Original subtitles

Give me a second to put on the lens.

Camera. Camera. Camera.

- I really.. I regret buying this camera.

- What are you saying?

Say something nice, huh?

Fine, where do you want us to stand?

Here?

Please move to the right.

You guys look amazing.

(camera beeping) - Break the fourth wall, huh?

Look right into the camera.

- It's okay.

Okay.

- [Hassan] As you know,

I'll be leaving for the U.S. in one week.

I just wanted to take with me a few words of wisdom

from the two people that matter the most to me,

you know, for those times when I'm down

and I'm ready to give up.

You say, first?

You’ve worked very hard to reach this far.

Just keep working hard,

and never be afraid.

Never ever give up.

(bright music)

(horns honking) (voices clamoring)

Mahi, please tell me your parting words.

Now just, you can't get out of this,

so just tell me. - Parting words already.

I don't know

- [Hassan] What?

Let me think about it.

- [Hassan] Okay think, Mahi, I'm leaving in five days.

Just improvise.

- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Time really flies, no?

Wow.

(bright music)

- [Hassan] So Mahi, my any last words?

I mean speak now or forever.

- Okay, last words.

I don't know.

Just do your thing, I guess.

You can be very stupid and irritating at times,

but it's okay.

What do you want, brother?

Just few words, please?

Actually,

you're a really talented boy.

If anybody can make it happen, it's you.

You're a fighter.

Just believe in yourself.

(bright music)

- [Man] Next.

- Hello.

- Have you been to the United States of America before?

- No sir.

- [Man] Your I-20, please.

Sir, your camera cannot stay on the counter.

Put your four fingers on your right hand

on the scanner, please.

(electronic beeping) (keyboard clacking)

Do you intend to go back to your home country

when you finish your studies here?

- Yes. - How long is the program?

- Four years.

- [Man] Look into the camera please.

(upbeat music)

- [Hassan Voiceover] 4:45 PM.

Hassan grips his camera as he walks

through LAX's bleak hallway,

a world much different from home.

Memories slip through his mind

as he remembers the place of his childhood

he walked just 24 hours ago,

wondering how many days until he would return.

If he would return.

His virgin eyes sift through the sea of movement.

His pursuit of the American dream had led him here.

He wonders what makes us chase something so distant?

What makes us risk everything and plunge into the unknown?

- [Mamujaan] Hassan.

- Oh.

Mamujaan! (Uncle!)

Finally....I was scared.

Thought you forgot about me.

How are you? - I’m good

Was the flight on time?

No problem, right?

♪ 6,000 miles ♪

♪ Seas couldn't keep us apart ♪

♪ The best thing for the planet 'cause you steal my heart ♪

♪ You got it under lock and you hold the key ♪

♪ Lookin' for your love til you bring it back to me ♪

♪ Goin' out to my girl ♪

♪ Now it's slipped tight, now it's slipped tight ♪

Hollywood.

♪ Now it's slipped tight, now it's slipped tight ♪

♪ Spinnin', my heart is blown ♪

♪ Now it's slipped tight, now it's slipped tight ♪

- Come.

Come in.

Aisha.

Hassan is here.

Maamijaan! (Auntie!)

- Welcome, welcome.

Oh, you smell of Ghantewali, that sweet shop in Daryaganj.

It’s been so long…

By the grace of God, you’ve grown so tall.

Handsome (laughing).

Did you bring something for us... or nothing?

Yes! Mummy has sent a lot of stuff for you, and the kids.

Let me call your nephews.

Ahmed, come, your cousin is here.

You relax and freshen up.

Then we will talk, okay?

(water running)

At least you can ask him once.

Don't be stupid Ayesha. He just got here.

Let him settle.

What is the harm in asking?

Just ask him once.

How did his father afford to send him to an American college?

There is not enough space here.

How are we going to adjust him?

We've already spoken about this.

Please figure it out with him.

- It's okay, you're here, now you can do what you want.

When does school start?

- Next week.

Orientation on Thursday.

- How are you paying for the tuition?

- Took a loan.

- Who will repay it, your father?

Papa doesn’t have that kind of money.

- I'll repay it.

Once I get a job.

- Why would you get into such a great school

and choose to study something with no real chance of a job?

You know your university has one of the best

engineering programs in the world.

I don't know, Hassan.

I strongly recommend you rethink this

You millennials and this

I don't understand it.

There is also something called “responsibility”.

What about providing for your family, you know?

It's tough, this life is expensive.

- Mamu, you sound like Papa right now.

- [Mamujaan] Then why did he agree to this?

- He didn't, Mummy did.

- That that's my sister.

She has always lived in her la la land.

Mamu, is everything okay?

I mean financially.

- I know you expected me to live in a nice home

and pick you up in a BMW.

- Mamu, you know that's not what I'm talking about.

- Things didn't turn out the way I expected.

(siren wailing)

You can still stay here until you make some arrangement.

- Mamu, you know you could have been honest.

- I'm sorry, I couldn't.

- We were relying on you.

- Your university should be able to help you.

- You know how much on-campus housing costs?

I can't afford that.

Ok, then I'll go.

(trunk closing)

(door closing)

(engine starting)

May God protect you.

("What Tomorrow Will Bring" by Jeremy Voltz)

♪ Been hurt before ♪

♪ Jumped in too quick ♪

♪ Saw a brighter star than what was shining ♪

♪ I've wanted more, for something to stick ♪

♪ My clouds are always full of silver linings ♪

♪ And I wonder if my life were on a stage ♪

♪ Would I know the resolution to the page ♪

♪ I am waiting for the brighter day to come ♪

♪ And I'll never stop believing in the sun ♪

♪ Who knows, who knows what tomorrow will bring ♪

(soft music)

(curtains cranking)

Eat with ease, son.

Would you like more Naan?

Okay, then some rice?

Okay, just a little.

- Aziz, please bring some rice.

I will figure out a work situation for you. Okay?

but it's up to the boss, I'm not the boss here.

He comes in the evening.

But he is a good man.

If it’s an inconvenience - - No, not at all.

You finish your meal. You look heavily jet lagged.

You can stay at our worker's apartment.

Alfred will help out with the luggage. Okay?

Come on, eat.

(siren wailing)

(somber music)

(upbeat music)

- Debbie. - Hi.

- How are you? - Mr. Khan.

- Long time, no see.

You look resplendent,

as always. - Thank you.

- What's the joke?

You find my wall of fame funny?

- No sir.

It's just.

(Zayen laughing)

- Relax, I'm fuckin' with you, man.

Customers eat that shit up.

So, you're a filmmaker, huh?

- Yes, sir.

- Your folks must love that, huh?

- Yeah, they're pretty supportive.

- So, what can I do for you?

- I was actually, I was looking for housing.

Babaji must have spoken to you about it.

- You worked in a restaurant before?

- No sir.

- Most evening shifts, sometimes during the day,

but be flexible, okay?

And I want a good, no, I want a great attitude.

And no more second chances, got it?

- I can't work-- - Two things you need to know.

One, customer's always right.

And two, even though my staff will train you,

you take orders from no one but me.

I'm the boss.

You're on a student visa, right?

- Yes sir, that's the problem.

- [Zayen] I'll give you cash.

That'll help, right?

And I'll cover your housing expenses,

but I keep all the tips.

Got it?

- Yeah. - Good.

Okay.

Well, welcome to the New Delhi Cafe.

- Thank you. - Yeah.

- [Papa] You're coming back.

How is he going to pay the living expenses?

Why are you blaming my brother?

Who is to blame?

It's not my his fault.

You tell me. He left my son out on the street.

- Yeah, Papa, okay.

Firstly, he didn't leave me stranded.

All right?

Just put Mahi on the phone.

- [Papa] Mahi's not home.

How are you going to pay the rent, tell me?

Please give me the phone.

I don't have a good feeling about this.

Please come back.

I will not come back, no matter what.

I have to finish this course.

Not over my dead body -

- God forbid. Please don't say that.

- You know this is the biggest accomplishment of my life.

I mean, you know that.

You support that, so.

I'm just worried for you.

I'm your mother. I know you very well.

Please don't hide anything from me.

I have to go now.

I have some work.

Alright, please keep us posted.

Babaji... let me do this.

You'll never do this while I'm alive.

Your daughter?

Her name is Geeta.

She's here, in the US?

No. She’s far.

Very far.

Go to sleep…

Please turn off the camera.

It’s my exams week.

Please make brother understand.

Mahi, please.

Please, Mahi, huh?

Just one shot, please, by the window.

- Fine. (electronic beeping)

- [Hassan] Just improvise your lines.

But your eye line is looking out, okay?

I would like to know how you feel.

Ready

and

action. (electronic beeping)

(soft music)

(Mahi yelling) Mahi!

Mahi, you're actually quite amazing at this.

All right, this is scene 41.

- See that?

It's up, okay?

- [Hassan] You're the best sister on this planet.

- Future storytellers,

welcome to the number one film school in the world.

It isn't easy to get into this prestigious program,

so congratulations on conquering that first step.

You are embarking on the hardest four years of your life.

So if you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend,

just break up right now.

(audience laughing)

If you have a job, quit.

This is more than a full-time program.

When you graduate,

if you graduate, you will be forever changed

and more than qualified to share your vision with the world.

Good luck to you all. (audience applauding)

So let's dim the lights

and take a look at your presentations.

- [Mahi Voiceover] There's something about the streets

of Delhi.

Dreams, they get lost here.

Ambitions

don't.

(audience cheering)

- Sir, I'm so sorry.

- First day on the job and you're late?

- Sir, I can explain, I.

- Hospitality 101,

never ever enter through the front door.

You're not a guest.

You're a fucking employee and you pull this shit?

Aziz.

Let me take our VIP here.

Sarah, how do you look so beautiful every time I see you?

You always look amazing as always.

I mean, it's wonderful.

What, do you wake up like this?

- Hassan.

Go get her order, she's a special guest.

- [Hassan] Hello, Welcome to the New Delhi Cafe.

- Welcome to you, too.

You're new.

- Yes.

What would you like?

- Yes, I'd like to order something to drink.

- Okay.

This is a wine list.

- I know your menu, sweetheart.

I'll have a glass of your sauvignon blanc.

(light music)

- Okay.

- This pops in here.

(cork popping)

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Halfway, halfway, halfway.

(glass shattering)

(bright music)

- Do it again.

(shaker rattling)

- [Mahi] One second.

You're working.

Bravo! You just started school,

and you have a job already?

I have to pay my bills somehow.

- Just don't tell Mummy where I work.

- No tip?

- No tip.

- No tip.

(Hassan laughing)

What did Mummy cook today?

Should I tell you?

Oakra curry.

- Seriously?

She misses you.

(bright music)

You can start with an MCU,

kind of introduce the character slowly as he walks forward.

You dolly back, dolly back,

dolly back until you're on a master.

You see everybody finally when you cut back to master,

everybody's gone, he's alone.

Then you can cut to the inside of the clock

and it's still ticking.

Do you remember her?

She's in the red dress.

It's kind of strange. (guests laughing)

She's got up and she's like.

(dramatic music)

(water splashing) (woman gasping)

Ready? - Mm hm.

(electronic beeping)

- Okay, so Emmy,

how long have you been working at the New Delhi Cafe?

- About three years.

(singing in foreign language)

- Gustavo, you know you realize you're,

you're singing about wanting to go buy a golden earring.

Right?

- I know what the words mean.

- Okay.

- You got a problem with that?

Huh?

I said do you have a problem with that?

- No, man.

Sorry.

(knife chopping)

- Who's closing up tonight?

- I am.

(speaking in foreign language)

- Hassan? - Hm?

- You're closing tomorrow. - Huh?

No, but I have.

Don't worry, we'll figure something.

Finish your dinner.

(bright music) - Okay,

(speaking in foreign language)

means fuck Khan and we're going to drink his fucking beer.

Alexandro.

Alexandro!

- Choose your partner and choose your partner wisely.

You're going to be spending a lot of time with this person.

Work on your relationship skills.

It's going to be a lot like a marriage.

Hopefully you'll do better than me.

(students laughing) Anyway,

that'll do it for today.

And come on down if you have any questions before we start.

(electronic beeping) - Okay,

ready Dan? - Yeah.

- Get in more

and more.

That should be good.

And

action.

(camera zooming)

- Looks good. - Yep.

- [Dan] Nice.

Do you wanna grab some coffee?

- Got to go to work. - Work?

- [Man] I didn't order this.

- I'm sorry, sir.

Let me fix this for you.

Gustavo,

this is not chicken balti, man.

- Says who?

- The Indian guyoutside says it, I say it.

- Oh, no problem.

I say it is.

- Mexican people now in teaching Indians

about their food, right?

- You giving me culinary lessons?

Who do you think you are? Mr. KhanaKhazana, huh?

- Where does it say green peppers, man?

Have you read the recipe for this?

Look, it's garlic, ginger, chili powder,

onion. (hand slamming)

Whoa.

Gustavo, seriously, what is your problem, man?

- Okay, mira, attention. (spoon banging)

This is my balti.

I can put whatever I want into it.

Whatever I want. (cooks laughing)

I'll fucking put that in there.

Fuck it.

This is my balti.

(pot crashing) What is funny?

Go, take that to him.

- [Hassan Voiceover] Hassan stands motionless,

the bowl of balti his hand.

He wants to throw it at Gustavo, but instead he turns,

gripping the bowl tight

as he passes Photoshopped pictures of Delhi,

wondering if that's all the American dream is,

just Photoshopped reality, (somber music)

a dream that felt so far away.

Until, of course, she entered.

- Hey.

- Welcome to the New Delhi Cafe.

- Hi, for four, please. - Sure.

- Thanks.

- Go take the order.

Hey, go take the order.

- Hi.

So, chicken Kori Gassi.

- Thank you.

- Sandige

and rice.

Enjoy yourselves.

(dishes rattling) (girl gasping)

- Oh my God.

- I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

- Where's the restroom?

(water running)

- How do I know this shit isn't going to happen again?

Cut this shit out, okay?

Or you are fucking out in the streets.

Get the fuck back to work.

How was your call with Geeta?

Is everything all right?

Everything's all right.

Why don't you go see her in India?

I owe Khan a lot of money.

Twenty five years ago, his father brought me here to the US,

and gave me a job.

I'm still paying back my debt.

But any moment now, I will return home.

Khan has promised me.

- He doesn't own you, you know.

No. Don't get me wrong.

His father helped me when I was in need.

Khan doesn't have any bad intentions.

And you don’t have to stay here forever.

That’s why you're in the University.

Hollywood is lucky to have such a talented director like you.

Just keep working hard.

(soft music)

- We cannot be artists

unless we are tradesmen and craftsmen first.

Comes from craft.

Craft gets elevated to artistry.

This week you guys are gonna write your first screenplay

for the film that you'll shoot next semester.

The story should be about personal experience.

(keyboard clacking)

I want to see you.

- Take a second, just turn around,

I just have to focus on you first.

Huh?

Wait wait, hey.

Okay.

All right.

You ready, huh?

(voices clamoring) - It's good.

I like that one.

Beach pizza party, I'm not gonna go.

My eyes are watering a little bit.

(all laughing)

I'm gonna stay. - Okay.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- I feel bad about being so rude to you last time.

I'm sorry. - No no,

that was my fault.

I'm sorry about that.

It was really overwhelming.

I'm new here.

I'm actually studying film direction.

Getting my BFA. - Oh.

Wow.

Where are you from?

- I'm from Delhi, actually.

Oh, it's in India.

- India.

I've always wanted to go there.

How you likin' LA?

- Yeah, I like it.

You know, with school and work and everything,

you don't get to see much.

- My friends are having a party on Saturday in Malibu.

- Hassan. - Uh huh?

Do you want to come?

- Hassan. - Um.

I don't know.

Maybe, I got stuff to do.

'Cause I have work. - Yeah.

I'm gonna give you my card

and just text me if you want to go.

- Okay.

Okay, bye.

- Bye.

(soft music)

(water splashing)

Now with your right hand.

Yeah.

Yes.

So here we go, okay?

Put your hands up.

Da da da.

Oh yeah yeah.

Really, realy love it.

I love it. (waves crashing)

- You know, some of my best memories are at this beach.

I always feel like my truest self when I'm here.

If that makes sense.

You know, you're really brave.

I mean, to just leave home and your parents

and your family and start a completely new life.

I mean, that takes real courage.

I bet that was really hard.

You miss them?

The way I see it,

they're right over there somewhere.

I know their ocean bleeds into mine.

- All right. Mr. Director (laughing).

So unique. - Yep.

(romantic music)

(keyboard clacking)

(Babaji snoring)

(birds chirping)

(singing in foreign language)

Do you need any help?

Yes, sure. That side.

You know this truck has a story to it.

Reminds me of the old good times,

when 25 years ago, I came here for a better life.

Geeta must have been about 10 months then.

Over the years, I saved as I earned a little money,

I bought this truck right away.

I used to feel that I will conquer the world, driving this truck.

And here’s what I’ve conquered.

We will make a film together.

You, your truck, and Scarlet.

Yes, indeed!

Come here, my son.

(both laughing)

You’re my real son.

Live long, son.

(chimes tinkling)

(Papa collapsing)

- Papa?

(horns honking)

- But doctor, can it be fixed?

I mean, what is the next step?

- If it's serious, then he will need a pacemaker

which will require heart surgery.

But I think let's not think about that right now.

We're on rest duty,

you know, stay away from any arduous activity

and you know, we will monitor the progress from there.

- Do you think it'll be an expensive affair?

- I think you shouldn't think about that right now.

And let's check your BP.

We need to tell Hassan.

- No.

Nobody talks to Hassan. - Come on, what is this?

Where's the rest? - Next month.

- No no, that's what you said last month.

- You are welcome to find other opportunities.

(speaking in foreign language)

Same fucking story every time.

- You,

what about you, Spielberg?

Am I forcing you to be here?

- No.

- You see this?

- Yup.

- So what are we going to do about it?

It's Aziz's turn to clean this.

That's what's on the slip, so.

- I sent Aziz home.

- Wait, I'm closing today?

I can't.

I have to write a script, I can't close.

- What a great place to find inspiration

for your shitty story, huh?

Get to fucking work.

- Sally.

All right, Patrick. - Thank you.

- Hassan, here you go.

- Thank you.

- [Professor] Here you go.

Good job on that.

(phone vibrating)

- Hello? - Hey, Mahi.

How are you, brother?

I just really miss you guys.

(somber music)

- You're just homesick, okay?

You're stronger than this.

Brother, come on.

This is what we trained for from all those videos.

You used to make me pose for your movies.

But did you give up?

No.

How can you give up so easily?

Only with courage and strong will,

you will achieve your dreams.

Okay?

- Okay.

- That's like my brother.

And always remember I love you and I'm always there for you.

- Yep.

You're right.

Please take care of yourself.

Bye, Mahi.

- [Mahi] Bye.

(voices clamoring)

- How is everything, good?

Thank you for coming.

Babaji.

Where is Hassan?

I don't know.

(door knocking)

Hurry, he’s looking for you.

Where were you?

- I was just cleaning up the storage room

because Babaji told me to do it.

(tense music)

- You good?

- Yeah.

(soft music)

(Babaji snoring)

- Ah ha.

You made the deadline.

- It's a new script.

- Okay, very good.

- Thank you.

- Yeah.

- Okay, do you have your shot yet?

- [Hassan] Move to your right a little bit.

Your other right.

- That's left. - Sorry.

(Jessica laughing)

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Yep, perfect.

Okay.

So I just want you to talk about how you feel right now.

- How I'm feeling?

- Yeah. (electronic beeping)

- I don't know.

- [Hassan] Come on, improvise.

- I don't know what to say.

I'm at the beach, right?

- [Hassan] Right.

- What do I say (laughing)?

- Talk about the sunset.

- The sunset?

Okay.

The sunset reminds me of my mom.

I used to ask her why is the sun leaving us

and what if it doesn't come back tomorrow?

And she would tell me because the sun has to go

light up someone else's sky.

We can't have the sun all to ourselves.

(electronic beeping)

What? - You hungry?

- Right now.

I know this dhaba, I'll buy your dinner.

- What's dhaba?

- The real stuff.

(singing in foreign language) (bright music)

Try the chai, try the chai.

What?

- (giggling) This is the best chai I've ever had.

I mean, all of this is so good.

I have to have another cup like this.

(muted music) (voices clamoring)

Hey, let's go in here.

- Where? - Come on.

- Jessica, where are you going?

(heavy music)

No thanks.

We can go.

(romantic music)

- [Hassan] Hassan briskly round street corners

on his way back home.

The glow of the evening with Jessica

now fading from his face.

He looks up at the sky and only one star peeks back at him

through the city smog.

Many of the stars we see are in fact dead,

but they're so, so far away

their light will only fade from our view

thousands of years from now.

Maybe that was Jessica.

Maybe that was just a dream.

(door slamming)

- Get up! - Hey man.

- Where's the tip?

- There was $30 in there.

- So where is it?

- I don't know, man.

- That was a huge fuckin' party.

I'll bet it was over 200 bucks.

- You think I stole it?

There are other,

there are 10 other people work here, man.

- Hassan, don't fucking mess with me.

Do you send money back home every month?

Yes, I've been trying my best for the last 25 years.

I hope you and I can quit this restaurant together.

- Seriously, I can't stand that asshole anymore.

I can't take it anymore.

Can't!

What's happened to you, son? So much anger?

You were not like this when I first met you.

Babaji, What am I supposed to do?

The more I try to get out of this place, Babaji.

The more I'm sucked in...

Petty fucking politics.

Why would I steal a stupid tip?

Yes, I know you very well.

Just ignore all this, and calm down.

You will get used to it.

Sir, honestly, don't worry.

Sit down.

(upbeat music)

Sorry.

- What's going on, huh?

- This is not their order.

- Well, that is what I was given.

- Where's the ticket. - What?

- Where's the ticket?

- I threw it.

- He threw it out.

(speaking in foreign language)

(dishes crashing)

- I can't believe he's in my kitchen.

- Cut it out!

Hey!

- What are you doing here?

- Hey! - You work here?

- [Zayen] Both of you, stop this!

- Is this my fucking ticket?

(voices overlapping)

- What the fuck are you doing? (speaking in foreign language)

What the hell?

Hey!

(both screaming) (dishes clattering)

- Get him outta here!

Get him outta here.

(speaking in foreign language)

- Get out!

You come here again, I'm calling the cops.

- Easy, Zayen, easy.

- Easy?

I gave this ungrateful fuck a job, somewhere to stay,

and this is how you repay me?

- Fuck you, man.

Fuck you. - Okay, okay.

- He speaks.

You got a voice now, Spielberg?

Is that what your parents taught you

in that shit hole of village you're from, huh?

To come here and beg and steal.

What do you know about me and my family, man?

Huh?

You know nothing!

- Speak English.

- Fuck you.

Babaji, this guy,

he steals from us and then he labels us thieves.

- I steal from you? - Yeah.

- I steal from you? - you steal from me.

You're the biggest

thief of all, man. - Get the fuck outta here.

You go inside. Please go.

(door slamming)

What are you doing?

So what should I do?

You need him.

(somber music)

Where are you going?

It's too late. Where will you go?

- All right, that's it for today.

I'll see you next week.

Hassan, can I have a word with you please?

Okay, let's see.

Hassan, why do you want to be a filmmaker?

- I think is the only medium

where I feel I can express myself.

You know, the six senses.

I really like the take my emotions and my feelings

and put them up on screen.

And hopefully one day I'll be able to give to the audience

at least a glimpse of the true human condition.

And just the process of taking text

and then transforming it onto celluloid,

it's an absolute miracle for me.

- I read your script.

It's very good.

You have a technical understanding of character building,

catharsis and plot structure.

I can see in your exercises

that you have a good understanding of cinematography

and visual storytelling.

You might be a fan of Fellini.

- (laughing) I love Fellini. - But you're not Fellini.

You are Hassan, and I want to see Hassan.

You have to have the courage to go into those dark

and vulnerable places, and you're not there yet.

Now the good news is you can develop it.

That's what the school is for, to develop your voice.

Comes from here.

But you have to be honest.

That's the human dilemma.

Those are the stories we want to see.

- Sir, I've been going through some financial pressure.

I've been working at this restaurant like late at night.

- Hassan. - No, sir.

I quit. - Hassan.

- I'm going to focus. - It's okay, all right?

Timing is everything in life.

Take some time off, go back to India maybe,

sort out your financial things,

and come back when you're ready.

International tuition is very expensive

and I'd hate to see you not do well.

How is everything Hassan?

What happened about the tuition transfer?

- Because it's due for next semester in a month.

- I know, I know.

There's a slight problem.

I am speaking to the bank.

Just wondering, Hassan,

if you could just talk to the school

and manage this semester somehow.

Do you think that we can do that?

Do you think that they can give us three more days?

Or we can pay them in installments?

(soft music)

(siren wailing)

- Your grades aren't high enough, Hassan.

I have stacks of applicants in your year with 4.0's, 4.3's.

- No, I know, sir,

but I actually really need this job before next semester.

- I can't.

- Sir, I'm having loan problems

and I can't go back to India. - Hassan, look.

I can't. (coffee spilling)

Ah shit.

All right. - Do you have napkins?

- All right, look, y'know kid,

I can pay you minimum wage, right?

- Huh?

- Would that work for you?

- Yes sir.

Everything helps, sir.

- Okay.

All right, all right.

Thank you, thank you.

- Thank you, sir.

(bright music)

♪ You can run ♪

♪ You can hide ♪

♪ Try to avoid ♪

Hi.

No milk, two sugars for you.

And milk, two sugars for you.

- Hm?

- Just kidding, no sugars.

Hi guys.

Here's your one sugar and creamer.

Here's your vanilla foam free.

♪ You can accomplish it all ♪

♪ If it is the only thing ♪

♪ If you're chasing your dream ♪

Oh, hey.

Here's your cinnamon cardamom.

- Okay.

♪ It's close if it is the only thing ♪

(keyboard clacking)

♪ Chasing the frill ♪

♪ Stay in the dark ♪

♪ Exercise your will or ♪

♪ You'll miss the mark ♪

♪ Nobody said it was easy ♪

♪ There is no kind ♪

♪ Take your time and you'll leave us behind ♪

♪ Ahh ♪

- [Jessica] Where have you been?

♪ Let's start the music ♪

♪ If you give it your all, you can focus ♪

- Welcome to chai lessons with Mahi 101.

Important thing to know about making chai

is it's not about what, but it's more about why.

♪ It's yours if it is the only thing ♪

♪ There's nothing we can't do ♪

♪ If you give it your all ♪

♪ You can accomplish it all ♪

♪ If it is the only thing ♪

♪ If you're chasing your dreams ♪

♪ Your dream's not to fall again ♪

♪ It is yours if it is the only thing ♪

- Y'know, I feel like such a fool sometimes,

(waves crashing)

with all these dreams.

I don't even know if they'll ever come true.

- Well, they will all come true because mine has.

(both laughing)

- So what are you going to do after you graduate?

- I want to travel.

I want to go see Paris and I want to go to India.

- Uh oh.

- My family will disown me.

- For traveling?

- No, for not getting a job after I graduate.

If I graduate.

- You just need to take a deep breath

and trust that everything is gonna work out.

Everything always works out.

- Everything?

- Yeah, everything.

It always does.

(machines beeping)

Please wait outside.

You are not allowed to enter.

- I think it's time.

He will require the surgery.

(speaking in foreign language)

I think we should start immediately.

We’re making a deposit now,

and the rest we’ll make later.

- Ma'am, I'm sorry.

Sorry, ma'am.

We require full payment.

- What? - It's our policy.

Please understand.

- I totally understand that,

but you need to understand my father,

he needs surgery right now.

And we are paying the first installment, right?

We will need some time to pay the rest.

Please, I mean, come on.

Can you please make an exception?

- [Woman] Sorry.

We really can’t. You’re wasting your time.

I'm sorry.

- Well how can you say that?

Please help me.

These are very expensive.

- Mahi.

- [Woman] You have an insurance, ma'am?

- No.

(phone vibrating) - Yeah, yeah.

Let's go, this is fine.

- Hey, Mahi, guess where I am.

(Mahi crying)

(somber music)

- It's not good.

I don't know what to do, I'm sorry.

I should have told you before.

I really thought things will get better but they are really not getting better.

We couldn’t even afford insurance.

We have to make a down payment.

But we aren’t able to...

We can’t anymore.

- [Man] Hassan?

Please just give him one last chance.

He'll work hard, and return your money.

Look at him...

Where is he going to go?

He needs our help.

- If I give you this loan, how do you plan to pay it back?

- I'll come back full time.

I'll work it off.

- He can.

I will take his full guarantee.

(check tearing)

- No second chances.

Okay?

- [Hassan] Thank you.

[Babaji] We are grateful.

(soft music)

- You're a good son, you know?

You are.

Don't lose hope.

Come here.

- Sally. - Here.

- Elliot. - Here.

- Hassan.

(speaking in foreign language)

- Yes.

How do you say chandelier?

- Chandelier.

(both laughing)

The two in Farsi, pretty similar.

- [Woman] I know, it's amazing.

(soft music)

(phone vibrating)

- [Jessica Voicemail] Hey Hassan,

it's me calling again.

Just wanted to make sure

we're still on for Christmas dinner tomorrow.

Call me back.

Okay, bye.

(boy laughing)

(festive music)

- Merry Christmas.

Hey Hassan, go take the order.

- How are you?

- Fine.

You work here?

So what can I get you guys?

- You decide.

- Sure.

Okay, give me the menu.

This one is on the house.

You come back home.

That's okay.

I'll be fine.

(door closing)

- I waited for you all night.

I've been calling you all week.

I have to work, all right?

I'm sorry. - No, no,

you could have found a way.

You knew that this was important to me.

- Not all of us have that privilege, okay?

- What's gotten into you?

Stop.

Why are you being like this?

Is everything okay?

- Jessica, you know nothing about me.

You know nothing about my life.

You don't know anything.

All right?

How's this gonna work?

I mean, look at you and look at me.

- Stop. - No.

It's not gonna work.

Stop thinking you can save me.

(somber music)

- [Hassan Voiceover] Perhaps for some of us,

it's just that, a dream you can only look at

from a wide shot.

Hassan was just infatuated with her,

maybe because she reminded him of old Hollywood movies.

Perhaps he knew he could never have her.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick and can even kill a man,

he remembers someone saying.

(birds chirping)

God is great.

Your father finally was able to go for a morning walk.

Gradually, things are getting back to normal.

It’s all because of your resilience, my son.

- [Mummy] I am so proud of you.

You not upset with us, are you?

- Mummy, don't talk like that.

Why would I be upset?

Make me sound so heartless.

No, it's not that...

Actually, you had gone there with so much hope,

and now this sacrifice.

So what?

You can't have everything you want, no?

Remember, that's what Papa used to say.

Everything is going to work out.

I will pray for you.

I don't know about that.

I know my son will do great things.

- You mark my words.

I love you, Hassan.

(soft music)

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

Please give him some realistic advice.

Why do you give him false hopes?

You're talking nonsense.

Let's get done with this.

- Hassan, they just say

that it takes a courageous man to follow a dream,

but it takes a wise man to know when to walk away from it.

(electronic beeping)

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

(camera smashing) (Hassan screaming)

(Hassan crying)

(soft music)

My son, did you make up your mind?

I'm leaving for India next month to see Geeta.

You promised me.

I would like to have my passport back.

- Babaji, not this again.

No, you're going to have to push your trip back.

I mean, money's tight.

Damn refrigerator repairs took this month's profits.

And I can't leave other people in charge here

if you're not here.

No, no. I have made a promise to my daughter.

I can't wait anymore.

Please arrange my return.

You've been delaying for 25 years now.

So how much you want.

How much you want, how much?

200?

No, it's not about the money.

Did I ever talk to you about money?

Babaji, you're man of principal now?

Where were your principals

when I was paying your daughter's school for years?

Don't forget that.

Take it.

Get back to work, Babaji.

(door closing)

(Babaji crying)

Why did you wake me up so late?

(electronic beeping)

- Babaji.

Surprise.

This is my Geeta.

This was all Hassan's plan.

(Babaji laughing)

I graduated Babaji.

I'm so proud of you.

Please tell me ...when are you returning?

Very soon!

Before you know it.

- I'll have to leave now.

Congratulations -

- Many congratulations to you.

Did you guys decide on a date without me?

No, how can we do that?

We will we plan everything when you're here.

When are you going to return, Babaji?

(electronic beeping)

(somber music)

It's not working...

What happened?

It's disconnected.

Give me one second.

Give me one second, please.

- Sorry.

(electronic beeping)

It will connect again.

It's fine, let's go. It's too late.

Sorry, Babaji.

Let it go.

- Bye. - Thank you.

- Thanks.

- Thanks.

- Hey, Babaji, what happened?

- Babaji's not feeling well.

He needs to rest.

Chandan is talking nonsense, I'm totally fine.

I'll come with you.

No, no, no.

You close the restaurant.

We'll meet later at the apartment.

Nothing to worry about.

Okay listen, Babaji...

- We'll Skype Geeta later, okay?

(trash crashing)

(upbeat music)

What are you doing?

- You know, flaco,

not everybody can get loans from Khan.

- Gustavo, put the money back.

- [Gustavo] You think I'm scared of you?

- Man, look, I'm not gonna let you leave

with the money, all right?

So just put it down and I'll forget all about it.

- You're gonna stop me?

Hmm, flaco?

- Fuck you, man, I'm not.

(punch landing)

(Gustavo screaming)

(punches landing)

(both shouting)

(speaking in foreign language)

(Gustavo spitting)

Babaji.

Wake up.

Babaji.

Babaji, Gustavo stole the tips.

(somber music) Babaji?

Hey Chandan.

Chandan?

Chandan, Babaji.

He's not waking up.

Chandan.

Babaji.

Babaji, don't go.

- Babaji.

Babaji.

- We need to call the ambulance, okay?

- [Aziz] What happened to Babaji?

- Babaji!

Babaji, wake up!

Wake up!

Babaji.

(radio chattering)

(siren wailing)

(bright music)

Don't forget to serve that corner.

- Thank you, brother.

Thank you for all of this.

I love you.

Everyone says my brother is a hero.

- Why don't you come visit LA sometime, you know?

There's just a lot to see over here.

You should have been here today.

Yeah.

I know, but I can't leave this country

until I get my green card and legal status and all that.

- You sound like a captive.

Brother...

Do you think things will ever be the same again?

- Mahi, I promise you, okay.

It's gonna be like I never left.

Do you think I'm really happy?

- Is this what I wanted?

I just ended up being like everyone else.

- [Hassan] Hey, don't say that.

- will be married, have children, take care of his house.

- I will always be living for somebody else,

an arranged marriage,

My luck.

My story.

- That's not true, okay?

That's not true.

- That was an improv.

(both laughing)

- Weirdo.

But I mean, you need anything, or anything,

just call me, okay?

(soft music)

- The customer's always right,

but you take orders only from me.

No second chances, you understand?

You got your student visa, right?

I'll pay in cash.

That'll help, right?

Welcome to New Delhi Cafe.

- Thank you.

- He can take your things.

(somber music)

- [Hassan Voiceover] Hassan watches the new bus boy

as if staring into the mirror of his own past.

And it's in this very moment he sees the vicious cycle.

It's in every face of every restaurant worker.

And though sometimes to an outsider,

every one of those faces looks the same,

every story is different.

And now I have a story.

And It's all mine to tell

(soft music)

- My husband, he have a visa to working in America.

You know, the H1B visa.

- Yeah. - Uh huh.

- And he have a job.

It's a very good.

And then we had a daughter.

- We left Iraq during the war.

My father had enough.

One night, a bomb hit our home

and the window came down on my brother.

So he got us out of there.

- Right now, he is back in Korea, but I cannot go.

My daughter's, she is American.

I cannot go back to Korea.

(somber music)

- I saw him about five years ago.

- [Hassan] Five years?

- Five years.

And I don't have my papers so I can go back.

- Yeah, I am here working.

You know, when we first come,

we not illegal.

No one wants to be illegal,

but.

(water running)

- [Hassan] Is this what you thought your life would be

when you came to America?

(somber music)

(electronic beeping)

When are you going home, Babaji?

(soft music)