Original subtitles

It's been a year now, Singhji

Aren't you over it yet?

Hasn't the wound healed?

Who says it hasn't?

There's no need for words, you're not what you were

You're a warrior's son - you have the blood of Pratap Singh in your veins

- That's just the trouble - How do you mean?

That blood won't let me accept betrayal

If one wife has left you, then get yourself another

- Why not? - That one will run away, too

I've had enough of them

She left because she wanted money. If you had money, she'd have stayed

Mr Budha's monopoly service ruined your business

That's why she left you

Yes... I suppose you're right

Let's shake on it

Fifty-fifty partners. Singh-Naskar and Company

You're a champion driver, I'm a champion mechanic

Let's see which bastard can beat us

You know how tough it is on your own

Then one day you'll stab me in the back?

How do I know you're not a bastard?

Whatever gave you that idea?

Just because your ancestors fought on horseback...

...does that make you a nobleman?

You're just a driver, I'm just a driver

You have a Chrysler, I have a Chevrolet...

...but we both carry passengers

No. No partnership

All these bastards are cheats

Think it over once you've calmed down

Get in. Mind the step

Mind your veil

- No springs poking out of the seats? - Grandpa, you hurt my feelings

We're not going

- Not going? - This car is going nowhere

- No women in my car, I said - But she's a bride, Singhji

I'll complain to the police. You won't be a taxi driver for long

What if we miss our train?

I'll take you there, come on

Abhijatrik presents

ABHIJAN (The Expedition)

Based on the story by Tarashankar Banerjee

Waheeda Rehman, Soumitra Chatterjee

Ruma Guha Thakurta, Gyanesh Mukherjee

Charuprakash Ghosh, Robi Ghosh

Shekhar Chatterjee, Reba Devi

Do you think we'll catch the train?

Ask Singhji

Will we catch it?

- How should I know? - It's your car. You ought to know

- It's in God's hands - But the wheel is in your hands

I said it's in God's hands

You heard what Singhji said?

And accidents?

Cinematography: Soumendu Roy Art Direction: Bansi Chandragupta

Editing: Dulal Dutta

Screenplay, music and direction: Satyajit Ray

Damn it!

We won't catch the train now. Enjoy the fresh air

Our train's going to flash past. No more need for your heroics!

Listen to me

Address him with respect. If he gets mad, his hand starts shaking

Really?

Have you seen Vyjayanthimala dance? That's how the car will move

Faster!

Get in quick! Hurry!

Isn't that our train?

That's our train

Do you think we have a chance now?

A crank start?

You drive

I'll take a nap

Some call me wild

Let them call me what they want

Why are you tooting?

He won't let me pass. It's Mr Budha

The bastard! Stop the car

Move across

- Who's that behind us? - One of our taxis

- What insolence - He doesn't realise you're with me

You want a monopoly service?

- How long have you worked here? - Four years, sir

You'll find another place. I have cancelled your licence

- Why is that? - You know why!

You think you're doing circus stunts with your car!

Overtaking like that!

- Sir, I didn't realise you... - It makes no difference

In my district you don't put people's lives at risk

Sir, just this once...

Shut up. I won't hear another word

I admit I was wrong, sir. My job...

- Don't hit her - Why not? She messed up my job

- It's your fault, too - My fault? What did I do?

Couldn't you see who was in the car? Are you blind?

How could I? Even you...

They never let you stand on your feet

And if you do, they knock you down, break your legs

Stop your service, take away your permit

They've taken away the permit?

For a moment I felt like falling at his feet...

...but my heart stopped me

What stopped you?

Blood. The blood flowing in my veins

I am of the warrior caste. Narsingh, falling at his feet

Here, start up

Let's go home to Giribraja

- Are you asleep, Rama? - No, Singhji

There isn't a worse job in the world than being a driver, is there?

No, Singhji

Stop!

- Are you going to Shyamnagar? - No. Why?

I'd be so grateful if you could take me

This isn't a taxi

I'm asking for your help

The stupid driver overturned the cart, our luggage...

I said this isn't a taxi, it's a private car

- I'll make it worth your while - What do you mean?

Twenty rupees

Twenty-five

- Twenty-five - Agreed

You idiot! I'll break your bones!

Gulabi!

Is she going as well?

Yes. No one else, just her

Rama, leave the luggage. Let's go.

But why? She's my new maid

It will cost you double

I'll pay. By the grace of God, Sukhanram is not short of money

- Half in advance - Of course. And five extra

Hold this

Driver, how much does your car cost?

Ten thousand

Singhji, look to your right. Those are the rocks of Shyamnagar

Watchman! Hariya!

Open the gate

That's enough

Take the luggage, Hariya

What about my money? Messing up my plans

Money?

I'll give you your money. Come in for five minutes

- Have a drink - What sort of drink?

You did me a big favour. Now come inside

Take her inside

Where are you?

I won't give you twenty. I'll give you...

Here. Fifty

Sit down

Are you returning to Giribraja to start work?

Yes, maybe

I could help you start a taxi service from Shyamnagar to Panchmati

There's no taxi service here

Why would you make it easy for me?

I have a business. Deliveries, tobacco and stuff

A car will come in handy for me

You saw what happens with an ox cart

That's why I suggest you stay here

I'll arrange a place for you

And if your car needs any repairs, I'll pay for that, too

Get a permit and start a taxi service

Once you start making some money, you can repay my loan bit by bit

When you're up and running, you can deliver some goods for me

Simple as that. No inconvenience, no problem, nothing

Would you like it?

Take it

You don't have to answer right away. Take your time, think it over

Stay here today and look around, see what the roads are like

See how many other cars there are

Make a few trial trips to Panchmati

Then come back and tell me your decision in the evening

But I can tell you, this is a nice place

The water's good, you'll have a good appetite, you'll get strong

Well, Singhji?

I'll think it over

Have a drink before you go

Look at that

- Who does he think he is? - Wouldn't you show off such a car?

What's so special about it?

Even a dead elephant is worth a fortune

It's not just the car, but the look

A cup of tea

- What did you pay for this? - Two rupees

A cup of tea, quick

He looks like the warrior Shivaji's descendant.

Nitai, come and take a look!

- Have you never seen a car before? - It's King George V's private taxi

Chrysler

I mean your car

Is that your car?

- Do you just drive it, or... - It's my car and I drive it

- A 1931 model? - 1930

Give me a tea, quick

Brother, where are my glasses?

Are you starting a taxi service?

- Why? - Just wondering

- Are there other taxis here? - No, that's all we have

You'll do well

You expect to get something out of it?

Why should I? I drive the Sub-Divisional Officer's jeep

Where are you from? I mean, are you a Bengali?

No, I'm from Giribraja

What? Are you...

Are you one of the Giribraja Singhs? Your name...

Do you know them?

Do I know them? Have you heard of Prankrishna Das?

A friend of your grandfather. He was my grandfather

My father settled here 25 years ago

Wasn't he a Christian?

What an extraordinary coincidence

Lucky for me. I was hoping to find out something about this place

I know. Come home with me

It's not far. Behind the Uncle and Nephew rocks

- Behind the what? - Didn't you see the rocks?

I saw some on the way in

Let's walk home. We can see the rocks on the way

- I'll pay - How kind of you

I'm two months older than you. My mother told me

Let's go

Rama, watch the car

Sly foxes

The locals here call them Uncle and Nephew

When I was a little boy there was a priest...

...Father Wilkins. He used to frighten us by saying...

...the lower rock is the sinner who carries the burden of sin

Just think

All the sins of Shyamnagar are on top of that rock

Does it look like a village in Bengal?

I wish I could race a horse here

They say your grandfather was a great rider. Do you ride, too?

More than one horse

- Twenty-six - Really?

Haven't you seen my Chrysler? Twenty-six horsepower

Take a look there

As children we wrote our names on the rocks. They're still there

- J. R? - I'm Joseph Rajani Das

- And the other name? - My sister

- Are you back already? - Recognise him?

- You don't recognise him? - Not really

Uncle Madhab's son Narsingh, from Giribraja

He's starting a taxi service

It's so long since I saw him, and my eyes aren't what they were

He arrived yesterday

How kind of you to grace our home

- Where's Neeli? - Indoors

Sit. This was father's chair

Ma, give Singhji some of the cake that Neeli made

Christmas decorations we haven't taken down yet

Stay. It's as good a place as any to start a taxi service

I've worked for the SDO for four years. He'll give you a permit

What about the other people? The drivers?

They're troublemakers, aren't they?

Same as everywhere. Trouble at first, then everything's fine

You're all right, but if you were Christian I'd advise you not to stay

- Do they get at you? - Not me, I use my fists if need be

But my sister, she has to go to the school

- Mary Neelima, this is... - I overheard everything

She'll help you fill out your permit application in her lovely handwriting

In English?

She passed her matric. She teaches at the school

Why not show him some of your books?

This is very good

Will you stay here?

I'm trying to persuade him to stay

My son asked me to bring you cake, but I'm not sure if you would like to eat

How can I persuade you? We were low caste, but now we are Christians

I never thought about that

As Neeli had made cake...

Sit down and eat

You should stay here tonight

Why not? It's no trouble for me

And I have something new for you

Especially for you

The car will take you back in the morning

So you have a car now?

When my back was hurt last night...

...I thought I was being punished for my sins

But God works in mysterious ways

He did not forget my good deeds

A taxi appeared out of the blue

And with it, an expert driver

He covered the distance of 80 miles in two hours

I decided to keep him. In my trade...

Come in, Singhji

I can tell from the dust that you've been to Panchmati

- How did you like it? - The roads are bad

I know that

But I also know they'll be repaired within the year

My car needs repairs, too

The brakes, the clutch isn't good and the seats

No problem

Tell me how much you need in the morning

Come in. Lift your veil

Singhji, hello

I saw him in action

- Did Abhimanyu have a beard? - Sure he did

You don't know anything. He died when he was sixteen

A beard? By magic?

No, that was Abhimanyu's father

And that is Abhimanyu

How was it... the trip to Panchmati?

Good

So you're working without a licence?

How long does a licence take?

He has a Jack in his hand

What Jack?

Yes, a Jack. Can't you read English?

J for Joseph

And K for Christian

- How much did he take? - Nothing

Liked your face?

Yes

He'll get me the licence, too

My jaws are aching. The Imambazar restaurant was much better

- You don't like anything here - The people here aren't straight

- Which people? - The drivers

They're jealous, of the Chrysler

Of course, they'll be jealous

I'm competition, why should they welcome me?

That bus driver threw tea at you, the devil

So what? Remember how it was when we started in Imambazar?

They calmed down

Do you know the Christian from before?

He's from Giribraja

A low caste, he became a Christian

I know that

But he seems to have forgotten, mixing with you like that

He drives for the SDO. He'll help get me a permit quickly

And the old businessman? He's a snake

- What do you know about him? - I know

- I've been told - Who by?

The girl

Bring me some more bread

What girl? Which girl told you?

The one he said was his maid

You've been talking to her?

She came to the well for water. She's nice. I told her all about you

- What did you say? - She asked about you

She's a bitch, a bad woman

Talk to her again and I'll kick you out

Stick to your job, don't worry about who is good, who is bad

Will you be able to sleep here?

So much stuff, there's a horrible stink

- You'll sleep here, too - I'll sleep in the Chrysler

To make sure no one steals any parts

Who is it?

Rama?

What are you doing here?

Let me stay, just for the night

I beg you

- They'll kill me - Who?

The new fellow, he will dishonour me

Dishonour?

Look at this

What can I do about it?

No, you can't stay here

You've ruined my sleep. Go away

I won't do anything, sir

I'll sit in the corner

You "won't do anything"?

What do you take me for?

I'm warrior caste. Do you know that?

Women for us are... Go away

All right, sir

If you want to stay, stay in the corner

If they come looking for you, I'll throw you out

Shall I shut the door?

Yes

- With this, too? - Yes

It's cold

- Can I say something? - Again?

My name is Gulabi

I'm Rana Pratap Singh

I recognised your horn. What have you decided?

- I might as well stay - Very well

I thought so. I have a plan

The jeep will break down tomorrow

You'll take the SDO to Panchmati in your Chrysler

Pick him up at 7:30. On the way you discuss your permit

- And you? - I'll be there

I'll introduce you, then go to get the jeep repaired

- Where are you going? - To the school

Where is your school?

- Have you seen the church? - Not yet

- It's near the church - I'll take you in the car

- Don't trouble yourself - Your brother is coming along

I offered to give her a lift

Yes, you've never driven in such a car

- What happened? - It's my fault, I didn't see the tear

A monkey did it

Start up

- How long have you had the car? - About four years

Brother's never given me a lift

Never mind, I'll take you out

A jeep's not much fun, anyway. You'll see how this car runs

I can

If you want to go anywhere, tell me

Can you stop for a minute?

I didn't realise it was you. Here is your book

Singhji kindly gave me a lift

This is Mr Ajoy

There's something...

I can walk from here

- Sorry about the seat - Never mind

See you later

What happened to his leg?

As a boy he fell from the Uncle and Nephew rocks

He was very mischievous, but look at him now

He spends his time on religion and studies. He taught Neeli English

He is a good boy

He won't be long. Have a cigarette while you're waiting

- Your car runs beautifully - Only the seat is rotten

How it gleams

Are you staying with Sukhanram?

You gave him a lift when his cart overturned?

How do you know?

I heard about it

You didn't know him before, did you?

What's wrong?

I don't know if I should tell you

But if you stay here, you're bound to find out

- People say lots about him - Such as?

He runs rackets. His house has been searched a few times

They once found opium there in some ghee tins

And there was a scandal about women

He takes girls from villages, uses them, then sells them off

I thought it best to warn you, you might run into trouble

- What car is this? - A Chrysler

Have you put in an application?

Not yet, sir

Send it to me, I'll see it's granted

Get recommendations from some reputable people

The lawyer, the doctor and a few others

Are you a rash driver?

Accidents happen when drivers show off

Overtaking right and left, like circus performers

Press the accelerator, the car goes faster

Where's the valour in that?

They say life and death are in God's hands

But if you run over someone and he dies...

...is that death in God's hands or yours?

Mine, sir

So how can you say it's in God's hands?

God can do as He pleases, but how can you, a man, have the same right?

Taxi service! Come on!

Those children are rascals

Many thanks

You fell off the rocks?

Yes, once I was naughty like them

That's why God punished me

Should naughty children have their legs broken? It's a matter of luck

What's God to do with it?

If they bother you again, I'll teach them a lesson

What's wrong?

Your car?

The seat has been repaired. It won't bother you again

- Where are you going? - To church. It's Sunday

Miss Neeli, does your God punish sinners?

Of course. All Gods do

There's a saying in the Bible: The wages of sin is death

Which means?

A sinner's punishment is death

- So if I sin, I die? - Yes

- And if I don't? - Then you don't

Do you believe in God?

Well, if I drive past a temple or a mosque...

...I make a salaam

Don't you pay your respects to a church?

I will now, of course, as you're a Christian

Miss Neeli, will you teach me English?

Me? Why?

I learned some, I can still read a bit, but I want to learn it better

That's wonderful

If you don't know English, you aren't respected

- People think that you're inferior - Whoever gave you that idea?

I know

I work as a driver

You're wrong. My brother is also a driver

You own your car, he works for others. I never consider him inferior

- Really? - Never

You don't think I'm inferior?

Why? Behaviour determines whether one is inferior or superior

If you acted as an inferior, I'd think of you as one

- So will you teach me English? - Of course

That's our church over there

Your money

- What money? - The loan

What am I to do with this money?

Take it and set me free

Free? Have I imprisoned you, Singhji?

In your debt, I'm not free

Singhji, sit down

I'm too dusty

What if it's dust or dirt? Dirt is our business

Money is dirt and dirt is money

Sit down. You're so tall, I'll get a stiff neck looking up at you

Paramhamsa said it in a Bengali film:

"Money is dirt and dirt is money"

What did you want to say?

What would you do if you were free?

What I did before

Is that all? A taxi driver to a taxi driver

Don't you want to do better? Have your own company?

A partner in a company, doesn't that appeal to you?

You chug along decrepit old roads

Some days you make money, some you don't

Wouldn't you prefer...

...partnership in a transport company?

I never said I didn't

Can you start a company on your own?

Why not?

- Can I ask you something? - What is it?

How long did setting up your Imambazar taxi service take?

About three years

What if I made you a partner in three months?

What company?

A new company, a monopoly service, rock solid

Lawyer Mukherjee is in with me

How can I be a partner? As if I had the money

Is money everything in this world?

In business, sometimes you need other things besides money

I told the lawyer Singhji has something special in him

And money has nothing to do with it

What are you thinking?

I wonder why you do so much for me

- You're warrior caste, aren't you? - Yes

Warriors are brave, aren't they?

They love the idea of an adventure

Sometimes they take risks, don't they?

Yes, sometimes

I'll give you an address

Deliver this tin for me, that's all

Not every day, from time to time

Today, then again in a few days, occasionally

What are the risks?

None, if no one finds out

That's all. Now no more questions

In a few days we'll visit my lawyer

You'll talk things over, sign a few papers...

...then within three months we start our business - that's it

Then we'll find you a nice woman, you'll get married...

...start a family, that's all, what else is there?

What's in the tin?

Not ghee. Any fool knows that much

If it were, I'd deliver it myself and say -

"Here's the ghee, now fry some chappatis"

Are the contents illegal?

Sure, it's illegal

Singhji, there's something you should know

Some things are straight, some are crooked. That's the way of business

Any businessman who says he's always straight is lying

When you drive, is the road always straight, or does it sometimes...

If you say it's straight, the deal's off

What's my share?

Full partnership, equal partners

Shall I give you the address?

Will you deliver the tin?

Let me see the lawyer first

Singhji, one more thing

You're a young man, I understand your needs

If you want something, tell me

I have money and beautiful women

Very well

What do you want?

I want to tell you something

When you leave from here...

- Leave for where? - Home

Who said I was leaving?

A good man cannot stay here

So I am a good man?

I spent the night in your room and you left me alone

You aren't just a good man. You are a god

What did you want to say?

When you leave, take me with you

- Nonsense. Where can I take you? - To your home, where else?

And then?

On the way you can throw me to the wild dogs. That's better than this

He's calling you

Will you take me?

I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here

What a strange world

An ox cart overturns and there is an accident...

...and now we're at a circus together

- Funny, isn't it? - Lucky for me

The day you came home and ate Neeli's cake...

...I knew I had found a friend at last

What I've had to put up with

You're a Hindu, I'm a Christian, he's a Muslim

You fast, you eat pork, you raise chickens

Why squabble? Let's talk about our professions instead

We're both drivers, Rashid Mian is a driver

All of us get covered with grease and dirt doing repairs

Aren't we all the same?

Why the question of caste and creed?

- Do you drink? - Yes, but not over there

Why be scared? I'll be right back

- How goes it, Singhji? - No need to ask him

Look at his clothes

I'd love a pair of trousers like his

Know what you'd have to do?

Hang around with that Christian girl

Who said that?

Don't expect them to tell you

I said it

You didn't

Why make trouble needlessly?

Needlessly? Carrying on with that Christian girl

What Christian girl?

How many Christian girls do you know?

You want to know which one?

The one who carried on with the lame boy

and now rides in a Chrysler to school

Good morning, madam

Step outside

Hold on to this

Damn warrior caste!

Rama, help me get him into the car

- What happened? - How do you feel now?

Don't get up

- My car... - Rama is looking after it

The bastard. The cheat

You shouldn't get into a fight. Look how badly you're hurt

Don't mix with such people

Why did it start so suddenly?

The bastard said...

...that Neeli and the lame boy...

How often have I asked her not to go to his house?

Ma, don't start again

I'll say it a hundred times

How the neighbours talk about it

Tell them Neeli goes there to study

He was a brilliant student

What good is that? Can a lame boy earn a living?

Why get up?

- I'm going - Stay. Have dinner with us

I don't feel like eating

- How do you feel now? - Fine. And you?

They couldn't touch me

You were a big help, brother

Six against one. That's too many, even for a Singh

The bastards

Six against one. Otherwise I would have taught them a lesson

Didn't I tell you not to mix with that rotten lot?

They're jealous

They'll be even more jealous of the company

A bus service, taxis, lorries, trucks

Are you listening?

- I'll give you a bus to drive - No, I want to drive a truck

What happened?

Who?

Why?

Miss Neeli...

Feeling better already?

We're a tough lot

- But your eyes... - Give them a couple of days

I feel so bad about it

It's all because of me

So what?

You've done a lot for me

You are my brother's friend

I'm your friend, too

We'll be off

- Are you really my friend? - Don't you believe me?

Then can I request something?

- Yes, of course. Who shall I beat up? - No beating involved

- Tell no one, not even my brother - I won't say a word

Can you meet me tomorrow night with your car?

Where?

Somewhere we both know, but somewhere isolated

I know the place

How about the rocks where you wrote your names years ago?

Fine. I'll be there

- What time? - 10:00pm

- You won't forget? - I never forget easily

Can I say something, too?

Don't tell anyone, not even Joseph

I'm going to be a partner in a company

A transport company. Within three months

You won't feel inferior anymore

Don't mix with those fellows

If they speak about me, keep calm

I'll try

And don't drink too much

I'll try that, too

The bus is about to leave for Panchmati! Take your seats! Hurry!

No taxi today

What's happened to Singhji?

The car isn't coming today

As if we'd mix with them

Get the bottle from the back seat

Throw it in the pond

You mean... in the water?

Hurry up, we're leaving!

I'll be crushed. I'd rather wait in the dust

Here he comes

We almost gave up today

A cup of tea, quick

- You still here? - I was waiting for you

It will be fine, don't worry

I'm away with the boss for a few days

I'm worried about Neeli

You can see the sort they are

They dare not hassle me, but they may take it out on Neeli

As long as I'm here, have no worries

No bastard will dare bother her

What happened today? Why are you late?

Is the black eye from an accident?

- What, then? - A mosquito

A mosquito bit me

Singhji's sense of humour is intact

Absolutely

How fast can your car go?

What's it matter? We're doing well

This is the age of speed. Mitter, don't be nervous

It's Nripen I'm nervous about

His horoscope predicts death by accident

Everyone, hold tight!

... I know now it is love, whether you admit it or not

My love, I am indebted to you

Walk carefully on the road...

I'm off in the car, got work to do. You walk back home

Will you take us to the ferry?

What's the matter?

We're going away

We're running away to Kolkata

Running away? Why?

We're getting married

It's impossible here

You heard my mother. We won't have a chance here

Don't turn us away

We have no one else

You are my only friend

It's been so long for both of us...

You've done so much for me

A last request - take us to the ferry

Come on, then

Come on, hurry!

That girl

Send her to my room

You have been soiled

Rama, get me some tea

- Didn't you see me? - When?

A minute ago. I was standing by the well

Is something worrying you?

Are you thinking?

Lots to think about

I know that

Sweets

I made them

I made some for you the other day and left them on the roof terrace

The monkeys ran off with them

Aren't you afraid to come here in broad daylight?

Why?

Your master will beat you up

Master? You are my master

Nonsense

Do you like them?

Everything's good when you're hungry

I didn't eat last night, my stomach was rumbling

I know how to cook, very well. Grandma taught me

I can cook, sew...

...husk rice, fetch water

- I can sing, too - Really?

The orchards are in full bloom

My beloved does not come

The mango groves are green and ripe

The Mahua blossoms beckon you

My beloved does not come

Wonderful!

Did Grandma teach you that as well?

I had no one else

What about your mother?

She died when I was born. That's how all my troubles started

So when this man forced himself on me, they said...

..."When you were born your mother died

"Now you are no use for anything else"

What did you say?

There was a pond behind the house

Can you understand all my words?

I wanted to tie a rock around my neck and drown in that pond

Why didn't you do it?

Because they locked me up

Lord, how they hit me...

...slapped me, kicked me

They pulled my hair, dragged me...

...and locked me in a room

Seven days I lay there without food

Nothing to eat, nothing to drink, not even a drop

For seven days and nights all I did...

...was sit and think how to die

Then one day...

...I noticed a box in the corner of the room

I dragged it to the middle and stood on it

I took off my sari and tied one end around my neck...

...and the other end to the ceiling beam

And then what happened?

- It all went wrong - Why?

Do you think it's easy to take your own life?

To leave everything and disappear forever?

The festival of Dusshera was coming in a month's time

I'd wear my new clothes, drums would beat

There would be a fair...

...stalls, lights, a big wheel and a show

In November, Spuliya would be getting married

There would be wedding music

The groom would arrive on his horse

To leave all this and go...

...and see nothing?

And I'm not even...

What?

My groom would come one day, my prince...

...like in grandma's stories

And I could not die

Tea

Are you going out?

Yes, to the lawyer's

Will you still look at me when you're a gentleman?

Come tonight and you will find out

Don't you like me in daylight?

It's difficult in the daytime

If I were your wife, wouldn't you look at me in the day?

My wife?

If you love me, why don't we marry?

What will happen to the company if we get married?

We'd have to run away

Is this place any good? Are these people good?

I have a chance, why let it go?

Am I to be a taxi driver all my life?

There's no respect in it

Everyone is rude to you...

...swear at you, get angry

Haggle over the fare

Look at the room I'm given to sleep in. One side is full of sacks

This will change when I have a company

I'll never get another opportunity like this, Gulabi

All right

You will come tonight, won't you?

Please sit down

Singhji is outside. Shall I ask him in?

Yes, of course

Just a minute

Before he comes in, have you arranged for...

You've known me for 14 years

Have I ever let you down?

I'll be away for a few days

But you are here tonight, aren't you?

Don't worry, I have something special for you

- I've heard a lot about you. Sit down - I'm fine here

Fine? There is a chair, please sit down

How can we talk if you keep standing?

Singhji's family has lived in Bengal for five generations

I see

In my grandfather's time a coachman would not dare sit with us

Today we are all equals

- The thing is, Mr Mansingh... - Narsingh

Mr Narsingh, I don't know you

He is a friend, a trusted friend

Because of him, I agreed to talk to you

You know all about cars...

...you even have experience

You are also wise and clever. That is your capital

You are not investing any money

What about my car?

I'm putting my car into the deal

- What car? - I have only one car, a Chrysler

The one outside with the canvas top? That honks away?

You mean my car is no good? Ask him

He doesn't mean it's bad or anything

He means that if you have a new company...

...you can't go about in a taxi that's 25 years old

You belong to the rising generation. If you cling to old things...

- What shall I do with it? - Sell it

If you get 700 rupees, put it into the company

But your share will be one-third

Full partnership is no small consideration. Well, Singhji?

Don't you like the offer?

It's a good car, it's served me well

The engine's smooth

Look at this brand new set of teeth

I once owned the 1910 model

They were no good anymore, I had them pulled out

Now I can eat the toughest meat

All right

I see a smile on your face at last

I can get at least 1,000 rupees for this car

That's guaranteed. Don't worry about the price

There's only one thing left now

The ghee tin

Start the car

Here's the address, drive straight in. Give it to Mr Jaggu

Do you want to take this?

Will you sell the car?

Yes. Anything to say about that?

Give it to me

- Why should I give it to you? - I will drive it

Can you pay me 1,000 rupees for it?

Not now, but in two years, when I run a taxi service

What service? Won't you stay with me, in my company?

How can I stay without the car? I can't do it

Bastard! Don't let me see your face again!

Why are you here so early?

I'm going out

- I know - So why are you here?

You will take that and deliver it

I know

Sukhanram's friends, such gentlemen

What is it to you?

I know what's inside. Opium

Isn't that a sin?

My wife ran away. Wasn't that a sin?

You come to my room at night

Isn't that a sin?

Yes, it is. For a girl like me, to love is a sin

I'll be back in an hour. Come then

Why?

Why should I come?

I'm asking you to come. Won't you come?

Are you my boss, to be obeyed?

Don't you know who my boss is? He's your boss, too

Salaam, Rana Pratap Singh

- Couldn't you see me? - No, I was hurrying

I just got back. Listen, I have important news

Sukhanram's house is going to be raided

I overheard the boss

I thought I'd warn you to watch out

I'll be back in an hour, see you then

- Where are you off to? - Work, a few repairs

All right, I'm going home

I'll help you start up

Where are you going?

Well done. Warrior

I'll be back, Joseph

Mr Sukhanram

- He's gone out - Where?

To the lawyer's

Has the boss gone out?

Yes, Singhji

Was anyone with him?

The girl

- Come on - Where to?

We've work to do

Come with me

The game's up. Taxi service is over

- Where are we going? - Home, Gulabi

Thieves! Stop them!

I'm going, Joseph

I'm off to Giribraja!