Pottavelli is a village nestled in the hills and forests of coastal Karnataka. The villagers lead a traditional life. Devoid of electricity and mobile phone towers. Narrow lanes connect the mud houses with thatched roofs, and villagers move around on bullock carts, bicycles, or barefoot. The village practices traditional agriculture and handicrafts, with a strong sense of community and festival celebration with music, dance, and traditional performances.
Unbeknownst to villagers, a director learned of the village during research for a location. Mesmerized by the simplicity and beauty of Pottavelli - he decided to make a film about Pottavelli.
The lead actress, Malvika Reddy, knew what she was signing up for when she agreed to play the lead role in the film. The director had warned her that she would have to live in the village for up to six months, as there was no other way to access it during the monsoon season. Malvika understood why when - she saw the dirt road that connected Pottavelli to the nearest town, which was more than two hundred kilometers away. She hoped that the experience would be worth it.
Malvika was born and raised in Chennai, a bustling metropolis where she had access to all the modern amenities and comforts. She had never been to a village before and was curious about the rural lifestyle and culture. Malvika is a stunning beauty who can make heads turn with her appearance. She has a fair complexion, long black hair, and brown eyes. Malvika has a slim and toned figure that, Malvika has maintained with regular exercise and yoga. She wears fashionable outfits that suit her personality and mood.
One day, when she had no scenes to shoot - she went to the forest. She followed a narrow trail that led her to a hidden waterfall. She was awestruck by the view of the cascading water and the lush greenery around it. She felt a sudden urge to take a dip in the pool below the waterfall. She looked around and saw that no one was there. She quickly stripped off her clothes and jumped into the water. She felt freedom as she swam and splashed in the cool water. She felt like she was in paradise.
She was enjoying the water when she suddenly felt something slithering around her legs. She looked down and saw a snake coiling around her slender thighs. She screamed in terror and tried to shake it off. She managed to get out of the water and ran away as fast as she could. She was so scared that she didn’t know where she was heading. She bumped into a man who was walking in the forest. He was a villager who had come to collect some firewood. She lost her balance and fell to the ground.
The man was tall and muscular, with a height of six feet. He had dark skin, black hair, and brown eyes. He had a rugged and handsome face, with stubble and a mole on his chin. He wore a white Ganji with a big hole near his chest, revealing his hairy and sweaty body. He also wore a colorful lungi, which was the traditional attire of the villagers. He was holding a machete, which he used to cut the firewood. He was a widower who lived alone in a hut at the edge of the village. He had lost his wife and child and become bitter and isolated. He rarely spoke to anyone and had a sinister and intimidating aura. He was feared and avoided by most people, who thought he was cursed or evil.
Malvika was lying on the ground, shivering and naked. She looked up and saw the man standing over her. She was terrified by his appearance and his weapon. She thought he was going to kill her or worse. She tried to cover herself with her hands, but it was useless. She felt exposed and vulnerable. He looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and contempt. He stared at her silently as if deciding what to do with her.
He looked slightly higher above her head and saw the thick python slithering in her direction. He walked past her and picked up the serpent with his bare hands. He walked a few meters away from Malvika and left the python on a tree. Ignoring Malvika, he went on his way, leaving her alone in the forest, naked and scared. Malvika was not used to being ignored in such a way.
"Who is this man?" Malvika said to herself.
To be continued in private.