Natoker Moto: Like a Play (2015) - full transcript

Everyone ! Keep a little quiet

Hello ?

What ?

What are you saying ?!

What happened Amit ?

What happened ?

Kheya. You promised to look
after me in old age…?

Open your eyes Kheyas

Open your eyes !

Who put vermillion on her ?

Who put it !
She never wore vermillion !



Why have you put
so many flowers !?

She’ll get hurt !

Kheya loves flowers

Where are you taking her ?

LIKE A PLAY

Kheya Di, you left us in the midst
of your work...

We shall remember you in the
midst of our work - Natakar

My little girl !

"Kheya Chakrabarty drowns in the Ganges
Murder, Suicide or Accident? Investigations on"

Have you understood the
case Bhabodulal Babu ?

Yes, sir

I’ll start from tomorrow

Have you ever seen theatre ?

Yes, sir
In my locality



I acted as well

She was a part of a group theatre

Group theatre !
Do you understand?

No, sir
- Don’t leave anyone out

Producer, director, members of the unit…

Members of her home ?

Yes ! Look at all possible angles

I’ll be on my way, sir
- Ok

'20A, Rajendra Mohan Street'

Ananya Chakraborty ?
- Yes

I’m Bhabodulal Ray, the investigative
officer for the Port Police

I needed to ask you a couple
of things about Kheya Devi

I had cast Kheya Devi, in the film
Natoker Moto, after watching her play

She’s an incredible actor !

She had the role of a
blind mother, in my film

She went into the water
in search of her son…

Describe the incident

As a director I can guarantee you that
there was no such scene in the script !

No diving into water !

We would have only shown
the saree floating in a long shot

In a long shot !
Do you understand ?

Long shot !
- Describe the incident

What happened that day ?!

It happened during lunch time

The cameras weren’t rolling then

Lunch break

Listen. I don’t understand
all this long and short business !

Match it in edit !

This is a real problem ! I need to take
the shot before matching it !

Yes, all shots can’t be matched in edit !

You tell me ?
- Get some water

Yes, sir

She’s fallen ! She’s fallen !
She’s fallen, sir !

She’s drowned , sir !

Who ?

Kheya Di

Why are you standing around ?
Do something !

Look, look, look !
Her saree is drowning !

Where ?
- There !

Ma'am ! I’d come once before
Bhabodulal Ray, Port Police

You don’t have to say anything !
I just want to meet you once

Ma'am!

Do you have any accusations to make ?

I’m aware that I’m putting you
under mental stress but… Duty

My daughter died because of me

I have no accusations to make

I had given her great pain
since her childhood

It was me…

The palm tree stands one footed,
Leaving the rest behind...

While it winks at the sky

It wishes the black clouds away,
Far, far away

Where shall he get the wings ?

Try and understand the meaning and
you’ll see that it’s easier to memorize

Please teach me

Let’s go

The Palm tree, stands one footed,
Leaving the rest behind...

While it winks, at the sky

It wishes, the black clouds away
Far, far away

Where had you gone ?

Where shall he get the wings ?

Don’t stare in that way

Who did you spend time with ?

You can’t talk to me like this

Like what ?

Where do you go after school ?

How many times do I have to tell you ?

I have tuition to teach
Why do you forget everyday ?

Who has told you to do all this ?

You study. Let me go and talk to your father

Listen, your business isn’t doing well

Kheya’s education

Have you thought about
how we’ll run the family ?

I dislike eating off your money

My daughter and I will do just fine

I don’t need your money

I will not quit the school or tuition

Then leave the house

Get out

Far, far away
Where shall he get the wings ?

In the absence of a mother's
love since childhood...

Growing up alone,
she must have got used to feeling sad

Aunt, my mother has sent this

Haimanti
Kheya’s childhood friend

I’ll be right back

So you know her since…

Bhabodulal Ray, Port police

You have grown up together ?
Was she very emotional ?

I mean suicide …

Suicide …?

Blind as a button, you spin around,
Touch who you can !

Come on ! Come on !
Hide !

The exam was not too good

How much did you get in Sanskrit ?

Did very badly !
Things are not gonna be good at home !

Kheya got the highest
- Kheya always gets the highest

Where’s Kheya ?
- There she is

Oh. Hold this
Eat it. I’m coming

Kheya ?
What’s wrong ?

You know what ? My aunt committed
suicide by burning herself

Can you imagine how
painful it must have been ?

Can you tell me why she
committed suicide ?

Isn’t that admitting defeat ?

Her in-laws were torturing her…?

Then she should have stood up for herself

Why didn’t she leave like my mother ?

Do you accept your mother's leaving you ?

I couldn’t then but I can now

My mother left in protest of her degradation

She had no other option

Got you !

Oh no !

‘Recognize the traitors,
and bury them on this land’

You ?

Today, I’ve made cauliflower currys

You’ll eat, right ?
- No

Why not ?

You don’t eat properly, do you ?
I can tell by looking at you

Studies are not everything

For you it’s all about eating !

Sit for a bit, while I wash up

Your light, your light,
Oh Lord ! do spread them on mine eyes...

Every note on your wonderous flute,
Fills me with melody

Fills me with life

Maa ! I got 82 in Sanskrit

Wow ! Excellent !

You fill my heart and quench my thirst…

Are you continuing your singing?

Maa ! Come fast !
Why’re you delaying ?

Did you know that your sister Reeni had to
quit singing after her marriage

Why did she have to quit ?

She should have stood up for herself !

Won’t you fight for what you love ?

You did it !

Maybe I did

But I lost a lot as well

You didn’t get to have a mother

It’s gone cold

When did you return to this house ?

After she passed her IA exam
her father passed away

I had come then

Listen, I want to talk to
a few more people

Her college friends, her theatre people…

Monoranjan Sir
- Who ?

Her Bengali professor

Monoranjan Ghosh

Believe me sir, as a producer
I did not compromise

I had kept a safety net at
the bottom as well

I had kept 3 stand by lifeguards

Tell me the entire story, Mr. Ashesh

Sir, the character was that
of a blind mother

One who falls into the water
in search of her son

Do you know how to swim ?
- I have a certificate for it

I have a dummy ready

No,no, it won’t be realistic

Oh. There’s a net as well
So don’t worry

Don’t worry madam, we’ll have
men in a boat down there

There’s nothing to fear

Dhiren, ready ?
- Ok, sir. Shot ready

Silence !

‘Natoker Moto’ (Like a play)
Scene 12. Shot 5. Take 1

Excuse me
Could you tell me where the staff room is?

Who are you looking for ?

The Bengali professor
Monoranjan Ghosh

What’s the time ?
- 2:10PM

The third door as you move this way
- Thank you

Monoranjan Sir ?

Thank you

I’m Bhabodulal Ray
Port police

I had called you

Sit

Sorry sir, I know I’m disturbing you but…

What is it that you want to know from me ?

In these kinds of cases we
need to explore all angles

What’ll happen if you know ?

What’s the difference ?

She won’t come back

Even then…

If you could tell me about… her nature

Nature ?
- Yes

Nature

A poet friend of mine, on seeing her act,
had written...

‘ A face as bright as an oasis,
One I would like to bathe in.’

What’s this ?
The common room is completely empty

That’s good
There’s a football match going on !

Yes, yes, yes !
Let’s sit

First decide where you want
to go for the picnic

Outside Kolkata

Don’t make it too far out,
else we can’t go

Why ?

Take your Bimal along

Don’t talk rubbish !

Listen. Can’t we all go to Baruipur ?

My aunt has a garden house there
With a massive pond

We’ll swim !
- No, no, I don’t want to swim

I don’t know how to swim
Swimming cancelled !

Listen ! Let’s take a train !

But we can’t tell people at home

Why ?

Our wish !
- Wish ?

A wish ! A wish !

I see it breaking !
I see it making !

It’s giving and it’s taking

A wish ! A wish !

It’s hurting us…

Kheya, won’t you all participate
in the inter-college drama competition ?

We will sir

Then meet me once college is over

Don’t forget

We will sir !
Will you get the time ?

The exams are right here !
- Ya exams !

Goal !
- What's this?

Didn’t I tell you that today was
the inter-college football finals

Manindra college against us
Let’s go

Let's go

Move ! Move ! Move !

What’s the result ?

There’s a tie breaker on. 2-2
Now it’s our shot

Goal !

Hey ! Who’s that guy ?
- Who ?

The goalkeeper

Don’t you know him ?
Prasad

Our senior

Leader of SF union
He plays very well !

Goal !

You have to save it, Guru !

While walking next to you,
If there is a time...

Where I feel that the world is without you

While walking next to you,
If there is a time...

Where I feel that the world is without you

The birds would fly, far away,
beyond the horizon...

I would be a Gypsy in the sun,
With nowhere to go

While walking next to you,
If there is a time...

Where I feel that the world is without you

Was Prasad also a student here ?

Yes. He was a year senior to her

Studies, sports, politics,
he was good at it all

Did their love story, I mean
relationship start from there ?

I don’t know

The sense of it will be different
to the bourgeois

Depending on how they define
class struggle...

Have any of you read Liu Shaoqi’s
‘How to Be a Good Communist’ ?

No, I haven’t read it

We haven't read much

No, you’ll have to read it !

I’ll tell you why

If you have to do politics,
it’s good to be slightly educated…

As we walk together, if I see at end,
That I have reached a novel nation

As we walk together, if I see at end,
That I have reached a novel nation

The dreams will burn and ash will fly,
Beyond the horizon

My name , Your name,
Vietnam, Vietnam

Long live freedom !
Long live freedom !

One second, Monoranjan Sir

I have a couple of more
questions for you to answer

Was she into active politics ?

No

She was not attached to
any particular party but…

She was a leftist at heart and mind

Leftist or extreme left ?

Leftist

Last question
For now

Where did she meet Amitesh ?

Here only

He was a judge at a college
drama competition

That was the second bell, wasn’t it ?

The previous one wasn’t very good

Yes, doesn’t look like there are
too many good plays this year

No, no, Monoranjan...

Teach your students, make them
understand. Give them input

It’s your college, after all
- Correct !

Start the next one
- It’ll start right now

Actually, I have a rehearsal to get to

I’ve taken up a new Chekhov play
- Oh

I’ve translated it

Which play is this ?
- ‘The Proposal’

What ? ‘The Proposal’ ?
- Yes

That is what our college shall
perform now

My translation

You mean, now ?
- Right now

What ?
- Yes

What are you saying ?

Oh my !
It’s you !

My father told me to check
who was waiting outside

Oh

So, how are you ?

Are you hurt ?
- No, no, I’m alright

How are you ?

Please don’t mind my attire

I was making lentil balls
with the servant, so…

Lentil balls ?
- Why a visit after so long ?

Why are you standing ? Do sit

Who is this girl ?
- She is new, this is her debut in acting

It’s a sunny day today,
after so much rain

All my lentil balls got washed out

Oh my ! You are so dressed up today

A kurta and a shawl !

You are looking very nice

Tell me something
- What ?

Why have you come to our house,
so dressed up ?

I’ll explain the entire thing
to you in short

I’m guessing, you already know,
that your family and our family...

Have been very close
since our childhood

Isn't it?
- Yes

Oh ! And you also know that
our radish fields up high...

Are very close to your cucumber
fields down below

So from this you can gather…
- Please don’t mind my interjections

You said that "your" radish
fields up high

Yes
- But are those yours ?

Yes. They are mine

What !
I didn’t know that for so many days

When did they become yours ?

What do you mean ?

I have known that that land
is ours since birth

What are you saying ?!

My grandfather and my
great great grandfather...

Extended those lands till
the roads of Ramnagar

So there is no need to have a
useless argument on this matter

Oh God ! Please let me finish
what I have to say

I’m saying that your
great grandfather's farmers...

Allowed my grandmother to
make bricks on that land

They used to !

But in order to satisfy them
my aunt's grandmother…

I don’t understand all these grandmothers
of aunts fathers and all that !

The land is ours
That’s all !

It’s mine !

It’s ours !

You can stay here and talk all you want...

And also you can change into as
many kurtas and shawls as you feel like

I’m done talking !
The land is ours ! Ours ! Ours !

We don’t take from others
and neither do we give !

That’s all !

‘Modern Book Agency’

Do you have anything on Group Theatre ?

What do you mean by 'on' Group Theatre ?

The history of Group Theatre ?

It has just been born
What history can it have ?

Girish Ghosh, Sishir Bhaduri,
People's Theatre, New Theatre

These are not documented,
and you talk about Group Theatre

Have you seen any of it ?

All rubbish!

In the last scene, they’ll switch to
red lights on stage and kill the landlord

If these landlords died that easily then…

We will not do business like
the Commercial Theatre of Hatibagan

We shall do it for our ideals

Today if I say, that I’ve arranged
all these books...

Only because I love books, irrespective
of the business aspect, will it survive ?

Will it ? No, it’ll go bust

Anyway, why am I saying all this to you ?

If there is anything on Kheya Chakraborty…

They murdered the girl

Murdered ?
- They pushed her into the water

Who told you this ?

Who’ll tell me ?
Everyone knows !

Anyway, what books do you need ?

Bless you ! Bless you !

Amazing ! You were very good

If you would like to do some serious
theatre then get in touch with me

Once I finish my MA finals

Have you ever done theatre before ?

Yes, once before
In school

I was a carrot

A carrot ?
- What ? A carrot ?

Eventually she joined Natokar
before finishing her MA

We were doing a play by Luigi Pirandello

Amit Sir the second bell has rung

Prasad Sir is screaming his head off

Couldn’t we look over the
final positions of the chair

Ok, I’m coming

Will you watch the theatre ?

What’s it called ?

‘Sher Afghan’

Will I get a pass ?

He’ll get you a seat
- Thank you

Six Characters in Search of an Author

Sorry ?
- Pirandello’s play

Kheya’s first play in Natokar

Six Characters in Search of an Author

Natokar

My ears are still ringing with
the sound of those screams !

They drive me mad !

I was holding him like this

He was dragging me away !

It’s not happening

It’s not happening, Kheya !
What is this ?!

Understand the girls pain
Feel the character

Understand her angst

What happened ?

I didn’t scold you

I was explaining the character

Kheya ?

Now just see

There is nothing to cry for

So you are saying that
this is an accident ?

Gross carelessness
Gross !

They shot without the permission
of the Calcutta Port Trust

The producer didn’t even call
once after the incident !

Irresponsible !
- Ok

You’re saying that she
didn’t know how to swim

Then why jump into the water ?
- Yes ! That’s a question I have as well

Here
- Thank you

Sir, was she very emotional ?

I understand
But theatre and MA Exams together ?

That’s what I was thinking too

I’ll tell Amit Sir after first show that…

Could I ask you and old
and rusty question ?

Yes

Do you love me ?

I do

How much ?

Could you give your life for me ?

The dust on the roadsides, the writings,
do lift them in your hands...

The hope, the fog ,
do lift them in your hands

The dust on the roadsides, the writings,
do lift them in your hands...

The hope, the fog ,
do lift them in your hands

If you want to fly while walking,
you will see the broken wings have fallen

If you want to fly while walking,
you will see the broken wings have fallen

I shall fix it on my shoulders,and so
shall I fly, to the unknown horizon !

And then I shall break it into tunes,
throughout the day

While walking next to you,
If there is a time...

Where I feel that the world is without you

The birds would fly, far away,
to the unknown horizon

I would be a Gypsy in the sun,
With nowhere to go

While walking next to you,
If there is a time...

Where I feel that the world is without you

Director Bidesh Sarkar and
producer Ashesh Nandi...

Both have got anticipatory bail
from the city session court...

Just by paying ten thousand rupees
Did you know ?

This is the law of the land

They should both be put in jail

Do you know what’s been found
in the post mortem report ?

Yes. She drowned to death

Do you think it’s possible for
someone to have pushed her ?

I don’t think so…

Actually, everyone really loved Kheya

You had a love marriage ?

Did you both start doing
Group Theatre together ?

No. She started first

But after completing our MA we
both got jobs at the college

After getting the job she again joined Natokar

Be right back

Why are you saying 'again' ?

I was always with Natokar in spirit

I just did not act

Chaya, Subhash and another
7 or 8 people have left Natokar

They’re forming a new group

This is a crisis situation

Why don’t you join with me ?

How many roads must a man walk down,
Before you call him a man ?

How many seas must a white dove sail,
Before she sleeps in the sand

How much sugar in your tea ?
- 1 spoon

Ok

I was hearing from her friend Haimanti...

That she used to sing loudly along
the road as she walked

Yes. That was her little frivolity

But she sang very well

Sad. What a talented person
Dance, song- Thank you

She wasn’t that mature at the beginning

I mean her acting wasn’t

But a lot of hard work…
She reached a level

Especially in the performance of Brecht's
‘Three Penny Opera’. Brilliant !

Parul's Excuses

Oh Maa !
In my childhood when I was very small...

I had a very simple mind

Do you remember ?
I had a full head of curly hair !

I wore small, colourful, striped sarees

And a small, silver anklet

I went from lap to lap
and was loved by all

Everyone is like this in their childhood

I grew up

You said that now there will be
many men in your life

Deny them !

They maybe talented and smart,
or even well mannered

It may be that they are fair
of skin and educated...

Smart enough to articulate

Even then. Do not fall prey to them !

Because this is what makes a woman

This is their strength !

Their virginity !

Many men did come

They were truly talented
and well mannered

In my pride, I removed them
from my sight , Maa !

But one day, all of a sudden...

A very exuberant guest entered my room

Amazing !

He wasn’t talented, he wasn’t smart,
not even well mannered...

His skin was black !

He knows how to laugh aloud !
He screams as he speaks !

He was exuberant and strange !

He was strong ! He was a man !

You never told me Maa,
that men like this exist

What’ll I say if they come ?

He has taken my strength and pride...
My fire and education...

And he has drowned it !

And I hopelessly jumped in !

When she had to go to her in-laws
after marriage, Kheya cried a lot

Yes. But all girls do that

No

She cried an unusual amount

We will raise our child in a
completely different manner

We won’t give the child any pain

We won’t make the child cry

We’ll engulf the child in love

All its life

Can’t we do it ?

We can !

Sir
- Water

You’ve come again ?

Tell me

I actually missed a point the other day

Did she have any enemies ?

She was both my student and my colleague

She taught with amazing passion

Listen. Don’t mug up Shakespeare’s
plays from your notebooks !

I hope you understood that today

The emotion is very important

Try and identify the emotion

Tell me how many of you
don’t have books ?

There aren’t any more in the library

Ok. Tomorrow take the books from me

Give them back after the exams

Hey ! Hey !

What’s happening…

What’s happened ?

The Naxalites are beating up
a boy outside !

Don’t go !

Revolution !
Is this your Revolution !

Hurting your fellow human being ?!

If you want to hurt him,
you’ll have to go through me first !

Kill me ! Kill me I said ! Kill me !

No. She had no enemies

Are you the film's photographer ?

Cameraman

Dhiren Mukherjee

So tell me

See, I had already taken the shot

What do you mean ?

I mean, I had cheated the shot

It was ok in 2 takes, sir

She stepped down off the launch...

I mean there was a boat with padding,
and she jumped into that

So I have no dialogues now ?
- No, no dialogues

Ma'am
Water

The food is too spicy, tell them to fix it
- Yes, sir

Bishu !
- Yes, sir !

Get down on to the boat,
and shift the padding back

It’s coming into the frame
- Yes, sir

Have you understood the shot, madam ?

Keep the search for the son

And then jump down

Could you hurry it up ?

I need to return to Kolkata
by the evening

Yes
Dhiren, hurry it up !

Yes, sir

Bechu !
Hurry it up !

Ready sir !

Don’t be scared

There’s padding on the boat

‘Natoker Mato’ (Like a Play)
Scene 12, shot 5 , take 1

You could check the film if you wish, sir

You wouldn’t allow that to happen

I’m sure you’ve overexposed the
footage and destroyed it

No, no, sir. Absolutely not
What are you saying ?

So you’re saying that there was no scene
where she jumped into the water ?

No, there was

We would have taken that after lunch

But there was no need for Kheya Devi
to jump into the water

We had kept a dummy

Bechu would have jumped in
with the same costume

Dummy ?-
- Yes

Bechu

I’m going for a bath !

In the ride of life…

I’m done

Serve the food
I’m getting late for college

2 minutes
Let me finish writing this

What are you writing ?

Amiitesh has given me a
Brechtian poem to translate

That’s all

So do it later

What happened ?

I have already made tea for you 5 times,
I cooked, I cleaned, when will I write ?

Even I need to get to college

How will I tell you that ?

Get up

Film Society has a show at the Academy today

It’ll end around 9 pm

Could you pick me up ?

Then after college...
- Impossible !

Not today

I have a meeting at college
in the evening

Then I have to go to Natokar

Have to get the papers ready
for the Delhi Ministry of Culture

And then…

Today won’t happen

Ok
I’ll come back alone

No, no

The area around the Academy isn’t good,
it’s not safe for you to return alone

Let it be today

Listen

Pick up some ‘Aar’ fish from the
Maniktala market on your way back

And cook it well
Haven’t eaten it in a while

'Suppress all your anger and frustration...

'The newborn needs the
help of those born before.'

Keep “The Second Sex” by
Simone De Beauvoir out for me

I need to write something
Amritabazar paper is driving me crazy

Wow ! So many books

Have you read them all ?

Mostly

I don’t read anything beyond a case diary
Should I keep it back ?

My wife reads a lot

There is that magazine in your name…
Prasad

Ultorath

She said she saw Kheya Debi’s
picture there

There were both male and
female characters...

The Good Woman of Setzuan

Good-
- Woman

Ya this one

Anew the pure flower blooms...

Tell me if the hands are ok
Once more

Where is Amit ?
- He’s in the room inside

Inside ?
- Yes

Anew the pure flower blooms...

Amit ?
Should I come in ?

I slowly erase darkness with the wand of light

Do you recognize her ?

This is my wife

Lalita
- Oh yes !

I’m very sorry. Actually, we had only
met once at your wedding, so…

I would like to join Natokar

I hate staying at home alone

Will you be able to dedicate time ?

Yes, of course

Ok, Jatin. Sit in that room with her
I’m coming

Ok, sure
Let’s go

Ok

I might just get a chance in the new play

I don’t think you’ll make it…

Where is she from ?
She’s with that man

Oh. Ok

Come, come, sit

I’m finalizing the casting for
‘Good Person of Szechwan’

Kheya, you will need to perform
two roles in the play

Firstly, that of Shen Teh
The girl is a prostitute

The next is Shui Ta.This is when
she disguises herself as a man

Will she be able to do it, Amit Sir ?
I mean she has no experience…

She’ll need to dance and sing !

Instead you could use Savita…

Please stop it !

Kheya can do it

I have faith in her

Can you do it, Kheya ?
- I’ll try Amit Sir

What will you try ?!
What does that mean ?

Try and understand that
this is a dream role !

A womans softness and a mans strength...

No, the way in which you have
scheduled rehearsals from 9 to 9…

How will Kheya manage ?
She has college…

Listen Prasad...

You can't sail in two boats at a time
and do theatre !

Either you do theatre or
you teach in college !

Ok ?

I cannot see the madness in you

Can theatre be done this way ?

No, no, no, no madness ! You have to be
mad for theatre, mad for theatre…

Sir, may I come in ?

Please sit

Did you like it ?

Anything else to say ?

Yes

So tell me. Kheya Devi had a
obsessive streak, didn’t she ?

We all have an obsession

In us, in me

Life ! Life !

Just see how life passes you by

So many shadows, so many faces,
so much hatred, anger, sorrow

Yes, sorrow

Sorrow !
Self pity

Do you have any idea how extraordinarily
gruesome the face of sorrow can be ?

Have you ever felt this way,
Begum Sahiba (My Lady)?

Have you ever, ever felt this way ?

Mother, please take me to the fair !
- I want to go to the fair

Kheya ? How is it that you are here ?
This early ?

Something wrong ?

Ok, come in, come in, come in

Come

Is there something wrong ?

I quit my job, Amit Sir

Did you hear ?
Did you hear what Kheya said ?

She has apparently quit her job !

I really have quit, Amit Sir

I cannot sail in two boats at a time !

From today I’m a whole timer for Natokar

What does that mean ?
'Whole timer ?'

You should have discussed it with Prasad
- Why are you always on about Prasad ?

This is my decision
My own !

Have you made the tune
for ‘When I’m a Girl’ ?

Yes, I have

Come

I do love it !
I do love it !

Here we go

When I’m a Girl,
They all come a running...

They all have a smile,
And a slight little cough...

There we go ! You’ve got it
Now try it

1,2,3, start !

When I’m a Girl,
They all come a running...

They all have a smile,
And a slight little cough...

And then they st-t-t-t-t-utter...

I do love it !
I do love it !

Again !

Could you not avoid this theatrical
flirting at home !?

Go to the market

Life
It has so many faces

So many…

My mother made very good
bitter curry with lentil balls

What amazing flavour…

My father used to say that in the entire
Khulna sub-division, there was no one...

Let me help

Who made bitter curry better than my mother

Let me take it

Did you readily accept Kheya Devi
quitting her job ?

Do you think I accepted it easily ?

Why shouldn't you accept it Maa ?

I’ll be able to afford myself

I spoke to a shoe company

If I write copies for their ads,
I’ll make some money

I’ll manage just fine

Natokar gets money from the central
government, Prasad organized that

Then why don’t you...
- No, Maa !

I don’t want to take any money
from Natokar

Please give me my money !
Please give me my money !

Wait. Wait. Wait

You are asking me for fare !

Kheya !

Bloody bugger !
Some guts you have !

Come here
Come here

Remember my name
Remember it

Leave him !
Who ? Who is that ?

Hey !
Do you know who I am ?

Look ma'am, he isn’t paying his fare
and he’s hitting me as well

Take the money out now !
Take it out !

Bloody rubbish !

Queen of Jhansi !

I won’t lose Maa

I will do it !

I will !

When I’m a Girl,
They all come a running...

They all have a smile,
And a slight little cough...

And then they st-t-t-t-t-utter...

I do love it !
I do love it !

When I was but a man they came...

With folded hands,
And careful coughs...

And before I'd get a chance to
speak they'd say...

We'll be on our way

In this world you only earn
When you are strong...

And you only eat off what you earn,
holding your head high...

Grasping hoards of respect along the way

No I think this is not the perfect time
to make such a decision

Prasad this theatre has become popular

Everyone is praising Kheya
for her performance

I think We should continue our
performance at a specific hall

I don't want to roam around
with theatre anymore

Again we don't get enough
dates at academy auditorium

Prasad...

Prasad this production will die !

I think Natokar must have this hall
We must

Mr. Gajanan, the owner of Rangapithh auditoriem
wants 25 thousand for six months lease

How will you manage the amount?
Just think

Why are you all keeping your mouth shut?
Come on Priyabrata, tell

Prasad Sir is right

A part of Delhi's grant has been
spent for the new production

And the rest has been spent for salary

In such a situation leasing Rangapithh
means nothing but suicide

Moreover the commercial theatres
also take place over there

Listen Prayabrata, don't flatter always

Always remember our priority is theatre

The group should not dominate creativity
Is that clear?

Okay, I understood

Okay, do whatever you like
I have nothing to say

Here's your tea
Pay the previous bill

Here's your tea

Natokar must have Rangapithh hall

I shall manage the amount for lease

When the Good woman of
Shovabazaar is there...

How come the good man of Natokar fails ?

Kheya devi loved you a lot. Didn't she ?

Actually when two creative
people work together...

A very special bond is created

We could understand each others
happiness...

Wants...Complains...

Gain...Loss...

Just by looking at each others eyes

What would you say about this ?

Love ?

I don't know

It was Kheya who managed the money
for the lease of Rangapithh

But how ?

I don't know

Or I didn't want to know

I know

Kheya Devi's mother told me

Would you like to have buiscuit?
- No thanks

Aunt told you ?

Tell me what she said

Maa...

Come

Why are you breathing hard ?

Would you mind if I take your
bracelet and chain ?

Absolutely not
Will you wear these ?

Natokar needs some money

My wedding jewelery and yours will do

Wait. I will give

Will these do?

I will give you back

Okay...leave me

Tell me, this bracelet...

Just see who are they ?

Two beacelets...and the total...

What's happening with the
mother and daughter in the morning?

Just see who has come to meet you

Oh my little baby...
come, come...

You have grown up my baby

Now you kiss me

Move...move...

Stand up here

Now you kiss me

Let's go to uncle's house...

Uncle will give milk and rice...

Let's have it twice

No a person has come to also

I was saying that let the police
do their investigation

But we made a decision about a letter...

I already wrote this

I will send it to you in the evening

You just check and signature on it

Okay bye...take care

Do you have any diary of her ?

No, she didn't use to write diary

Who gives such fake information to you?

No one gave actually

Some people have got such
habit of writing

No...no
She didn't have such habits

She mortgaged her jewelery for Natokar
Didn't you object ?

I would object ?
Such decision of her for theatre !

I respect that

She had such a passion

The monsoon sky obscured by clouds
At the dead of night...

The monsoon sky obscured by clouds
At the dead of night...

Was it not necessary to tell me ?

Had I told you, what would you say?

Don't play the fool. Giving up your job...

Selling off your jewellery...
What do you want actually ?

Theatre

I can give up my life for
what I love and whom I love

Don't be melodramatic

You know, I always think that everyone
wants to do something for each other

Do you know how I understand ?

I always see the kindness
of humankind around

And who don't have compassion,
are quite complicated

Just see when men sing,
cultivate, works in factory...

Then just watch their facial expression...

You can see compassion on their face

Oh my God! How beautifully
you are looking at me !

Well...who's this ?

Sabita Singha
Kheya is standing right beside her

The alumni of the college
had arranged for a poet's meet...

Sabita Singha...
- Poet and a producer of radio (Akashbani).

How did she manage her time?
She was so busy with her theatre

No matter how busy she was
She never forgot her college

Mother, for the last time, I have wiped
on the back of my hand...

Those trivial marks of tear drops
running down my eyes...

I ran forward with open hair
and heavy breaths...

I have crushed many a woman’s
mirror with hooves of a horse...

To get you the head of my
father’s concubine

That’s why I hate,
Two eyes which have never felt kohl...

A woman’s need to titivate herself,
leaves her dependent on the mirror...

Who do we dress for ?

Why do we bind our breasts ?

For those men who stem
from the original sinner ?

Those who have been snatched from
the breast to travel the world ?

Excuse me ?

Could I see your poem ?

Is this your handwriting?

This is my only copy !

This is mine

Let me keep a sample of your handwriting

I am an ardent admirer of your acting

How do you get all that energy on stage ?

When I stand under spotlight on stage, and see
the heads of the audience...

Something happens within me...

I’m also a huge fan of your radio plays

Kheya ?
It’s been a long time. How are you ?

I’m good
How are you ?

Good. Oh my !
Why haven’t you worn the vermilion ?

Why should I ?

For the sake of chastity ?

Is this only applicable to women ?
There is no male equivalent for it

They don’t need to wear anything !

You are of course big 'theatre type'
- One minute

What do you mean by 'theatre type '?

Do you refer to your father as 'dad type' ?

Learn to respect theatre the way
you respect your father

Don’t call people theatre types !
- Let’s go, let’s go

Theatre type !

How dare she ?!
- Ok. Ok

Why react so fiercely ?

People really look for spice in life !

If a girl puts on make up
and goes on stage...

Can she remain pure in her
personal life?

No. She’s surely having lots of fun with
all the guys in the green room !

Just forget it
Tell me about your new play

Sir. Monoranjan Babu

Has translated Antigone

I’m Antigone
Amit Sir is Creon

Prasad will direct it

Really ?
Very nice

I had wanted to get you in
a radio play for a long time

On Akashbani

I’ll do it

Keep this
It’s for you

Wow !
I’ll watch the first show

Antigone

Do you want anything ?

Yes

After I die, I need to give
my letter to someone

If you do this…
I’ll give you my ring

Now hurry up !
I have very little time

Write

My dearest,
- Your lover ?

My dearest, I wanted to die

And you may not love me...

Creon was right

Death is terrifying !

And I don’t even know why I’m dying !

I’m very scared
Very !

No, no, don’t write this
Cut it out ! Cut it out !

Cut it out !

Just write,
Please forgive me

My dearest, if it wasn’t for Antigone,
you would have all lived in peace

I love you

Radio Station
Drama Department

Antigone

I could not shake the trance
for over a week

Had you noticed any suicidal tendencies in her ?

Once

Just once

I want to kiss just once
your leaf coloured garb's purity

Antigone. Did you realise?

Madam ?

My King. The body

Someone had been there

They buried it
- It’s not happening !

Where is the fear ?

Try and understand it

Antigone will bury her brother

But the King Creon has said that
he who buries this body will be killed

But you are the guard who has seen
that the body has been buried...

But you don’t know who did it !
Do you think the king will spare you ?

Increase the fear !
Let’s go !

My king !
The body !

Someone had been there

They buried it

Better
Go

Kheya ! Listen…

I’m coming

Should I go sit ?
- No wait

Ok

Is the advertisement for the
Sunday newspaper done ?

Let me iron the Antigone costumes
and I’ll give it to you

I’ll give it tomorrow then
- Yes, ok

Tell me

In the second act
of the show 2 days back...

In the part with Creon,
why did you drop your scale ?

I always maintain that scale ?
- No ! It’s dropping !

Do it again
Please

Give me the cue

That is your happiness too, you fool !

I spit on your happiness

Your ideas about...
- It’s not happening ! It’s dropping !

Pick it up !

Ok

I spit on your happiness

Your ideas about life, I do spit on !

You people are like dogs,
licking what you can smell !

Foolish and identical
You call this happiness ?

But you still have conditions !

Let humans not ask much from life

But I want !

I want more !
I want it all !

And if I don’t get it,
then I want nothing

I give up !
I want nothing in the middle !

If I promise to be a sweet little girl
then you shall give me a piece of cake ?

No, no
There is no satisfaction in this

Today I want to be sure
about everything !

If that doesn’t happen then I’ll...

Wonderful !
There is wonderful news for all

Were you rehearsing ?
Sorry

I didn’t know. Sorry
- No, no

What’s the news ?

After watching your Antigone,
Sabita Singha has written...

An amazing poem in the
'Daily Poetry' magazine

Where did it go ?
Here it is

Let me read it

Under the feet of a 17 year old girl,
Can the world not fall once...

just once...

Just the entire world

Not a faceless woman in a herd,

But a woman of strength
though breastless, stomachless...

Dragged by the extra strong shoulders
that stand straight defying adversity

Extraordinary !

There is an ordinary decision
that needs to be taken

I would tell you, if you’d concentrate

Should I ?

I have translated Edward Albee’s
‘Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf’...

I’d like to start rehearsals
from next month

Sir, what is the subject ?

Human relations

Oh ! Wow !

Read the play to us first

Then we could take a decision

And Antigone just got staged

After directing Antigone,
do I still need to read the play ?

Don't you have faith in me?

Amit Sir is right

Let’s hear the play,
then we can take a decision

And Amit Sir read us his adaptation of...

Tolstoy’s ‘The Power of Darkness’,
just the other day

Let that be staged first

Then we can think about yours

What do you say, Amit Sir ?
- Idiot

It’s a novel by Dostoyevsky

I thought of adapting it

We never had an ego clash

We shared a sort of mutual respect

Wow ! Beautifully said
Mutual respect

I need to tell my wife this
She’s really…

Where were you on
the day of the incident ?

In college

Why ?

Routine question

It seems that your admiration
for Amit Sir has increased

No
It’s the same as it was on the first day

And yes, Amit Sir is my theatre teacher

My on stage performance is
completely his doing

Good

Under the feet of a 17 year old girl,
Can the world not fall once...

just once...

Just the entire world

Don’t stare like that

Because Amit Sir said you quit your job, you sold
your jewellery and gave money to the group

What else did Amit Sir ask for Kheya ?

So she used to write a diary ?

Beautiful handwriting

What a talented person…

She has written regularly for so many years

Did she never return to
Prasad’s house ?

They didn’t even get a divorce

But they still did theatre together ?

They never let it out

So what if people know ?

I don’t care !

Eat up

I’ve tolerated enough !

No more

Where is your show tomorrow ?

A call show for Antigone

In Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur…

I had gone there in my childhood

Maa...

When was the last time
you went outside Kolkata ?

Let it be
- Listen

Let’s go to Darjeeling next week

No,no, it’s a lot of money
- Let it be !

We’ll go
We have to

Don’t be mad

Hey Minnie !
This cat will drive me mad !

Maa !
Don’t scold her like that

Her heart will fail her

Heart fail…

You've spoilt them!

Ma. Let’s take the cats to Darjeeling

Give me more life

More light, in these eyes,
In these eyes do pour

In these eyes do pour

Maa! Maa !

Maa !
What happened ?

Maa!
Where does it hurt ?

Maa !

Sir

Bechu ?

Yes sir, Prabir

I was in Ashesh Sir’s production unit

Please don’t reveal my name sir

That I’ll think about
Let me hear you first

Tell me

Tell me !

At first we had cheated the shot

I mean she jumps from the
first floor level of the launch...

On to the mattress placed on the boat

The director didn’t like the shot

Then the producer…

Spoke to Kheya Ma'am and convinced
her to jump into the water

She was lied to, sir

There was no net at the bottom, sir

I was kept in a boat on the side

They said fish her out of
the water when she falls

I dived into the water,
but I couldn’t fish her out

The propeller was pulling us inside

I had got a hold of her hand sir

But I couldn’t hold on !

Sir, will I get into trouble ?

The road blocked the
indomitable gland...

The two of us are blowing with the wind...

And the rich man's son
throws colours in the air...

Saying this Mrinmoy moves actor's left down-stage,
stands, turns and looks at Romola

And then…

I’ll get it

Can’t you put the phone off
the hook while working ?

Hello ?
Kheya Ma'am, it’s for you

Hello ?
Yes, it’s me

Film ?

What’s the character ?

How much will you pay ?

You’ll have to pay me 50 % in advance

Ok

Deliver it to Natokar by tomorrow evening

Bye

A film offer ?
Will you do it ?

Yes

I need it for my mother

Will you do anything for money ?

Wait, wait, wait

Why are you calling film acting anything ?

No, no, I mean…

I’ve acted in so many films,
but I’ve never felt this way

They don’t call everyone to do films

If they call you then do go and act

You’ll see that your opinion will change

What’s the name of the film ?

Like a Play

What ?

Like a Play ?

How did she get the
money for the operation ?

The advance from the cinema

Amitesh
Me

We all pitched in

The operation was successful as well

Why haven’t you got married ?

As far as I remember, ‘The Yellow Hue’...

Came out in the Ekkhon magazine
2 years back

Yes

Have you read Kamal Kumar Majumdar’s
‘Motilal the Priest’ ?

It’s been 3 years since
I’ve read regularly

Maa !
Here. Eat this

So many fruits ?
- You have to eat it

Look at this
Military regime at home

Take it

I won’t eat so much
I’ll reduce it and come

Chat for a while
I’m coming

I have met you after a long time, sir

Work has been overbearing

I’m free because it’s a Sunday

Really

I won’t insult you by thanking you

For what ?

Kheya !

Relax a little
- I will

Once I return Amit Sir and your money

You don’t need to
After all, I live alone

Then we won’t be able to
maintain a relationship

Relationship ?

What news of your theatre ?

Amit Sir and I are planning
a touring theatre

Besides Natokar shows
we’ll also travel and act

We’ll give a share of the
profits to Natokar

Aunty !
How are you ?

I’m doing well since the pacemaker
- Very good !

I heard about your touring theatre plans

Amazing !

That’s not happening

What ?

Prasad and others are not agreeing

Prasad and others ?

Are you a minority in your own group ?

And democracy does not work
in creative fields

We are whole time theatricians

We don’t cut classes to do it

I didn’t expect this of you, Amit Sir
- Kheya !

Minority ?

We are all a minority Kheya

I mean those who do theatre

We were so in the past, and will
continue to be so in the future

A minority

Sorry

Please don’t mind

Actually I don’t like it anymore

What will I live for ?

You will do commercial folk theatre, films,
but what about me ?

I only wanted to do theatre

Kheya, when does your shoot start ?

Day after

Tomorrow we are performing ‘Noti Binodini’(The Actress).

And day after is Tarun’s wedding

I’ll be back in the evening

Kheya…

What’s wrong ?

Are you sick ?

No

It’s nothing like that

Don't neglect your health Binod

Nothing will happen

Even after this Noti Binodini is gone,
it won’t matter

Not in theatre nor in the outside world

Girish Sir you’re the one who says...

That God has created every
human being for a purpose

What is my purpose ?

God is the only one who knows his purpose

But I really need to know

Otherwise what will I live for ?

Will life remain like this ?

I have given my life to you all but
I have not gained any respect

I don’t have a family or love or peace

But I have my whole life in front of me

Is this what I wanted ? Tell me

Tell me Girish Sir
Give me an answer

Is this what I wanted ?

Give me an answer

Kheya !

Won’t you get ready ?

You’ll be late for shoot

I’ve taken the saree out for you

You don’t want to go ?

I don’t feel good Maa

I don’t like anything

What had I ever wanted ?

I wanted to love and live my own way

Oh. Be quiet !

What happened ?

Hello

Hello ?
What ?

What are you saying ?

What happened Amit ?

What happened ?

This is Radio Akashbani, Kolkata

You were listening to
Instrumental Music

Rabindra sangeet tunes were being
played on the guitar by Botuk Nandy

Today's play is ‘Nodeer Protik’
(The River’s Symbol)

Written by Abinash Sen
Solo-acting by Kheya Chakraborty

Directed by Sabita Singha

Are you listening ?
Tell me

Turn up the radio a bit
- I’m coming

Nodeer Protik

We’ll all go together
to that stream of water

To the hidden stream of pride...

In the sand, where we can
find the water of salvation

With that I shall fill our hands

I have crossed the forests,
Deep and dark...

I have crossed the deserts,
To come to the oasis

I have skipped over the mountains,
To come to this plain

I’ll have my fill of golden water,
Here’s the full moon…

The group can’t only run on what you say

We are losing 15 thousand rupees
a month on running Rongopeeth

We all have jobs,
we can’t do 20 shows a month

And ever since Kheya left us, we’ve had to
do alternate casting for every play

‘Power of Darkness’,
at this point is impossible

What does that mean ?

One man toiled to create this group and
now does he have no importance to you all ?

No, no I find logic in what
Prasad Sir is saying

Yes you find logic in everything
that Prasad Sir says

Don’t you talk to Priyabrata like that !

Don’t shout !
You can’t win arguments by screaming !

Learn to respect your seniors !

Don’t tell me all that !

We can’t do theatre all month !
We have families !

Don’t we ?
You don’t love theatre

Theatre !
Why do you do films ?

Natokar is synonymous with Amitesh

An individual is greater than the group ?
- That’s the way it is !

Individuals stand out !

Let’s not mock democracy
through these meetings !

Just say that "Power of Darkness"
won’t happen !

Don’t talk rubbish !
Is that what was said ?

Rubbish !

Don’t create an argument
- You are creating the argument !

You didn’t let us do the touring theatre

You prevented Rongopeeth
All this is true

He was not wrong

Who wants to perform under my direction ?
Raise your hands

Minority

Democracy

Correct

Kheya was right

Power of Darkness

Evil and good

I won’t come to Natokar anymore

I don't want to be with
people like you anymore

Evil and good

Evil and good

Evil...

What’s wrong ?
Won’t you eat ?

Roma, some accidents may be suicides

But every suicide, is actually murder

No, no, no

There is no link between Kheya's death
and Amitesh's separation from the group

He wants to do the play in his own way
So let him

No, no, my theatrical vision
wasn’t matching his

Do you’ll want to make news out of this ?

No please don’t involve me in this

No, no, Mr.Hazarika this is not Sweden

This is a German theatre project

No. I had told you

Ok. I’ll call you later

Ok...ok

Come in
Sit

I’m Ditipriya

I know. Priyabrata told me

We are adapting Brecht's
‘The Good Woman of Setzuan'

It’ll be nice to have you on board

So have you read the script,
the original text ?

Yes, I have
- Good, good

This production has been
done here before...

But I didn’t like it so I’m doing it anew

You are the main character

You’ve been outside
Kolkata for a long time...

I hope your Bengali hasn’t deserted you

No, no
I have acted in Bengali plays at Delhi

Very good

I am redesigning the play

I just heard, the other day riding the waves
You have touched the deep blue sea and the horizon

I just heard, the other day along the briny shores
You have wandered a thousand thousand miles

I have, never been to the sea neither glided on the blue
Nor ever caught a glimpse of flying seagull's wings

Whenever you go next to immerse in the seas,
Do take me along, please

Will you take me along?
Say...Will you...?

I just heard, the other day you, you and you together
Had a meeting of a so formed council

And on the same day, you debated many riddles
And had raised more than a few unspoken words

Why this eternal grind, saying same things so many a time
And living for yourself, holding yourself tight

Imagine, if there is no Love to be found, only loneliness,
Be so profound, where do I go to find my peace?

Where do I go?

I have heard that you still care to dream
Still care to write, and still sing songs from your soul

Still You think about life and death, the eternal circle
And your Love still blooms in lush red Roses

I have brought my wrecked heart, this deserted soul
With wide open arms, I’ve come begging before you

It’s just isolation in the void of my eyes,
Ain’t no dreams in my sleepy nights

So, to catch up on a dream...

I have undone my eyes...

I have come to you, with arms open wide

To catch up on a dream, I have undone my eyes