Original subtitles

Long Live Mangal Netam!

I am not here to seek votes

Don't vote for me

I want development for you all

My dream is to see every child with a laptop in their right hand

And a cell-phone in their left

But they stand like thorns in my path

I won't allow it as long as I live

The Commies quote parables, and I perform miracles

If they shoot arrows, I fire cannons

Long Live Mangal Netam!

We'll have dinner together

Don't worry. We're nearly there

Sir!

Turn the car around!

Get down!

The third incident in two weeks

The Maoists have struck again

The government has promised stern action

Additional reinforcements will be deployed

Oh no!

The power has gone again

Nutan

- I'm checking - Son, go and see

The others have power

- I'll check the fuse - Is it just us?

Must have tripped

Chanchal has left. His workshop is so successful

He has opened a showroom too

His wife works with him

- The fuse gone again? - Yes

Everyone is getting married but our son

You seem to know everything

I worry about my son

- Is the power back? - Yes, son

- Attending tomorrow's workshop? - Yes

The Indian election...

The elections will cost five billion dollars

814 million voters

9 million polling booths

We break our own records with every new election

We've proved it

Although some rogues get elected to parliament...

...we will not allow gangster tactics in the elections

HOW?

Because we, the election volunteers, will not let it happen

Very well

That's if we aren't bumped off

Who said that?

Stand up! You won't be punished

It's natural to be afraid after what happened yesterday

Only human nature

The Maoists have made it clear they'll boycott the elections

There is only one weapon to stop them and that is...

...our voting machine

Remember we have only one aim...

...to hold free and fair elections

What if the Maoists attack our polling booth? What do we do?

Don't play the hero. Do as they ask

They want the voting machine, hand it over

We'll cancel the votes and re-election will be organized

Anyone else?

And if they attack on re-election day?

Then we'll have another re-election

What if they attack on the "re-re" election day?

What's your name?

Newton

Newton?

"Apple" Newton?

Newton, what comes after two?

- Three - After three?

- Four - After four?

Good boy, sit down

You explained things so well, sir

My respects to you, sir

Never mind

Sir, you made light of my simple doubt

My answer only matched your question

- Sir, I genuinely wanted... - Of course, sit down

Newton

Tell me who named you?

Was your father a physics teacher? Your mother's whim?

- Who named you? - I named myself

Meaning?

But why?

My parents named me Nutan (new) Kumar. Made the school kids laugh

Just like you

Nutan Kumar!

So what did you do?

On the class 10 form, I changed "Nu" to "New," and "tan" to "ton"

Changed "Nu" to "New" and "tan" to "ton"

You gave yourself a big name to live up to

Like you're blowing your own trumpet

- Testing me again? - Who am I to test anyone?

Tell me

Do you know how Newton changed the world?

Gravity. Optics

For years you've lived as Newton...

...but forgotten the essential

He leveled all differences. Ask me how

HOW?

Before Newton, people thought there were different laws...

...for heaven and earth

For church and temple

Different laws for kings and commoners like us

But at a single stroke, Newton proved us wrong

Nature treats everyone equally

Tycoon Ambani and a tea-seller jump off a cliff simultaneously

They'll land together at the same time

Newton proved - for Nature we're all the same

King or beggar

- Which department are you in? - Not assigned yet. Still on probation

Why are you on election duty?

I'm a Reserve

Good. Reserves are useful

There's always a 12th player in cricket and football too

This place must seem a small town next to Bhopal

Wherever our son is happy is fine by us

You're so right

Retirement is better spent with one's children

You don't look over 60

60? I'm just 57

My son forced me to take early retirement when he got a job

If only all sons were like Nutan

It's Newton

Our daughter Ankita made this

She has always loved to embroider

You won't lose your handkerchiefs again

Our daughter will embroider your initials on them

He keeps losing them

Here she is

How are you?

We're fine. I hope you're well too

Eat something with the chai

- Did Ankita cook them? - Yes

Please sit

Nutan, have a pakora

Newton

My English is very poor

Drink up before a fly falls into it

If you want to ask her something, go ahead

Saving it for after the wedding?

Seen her embroidery, had pakoras and tea

Nothing left to ask

Let him ask. He has a Masters in physics

Ask her something, son

- Have you any hobbies? - I love watching movies

- What's your favorite movie? - "Sweety goes to her in-laws"

Which college did you attend?

I didn't go to college

I'd never send her to that den of rascals

Studying is a ruse for wasting time

And after high school?

I left in Class 9

- When was that? - Three years ago

How old are you?

Sixteen and a half

She's a minor

Nutan, better that she grows up at her in-laws

- Sit down - She's underage

Please sit

She's underage

Not for long. Marry her later

Her father is a contractor

You're a government officer. A life of ease

- Sorry, not interested - Son, don't say no

The dowry is 1 million rupees cash and a motorcycle

Don't want any of it

Who's giving it to you? I'll take it

Talking back to your father

Calm down

I will marry a graduate

Chewing your own degree isn't enough? Must she have one too?

What's wrong with a college graduate?

Will she massage your mother's feet?

The job has made you deluded

Next you'll want to marry a high caste girl

Too big for your boots

Calm down

I will never marry. Happy?

Try these Bollywood lines on your office intern

I am your father. You good-for-nothing

- Calm down - Why?

You've spoilt him rotten

The office atmosphere is peculiar

People play cards, trim their nails

They just pass time

No file moves without a bribe

Everyone thinks like you at first. Soon you'll be like them

I'm not there to make money. A call centre would pay more

I want to make a difference

Newton, you know your problem?

My honesty?

No

Your arrogance about your honesty

Newton, your honesty is not doing the world a favor

It is expected of you

Honesty makes the heart lighter, less burdened

The office is closing

Keep working with your honesty intact

The country will progress alongside

Kamal, here's the ink

...the strip seal, stamp...

...chalk, wax and carbon

Here. It's all on this list

- Sir, you've forgotten the green seal - Sorry. Here

- The rule book - No need. I know it by heart

He's bright. Don't need to tell him anything

Kamal Kishore, you look smart

Know how to work it?

We keep the control unit. The balloting unit is...

...is used by the voters

- Know where you're going? - Booth no. 148

Kondanar

Very first elections there

Only 76 voters

No problem, sir. We have a booth for one voter in Girjungle

Really?

This is Dandakaranya, not Gir jungle

It has a strong Maoist presence

The violence was 6 months ago. It's under our control now

You'll get full security

Two officers and a local BLO to help you

You'll fly by helicopter

But I'm deputed to the City Hall?

- Who said so? - Mr Bansilal

Do I make the list? Or does he?

You make the list, ma'am

I've just got married. My wife is pregnant

- I am a heart patient - A heart patient?

Did you hear that?

A heart patient

The doctor has told me not to fly

Your medical certificate?

I'll bring it in an hour

No, half an hour

Mr Meshram, can someone from Reserves go?

I'll check, ma'am

In the jungle...

...logic doesn't work

Only instinct

Didn't 19 people die in the last election?

Not just here, but throughout the county

Elections are being held here after years

We'll know the casualties numbers tomorrow

Sir, there's a river 3-4 km away

- Pakistan is up ahead - Pakistan?

The Maoists

Their red flag flew here till last August

Wherever I've been posted, people have saluted other flags

Flags and floggings make nations

Correct

Why do you call the Maoist area "Pakistan?"

God knows

They called it that before my time. Enemy means Pakistan

Was this area under Maoist control?

Now we control it

But it's still dangerous. Land mines everywhere

Mind where you pee

Might set off a land mine

Why look at me? You think I'll pee?

No, I'm just telling you

I have diabetes. I might need to go

This is our camp

Don't worry, we're safe here

What time do we leave for duty?

The Asst. Commandant will brief you at breakfast

That's our mess

Your tent is on that side

Sir, careful

Don't wander about at night. There are scorpions and snakes

Mr Newton

Mr Loknath

Shambhu, wake up! Loknath sir

Get up! It's 4am

Shambhu, let's go

Got any toothpaste?

Ask when he's coming

He's on his way, sir

Hello, Mr Kumar

Atma Singh. Assistant Commandant

I'm Newton Kumar

Upper Division Clerk, Collector's Office

Loknath and Shambhu. We're together

When do we leave?

- Where to? - Kondanar. For the voting

Voting

You eat eggs?

E9Qs?

Wild fowl eggs. Our hens are revolutionaries too

I had to interrogate them for hours to get them out

Want some? A tonic for bravery

Let's go after breakfast

It's enough that you've made it this far

It's unsafe beyond here. My men will get the votes

Ma'am said it's been quiet for 6 months

Really?

Didn't she tell you...

...about the Maoist operation that took place 6 months ago?

If the area was safe, why are we playing hide-n-seek here?

This is how elections are conducted in sensitive areas

I have conducted elections in Srinagar and Manipur

But I'm the presiding officer

ls the school where we'll install the booth 8 km away?

That's correct

After the police operation, the villagers were...

...sent to camps near the city

- It's your area, your call - Please

Let me do my duty

There are 76 voters who live around here

Their votes are important

Mr Newton, they don't care about the elections

They're illiterate villagers

And the Maoists have ordered them not to vote

I'll give it to you in writing, no one will vote

Write it down then. I'll submit it to the Collector's office

Jayesh!

Bulletproof jacket

Let's hurry

Government goods. Tie it tight, that's if you want to live

Who is this?

Sir, she's the BLO

How did she get inside?

How did she?

She's one of our team

Checked her ID?

Your name?

Malko. Malko Netam

- You can't come with us - What?

- She must. She's a team member - I decide that

You're not coming. Go.

The rule says a BLO has to be present.

You're coming

You don't get it. You can't trust the locals

You don't get it

She's in our team. She's coming with us

- Do we give her a BP jacket? - Yes

Yashwant! A bulletproof jacket for madam

I don't want it

It's safer

I'm a local. I'm safer without one

Take mine off then

No. You're not a local

- You have the voters list? - Yes

- Is it updated? - The best I could do

You have copies?

Hemant, give them their crowns

Crowns?

Helmets

Must we?

You'll walk in the centre. The boys will spread out

Let's go

What is it?

Get up!

Sir

- I have to go - That's what we're doing

I mean I need to take a dump

Why didn't you go at the camp?

I'm unlucky. I have to work hard for small rewards

A bunch of clowns

Let him go, it's an emergency

Let me help

Do I look like a kid who needs help?

Halt!

How many times will you go?

A yogi goes once, a pleasure-seeker twice. The ailing goes 3 times

What are you, sir?

A pleasure-seeker

Leave me alone. A little privacy, please

What can I say?

- He was on the phone all night - Talking to the girlfriend?

Lakhma, where are they going?

To gather Tendu leaves

Bring them here

Get their votes

No, it doesn't work like that. Voting has rules

Without voter cards, they can't vote

Lakhma, ask them if they have voter cards

Listen

Do you know it is election day?

You know about the elections?

Yes, we know

We'll set up the booth at the Kondanar School. Come there

We'll come

You must all come

- Does everyone have a voter card? - Yes

Bring them with you. Don't forget

We'll wait there. You must come

Rajman, explain it in Gondi

- They might not show up - Why not?

They were told in Gondi that voting stops at 11 :30am

Wait!

Voting stops at 3pm, not 11.30

Come anytime before that

You must come

By 3. Not 11:30. Please translate

Your man was lying to them

Where is your old man?

What happened?

Six voters came but Newton did not take their votes

How could I?

6 out of 76 voters showed up. That's a 7.5% turnout

How was your turnout?

Thanks to you, it was 100%

Did you play cricket as a kid?

Yes

Batsman, or bowler?

Umpire

Thought as much

What's your opinion of the Maoists?

No opinion. That's why they sent me here

Good

You're intelligent. Why didn't you sit for the civil service exam?

- I did, but I failed - Thought as much

Do you know the capital of Nagaland?

Kohima

- Manipur? - lmphal

- Kashmir? - Srinagar

Seen any of those cities?

No

Listen

lhave

Hold it

Heavy, right?

The nation's burden. It's on our shoulders

Keep moving

Wait

I'm the only one asking questions in this jungle. OK?

Sir, are you related to some government big shot?

No

You must know someone influential

No, why?

Sure you do

No one has the guts to talk to a police officer like that

Tell me. Am I right?

I won't tell anyone

Keep walking

Mr Atma Singh

Who burned their homes?

- The villagers are safe in camps - Who set the village on fire?

Does it matter? There's peace. Everything is in control

Whose idea was it to do this?

You're here for the elections. Do your research later

This is the school. Lakhma, put everything inside

Put it inside

Oh God! What is this place?

What is this?

How can we conduct elections here? Didn't you survey the place?

Yes

I described it accurately

Well, we can't set up here

As per the rule book...

...the presiding officer can conduct elections anywhere

I told you not to come

Let's have tea and head back

Lakhma! Tea for everyone

Sir, this way? Please

I am 59. You made me run 8 kms.

I have diabetes, asthma. My cholesterol is high

Will you make me run back?

If we have a good breakfast, it'll help

No one cares if elections are held or not

Did the Maoists write this?

If you burn their homes, anger is natural

Sir, what shall we do?

Decide soon, please

Where shall I put all this?

Take it out

Clear it all away. Let's make do.

Decide the entry and exit

They enter here. Here's your table

Put a table here

Let's follow the rules

Listen to me

- The entry is always to the left - Why not here?

Keep the booth here!

And my table here

- Mr Loknath, show me - How many times must I?

- Oh no! These mosquitoes... - Get to the point

The voters walk this way

They come to me. Then to him

They press the button

Twirl their moustache proudly and go

Nabi, you're on sentry duty

- You're on OP duty - Ok, sir

- Clear, everyone? - Yes, sir

He's coming out

Yes?

Acting all friendly now

What does your name mean?

- Malko means playful - Playful?

You're a teacher, right? What do you teach?

I teach young kids. So everything

Do you like teaching?

It's not easy. The children speak Gondi

And the textbooks are in Hindi

I try my best to explain in Gondi

They don't understand the textbooks

Anyway Hindi is outdated

I was educated in Hindi, and now see what I'm doing?

Teach them English. English

Even puppies know English today

Do you speak English?

I'm learning

Adult education?

Adult? No, sir. Watching films in English

On my phone

Return of Dracula, Bride of Chucky, Seed of Chucky

Brainy phone

It's Chinese. It has everything

- Are you married? - No

And you?

Good

YOU?

In '83, I was going to have a love marriage

If her father hadn't made such a big fuss...

...I would've had three kids by now

Love marriages were not the fashion then

Kamla was married off to a rich old man

That's terrible

No, sir

She's a rich widow now

Doesn't care about me

But I'm a writer. If I didn't suffer, how would I write?

- A writer? - Yes

- What are you writing? - Jungle stories

A polling party come to the jungle for the elections

But they can't go home

Why not?

The forest people who died years ago are now Jombies

Zombies

Jombies. Bloodthirsty, the living dead

Rotting corpses

Like the plot?

Dreadful

Those films have corrupted your imagination

"When Samina heard about Ramju, fear gripped her heart

"She had never seen him

"But every scary face reminded her of him

"One day she finally met Ramju

"She was buying mangoes at the bus stop...

"...a young man in a white shirt stopped near the stall

"His face was all scared from knife cuts

Mr Loknath, put them away. Not allowed

It's an old custom playing cards at the booth

So is getting suspended

Another old custom: fortune-telling. May I?

Cut the deck.

Go on. Don't be scared

Let's see your future

- Not on my table - Please wait

1,2,3

This card is your past

This is your present. And this is your future

- Choose one - What are you doing?

Two of Hearts, you're kind-hearted Pick another

The joker

That's you today

A joker?

Ajoker could be anyone

Enough!

Go and sit down

Sure! Prophecies frighten people

Put the cards away

Shambhu! Get up

Go and freshen up

Matches?

20 rupees

20? Wow!

You must have a good hand

20 from me

No, friends

What have you got?

There's nothing to do here. Just kill time

- What's the price of land here? - Why? Building a house?

I want to invest

- Surrender instead - Surrender?

Turn yourself in with a pistol, you'll get 200,000 rupees

Surrender with this, you'll get 500,000

With an AK-47, it's 1.5 million rupees

You find the guns. We'll do the rest and split 50-50

But I am not a Maoist

The police know that. That's why they'll pay you

- Freshened up? It was quick - No choice

- You should've washed your clothes too - There was no soap

You washed your face without soap?

You could've used the leaves of the Ritha tree

Didn't see it

Lakhma

Where is Mr Atma Singh?

- Where is Mr Atma Singh? - On a field exercise

Great catch!

You'll have to run a kilometer

How far are the settlements?

Shubham, help this gentleman

One is behind the hill, 1.5km. The other is 1km away

They aren't showing up because of the boycott

Can you bring the voters here safely?

- That's impossible - Why?

I am the presiding officer. You must obey my orders

Yes, within 200m. Not beyond that. We have our procedures too

Hey Rajman

No, thanks

It's nothing personal

Worried about zero voting? I won't let that happen

My men will vote

Who wants to vote?

See? They are all keen

Is that your idea? I won't allow any cheating

You talk about cheating

There are almost 70 voters in these villages

Politicians? Not even a polling agent has come

No one from any Party. And you talk about cheating

I don't know about that. I'm just doing my duty

How old are you? I'm 40. And you?

What's that got to do with it?

Just changing the subject

OK

What is 2 plus 2, divided by 2?

TWO?

Three

You talk of rules and forget the basic one

Division comes before addition

You won't send your men?

Sorry. Rules

Mr Newton, do you have a motorcycle?

No

I'm buying one next month. A Honda

Can I ask you something? Don't mind

Go on

Say you work the same hours, but your salary doubles

I don't take bribes

You've got me wrong, sir. There's a scheme

Pay 500 rupees

Then find ten others who pay 500 each

You'll earn more with every new member. A chain is created

You'll mint money, sitting at home

The scheme guys will explain everything over a free lunch

Chicken and all sorts are served

A lady from Sukma bought a Sony phone in two months

The touchscreen type

We are all doing our duty

Atma Singh must have seen other elections

But these are different

I understand that

Guys like him don't shake without being shaken...

...but they don't stop once shaken. He is a Jombie now

Must I do nothing?

Let's none of us do anything

I've sprayed tons of repellent but these bloodsuckers won't stop

I'm shivering

They're local bloodsuckers. Repellent is useless

Try our remedy

What?

You won't get malaria

Will you make me eat herbs?

He had better not get cerebral malaria. What's your remedy?

No, sir

The bites will soon disappear

What is she doing?

Must he chew the leaves?

An ant's nest. The ants must bite him

- Bite whom? - You

They'll bite you and you'll sweat. You won't get malaria

Pull up your shirt

No, no. I'm already sweating. Sir, stop her!

- A few bites and you'll be ok - It'll save you from malaria

It won't hurt

Are they edible?

It's sour

We make them into a chutney. Very tasty

Interesting

What's interesting is that you live a few hours away...

...yet know nothing about life here

Is that someone singing?

- What's going on? - Interrogation

About what?

They were climbing trees, playing

They were spying to see how many men we were

"How many men?" You think you're in an action movie like "Sholay?"

The Maoists even use toddlers

Not true

Who's asking you?

- You're one of them - One second

You can't talk to her like that

If they're spies, why make them sing?

You prefer I beat them up?

- Ask them if they saw anything - No

Hear that? The answer came out like a shot

Pretends he doesn't speak Hindi

Hey Mowgli, come here

What are you doing?

Go!

Tell everyone in the village to come and vote. Go

It's all for your benefit, sir

You sound threatening

Mr Newton...

In uniform, a request sounds like a threat

They aren't your slaves

Newton, stay a Newton

Don't try to be an Einstein

We're leaving soon

More ambushes at night. Get back to your duty

Let's go

What time did we first meet Atma Singh?

- Around 4:30 or 4:45 am - 4:30 or 4:45?

Probably 4:45

When did we leave?

Don't know

I got there at 5:30

Are you filing a complaint?

Why raise your blood pressure?

We know the elections mean a lot to you

But only one thing changes: the framed portraits of our leaders

Who cares if people starve or not, voting is a more important right!

Are you a pessimist like him?

No. I'm an Adivasi, a "tribal"

What's going on?

Go back to duty

Run!

What a pain

How did you end up in this jungle? Couldn't pull any strings?

I wanted to sit in a helicopter

- Mr Newton, Digcent is on the line - Who?

The DIG, sir

Newton Kumar

How many votes?

Zero votes

It's not going well. I tried telling Atma...

Hello. Listen to me. The voters will come

I spoke to Atma Singh

I'm on my way...

...with some foreign journalists

Remember, my reputation is at stake Clear?

Your WhatsApp profile is good

I thought you were blonde

Krishna's unit will go down the hill. My men will go the other way

Mr Newton, may we go?

Don't force anyone to come. Let them come voluntarily

Force them? Tell us and we'll leave our guns here

One unit stays here to protect the booth

Get up!

Move it

Stop listening to their excuses. Get them together in 5 minutes

Where are you going? Fill it up

Hurry UP!

- Do you know Hindi? - A little

How many villagers have voting cards?

- What's that? - He says "40"

Tell him to bring his card and convince the others. OK?

Do you have a voting card?

Card? Go and get it

Cook the fat one. Make it spicy.

Do you have a voting card?

Come on!

Stop!

We're taking the voters with us

Get going!

Do you know the history of this place?

Dandakaranya Forest

Know what it means?

"The Forest of Punishment." Where it's given and served

Sita and Rama were exiled here

Surpanakha's nose was cut off here

Sita crossed the line drawn by Lakshman

She was kidnapped by Ravan and taken to Sri Lanka

Lots of history here

You are too young to have seen the TV serial Ramayana

The mythical aircraft, Pushpak? It flew from here

- From here? - Yes. See that clearing?

Doesn't it look like a runway?

India's first pilot was Ravan

Of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka and India were the same country then

He flew her straight to Sri Lanka

What are you staring at?

People with a voting card, raise your hands

The ones with the card, go over there. Only they can vote

Where are the young?

Gone to pick Tendu leaves

- When will they be back? - By lunch

Sit over there

They're all old. Where are the young ones?

They've gone to work

We found this lot, so we dragged them here

- Dragged them here? - No, sir

They came voluntarily. The others have been informed.

They'll come after lunch

Get in line

Everyone, in line. Hurry

Malko, Loknath. Shall we start?

Go ahead, start

Name?

Sukku

Sukku Ram

Number MZZ...

Please come

What's her name?

Komaldai

Number 19

Cast your vote

What?

He's just standing there

Maybe it's the first time he's seen a machine

Nor have his ancestors!

He's dumbstruck

Listen to me carefully

Cast your votes, one by one

See this? A machine like this is inside that room

The machine will register your vote

There's a button next to each candidate's name

Press the button for the person you want to vote for

OK?

Please translate

- How much money do we get? - Shut up!

Voting is your birthright

You won't be paid. Nor will you be forced to vote

Understand?

Any questions?

Don't be scared. Ask

How does voting benefit them?

This is the country's biggest election

Don't you want roads, electricity, water and social justice?

The man you vote for will make all this happen

He'll bring improvements

"This jungle is more dangerous than beautiful

"We could be ambushed

"An IED or a land mine could explode

"So it's a big deal that elections are being held under these circumstances

"With cameraman lsrar Ahmed

"I am Vinod for S News, Kondanar"

Parliament is where important laws of this land are passed

It's in Delhi

The candidate you choose...

We have our own laws. Thousands of years old

Please cooperate and translate

Tell them that the man they vote for will go to Delhi

They say he's their leader, he can go to Delhi

You can't go to Delhi, you aren't standing in the elections

Show them the list

Choose someone from this list and cast your vote

Binod Kumar, Nationalist Party

Meena Kumari, Indian National Party

Lal Singh Tekam, Public Service Forum

Gladstone Usendi, Progressive Party

Comrade Bhim Kumar, Peasants' Party

Jhitku Ram, Citizens' Union

Maheshwar Baghel, Ideal India Party

Beduram Kashyap, People's Front

Muttaka Masram, Farmers' Party

Lingaram Netam, Independent

Budhri Patel, Independent

Dr Joga Chaudhary, Independent

Nelawati Devi, Independent

You may vote for anyone on this list

Here are the names

First time they've heard these names

Which candidate will give them a fair price for Tendu leaves?

They say if they vote, the Maoists will trouble them...

...or the police will. No one asks what they want

What do they want?

Freedom from both

Did they say that?

Sir, should I handle it?

Loknath, two minutes. Let me explain. Two minutes.

After the elections...

Mr Newton, this is beyond you

Now let me take over

Shame on you people!

These gentlemen have come to this jungle...

...risking their lives for you

What?

Just wait

Must you treat them like this?

Please wait

- The voting machine is like a toy - What nonsense! It is not a toy

- What are you saying? - Be quiet

- These are your first elections - So what?

You can't get their vote, and obstruct others who can

You're the obstructive one. I will report you

Go on. Write up your report

Krishna, take him away

This toy is easy to play with

It has everything

A carrot, a ship, a motorcycle, an animal, a flower

A mug

Press the button of the picture you like

We're not children

He's right. You can't talk to them like that

- Go away! - Why?

I am the presiding officer. I'm in control

I've heard that all day

Control, what control?

He says, "I'm the Headman and village judge. I'll settle your dispute"

You'll settle it?

Please wait

Start the procedure

They're coming. We're running out of time

A faraway destination

A slow pace

Flying dust

Reddened eyes

A long straight road

Decided to turn its course

Having seen you

The bird has flown away

Ask your questions, one by one

Some people say the atmosphere of fear benefits the mining companies

People will be displaced. The companies will take over

That's what Maoist sympathizers say

They are the root problem

Did the administration burn these villages?

Were you scared coming here?

Sir, the Maoists...

...you talk about are forced to surrender...

...and forced to fight other Maoists. What's the logic?

Durjan. Tukaram. Come here!

Tell them - were these weapons forced on you?

No, sir

Did you put any pressure on the villagers?

What do you hope for? How will the elections change your life?

There'll be no change

- You don't think so? - No, no change

Why not?

Somewhat united

Mostly divided

Bursting with air

The balloon burst

A new page stitched itself into the story

Having seen you

The bird has flown away

Who heard what?

Who said what?

It was a half-done night

The final count?

39 out of 76

We need to visit other booths. How long will you stay?

Till 3 pm

Why? Who's coming?

Some voters said they'd come after lunch

It wouldn't be right if we left early

What if a voter shows up?

There's still time

You've no idea what's going on here

What do you mean? Violence?

- Booth capturing? Phony votes? - No

Elections have their charm

I'm glad this is my last

This was no election

Voting for anyone. Is that an election?

So? You should've stopped it

You saw. The procedure was followed

You've been preaching all day. Trying to teach people civics

Malko, let's eat

Mr Loknath

I'm g0ifl9

Never seen a specimen like you in 3O years of duty. Come

Mr Newton, you're educated and knowledgeable

Don't mind if I say something

What you saw today has been our life

Great change does not come in a day. Even the jungle took years to grow

You want to add something?

I have a solution to stop the injustice here

- What's that? - TV

- TV? - TV for everyone

Greed means nothing to them

Greed is an alien concept

They need TVs

When they see Coca Cola and washing machine ads...

...they'll forget about the revolution and fall in line

Wow! You're quite the intellectual

Can anyone stop the sun from rising?

Red salad!

Food for everyone

- What is it? - A local recipe

Won't madam eat with us?

She's sulking

Ask these boys to vote

They're not even 16

The first time I voted I was 14

Back home, teenagers pass off as candidates

- Where's home? - Never mind

How is the chicken?

It's from a kilometer away

Lakhma!

As per the rules, I can't come in

Feel bad seeing you like this

The situation was beyond our control. We both had a job to do

I'd feel guilty if you didn't eat

What was that?

Don't move. Stay put!

- What happened? - Hurry!

Stay down

Sir, it's an ambush

Take your stuff and go

Hurry UP!

Take them to the highway

Mr Newton, take the machine. They're attacking us

Come out, hurry

Krishna's men will take you to the highway

Thank you

Krishna, go!

This path will lead you home

- Will you manage? - Yes

How will she go? We'll take her home

No, sir, I can manage

We can take you back

She'll be fine. I can send someone with her

There's no need

There's no need. I'll go

- Sure - Yes

Here's the register

Malko ma'am, keep this pen

How will you turn your pupils into tigers?

See? Sir's third card of fortune. A five

It's useless

A king, queen or ace is good

No, Mr Loknath. This is a five

And this is six

She means the sixth sense

She's explaining it to you

That's if he can understand

Ok, sir

Mr Loknath, you're a writer, right?

What do you think of the story we were told?

Story? What story?

At first they said it was unsafe. We shouldn't come

When we got here, it seemed safe to me

No one came to vote at first

As soon as the media showed up, so did the voters

They said leave after tea

Then it was - leave after lunch

An ambush takes place as soon as lunch is over

Intriguing story, no?

I should write it up

Krishna

- A good story? - Meaning, sir? I don't get it

Let's keep walking

There was a dangerous ambush

But no message to say all is well

Sir, I'll just check

Where did all the curry go?

Come along, sir

Sir, please come

Stop, sir

Where are you going, sir?

Sir, why are you screwing up your job?

Sir, let's talk

Don't make me run. If I have to run, I'll thrash you

Don't make me run!

What is this nonsense?

Where to?

The booth

At it again?

You're a fraud

They're back

I've caught the ghost. Let's go

What are you doing?

I'm here to vote

No. There is no voting here

- No - There are only four of them

Get rid of them

Please wait

Stop!

Put that gun down!

Have you gone mad?

Put it down!

It might go off by accident

Put your guns down!

Down, I said

Down!

Wait. Nothing will happen to you. Cast your vote

Mr Loknath, set up the booth

Everyone, get back

Set up the machine. Get their votes

Go on. Get it done

You want them to vote. So go

Put the machine here

- Know how to sign? - Yes

- Your name? - Trilok

Check their voting cards

Put the gun down. You'll lose your job

Let's talk it over. We're on the same side

- Put it down - Shut up!

Election officers don't look good with guns

Get back

Back!

OK

- Start the process - Yes

Sign here

- What's your name? - Chandani

- Know who you're voting for? - Yes

Don't need to tell me

Why did you fake an ambush?

- Why? - Did I have a choice?

I've been telling you all day - this area is unsafe

We've asked for night vision goggles for 2 years

Brave men are dying

Can't take a risk for your election picnic

It's not a picnic

It's my duty

Mr Loknath

- Done? - Yes

You can leave now

Let's take the stuff

Step back!

Sign here

Two minutes to go

Two minutes to 3. Wait

Take your time. Let's wait

Have they left?

Did they cast their vote?

A pen

Take your time. We won't budge

- Stay still - There's no hurry

Take your time

OK?

Done?

Ok. Shall I take the gun?

Your total is 3450 rupees

Wait. Let's do something

We'll buy the olive oil next month

No, no. Take it now

Where is Newton Kumar?

That way

Newton sir!

- What happened to your neck? - Malko! Please come

What brings you here?

I had some work. I heard you worked here too

What happened to your neck?

A reaction to my action

It's much better now. I wear this for safety

- And how are you? - Fine

How is your school?

The school is fine too

What about you?

You can see

I got an award for punctuality

WOW!

The department awarded you?

You see I'm always on time

The office starts at nine, and I'm here on the dot

People think it's a big deal

Hence the award

Sir, an honest officer should be awarded

Don't know about honesty. I'm just doing my duty

An award for honesty involves the greatest dishonesty

- The election has changed you a lot - No

I haven't changed one bit. I'm just the same

Was everything ok after I left?

A long story. I'll tell you over tea some day

Let's have tea now

Five minutes before the next break. Can you wait?

Yes

Let me finish this

I am glad you came.