child. It's getting late!
Oh, no!
Hey, even though we bring
the voting machine once every five years,
- nothing ever changes here!
- Poor people, sir!
Across this world,
from towering hills to hidden valleys,
other than the ballot boxes,
no form of livelihood or support
ever reaches them.
Their pain is never documented,
and their names are never spoken.
This film is dedicated to you.
Go from this side.
Hold it properly!
Come from here.
Wait! Wait!
Come.
- Go behind him.
- Yes, I am.
Hold it
Properly.
Due to the lack of an access road
in the mountain hamlet,
a woman's body had to be carried
in a makeshift palanquin
and then transported on foot for around
eight kilometers to her final rites.
ROAD PROTESAGAINST POWER CUTS
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
TO REGISTER CASE
AGAINST SIVAJI KRISHNAMURTHY
In Vellore's hill hamlet,
with no access road,
a pregnant woman's body was tied
in a palanquin cloth and carried.
SHE HAD A RISKY DELIVERY ON THE WAY
In Vellore's Nikkana hill hamlet,
a pregnant woman in labor
had to be carried in a palanquin
because there were no roads.
TRAVELING 7 KM UP A MOUNTAIN
WITH THE HELP OF A TORCH
My name's Shanmugam.
My village is called Vellagevi.
It's a seven-kilometer walk
from here to Kodaikanal.
From Vellagevi to Periyakulam,
we go via Kumbakarai Falls.
From there,
it's another seven kilometers.
Then, there are
still nine kilometers left,
so we're forced to walk
nearly sixteen kilometers.
Because there's no hospital
in or near our village,
a pregnant woman
faces a life-threatening ordeal
just to give birth.
When she's carried in a palanquin
for seven kilometers,
four people aren't enough.
Only 20 people together
can we even attempt to take her
to a hospital!
Many women have lost their lives
on the way itself!
To this day,
we've never had the privilege of justice.
If you ask what the root of the problem
is, it's the lack of a proper road.
If there were a road,
a jeep could come in,
and we could get urgent medical care.
Like the stories you've heard of us
If this road is built,
when healthcare and education
reach our village from the outside,
our people will finally
get a chance to thrive.
Because of circumstances
beyond our control,
if this road is built,
it will be a turning point for us all!
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Gevi (2025)
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