Original subtitles

Film Guild's - Nagarik

Story and Script - Ritwik Kumar Ghatak

Cameramen - Ramananda Sengupta

Assistants - Dinen Gupta, Jagmohan Meharothra

Audio and Audio Recording - Satyen Chattopadhay

Assistants- Durgadas Mitra and Mrinal Guha Thakurata

Music Direction - Hari Prasanna Das Assistant - Nirmal Guha Thakurata

Editing - Ramesh Joshi

Assistants - Gobinda Chattopadhay and D. Singh

Art Director -Bhupen Mazumder Assistants - Madan Gupta and Subodh Das

Handicrafts - Sailen Dey Kesto Roy

Chedilal Sharma Makeup - Ganesh Das Assistant - Anukul

Assistant Directors - Sudhir Mukherjee, Samiran Dutta, Anil Ghosh, Gobinda Muni

Late Prova Devi, Sova Sen, Ketoki, Geeta Som

Ajit Bandhopadhay, Kali Bandhopadhay and Bulbul Bhattacharya

Kesto Mukherjee, Gangapada Basu, Mumtaz Ahmad Khan, Parijat Basu Ghosh

Anil Bechu Singh, Chobi Mukhopadhay, Jalad Chattopadhay and Sriman Pintu

We express deepest regards to the memory of the Late Prova Devi

This film is dedicated to whoever extended their helping hand towards its making

Direction - Ritwik Kumar Ghatak

I know him

I have seen him

Where the river flows quietly

Under the harness of iron barges

And by its side rolls

A saga of tears and smiles

Where work of yet another day has come to an end

Yet another sunset

for the tired workforce

Where the sky remains tightly wrapped, amidst a jumble of chords

I had seen him under that sky

Amidst high and low citizens

That only one citizen

Would you help me cross the road son?

Come.

Hi brother!

You have started eating just after coming to the new house!

No, they have come to see sister.

And Sita has once again resolved not to go.

Yes. Mother is scolding.

The girl has become a stay at home type.

Strange melody. Please play it again.

No, I will not go.

Look at the way you have dressed your hair.

I will not be able to do.

Here, take it.

I had been borrowing others things for quite a long time now.

What nonsense!

I have taken so much trouble in borrowing this from Annapurna Di

...just for this purpose

Come, take it.

No!

Look you have dropped it in mud!

My god! Father's shoes are like iron!

My son.

The interview is over.

Quietly put this tie back in father's room.

It is so tight on the neck.

Hi Situ. They are waiting.

Idiot!

Here hold it.

Come.

My daughter is an expert in sewing, doing household chores.

So far as education is concerned, I have purposely not...

Please unfurl your hair, daughter.

...I have purposely not encouraged her to study much. She is rather obedient.

In this family of poverty, whatever peace prevails, is because of her.

We were forced to leave the big house at Shyampukur just a few days back.

In this small house... er... but then fortune is already returning.

Please turn around, daughter.

In order to manage a poor family...

Please walk from here to there daughter.

It requires a lot of efficiency to manage a poor family.

Walk. What is there to be ashamed of daughter? Walk slowly.

My Sita is a little overgrown compared to her age.

Her brother, that is my eldest son

is in quest of a job ever since he graduated. Even today...

Please fold your saree up the legs a little daughter.

What?

Sir, that is nothing. Sometimes some little faults...

Do what they ask, daughter.

And in the future please do what they ask.

The house is such...

The house is such that nothing can be heard from inside.

I did not notice minutely these days. Today I was observing...

With so many high rises around, we seem to be trapped in a well!

How do people manage to stay here!

I am feeling suffocated!

You are thinking of our big house.

Yes. We have stayed here for just a few days. That is enough to...

Just wait. I have had the interview.

Just another month in this house. And then we will fly off.

Once again they examined the gait

once again they examined the handwriting,

once again they examined the hair.

How much longer will I have to tolerate this?

The eye now has scars, the face has wrinkles.

Is it possible to conceal age?

Wipe it off.

Who is asking you to conceal the truth?

They said they would inform us later.

Where is Sita?

In the room.

I can not see well in darkness.

Are there tears in your eyes Sita?

No.

I understand, daughter.

I spent an entire life in studies.

However I could not get my daughter at least through Matric...

A single degree and that means independence.

Sometimes I look down upon myself.

What useless things are you saying father?

You haven't taken your Ayurvedic medicine in the evening? Let's go.

Three twelves are thirty-six...

What is it?

I am keeping the shirt that brother wore for the interview.

That survey job.

Where are my spectacles?

Here they are.

Brother is expecting to get the job within a month.

Why are you laughing?

I once used to buy lottery tickets, do you know?

Yes.

It was to win a bet.

Now I don't buy them.

Who is it?

It is me.

Is the interview over, son?

Yes. The man said within a month or so...

Yes, I was telling Sita that I once used to buy lottery tickets

to become a king overnight.

Now I no longer buy them.

The hope of your getting a job is like gambling.

Meaning?

Meaning, nowadays, to be secure after getting a job is like gambling.

There are a thousand who are applying.

One will surely get it.

However, that is not on the basis of any quality or influence.

He will get it because his lottery number has suddenly clicked.

Because our Bengal was a rising Bengal and today's Bengal is a falling Bengal.

I do not agree.

Today's Bengal is a falling Bengal.

Just like an old verandah, the State is crumbling.

So I will no longer try then?

Of course you will.

I have realised one thing throughout this life.

You can no longer dream of becoming rich.

You have to look for ingredients to remain firm even amidst this collapse.

Do not get blown away with the thought that there is no storm.

Rather, expect the storm and be prepared. If you are prepared, you can confront it.

I cannot properly explain things to you.

However, I know I can...

I do not expect much. I just want to spend my days in peace.

Just a little bit of peace!

I will prove it to you, father.

I do not agree.

Where are you going?

Er... I mean...

I know what you are up to!

Do not be late!

No... Er...

I did not see you for a while!

Busy shifting the house.

You have left this area!

Yes.

Good, good.

Oh! You haven't yet learnt how to dress Hilsa Fish?

Hold it the other way. That's it.

Fish!

Returning from the office, I took a stroll to Baithak Khana Market.

There I found a lot of fish.

Mangoes were also there. I did not have much money with me, otherwise...

Ask him to stop.

The ones in Jagu Bazar are real dacoits.

Pechu wanted to have mangoes. Look, he is crying.

Going to Uma's place I suppose?

Go, go...

Er... I mean... the kid was crying. And it is not that late.

What about taking a bag and going to the market?

Yes, do that.

Today is Tuesday. And next Friday is the first of the month.

Only a few days in between.

Lend me a rupee please. I will surely refund it.

I do not have money.

I mean it is not with me right now.

Then what? All right, you may go.

Have you finished?

What were you wondering?

Are there any end to thoughts?

I was also wondering...

What?

I have an old calendar in my room.

I look at the picture and wonder.

A big empty field...

And a red cottage at one end. It feels so nice.

Meaning?

Meaning?

Early morning I will go for the survey job.

I will go to the other part of the field, do the inspection.

Evening will set in.

I will go around and see again.

I mean, today was the interview for the survey job...

In another month...

Uma, what will be life after that?

Dream...

Yet true...

Here, Ramu?

Why don't you come?

I have a serious problem.

What happened?

Siuli's fever is not going down.

The compounder has suggested to call for the doctor.

We have to buy medicines

And here Uma has already taken more advance from the tailor

than she is supposed to get from her sewing job.

Siluli...

Come.

Fever?

High temperature?

Medicines?

I will put a wet cloth on her forehead.

That will be enough.

The problem is not an isolated one, son.

Uma has once again developed acidity after having junk food.

When the compounder comes, we will refer her as well for a check up

And yet...

Why did you not say this before?

Answer me...

Here, Ram Babu.

I want to speak to him.

Talk.

The money cannot be arranged by any means.

No.

Eight annas?

Four annas?

Then what can be done?

Well if I accompany you to your place?

I told you!

Got angry...

Our life is like this! Full of wants.

In return we only get the world's irritation. All right.

Jatin Babu.

Please don't mind.

It is impossible to see your own children crying of starvation. Impossible to see.

I am fed up, Uma.

Wherever I go, I find the same picture.

When I go home I find Sita roaming about on her own.

She stays at home. Occasionally people come to see her for marriage.

And all return giving a negative answer.

As if she is locked up in a room.

However I know her heart. She is such a nice soul.

It's as if someone is constantly hammering down on us all.

However we need not worry.

After a month... that open field by the Ashok trees...

And that cottage...

Please come tomorrow.

Yet how far, Sethji?

Just a little.

Don't you know Shyamal Babu's residence?

Shut up you grumbling creature!

What grumbling?

I will pay you money you fool, I will pay money.

The child sleeps. The area is at rest.

The Taxmen have come to the land.

The bird has eaten the harvest.

Where to pay taxes from?

Oh! Go to sleep.

It's unbearable. A bunch of vagabonds!

It is a problem keeping food in this house. There are two big mice!

Son.

Son, so this time you will really get a job?

One month. First of all we will have to leave this well-like house.

And go to a bigger one. Understood?

Yes.

I was saying exactly this to Annapurna today...

That we would not be able to stay in this house paying a rent of Rs. 75.

Even today the landlord was asking for the advance rent.

Look, our outside room is vacant.

Today Annapurna was saying that she has a nephew.

He will give fifty rupees a month for food and lodging.

Should I accept the offer?

You can see.

Then let me confirm.

Yes, yes. These are all temporary matters.

Sita, please lock the back door.

See how worthless brother is!

A degree makes so much difference to a person's career.

And he has left those very papers scattered.

Son is very unsystematic.

Won't you go to sleep?

Yes.

My god!

I am awake, mother!

What was she saying?

How long will I have to tolerate this?

Really.

The introverted girl that she is.

The more I hear the tune, the more it lingers.

Go to sleep, son.

After many years, mother...

my hair will turn grey.

I will recall this well-like house.

I will recall these days.

I will come and tell the story.

I will say that I had suffered a lot.

However the urge to rise

was never subdued.

It would be great narrating the story. Wouldn't it?

Yes.

Look, I do not agree with what father says.

Times will change.

We will once again move to the big house.

I do not agree that life goes on like this.

If we get even half of what I expect...

that will be enough to change our fortunes.

That tune stimulates my expectations.

There is a charm in that tune.

An addiction.

The words are rather amusing aren't they?

Mother? Mother?

The days and nights of the city...

Flow in a rhythm.

How long is one month?

The boatman is in the middle of the river

And the bank is not near.

The little raft has no rescue.

In the midst of storm

Have faith in your abilities even when the going is tough.

Dreams do not reflect...

The way to your destination.

The boatman is in the middle of the river. And the bank is not near.

Whom do you want?

Where is Suresh Bagchi's house?

That is my father's name.

Who is it?

Who are you?

Er... Annapurna Aunty... er... has recommended me to stay here.

Oh. Have a look and see what bird it is?

I can not properly identify it.

This is a young sparrow.

They have build a nest on top of the verandah. This one has fallen down.

It must be dead?

No, no.

The heart is beating. It is in my grip.

Then if you let it loose, it will fly away immediately.

Then please put it on the floor.

What is it doing now?

It is trying to get up?

Oh.

Now it is walking a little bit.

It has jumped to the window sill.

Then?

It is gaining strength in its wings.

It has flown to the roof of the adjacent building.

Could it fly?

It has flown away.

I would have felt sad if it did not fly.

What did you say?

Er... Sagar Sen.

Annapurna Aunty has... er... asked me to stay here as a paying guest.

I have heard such from her.

What do you do?

Nothing. Still trying...

Educational qualifications?

Er... MSc. In Analytical Chemistry.

That's good. Sita?

Yes, father?

Please send your mother. That boy. What is your name?

What is your name?

Father is asking your name...

Er... Sagar Sen.

Sita, my hands are full.

I can not see well.

And I am inevitably late for lunch

So you start unpacking. I will speak to you in the evening.

What are you doing?

Are you going to stay here?

Yes.

Fifty rupees a month is a big amount.

It was good that we had told Annapurna Di.

Mother, give me rice.

Here you idiot.

Have you bought soap?

What about the sugar?

You went out early in the morning and now you are asking for rice!

Here it is!

Thieves!

What happened?

Nepotism.

Say it clearly.

The survey interview that I gave has slipped off.

Then why did you say you will clear?

I did not know the number of relatives the boss has.

Always extreme. Like father, like son. He will be the king within a month!

Cool down mother.

Has someone come?

Yes, let's go. I am saying...

Come, Pintu.

Does appearing for interview mean getting the job? What a fool you are, brother!

What I want, will happen.

Who has come?

Annapurna Aunty's nephew.

Oh! That paying guest?

These are all temporary matters.

I will surely get a job. However, you all are so impatient.

My name is Ramu.

Er... Oh...

Have you unpacked your stuff?

Yes.

Is this your book?

How nasty!

That is my subject.

What is your profession?

I am a chemist.

I have just come to Calcutta.

I have managed tuition. However, I have yet to get a job.

You will get a job. It is quite easy to find jobs here...

You just require to be a bit spontaneous.

Have you met mother?

Er... Probably not...

What?

Mother. Mother.

Close the window.

It will be rather stuffy then.

Oh! This damn house.

Do you know, my daughter?

The sparrows have build a nest in the verandah.

And one of their siblings fell down today.

I picked it up... and let it go.

The news of brother's interview has come. He has not cleared.

You are Annapurna Didi's own nephew?

Yes.

Have you been to Annapurna Didi's house?

At present who is staying in that yellow house adjacent to hers?

Where are you going?

I have some work.

As if he is going for some royal work!

We used to stay in that yellow house. Our life is so much entwined with it!

He got almost paralysed by the disease that struck him.

Then he fell down and broke his legs.

The legs recovered, but not his health.

And now there are problems with his head as well.

Both the house as well as money saved from the job are gone.

Now all we have is the Rs. 110 pension.

Now we have moved to this house.

However I still cannot forget the Chalta tree that I planted

with my own hands in the backyard of that house. What fruit!

Water.

My mind becomes heavy whenever I recall those things, my son.

And the kids are so disobedient.

As if I have got nothing to say in this world

and to top it all, the liability of a grown up unmarried daughter.

Her dark complexion... I don't know what to do with her.

Mother.

Are you saying anything?

No.

Give me a double up.

A double up for me too.

I will pay in cash, don't worry.

Another double up.

What?

Have you won or what?

Bring the tea quickly.

At what time did you say?

At 12.45.

Stop it man.

At 2? From the foot of the monument?

Just check things out.

Hey Ramu?

Are you going?

Not really. Gobra was supposed to come. Why is he not coming?

When did he say he will come?

Then he will surely not be there before 10.30.

Here, Suanto, listen, listen to this.

To hell with it.

Give me a double up.

Another double up.

Hey mister.

What is it?

What about my money?

I will pay. I will pay.

Let Saturday evening come, I will repay everything.

But then what can I?

Give this.

Cake too!

Is this the place to compose songs?

Where are you going?

To Manas Sarovar.

What do you mean?

If I cannot compose music here, then my only resort is Manas Sarovar.

Gobra! Sit! Sit!

Senbabu, give another double up.

What is the news?

Haven't decided.

The job is a little difficult.

They will give T.A. And commission...

It will be roughly Rs. 80 to 90 a month.

Will it be possible to get?

Of course.

My cousin is a bosom friend of the boss's brother.

Tomorrow there is an interview and that is all.

And moreover my cousin liked you.

Did he say such?

Or else am I lying?

What about my tea?

Yes, another double up.

Wake up, brother.

It is already 9 you lazy creature. Get up, will you?

Hey! The cup will fall down. Leave me... leave me...

Monkey...

Hey Pintu? What are you doing?

Please tie the sling. Have you read 'Ajab Desh'?

Yes! Wooden horse! Wooden Kite!

What is 'Bhurko'?

That one with beard?

There the picture has been drawn?

So you are going to spend the entire day in idleness?

Brother do not joke.

No Situ, just lift your lips, lift your lips... that's it.

Pintu...

Mother...

What has happened?

She is being naughty. Today we have all decided to be naughty.

What else can you do?

Mother... mother...

I have got work to do.

Go to work.

Give the sling.

Sling...

You have trouble in store today brother. I am off.

I am also leaving.

Why?

I have an appointment over business matters in College Street.

Got to make some arrangements at least.

Yes, you will do it.

Talk to him.

Have you met mother?

No.

I am in the kitchen. Do come.

Come, Pintu.

What is the matter?

You have not come for so many days.

I always want to go during the evenings.

That is exactly why you never happen to turn up at that place.

What to do, Uma? I cannot manage anything.

I have decided to do brokerage. Maybe something will happen.

How are you?

Mother wants to return.

Where?

To the village. She is saying there are relatives there.

You all are so impatient!

What to do? She is determined.

And Shefali too wants to get out of that place.

I will go this evening. You people are so restless.

Your tea.

Mother was asking about your ration card.

I have made it.

I had made it all right... er...

It is lying underneath your file.

Oh...

Your tea is becoming cold.

Take the file.

Oh! My god! It is 9.30.

What is happening?

I will get it, won't I?

Of course.

They have asked for a Matric and you are a graduate

and on top of that, my cousin is there. Something would certainly be arranged.

Do give a treat!

Wait, first let me get the salary.

Of course, of course. Get the salary.

Give me some money on credit, OK?

Look, they are in need of men. Maybe, they will recruit you tomorrow.

See, today is the 14th of the month.

Then, after the month ends, well it would be about 15 to 20 days.

Who is that?

Who?

That man who stays at my house. Let's go and check.

You are here?

Yes. I often come.

You must have been introduced to my mother by now. And father? Pintu? Sita?

I am going for an interview.

I am getting a job. You go on reading.

What is your qualification?

B. A.

Oh!

We need a salesman who is matriculate.

Yes, I told you, I am a B.A.

We need a Matric pass.

However, before passing B.A., should you not pass Matric?

Yes. But here that is not the criteria.

We only need a matriculate. Nothing more, nothing less.

The job involves roaming around which is not suitable for graduates.

If suitability is a factor, then how many people get suitable jobs these days?

Look at me. I wanted to become a writer

but have landed up being a motor broker.

Whoever I find near me, say, he wanted to become 'Shiv'

but has become a monkey instead!

Say in your case itself. Does the job suit you? Say honestly?

We need a Matric Pass Salesman.

The boss has asked to complete the accounts at home tonight.

Tomorrow is the last day for filing the Statement.

Give me.

Now I will have to burn the midnight taper.

Tell boss, these things no longer suit me. That's it.

We need a matriculate salesman.

So it is just a matter of 15 days before I get my salary!

My cousin was so confident!

Why did you have to become a graduate? Who gave you this idea?

It would have been better had you learnt something technical!

You are always extreme.

You even made a list of the money I was due to give on credit.

Our life is like that. We can only dream of one thing...

that it could well have been... in every sphere.

Now how will I show my face at home?

The problem is yours, not mine. I am leaving.

Isn't it Ramu?

What about your job?

Isn't it Jatin Babu?

Do you know him?

Uma is our next door neighbour. He often visits that place!

Oh! That Uma! So you have got a job. Get married.

Oh come on! Don't speak nonsense.

Why, does it hurt your prestige?

I did not get the job. Gobra is bogus...

Why are you putting a job in the way of marriage?

A job you will get. However, marriage...

Don't be silly. I am not sure as to how to earn my bread.

Look, if you don't mind...

If you have that in mind then the population in Calcutta would not have exploded thus.

It is not possible to arrange your bread and then marry,

especially in cases of a love marriage. It just happens.

You will never be able to do anything.

If you got the job, would all your problems be gone?

These are all working people.

However they are all due to be axed. They all seem relaxed, don't they?

Otherwise, why would a person like me walk seven miles for a meeting?

Give something. Anything. This is not on credit.

This is a subscription. Here in this box.

You have to form groups to survive in this market. Coming to the meeting?

No! Let me first tackle the meeting at home! I will go that way.

You will have to change your course one day, my king!

For sale!

Would you like to buy some mud?

I am bound to tell you.

I had been frantically searching for Ram Babu.

It is already two months. How long must I wait?

OK. I will try to send your money as soon as possible.

Yes, please do that.

Otherwise I will have to disconnect the electricity.

I do not want to do those things.

In fact, that was exactly why I told the gentleman from the very beginning

To maintain a professional relationship with people.

Otherwise people all over would become so friendly that...

Oh! So you could not wait to hear what I was saying. All right.

Where had you been?

I was roaming.

I did something at least. One feels so lazy in the afternoons.

I also feel the same.

Did you have lunch?

Yes.

How did you?

Mother cooked whatever rice was there.

Oh!

Sita...

Ramu has not returned? He did not eat anything.

I cooked whatever rice was left.

I saved this rice so painstakingly. But he did not eat.

Now all the rice has gone to waste.

If the ration does not come this morning the cards will lapse.

He has gone out early this morning to arrange for money.

He has no concern for the family, makes no real effort to get a job.

Even in such extreme poverty, he is only concerned about his own...

Why are you speaking so loudly?

Because I wish to.

What the hell are you going to eat tonight?

I feel suffocated.

The lad is loitering like a vagabond in this sun.

Neither has he any work, nor anything to eat.

What to do? I cannot even go away.

India's Natural Resources...

What is the price?

One Rupee.

Sit down.

The sky is looking so lovely through the leaves?

Mother was saying that if the ration is not fetched by today, the cards will lapse.

I had been roaming about frantically since morning for money.

I even knocked Susanto thrice. The scene is the same everywhere.

I have arranged for some money. Shall I give it?

Give it to mother.

All right.

I'm leaving...

I have already told you. I would take you there.

Really! No!

You go now.

Come.

Mother is not at home. Sister is on the terrace... alone.

The place is excellent.

Your pain in the heart is still there! Do not try to hide.

Concealing it will not help anyone.

If you cannot go by yourself, why don't you send Shefali?

Some money could have been arranged from somewhere.

Leave it for the time being.

Why? And that Shefali seems to be changing these days. You must keep watch.

If any arrangement could have been made, then of course...

You appear to have become so aloof from everything.

What's the matter?

Please leave me alone.

Oh! The relationship is becoming old!

Can't you understand?

Don't you feel any needs?

Don't you feel like breaking off after days of loitering?

Don't you feel like leaving everything?

Uma!

Yes, I want a break.

But I cannot get it. There is no break.

There is no break from this vicious circle.

Unless you make a reckless dive, there is no break. How are we going to live?

You have brought the card for Sagar Babu?

Yes.

We had to be humiliated thus. How horrible!

What?

No, nothing. Is Sagar Babu in that room?

Yes...

'India's Natural Resources'.

I could not keep from buying this book after seeing it in the shop.

One can get an idea of the sorrow and misery around by reading this book.

These sorrows, these miseries are so meaningless and irrelevant.

India has such rich mineral resources.

One word...

It can be said here itself.

We have got your monthly rent of Rs. 50 in due time.

Yes.

So were you due to pay anything today?

Credit.

Credit!

You know very well that this credit would never be repaid! Still...

I mean... I do not understand.

We will have had nothing to eat tonight.

Sita, you are crossing your limits...

I am dying of my own problems.

I love seeing this picture from time to time.

So, you have come to this room...

Why?

Now he has taken the responsibility of the family.

No, I was joking.

However, what I said is serious.

You did not have anything to eat for the whole day.

Brother! Susanto da is calling.

Brother, the landlord came today. He has asked for a deadline.

Why did you not ask for another 15 odd days?

Come Sagar, let's go for dinner.

Here... I knocked at your home thrice.

I went for money to buy the ration.

I have arranged for about ten rupees

on condition of it being returned within seven days.

What's up?

Better you had not brought the money than bringing it on condition!

You somewhat cannot manage to get anything, can't you?

The need for money in the house has been met.

Brother was speaking of a job offer in his office.

While I have decided to sacrifice my life for my country,

why don't you give a try?

The interview is tomorrow. What do you think?

Will I get it?

Just try your luck.

I have been spending my life with the hope that luck would shine.

For god's sake, ask your brother for a recommendation.

I told you... brother will be trying.

Give me the money.

I will repay it as soon as I get the job.

Yet how afar would thou take me oh beautiful one.

On which bank would stop thy golden boat?

Please play the other tune once more!

Situ... Have you finished?

I have finished, brother.

Just check whether the ironing is OK.

It will do

Be quick.

I will have to give a nice interview today.

Maybe, this would just turn out to be the ladder. Or maybe... Or even, definitely...

I have bought meat.

I have almost forgotten the taste of good food cooked by you.

Did you spend the entire money, son?

Who said so?

Here, take it.

Today's marketing has been on my money mother... on my money!

I will give one slap on your head.

Pintu, Pintu...

Why?

I would ask him to buy some curds.

He is going for some good work. So, I must bless him.

Oh.

I predict that no one would be able to stop brother from getting the job today!

I will surely convert that blessing into a major victory today!

Pintu, Pintu...

Wonder where he is!

Do you go for work?

How did you understand?

Because you do not stay at home in the afternoons!

Yes...

Sister... Sister has no work. Sister is like that.

Yesterday night she was crying by mother.

What is this?

Paper.

What was your sister saying?

She was saying that she did not want to hurt mother.

What is written in these papers?

Formula.

Formula?

Yes, I mean formula for an insecticide.

Whether lime or sulphur in tea leaves...

I will discuss these things with you later. When we grow up... all right?

You will have to wait.

Why?

Brother was saying that some new boss is coming to take the interview.

So the sound of the clock has already started to bug you?

I have a meeting at Metiabruz. I am leaving.

Or what! Do I have to wait here like a hungry crow? That is just not possible.

Why should it be possible?

You have spent your entire life giving speeches.

However, here we have to understand earthly realities.

What are we going to eat tomorrow!

With your salary. Then you will eventually lose the job and start roaming!

And if you get the job, these people would be denied one.

Or if that person gets the job, then you are denied!

Is it possible to have congruity amidst so much indiscipline!

Your words have become absolutely bookish!

There is the trouble! The books store what a man has got to say.

However, if you manage to get this job

you will never have to go through the pages of books again!

You fool, history has to be changed with your contribution.

I am leaving. You will get the job.

What is your qualification sir?

B.A. Pass. And yours?

M.A. In Philosophy. I submitted the thesis for a doctorate...

And you are applying for this job?

Yes.

Rubbish!

The boss has given you all his good wishes.

Today he will not be able to meet you.

The letter will reach your homes. You people may go now.

What are you doing?

I have injured my leg.

How?

While playing football.

Oh! Bring the bottle of phenol.

What?

The phenol bottle. I will experiment.

Oh! Experiment!

What are you doing?

The phenol bottle. Sagar Da is asking for it.

Probably RW5.

What is going on?

Adulterated!

Meaning?

Meaning... er... Since I have to make phenol

that is why... er... the chief chemist was asking about a process... er...

meaning... er... otherwise it would not be possible to compete...

Oh!

Without adulteration it would not be possible to compete!

No, it would not be cost effective.

Well, I never thought on those lines... that is why...

How could they make such an unadulterated adulteration?

Really!

I learnt that you have got a job!

Yes... er... I mean...

Times are probably changing for the better.

You have got a job. Ramu too is probably due to get one soon.

You boys please give me some relief.

The liability of an aged unmarried daughter...

You people go to so many places.

Why don't you find a groom for her? I am fed up with telling Ramu.

What's wrong, son?

I mean... er... the clothes...

All right... all right... I am in no hurry...

Here mother. What is going on?

You have once again started saying these things!

Why? What is so wrong in that?

This girl is extreme in everything!

Since when is mother having a fever?

From morning.

There is no one to look after her in the house. Wish I could stay over.

Where is Siuli?

Gone out.

Where?

I don't know.

With whom has she gone out?

I don't know.

What do you mean?

I am trying my best.

If I get something, by some means or the other we can get married.

What?

Nothing.

Did you suspect?

My wish to get married.

There are people around.

You are gradually becoming intolerable.

I too have to say the same.

Uma!

Is it Ram Babu?

There is not a moment's relief in this life, sir!

You wish to say something in a lonely spot.

Yet there is no other option but the main gate!

I went to Natun Bazar. Sir, very nice 'patols' in the market!

They are giving a 'sher' for six annas only.

I thought how nice Pecho's mother cooks 'patoler dorma'.

The prices will rise from tomorrow.

Throughout my life I have been losing chances of buying cheap.

Not much sir. Just give me 4 or 6 annas. Anything, anything.

At present I do not have it.

All right sir... later on... let it be later on...

The condition in this house is like this. And there is no one...

Siuli is getting spoilt thus. You should look after all this.

Whatever I have now, please spend this on medicines for mother.

Take the money away.

Who? Sister?

How is mother?

Who?

Where?

Oh Suman!

All right, you may go now.

Let's go... let's go... let's go...

Where have you been?

To the bioscope.

What a lovely dance! And the songs!

Why are you staring?

What will I do sister?

Ram Da is not getting a job.

How are we going to survive?

Everything done for the sake of survival is fair.

That is justice.

Sister... sister...

Uma... give me a letter tomorrow morning.

Obviously I cannot tell Ram Babu the truth.

If he does not have something to eat tomorrow

Pechu will die. He has not have anything for the last two days.

I could not get to Susanta Babu. Now Ram Babu is our only hope!

If you can kindly ask him.

Oh, I will come later. If I get the time! Time!

He is not at home.

Can you tell me when exactly he is at home?

Tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning!

Just by giving one month's rent at the time of entering and staying for an entire year!

And once again going off to a new abode! I know these typical nomads of Calcutta!

I am a landlord for these last twenty years! Please get off my shoulders will you?

Tomorrow morning...

No tomorrow morning.

You will not get Ram Babu now.

What?

You will not get him.

Meaning?

You simply tell me to my face that he is not available? This is dacoity by day!

I will go and give you the money.

Sagar Babu!

Look... er... it is all right, er... it is all right...

Look, the world is turning on the basis of a commercial relationship.

Maintain that and you will find love swelling at all corners.

Without a proper foundation, it is not possible to give the finishing touch...

Here, Ram Babu.

The deal is almost done... I am leaving... bye.

Come, brother.

Who is it?

Ramu?

Please fill this pen with some ink.

Sagar has got a job.

Some relief at least.

What about you?

No job...

No job meaning?

No news.

Today's interview?

Did not take place.

I waited for six hours. We did not even meet.

I saw post graduates queuing for the job of Lower Division Clerk.

I am getting determined...

Look, stop hoping for what will never be... accept the truth.

An entirely new world will then open in front of you.

If you can accept failure, then maybe you will end up succeeding.

No point in turning a blind eye...

Another 15 days! Another month!

Year after year rolls by... You will make me a king!

I am extraordinary... You are most ordinary!

The one whose number does not click in the lottery or gambling

is neither ordinary nor extraordinary.

Gambling!

Today it seems so. Otherwise, after toiling hard for 35 years

I could not manage to earn even a little bit of certainty.

Each day appears to be a storm.

I do not agree.

Let's go for dinner.

Bring the meat, daughter.

You have lost your senses, son.

You do not understand with what care and love your father has brought you up.

Stop it.

Why stop?

Sagar is like our family member.

Why do I have to stop before him?

How painstakingly his father has reared the family.

Now when it is time for him to have a retired life

then suddenly everything has been lost.

He was not a big patriot or anything of that sort.

However, after working honestly throughout his life, he deserves some rest at least.

Ordinary people too get tired just like your rich ones.

And you... You had argued before him?

Actually, you know what has happened to you?

Unable to succeed in life, you are torturing yourself day in and out.

Sagar, has Sita give you the liver?

Sita, Sagar loves liver.

And do you know what I love to eat?

It was me who had bought the meat today.

I will give you money.

What happened? Is your head spinning?

No.

Oh!

Look, look I have done a lot of injustice towards you.

Please forgive me.

Of course.

That man, he took money but did not play the tune.

Everyone around appears to be ridiculing me! As if I am becoming obsolete!

What is wrong with you?

What is wrong?

What is not wrong?

I have become more lowly than even a dog. What had to be, has happened.

Nothing has happened. Nothing that can be possible has happened.

Meaning?

Meaning? You are very tired.

What were you saying?

We are all getting disappointed. We are all losing our exuberance. But why?

Why?

That is the question. Why? Just ponder.

Look, I was reading a book the other day.

I found it amazing to think that our country is one of the richest in the world.

The mineral resources that it has, the fertility of its lands...

as if it is a gift of nature,

and yet we are breaking down even while standing on this land!

What?

Finding it so strange to contemplate, aren't you?

So much poverty amidst such riches...

It is history's ridicule... a nightmare! It cannot be.

Every man's life is supposed to bloom like a flower.

However, that does not happen.

If man can conquer Everest with will power... If we can wish...

Wish?

Yes, of course. If we wish with all our will power...

You are a very strange person!

Here Ram Babu!

Oh rubbish!

They have not maintained the Puja tradition of Bengalis.

We are leaving the house on this day of the year...

and it is not proper to stay in one place for a long time. What do you say?

And moreover is this a house? I had already decided to leave this place.

Now they are forcing me out.

I got a cheaper room in the slums.

I am recalling Susanta Babu's words. All our routes would end at that one place.

He said it at a meeting the other day.

There were so many people around. All were like me.

That day I understood the advantage of forming a group.

I will become a disciple of Susanta Babu after moving to the slum.

You too may join.

I told Uma... There still are a few rooms vacant.

Do remember this wretched creature sir.

The Lansdown market is just beside the slum. You get lobsters cheap there.

Let's go.

That was why I was asking you to join.

Ram Da, can powder conceal

...the scars of girls' faces?

What are you doing?

I was not feeling nice alone.

I too was not feeling nice, Uma.

Jatin Da has left. Come.

No.

Then why did you come?

Who knows?

Father is seriously ill, Uma...

Mother had asked me to stay.

But I have run away.

Why?

I am feeling restless.

The ridicule of an unemployed life appears to be yelling at home.

I am feeling suffocated, Uma.

Go home.

Uma!

You need to stay at home.

I did not get the money.

I went to the proprietor.

He is not there.

A marwari has asked to buy the formula.

I went to him too... he is no longer interested

How is he now?

Let me check.

Where is mother?

Gone to get money in deposit of gold.

Is it all right?

No.

Could you manage any money?

I have deposited the bangle.

The goldsmith did not give anything more than Rs. 20.

Give it, I am asking Sagar Babu to fetch the doctor.

Ramu is not here?

No.

Ramu is still a kid.

Today also he was talking of returning to the big house.

We will certainly go somewhere... but...

Who is it?

It is me.

Open the window.

Did you say anything?

In lottery, the number is crucial.

Here I am... How nicely I started my life.

Is it proper to end thus?

Listen Ram Babu... I will not bear it any longer...

Within this Laksmi Puja only...

The Rs 110 pension assurance has gone too.

The river flows quietly

So much water...

Flowing to the ocean... Through the barrage...

Shefali?

She has gone!

Where has she gone?

We too are leaving, Uma.

We can no longer afford to stay in the house.

Where are you going?

Uma...

we have rented a room in the slum... I don't know where we will finally end up.

Today only we are moving.

We had been living there by force ever since father's death.

But now they are evacuating us.

Sister is getting old staying at home.

Mother has also changed these days.

Pintu's fever is not getting cured.

When are you going to the new house?

This evening.

I will go and arrange things in the room.

Uma!

I will go during the evening and arrange things.

Uma, you have given me new strength.

Go to sleep and your fever will subside.

The crows are such that they even peck the pickles.

Come Sagar... Sit down.

Got a job?

Yes... I mean... I got...

You have lost one and got another... Going out?

Yes... - When?

Within 4 to 5 days... No, I mean after about 7 days...

Then come with us to the new house.

No... er... a friend's place...

I am quite certain...

Ramu says he will leave the house. Today we are leaving this house.

You know, son.

The time I first went to my in-laws house, it was by boat.

I was fascinated by a chalta tree.

And that year only, a monsoon swelled the river and entered the village.

Then, after many years, I planted a chalta tree at our big house in Calcutta.

Maybe the fruits are dropping over the rotten leaves and getting rotten.

Are you going to pack the stuff?

I am quite certain...

Listen daughter, Have you heard Sagar is going away?

Yes.

Ramu says he is going to marry. Let him marry...

You could not get married. So what?

Do you know Sita, I am giving the ornaments that I kept for you to Uma.

And what is left actually?

Sita...

What will happen to Pintu?

Do you want to say anything?

Yes.

Are you leaving today?

Yes.

Where?

To a far off land... I have got a job. In a colliery...

I will go with you

I cannot live like this. I want a respite... I want to live.

But why me? Who am I?

You... er... you... you...

How did you understand?

By seeing your eyes.

Then?

In my life...

You are out of your head.

Answer me.

You do not know what you are saying.

You will not answer?

I will let you know by letter tomorrow.

Answer me today.

No.

Answer me.

No.

Answer!

You are right... You are right.

I do love...

Do you love?

Eh?

Sita!

Me?

I do not understand.

Our capital is limited.

I have to leave with this much only.

But one word...

I have lied to you.

I have not got a job. The old job too is gone.

There appears no other hope.

I do not have any near ones in this world, Sita...

Just by some means, this family has become so close.

I did not tell you because you would feel sad.

The footpath now is my only shelter.

No, Sita. Right now I do not see any possibility of our union.

No, it is not possible.

I am leaving, Sita. Let me tell you one thing.

You said you want to live. Do you find any signs of life around?

We are all crumbling like the river bank.

And I am not sure whether any new bank is developing.

You have to search for the way.

I too will do that.

I will try and live because

I will not be able to forget you.

Somewhere, someday we will meet...

This hope will remain even if I die. Someday...

On a better day than this, I will be prepared to accept you...

you too remain prepared.

Because I know that day you will love me...

At present it is only the roads.

I am leaving...

Today I wanted you to accept Sita,

to understand her.

Just like I realised after visiting Uma.

One word...

Where are you going?

To take shelter in the footpath?

But then you will not die even there.

You have to live.

You have to grasp life with both your hands and change it.

You cannot get off the hook like this.

That writing of history...

We are all crumbling, aren't we?

That day it was you who pulled me from the pit... And today?

Just consider, when a mother gives birth to a sibling...

She groans in pain and thinks death is near.

But does she die?

No.

A life comes... A new, young life.

We too are also giving birth to a new life...

We too are groaning in pain and feeling as if everything is going berserk.

However life will evolve out of this pain itself... History!

Times as if are changing...

Sita... don't cry.

We will not cry anymore.

We will grind our teeth and wait.

A new dawn will surely come.

Let us all cry aloud... We will not die!

It was you who had once cheered me up Sagar Babu.

Today I am beckoning you.

Where are you going?

We are all headed to the same destination. So why go alone?

Come, let's go together with a smile. At least...

The rains are coming.

With so much left yet to pack.

Sagar Babu, keep these keys.

I have to pick Uma up... That girl is waiting.

I feel as if we are leaving something behind, Sita.

Brother... let's leave.

Wait a bit.

We are leaving the house. Is it fair to leave thus on this day?

Is it fair to leave?

Nothing... Just hold these things.

Wait in the car on the road. I am coming.

How muddy it is!

We had to land here at last.

Just wait.

It will be hardly a month.

Then...

That Income Tax job... I am just about to get it... Then what!

That day you gave me money... Hear the tune today.

My story is just one part...

On the other part of city life. Who knows where the journey heads?

After that... Ramu...

But then, it is another story...