Original subtitles

This is not a letter…

But a paper where someone’s soul resides.

How could I impress somebody’s soul upon this paper?

What words could I muster...

...Do I write I am alright, and coming home soon?

Or shall I write I am just surviving the inferno?

- How old was he? - 21

- Where was he employed? - Qatar.

You Sir...

Do you recognize him?

- Sir - Huh?

But the government promised free visas for a migrant worker...

What else has the government promised?

The government makes lots of promises...

Have they fulfilled any?

If so, go and get your visa from them!

I don't know him, Sir.

How about you?

Sir, I am a hard worker...

I will work tirelessly.

And pay your fees with interest.

But, I need your help with the visa.

I don't know him.

You, Sir?

Listen...

The sooner you deposit my fee,

The sooner you fly out.

And the sooner you fly out,

Sooner you’ll make money.

Understood?

Come back when you have the money.

Go.

See if you recognise him.

- The Postman-

Dear parents,

Accept my warm greetings.

I hope you are in good health.

And by the grace of God and your blessings, I am doing good as well.

It has been 4 years since I left home.

So far, my work isn’t as satisfying as I’d thought it would be.

I have to work long hours in the excruciating desert heat.

Sometimes it feels like the heat will burn me alive.

Grab the bag!

Hurry!

Let go of me!

Foreign employment does not always work in everyone's favor.

You’ll be in an unfamiliar country, with no one you know.

And a language you don’t understand.

Let alone any unexpected obstacles.

Boss! I will face whatever might happen.

I already deposited the money for the visa.

The documents are already set.

I leave as early as next week.

Find someone else for my position.

Farewell!

Now what?

Gopal...

You’ll have a heavy load to carry.

How will I cover the entire district by myself?

Also,

These letters are already past due for delivery.

When will those be delivered?

Don't worry...

I will find a way.

Uncle!

- What do you want? - Your brother is asking for you.

- Why? - Go ask yourself.

Maili!

Could you give me a bottle of Rum?

Are you going to pay today?

Sure, but can I have a drink first.

Not until you pay what you owe.

I told you, I will pay as soon as I get the job.

Is that so?

Go get a job and you will get your drink.

But on second thought…

Why don't you hire me...

And pay me with the rum.

It will be convenient for both of us.

I ain't got time for your nonsense.

Leave now!

Come on!

Are you leaving or should I have you removed?

You see those people there?

One day I’ll be one of them.

I'll find a job abroad and get rich,

And I’ll buy your dilapidated house!

Your land, your shop, you, your daughter!

Shame on you! You’re despicable!

As if I wouldn't do it.

What is all this?

I asked for you this morning.

Why didn't you come?

I am busy.

Busy?

Doing what?

Begging for booze?

Why do you do this to yourself?

It's only nine in the morning.

How much longer will you allow people to mock you?

Shame!

Ram!

Ram! Listen to me!

What do you want?

Just hold on for a second and listen to me.

I have a very rewarding job opportunity for you.

A mail mule!

How is that rewarding?

Wait!

Just hear me out.

It’s not just about entitlement.

Postman is a noble profession.

You get the satisfaction of serving your community.

With your help,

These letters can bring change to the lives of others.

That is how it is rewarding.

Change for better, or for worse?

Be sensible, don't be a smartass...

This is for your own good.

Time has changed for everyone.

Look where your friends are, The progress they have made.

But you’re still indulging in the past.

Let go of the past.

Embrace a new beginning.

Here…

This is yours.

There is nothing to worry about.

Take all the time you need.

And deliver these letters.

And...

Take this money.

This will help cover your travel.

And I’m reminding you,

You are forbidden to drink.

Learn to respect your job.

Yes, your highness.

A bold journey awaits you.

You are now a civil servant.

Be proud, and go!

Absolutely!

My pride-o-meter is just off the charts right now!

Is your life so empty...

That you throw yourself over hills?

I beg your pardon?

You could’ve fallen off the cliff.

I didn’t realize I was so close to the edge.

What were you running from anyway?

It’s a long story!

So you are a writer!

No, I am not.

I meant it would take a while to explain.

Suit yourself!

I don’t want to know anyway.

Are you sure you can carry that?

Why?

Are you going to carry it for me?

I will, if I need to.

Are you sure?

Do you have it in your bones?

This is nothing like your puny bag.

It's not about the size, it's about the technique.

Let me...

Let me carry your bag.

Are you sure?

Do you have it in your bones?

Do you give up?

Absolutely not!

I can carry it the whole way.

I don’t think you can! It seems too heavy for you.

It is heavy...

...but not heavy as my small bag.

What could be weighing on you in such a small bag?

It has a weight of responsibility...

I mean letters.

Are you...

...a postman?

Not a postman yet.

It’s only temporary.

What happened to Kedar?

He went abroad looking for a better job.

I'm his replacement for the time being.

Can you check if...

...If there’s a letter for me?

Could you check, please?

I just realize it's against protocol.

I can't hand you a letter here.

What do you mean?

The letter must be delivered to the respected address only.

Why are you making such a big deal?

Check it for me, please!

I told you already! I can’t.

Hang on!

Could you hang on a second?

If there is a letter in your name, It'll be delivered to your home.

Why can’t you look for it now?

Isn’t that your duty?

My duty is to bring them to respected address,

Not to hand them over wherever you want.

Why go all the way home when I'm already here?

Don’t manhandle a civil servant.

Or you may be detained.

Will I swallow your letters? Open the bag!

Stop harassing me!

I don’t know who you are, or your intentions!

What if you’re a fraud and claim somebody else’s letter?

This is ridiculous.

What a difficult person!

I don't need your help!

A few more?

I'll take them all.

Her husband went missing abroad.

Some say he was buried under the mound of sand...

And some say he lost his mind and ran off.

But...

Mia does not believe in any of that.

She waits for him every day.

It was difficult living alone there.

So I’m thinking of doing something here.

What will you do here?

I will invest in a small business.

I need to borrow money from you.

But where could I get the money to lend you?

What do you mean?

What about the money Kamal sent?

I just wish he would have sent letters.

I know you don’t trust me with your money.

But I promise to pay you back with interest.

So you all got sick at the same time?

Bad excuses for missing school.

Give me a hand.

It’s hard to believe that he hasn't sent money in over two years.

Now go home.

You shouldn’t be so trusting.

Mother, I am telling you.

Where does she get the money to buy books for those kids?

The village is so quiet. Where did everybody go?

Some left for the city...

Some went abroad...

Now there’s only the elderly, women, and children.

I am the only desirable lad left.

I have to say,

I'm in high demand here.

How do you mean?

I am flexible, no matter what the situation is.

Either helping people in the field.

Or in their house.

Imagine someone getting ill here.

These shoulders carry them to the hospital.

Whether it's a birthday or a funeral, I'm always there.

Saili! Come sit with me.

Don't touch me! You Drunkard!

- Excuse me! - Yes.

I have a letter for Mr. Amrit.

I’ll take it.

And you are?

I’m his wife. He’s not home yet.

Thirsty?

Saili!

- How are you doing, Devi? - I am good.

Could you pour me a drink?

Sure...

How much money does it take to start a business like this.

It doesn't take much to start.

But it cost more to keep it afloat.

Okay, see you later.

Shameless bitch!

You have yet to learn to treat a woman with respect!

Don't you dare think any less of me or I will stomp you.

Understood?

Mia!

What is it?

What happen to her?

She fainted from exhaustion.

Take her back to the house so she can rest.

I will prepare some medicine for her.

Make sure she takes it daily.

Wait!

I was a bit harsh yesterday.

Hope I didn’t offend you.

You did nothing wrong.

It was wise of you not to trust a stranger.

After all,

I could be a fraud, as you said.

May I ask if there’s a letter in my name?

It seems you don’t have any letters this time.

How can you tell?

You don't even know my name.

Right...

What’s your name?

Mia Kumari.

No, I don't have it.

Thank you for the food.

I must leave now.

I need to cover a lot of ground before it gets too late.

It looks like a storm is coming.

You shouldn’t go.

You may have trouble if your letters get drenched.

Sit down, Son...

You're not from around here?

I live at the district headquarters.

I don't remember much of that place.

It has been a long time.

What brings you out here.

Kedar has left his job.

He is the replacement.

And he is very accountable, too.

He’s very protective of his letters.

How long have you been in this occupation?

This is the first time...

But it might also be the last time.

Why the last time?

I’m going abroad when I return.

That’s foolish of you!

You've got such a nice job.

You may have a family as well.

Why do you want to go abroad and leave them all behind?

How can trading a hut for a sandcastle be any good?

How can we stop those who have decided to leave?

That’s the way it goes now.

Who to blame when it is a necessity, not a choice?

But even if you go abroad...

Try to stay touch with your family.

Even a few words from your loved one.

Means a lot for those who are left behind.

Last night...

I got upset and yelled at you for no reason.

Everyone has their reasons for what makes them upset.

And you have yours.

I understand...

We tried looking for Kamal but never knew his whereabouts.

They say sooner or later he will return home.

That was two years ago.

He left just a week after our wedding.

Sometimes I wonder if he got settled abroad.

Maybe...

This is the reason.

I can't stand the idea of going abroad.

Don't you think the letter has been received by now?

The village may be out of reach, it is difficult getting there sometimes.

We need to get rid of this body soon.

I can't allow this for long, it is against the protocol.

This may backfire on us.

It would not hurt to wait one more day.

I'm sure the letter's been received; they're en route.

Do the math yourself if you don't believe it.

I don't know how.

Let me do it for you.

It would be Rs.10,800.

And we split it, right down the middle.

Also, we will have 200 chickens.

What about the investment?

That's what I wanted to talk to you about.

Is that so? But, I am not interested.

Wait! I will invest when we do the second location.

I don't like your business plan.

I don't even know where to start.

She ran away with all the money her son had sent.

She made a fool out of everyone.

That poor guy!

Her husband must be working hard abroad.

He won't be happy to hear about this.

Who are you talking about?

Haven’t you heard about the neighbors?

The daughter-­in-­law had everyone fooled.

Since you lost your husband you spend all your time gossiping.

I know people, I see and hear things.

Is there someone upstairs?

He is a visitor, helping with the roof.

Go get back to work!

Yes, I will. But you, too, should be more careful.

My job here is done. I should be on my way.

It’s getting late.

You must be tired.

Please stay and rest.

You can leave early tomorrow morning.

If I may ask...

How old is your son?

He is your age.

And, when was the last time he sent a letter?

It was two years ago.

We used to get a letter every month.

But all of a sudden, Kamal stopped writing.

And we don’t know why.

After he got his job overseas.

I decided Kamal should get married.

I thought it would tie him to his home.

And return home soon.

Mia doesn’t say anything,

But...

I can see the pain in her eyes.

He was going to leave.

but I persuaded him to stay here tonight.

Where are you headed next?

Here you go.

They have agreed to give us a day off next week.

So we are planning to visit the town.

All is well. No need to worry about me.

But do take good care of your health.

I will write again soon.

Your son, Madan.

Madan?

It says Madan here.

Let me see!

This letter is signed Madan.

Madan sent the letter, so of course he would sign his name!

But we don’t have anyone with that name in this house.

This is someone else's letter.

- How is that possible? - That's what I am asking you!

The letter may have been replaced.

How could it have been misplaced? Did you open these?

No, why would I do that?

The other day I had an encounter with some thugs...

I don't want to hear your excuses!

It is your responsibility to protect them.

Or were you drunk and mishandled these yourself?

Please keep calm, sir.

I will look for your letter.

What’s the name of your son?

Shree Ram Karki!

How could you be so irresponsible of your duty.

This was not intentional.

I am only a victim of unfortunate events.

Is everything okay?

It's nothing.

Mr. Damodar is just having a bad day.

Let’s go...

What if he doesn’t want to return?

Why wouldn't he?

If not, I will stuff him in a box, tape it up.

And have a postman deliver him to your house.

Ram...

Please don’t take this the wrong way.

But I’ve noticed something strange about you.

Strange? About me?

Why does it seem like you are hiding something?

Is there something you want to tell me?

What makes you say that?

You’ve got a job, you have skills...

And it seems you have a good life here.

And still, you want to leave it all behind.

What are you running from?

You don’t seem like you're after money.

What are you hiding?

Leave me alone!

It's spicy.

You’re all set.

Were you wanting to say something?

It’s getting late. We should be leaving.

Brother!

Is Bimala Kumari home?

Aama!

Wake up! Wake up, Aama!

Aama!

Aama!

Is your son's name Bimal?

No one else would be writing to her.

Read it...

May I?

Dear Mother,

I am okay here. I hope you’re also doing well.

You must be worried because I didn’t write to you for so long.

I tried to, but I couldn’t manage it.

The work here is keeping me busy all the time.

I’m tired when I go home.

All I can do is sleep.

I'm quitting this job to seek new opportunities.

When I told my boss that I wanted to leave my job.

He...

He threatened to put me behind bars.

I have to honor my contract.

And if I don't.

I will face harsh consequences.

They don’t give salaries on time.

We have to fight to claim every penny.

But, things have started changing.

My contract will end next month.

And hopefully, I will be a free man.

I will not look for another job.

Because as soon as they set me free,

I want to come back to you.

I can't imagine...

I can’t imagine how you must be living alone.

No matter what the situation is.

I promise to return home and never leave you again.

Please take good care of yourself.

And wait for me to return.

Your beloved son,

Bimal.

My blessings to you both.

How are you doing, Devi?

Where are you going, Keshav?

I’m looking for farm laborers.

Do you want to work for me?

You think I would work for you?

I heard you want to invest in a fish farm, a poultry farm.

No wonder you don't want to help me.

Do you expect me to be plowing fields like you?

I won’t be doing this for long.

Only until this monsoon.

Let me light that for you.

Let me do it!

I am thinking of becoming a carpenter.

It takes skills.

It’s not as easy as plowing the field.

Don't question my skills.

If it wasn't for me...

...your mom's house would have still hole in it.

Wasn't that the other guy?

The postman was there too but I did most of it.

The postman?

She seemed really happy.

I wish you would also bring a letter like that for me.

I know you would.

But what can we do if he doesn’t care to write?

I would be happy even if it is a fabricated one...

Ram! I think false hope is better than no hope.

I know you saw it, too.

Let me see it.

I don't know what you mean.

What should I show you?

Don’t you try to fool me!

I know everything!

Show me the letter the postman gave you.

Where would I find a letter to show you?

Don't you dare lie to me!

You are with that postman for the last two days.

Why?

You spent a night with him!

Isn’t that what you were after?

You are in trouble because of me.

It is not because of you.

She always always find a way to put me down.

You should stand up for yourself.

Ask her to treat you with respect.

She does not have self-respect...

How can she respect me?

My argument means nothing to her.

She will only understand when Kamal returns.

What if he never comes back.

If he doesn't come back, I will hang myself.

Don't say that.

He must be in a difficult situation.

Sooner or later, he will return.

I spoke out of frustration.

It is only an intrusive thought.

I won't act irrationally and hurt my mother-in-law.

It breaks my heart to leave you like this.

Where are you going?

I have to return now.

I still have letters to deliver.

And have to return home.

Of course...

So...

Do you have to leave right now?

Stay and take rest for a while.

I will prepare a meal for you.

Very kind of you to say that.

That will keep me going.

It will be dark if I stay any longer.

I must leave now.

Gita!

Gita!

Leave me alone!

I told told you! Don't touch me! Leave me! Leave me alone!

Gita!

Dear Mia,

I beg your forgiveness for not writing sooner.

Please convey my greetings to mother.

And love to my sister...

I live far away from the city.

It is difficult to make contact.

Years have passed by while I counted the days.

You may have many thoughts going through your mind.

But I hope you have consoled yourself.

There are so many things I want to tell you.

And I will once I am back.

I trust you will forgive me for my mistakes.

For now, yours truly Kamal.

I had lost all hope.

I was overwhelmed with doubt.

No more intrusive thoughts, Right?

That is the thing of the past now.

This letter brought me a sigh of relief.

I will stay hopeful everyday.

You left me no choice but to mortgage my jewelry.

Who's up for a muddy adventure?

You should have been a farmer rather than a postman.

It gives me pleasure working in the field.

The hands soiled with work are the cleanest.

You are quite a useful person.

Why don’t you settle down here instead?

Would you take care of me? If so, I will settle here.

Come on! Let’s play a game.

Who scored the most points?

Putali did!

You all did good.

Don’t hang around, go straight home!

The letter you gave me was not sent by Kamal.

Is it true?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

This is not the letter kamal sent, Is it true?

Yes!

But...

You penned whatever you wanted...

...and led me astray.

You deceived me with this letter.

But I didn’t have any ill intentions, Mia.

He could have written anything in this letter.

He got married...

He’s gone insane...

Or he is dead and never coming back.

Why did you lie to me?

You told me once.

That false hope is better than no hope.

So I thought...

Namaskar, Sir.

Namaste!

Have a seat.

Looking for the job overseas?

I think you are a few years too late.

Look...

It is nothing like a pilgrimage.

But if you insist, I won't resist.

After all,

This is my livelihood.

But, I am having a hard time thinking of a job for you...

Listen...

You might not get a message in years.

Things are done differently in foreign countries.

Everybody is busy, and the job has to be done.

He must be very busy too.

We only wish to hear his voice once.

Why would you come all the way here just for a call?

Leave the number, I’ll see to it.

It’s been years. We haven’t gotten a letter.

We don’t have his phone number.

Mia, There’s something . I’d like to tell you.

Is it another lie?

This is not a lie.

I want to tell you what I felt when I spent time with you.

Let go of me!

Mia!

Let go of my hand! People will see us!

I stayed with you all this time for one reason only.

I think you should...

Leave your son's name and details here.

And I will see if I can do anything.

What is his name?

Sundar Bahadur Rajgai.

Mia!

What's the reason?

Oh dear son!

My son!

Things didn’t turn out like we might’ve wished.

I spent two years in jail despite being innocent.

After I got out of prison, I couldn’t stay there.

I’d written to Mia that I would be back home soon.

Though when I arrived, I couldn’t return home right away.

How's it going, guys?

Namaskar, Boss!

Namaste!

You're back.

Gopal...

You took longer this time.

I couldn’t deliver this one letter.

The house was locked.

I spent all day waiting for them.

But they never returned.

That is why it took long to return.

Put it among the others.

Has Ram arrived yet?

He did!

How did he do?