Original subtitles

Hello!

Welcome to Khashkhobor Kolkata.

There is a Chess tournament at Gorky Sadan today.

Let's find out more about it from our representative.

- Calcutta will witness an unprecedented event today.

It centers around a wonder boy.

13-year-old, Dabaru, a chess player from Hatibagan,

is about to play against 16 skilled opponents separately

at Gorky Sadan's Grand Chess competition.

Sports Minister, Subir Banerjee will be present for the match.

But is the boy really a wonder kid? Or is it all a gimmick?

Khashkhobor Kolkata is here to find out!

- Harindar, hurry up, please. - Not until you pay.

- But I'll pay your dues by evening.

- Many such evenings went by. - My Grandson has a match.

Drive him there, son. Please, hurry!

- Oh! There you go again! - Please hurry.

- Good Lord! - Come on...

- See you. - I'll join you there.

- We have with us the Chairman of Gorky Sadan Chess Club,

Shri Manik Sarkar. Please tell us how this is even possible!

How can a 13-year-old fight 16 players!

Let me lay it down for you. 16 boards. 16 games.

But 17 players.

16 vs 1.

He will play Clock Simul chess against each of the other 16.

The other players have 1 hour for their respective games.

But this boy has to finish all 16 matches in 1 hour.

He misses by a second, and he's out.

That's quite a big challenge!

- Placing 64 landmines inside each square of the board,

he waits eagerly for the opponent to make one wrong move.

One mistake, and Checkmate! Know what we call his last move?

A glowing matchstick on fuel! Absolute fire!

Come on!

Ma!

- Ma! - Souro, run!

- No, Ma! - You're on your own from here!

- But Ma, without you-- - No!

Souro, it's all in your hands now. Run! You have to play! Souro, go!

- I am Souro. People say, I'm a born Chess player.

As you can see, I've opponents in the real world too.

Such is Chess. The opponent's move won't go with your set plan.

Just like life.

'The Chess Player'

- Confused? Come, let's watch this game from the beginning.

Ah!

It's from the British era! With rosewood pieces!

- If you could please-- - Ratan, take the box out.

- We have a delivery at Pataldanga. - Amazing wood work!

- And the polish too is... - Hey, put it inside!

Sure, sir.

Seen this?

'Joy Baba Felunath'!

Show me what you've got.

This is no good. These don't sell anymore.

Though the game is vintage.

But board games are of no use in today's market.

Old coins, stamps, or something made of ivory...

Mhm.

Listen.

Don't just keep coming back everyday.

My Grandpa. Nabin Sarkar.

The eldest son of the Sarkar family of Bagbazar.

When the jewelry business of the Sarkars was booming,

the other 3 brothers made Grandpa sign fake documents

and cheated him off his property. He's lived with us ever since.

My friends call him "The Salesman".

Since he lives off selling old goods.

Oh my God! You wicked lad!

- What a brat! Souro! Stop-- - What happened?

Well, we're out of grocery! I was boiling some rice and dal!

- Your Grandson ruined that too. - Shankar didn't go to the market?

- Your son in law? He wastes time sitting at home!

They've taken it all. We have nothing, Dad.

- Those moneylenders are impossible. - Wife of a worthless astrologer.

- Proudly sticking her bum out! - What rubbish!

Well, now deal with it.

Yes, had he at least been serious about his work,

life wouldn't be so tough... Then I've to handle this brat too!

Calm down, I will check on grandson.

Hey!

Oi... You being naughty again?

Get up! Here, take my hand. Get up. Come on.

Get up. There you go.

- Why does Ma hit me, Grandpa? - No, she loves Souro the most!

- Whats that?! - This one?

It's a game.

- A very tough game. - Is it? I want to play too!

- Mhm. You can just play it if you want, Grandson.

- The game has many rules. - So, teach me!

Okay, I'll teach you. But on one condition.

- What? - You must sit here quietly.

No funny business. This game is all about patience.

- Will you be able to do that? - Sure!

- Promise? - Promise!

This here, is a battlefield.

Every battle has a king, soldiers and ministers, right?

This game has Kings, Pawns, Bishops too.

So, these are the Kauravs and these are the Pandavs?

Yes! Now look,

this piece is called a Rook!

- So... I'm not fated to marry Phuli?

- Saturn's here. And Jupiter rising faintly from this side.

Saturn recedes, and the wedding is sure to happen.

Can't you talk like this?

I'm a fortune teller, Amar babu, not a fortune changer.

And honestly, people hear what they want to hear.

I am an astrologer. Not a businessman.

That's Gaurishankar Ganguly.

My Dad.

Used to be a professional astrologer. But now, he loathes astrology.

Listen, um...

Dad was saying...

The fortune teller at Sunil Uncle's shop has left.

I was thinking...

Why don't you try...

Karuna, I've told you many times.

I can't practice astrology. It's become all about trickery.

Had you done the same, my family would be saved!

Look, if not for me and Dad, think about my son at least?

Your son?

Right.

Your son!

Say the last few lines again.

'I will be your little son again I'll ask you to tell me stories

You'll say "Naughty lad, where were you?"

- I will say "I won't tell you!" ' - Oh, my cute little baby!

Ma, Goja told me that Dad is jobless. What does it mean?

- Goja told you that? - Hmm.

If he says it again, tell him,

- "My Dad is a fortune teller." - I'll be a fortune teller, like him!

No, dear. Why would you?

You'll have a big office and a big car!

You will study hard! And you know what,

to study hard, you've to be very intelligent!

- You know, Ma, Grandpa taught me a very intelligent game.

- Really? - Wait, I'll bring it.

- Oh! Grandpa taught you to play Chess?

It's a very tough game!

- This is the Rook, it attacks straight ahead!

- This is the Queen, just like you! - Really?

This one's a Knight moves 3 steps.

Mhm. 2.5 squares actually. See.

1, 2, 2.5!

- You know it too? - Hmm!

Don't you watch 'The Ramayan' on TV?

Ravan's wife Mandodari was the first one to play to Chess.

Why doesn't it have tigers and lions?

Silly boy! Can you tame tigers and lions?

You know what's the first condition for a battle? The rules!

In ancient times, elephants, horses, soldiers and chariots -

Kings would go to war with an army of them.

It's same in Chess.

There are Bishops, Knights, Rooks and Pawns.

- Know the other name for Chess? - What?

- Don't you know? The other name for Chess is 'Chaturanga'.

Got it?

Oi! Throw the ball.

Catch it!

Hey you, come here!

Souro! You're in trouble! The ball is in the lion's den!

Come?

Go.

- Haven't I warned you not to send your balls this way?

- This here is a serious game. - Well, it's Chess.

- Oh! You know the name! - But kiddo, know how to play?

Yes, it's very easy.

What happened? What's the crowd for?

- Sir, your Grandson-- - What's he done now?

Nothing. Please come.

Look at him.

- Here. Grandpa, save your King now.

Checkmate!

- You lost to a 5-year-old 3 times consecutively!

- Who taught you this game, kid?

Here's your reward, buy yourself some sweets. Okay?

Come.

How have you been? You hardly come by anymore.

Yes, work keeps me busy.

Ambarish, do you have a rule book for Chess?

Suddenly, why Chess?

My Grandson seems interested in it.

I was thinking about brushing up on the basic rules.

Here it is.

'Easy To Learn Chess'. By Dr Nirodhbaran Hazra.

Here you go.

You've been of great help!

Where are you off to? Sit, we will play.

I won't play this game. It takes a lot of time, I feel sleepy.

I'd rather play cricket.

Grandson, please listen. Stop.

- What will get you to play with me? - Umm... Sugar lozenges!

Sure! Sugar lozenges!

Grandpa, I and Goja were playing on the roof yesterday

with a remote controlled car.

- Renu Aunt saw us and scolded us. - That's the problem with you!

You've to stay alert about your opponent's moves!

You mean, when Renu Aunt goes to the market?

- Why! The Knight was guarding the Queen!

- I guessed your plan. Save your King first!

Your King is done for! Now, sugar lozenges?

Checkmating with a Knight!

Good Lord!

I'll give it to you tomorrow.

Grandpa!

A thousand ideas buzzing in my head!

It's all just gibberish! Who's a pro, who, a novice?

A move here, a move there The ball sets rolling!

People watch, all mesmerized, shocked, stupefied!

He doesn't realize, he's in love With the black and white grid

His brain is a factory A hotchpotch of new ideas

Like a time machine A gas balloon from another planet!

And overloaded magazine An untouched territory!

So, game on!

- Wake up! - Hmm!?

- Argh! - It's your turn.

So, game on!

So, game on!

- He stole? - Yes!

Your wicked Grandson stole my son's new remote controlled car.

What's she saying! He stole?!

- What are you saying, Renu? - Oh yes! Think I'm lying?

My brother brought him the car from China!

- Know how costly it is? - No, it's from China Market.

- Shut up. - Renu, let it be.

Okay, but he does it again,

and I won't think about you all before calling him out!

You and your daughter better get that clear in your head.

Okay? And you! Return by son's car!

You stole? Did you!?

Why are you crying?

You have grown up now. You want a car like that?

Come on, come with me.

- It's a lovely car, Grandpa! The remote, the buttons, lights!

You defeated Kalipada babu thrice, earned 10 rupees.

Focus on your game and you can buy 10 such cars yourself!

- Just by playing? - No, by playing wholeheartedly.

Chess is the King's game, you see!

The King in the game is minuscule.

The one who decides his moves is the real King.

The Chess player!

You have to become a Chess player!

While others are busy playing Snakes and Ladders

No, I won't play!

He's busy conquering territories

Your turn!

While others are busy playing Snakes and Ladders

He's busy conquering territories

He's breaking norms So be it!

He breaking norms So be it!

Even the strongest suffer injuries

He doesn't realize, he's in love With the black and white grid

His brain is a factory A hotchpotch of new ideas

Like a time machine A gas balloon from another planet!

And overloaded magazine An untouched territory!

In today's Chess Competition,

last year's champion stands defeated by our little champ

Souro Shekhar Ganguly!

So, game on!

So, game on!

- Whose is this? - Mine!

Where did you get the money?

I won money, playing Chess. Grandpa bought it for me.

Hey, you sell your belongings,

your self-respect, fine, good.

I'm least bothered about you.

But do not inject your bourgeoisie blood into my son.

What do you mean?

A poor man's child with a rich man's hobby?

Teaching him gambling? Are you even human?!

What are you saying, Shankar? Gambling!?

- He bought it with his prize money! - Hey you, Nabin Sarkar!

I'm a common man.

I can't choose such luxuries over the basic needs of life.

It's just Chess today. Tomorrow it'll be cards, and women!

- Shankar! - Hey!

Put your damn hand down!

The King is dethroned, yet not broken?

- Living in my house like a parasite! - What are you saying!

Hey, get this clear!

Souro is my son. I am his father.

I will decide what he will do with his life.

Chess, my foot...

Grandpa, won't we practice today?

Go away.

- I tried to play from both sides. It's not working.

- Remember what your Dad said? - Dad is not home.

Nabin babu... Are you home? Nabin babu...

- Who is it? - We're from the Kheyali Club.

- Can we please have a word? - Coming, wait.

Here, save your Rook.

- There come the moneylenders again!

What a disgrace for a residential household!

Here. Our club has organized a Chess competition on Sunday.

The prize money is 500. We want Souro to participate.

Grandpa, I saved my Rook. Yours is about to drown.

Have you heard?

My Goja came first in his class.

I see.

But your Grandson has no interest in academics.

He just sits with that board, wondering for hours!

Anyway.

Why should I care what other kids are up to!

I better get going. Have loads to do. See you.

- Renu. - Hmm.

- You've finished school, right? - Yes. Why?

You must know the meaning of 'Oil your own machine'...

- Dad, go, take a bath. - Too smart, ain't she?!

You know the kid?

Yes, he is Souro.

- Has anyone come with him? - Yes, his Grandfather.

- Hello. - Hello.

Those moves... Who taught him those? You?

- Well, he learned the basics from me.

But even I am stumped to see some of this moves.

- I'll see you tomorrow morning, at 10:30.

- Bring your Grandson. Hmm? - Okay.

Bye.

And yes, do not be any more late than 40 seconds.

- Okay. - I respect discipline.

Sure.

- Sir. - Ah, you've come...

- Yes. - Uh... Good.

Sit there.

- But without me-- - No, I'll talk to him alone.

Please sit there for now.

I have set up this board. The white pieces are mine.

You think I'll win with this setting?

I can set up a perfect board, even checkmate,

even upturn the board I've made just like that.

Got it?

- You know who is a big player? - Someone who wins all matches?

Not necessarily.

A big player... can set up the board exactly how it was

before it had been messed up.

My board is undone now.

Can you set up it up exactly how I had done it?

Come on, try?

Mhm. This piece was here.

- Mhm. - No?

Brilliant!

Little champ, welcome to the Chess Club!

Thank you!

- Nabin babu, you wish to restrict your Grandson

just to the local club tournaments of North Calcutta?

Shouldn't he go to other states? Or else his game won't flourish.

Look, a new tournament is happening at Polachi.

I can take one player from my club.

I want him!

May I?

That's great. If you are taking his responsibility--

- No. My only responsibility is to scout for talent.

I don't provide the sponsor. You've to pay for his tickets.

- How much would it be? - Around 5,000 at least.

They'll take care of the rest. If he goes for the tournament,

it may become a milestone in his career.

It will also give him the national exposure.

Ah.

- There's hardly anything here. - Wait, let's see what I have.

Check this envelope.

200, 300, 400...

Not even enough for one person.

Wait.

- I have some money here. - Why are you giving this?

- Just count it. - But Dad...

Dad, it's for your heart medicines. I can't take this.

My heart lies in this game.

Medicines don't heal all ailments.

Dad...

I, Monishankar Ganguly, the best jeweler in Bowbazar...

You want me to invest in fake gold?

So, he isn't a good liar.

Is that why you're so upset with him?

I walked out of that house without hesitating, because I trusted him.

And I do not regret it.

Yes, he couldn't give me wealth.

But his honesty...

It rids me off all my suffering.

Good for you. But I can't give you money.

I'm a businessman, I don't invest where it's not worth.

You tore off my job's offer letter right in front of me!

I won't let that happen to my son!

Don't be blind enough to trade out a real gem, Brother.

Wait. Take.

- Just a hundred? - What do you expect?

This board is going to lie right here, no one will buy it.

Nabin da, my pocket is empty right now.

- Can't lend a penny this month. - You already have dues!

- You want more? - I've to save up for Tarakeshwar.

- Who'd lend you money! - Please!

- You have no self-respect, always asking for money!

- You never return it. - I will!

- I'll give you an advice. Go and meet Raju.

- Raju? - Yes, Raju.

- Bugger, when will you return the money?

Pranced away with the loan, now you won't pay up!

This is why they say, never deal in money and women!

He borrowed the money but now he won't...

Wait, calm down. You want some water?

- I'm quite calm. So, tell me? - Brother...

- What? - I beg of you.

- I'll pay tomorrow. - Think I'm a fool? An idiot?

No more tomorrows. Pay up right now!

Brother!

Oi, wrap him up in a blanket and beat him black and blue.

Sell all his things and bring me my money.

Take him away! Take him outside!

Please don't hit me!

- Brother, please... - Bugger!

- Come on in! - Lets go.

Come.

Come.

So... Tell me.

Sit.

No problem.

What?

Hey, keep it low.

- It's okay. It's a regular thing here. Go on.

Well, I...

Bugger, will you return it?

- I swear I'll return it! - Keep beating him!

Done. Yes, no problem, you will get the money.

But remember, when lending money, Raju is like a saint.

When collecting it back, Raju becomes a monster!

As in, Raju gives with an open heart.

Fail to pay back and he will twist your arm to get it back.

- And the mortgage? - No need.

Boss doesn't believe in mortgages.

We come and collect the interest ourselves.

- I see. - Okay?

If you want to borrow from Raju, there's one condition.

- Condition? - Yes.

What condition?

Return the principal amount once and for all.

Pay in parts and I'll consider them to be interest payments.

We have a deal?

Hmm.

'Mahabharat'? Television?

You want to see Mahabharat?

Tomorrow morning, 9 O' clock.

Nine!

- Ma... Oh Ma... - Yes?

Did you break something again?

No, I didn't break anything.

Okay.

- When is the match tomorrow? - At 8.

Why?

- Nothing. - Nothing?

Is that so?

The kid's opening up his entire troop.

- He's done for. - Silly chap.

What's he doing...

I had heard great things about this Bengali boy.

But he's so dim!

That's all Bengalis do, bask in the glory of history.

Is he distracted?

Checkmate.

Bengalis don't just bask in it, they create history too.

Souro... Souro? Where is he...

Souro?

Where could he be! Souro?

Souro?

Souro? Souro!

- Dad, have you seen Souro? - No, he's not here.

Where could he go?

Look, there's Souro!

What are you doing here? I've been looking for you!

- What? - Ma...

Jaydrata didn't let Abhimanyu get out. They killed him.

Never kill an unarmed king.

If he's unarmed, stop fighting.

You know what it is called in Chess? Stalemate.

Yes, stalemate. Don't get up, please sit.

Sir, have I become the Grandmaster now?

Not so easy to become a Grandmaster, Souro.

To become one, we first need about 2500 ratings.

We've to defeat Grandmasters at different international competitions.

In three norms. Minimum thrice.

And then, you can become the Grandmaster!

- Got it? - Can you do it?

Yes!

Sure he can.

A new day, a new sun is rising

Bishop G5.

Bishop takes G5.

Queen takes B2.

Checkmate.

Staggering, swimming, trudging ahead

How can a newcomer take on the sea?

A new horizon spreads before me

It calls me

Calls me faraway

I won't stop, I won't budge

I won't stop anymore

I shall leave behind my foot-marks

A new day, a new sun is rising

Here, have it.

Argh! I'm playing against my Guru, don't disturb me!

Aha!

Bobby Fischer, your son's Guru!

The river will change its course

It just needs a bit more light

Holding onto the goal Fists clenched in determination

- Grandson, show Ma what a big fish we brought!

If I can stride brave I shall tame all obstacles

Come on The new dawn is shining

Come on Burn like an unending fire

Come on Who else can show the way?

Come on Build your own destiny

Come on!

Come on!

Come on!

Come on!

Checkmate.

What a shame... Please sit.

What is this boy up to! What has he done!

- But what has he done really? - What did I tell you?

He's growing up, discipline him!

You won't. Why? Coz he's a genius?

- But... - But what?

You let him fly, so he's flying! You put no restrictions on him.

- Now he's flown off to Germany. - What!

The famous Munich Chess competition of Germany.

They've invited him. Imagine!

Just a smiling face won't do. You've to treat me to sweets!

- Of course. - But let me remind you.

You have to pay for the travel.

Ah.

But, sir... You know our situation.

His reward money is the only earning our family has.

We have big dreams. But affordability?

Sir, kids grow up playing Chess in other countries too.

Do they have to pay for their tournament trips?

Those countries support their players during their making.

But our government only stands beside a player

after their career is made. And that's the tragedy.

Karuna Devi,

this is a game of Chess.

The Pawn is just a square away.

It moves a square forward and it'll become Queen.

You understand?

- Really? He'll go to Germany to play Chess, eh?

It's his chance to participate in a big international competition.

- So-- - International?

- Yes, it's-- - Pappu?

Hmm?

- Hadn't you gone somewhere to play Carrom?

Yes, Ultadanga.

Clear? If Carrom can take you to Ultadanga,

Chess can at the most take you to... Sealdah.

If our Party sponsors your son's international Chess match,

then Bonka will soon want to go to London to pay Ludo!

And I'll have to pay for that too! Isn't it?

Such high hopes!

Look! Hadn't I told you?

Uncle is a man of his word. Came back on time.

But Uncle, please come and pay your dues yourself.

My boys won't go to your place.

Do you know what that lady has done to them?

- She threw hot water, leftover food...

Even threw crap at us!

- Renu? - Renu, Benu, whoever she is.

If she joins my team, she'll go a long way!

Your son in law is a palmist, right?

No, he gave it up.

Wonder if he can tell when my freeloader father in law will die!

Anyway, Montu.

Uncle will pay for three months, sit with him and sort it out.

- No, listen. - What?

I haven't come to pay today.

- I need some more money. - Oops, I've to get going.

- Take out the car. - Uncle, sit.

- I'll have to go. - Boss will leave, get the car.

Hmm...

Look at Bula Choudhury. Look at Dola Banerjee.

Same story.

Media, sponsors, their loyalties are plain fake.

Swarming around you when you have success.

And during your struggle? No one's there!

Sir.

Is there no way?

That is what I'm thinking.

Our club has a tournament at Gorky Sadan next week.

It's the Golden Jubilee. The Sports Minister will come.

Our club has a record.

The previous player won against 10 players.

I will arrange 16 players to play against you this time.

The media, the minister and the public will be present.

If you win this one,

the government will have to do something for you.

Maybe pay for plane fare...

- But I already defeated 16 players when I was 8, sir.

- This is a different game. You play by the clock.

It's called a Clock Simul, you know.

Heard of Sultan Khan?

Nawab Umar Hayat and Sultan Khan had once gone to Britain.

About a hundred years ago.

Sultan Khan had no professional training in Chess.

Yet he became the British Chess champion thrice, consecutively.

You see, Souro, the world doesn't remember the ordinary.

It just remembers the exceptional.

I want you to be like that, an extraordinary one.

Can't you do it?

You think I don't know what my son is up to?

Wait!

Here, Anandabazar Patrika. News on Souro's match.

Here. Aajkal newspaper. News of his Fariapukur match.

Here's The Telegraph. Souro holding the trophy.

My son! A worthless father's son!

- Please stop. - Wait, let me talk.

What's the matter with you all? You think I own a money plant?

I pull out its leaves, label Gandhi's pic on it and give it away?

If I have to pull something, I'll pull out your tongue, you scum!

- Behave yourself. Hasn't Dad told you?

We'll pay when Souro returns from Germany!

You couldn't settle your dues in 10 years!

Give me my money. First, my money, then Germany!

Raju babu, please listen. I did tell you.

Once my Grandson returns, I'll pay all your dues.

Mere words won't cut it!

You've already charged us unfairly high interests.

If you want to evade paying the interest,

you're quite the looker, you know...

Souro! Stop it!

- Pick him up! Boss, are you hurt?

- Hey! - Stop.

Don't say anything to him. I'll just wait and watch,

how he is able to go to Germany. Come on.

- I guess now you know the game.

That way! Come on!

Catch him!

Stop!

Come on!

Catch him!

Hey! You all go that way!

Come with me.

Damn!

Go.

Yes!

Dad!

Yes!

Very good! Excellent!

Here you go.

Here's your certificate.

Take it.

- Sir, please say a few words. - Sure.

- The extraordinary talent of Souro Shekhar Ganguly

at the young age of only 13, has mesmerized us!

On behalf of West Bengal government, I declare that

Souro Shekhar shall participate in the Chess competition of Munich.

And the government will pay for all its expenses.

- Great! - Wow!

I hope Souro becomes Bengal's Grandmaster soon!

- Seek his blessings. - Bless you, son.

- Bless you, son. You did great!

May god give you more strength, my dear son!

- Hurry up, son. - Be safe.

I hear it's very cold in that country.

- He's hardly carrying warm clothes. - Whatever he took is enough.

Close the bag.

European players are professionally trained since childhood.

Their style, moves, it's all very different.

- Read this. It'll help. - I don't need these books.

I am the champion from North Calcutta, Grandpa!

Give it to me.

Play intelligently, that's all.

Let's go.

This boy is here to win Stop him if you can

His path is clear Beware, everyone

This boy is running towards victory

- One more game and I'm Grandmaster. - No practice today?

I'll win anyway.

Bro, let's go.

All he owns is the passion to win

- Listen. How much did you son earn today?

- Around 500 rupees. - My my!

Everybody in the club All eyes on us

Becoming a Grandmaster It's not a joke!

Stay focused Win a hundred times over

Becoming a Grandmaster It's not a joke!

Everybody in the club All eyes on us

Becoming a Grandmaster It's not a joke!

Stay focused Truth shall win

Becoming a Grandmaster It's not a joke!

All suited and booted The little champ games on

He rules over the world A kid from a small locality

All suited and booted The little champ games on

He rules over the world A kid from a small locality

- Check this out. - Such huge pillars!

- Whose house is this? - You fool!

It's the Brandenburg Gate!

They took me there the day I defeated Peter. Got it?

- Light everywhere Light all around my world!

- They put me up at a 5 star over there!

The softest bed ever! And Continental food!

Continental? What is that?

Tastier than our Potla's shop's Kachoris?

You boys will never learn.

Comparing Continental to Potla's Kachoris?

Continental food is-- What the-- Just you wait!

Yes, throw one at her!

- Won't you let the neighbourhood sleep?

- Oh no! Where did the water come from?

What the hell!

Is this your living room? Chatting away at this hour!

Take the storytelling class to your own place.

Who is this girl?

New tenants at Sunil Bose's house.

Studies in an English medium school. Her Dad's very rich!

- Oh no! Where did this fly come from!

- Come. Your food is getting cold.

Why the long face? You won the game.

Eat, will you? It's getting cold.

Come on?

F3!

- Rook F4. - King F4.

Bishop D6, check.

King F5!

Queen, D5, checkmate.

What a bad day! I'm losing at everything! Damn!

But eat, will you? Hey...

- Debangana Basu. - Which school?

St. Augustine Day School, Barrackpore. Pool car picks her up at 9.

Her mom walks her to the car. It drops her off at 4, same place.

Tuition classes on Thursday evenings.

- Music class on Sundays. - Wait for me.

The mom's always with her.

- Dance classes on Saturdays. She goes there alone.

Saturday evening!

Yikes!

- You soiled the clothes! - You and your damn antenna!

Do not call it an antenna!

- You made me miss my target! - Well, I curse you!

Off you go! Boys, come on!

- Yes... - I curse each one of you!

'Nrityashaili'

Will she whisper songs

Will she whisper songs

to my blooming buds?

Whisking away their soul

With the onset of the spring

I wonder, I wonder

Even if I don't recognize her face

Will she know it's me?

With the onset of the spring

I wonder...

She'll come out in an hour. Let's wait there?

- Drop it. - What!

Mission canceled. Go home, leave this to me.

- But... - Go!

Listen! Here, look what I've brought.

- Alladin's magical lamp! - But this is Souro's game.

Shut up. I'm going to teach Karun how it's done!

Listen, this isn't just a game. It's a gold mine!

Learn the moves and you make 300, 500, every day!

- Shouldn't we learn it? - Yes, he earns a fortune off it.

Yet, I win nothing from the card games.

You'll never win. We may even have a second child by then,

but your luck won't shine.

- Are we expecting? - Are you nuts?

Check this out, this is the Queen. Moves on all sides.

And this one here, it's a... Rook.

- It moves... - Straight.

- Yes, straight. And this one is a Knight.

- It moves in an L shape. - Yes, L shape.

Oh! So you already know? Well then, let's play!

How about a real game of Chess instead?

Shut it! Don't touch me! Incorrigible!

Filthy mind!

- Just tea? He deserves to be treated with some snacks too!

Living off his son's money! Damn, he is fortunate!

Are you Rathindra babu?

- Yes. But you are... - I'm Souro's father.

I see. Give me a minute.

- Ask him to check this. - Yes, sir.

- Give it to Soumen. - Okay.

My son won't play Chess anymore.

What is your problem?

Cricket or Football may land him a job! But this is different!

You're dragging him around for some mere peanuts!

Mr Ganguly, it's all about the perspective!

Hell with your perspective!

It suits the privileged lot, like you.

We, the middle class, struggle to put food on the table!

Hmm. Come with me.

Come. Look at that man.

Nearly half his brain was damaged in a ghastly bike accident.

He's trying to improve his brain functioning by playing Chess.

And those two old men... Alzheimer's patients.

Half of their lives are erased from their memories.

Chess helps revive their memories.

And look here. Criminals from the juvenile home.

They committed crimes like murder, theft.

You'll be surprised to know, by playing Chess for a year,

they obtained a new outlook.

They want to come back to normal life.

And you ask what's the use of Chess!

Right?

Not as a regular job or as a hobby...

That's not why your son plays Chess.

His fight is way greater.

Don't we need a Prometheus to show light in such dark times?

He who stole the fire from heaven, brought it to this world!

Your son could be the Prometheus of our times...

The same game of Chess that makes you insecure today,

believe me, one day it'll take your son to uncharted heights!

You cannot even imagine it!

Mark my words.

You're so lucky.

Your Mom and Grandpa nurture your dreams.

But my dreams are left alone. Look at Ma.

She never asked me what I like. She's always--

- Goja... - Ma's here. Bye!

Haven't I told you not to loiter after class?

Told you not to hang with him! Come on in!

Why don't we quarrel at least?

What's love without a lover's tiff

Why don't we quarrel at least?

What's love without a lover's tiff

I snuck out of home to see you

Lying, that I'm going to play

What am I to do all day?

Drown in your colourful thoughts?

I'm glad to know that the wind

that touches me, strokes you too

Why don't we quarrel at least?

- Why are you following me? - Um, well... Uh...

- What do you want with me? - I threw a stone at you.

- Hence, I... - Oh! I forgot about it.

Anyway, I've to head home now. Bye!

- But listen... - Yes?

- Your name? - Debangana.

You play Chess?

As the cold wind crumbles me

Your fragrance keeps me warm

As the cold wind crumbles me

Your fragrance keeps me warm

On a night, lit with your warmth

I sleep in peace, like a child

Why don't we quarrel at least?

Um, can I take you to your dance class today?

- Hope you won't drop me? - Mhm.

The wheels of my cycle

Keep turning towards you

It's your wish that commands

how my day will go

Let the balloons fly away from our hands

Let the sky look at us from above

Why don't we quarrel at least?

What's love without a lover's tiff

Why don't we quarrel at least?

What's love without a lover's tiff

Why don't we quarrel at least?

How will we manage without you?

But I really can't help it...

- Sir, you're leaving? - Where have you been?

I've been looking for you.

Tell me, are you leaving?

My wife is... a cancer patient, it's an advanced stage.

I have to take her to Vellore. And...

one can't give professional training amid such uncertainty, right?

But my game?

Yes, your game--

Hey, Samiran.

Come here.

Your new teacher.

He's brilliant at Chess.

See his record at the junior competition of Germany.

Take very good care of him, Samiran.

Leaving you with a huge responsibility.

- Souro? - Hmm.

- Hearing a lot about you. In fact, all I hear is your name.

- When can we sit on the board? - Whenever you tell me.

- Why not go for a short castle? - But, sir, then one can't attack.

Who told you?

- Grandpa says, in long castle-- - Grandpa...

- Who is your coach? - You.

Damn!

Wrong!

Wrong.

It's not working, don't you see!

Why aren't you listening to me? Hmm?

Are you an idiot?! Huh?

What rubbish!

Damn it!

- Souro's father, right? - Hmm?

I lent you 200 rupees about 2 months ago...

Don't worry, I am not asking you to return it.

At the Beniapukur match,

your son's end game move with the Bishop...

I felt like I'm watching Diben Barua play!

The quintessential North Calcutta blood, you see!

- But I... - Well, you are his father.

The city will know you through your son!

How many father's are that lucky?

Two ice creams.

- Here you go. - Take this, it's green.

- Let's go. - Ice cream...

Ice cream...

I trained my entire class in Chess.

They are blown away! They give me a VIP treatment!

- Hmm? - What's with your nose?

It's nothing.

Show me! Oh no! It's a deep cut!

- How did it happen? - It's nothing. Forget it.

Tell me, will you!

I played a wrong move at practice. So Samiran sir...

Samiran sir hits you? But, that's not done!

In our school, teachers aren't allowed to hit students.

I follow Grandpa and Rathindra sir's technique.

I think he doesn't like that. That's why.

- Do you like the riverside? - Never been to one.

Let's bunk class and go to Bagbazar?

- The food's lovely! - Sure!

Come on!

- Souro is all over the news these days.

You are so fortunate!

- How long until the money starts pouring in?

Malati di, her son is the Romeo of this locality.

Which is why he bunks school to take his Juliet on dates!

- Has he ever harmed you? - Look.

He's your problem, solve it the way you wish.

I'm just worried about one thing.

I don't want my Goju to get influenced by him.

- Hey... - Doesn't know what her son's up to!

- Ma scolded me a lot yesterday. - What!

Did someone see us together?

- Mhm. I did terribly at the unit test this time.

- Oh! In my case, my teachers take the onus to pass me.

Why aren't you going to the Chess Club?

- Who told you? - Answer what I asked.

- It's just today I didn't go. - Don't lie.

The club informed me you haven't been going!

It's up to me, whether I'll go or not.

- Is this child's play to you? - No, it's a serious game.

And all you care for is that I win it. I will. Chapter closed!

Souro! It's not about winning or losing!

You're lying to us to loiter on the streets!

Where had you gone? Tell me!?

I was with my friends. Just nearby.

- You were with your friends? Another lie! And what is this?

Answer me! Who is this? Who is Debangana?

Hmm? What? Why are you silent now?

Speak up! You are all we both think of all the time!

Your well-being, your game, tournaments, training!

And you're lying to us for a girl and--

Yes, go on! Why did you stop? Go on!

- What am I doing with her? - Grandson!

Grandson, you shouldn't talk to your mother like that.

Listen, change is the only constant.

Disrespect time and you'll never know when it'll change!

People praise your game now, you are gaining fame.

If you don't focus on training now, it'll all be over in a snap!

- You have a bright future! - My future? Or yours?

I hear stories of how rich you were! Your brothers cheated you!

You went begging to your brother in law!

What came off it? It's because I played, that we all could eat!

Dad's given up years ago!

I played, I won, I brought money, trophies, medals!

So, I will decide what I will do!

Souro!

Dad! What happened to you? Are you feeling sick?

Sit here. Dad, you're sweating a lot!

Drenched in sweat! I keep asking you to take your heart medicines!

You care for him so much... This is what you get in return!

It's okay. I'm alright.

Have it.

Did you hear Souro today?

Hmm.

He has grown up.

Souro is my strength. Being hurt by him...

I just cannot accept this!

Hey, Souro... You know what happened to your Grandpa?

Grandpa...

Don't touch him!

Get out!

Go!

Souro...

wake up. I'm leaving your food here.

Do eat.

Start your game.

Excuse me.

- Souro Shekhar Ganguly's first loss at the Calcutta Masters.

Defeated by Abhijit Barua.

- Congrats. - Thanks.

Don't chase two hares together.

You played E4 instead of D4 in the beginning.

You opened the way you wanted.

Then, mid game, you recalled my lessons?

Should start with me and end with me.

Got it?

Got it?!

My life's turned into a total Zugzwang!

It's a Chess term in German.

You've to keep playing, even if you know you'll die.

A double edged sword.

I think you should talk to Aunty.

Know what my Grandma says? There always is a way.

All doors don't shut at the same time.

Shonai!

You're meeting this boy again!

- Your Dad will be very upset! - But Aunty, I...--

- Shut up! My daughter is bunking classes because of you!

- Her scores are miserable! - Why blame him!

- Do not say a word! And you, I am warning you!

If you come after my daughter again, I'll call the police.

- Come on! - Ma!

Wait till your Dad finds out!

Hey!

Get up!

- Why didn't you play the Pawn? - Grandpa used to--

Grandpa! Grandpa! Grandpa!

- Your Grandpa died! Repeat? - He died.

Yes, he died.

No place for dead pieces on the board.

Lost a big tournament, losing all practice matches!

Still won't follow my teaching?

What is your problem?

Can't be the Grandmaster playing on North Calcutta streets!

Won two norms, that's where it will end for you!

How will you beat the international players? Anyone can beat you!

Hey! Look!

Our wonder boy!

Won a tournament abroad! Souro!

Pride of the Chess Club!

I keep insisting that you follow my technique!

No! You must follow the dead Grandpa!

- Play! - I made a mistake, sir.

Then rub your nose!

Properly.

Make sure you hold on to your place

Make sure not to lose it

Make sure you hold on to your place

Make sure not to lose it

Even your own shadow will leave you

Even your own shadow will leave you

When the lamp goes out

Make sure you hold on to your place

Make sure not to lose it

- Excuse me... - Souro's mother?

Feeling sorry for your son?

They rehearsed in a dark room, locked up without any sun.

Even if their hands bled, they couldn't stop until the Guru said.

That's how an Alla Rakha, a Zakir Hussain is made! Okay?

You want your son to be like Fischer or Kasparov?

- Hmm. - So, this is how I teach.

And I'll continue to.

The one whose home is in your heart

The one you have sheltered in there

It's you, your biggest truth

It's you, your biggest truth

There is no truth above you yourself

So, make sure you hold on to yourself

The bird in your heart will break away

The bird will fly free

- His Chess is all a bluff. - He's been lying.

Souro, been a while since you went to Germany. Why?

He rubbed his nose on the floor in a room full of people!

So much for the foreign trip and its fancy stories!

- Grandpa and Chess, he lost both. - Careful, Chintu!

Talk about Grandpa again and I'll pull out your tongue!

Oi! Stop yelling! Get lost!

Your days are over. From now on, walk with your head down.

- Look at him! He is stumped for words!

Not showing off anymore? Look at him shying away!

Grandson?

Forgive me, Grandpa... I didn't mean those things.

Words, and moves made on a Chess board, can never be reversed.

I can't do this without you, Grandpa.

I'm losing all the matches!

Remember what Rathindra sir said on the first day?

- You know who is a big player? - Someone who wins all matches?

Not necessarily.

A big player... can set up the board exactly how it was

before it had been messed up.

- The real test of a big player, is not his win.

It's his return!

- Ma, I know, you still haven't forgiven me.

I don't want you to forgive me.

I won't tell you anything now, Ma.

One day I'll fulfill Grandpa's dream and come to you.

That day, we'll talk our hearts out.

Dad, I have to play like I once used to.

- The previous coach of the club, Rathindra Chakrabarty...

- Can I have his address? - Oh, sure. Wait.

- How have you been? How's your game going?

What was that! Back to long castle?

Are you dim? Told you this is wrong!

No, sir. I'm playing right.

What did you say? You're playing it right?

- You're right? - Yes.

- One slap and--

He's playing it right, Samiran.

So, you mean to say I am wrong?

- Samiran-- - I've been coaching for years!

Can anyone point out anything wrong in my method?

That I'm teaching wrong?

No.

Your method is correct, your teaching it right.

But all you do is teach the game, didn't try to understand him.

Look, it's all about good move and a bad move.

I don't believe in emotions.

All ailments cant be cured by the same medicine.

Every player has his own style.

The way he moves his pieces is its unspoken language.

Ever tried to read it?

You didn't.

He has his own style, his own game.

Ever tried to understand that? No.

In order to train an Arjun, you must become Dronacharya.

Come.

- You-- - Not today. Wait a minute, sir.

Sir, I'll prove it,

the game thrives in the alleys of North Calcutta.

This is where Grandmasters are born.

His moves will change the game The Horse will run in its speed

As the King and Bishop strategize A new sun will rise!

The real game begins now

Heart beats rising

Scars of anger, insult and suffering gives birth to

The Chess player!

The Chess player!

Why are you in a hurry?

Making a move without gauging the opposition's plan.

Remember what Grandpa taught? Prophylaxis thinking!

- Yes. - So?

Uhh... Bishop goes to G5?

On sleepless nights I take refuge in the black and white

It covers up for my pain

I win the war again

And I close my eyes in peace

Still wont talk to him?

I'm not stone-hearted.

But I don't want him to fall weak already.

I know, one day he'll fulfill the promise he made to Grandpa.

That day I'll talk to him.

An international tournament is happening in India this time.

At Chennai.

With your rating, you'll get through easily.

You've won two norms already. This is your chance, Souro.

Win the final norm this time, and become the Grandmaster.

- Grandmaster? - Yes! Grandmaster!

The King's crown is my goal

If the opponent gives me a good fight

Rooks, Knights and Bishops are my co-conspirators

They'll all take the side of this chess player

If you score high points in this tournament,

you'll have the chance to meet Grandmaster Shevchenko.

The Chess Player The only way for me is to win now

The Chess Player All I can do is learn from the fall

The Chess Player I cover my face in sleepless nights

The Chess Player I win and close my eyes in peace

Souro...

I don't think you should come here anymore.

Okay.

Who knows what will become of our liking for each other.

Grandpa used to say, "Give time, time."

So, let's take a time out from the evenings we spent together?

Grandpa's dream was that I'll become Grandmaster.

So, I have only one goal now. To win.

The Chess Player The only way for me is to win now

The Chess Player All I can do is learn from the fall

My Father in law sold it years ago...

- Nabin babu's son in law? - Yes.

If you could kindly give me a discount on the board...

I have a five-year-old son who loves to play Chess.

- I see. - Umm, I have a request.

I know Souro is very busy. But if he can teach my son the game...

Of course, why not. Now... kindly tell me its price.

Take it back. It belongs to your family.

No need to pay.

- I can't take it just like that... - Souro will teach my son.

This is his first month's advance pay.

This is Grandpa's! But Dad, you?

I can't bring your Grandpa back.

When you play on this, you'll feel your Grandpa is with you.

Sit.

Been a long time.

Want to say something?

Yes, I heard that you're taking Souro

to the International competition at Chennai.

Yes.

I am taking him... but... he wont win this one.

You see,

even a flourishing tree dries up without water.

And he is just a kid.

You think I'm harming my child?

Do I have anyone in this world but him?

My heart is crying...

but I won't fall weak in front of him.

Kunti recognized Karna during his training as a warrior.

But she didn't tell anyone.

Stopped herself from expressing her motherly love.

By the time she did it, the mother's lap was empty.

A mother's love does not weaken a child.

Rather, it's a child's biggest strength.

Safest shelter.

Good.

Souro... We are getting late.

You're the coach, right? Hello!

I've seen your game. There's not much to it.

Nothing really. A lot like the Parliament.

The Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee,

he is the one doing everything. Front, back, right and left,

he is everywhere. And the President is like the King.

He doesn't really have anything to do, right?

And the Pawns are like us, commoners.

- Their lives don't matter. - May I go now?

Sorry, I'm digressing. So, my Son, Goja...

He's a sharp kid!

Why don't you make him a Band Master too?

- See, you think it's an earthworm. - Aha?

But it's actually a Cobra.

- And did you say Band Master? - Yes, Band Master.

- It's called Grandmaster. - Ah! Grandmaster!

Though I'm a Band Master too.

I see!

- Want me to play you? - No, thanks. I've to go.

Come, Come...

Get in.

- Bye. - Please take care.

Sure.

Scoot...

You are late.

5432. And then, last but not the least.

- Ruli Shevchenko. Who's he? - The Grandmaster!

- Yes! Win against all four and you'll face him.

His team of seconds is very strong.

With a computer engine.

They record all your matches, each of your moves.

And they do a thorough analysis.

- Then they plan a strategy. - So, now?

So, what? They'll know all your secrets.

Well, they'll know all of them but one.

Don't you realize what?

Remember all the philosophies your Grandpa?

Hope you didn't forget any?

Good!

It's impossible to return now.

Please try to understand. The boy is alone here.

If I go back... Look, the tournament--

Sir? Is anything wrong?

Um... Done with your dinner?

Yes.

- Now sleep. - Okay.

Go on, sleep!

Nothing's wrong.

Nothing at all!

Is he the famous Mikhail?

- Yes, Mikhail, the world champion.

Mate!

Hey, kid. I've seen your games. It's good.

But you're too young to beat Shevchenko.

I'm going to smash you.

- Hello? - Uncle, Souro here.

Please call Ma.

There's still time.

I'm arranging for the ticket.

It's his life's biggest match, Karuna.

Won't you be there with him the final time?

I forbade you from doing a job because Brother said so.

Let me make up for it now?

- All the designs are nice. - How about this one?

- Nice. But I want something else--

- What kind... - Imagine my luck!

Look who is here! Came here on some work?

Madam, I need to have a word with you.

You'll ask for the money, right? Only a bit is due.

- I'll pay it next month. - Leave it. Please.

You see... I have sinned a lot.

When my son went to get admission in school,

everyone said "He's your son, he'll be a goon, like you."

My son said,

"If Brother Souro can play international matches

coming from a needy family, then I can study too."

I've pestered you a lot.

And now my son... idolizes your son.

It's all destiny...

Damn it...

- Here... - Let me see.

Please keep it.

- Gonsha da. - Yes?

Give them what they want.

Sure.

Sir.

Are you ready?

- Why's your hair messed up... - You're crying?

Uh... No...

Supriya didn't give me a bit more time. She left...

Sir, please go back. I'll manage on my own.

You know what Supriya used to say? She said...

"One day, Souro will become a player as good as you."

Prove it today...

You're a far better player than me. Far better!

Can you do it?

- Uhh... Pallapan Street. - Okay, 300 rupees.

It'll be fine.

- Please move. Let me watch the TV too?

Goja wont go for tuition classes from tomorrow.

He will go to the drawing class. He'll do what he loves doing.

Sorry, Sorry...

- Pallapan Street? - Go staright and take a right.

Which way do you want to go?

- Pallapan Street. - Okay, 100 rupees.

- Oh no! What the--

What happened?

- I don't know... Have to check.

Oh no! Flat tyre! Please pay me and go.

Thank you madam.

Grandpa, all my pieces are dying.

Sometimes, you've to give up your favourite piece in order to win.

Which one's your favourite?

- The Queen. - Sacrifice the Queen!

Souro!

'I will be your little son again I'll ask you to tell me stories

You'll say "Naughty lad, where were you?"

I will say "I won't tell you!"'

Oh, yes!

History has been created!

Grandmaster Shevchenko has been defeated by

a young kid from India.

Souro Shekhar Ganguly.

This is unbelievable!

This day will always be remembered in the history of Chess.

Make sure you hold on to your place

Make sure not to lose it

Make sure you hold on to your place

Make sure not to lose it

Even your own shadow will leave you

Even your own shadow will leave you

When the lamp goes out

Make sure you hold on to your place

Make sure not to lose it

Breaking down the shackles of your mind

The bird will fly free

Make sure you hold on to your place

Make sure not to lose it

The one whose home is in your heart

The one you have sheltered in there

It's you, your biggest truth

It's you, your biggest truth

There is no truth above you yourself

So, make sure you hold on to yourself