Original subtitles

'Kiss of Love' activists fighting for the right

to express affection in public

had to change venue when police and protesters stormed the city square.

While supporters hugged and kissed each other,

the police used force and arrested them.

Right wing mobs

roughed up the supporters of this event.

-Hello. -Hello...

-Mr. Gautam? -Yes?

Sir, I am calling you from the Clear Sight Eye Care Center.

Your appointment is fixed for 3 p.m. tomorrow.

That’s nice. But what appointment is this?

Your vision test, sir. You had asked for an appointment.

I didn’t. And there is nothing wrong with my vision.

Isn’t this Mr. Gautam of Beach Avenue?

Yes, this is Gautam of Beach Avenue.

His vision is fine and he never asked for an appointment.

First they’ll take your number from the telephone book.

Then they will fix you an appointment. Great!

Nachiketas and Me.

The ocean had dried up.

Men and women who had lived along its shore had already turned to ash.

Nachiketas lay beside a rock on the beach...

his body and mind eaten away by the worms of forgetfulness.

Often in the form of the wind,

I fed him his daily dose of life breath.

Sometimes, as the sweat of dying trees,

I fed him salt.

Once, he entreated the skies

to ease his pain...

and to muffle his thinking with the electrical displays of rain.

But I stood in the way of the storm...

and guarded him with my own body...

watching over him like the apple of my eye.

Like an animal that had forgotten to blink.

I came alone. Can I come in?

Oh yes, of course. Come in.

Suitcase?

It’s a bit of a story. Can I bring it in?

Yes, sure.

Have a seat.

Guttoo... I’ve been thrown out of my house.

The landlord is a real bast... bad guy.

Yes, they usually are.

My roommates and I owed him a few months’ rent.

I mean, it’s not like we didn’t intend to pay.

In short... can I stay here for one day?

I’ll have another place by tomorrow.

Or the day after.

Surely not more than three days.

What about rent, Vishaya?

Yes, if you’ll sign a contract to let me stay for a year.

No way. Three days is fine. Free!

Thank you, thank you, Guttoo!

So, what have you been writing?

Tell me, did you think of me? At all?

But tell me, how did you find my house?

There’s only one writer on Beach Avenue. Everyone knows.

Come, let me show you your room.

Wow... this is so beautiful!

I just love it!

Here's your room.

You saved my honor, Guttoo.

I had a bet with my friends that you'd let me stay.

Thanks, Guttoo.

Freshen up if you like. I’ll get coffee.

Okay.

I didn’t realize it was this late. Fell asleep.

Come, I have a surprise for you.

-Surprise? -Yes, come.

I really don’t know what to say.

Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you...

-Happy birthday, dear Vishaya... -Thank you.

I've read somewhere, Guttoo...

that every birthday is like being reborn.

Reborn?

Yes... like a new vision.

Like starting on a new journey.

Meeting friends we've never met before.

Then this could be a birthday for me too.

One where I meet a new friend.

Young enough to be my granddaughter.

But you don’t have a granddaughter.

You didn't even marry, remember?

To you then, my new friend.

To you, my friend who came in from the darkness.

This is the most touching birthday gift I ever got.

Unexpected kindness.

Thanks, Guttoo.

Guttoo, you said you'd show me your novel.

Not now. I don't want to bore you tonight.

No, now is the time!

Come. Come on! Come.

"Eternity.

When I speak of eternity an image rises to mind.

That of a seashore, deserted and calm with an unending stream of waves…

and on that shore, bedded in the shingle is a chair and on that chair is…

an ancient man a little older than time itself.

Nachiketas is that man of withered frame quivering from the cold, wet wind.

He is the keeper of history, the teller of stories, the protector of time itself.

Sometimes people waited long hours

just to catch a moment with him on the shore.

He would never pay them any attention

but they loved to be nearby...

to touch him and to sit in a circle around him as he sat in the sand,

resting after long hours of cleaning the beach.

Some would have washed out his clothes or brought new ones.

But he never spoke to anyone.

At times he rambled in strange, foreign tongues.

Words which he alone understood.

So, I’ve shown you my work. Happy?

-Yes, indeed. -Like it? Is it good?

Well, it is...

We are friends. So tell me what you really think.

Okay, Guttoo.

I’ll be honest with you.

Yes, please.

Guttoo, these are just empty words.

Kind of, 'being clever with words.'

You think so? Why?

Because I don’t think even you know

what you are talking about.

Sorry if I hurt you.

But I think I owe you the truth.

-Good night. -Good night.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

Back from your walk?

-Oh yes. Did you sleep all right? -Like a log.

But I woke up early.

I shouldn’t have touched the laptop without asking you. Sorry.

I was just checking my mail.

Not an issue.

Vishaya, I had an interesting dream.

What'll you have for breakfast? Omelet and toast?

Not toast. Omelet is fine.

Oh! Don’t you like toast?

I don’t mind. But I like to make them myself.

I want them warmed slow, with butter. That way they turn out crispier.

Shall I shut down the laptop?

No, leave it on.

I could write a bit, seeing as I am up and feeling good.

You know, Guttoo, you remind me of my granddad.

No, you aren’t that old, it’s not that.

It’s the tone of your voice, the way you talk.

-I don’t know. Anyway... -Is that a compliment?

Guttoo... I did a terrible thing.

Promise me you won’t be angry.

First tell me what you’ve done. I’ll promise later.

No. Promise me first. I’ll tell you after.

Okay. I promise. Now, what have you done?

Guttoo, I erased it.

I am sorry. I am sorry.

Please don’t be angry with me.

What have you erased?

Your book! I am sorry.

Please don’t scold me.

What have you done? What do I do now?

You promised me you won’t get angry.

No, I am not angry.

What are you doing? Are you crazy?

How dare you?!

I am sorry, Guttoo. I just had to do it.

Please forgive me.

You deserve a good thrashing.

Who are you? What are you up to?

Didn’t you hear me? Who are you?

You know me.

Why are you treating me like a stranger?

I think you don’t like me at all.

Maybe you want me to leave.

It’s not about liking you or not.

I want to know what your game is.

You came into my house and now you are trying to destroy my life.

Tell me. Who sent you here?

I did not destroy your life.

I only destroyed some stuff you had written.

Just some meaningless words.

You know it yourself.

But you refuse to accept it because you're a known writer.

I may not be a world class writer.

Some of what I’ve written may not even be good.

But destroying it? What’s that!

You should've burnt it all yourself, Guttoo.

But you didn’t.

So, I did. Somebody had to.

We look great together, don’t we?

Take one of that bonfire too.

There may never be another like it again.

Vishaya!

I am sorry. I was looking at...

no, looking for you.

-Sorry. I’ll wait. -It’s okay. It’s okay!

It just happened. It was completely by accident.

I didn’t have the slightest...

It’s okay.

What did you do? Nothing.

Anyway, what’s wrong with seeing a girl naked?

Tell me Guttoo, why didn’t you marry?

I very nearly did.

Luckily she broke off the engagement.

She was from up north. Sensible girl!

She realized it was better to jump before the going got tough.

But why? What went wrong?

Another guy. She ran off with my best friend.

Oh. I am sorry to hear that.

I am not sorry at all.

I am glad to let another man suffer in my place.

Guttoo, I think you are very hurt inside.

You poor thing!

Am I? I don’t think so.

I think I made it through unscathed.

38 steps. Long veranda.

You have a beautiful house, Guttoo.

Look what you’ve done.

My story, my words... all gone.

I don't feel like reading, either.

I am bored. There is nothing to do.

Just relax, enjoy the weather.

Or, enjoy my company.

You don’t have to write books to enjoy life.

You only have to live it.

You're surely better than any book.

Guttoo!

What are you going to burn this time, you little devil?

You!

Your eyes are magic.

Flatterer!

I am sorry... I mustn't.

Why? What’s the matter?

I am an old man...

I shouldn’t be doing this.

Guttoo, what has age got to do with this?

Do you like me, Guttoo?

Yes I do. Very much.

In fact, I want you so bad. But...

Guttoo...

this is love.

This longing...

This is the real thing, Guttoo.

Everything else is just words.

Empty words.

Who is this now?

I am not buying anything. Please leave.

I am not selling anything, sir.

I just need some water, and a rag.

My car broke down.

Managed to fix it. But got my hands all dirty.

I only need to wash my hands.

And, if you don’t mind, a glass of water.

All right, come in.

I live far away.

I was driving through when this happened.

-Lovely house. -Aren't you done?

In a moment, sir.

Your grandchild?

No, my wife. What’s your problem?

I am sorry, sir. No offence meant.

-None taken. -Tea is ready!

Well… join us.

I too am from around here.

We lived here for many years.

I see...

When my parents died, I inherited the family home.

It’s on top of a hill. An estate.

Sorry to hear about your parents, Rahul. It’s Rahul, right?

Both parents gone. That's sad.

Yes, in an accident.

The estate is large and rather lonely. But I love it.

Where is it?

Perancode.

Rubber plantation?

Among other things. There’s a wild garden and a view of the entire city.

Hills all around.

You'll like it.

There is quite nothing like living in a house on a hill.

The wind, the lightning... Everything is so good there.

You have to see it to believe it.

Yes, maybe sometime.

When I built this house, I liked it here.

It’s set on a slope and at odd levels. I loved the feel of it.

But that's all gone.

Now, I’d like to live somewhere more open.

Away from all these salesmen knocking on your door.

That’s my place sir.

You won’t see a salesman in your life.

-More tea? -Yes, please.

Oh, thank you.

I'll be going now. Thanks for the help.

I’ll come back later and take you home. You’ll like it, sir.

No hurry at all.

Next month, maybe.

-You really will love it! -Strange fellow, indeed.

You know, for years I lived in Delhi.

I lived in a place which was full of ambassadors and princes.

The house belonged to a friend of mine.

The only thing I missed there was the sea.

The sea is my weakness.

Were you an ambassador too?

You’re funny!

I was a scribe. For the New India Times.

Covering politics.

That's when my first book was published, ‘Angels of Dynasty.’

Sorry, never heard of it.

Good. Or you’d have burnt that too!

Probably, yes.

You know, I love teaching. I became a Professor of English.

Incidentally, that was when I began to write in Malayalam.

I discovered that even if you live a thousand miles away...

from your native land, you can never forget your mother tongue.

Anyway, after twenty long years in Delhi, the exile returned to Kerala.

Your parents?

One of the reasons I came back.

Mother’s death, father’s illness.

So, how is the place?

This lake looks so peaceful,

so silent.

But it’s like the human mind. Deep and troubled.

It fills me with fear, just to look at it.

No fear for me. I can swim.

I can swim too. I don’t think I'd drown if I fell into it.

But the fear is still there. A kind of dread.

So, where are you?

Aren’t you feeling well?

I guess it’s only beginning to sink in now.

That I am here with you?

No, that my work has been destroyed.

That you think I am no good as a writer.

Guttoo, perhaps what hurts you more is the second thing.

The first one does too.

How am I ever going to write that book?

So many books have come and gone.

Why worry about that?

I am finished. You’ve ruined me.

What is a writer without his work?

Just relax, Guttoo.

Should I be taking psychology lessons from you?

No, but you can take some in happiness from me.

At least, I am not unhappy like you.

I too was happy at your age. It’s called youth.

I don’t think you can understand a writer’s mind.

I am not blaming you.

The emptiness, the sorrow...

I overcame it all with my writing.

Writing is my boat to happiness.

I love it when people feel uplifted by what I write.

Maybe. I don’t know about all that.

But I think,

Guttoo, you write because you love it when readers praise you.

Praise? What do I care about praise!

I am too old for all that.

All I know is how to write.

And so, I keep writing and writing.

Guttoo, I’ll be right back.

Need to take a shower.

I love the feel of water falling on my skin.

I just love it.

And listen, I won't come peeping.

See you soon.

I am here, sir. Down here.

What a bother!

-I came back. -So I see.

So, shall we go?

Go? Where to?

My home, sir. Have you forgotten?

Rahul, I already told you we can go some other day. Not today.

You said you'd come with me.

I said I'd come. But some other day.

Why not today? Today is as good a day as any.

In fact, there’s no day like today.

Not today. I have other plans.

I changed all my plans for you, sir.

I even drove all the way back just for you.

Don't cheat me now.

Cheat you? What do you mean?

You made me come back. And suddenly you change your mind.

Isn’t that cheating?

I didn’t ask you to pick me up.

I didn’t even promise to come with you.

Didn’t you say you wanted to see my house?

I did.

-See what I mean? -What?

So, are you calling me a liar?

Look, Mister...

Don’t ‘mister’ me. Get ready to leave.

Are you out of your mind?

I told you politely, but you won’t listen.

Good, now get your hands behind you.

If you try to hurt the girl, I’ll kill you.

Yes, of course. I know you will.

But why would I hurt her?

You're the one who wanted to see my house. So you come.

You're not hurt, I hope.

You’re old enough to be my granddad.

So don’t you die on me.

Drink up. You have a long ride ahead.

Can’t have you yelling on the way.

Good...

Now let’s go.

Climb into my vehicle.

Meanwhile, let me go rape that girl. Where is she?

Joking, old man. I don’t need to do that.

Shall we leave?

Move!

I am going to cover you up. You won’t die.

But if you try to jump off or something, you will.

Wake up. writer!

So, do you like the place?

You’ll like it soon enough.

It has a charm of its own.

Give it a couple of days.

Don’t look so glum, old man.

To look at you, one would think someone has taken you prisoner.

No one is going to hurt you, unless you ask for it.

What do you want?

Who are you?

That’s a good question. ‘Who are you?’

But in here, I ask all the questions. For now.

So, home at last.

Feel free here.

Roam around all you wish.

Your room.

See, I’ve set up everything to make you comfortable.

Get moving, old man.

You can stay here for as long as you wish.

But remember this, I am what you are.

You play decent, I’ll be decent.

You play funny...

that’ll be the end of you.

Come, my friend. Let me show you something.

Come on.

Come up.

You can climb, can’t you?

Why should I follow you?

That’s up to you.

Come up, and I’ll show you the way to freedom.

Want a hand?

I don’t need your help. I can get there myself.

Whoa! Man of spirit!

Shall I kick you in your ugly face?

Just joking, old man.

We have a deal.

You act decent with me, I don’t hurt you.

Why did you bring me here?

Who are you? What do you want?

You can ask only one question a day.

Your question: Why did I bring you here? Okay, listen.

For all your wisdom and all the books you have written, you’re stupid.

You’re not here because of me.

You’re here because you wanted to see my house.

Stop repeating that nonsense. I am not a fool.

You don't know a thing. You only think you do.

Your head is full of second-hand ideas picked up from others.

And you think it's some kind of knowledge.

Your life is actually one big lie.

Each morning you put on your pious face and go around...

hiding all the pain and anger that’s raging inside you.

And as if that weren't enough, you write books too.

You collect bones chewed up by others and dish them out as wisdom.

That’s your opinion.

Right, so listen to this too.

You think you’re God’s gift to mankind.

Actually, you’re just another bag of shit.

Just like me!

If you can understand this, you’re a free man!

Wake up, young man!

-It’s you! -Yes. Happy to see me?

Of course.

And he?

Who? Rahul?

You know him from before?

Of course. We're friends.

So, it was a setup.

You are working together on this.

Eat, my friend. You must be hungry.

These fellows make the best dosa and curry for miles around.

You’ve been fooling me. The two of you.

Fooling? It was you who wanted a change. Amazing curry.

Like a fool I walked into your trap.

Don’t look so sad Guttoo.

We’re your friends.

Vishaya told me all about you.

Quite a bull, aren’t you?

Come on, Rahul!

Guttoo is a good man. I like him.

Okay, so you like him.

But he hates you enough to kill you.

Look at that face!

Not hungry!

Closer.

Why not?

No, Guttoo.

But you can roll all over him?

But Rahul is my boyfriend!

What’s the game?

Don’t be angry with me, Guttoo.

Guttoo?! Stop calling me that ridiculous name.

I am old enough to be your grandad.

Don’t get upset, Guttoo.

This is like a dream.

A dream which can wake us up.

Don’t try to teach me.

I am an old dog. I won't learn new tricks.

And forget the pop psychology. I’ve heard enough of that.

You're still carrying old hurts and aches.

But you won’t accept it.

Now I know what your problem is.

One man isn’t enough for you!

We can talk later, when you're a bit less angry.

You think I am jealous of that fellow? I am not.

I’ve seen too much of life to be jealous.

I can handle my emotions well. Very well.

It’s quite clear now. You're with him.

Then don’t come shaking your stuff in front of me again.

I am not with him, Guttoo.

Actually, we’re both with you.

I know.

The moment their leader sat at my head, I knew my plan would work.

I just lay there with my eyes closed as if I were fast asleep.

And then?

Maybe five minutes. That’s all it took.

Guttoo...

What do you want now?

You poor thing!

Don’t ‘poor thing’ me.

I can ask Rahul to let you roam around freely on the grounds.

It’s not as if you’re going to run away.

What if I run away? Will you shoot me down?

I don’t need your help.

I can fend for myself quite well.

I was doing just that when the two of you broke into my life.

When all this is over, who knows Guttoo, you may even thank us.

Thanks?

For wrecking my quiet life?

Or for ruining my happiness?

Happiness, Guttoo? You weren’t happy.

And a quiet life? That's no big deal.

It’s just a routine which life imposes on lonely people.

If I was lonely and unhappy, that's my business.

Look, I am not some old fashioned prude.

I’ve been to places and lived life.

I am not like the two of you. I believe in the virtues of life.

-Virtues? -Vishaya!

At your age, and with the kind of life you lead...

you won’t even understand the meaning of 'virtue.'

Perhaps virtue is just a mask created by the mind.

A mask behind which the mind can hide.

Oh, you are up?

You woke me up, didn’t you?

Me? Why would I?

I don’t know. You tell me.

You're the one who walked around naked.

I did what?

Guttoo, you must’ve been dreaming.

You're beautiful.

Thanks.

Have you been on the balcony?

It’s very nice. So is this window. My favorite place to read.

Give me a kiss, beautiful.

No, Guttoo. You know I can’t do that.

You can’t? Why not?

We did a lot more that afternoon.

That was different. That was...

I won’t let you go, Vishaya.

This time you are mine.

No Guttoo. This is not right. Let me go.

Please!

What’s wrong?

Is it that you don’t fancy it in the morning?

Calm down, I say!

This is no way to behave with a woman.

So, now you’re playing hard to get?

Stop right now, or you’ll be sorry for this.

We’ve done this before. So what’s the big deal now?

Now you’re asking for it!

You dare slap me?! You bitch!

Have you any idea what you’re doing?

You will regret this!

Stop trying to act like a teacher. You’re just a whore...

making out with every hick in town.

Wow. That’s very nice indeed.

Now, don't you see what you really are?

-Get up, now. Have this. -No.

Mother!

Cover me in the sweet perfume of your kisses.

Tell everyone that, at last, you're willing to push me out.

Even though it breaks your poor heart to know that you are sending me...

without armor and mask, into a world seething with

horrid lies and sex.

Tell them you are crying because the water of your disenchantment

has broken and finds its way through your blazing eyes.

Tell them the river of death has passed us by.

Tell them they can come back tomorrow to look at me

to hold me and tickle me on the cheek, if they wish.

Tell them you have set me free, like the smoke

which is held in an unlit cigar

under orange trees. In summer.

Do you think you’re still 20?

Get a move on, you old thing.

I want this rope in my room. In 5 minutes, flat.

That’s the wrong end, dumbass. Untie it from the top.

Have the boxes tied up by morning.

I’ll come checking. You hear that?

Say ‘yes’, dammit!

Yes.

If you ever touch this rope again…

that’ll be the end of you.

I’ll hang you with it.

Right here... Get that?

Yes.

You shouldn’t have...

Please. Say nothing…

I made a mistake. Big mistake.

Yes, why did you try to escape?

I meant the other thing. What I did to you.

I am really sorry.

I know. I know you are.

Why are you with this fellow? Who is he?

You don’t belong together.

We do! We very much belong together.

Who is he?

That’s something you've to figure out, Guttoo.

Could he be a student of mine, someone I’ve forgotten?

I certainly never fathered a child.

Are you that certain?

Don’t worry, he’s not your son.

Vishaya, leave him and come with me.

Let's escape from here.

We can live in my house.

I'll never hurt you again. Promise.

No, Guttoo. That’s impossible.

Besides, that’s not the point of this story.

-Story? -Yes. This story.

Want some tea?

No, thanks.

There's some left.

Sure you don’t want any?

Give me a sip then.

He seems badly hurt.

Who? Oh him.

He had it coming. It’s always like that.

They don’t get it till it hits them hard.

He wants me to leave you and go with him.

I thought as much.

You know, he apologized to me.

For desiring you? Or for the manner in which he showed his desire?

I don’t think he knows the difference.

I don’t think he even knows there is such a difference.

Wake up! We have some talking to do. Up! Up!

What do you want?

Let me cheer you up.

I see that you’ve been feeling a bit down.

Buck up.

You really hate me, don’t you?

No. I don’t. But I pity you.

That’s what I said. You hate me.

So pity and hate are the same for you.

Are you drunk?

You really are a funny one.

Attempted rapist, hater, prospective murderer.

And still you go about with your saint’s face.

See? Now you are acting again.

Acting the part of the injured soul.

You have the look of a dog which has been whipped. Why?

True, I beat you up, but you had it coming.

If you act funny with my girl, I’ll kick your balls in.

Where is he?

What’s up?

Close your eyes. I have something to show you.

What is it?

Proof.

Everything is falling into place.

Close your eyes first.

Okay.

Now see for yourself.

Who are they? What’s this all about?

It’s us! You and me.

Guttoo, what’re you saying?

Of course it’s not us.

It’s not even me.

This is you. And this is me.

Don’t try to fool me. Don’t be so blind, Vishaya.

You belong with me. You are mine.

You’re going to be set free.

What’s the game now?

I’ll let you go if you admit that you hate me.

I told you I don’t hate you. I only pity you.

Not just that you hate me.

But that you hate me enough to kill me.

Do that, and you can leave.

Nobody can save you. You're a damned soul.

Accepted. But that’s not what I asked you.

Come on. At least, call me a few names.

Come on.

Can’t you really see anything?

I can see through your trick.

You want to make me do something against my conscience.

I won't do that even if you try to kill me.

All my life, I tried to understand virtue and to live by it.

You’re on a different track.

This freedom that you offer me…

I don’t want it!

Stupid fool.

It’s so quiet...

Yes... Indeed.

I was once walking along a deserted beach.

Suddenly,

I saw a woman sitting near a pile of rocks.

Three or four people were sitting on the sand around her.

There were a few dogs too.

She was naked, she was alone.

A man offered her something to eat.

She accepted it, and began feeding everyone.

First the dogs and then the people.

Without any distinction.

She saw me looking at her and paused.

In her eyes I saw unimaginable kindness.

Compassion.

Everything went silent...

and I began to cry.

You know what, you’re beautiful.

So are you.

I am going to the balcony. Want to come?

No, you go on. I think I’ll sleep.

Guttoo!