Brother.
What if we lose our land?
(Belches)
A river of colours paints this land.
With a trick in the dye at every bend.
A river of colours paints this land.
With a trick in the dye at every bend.
A mystery in every speck and bubble.
Shallow to look at, but deep within.
A mystery in every speck and bubble.
Shallow to look at, but deep within.
lndia, you see, is a clever mix.
Large hearts, tattered pockets.
(Music continues)
Who knows where we're headed.
The wheels keep turning, move on.
Who knows where we're headed.
The wheels keep turning, move on.
No food, no water.
Find an excuse to carry on living.
Weary eyes, blurred dreams.
Tears also have salt, my friend taste them if they fall...
COUNTRY LIQUOR FOR SALE
(Music continues)
(Music fades out)
Hello.
- Hi, Budhia. - Hello.
Any luck?
At it already, huh? Wait till you get home.
(Dhaniya) Finally back home?
Found the time?
What did the bank want?
Nothing.
So the bank called you for a cup of tea, is it?
(Amma) Why don't you mortgage me too? At least you'll get something.
(Dhaniya) Why did the bank call you?
The cat got your tongue? Why did they call you?
Give them something to eat first, you slut.
Have you left your brains at the bar?
Why did the bank call you?
Because they're auctioning the damn farm, that's why.
Oh, Lord!
We couldn't repay the loan.
Auction?
You've gone and lost the farm?
Auctioned it off?
Bastard! You've ruined us!
Shameless! Drunkards!
Get out of the house!
Destroyed our lives!
Think you can escape, cowards!
Try entering the house again!
Good-for-nothings!
(Continues cursing)
Fall into my lap like a ripe mango.
I long for you, my beloved.
I'm sleepless without you my love how will the long night pass?
I'm sleepless without you my love how will the long night...
You idiot!
Our arse is on fire and you're singing love songs!
Throw away the stick... Chuck it!
Come on.
We didn't borrow from Bhai Thakur, so why would he help us now?
But who can reason with your wife?
Don't worry, brother.
l'll fall at Bhai Thakur's feet and cry until his heart melts.
Moron, get up.
Can't you look?
- See this one. - Yes, these will pay for the Dholpur votes.
Don't hand it all to the headman. Visit each house personally.
And this one takes photos too.
Nice, give this to Bihari.
And take Karpuri along.
Why?
Because there is no trusting you. You may pocket them all.
Greetings, Bhai Thakur.
I see, His Lordship is here.
You should've summoned me instead.
Can we help with the election campaign?
What? "Help" in the campaign?
Do I look like a fool?
We had mortgaged the land for a bank loan.
lf we don't repay, it'll get auctioned.
So why come to me?
Go to the government.
They lent you the money, right?
Please Bhaiji, you are our last resort.
(Mobile rings)
lt's the Chief Minister.
Yes, sir.
Yes C.M., sir.
Everything is under control.
Yes...
Flags, posters... All done.
(Bhai continues speaking on the phone)
Yes, the cash has been picked up.
Yes, the trucks are here...
...the booze is on the tap, waiting to flow!
Long live the Samman Party!
Go for it, guys.
Bhaiji.
(Bhai) Get lost! We're busy.
- Bhaiji. - Yes.
There is one way to save their land.
What?
In South lndia, the government has started a new programme...
...by which farmers who commit suicide due to debt...
...get 100,000 rupees as compensation.
- Do what? Suicide? - Yes, suicide.
(All laugh)
All across the country,...
...farmers are killing themselves by the dozen.
Living is like an old-fashioned bell-bottom, while suicide is the latest jeans!
The government likes a fair give and take too.
There's at least one thing you can give... Your life.
Let's go.
Long live Chief Minister Ram Yadav!
Long live Bhai Thakur!
Budhia! Come, sit.
What did Bhai Thakur say?
He said, "Commit suicide, and the government will pay you."
Use that to clear your debt.
What?
Kill yourself and you get 100,000 rupees.
Thinks we are stupid.
Really? Would you get it if the wife died?
Go on, try it.
The government should take over our lands...
...and give us farmers a pension to retire.
So you can sit around smoking pot?
What good is farming?
American seeds, American fertilizers.
Pay for it, then pray for rain.
They are shoving farming up our arse.
Better shift to the city.
First, get screwed in the village, then in the city.
This suicide idea isn't too bad.
What rot!
I don't mean you.
What if someone is already very ill? Dying...?
Take Ram Asre for instance.
Always ill. His life hangs on a thread.
What's the point of living like that?
What's wrong if his death brings 100,000 rupees?
Not bad at all.
His life will be made.
Tell your wife that Bhai Thakur has suggested suicide.
- Budhia, have you heard the tragic news? - What?
Ram Khilawan was just run over by a train.
- Really? - Yes.
But we just saw him at Bhai Thakur's. How did he find a train so quickly?
No, not that Ram. It's the one from the village of the barber's wife.
Hey, listen!
And Ram Asre was also on his last breath.
- Nonsense. - Hang on, there is more...
This Bakki is a good-for-nothing.
Always spreading bad news.
We really are in a soup.
Hey, Budhia, have you heard?
The priest's daughter-in-law jumped into a well and died.
Why?
That she didn't tell me.
Oh! She was young.
It's God's will, I guess.
All of us have to go some day.
Sooner or later.
But we all have to die.
See you later. Come on.
The funeral is at four. Are you coming?
(Natha) Everyone is talking about death today.
Looks like it's a day of death.
Shut up!
(Amma) Budhia, put my bed under the sun.
Budhia, aren't you listening?
Put my bed under the sun!
I've spent half my life dragging you in and out of the sun.
We are losing our land and all you care for is sunshine?
And smoking pot all day is sure to save the land, right?
You said you had no money.
Don't get worked up, you'll have a fit.
Curse your tongue! You want to kill me? Why don't you get a fit?
Once you are done pampering your mum, tell me what Bhai Thakur said.
He told us to commit suicide.
You must've provoked him.
Right! Why don't you get a rope and hang me?
Cut the drama out!
Go hang yourself, for all I care!
Put some sense into your wife!
She's driving me nuts!
You've smashed my brains!
May the darkest storms descend upon you!
All thanks to this witch!
Yeah, right!
- Shut up, you tart! - You shut up!
Fancy some city doctor you wanted? Go on, get your treatment now!
I curse the moment I brought you home!
Wretch! You've ruined everything!
You scum bag!
Why are you sitting like a zombie?
Harder, damn you!
Below the neck. Yes, there.
Haven't seen your wife for a while.
Has she gone to her mother's?
- Gudda Babu... - What?
You mentioned about the suicide compensation programme.
What about it?
How did you get to know?
Why? You want to die?
Tell me please...
Magan's son told me it was published in the Jan Morcha newspaper.
(Budhia) If I could...
...I'd give up my life to save our land.
At least your kids would be taken care of.
Remember when we stole money from Pir Baba's shrine?
What a thrashing dad gave us.
I must say, he had a heavy hand.
Always left his mark.
Yeah, he could really hit hard.
- I made some enquiries. - About what?
About the suicide programme.
Commit suicide and compensation is assured.
Guaranteed.
We've gone through so much to protect our forefathers' land.
And now we are losing it.
lf I could, I would give up my life to save it.
No, brother. Why should you give your life?
I'll give up mine.
Why you? I'll kill myself.
No, I will.
You have a wife and kids to take care of.
You mustn't. I'll die.
No. I'll die.
Shut up, I'll die.
Think you're brave?
No, brother, I'll give up my life.
Sure?
Fine. You kill yourself.
Don't change your mind now.
It takes only two minutes.
Since you won't let me, you do it.
It's the same thing, really.
It's time for a short break but before that, the headlines of the day.
Shilpa Shetty denies her earlier remarks on her relations with Prince William.
Opinion polls predict...
...a comfortable victory for Chief Minister Ram Yadav,
...in the Mukhya Pradesh by-election.
And farmer suicides continue unabated...
...as 79 more take their lives in the last one week alone.
After the break, Union Minister for Agriculture...
...Mr Salim Kidwai, joins us to discuss the farmer suicides' issue.
What is going on with the autocue? Krish...!
Yes, send him in.
Your number one fan is here.
Vivek...
- How are you, sir? - Handsome as ever.
Hello, Salim. Good to see you.
- You never came to my party. - Yes, I'm so sorry about that, Salim.
I wasn't well. I really couldn't have made it.
But you went to Jaitley's.
Yes, I did, but I got sick after that.
I would love to have been there.
Must you be so heartless?
And we're coming out of a break right now.
Welcome back to News at 9. With us is Union Minister for Agriculture,
...Mr Salim Kidwai.
Sir, every 8 hours a farmer in the country has been committing suicide...
...which brings us to the unthinkable number of 170,000 since 1998.
Now, can the government be called indifferent?
Media should check its facts before reporting.
A number of these so called suicides are actually natural deaths.
The government cannot be held accountable for age or infirmity, can it?
So should the government just sit back and let the farmers die?
- Is that what you're saying? - Not at all.
We have waived loans...
...we've increased credit, we've started new irrigation policies.
Sir, but how do you propose...
...the government can stop these farmer suicides?
Industrialisation.
No developing nation can afford to depend on agriculture alone.
You, as the Agriculture Minister of the country...
...you are saying that we should forget agriculture...
...and look to industrialise, when we have a...
You're putting words in my mouth. No, I did not...
- ...is totally dependent on agriculture... - In fact...
Now to come to the elections, sir...
...how important are the Peepli by-elections for you?
The polls say that your candidate does not stand a chance.
Let the elections take place.
The people are fed up of the strong-armed tactics...
...of this castist communalist government.
But given the Chief Minister's boast...
...that he'll win this election by a record margin...
...you think your political reputation is at stake here?
Not mine, his. He's the one making these tall claims.
But your enmity with the Chief Minister is out in the open.
It's hardly a secret, Mr Salim Kidwai.
There is a saying in Hindi, you know.
"There may be disagreements in politics, but never enmity."
Bastard! He went to ITVN first?
Run the corporate scam story on his brother round the clock.
He'll fall in line.
When does ITVN's election programming begin?
I'm talking to you guys, are you deaf?
It's already on. They had Chief Minister Ram Yadav yesterday.
Today, it's Mr Salim.
Sir, the TRP for this week is here.
The Sacred Pumpkin story is topping the charts.
Boss loved this story.
I told him, it was Deepak's idea.
I flower under your shadow, sir.
Sir, I've got a great lead.
When Saif Ali Khan was twelve, he kissed a girl in class.
The girl is still in love with him!
Will she appear on TV?
She will. I've spoken to her.
Firstly, get her byte.
Then Saif's denial, right, sir?
Since you're getting Saif, might as well cover Kareena.
Will the mother talk?
Sir, I haven't spoken to Sharmila madam yet.
Not Saif's mother, you fool, the girl's.
You think too much.
- There is a school teacher... - Fine! We've got the story.
(Mobile rings)
Find some romantic footage of Saif.
From the film Yeh Dillagi.
Please chat less...
...and prepare for the OTS.
The headline will be "The Twelve Year Smooch".
Wow! It's great.
C.M. Ram Yadav is coming to Delhi.
Go on then, get his byte.
- My respects, sir. - Bless you.
A surprise visit, sir? I rushed over so that I don't miss you.
Work.
- How is your boss? - Fine. Sir, I needed a sound byte.
Of late, the English media has been ranting against me.
Who watches them anyway?
We're the real journalists, with a finger on the people's pulse.
Deepak, I want at least 15 stories before the elections.
All positive.
You're going to win by a record margin.
Of course I will.
- Sir, a small interview. - Go ahead.
- Roll camera. - Rolling, sir.
Please, move aside.
- Ready? - Yes.
Chief Minister Yadav, what is your government's biggest achievement?
Prosperity of farmers!
Prosperity of farmers means prosperity of the nation!
What rubbish. Have you gone mad?
But he's doing it for your sake.
Why should he commit suicide? What good are you?
You don't even have a family! You should commit suicide!
Precisely!
My death will bring nothing.
This way at least your children will have the land.
Hang on... Listen.
Have you lost it?
When you're of no use alive, what good will you be dead?
I see.
So he's brainwashed you?
I've said nothing, ask him.
What doesn't a man do for his kids?
And for his mother?
Shut up, mother!
She is to blame for all this!
There she goes again.
Budhia, give her two slaps and throw her out.
Let's see who dares!
- l'll break your bones! - Get lost! Man-eater!
Bedridden good-for-nothing, yak-yak-yak!
Get out! Thorn of a cactus!
Look how she's gone to fetch water for you.
Notice how she's showing her concern already.
Listen to the next one.
Cloth is aplenty, but the shirt is tight.
Clouds are aplenty, but such little rain.
Drought.
Cars are aplenty, but barely enough oil.
Try driving!
Rakesh?
THE DAILY JAN MORCHA NEWSPAPER OFFlCE
That is why, bombs were dropped on Iraq!
The war was just business. You know about Saddam, right?
Rakesh? There you are.
The Magistrate is visiting Peepli today.
He plans to announce a programme. Go there and cover it.
I'll do it from here.
What do you mean? You'll have to go there.
Mr Tyagi needs it with photographs.
Send Feroz to get the photos. I'll write the interview here itself.
It's election time, boss.
Let me remind you Peepli is part of the C.M.'s constituency.
Nothing has changed in Peepli in the past 60 years,...
...so what will this election achieve?
Power is back.
Start the machine.
(TV) ...the expanding boundaries to the mushrooming high-rises...
...and townships offering state-of-the-art facilities.
It seems to be...
Rakesh, did you get it?
Got it, sir.
Fuck!
Come on, Aunin, everyone knows those TRPs are fake.
Who knows where they get their data from?
Last week you were bloating about your high TRPs, weren't you?
Nandita, they are real for our sponsors.
Fine. What do you want me to do about it?
The "Sacred Pumpkin"?
Whatever it takes to get the eyeballs.
Maybe I should go kill someone, that would get you your eyeballs.
Maybe.
Have you noticed how much Dhaniya has changed?
You've barely mentioned suicide and see the respect she's giving you.
All that is fine, brother,...
...but what good is respect when I'm dead?
You losing the plot again!
If you don't do anything for your family how will you earn respect?
(Rakesh) Uncle?
Where is the Peepli medical centre?
(Shouting) Hey, fatso!
Where's the clinic?
Are you deaf?
Digging for fucking gold, looks like it!
(Rakesh) What? The Magistrate will come tomorrow?
(Man) Yes. Why have you come today?
But Mr Tyagi said today.
Who's Tyagi?
Bunch of smart arses!
Let's get some tea.
Been really well rewarded for my love.
My beloved has destroyed me.
God is great.
Hi. Give me a pack of cigarettes.
Who is supplying the free booze?
Election is still far away.
I'm going to commit suicide, that's why.
That's a new one. Why will you commit suicide?
These days the government gives money, if you commit suicide.
It can't provide for the living, so how will it pay for the dead?
How will I earn respect if I don't do anything?
Good day.
(Continue singing)
A SUICIDE ANNOUNCED IN PEEPLI
Yes...
Yes, sir. I have given the orders, sir.
He will be arrested.
After all, suicide is illegal.
Oh!
It's election time?
I'll immediately stop the police.
Given the situation, I have three options.
Firstly, I can arrest him.
I mean... Sorry...
Secondly, I can put him on the Food-for-Work programme.
Lastly, I could give him a Lal Bahadur.
I've already sanctioned a Lal Bahadur.
Everything is under control, sir.
All necessary steps have been taken.
Yes, sir... Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Sir, greetings. Victory to the Nation.
Victory to the Nation, sir.
How long have you been running a newspaper?
Stand up!
Rakesh reported it, sir.
I had to go home.
You know, sir, with me around such a story would never be published.
You are in for a...
- Cancel. License. - Yes, sir.
Your newspaper license is cancelled.
Send in the Block Development Officer.
"Mr Natha Das Manekpuri of Peepli..."
"...has stated that he will not change his mind."
"Mister" Natha Das Manekpuri!
Some Rakesh's report.
Why did Jan Morcha publish this?
(Car approaching)
Here they come.
Move, move, move! God is great, brother!
Greetings, Bhaiji.
Welcome, Natha.
You're a brave man!
I believe you're giving up your life?
Bhaiji, you suggested it.
What?
Listen! He blames me!
Talk back to me, will you?
How dare you?
After today, if anyone even thinks of dying...
...I'll skin him alive!
I think they broke my tooth.
Don't tell Dhaniya or she'll break the rest.
Who is Natha?
- Are you Natha? - Why?
Are you going to commit suicide?
No, sir. It's a lie.
Lie? Rakesh?
He is Natha.
I spoke to you yesterday, didn't I?
He is from the Magistrate's office, wants to give you something.
I'm not Natha, no matter what.
Is one of you committing suicide?
- No, sir. - Yes, sir.
"Yes, sir", "no, sir"?
Under the resettlement programme, in memory of Lal Bahadur Shastri...
...I'm giving you a Lal Bahadur.
Take his thumb impression.
What are you signing away?
What are you selling now? You've squandered everything!
- Shut up, mother! - Good-for-nothings!
Fetch the Lal Bahadur.
Now you can't commit suicide.
What about the money for the fitting?
You were about to die. Lal Bahadur Shastri just saved you.
Money for the fitting?
Bhaiji told us not to talk to anyone. Then why are you doing this?
A handpump for not dying, imagine what death will bring!
(Clears throat)
Friend, my husband earns good money.
But inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
Friend, my husband earns good money.
But inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
Friend, my husband earns good money.
But inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
Friend, my husband earns good money.
But inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
Every month petrol leaps, diesel is on a roll.
Sugar forever soars.
Rice too, flies out of reach.
Sugar forever soars.
Friend, my husband earns good money.
Inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
Friend, my husband earns good money.
But inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
Friend, my husband earns good money.
But inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
Friend, my husband earns good money.
But inflation, that witch, eats it all away.
(Phone rings)
I'm here! This stress is driving me nuts.
Hello. Put him on.
(Clears throat)
Hello.
Hi. I'm good and you?
Ok, tell me.
But what is the big deal?
Yeah, but the thing is that farmer kind of stories...
...are not exactly my forté, you know that.
Give it to me, yeah.
Huh-uh.
Can you spell that for me? Just a second.
Jan Morcha.
(Mobile rings)
Hello?
Speaking. Who is this?
Madam... Yes, it's me.
Yes, madam, thank you.
I'll meet you, of course I will.
Thank you, madam, thank you.
(Sighs)
Brother!
Sandip, cut it out. Stop that. Enough.
(Budhia) What's wrong with you?
She is here to ask something.
Hello.
I'm Nandita Mallik. I've come from Delhi to meet you.
Nathu, hey... She's here to take pictures.
Don't be afraid.
Nothing's going to happen.
It's just a camera.
It won't harm you.
Oh, my God!
Budhia, you're bringing girls home now?
Shut up, mother! She is with the government!
Goodness! A government girl?
I'm not with the government.
I'm from ITVN news channel.
Don't be afraid.
I'll talk to you later.
Relax.
Just look at me. Forget the camera, ok?
Mike, please.
Where's Rakesh?
Rakesh, please get rid of them.
Thank you.
Thank you. Please, move.
Can I see frame once?
Kids, move. I'll show you the TV later.
All right?
Yeah, it's good for me.
Sound check.
- What's your name? - (Budhia) Natha Das Manekpuri.
Let him speak.
There we go for a roll.
Roll camera.
(Clears throat)
Mr Natha, why did you decide to commit suicide?
(Budhia) Don't look at me, she won't let me talk.
How deep can despair run?
In one absolutely desperate act...
...Natha Das Mankepuri has shown us the limits to our security.
And now the question is.
Will he commit suicide and condemn us?
Or will this government step in and save him, in time?
This is Nandita Mallik in Peepli, for ITVN.
How come we don't have this farmer suicide story?
But it's an ITVN exclusive, sir.
Shut up. Who is the local reporter?
Fire the local stringer!
Deepak, l want this story on prime time with a live feed.
Women reporters should be banned. It's a non-story.
It's a live suicide, my dear. Un-missable!
Listen, sir, there will be no suicide.
Let our scam story break, then watch the fun.
It'll create havoc!
And if Natha kills himself, the elections will definitely swing.
But how? The Yadav caste votes are with C.M.Yadav.
Send an outdoor broadcasting van.
A team from Mukhya Pradesh will camp there.
I want updates in every bulletin.
The election will turn.
lf it doesn't, we'll still get superb ratings.
Now get going. Take charge.
Get me the local stringer.
Sir, l'm off, but mark my words no other channel will do this story.
(Nandita) Move ahead.
Straight ahead, this way. Walk on.
Let them feed the goats.
Goats don't eat those leaves.
This is no good. Do it again.
That's it, very good.
Shit!
Hurry up! Attach the mike.
(Reporter) Which one is Natha?
(Reporter #2) Why are you committing suicide?
Natha, who is like a son or brother for these women...
...has sadly decided to commit suicide.
Let's ask these women how they feel.
Do you think what is happening to Natha is right?
- No. - So what should the government do?
lf he can be saved, that'll be nice.
So, as you can see there is pain, sadness and anguish...
...over Natha's decision.
You think Natha will actually commit suicide?
You bet he will!
I know him. He's a doer!
He'll die, for sure!
Next, they'll make his mother dance!
Yes, sir.
Bloody Bhai Thakur!
Always claiming to have everything under control.
Look at this.
Sir, I took action on the very first day.
I've already given him a Lal Bahadur.
- Give him an Indira Housing. - Right, sir.
But it's meant only for the homeless.
Then the Jawahar Employment Programme.
But that's only for the unemployed.
At least you can give him an Annapurna!
That's for starvation, sir.
The Gramin Vikas is for an entire village.
The other government programmes are Peace and Prosperity,
lmport-Export, Growth lmpetus, Decelerated Development.
Apart from these, there are no other programmes left, sir.
Then create one!
- Do it yourself! - Right, sir.
Mr Choubey, keep the media in check.
Sure, sir.
What are you waiting for? Get lost!
Yes, sir. Good day, sir.
Victory to the Nation, sir.
Tell us some childhood memories of Natha.
We were always together. Smoking pot, eating eggs, farming.
But this talk of suicide has shaken me.
Smoking pot and eating eggs will never be the same again.
(Reporter) Tragic...
Right now we're inside Natha's house.
Behind me is his clothesline, earthen pots, sacks of grain...
- Do you go to school? - I do.
- Which class are you in? - Class four.
- Do you get lunch in school? - Yes.
(Deepak) As you can see, Mr Natha's mother just made this gesture.
Budhia... Budhia.
Where the hell are you?
- Where are you from? - I'm from TV.
- Are you from the bank? - No, I'm from TV...
You've already stolen our land.
What are you after now, the roof over our heads?
- Calm her down. - Mother, calm down.
Our house is on fire and you're asking me to calm down?
Leave her. Just be quiet.
As you just saw, Mr Natha's mother made this sign.
This sign could mean only two things.
Either she was asking for a cigarette or else she was begging for peace.
Yes, smoking, which is a road to hell.
Slow poison.
Look at the state of Indian motherhood.
With a ravaged heart, she watches her beloved son...
...walking into the jaws of death.
Will this helpless old woman lose the apple of her eye?
Or will this sleeping government awaken?
Sir, if you're done, please give me the cot. That lady wants it.
So, I should lie on the ground?
Get lost!
Brother...
You too, buzz off.
- Brother. - What?
- I've got something to say. - Tell me.
I can't do it, you do it.
Have you gone mad? How can I do it?
Your picture is now on TV!
Don't worry, I'm there for you.
What's there to fear? Buck up.
(Dhaniya) I've told you already, l know nothing!
Take your questions there!
Government, auction, farmlands! Go away, I've work to do!
Don't waste my time!
Dhaniya...
Dhaniya, I want to say something.
Go on. What now?
You did as your brother asked you to.
You've turned the house into a circus! Now dance in it!
(Crowd chanting approaches)
All have proven corrupted! Now, let's try Pappulal!
Messiah of the backward castes! Pappulal! Pappulal!
Saviour of the poor! Pappulal! Pappulal!
Long live Pappulal! Long live Pappulal!
Calm down...
Natha, Budhia, come, my brothers.
I couldn't stop myself.
I was drawn here to see this brave young man.
This is a time for sacrifice.
Natha's decision has brought honour to his caste and country.
Therefore, on behalf of the backward caste party, I present this TV.
Bring the TV. Hurry up.
As a token of my love and respect, I present this TV to you.
Come on, take it.
(Nandita) The Magistrate claims that Natha will not commit suicide.
Hang on. Where's the garland?
The Magistrate has said that Natha will not commit suicide.
Who the hell is the Magistrate to say anything?
Do you think the backward castes have no feelings? No conscience?
If so, then more like Natha shall rise.
There will be war! Natha will die!
Definitely die!
(Crowd) Long live Pappulal!
(Crowd chanting)
Natha Das Manekpuri has become a hero overnight.
By visiting Natha, the backward caste leader Pappulal...
...has turned this suicide into a caste issue.
Now let's see how this affects the outcome of the election...
...and how it impacts Chief Minister Yadav's chances.
Send more police. No one should get near him.
(Reporter) This is Mr Salim.
He is deeply anguished over Natha's decision of suicide.
But earning for his family is a bigger priority.
Life stops for no one.
While one family is about to be orphaned,...
...here's a man struggling to provide for his.
(Reporter #2) We are with lmarti Bai, who feels that...
...with Natha's death, business will boom.
Clearly, there is a lot of excitement about Natha's impending death.
A river of colours paints this land.
With a trick in the dye at every bend.
A river of colours paints this land.
With a trick in the dye at every bend.
A mountain is a molehill.
A pebble is God.
A mountain is a molehill.
A pebble is God.
India, you see, is a clever mix.
A colourful, vibrant democracy.
Circular motion, like this.
Don't stop, play on.
Put some red powder.
We're at the shrine of Peepli's Mother Goddess.
The Goddess has spoken through her oracles that...
...Natha will surely die!
But he will live.
Yes, he will die, but he will live on.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
(Clears throat)
Sir, the suicide story is really heating up.
The reporters are constantly calling us.
This has become a key factor in the Peepli elections.
It's a national issue now.
As usual, the State Government is blaming the Federal Government.
The Agriculture Ministry must respond.
Would you like some tea?
Try it.
It's a fine Darjeeling tea. Second flush.
Thank you, sir.
Sandip, you get nervous easily.
Yes, sir, but...
There is nothing in our hands.
We're powerless.
But we must intervene, at some level.
(Chuckles)
Prepare a file on Natha...
...and ask the Law Ministry to consult the High Court.
After all, suicide is a legal issue.
And we can do nothing without High Court directives.
Find a retired judge, Justice Sharma. Send him on a fact-finding mission.
And I'm sure Mr Salim will manage the media.
A bouquet of vibrant colours.
Faded colours much trouble and strife.
Caught between the devil and the deep sea.
Sorrow and joy play hide-and-seek.
One colour for the gifted another for the cursed.
It's a clash of colours.
Each staking it's own claim.
- Where are you off to? - To fetch water.
Again?
You think we have nothing better to do other than to escort you?
If I knew it would be so dusty, I would have fixed a filter in my nose.
(Cameraman) There he goes again, for the 18th time!
Shoot it, idiot!
(Man) He's got the shits.
It's been 72 hours, since Mr Natha announced his suicide.
What is your administration doing?
Aren't you asking the wrong person?
The Federal Government is anxious to know too...
...on what the Mukhya Pradesh government is doing.
If this is the state of affairs in the C.M.'s constituency,...
...imagine what's going on elsewhere in the State?
Regardless of the outcome of this election the C.M. already stands defeated.
Defeated?
What do you mean?
Is this is the first farmer suicide in lndia?
Look at Andhra. Look at Maharashtra.
Punjab too!
Ask the Federal Government what's going on since 1990.
There've been no suicides in Mukhya Pradesh...
...nor will there be any in the future.
We'll do better than the Federal Government.
C.M. and Pappulal have formed an alliance.
They've struck a deal over a Municipal post.
Call him.
Mr Yadav, greetings.
I was just watching your press conference.
You were marvellous.
Natha's suicide is a non-issue.
It's Pappulal who's egging it on.
Should I fix him?
I realise it's election time.
But I've always stood by you.
What?
Over such a trivial matter?
What the hell will Pappulal do?
Motherfuckers.
Get the car out.
Frame should be like this.
Your hand is not steady.
Go shoot wedding videos instead.
What an ass!
He's got the shits, madam.
That's why he's venting it out on his cameraman.
Deserves it, loser.
- Madam... - Yes, my dear Rakesh, tell me.
This is my CV, for you.
It's good...
...but for now, you keep it. I might lose it.
I've done a lot of local coverage...
I will take care of it, don't worry.
I promise to work hard.
Where is your focus?
On your CV, instead of the story?
Sorry, madam.
(Reporter) What are your comments on Natha's decision?
Answer our questions, Bhaiji.
Later...
Sir Budhia! So you finally summoned me.
What are you doing? Sit here.
What a carnival! Amazing!
I've never seen such a grand celebration of death.
Please don't joke, Bhaiji. We're neck deep in trouble.
Trouble hasn't begun for you yet.
If Natha doesn't die in the next two days...
...then I'll kill you.
They'll leave, eventually. Then guess who you'll have to deal with.
Huh?
Me.
Move, move.
(Reporter) Bhai Thakur, one question.
Well, what?
Will Natha commit suicide? What do you think?
(Deepak) What did you tell Budhia? Please clarify.
(Bhai) That's between the two of us.
- You must tell the media. - Answer the question, please.
What should I tell you?
What haven't I done for this place?
I've opened medical centres,...
...provided dowry for dozens of girls,...
...paid for many funerals.
In this lovingly nurtured village of mine...
...politics must not be allowed to claim lives.
I have known Natha since he was a kid.
How can I let him die?
Bhaiji, that was wonderful.
(Mobile rings)
It's the Chief Minister.
The C.M. is answerable.
What will he do now?
Move, get up from here.
Go there and play.
It's become impossible to move here.
Some say live.
Others say die.
Despite this circus, l wonder if we will get any money.
Why won't we?
After all this attention, why won't we?
But he should stay firm.
Look at him, sitting like a zombie.
What does he dig all day?
- Hello. - Hello.
What are you doing?
Digging earth.
What for?
To sell.
- What's your name? - Hori Mahato.
- Huh? - Hori Mahato.
(Sirens wailing)
(Reporter) Why is Pappulal with you, Mr Yadav?
(Reporters ask questions simultaneously)
Sir, are you here because of the upcoming elections?
Do you think...
Calm down...
Calm down, listen to what l have to say.
As you can see,
we have with us the revered leader of the backward caste party,...
...Mr Pappulal.
Though we are opponents,...
...yet he stands with me today.
I am very grateful to him.
We are here today to meet our brother.
To humbly request him to give up his idea of suicide.
The Mukhya Pradesh government...
...will grant 100,000 rupees to Mr Natha and his family.
Mr Natha will not commit suicide now.
This tantamounts to bribery. How can this be a compensation?
Hear me out fully.
Natha will not die.
For sure.
Guys, headline changes. We'll have to re-roll.
Natha will not commit suicide.
As per the Election Code of Conduct...
...no individual can be granted special favours.
The Chief Minister should accept moral responsibility and resign.
This is anarchy.
Good evening. The headlines for the day.
The Election Commission cancels all concessions granted to Natha.
Once again his fate changes. Natha is to die.
Dad, when will you die?
When will you die?
Tell me.
Why don't you let me rest in peace?
Uncle says after you die, I'll become a government contractor.
Contractor, huh?
No, I want to be a cop.
Here, I'm about to die and you want to be a cop?
I want to be a cop!
You're back?
Go.
Go away.
Move, it's getting late.
What are you doing here?
- I need to go... - Again?
We're in a hurry too.
- Wait for our shift to change. - But it's urgent.
Then do it right here.
Have a heart! It's too early.
Let me have some tea first.
Climb. I'll pass you the camera.
Can't you find another story?
70% of our country shits in the open.
It's a sensational exposé.
Careful.
Well done.
Frame ready?
Idiot! They'll finish shitting!
Do you see anything?
- Deepak, sir... - Yes?
- In the field... - What?
Natha alone.
- What's he doing? - Shitting.
Keep rolling.
Ali, come fast.
Natha spotted.
(Deepak) Come down!
Where did he go?
Hurry up! Jump!
(Nandita) You are a cop and you don't know? What were you doing?
(Policeman) l had gone for a shit and was walking back.
Everyone was running so I ran too.
- Who was running and where? - Everyone, madam, everywhere.
- What happened to Natha? - Don't know, he ran away.
- What? - Yes!
The media is out in full force. The police have taken positions.
This is an absolutely shocking turn of events.
Natha Das Manekpuri has gone missing.
ls it a political conspiracy? Or was Natha under pressure?
ls this police negligence?
Will he or will he not commit suicide...
Hello. Hello. Yadav calling, sir.
Nobody has a clue as to where he is.
More importantly, has he changed his mind?
Natha missing. ls he dead or alive?
Only C.M. Yadav can tell us where Natha is.
Missing? Or forced to disappear?
We are waiting for the High Court orders.
What does this say about safety in Mukhya Pradesh?
We'll investigate.
People go missing!
We'll find Natha within 72 hours.
We are waiting for the High Court orders.
18% people feel Natha has run away,
49% think Natha has succeeded in his mission,
14% blame lslamic terrorists,
6% blame left wing extremists
and 7% hold America responsible.
All Communist parties strongly condemn the State and Federal Government.
Unemployment, starvation, poverty, America and all other issues.
We are waiting for the High Court orders.
lf you look closely you'll see Natha's footprints.
Whether escape or abduction,
here's where Natha perched himself for the last time.
And here's the fruit of his toil, his faeces,
commonly known as shit.
Take a close look.
Do not cringe at the sight,
for, as long as we live, we will continue to shit.
Psychiatrists claim that faeces reflect our mental state.
The complexion of our shit is a window to the inner self.
But here we see a mixture of hues.
Therefore, before reaching any conclusions
we need to bring in experts as Mr Natha was no ordinary man.
For Bharat Live this is Kumar Deepak live from Peepli.
l feel we have to do something, sir.
Law suits have been filed.
Sir, these Central Government schemes do not cover farmers who are still alive.
Our schemes cover only those who are already dead.
Try this. Launch a programme, the Natha Card Programme.
Dedicated to Natha.
This card will be given to families below the poverty line
or whose members wish to commit suicide.
But we can't afford that.
70% of our population is farmers
and at least half of them are below the poverty line.
We don't have funds for it.
We're merely making the announcement.
lmplementation is the problem of the State Governments.
Damned if they do, damned if they don't.
Let the music begin.
Hey?
Wearing father's sweater again?
(Sobs)
Why are you hitting him?
All your fault.
You started this whole thing.
You think he's dead?
Even if the God of Death himself came to fetch him, he won't go.
He must be hiding somewhere.
Left us in a lurch.
The government says you get no money until you produce the corpse.
Happy now?
l've three children. How do l provide for them?
Go on, you slut!
Gobble him up too, swallow him up!
You keep shut.
Had it not been for your medicines, we'd have never taken the loan.
(Amma) Look! Now she is cursing me.
l've had enough.
Now it's your turn put in an application to die.
Are you mad?
- My death will bring nothing. - Of course it will!
By now even l know that.
lf you die, your mother gets the money.
- Don't talk rot. - l'm not.
Take this sheet, lie down and die!
God! This witch will kill him too!
You luckless whore, sorceress, witch!
l curse you to death!
- What happened? - Hori died.
- The one who used to dig? - Yes.
- How? - He was weak to begin with.
And then, the hard labour.
He was found dead in his pit.
With me is Ms Biniya, who is from Natha's wife side of the family.
Can you tell us where Natha could be?
Do you know if he is alive?
(Baby cries)
This is not working, Sandip.
Rakesh...
Where are you?
Tell me, how hard is it...
...to find one decent person l can talk to, hmm?
Why is Natha so important to us?
Natha...? You're talking about Natha?
Ok...
A farmer is committing suicide because he's in debt.
You don't think that's important?
Yes, it's important. But there are other farmers in this village too.
Aren't they equally important?
You don't just abandon a story midway, Rakesh...
...and move on to something else. No.
You've got to follow it right to it's conclusion.
There was a farmer in this village called Hori Mahato.
His farm had been auctioned.
So he used to dig up earth from the fallow land and sell it.
For his labour, he made about 20 rupees.
What's your point, Rakesh?
He was found dead in his own pit.
People say he died of hunger. ls this not important?
Fine, if it makes you happy...
...we'll send a reporter, we'll do an entire feature on him.
But he's dead.
Let me try and explain this to you.
Research shows our audience is interested only in Natha.
Do you know why?
Because he is the original live suicider.
Do you have any idea how big this is?
Would finding Natha solve all problems?
No. No.
No solution is going to be found.
Some people choose to become doctors, some engineers.
We're journalists. And this is what we do.
lf you can't handle this...
...then you're in the wrong profession.
Hey, Natha!
Natha?
Hey, Natha!
What's up?
What's happening?
Eat.
"The government has launched a new programme..."
"...dedicated to Natha Das Manekpuri."
"Farmers desiring to commit suicide will be given a Natha Card."
"More than 65,400 farmers have already applied for this card."
Bhaiji, take my advice.
Let's strike a deal with Mr Salim and give Natha to him.
That will put C.M. and Pappulal in a fix.
You're right, Gudda.
No, Mr Salim, this has nothing to do with money.
lt's about honour.
Yes, l'll give you Natha.
Then you decide whether you want murder or suicide.
Welcome, please come.
All of Peepli will be at your service.
Mr Salim, you're a man of style.
You have brought glamour to even the Agriculture Ministry.
Your true fan is me. Leave your party and join us.
Very well.
Bhai Thakur, that scoundrel!
Playing games with me!
Mr Salim had recommended an American company.
What was it called? Sonmanto?
Yes.
Give them all the government contracts for seeds.
- But sir... - Do as you're told.
Yes, sir.
Organise a press conference tonight.
ln Peepli.
Welcome, Rakesh sir. How are you?
Your shop is going well.
All thanks to you.
- How about some food? - Right away.
Boy, set a plate.
ln a minute. Let me first pack Gudda Babu's dinner.
What's up? Has Gudda Babu stopped going home?
He's ordering a take-away every night.
- He's at the warehouse these days. - l see.
Come quickly!
Wait, Mr Rakesh, it's done.
Get up! We're taking you home.
l don't want to, l'm ok here.
But we aren't ok with that. Let go.
Gudda Babu, get him off me.
Hey, listen Natha.
- We all have to return home, my dear. - But l don't want to. l'm fine here.
Don't! No marks.
Are you sure about this?
Yes.
Warehouse...
OK.
Sir, all the reporters have arrived.
We're getting late for the press conference.
Call Salim.
l'm sure Nandita has got a lead.
l'm following her.
Faster.
Faster! They're on our backs.
Mr Salim is getting upset about Natha not appearing.
Why isn't Gudda answering the phone? Lethargic slob.
Choubey, all of you go to Peepli.
- Check what's up. - Ok, sir.
You guys are no good either. Couldn't arrange for a light?
- We've got a petromax lamp. - Then why haven't you lit it, moron?
Why haven't you lit the petromax?
- Where's the oil? - Haven't put the oil in, motherfuckers?
Stop!
Jugan, stay inside.
- You left Natha unguarded? - He won't run away.
- Morons! Where is Natha? - ln there.
(Nandita) Don't argue with me. Just come on. l know this is it.
This is it.
We just have to find that damn Rakesh. Where the hell is he?
(Car door slams)
Deepak...
Sir, we've arrived. l'll keep you informed.
lt's so dark, l can't see anything.
- Why didn't you bring a torch? - Sir, l'm new on the job.
You should be transferred back.
Where's he?
Let's check in here.
- Hurry up! - Yes, sir, l'm lighting it.
Faster!
Sir, where are you? l've arrived.
What an idiot this B.D.O. is.
D.M.? What is he doing here? Roll camera.
D.M. Sir, why are you here?
Stop spilling it.
You know exactly what is going on. Who is on the inside here?
lnterviewing on the sly!
What the hell are you doing here?
You left the press conference to report on the sly?
Will you stop following me and let me do my job and go find your damn story?
Sir? Sir?
(Nandita) The Chief Minister had called for a conference to be held at 9pm.
An accident took place.
Yes, we have confirmed reports that indeed there was an accident...
...and yes, there has been one casualty.
Now, news has been trickling in that Natha could've been at that site.
We don't have any official confirmation on this as of yet.
We are still trying to ascertain...
(Deepak) lt is now confirmed that the burnt body...
...is of Natha Das Manekpuri.
Yes, Natha is dead.
How ironic that Natha died in an accident.
Neither suicide, nor murder.
Fate denied this poor soul even his last wish to commit suicide.
A resilient farmer is now dead.
A farmer who was alive is now dead.
This night will weigh heavily on lndia.
A dark night indeed for lndia.
Hurry up. The village picnic is over. Let's move.
l have a simple rule.
- Stretch a story only so far. - Of course.
- lt's so easy to be sensational. - Sir, is truly different.
- Have you seen Rakesh anywhere? - No.
He's not answering his phone... Let's go.
What happened today?
Nothing.
Why?
You said everything would be sorted after the post-mortem report.
Yes...
But now they say...
...it was an accident, not a suicide.
So, no compensation.
What about the Natha Card?
We don't have a Below Poverty Line card.
To prove we're poor the government gives a B.P.L. card.
We need that for a Natha card.
Three months have gone by in all this.
He lost his life...
...and you couldn't even manage to get a poverty card.
All that we are is merely clay.
How long can we last? We are merely clay.
All that we are is merely clay.
How long can we last? We are merely clay.
All that we are is merely clay.
How long can we last? We are merely clay.
Time is a great leveller, it spares no one.
All that we are is merely clay.
How long can we last? We are merely clay.
Time is a great leveller, it spares no one.
All that we are is merely clay.
How long can we last? We are merely clay...
(Song continues)
Re-synchronised & Re-edited By ArchaicFurore For Comments & Feedback : (signup@post.com)