Ananthu (The Infinite)
Here is all there is where else will you go.
Among those you taught amidst their tales and thoughts...
Go forth proliferate live on my infinite Ananth.
Daybreak already?
You can't make out day or night in grandpa's room.
Turn it on if you need it. Grandpa prefers being in the dark.
I don't recall seeing grandpa in bright light ever.
I've always seen him in the dark.
It seems Mahatma Gandhi would keep the lights on even while sleeping.
It seems he hates the dark.
My grandpa prefers the dark.
Maybe he's no Mahatma.
Just your good average Atma. Won't that do?
No. That won't do.
Sister, find a plug point.
- There's one here. - Can't plug into that socket.
What is this? Looks like a monkey's skull?
Yes. It's about 4000 years old.
The monkey? No. The skull.
Grandpa's archaeological find.
What is it?
'Thol porul' is archaeology.
I'm not a writer like you. Just a doctor.
Studied about it in school.
Please open your mouth.
He was the one who excavated that place.
I've seen the photographs.
Just some discomfort. I'm pumping the phlegm out.
You'll breathe easier then.
Does he know about the award you'd received?
He was fine last week.
Whatever others might say...
I think he is more mentally sound than the others.
When did he become mentally ill?
Among people who knew him when he was sane...
the only one alive must be my grandma Mythili.
I feel sorry for him. He didn't feel good talking to anyone.
But, he spoke to me. He's told me a lot of stories.
All his stories were in the first person singular.
It was never "Once there was a king".
He would rather say
"Once, where I lived, there also lived a king".
You could never tell reality from fantasy.
My next novel is based on one of his stories.
You can't categorise it as biography nor fiction.
It's going to be an interesting combination.
A thriller? You could call it that too.
Where's the story based?
Here in India.
But in pre-partition India.
In 1946, grandpa worked with Mortimer Wheeler, an English archaeologist...
Two in a grave.
Not the two of us. The two of them.
Hey, Amjad.
That's enough.
Why?
They fear a communal riot.
Work is over. Hurry up.
It's been here for 5000 years. It won't go away. We'll come back.
About thousands of years before Christ, even back then...
this civilisation knew the need for a sewage system.
A civilisation where children were given toys to play.
Not like ours...
where we adults use our religion to fight each other with.
I agree.
But we don't live in that civilisation now.
Say salaam to uncle.
Tell them, Ram.
- Amjad. - Yes, mother.
Return home early.
Nafisa, take care of him.
Ok.
Let's go, driver.
A toast to India?
To which India? Full or Half?
I can never have a drink then.
Hey, Sindhi.
I'll thrash you.
You are sharp. How did you know it was me?
I can smell a fool anywhere.
It seems he can smell a fool anywhere, Nafisa.
With Amjad in the house it must be stinking. Right?
No. The house smells fragrant.
He's used perfume to cover up the stink.
He wants Pakistan.
When did I ask? -There are others who want it.
I'm off to Calcutta to meet my wife. It's been 20 days.
I see.
I was wondering why he hadn't started about his wife yet.
When are you going to Calcutta, brother?
In a couple of days.
- Then I have to go to Calcutta too. - Why?
Raksha Bandhan is coming up. She'll want to tie the Rakhi for me.
I forgot he happens to be your foster brother.
Let's go to Calcutta too.
Is that a joke?
No.
He is already henpecked. Must be a call from his new wife.
Leave him alone.
I was just thinking about you.
That Bengalis are boring.
Stop mumbling and speak up.
Be louder.
Why?
So you're calling from the post office?
No, I married you. Not them.
They are after me. I'm not after them.
Don't worry. Ram will make it to Calcutta in a month.
Don't do this.
What? Tamil woman's voice?
That's Amjad's wife, Nafisa.
We settled all pending issues as well.
The first wife issues.
Ram hasn't told you?
Amjad is lying. There's no 'Mrs Asha Ram'.
Ram never paid her a settlement.
We are in trouble now. Call back later.
Don't hit him, Ram.
She called from the post office. Poor thing.
What are you doing?
Worrying for you.
The wedding necklace I ordered for her from Madras...
did you tell her about it? -They didn't even let me talk to her.
Have a drink.
Idiot, if I drink here, how will her worries go away?
That's for horses.
Not just horses donkeys too drink this.
Give him water.
I don't want water. -Why?
Mix it with rum.
Now, was this a joke?
I think you too should have some rum.
Now someone sing a Tamil song.
Thank you.
Ram, sit down.
Lalu, are you ready?
Hello, sir. You remember me? Altaf the tailor.
Don't worry, sir. Mr Jinnah has announced Direct Action Day.
Your wife doesn't come to me anymore.
Has she found someone else?
Go on, sir.
The watchman will take the luggage. Please don't leave.
Bring the luggage.
Handle it carefully. There's glassware inside.
Who is it? Speak up.
Else, I'll call the police.
I can hear you. I have a gun.
I was just playing the fool.
What happened?
What's the matter with you?
There's a telegram from your father.
A gun with no bullets is as good as a ladle.
- Where are the bullets? - In the safe.
Telegram.
You must've read it. Just tell me.
I read it only because it's a telegram.
It says "Father serious". Right?
- Has he died? - Stop it.
Why don't you read it?
So, you thought I'd leave you as soon as I read this.
You silly woman, I couldn't put up with them and...
that's why I came here to Calcutta faraway from them.
If I had wanted to marry a girl of their choice...
I would've done it years ago.
- Sir, luggage. - Leave it outside.
You leave everything outside. Put that down here.
You even left the keys outside.
Stop giving him tips every time. You're spoiling him.
- What's inside? - Careful, you'll hurt your back.
I've brought glassware for you. Careful, it'll break.
I do not wish to be one of your wives.
So, are you okay with a North Indian?
Is she a North Indian?
Fool! There's no other woman. I love only you.
Satisfied?
So, touching is being rationed.
Gone are the days when the son would...
blindly say yes to the bride chosen by the lyengar patriarch.
- Won't you hurt your father? - Go slow on your Bengali.
I'm still learning the language.
Your father is going to make a fuss.
He will disown you.
Let him make a fuss or a kozhukattai. I don't care.
You are my only family.
If you want a bigger one then let's have our own.
It's a food item.
- What does it look like? - Looks like you.
You'll understand when you see our baby.
Later.
"Moonlight in the sky."
"On the forest trail the scent of the leopard."
"My heart is like a deer."
"In the silence of this night which way am I going?"
"The silvery shadow of leaves on my body."
"No more deer anywhere."
"As far as I go, I see the moon bent like a sickle."
"Cutting the last golden deer-grain then sinking slowly...
into the darkness of all the sleep...
in the eyes of a hundred does."
What did you eat in Karachi?
Can we again sleep in the balcony tonight?
You want me to get used to the balcony...
so that your other wife can use the bedroom.
Shut up. Going on and on about the same thing.
Oh, no!
What are you looking for?
- This? - That too.
What are you doing?
Where are you going?
May you live long with your husband.
The wedding necklace worn by married women in Madras.
My dad can't do a thing now.
Where is the vermilion?
- That's red ink. - I know.
Now what do I get?
You want a wedding necklace too?
Something like that. As a remembrance.
Something to eat. I'm hungry. -Hey, Ram.
Boy or girl?
A girl and a boy.
I'm very hungry.
There's nothing to eat...
except me.
What about for my tummy?
I've been living on bread and butter for two days.
Why, my dear?
I'm afraid to go to the market.
Let's go. Nothing to worry.
I'll get something to eat.
Listen. All the shops are closed.
Only the Muslim shops. Hindu shops will be open.
Ram, I'm very scared. Please don't go.
Don't be afraid.
- Aren't you ashamed? - No!
- What happened? - He saved my life.
- Come inside. - Please come in.
Madam, open the door.
I'm Altaf. Your old tailor.
You ungrateful scum!
Aparna, be careful.
Aparna, close the balcony door.
How about you?
No. I prefer this one.
Stop kicking or I'll blow your head off, you son of a pig.
Ok. Don't shoot me. I'll do whatever you want.
My neck is going to snap. Untie my hands. I'll do whatever you want.
We have paid with enough lives. Please don't kill us.
No, sir. It was a mistake. I accept it.
It's the situation that's driving everyone crazy.
I wasn't the only one. There were others too.
Don't, sir. Forgive me.
A man with a pistol. A Muslim.
Who is it?
Don't kill me.
Allah is great!
Thank you. Allah has sent you to save me.
Noor, come out.
I'm scared, grandpa. Why don't you speak, grandpa?
Stop!
Step back.
Of Kaushik, son of Vishwamitra...
Of Kaushik, thrice blessed...
Of Kaushik, the high priest of Yajur Veda...
Of Kaushik, I bear my lineage. I am Shri Ram Abhyankar. I am a Brahmin.
Vande Mataram.
Why haven't you washed?
Tamil? From where?
So, good hunting last night?
I killed in rage. That fearlessness...
I don't have when I want to kill myself.
You'll have your reasons. Your faith, your philosophy.
What reason can I give?
It's like I've lost a part of my life and my soul.
My wife, Aparna right in front of me...
Twenty men raped my sister...
and then killed her.
There are many like me. Many sisters and mothers.
Your wife?
Who do you think is responsible for all this?
From the beginning starting with the Khilafat movement...
he's been watering the small green sapling...
and allowed it to grow into a huge tree.
Where are you going?
To the police. I won't lead them to you.
I'll seek punishment for the crimes I've done.
Who is to punish whom?
The law has gone on a holiday.
We are the ones here right now.
Only when you commit a crime will there be punishment.
There is no punishment for one doing one's duty.
If killing is crime then so is war.
A soldier engaged in battle kills. Is it a crime?
I am not a soldier. I'm just a civilian.
This is civil war.
Our country is in a state of crisis...
all of us are now soldiers.
Read this book. It is banned. Do not remove the cover.
If we survive this we shall meet again.
Slowly.
Watch it. It's going to crash.
Let's go. -Your luggage?
I don't want anything. Just get me out of here.
This is a good omen.
Sister, wake up. It's the Lord's palanquin.
May you live long.
Are you blessing God?
Bless us, Lord!
Don't have a long face when we are in the bride's house.
You quit work, quit shaving. Still life goes on.
But never give up on life.
This was your father's dying wish.
He'll take rebirth as your child.
You are distracted.
I pray that my husband should die before me because...
he will be lost without me.
After he goes I want to pamper Ram's baby. Just one day will do.
I'll die at peace then.
After she dies I'll pamper your son for some time and then I too will die.
Let's not talk such things while we are on our way to see the bride.
You were the one who started this.
All right, let's now talk good things, Ram.
It's not even six months since my wife and father died.
Here I am off to see another girl.
Anything that we say he will have an argument ready.
Drive carefully.
They are here. Control your sneeze.
Clean the floor. Hurry up.
They are here. Inform uncle.
They are here.
Watch out, grandpa.
Let the bridegroom go in first.
Hurry up. We have just five seconds.
Please be seated.
What are you doing?
I'm doing yoga.
He looks like Thyagaraja Bhagavathar with a beard. -Very funny.
I'm Veda. Why the beard and moustache?
You look just like your uncle now.
Good you didn't choose to remain a bachelor like him...
and have decided to marry again.
Did I say something wrong?
How are you, Aunty?
Where is your husband? -He didn't come.
Why? -Didn't come.
But, why didn't he come? -He is not well.
Oh, no! What happened? He seemed fine.
Idiot. He's been paralysed for seven years...
and you enquire now. Get lost.
Sister. -Keep quiet.
Is he related to you? -No. He lives in the neighbourhood.
I'm a collector. -What?
Ok. A bill collector.
Come here, Mythili.
Keep your eyes and voice down, mind you.
That's enough.
Take my blessings.
May you live long with your husband.
She doesn't have to... -No harm in touching the feet of elders.
Have some coffee.
Mythili made the coffee.
Tell them she's good at embroidery too.
"TVR" is her grandfather's initials.
This Krishna. All done by Mythili.
Uncle, don't forget the "Sweet Dreams".
"Sweet Dreams" This is the latest.
The pitch is too high. Her voice will crack like a twig.
Uncle, she seems very young.
Do you want an old lady? We aren't cradle snatching.
Calm down. Listen to the song.
Their eyes have met.
Enough of practicing. Start playing.
Where is Yegyam? -He's here.
I'll go take a shower. Where is my room?
Show him the room. -Ok. I'll get him a drink.
Don't drink too much.
I already had one. I'm a doctor. Won't I take care of myself.
Take care of me too. Just a little. -That's not little.
The train was late.
We'll take care of the guests, sister.
Don't blow the smoke this side. Uncle will find out.
Let's give him one too.
You seem deep in thought.
A wedding celebration is happening here.
Whereas at Delhi a nasty divorce is happening.
Better to be safe than sorry.
I think this partition is a good thing.
Like an amputation Radcliffe has done a precise slicing.
Who is Radcliffe? -My uncle.
I see. -He believed it.
Ok. I didn't. Who is he?
The demarcation line that will divide India and Pakistan...
will be decided by this great man.
What happened?
Sister, are you all right?
Nothing serious. Just hypoglycemia.
When did you last eat? -Yesterday.
You haven't had anything but coffee.
Must be gastritis.
I don't think so. Must be the planetary alignment.
No. -Then what could it be?
It must be about 24 hours since you last ate.
Fasting like Gandhi. Why are you trying this at your age?
You seem to be making fun of the Mahatma.
His whole family is like this.
These fellows won't even agree on something universally accepted.
Happens to be my relative.
They won't spare even God.
I wasn't making fun of the Mahatma.
I just advised not to fast at the expense of one's health.
If you and I fast we will fall ill.
But when the Mahatma fasts we will get Independence.
Have you eaten?
No. But I've just had my fill.
Must be gas. You better eat.
Keep in mind all that I told you. Don't be nervous.
The milk is here.
I don't drink milk.
Why? Is it doctor's advice?
That's my book.
You can read it.
I couldn't find anything else to read.
I'm going to change into another sari.
Mum told me not to wear silk to bed.
Who is Aparna?
The third floor.
I see. You're Mr Nair's guest.
I'm also from Madras Presidency. I moved here six months back.
I don't know about the tenants who lived here earlier.
All the tenants here are new. Those who lived here are gone.
What name did you say?
When did you last see him?
Whom?
About a year ago.
Don't mistake me.
About a year ago there was a riot...
many were massacred.
Maybe your friend Saket Ram was among them.
Would looking for him be futile?
No harm in trying.
What is your relationship with Saket Ram?
Like the one between the body and the soul.
A good friend.
He's now gone.
Can I have that painting please?
Shall I tell you how I died?
Ram, let me tell you.
Down with Gandhi. Down with Suhrawardy.
Where is Suhrawardy?
Give us a straight answer.
Bravo!
Long live Mahatma Gandhi!
Nauseating. Right?
I spent ten months in jail for evading arrest.
They couldn't prove anything else.
Heard that lecture by Suhrawardy?
He seems to be garnering support from a treacherous person.
What kind of a Mahatma is he then?
The public have no memory.
Only you and I suffer from that disease.
This mindless herd of goats...
follows an old man who drinks only goat milk.
The old man is driving the herd to celebrate Bakrid and...
this herd is oblivious of it.
Hear that?
The country's state of affairs is being watched like a play.
The critics are not allowed to watch it.
Hindu and Muslim are brothers.
Germany and England are brothers.
China and Japan are brothers.
Goat and butcher are brothers.
I have two wives.
Uncle's astrological prediction came true.
He's back.
With a handlebar moustache he looks like Bharathiyar.
Come over, mother. I'll tell you the rest of it.
For what?
For leaving without telling you.
You are too young to understand this.
Now, you have to apologise again.
Why?
I'm not a kid and ours wasn't a child marriage.
We entered this marriage with consent.
I knew I am going to be your second wife.
But I got to know the hardships you've been through.
It seems your mother died when you were a 3-month old baby.
You haven't even seen her face. You must be feeling terrible.
I have her photo.
Even then being without a mother...
My sister Vasantha is like my mother.
It was horrible to even hear about the massacre in Calcutta.
But, you were there and experienced it yourself.
If you don't like it when I talk about your first wife, let me know.
Here is a peace offering for you.
Aparna painted this.
You know Aparna. Right? -Yes.
For you.
I painted this.
You still don't think of me as your wife. At least think of me as Aandal.
This is the first time...
What?
I caught you smiling.
Did I smile? -I swear. A small smile.
Like lightening. A fraction of a second.
I caught a glimpse of it.
Second time.
Caught you red-handed.
That's a hat trick.
Ram, come down. -Why?
The astrologer from Mannarkudi is here to see you.
To see me? -Yes. Hurry up.
So, why are you reading my horoscope?
Explain in detail to everyone the things that you'd told me.
As an archaeologist you've gone into ancient burial sites...
and dug up remains such as the skull and bones.
I just got to know this.
Do you know what Mohenjo Daro means?
Yes. -But, these people do not.
Mohenjo Daro means "The Mound of The Dead".
That's why you are cursed.
This is beyond any medical or scientific advancement.
Even beyond God?
I have no answer to that.
If you don't have an answer then why did you come here?
Leave.
Don't scold that child.
That's not him talking. It's the evil that's possessed him.
It's not your fault.
After the rituals your mind will return to its normal state.
Whose mind will come back to normal?
I didn't say that.
No one here seems to speak their mind.
You said I'm influenced by evil spirits.
I say you are influenced by uncle's money.
So, you and the others have decided that I'm crazy.
You shouldn't interpret it like that. -Well, tell me how I should.
You might not believe in such things. But, the believers...
If you have belief you do it yourself.
Will you leave now or shall I...
Don't. I understand.
To ask a person where he is going is considered a bad omen.
So, it'd be better if you told the elders before you leave.
We don't have to tell them everything. We are not school kids.
Did you say "we"?
Pack some nice clothes. We will be meeting some big shots.
Don't be an idiot.
What if something untoward happens?
If something happens...
and Mythili gets pregnant it will be a scandal. Isn't it?
This is no time for jokes.
Wait.
Where he takes his wife is none of our business.
I don't think so.
We still don't know whether he is Ok.
We can't ask him. He will get annoyed.
No harm in asking the driver about their whereabouts.
We have to be involved. What if he dumps her somewhere?
He could have dumped her now if he wanted to.
What do you think?
What is she saying?
She has packed food for you and is giving you instructions about how to eat it.
Food at the railway stations is no good. I've packed some pickle too.
Shall I take Uncle Bashyam's blessings?
Make it fast.
Put your hand out of the window...
If you raise one finger you are departing from Egmore station.
If you raise two fingers you are departing from Central station.
Take my blessings.
We'll keep track. You'll be fine.
May you live long with your husband.
He's staring at us. Hurry up.
If it's Egmore?
If it's Central?
From where are we taking the train? Egmore or Central?
I smiled a fourth time. I don't think you noticed.
Am I bothering you with my talk?
No. It's the aeroplane.
Go on.
That's Ok. You continue reading.
Is that a dirty book?
I asked because you've wrapped it with brown paper.
The Mahatma says to cover-up is wrong.
Though covered-up your blouse looks nice.
He was referring to speech and deeds.
What do you think about this speech of his?
Anything the Mahatma says there will be good in it.
Revenge isn't the solution.
Is this the solution then?
If he has to save everyone here and then go to Pakistan...
by then none of our people there will be alive.
There are three kinds of monkeys around him.
The first kind is the one that has ears only for him.
The second kind won't open it's mouth against him.
The third kind is blind to the current state of affairs.
It lives in a world of Gandhi-esque fantasy.
Which one are you?
There are many cronies who use their proximity with Gandhi for political gains.
Some would be the monkeys you mentioned.
I'm like the Mahatma's toy monkey.
I won't hear, see nor speak evil.
But my faculties will always be ready to receive the good.
Then you may read this book.
This looks like Hindi but I'm unable to comprehend.
This is Abhyankar. -Pandey.
What's in a name? Only the person matters.
Who is this?
My wife. -Wife?
Yes. We're just married.
Why?
I mean, when did you marry?
A couple of months ago.
I'm younger than you. You don't have to be formal.
Ok.
We are going hunting with the Maharaja tomorrow.
Do you like hunting?
No way. I'm a vegetarian. He is one too.
Really? -Don't worry. I'm vegetarian too.
Do you want to come along for the hunt? -No.
How do you have the heart to kill innocent animals?
If you have the heart to eat it why not shoot it?
Besides, it is for pleasure. -Whose pleasure?
Man's pleasure.
It isn't mine. It's the Maharajah's.
What if animals were to hunt you for pleasure?
I'll reply.
They will have to invent guns first.
If a wolf carried away your child, would you think that's fair?
Only if I see it from the wolf's point of view I'll understand the fairness.
I'm famished.
What would you like to eat? Venison or rabbit?
Neither.
He seems a suitable candidate. -Probably.
Call that hawker.
When Sardar Patel rules...
Come here.
Which one for you, sir?
The whole basket.
Take this. You have the Maharajah's grace today.
What happened to you?
The house, shop and everything went up in flames.
They torched it.
Where's your wife Bina?
She lost her dignity and then her life.
The children?
The older one died in the cholera outbreak at the refugee camp.
The younger one... Romila?
You even remember her name.
She slipped out of my hands.
Slipped out of your hands?
I was holding her hand. She just slipped out of my hold.
I couldn't find her in that crowd.
Are your parents Ok?
You won't be able to understand.
You are a South Indian.
No, Lalwani.
I can understand.
Do you?
Gone. Just let go. Don't cry.
Have a drink.
This is an opiate drink.
Drink, Ram.
Victory to Ram Chandra.
Maharaj wants to see you.
Sure. Let's go.
Not you, Mr Lalwani.
The Maharajah wants to talk to Ram in private.
We just got together and you are separating us.
He'll be back soon.
He's been watering the small green sapling...
and allowed it to grow into a huge tree.
So, doctor?
A good, well-paid job.
I'll leave now.
I don't want to disturb you two lovebirds.
For what?
You made me forget all my worries for some time at least.
Goodbye.
What's the matter?
I think its my good karma. Nothing happened to you.
You silly, nothing happened. Right?
What if?
So, are you crying thinking about what didn't happen?
I don't think my mother would've told this to my father.
I don't think this word is in their dictionary.
But I'm sure they would've felt it in their hearts.
I feel like telling you those words.
Can I?
That's why I'm worried.
Worried?
Why?
To fall in love with a girl like you is easy.
I too want to say that I love you.
Say it.
But, my hands are stained.
Bloodstained.
You like to hunt. Isn't it? That's no sin.
The tiger hunts because that's its way of life.
If I confess everything to you...
will I find some peace.
Definitely. Tell me.
Visit him first. You can tell me after that.
Why can't he walk? Is he hurt?
Paralysed neck down.
He can see, talk. That's it.
Please go ahead.
I'll be back soon.
Are you in pain?
One needs a body to feel pain.
You will recover slowly.
There's no need to lie.
The body was the means.
I've lost the means now.
What remains...
is my pure soul.
And I want to give that to you.
From now, you are my body and my essence.
You have to carry out my duty as well.
Will you do it?
You won't be doing it just for me...
but, for us.
For our Motherland.
Now, take a pledge you'll renounce bondage and relationships.
You renounce... -No. Say, 'I' renounce...
I renounce...
I renounce all bondage and relationships.
Touch my head and swear.
I swear.
There's a parcel on the table to my right.
Pick it up.
Place it on my chest.
Open it.
The decision on when to put an end to Gandhi...
the Maharaja will decide.
He will send you a telegram.
Finish him.
Careful. The head should be elevated.
The ambulance isn't here, dad. Can we use the van? -Ok.
Are you coming?
No point in all of us coming along. You go ahead.
They might need your consent for a surgery.
Not that only a son should sign consent.
Even the grandson can. Just go.
Have you woken up grandma and told her?
No.
Do you want them to get admitted as a couple?
She hasn't slept all night.
Good or bad we'll inform her when it happens.
Heartless.
I should treat him like this when he's in his death bed.
We have to rush him to the hospital now.
You can't go this way. -Why?
What's the date today? Don't you read the papers?
The sixth of December.
We are expecting riots to breakout today.
The patient has to be taken to the hospital.
Can we take the Beach road? -That's closed too.
He is critical. -The situation there is also critical.
If we cross the main road the hospital is just 5 minutes away.
Keep this.
You can provide for a day.
If I lose my job can you provide for the rest of my life?
Please understand the situation and leave. Don't trouble us.
What's going on? -They are leaving, sir.
Which way are you taking? -This is a short-cut.
It will take us to the petrol pump.
If there are no police we can take the crossing there.
Religion and Politics should never join hands.
Like sex and violence it's a dangerous combination.
But, commercially sound...
in cities or villages.
What's your name?
We are on the way to the hospital.
Open the door.
Carry him out of that and lower him into this pit.
Hurry up.
Cover them quick. Hurry up.
The SP is injured. I've admitted him.
Has the magistrate signed the shooting order?
People are dying here.
The magistrate has signed the order.
The shooting order has been signed.
Stay calm.
Careful, you silly girl.
How are you? -I'm fine.
Welcome home. You grace us with your divine presence.
Mythili is...
I invited them over. Mythili is feeling homesick.
Hello!
A sudden visit? When did you come?
I remember now. Mythili mentioned but I forgot.
I didn't.
Please come in.
Have you told your husband? -He doesn't talk much.
He was affectionate to me in Maharashtra.
On return he grew a beard like a saint...
and speaks in monosyllables.
Did you pick a fight? Maybe he's angry.
He's not angry. He speaks normal but less.
Sir...
A telegram. Please sign receipt.
Where is uncle? -He's gone to the hospital.
Whose not well? -I don't know, sir.
Just come in. Uncle isn't here now.
Tell him.
Tell him, dad.
You should only tell.
Stop giving excuses. Tell him.
I'm going to become a granduncle.
And my wife is going to become a grandma.
And he, a grandpa. -What am I going to be?
Everyone is going to become something or the other.
You're going to become a cousin.
Your father has taken rebirth. My prediction has come true.
What are you staring at? Take our blessings.
Take blessings from everyone. -Just yours should do.
They must take blessings from all.
But, lets not make it difficult for them.
Let's stand together.
Twice should do.
Mythili, play the M S Subbulakshmi record.
Distribute the sweets now.
You don't eat. Doctor's advice.
Today can be an exception.
A great sin.
Uncle... Did you say some thing now?
Dear Mythili...
There is a saying that marriage is a bond in which you harvest over the years.
But, to harvest we have to cut. Isn't it?
"Ritual for Sanyas (renouncement)"
Mythili, you are a good person. You are beautiful.
To have you as my wife is some good karma of mine.
And for you to have a husband like me is some bad karma of yours.
You will understand the reason soon.
I have to carry out my duty for our Motherland.
Friends and family might be a distraction and a disturbance.
May the shadow of my failings never touch our child.
I pray that our child is born with your virtues.
I've never seen my mother. Sister Vasantha was like a mother to me.
Now, I look upon you too.
I know I'll be cursed by your parents.
Their anger is justified. I have no intention to search for redemption nor salvation.
Loveless, Saket Ram.
-Are you all right? -She hasn't eaten anything.
She is diabetic too.
She's gone.
You said Bhairav. Are you from Karnataka?
Where is your family?
I have no family.
Just like me.
One of my customers stayed here.
What do you want?
You've got me wrong.
You tell me what you want.
Are you a pimp?
How can you think so lowly of me?
I am a pimp.
You must be experienced. You figured it out.
This is my card.
I can get you any kind of person from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
If you want a virgin, it's hard but not impossible.
Nehru is with him. Also Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
We could do it right now.
Come here.
Are these the servant quarters? -Yes.
Whose room is this? -Mine. Why?
Tie up the goat. It's bleating non-stop.
Makes it easy.
Is this your room? -Yes. Why?
I want to photograph Gandhiji.
The view through the window might be interesting. May I take a look?
I already said yes.
But it's dark inside. The light doesn't work.
That's Ok.
When I come later what if you aren't around and I'm not allowed?
I've already told you once. Don't keep asking me repeatedly.
Repeatedly? This is the first time.
This is the first time you are asking.
But, your friend has already checked with me.
About ten times actually.
My friend? -Yes. A photographer like you.
He gave me Ten Rupees as advance.
You have to give me another Ten after taking the photographs.
So, there's one more photographer?
So, you both aren't friends. Give me Ten Rupees then.
This is just Five Rupees.
This is advance. You've to give another Ten Rupees later.
Both of you can shoot photographs.
It's been a period of trial for us.
The letter that you want to leave Mythili unnerved me.
Then, we got to know about the telegram you received.
If you wanted to serve Gandhiji, what is there to be ashamed of?
You could have told us.
Ever since you left, every thing went wrong.
Your sister Vasantha's husband passed away.
Two days after his death your sister Vasantha passed away.
Your Uncle Bashyam is bed-ridden.
Mythili and my wife are just existing. That's it.
Thank you, God.
Mr Goel is an influential person.
He is acquainted with Mahatma.
Don't go there.
This is sacrilege. These savages want to kill the Mahatma.
We do live in the worst of times.
What do you think?
Don't worry. He will take you to Gandhiji tomorrow...
and you'll get to spend some time with him.
Where are you going? -To find a cab.
But... -Is Mr Mehra around?
No, sir.
We want to find a cab. He won't let us.
Come.
Please go ahead. I'll do my utmost to co-operate.
There's no one in this room.
Who is it?
Where are you from?
Nathuram Godse is in Room 40.
That lorry will be back in a few days.
We have stock for a week. How many do you want?
I have to find that lorry.
While leaning over the balcony my purse fell into the lorry.
How much did you have in that purse?
About Five Thousand Rupees.
Isn't your life more valuable than that?
The owner of the soda factory is a Muslim.
The factory is in Chandni Chowk and a curfew has been ordered.
Just forget that purse and ditch any plan to go that factory.
Don't mistake me.
This one has left for Pakistan.
Just listen to me.
I can arrange for whoever you fancy in Delhi itself.
This place is dangerous.
Then I'm leaving. You do as you please.
I want to return home alive.
Not until my job gets done.
Are you threatening me?
Just telling you.
I'll die. This is too rough a game for me.
Don't you have any respect for my age? Let go.
I'll find a girl for you.
I don't want a girl.
Find out this Azad soda factory.
Tell me the truth. Who are you?
I thought it was a Muslim person who looked like you.
What are you doing here?
No, he's... -A friend.
You never told me you had a friend like him.
He wouldn't have known that I live here.
Who are you?
She died in the Calcutta riots.
We can't stand here and talk.
Let's go to my place.
I've settled down here now.
I'll come another time. I have some work now.
Don't you know what a curfew is?
They will shoot at sight.
Do your work later.
I have to find an address.
Just 30 minutes for the curfew. You hardly have any time.
Come home. You can meet your sister Nafisa.
This is not Madras. They'll make mincemeat of you.
What address?
Tell him. Your friend is trying to help.
The work will get done in a trice.
Shut up.
My purse accidentally fell into a soda truck.
Azad soda factory.
Follow me.
Let's go.
He wants to meet Uncle Jalal.
Open sesame.
See you later. Goodbye.
No. It's curfew time. Stay back tonight.
He's my friend. You've misunderstood.
His purse fell into one of your trucks.
Your nephew is a traitor.
I knew it when he said he's Gandhi's disciple.
He's hand in glove with the Hindus. Now you see for yourself.
You might have a point. Let's discuss Amjad later.
First, let me deal with the kaffirs.
Uncle, Ram isn't like that.
Silence!
Your friend's purse has turned into a gun.
By magic?
A cartridge can kill about three or four.
Tell me the truth.
Let me clarify this.
I've known him for years. He's like a brother to my wife.
Ram, this is not your gun. I know for sure.
The gun is mine.
But I haven't come here to kill anyone.
Return my gun. I'll leave.
Scoundrel. You dragged me into this.
I'm just a poor pimp, sir.
A couple of bullets and he'll sing.
We'll know how he plans to kill our Muslim brothers.
No, Qureshi. You are mistaken.
Ram is honest.
Besides everyone keeps guns nowadays.
I know him as well as I know myself.
Then you don't know yourself.
I won't kill him. Just shoot him in the knees.
Get out of my way.
Don't let him escape.
Surround him. Bring him alive.
That bastard has a story to tell.
Thank God. This is Govardhan, the co-ordinator.
No point in calling the police. That's why I called you.
There is a small army of Muslims near Jama Masjid, sir.
Every one has rifles as if ready to go to war.
I came here on work and I got caught.
Only you can save me.
Tell me the truth. I'll protect you.
Did you come here to kill the Muslims?
No. -Thank Allah.
This gun? -Mine.
Why did you bring it here?
I didn't. Your uncle's truck brought it here.
I have to leave now.
Leave now?
You'll die.
I don't need anyone's help. I can do it myself.
To escape you have to shoot. Right?
So, your gun is one that is meant to kill Muslims.
If need be. It will do that too.
You too, Ram. Why?
Is it because your Aparna died?
She didn't die. She was killed.
Killed just like the other countless Hindus.
Killed by the Muslims.
So, are you here to avenge the death of all the Hindus?
He too didn't die. He was killed by the Hindus.
This way...
Enough! All of you leave to some far-off place.
Where should we go?
To your Jinnah's Pakistan!
Jinnah's daughter thought of INDIA as her own, and stayed back.
I am Gandhi's son. I will stay here.
With whose permission?
I don't need anybody's permission.
This is my country.
Your country?
You are a foreigner who walked through the Khyber Pass.
You ruled us for 700 years. That's why the arrogance.
I wasn't born then. I belong to your times.
I am a foreigner and you are a native. Is it?
Some say that your Lord Ram came across the Khyber.
Don't you dare talk about my Lord Ram. I'll kill you.
I won't talk about your Ram. But, I want to talk about my Ram.
Am I not like your brother?
That's why you are still alive.
Just leave before I have a change of mind.
We had some peace for a few days.
All of you killed Aparna.
Forgive me for killing your Aparna.
I forgive you for killing my father.
Well, then shoot.
I'll give you the pleasure of killing a Muslim.
And once done cleanse your heart of the hatred.
Will you promise?
I'm here to put a full stop with blood.
I'm here not to kill you.
I'm here to kill the cause of all this.
Who do you think is the cause of all this?
Not Altaf.
Not Suhrawardy.
Not even Jinnah.
Mr Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Have you gone mad?
You have gone mad.
I'll get you out of here.
These are not your people.
So, you are trying to protect me.
If anything happens to me Nafisa is your responsibility.
This is Bhairav.
He is a Tamilian.
Is it?
I heard that there is a mini Pakistan at the soda factory.
It seems they all have guns.
We don't have many.
I heard you have one.
Do you have one?
Please don't.
Can you tell them, Mr Chari?
He is my brother.
His name is Bharat.
He fell in love with a Muslim girl and eloped with her.
The girl's name is Nafisa.
He is mentally ill.
You are mentally ill.
That's why he wears such clothes and roams around.
Since he is mentally ill we thought he might convert to a Muslim.
That's why I'm here. To take him home.
Come home, Bharat.
He's lying. His name is Amjad.
Shut up, you rascal.
Bharat. That's his name.
Bharat or Amjad? We'll find out when we strip him.
No.
I don't want to be humiliated.
I'll tell you the truth.
I am Ram's brother.
But not Bharat.
My name is Amjad Ali Khan.
Go away. All of you.
Where do you want us to go?
How can you...
Our own people...
You are all right.
Sit down.
Let me take a look.
This time... You'll be fine.
I don't know the way.
Go upstairs.
Climb up the stairs.
What happened to you?
What happened to my son?
I'm all right.
You are needed for the delivery.
No. Please don't.
He saved my life.
Thank you.
Happy?
We are the police. We're here to help you.
We know that you were attacked. Drop your arms.
May Allah give you a long life.
This child owes his life to you.
This is Qureshi's son.
Where is Qureshi?
Ram, where is my son? Where is my Amjad?
Where is Amjad? Is he all right?
My brother.
Have you seen Bhairav before?
Before?
I've never seen that animal before.
I am not a Mahatma, Bapu.
She is Ram's foster sister.
I speak a little Tamil.
Mythili, I'm unable to breathe.
Please bear with it. They are shooting each other out there.
Why?
Communal riots between Hindus and Muslims.
Still?
I'm having bad dreams.
I want to wake up.
You are lucky to be alive.
How is the old man?
He is no more.
Your name please?
Sit down.
He has left me all alone.
He is Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson.
I wish he had heard this. He would've been very happy.
Come over here.
Here are the keys to your grandpa's personal safe.
He wanted you to have it.
Show him your grandpa's room.