Sati (1989) - full transcript

Glory to the Suttee!

Hail Suttee Hail!

She's got courage!

Hasn't made a sound

It's the opium.

She's drugged.

Gangacharafls niece had a

lucky escape!

She was about to marry

our corpse!

But how many of them

burn nowadays?

We're having a

Suttee after ages!

And that's only because

Major Sleeman wasn't around..

...when they went

for permission

They say that British

will ban it soon

Don't speak like atheist!

When has law ever ruled

Religion?

If a pious woman

wants to become a Suttee"

...there is no force

that can stop her!

Chant with me

Hail Suttee Hail!

O ye faithful

widows!

Ascend without tears

the pyre

For she who joins

her lord in death

Earns the same

right to heaven

As the Holiest

of elibates

And earns the same

number of years in Heaven

As there are hairs

upon the human body

And like a

snake charmer

Draws her lord out

from the pits of Hell!

SUTTEE

Cast

Shabana Azrni

Arun Bandopadhya

Kali Bandopadhya, Pradip

Mukhopadhya, Anndam Ganguli

Shakuntala Barua, Ratna Ghoshal,

Ketaki Dutta, Menaka Das.

Ajit Bandhopadhya, Bimal Dev,

Manu Mukhopadhya.

Pie-recording: Satyen Chatterji,

Balaram Barui

Art:

Kartik Basu

Editor:

Shaktipada Ray

Music: Chidananda Dasgupta,

Chandan Raichaudhri

Camera:

Ashok Mehta

Story, Screenplay:Aparna Sen,

Arun Bandopadhya

Executive Producer: Ravi Malik,

Debasis Majumdar

Producer: National Film

Development Corporation Ltd.,

Direction:

Aparna Sen

Umi!

Just see if...

The stove has

only just been lit

When will the

cow be milked?

Are the children to have

some breakfast...

...or should they

just starve?

Talk of married bliss!

Came here as bride at nine. Have

I had a moment's peace since?

To top it all

there is this girl

She could not

get a groom in time

You'll die

an old maid!

Umi,

Umi?

Want to play

marbles today?

You stole auntie's bangles.

I saw you

If you play,

I won't tell Grandma

Just look at her

brandishing that broom!

Want to sweep

me out too?

I say this for your own good.

Get up early...

and finish

the chores

If you eat

so late everyday...

...you will fall sick,

Who will look after you then?

Hello Nabin.

Come and sit down

You have come

after a long time

He's too good for

the likes of us!

Will you write a

letter home for me?

I will

Isn't that Nabin?

I knew from his voice

How have you been?

Very well

We were so anxious.

You live all by yourself

Wondered if you were ill.

Time you brought your wife here

How long will you keep

her at her father's place?

You think, she will leave

her rich father and come here?

Well. She's an only child

and a city girl too

Ah! Here is Hari!

Hello Nabin!

Any news?

News" well, I met

the matchmaker yesterday

So? What did he say? Did the

groom's family like Shashi?

Well.. Yes"

What are you doing here?

Go inside at once!

But...

Until Umi marries...

We have tried enough!

Tell me,

who will marry a mute?

And with a horoscope

like hers!

Indicates widowhood

How much do they want

for Shashi?

That's the hitch

Now that Uma's marriage is off..

"The groom's family

have a lot to say...

"She is too old already"

"The village will boycott us"

And so on..

The usual excuses

in other words"

More money! Even that

could have been arranged

Just this morning

Mitter was talking...

"about a medium caste

Brahmin girl down town

Her father will pay well

for a high-caste groom

Kali has always been so

involved with his music

He's had no time

for marriage!

If he could only be persuaded

to marry soon...

...it might help the

family finances

Collections are not so good

from my in-laws anymore

Well.. the problem is Uma again

Not marrying in time!

Naturally! Family honour is

important to those who've money

What is family honour

in the face of love?

I have tossed it aside to

keep my tryst with Krishna

Can this wooden gate

hold me back?

I have crossed

an ocean of pride..

...to keep my tryst

with my beloved

Can this streamlet

put me out of my depths?

Stop"

Stop it Kali!

I fear anything

could happen at his age!

He is too trail to go

collecting dues from in-laws!

Now our two sons

are our only hope

Please, Mother!

Don't include me..

Look to your older son!

He should marry again"

How about it, brother?

You're an old hand at it!

Be quiet,

you impudent boy!

Show me another

high-caste boy...

...sitting unmarried

like you!

You will die

bemoaning your fate

O, Radha!

Calling in vain upon Krishna

What shall we do Nabin?

What can we do?

She was born

unlucky!

Her mother died just

after her birth!

The groom died at the

mention of marriage

Just a few more days!

The old fool could have

...taken her to the

pyre with him

The lovely young bride!

How piously she burned with

him!

And you?

You could've a glorious death

To think we could have had a

suttee in the family

The honour of it would have

got a good groom for Shashi

Just our luck!

The lustre of your

beauty will soon fade

Your life will be

at stake

O Radha you will

perish soon a fear

Calling out in vain

upon Lord Krishna

O Radha you will

perish soon in grief.."

Who's there?

Is this Gangacharan -

Chattopadhyefs house?

Yes!

Why?

Yesterday his wife Nistarini Devi

of Kailashpur died

Who is it?

What do you want?

Sir.. my mother

died yesterday

Who was your mother?

Nistarini Devi of Kailashpur, Sir..

Wait!

Kailashpun. here it is-

Phanibhushan Mukhopadhyefs

youngest daughter...

Nistarini Dev|

Date of wedding -

16th February, 1808...

Are you Patal then?

Why, don't sit there!

Come, my dear

have a wash first

Umi, bring some water

Poor child

What a distance to walk!

You look quite exhausted

Have you eaten?

Can't eat after sunset during

evening! Have some fruits--

Tomorrow I will arrange

your ritual meal

Can you cook yourself?

What happened to Mother?

Cholera

Um“!

I've got your guavas!

I've taken your mangoes

I won't give you

You witch!

Wait till I tell Grandma!

She'll teach you to eat fruits!

You beast!

Goodness!

Just see what she's done!

Drawn blood

with her teeth!

Poor boy!

His hand is quite blue!

Wait till she gets home!

We'll see the end of this!

Serves you right for

fighting with your aunt!

You be quiet

There's a limit to

patience!

It's just my kindness

that I keep forgiving her

Anyone else would have

thrown her out by now

Poor child! Does it hurt?

Let me massage it for you-

There she is!

You little beast!

I'll break your

bones today

How dare you bite

your little nephew!

His hand is

still blue!

If only you knew

what else she's done!

What else?

Tell me!

She stole Aunty's bangles.

I saw her!

What?

Did you hear that?

What shall I do with

this thief?

She's been trouble

ever since she was born!

I'll teach you to steal,

you little thief!

Where are those guavas?

Have you hidden them?

Here Gopal! Take them

Greedy pig!

I'll show you!

Get out!

No food for you today!

Mother

Don't interfere

Will you go?

Or shall I throw you out?

Good bye.

I'm leaving

Our Arithmetic teacher

Haridhanbabu...

"suggested a way out

A Way out?

Yes, Sir

He suggested"

...a ritual marriage with

a tree for now...

...just to get rid of

her unmarried status

Shashi's marriage is

stuck just for this

After that is over

-No. No!

When Laxmi died, she left

her daughter in my care...

"She has no one

in the world"

Laxmi had said"

"look after her"

Look after her!

You mean just talk!

Your sister died

leaving a 3 month's baby

It was I who fed

and clothed her...

"and cleaned up

her mess!

But can I help it

if she's mute?

It's a waste of money

paying her dowry!

And every year, the groom

will keep coming for his dues

Do you think any family

will take her home?

Any time of day

she's playing by the river!

Or roaming about

stealing fruits!

Tell me, does a housewife

behave like that?

Or do you think Umi

can be tamed into one?

No, this is a

blessing in disguise

This way at least

she will be free.

As she has always been

That is true

And it's no trouble

Doesn't Umi spend hours

by a tree near the river?

That could be the groom

What do you say, Father?

Shall we consult

Bachaspati?

And see what he

has to say?

Madhav Bachaspati?

If you wish...

I don't approve...

After all...

...a human being

wedded to a tree?

What do you say, Nabin?

Don't start again!

link that half witted child...

Can you tell the difference?

Anarchy

Anarchy is everywhere!

In Calcutta that

atheist Ram Mohan...

"is ruining our society

with his new fangled ideas!

They say the British

will abolish Suttee soon?

It's all

Ram “Johan's work!

And who will protect the

widows after that?

Ram Mohan,

I suppose?

What is the definition

of Suttee?

Meaning

"A wife who grieves in

her husband's sorrow"

"rejoices in his

hour of joy...

"is pale and sickly

in his absence

And joins him

gladly at death

Such a wife

is a Suttee

But...

...in the hands of foreigners

this holy land...

...is being reduced

whore house!

A dark future

for Hindus!

I predict a

dark, gloomy future!

A moment has arrived

for all Hindus to arise...

...and save our religion

from ruin!

Holy Scriptures

say...

...that keeping a daughter

unmarried after puberty"

...is a grevious sin!

You are sinning

gravely Gangacharan!

Her horoscope clearly

indicates widowhood..

Hmm! .. Mars is

in the eighth...

In such a case.

Marriage to a tree

is called for

Do not hesitate,

Gangacharan

This is just a ritual

If widowhood is indicated...

...marriage with a tree

will nullify that

She may then remarry

if a groom can be found

No harm

in that

Exactly what Pandit Haridhan

said to our schoolmaster here.

Go and inform

Gangacharan...

Not to ruin his own

daughter's marriage prospects

Marry her to

a tree for the time being

If she is lucky

she may get a man later

Don't be so upset

Gangacharan

Marriage to a tree is an

accepted social custom

Trees like Banyan

or Aswatha

Are after all symbols

of Lord Narayana!

Therefore society cannot

accuse you of neglecting...

...your orphan niece...

The kurchi flower

blossoms too soon

Our daughter must leave

for her husband's home

Our hearts are heavy

with weeping

Her father weeps on his

way to the market

Her mother weeps on the

way to the shore

All he hears is the noise

of our dear ones weeping

For they shall

see her no more

Her father has

a mansion

The groom has a

hut in the woods

What did her father

see in this groom?

Alas, what did her

father see?

Your destiny is

black, my child

Your destiny is bad

Your father has sealed your

fate with your groom

Your fate has been

sealed with your groom

Repeat after me...

Now the vermillion paste...

...must be smeared

on the tree

It's .. very rough

You can smear it now

Bring the

bride...

Gurudev?

Will you permit me

to ask one question?

Askl!

You are a

great scholar.

...yet you decided

according to custom...

Do the scriptures

mention...

"marriage between

a tree and a human?

That pumpkin there

How much?

Take it sire!

It is very fresh!

The biggest

of my crop!

I'll make it

cheap for you..

Only ten cowries

What! Ten cowries for

one pumpkin?

It is plain

robbery!

Sir, if you people

start complaining...

how can we survive?

There's the matchmaker!

But you left it

too late!

Brides fathers are always

in a hurry

I fixed this one up..

"With Mukherjee's son

in Harinarayanpur

What shall we do?

You've put me

in a spot!

Rich medium-caste

brides are rare...

But yes

If a high-caste

girl will do...

...I can get you one

immediately!

Medium-caste families

pay more...

...and this is Kali's

first marriage...

Oh? He has not taken

the plunge yet?

Keep him aside!

He's a prize catch!

I'll find him a

rich bride!

But...

What about the boy

for my sister?

I've held on to him

Just arrange for the

dowry money

That's the hitch!

Try to find us

a bride...

"who will bring some dowry

at least".

Either Kali or his brother

must marry to...

Got it!

This is March -

I'll arrange it by May!

Well, Haricharan?

Want to tie

the knot again?

Umi

Come here

Open that box

You will find a

small box inside

Found it?

Bring it here

Wait! Sit down

These belonged to

your mother

I had kept them

for your trousser

But now...

Here..keep them.

Come on!

What is the matter?

Certainly

Of course...

Look out!

Father"?

Father"?

Father"?

It's over.

You can come in

A QM again'.!

Where are you going my son?

To fetch you a slave,

mother

You have my blessings

May the new bride bring

prosperity and male children

We should start now

Yes, my sons

God be with you

So they have left.

Haricharan and Kalicharan?

Yes

Trying to make trouble

with that knight!

Fancying yourself

a Grand Master, eh?

There! Check!

I believe Haricharan is

bringing his bride home?

What's up, schoolmaster?

A high caste Brahmin

and poor too

One is alive, suddenly

another wife?

It's not a permanent

arrangement

This one will go back

after three months

They won't bring her again

- Really?

That was the agreement

Her father's rich

paid well for her too

...but on one condition...

...no one should say "She's never

seen her husband's home!

I see

Well?

Will you take all night?

Move

There!

Now try and save your rook!

Mother, a female!

Aunty

Umi...

Oh, she's delivered!

When did it happen?

Au nty!

What's all this?

Who's that? Nabin?

It was born this morning

A female!

God has been kind at last

Why, what have you brought?

So, you had been

to the market?

You do so much for us!

That's alright

You, how can I refuse?

Both the boys are away.

You take their place...

...just like another son!

You were going

to fetch your wife

When are you leaving?

I will, once your sons are back

Oh dear!

It looks like a storm!

Any moment now!

I'd better go...

I'll drop in after

school tomorrow

There!

It's started!

Quick! Get the

clothes off the line!

There go my pickles!

Soaked though

Nabin! You're getting wet

Come up here

No. no. I must be off now

Wait! Umi!

Get the umbrella! Quick!

Oh dear me!

Damn! Can't see a thing!

Umi! Get a lamp

from the kitchen

You'll find it

on the shelf

Shut the door!

The flame will go out!

Keep it on that shelf,

Why are you standing

there like a statue?

Oh dear! You're soaked through

like a scarecrow!

Wait, dry yourself

Before you go

Here!

Take this

Still staring?

Dry yourself quickly!

Can't manage by yourself?

Shall I do it for you?

Come, I'll do it

Don't be frightened!

Come

Feeling cold?

Come and sit on the bed

Lie down

Don't say a word to anyone!

How can you?

God preferred them silent!

Hey schoolmaster!

Are you home?

Have a about our round of

chess?

It's Mr. Dutta!

Let go of me!

Wait a minute, Mr. Dutta

Let go of me

There's no one about

Go through the back door!

Coming Mr. Dutta!

Hurry up!

Went asleep, Did you?

Just dozed of a bit

Come in

When the rain started,

allow schoolmaster...

...I said to myself

There goes our game!

Then, when it let up

a bit..

...I thought, today

I must beat Nabini

Chess is really

intoxicating, you know

Obviously" since you

braved such foul weather!

Start

Here

Aunty! We've come to

see the new bride

Why have you

fallen behind...

"with the torch?

It's so dark here!

Umi!

Got the firewood?

Ah! You've come!

Why this delay?

What a journey!

When did you arrive?

This afternoon.

I had such a back ache...

...after that tiresome boat trip!

I had to stretch a little

Just hold this for me

God bless you, my dear.

May you be outlived...

...by your husband

Why all this, dear?

It's nothing, Aunty

I thought, they don't get

anything decent...

...in that awful hole.

Let me take some"

...fancy sweets from Calcutta.

Where's the new bride?

In there, come. -Wasn't that the

elder one's room

...She had to give it to the

newly weds

Sabitri and the children

have moved in with me

What to do? Such shortage of

space and so many people!

Sabitri-

Take this post of sweets-

Ah! Here's our sister!

Goodness!

How awful you look!

Circles under your eyes! So pale

and sickly! Have you been ill?

We'll come and chat later.

Let me just meet the new bride

Hmm.. the bracelets are not

so bad

But taking of bangles, not better

with my friends wedding pair

A double cable! So attractive!

I've borrowed the pattern

from her

Other has promised to have eight

pairs made for me!

Of course, I have these already.

But I am tired of them

Is that the new baby?

"Poor Sabitri!"

I said to my mother

as soon as I heard-

"A daughter again this year!

What a shame!"

And they're not so well off

either

Getting each one married is

such a drain on the family!

Are you going to live here from

now on.- Me? Are you crazy?

No servants! No proper house!

I am going back next week!

Besides, my Aunt is coming from

Benaras to visit us in Calcutta

We'll all go by palanquins

to bathe in the Ganges

Have you ever seen the Ganges,

Ashpa,the big Ganges in Calcutta

The East India Company's huge

ships, how grand they look!

With those pipe like things on

top and black smoke coming out!

We watch everyday from our

terrace, you see! What fun it is!

You know where the cemented

strand by the Ganges?

Every evening we see Memsahibs

there in their gowns...

Strolling with their parasols and

logs arm-in-arm with the Sahibs

And here? There's nothing!

I hadn't wanted to come...

...but father said it wouldn't

ok nice and people would talk.

Um“ The firewood'.!

Made him promise before coming.

"I won't stay more than a week"

"You must not insist then!"

Doesn't your husband get angry?

He should be glad I came at all!

Now promise that you won't

tell anyone

Today my back and my feet

ached so much

...after that boat ride. I made

him massage them for me

Feet too!

Um“ Um“ Here she is'.!

Avesdropping here instead of

finishing your work!

Didn't I ask you to

get me some firewood?

So busy listening.

she's lost all sense of time!

It will take hours to light

the stove again!

And I had so hoped to make

be rich pudding for Nabin's wife!

Managed to ruin my plans,

haven't you?

Must you always pry, and nose

sound? Pick up the wood at once

Goodness! Look how

she's defying me!

What! Hitting back!

The cheek of it!

Good gracious!

What will she do next?

Isn't that your deaf-mute

cousin?

Just mute,

She can hear alright!

You've come?

Come in

Sister!

Oh, no!

It happens all the time

in the high caste families

Did you find out

who the man is?

No.. She can't speak..so..

It's just as well

Go digging for a worm and

you'll rake up a snake

Might never know who

the culprit may be...eh?

What's the point in

knowing, anyway?

Does any bastard have the guts

to own up?

Hmp! Show me one real man

in this entire village"

...and I'll thank you for it!

Here see this root?

Grind it and mix it

with this medicine paste

Then, in the dead of night,

with your hair loose...

Take Peerbabefs name

and give it to her

At the most

...it will take two days

Here take it

What is the matter?

You're not afraid?

Good Lord, I've handled so many

cases! In such big families too!

This is not the first time!

Not a soul will know!

Come

Do you have a choice now.

my ladies...

"that you stop to consider?

Did you think twice when

marrying that woman to a tree?

It it had been a man,

you could have found excuses...

...saying her husband visited her

late at night..or something like

Now it's too late...

...to start worrying!

Hurry up! I have a long

way to go.

Keep her under close watch

Don't let the children go

near her.

And keep her away from

the kitchen

Once the medicine acts,

everything will be soiled

Well, goodbye now

Remember, once it's all over

...you must make me a

silver armlet!

Here, eat this up

Go on!

Take your bedding and

sleep in the cowshed

What are you waiting for?

Go!

Keep it there!

See here!

Want some?

What's the matter?

Are you ill?

Gopal, I warned you

not to go near her

Where on earth is everyone?

Sabitri!

No one has lit the stove!

The cow is bleating herself

hoarse!

I have to see to everything

in my old age!

Um“!

Come! Oh. come on!

Umi...

Hurry! Hurry!

Take everything indoors!

Shut the doors, Pushpa!

Good Lord!

The cowshed has collapsed in

just one night's storm!

The jack-fruit tree

has fallen too...

And we slept through it all!

Who untied the cows?

Umi? Where is Umi?

May be she's gone to

fetch water...

See if her pitcher is

in the kitchen

It's here only

Her bed clothes are here too..

Oh! See! When the cowshed

collapsed, she must have"

...slipped into the kitchen & run

off to the river in the morning...

...forgetting her pitcher!

That child will never change!

Let Gopal go and fetch her.

Go, Gopal

What happened?

The witch-doctor's medicine

hasn't worked yet"?

I don't understand it myself.

She had said.

two days at the most.