Homebound (2025) Movie Script
- Thanks for the ride.
- Okay.
Hurry.
Come on.
Chandan!
Where are you going?
Wait, goddammit!
Giving up already?
Can't you see
the swarm of applicants?
- No chance. I'll take the railway exam.
- That's just as competitive.
Why the hell
did you make me apply for this?
So, you'd rather be a laborer?
Buzz off, man.
We can't keep running away like this.
Look.
- When you wear that uniform
- Get up! Scram!
Your faith and caste no longer matter.
If I see you here again,
I'll beat you to a pulp. Move!
Go and sit over there.
Once we become cops,
no one will dare humiliate us.
Get the tickets.
I'll find us a spot to sit.
Okay.
Can I sit here?
Move over a bit.
Don't finish it!
Sorry.
Are you traveling alone
for the exam?
So?
No, I just
I mean
- I just...
- What do you mean?
Can't a girl travel alone?
I'm messing with you.
You had me there!
My dad had come along,
but he annoyed me with his pep talk.
So I sent him away.
Here. Scoot over.
Hold on.
I got the tickets.
He's taking the exam, too.
Mohammed Shoaib, my friend.
Friend, my foot!
I've been tolerating him since childhood.
Idiot!
And you are?
I'm Chandan.
Chandan?
Chandan Kumar.
I'm Sudha Bharti.
Attention, all passengers
travelling by the Pravasi Express,
the train shall now depart from
platform 2 instead of 1.
I'll call you back.
Mom, I'll call you back.
Let's go! Come on!
All passengers are requested
to proceed quickly to platform number 2.
Let's go.
- How do we go?
- This way.
Watch it.
Reaching the exam center
is a battle in itself.
Are we taking an exam
or going to war?
Welcome to the Police Recruitment Center.
To apply, press 1.
To know about our exam centers,
press 2.
To speak to the recruitment officer,
press 3.
Our officer will speak to you shortly.
Please hold. Thank you.
Welcome to the
Police Recruitment Center...
Hello.
Hello?
- Hello.
- Yes?
Sir, when can we expect
the police recruitment exam results?
It's been a year.
Will recruitment happen at all?
The senior officer has
gone for lunch.
Hello?
Hello, sir? Sir!
A gift from the heavens!
Mom, I'm sick of telling you this.
Apply ointment to your feet.
They're all cracked.
She insists on working barefoot.
She claims it keeps her
grounded, apparently!
Your granny's feet
were even more cracked.
People said that
if she marched into a field
like a soldier,
she'd harvest the entire field!
Her heels were like sickles.
These feet are
all I've inherited, son.
Salaam alaikum!
Wa alaikum assalam.
- How are you?
- God's been kind.
Take the bags to my bedroom.
Yes, sir.
All good?
Sir, I was wondering
If you could find out
about the police exam results
Recruitment happens
at the state level.
I have no connections there.
There were 2.5 million
applicants this year.
And 3500 vacancies.
So, 714 candidates
fighting for each position.
Listen to your father
and go to Dubai.
Did you ever consider
moving to Dubai?
Yes, I was tempted once.
Then I thought,
instead of running away,
I'd rather change the system
from within.
Our ancestors lived here.
This is where they rest.
Their blessings surround us.
When the call to prayer
echoes near our home,
I feel the presence of our ancestors.
The tomato chutney Mom makes
Nothing in the world
can match its flavor.
Our land, our skies,
our streets,
our friends, our language.
All this is home to me.
How can I leave it all behind?
Allah! Stop it.
You need to see a doctor.
It's just a sprain.
I'm not a cripple.
I'll return to the fields next month.
- In this state? How can you...
- Forget me, worry about yourself!
Sitting idle at home at this age
Why scold him so early in the morning?
He starts work today.
I woke up the laundry guy early
just to get you this shirt!
I could've brought it last night
and saved you the trip.
Now go home and sleep!
Don't act like you've landed
some high-paying job!
You're right.
At least I'm not a bum,
living off my folks like you.
Moron!
Wash my shirt
before you return it to me.
We'll see.
What the hell is that?
Did you rent it?
I bought it.
To remind me of my goal.
- You're so lame!
- Look who's talking!
Shoaib!
I need to go to the bathroom.
Bring me my crutches.
Shoaib!
A good salesman
doesn't just hit targets,
but prevents company losses, too.
Now, by aggressive sales,
I don't mean that you barge into
people's kitchens.
Yes, sir.
- Where's your tie?
- I forgot it.
At this rate,
the company will forget you.
Buck up.
- You're new here?
- Yes, sir.
What's your name?
Shoaib Ali.
I'm Vikas Tripathi.
All the best, Shoaib.
Thank you, sir.
- You're Mohammed Shoaib?
- Yes, sir.
Don't refill my bottle.
I'll do it myself.
As they say,
one should be self-reliant, right?
Right, sir.
By the way,
we need your ID tomorrow.
For our HR records.
I submitted them already.
Not yours. Your parents'.
It's mandatory.
They have IDs, right?
Yes, sir.
I'll get them tomorrow.
Here.
Do they ask for IDs
from every family?
You know why we are
singled out, right?
His uncle did his best to get him
a mechanic's job in Dubai,
and he turns it down.
He'd rather stay here,
and be humiliated every day.
A hostel or rented room
will be expensive.
College isn't that far off.
I can take the bus.
- My dad is here. Bye.
- Sudha, when will we meet?
Your dad gave you shit again?
Or was it your boss?
So, it was both.
Once you're a cop, give your baton
to your dad as a crutch.
He'll walk more and whine less.
I can see it all clearly.
I'll build a concrete house.
I'll lounge on the terrace
in my uniform.
Everyone will salute me.
And I'll thump my thigh
and twirl my moustache!
Can you even grow a moustache?
Shut up!
Better than you!
If you say so.
Will you rent a bike tomorrow?
What for?
I can't be late for the match.
The prize money is 5000 rupees.
How about a biryani treat?
I won't buy you shit!
Got him!
- Get him out!
- Come on.
Go, Shoaib!
- Run hard!
- Good job!
- Run!
- Come on!
It's out!
- What nonsense!
- It's out!
- He's not out!
- My bat was in the crease!
- Nonsense...
- You're out. Get lost.
I'm talking to the umpire.
Go and play with your people.
Don't come back here.
- What did you say?
- Who are you staring at?
Get lost!
Acting tough?
- Move it!
- You moron!
- Don't touch him, moron!
- How dare you hit him!
How dare you!
- I'll bury you alive if I see you again!
- Leave it.
Better watch it, scumbag!
Sir?
The police exam results?
Which year?
Last year's.
Recruitments are on hold.
It's under investigation.
Sit down.
Have a seat.
Get him some water.
Don't lose heart.
Apply for other exams.
It's been a year.
I missed all other exams
waiting for this one.
It's a government job.
You have to be patient.
What's your name, son?
Chandan.
Chandan Kumar.
And your last name?
Chandan Kumar, that's it.
You're from the reserved category?
Why worry then?
The state gives you everything.
No, I'm from the general category.
So, what's your caste?
Kayastha, sir.
- Which clan?
- Bharadwaj.
Sir.
Good.
These quota rats
grab all the jobs.
They get everything on a platter!
And we're left with
only the crumbs.
Isn't it?
Absolutely, sir.
No one's doing us favors!
It's our right.
That officer was an ass,
but you're no better.
Why do you always apply
in the general category?
Don't be ashamed to check the box
that asks for your caste.
- No one can...
- Because I'm scared!
That even if I become a cop,
they'll make me sweep floors.
I scored seven wickets
in that match!
And who hogged the limelight?
That Shukla boy.
I won us the match.
They didn't let me touch the trophy
because of my caste.
You knew you were
the man of the match, right?
No matter what we achieve,
we'll always be reduced to
a check box on a form,
and that's the bloody truth.
When I say my name,
people look down on me.
If I hide it,
I look down on myself.
If only I had
an upper caste surname!
Then I might've hesitated
to tell you my name the other day.
I took the police exam
only to escape this shame.
But what would that change, Chandan?
These folks don't fear the uniform.
Being a cop
is no big deal to them.
They'll sit at the table,
with forks and knives,
and make us sit on the floor.
So, I've decided to carry
my own chair everywhere.
I'll complete my graduation.
I might even pursue a PhD later.
That's how we'll get
a seat at the table.
You have one month
to pay the fees.
Two subjects are optional.
The rest are compulsory.
You have to tick a category.
- Keep disease and germs at bay
- Keep disease and germs at bay
- Lather well and rinse away!
- Lather well and rinse away!
Keep disease and germs at bay
- Lather well
- And rinse away!
Go.
I did the math.
With the combined cost
of cement and bricks,
we're still running quite short.
Yet another year
under a leaky roof.
Mom!
You get mad if I say it.
But
Can't you speak to Chandan?
If he takes up a job,
we'll have enough in a year.
No, love.
Your brother wants to study.
Let him.
We couldn't give you that chance.
You see, the reading shows 250,
which means it's not drinkable.
But don't worry,
we have the best technology:
Puros RO filter with UV,
that is, ultraviolet radiation technology,
and UF, which is
ultraviolet filtration.
- And the...
- All that's fine,
but it seems too expensive.
You can pay in installments.
Why would we do that?
We don't need this.
- Sir...
- Ma'am.
Yes?
Yes?
Ma'am, if I may
You know how unclean water
can cause typhoid,
diarrhea and various illnesses.
Think of all those medical bills.
We boil our water.
That's great.
You do the right thing.
But boiling water costs
15 to 20 rupees a day.
Right?
And gas prices keep soaring.
In the long run,
our filter will save you money,
and protect your health, too.
Ask him about the discount.
- Can we get a discount?
- Of course!
Tejas, go ahead. I'll join you.
Shoaib.
Sorry, sir, I
I was out of line there.
Well, you did overstep a bit.
But that was quite impressive.
I noticed those medicines too.
You have a great sales instinct!
It's what we call
entrepreneurial skills.
Thank you, sir.
You should join our sales team.
I'm not even a graduate, sir.
I don't speak English that well.
English isn't everything.
Sir?
Your appreciation means a lot to me.
The thing is,
I'm awaiting my exam results.
- Exam?
- Yes, sir.
Which one?
The state police exam.
Constable post.
I thought I'd take up this job
in the meantime.
Excellent.
I knew you were talented.
Thank you, sir.
- Is the college expensive?
- It's a government college.
Well, it's your first day at work.
I'm not going to drop you every day.
Hop on, Your Highness!
Eight hours at college could be
eight hours of paid work instead.
Have you really thought this through?
Trade receivable is equal to 250,000.
Creditors' payment period is equal to
trade payable into 365
by creditors' purchase.
Fixed asset turnover ratio
is equal to the cost of
- What's wrong?
- Nothing.
I've got secondhand copies too.
They're cheaper.
No, thank you.
My first year textbooks.
I don't need them anymore.
Figured you could use them.
I've also slipped in a love letter.
I'm just messing with you.
Adam Smith was the first formulator
of capitalist theory.
The inherent tendency
of the capitalist's evolution is to raise
Are you also in your second year?
No, first year.
I'll get you something to eat.
No, we're just going to study.
DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR
Fine, you study.
I'll get some snacks.
When a company pays salaries,
it's an expense.
So, what's the entry for that?
- Credit.
- No, it's debit!
Yes, debit, debit!
That's what I meant.
When salaries are paid,
it's a cash outflow.
And an outflow of cash means
Am I still on a trial period?
Make this entry first.
So, I've moved from debit to credit!
Eid Mubarak!
Eid Mubarak.
We just have to arrange the money.
Look at this filthy cockroach!
See his sneaky, sly face?
Our famous local biryani thief!
If you see him, smack him hard!
Stop it, Shoaib!
- Come, dear.
- He's so mean!
Don't worry, I'll save the best pieces
for you. Come on.
Yes, feed him!
Feeding strays is a noble deed.
Come on, son.
Come, Dad.
What's that?
Give me the pieces
your mom kept for me.
It's Eid, don't make me swear.
Just eat.
- Have some more.
- I'm good.
- How's work going?
- Very well.
Since it's Eid,
I won't swear either!
The results are out!
Don't mess around.
I'm serious, look!
I got a message.
- Click on the link.
- It's not opening.
- Shall we go to Mangal's?
- Yeah!
Did you pass?
- We won't know till we find out!
- We'll be back soon.
Check mine first.
Weren't you going to college?
Shut up, moron!
You passed the exam!
Damn, you're through!
Chandan, you made it!
You made it!
- I made it! Holy shit!
- Yes, you did!
- I am through!
- Chandan!
Let's check yours.
Shoaib.
It's Khan.
How's that possible?
Check again.
I checked.
Shoaib
- Put me down! What happened?
- She'll fall!
I passed the exam!
So, then?
You got the job?
Only the physical exam's left.
That'll be a breeze!
What about college?
Who cares?
Your brother's going to be a cop!
I'll start training tomorrow.
Salute, sir!
Finally
We can build a proper house!
Yes.
What about Shoaib?
Chandan made it.
CONSTABLE RECRUITMENT EXAM
I'm in the office, Chandan.
Talk to you later.
Listen.
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
Apply for the next year.
You'll pass it.
I've hit the age limit.
In that case
Apply for the junior inspector post?
It requires a bachelor's degree.
What about the railways?
The railway board...
Did I ask for advice?
I'm busy. I'll call you later.
Hurry up, man!
Had you consulted us early,
we could've helped.
But now
When can I resume work
in the field?
Please understand.
Your knee is fully damaged.
You can't walk
without crutches anymore.
Allah! All his life?
Is there no cure, doctor?
He'll need an operation.
Knee replacement surgery.
But it'll cost a lot.
How much?
At least 200,000 rupees.
But you can get a medical loan.
Pay in instalments.
- How much is...
- Thank you, doctor.
We'll think about it.
Dad, wait.
- Let me ask her.
- It'll be years of hefty instalments.
Can you earn that much?
Let's go.
Come in, Shoaib.
- Tell me.
- Sir
That sales job you mentioned
I'd like to join.
What about the police recruitment
Sales instinct is one thing.
Being a salesperson is another.
And he's not even a graduate.
He's not a graduate,
but he gets the customer's pulse,
and that's what matters!
Smooth talk might close
a deal or two,
but it won't meet sales targets.
Shoaib, we all appreciate your work.
Including me.
But a company runs on protocols.
Right?
What is it?
You said it was urgent.
What could I do?
You barely answer the phone.
And when you do,
you refuse to say anything.
Just let me be for a while.
Shoaib.
Listen to me.
How long will you keep sulking?
At least one of us made it.
I'll take care of everything.
Sure. All I needed
was your charity.
No matter what I say,
you get pissed.
Yeah, I'm pissed.
Is it my fault that I did well
and you didn't?
Why are you mad at me?
What do you think?
That you're better than me?
I convinced you to take the exam.
You were giving up.
Forgot already?
So, you think I'm not good enough?
Not at all.
You had it all laid out for you.
Your folks slave away
at construction sites,
bleeding through their heels.
Why?
So their blue-eyed boy
can chase his dreams!
But instead of earning
a few bucks for his family,
he's off to college
to impress a girl!
And what are you?
A peon dreaming of being an officer?
You're not even fit to wash dishes!
So you'll decide my worth?
- You're scared of your own name!
- And you're so brave, right?
You were too proud to go to Dubai.
Your father is suffering
because of your false pride!
Got the guts to hear the truth?
If your father's crippled,
you're his broken leg!
You will...
I don't need another father.
Don't show me your face again.
Attention, candidates.
Water is available at booth number 35.
Individuals holding tokens 100 to 150,
proceed to booth number 7 for your
height and weight measurements.
Next.
Easy.
Thirty-six.
Expand your chest.
Your numbers are impressive.
Sir, the appointment letter?
It will arrive at the police station.
They'll call you.
Allah!
Shoaib!
Shoaib!
- What's wrong?
- He slipped.
Get up.
There.
Enough.
Hold his head.
I'll get him a warm compress.
Let's go to the hospital tomorrow.
No need.
I just got up too quickly.
Don't worry.
- Mom, the compress?
- Shoaib.
Don't go to Dubai.
Follow your heart, son.
Seeing you sad like this
It breaks my heart.
I did warn you, sir.
These people can't be trusted.
He's not answering.
All this while,
you were vouching for a thief!
Now you see why we need graduates?
Let's call the cops.
Let them thrash him in jail.
That's how they learn.
Shoaib?
Shoaib!
Come here!
Got nothing to say?
He won't speak like this.
Once the cops arrive,
he'll spill everything.
- I sold the units, sir.
- What?
Have you lost it?
Sir.
I sold four units
and got four confirmed orders.
What?
I took the purifiers
without permission.
But had I asked,
you all would've refused.
This is outrageous!
How can anyone...
- Hold on.
- Sir.
You closed eight orders
in one day?
- Is that right?
- Sir.
Yes, sir.
One of our highest
single-day sales! Guys.
Your method was definitely wrong.
But this is the fire
a salesman should have.
Everything is fair
in love, war, and sales!
- Well done!
- Thank you, sir.
And while you train, don't forget
your office duties. Okay?
- Some more, please?
- Sure.
- Want more?
- No, thank you.
They're really enjoying the food.
Yes, sir.
Can I get you a plate?
- If you don't mind.
- Of course not!
Mom starts work at school on Monday.
She'll get 7000 a month.
Dad gets 10,000,
and I get 12,000.
Make it 17,000 from me.
How?
I got a job at a cloth mill in Surat.
They're paying 19,000.
I can send 17,000 rupees every month.
Cloth mills have heavy machines.
- Can you handle them?
- Why not?
I'm still young.
Speak for yourself, old hag!
Should I lift you now?
Oh, come on!
Hello, Sudha?
Been bunking college?
I
- I haven't been feeling well lately.
- What's wrong?
Nothing serious.
Then meet me.
Come to my sister's wedding.
No excuses. Okay?
Bye.
HEMANT WEDS MEGHA
I'll get my joining letter soon.
So that's why
you've been skipping college?
I don't see the point anymore
Why did you enroll then?
Did you join college just for me?
No, Sudha.
It's not like that.
Listen.
At the time,
going to college made sense.
But right now,
I need this constable's job
to support my family.
You know,
it won't change anything.
See the bigger picture!
With a degree,
you could become a superintendent.
Your dad didn't go to college either.
- He's still a lineman.
- Exactly. He's just a lineman.
He'll remain one until he retires.
Without a promotion or dignity.
Just for lack of a degree.
I told you
we could study together.
Yes, Sudha, I know.
I'm the first in my family
to go to college.
And it's all thanks to you.
But put yourself in my shoes!
You live in a decent
two-room government quarters.
While you video call me
from your lovely rooftop
I stare at a hole in my roof.
I know it's not easy.
But those before us
fought for our rights.
That's how we got here.
- We must take the fight ahead...
- This is my fight.
It's just not
what you want it to be.
This job will get me
both money and respect.
Perhaps you're right, but
It'll always bother me
that you gave up studying.
I really love you, Chandan.
But I can't sacrifice my values.
So you keep your values
And I'll keep my job.
Everyone's gone for training.
- When do they return?
- No idea.
I'll wait here.
Even if it takes until tomorrow.
- Shoaib, sign here.
- Sure.
Please have some.
I'm trying to avoid sugar, but
Get a copy
of your employment letter.
Okay.
You'll get the loan soon.
Then we'll contact the hospital.
Soon, you'll be sprinting
in the field!
Listen.
Don't tell anyone I told you,
or else they'll fire me.
We received an official notice.
It said that, this year
Recruitment has been
put on hold indefinitely.
Indefinitely?
What does that mean?
It could take six months,
or even a year.
What happened?
Look, Mr. Mishra.
We have nothing against this lady.
But there's no way
we'll let our kids
eat food touched by her!
My daughter takes your kids
to the toilet.
When they're sick,
she feeds them medicine.
Aren't we untouchable then?
- How could you throw away food?
- Damn right, we can!
Can't they stick to the work
they're meant for?
To eat what she cooks
Better watch your tongue,
or we'll call the cops!
Wait.
She has a constitutional right
to this job.
You can be arrested
under the SC/ST Act.
- But...
- Mr. Mishra! Spare us the sermon!
If this woman continues to cook here,
our kids won't come here anymore.
- Damn right!
- Why will we send them here?
Yes, they won't!
It's either her or us.
Throw her out.
Is this how you raise your kids?
What an example you're setting!
Our kids won't eat food
cooked by her.
Did she eat?
She hasn't eaten a thing,
or said a word.
If I were a cop,
no one would dare insult Mom.
The joining letter will soon arrive.
Then everything will work out.
Will it, Vaishali?
Every time I try to lift myself up,
the world drags me down!
What are you lifting exactly?
Mom and Dad slog every day
While I'm stuck
washing kids' butts.
Vaishali, I know
how much you've done for us...
I didn't want to! I'm tired!
I wanted to go to college too, but
In this family,
you're the only one who
gets to choose, Chandan.
Don't go to Surat, Dad.
Why?
I'll go.
But your appointment letter...
To hell with the letter, and that job!
What makes you say that?
You've waited this long.
What's a little longer?
It's a government job.
I've spent half my life
just waiting for this!
Enough is enough.
Let me do my part now.
Bless you.
Bless you.
You can take Shabbir's spot for now.
We'll see once your shift is fixed.
As in?
We stay here in turns.
When the night shift leaves,
the day shift moves in.
Hurry up, man!
Hey, buddy!
Wake up!
Who finished the water?
There's another bucket full.
As the fabric goes up,
it shouldn't get creased.
Stretch it.
Avoid any folds. Yes.
Just like that. Good.
Hey, don't you get it?
The water is running.
Turn off the water,
or it'll get cold!
Pay attention.
- May I come in, sir?
- Yes.
- Mr. Mishra, could I have a word?
- Tell me.
I've taken a medical loan
for my father, and
I need a copy
of my employment letter.
Oh, yeah, that reminds me.
Get a clearance certificate
from the police.
For our records.
I can't issue the letter without it.
But, sir, I thought
- Do you have a criminal record?
- No, sir.
What's the issue then?
By the way, the boss is hosting
a party at his farmhouse tonight.
To watch the cricket final.
Everyone's invited.
Join us.
Of course. Thank you, sir.
Tell me something.
How's it working nine hours a day?
Go on, pull my leg!
By the way,
don't try to be a hero!
Why are you sending us
your entire salary?
No matter what
Our house must be ready this year.
Hold on.
Let me show you something.
Dad! Say something.
Son.
The first bricks of the house
bear the names of both of you.
Look.
CHANDAN
VAISHALI
Lo and behold,
the foundation is laid!
By the time you get back,
the pillars will be up.
Son.
I made some halwa.
Mom!
You're going to be promoted.
Don't go empty-handed.
Share it with everyone.
They'll love it.
Don't forget the box there!
India vs Pakistan is called
modern cricket's biggest rivalry
for a reason.
- What do you think?
- Absolutely.
There are 50,342 people in the stadium,
all watching the match.
This is sensational.
- Sir.
- Shoaib? You're late!
It's almost halftime.
I had trouble finding a bus.
Okay. Have a seat.
Please sit.
What's this?
Sir, my mother sent halwa for dessert.
Wonderful.
Keep it there.
We'll have it when India wins.
Okay, sir.
Come, sit here.
- How are you?
- Very well, sir.
What do you think?
No way Pakistan can score 345.
We're winning!
- We'll thrash them!
- Suraj! Suraj! Suraj!
He's sent that one
out of the park!
And India concludes its innings
with a total of 350 runs.
The second innings begins,
and Pakistan is out to bat.
Four balls to go.
Pakistan needs only seven runs.
This match is a real cliffhanger.
India or Pakistan?
Impossible to predict who'll win.
Rehan smacks the ball into the air.
Ahmad Mushtaq is well-positioned
to catch it
Catch it!
And he drops it!
Ahmad Mushtaq! Big blunder!
Bloody Mushtaq!
He should join their team!
It was a simple catch!
The Pakistani batsmen
have just scored two runs.
Pakistan now has three balls
to score five runs.
Mushtaq steps up to bowl.
He bowls the ball and
And it's over!
Pakistan's last wicket falls,
India has won!
Ahmad Mushtaq has clean-bowled
Pakistan's Rehan Malik.
Pakistan is all out.
What a terrific bowler!
Splendid! Ahmed Mushtaq
is India's brightest star!
Long live India!
Come on.
Let's eat. Come, Shoaib.
- After you, sir.
- Don't be silly!
- Here.
- Sir.
Shoaib.
Don't be shy.
You're part of the team.
- Please help yourself.
- Okay, sir.
Try some kebabs.
It's an authentic recipe from Lahore!
Well, I'm a pure vegetarian.
As for how authentic the recipe is
Only Shoaib can tell!
I'm sure he's an expert
on Lahori cuisine!
Yeah, taste and tell us!
Sir, he nearly lunged at the screen
when Mustafa dropped that catch!
Is that why you've been nursing
the same drink all evening?
Plan to sip on it all night?
What happened to Shoaib?
Why's he sulking?
Isn't it obvious?
His team lost, after all!
If he could, I'm sure
he'd jump into the stadium
and scoop up
eight wickets for them.
Just like he scooped up
all those purifiers from the office!
Mr. Mishra, what the hell?
What nonsense is this?
Shoaib, we're kidding.
Please eat.
Sir. Excuse me, sir.
Yeah, eat!
How long will you mourn?
Didn't Shoaib's mom send halwa?
Yes, sir. Please have some.
I'm sure the halwa is
authentically Lahori!
Yeah? I thought it was homemade.
For Shoaib, it's one and the same.
Sir!
I've had enough.
- Shoaib, calm down.
- No, sir.
- We're kidding.
- No. I'm resigning.
Shoaib!
What's wrong with him?
Wait, Shoaib.
Don't quit your job!
- Wait!
- Wait for what, sir?
To be humiliated further?
They're all drunk.
They are not in their senses.
- Their jokes went too far...
- But I'm the joke here!
What's wrong, Shoaib?
Nothing. The food's too hot.
You seem quite settled here.
How many of you are here?
What are you doing?
Let go of me!
So, what now?
Dubai?
Companies there take away
your passport for two years.
I can't leave my father in this condition.
Mom can't manage alone.
So, join me here.
Save up for your dad's surgery.
You can keep visiting home.
Let's play a round of cricket.
I'm not in the mood.
Stop sulking now. Come on!
You look dead like that ball.
Give me that.
If you pick up this ball,
and grip it tight
It finds its purpose.
And if you aim and throw it right,
it can knock out
even the greatest batsman!
A ball only comes alive in the air.
On the ground, it just lies dead.
It shouldn't have any folds.
Look, Chandan!
Our brand new house.
Dad's watering the cement. Dad!
Look at this!
Stairs leading up to the rooftop.
Let's go inside.
Mom and Aunty Shehnaz
are preparing the plaster.
This is the bedroom.
Shehnaz, add some water.
Here.
Happy birthday, bugger!
Look here.
Nice!
- Give us some cake, too.
- Good.
We all pitched in.
Left to Chandan,
he'd save it for breakfast!
Chandan?
Come here.
Happy birthday.
Sorry, I didn't get you a gift.
You're his gift, Sudha!
I feel terrible, Chandan.
I wasn't fair to you.
Actually
All my life,
I saw my father fail.
I got desperate to see you succeed.
I failed to see
how different our struggles are.
Listen.
Never apologize for your values.
Loving each other shouldn't mean
That we lose ourselves.
I won't lie.
What you said that day
It did hurt.
But I get it now.
For a seat at the table
I need to get off the floor
and find my chair.
Come back soon, then.
I'll sit right next to you.
Call once you reach.
Not before that?
- Is it fine?
- Yes.
- How long will the transfer take?
- One hour.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Hello, Mr. Shrivastav.
Yes, Shoaib. Tell me.
I've made the transfer.
Sixty thousand upfront.
I'll pay the rest in instalments.
Had you paid 75,000,
the instalments would be easier.
Okay.
- When are you coming?
- I'll reach tomorrow.
Shoaib!
- I'll be right here, okay?
- Wait here.
I'll be here.
Did everything go well?
Yeah, all good.
He'll be discharged in three days.
That's great.
Did the supervisor say anything?
No, I handled it.
Apparently, there's some disease
spreading all over.
- Is everything okay there?
- Yeah.
There's chaos at the hospital.
The nurses keep asking us
to cover our faces.
Why don't you stay back?
How can I?
I have to pay the loan.
I'll be back by Monday.
Share it among yourselves.
He barely eats.
I'm there.
- Take care of yourself.
- Goodbye, Mom.
Dad.
You heard the doctors.
Stay off the fields for two months.
I was looking for you guys,
and you're chilling on the rooftop!
You sure took a while!
I couldn't find a ride.
I had to walk from the bus station.
It's because of the curfew
to eradicate COVID.
Right.
What's that?
Halwa puri? What's the occasion?
Chandan snuck some
from the boss's buffet.
You're incorrigible!
- Wait!
- Man!
Ghanshyam, back off!
Don't you dare touch my pickle!
Relax.
We won't touch it.
Stay away!
- Stay away...
- Give us!
- Fine, take some.
- I'll take some.
Hey, Mithilesh!
Stop the machines!
Halt everything!
Everyone, listen carefully.
The government has declared
a 21-day lockdown.
- Will the mill be shut too?
- Yes.
The lockdown starts at midnight.
Give me one kilo.
There's enough for everyone!
Be patient!
Shoaib!
Where the hell were you?
Where were you?
You weren't answering my calls!
I tried calling you, too!
I saw online
that the stores are staying open.
Look at the rush!
Stocks will run out.
- I'll check out some other stores.
- Okay.
Meet me at home.
And keep your phone on!
Mister!
Don't you know there's a lockdown?
Go back. Not allowed.
No one's allowed outside.
ID?
I spoke to the doctor.
Some pain after surgery is normal.
The painkillers cost 500 rupees.
I said we can't afford
Just buy them, Dad.
Don't worry about money.
- What do you mean?
- Work will resume next month.
They've eased the instalments.
I have money. Buy the medicines.
Come forward.
There's no work here.
The contractor shooed us away.
Why are you worrying him?
Everything's fine, Chandan.
We'll resume work on the house
once the lockdown ends.
Until then, don't leave the house.
- Dad, do you hear me?
- Yes. I'll stay home.
- Is Shoaib around?
- I'll tell him.
Sir!
Where's the supervisor?
The lockdown's nearly over.
When will work resume?
Listen. It's impossible to say right now.
We're doing our best.
To operate with 20% staff,
we need a permit,
which hasn't come yet.
Please come.
The COVID pandemic is forcing
millions of migrant workers
to leave the cities
and return to their villages.
On one hand,
there's hunger and unemployment,
and on the other hand,
the fear of the virus.
These workers have no choice
but to pack their few belongings
and walk thousands of kilometers
under the scorching sun.
Authorities have swung into action
to control the sudden surge
of people on the streets.
With rising COVID cases,
the public is being urged
to restrict their movements
and follow safety guidelines.
Attention!
Please wear masks in public,
and avoid stepping out of the home.
Maintain a social distance
of two meters in public places.
Please wear your masks,
and avoid stepping out.
Why is it shut?
Guard!
Open the gate!
Where's everyone?
Everyone left.
Government orders.
All mills will remain shut.
What?
They shut down the mills.
Why are you still here?
If I leave,
I'll be replaced by someone else.
Think it through.
You'll go all the way on foot,
in the middle of lockdown?
Want to rot here instead?
It's the second lockdown
in six weeks.
How long can we scrape by
like this, Shoaib?
If you guys leave,
we'll struggle with rent.
Then come with us.
What's holding you back?
We need to send money back home as well.
It's been a month,
and the supervisor's still absconding.
Without work, how will we feed ourselves?
Hunger will get us before COVID does.
You really think walking
1200 kilometers is easy?
Girdhari and his friends left a week ago.
- They still haven't reached home. They...
- Exactly!
We're not going on foot.
There's a special train leaving today.
We'll take that.
With or without tickets.
Stop!
- Where are you running off? Stop!
- Sir.
Where are you going?
Don't you know there's a lockdown?
Why are you out here?
- Sir
- Show me your travel permit.
- Hurry up!
- Yes, sir.
- Quick!
- Yes, sir.
Let's go.
- Here.
- This is an ID card!
Where's the permit?
Grab him!
- Travelling without a permit?
- Sir!
The government has warned us
so many times about this lockdown!
You were told not to step out!
But you idiots still don't get it!
- Why don't you understand?
- Sir!
Are you with him?
What's your name?
Hassan Ali, sir.
- Hassan Ali, Shoaib Ali! Bloody morons!
- Sir!
- Sir, please
- Sir!
Why did you give the wrong name?
I didn't.
I am your dad.
Hassan Ali.
"Shoaib
Bring me my crutches!"
Ass! I'll thrash you so bad,
you'll actually need crutches!
Why did you take
the blows on your hands?
Should've taken it on the ass.
Natural shock absorbers.
Sure, you'd know.
I can't eat rice and salt anymore.
I even dream of biryani now!
I can't do this either.
That truck driver,
Ghanshyam told us about?
Let's call him tomorrow and leave.
Why didn't you get my bag?
I packed all our stuff into one.
- Where were you?
- Round the corner.
- What's this?
- Nothing.
Show me!
- Come on!
- Go away!
Your dad's lungi.
Want to see it?
Let's go.
Move back,
or we'll have to use force!
- We want to go back home
- Consider this as a warning.
- Should we go through?
- Come on.
We want to go home! Yes, we do!
We're not your enemies!
We're your brothers, too.
Shoaib!
Shoaib, listen!
If anyone asks,
say your name is Avdesh Kumar.
Okay?
Let's go.
Wait!
No place.
The truck's full.
Where are you going?
- We're packed.
- Let them in.
Ask the driver.
- Sure, I'll let you know in a week.
- Sir! Sir!
- Please hang up now.
- They're saying it's full.
Come back next week.
We can't go back.
We'll sit anywhere.
- What are you doing?
- Sit down.
Stop the truck!
- Stop the truck!
- She is coughing!
- What's going on?
- God knows.
His wife's coughing.
At least drop us a bit ahead.
It's the middle of the night!
Drive on.
Let's go!
We'll be home
by tomorrow evening.
Ask your mom
to make us her best biryani.
I'm going to dive right into it.
Planning to come back?
I've decided to go back to college.
I'll finish my graduation.
Good on you.
What about you?
Once the loan is repaid,
I'll go to Dubai.
Imagine if we were graduates.
We'd set the world on fire!
We could even sit for
the UPSC exam.
From a constable
to a superintendent in a flash.
What's wrong?
Chandan.
Are you okay?
I'm cold.
Wait.
Sir!
My brother is feeling dizzy. Can we
sit inside? There's enough space.
- Sure, if no one objects. Get in.
- Okay.
Please come.
Scoot.
Please move a bit.
Are you okay?
Take it off.
- What's wrong with him?
- Nothing.
Why is he coughing?
We were on the roof all night.
He probably caught a cold.
He's lying!
I swear,
it's just a regular cold.
No! Stop the truck.
He's caught the virus!
Of course not!
What are you saying?
- Stop the truck!
- It's not COVID.
Ask them to get down.
Sir!
How can you just leave us
in the middle of nowhere?
What can I do?
We can't risk people's lives!
He doesn't have COVID.
Believe me!
Maybe you're right,
but it's out of my hands.
We paid you.
You have to drop us off at home!
Take your money. Here.
What do I do with this?
It won't take me anywhere.
That's the best I can do.
If you speak to them,
they'll listen!
Our village is 400 kilometers away.
How will we go?
Why are you taking off
your sweater?
I'm feeling hot.
Come on.
Let it out.
I can't do it.
I can't.
Have some water.
Drink it.
Come on.
Shoaib.
- Water.
- Come on.
Let's go.
We'll find something.
What are you city folks doing here?
We've been walking for a long time.
Can we have some water?
Spreading the virus to our village?
Get the hell out of here!
Please, just give us some water
and we'll go.
- No water for you. Don't you get it?
- Hit them!
- Get the hell out of here!
- Get lost!
We're leaving.
- Hey, lady!
- What are you doing?
Don't do that!
Get back inside!
Mom
Don't walk barefoot, Mom.
- What are you saying?
- Apply some ointment, Mom.
- Mom
- Chandan!
Wait.
Stop, please!
Wear your slippers
Apply some ointment, Mom.
We've been walking
for seven hours in the sun.
Is he sweating?
Not at all.
High fever, no sweat
It sounds like a heat stroke.
Get him to a hospital as soon as possible.
I've been trying,
but there's nothing around.
What can I do in the meantime?
Sir? Say something!
Shoaib, please understand.
You need to get him to a hospital.
If the fever gets to his brain,
it could be fatal.
Keep giving him water,
and get to a hospital somehow.
- Do you understand?
- Yes.
And don't let him fall asleep
at any cost.
Okay, sir.
- Make sure he stays awake. Okay?
- Okay.
Yes, Shoaib?
Mom!
Mom
Let's keep going.
Come on, Chandan.
Chandan! Chandan!
Open the door, Mom.
- Vaishali!
- Chandan!
- Get up! Chandan!
- Vaishali
Snap out of it!
We're far from home.
Chandan, wake up!
Sit up.
Wait.
You need to drink water.
Shoaib.
Shoaib.
I'm not going to make it.
I can't walk anymore.
Leave me here.
Go ahead.
Just keep going.
Hey! I'll slap you
if you talk such rubbish again!
You can do it!
Come on, sit up.
Come on, sit up.
Here, drink some water.
Come on.
Let's take this off.
There.
We're almost there.
We need to reach the highway.
Come on, Chandan.
Sit up.
Get up, come on.
I'll take your bag.
Come on.
Get up, Chandan.
Get up!
Yeah, don't give up.
Keep standing.
Come on.
Buck up.
Hop on!
That's my boy! Let's go.
Hold tight.
We're almost there.
Chandan?
Pull your legs up.
Chandan? Chandan!
Chandan.
Hey, Chandan! Chandan
Get up.
What are you doing?
Chandan!
Listen to me!
You can't sleep! Chandan!
What?
Don't you dare sleep,
I'll thrash you!
Open your eyes.
Here, have some water.
Open your mouth!
Here.
There! That's good.
Get up.
Get up, man.
Chandan.
Chandan? Chandan.
Listen, Chandan!
We've reached home.
You were right.
Look! We're at our spot, by the river!
Look! We've reached our village!
Your mom's waiting at the door.
Yes. Mom!
Wake up, come on!
Let's go in!
Come on, Chandan.
At least listen to your mom!
Chandan, see what my mom's cooking!
Your favorite biryani!
Yes. My mom's making biryani,
especially for you!
Look, everyone's helping out.
Vaishali and Mom
are grinding the masala.
Fresh, on the stone.
Sizzling onions!
A dash of saffron!
Can you smell the cardamom?
The table's laid.
Everyone's waiting.
Wake up, you ass!
Chandan.
Oh, man!
Look who's here! Sudha.
Sudha's here.
Sudha's here!
Yeah, look!
You lucky ass!
Look, Chandan!
Open your eyes.
Look, we're all having a feast.
Look, your mom, your dad!
Everyone's here!
Chandan!
It's no time to sleep!
Let's play cricket!
Throw me a ball.
Hold the ball, Chandan!
Hold the ball, Chandan!
Wake up, brother!
Please get up.
For God's sake, wake up.
I'll do whatever you say.
Chandan, get up!
We have so much left to do.
How will I go on without you?
Get up.
Chandan!
Chandan, get up!
Get up, you ass!
Get up!
Wake up!
Wake up, brother, I beg you.
Let's go inside, Mom.
- Let's go.
- No!
Before the autopsy,
they'll test the body for COVID.
Show the reports
at the state border.
If there's any problem,
call us, okay?
Please keep all his papers ready.
- Okay.
- We'll need them at the hospital.
Aunty
Dad, come here.
Sir?
Could you come here for a minute?
Keep it there.
Let's take a picture.
Stand still.
- Yes?
- Are you Chandan Kumar?
Yes.
We've been trying to reach you
for months, but we couldn't get through.
There's a letter for you
from the Police Recruitment Board.
Sign here, please.
Good day.
APPOINTMENT TO THE POSOF A POLICE CONSTABLE
- Okay.
Hurry.
Come on.
Chandan!
Where are you going?
Wait, goddammit!
Giving up already?
Can't you see
the swarm of applicants?
- No chance. I'll take the railway exam.
- That's just as competitive.
Why the hell
did you make me apply for this?
So, you'd rather be a laborer?
Buzz off, man.
We can't keep running away like this.
Look.
- When you wear that uniform
- Get up! Scram!
Your faith and caste no longer matter.
If I see you here again,
I'll beat you to a pulp. Move!
Go and sit over there.
Once we become cops,
no one will dare humiliate us.
Get the tickets.
I'll find us a spot to sit.
Okay.
Can I sit here?
Move over a bit.
Don't finish it!
Sorry.
Are you traveling alone
for the exam?
So?
No, I just
I mean
- I just...
- What do you mean?
Can't a girl travel alone?
I'm messing with you.
You had me there!
My dad had come along,
but he annoyed me with his pep talk.
So I sent him away.
Here. Scoot over.
Hold on.
I got the tickets.
He's taking the exam, too.
Mohammed Shoaib, my friend.
Friend, my foot!
I've been tolerating him since childhood.
Idiot!
And you are?
I'm Chandan.
Chandan?
Chandan Kumar.
I'm Sudha Bharti.
Attention, all passengers
travelling by the Pravasi Express,
the train shall now depart from
platform 2 instead of 1.
I'll call you back.
Mom, I'll call you back.
Let's go! Come on!
All passengers are requested
to proceed quickly to platform number 2.
Let's go.
- How do we go?
- This way.
Watch it.
Reaching the exam center
is a battle in itself.
Are we taking an exam
or going to war?
Welcome to the Police Recruitment Center.
To apply, press 1.
To know about our exam centers,
press 2.
To speak to the recruitment officer,
press 3.
Our officer will speak to you shortly.
Please hold. Thank you.
Welcome to the
Police Recruitment Center...
Hello.
Hello?
- Hello.
- Yes?
Sir, when can we expect
the police recruitment exam results?
It's been a year.
Will recruitment happen at all?
The senior officer has
gone for lunch.
Hello?
Hello, sir? Sir!
A gift from the heavens!
Mom, I'm sick of telling you this.
Apply ointment to your feet.
They're all cracked.
She insists on working barefoot.
She claims it keeps her
grounded, apparently!
Your granny's feet
were even more cracked.
People said that
if she marched into a field
like a soldier,
she'd harvest the entire field!
Her heels were like sickles.
These feet are
all I've inherited, son.
Salaam alaikum!
Wa alaikum assalam.
- How are you?
- God's been kind.
Take the bags to my bedroom.
Yes, sir.
All good?
Sir, I was wondering
If you could find out
about the police exam results
Recruitment happens
at the state level.
I have no connections there.
There were 2.5 million
applicants this year.
And 3500 vacancies.
So, 714 candidates
fighting for each position.
Listen to your father
and go to Dubai.
Did you ever consider
moving to Dubai?
Yes, I was tempted once.
Then I thought,
instead of running away,
I'd rather change the system
from within.
Our ancestors lived here.
This is where they rest.
Their blessings surround us.
When the call to prayer
echoes near our home,
I feel the presence of our ancestors.
The tomato chutney Mom makes
Nothing in the world
can match its flavor.
Our land, our skies,
our streets,
our friends, our language.
All this is home to me.
How can I leave it all behind?
Allah! Stop it.
You need to see a doctor.
It's just a sprain.
I'm not a cripple.
I'll return to the fields next month.
- In this state? How can you...
- Forget me, worry about yourself!
Sitting idle at home at this age
Why scold him so early in the morning?
He starts work today.
I woke up the laundry guy early
just to get you this shirt!
I could've brought it last night
and saved you the trip.
Now go home and sleep!
Don't act like you've landed
some high-paying job!
You're right.
At least I'm not a bum,
living off my folks like you.
Moron!
Wash my shirt
before you return it to me.
We'll see.
What the hell is that?
Did you rent it?
I bought it.
To remind me of my goal.
- You're so lame!
- Look who's talking!
Shoaib!
I need to go to the bathroom.
Bring me my crutches.
Shoaib!
A good salesman
doesn't just hit targets,
but prevents company losses, too.
Now, by aggressive sales,
I don't mean that you barge into
people's kitchens.
Yes, sir.
- Where's your tie?
- I forgot it.
At this rate,
the company will forget you.
Buck up.
- You're new here?
- Yes, sir.
What's your name?
Shoaib Ali.
I'm Vikas Tripathi.
All the best, Shoaib.
Thank you, sir.
- You're Mohammed Shoaib?
- Yes, sir.
Don't refill my bottle.
I'll do it myself.
As they say,
one should be self-reliant, right?
Right, sir.
By the way,
we need your ID tomorrow.
For our HR records.
I submitted them already.
Not yours. Your parents'.
It's mandatory.
They have IDs, right?
Yes, sir.
I'll get them tomorrow.
Here.
Do they ask for IDs
from every family?
You know why we are
singled out, right?
His uncle did his best to get him
a mechanic's job in Dubai,
and he turns it down.
He'd rather stay here,
and be humiliated every day.
A hostel or rented room
will be expensive.
College isn't that far off.
I can take the bus.
- My dad is here. Bye.
- Sudha, when will we meet?
Your dad gave you shit again?
Or was it your boss?
So, it was both.
Once you're a cop, give your baton
to your dad as a crutch.
He'll walk more and whine less.
I can see it all clearly.
I'll build a concrete house.
I'll lounge on the terrace
in my uniform.
Everyone will salute me.
And I'll thump my thigh
and twirl my moustache!
Can you even grow a moustache?
Shut up!
Better than you!
If you say so.
Will you rent a bike tomorrow?
What for?
I can't be late for the match.
The prize money is 5000 rupees.
How about a biryani treat?
I won't buy you shit!
Got him!
- Get him out!
- Come on.
Go, Shoaib!
- Run hard!
- Good job!
- Run!
- Come on!
It's out!
- What nonsense!
- It's out!
- He's not out!
- My bat was in the crease!
- Nonsense...
- You're out. Get lost.
I'm talking to the umpire.
Go and play with your people.
Don't come back here.
- What did you say?
- Who are you staring at?
Get lost!
Acting tough?
- Move it!
- You moron!
- Don't touch him, moron!
- How dare you hit him!
How dare you!
- I'll bury you alive if I see you again!
- Leave it.
Better watch it, scumbag!
Sir?
The police exam results?
Which year?
Last year's.
Recruitments are on hold.
It's under investigation.
Sit down.
Have a seat.
Get him some water.
Don't lose heart.
Apply for other exams.
It's been a year.
I missed all other exams
waiting for this one.
It's a government job.
You have to be patient.
What's your name, son?
Chandan.
Chandan Kumar.
And your last name?
Chandan Kumar, that's it.
You're from the reserved category?
Why worry then?
The state gives you everything.
No, I'm from the general category.
So, what's your caste?
Kayastha, sir.
- Which clan?
- Bharadwaj.
Sir.
Good.
These quota rats
grab all the jobs.
They get everything on a platter!
And we're left with
only the crumbs.
Isn't it?
Absolutely, sir.
No one's doing us favors!
It's our right.
That officer was an ass,
but you're no better.
Why do you always apply
in the general category?
Don't be ashamed to check the box
that asks for your caste.
- No one can...
- Because I'm scared!
That even if I become a cop,
they'll make me sweep floors.
I scored seven wickets
in that match!
And who hogged the limelight?
That Shukla boy.
I won us the match.
They didn't let me touch the trophy
because of my caste.
You knew you were
the man of the match, right?
No matter what we achieve,
we'll always be reduced to
a check box on a form,
and that's the bloody truth.
When I say my name,
people look down on me.
If I hide it,
I look down on myself.
If only I had
an upper caste surname!
Then I might've hesitated
to tell you my name the other day.
I took the police exam
only to escape this shame.
But what would that change, Chandan?
These folks don't fear the uniform.
Being a cop
is no big deal to them.
They'll sit at the table,
with forks and knives,
and make us sit on the floor.
So, I've decided to carry
my own chair everywhere.
I'll complete my graduation.
I might even pursue a PhD later.
That's how we'll get
a seat at the table.
You have one month
to pay the fees.
Two subjects are optional.
The rest are compulsory.
You have to tick a category.
- Keep disease and germs at bay
- Keep disease and germs at bay
- Lather well and rinse away!
- Lather well and rinse away!
Keep disease and germs at bay
- Lather well
- And rinse away!
Go.
I did the math.
With the combined cost
of cement and bricks,
we're still running quite short.
Yet another year
under a leaky roof.
Mom!
You get mad if I say it.
But
Can't you speak to Chandan?
If he takes up a job,
we'll have enough in a year.
No, love.
Your brother wants to study.
Let him.
We couldn't give you that chance.
You see, the reading shows 250,
which means it's not drinkable.
But don't worry,
we have the best technology:
Puros RO filter with UV,
that is, ultraviolet radiation technology,
and UF, which is
ultraviolet filtration.
- And the...
- All that's fine,
but it seems too expensive.
You can pay in installments.
Why would we do that?
We don't need this.
- Sir...
- Ma'am.
Yes?
Yes?
Ma'am, if I may
You know how unclean water
can cause typhoid,
diarrhea and various illnesses.
Think of all those medical bills.
We boil our water.
That's great.
You do the right thing.
But boiling water costs
15 to 20 rupees a day.
Right?
And gas prices keep soaring.
In the long run,
our filter will save you money,
and protect your health, too.
Ask him about the discount.
- Can we get a discount?
- Of course!
Tejas, go ahead. I'll join you.
Shoaib.
Sorry, sir, I
I was out of line there.
Well, you did overstep a bit.
But that was quite impressive.
I noticed those medicines too.
You have a great sales instinct!
It's what we call
entrepreneurial skills.
Thank you, sir.
You should join our sales team.
I'm not even a graduate, sir.
I don't speak English that well.
English isn't everything.
Sir?
Your appreciation means a lot to me.
The thing is,
I'm awaiting my exam results.
- Exam?
- Yes, sir.
Which one?
The state police exam.
Constable post.
I thought I'd take up this job
in the meantime.
Excellent.
I knew you were talented.
Thank you, sir.
- Is the college expensive?
- It's a government college.
Well, it's your first day at work.
I'm not going to drop you every day.
Hop on, Your Highness!
Eight hours at college could be
eight hours of paid work instead.
Have you really thought this through?
Trade receivable is equal to 250,000.
Creditors' payment period is equal to
trade payable into 365
by creditors' purchase.
Fixed asset turnover ratio
is equal to the cost of
- What's wrong?
- Nothing.
I've got secondhand copies too.
They're cheaper.
No, thank you.
My first year textbooks.
I don't need them anymore.
Figured you could use them.
I've also slipped in a love letter.
I'm just messing with you.
Adam Smith was the first formulator
of capitalist theory.
The inherent tendency
of the capitalist's evolution is to raise
Are you also in your second year?
No, first year.
I'll get you something to eat.
No, we're just going to study.
DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR
Fine, you study.
I'll get some snacks.
When a company pays salaries,
it's an expense.
So, what's the entry for that?
- Credit.
- No, it's debit!
Yes, debit, debit!
That's what I meant.
When salaries are paid,
it's a cash outflow.
And an outflow of cash means
Am I still on a trial period?
Make this entry first.
So, I've moved from debit to credit!
Eid Mubarak!
Eid Mubarak.
We just have to arrange the money.
Look at this filthy cockroach!
See his sneaky, sly face?
Our famous local biryani thief!
If you see him, smack him hard!
Stop it, Shoaib!
- Come, dear.
- He's so mean!
Don't worry, I'll save the best pieces
for you. Come on.
Yes, feed him!
Feeding strays is a noble deed.
Come on, son.
Come, Dad.
What's that?
Give me the pieces
your mom kept for me.
It's Eid, don't make me swear.
Just eat.
- Have some more.
- I'm good.
- How's work going?
- Very well.
Since it's Eid,
I won't swear either!
The results are out!
Don't mess around.
I'm serious, look!
I got a message.
- Click on the link.
- It's not opening.
- Shall we go to Mangal's?
- Yeah!
Did you pass?
- We won't know till we find out!
- We'll be back soon.
Check mine first.
Weren't you going to college?
Shut up, moron!
You passed the exam!
Damn, you're through!
Chandan, you made it!
You made it!
- I made it! Holy shit!
- Yes, you did!
- I am through!
- Chandan!
Let's check yours.
Shoaib.
It's Khan.
How's that possible?
Check again.
I checked.
Shoaib
- Put me down! What happened?
- She'll fall!
I passed the exam!
So, then?
You got the job?
Only the physical exam's left.
That'll be a breeze!
What about college?
Who cares?
Your brother's going to be a cop!
I'll start training tomorrow.
Salute, sir!
Finally
We can build a proper house!
Yes.
What about Shoaib?
Chandan made it.
CONSTABLE RECRUITMENT EXAM
I'm in the office, Chandan.
Talk to you later.
Listen.
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
Apply for the next year.
You'll pass it.
I've hit the age limit.
In that case
Apply for the junior inspector post?
It requires a bachelor's degree.
What about the railways?
The railway board...
Did I ask for advice?
I'm busy. I'll call you later.
Hurry up, man!
Had you consulted us early,
we could've helped.
But now
When can I resume work
in the field?
Please understand.
Your knee is fully damaged.
You can't walk
without crutches anymore.
Allah! All his life?
Is there no cure, doctor?
He'll need an operation.
Knee replacement surgery.
But it'll cost a lot.
How much?
At least 200,000 rupees.
But you can get a medical loan.
Pay in instalments.
- How much is...
- Thank you, doctor.
We'll think about it.
Dad, wait.
- Let me ask her.
- It'll be years of hefty instalments.
Can you earn that much?
Let's go.
Come in, Shoaib.
- Tell me.
- Sir
That sales job you mentioned
I'd like to join.
What about the police recruitment
Sales instinct is one thing.
Being a salesperson is another.
And he's not even a graduate.
He's not a graduate,
but he gets the customer's pulse,
and that's what matters!
Smooth talk might close
a deal or two,
but it won't meet sales targets.
Shoaib, we all appreciate your work.
Including me.
But a company runs on protocols.
Right?
What is it?
You said it was urgent.
What could I do?
You barely answer the phone.
And when you do,
you refuse to say anything.
Just let me be for a while.
Shoaib.
Listen to me.
How long will you keep sulking?
At least one of us made it.
I'll take care of everything.
Sure. All I needed
was your charity.
No matter what I say,
you get pissed.
Yeah, I'm pissed.
Is it my fault that I did well
and you didn't?
Why are you mad at me?
What do you think?
That you're better than me?
I convinced you to take the exam.
You were giving up.
Forgot already?
So, you think I'm not good enough?
Not at all.
You had it all laid out for you.
Your folks slave away
at construction sites,
bleeding through their heels.
Why?
So their blue-eyed boy
can chase his dreams!
But instead of earning
a few bucks for his family,
he's off to college
to impress a girl!
And what are you?
A peon dreaming of being an officer?
You're not even fit to wash dishes!
So you'll decide my worth?
- You're scared of your own name!
- And you're so brave, right?
You were too proud to go to Dubai.
Your father is suffering
because of your false pride!
Got the guts to hear the truth?
If your father's crippled,
you're his broken leg!
You will...
I don't need another father.
Don't show me your face again.
Attention, candidates.
Water is available at booth number 35.
Individuals holding tokens 100 to 150,
proceed to booth number 7 for your
height and weight measurements.
Next.
Easy.
Thirty-six.
Expand your chest.
Your numbers are impressive.
Sir, the appointment letter?
It will arrive at the police station.
They'll call you.
Allah!
Shoaib!
Shoaib!
- What's wrong?
- He slipped.
Get up.
There.
Enough.
Hold his head.
I'll get him a warm compress.
Let's go to the hospital tomorrow.
No need.
I just got up too quickly.
Don't worry.
- Mom, the compress?
- Shoaib.
Don't go to Dubai.
Follow your heart, son.
Seeing you sad like this
It breaks my heart.
I did warn you, sir.
These people can't be trusted.
He's not answering.
All this while,
you were vouching for a thief!
Now you see why we need graduates?
Let's call the cops.
Let them thrash him in jail.
That's how they learn.
Shoaib?
Shoaib!
Come here!
Got nothing to say?
He won't speak like this.
Once the cops arrive,
he'll spill everything.
- I sold the units, sir.
- What?
Have you lost it?
Sir.
I sold four units
and got four confirmed orders.
What?
I took the purifiers
without permission.
But had I asked,
you all would've refused.
This is outrageous!
How can anyone...
- Hold on.
- Sir.
You closed eight orders
in one day?
- Is that right?
- Sir.
Yes, sir.
One of our highest
single-day sales! Guys.
Your method was definitely wrong.
But this is the fire
a salesman should have.
Everything is fair
in love, war, and sales!
- Well done!
- Thank you, sir.
And while you train, don't forget
your office duties. Okay?
- Some more, please?
- Sure.
- Want more?
- No, thank you.
They're really enjoying the food.
Yes, sir.
Can I get you a plate?
- If you don't mind.
- Of course not!
Mom starts work at school on Monday.
She'll get 7000 a month.
Dad gets 10,000,
and I get 12,000.
Make it 17,000 from me.
How?
I got a job at a cloth mill in Surat.
They're paying 19,000.
I can send 17,000 rupees every month.
Cloth mills have heavy machines.
- Can you handle them?
- Why not?
I'm still young.
Speak for yourself, old hag!
Should I lift you now?
Oh, come on!
Hello, Sudha?
Been bunking college?
I
- I haven't been feeling well lately.
- What's wrong?
Nothing serious.
Then meet me.
Come to my sister's wedding.
No excuses. Okay?
Bye.
HEMANT WEDS MEGHA
I'll get my joining letter soon.
So that's why
you've been skipping college?
I don't see the point anymore
Why did you enroll then?
Did you join college just for me?
No, Sudha.
It's not like that.
Listen.
At the time,
going to college made sense.
But right now,
I need this constable's job
to support my family.
You know,
it won't change anything.
See the bigger picture!
With a degree,
you could become a superintendent.
Your dad didn't go to college either.
- He's still a lineman.
- Exactly. He's just a lineman.
He'll remain one until he retires.
Without a promotion or dignity.
Just for lack of a degree.
I told you
we could study together.
Yes, Sudha, I know.
I'm the first in my family
to go to college.
And it's all thanks to you.
But put yourself in my shoes!
You live in a decent
two-room government quarters.
While you video call me
from your lovely rooftop
I stare at a hole in my roof.
I know it's not easy.
But those before us
fought for our rights.
That's how we got here.
- We must take the fight ahead...
- This is my fight.
It's just not
what you want it to be.
This job will get me
both money and respect.
Perhaps you're right, but
It'll always bother me
that you gave up studying.
I really love you, Chandan.
But I can't sacrifice my values.
So you keep your values
And I'll keep my job.
Everyone's gone for training.
- When do they return?
- No idea.
I'll wait here.
Even if it takes until tomorrow.
- Shoaib, sign here.
- Sure.
Please have some.
I'm trying to avoid sugar, but
Get a copy
of your employment letter.
Okay.
You'll get the loan soon.
Then we'll contact the hospital.
Soon, you'll be sprinting
in the field!
Listen.
Don't tell anyone I told you,
or else they'll fire me.
We received an official notice.
It said that, this year
Recruitment has been
put on hold indefinitely.
Indefinitely?
What does that mean?
It could take six months,
or even a year.
What happened?
Look, Mr. Mishra.
We have nothing against this lady.
But there's no way
we'll let our kids
eat food touched by her!
My daughter takes your kids
to the toilet.
When they're sick,
she feeds them medicine.
Aren't we untouchable then?
- How could you throw away food?
- Damn right, we can!
Can't they stick to the work
they're meant for?
To eat what she cooks
Better watch your tongue,
or we'll call the cops!
Wait.
She has a constitutional right
to this job.
You can be arrested
under the SC/ST Act.
- But...
- Mr. Mishra! Spare us the sermon!
If this woman continues to cook here,
our kids won't come here anymore.
- Damn right!
- Why will we send them here?
Yes, they won't!
It's either her or us.
Throw her out.
Is this how you raise your kids?
What an example you're setting!
Our kids won't eat food
cooked by her.
Did she eat?
She hasn't eaten a thing,
or said a word.
If I were a cop,
no one would dare insult Mom.
The joining letter will soon arrive.
Then everything will work out.
Will it, Vaishali?
Every time I try to lift myself up,
the world drags me down!
What are you lifting exactly?
Mom and Dad slog every day
While I'm stuck
washing kids' butts.
Vaishali, I know
how much you've done for us...
I didn't want to! I'm tired!
I wanted to go to college too, but
In this family,
you're the only one who
gets to choose, Chandan.
Don't go to Surat, Dad.
Why?
I'll go.
But your appointment letter...
To hell with the letter, and that job!
What makes you say that?
You've waited this long.
What's a little longer?
It's a government job.
I've spent half my life
just waiting for this!
Enough is enough.
Let me do my part now.
Bless you.
Bless you.
You can take Shabbir's spot for now.
We'll see once your shift is fixed.
As in?
We stay here in turns.
When the night shift leaves,
the day shift moves in.
Hurry up, man!
Hey, buddy!
Wake up!
Who finished the water?
There's another bucket full.
As the fabric goes up,
it shouldn't get creased.
Stretch it.
Avoid any folds. Yes.
Just like that. Good.
Hey, don't you get it?
The water is running.
Turn off the water,
or it'll get cold!
Pay attention.
- May I come in, sir?
- Yes.
- Mr. Mishra, could I have a word?
- Tell me.
I've taken a medical loan
for my father, and
I need a copy
of my employment letter.
Oh, yeah, that reminds me.
Get a clearance certificate
from the police.
For our records.
I can't issue the letter without it.
But, sir, I thought
- Do you have a criminal record?
- No, sir.
What's the issue then?
By the way, the boss is hosting
a party at his farmhouse tonight.
To watch the cricket final.
Everyone's invited.
Join us.
Of course. Thank you, sir.
Tell me something.
How's it working nine hours a day?
Go on, pull my leg!
By the way,
don't try to be a hero!
Why are you sending us
your entire salary?
No matter what
Our house must be ready this year.
Hold on.
Let me show you something.
Dad! Say something.
Son.
The first bricks of the house
bear the names of both of you.
Look.
CHANDAN
VAISHALI
Lo and behold,
the foundation is laid!
By the time you get back,
the pillars will be up.
Son.
I made some halwa.
Mom!
You're going to be promoted.
Don't go empty-handed.
Share it with everyone.
They'll love it.
Don't forget the box there!
India vs Pakistan is called
modern cricket's biggest rivalry
for a reason.
- What do you think?
- Absolutely.
There are 50,342 people in the stadium,
all watching the match.
This is sensational.
- Sir.
- Shoaib? You're late!
It's almost halftime.
I had trouble finding a bus.
Okay. Have a seat.
Please sit.
What's this?
Sir, my mother sent halwa for dessert.
Wonderful.
Keep it there.
We'll have it when India wins.
Okay, sir.
Come, sit here.
- How are you?
- Very well, sir.
What do you think?
No way Pakistan can score 345.
We're winning!
- We'll thrash them!
- Suraj! Suraj! Suraj!
He's sent that one
out of the park!
And India concludes its innings
with a total of 350 runs.
The second innings begins,
and Pakistan is out to bat.
Four balls to go.
Pakistan needs only seven runs.
This match is a real cliffhanger.
India or Pakistan?
Impossible to predict who'll win.
Rehan smacks the ball into the air.
Ahmad Mushtaq is well-positioned
to catch it
Catch it!
And he drops it!
Ahmad Mushtaq! Big blunder!
Bloody Mushtaq!
He should join their team!
It was a simple catch!
The Pakistani batsmen
have just scored two runs.
Pakistan now has three balls
to score five runs.
Mushtaq steps up to bowl.
He bowls the ball and
And it's over!
Pakistan's last wicket falls,
India has won!
Ahmad Mushtaq has clean-bowled
Pakistan's Rehan Malik.
Pakistan is all out.
What a terrific bowler!
Splendid! Ahmed Mushtaq
is India's brightest star!
Long live India!
Come on.
Let's eat. Come, Shoaib.
- After you, sir.
- Don't be silly!
- Here.
- Sir.
Shoaib.
Don't be shy.
You're part of the team.
- Please help yourself.
- Okay, sir.
Try some kebabs.
It's an authentic recipe from Lahore!
Well, I'm a pure vegetarian.
As for how authentic the recipe is
Only Shoaib can tell!
I'm sure he's an expert
on Lahori cuisine!
Yeah, taste and tell us!
Sir, he nearly lunged at the screen
when Mustafa dropped that catch!
Is that why you've been nursing
the same drink all evening?
Plan to sip on it all night?
What happened to Shoaib?
Why's he sulking?
Isn't it obvious?
His team lost, after all!
If he could, I'm sure
he'd jump into the stadium
and scoop up
eight wickets for them.
Just like he scooped up
all those purifiers from the office!
Mr. Mishra, what the hell?
What nonsense is this?
Shoaib, we're kidding.
Please eat.
Sir. Excuse me, sir.
Yeah, eat!
How long will you mourn?
Didn't Shoaib's mom send halwa?
Yes, sir. Please have some.
I'm sure the halwa is
authentically Lahori!
Yeah? I thought it was homemade.
For Shoaib, it's one and the same.
Sir!
I've had enough.
- Shoaib, calm down.
- No, sir.
- We're kidding.
- No. I'm resigning.
Shoaib!
What's wrong with him?
Wait, Shoaib.
Don't quit your job!
- Wait!
- Wait for what, sir?
To be humiliated further?
They're all drunk.
They are not in their senses.
- Their jokes went too far...
- But I'm the joke here!
What's wrong, Shoaib?
Nothing. The food's too hot.
You seem quite settled here.
How many of you are here?
What are you doing?
Let go of me!
So, what now?
Dubai?
Companies there take away
your passport for two years.
I can't leave my father in this condition.
Mom can't manage alone.
So, join me here.
Save up for your dad's surgery.
You can keep visiting home.
Let's play a round of cricket.
I'm not in the mood.
Stop sulking now. Come on!
You look dead like that ball.
Give me that.
If you pick up this ball,
and grip it tight
It finds its purpose.
And if you aim and throw it right,
it can knock out
even the greatest batsman!
A ball only comes alive in the air.
On the ground, it just lies dead.
It shouldn't have any folds.
Look, Chandan!
Our brand new house.
Dad's watering the cement. Dad!
Look at this!
Stairs leading up to the rooftop.
Let's go inside.
Mom and Aunty Shehnaz
are preparing the plaster.
This is the bedroom.
Shehnaz, add some water.
Here.
Happy birthday, bugger!
Look here.
Nice!
- Give us some cake, too.
- Good.
We all pitched in.
Left to Chandan,
he'd save it for breakfast!
Chandan?
Come here.
Happy birthday.
Sorry, I didn't get you a gift.
You're his gift, Sudha!
I feel terrible, Chandan.
I wasn't fair to you.
Actually
All my life,
I saw my father fail.
I got desperate to see you succeed.
I failed to see
how different our struggles are.
Listen.
Never apologize for your values.
Loving each other shouldn't mean
That we lose ourselves.
I won't lie.
What you said that day
It did hurt.
But I get it now.
For a seat at the table
I need to get off the floor
and find my chair.
Come back soon, then.
I'll sit right next to you.
Call once you reach.
Not before that?
- Is it fine?
- Yes.
- How long will the transfer take?
- One hour.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Hello, Mr. Shrivastav.
Yes, Shoaib. Tell me.
I've made the transfer.
Sixty thousand upfront.
I'll pay the rest in instalments.
Had you paid 75,000,
the instalments would be easier.
Okay.
- When are you coming?
- I'll reach tomorrow.
Shoaib!
- I'll be right here, okay?
- Wait here.
I'll be here.
Did everything go well?
Yeah, all good.
He'll be discharged in three days.
That's great.
Did the supervisor say anything?
No, I handled it.
Apparently, there's some disease
spreading all over.
- Is everything okay there?
- Yeah.
There's chaos at the hospital.
The nurses keep asking us
to cover our faces.
Why don't you stay back?
How can I?
I have to pay the loan.
I'll be back by Monday.
Share it among yourselves.
He barely eats.
I'm there.
- Take care of yourself.
- Goodbye, Mom.
Dad.
You heard the doctors.
Stay off the fields for two months.
I was looking for you guys,
and you're chilling on the rooftop!
You sure took a while!
I couldn't find a ride.
I had to walk from the bus station.
It's because of the curfew
to eradicate COVID.
Right.
What's that?
Halwa puri? What's the occasion?
Chandan snuck some
from the boss's buffet.
You're incorrigible!
- Wait!
- Man!
Ghanshyam, back off!
Don't you dare touch my pickle!
Relax.
We won't touch it.
Stay away!
- Stay away...
- Give us!
- Fine, take some.
- I'll take some.
Hey, Mithilesh!
Stop the machines!
Halt everything!
Everyone, listen carefully.
The government has declared
a 21-day lockdown.
- Will the mill be shut too?
- Yes.
The lockdown starts at midnight.
Give me one kilo.
There's enough for everyone!
Be patient!
Shoaib!
Where the hell were you?
Where were you?
You weren't answering my calls!
I tried calling you, too!
I saw online
that the stores are staying open.
Look at the rush!
Stocks will run out.
- I'll check out some other stores.
- Okay.
Meet me at home.
And keep your phone on!
Mister!
Don't you know there's a lockdown?
Go back. Not allowed.
No one's allowed outside.
ID?
I spoke to the doctor.
Some pain after surgery is normal.
The painkillers cost 500 rupees.
I said we can't afford
Just buy them, Dad.
Don't worry about money.
- What do you mean?
- Work will resume next month.
They've eased the instalments.
I have money. Buy the medicines.
Come forward.
There's no work here.
The contractor shooed us away.
Why are you worrying him?
Everything's fine, Chandan.
We'll resume work on the house
once the lockdown ends.
Until then, don't leave the house.
- Dad, do you hear me?
- Yes. I'll stay home.
- Is Shoaib around?
- I'll tell him.
Sir!
Where's the supervisor?
The lockdown's nearly over.
When will work resume?
Listen. It's impossible to say right now.
We're doing our best.
To operate with 20% staff,
we need a permit,
which hasn't come yet.
Please come.
The COVID pandemic is forcing
millions of migrant workers
to leave the cities
and return to their villages.
On one hand,
there's hunger and unemployment,
and on the other hand,
the fear of the virus.
These workers have no choice
but to pack their few belongings
and walk thousands of kilometers
under the scorching sun.
Authorities have swung into action
to control the sudden surge
of people on the streets.
With rising COVID cases,
the public is being urged
to restrict their movements
and follow safety guidelines.
Attention!
Please wear masks in public,
and avoid stepping out of the home.
Maintain a social distance
of two meters in public places.
Please wear your masks,
and avoid stepping out.
Why is it shut?
Guard!
Open the gate!
Where's everyone?
Everyone left.
Government orders.
All mills will remain shut.
What?
They shut down the mills.
Why are you still here?
If I leave,
I'll be replaced by someone else.
Think it through.
You'll go all the way on foot,
in the middle of lockdown?
Want to rot here instead?
It's the second lockdown
in six weeks.
How long can we scrape by
like this, Shoaib?
If you guys leave,
we'll struggle with rent.
Then come with us.
What's holding you back?
We need to send money back home as well.
It's been a month,
and the supervisor's still absconding.
Without work, how will we feed ourselves?
Hunger will get us before COVID does.
You really think walking
1200 kilometers is easy?
Girdhari and his friends left a week ago.
- They still haven't reached home. They...
- Exactly!
We're not going on foot.
There's a special train leaving today.
We'll take that.
With or without tickets.
Stop!
- Where are you running off? Stop!
- Sir.
Where are you going?
Don't you know there's a lockdown?
Why are you out here?
- Sir
- Show me your travel permit.
- Hurry up!
- Yes, sir.
- Quick!
- Yes, sir.
Let's go.
- Here.
- This is an ID card!
Where's the permit?
Grab him!
- Travelling without a permit?
- Sir!
The government has warned us
so many times about this lockdown!
You were told not to step out!
But you idiots still don't get it!
- Why don't you understand?
- Sir!
Are you with him?
What's your name?
Hassan Ali, sir.
- Hassan Ali, Shoaib Ali! Bloody morons!
- Sir!
- Sir, please
- Sir!
Why did you give the wrong name?
I didn't.
I am your dad.
Hassan Ali.
"Shoaib
Bring me my crutches!"
Ass! I'll thrash you so bad,
you'll actually need crutches!
Why did you take
the blows on your hands?
Should've taken it on the ass.
Natural shock absorbers.
Sure, you'd know.
I can't eat rice and salt anymore.
I even dream of biryani now!
I can't do this either.
That truck driver,
Ghanshyam told us about?
Let's call him tomorrow and leave.
Why didn't you get my bag?
I packed all our stuff into one.
- Where were you?
- Round the corner.
- What's this?
- Nothing.
Show me!
- Come on!
- Go away!
Your dad's lungi.
Want to see it?
Let's go.
Move back,
or we'll have to use force!
- We want to go back home
- Consider this as a warning.
- Should we go through?
- Come on.
We want to go home! Yes, we do!
We're not your enemies!
We're your brothers, too.
Shoaib!
Shoaib, listen!
If anyone asks,
say your name is Avdesh Kumar.
Okay?
Let's go.
Wait!
No place.
The truck's full.
Where are you going?
- We're packed.
- Let them in.
Ask the driver.
- Sure, I'll let you know in a week.
- Sir! Sir!
- Please hang up now.
- They're saying it's full.
Come back next week.
We can't go back.
We'll sit anywhere.
- What are you doing?
- Sit down.
Stop the truck!
- Stop the truck!
- She is coughing!
- What's going on?
- God knows.
His wife's coughing.
At least drop us a bit ahead.
It's the middle of the night!
Drive on.
Let's go!
We'll be home
by tomorrow evening.
Ask your mom
to make us her best biryani.
I'm going to dive right into it.
Planning to come back?
I've decided to go back to college.
I'll finish my graduation.
Good on you.
What about you?
Once the loan is repaid,
I'll go to Dubai.
Imagine if we were graduates.
We'd set the world on fire!
We could even sit for
the UPSC exam.
From a constable
to a superintendent in a flash.
What's wrong?
Chandan.
Are you okay?
I'm cold.
Wait.
Sir!
My brother is feeling dizzy. Can we
sit inside? There's enough space.
- Sure, if no one objects. Get in.
- Okay.
Please come.
Scoot.
Please move a bit.
Are you okay?
Take it off.
- What's wrong with him?
- Nothing.
Why is he coughing?
We were on the roof all night.
He probably caught a cold.
He's lying!
I swear,
it's just a regular cold.
No! Stop the truck.
He's caught the virus!
Of course not!
What are you saying?
- Stop the truck!
- It's not COVID.
Ask them to get down.
Sir!
How can you just leave us
in the middle of nowhere?
What can I do?
We can't risk people's lives!
He doesn't have COVID.
Believe me!
Maybe you're right,
but it's out of my hands.
We paid you.
You have to drop us off at home!
Take your money. Here.
What do I do with this?
It won't take me anywhere.
That's the best I can do.
If you speak to them,
they'll listen!
Our village is 400 kilometers away.
How will we go?
Why are you taking off
your sweater?
I'm feeling hot.
Come on.
Let it out.
I can't do it.
I can't.
Have some water.
Drink it.
Come on.
Shoaib.
- Water.
- Come on.
Let's go.
We'll find something.
What are you city folks doing here?
We've been walking for a long time.
Can we have some water?
Spreading the virus to our village?
Get the hell out of here!
Please, just give us some water
and we'll go.
- No water for you. Don't you get it?
- Hit them!
- Get the hell out of here!
- Get lost!
We're leaving.
- Hey, lady!
- What are you doing?
Don't do that!
Get back inside!
Mom
Don't walk barefoot, Mom.
- What are you saying?
- Apply some ointment, Mom.
- Mom
- Chandan!
Wait.
Stop, please!
Wear your slippers
Apply some ointment, Mom.
We've been walking
for seven hours in the sun.
Is he sweating?
Not at all.
High fever, no sweat
It sounds like a heat stroke.
Get him to a hospital as soon as possible.
I've been trying,
but there's nothing around.
What can I do in the meantime?
Sir? Say something!
Shoaib, please understand.
You need to get him to a hospital.
If the fever gets to his brain,
it could be fatal.
Keep giving him water,
and get to a hospital somehow.
- Do you understand?
- Yes.
And don't let him fall asleep
at any cost.
Okay, sir.
- Make sure he stays awake. Okay?
- Okay.
Yes, Shoaib?
Mom!
Mom
Let's keep going.
Come on, Chandan.
Chandan! Chandan!
Open the door, Mom.
- Vaishali!
- Chandan!
- Get up! Chandan!
- Vaishali
Snap out of it!
We're far from home.
Chandan, wake up!
Sit up.
Wait.
You need to drink water.
Shoaib.
Shoaib.
I'm not going to make it.
I can't walk anymore.
Leave me here.
Go ahead.
Just keep going.
Hey! I'll slap you
if you talk such rubbish again!
You can do it!
Come on, sit up.
Come on, sit up.
Here, drink some water.
Come on.
Let's take this off.
There.
We're almost there.
We need to reach the highway.
Come on, Chandan.
Sit up.
Get up, come on.
I'll take your bag.
Come on.
Get up, Chandan.
Get up!
Yeah, don't give up.
Keep standing.
Come on.
Buck up.
Hop on!
That's my boy! Let's go.
Hold tight.
We're almost there.
Chandan?
Pull your legs up.
Chandan? Chandan!
Chandan.
Hey, Chandan! Chandan
Get up.
What are you doing?
Chandan!
Listen to me!
You can't sleep! Chandan!
What?
Don't you dare sleep,
I'll thrash you!
Open your eyes.
Here, have some water.
Open your mouth!
Here.
There! That's good.
Get up.
Get up, man.
Chandan.
Chandan? Chandan.
Listen, Chandan!
We've reached home.
You were right.
Look! We're at our spot, by the river!
Look! We've reached our village!
Your mom's waiting at the door.
Yes. Mom!
Wake up, come on!
Let's go in!
Come on, Chandan.
At least listen to your mom!
Chandan, see what my mom's cooking!
Your favorite biryani!
Yes. My mom's making biryani,
especially for you!
Look, everyone's helping out.
Vaishali and Mom
are grinding the masala.
Fresh, on the stone.
Sizzling onions!
A dash of saffron!
Can you smell the cardamom?
The table's laid.
Everyone's waiting.
Wake up, you ass!
Chandan.
Oh, man!
Look who's here! Sudha.
Sudha's here.
Sudha's here!
Yeah, look!
You lucky ass!
Look, Chandan!
Open your eyes.
Look, we're all having a feast.
Look, your mom, your dad!
Everyone's here!
Chandan!
It's no time to sleep!
Let's play cricket!
Throw me a ball.
Hold the ball, Chandan!
Hold the ball, Chandan!
Wake up, brother!
Please get up.
For God's sake, wake up.
I'll do whatever you say.
Chandan, get up!
We have so much left to do.
How will I go on without you?
Get up.
Chandan!
Chandan, get up!
Get up, you ass!
Get up!
Wake up!
Wake up, brother, I beg you.
Let's go inside, Mom.
- Let's go.
- No!
Before the autopsy,
they'll test the body for COVID.
Show the reports
at the state border.
If there's any problem,
call us, okay?
Please keep all his papers ready.
- Okay.
- We'll need them at the hospital.
Aunty
Dad, come here.
Sir?
Could you come here for a minute?
Keep it there.
Let's take a picture.
Stand still.
- Yes?
- Are you Chandan Kumar?
Yes.
We've been trying to reach you
for months, but we couldn't get through.
There's a letter for you
from the Police Recruitment Board.
Sign here, please.
Good day.
APPOINTMENT TO THE POSOF A POLICE CONSTABLE