Original subtitles

BILASPUR February, 1996.

A council of village elders gave a verdict.

Ganga, a 22-year old widow and her mother...

... were to be hounded out of the village.

She was accused of adultery and of practising witchcraft.

Get that bitch!

No! Don't give up!

Get that whore!

Got her! Got her at last!

No!

Arrest each and every one!

No need to worry, Collector Sahib.

Let's sit in the temple. l'll call everyone here.

Come in, sir... come on folks ... get some chairs.

- See no one escapes. - How did the news leak?

You think you can suppress an incident like this!

- What d'you mean? - We'll talk about it later.

Serve the magistrate tea and snacks.

l'll go get Subansh Singh.

Make sure no one speaks.

l had warned you not to get involved in this trouble!

This is no village politics; The collector's making an inquiry.

Let's go. - Nonsense! We aren't going.

We have nothing to do with this.

Fantastic! All of you conspired to kill the widow.

Shut up, Mr Pandey!

lf you have the guts arrest those who looted her and raped her.

lf l did, you'd be in the docks too.

We know how you got the money to contest the elections.

You conned Ganga into pawning all herjewellery.

Forget it! It's rubbish!

Let's go, sir.

Let's go.

What's all this about, father? Where are you going?

lt's the same old story of hounding out a widow...

...the Collector is conducting an inquiry.

- It was inevitable, father. - Let's go, sir.

lt'll be tough. Men from our caste were involved.

These fellows were there too.

Why the hell did you go? - For free hooch and 20 bucks.

That's what Tirpat Singh, the contractor, gave them.

Greedy fools! l told them not to...

... get mixed up with upper caste politics.

But they won't listen! - Forget what happened.

Just keep your mouths shut before the magistrate.

l'm going to expose each one of them!

- What's wrong? - They're all mo-tongued!

But l won't remain silent! l'll reveal all!

Will you shut up? What have we to lose anyway?

Really? Must we put up with their injustice?

Now look... you will not utter another word!

lf l could help it, l'd tell him the names of the villains!

l'd do a lot, if l could help it, too.

He's not himself, sir... He's not keeping well.

- Oh, shut up... - l'll bring him back to his senses!

What are you going to do about it?

This bastard! l will...

What are you doing to him? - Spare him, sir! He will say nothing!

He's neck deep in debts; and he has the cheek to...

He is going to the city to look for work!

Please spare him!

To the city?! And who pays us what he owes us?

l will! l'm working in the landlord's house.

l could work for you! l'd do anything!

l see! Well, all right.

Strange! No one seems to know what happened!

Two women were killed. They were from your village!

He engineered it. Now the bastard comes here to cover-up!

Don't talk nonsense Abhay Singh!

Mr Tirpat Singh... welcome. Not to worry. All lips are sealed.

Greetings, sir. You've been put through undue trouble.

Cut it out, Tirpat Singh.

You surely know what happened. - Of course, sir.

Everyone knows about Ganga and her mother.

lt's a blot on our village. l hate talking about it.

They were women of Ioose character.

Ganga was mentally unstable. Go on Abbot... tell him.

That's just why l forbade her from entering the temple.

She had even become pregnant. Such a shame!

We tolerated a lot. We are peaceful folks, sir.

True, there was never a riot in Bilaspur.

Say what, Rambaran Mahto?

Collector Sahib... no one in the village wants this inquiry.

Please write it o_ as an accident.

But the administration cannot remain a silent bystander.

But of course we'll co-operate! Let the inquiry continue.

Mr Pandey... would you care to come over for some refreshments?

Not now, sir... There's already a lot of tension.

Besides, l'll be attending your son's wedding soon.

l can never find anything here! Ketki! l'm getting late!

l'm on my way, father!

You yourself forget your things all over the place.

You had forgotten your glasses at the grocer's.

Your cup of tea! - You mustn't wear my glasses.

lt'll spoil your eye-sight.

- What's wrong? - You wouldn't know...

...the di_erence bemeen sugar and salt, would you?

How could l?!

Had your mother been alive, she'd have said...

That l'd spoil her name in my husband's house. Isn't it?

But you're getting married in a family...

...where you don't have to strain yourself for anything.

lt's a family of landlords. As for the groom...he's great!

l'm not going to get married. Just you watch.

- Why not? - You'll lose everything then!

That's true. But l have an idea.

Your husband won't live with us; Iet me live with you then, okay?

Where did you find this girl?

Don't tease her. She brings us good fortune.

Move it. It's time to welcome the bride.

What's up? Why do you keep calling me?

Look, you haven't eaten anything all day.

Do l look after the guests? Or, do l sit here and eat?

Wait! Just try the porridge. l made it because you like it.

l'll eat when l'm hungry.

You always fall ill when you eat late. Just have a bit...

You women!

Well... what do you use in Ientil-curry? Salt or sugar?

Chillies, actually.

Move aside... Iet me see the bride, too.

Sure... but you will have to buy a ticket.

- A ticket? - You don't want a free show?

Well, all right. Why should l want a free show?

The Goddess of Fortune!

What are you doing here?

l came over to buy a ticket.

Do you want one, too?

Not a word more. l've taken enough!

You dare call me a thief! This is the last straw!

Here... every penny of yours is accounted for!

Why raise a storm? l just want to know what we've spent.

Not l! You're the one who is kicking up this storm.

A pauper! That's what you are! And you insist on showing o_!

What show-o_? What have l spent for Vinay?

Not even a quarter of what l spent on your wedding.

- l'm trying to save face. - Now save your skin!

Make sure you pay the decorator and the dancer right away.

Else they will cancel the show.

How can they cancel? l'll handle it.

Shut up Rambaran! Enough of your double-speak!

l know what good you've done to us!

You for one, know there's nothing left.

You've wiped us clean. Father gave you all we had.

Enough! Our lands weren't given to Rambaran for free.

lt went to finance your extravagance.

Stop it. Please! Let's not fight today.

Shut up! You haven't been asked for your opinion.

Get out! If you wish your brother- in-law well take him away too.

Better think of your own well-being now.

You have already cast my destiny.

Please. Let's go. Don't get into this squabble.

l'm the one who is getting out of this squabble!

l'll simply walk out of all this someday. Mark my words!

And then you can live happily ever after!

Now look; l've already bought a ticket for the show!

Keep smiling like this... You will be a big hit.

lt's the dance. They will celebrate all night.

- Greetings, sir. - Bless you.

My word, Rambaran! You've found the right party!

Don't provoke him into contesting an election.

Why not? He's a leader of the backward castes...

...and does not lack in resources. Right?

He can always lead the band!

You're wrong, mister.

l've been here, only to fix you up right!

The swine! Here he comes.

- Greetings. - Bless you.

Did you call this courtesan from Benares?

l wanted to. But there wasn't time. She's from a town nearby.

lt's been ages since l saw one of the Benares girls dancing.

But this one seems to be quite up-to-date!

What's up, Pandey? Smitten by the gal, are you?

So you have had them married, haven't you?

Of course!

lt's a part of politics.

Vinay's bride is said to be beautiful.. is she?

She's now in the family.

Don't tell me!

- Here you are, sir. - Thanks, manager.

Will l have to make do with only liquor today?

Not at all, sir! l have arranged for a very ''good night''

- It's Kanti again, l hope? - Yes, sir.

Have the tender for the Bilaspur Road opened.

l've entered a contract with with the Abbot for the stones.

Your wife? Where is she going at this hour?

l'm going to take a bath... l have been dirtied.

Manager!

Come along, madam... Just come along.

This could be dangerous.

Relax, Ramdas.

Just close your eyes and keep shut.

lt must be accomplished today.

What's wrong with the Abbot? - He has renounced this world.

Before parting, the Abbot ordained Mr Abhay as his successor.

Please accede, sir! Else we will be orphaned.

Yours will truly be a glorious sacrifice.

You haven't enjoyed the pleasures of life. Your wife didn't bear a child!

And now you're becoming a monk.

Why are you doing this to me?!

What are you punishing me for?! Tell me! What have l done?!

lt's not you who has done anything. Nor l!

This is destiny. It has been ordained by the Abbot.

Stop sermonising. l'm not going to let this happen.

No one can stop it now.

For Heaven's sake! Don't say such a thing!

l've taken insults for 17 long years. And l smiled through it.

l have borne the curse of being sterile.

l have never uttered a word!

But please do not force me to live the life of a widow!

You are not at peace. You won't understand.

l don't want to!

Just don't leave me! Please!

- It's out of my hands now. - No! Don't say that!

l cannot take this blow! Please don't leave me!

Nothing can be done now, Chandravati.

lt's impossible to turn back.

Sister!

Here... have a glass of water.

No one can change destiny. Have patience.

Calm down. You have to take life as it comes.

Why did he do this?

What can we say? He's a man after all.

He has the right to do anything.

But he'd never do such a thing had she given him a child.

Calm down. Get a hold on yourself.

We're here with you.

Strange! There has been a scandal! And you find it funny!

Hats o_ to him!

ln one swift move, Abhay Singh has become a King from a pauper!

What will you do about the stones from the quarry?

But we've already managed!

He's taken over it!

He says he won't get a stone from the quarries!

Exactly! What do we do now?

When are you going to help, Mr Pandey?

You represent both the parties! Go and call on the old man.

With Abhay Singh out of the way, this is a good opportunity.

They must be starving... Go and give him succour.

Oh, sure! l'll give it to them nicely, too!

Just wait and watch!

He just didn't consider what would become of his wife.

She'll have to make do.

lt's for you to think how we run the household.

You folks are certainly preparing for the worst, aren't you?

You have enough left, Vinay. Everything will be okay, God willing.

lt's tough.

Why don't we use the piece of Iand you have in business?

What business?

Don't worry about that. Just give me an answer.

The land by the river is all we have now.

- It's full of stones. - Just say it...

and we could reap gold out of it!

Just give us the rights to quarrying...

...and watch the money flow in!

- You don't mean... - Let's stop talking about this!

l had taken you for a gentleman...

...but you've shown your true colours.

l'm a respectable landlord... l will never compromise with pimps!

- But Tirpat belongs to your caste. - Don't talk nonsense!

No one knows who Tirpat's grandfather was!

Why else would he be ostracised?

Now that Tirpat has made some money out of his business...

...he's dreaming of scoring over us.

There can be no talks with him, so long as l am alive!

Have you gone to sleep?

Won't you wake up?

Why have you switched o_ the lights?

Let me go...

Let go... What are you doing?!

He might catch us at it!

Okay... you're the one l love.

What's going on? Who is he?

No... there is no one here.

Devil!

- He's watching us. - Who is?

He is.

So let him watch. He'll burn out of envy.

Drink it, Chandravati. The herb tea will soothe you.

The cook is asking for the rations.

You will keep the keys from now on.

But how can l... - l can't handle this any more.

Give me the keys, madam. l'll give him the grains.

What am l to cook tonight?

Whatever you can. - Ma'am... l need some money.

l haven't sent money home in the last five months.

l was sure l'd get something during your marriage. But...

l'll do something.

No freebies here! Step back. No crowding.

Mr Ram Prasad...? What is your caste?

- Low caste, sir. - Why don't you write that?

l'm telling you this for the last time.

Write down your caste clearly. Write down whether you are...

... a high caste, a low caste or a backward. Understood?

Hello, mister. Have you submitted your application?

lf you're willing to spend, l can have your caste changed.

l'll give you an authentic certificate.

l've done up your sister-in-law's house, sir.

l have also sent wood for the furniture.

You should become a government contractor.

That application will take you nowhere.

Start working on the road now. The minister asked about it.

Earthworks are over. l'm about to lay stones. It'll be done.

Let's go.

Mr Vinay! What a surprise!

Give me your application. l'll have it kept right on top of the pile.

Rubbish! D'you want Mr Vinay to end up a clerk?

- Excuse me. - Just a minute Mr Vinay.

l had sent you a proposal.

You must have received the reply. - l wonder if it was a hasty decision.

Just give it a thought one more time.

Of course. l am in no hurry.

Believe me, Tirpat Singh has Iots of patience.

l'd advise you to join hands.

You needn't invest a penny. And you get a share of the profits.

For how long can we go on like this?

We'll manage... you're doing your best, aren't you?

What comes of my e_orts? Nothing.

lf l could even land a small contract...

Then find a contract.

You don't bag a contract just like that.

One has to deposit money to get it.

- l have the money. - Do you?

- What kind of a joke is this? - You won't get itjust like that.

l'll keep track of your earnings and recover my money with interest!

Can you trust me that much? l've given you nothing till now.

What more can l ask for...?

l have everything.

For Job No. 84/96 at Kirtarpur this day of the year 1995...

...we have received tenders from 13 interested parties, sir.

Open them.

They're conning us.

lt falls in Tirpat Singh's area and he's bound to get the contract.

Mr Vinay Singh has quoted 3.45 Iakh Rupees for the job...

Tirpat Singh has quoted the least. It's 3.40 lakh Rupees.

Okay... complete the formalities, Tirpat Singh. Let's move on..

Just a minute, sir... l have enough of such work, sir.

l'd be grateful if you gave the contract to someone after me.

Are you sure, Tirpat Singh?

Of course. l have some di_iculties.

Do you know that your deposit could be forFieted?

You'd rather forFiet me, too, sir! l belong to the country, too!

Okay... but are the second party's papers in order?

Yes... but the party has no references.

- How about the earnest money? - He has deposited that.

l could stand guarantee for the party, sir.

- Just a minute, sir... - Are you out of your mind, Vinay?

We can sort this out after you have bagged the contract.

- Just keep quiet, okay? - Who is Vinay Singh?

You must complete this assignment in 6 months. Do you know that?

Of course it will be completed, sir! It's no big deal!

Come on...

Okay. Give it to him.

Congratulations, Mr Vinay!

Welcome to the community of building contractors.

- l can't figure out why... - Please don't embarrass me.

lt's no favour l have done.

Believe me, l had already decided to forego this particularjob.

Rather than someone else landing it, it's good that you got it.

Thanks a lot.

l desperately need the job.

Today is a great day. You have come together.

l was always eager to shake hands with him.

Believe me, Vinay... l have no malice at heart.

Vinay has ruined our reputation.

Here l am, trying to clip Tirpat's wings.

And he joins hands with him! He is indeed a fool!

Doesn't the fool realise that Tirpat wants his stones?!

There was no talk of stones.

l got the contract only because Tirpat Singh withdrew his name.

What would people say? You took a favour from Tirpat.

Let them say what they want. l don't care.

We have lost face in society. Don't you understand?

l can handle this society damn well.

Please stay out of this.

Where are you o_ to?

Don't you know? It's the day women fast for their menfolk.

- Your wife has called me over. - It isn't even 4 'O clock.

Dump everything there.

Welcome, Mr Tirpat.

You're working at a war-footing, aren't you?

l had the material brought in one go.

lf only the labourers help me, l could easily manage this.

Of course you will manage!

l always knew it that the day you entered this business...

...you'd push other contractors out of the game!

''This is the first time you are fasting for your husband''

''lt's the day you will dress up again as a bride''

''l regret, l cannot come over in person to see you...''

''...but you have my blessings for a happy married life''

''Please don't worry about me; my sister takes good care of me''

''May God always keep you and Vinay happy''

We are doomed, Mr Vinay!

- This is terrible. - Why would anyone do this to me?

People are jealous of your success, Mr Vinay.

l have been ruined!

Not at all! You mustn't say that, so long as l am with you.

Believe me... everything will be all right.

You will get all the material from my stock tomorrow.

Just carry on with your work.

Report this to the police and have the constable come over.

- You must file a report. - Cut the drama, Tirpat Singh!

l can see who is behind this conspiracy!

You should know that l am still around!

The elders have a right to scold us. And we mustn't take it to heart.

You can always depend on me. l'd lay down my life for you.

Does this bring you back to your senses?

This is the last time, Rambaran. Vinay will certainly return the money.

Why must you embarrass me?

Have l ever refused you a loan?

But l really don't have the money.

Please raise the money then... Or we'd lose face.

lt's di_icult, sir. There's a money crunch everywhere.

l asked him not get into this mess. But he...

Will you do something for me?

Forget this a_air, as if it were a bad dream.

Who will make good the losses?

- We'll manage somehow. - How will we?

l had taken an advance for this contract, madam.

And you just can't repay your debts in dreams.

They're conducting a CID inquiry.

They can't suppress a scandal of this magnitude.

On the other hand, we're putting the pressure on the S.P.

They can't escape... no matter who it is.

Let's toast the partnership!

Where are the papers?

The papers are ready. But there is a small hitch.

My lawyer insists that...

... Mr Vinay's father and his sister-in-law must also sign...

... to avoid any complications in the future.

l don't see any di_iculty in that.

Why should his father disagree?

Mr Vinay is quarrying the stones for profit.

After all, he is a partner in this business.

- Exactly! Here you are. - Yes. Take a look.

Read it carefully, Mr Vinay.

The quarry is yours. Machinery and labour are mine.

- We share the profits fifty-fifty. - Aren't you forgetting me?!

Certainly not. l am covering you.

Which means that Mr Vinay becomes the senior partner!

Certainly. After all the quarry is his.

Okay. But what happens of the contract l had got?

Don't worry about that. l will see that it is completed.

l will see that you face no di_iculty.

You can settle my accounts later.

Okay. But when do you begin quarrying?

The day you give us the go-ahead, we arrange for things from Calcutta.

You're going to reap gold! Just you watch!

What are you saying?! Are you out of your mind?

Just tell me whether you are going to sign it or not.

- He will not sign. - What!

What did you say?!

Do you know what you are saying?!

All l know is that you are doing the wrong thing.

So l'm wrong! And everyone else is right!

Do you know what state we are in?! We could be forced to sell this house!

lf my contract isn't completed on time...

... we will be out on the streets.

lf we lose this house, we can build a new house.

But if you get into trouble with shady people, you'd be doomed.

Shady people?

lf you have no brains, don't show-o_ your wisdom.

l'm trying to work my way out of trouble.

l'm not getting into trouble.

You've just decided that Tirpat Singh is evil!

Contracting is shady business! So l must be in the wrong!

l should just have squandered what's left.

l'm trying to make the quarry profitable.

And you don't like it!

This is a golden chance! Please tell them that!

Do you expect me to understand all this?

Let's stop arguing, please. l need your signature as well.

Your father is the master of the house. He signs first.

l knew this.

What do you want?

Thanks to you, my brother became a monk.

Do you have the same designs for me?

Where do you want me to sign?

Sign it, father.

Your son is grown up now. We should listen to him.

All this is being done for you.

- When is it going to start? - Today.

Do the honours, Mr Pandey.

Not l. Vinay Singh deserves this honour.

Of course! Go on Mr Vinay.

Congratulations!

Didn't l tell you that production would start soon?

Come... Iet's celebrate!

Mr Vinay must get into the road-contracting business.

Sure! If Mr Tirpat supports me...

... we could even build a highway!

There she goes to clean herself again. It's a fetish.

Who is she?

You'll know in a minute.

Come here.

Come here, l say

Come. l'll introduce you to the new contractor.

Come on!

Come on!

So you see...

What's the matter with you?

Nothing?

Why is she like that?

Don't you know what crackpots women are?

God made this one special!

Our partner has had rotten luck with his wife.

Not everyone is as lucky as you are.

lt would've been really nice if...

... Mr Vinay's wife was here to celebrate with us.

First class idea!

So what if she isn't here? We can go over.

Let's party tonight. In Mr Vinay's house!

Say what partner? Any problem?

- No problem at all. - So let's go.

Come along... o_ to my partner's place.

Welcome, Mr Tirpat.

Mr Pandey... come along.

- Let's go upstairs. - Sure.

Greetings, sir!

Vinay! What the hell is this?!

Nothing, Father. Relax. l've invited my partners.

Let's go upstairs.

Anybody home?!

- Yes, sir? - Have some water sent upstairs.

Be seated.

Have you hidden her away? How about an introduction?

Sit down l'll ask her in.

My partners are here. How about some snacks?

Why don't you wear something nice and join us?

What's it? Why are you tense?

Why are you doing this? - Why? What have l done?

At least don't do it in this house.

So now l need your permission in my own house.

- Lovely! - Hi partner!

ls the Home Minister giving you a dressing down?

Not at all. It's nothing.

My name is Tirpat.

l happen to be your brother-in-law.

Anger doesn't look nice on your face.

l think you don't want to welcome me.

lt doesn't matter.

See you partner.

l hope you didn't take it to heart.

Mr Tirpat! Listen.

Thank you very much!

l shall never forget this insult.

Not l! You are the one. You have insulted...

... the traditions of this family.

Now you know what the tradition is.

Don't you ever break it.

l have already eaten.

Where are you going?

Are you still angry with me?

l've said l'm sorry.

What's all this fuss for? Come on...

Come on! It's not good to be so angry.

What's wrong?

- Now look, madam... - That's enough! Don't touch me!

You're blowing it out of proportions.

- There's a limit to everything... - Exactly!

There's a limit to one's tolerance!

D'you think you could drag me into bed, afterjust saying sorry?

Would that set everything right?

What do you think women are? Mere toys?

- Now look... - What have l to look for?!

Everything is finished! l've fallen in my own esteem!

That's enough! What have l done to bring the skies down?

You're dragging this little thing...

A little thing? Does this not matter much to you?

Do l have no identity of my own?

Do l not matter at all?

No matter what you are... don't you ever forget who l am.

Always remember... l hate people screaming at me.

Can l ask you something?

- Tell me the truth. - What?

Were you ever beaten up by your husband?

- Well yes. They all do. - But why?

What would a bull do when his horns start itching?

- How did you handle it? - Well, cry and get over it.

Men will be men after all...

But why do you ask all this?

Just like that...

- Any problem with your husband? - No.

She has trouble breathing. Please take the incense out.

Here... drink it.

- Fun! Wasn't she? - Oh yes!

How is she now?

What's happening?

l'm asking you something.

Please. Not now. Chandravati is very ill.

l have something to discuss too.

We can do that later.

Now! Not later.

See, what he is up to! Stop him!

You dare not ignore me like a dog yapping at your heels.

For God's sake! Cut it out! She needs me now.

And what about my needs?

You remember your limits, lady!

Don't forget who the husband is!

You can't define limits with violence.

You are my husband. Not my God.

Don't think too much of yourself.

This is going to cost you dearly.

What happened?

Where is Vinay?

Why don't you speak?

Men will always be like that.

lt's better to obey them.

You were so obedient. Did that do you any good?

Master! Wake up! The lady is very ill.

Vinay! Get up!

He has passed out.

Should l take her to the hospital?

No. Don't bother. Just call Rambaran.

l will go with her.

Careful...

Why are you leaving your husband in this condition?

Father would be alone, too. - It'll be just for a couple of days.

The cook and the maid can take care of them.

Rambaran... what about the doctors' fees?

Everything has been taken care of.

- But... - Don't worry.

l'll take care of them.

No! Not now!

Keep lying.

- You'll get drenched. - Don't worry for me.

What's happened?

Take the luggage. Don't panic. Town isn't far away.

She won't survive this.

Hurry!

Careful!

Keep it up. We're almost there.

She is much better.

You brought her here in the nick of time.

You must be tired, Rambaran. Why don't you rest a while?

The doctor says Chandravati's treatment will take long.

Rambaran has made arrangements to lodge them in the town.

They will need money. Why don't you go over?

She isn't my responsibility.

lnform my brother at the temple. He should do this.

But it's your wife who took her there.

So? She didn't take my permission, did she?

Why are you looking lost?

Don't lie to me. It's all over your face.

Mind your business.

Say what you want. But your wife cares for you a lot.

Don't make her unhappy.

Master...

- If you say... - Of course not.

Don't worry for her treatment. l'll take care of the expenses.

We borrowed some 21 ,OOO rupees from Rambaran for the marriage.

He wants his money.

How can l pay up so much so soon?

l'm really in a tight corner.

They have been selling stones by the truck load.

You must've been paid.

Mind your own business Rambaran.

You will have your money.

l will not be responsible for any more loans.

Whatever you say. But l have great regard for this house.

And l can't remain silent.

They're crushing day and night. They're cheating you.

Tirpat has made hundreds of thousands already.

And how do you know that?

l know what's going on in the market.

Even yesterday, Mr Pandey collected 90,OOO.

You trust them. And they are cheating you.

Anyway that's none of my business. All l want is my money.

Take a seat. You look disturbed.

Speak, Mr Tirpat. l'm listening.

Someone is surely misleading you.

Had we earned half as much we would have been Rockfellers by now.

Cut it out. l need 25,OOO by noon tomorrow.

Why tomorrow, Mr Vinay?

lf there is any credit in your account, take it right away.

- Book keeper... - Yes, sir...

There have been heavy losses in your contracted jobs.

We are still adjusting losses.

Come clean, Mr Book-keeper.

l trusted you.

Every penny is in the book. You can check it.

Your contract was for 300,OOO.

After the minister's share of 200/o, we got 240,OOO.

You spent 123,OOO.

Mr Tirpat has spent 213,OOO.

We must pay 100/o in bribes for getting the bills passed.

The total loss stands at 126,OOO.

So l get nothing out of the quarry for a full year?!

Why not? l propose we install a second crusher.

We could draw up a contract for it.

No. Thanks a lot. l don't want to discuss anything any more.

Take your time. l am in no hurry.

As you know, Tirpat Singh has lots of patience.

Come when you are relaxed.

We'll go over it with a cool head.

We'll surely find a solution.

l must have been blind to have blundered time and again.

l have made life miserable for you and Chandravati.

She might never forgive me. But l hope you will.

Rambaran should be arriving any moment.

Will you please comb my hair? l'd hate to look shabby.

Looks like you are recovering.

You haven't replied to your husband's letter yet.

He is repenting. Rambaran says that he doesn't eat properly.

He is the child in the family. Anyone could fool him.

That's why one has to go through this.

But l can't take it anymore.

You are young enough...

You can put up a fight. Sometimes, you may even win.

Once you begin to lose, you will give up fighting.

And you will begin to tolerate.

And then you will know what it means to be a woman.

Why must women always su_er?

That's the rule.

Vinay needs you. Go back to him. Else, he will break down.

Just don't worry for me. l am fine here.

Make some tea.

- How are you doing? - l am fine.

But you are late today.

Not at all. l had left as soon as the clock struck three.

Sit down.

How is everyone at home?

They are fine.

But the house looks so sad without the mo of you.

And Mr Vinay...

ls Tirpat Singh still quarrying the stones?

Why will he not? His crushers are working overtime.

Mr Vinay doesn't even go there anymore.

Can you lend me some money?

You...?! How much?

- l would need some 25,OOO. - Really!

Why do you need so much?

l'll tell you everything. But tell me, can you lend it?

Very well. l'm coming home.

Shut down that machine!

Come on, book-keeper. Give me the keys.

Get lost. You aren't needed.

But, sir...

Those who want to work manually are welcome.

Come on. Get back to work.

So... l'll make a move. And don't you worry.

We can get more labourers from nearby villages.

Fine. l'll be in town this afternoon.

l'll speak to contractors who need stone chips.

Rambaran has instigated him. l won't spare him.

Welcome, Tirpat. We can go over it with a cool head now.

And l'm sure we will find a solution.

l must commend your courage.

No one ever dared to take on the contractor Tirpat Singh.

And my salute to those...

... who have propped you up.

Don't beat around the bush. Come to the point.

- You have a contract with me. - Not any more.

l have cancelled it.

Do you think you can steal my money?

lf you're honest with the accounts, l'll settle in 3 months.

- What's the guarantee? - l'll stand for him.

Take an advice. Your crusher is going to lie idle. It's going to rot.

Now that Mr Vinay is in business...

why don't you lease the crusher to him?

That way, you can recover your money sooner.

Shut up! Don't interFere!

Don't you shoot your mouth o_ just because you have the gun!

lf l raise my voice, you will be hacked to pieces.

Hold it Rambaran Mahto.

lf screams could kill, you wouldn't have bullets.

Control yourself. And let's talk business.

You will get your money back.

Who's bothered? l'll get it all back, including interest.

Well then... l'll make a move.

But let me pay you my compliments, Mr Vinay.

Your wife isn'tjust beauty, she has the brains too.

My regards to the lady.

Fantastic! You have brought glory to our family!

Bravo!

You have put the contractor in his place!

But you have made a mistake.

You shouldn't have taken help from Rambaran.

You could have asked me for the money.

He's a bad man... he thinks only of himself.

You need not worry. l know how selfish everyone is.

No wonder too!

Don't let the bloody Tirpat get away with a single piece of stone!

That will bring him back to his senses.

Should we not let him have the stones, someone else will.

Doesn't your temple own a quarry too?

Oh come on! The stones from the temple?

Tirpat can have them only to bury himself!

l cancelled the contract the moment l received initiation.

That's wonderFul. Thanks for o_ering help.

Don't say that! We share the same blood.

She's pulled a fast one on me!

She dares mess with me?!

Had l not completed the building to honour his contract...

...Vinay Singh would have been serving a sentence in prison!

- And he dares... - Sit down ... and think.

- Use your brains... - What did you say?

You mean l'm speaking without applying my mind?

Am l talking nonsense, you mo-penny politician!

lt was my brains that had you elected to o_ice...

...and you teach me now!

Sir... that is not what he was getting at.

Then what was he getting at? Tell me!

Tell me!

How is Vinay Singh bagging all the contracts, despite this man?

He's whizzing across on a mobike in just mo months!

- And here l am... - l must leave now.

l'm getting late.

Sure! Go away... bloody middlemen!

That's what we're going to get! A nought!

He's drunk silly.

What's the hurry, sir? Why don't you stay the night?

No thank you. l've got a meeting to attend on my way home.

l'll arrange for a great night again.

You can hold your meeting tomorrow.

l can call Kanti over again. Isn't that tempting?

Not today... thank you. Some other day, perhaps.

Rides a mobike, the bloody rascal!

- What's in your hand? - The doctor says that...

... you can eat everything. So l bought some sweets.

Lovely! l had forgotten how this tastes.

But, how did you know that l love sweets?

Well... l just thought you might like it.

- Why don't you eat some? - No thanks. l don't like sweets.

- Why? - The sweetness is cloying.

Really?

Can l ask you something?

Why didn't you marry again?

Go on. Tell me.

l guess l never found the time.

You are a strange sort.

Careful!

What are you up to?!

Listen...!

Stop it!

Listen! Please!

What are you doing?

Stop! l'll get dizzy!

l've got it! l've landed a contract to build the highway!

- Really?! - Yes!

- Come with me for a spin. - No! It scares me to death!

No excuses! Be ready at five. We're going to the cinema.

- Where is the maid? - She is out shopping.

And what are you up to?

l was bored doing nothing. So l decided to cook something.

lt smells delicious!

l thought you'd like some salted snacks.

- What is it? - It's for you.

Now don't refuse it.

Whites don't look good on you. mhites are worn by widows)

How do l look?

Oh no! The snack is charred!

Are you burnt?

Use water. Put your fingers in it.

Does it hurt?

Ask the traders to sit inside.

Very well. - He hasn't paid you, has he?

Well, Rambaran... are you contesting the elections this time?

No, sir!

lt's better if working people like me, know where they belong.

lt keeps us from falling.

A working man or one who robs everyone?

l didn't understand.

Of course you understand everything.

The cost of paddy according to the papers is 235 for a quintal...

...and you're paying us 225?

That newspaper is published in the city, sir.

You still have to be reasonable in what you pay.

l'm paying you the right price, sir. Rest assured.

How is that? We're not dealing in stolen stu_, are we?

You have been cheating the temple! But not anymore!

We've settled a price and the stu_ is now being weighed.

l have a right to it.

But should you still harbour doubts...

you can have it sold anywhere you wish.

Let's go. - Call the merchants here.

l see! You are completely prepared, aren't you?!

- When did they arrive? - Let's discuss business!

They're willing to pay me 230 Rupees for a quintal.

- How about you? - That is excellent!

You may sell it to them.

Why must l object to the temple making more money?

But you'd rather listen to something l have to say!

The paddy must be transported to the city straightaway!

That is where you will get the price published in the newspapers.

Because l will sell it for not more than 225 a quintal.

Will you sell it for so less? It'll put all of us to a loss!

You lose money, when you think of profits.

But this has gone beyond profits and losses now.

Let's go.

l had warned you against this deal!

Nonsense! He does not rule the markets!

- He does not decide prices! - It's not that, sir.

But we'll be sunk, if he gets stubborn.

Rambaran! You can have the paddy!

Very well. But l will pay 220 Rupees for a quintal now.

Well? Do you agree?

There's no point in taking him on. You'd better agree.

Yes. We'll compensate the losses in our donations.

lt took you so long in there. What were you praying for?

Nothing. l was thanking God for what He has given me.

Really?! What have you been given?

Everything!

What are you doing? You'll get drenched.

Come inside. You mustn't get wet in the rain.

Nothing can happen to me now!

Not fire, nor water, nor wind! Nothing can touch me now!

l have attained purity!

Do you want to know what l have been given?

You're not...? Are you...?

Sterile l am not, Rambaran!

l am not a barren woman!

Come along!

Have you turned to stone?

You've begun to put on airs.

How dare you not respond to my calls?

So what's on your mind?

Make sure you turn up at the villa tonight.

Mr Pandey is coming.

What happened? Why was he here?

Nothing. Did you call me?

Tell me the truth. What's up?

Why don't you speak? Why was he here?

He had come to call me... for my services tonight.

You...?! What are you saying?!

But why...?!

My husband borrowed money from the contractor when...

... his father fell ill.

He keeps sending money. But it's never enough.

l worked for him when the crusher was running. But he never paid me.

And he forces me into bed whenever he wants it.

But why do you submit?

lf l don't he will burn my house down. We live on his land.

Rubbish! Does he own you?

You don't know what Tirpat Singh is capable of.

Once he had beaten my husband mercilessly.

He can do anything! Just about anything!

He can do nothing!

He can't force you to repay. And he can't burn your house.

lt's just that you don't know what the law says.

You mustn't be afraid if he comes calling again.

Don't think you are weak just because you're a woman.

He can do nothing.

- Come over... - Coming.

A procession! Where are you headed?

We are here to see you. What about our wages?

What wages?

Didn't we work on the crusher? A week's wages are still due.

Why! It has been adjusted in your account.

l don't understand your accounts.

Recover your money from your debtors. l just want my wages.

Why don't you girls speak up?

- Of course! l want my wages. - We won't leave without it.

What are you so worked up about?

Come to me tonight. l'll pay you yours.

You've said enough! Any more, and l...

Yes! Go on! What do you think you can do?!

Whore!

lf l'm the whore, you're my pimp!

What did you say?!

l replied to what he said.

You dare talk back!

How dare you?!

Bitch! You talk to me this way in front of the whole village!

You people dare!

Why don't you speak now? Come on, bitch! Speak up!

l'll say it! A hundred times over! l will!

Pimp!

Damn you!

- Tie her up! - Let her go!

What are you doing? Stop it! Let her go!

Out of my way! Get out!

Welcome to the show!

Enjoy the display of my power!

That l can see, Contractor Tirpat Singh.

But l'm amazed. Why aren't all these people who...

... seem to be enjoying your circus, not clapping?

Maybe your show isn't over yet.

Maybe this poor woman hasn't been mangled badly enough.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead. Rip her clothes o_.

Show them the power of your brute force.

Then they will clap for you. They'll cheer you all the way.

And they'll remember this circus for a long time to come.

You seem to speak well. But your sermons won't work here.

Now get out of here before l lose my temper.

l'll leave of course. But not without my sister.

Stop me if you can. Maul me if you will.

Perhaps, the villagers will enjoy your circus even more.

Enough! l am warning you this last time.

The trouble you get into!

l was terribly scared.

l was scared, too.

But l couldn't let a coward who wreaks atrocities on the poor...

...cow me down.

He's the biggest of the cowards, isn't he?

The court has recorded the girl's testimony.

And Rambaran is gunning for you.

A warrant was issued for your arrest.

lt was tough convincing the judge to grant bail.

lt will cost you 100,OOO. Send the money in today.

The magistrate has barred your entry.

Wait here.

Forgive me, sir. l have to follow orders.

l'm busy, Mr Pandey. There's an urgent meeting.

You seem very annoyed, sir.

No! l'm happy! Create some more scandals. l'd be happier!

lf you don't finish the road, l will cancel your contract.

lt's rumoured that he might be transferred.

l hear some low-caste will replace him.

Hi, Contractor Tirpat Singh! What's so urgent?

Your tone tells me that you're still angry.

Come to the point. l haven't time.

We need your stones Mr Vinay. - You can have it.

- But your rates are high. - The rates are final. No reduction.

Look Mr Vinay... l had great hopes on this crusher.

Take it away.

lt's still lying on my land. Don't forget that.

l'll give you an o_er. Sell it to me.

lt's nice to see that you are a moneyed man now.

Fancy motorbike. And that's a nice dark black.

Suits you.

Thanks for the compliment.

Think about my o_er. l'll pay cash.

You're taking too long!

Coming!

Hurry! Else l'm going alone.

Surprise! Mr Vinay! You've got to celebrate this!

No!

No!

The bike blew up in pieces. He won't need a funeral.

Did l scare you?

You were looking so beautiful. l didn't want to wake you.

Here... have some water.

One doesn't refuse water even from an enemy.

And l happen to be a friend.

Are you looking for this?

lt doesn't suit you at all.

You should be having fun. Not this...

l'm really sorry for Mr Vinay.

But give me a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Shut your filthy mouth!

No use screaming your lungs out.

There's nobody here to clap for you.

Just you and me.

l'll go away now... But l'll see you later.

You killed my husband.

And you have insulted a woman's dignity.

You won't get away with this! You won't.

Who is it?

What happened, Ketki?

Nothing. l just woke up.

Do you think you can stop Tirpat?

That man is capable of anything.

You'd better donate the plot by the river-bed to the temple.

How can l do that? You know, we have nothing left.

That's the only thing we're depending on.

Don't worry!

l'm still alive.

Your expenses will be borne by the temple.

Your provisions and money... l take responsibility.

Just tell him, father...

...we can take care of ourselves.

The last thing we want is his sympathy and charity.

Can you protect yourself even for a day? Do you think so?

You will all be consumed!

That's exactly what you are trying to do with us.

What?! l agree with the saying...

that even the Creator can't change a woman's way of thinking.

Or else, my brother wouldn't have died like he did...

Enough! You have spoken enough! Just get out of here...

...and don't you dare even Iook back at this house again!

Your impending doom has driven you crazy!

You will all be destroyed! Just you watch!

- Hail Lord Shiva! - Hail!

Surround them!

Come on!

Hail Lord Shiva!

Get o_, you bastards! Don't defile this riverbed!

Get out of here!

What's the matter, Abbot?

Don't you dare touch a single stone!

Every stone here is cast in the image of Lord Shiva.

l shall build a temple to Lord Shiva here.

- Hail Lord Shiva! - Hail!

Sure! Go ahead and open fire!

Villagers! We shall even be martyred for the Lord!

Crush us all in those machines, if you wish!

Till we live, they will not get a single stone from the river-bank!

Why must you kick up a fuss, Abbot?

Come... Iet's talk it over.

l will discuss nothing!

My followers must protect each stone with their lives!

We will lay the foundation stone for the temple on Monday.

With the blessings of the Lord! Say, Glory to...

Lord Shiva!

l'm still around! l'll kill the one casting an eye on my estate!

Where are you going, father?

To put the enemies in their place...!

But our enemies already fighting each other.

- Why must you worry? - But l must do...

You needn't do anything.

Just wait and watch the fun.

Do you think they can get away with our lands?

We will make our move when the time comes.

No way! l'm not staying here a moment longer!

l must leave immediately.

God knows what Ketki is going through!

The situation is very tense.

How can you go Iooking like this?

That's my problem. Why are you worried?

l'm not going to name you.

l don't bother about myself. l'm worried for you.

You understand the situation, don't you?

Of course l do! But l don't care. What can they do?

Call me names? Beat me up? Hack me to pieces?!

l care a fig!

Strange! It's the first time l see a shade...

...of selfishness in you.

Whatwill l do if something happens to you?

Oh! What am l to do?!

l've gone numb ever since l heard about Vinay.

l can't stop thinking of Ketki.

l must go over.

You're late! Too late!

She has come at the right time. It will be easier for Ketki now.

l just don't know why he was in such a hurry.

Up in the morning that day...

... he suddenly said he wanted to visit you.

l had dressed up and l was coming down the stairs.

Suddenly, l fainted.

And in a moment...

... it was all over.

What am l going to do with this life inside me?

l feel so hopeless!

And he didn't even come to know about the baby.

Why did he have to Ieave me like this?

Life has become such a burden!

- Now you take over. - No. Not l.

You must. You're the elder. That's the rule.

l've broken all the rules.

How could you?!

No! You couldn't have done this!

l have done it.

Was it your decision? Of your own free will?

Yes. l decided to. It's the first time used my will.

How long does one follow the rules?

And what rules are these that force us to tolerate endlessly?

How much? And for whose sake?

Have you given a thought to the consequences?

l don't care.

Whose is it?

Mine.

Where is she?!

You have no right to enter this house.

l've told you that already.

What's this we hear?

Keep out of this! And you'd better get out of here!

Ketki...

l will talk to him.

Yes! Go on!

ls this a circus?! Get lost! Everyone!

But why?

Are you ashamed to talk in their presence?

Shut up! Else l'll crush your swollen head!

lt isn't my head which is swollen, Abbot.

And you can do nothing about it anymore.

Shut up, you harlot!

You feigned the illness to have a good time!

A slut like you should be whipped in public.

Are you sure?

l'd be quite willing to face you in public.

You won't live to do that! Bloody bitch! Whore!

Don't you dare touch her!

Don't worry. This man can do nothing.

Come on Abbot. Try! Show me your strength.

Even if it be like this, Iet me for once, feel...

... the pleasure of fulfilment.

What a hypocrite!

l was dead for all you cared.

Why have you come back?

To assert your authority? To exhibit your might?!

Speak!

Did you think you could hurt me just because l am a woman?

You thought you could break me.

l too am full of life!

l want to live!

Poor soul!

You can have the stones.

Did you call me just to say that?

l'm willing to give you a perpetual lease.

Save the stones for yourself.

Use them to crack your head.

Please do not say so! l am ruined! Save me!

l'd do anything for you! Wipe out this blemish for me.

Don't worry Abbot.

From now on, leave everything to me.

l knew you wouldn't believe me.

But in the truth, you've turned cowards.

The matter may be serious. But it's a private a_air.

Till someone from the family complains...

The Abbot.

Here comes the Abbot. Ask him.

Ever since the town-bred girl Ketki came in...

... their house has been a hotbed of conspiracies. Ask him!

Ask him who took his wife to town!

The women were running a whorehouse in the town.

And you people know nothing about Mr Vinay.

The information l have is absolutely true.

He was killed by Ketki's pimps.

Now you see! Their sins are revealed!

Speak up, Abbot! Tell them the truth.

l've sunk my di_erences. We are with you on this.

Justice will be yours. Speak up, Abbot.

What Tirpat says is true.

Do you hear?

Come to your senses! On your feet now!

Else our women will Iaugh at our impotence.

No one will ever give his daughter to any man in this village.

Forget the past. Why must you endanger your life?

You must not leave this place.

He's right. The upper-castes will sort it out bemeen themselves.

lf anything happens to you, blood shall flow in rivers!

The Village Council has already decided, Pandey!

You only have to handle the inquries.

Think it over, Tirpat Singh! Times are changing!

Damn you! It's going to change for you!

DEATH SENTENCE!

Hail the Goddess of Death!

l won't let this happen!

What's the matter? Where are you going?

They did the same thing to Ganga. But l won't let this happen again.

What did they do to Ganga?

They have spread the rumour.

lt's about the women in Mr Singh's house.

What you are doing is not right.

Bloodshed will do no good.

So now you'll teach us what's right and what's wrong!

You are the root of this evil...!

You bastard! How dare you?!

So you couldn't tolerate it, Abbot. And how could you?

You only know how to commit an atrocity.

But mind you, no one will take it any more.

His threatening us! The bastard! Just tell me. l'll shoot him.

Do you think l'm weak because l am unarmed?

Come to your senses!

lf l die, you're finished.

Shut him up, Abbot!

l'll take care of the law.

He's yours. Shoot the bastard.

Brother!

Here l am!

Hold it! Tirpat Singh! Stop!

Whatever for...?!

What the hell are you doing here?!

Get out of here!

Get out!

Do not think l am weak.

Do not deprive me of my dignity.

l am not powerless.

l have done my duty aS a WOman.

l shall bear my responsibility as a mother.

With all my love l shall nourish my child.

And l shall tell my child...

Never do an injustice to the weak.

And never ever succumb to injustice.