The incidents portrayed in this film are not imaginary and are based on true events,
all the people who have acted in this film are Tamil Eelam refugees and
fisherfolk of Dhanushkodi.
But it is only the sea which refused to co-operate with me.
In 1964,
a cyclone razed the town of Dhanushkodi.
Like everyone else,
I too came here as a disaster tourist.
But, I found here a fishing village
that built houses out of mere traces and ruins.
Vanni - 14 Jan 09
If two languages, one nation!
If one language, two nations!
War footage exposed by the Srilankan Journalists
from the mobile phone of a Sinhala Soldier.
Prabhakaran is dead!
Mind your words, Son!
Prabhakaran is dead!
Keep your mouth shut!
Prabhakaran is dead!
Kabalavairava, come... come!
Dhanushkodi-Kambipaadu
People call it as Mother Sea.
I have named it as Dead Sea.
Bodies are decayed.
It is been three days since he left to the sea.
Murderers!
Six months back he got bullet in his hand!
Poor guy, a bullet now has killed him off!
Let the Sinhala power go to dust.
How will I raise my child?
Who is the other one?
Difficult to identify Yusub.
Bum! He is not from our area at all! Have a look, yourself.
Mother-fuckers! Shot them in the head!
It was fated that Sri Lankan Navy should take Sammanasu's life!
The lives of all of us are in their hands.
Where will I go now?
me and my daughter are orphans now.
I know him. He is dead.
Stay quiet, Son!
I know the dead man.
It is high risk of you to leave the camp like this.
The police will catch you if spotted!
Let them try! Rameshwaram became the back of my palm in three months.
From Pampan to Arichanmunai, I know all the places and people.
I know every one in Army, Navy and Air Force.
No one can harm me! You don't crib!
Till now, the Sri Lankan Navy had killed 420 of our fishermen.
Now, the 421-st dead man is also from our village!
This is 422-nd, we don't know who the other guy is?
The fellow there, shoots dead, The fellow here, stitches up.
Mother-fuckers! Killed our fishermen! They made us do postpartum to their bodies.
Their women and children will drown in the sea!
Leave it uncle, will they give us back the dead alive?
Mother-fuckers! They have killed our son! Let them all go to hell!
Come, whether we see our wives and kids or not, we see a corpse everyday!
Those who loved him in life, do not forget him in death!
They kill at will! How many can we bury? We should do something!
Do we live in India or in Ceylon? We should ask ourselves!
Made of sand, you will return to sand!
You will earn your bread by the sweat of your brow!
Name of the father, of the son, of the holy spirit, Amen!
We will take the body to the Collector's Office...
and not bury it till we get justice!
The body can't wait! Let us bury it and then discuss.
How much did you pay?
150 Rupees.
He won't be pleased.
But he comes often!
Let us stop discussing, we should press on till a solution is found.
Lift it, we will march to the Collector's Office.
Jacintha! We are taking the dead body to the Collector's Office.
Look! Take it anywhere! For any number of days!
But, it should come back only with compensation money!
Hold on, hold on! Lift it, lift it!
Don't cry! Don't cry!
Rameshwaram - 02 May 09, 2.30 pm.
Am I unarmed? No?
Kill us not! Kill us not!
Yes Sir!
Yes Sir! Under control, Sir!
Indian Government! Indian Government!
Give us weapons! Give us weapons!
To save our poor fishermen! To save our poor fishermen!
Indian Government! Give us weapons!
Give us weapons!
Indian Government! Give us weapons!
To save our poor fishermen! To save our poor fishermen!
Indian Government! Give us weapons!
Stop killing Indian fishermen.
To save our poor fishermen!
Indian Government! Give us weapons!
Stop killing Indian fishermen.
Indian Government! Give us weapons!
Kill us not! Kill us not!
We warn, we warn!
We warn the Sri Lankan Navy!
Tamilnadu Government! Tamilnadu Government!
Get lost! Will you!
Tamilnadu Government! Tamilnadu Government!
To save our poor fishermen! To save our poor fishermen!
Hey! Get lost! We suffer already! Now you too! Move aside!
She belongs to us, allow her do her job.
Stop killing Indian fishermen.
Two fishermen were shot dead by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The fishermen are taking in a procession with the dead body.
They are heading towards the District Collector's Office.
Meanwhile, two more bodies have been spotted in Pisasumunai seashore.
Rameshwaram is now a House of the Dead!
Madam, our officer wants to meet you!
(Radio Blaring)
Pass a tea for Madam.
Sir, Is he Manickam?
Do you know him? He was caught stealing a Ceylon net.
These people sell diesel to the LTTE!
Even if they lose their lives, they will not tell the truth.
How does Madam know him?
Sir, he is not that kind!
Government has only hired us to find it out!
I did stay at Dhanuskodi for almost a month.
He had helped me a lot.
He can't be a smuggler.
Have your tea.
Talks about some documentary, Sir.
She was in Dhanushkodi for a month,
No permission Sir, She knows people locally Sir.
Didn't you finish your tea?
Kanika!
The constable will come with you. Bring all your tapes.
Your camera will be safe here.
Sidharth! They are taking me for questioning.
Will have a look and come. Stay careful!
Taken everything?
In the coming Parliamentary elections,
we request you to cast your golden votes
for our candidate J K Rithish, a king of generosity in Sunrise symbol.
Kalaignar Karunanidhi was ready to renounce his position
as Chief Minister for the sake of Srilankan Tamils.
J.K Rithish is his candidate, Sunrise is his symbol.
I got deputed to this Ramanathapuram district just 20 days before,
but, you are here longer, for 40 days.
You should tell me about Rameshwaram.
I am making a documentary on fishermen.
They live a good life better than us.
Government pays them on land. LTTE pays them in the sea.
Sir, till now more than 400 fishermen have been killed.
Hundreds are still in Sri Lankan prisons.
Look, those who cross the line will be caught.
See, didn't we bring you here?
Am I under arrest?
No, not like that.
Just show us your tapes, let us see.
Brother, we are Tamils! Please take us to the coast.
We came in the night, they got us till here and left.
We paid even for the child, they abandoned us here.
At least, three or four people do come every week like this.
Drink up the rice water.
We shall give you money, please help us.
Do not leave us in this mid sea Sir.
You take care of the child, I will alert the Navymen.
Will he get help for us?
Trust a belly ache but not a northerner!
I don't like India, better we will get back to Ceylon!
We are not in India yet!
Sister fuckers! How hot it is?
I think this place is cursed by God!
In the last birth, you must have done something good.
That's why, you are now in this place where Lord Ram had set his foot.
I saw a girl in Kambippadu.
She was dark, but hot.
One day, I will have a crack at her,
Brother, I am also with you.
First let me taste her, later you can share.
Useless fellow, go and drown in the sea.
What kind of people are these?
Why are you standing here? - You are not allowed here! Go away!
(Radio news blaring)
(The Chief Minister Karunanidhi's Voice)
Is there any problem in your refugee camp?
My father is dead!
Shut up my son!
He is my son only, a bit abnormal!
Take your son away now.
Don't let him loiter, keep him inside the Camp!
Since then, they made a sketch for
the Sethu Canal project, it is bad luck for fishermen.
This Sonia Gandhi and Karunanidhi are playing such a game!
Let the elections come, we will screw their life!
Buddy, even when I am drunk I am clear about what I speak!
Let anyone come to power, no use to us! None is going to pluck any hair.
I am not voting for anyone.
Yusuf buddy, if the other mother fuckers come to power.
You sister fucker have to move your shop to Pakistan, keep it in mind.
They come claiming, we will protect the Mother, protect Tamil.
I will never vote for them.
Whoever reclaims Kachatheevu, will get my vote, what buddy?
Then, you have to vote for Rajapakshe.
What uncle, shall we vote for Rajapakshe?
Dhanushkodi, Kambippadu - 05 May 09
When the fishermen from Kambippadu,
cut open the fish bellies, human bones tumble out.
I heard this from Kangesu.
Such a horror!
The other day, when I went to the sea,
some refugees were left on the sand bank, begging for life.
I told them I will get help from the Navy.
When I got back, they were missing.
Sinners! They must have cheated them saying that they have reached the shore.
Heard that the Indian Navy flick refugee women sometimes to rape, is it true?
Kadarkarai also says so!
Wind is in the opposite direction. Let me pull up the boat and come back.
Then he took a piece of bread, split it and gave it to them, saying,
this is my body, which is given for you. Eat this in memory of me!
In the same way, he gave the cup,
saying this cup is God's new covenant sealed,
with my blood, which is poured out for you!
Mosses held out his hand over the sea and the Lord drove the sea back,
with a strong east wind. It blew all the night
and turned the sea into dry land.
The water was divided and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground,
with walls of water on both left and right sides.
Who is it?
Neechal Kali, Ma!
What is it in the mid-night, brother?
Message has come! 10 to 15 refugees have arrived in Arichanmunai.
Kadarkarai!
You carry on. The wind is too strong, I'll check the fishing net and come.
Who is that? Looks like our Kadarkarai.
It seems 10 to 15 refugees have arrived from Ceylon,
that's why Rosemary is going there.
Don't know which new husband she is looking out for?
Keep your mouth shut.
You keep shut, cunt licker!
This woman took my man's dead body, in procession to the Collector's office!
Did she get me even a paise?
Hey! Don't blabber like that!
They have come all the way from Ceylon to Arichanmunai,
don't they know how to go from here to the refugee camp?
This is a job of the police. But this woman hikes up her dress and sets off!
My name is Rosemary, I have come to help you from Refugee Service Center.
When did you reach?
We 17 people came from Thalamannar.
We are not sure, when we exactly reached here in the night.
Did you all eat?
We were looking out for help, we have not had any food.
You will be tired! Please have some biscuits and tea.
No difficulty mother!
I will take care of myself.
Don't bother yourself!
Rosemary and Sidharth are with me.
No, Sidharth is not my boy friend, he is my darling turtle.
You suppose your God Venkatachalapathy will get my tapes back from Police station?
Ok, ok let me not tamper your belief.
But please don't offer to shave your head in your prayers.
In 1958,
for the first time the Sri Lankan Government instigated a genocide.
This reached a peak gradually in 1977, 1981 and 1983 is a climax.
What is happening today in Mullivaickal is a continuation of that.
For the last 30 years, refugees have been flocking in
to Dhanushkodi, crossing the Palk Strait.
The affluent refugees of Eelam migrate to Europe or Canada
The others have only one choice, the refugee camps in Tamil Nadu.
From where are you coming? We came from Thalamannar coast, Sir.
Is it a Military controlled area?
If it is the Army, we can fool them.
Is your Captain there?
Come.
Mother fuckers, looks like they inform
Journalists before they start from Thalaimannar,
They drag along!
People talk about animal rights, human rights but not police rights.
All okay?
How many people?
Seventeen Sir.
Sir, what's the situation over there?
It's a river of blood.
School or Hospital, they bomb everything from the sky.
The children can't study. No medicines in the village.
Nothing is there.
It is only death and blood.
Do you believe that the Sri Lankan forces used chemical weapons?
Yes, if you had supplied them!
More than chemical weapons, hunger is the real scourge.
Sir, do you believe that the Indian Government will protect you?
We believe, we will not be killed.
Madam, what's happening there now?
Continuous shelling and bombing, many youngsters are being killed.
Army people raid houses, rape and kill!
Life is horrible, that is why we came here.
You know Sinhala?
I know!
This is not a big issue.
They will only register details like, why did you come here,
how did you get here and what things have you brought here?
Show me the bag!
Next!
Tell me your name?
Madam, come here.
He is asking your name.
Dayalan.
What?
Dayalan. Write down.
Finished learning Sinhala! Now it is time to learn Hindi.
What's the name of your agent?
He is asking the Agent's name.
Don't know Sir!
So you don't know the name of the agent? - No!
Do they at least know the details like boat colour, boat number?
He is asking the colour of the boat.
Blue.
He is asking, how many rupees did you pay to get here.
Ten thousand rupees.
Note it down.
He is asking from where did you board the boat.
Pechalai.
How many of them have come with him?
Four.
I am asking about the total strength.
Seventeen.
All 17 of you spared 10,000 rupees each without knowing the name of the agent?
Even you don't know the name?
Hey! Go away from here.
Right, right! Let us move.
Open this.
Take it out.
What's the bundle? Open it!
Okay, close it.
We are also Tamils.
Real refugees cross over but LTTE too.
We have to double check. It will do you good if you tell the truth.
Or, it is the Chengalpet Special Camp waiting for you!
You will remain locked up, and can't ever come out.
Do you have the ID card? - Yes, I have.
In the morning, the Navy people barged in.
And took away the youngsters from the house.
They again came in the night, we cannot shout, cannot scream!
We have to shut our eyes and seal our lips and ears.
like unpaid whores and stay still on the mat.
Even pills for abortion are in short supply.
I was recovering in the ward of Mannar hospital after an operation.
Suddenly, about 5 am in the morning,
two bombers came and dropped seven or eight bombs.
I ran to the bunkers and by then my clothes were covered in blood.
In Vanni, wherever you are, you cannot escape from the movement.
One from each family were taken away, later, even two three people.
There were given one month's or half a month's training and sent out to fight.
We escaped and came to Mannar, where the Army caught us.
We paid 80,000 rupees to escape from there.
And paid 15,000 rupees to come to India.
I am from Mannar coast, earning a living by fishing in the sea.
One day, the Military came and ordered us not to go for work.
They did not let us go to work for months together.
Then, one day they said we could work for 2 hours a day.
That too, just in our loin cloths.
I had a tea shop in Killinochi town.
Eric Solheim is my customer.
I and my brother worked together in the shop.
My brother was blown to bits by a shell.
I cremated what was left of him. I have no wish to go back there.
I paid money to someone to go abroad. He left me in Colombo.
The Military rounded up all of us and took us to Vanni.
We don't know what happened to our money.
They came and caught my girl,
it was one month and three days since she attained puberty.
When I tried to hug her, a twelve year old boy kicked me on my chest.
My girl went off with the movement unable to watch me getting beaten.
To save my other three children,
I came away to Mannar and hid in the forests for three days,
I pleaded with some boatmen to let me cross over to save my children.
They brought me over.
In 1995, the Army occupied Jaffna. Soon, Tigers ordered us to go to Vanni.
We do not have anyone in Vanni.
Then, they declared that people who do not move are traitors.
And strict action will be taken against them.
We abandoned our livestock and our homes and left with the baby in hand,
crossing the Kaithady bridge and reached Vanni.
Who wants to die as a traitor?
I was studying in the campus. When I was studying,
two persons came from behind on a bike and shot me but the bullet slid off.
I was quickly taken to the hospital. My mother took care of me.
When I was healed, I was put in the Jaffna Jail,
which is in fact the only safe place for us.
After 3 months, I was released because the rules did not permit.
We can't survive.
There, the forests are on fire and the sea is on heavy security.
Bombs shower from airplanes.
The air reeks of sulphur, the water runs as fire,
mines are buried in the soil.
How can one live there? That's why we came over.
I just asked about your problem but you speak too much!
Get up and sit outside.
What a head ache?
Criminals!
His knees are ripe, must be a Tiger.
We can't catch Tigers so easily! Send the rest to the Camp.
(LTTE Commander Soosai's final message widely circulated)
The last moments are passing by. Do you get me?
Numerous people are getting killed.
Fierce flight is going on! People are dying day and night.
At the base, in the two kilometres long bunker, fierce fighting is going on.
Through the United Nations, Through K.P.Padmanabhan,
we have to get in contact with Geneva.
We had been insisting at Irattavaickal Mullaitheevu and Vattuvakanai,
25,000 people should be rescued. But now they are dead.
As the fighting progresses, the entire area is getting bombed.
We are committed to fight, we will not surrender till the end.
But, as we continued fighting International community did not intervene.
It is not too late even now, 25,000 people have been already injured.
What's going on in Sri Lanka? War or murder?
Who placed Sri Lanka at India's feet?
Even I have, once propagated that all people should be armed.
But, now I feel, not only the people
but also the Governments should be disarmed.
The fishing community as a whole is assembled here today.
For the last sixty years, generations after generations we have been casting our votes.
But we don't even have a Minister of our own, we have nothing in fact.
Hence in the coming election, the fishermen of Dhanushkodi should boycott their votes.
What do you folks say to this?
I have been voting for twenty years, I will cast my vote this year also.
Yes, only this fellow has voted all these years!
Look at what you speak! For the last thirty years our fishermen are getting killed.
Which party has come to our help? Kalaignar distributed free television sets!
Ok, you can carry the TV on your head!
Do you have electricity to use that TV?
This time everyone should vote for Vijaykanth.
Look at him!
Ayya, let us vote for Vijayakanth this time.
Is Vijayakanth some God? Don't vote for anyone.
We have to go and toil in the sea, only then
our wives and children will not starve.
Has any of them come to our rescue?
Nothing gets done if we just crow, such things are decided in Delhi.
Just keep your mouth shut!
My man is dead, I have just one child, I have no income, did anyone care?
If any dog come asking for votes, I will beat him with my slippers.
Our lives have no value, don't vote for anyone this time.
Let them say anything or do anything, This time let us not vote for anyone unitedly.
Only then will our problems be heard, the rest is your wish.
Yes, fishermen are like jokers for them.
Be quiet! Everyone will get their turn.
If all of you start shouting, we cannot decide anything!
Then let's vote for Vijayakanth, only he can work wonders.
Let him fuck off!
Be quiet! Please don't shout!
Let one man be heard at a time.
Or who will respect our community? - Let us then vote for Kalaignar.
We will talk about vote later. We claim that we are shot by the army.
Don't we cross the border? Don't we sell diesel?
Uncle, did the LTTE ever not pay for the things we sold them?
Lets discuss that later, Navy fellows come till here and shoot us as Kachatheevu also is with them.
Isn't better to hand over Dhanushkodi also and be happy sucking our pricks?
Brother, did you see my son? - Who?
We are from the camp.
Your son is loitering here and there, someone may shoot him.
He is little bit abnormal.
He has a radio with him, send him to the camp if you spot him.
My husband went to sea, some ten years back.
Sri Lankan Navy shot at him,
we thought he was still alive when brought to land.
But, when we reached the hospital we learnt that he was already dead.
She is a good woman.
She is quite helpful to our department too.
The Government promised further help but never happened.
Later, I joined the literacy movement and brought up my children somehow.
Now, for the last 5 years, I do refugee service in a Catholic organisation.
I have educated my children.
From 1990's fishermen are being shot dead like crows and sparrows.
I have three sisters, the husbands of all the three of them died in the sea.
So I have taken the pledge that, I will not send my children to the sea.
I have educated them and brought them up.
All these are old stories!
I carry the memories of my husband on my shoulders like a cross.
The world will gossip many things, but I go on with life.
It is said that those who do not heed the words of the stranger,
the lost and the widow are accursed.
It is said that the people should say Amen to this.
Why did you leave your country and come to India?
My village is full of Army and Navy.
They don't like me, I don't like them.
We can't get along with each other.
Here in India, how is your life?
I can't adjust.
Which is your village? - Allaipatti.
Where is that? In Vanni?
- No, it is an island.
Is it near Naina island?
It is far, you have to catch a boat, But now you can't go there.
It is full of Army and Navy.
Naina island is said to be Manipallavam.
Is it where the epic character, the Buddhist nun Manimekalai landed?
If you are a Sinhala you can go there.
Amma, we learnt that your son was shot dead, by the Sri Lankan Navy three months back.
I lost my elder son, will your interview give me back my son?
Just leave!
How dare she comes here for an interview when I had sacrificed my son!
Your job is also tough, foolish people!
The Government will come to know their case only when they get exposed in the media.
Who is living here without a grievance?
What's the objective of Sri Lankan Government, not to stop the war?
My kith and kin, who is a Tamil?
He is the demon in epic times, he is the son of the soil.
A huge human chain rally in Chennai, demanding end to the war is held.
People participated in spite of their different political affiliations.
Brave salute, brave salute to Martyr Muthukumar!
For his self immolation to the cause of Eelam.
Who funds you?
Sir, no one funds me. This is done with my own money.
It doesn't cost much, a camera and a little bit of truth, that's enough.
NGOs will fund it right?
Sir, NGO's never fund such things.
If you go to the refugee camp and film a refugee child without a shirt.
NGOs will pay cash and buy it.
They at least will buy shirts for the refugees right?
That's not for sure.
What's the reason for your involvement with the LTTE?
Sir, I am making a film about fishermen and refugees.
Then, why have you taped the political rallies, hunger strikes etc?
Sir, the future generation should know how false these things are!
I was part of the funeral procession of Muthukumar who had set fire to himself.
Is it not Muthuprakash?
No, it is Muthukumar.
The politicians who came for that funeral procession,
made fiery speeches frothing at their mouths but all of that ended the same day.
Their fire died down even before Muthukumar's body lost its warmth.
But, I could not remain so.
Two hundred of us, Writers and artists organised a protest rally in Delhi.
And demanded an end to the Srilankan war.
Oh! You have done big things!
No, it is a small gesture.
Can Gandhi's Nation kill? Can Buddha's Nation destroy?
Greetings to all the parents who are assembled here and the students.
You all send your wards to school but they drop out after the fifth standard.
You take them with you for fishing. Or they roam around catching crabs.
Don't you want to educate them?
Please pay attention to this.
Send your children daily to School. Please don't stop in between.
The teachers have brought you notebooks and sweets,
please accept them.
Is it their fate that they should sell crabs to survive?
If they study and find some job, they can earn money,
build house and come up bright in life.
So, everyone, please send your children to School without fail.
Children, have you heard of Abdul Kalam?
Yes.
Who is he? - Our President.
Isn't he the President? - Yes.
Isn't he our ex-President? - Yes.
Where was he born? - Rameshwaram
Wasn't he born in this same soil in a fisherman's family?
Yes.
In the very same fishermen community?
Did not he become the Commander of all the three Armed Forces?
Did not he send up rockets? - Yes.
Did not he dream of India being a super power? - Yes.
Don't you also want to reach such heights? - Yes.
Shouldn't we turn the dream of Abdul Kalam into reality?
Don't we have to touch the heights he reached?
So, will you all go to School and study?
Where are you running away? At least, have these sweets!
Don't you want to go to such heights? - Which heights?
These heights?
Come on, come fast! It is trapped.
Leave it, leave it Give it to me!
This is little raw, half cooked!
Hey catch it, catch that crab!
Soori, when are you going to Ceylon?
I am going to go to France - What will you do there?
I will work in a Radio Company.
Have you heard of Philips Radio Company?
It is there in France.
Muthurasu, ain't you going to School?
Yes, only at School, there is a room where I can sit and shit!
Soori, where did you study?
Me? Allaipatti Parasakthi Tamil Medium School!
Throw this away.
Go, throw this poster away.
Amman! I will come to the sea with you.
What is the use?
I may get good signals on the sea for the Radio, that's why!
Why sleep hungry? Eat something.
Amman! I feel really sleepy, let me sleep a bit,
you finish cooking and wake me up.
Please add some stem of drumstick to the crab masala.
Dhanuskodi, Kambippadu - 07 May 09.
This night, the dogs, for some reason, barked differently!
The policemen are here! Get up and run! Run, run!
They have come to rape your mothers and sisters!
The bloody cunt lickers are here!
No prick can come in here.
If anyone steps in, his legs will be chopped off.
Have you gone mad?
Yes, I am mad, there is only hay in the hut and cat is sleeping in the hearth.
What are you here to check? Go your way!
Rotten fellows! Come lick my stinking blood!
Moustached cunts!
Come on, now!
Sons of whores!
Get up.
Show your ID.
Bring it.
At home Sir, ID card is at home Sir.
At home? Go and bring it.
What are you doing here at this time?
Are you sending people to Ceylon? - No Sir...
Do you lie to us?
You tell? And you?
Everyone, kneel down. Mother fuckers! Do it fast!
Move forward, fast!
Who is that?
Sir?
We got all the information.
Fucking smugglers you are! And your wives fuck around with lovers!
We didn't do anything wrong! Sir! I didn't Sir!
Do you do smuggling? Sit there, now!
Cock sucker! Do your smuggling now!
Kabalavairava! My radio is also dead!
Amman!
Do you know the Policeman who broke my radio?
I will not rest till I get the cash for that radio from that bastard.
Hey! Come here.
Get in!
Can't you stay put at one place?
Don't you know, one needs Police permit to come out of the Camp.
Don't roam around! You will end up in problems.
Don't blame the Police afterwards.
Dear people, in the coming Parliamentary Elections,
Vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate!
The District Secretary of the BJP is here to ask for your golden votes!
What is this? The voter-sheet?
That is okay!
But, do you remember the Navy fellows raping your sister?
Your District Leader visited during that time!
He enters our village only now after that incident.
He got us the compensation in 15 days!
Yes, they say Kachatheevu will be reclaimed.
Will they reclaim it in thirty days?
If only MGR was alive, the Sinhalas would not raise their heads.
His demise has orphaned us.
The Sinhala Navy's atrocities are crossing all limits.
They rob our nets, our fish, even our underwear!
Sister, we had asked your help to register with the Police.
Can we do it now? - We can try.
You come with your wife and children.
The child is in School. I will get her as soon as she is back.
Will it be a problem, Sister?
Half of them have gone for Election duty. Let us try now.
Do it carefully, sister! We will do something for you.
You need not do anything for me, Just follow carefully what I say!
If you say something wrong, both of us will get into problems.
In Tamil Nadu, they demand bribe for everything.
That's why I am asking you.
Why did you not register immediately by the time you came here?
I did not like to, sister! Refugee Camp is like an Army Camp.
We wasted 3 years trying to go back.
So, will you not go back?
Kilinochi is also fallen.
But, you watch out.
Our leader will ambush them and smash.
Hello, Hello! Q Branch? Come here!
A family is waiting.
Can't get the mother fucking signal!
When did you reach? - In the morning, Sir.
Your name? - Nagaraja Sivanandan.
Your name? - Sivananda Ketheeswari.
My name is Dilani!
Where did you board the boat? - Did not get you Sir!
Where did you board the boat? - Kovalam, Sir.
How much did you pay? - 21,000 for all the three.
Where did you land up? - Don't know, Sir!
Here, somewhere near the coast and this sister brought us from there.
Arichanmunai, Sir! They were suffering not knowing what to do.
What's your problem in your country?
We have no problems! We will go back if the fighting stops.
When will it stop? And when will you go?
Come, come! Why so late?
Do I have a station duty like you to sit and relax in a chair?
Tell me, where did you board the boat? - In Kovalam, Sir.
Isn't it in Jaffna? - Yes, Sir.
But, is there no problem in Jaffna? - Not one, but several problems.
Army will catch you, or the Police, or the Navy or the EPDP, or the PLOTE.
What did you do for the Military to catch you?
I don't have to do anything!
Is the LTTE active in Jaffna?
They appear suddenly and disappear after shooting.
Targeting whom? - Anyone.
What is the connection between you and LTTE?
Nothing, Sir.
You tell me!
Do you belong to Freedom Birds or Malati Special Battalion?
I have one child, Sir.
Even Prabhakaran has three children.
Writer, bring the file!
Do you go to School, child? - Yes.
Where is your School? - In our village, far away.
Do you know to sing National Anthem? - Yes, I know.
Can you sing it.
(Sings the Indian National Anthem) Jana Gana Mana...
Lying to us, ain't you?
Tell us the truth! Or, you will be beaten to death.
If we have to die, we would have died in our village, Sir!
You should have died there. Why do you come here and waste our time?
Sir, please leave them Sir, Poor fellows!
They came here for the sake of their lives.
We should catch you first, what are you doing?
When did they come to India?
Three years, Sir. They kept postponing the registration.
Please register them now, Sir!
They have to go back.
How will they, Sir?
They come here past the Indian and Srilankan Navy.
Even LTTE stop them from coming here.
How can people go back in such a situation, Sir?
Please, you have to help them.
They are good people, please register them.
Please understand our problem too. If we start showing sympathy to you,
it will create further issues in future.
Even if you don't register them, it will be a problem too.
If they blabber like this somewhere, I will be in trouble,
I will not sing again, Sir.
Okay, let them go.
Thank you, Sir.
When the crisis gets resolved in our place, we will go back.
We will solve it soon! Go, go!
Don't be afraid, God is with you!
In Chennai, AIADMK party General Secretary
Ms. Jayalalitha concluded, her fasting for the cause of Srilankan Tamils.
She donates 500 thousand rupees from her own funds,
And 10 million rupees from the party funds.
She stated that she supports equal rights demand of Srilankan Tamils,
and recognizes their struggle for self rule.
Mr. P. Chidambaram - Home Minister
Someone called Rosemary has come to meet you.
If my mother calls you up, tell her that I am safe,
Actually there is no problem.
They are just doing an enquiry and giving me stress at times.
My tapes are with them.
I am negotiating! I am sure, they will give them back.
Superintendent of Police is a nice man, I know him.
Don't bother yourself bringing food to me. I will take care of myself.
What is the bother? I will come again tomorrow.
Blessed are those who suffer for justice, because the heaven is theirs!
You have solution for everything in a five hundred page book, I envy you!
Long live Rahul Gandhi!
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Karunanidhi
Srilankan Government Security Council met this morning,
and decided to stop all the war activities.
Which is indeed a happy news!
But a press release from Sri Lankan Government states that,
they have only paused Air operations.
Which party do you belong to? - Police belong to all parties.
In this situation, few minutes after Karunanidhi's statement on ceasefire,
Sri Lankan Air Force started bombing in Mullivaickal's protected area.
Which party do you belong to?
I may belong to fishermen party,
who demand weapons to defend themselves from Ceylon Navy.
When all castes have their own parties,
Isn't it good if fishermen also have their own political party.
When will your Superintendent of Police come?
Wait for sometime.
Amma,
Amma.
I need 500 Rupees. - What for?
I have spotted a radio.
Old one, National Panasonic! Just 500 rupees.
Government pays us only 400 Rupees! How can I pay you 500?
You have the money that brother had sent.
We spent all that for the boat.
Are you going to pay me or not?
Wait! You have spoiled him with your pampering.
You give me my brother's address, I will ask him to send money from France.
Don't roam around!
It is election time, no one to care if anything happens to us.
You give me 20 rupees, I want to post a letter to my brother.
Vairava, come!
Vairava
Can not deal even with you, Vairava!
Not a gunshot, they are hacked to death!
Wounds are all over the bodies.
It is a terrible sight.
Bury them! - Yes, Sir.
What about post-mortem, Sir?
No need!
Law is different on this side of the Pampan Bridge.
Not an issue, they will be preserved like dried fish.
Lord! Were not there any graves in Egypt?
Did you have to bring us out here in the desert to die?
Lord, I am crying out to you for help.
Bless us on hearing my appeal.
We are fifteen people, Sir!
This is from my own pocket, half my salary goes into such expenses.
Asked us to bury them, mother fuckers!
Police will again ask us to exhume! They will be like gruel, by then.
Our fishing times are over, And now it is the burying time.
The mother fucker makes it as if he is paying from his own pocket!
He will take the jewels of the dead and give it to his family.
Drink!
Rameshwaram - 09 May 09.
Dhammam Saranam Gachami! Sangham Saranam Gachami!
How much this camera costs, Madam?
200 thousand rupees.
You want to take a snap?
Can you see the sea? Can you?
Want to see it close by?
Can I see Ceylon?
This small camera also costs 200 thousand, Madam?
18,000 rupees.
Kangesu, you want to try? - Show me, sister.
Press this knob! No, this one, press it.
You have given it to them?
Kangesu - Go, go there!
Kangesu, do you want to take it to the sea?
We will take it - You will take it?
Can we take it and snap pictures? - Why not?
Can we film our boats? - Yes.
They are irresponsible even with their fishing nets!
They will pledge it and drink.
Look at you! Giving them the camera! You are brave.
My daughter's pregnancy ritual was shot with this kind of a camera.
If I had met you before, I could have saved on the camera rent.
Smile, smile!
If you push the knob on top, you can see my face closer.
That's a close shot.
Let's see how you shoot, push the knob on top.
Buddy! Please smile! You be the next MGR.
Shoot quickly, what's wrong with you?
What kind of a film are you shooting!
Smile more brightly.
Hey! You want to shoot him peeing? Let us show his prick to your sister.
The Sinhala Navy is here! Raise hands above your heads!
Everyone!
Hey! They are close.
Say we are brothers.
Hey! It doesn't look good, the way they come!
We are sure to get beaten!
You will be shot if you move.
Everyone, take off your clothes!
Indian mother fuckers!
Cunt! Tell me whose water is this? - Ceylon waters!
Shit ass! Why the fuck did you come here then?
Shit ass. Eat up the fish.
Look! He is shitting!
Eat up your shit!
Slap him! Tear off his ears.
This is not Prabakaran's sea! This is our sea.
If we see you here again, you will be shot dead.
Your head will be in Thalamannar, your torso will be in Dhanushkodi.
This is our sea!
Just wait, I will be here.
Brother Soori, Muthurasu was looking out for you.
Muthurasu! Muthu... Hey, hey!
Why are you crying?
I will not go the School. - Why?
I will come with you to the sea.
Come, come! The Navy will shoot you.
Hey! Abdul Kalam!
Look at his age! And yours! Is he your partner?
You, go to School.
If I find you here once more with him,
I'll knock your head! Leave now.
Dhanushkodi, Kambippadu - 15 May 09.
The anchors moist with blood are washed,
and launched in the sea the same day.
Hey! Twelve bullets have hit the boat Has the army caught Pattalam?
Look here, these are blood stains!
He was a golden hearted man. They have killed him.
How many more do the Navy wants to consume?
Now, we can't go to the sea or stay on the land.
Let us go somewhere and beg around.
Let them perish! Let them be cursed with total doom.
Come, let's go and search for him.
Why search?
The body is bound to reach the shore tonight or tomorrow.
Woe unto you! You are like the whitewashed tombs!
You got the Amutha Surabhi♪ (♪pot of everlasting abundance) from this sea.
Did you think
the pot of everlasting abundance was just a pot of rice, Manimekalai?
In the whole earth, the whole sea, the whole sky,
that overflow with Motherhood and Love,
which satiate the hunger of all life are Amutha Surabhi.
Come with me!
Manimekalai, time for you to leave.
Come to the Station, we have formalities.
Did you hear the news, Madam? Prabakaran is dead!
Madam, please sign here.
Why should I?
It is for your own good.
If the Superintendent had booked you under Anti Terrorist Act,
You will be in the District Jail now.
You are asked to leave this place within 24 hours.
A good chance for you to escape.
How can you do such things so suddenly? - Not suddenly, Madam.
We have consulted, who are all to be consulted.
All for your good!
Is it a crime to make a film about fishermen? Or about refugees?
SP Sir says, that you have done something like Tehelka journalists!
Please sign and leave, Madam!
I will not leave, unless I meet the SP.
Under what law have you confiscated my tapes?
It will be twenty days before the SP comes.
Please let us not argue about this.
There is an FIR against you.
You can go to the Court for appeal.
Now I am signing this.
But, you have to answer to the Court.
Better Job!
Can I leave?
Muruganandam? Go and see her off at the Station.
Two people will escort you till Chennai.
Have a good sleep in the train.
I have not slept since I came here.
I don't even know whether this is Rameshwaram or Sri Lanka.
Feel like pouring kerosene on one's body and setting it on fire,
for Tamils, there is only one leader - Prabhakaran.
My chest grows heavy knowing he too is no more.
He was taken in an ambulance, then, he must have escaped!
That's when they attacked. It's all over, no one to care for Tamil.
The Navy people had shot him dead!
They say so on our locality.
The Sinhalas are confiscating our boats,
stealing our nets, shooting at the fishermen!
Our Indian Navy does not even dare question this.
Now, what the hell they can do in Vanni?
What do you say, Soori? They say Prabakaran is dead?
Let them speak about what can happen!
What happened actually?
He is alive.
At first, 100 Black Tigers attacked, Soosai went and boarded the boat.
Then, 200 Black Tigers attacked,
Pottu Amman went and boarded the boat.
Finally, 300 Black Tigers attacked,
Prabakaran went and boarded the boat.
The boats sped at a great pace straight to Rameshwaram.
The Indian Government refused them entry!
They turned the boats and sped to the east.
From Mullaitheevu to Rameshwaram it takes only half an hour
They sped for three hours to the east.
They reached an island safe.
Pattalam only knows the Policeman who smashed my radio.
Now he is dead, and there is no witness!
Soori brother, wait!
Does it sing? - Yes!
It does not.
It sings.
Amma, I cannot find my son!
He did not come to the camp in the night.
I want to meet SP Sir.
It's getting late, Madam, the train will leave.
(Loud Speaker blares)
Thanks to all who cast their votes to send Kalaignar.
Prabakaran is found dead.
It was told, he was hit by a rocket launch in the war,
and burnt dead two days ago by the Sri Lankan Army.
Manimekalai, we called the Sub Inspector.
He intimated us that you are told to leave.
Today they are fishing Pesalai. Hey! It is Sheela fish!
Keep quiet! Have they spread shore net?
Yes, it is shore net! I am sure we will get some Thiruva fish!
Do you hear the sound of a radio? - Whose boat is that?
Somewhere, there leaks a radio sound.
It is not clear, coming in bursts. Come, let us have a look.
Yes, it is the radio, let us see.
There is only the radio, Where is Soori?
Hey! He must be somewhere near.
He won't go anywhere without the radio.
Where did Soori go?
He said he will go to France, didn't he?
Hey! He must have gone to Ceylon.
Hey! Crazy fellow!