Synopsis : In the southern regions of Tamil Nadu, a village grapples with the slow demise of its farming traditions. Ranjitham, an industrious landless laborer, toils alongside her companions Raani and Sevuthi, diligently uprooting alien plants. Amidst their labor, they engage in a discussion about their way of life and the formidable challenge of securing employment in their current circumstances. The conversation takes a turn towards their despotic overseer, known as "Motor." Sevuthi discloses that Motor earned this nickname through an attempt to pilfer a motor pump from another landlord, an endeavor that ended in his apprehension. Sevuthi herself bears the brunt of Motor's resentment after once addressing him as "Motor." He not only withholds her long-overdue wages but repeatedly defers payment, insisting she collect it on another day. The boss makes a sudden appearance, immediately subjecting them to his verbal onslaught. He dismisses Sevuthi, deeming her too advanced in age to be efficient. Ranjitham and the others acquiesce, compelled by their pressing need for money. To Ranjitham's astonishment, her daughter, Rene, returns from college in town. Her purpose is to collect the fees for the upcoming semester, without which she cannot sit for exams. The misogynistic landlord directs vile comments at Rene's demeanor. Unperturbed, Rene counters, asserting that the flaw lies in his mindset, not in her attire or manners. Motor, unaccustomed to women speaking up, instructs Ranjitham to retrieve the money the following day. Ranjitham reveals that Motor's wife urgently ordered a foldable cot, and Ranjitham had to cover the cost, with the understanding she would recover it along with her salary. Motor remains unyielding, deferring the collection to a later date. As Rene sleeps beneath a tree, Motor shoos her away and feigns chasing away dogs from his land by throwing stones. The subsequent day, Rene and Ranjitham await Motor's arrival. Rene positions herself near the border of Motor's field, while he, seated on a cot, subjects Ranjitham to strenuous work, micromanaging every detail. During a break, Raani, fatigued, asks Rene to fetch a spade from the storeroom. When she emerges, Motor accuses her of attempted theft. A relative of Motor intervenes, diffusing the tension. Motor directs Ranjitham to collect the money the next day. Rene, under pressure, emphasizes the urgency of the overdue payment, as she must settle it within two days to be eligible for exams. On the ensuing day, Motor walks to the field border, threatening to inflict suffering upon Rene. He degrades Ranjitham, suggesting she degrade herself by cleaning feces for money. Rene departs in anger, prompting Ranjitham to chase after her. Rene, in tears, reveals the extent of Motor's disrespect. As Ranjitham borrows money from a village elder to repay Rene, Motor once again postpones the payment. As the laborers resume plowing, Rene extends an apology to Motor, who inquires if she desires the money. Fearing Rene might utter something offensive, Ranjitham rushes towards them. Motor instructs Rene to clean up nearby dog feces before receiving the money. Rene, in tears, complies. When Ranjitham arrives and witnesses the scene, her emotions overflow. She seizes a nearby coconut tree branch and begins to beat Motor. The altercation intensifies, with Ranjitham landing forceful blows. Motor collapses, prompting Ranjitham to urge Rene to retrieve the money from his pocket. They tally the funds, claiming what is rightfully owed to them and Sevuthi. Opting for the cot instead of the outstanding payment for prior work, the mother-daughter duo departs, leaving Motor sprawled on the ground, his ego shattered.
Director :
Infant
Producer :
K. Bagavathi Perumal
Screenplay :
Infant
DOP :
Easwaren Karthikeyan
Editor :
Suvish K
Cast :
Bagavathi Perumal
nirosha
Deepikka Anand ,
Dhanalakshmi
Panjavarnam
Infant is a student at Madras Christian College, Chennai. Originally from Thirukkanurpatti, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.