Original subtitles

How've you been? Really? Okay!

I heard something! That was during the last release.

Oh my God!

We catch up only at parties. And we must work together!

Now you're talking!

Thank you! Excuse me.

Hello! - Hello, Madam.

Hi! - Looking ravishing Neelu!

Hi.

Wow! Looking gorgeous!

What are you doing! - Oops! Sorry!

What are you doing here? Come with me.

So the Queen Bee, slightly drunk, stood there and said, ''Darling,

what are you doing here? Come.''

So I'm Bimala? - I don't know that. But...

...I sure ain't Nikhilesh.

That's understood.

No matter how much you invoke Brechtian alienation...

...ultimately you too are a possessive, insecure man.

Come, I'll introduce you to some people.

Tell me something... you really like these parties eh?

Aren't you bored? The same fake smiles and gossip.

How about poetry or attending a play...

Then I'd miss out on talking to Mr. Agarwal about the next film.

This is important. Now get up. Come on.

Come on now! Get up!

''Although Nikhilesh avoided the argument,

but he understood a serious fight was at hand.''

Stop it, will you!

It's pointless to invest so much in such films.

I'm doing this only because they feature in it.

Yes, obviously.

I'll try... I'll...

...try my level best to get them on board.

The project is different.

We don't make experimental films in Bengali that often.

I think they'll accept it.

You see, probably I'll get them. It might take a little time.

That's the problem.

The crucial thing is a proper schedule.

That's the main criterion.

See if you can convince them.

Yes, I'll get on with it.

And... I'll take your leave today.

See you.

What is it? At this hour!

Trina di... sorry... had you fallen asleep?

Was just about to. Is everything okay?

Yes, everything is fine. You see, Trina di...

...I met a producer this morning.

Got a good offer...

- Watched anything new lately? - No.

What's new? The world is running on gimmicks.

Including films.

Gradually they'll end up belonging to only one class.

Is Kolkata only about the shopping malls and cafes?

Go ahead, make a film on have-nots.

Foreign festivals will lap it up.

Stop talking crap.

They are a different extreme.

Dependant on oppressed exotica.

Chuck it.

Escapist populist cinema is far better.

Those days are gone, Dr. Faustus.

The rural audience has turned to the idiot box.

And with your crusade of changing urban folk culture...

No point being sarcastic, buddy. This is an industry.

Commercial art form.

Whether it be the golden era... or aluminium.

If the wheels of the cinefactory don't turn,

your award-winning films would not exist.

Remember, it's the proletariat's piggy bank that pays for our high-rises.

Yes,

recently multiplexes have come up. But...

...you know what I think? I think instead of being myopic...

...I'll make a biopic like you. A hit director after all.

Rubbish. Better go back to acting.

Why?

Because I made a potboiler after assisting Satyajit Ray?

I didn't mean that! See,

...direction requires a very calm mind.

And you need a lot of positive energy. See Diptya...

...you've become very bitter.

''No one's doing anything. All are calculative.''

That's true! - Even me?

Immensely!

Let's go to The Rooftop. - Why The Rooftop?

How about our good old hang out?

Will you or won't you? - What about the food at home?

Bought the refridgerator to store clothes, is it?

Err... Pandora's Box... that's the name of the production house.

Yes. And there's this industrialist... who's the owner.

And he wants to produce a film.

But... he wants...

...it to be a collection of four short films.

Doesn't work in the Bengali market.

Many tried and failed. Told him?

I did, you know.

But I met him and figured that he is determined.

And he's insistent about a couple of conditions as well.

Good film with a tight budget, the other one?

No. He says the budget is not a factor.

Artists, technicians, none will get a chance to complain.

What! Is he reliable or a chit fund owner?

Enquired? - He has a fertiliser company.

Has a big construction business apart from that. It's a big company.

That is not a problem.

And he said, we'll have to help him with the distribution.

That can be done. Anyway, I'm free these days.

So, what's the deal? You and I, two each?

No, he wants these four short films to be...

...made by directors of different genres.

As in, we make up four different stories,

then we narrate them to him. Then the decision will be made.

Okay. Who are these four directors?

You.

I.

Shakya da.

Fourth?

Diptya da. - Impossible.

Why? Why impossible?

Can't attend a meeting with her. No point creating trouble.

Come on! Aren't you a professional?

Don't try to talk me into it. I'm not game.

Joyobroto said it's a good proposal. Let's go hear it?

You may like it too. - Joy's not a bad chap.

Mature. At least tries to do good stuff.

The end result isn't that good. But that's a different story.

So I couldn't refuse him directly, somehow shrugged him off.

Go if you want to. Don't drag me.

What film are you making right now?

Shakya, don't provoke me.

Why turn down Rahul's father's role? Such a good offer.

You call that a role?

Besides I've given up acting. - Think about your kid.

Tatha is doing his post doc... - So?

So nothing! Refusing one offer after the other!

This is a huge problem with ex-superstars like you.

Ex?

Come outside Post Box Kolkata with me, you'll know.

Fine. But don't be adamant. It's an interesting project.

And I hear there's a good budget. - Good budget... cool, I get it,

maybe an interesting project too. But please Joy,

don't ask me to work with that man.

As it is immense tension at home regarding this. And...

Err... what I was saying... Trina di... see...

...is there a point being angry over some past episode?

You know very well that my relationship with Diptya...

...is much more than some past episode.

Yes, sure. - Then?

Which is why I was saying that... err...

...what if you find out he has changed?

Not a bit!

Very recently... last time when I bumped into him at a party...

...sulked for hours at a corner.

Nothing's changed! He's exactly the same as before!

Okay... I promise...

You feel even a bit uncomfortable, we won't take it up.

Just come for the meeting?

What's the point?

Avoided him all these years, why start all over again?

You know Trina di, I never wanted to be an actor.

I'm compelled to act. I always wanted to be a film maker.

So, along with my acting career I've tried and made two films.

See, what happens is...

if this project happens...

...I find some ground beneath as a director, as a film maker.

Working with people of your stature,

you know?

See, I understand that this is an unfair request...

But you're still going ahead with it.

Yes.

Please.

Dad.

Dad, Mum's asking you to get ready.

It's a weekday, there'll be traffic. Quick.

Yes, I'll get going.

When was this taken?

So pretty! She was something else, isn't it?

Oh yes! You bet she was!

If I'm drooling over her,

I can imagine what happened to you all.

Unlike you, we didn't fall in love so easily back then.

Slow cooked the feelings on low heat.

I don't fall in love so easily.

But I'm alert about the pressure cooker.

By the way...

...is your script ready? They've a very strict deadline.

Almost. It's nearly done.

Dad!

Trust me. Where's your mother?

In the kitchen. Don't change the topic. What's the update?

Done with character and plot introduction.

The real story will begin now.

Hello. Please come in. - Hello.

Ritwik...

Hello.

Have a seat. - Thank you.

Hope you found your way easily?

No, that's alright. Err... did you think about it?

Before that... tea of coffee?

No, thank you. Just had lunch.

Okay... - About the project...

- The project is very interesting. - Okay.

And we, in fact I, liked the script a lot. Isn't it, Ritwik?

Yes. Nice script.

The role is nice too. Interesting.

There's a bit of a problem.

See, often what happens is,

the script is good but the execution is not up to the mark.

Not because of the capability. Maybe due to lack of experience.

So, we were thinking... since this is your first film...

...we retain the story. You produce it as well.

What if a friend of ours directs it.

A friend of yours? But my project...

Don't worry.

He's new but good.

Has been doing camera, wants to make a film now.

Being a friend, shares a rapport with us.

Asked him to come today. - In fact he'll be...

...there he is.

Well, sorry. I'm a bit late.

Yes! Come! We've just started.

Please come, Diptya da. Join us. We've been waiting for you.

Please sit.

Since we've 'just' started, I think you'd better give him the recap.

I'll have to leave exactly by 1pm.

Hello. How are you?

Good. You? - Very bad.

Recap please?

You've heard some of it earlier...

...actually, Joy has got hold of a producer.

He wants us to... - Name?

Rumpelstiltskin. Happy?

Hear him out first! - Okay, sorry, go on.

The thing is he wants all four of us to make four short films.

Yes.

The producer wants it to be a collaborative project.

Who's this responsible alumni, trying to arrange a re-union?

See?

What did I tell you? Some people never change.

So much of negativity! - Excuse me!

Did you talk about negativity? - Chuck it now.

I well did!

Will you guys stop!

Err... what's happening is... we're digressing.

See, I'll summarise. this Mr. Producer...

...his name is Mr. Gupta...

...he wants us to... rather he's requesting all four of us to...

...write four separate stories...

...and once the stories are formed,

we go meet him and pitch him the stories.

Once that is done we can finalise the other details, like...

...casting, production design...-

Also tell him where we've to go or he'll start grumbling!

Trina! Stop it! - It's true!

I'll tell you, you know Bakhhali? Near Frazerganj,

a little far away from Frazerganj is this place called...

...Henry's Island. Right! So the producer has a bungalow there.

We've to go there and pitch our stories.

Now, tell me what to do.

Tempting.

But I think we must enquire about the producer a bit.

I've seen these kinds. Once a producer had come...

..with a lot of money. Wanted to make Troy in Bengali.

Troy!

What!

Interesting! What was the cast?

I, Hector. Taposh, Achilles. And Moonmoon, Helen.

Must've been a very long time ago.

Otherwise, Hector, with that physique...

If you can play a courtesan with that accent then...

Enough!

Oh stop it you guys!

So where were we? - If you ask me, I think we should...

...take up the project.

We could.

Provided everybody cooperates.

Listen Trina, the project is very interesting.

Besides it'll be a nice excursion... right Diptya?

Yes, but... - Oh please!

You'll spend your life doubting!

Dialectics in everything!

You and your Marxism. - Marx is long dead, brother.

Even Nietzsche. And God.

I forgot to mention...

...our producer has only one condition.

All four stories must have one common theme. And...

...that is...

...death.

Yes.

Death.

Bunked the rehearsal. Coming back. What more do you want?

No, tell me what more do you want?

Look Dad,

Why're you giving me this bad trip?

How do I know where the script is?

The keys were in the letter box.

Now how does weed feature here?

Told you I don't know! Why don't you ask that bitch?

Whatever! Chuck it!

Four cups of tea!

Are the lights set? Didn't you hear me?

Where's the tea?

What? Is the shot ready? - Yes.

No... err.. - What no?

Why are you stammering? Shot?

No... I mean...

You must go there Sir. I went to call her once.

But...

When are you back? - Why?

Want to party with those buggers here?

Please Dad!

There are better places to party than this hell hole.

Shut up! Leave if you don't like it here. No one's stopped you!

My staying here disturbs your philandering, isn't it?

Another word and you are... - What is it?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

What's all this!

Look what father and son have done to the house!

Move.

Move! - Yes.

That's it then? Done?

Problem solved? Now can I get on with my life?

Go to hell! - That's where I am!

Chuck it, he's a kid. - No!

Hey! Listen!

You're crossing your limits! No point closing the door!

This is my house! I'll do anything I want!

Anyone can come here! Anyone can go to my bedroom!

Should've stayed with your mother.

Who'd roll for you? Who'd teach you to paint?

Ungrateful! Hey!

Stop it! Stop that noise!

Can you hear me? Stop it!

The list I gave you...

...call them up and inform that I'm not here for three days.

Everything is to be declined. I'll be back on Friday.

Late night. Not a single meeting over the weekend. Okay?

Okay Madam. - Got it?

Savita!

Savita!

Yes, Madam?

What? Why did I call you?

Right, I'm off for three days. Enough reserves?

Yes.

Ask Sir and cook accordingly then.

Okay.

God! I hate doing the menu!

The chicken? Make that?

And something else, make something with potatoes.

Okay. - And listen...

...no turmeric! It doesn't get off the hand, you put so much of it!

Okay. - What is this? No gym?

I will. And you?

Can't make it today. I'm already late. Need to take a bath and then leave.

I need to buy stuff. Anondo... has Raghuveer come?

I'll call him. - Yes! He's always late!

Where to, tomorrow? - Err... Henry's Island.

Some place near Bakhhali.

Who all are going?

Moloy, I thought I'd explained everything to you!

What do you mean, 'who all'? - Just checking.

Don't! It irritates me!

You know very well, there's only one reason I'm going.

And that's because I find this project interesting, okay?

Really? Is that the only reason?

What exactly do you mean?

I've avoided working with him all these years!

Not as an actor or a director. You think opportunities didn't come by?

Now now! Do I smell regret somewhere?

Moloy, if this is your way of trying to make this marriage work...

...then I'm afraid I think it's really weird.

I give up!

I swear I give up!

Hello.

She's leaving tomorrow.

Yes, she'll be back after three days.

Listen, can we meet up tomorrow?

Then we can go through the plan once again.

So what's the plan?

See, the point is, the character does not believe in gems....

...as in this particular product at all.

But because his sister... - One minute.

Can we make this his brother instead of his sister?

Sure.

Yes, so... his brother convinces him?

So... the shooting dates? - Okay.

Yes, the dates... I'm not very busy right now... so...

...just that I'm planning a feature, so if we could decide the date on...

I have to take this call. - Sure.

Hello.

Hello... yes...

Yes, all arrangements have been made. Don't worry.

We're leaving tomorrow morning. Yes.

Don't worry, we leave tomorrow morning. Yes.

An outing after a long time, isn't it?

Feeling very nostalgic.

Here.

These are shooting stills of 'When'.

No posters were made for the film, right?

The film got canned. Cheers!

Cheers!

You feel angry?

Why?

You know why. - Chuck it.

The film got canned because of us.

Good it did. One of my worst works.

Anyway, decided on a story yet?

No! Will make something up before the meeting.

And you?

I'm thinking of this script I had written for a telefilm.

Name's 'Reunion'. I'll sell that.

Then you're done. You're going only on a holiday indeed.

Which is why you're so excited!

So, what's your story about?

My story is about a writer.

He writes serials.

He is particularly famous for one thing.

A specialisation. - What kind?

Say an actor fails to give a date or leaves the project,

or if they have a feud with the producer...

...how then do they end the actor's track?

By vanishing him or her. By killing them.

Right. And that's his specialisation.

He writes very good deaths. - Is it so?

According to requirement.

According to the plot. Highlighting the characters.

So a lot of his characters get famous even by dying.

Nice. A professional 'serial' killer.

You could say so!

Say...

...his name is Prodyumno.

Prodyumno da...

...Subroto da is calling you.

Okay, one second. - What is it?

'Prodyumno'... doesn't it sound like a bomb blast?

Try something simpler.

Say... Pratik? - Please! Horrible!

Wait...

...Animesh! Okay? Now let's get back.

Yes, sorry, go on.

Animesh da...

...Subroto da is calling you.

Stand at ease! Attention! Stand at ease!

Who are these people man! Told you so many times!

Oh please! And don't talk like that!

No matter what I say you will talk normally!

And you, stand normally! - Yes, tell me.

Yes Sir, please come.

We're clicking funeral pictures. How can the priest be missing?

Hey you, Abhijit, you're always grinning!

Told you it's for a funeral. Now smile!

What's going on?

None of these actors last long in the serials.

Then you have to rack your brains to kill them.

Then one can't find a photo for the office, the funeral or home.

And production stills? Let's not get there.

Hey you! Miss Glitters!

Why're you being a Marilyn Monroe now? Be normal!

Normal! Make it normal!

So the reason I called you,

we've to stop Anuradha's track from our daily soap.

Have we established any medical history of the character?

Medical history... no. Nothing was established in that sense.

But yes... she got a headache in an episode.

She even got cranky.

Brain tumour?

That can't result in a sudden death.

A heart attack or a bus accident...

...okay wait, let me sit on it tonight.

Two episodes are still pending.

A bus accident? That one's nice. Good line of thought.

Bus is good. The way they drive these days!

But in that case you've to be careful with the colour of blood.

Shouldn't be like ketchup!

Listen, someone named Sonia called. Said she'll call back!

Who's Sonia now! - I should be asking that!

Come on, tell me.

What is it? An affair at this age?

This is the ideal time for mid-life crisis.

I live with a whole life crisis, mid-life crisis is hardly scary.

What! Listen, you!

Want a divorce? Will be too happy to oblige.

I just want a nice alimony. - Don't I know that darling?

Anyway, serve the dinner. - Come.

Have to stay up all night. - Come on.

Why did you kill me?

I killed you? Who are you?

Why did you kill me?

I did not kill you. Who are you?

Toton.

Who Toton?

Who is Toton?

Don't you know Toton, Mr. Animesh?

What is going on?

What's all this! Who are you guys?

Strange!

Can't you recognise your children!

My children? What!

My daughter stays in Bangalore. What are you trying to say?

Look at me carefully.

Rings a bell?

No?

No problem, I'll remind you.

Your first serial?

Surely you remember the name?

That actress... what was her name... Aparajita, she left suddenly!

Who's track got terminated?

Who's track got terminated?

Who had to hang herself? - Sonia!

Right!

Sonia! - Right!

I'll help you further. Your third daily soap.

Same story there, the kid... he left for America or something...

...whatever. But who died of cancer bit by bit because of that?

Why did you kill me? - No!

This can't happen! You aren't human beings!

You're characters I've written!

And all of you... - Hey!

Baa...

Baadal, right?

Wow! You remember me! You intellectual!

Would you have killed me if I was a cadre from the other party?

That's what the producer wanted!

I mean... during that time...

...and these things happen during the elections.

Hey! Are you a writer or a prostitute?

'The producer wanted'?

Listen, all of you must understand this!

We need to deal with many criteria... like TRP etc.

And what happened in Nandigram... - Very sad. But was I present there?

You buffoon!

Only helped the party with blood donation camps and a bit of rigging.

And you got me shot in a riot!

I killed people from both the parties.

Shut up! Don't talk crap!

The serial's lead character was from that party.

So the story had to... - Shove your story up your...

Because tonight, I'll make a story out of you!

Hey! Please don't joke! - Baadal!

What are you doing! - One minute... Baadal!

Baadal, wait a minute. He killed us with such pomp, right?

Then why shouldn't we do the same? Isn't it?

Mr. Animesh, we'll put you under a mock trial now.

What sort of a trial? No! This is illegal!

Illegal?

What illegal?

Killing people at the stroke of your pen, sipping your coffee,

that's not illegal? And playing God is?

Stop beating around the bush. Let's kill him and tell Anuradha...

...she doesn't need to worry. Animesh is finished.

No! Please hear me out! I promise...

...Anuradha won't die.

Won't she? - No! I promise!

Won't she now! - I'll convince Subroto!

Late! Late! Late! Late!

Late! Late!

Because we're here as the judge, jury and executioner today.

And we must pass the verdict today.

And the verdict is...

...Mr. Animesh, you're being convicted for mass murder!

This is ridiculous! No!

And the punishment we've decided upon is...

...death! - Over!

You're not made of flesh and blood!

No?

You are all fictional characters!

Fictional! - Fictional?

And who decides that? Do you know you're fictional for us?

You! Know that?- I?

Hey listen! I have created you all!

My creation! - Creation? Are we now?

My creation! Please understand! - Is it so?

Mr. Animesh, it is not so easy to decide who created whom?

Even if I do believe you, I'd have to say you're...

...guilty of infanticide!

Friends, how do we kill this man?

How do we kill him?

No!

No! Madhabi...

...Madhabi!

Madhabi!

Madhabi! You crazy idiots!

Open the door! Madhabi! Where are you!

Let me put this through him? - No, cancer or AIDS.

Let him die bit by bit.

First he'll lose his hair. Then his skin will fall off.

Then his face will go pale! And then... poof!

Brilliant climax! - Err... how about a heart attack!

It'll be painless. Our creator after all.

But... - Heart attack.

You are very soft hearted.

Thought I'd play with the writer a bit.

What is your problem?

My death was very painful.

Heart attack. Final.

Please!

Madhabi!

Open the door!

Where are you guys!

High voltage drama.

He pens daily soaps, so the melodrama is exaggerated.

But I'll try some freaky lensing.

It lacks a bit of realism.

A horror film, obviously unreal.

No, I'm not talking about that realism.

I'm not saying I disliked the unreal narrative.

In fact that's my favourite premise. Well adapted.

But I can sense influences.

Pirandello, Rajshekhar Basu, Woody Allen.

Oh no! Now?

Don't worry.

It's only human to be influenced.

Wow! You sing quite well.

Then why were you hesitating?

What did I do?

Excuses like... you can't sing, you've a sore throat... etc.

One must do those things. Or people take you for granted.

Okay. So this is a secret trick to gain accolades.

You could say so.

Can I say something else too? Though that's a bit more...

...dangerous.

What?

You're a criminal and you want to murder me for my money. Right?

No.

I want to speak to your father.

I mean...

Hey... till this line, right?

Cut it.

It's okay. But we've to do it once more.

What exactly do you want? - You're perfect but...

..Nilanjana has to be a bit less playful.

Much more restrained.

Much more controlled.

Remember, you've not started your conjugal life, you're about to.

So there are inhibitions. There's a wall.

The banter is definitely tangy. But with a bit less emotion.

Then change the dialogue because these lines are actually flirtatious.

The lines can't be changed.

The same lines can be said in different ways.

Then again, sometimes saying nothing at all says a lot too, right?

But... - What?

Nothing. I'm ready. Let's go?

Buddy, please clean this table. - Called Mr. Gupta before leaving?

Yes, when we left. All arrangements have been made.

Listen, excuse me. - Five star loos are rare here.

Thank God you told me!

Shakya da is very passionate about his work, isn't it?

Protective too. Can go to any extent.

Both of you from Jadavpur University, right?

Yes.

He studied Economics, I, Engineering.

And after that?

After university I joined an ad agency.

Graphic artist. And then group theatre.

A little acting here and there.

Got a break at the movies.

And he joined a Film School. Cinematography.

Later he wanted to make a film.

I had gotten a bit famous by then.

Got him a producer.

The film was a success.

After that we've worked together a lot.

'Discovery', the first film? - No, before that...

- Such a clean loo at a road side shack, you won't believe till you see it.

Placed the order? - You guys go ahead.

I'll go check the extremely clean loo.

Please go! It's a must see!

Hello, Sir... - Yes.

Only clicking away! Place the order.

Tell me what you want. I'll tell them.

Okay, roti and dal and some vegetables...

...I feel like some fried lentils, will it be risky?

Why! I am in holiday mood. Bring it on!

How can you not eat fried lentils at a shack?

Isn't it? So fried lentils, roti and...

...you? - What will you eat?

Anything. Egg chowmein...

Chowmein? Chinese at a road side shack? Too much!

Better not to have all that here.

Half cooked noodles fried in some cheap oil. Safe?

Then you... I mean, you all... order something.

Excuse me. I'll be back.

Take care of the camera. Don't fiddle with it, I'll place the order.

He'll order Chinese wherever he goes.

Hey Trina di, the loo is so clean! It's shining!

I got a story idea in the loo. - What!

Say, two friends... they meet after a long time at a shack like this.

Both go to the loo to pee.

They play criss-cross while peeing, it's an old habit.

Joy! - Hey, listen!

While doing so their souls get exchanged. Interchanged.

But the problem is where do I include death in this?

And the producer wants death. - Right.

I don't understand one thing...

...why can't you just stay by yourself?

Don't get involved in everything. No!

Listen carefully!

I won't spend any more money on you.

No way!

No way! You get what I am saying?

I! I decide that!

What! What did you say!

Where's Diptya? The food's getting cold!

We're dying of hunger and the man's busy on the phone!

Must be some trouble at home.

Anyway, how did you like Shakya da's story?

Not bad.

But he has to be very careful with the casting.

And the acting workshop.

Must, very important.

Trina di, on a slightly different note...

...I've to ask you something. You don't feel uncomfortable, do you?

I know you've primarily come here for me.

So far Diptya da is... - Not uncomfortable. But...

...I don't know if I should even be asking this.

I've heard certain things about Diptya.

Don't know if they're true.

Have you heard anything? - What?

That he's having an affair with a girl half his age.

Yes, I've heard that too.

Don't know if it's true.

Mid-life crisis and how!

After Shukla left, he's totally lost it.

He is so restless!

How he wasted himself! - Why do you say 'wasted'?

What else? Such a great illustrator's son. A brilliant painter himself.

Left it all.

Was a good actor, left that too.

Left TV anchoring, even the ad agency and started with those...

...rotten, over-the-top commercial films.

Acted in those as well!

When that wasn't enough, took to alcohol.

Can you blame Shukla for leaving him?

Who'll live with that alcoholic! Drinking to death!

Why are you laughing?

Does he report to work on time? Does he have a proper breakfast?

Does he carry a lunch box? Or has lunch at the canteen?

Who washes his clothes?

Who makes him his usual cup of tea?

And when does the maid come? When does the maid come?

I'd have to wake up at dawn

Who's with him then? Siblings? Parents?

No one was ever there

And now, he's absolutely alone

And now, he's absolutely alone

Who then, serves him dinner?

Who then, wakes him up?

Who lets him in at night?

Who then, goes through all the hassle?

All arrangements done? - More or less.

She'll be back day after or the next day.

We just can't afford any slip ups.

Question doesn't arise!

We take proper care of our clients.

How heavy is it?

I don't know exactly but enough to kill a man.

Hey Diptya!

And another little thing.

I know. You had told me.

Don't worry, it's on. We'll get information any moment now.

Diptya... beware!

You scoundrel!

Idiot... you idiot!

There, the phone.

Hey! Are you okay?

Are you hurt? Get up!

Your glasses.

Here. Crossing the road like an idiot!

What's wrong with you again?

Fought at home?

Have been distracted since morning.

Got it. - What?

The story.

Ready everyone?

I'll start then. - Okay.

My story's hero is Mr. B. Dey.

Bedoshruti Dey. Inhabited an old house in the Bhowanipur area.

Is the story set in present times? Bedoshruti, the name...

It's back dated. - If you interrupt me...

Okay. Chuck it. Let's have some chips. Does Mr. Dey like chips?

No.

He smokes.

Profusely.

Bedoshriti Dey lived in his ancestral house at Bhowanipur.

He had rented out the ground floor to a couple.

He was the owner. Lived alone upstairs.

He had no one in his family. A widower.

So he loved the tenant woman living downstairs...

...like his own daughter.

Excuse me, I'm interrupting you. Can I?

May I?

Yes, go ahead.

Could he have a white cat as a pet?

Like you had for Miss Havisham? - That was a black one..

Great idea but. - I don't think so.

Very predictable.

I don't want to denote loneliness with a white cat.

Rather,

a vacant bird stand.

A cuckatoo's stand.

Yes.

That will show the visual loss. And...

...no hassles regarding the Animal Board's permission.

People in his locality thought Bedoshruti Dey was mad.

Though the reason was weird.

He didn't have any bad habits. No gambling, alcohol or women.

Only one addiction, cigarette.

Initially it was an addiction, later became an obsession.

As in... say one day...

What was that?

I didn't get you.

Why did you throw away the cigarette?

What do you mean?

Smoked till the brand mark? - What!

The brand mark!

Crazy? Who are you to tell me if I'll smoke or not?

I'll tell you a hundred times! A thousand times!

Know how many people in the country...

...buy cigarettes with their hard earned money?

They smoke the same cigarette for days.

They smoke bidis at month end...

...to smoke cigarettes through out the month.

Which world do you live in? - That's enough now! Get lost!

Shut up! Listen to me carefully!

In love with smokes eh? Here, take your cigarette!

Come on! Hey! How dare you hit me!

You'll hurt him! Let go of him!

It was not so bad initially.

He lost his mind after an incident.

Bedoshruti's world revolved around one person.

She was everything he had.

His newly wedded wife, Bonolata.

They got married, back in his village.

Bonolata died of a snake bite on the wedding night itself.

Bedoshruti woke up to his wife's blue corpse beside him.

That's it.

That was a shock.

Since then Bedoshruti became kind of looney.

Used to read his wife's letter day in and day out.

Didn't marry again.

Remained alone.

Only...

...that obsession with the cigarettes...

...kept increasing everyday.

Err... actually, I was thinking...

I mean...

...is your husband home?

Yes, he's home. But he is...

...he is a bit busy.

No, actually...

...it's an emergency. So I came.

Emergency? Are you alright?

Yes. No...but...

Do you have a cigarette on you?

Cigarette?

You've come to ask for... - Who is it so late in the night?

I told you he is busy... - Who is this bosom friend...

Oh.

The looney Grandpa.

Yes? So what do you need so late in the night?

No, actually, he came for a... - Shut up!

Shut up. Did I ask you?

Are you the 'looney Grandpa'?

Are you? Tell me!

Then who are you? - I was saying...

Sure, you'll say it later, shut up now.

Shh! We're talking, can't you see?

Yes. So...

So tell me. What's your name?

What is your name! - Jyotsna!

Jyotsna.

Jyotsna. Give me your full name!

Jyotsna Mukherjee. - Right!

Jyotsna Mukherjee. Why are you crying? Have I scolded you?

Have I hit you or scolded you? What have I done?

Why are you crying then? Jyotsna Mukherjee...

...wife of Rajkumar Mukherjee!

Always remember this.

Now go in. You're done here.

Go in, come on.

Go.

So, looney Grandpa, what do you want?

A cigarette?

You think I run a cigarette shop?

I've a half smoked bidi, want it?

Want it?

Hello brother... listen!

Open your shop. I need a cigarette.

No, Sir, it's closed. Tomorrow morning again.

You don't get it! I really need it!

Not possible now. Come tomorrow morning.

Why can't you just open it once? - Sorry, Sir, tomorrow.

Not possible tonight. I've to go home, I'm getting late.

And the police has already started patrolling.

If they see the shop open, there will be trouble.

Not possible Sir. - But I really need a smoke!

Told you, tomorrow morning! Police!

What's going on here at this hour?

Sir wants to buy cigarettes but my shop is closed.

Okay, you can go. - Okay. Goodnight Sir.

What's your name? - Name?

Your name? - My name?

Bedoshruti Dey. - Where do you stay?

Bhowanipur. - Bhowanipur?

That's quite far from here. What are you doing here now?

Came looking for cigarettes. - You kidding me?

No. - Yes!

You've come from Bhowanipur to buy smokes here?

Say the truth or I'll put you behind bars.

I'm saying the truth. - Cigarette?

Or hash?

Or tablets?

As in?

Or whores? - See, this is not right.

Hey!

Threatening me?

I'll hammer you so hard you'll die crapping!

This is not correct. - Take out all the money.

I'll complain... - Take out the money!

I'll complain against you... - To the police?

Fine, do that.

What's the case then?

What exactly happened with you that night?

This has my card... and important papers too.

My Voter's ID is in it. - Who wants to know your identity?

And who the hell wants your vote? Now go.

Come on, get lost.

Please give it back... - Get lost.

If I ever see you again in this area...

...I'll hang you from the tree.

Get lost.

Excuse me?

Can I use your smoke to light mine? I don't have light.

Sure. - Thank you.

Hello brother!

Please stop!

My cigarette... it's my last smoke!

Sir... hello.. listen to me!

Hey! Stop you idot!

Hey! Give me my cigarette!

Hey! My cigarette!

May his soul rest in peace.

May his soul rest in peace.

Hey! Wait, let's stop here.

My back is strained. - Let's go get a smoke.

Yes, let's go. - Come on.

You've a great voice... - One packet of bidis please.

Done? - Yes, wait.

Let's go.

So now the officer wants us to cremate the body.

Didn't give his name, caste or religion. What if he's not a Hindu?

The officer asked you to burn it. Burn it.

At the end everyone's a pile of ash. A drag of pleasure, want one?

Let's go if you guys are done smoking.

I've been up since ever. - Have been carrying it for ages.

Make it fast now. - Let me finish the smoke.

Lot's to do! Let's go. - Yes.

Thank God this shop is open all night,

or where would we find a smoke at this hour?

May his soul rest in peace.

May his soul rest in peace.

I really like it.

Very good.

The name should be 'Smoking Kills'.

What do you plan to shoot it on?

You tell me.

You'll shoot it.

I think I'll shoot on film. Anyway celluloid is on its way out.

Kodak is still manufacturing. - Is it?

Thought about the casting?

You could play Bedoshruti.

Would suit you. - No!

Acting doesn't stimulate me anymore.

Yours is done. Only Trina and you're left. Joy?

Yes, I've thought of something.

A story on football with a political twist...

...but I don't know how to include the theme of death.

Let's see.

Trina...

There will be time and then there will be time.

Let's settle somewhere, I need a setting,

I can't do this on the move.

Joy...

...what's the name of this river? - Hataniya Doaniya.

Nice... how lyrical.

Lyrical? Strange!

All I smell here is fish and a lot of garbage.

Same old cynicism.

Tatha, did the maid come?

Tatha, did the maid come? - No idea.

Stop it.

Stop it!

I said stop it!

I have important things here, if anything gets misplaced...

Then it'll be a problem composing. So I'm tidying it up.

No need. I can't find things if they're not scattered.

Do you get that? And listen...

...all the cleaning up, please do that in Dad's bedroom.

Don't try to exercise your right in this room. Get out.

Okay I won't come.

But before that I need to know, why do you hate me so much?

I don't like the shape of your nose. It makes me violent. Happy?

Why?

Get lost, will you! - Shukla di?

Listen,

this has got nothing to do with my mother, okay?

Then what is it, Tatha?

I need to know.

For myself.

Please!

Please?

Mum would've left him anyway.

They were horribly incompatible.

Strange how they pulled it so far. But tell me Mimi,

do you know how it feels when you feel orphaned staying with your own father?

The man who was my friend,

my hero, my idol...

Now he hardly speaks to me once a week.

Then too, he shouts.

I'm having to live with a cranky stranger who looks like my Dad.

Do you have any freaking idea how that feels?

And you blame me for all of this. Right?

Maybe not.

Maybe you too are looking for the same man I'm looking for...

...but can't find.

But I need a vent too, right?

So I'm the trash can?

Should I roll one?

Joint. Should I roll one? Let's smoke together?

But I need my remuneration.

A song.

The one you sang in the college fest this time?

You were there?

I don't miss any of your... your band's performances.

Why?

Because I like the shape of your nose.

Happy?

From the literary world? - No.

Seventeen.

Oh no! You're adulterating the count.

Sixteen questions. Could be seventeen pegs of alcohol.

Not at all. I've kept a count.

Okay fine it's seventeen. - I'm sure it's seventeen!

Sportsperson? - You can read my thoughts?

Is it? - Yes!

Correct!

A cricketer?

Yes, nineteen. - Shakya, this is most unfair.

You know very well, I don't watch anything but football.

That's your problem. If you think of Bernard Shaw and I say that...

...I don't read anything but railway time tables, will it be overruled?

Okay... cricketer? Kapil Dev!

Oh no! - No. And twenty.

Guessing time. - You ruined it all!

Why not Kapil Dev? - He just said, he's still playing...

...and a South Indian. - South Indian? Okay, Prasanna?

What! Better still, you should've said Gauri Prasanna!

A cricketer who's still playing! Shakya da, give it out. Pass.

Murali Vijay!

Who is he? Plays cricket? - Yes, of course!

Yes. But this isn't done. You've to think of a famous cricketer.

My neighbour plays cricket everyday, can't think of him, right?

Okay fine. Now you think of a name.

Done.

Okay, Indian? - Yes.

Dead? - No.

So an Indian who's alive. - No.

What! Neither living nor dead?

How's that possible? - Possible. There are people like that.

What happened?

What happened? - I'll go check, Sir.

What!

Such a dense jungle outside! - Yes.

If the car breaks down here we've had it.

I think we're close. I can smell the sea.

Fine. But... how do we get there?

We won't get anything here. - Yes!

Wait, I'll check.

What is it?

I don't know, I think it's the spark plug.

Check again! What do we do now then?

I may have to go to the city. - What!

And what are we to do here then?

This is ridiculous! Wait, let me call Mr. Gupta then... this is...

I don't believe this is happening to me!

Know what? This is like a bad Hollywood horror film script!

Why only Hollywood? Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Russian, Korean.

Where's the fun if your car doesn't break down in a jungle on a dark night.

Mingle with the jungle then! - Mr. Gupta's phone is switched off.

Let me try once. - Oh God!

Yes, please.

98310...

- Oh no! No network! - Check here?

No, Sir...

Sir, you can do one thing...

...Mr. Gupta has another bungalow nearby.

If you can just spend the night... - I'm sorry, that's impossible!

We've got no arrangements made there, God knows if there's a loo!

Same old problem! - Shut up!

Come on, no point delaying. Come on!

Better than spending the night in the jungle.

Brother, walk us to the bungalow and leave for the city.

Okay Sir. - Don't laugh!

Hey guys, come on.

This'll be a tough night.

Let me take my bag.

Obviously they'll drag Amitabha into it. It's very apparent.

Even a blind man could tell. - See, this isn't about Amitabha,

...or the film or my lifestyle.

There's only one factor, your humungous ego!

Really! How does my ego feature here?

Of course it does! Listen, my late night parties, my lifestyle,

my temper, none of that is an issue. Bad excuses!

Then what is the issue? - The point is you're jealous of me!

You can't handle my success, my fame! Yes!

Like a typical Indian male! - One second.

So you are seriously saying that I desire these things?

Yes!

You mean I like people discussing my personal life?

Yes!

I sleep with you, I crap everyday, all of it is being talked about and...

Listen, cut out that hypocrisy! - Why must I shut up?

Screaming for no reason! - Listen!

You too want the attention at public places!

You too want to sign autographs wearing shades on a cloudy day! And hello...

...you too want to be a hit! But your art house cinema...

Yes, but what I don't want is...

...travelling through villages,

putting up a cabaret in front of those hungry wolves...

Populist stardom can get away with anything, right?

Oh God!

Careful with your steps. - The place is full of thorns.

Yes.

God!

Why did I accept the offer!

How did I ever get myself into this mess, I don't know!

Stop grumbling. Careful with the thorns.

You've done a lot of trekking, you're used to all this.

I'm not and I'm not interested either.

I think it must be made compulsory for everyone...

...to trek for at least two years... ouch!

What happened?

A thorn. Went right in. - Let me see!

What? - It'll hurt.

Sure it will, Mr. Braveheart!

Let me see!

Can't we do this some other way?

No... I mean... err...

...it'll hurt.

Just shut up Dipu!

It'll hurt!

Has it ever hurt?

There.

It's gone. Your story didn't work.

Your story about Bedoshruti... didn't work for me.

Well... a lot of stories don't work, quite often.

But that does not nullify the existence of the characters...

...or even the moments spent.

Besides,

who's here for an impromptu story narration?

I've come here to see you.

Is it true about you and and that...

...that girl half my age? - Right!

But half my age is a part of my age.

Dipu... for once can you... - Trina...

...I'm not a very reliable man. - I know.

Though, you too have contributed to my degeneration.

Because whether it be the booze or the wedding vows...

...or a night with a fan in my bed...

...all I've ever looked for, is you.

Now do you get it?

What happened?

Err... Diptya stepped on a thorn.

You guys carry on. We're coming.

No! We'll wait!

Joy... - Yes...

Wait there. There's a problem here.

What is it?

A thorn.

Need to get rid of it.

Manas da...

Manas da...

...they'll stay here tonight. The car's broken down, I've to go to the city.

Please take rest. I'll be back by dawn.

You need food?

No, we'll manage, we're carrying some food.

But there's no electricity here, isn't it?

There is.

The fuse is not working since evening.

I'm arranging for someone to come and repair it.

Not just a producer. I smell a film buff too.

No doubt!

The location is terrific!

The location is nearly giving me a brilliant story idea.

Say three young men kidnap a famous actress and bring her here.

And they plan to produce a film, from the ransom.

But the problem is...

...I don't know how to include death in this story now!

Death reminds me,

this is an ideal setting for a session of planchette.

Isn't it?

And that reminds me...

...that it's an ideal setting for something else as well.

What's that?

My story!

Are you guys game? - Absolutely!

Brilliant idea! Planchette and a horror story indoors...

...and if it starts drizzling! Some fried snacks to go with it. Perfect!

A true Bengali. Even horror comes with a food menu!

Nothing to do till dawn. Why not?

Yes! - Then sit down!

Sit. And Shakya, put the camera away.

Okay.

Come on now you guys, concentrate!

So...

...the first shot.

A middle-aged women... but you can tell that...

...she was gorgeous when young.

Candles lit in front of her. And in that dimly lit space,

the woman is sitting at a table.

We do a slow track forward on her.

Almost imperceptible.

The details around her aren't clear.

All we understand is that the room is quite empty.

Pin drop silence, you see.

She keeps staring at the candles.

Suddenly she says,

Who do you want to speak to?

My son.

Name?

Junaid.

Age?

Eighteen years.

Yes... tell me, Ammijaan, I'm here!

How are you, son?

I'm good, Ammijaan, no more problems.

Everything is fine now.

You're very short tempered, son. Be careful.

I don't lose my temper anymore, Ammijaan.

Don't worry.

I miss you, Junaid!

I miss stroking your hair.

But you're far away...

So...

Don't cry, Ammijaan.

It hurts when I see you crying!

I've to go now. We'll speak again next week?

Okay, Ammijaan.

May God be with you.

Do you really think this'll help? - Stop it, will you!

See, I need to do this. Whoever has a problem, don't come.

I don't think this is worth it. Waste of time.

We need to do this. Rather we should apologise.

Obviously you've a problem, after all it's you...

Shut up guys! At least not here, not now!

You guys are... impossible!

See Nandita, I'd get it if it was our parents. A teacher...

She was much more than just an english teacher!

And you know that! Come on guys! Okay fine!

I need to do this. Period. I'm going. That's it.

Samaresh, she was your teacher too.

There's a limit to insensitivity! - Guys, I think she's finished.

And she's waiting for us. Let's go.

Yes.

Name?

Mrs. Iyer. Mrs. Meenaxi Iyer.

It's yours. - Mine?

Yes.

Oh crap! Yes.

Very sorry.

Extremely sorry. I've to take this call.

Yes, it's fine!

Hello?

Oh okay.

Yes.

Okay.

When?

No, when did it happen?

See... actually I'm out of town currently.

So, you'll have to manage the situation.

So... yes.

It's serious? Okay.

Yes, I'll try to get back ASAP, okay?

Let me know. Keep me updated.

Alright? Thank you. Okay.

Hey, I'm sorry. Really very sorry.

That's fine.

I think we better switch off our phones.

That's better. Very distracting.

Mine is already switched off. - Mine as well.

Tell me when you're done. - I'm ready.

Done.

So...

So, how have you been?

We're... we're good Ma'm.

No complains, no regrets. Just that...

...we don't get to attend your classes anymore.

I also miss you a lot. - Even us Ma'm.

I feel very lonely.

So... you people doing good?

Samaresh, Abhijeet...

...Mithi? - Yes, Ma'm.

We're all doing fine, Ma'm.

We miss your poetry classes, Ma'm.

You people loved Emily Dickinson, isn't it?

I measure every grief I meet With analytic eyes

I wonder if it weighs like mine

Or has an easier size

I wonder if they bore it long

Or did it just begin

I could not tell the date of mine

It feels so old a pain

I wonder if it hurts to live

And if they have to try

And whether could they choose between

They would not rather die

I'm so sorry, Ma'm. I'm so sorry.

But there's something I should tell you.

What?

That night...

...we hadn't gone anywhere.

We were there itself. Partying.

So we didn't call you, thought you'll feel left out.

We lied to you Ma'm! - Oh no!

I'd feel left out or you would get bored?

Never mind Nandita, don't feel bad.

It happens. - No Ma'm!

It shouldn't have happened. You baked a cake for us with so much love.

You wanted to celebrate with us and we...

we...

You're feeling miserable, Nandita.

I must leave. - Ma'm!

Ma'm please don't go! - Stay well.

Ma'm...

Ma'm please!

Ma'm please don't go!

Happy? Couldn't even apologise properly!

What did I do? - Right!

What did you do? Who asked you to drink and drive?

The long drive, who's idea was that? - Nandita, it was an accident!

The truck was on the wrong lane!

I was sitting right beside you! Clearly saw what happened!

No you don't remember! - Don't forget, it's because of you...

...that we had to come so far leaving everyone behind.

Calm down okay? We'll come back next week.

So much of life...

...all over in a second.

Nice twist.

Thank you.

Reverse planchette.

Nice name? Reverse Planchette?

No, really, Trina di, the story is fabulous!

All three have the potential if we can pull it off.

You are still left. - I know, actually...

...I have something in my mind. Might just fit.

Spill it.

In the morning with a bit of clarity?

Right now I feel like staying with her story, enjoying its essence.

Good. Night's nearly over.

We're off at dawn. Lie down for a bit.

Let's spend the night in this room itself.

Trina, you can take that sofa.

And Joy, I think you'll fit in that arm chair.

It's just a chair, not much of an arm rest.

You can keep it.

Sleeping on the table will be too much?

Yes!

If Mr. Gupta finds out...

...that the famous film makers slept on the table...

..the caretaker may lose his job!

No need. Might curse me as bourgeois then!

I'll settle for the floor.

How'd you guess about the arm chair? I smell bedbugs too.

Won't you lie down? - I'll spend the night reading.

Reading in this light will ruin your eyesight.

Already ruined.

Now is the age, when the closer things are hazy

Those far away are crystal clear

Mosquito repellent.

Good catch! - Hey...

...which way's the loo?

Has it ever hurt?

Has it?

Trina di...

...get up...

Get up?

Get up Trina di! Come on!

Trina di?

Trina di?

Trina di?

Get up!

Trina di? It's morning already!

What? Good morning!

Good morning.

Where's everyone? - Here.

Everyone's there. - Where?

They're around. You'll see them.

Before that, come with me.

Come.

Please come!

Come!

Where to?

But...

...I just saw this...

What? - Err...

- You saw what? - Err... nothing.

Good morning! - Yes! Good morning!

Slept well? - Sound!

Felt no mosquitoes too!

And you? - See, over there...

...Henry's island. Our final destination.

See! So Joy was right.

We were quite close to the sea.

We didn't realize.

The caretaker has made some breakfast.

Our driver's here and the fuse is fixed too.

We must prepare to leave then? - At the earliest!

I'm hungry. - Me too.

We didn't hear your story. - While we eat?

Okay. - Come on.

Trina di, let's go. - Yes.

Should I start with my story? - Yes, absolutely!

Delaying since last night. Enough suspense now.

All phones switched off? - Mine, since last night.

Mine too! - I'd switched mine on.

Wait, I'll switch it off. - Informed home?

No one took the call.

They must be dead asleep right now.

Okay. Let's begin then? - Yes!

Cool.

Morning! - Morning.

Good! You made yourself tea!

Drinkable?

Be my guest.

Didn't know you had a suicidal tendency.

That bad?

Good as port wine but as tea this is...

Can't take so much insult. I'll try once more.

Spoke to Sir? - Called him. Switched off.

My story is called 'Nemesis'. Backdrop; our film industry.

Nemesis? You mean Greek Goddess of retribution?

Right.

Vengeful fate. - In simpler words, destiny.

It is set in the 1970s. Pass me a bread, I'm hungry!

Thank you. And I want to shoot it in black and white.

Wow! - Okay, black and white!

Period film. Industry. Theme of death.

Philosopher's stone! - With terracotta finish!

That's enough. Now begin.

Yes... so...

There are three primary characters in this story.

An actress. An actor.

And a director.

Say... the actress' name is Nilanjana.

The actor's name is Ritwik and the director's name is Amitava.

Now...

...Nilanjana was a leading superstar of her time.

As in a star from the commercial films.

Ritwik was a good painter.

Was an illustrator. Okay?

Was into theatre. He rose from the stage.

And Amitava, their common friend.

Initially a cinematographer, later began directing films.

Will send you my mailing address, for the royalty cheque.

My wife's brother is a lawyer. He'll drag you to the high court directly.

Joy! This is what was cooking!

Anyway, continue.

So...

...between these three people there was a common geometrical pattern.

A triangle.

Nilanjana fell in love with Ritwik, impressed by his acting.

And soon after that they had an affair.

They used to connect intellectually.

Both loved music, cinema, theatre.

Both loved reading. And Amitava loved Nilanjana.

Unreciprocated, obviously.

Okay? But Amitava was much more than just...

...the corner of the triangle usually ignored in literature.

There was a deep friendship between the three.

And Nilanjana used to depend on Amitava a lot.

Amitava too was very protective about Nilanjana.

He wouldn't let it show, Ritwik was there you see.

So, around...

...this time...

...a producer entered their lives.

He came with a lot of money.

Wishing to direct and produce a film.

Wanted to cast Nilanjana and Ritwik as the lead pair.

Amitava had assisted a few people by now.

He was almost famous.

Nilanjana and Ritwik convinced this man to...

...take Amitava as the director in this film.

So the producer scared of losing his lead pair...

I don't think this is very ethical, Joy.

I mean... - Oh come on, Trina di...

...which story is original?

Only life is. Right?

Let's have one based on true facts, unlike the other three?

What's wrong with a little change?

If you're being audacious, go all the way.

Put up a card.

All characters and events are real.

Any resemblance to any imaginary person...

...living or dead is purely coincidental.

Let's get back to the story? - Yes, we better. So...

...the shoot began. Initially it was all very smooth.

But Nilanjana and Ritwik's relationship became a problem.

See, any love story has a graph.

Their graph became downward sloping.

Both started discovering that as lovers they weren't quite compatible.

It wasn't working.

Their lifestyle, philosophies...

...there were massive differences!

And with this started the fights, misunderstandings, ego clashes,

suspicion... - Joy, this is too personal!

I'm sorry. - Wait.

You carry on. - What!

Okay!

And all of this started affecting the film.

The shoot was getting delayed. Their acting was suffering.

Amitava, who was involved with both of them,

he too started losing interest in the project.

But he was not being able to say anything to these two.

He had got the break because of them!

As a result of these reasons, after finishing about seventy percent of it,

the film got shelved.

Nilanjana refused to work with Ritwik and Amitava left the film.

I think we must leave now. We're...

Wait. Let's finish the story.

Now this producer guy, he was completely ruined.

Impoverished! Invested hell lot of money!

All the money was over.

About to sell off his ancestral house.

He still was managing somehow.

But the one who couldn't was...

...his wife.

Kawna.

She came from a poor family.

Suffered from financial insecurity.

When she saw all her jewellery getting sold one by one,

she couldn't take it anymore.

So one day, he came home after a tough day of work,

then he opened the study to see,

his wife, Kawna's body hanging from the ceiling.

He was shocked. Natural.

He was very shocked. And due to that massive shock...

....he lost his mental stability for life.

He went completely mad.

Not bad. Nice actually.

Then it boils down to? A heart attack due to psychological reasons,

a car accident trying to buy smokes, a reverse planchette...

...and suicide. It does have a range.

So you're condoning it? - What?

These personal things... - Oh stop it!

At least it's not a frame to frame remake of a Tamil film.

Besides, it's life we adapt from, right?

It's fine. Only the name's baffling me.

Why 'Nemesis'?

What's her name? Kawna.

There's no relation between Kawna's suicide and retribution.

Point.

At least the audience doesn't know of it.

There's no back story.

Then? - You're right.

Didn't say the story's over.

This was just the pre-title.

It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul,

Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!

It is the cause.

Yet...

...I will not shed her blood.

Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow,

And smooth as monumental alabaster.

Yet...

...she must die,

else she will betray more men.

Put out the light

And then...

...put out...

...the light.

If I quench thee, thou...

Sir...

Oh it's you! Is it here?

Yes, here it is.

Be careful with it! - They're doing this all day.

Put them there, in that corner.

Yes, right here. And this, here.

See, Sir, delivered as promised!

Thank you. Thank you so much!

Now I've to do up the house nicely.

Happy anniversary!

Oh.

Thanks once again.

Actually I've been planning this surprise for quite some time.

It's time that we started surprising each other again.

Actually, my story starts twenty years after this incident.

Nilanjana has now quit acting and turned to direction.

Amitava was always into it.

Ritwik too has made quite a few films,

though of a very different genre.

For the masses, you see.

Their personal lives are very different.

They do bump into each other at work sometimes. That's it.

And at this stage, a fourth character enters our story.

Remember that man, the producer,

who went mad due to his wife's suicide?

That guy... that producer fellow...

...had a step brother.

Though not really a 'step'-brother.

Because they loved him more than their own child.

Now, coincidentally, the day the incident happened,

this little brother was present over there.

He saw it happen in front of him.

Obviously, he was scarred for life.

This is not happening!

Oh yes it is! It actually is!

You know, this guy is...

...very interesting! See, he was always a good student so,

though his guardian went bankrupt he completed his education.

Stayed abroad. Got a scholarship.

Finished his education. But...

...he had a different motive.

He was quite good looking.

So he came to the city, as a TV actor, thereby joining the industry.

Diptya da, listening?

Very interesting. Go on. - Thank you so much!

Now, he is in Kolkata but how does he fulfil his purpose?

According to his plan he had to become a director.

But he became an actor!

So, he started training himself.

Gradually, he used his contacts and made a few films.

He grew up in a film buff's home, always had the interest.

His purpose and ideas provided him with the rest of the passion.

He became quite famous and became really close to these three.

Ah Joy! Enough is enough! Cock and bull story!

Not yet bull's eye. Shakya da, let me finish!

Sheer rubbish! - So then, as planned,

he made up a producer and fooled the trio.

Also made up a a proposal.

Used a fake visiting card and phone number too.

The fake producer never arrived, he got them alone outside the city.

Diptya da, trying to turn on your phone? Do not! I'm not done yet!

Sanjay!

Sanjay! - Stop dragging your climax!

Who's Sanjay now?

Here he is. Sanjay, please take their phones away.

Phone? - Phone! Joy!

You're crossing your limit, Joy! You've gone crazy!-

Mistake, Trina di. Not me. My brother became crazy.

What! - Yes!

My brother...

...who still thinks he's a producer who's to make a film with you three.

Please don't make it difficult for me. Give him your phones. Please.

The question doesn't arise! I refuse to participate in this nonsense.

Diptya, Shakya, you guys... - Trina!

You'll narrate your story to us at gunpoint? You idiot!

The revolver is real. And loaded.

Always wanted to create nice production designs for my films, like you, Trina di.

Couldn't do it in films, did it here.

So please. You guys too.

Hand him the phones. - This is too much!

Please give him your phones! - This is the limit, Joy!

Thank you very much. It's a distraction when narrating a story. Anyway.

Yes.. so after successfully entrapping them...

...in a desolate bungalow in the middle of a jungle,

this guy, he decides to...

...kill them. - What!

One by one.

Yes.

Diptya da, now you know why I named it, 'Nemesis'?

What I was saying is... Joy,

this matter requires a bit of a discussion...

No more discussion.

As per the Clint Eastwood lingo,

''When you want to shoot, shoot. Don't talk.''

Whatever kind of shooting that might be.

And just to put things in perspective,

I used to call my brother's wife, Mummy.

And Diptya da, quoting your hit dialogue...

''You can always find another wife. But never another mother.''

Listen, Joy, consider this that we didn't know anything about all of it!

You are an impeccable actress, Trina di. Wait,

and I respect you for that.

This bit could've been a little more convincing.

You all with the police covered up the entire fiasco!

Try to understand, Trina was out of it.

I and Diptya had no other option.

Try to understand! - I do understand. See,

don't get me wrong. I do understand!

But I too don't have any options! I hope you understand that!

Manas da...

Manas da!

Manas da, come here please. Come to me.

Let me introduce you guys, Manas da is Sanjay's father...

...and was my brother's driver.

Oh by the way, Diptya da, a huge fan of yours.

Listen, the idea is brilliant. We can do some nice mounting too.

But I think it's time for the curtains, please!

Drop scene please! - Sure, that'll happen.

Since you've mentioned 'mounting', let me say something.

I've always made light films, so...

...I've decided on a grand, serious, mind-blowing climax for the last one.

No jump cuts, no caller tune friendly songs,

no sweet bantering on a blue sofa set. Only...

...Russian Roulette. - What!

Yes, Three Musketeers, how's that?

I'm out of here! - Oh no!

Hey! - What's all this!

What are you doing! - Listen to me,

all three of you have to die. Only four bullets.

The question is, what's the order? That'll be decided by fate... oops!

Lady Nemesis! - Joy!

I think of you as my brother. I'm like your elder sister!

'Like' my sister, yes. Not really a sister.

Never had a sister, only a sister-in-law.

The last time I saw her, she was hanging from the ceiling.

Her tongue hanging out like this. Let's start?

Joy! This is madness! - Please!

This is madness, Joy! - Sanjay?

No... Joy...

One... - No please!

No!

No!

Two... - Joy, listen!

Please! - Joy, please!

Joy, please!

Three!

Brilliant! Isn't it?

This is mounting!

This is called mounting! Sanjay, what are you waiting for?

The next one now! Move on!

Oh no! You're doing it wrong!

He's next. She's the Queen Bee! At the end!

No! Joy, after me! - No, Joy!

This is crazy! - Just stop this!

No!

No!

So...

...this is how the world ends for me.

Not with a whimper...

...but with a bang.

I'm keeping this line in the script. Definitely!

At this point, a slow track-in starts.

Gradually it becomes a mid-close of Diptya da's. And then...

One!

Two...

...three!

Bravo, old man!

Best climax!

My best climax so far!

Unbelievable!

Sanjay?

In your position? Very good!

Trina di?

Trina di...

Trina di... see...

...I've made all arrangements so that there's minimal pain.

Rather, no pain. Okay?

You can trust me on this! I'm serious!

Please cooperate! And please, none of you must take this personally.

Won't hurt.

Not a bit. Just bear with me a little more?

Please be a good girl now?

Just a... matter of a fraction of a second. Trust me!

I'm very...

...happy in my life.

I don't know when, while pretending to be happy, I really got sad

Moloy... takes very good care of me, in spite of the fights.

Just like Shakya would earlier.

But Dipu, had you been there...

...had you been there, it would've been a different life.

Okay do it! Do it!

What lines!

What lines!

Unforgettable!

Timeless!

A small insert of Diptya da's here.

And then a tight close-up of Trina di's through an eighty-five lens!

Get it over with!

And in the background we hear...

My eternal mate...

Just do it Joy!

Don't leave me

Don't leave me behind

In this world's worldliness

I, your fearless, silent mate

My God!

Joy!

Joy!

Baban! Get up, Baban! - Sir!

Get up! Please come here and help us!

We must take him to the hospital!

Nothing has happened to him! He'll be fine!

Let me see...

Shakya won't come?

No, said, he can't handle it.

Hello.

Hello. - Hello.

Thank you for coming.

Actually, I read your application.

The legal issues won't be a problem. Everything is in order.

But before formal taking over of the responsibility...

...I think you must personally meet him once.

Okay.

How is he?

See for yourself.

May I come in, Sir?

You have two visitors.

Must be from the media, I don't want to speak to them right now.

No... Joyobroto has sent them with updates on the shoot.

Oh! Send them in then!

Please come in!

Here you are!

What's going on?

That bugger told me Trina and Diptya are ready.

Shoot's to begin any day!

I accepted their condition to take a new director!

Then he vanishes! - No...err..

What? Is this how films are made? The entire unit is waiting!

They're quitting one by one! I'm paying for this huge set everyday!

Trina, Shakya, Dipta! All've disappeared! Is this a joke?

Wasting shit loads of money!

I'm trying to make a different film...

...and no one sees the importance of money here!

Isn't the money important? - No, you see...

...of course it is! - Then?

Disgusting!

Bunch of unprofessionals!

Stars ehh!

Big stars!

Tell Trina, if she refuses this author backed role,

she'll spend her life playing a doll in films!

And now, I'll file a case against them.

How dare they back out after committing!

You... go get me Advocate Pritish Bagchi's number!

See... I'm trying my level best... - Trying? What do you mean!

I'm giving you an ultimatum! They must join back within two days!

And that guy, Diptya, what's with him?

Which significant piece of work has he done?

Should've cast Mr. Uttam Kumar instead.

Would've been a bit old for it. But he'd do it sincerely.

But since it's an ex-Naxalite's character he...

Why are you crying, Ma'm?

Why is she crying?

Because I said I'll file a case? Was just scaring you, won't do that.

Come sit. Would you like tea?

I'll not file any case! Please sit!

I really won't!

And why're you standing? Call them!

Call them! I think I scared them!

Excuse me. - Yes, Sir?

Mrs. Sen is inside, kindly tell her a friend of hers had come.

I'll just be back.

Okay?

Sure Sir.