Original subtitles

[Dramatic music]

♫ Behind the skies... ♪

♫ Beneath the earth... ♫

♪ Sits a mysterious puppeteer... ♫

Village - Nagdarwadi Maharashtra, India.

♪ Three hundred thirty million... ♪

♪ gods and goddesses... ♪

♫ are all hiding within the rocks... ♫

♫ We will find... ♪

♫ we will count... ♪

♪ the lives and treasures in the earth... ♪

September 1999

WATER

[Foot steps]

♫ Behind the skies... ♪

♫ Beneath the earth... ♫

♪ Sits a mysterious puppeteer... ♫

Hey Indrey!

Oh my God! Indrey!

Hey Indrey... what happened to you?

[Commotion]

Dada, please help!

Indra fainted!

Water... sprinkle water on her face...

[Pensive music]

Have you heard about hidden treasure?

While digging a well, or...

while tearing down an old house...

Have you heard of somebody discovering a pot of gold under the ground?

For the people in Marathwada...

what is the most precious treasure?

Water! -Yes, water.

How do you store this treasure under the ground?

How do you use it?

Today we are present here to tell you just that.

Till today,

we have implemented this scheme successfully in 22 villages.

About 10-12 villages have stopped depending on water tankers.

They have enough water the whole year round.

Now all of you in the village must come together

and store water under the earth.

Are you all ready?

Yes! Good.

Hey Balaji!

You are bringing water to everybody...

What about your own village?

In Nagdarwadi, women are still suffering because of water shortage.

Indra died the other day while lugging water.

You know, don't you?

You must do something for them!

Why are you so quiet?

What did that woman say to you?

Sir, I'll tell you.

Actually she was saying...

"You are helping the whole world. "

"What about your own village?"

Then let's get his village under the Indo-German project.

As it is we need one more village to complete the project.

No sir...

My village will not qualify for this.

Oh... We'll see about that.

But we may not get another chance.

It's impossible.

Even if God himself tried to unite the villagers, he would fail.

Then find the right man.

[Dramatic music]

His elder brother Balaji lives in Pune.

His current project is in our neighbourhood.

And... Hanumant himself is fond of social work.

Okay...

He has also done a two year diploma in it.

Uh one year...

Doesn't make a difference. Having done it is what matters.

His older brother Balaji is brilliant.

Highly educated.

Nobody else is as educated in the entire village.

And most importantly,

our Babu has no vices.

I mean... Hanumant...

We call him Babu...

He and our Suvarna will make a beautiful couple.

Kaka, say something...

If you have any questions for the groom, please go ahead.

Since my son-in-law has brought the alliance

we have no doubts at all.

Get Suvarna... -Yes...

Balaji is highly respected...

Theirs is the only educated family in the village...

That's wonderful.

[Pleasant music]

Let it be.

Offer them tea...

Please have...

[Pleasant music]

Suvarna...

Sit.

Tell them your name.

Suvarna...

Bapurao Nagargoje

She has passed 12th grade...

and studying further. -Hmm...

How about farm work?

That's what she is studying.

Diploma in agriculture.

Hmm...

Do you want to ask anything Babu?

No!

Savita!

Okay then...

What does the young man say?

Tell us, Babu...

Hey, are you feeling shy?

Speak your mind.

I like her.

If the girl agrees, we can announce the engagement.

But Balaji Dada isn't here...

He has asked us to go ahead if both families agree to the alliance.

Mama?

Mama? What do you say?

Of course... Why not?

Here... Crack the betel-nut.

Hey Babu!

He's blushing!

But...

But... What about the dowry?

Nothing at all. We don't believe in all that.

Didn't I tell you?

They are educated people.

You just bring the bride along.

We split the wedding expenses between us.

Okay!

So? What date should we set for the wedding?

Sometime in May looks fine. -Uh huh?

Have some more...

So Babu? What's the plan?

I'll look for a job. -Hmm...

And what about...

your diploma in social work?

I'll look for something in the same field.

But then... why don't you do something for the village?

Find work here... huh?

Don't talk about this village Dada...

There won't be any progress here.

It's a notorious village.

And you think you are the wise one?

The other day...

he beat up Bajya! -Huh? -Yes!

You know, the political leader's cronie?

From Ramnewadi...

Why?

I had got the village road work sanctioned from the government authorities.

That Bajya moved all the raw material near his village.

When I questioned him he became aggressive.

I had been patient, but when I had been patient, but when he shoved me, I lost it.

Dealt him a few of my own.

Who was with you?

Nobody. I was alone.

He had two side kicks with him...

One step and I'll break your heads, I said. That did it.

[Balaji chuckles]

To bring sanity to this village we need somebody crazy like Babu.

Hmm.

Talk about anything else Dada.

The other day nobody joined me to confront Bajya.

I just don't want to live here any more!

Hey, Babu...

Hey Babu!

Come here... It's important.

Balaji Dada! When did you come from Pune?

Just a while ago.

How are you? -I'm fine.

When did you come from Nanded? -Just now.

Please come out. I need to talk. It's urgent.

But you should have clarified sooner...

...that the boy belongs to Nagdarwadi.

There was a confusion.

Since I stay in Nanded, they presumed your family is from there too.

That at least made them meet with us.

There are older boys in the village who have remained unmarried.

Forget it! We'll look for another girl for Babu.

There's another girl.

Not very educated... but quite nice.

I want to marry her.

I'd rather stay unmarried!

Have you fallen for her or something?

Hey Babu...

Come with me.

Come.

Listen... What parents would want their daughter

to trudge 3 kilometers everyday to fetch water for the rest of her life?

They don't want to send their daughter to Nagdarwadi.

You come with me to Nanded.

You will get work there. -Exactly!

I'll ask them to wait till then.

Will they wait?

Of course they will!

The girl has liked the boy.

Suvarna never said 'No'.

It's her father who objected.

What do you mean?

He means, " Don't worry... You will be able to marry the girl of your dreams

Rambhau!

Let's go to Malakoli and have a Paan. -Yes, let's go.

So?

You are going to Nanded?

Will have to.

Come on.

Babu...

Do you know...

Every year...

around this time of the year in Marathwada...

thousands of people migrate.

Towards the cities.

To work as menial labour.

To slog.

But a few that stay back...

never leave the village...

Instead, they unite the people...

and help them fight the drought.

They teach them to toil and prosper.

I hardly remember anybody who left.

But those few who stayed back are known, not just to me

but to the whole world.

Let's go.

[Dramatic music]

[Sombre music]

That is why I'm saying

Nagdarwadi project doesn't fit into our norms.

Don't worry about that.

If the motive is right, rules can be tweaked.

Just get your people ready.

You did have somebody in mind to take the responsibility?

Sir... Please wait, the sun is too harsh...

we can continue tomorrow.

Open the umbrella. -Yes, sir.

Today we won't stop until we finalize the project in your village, come on.

Dear old woman...

wear something in your feet.

Aren't your feet burning?

And why are you wandering in the scorching sun?

Came to give you water, Grandma...

Wish you would come everyday, son...

...and bring me water...

[Dramatic music]

[Soulful music]

Tell them your name...

Suvarna Bapurao Nagargoje.

Education?

I have passed 12th grade. I am now doing a diploma in agriculture.

Manages her studies along with household chores.

Don't worry about that.

Back home, we have 40 acres of plantations.

Also, tractor and vehicles...

[Dramatic music]

[General chatter and laughter]

[Muttering to himself]

You rejected me because there is no water in Nagdarwadi...

But I want to marry you, nobody else.

But then I'll have to leave the village.

Else we won't get married.

But the watershed development project is just about to start.

If I leave, nobody else will take the responsibility.

But the village needs wa-

[Foot steps]

[Cheerful music]

[Pleasant music]

If your organization includes Nagdarwadi in the project

we have no reason to worry.

We will do everything necessary.

But can Babu bring the villagers together?

I suspect there will be some hard nuts to crack.

The thing is Deshmukh Saheb,

when somebody takes initiative a few people are bound to resist.

That shouldn't stop us.

You are right, but this isn't a one day affair.

It will last a few years.

The villagers have to be kept united throughout.

Sir... We have to bring water in Nagdarwadi at any cost.

A few troublemakers cannot deter me. -Good!

I wanted to hear just this from you.

The best way to unite people in the village is to first bring the women together.

Start a prayer group for women...

If possible, start a Self Help Group...

Excuse me... Surajbai!

Ask me if you don't understand.

This is Surajbai.

She can help you. -Namaste!

Once the women come together the entire village stays united.

Got it?

[Womenfolk singing]

Now isn't this wonderful!

Finding all of you right here!

Saves me legwork.

Look who found his way here!

Because this is the way to go, Akka!

With all of you.

We will bring water to our village.

At every doorstep.

Enough to last round the year.

Teetotaler that you are Babu...

have you got yourself drunk early morning?

[Chuckles]

I need everybody's support.

I'm going to visit all the houses today.

Evening would have been better.

The men are not home right now.

That's exactly why I'm here Akka.

What do we womenfolk understand?

Ok...

You think they understand any better?

These men here?

Tell me Akka...

Would you call a person wise if he digs a well when he is thirsty?

No...

Yes.

Then what would you call a person who does not

dig a well even when he is dying of thirst?

What do you have in mind? Please tell us, Babu...

First and foremost we start a women's self help group.

What's that?

And is that going to bring water?

Parvati mavshe, what I mean is, we must--

Babu.

Here. My contribution. Twenty rupees.

Hadn't Namdeo Dada refused?

What does he care?

Once he has money for the daily booze, he is fine.

He doesn't even know...

Don't tell him either.

What's the money for?

See?

Pushpatai has kick-started our self help group.

So take the money. -No, no! Keep it with you.

You ladies decide who'll keep it.

And then we will open a bank account in the name of the self help group.

Will somebody tell us what's going on?

Let me explain!

May I? -Of course!

Saves my effort... Go ahead.

Akka!... I'll be back in a while.

Go on, go on... Tell them.

[Pleasant music]

Hey wait!

Brother, get in! Make it quick!

Tell Mavshi, I'll see her soon.

[Car engine sounds]

So, Baburao?

Where to?

Drop me at the hamlet.

What business at the hamlet?

We have to bring water to the village, Tanya.

In Nagdarwadi?

I'm going to buy a Mercedes too...

and sell rides!

[Chuckles]

What are you blabbering Babu...

You'll see.

One day your village will take water from mine.

And how do you plan to get the water?

We have started watershed development.

What's that?

It's just the beginning Tanya.

First we involve the village women in prayer groups and self help groups...

Once they come together, so will the men.

Once the whole village is united we start the main work.

Hmm...

And when does all this get done?

Much before your Mercedes is here.

Pull up to the side.

Why are you wasting time Babu?

Find a nice girl and marry her.

That is precisely why I'm doing all this!

What do you mean?

You'll know.

Done! Done!

[Pleasant music]

[Incoherent chatter]

But Babu, I don't understand...

why are you poking your nose in village affairs?

It's best to mind one's own business.

Whoa! He played the joker!

Oh! No, no no no!

Why are you taking it back?

I played it by mistake!

[Incoherent chatter]

I would have won but Babu butted in.

Play now.

[Muttering]

[Chatter continues]

Shevanta akka,

This evening the women are gathering

at the temple to sing Bhajans. -Okay...

You have a very sweet voice they say...

So they say...

Then you must join. -What time?

After dinner. No hurry. Around 9.

Okay. -Good.

Listen Babu...

Yeah? -Don't mind what he said...

I will talk to him, okay?

[Incoherent chatter]

[Cow mooing]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Vehicle honks]

Greetings, Saheb!

Babnya,

what's going on in the village?

Nothing sir...

You no-good losers,

hunting pigs and boozing all the time...

Is that what I pay you for? Huh?

No sir, I swear by my mother I don't drink.

Damn you!... This Kendre...

Who is he? And what is he up to?

Hanumant Kendre? -Uh-huh?

Don't worry about that kid sir...

Bringing a few women together hardly makes anybody a leader sir.

They are working, and our men are smoking the day away...

That is what bothers me!

Don't worry sir, we are keeping watch.

Don't just keep watch, do something.

Take action. Get it?

Yes sir...

Sir you know how difficult it is...

to get work done from these people...

How are things?

Hey Babnya! -Yes sir...

Ask Tatya to call me.

Tatya? Of course! -Move aside, make way!

Popat, keep an eye.

Yes. I'll put them on it.

Out of 80 women, only 72 have paid.

I have to pay yet. -Me too. -Very well.

Who else is yet to pay?

Satyabhama... Janabai...

And where is our chairperson? Her payment is due too!

Here she comes. -Good... there she is.

She has to sneak out while her husband is not watching.

So the delay, isn't it?

He was not asleep yet. -Oh?

Almost got caught. -Really?

Snuck out from the back door.

Okay, listen up!

In the last 3 months...

we have collected Rs.6080.

[Gasping and chattering]

From the next month onwards,

should we start issuing the advance?

Why not! Yes, yes!

What should be the interest?

Umm... How about for every 100 rupees.

20 rupees per year...

Should be fine... Yes...

O Lord, let the light dawn in our lives...

[Singing continues]

[Pelting sounds]

[Commotion continues]

Don't stop! Keep going!

[Singing resumes]

Tatya's goons. They're gone.

Let's go in. They won't come back.

Come on in. They won't.

[Singing continues]

♪ O Lord, let the light dawn in our lives... ♫

♫ Faith resides deep in our hearts ♪

[Singing continues]

You witch!

I'm Namdeo, your God. Why don't you sing my praises!

This Hanumant here seems to have cast his spell on you... huh?

Damn you woman,

I'll teach you a lesson. Shobhe, move out of my way!

Get up... get up now!

I'll straighten you out today. -Namdeo, let go of her!

[Continues ranting]

She'll never come back now...

Shit!

Babu!

Why didn't you say something?

And why didn't any of you?

What if your husbands drag you away too?

What will you do then?

I'll bash him with my sandal!

[Chuckles]

Come on, let's continue...

O Lord, let the light dawn in our lives...

[Birds chirping]

[Car engine sounds]

Things have started to change in the village.

I'm confident I'll bring water to our doorstep.

Not just ours, but to every home

in the village. Only then will I marry you.

Will you wait for me until then?

Today is the meeting. Babu has asked everybody to be there.

Hear that? -Yes.

There is a meeting at the temple in the evening.

Tatya...

You may hold a grudge against me, but this is about water.

Balaji Dada is arriving today.

He'll be telling us how to bring water to the village.

[Coughs]

Your cooperation is...

[Dramatic music]

This is the hillock.

We are going to dig a pit...

one foot wide... and one and a half feet deep.

Like this.

[Gasps]

Now,

what happens in the pit?

Rain water will collect... right here...

[Gasps]

Like this.

And once it collects in the pit, it will naturally seep into

the earth, and remain there. -Hmm...

What do we do then?

We dig a well.

Once we dig a well, it will be full of water.

[Gasps]

But why would such a small pit...

take four or five years to dig?

My dear Parvati mavshi,

We are not digging one pit.

We will dig pits across 400 hectares of land!

My God!

If the work will go on for 4 to 5 years...

and if you're talking about

honorary labour.

How do we feed our families? -Yes.

Only 20% will be honorary labour.

You will be paid for rest of the work.

We get paid?

[Incoherent chatter]

So we work on our own land and get paid for it?

There you are!

Hah! How is that possible?

Utter nonsense!

That is how the watershed development project works.

Work for 4 years, and you will have

wealth in your homes and water in the village.

[Gasps]

But till then, the whole village must live in unity.

[Gasps]

Hey Balaji...

I can't vouch for the village...

but all of us present here...

will definitely stand by Babu.

Yes! -Yes!

Just as you said it...

we have struck water.

Look, water!

[Excited chatter]

[Cheerful music]

Dada!

You explained everything so well!

It's all locked right here in my head.

I'm just waiting for the work to begin.

Hm...

[Sighs]

I have seen a lot of people who flaunt their half baked knowledge.

Babu, you are gloating without anything to show for it!

What do you mean?

Is this what you call a village meeting?

This?

We have just started...

Gradually people will come to know.

Babu, it's been 3 months.

What have you accomplished?

Started a prayer group.

And a self help group for women.

That's all?

Luckily enough, I didn't bring along Tagat sir and Mr. Deshmukh today.

I would have fallen flat before them!

I'm coming back this Saturday. With both of them.

If the crowd is as pathetic,

be ready to give up on the project...

and the girl too.

[Dramatic music]

Offer haldi-kumkum to the deity.

Apply haldi-kumkum to the bank pass book.

[Priest chanting Sanskrit verses]

Now offer flowers to the deity.

Sadabhau, Babu... Come...

Yes, yes...

[Sanskrit chants]

[Bell rings]

Please don't look behind.

Don't turn behind!

How long will it take... to bring water to the village?

Babu, where are you?

Yes, I'll be there.

It's difficult to say...

So how long do I have to wait for you?

Hey Babu!

Yes, yes you carry on. I'll be right there.

Until the water comes...

Just make sure you bring it before we grow old.

Babu!

Yes...

Here... What took you so long?

[Priest continues chanting]

You seem to be brimming with joy!

[Upbeat music]

[Door knocks]

[Pots falling with a loud sound]

[Babies crying]

[Incoherent chatter]

It's locked.

Who has the key, for God's sake?

I've been crying hoarse asking everybody!

Didn't you get spoons to fill too?

Look at him! -If he takes so much,

what will the rest of us do?

I suggest...

each of us may take four pots.

What say?

Yes! -Yes!

Fill only two first. Yes!

If there is water left, take two more.

So that everybody gets it. -This makes sense...

Last time some of us got enough and some didn't!

Who's got the key? The key!

[Incoherent chatter]

I have the key. -What?

See...

What a weirdo!

Hiding the key like that!

Come on, unlock the tap, quick!

[Commotion continues]

Be patient... Move back!

[Indistinct chatter]

Hold it, hold it...

Mavshe...

Hold it everybody.

Pay attention.

So...

This water tanker... has been called in by me.

If that is reason enough for some not to take the water,

they are free to leave. I won't stop them.

Once they leave, I will unlock the tap.

[Incoherent chatter]

Ok, let it be...

Whatever I have been doing over the last four months...

like gathering the womenfolk, singing Bhajans with them...

collecting money from them...

may have displeased some people.

They are free to refuse the water I have brought.

I won't take it to heart.

Hey! Don't you dare look at me!

All those who have been criticizing me talking behind my back...

those who have turned their backs on me...

even ridiculed me...

They are all present here.

Did I suddenly get into their good books?

Not at all.

Because they are not here for me.

They are here for the water.

But how long will this water last?

Huh?

Once this is used up you will have to trudge across to Ramnewadi!

If you can struggle so much for a day's supply of water...

why can't you attend the village meeting that

will help us get water for the whole year?

I'm not angry that you didn't attend.

Just disappointed.

Last four months, I've been trying my best to convince you all.

But time is running out.

If we fail to attend the meeting in full strength tomorrow,

the watershed development project will shift to the neighboring village.

I cannot stop it by myself.

The whole village must come together.

But if they're convinced that the villagers are strongly united.

Nothing can stop Nagdarwadi from getting abundant and sustainable water supply!

[Incoherent chatter]

But if attendance is as poor as the last time

you will have to be happy with this tanker full of water.

[Villagers applauding]

While the watershed program is on,

you will not use the axe!

You will not chop a single tree. Even if you own it.

Also, no grazing.

Since we are banning so many activities, I suggest we also ban booze!

[Chuckles]

And now we must start tree plantation.

After all, trees hold the soil and soil holds the water.

Please note, this project will make the entire village water sufficient.

If the village is water sufficient, you will be too.

After all, you are a farming community.

You know everything about grooming land and growing crops...

There's nothing I can teach you there.

Tell me, what is the most important prerequisite for growing crop?

Water!

Correct!

Drink quickly!

Stop it now!

Lying around like logs!

The meeting is almost over! -Let's go!

Babnya! -Huh?

You go with them. -Yes.

Let these drunkards loose on them. -Yes.

It must be a ruckus! -Yes, yes...

Those people must not dare to come to our village again!

I think we can start from next week.

Yes, the paperwork is ready.

We can start right away.

That's wonderful.

Hey! Hey!

Namdeo! What is it?

You shut your mouth!

What's the matter?

You have brought these strangers to the village and are trying to spoil our lives.

Both brothers together. -Listen...

What water are you talking about?

You think we're idiots?

What water?

That's just a carrot you are dangling before us to snatch our land.

That's not true.

Deshmukh...

You are a smooth talker, aren't you?

You must leave.

Where are you running away?

I'm warning you, don't you dare step into the village again!

[Chaos ensues]

Calm down Babu!

We won't give them a reason to spoil the situation further. Come...

You listen to me! Keep quiet!

[Ruckus continues]

[Commotion ensues]

Sorry sir... -What for?

Don't be silly!

What happened was for the good. Where's the bouquet?

You've done well.

The womenfolk have stepped out of their homes today.

I'm not worried about Nagdarwadi anymore. Good!

[Pleasant music]

[Upbeat music]

[Foot steps]

[Pleasant music]

What's this?

Take it... It's for you.

Deshmukh Saheb has given it.

Because we have won half the battle.

But it's rightfully yours.

But what do I tell my folks?

Tell them you were felicitated in college.

Me? And for what?

For transforming a village...

Village?

Not sure about the whole village...

but...

Keep it... It's yours.

[Soft music]

♫ The mind sings a sweet song.. ♫

♫ and dreams of only one thing ♪

♫ Like the earth longs for the sky ♪

♪ Let us, you and I ♫

♫ make a life together... ♪

♫ We shall walk together ♪

♫ The mind sings a sweet song.. ♫

♫ and dreams of only one thing ♪

♫ Like the earth longs for the sky ♪

♪ Let us, you and I ♫

♫ make a life together... ♪

♫ We shall walk together ♪

♫ We shall walk together ♪

♫ We shall walk together ♪

We have to get working!

Done, Sada Bhau?

Yes.

Until we don't tally Ravi's account it is not a big deal.

[Pleasant music]

Stop!

[Pleasant music]

Work has started.

Been a week now.

Is that dude talking to you?

[Gasps]

What's that?

Who is he?

My phone number.

It has good range. Wireless.

Not started yet but should in a week.

The whole village is at work now.

Pull up right here. -Here?

This is where I have to get down.

Here...

Paid for both of them too.

And drive carefully!

[Pleasant music]

[Upbeat music]

Count it properly. It's for both of you.

Pushpatai! Come. -Yes.

She cut the order!

No, it's her turn.

Babu! Look!

Learnt to sign... -Wonderful!

Pushpatai!

This is great!

Look at this!

Madam Chairperson has learnt to sign.

You must all take it up seriously too.

[Teaching continues]

Hey girl...

If it doesn't connect... give up.

Why are you clinging to the phone?

Hey Shankar Dada... -Yes?

Yesterday we got a rocky patch...

Today again we get the same?

That's good really Sakha Dada...

You earn more.

The day has passed and we are not even halfway through.

The rock is very hard.

Okay, okay.

Will put you on to softer ground tomorrow.

Shankar!

Can I work his side tomorrow?

Are you okay with that Sakha? -Of course!

You're not home yet?

I was in college.

Exams are on.

Hmm...

Our test is coming up too.

What test?

Rain.

The first test is whether it will rain or not.

And if it does, will it seep in enough?

That's the other.

Don't worry... Everything will be fine.

You are taking such an effort...

God is with you.

Only God?

The villagers too.

Who else?

Who else do you need?

I can do without God and the villagers...

But...

Hey!... What's taking you so long?

Should I hang up? -Why?

Ran out of coins?

No... no...

Then keep talking...

Why do you avoid calling me by my name?

Well...

How can I call an unfamiliar girl by her name...

But then is it okay to chat with an unfamiliar girl on phone?

It isn't okay at all...

to talk on phone...

We must meet and talk.

Will you meet tomorrow?

Where?

Wherever you say...

Come home then...

I will, too.

I will say, "Your daughter invited me!"

Mother will give you a 'special' welcome.

Is that so?

Tell her to make it extra sweet.

Let's wind up.

Hey Babu!

Come on, everybody's leaving.

Shall we go?

He's constantly on the phone...

What took you so long Babu?

The kid almost fell asleep.

Something came up. -Okay...

Ganesh, get up. Your uncle is here.

Come on, wake up. Your uncle is here.

[Motorbike revving]

[Dramatic music]

[Tense music]

[Foot steps]

[Tense music]

Pirya!

Is that Bhikya?

What's wrong with him? -No idea...

Babu!

Babu! Hey Babu... Come with me, quick!

What is it Bhikya? -Just come with me.

Come on...

(Phone ringing. )

[Incoherent chatter]

They filled up all the pits!

[Solemn music]

[Sombre music]

Sir...

The goons filled up the pits they say...

Which clause will that be?

Destruction of public property. Section 34.

Sign here.

Since you don't know who did it...

the complaint is filed against unidentified persons.

[Sombre music]

Suvarna!

I've been waiting for you for so long.

What delayed you?

Hurry up, come... -What? -Suvarna.

Suvarna...

Is he calling you?

Don't know. -Please wait!

He's the same one we met the other day!

May be... -What 'may be'?

He's the one.

He seems to be stalking you!

Should I give him a piece of my mind?

Wait, no! -Oh, let me!

Why are you behaving like this?

[Sombre music]

[Foot steps]

[Ominous music]

[Rising tempo]

[Commotion intensifies]

What do we do with him?

The pits are ready. Bury the scoundrel!

How will that help?

Others will crop up in his place.

We need to know who put him on to it.

The person who gave him money, did not disclose his name.

But he must remember his face for sure.

It must be somebody from the village.

Who hired you?

Look at each and every face carefully.

Come on.

Move!

Take a good look.

Which one is it?

Think hard. Look carefully.

Who was it?

No... None...

You get back to work.

I'm taking him to every house.

Everybody get moving.

Let's go...

Him... It was him.

[Dramatic music]

Have you gone mad?

Look properly!

Yes, it was him!

Me?

I did nothing.

You couldn't find a bride all these years because the village was dry.

Just when things are changing you want to -

Stop, stop! Something doesn't add up.

Hey!

How can you blurt out somebody's name like that!

I mean... He didn't hire me, but...

he was with the man who did.

When?... With whom?

The other day at the market in Loha

Didn't you take a ride with him?

In Loha village?

Parshu Anna, whom did you go with?

Try to remember.

Loha market...

Yes!

He was back from Malakoli...

So I took a ride in his vehicle.

The politician's man... Popatrao.

The Gram Panchayat elections are 2 years away.

Think about the Zila Parishad elections... -That's not an issue.

Popat!

Come out.

We need to talk.

Why not here?

I don't want a scene here. Come out.

What do you mean?

What are you going to do?

Just because you bashed up Bajya you think you're the boss around here?

You haven't seen my power.

Sure. Now step out... and see mine.

Damn you...

[Commotion]

See... This, is my strength.

I've earned it.

Not by latching on to a politician.

Remember him?

Babu.... I'm sorry... forgive me...

Ask them for forgiveness. You have wronged them.

They toil the whole day and you destroy everything they've done!

You should be ashamed!

Please forgive me!

I will never come in your way again. I promise.

That is possible if we let you go alive.

What are you waiting for? Give him good.

[Crowd shouting]

Stop, stop!

We'll let you go now...

If anybody tries to stop work ever again.

we catch him.

Yes.... yes.

Let's go.

Come on everybody...

Shouldn't have let him go.

Would have bashed him up good.

What's this Babu...

We had him in our hands...

Should have beaten him up.

What good would that have done?

Now he might seek revenge.

Sadabhau, we have made a police complaint.

We even have witnesses.

But you set him free too.

Exactly. Set him free...

Look...

[Chattering]

[Birds chirping]

[Car engine sounds]

♪ A flame glows ♫

♫ in the heart... ♪

♪ my soul yearns for you ♫

♫ Your name resonates ♪

♪ deep in my heart ♫

♫ You are my path, my future ♪

How long have you been waiting?

Just as long as you did the other day.

You called me by my name the other day....

Today you are being formal again.

I'll get used to it gradually.

How's the work going?

Great.

There are some trouble makers... but the villagers are united.

That's why I said we'll take the road!

Did you get hurt?

Lots of people on the road. We might be seen.

And what if we're seen here like this?

Why would anybody turn up here?

I won't fall again...

You're still holding my hand...

[Chuckles]

♫ The pollen moves away ♪

♫ from the flower ♫

♪ clinging lovingly to the bee ♫

♫ Soulmates that they are ♫

♫ Just like you and I ♫

♫ are meant to be together ♫

Come on, let's have lunch.

Parshya started late.

That's why he is still working.

You have been working since daybreak.

Come on now.

O Bhika Da, enough now...

Take rest.

Eat a little.

You eat if you want! Stop nagging me.

Babu, look!

Why are they here?

Hanumantrao.

We are sorry.

We did it for money.

We have families to feed.

Please forgive us.

We have done you a favour by not handing you over to the police!

Do you expect us to feed you now?

Hanmantrao, they told us.

You are doing illegal work.

That you want to snatch our land.

That's what they told us.

Hanumantrao... we want work.

To make up for the damage done...

we'll put in 4 days of labour without pay.

But please give us work.

Look at them!

They have the gall to ask us.

Get lost!

[Yelling in the background]

What is she saying?

Hey, What happened?... Huh?

It's here... It's here...

[Faint rumbling]

[Thunderstorm]

Water!

The rains are here!

Parvati Mavshe, look...

I can't believe it!

[Thundering]

♫ The clouds hang heavy and low ♪

♫ lifting our hearts sky high with joy ♫

♪ the cracks in the dark earth ♪

♫ fill with silver droplets ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

[Pleasant music]

♫ It's like the ocean of joy is in our hands ♫

♫ and has filled our hearts to the brim ♫

♪ the cracks in the dark earth ♪

♫ fill with silver droplets ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫

[Telephone chimes]

Yes speaking...

Namaskar! Yes, yes! Tell me.

Is it?

Of course...

Yes, yes.

That's fine.

Listen...

It was the boy's father.

What did he say? -They want to set

a date in this month.

But what about the engagement?

For the engagement itself.

Really?

We'll have to make preparations.

Where is she? -Tell her right away.

Suvarna!

Suvarna!

Wonder where she is...

[Phone chimes]

Hello?

[Crying]

What's the matter?

[Pleasant music]

Mother!

Father!

We don't want to do anything against your will.

I wouldn't be here if that were the case.

But please think about us.

Her wedding has been fixed.

What's the use now? -Hasn't happened though.

I understand your concern.

But why did you reject me?

Because there was no water in the village.

I'm bringing water to the village.

Give me a little time.

I appeal to you.

Okay... -But...

I'll give you time.

The engagement is on the 24th of this month.

Bring water before that.

Barely a month?

Or I will send the invite.

Do grace the wedding.

[Sombre music]

[Bike engine sounds]

Babu!

Hey, Babu!

What happened Sada bhau?

He won't speak.

Tell me honestly...

The water in the well has dried up...

Doesn't that mean our project has failed?

What?

Will our project stop?

It's a 4-5 year long project!

How can it stop midway?

But if the objective is not achieved...

...it means it has failed, isn't it?

Why would they even pay us now?

What are you saying?

How did it fail?

All these years our wells would run dry by September-October...

This year the water lasted four months more.

That's because of the work we did!

Other villages have started relying on water tankers since November.

How can you say this Parvati Mavshe!

I'm not the only one.

Everybody has been saying it. Ask Sada...

Sada bhau?

People talk nonsense.

Don't you pay attention to them.

Then who will?

Babu... Don't we all know who spreads these rumors?

We can't stop them.

Look, if this is untrue, nothing like it.

But Babu, people's confidence in you is shaken.

They fear you might suddenly announce that the work has been stopped.

They have already started looking for other work.

Sada bhau, you should have told me this before!

You are already handling so much...

So I didn't.

Babu, do one thing.

Explain this to people.

They won't understand otherwise.

Let's go...

[Pleasant music]

Here... See this.

Okay.

Sir, take a look.

Right here...

This is the present well. -Okay.

It has dried up though. -Hmm...

But here... at the lower end...

there is still moisture in the earth.

If we dig here, there will be water.

Yes... it's very likely.

Then please help us with it, sir.

What do you mean?

We will need funds...

Babu Rao.

...this project is about conserving ground water.

Not about drawing water from the earth.

I'm sorry, but...

you are not eligible to get a single rupee from Indo-German.

We have to dig the well Sada bhau. -But money?

We'll find a way.

Babu...

Look!

[Tense music]

Hey, Babu!

Come have lunch.

No, it's okay. -Come.

Come. -Carry on.

Babu...

Eat some Bhakar.

I've got an extra one.

Keep it.

You can have it in the evening.

Who is there to cook for you after all?

[Chuckles]

Maruti Rao - What?

Your shovel is broken.

Buy a new one.

Say it now, Martya!

What? -'What?

What you said to me!

You know Babu, I told him exactly that.

He said-- -Shut up Parvati Mavshe!

Babu, don't listen to her.

She lets her tongue loose.

And you get tongue tied at the wrong time!

Babu, I ask him to buy a new spade

and he says work will stop soon.

Why waste money on a new one.

[Pensive music]

You're right.

What will you do?

What will you do? After work stops?

See? Didn't I tell you?

Does that mean...

work will really stop?

Tell me, what do you plan to do after work stops?

What can we do?

Maybe...

go away like Bhika did in search of work.

Or maybe do something so that work continues?

It's like this.

The well runs dry, so work stops.

But if the well has water, work goes on right?

It goes on for the next 2-3 years.

Babu, are you even making sense to yourself?

Exactly.

How will a dried up well have water?

By digging another well.

Another well?

How can that be?

I have found a spot, near the canal.

We will definitely find water there.

We have no money to dig the well...

But if we do honorary work for a month...

we can source water for the whole year.

No funding?

How will it be possible then?

It's true there is no funding.

But we have labour to contribute.

We have resolve.

But Babu, is that going to get food on our plates?

Does resolve fill stomachs?

I agree. How can we do without money?

Exactly!

Work without pay for a whole month?

It's 1 month's labour against a 5 mile uphill walk everyday the whole year!

I can't force anybody.

Whoever feels like it may join.

But Babu, what if in spite of everything there is no water?

Think about it.

and we will strike water Parvati Mavshe.

Trust me.

What do we do?

I'm confused. -Let's give it a try.

I'm with Babu.

So are we.

But to work without pay for a whole month.

Why 1 month?

We are ready even for 2 months.

But knowing very well that it's going to be a waste?

All the wells have gone dry!

How can there be water here?

What if there is?

But I think...

Babu must have thought this through!

Yes! Of course! -Yes!

Let's give it a month! -Yes!

We will benefit if the well fills up.

Well? It's more like digging our own grave!

You know what, Kishya?

You dig a grave...

...and we will dig a well.

[Crowd laughing]

One month is not possible, Sada bhau.

15 or 20 days was still okay.

Even that's a lot.

It's not an easy task.

15 days is fine.

That is totally fine! No problem, 15 it is!

Let's do it!

[Villagers voice agreement]

[Upbeat music]

[Sound of explosives]

Okay...

Put it away.

Come on, lift the stones!

[Busy chatter]

Hey Akke!

Where are the women?

Be quick! Here you go!

Hey Kamley!

Help me with this!

[Incoherent chatter]

Move fast!

Move fast!

[Incoherent chatter]

Speed up! Speed up!

[Incoherent chatter]

Put in some effort Parshya!

[Incoherent chatter]

Babu! Hey Babu!

Yes? -We'll be back right back.

The water tanker is here. Need to fill water.

Who could have brought a tanker?

[Incoherent chatter]

[Tense music]

[General commotion]

Tell him to calm down!

Everyone will get water!

Turn the tap on!

Everybody gets it, don't worry!

Welcome, Baburao!

So?

I got water before you, didn't I?

Hey, kiddo!

Turn the tap on.

We haven't kept it locked, have we? Start it.

[Laughter]

That's more like it!

[Laughter]

What now?

Nobody will come back to work now.

O Tatya! Couldn't you do any better?

What good will this trickle do?

Like a dog peeing..

What can I do if the tap is damaged huh?

Nobody is in a hurry!

Take your time, everybody will get their turn!

Water for one and all!

We'll get more if need be.

Hey! - Hey, Shobhe!

What happened?

Shobhe! -Hold her! Help me.

Sit here...

Come here. Sit down.

Poor thing... are you okay?

What happened Shobhe?

Are you feeling okay?

Here's some water.

Sprinkle water on her face.

Sip a little water.

Hey Shobha! Hey Shobha!

What happened dear? -I don't know what did.

What happened to you?

Martya... -Huh?

Hold her... -Yes.

How will this go on?

What do we do, Parvati?

This is tough...

[Sombre music]

Hey!

Tatya has brought the tanker!

Fill up your water.

Don't lament later.

Hey! Tatya has got the tanker! -Come on, let's go.

It'll be a long line. Come on!

Run quickly!

This makes no sense Babu...

We used the tanker to unite the village. And now this!

How long do we tolerate this?

Not any more.

What?

We don't need that. We'll talk with our mouth.

Let's go.

What?

[Incoherent chatter]

Get in! Hey!

Don't cause chaos...

Be quiet...

Listen everybody...

This is for you all!

You there! Calm down.

We've got!

[Commotion continues]

Listen up! Quiet please!

Parvati mavshe, hold it!

Turn it off...

Anna, O Anna...

Listen...

Hey Mavshe...

Calm down everybody!

Wait a minute.

Over the last week Tatya has been bringing

the water tanker everyday for us.

He has spared us the effort of bringing water from Ramnewadi.

In his own way... he has been

supporting the watershed project...

That is why...

I present Tatya with this token of respect

on behalf of all of you.

Give him a big hand!

Tatya please accept this.

A big hand...

Clap!

You've done a great job Tatya.

Welfare of the village is...

...uh... welfare of the individual...

Hear, hear!

We wanted a grand felicitation but

There is so much work to finish... -I know, I know.

There's one more request to Tatya.

On everybody's behalf...

Henceforth the water tanker may arrive in the evening.

please Tatya...

And all of you, please do not come to fetch water before 6 o'clock.

So that Tatya, well-digging is not disrupted.

You all agree, right?

Agreed? -Yes, everyone!

Yes, yes, okay.

Tatya... you have been very kind...

Hey, turn the tap on!

Parvati mavshe, get started.

Suvarna!

What are you doing here?

I had asked you to hang out the laundry.

Go...

Who were you calling? -Huh?

Nobody at all.

Such a good alliance has come by...

and why are you hell bent

and why are you hell bent on choosing hardships for life?

He refuses to leave his village for you.

What's so special about him?

Exactly that.

What?

There may be many who would leave their home and village for their wife.

Have you heard of anybody who is ready to transform the whole village for her?

[Dramatic music]

Hey... enough!

There's only so much.

Why worry? We'll strike water now, won't we?

I had said right then...

There won't be water here.

Wonder what kind of wet soil Babu found here...

It's a cattle track after all...

Who knows if it was water or cattle piss!

[Chuckles]

[Gasps]

[Suspenseful music]

[Tense music continues]

[Tempo rises]

We must strike water tomorrow.

Babu...

Try talking to people.

Let's try one more week. What do you think?

I tried to gauge their mood yesterday.

Nobody is ready to work a day longer for free.

[Tense music]

Listen Babu.

Have you gone nuts?

Stop now...

Eat something.

Please stop now...

This rock won't give way.

Have you gone crazy, Babu?

We won't hit water here.

If God is not willing what can you do?

Come. Let's have food and go home.

Why are you sitting here?

Let's go up there.

Have lunch.

Don't behave like a child.

Hey Babu!

Babu!

Where are you going? Please eat...

It's been late today.

Babu...

Babu, join us for lunch.

Hey, Babu!

How did the exam go?

It went well.

Which?

I told you yesterday.

You forgot?

Yes.

I forgot.

But I never told you yesterday.

You don't remember even that?

What is it?

Nothing.

What is it?

Huh?

Please tell me.

What happened?

I have lost Suvarna.

I promised you I'd bring water but I couldn't.

All my efforts are wasted.

We did not hit water Suvarna.

I have failed.

You mean work has stopped?

It will, today.

So it's still on?

Today is the last day.

But it's not over yet!

The sun is still high.

Why are you here and not on site?

What use would that be?

What use would this be?

You do believe the well will fill up, don't you?

I had thought so... But...

Nothing doing. Go back to work.

You don't understand.

I can't watch all the effort getting ruined like this.

Nothing is ruined!

If you give up like this, what do I do?

Huh?

Come on.

I'll go with you.

We will keep digging till we find water.

Are you insane?

Would someone that falls for you ever be sane?

[Pleasant music]

Let's go.

Would love to see what my future home is like.

[Intense music]

But one good thing happened today.

What?

Didn't you notice?

No... What?

Forget it.

Tell me!

This!

What?

You stopped being formal with me.

[Cheerful music]

There he is!

Hey Babu! Come here!

Babu!

What's with him? -Hey Babu!

Babu!

Where are you going?

[Foot steps]

Hey Parshya!

That's enough.

We won't find water here.

And even if we do, your ship of matrimony has sailed.

Hey Babu!

Babu...

What is he doing?

Akkey, good thing you brought him along.

Hey Babu!

What are you doing?

Hey, Babu!

Are you out of your mind?

Come on out now!

Bhau...

The sun has not set yet.

Everybody has stopped work.

They think there's no water here.

Babu has gone crazy, right?

Since they think I'm crazy anyway...

I might as well carry it through.

How does one put sense into his head...

Babu!

[Tense music]

Let's go!

Babu! Look at that!

Stop digging there! Dig here! Dig here!

Come here!... Right here.

[Up beat music]

[Pleasant music]

The water is here!

[Crowd rejoices]

♫ Come on, lift up... ♪

♫ the crowbar of your soul ♪

♫ and keep on digging... ♪

♫ deep beneath the rock ♫ ♫ as your heart and mine ♫

♪ go beating hard today ♪

♪ Lonely as the path may seem ♪

♪ The Almighty Goddess walks with you ♫

♪ Don't you stop now ♫

♪ go on, prove yourself ♪

♫ Let the water flow and echo all around ♫

♫ Come on... ♪

[End credit music]

[End credit music]