1973 TELANGANA RURAL - ANDHRA PRADESH
Oh, God!
Brother!
-What's wrong? -We are caught in a cross fire
-between the police and the Naxals. -What?!
Oh, my God! We are trapped!
-Sujatha. -Sujatha.
How do we get to the hospital now?
Have some patience, my child.
-Brother, you will be fine. Don't panic. -Brother!
Hand me the medical kit! Quickly!
Here you go.
Stay here, I'll check on the people in the tractor.
-Sister, it's dangerous! -I'll be fine. Take care of him.
Sister, please don't go! Listen to me!
You can do it.
You will be fine.
Don't be scared. I am a doctor. Give me some space. I will handle this.
You will be fine.
Stay strong.
Don't worry. Nothing will happen to you.
Stay strong!
Push a little harder!
I don't know how to thank you for saving my wife and child.
Please do the honors and name our baby.
Vennela.
Red salute!
A war claims many lives…
but one war gave birth to me.
My name is Vennela. This is my story.
Hey, speed up the work! The owner will be here any minute now!
Vennela!
Put the doll aside, and go, study!
Do you plan to quit your studies and make a living herding sheep?
How many times do I have to tell you? Give me that doll!
Now, go, study!
Vennela! Oh my God, my child!
Mallanna! Yadanna!
My child has fallen into the well!
What kind of a kid jumps into a well for a doll!
Someone, please save her! Vennela!
Vennela!
My child!
-What happened, Sujatha? -Vennela!
-What happened? -Oh, God!
Vennela, open your eyes. Look, your mother is right here, Vennela. Open your eyes.
She jumped into the well for her doll!
-Open your eyes and look at me. -My child!
-Please open your eyes! -Dear!
-I won't let anything happen to you. -Please wake up.
-Nothing will happen to you. -Vennela, open your eyes and look at me.
Sujatha, try to wake her up!
-Come on! Wake up, dear! -My child!
-Oh my God! How is this girl so stubborn? -Wake up, dear!
My child!
Here you go, Vennela. Here's your doll.
My mother's discipline made me stubborn.
And my father's poetry taught me life lessons.
Turn your wishes into your wings
And you can soar to the sky
Turn your wishes into your wings
And you can soar to the sky
If your determination becomes your breath
You can swim against any tide
If your determination becomes your breath
You can swim against any tide
A wish made from The bottom of your heart
Will always pave a way to its fulfillment
Turn your wishes into your wings
And you can soar to the sky
There are two important days in everyone's life.
One is the day you are born, and the other is the day you realize why you are born.
Turn your wishes into your wings And you can soar to the sky
Last night, my brother brought home a book of poetry.
I tried reading it, but I didn't understand a word.
You fall asleep during lectures in college,
and you wanted to read poetry by yourself?
To be honest, those lectures are better than the poems in that book.
Why? Aren't they written in Telugu?
-They are in Telugu. -Then, what's the issue?
Why were they difficult to understand?
Well, it's easy for you to understand because
your father spent all of your childhood reading poetry to you.
Anyway, tell us what happened.
The words in that book were all amusing.
-Okay. -I have never read such big words.
-Okay. -Just when I was reading it,
my father walked in and got mad.
Apparently, our neighbor's son joined the Naxals after reading books like these.
-Okay. -Okay.
That's it. He just threw away the book immediately
and thrashed my brother.
When my mother tried to intervene, he beat her as well.
Poor thing. She went to sleep crying.
Oh, my!
That one book caused all the trouble?! Really?
Yes.
Vennela, what are you thinking about?
I am wondering what could be there in that book.
God only knows. But it stirred up a storm at home last evening.
-Hey. Come, let's go. -Where?
I need to read that book now.
Brother, get up.
ARANYA
"When will the suppression of the weak end?
When will the walls of discrimination be decimated?
The zamindars earned wealth by exploiting those who work in the fields.
When will this pillaging end?
CLOUD ROAR
To shackle the feet of women is inhumanity.
When will the atrocities come to an end?
Don't be a lamb in the herd for the entirety of your life!
When will you join the unending battle?
Who is insignificantly small, and who is significantly big?
Who deserves to be the king?
When will the rule of communism be established on this land?"
Don't you know that "Aranya"
is the pen name of the Naxal commander Ravanna?
I didn't know that at all.
Unbelievable. Are you serious?
Yes, I'm telling you the truth.
But reading his poetry made me enter a different world altogether.
See, I knew she would get it. That's why I gave her the book to read.
That is how potent Ravanna's writing is.
We all lost our minds when we discovered it for the first time.
Can you please give me some more books?
Sure. But you need to keep it a secret.
These books are banned.
If the police find out about them, we will all be behind bars.
Please don't tell anyone.
I won't. I promise.
I will read them at night when everyone is asleep.
Okay, I'll send them to you in the evening.
"It will never change!
This state of exploiters and robbers will never change!
Our fight is to confront the attack of this infuriated enemy.
Let's go! March ahead!
Let each stride resonate like thunder
and highlight the strength of your heart!
Let's go! March ahead!
Remember those martyred at Srikakulam!
Let's reclaim and return the lands stolen from the people to the people!
Let's go! March ahead!
Like a lock on the landlord's door, like a dog before his fortress!
How long? How much longer? When would our lives change?
Fight to protect the honor of women!
Fight to uphold the self-esteem of the Dalit!
Battle for a morsel of food to appease the hunger!
The struggle of farmers!
How long? How much longer?
Shall we bring in a new world
that brings equality among castes and religions?
-Let's do it! -Let's do it!
To usher in the dawn in the whole universe, shall we sacrifice our lives?
-Let's do it! -Let's do it!
Let's go! March ahead!
Can't you see the distressed moon?
Can't you hear the spark of the agony?
Look at the overflowing blood of martyrs…
that inspired the revolutionary songs!
The red jasmine glow across the sky.
The clouds of spring became the roar of the jungle.
The final battle!
The victory of the revolutionary!
Behold the red flag!
Sing the invincible anthem!
There… you see the red light!
He is the proud son of the revolution.
He is the proud son of the revolution."
I have become your fan.
Your poetry has set my soul on fire.
But I don't know how to make sense of what I am feeling for you.
I want to meet you right now.
-Dad! -Yes, dear?
Uncle and his family have just arrived. Where is Mom?
-I think she is in the kitchen. -Mom!
You finally remembered us, my dear brother?! It's been three years!
Should I be grateful that you at least came for Bonalu celebrations?
Stop nagging now, come on. They are here, so be happy.
We're here to take in Vennela as our daughter-in-law and strengthen our bond.
-If only you people really loved us-- -Mom, please stop it.
Why can't you just be happy that they are here now?
I am not nagging!
Go and help your cousin freshen up!
Look at those pimples. Have you been fidgeting with them?
-It's nothing like that. -I see.
Don't roam around too much like your friends. It'll ruin your skin.
Here, take this face cream, but don't tell anyone. They will tease me.
Okay.
-I hope you're focusing on your studies. -Yes, I am.
Study well, and I will make sure…
that you land a government job.
Then, our lives will be set.
Please help me find the man who wrote this book.
I really want to meet him.
If you grant me this wish, I'll make special offerings to you.
Everyone, step back!
-Hey, move, you lowborn people! -Get lost!
-Hey, do I have to tell you separately? -Move!
You villagers think that you can loot the harvest of the landlords
and celebrate your festival?!
Who among you was involved in the Konapuram loot?
Tell me!
Why are you asking us? Ask the villagers of Konapuram!
-Hey, just be quiet! -Let me talk, Dad.
We're celebrating the festival with our hard-earned--
Sir, please…
Sir, please don't create a scene right now.
Let's figure this out tomorrow.
Here, take this goat.
How dare you try to bribe me!
What is this atrocity?
Do you have any proof to prove that we're guilty?
You accuse us of looting and say that we are feeding and sheltering the Naxals!
Is it a crime to feed the hungry? Tell me, sir.
How dare you!
-Sir, please forgive him. -Please let him go.
Hold him!
-Sir, please forgive him. -Please, sir.
All of you, listen to me very carefully!
Even if we get the smallest hint that any of you
is helping or sheltering the Naxals,
you all will be arrested under the TADA law.
And I won't hesitate to kill you all in an encounter!
Vennela, the cops are beating up your father.
Just because they're cops, they think they can beat us up.
-Where is the justice? -Dad, what happened?
-The cops… -They beat him up.
-Dear! -Dear, stop!
-Dear! -You son of wanton!
Please stop!
Just stay calm, dear.
What did you say?
Tell me.
Speak up!
I called you a son of wanton!
Just because you have power doesn't mean you can use it in any way you please!
-Dear-- -Mom, please wait!
You don't know about me!
Just because you are a cop, you think you can get away with anything?!
Do you think bashing up the innocent is your birthright?
-Sir, please don't! -You…
Hold her!
Sir, please don't hit her!
Dear!
Mom!
The Ravanna dalam is here!
Don't be scared! We are here to protect you!
Every time you question their atrocities, they'll threaten you.
They'll torture and kill the innocent in the name of the TADA law and encounters.
You are enslaved in the name of schemes for votes.
Always remember that we are working toward equality and dignity!
My name is Vennela. Can you please sign this book for me?
Flowers bloomed at the tip of a branch
The flowers shied away like a young damsel
And transformed into a bud
My mind has awoken
As I saw
The one, who filled my dreams
If he appears before my eyes
I am sure I will not sleep For a hundred years
My mind awoke
And saw
The one, who filled my dreams
If he appears before my eyes
I am sure I will not sleep For a hundred years
I am searching
For love
I will wear the man's words
As my bangles
And adorn myself with the dust Of his feet as vermilion on my forehead
I shall braid his looks in my hair
I shall sport his mischief As black beads around my neck
These unceasing thoughts of him
-Will adorn my neck as my mangalsutra -Hey!
Oh, dear
My mind awoke and saw
The one, who filled my dreams
If he appears before my eyes
I am sure I will not sleep For a hundred years
LET THE REVOLUTION FLOURISH
Dear Aranya!
Falling in love with you makes me feel like a butterfly drenched in red.
My mind is shrouded in a magical trance.
I never knew that love could be this powerful.
The power of love cuts across heaven and earth…
-and even surpasses the gods. -Yes.
And the love that Meerabai had for Krishna is the testimony to this.
Meerabai realized that time will keep passing,
days will turn into nights, and she will grow older,
-but her love will remain constant. -Yes.
And so, she decided to leave home…
in search of the object of her love and devotion.
As long as the earth keeps rotating around the sun
and the moon and stars adorn the night skies…
Meerabai's love will bear testimony to the power of love.
Dad…
Yes, my child?
Wasn't it wrong for Meerabai to leave her home and her parents for Krishna?
What's wrong with that, my child?
She didn't leave her home to do anything wrong.
She made that decision out of love.
Is there anything greater than love in this world?
True love is as close as we can get to the divine.
So, tell us, Ramulu.
How much are you willing to give…
as dowry for your daughter's wedding?
Brother, you know everything about us.
Vennela is our only daughter.
We have two acres of farmland,
this house, and the land around it.
All of this is hers.
And rest assured, the wedding will be perfect!
We'll invite relatives from across 40 villages
and ensure that every ritual is done right.
Priest, please find the most auspicious date for the wedding.
Sure.
According to their horoscopes, there is a perfect date.
The couple can wed on Friday in the coming month.
-What's that? -Don't worry. I'll lock it once you leave.
-Okay. -We will take them along with us.
-How is it? -It's great.
How can this girl be so disrespectful!
She's not even concerned about her in-laws. Vennela.
Open the door, Vennela.
What are you doing inside?
Dear, your in-laws are ready to leave.
At least, come out to see them off.
Dear, come and meet us before we leave.
Please don't mind her. She was up studying all night.
-She must have fallen asleep. -Let her be.
We'll come back again on Friday anyway. We can see her then.
I just wanted to see her once before leaving.
We will be back soon. Come, let's go now.
-It looks like it's going to rain. -Let's go.
Unless we leave, you will keep on talking.
Move, let's go.
Come on, move!
Okay, bye.
-It's going to rain, let's go! -We'll see you soon.
-Okay. -Take care.
What's this? The second they left, you came out of your room.
What were you doing until now?
What happened, my child?
How can you behave like this?
It's good that they're our relatives, otherwise, what would they have thought?!
Tell us, my child, is something wrong?
I'm not happy with this marriage.
What do you mean?
I don't want to get married.
You don't want to get married…
or you don't want to get married to him?
I don't want to get married to him.
This marriage has been on the cards since you both were kids!
How can you say this now?
If not now,
when do you want me to say it? After the wedding?
How dare you talk like that to your uncle!
Sujatha, calm down.
I don't think I said anything wrong.
Why did you take so long to tell us this?
-Sujatha-- -This is so last minute!
-Were you busy cleaning cattle-- -Yes, that's what I was doing!
-What is this insolence! -Sujatha, calm down.
Wait, Sujatha.
-Oh my God! -Sujatha, get up.
I can't believe how much you have changed!
There is no point in talking to her! Hand me the broom!
-Here, take it. Come on, beat me. -Hey, what are you doing? Stop!
-Give it to me! -Calm down. Let me talk to her.
Vennela, how can we call off the wedding now…
after finalizing everything?
-Knock some sense into her head! -Please wait.
If we call off the wedding now, we'll become a laughing stock!
Who's going to answer all the questions? You? Your father? Your grandfather?
There is no need. I will go tell them myself.
-Dear, wait. -What's she doing!
-Has she gone mad? -Dear!
Stop, dear!
Dear, stop!
Brother!
Brother.
What happened, Vennela?
I don't want to get married.
I am in love with someone else.
I rushed here just to tell you this.
Hey, Vennela!
-Hey, stop! -What is this?
-Where are you going? -Let him speak to her and convince her.
Vennela…
is this really how you want to end it? We have been in love since childhood.
-Tell me. -I really do like you a lot.
I mean it.
I like you a lot…
but I could die for the man I am in love with now.
Who is he?
Aranya aka Ravanna, the Naxal commander.
-Ravanna? -Yes.
Are you serious? You're in love with Ravanna?!
-Yes. -Why Ravanna?
To tell the world that your husband is a big Naxalite?
Tell me, what exactly is the reason?
Not everything in life has a reason.
Only consequences, that's all.
It's not your fault, it's your father's.
He spoiled you with poetry and books.
Do you think Ravanna will reciprocate your love?
It's not going to happen.
Listen to me, let's get married and have kids.
Let's live comfortably and happily. I'll treat you like a queen.
No.
Irrespective of whether he loves me or not…
I will continue to love him.
Sorry.
REVOLUTIONARY SALUTATIONS TO COMRADE VENNELA- ARANYA
VIRASAM
Kavita… wake up.
What happened, Dad?
Uncle Ramulu is here.
Vennela is missing.
-Is Vennela really missing? -Yes, my child.
We haven't seen her since morning.
Okay. Don't worry. I'll go and check our friends' house.
-Meanwhile, I will go look somewhere else. -Okay.
Did you see Vennela?
No, my child.
Where could she have gone?
Dear Dad, please forgive me.
I realized the reason for my birth when I saw Aranya.
JAMMIKUNTA
Just like Buddha left his home to find the purpose of his life…
I am also leaving my home for Aranya.
"I can't live without him. That's why I've made this decision.
Please don't look for me.
I will come back someday.
Mom will not understand any of this. You will have to explain it to her.
I have taken 200 rupees from the trunk.
Please don't forget to water the jasmine plant."
KARIMNAGAR TELANGANA - ANDHRA PRADESH
How much will it cost to go to MG Road?
Three rupees. Come, sit, my child.
It's here!
Excuse me, where is the Virasam office?
-What? -Virasam office.
-Virasam office? -Yes.
There is a group protesting at the police station, ask there.
-Police brutality must perish! -Police brutality must perish!
Brother, where can I find the Virasam office?
That man leading the protest there is Vidhyadhara Rao.
He runs Virasam out of his home. Go, meet him.
-Long live the fight for human rights! -Long live the fight for human rights!
We won't budge until Miss Shakuntala is released!
What a realm!
-The realm of thieves! -The realm of exploitation!
-Release Miss Shakuntala! -Release her!
-Long live the fight for human rights! -Long live the fight for human rights!
When did the police arrest you?
Madam, what do you want to say about your arrest?
Like goons on the streets,
the police forced me into the van and detained me.
The state continues to use the "missing" strategy to intimidate,
threaten, and even murder those fighting for human rights.
Daggu Iilayya, Jeevan Reddy, Benjamin,
Suryadevara Varaprasad… where did they all go "missing"?
I am sure if all of you had not protested against my arrest,
I would have joined the list too.
But none of the activists are going to fall for these tactics.
Our fight for human rights will continue.
Thank you.
-Long live the fight for human rights! -Madam, were the police rude to you?
-Long live the fight for human rights! -Long live the fight for human rights!
-How did the news of her arrest leak? -Sir…
-Stop there. -Sir!
Sir, why have you arrested Shakuntala madam?
And why are you suppressing the civil rights movement in the state?
The police also care about human rights as much as the activists.
We are here to ensure that there is law and order.
We won't falsely accuse anyone.
Miss Shakuntala was brought in only for interrogation.
Now that it's done, we have released her. That's all.
There was no need for protests at all.
I don't understand all this nonsense.
-Sir, one more question, please. -Sir.
-Who led this protest? -Virasam secretary, Vidhyadhara Rao.
-Do we have his file? -Yes, sir.
-Whom are you looking for? -Vidhyadhara Rao.
He is inside. You can go in.
Namaste, sir.
Namaste. Who are you? Where are you from?
I am Vennela, I'm from Ghanpur.
It is Jafar Ghat's Mandal, right?
No, sir, it's Mulugu Mandal.
-Okay. Come, sit down. -No problem, sir.
I want Ravanna's address, sir.
I came here because I thought you would know it.
Ravanna? Okay, come and sit down first.
Which Ravanna are you talking about?
The dalam's commander, sir. He…
is the one who wrote this book by the name of Aranya.
Could you please give me his address, sir?
Address?
Why is she asking us for his address?
You're asking his address as if it's some random address to a bus stop.
Sir, please don't get me wrong.
I just want to know where I can find him.
Even if you give me a vague idea about his location, that'd be enough.
How would I know that, my dear?
Who else would know if not you, sir?
Tell me something.
Who sent you here?
Please don't get the wrong idea, sir. I am not here with any malicious intent.
I saw the address on this book and thought you'd help me find him.
You should have mentioned this earlier.
What is your name?
Vennela, sir.
Vennela, do you need any help with resolving conflicts in the village?
Then, are your parents forcing you to marry someone whom you don't like?
Tell me, what is your problem?
We will solve it for you.
I am in love with Ravanna, sir.
Yes, sir. I love him with all my heart.
Listen, there's a lot of tension between the Naxals and police right now.
If the police find out that you're looking for Ravanna, they will arrest you.
Forget all these foolish thoughts.
Sleep here tonight, and go home tomorrow.
I feel like I will die if I don't meet him, sir.
Have you lost your mind?
Listen to me! There is no such thing as true love.
To be honest, love is just a lie.
Forget him and concentrate on your life, studies, and family.
Hey!
Hey, wait!
-Kranthi! -Yes, Mom?
This girl is writing something on the wall.
Ask your father to check what it is!
Anyone who doesn't understand what love is, is as good as dead.
Where did she go?
Mr. Vidhyadhara, I consider you to be as good as dead.
Please forgive me.
Hey, who are you? Let me go!
Who are you?
Where is Ravi Shankar's house?
Which Ravi Shankar?
Ravanna!
-Oh, our Ravanna? -Yes.
-Seenu! -Yes?
Take her to Ravanna's house.
He is my son.
But he left home.
He left everything to join the cause.
It's been seven years since he left.
He is my only son. We had him after trying to have a child for ten years.
All I have now are his thoughts and memories.
Every day, I sit and hope for his return.
I can survive on a half cup of rice,
but every day, I cook one cup of rice…
hoping that he would come back and I can feed him again.
I yearn to see him every day…
but to no avail.
Let's put an end to this endless waiting.
We can do one thing.
Let's write everything you want to tell your son in a letter.
I will make sure he reads it.
I will bring your son back to you, I promise.
A mother's heart awaits
The arrival of her son
At the elder age
A mother's heart awaits
Your son is very good at poetry, right? Did he ever write anything about you?
He writes about the problems in the village.
Why would he write about me, my child?
He will. Just wait.
The entire village craves To bring back its beloved son
The mother's heart is trembling
The overwhelmed heart craves For one last sight of his
And yearns for him to come back
She cries bitterly
I will get going.
Take care, my child.
You didn't answer my question yet.
You came here, you cleaned my house.
You helped me, you made me laugh.
But you didn't tell me who you are.
Who are you?
I am your daughter-in-law…
but your son doesn't know it yet.
The tender age of youth desires love
The bulbul sings despite The scorching heat
She craves to unite With her beloved sweetheart
But her hopes fall flat As she continues to wait
-The Ravanna dalam? -Yes.
I don't know, sister.
She walks the distance with him
Without questioning the destination
She craves to unite With her beloved sweetheart
-Hail Radical Union! -Hail Radical Union!
Brother, I need a contact of the dalam.
-Which dalam? -Ravanna's dalam.
-Why? -There is a small issue in my village.
Ravanna and his dalam aren't working here these days.
They are in Bhupalpally.
-Hail Radical Union! -Hail Radical Union!
She craves to unite
With her beloved sweetheart
Don't panic! Everyone, get off the bus!
Can I get Ravanna's contact?
Why?
WE ACQUIRED THE 50 ACRES LAND OF EX-MLA NARASIMHA REDDY FOR DEPRESSED FARMERS
You jerk! Get off!
We've received intel from our reliable sources that Ravanna is hiding right here.
We will reward those who tell us his whereabouts.
He is not a patriot like Bhagat Singh to be given shelter in your homes.
He is a traitor.
Brother…
she was my only daughter.
I'm a cobbler by profession.
I sent her to college with whatever little I made.
She dreamed of securing a government job…
and taking care of the family.
That rascal, Ramana, deceived her in the name of love and slept with her.
When she asked him about marriage…
he strangled her with a rope,
and then hung her to make it seem like a suicide.
I was denied justice wherever I went.
All I ask from you is justice for my daughter's murder.
They're threatening to kill me…
if I don't take back the case that I've filed against them.
They are offering me money and calling me for a settlement.
Brother.
I don't want money…
I want justice.
I don't want to compromise.
Stay strong.
-Vikram! -Yes, brother?
Tell them Kalyani's father is ready for a settlement.
-Ask them to come to the same college. -Okay, brother.
Don't worry. I'll handle it.
Hey, you. Come inside, it is raining heavily.
No, I am fine.
-Come inside. -No, I'm okay here.
-Radhika! -Yes?
Open the door!
-I have eaten enough, sister. -Eat some more. Here.
You must be hungry.
Struggling to sleep?
What are you stitching?
These are for the members of the Radical Students Union for their meeting.
I generally chip in and help with whatever I can.
Will you help me with one thing, sister?
Sure, tell me.
My father and the landlord, Narasimha Reddy,
are fighting over a piece of land in our village.
I am unable to find any help or justice.
I need Ravanna's contact, sister.
Ravanna's contact?
Only Ravanna can deal with these landlords.
I don't have any leads,
but I'll ask the person who comes to collect the flags tomorrow.
-Have you stitched all of them? -Yes, brother. Here.
Brother…
this girl, who is staying with us, is facing a problem in her village.
She is asking for Ravanna's contact.
-What! -Can we help her?
What are you saying? We don't even know who she really is.
How can you reveal Ravanna's whereabouts to someone whom we barely know?
Listen to me.
It's great that you gave her shelter and food when she was in need,
but giving her his contact is dangerous.
I asked because she said she and her family are in trouble.
She looked really worried.
Anyway, Ravanna is coming to the degree college tomorrow, right?
Can I, at least, tell her she could meet him there?
Don't you understand what I am trying to say?
We will be in serious trouble if something untoward happens.
Try to understand--
It feels like my search has finally ended.
I can barely hold back my excitement when I think that…
I am going to see you in some time.
HOMAGE TO THE MARTYRS
Stop.
Who is that girl? Call her.
Hey, call that girl who is sitting next to you!
-They are calling you. -Hey, you!
Come here, sir is calling you.
Hey, get your bag as well!
-What's your name? -Vennela, sir.
What are you doing here?
I'm waiting for my friend, sir.
-I am a student, sir. -Which college?
It's right here, sir. Government Degree College.
I see.
What is in your bag?
-Nothing, sir. -Open it.
-It's just a gift for my friend. -Okay, show it to me.
Look at this doll. It's unique.
Yakub.
Look, this Krishna doll has a mustache. What kind of doll is this?
This is a Nakashi doll, sir. It is very famous in this region.
Oh, nice.
-Ravi! -Yes, sir?
-Look at this. -It is excellent, sir.
It is very nice, indeed.
Fine. Take this and go.
Let's go.
-Hey, girl! -Hey, stop!
-Stop! -Hey, wait!
The Circle Inspector seems to be really impressed by your doll. He wants it.
Take these 100 rupees,
-and give us the doll. -No, sir.
Okay, take 200 rupees then.
I won't sell it no matter how much money you offer. Please let me be.
This is a gift for my friend, sir.
Dear, listen to me.
The CI is not the nicest person. He is capable of doing anything.
He might even kill you for that doll.
Why would he kill me? What did I do?
How can he kill someone just like that?
The bullets of a corrupt officer don't need a reason to be fired.
You are like my daughter. Listen to me and let go of the doll.
Hey, give me the doll.
Don't you understand? Give me the doll!
Just give it to me!
Give it to me!
How dare you!
-Yakub! Hold her! -Yes, sir.
Tell us now, what do you actually do? Why do you have these books?
Hold her hands up!
You thought you could outsmart me?! Take her bag!
-Which dalam do you work with? -Sir, I'm just a student.
Then how did you get these books?
I kept them because I liked the poetry, sir.
-Poetry? -Yes.
Come, let's go to your college! Get her in the jeep!
Come. Let's find out if you are telling us the truth. Get in.
-Close the door! -Yes, sir.
Start the jeep!
-Stop! -What happened?
Why have the police arrested this girl?
Oh, God.
How dare you cheat a girl in the name of love!
If Kalyani's caste wasn't an issue when you loved her,
how did it become an issue when it came to marrying her?
-Brother, I'm sorry. It was a mistake. -Please don't do this.
-Brother, please ask them to stop! Please! -Please, stop! I'm sorry!
Please tell them not to beat me! I'm begging you! I won't do this again!
Give it to me in writing.
Okay, I'll do that.
Write down, "From here on, in this region…
From here on, in this region,
…if anyone dares cheat a woman…
if anyone dares cheat a woman,
…they'll face the same consequences as me."
Brother! Please! I'm begging you!
Shut up and sit down!
-Brother-- -Write it down!
-"If anyone cheats a woman… -If anyone cheats a woman,
they will face the same consequences as me."
…they will face the same consequences as me.
-"This is the warning issued -This is the warning issued…
by Ravanna and his dalam."
Now, sign it.
How could you murder an innocent girl!
Brother--
GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLEGE BHUPALPALLY
-Yakub, you stay right here. -Okay, sir.
Brother! No! Please, don't do this!
Is there any Final Year BSc student called Vennela in this college?
-Her father's name is Golla Ramulu. -The college is closed today, sir.
There are some students in the canteen. Please ask them.
THE CONVICTS WHO KILLED KALYANI SHOULD BE KILLED SEVERELY
Samayya, fall back!
Come on, move!
Duck down!
Get away from here, child.
Run! Leave quickly!
GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLEGE BHUPALPALLY
Samayya, check if there is a first-aid kit in the jeep.
Okay, Ravanna.
My life is nothing but my love for him
I am the journey He is the destination
My love for him is what keeps me alive
VENUE: TOWN HALL, HANAMKONDA MAIN SPEAKER: SHAKUNTALA
No one knew that we were going to the college today.
Someone from our end must have leaked the information.
Yes.
There are many traitors in our system.
It's becoming hard to trust anyone.
That's why we need to be extremely careful when it comes to recruiting people.
Let me ask you something.
Tell me the truth.
How many of the recruits are really here for the greater good?
How many of them have joined the cause
for their own selfish needs and to wage personal battles?
You are right, teacher.
I have sent your article on this issue to the state committee.
They are discussing this.
The sooner the better.
The rain seems relentless.
-We will have to leave now. -Okay.
Pack the food.
Stay right here, I will go and check who it is.
Who is it?
My name is Vennela.
I've come from Siddipet to meet you, teacher.
But why so late at night?
The bus broke down midway, and there were no auto-rickshaws nearby.
I had to walk all the way and it took me all this time to get here.
Please…
don't mind me.
Come in.
My cousin, Archana, is a very good girl.
She fell in love with a Naxalite. They decided to get married to each other,
but he left and hasn't come back yet.
He hasn't even sent her a letter.
She is scared, she is growing anxious with all the news
about encounters targeting Naxals.
I came here hoping you'd be able to help me find him or find out about him.
Archana is very important to me.
I want to make him write a letter to Archana,
so that she can get back to being herself again.
I'll be grateful if you could help me.
Okay.
There is a room upstairs, go and change first.
-I will be right with you. -Okay, teacher.
What did you say was the name of the Naxalite that Archana loved?
Ravanna alias Ravi Shankar.
The one who writes poems by the name of Aranya.
Why did she fall in love with him?
Does she like Naxalism?
No, teacher.
Then, why did she fall in love with him?
Should there really be a reason to love someone?
Just like hunger, thirst, and tears,
love is also a very natural process.
You are that Archana, right?
Tell me.
It's you, right?
Yes.
I didn't think about anyone, not even my mother or father.
My heart wanted to be with him, so I just followed my heart.
Falling in love with a Naxalite is not as romantic as it sounds.
No one knows when they will be found dead.
Your path will be riddled with many sacrifices.
I know, teacher.
You don't.
You are naive to think that you know it.
Look, Vikram,
I was also a member of Radical Students Union when I was young.
But that's just the innocence of that age.
I guarantee your safety.
Tell me where Ravanna's dalam is.
They don't stay at one place, sir.
They are constantly on the move.
You were the one who took Kalyani's father to Ravanna, right?
You helped Ravanna kill Ramana.
I know everything. So, now, it'd be best for you to tell me the truth.
I don't know, sir.
Where is Ravanna?
I really don't know, sir.
Untie him.
Get up.
Now, run…
and don't look back!
No, sir, I won't.
Kill me right here!
I won't run.
All this bravado comes from Ravanna, right?
You…
POETRY ON REVOLUTION
Sir, please let go of me.
Sir!
-Sir. -Sir.
Dress him as a Naxal.
Sir, I'm begging you! Please don't kill me!
Sir, I have a family.
Please don't kill me, sir. Please, sir.
Tell me where Ravanna is, and I will spare your life.
They are headed toward the old bungalow in Mahadevapur, sir.
There seems to be some meeting there.
Please let me go, sir. My family will be destitute without me.
-Okay, I'll take care of it. Don't worry. -Okay, teacher.
Vennela.
What are you expecting out of all of this?
Tell me what you want.
Please don't misunderstand my love. What I feel for him can't be explained.
I am not expecting him to start a family with me.
Then?
I just need to be with him for the rest of my life.
And that's it. Nothing more.
-Wait here, sister. I'll call them. -Okay.
-Here's a small gift for you. -Please sit.
Please don't mind the crack on it.
Miss Shakuntala told me about you.
I'm impressed with your perseverance.
People like you can do anything they set their minds to.
Women are being denied education, respect, or freedom right now.
They're being suppressed,
and someone like you should work to make their lives better.
Use your intelligence, love, and education for women and people in need.
Don't waste it on me.
You look like a well-read and intelligent man,
but you don't seem to understand a woman's heart!
I come to you flying as free as a bird, and you want to clip my wings?
Look into my eyes. They've turned as red as your flag while crying for you.
Don't you see honesty in these eyes? Don't you see love in these eyes?
What's the point of this love?
Love is just a tool used by humans to betray each other.
Love is just a disease in my opinion.
It's a chronic disease and you're suffering from it!
Love is a disease?!
Then, what about Meerabai who loved Krishna?
Not only Meerabai but also Siddheshwari who loved Shiva,
Akka Mahadevi, Kavitri Molla, all these people have a disease.
Then, what about Karl Marx who loved Jenny,
Mao who loved Jiang, Lenin who loved Krupskaya?
Do they all have this disease?
I might not be in your poetry and writings,
but my love for you is definitely going to be a part of your life.
My diary is completely about you.
You won't reject me if you read it.
It'll help you understand me better.
I met your mother as well.
She's given me a letter to give to you.
Just stay right here, I will go and get it for you.
Please stay right here.
Brother, please take me to the teacher's house. We'll come back in ten minutes.
Hide! The police are here!
Someone must have informed them.
Oh, no! What should we do now?
I'll take care of it. You need to leave immediately.
Brother, I want to help you. Please tell me how I can help.
You're a girl! It'd be too dangerous for you!
Even I'd think twice before going in. You'll get shot.
I don't care about my life. It is important that we save them.
Tell me what I can do, please.
Okay, stay right here, don't wander. I will be back in five minutes.
Okay.
Brother, put them aside.
Start digging, quickly!
You have five minutes to surrender.
Don't even think about escaping. You are completely surrounded.
Surrendering is the only option you have.
-Tell her how to use this bomb. -Okay.
Take it fast! Come on!
I think the full force is yet to come. That's why they're giving us time.
We should be able to get out.
Yes. We need to be quick, or they will get stronger.
-Bharath, check the basement. -Okay.
-Raghu, check the terrace. -Okay.
Sister, this is IED. It contains ammonium nitrate.
Make sure you are at least six feet away when you use it.
This is a plus, and this is a minus. Connect them to the battery.
Put it on top of the bungalow and detonate it.
Go!
Tear gas! Cover the backside immediately!
Cover!
Go with him!
Follow him!
Commandos… aim!
-Ravanna, what should we do now? -Take cover.
Tear gas party, advance!
-Ramesh! Careful! Come quickly! -Come on!
Fast!
Ravanna.
Hold!
Boys, follow me!
Come on!
Five,
four,
three,
two,
fire!
Raghu, give me your hand!
Boys! Come on, quick!
Come on, guys! Move! Quick!
Comrades, come on!
Duck down!
Move!
Comrades, move!
Retreat!
Go, fast!
Move! Quickly!
Samayya, send the girl here!
Go!
All the paths have closed
All the paths have disappeared
Sister, run!
Run!
The life has become terrible
Sister, run!
Go!
My beloved
Gone into the darkness
Dark impassable abyss of the womb
Impassable abyss of the womb
Come on, get in!
Whenever your call is not heard
My foot will not fall
Started this journey
Without knowing the destination
Which village are you from?
What is your father's name?
Answer the question--
Where is Ravanna's dalam?
Where are they going?
Are you carrying food for them or information?
Speak up!
Tell us what you do…
or we'll be left with no choice but to kill you in an encounter.
Speak up!
Sir, she is not cooperating at all.
Take a break for some time, and start the interrogation again at night.
If she doesn't open her mouth even then, just kill her.
Okay, sir.
-What curry is this? Egg? -Yes, sir, we got something to eat.
This will be your last meal before you die. Savor it.
Come on. Fast. Dig.
Come on.
Sir is coming now. You'd better start talking.
Or tomorrow's headline will be about your death.
Speak or die--
Come on!
Come.
The atmosphere outside is not at all good. Why did you take this risk, Ravanna?
I would have managed to bail her out.
They'd have killed her in an encounter by then.
Did you get any information about Samayya?
They have taken him to the control room.
I will take care of his bail.
Send her home after counseling her.
I'll get going.
What's wrong with me, teacher?
Why am I chasing after him while leaving everyone else behind?
I was also like you.
I come from a small village called Nemali in the Krishna district.
I left everything and came here to unite with the one I loved.
He was a married man…
and had two kids.
But still, I couldn't stop myself from coming here for him.
Love has a great power to move us.
We cannot control it.
We were together despite many struggles that came our way…
but the police killed him in an encounter.
Now, I live to keep him alive in the books I write.
This is my way of conveying his ideologies to the world.
Every word that I write is dedicated to both of us.
We were together…
because our goal was the same.
But your paths are different, Vennela.
That's the reason you both can't travel together in life.
So, think about all of this and make your decision wisely.
What's happening, Prathap?
The CM is demanding my resignation.
Should I resign and sit at home?
Is there a reason for holding Samayya in the police control room…
while the girl was kept in the Mandal police station?
Sir, we suspected the girl to be a Naxal sympathizer and not a Naxalite.
Hence, she was kept in the Mandal police station.
What were our policemen doing?
Were we sleeping until they attacked us?
Prathap… we have such a big force and sophisticated weapons,
then why are we still in defense?
Sir, what Ravanna is doing is not a typical war. It is a guerrilla war.
Every tree and stone in the forest work as his cover.
More than anything, he has the support of the people.
Why don't we have the people's support? We are also working from them, right?
Yes, sir. We are also working for the same people,
but we are working to earn a living
whereas Naxals are ready to die for them.
What is the solution, Prathap?
Sir, have you read the Mahabharata?
No.
There is one chapter in it called "Virata Parvam."
When Pandavas lost against Kauravas in the game of Pachisi,
Pandavas had to go into exile.
They hid in the Kingdom of Virata…
and waited for the right moment to attack the Kauravas.
The Naxals are doing the same thing, sir.
And now, we must also do the same thing.
Well…
what do you want to do?
We have to send one of our men into Ravanna's dalam.
Or we must lure someone from their dalam to join us.
And that one person can do what the entire force couldn't do.
What I am suggesting is a covert operation.
Okay. So…
identify such a person immediately.
Sir, if we can find this girl…
we'll be able to begin Virata Parvam.
Vennela… what is your decision?
After listening to your story,
my love for Ravanna has become stronger, teacher.
I understood that the revolution is just as strong as love.
And I have decided to be a part of his revolution.
Please make me a part of this party too. I will also go to the forest.
It is not that easy to just get recruited into the party.
There is a process, and many hardships too.
Listen to me and forget all of this.
How can you tell me to forget it?
You are still in love with the revolution even after your lover's death.
Then, how do you expect me to leave
when the person I love is still a part of the revolution?
I am ready to face anything, teacher.
How should I tell you? There is a system for recruitment into the party.
They won't take you in that easily.
And also, the situation is not so good, Vennela.
No problem, teacher. I have decided.
Red salute!
Did you recognize me, sister?
I've just been released on bail today.
I couldn't help but hear what you just said.
I am impressed.
You saved us. I can see how brave you are.
People like you must join the cause.
I'll give you the dalam's contact information.
You can leave tomorrow. Is that okay?
Yes.
I'll also come to see you after my court hearing.
And from today, your name is not just Vennela…
it's Comrade Vennela.
Red salute!
No, sir. I haven't seen her.
-Yes, I have seen it. -Let's go.
-Let me remove the box. -Open it!
Hey, you, postman!
Have you seen this girl anywhere?
This girl? I know this girl very well, sir.
Her father's name is Golla Ramulu.
He is a folk singer from Ghanpur, Mulugu.
I worked in that village--
-Okay, get in the jeep. -What happened, sir? Sir.
-What happened, sir? -Just come.
-Just get in! -Come.
Speak up!
Come on!
-Sir, please don't beat us. Please, sir. -Tell us!
-Sir, please, sir! Don't beat us! -You'd better start talking!
-Please, sir, no! -Hey!
I'm begging you, sir! Please don't beat us!
Hey…
-did they say anything? -No, sir.
Send them in.
Why you are just blabbering the same thing again and again…
that you don't know anything?
Do we look like children to you?
We are police.
If your daughter isn't linked to the Naxals,
why would they come and rescue her from the police station?
What's the need for them to do so?
B. S. PRATHAP, SP
What is your name?
Ramesh.
Ramesh, tell me something.
What have these Naxals done for you?
For our people or the country.
How many innocent people have they killed!
They only know violence and nothing else.
Tell me. Are they of any help?
Tell me, Ramesh.
Tell me if they've helped you in any way.
Yes, sir.
Tell me how.
-Just keep quiet, please. What-- -Ramulu, please let him speak.
Wait, Uncle. I'm talking to him, right?
They have helped us, sir.
When girls were molested in our villages,
which party or which politician came to help or see us, sir?
Did the police come to help us, sir?
Our comrades came to our rescue, sir.
They gave voice to the voiceless.
They made sure that even people like me were treated with respect.
Shut up, you fool!
-Stop it. -Do you understand what you're saying?
Have you lost your mind? Bloody fool!
Sir, please forgive him. He seems to be out of his senses.
Sit down.
He didn't say anything wrong. Whatever he said is correct.
Who are the cadres in the dalams presently?
The lower-caste people.
SC, ST, BC.
These are the ones.
The people who die are also from this category.
And who are the leaders? The upper-caste people.
Nothing happens to them.
They will be fine, and they aren't the ones getting killed.
I am giving you two days.
Post that,
I have to do my duty and put everything else aside.
Go, get your daughter.
You can leave now.
-Sister! -Yes?
Here, this is from the teacher.
"Welcome every experience in life…
as a guest that comes to your door."
-Wait here. Our men will be here. -Okay.
Dear…
Dad.
I don't deserve a father like you.
I had promised you that I'd study well and succeed in life.
Now, it feels like a lie.
I feel like I have let you down…
and disgraced our family.
Any father would dream of providing his daughter with a good education.
He would want to marry his daughter to a good person.
I didn't even give you that opportunity.
You deserved better.
You came here to take me back, right, Dad?
No, my child.
I am here just to see you.
That's it.
You just said…
that you were unable to give me what
a normal father would expect from a daughter.
But all those expectations are irrelevant.
Do you want to know what I really feel about you?
You and I are not very different.
I am moved by stories. No one understands what I feel except me.
I can't live without singing folklore.
And you can't live without love.
If you have a strong desire…
this world will question it and even mock it.
You will be tagged as a fool.
When I said I would dedicate my life to folklore, they mocked me.
Now, you are saying that you want to dedicate your life to your love.
So, they'll call you a fool too.
People will always mock things that they don't understand.
But never think that I can't understand your feelings.
When I see you go after what you feel strongly about,
I have this urge to shout and tell the world that you are my daughter.
Not only in this lifetime,
but I want you to be my daughter in all of my lifetimes.
Uncle, let's go.
I'll get going, dear.
-Dad… -Yes?
it's been so long since I heard you sing.
Sing a verse of Seshappa's poem for me, please.
I don't know if I'll ever hear it again.
Who supplied food to birds in the forest?
Who fed the animals?
Who provided meals to wild beasts?
Who watered the trees?
Who helped the fetus grow in the womb?
Who served fresh milk to snakes?
Who provided nectar to bees?
Who provided grass to the animals?
You're the protector
Of all the lives on this planet
Conscious creator! Inhabitant of Dharmapuri!
Punisher of evil forces!
Narasimha, the one who alleviates agony
Farewell, my child Go into the forest
Meet your dream lover there
Meet him
Overcoming obstacles
At every step
Farewell, my child
I am Vennela.
Please tell me the code.
"Socrates drank poison, Karl Marx was exiled from the country,
and Buddha left for the forest leaving his family and kingdom."
We were told that Samanna recruited you.
But our leader, Ravanna, rejected your recruitment.
Take this, have some food, rest here for a while, and leave.
Why are you sending me away?
I came here to join the party and work with you.
I am not going to leave, I am staying right here.
I won't leave.
I won't.
Swarna, you guys can leave.
-I will talk to her and send her away. -Okay.
Are you mad? Do you have any idea about the revolution?
We don't have any hope for life.
All we have are a few moments between our breaths.
And those moments are dedicated to war.
Several hundred have been martyred in this war.
I can still hear the screams of the comrades
who were martyred in the last encounter.
Do you have any idea how haunting those screams--
I do!
Yes, I do.
It sounds just like your mother's cry who has been waiting for you for seven years.
Destiny made me meet your mother just the same way it made me meet you.
This letter in my hand is more powerful than the weapon in yours.
I don't know if your weapon can change society…
but this one will definitely bring a change in you.
Because this is your mother's letter.
These letters won't change my mind!
My party matters to me more than any relationship.
-Now, go! -No, I won't!
If I go now, you won't be able to find me even if you search for 1000 years.
You are like a stubborn child
Good spirit that you can persevere
Even after witnessing his adversity
Your feet still follow his path
Farewell, my child Go into the forest
You remind me of Comrade Aruna.
She used to work with us.
Police captured her a year ago.
She was gang-raped…
and her body was mutilated.
Someday, we all might face the same situation.
Are you ready to face all that for this revolution?
I am ready to face anything.
I don't care for my life.
Ravanna! What is this?
This is not how we recruit people. This goes against our party rules.
No matter how much we know the person,
we take them after they have worked for us for years.
I don't understand why Samayya sent her here.
Anyway, you are the leader.
You are the commander and the deputy commander.
We have no option but to follow your orders.
It is not right for you to walk away like that when Ravanna is talking.
What he did is also not right.
Let me clarify something.
Ravanna also rejected her recruitment at first…
but I was the one who persuaded him.
Because the police have already registered her as a sympathizer.
If she leaves now, she will definitely be in danger.
If they kill her, who will compensate for her life?
Will you…
or will I?
She volunteered to work for the party.
Moreover, she is a woman.
You know Ravanna, right?
He can even turn a mud ball into a bomb.
Just wait and watch.
She will become stronger than both of us.
There is fire, there is water
Eventually, which one will win And which one will pare down?
Seems the cascading rivulet has jumped
The smoldering volcanic mountain Has cooled down
For her love story She extended her hand today
See, she is leading it herself intimately
My life has become indebted Having found your kinship
There is fire, there is water
Eventually, which one will win And which one will pare down?
Seems the cascading rivulet has jumped
The smoldering volcanic mountain Has cooled down
So far, no revolution Bigger than love has arisen
Wouldn't the truth Be understood if compared?
On the path of life so desired Even if I am blamed
I have cut off my relationships To reach you
The forest danced having possessed you
Distress disappeared Having realized the dream
My heart gladdened to have been blessed With your companionship
Proceeded to promenade On the path reddened
There is fire, there is water
Eventually, which one will win And which one will pare down?
Seems the cascading rivulet has jumped
The smoldering volcanic mountain Has cooled down
So, Samayya, you thought you could just go Scot-free with bail?
We hear you have been amassing wealth in the name of the party fund.
Sir, I am bound to principles. I am not that kind of a person.
Seriously?
-Ravinder. -Yes, sir.
Lingamurthy, come here.
Namaste, sir.
-Lingamurthy. -Yes, sir?
-How much money has Samayya given you? -Around ten lakhs, sir.
What did you do with all that money?
I loaned the money to farmers on interest.
His sister comes and collects the interest regularly, sir.
-Okay, you can leave. -Okay, sir.
What do you have to say now?
I am ready to surrender, sir.
You are of no use to us.
You are just a member of Ravanna's dalam.
Instead, if I kill you, I'll at least get some awards.
Sir, please don't kill me. I will do whatever you want.
Then, go back in again.
I'll stay in touch with you and tell you what you need to do.
SRIRAMULAPALLI 4 KM
Bharath, take Ramesh with you and go to Jeedigatla Thanda.
Samayya is coming there for an appointment.
Bring him and meet me in the east.
We got intel that the police are also here.
Be careful.
-Red salute! -Red salute!
-Swarna and Vennela, -Yes, brother.
change into civilian clothes now.
Our singer, Mallana, has become bedridden because of the police torture.
As soon as you enter the village, you'll see his house.
Give this money to him, and meet us in the morning.
Come inside, quickly.
Look at his plight.
Look at how the police have tortured him for a week.
They have filed 12 cases against him.
They strangled him to damage his throat permanently
so that he doesn't sing revolutionary songs again.
He has completely lost his voice.
The doctor said that one of his kidneys is also damaged.
Don't worry. The party is always there to help the people who work for society.
Ravanna has sent this money for his medical expenses.
Meet Dr. Rajaram tomorrow at the clinic.
Let's leave quickly.
I'll take your leave then.
-Okay. -Red salute!
Sister, I have packed food for the dalam.
Please take it.
Sure.
-Where did they transfer him? -Adilabad.
I see. Did they give him a promotion?
No, he just got a movement order. That's it.
-Did the CI tell you this? -Yes.
Wonder what they're doing here at this time!
Where are they going?
I'm just scared of the word "duty" these days.
Tell me about it!
Did you go home?
Hey, you. Please, stop.
Which village are you from?
Where are you going at this hour?
We're laborers, sir. We are working with the cranes nearby.
There was a power cut throughout the day.
So, we have to work through the night now.
Other workers are right there, near the well.
-We came here to bring food for them. -Check those baskets.
-Put the baskets down. -Check thoroughly.
It's just food, sir.
Show me yours.
It's okay. Let them leave.
-Okay. -You can go.
Go.
But I haven't seen any cranes nearby, sir.
-Oh, really? -Yeah.
-There's something fishy about them. -Yeah, right.
Let's ask someone.
-Let's ask him. -Hey! Stop!
-Have you seen any cranes nearby? -No, sir.
-I don't think so. -Okay, go.
-Hey, you! Stop! -Stop!
Stop!
Come with us. Show us where you're working.
-Show us! -Sir…
-Sir, we don't know anything. -Actually…
Please let us go, sir.
You don't know anything, and yet you're carrying food for the Naxals?
Sir, we are not lying.
-Don't act innocent! -Sir, we're not lying!
How much are they paying you? Which dalam are you from?
Boys, follow me.
Sir, we don't belong to any dalam. I'm telling you the truth, sir.
-Speak up! -Don't hit us, sir.
-We don't know anything, sir. -Answer me!
-Sir, please let us go. Please, sir. -Answer me!
Sir, she has a grenade.
Sir!
Come quickly!
Make it quick.
Let's go. Quick.
Move!
Quick!
Move! Move!
I'm begging you, sir.
Oh, no! He is a policeman!
-Thrash him! -Beat him hard!
-You scoundrel! I am going to kill you! -Please, stop it!
-Don't spare him! -Don't hurt him!
Raghu, don't shoot him. The sound will alert the police.
-Take him aside and kill him. -No, please, don't!
-Kill him! -Please don't do it. I request you.
It is not right to kill a man when he is fighting for--
What? This is not right?!
Was it right when they molested, raped, and mutilated our lady comrades?
If we behaved exactly like them, then what is the difference between us and them?
Is bloodshed the only solution? Tell me!
Bloodshed is all around you. Human life begins with bloodshed!
A mother goes through so much pain while giving birth.
A new system emerges the same way!
Yes! An eye for an eye, a life for a life!
-That's right-- -But he is not our enemy to kill him!
Without any weapons, he is just another human being.
Isn't it our party rule not to kill an unarmed enemy?
-Tell me! -What?
You are teaching me about Mao?!
You are teaching me about the party?! Really?
Stay within your limits!
I won't hesitate to kill you if I have to!
-Raghu! -Calm down.
Why are you behaving like a police officer?
Do you think we are big enough to go against Mao's principles?
Let him go.
Sorry, comrades.
Vennela's argument is correct.
Give me the first-aid kit.
NAXALS SAVE A POLICEMAN'S LIFE
Brother.
-Narsanna, this deserves appreciation. -You're right.
Such humanistic acts will add more credibility to our party.
It is very important for people to understand
that this is the difference between the Naxal and the police.
You are right.
Let's congratulate Ravanna's dalam from our state committee's side.
-Okay. -Sure, brother.
Who are these kids? They are stars in the sky
Who are these kids? They are buds in the jungle
Who are these kids? They are stars in the sky
Congrats, sister. You made a very emphatic argument yesterday.
See how her face is glowing!
-You are going to treat us tonight, right? -Come on, I did not do anything great.
Here, have some tea.
Really, sister. What you did yesterday reminded me of the French Revolution.
Hey, come on. Stop it already. Here, have some tea.
A comrade like you is very crucial for the party and the cause.
-Who do you think brought her here? -The great comrade Samayya.
Here, brother, have some tea.
Looks like he is still mad at me.
Come on, brother, take it.
How can you refuse your sister offering you tea?
What Bharath said earlier is correct.
You showed us the true intention of revolution by saving the cop yesterday.
If you hadn't stopped us, even I would've been responsible for his death.
Because of these fake encounters and covert operations,
all of us are suffering from paranoia.
We are stuck in a sort of a moral dilemma…
losing the sense of what is right and what is wrong.
I am proud of you.
My dear Ravi.
How are you, my son?
I am worried about you.
I never thought you would abandon us and join the revolution.
The police wreaked havoc after you left.
They destroyed our home.
They abused me with words that no one deserves to hear.
They didn't even care that I am a woman.
They tortured me questioning me about my son.
They caught young boys from the village and shot them dead.
They turned the entire village into a graveyard.
There is no happiness in the village.
We are living on the edge, constantly in fear.
I want to see you, at least, one last time.
DR. RAJARAM PEOPLE'S HOSPITAL
Finally, you got some time to see me, my son.
You said your son would never write any poem about you, right?
He did. Where is it?
Read it to her yourself.
"Mother. The revolution thanks you for giving me life.
At the time of sowing seeds in the fields,
on a garland of flowers, midst the melodies of birds.
Mother. The revolution thanks you for giving me life.
You taught me to give life to fallen flowers, to injured children.
Mother. The revolution thanks you for giving me life."
Hello, sir. We are here. Over.
Ravanna is definitely there…
because we have got this intel from within.
-I'll handle it, sir. -Keep searching. We are on the way.
"You ventured me to defy the deathly gallows.
You made me strong by teaching me to swim against the stream.
The milk you fed me with your wounded body didn't go in vain.
It is feeding the starving misfortune.
Before death approaches me…
my desire is to see you once more beyond all these shackles.
Mother. The revolution thanks you for giving me life.
Mother. The revolution thanks you for giving me life."
Okay, sir. Over.
Hey!
Stop! Hey!
Before I die…
I want to see the happiness on your face.
You won't find peace in your gun, my child.
You will find peace in a girl's love.
Listen to me.
Marry this girl.
You will find peace.
Brother, the police are here!
Be alert!
The police are here! Be alert!
-Police-- -Hey!
Vennela!
I dream about him, I adore him
Won't my adoration adorn My neck like mangalsutra?
Oh, dear
My mind woke up and saw the one I love
If the one I dream of Presented himself before me
I will not sleep for a hundred years
Tell me the truth.
Don't you love me? Answer me.
Just say… yes or no.
And I will never ask you again.
Let's go.
Sorry, sir.
-What happened? -We missed them.
They have escaped, sir. Over.
Damn!
Vennela!
Brother.
The party and the movement are completely corrupt.
They are joining the cause just for money.
Innocent people are dying, and public property is being damaged.
They tried to kill me when I questioned them.
I was left with no choice, so I killed the others
and surrendered with the weapons.
There are many others like me in the party.
Even the people I recruited…
all our struggles are the same.
We want to destroy this party
because it's using our principles to cover for their mistakes.
Jai Hind.
The party lost 11 comrades because of your negligence.
How will you face your enemies when you didn't even know
that the person right beside you was betraying you?
Samayya was the most senior person in the party.
How could we doubt him?
You should have.
You have to doubt even your own shadow!
A leader's first quality is to be alert and take caution.
You shouldn't trust anyone completely,
even if it's your family or friends.
We've constituted a committee that will be headed by Narsanna.
This committee will review the situation,
identify the traitors in the party, and warn the dalams.
Even if you have the slightest of doubts, don't ignore them.
Take serious action.
More recruits are joining your dalam tomorrow.
Receive them at Pandavula Gutta.
-Red salute! -Red salute!
-Hey, you are also here?!
-How are you? -I'm fine, thanks.
-Red salute! -Red salute!
-Greetings. -Red salute!
Red salute!
-Did you recognize me? -Yes, brother, I did. Why wouldn't I?
We met at Mr. Vidhyadhara's house, right?
-Red salute! -Red salute!
Get off!
Sir, I'm begging you.
I can't do it, sir.
Do as we say if you want your father to come home.
Go.
-Sir… -Go!
-Red salute! -Red salute!
Narsanna's committee has sent him.
-Red salute! -Red salute!
Brother, they asked me to give this letter to you.
-How is the police situation outside? -It is terrible.
Greetings to Comrade Ravanna.
Our committee has found that there is a traitor in your dalam.
Identify the traitor and punish them.
The enemies must be petrified of the punishment you mete.
And let's meet on the bank of River Manjeera today at 4:30 p.m.
Red salute!
Who could be the traitor in our dalam?
I am sure it's Vennela.
Yes, I think she is the one.
We shouldn't blame her without any evidence.
You really want evidence?!
Even the way she joined the dalam is suspicious.
That traitor, Samayya, is the one who recommended her!
And he even told the press…
that the people he appointed are still in the dalam.
What more evidence do you want?
Raghu, you are taking this issue very personally.
Oh, really? Am I?
You are the leader!
Even you have recruited so many people, right?
Can you tell me how you plan to review this situation?
Why are you being so sarcastic?
The party had even given you the chance to lead, right?
You were the leader before me.
What did you do as the leader?
You burned down a regular jeep assuming it was a police jeep.
Ten innocent people, including small children, died in that incident.
In Warangal, you killed a great leader, suspecting that he was an informer.
-That is why the party demoted you! -That was unintentional!
Or do you think I have a personal agenda?
Don't you know how that happened? That was an accident!
Foreseeing accidents is what makes a good leader.
Then, why couldn't you foresee Samayya's accident?
What happened then?
-We lost 11 comrades! -That is-- That is not an accident.
That is a betrayal.
Okay, fine! That was not an accident but a betrayal!
Tell me what is happening now!
As the commander of the dalam, you're insisting on supporting a traitor
even after I presented valid reasons to suspect her.
How are you so sure that she is a traitor?
I am 100% sure she is!
Now, I get it.
You just want her dead.
I just want the traitors to be dead!
I don't have emotions for lovers and mothers here like you do!
I only have one emotion, and that is the revolution!
Revolution is more important to me than people.
You are the commander, and yet, you failed to understand my point of view.
I am even starting to doubt you!
Look at him. What is he saying?
Don't we know Vennela?
Even I agree with Raghu. I think he is right.
Let me tell you something.
Why did Vennela save the police officer?
Why did she take you to see your mother?
Because it was a part of a covert operation.
We started facing problems right from the time she joined us.
We are constantly facing problems one after the other.
Also, isn't it possible that Samayya might have told her
to take Ravanna away on the night of the ambush?
He must have told her.
Because he knew that his operation would fail if you are here.
Not only that…
she roamed across many villages for three months just to get our dalam's contact.
She even met our comrades. She gave different reasons to everyone.
You can inquire about it yourself if you don't believe us.
Once you talk to them, you'll understand what we are telling you.
I was there at Vidhyadhara Rao's house that day.
Vennela came there and asked for your address. When asked why,
she said she was in love with you.
We counseled her and sent her away.
Immediately, the police came…
and arrested Vidhyadhara Rao.
I saw her when I was burning a bus in Peddapalli.
She even asked me for Ravanna's contact.
That made me suspicious.
I asked her why she needed it. She didn't have an answer.
We had to immediately run because we got a signal that the police were coming.
She told me she was facing some land issues.
She sought my help to meet you.
She heard us saying that the dalam is coming to the degree college.
The next day, while I was on my way to Bhupalpally,
I saw her in the police jeep.
The police must have come to the college because of her.
I am also starting to get suspicious of her.
Now, do you understand?
Her whole operation is to target our dalam.
Even Miss Shakuntala didn't accept her earlier
when she wanted to join our dalam.
She begged Vennela not to come in… but Vennela didn't listen to her.
She was instead brought in by Samayya.
Who told you to love Ravanna?
Why are you talking like that? What happened?
Who told you to love Ravanna?
How can anyone tell us to fall in love with someone?
Then why did you fall in love with him?
Did he come into your dreams and ask you to do so? Tell me!
Tell me, who told you to join the cause?
Did Marx appear in your dreams or Mao?
How many others like you did Samayya appoint in our dalam?
Who is behind this operation?
Is it SP Surya Prathap?
Is it ACP Ajay?
Is it DGP Joseph? Tell me!
Who are all these people? I don't even know who they are.
There seems to be some misunderstanding.
Save your drama! Eleven comrades died because of you!
Do you know how much of a loss it is to the party?
What is the deal between Samayya and the police?
What is your deal with the police?
Why did you join the dalam?
I really don't know anything.
You can't hide anything from me.
Tell me, what did they lure you with? Lands?
Money? Job?
I really don't know what you are talking about, I swear.
I fell in love with Ravanna.
And with immense respect toward the revolution,
I came here so that I could be with him.
That's it.
Have a look at my diary.
I have written everything in it, every thought, every emotion.
Radhika, please get my bag.
If you read it, you will understand everything.
V. I. LENIN
BLOOD-BOILED KINGDOM ARANYA
There is no diary in it.
How will there be a diary when it's all a lie?
Do you remember…
even in Mahadevpur, you said the same thing and left.
Later, you returned with the police.
What are you saying?
I was the one who saved you from the police that day.
That is how smart you are.
That was a part of your operation.
To make us believe you!
If that is not true,
tell me, how did you manage to cross the police and come to us?
With police firing on one side and we on the other side,
how did you manage to come there without any injury?
Because you are a police informer, and they were the ones who sent you there!
Otherwise, how could you be brave and do something that even we wouldn't have done?
Tell us!
I understand now.
You are not ready to listen to what I say.
Because doubt has shrouded your reason!
So, have we been carrying guns with us just for this?
To persecute innocent people?
I thought of you as my sister, even as my mother.
And you doubt me?!
There is no doubt.
She is the traitor…
but she isn't accepting it. And she won't.
She is very intelligent.
She is talking in a manipulative way.
She also has a way with words. She won't budge…
or confess no matter how hard we try.
All these people are doubting me.
Bharath and Raghu are doubting me.
First, drink some water.
-There must be some misunderstanding. -Drink some water.
You trust me, right?
They will listen to you.
Please tell them.
You asked me…
if I loved you. You wanted my answer, right?
Let me tell you now!
Yes, I loved you!
That's why I came to rescue you from the police.
I was scared that they'd do something to you.
I met my mother whom I left behind seven years ago…
just because you told me to.
I did all of this because I loved you.
But what did you do in return? You betrayed me!
Bharath!
There has been a mistake.
Greetings to all the comrades.
Samayya's allegations are false. There are no traitors in our party.
This is a part of the police's plan.
I told you already.
Love is just a tool used by humans to betray each other.
And you proved it right!
I loved an enemy who came to destroy my revolution, which is like my mother!
My life is over.
The one who has the right over my life…
is the one who decided to take my life.
I have only one regret. The first-ever kiss he planted on me
was just when my life began to leave my body.
I can feel my last breath floating into the thin air.
I wish I could get my life back…
but I don't have the strength. This seems to be my destiny…
for this lifetime.
But if I could, I would come back.
To take birth in the same village to the same parents.
To listen to my father's poems again.
To fight with my mother again.
To play with my Krishna doll once again.
To experience the exuberance in Aranya's poems.
To learn from Miss Shakuntala.
To walk the same path in the same forest with the same Raghu.
To love Aranya once again.
Has the moonlight
Not descended from the sky?
Or is it bubbling
In the overgrown bushes of Datura?
Oh, moonlight!
Whose curse has made you squirm like this?
Oh, moonlight!
You are the child of this Mother Forest
How can it agree to kill you?
You were still a budding sprout
When did you become a ripened fruit Ready to fall off?
In February 1992,
the Naxals conducted a covert assault in Telangana,
in which a woman was killed.
Her death disturbed me and made me contemplate.
That tragic event is the inspiration for this film, Virata Parvam.
In memory of the woman for whom the whole state wept.
This film is dedicated to her.