Satyanweshi (2013) - full transcript

How long to dawn?

Figured out where
we're going, father?

Balbantapur.

Further west.

Want to rest?

Walked you the whole night.

What to do, had no choice.

I know. We're fine.

Will we find a place to
wash up on the way?

Go, no one's up yet.
Won't see.

Father, sit.



I've heard the ruler
of Balbantapur

is kind, compassionate.

May be he'll shelter us.

Lost everything.

Remains just you two

and this trunk.

Only one thing worries me...

What?

You're my good girl.

Binita's young.

Heedless.

A palace's luxury…

Sister!

Father!



What happened?

Father!-
- Sister!

Father, look, look, she…

No!

Father let's go once.
Please let's go!

The place is death.

Father, please let's go,
may be we can save her!

Go, we won't return.

The swadeshi movement
in Calcutta gained

further momentum

with the arrest
of three students

of the Hindu College.

It is reported that
the group of students…-

Maharaj

Speak.

A letter from the
Kumar Bahadur, Maharaj

Oh. All well?

Shall I leave it here?

Would you like to
read it in private?

Feel that's necessary?

Not really.

The prince is fine, happy.

Studies?

Read what he's written.

Deeply respected lord
and father…

My deep respects to everyone.

Studies going well.

This Christmas holidays I went to
Leeds with an English classmate.

To his country home.

This Yorkshire or Leeds is
quite secluded a place.

Outside the town,
hence isolated, silent.

Much like our Balbantapur.

The other day we
went partridge shooting.

Didn't understand the fuss.
Our wild hens taste better.

I would be worried if it
was the other way round.

A minor request.

What is it?

A poor Brahmin and his
daughter… seek shelter.

Why?

Says his home burnt down.

Shelterless since then.

Make arrangements for now.

Will see.

And listen...

The search for Himangshu's
bride; progressed?

Could have drowned
myself easily in the river.

But that was another day.

Today I don't have that grief

nor courage.

If you leave me,

I'll accept it.

But...

why should I die?

No!

My...

youth and new found happiness...

I won't ever pester you.

But...

don't kill me.

Don't kill me please!-
- Should have died.

Your father spoilt you.

Oof! To study a part you need
to think. You spoilt that Ma!

That's all you can do.
Pretend all day.

Ever done housework?

You've to go to your
in laws soon…

I won't marry, Ma.-
- What!

I'll be a courtesan.

Oh, Ma I'll be a courtesan!

Go away!

What's your dynasty?

We're Vaidyas.

Giving out medicines...

writing letters for villagers.

How did the fire start?

Don't know Maharaj.

Deliberate?

Suspect anyone?-
- I'm a poor Brahmin,

live with my studies.

Why would anyone…

Studies? Religious?
Do you teach?

Not enough to teach Maharaj.

But I am a Brahmin after all.

I live with Brahminical texts.
Call it a fancy…or..-

What's your fancy?

You must be aware of the
Vaitangshik Brahmins.

No... not exactly.
Can't remember.

Refers to a net...

for trapping birds.

A snare?

More or less.

And 'Vaitangshik'?

Minor royal attendants.

Accompany the king on hunts.

Vaitangshik Brahmins
could mimic birdcalls and

draw them to one place.

Really!

It is these almost lost arts

that fascinate me.

Look for texts on the subject…

or try to copy them by myself…

And if anyone...-
- No, you're really a wise man.

It's a royal duty to
harbour the wise.

Are they coming or going back?

Going back.
Winter's almost over.

Send a word to the Minister.

Ask if...

he's sent the package to
Kumar Bahadur in England.

Sure.

The Maharaja's unwell.
Minister's sent for you.

There are courts
and laws, I know.

But the universe's greatest
court has summoned me.

You both are...

Brahmins.

You and...

and my God are my witnesses.

In my absense...

the heir to Balbantapur...

is my only son, Himangshu.

If he marries a foreigner,

then...

he forfeits his rights.

And any child of his

will also

forfeit.

But...

things are changing Maharaj.

Does it…-

Himangshu is my son.

This is my kingdom.

You marry your son as you like.

One more thing…

I want

Himangshu to have a son

within 3 years of marriage.

A legitimate child.

The task of finding
an appropriate bride

is Chandrashekhar's.

I'm giving him this responsibility
in front of everyone.

Heir within 3 years

Or else...

or else?

Gets cold, you won't drink it.
Here.

Thank you.

You took the shikaar (hunting)
invitation quite seriously.

Ever noticed

hunting stories and detective
ones are very similar?

Like?

An unknown beast kills
or injures a person.

Looking,

tracking through footprints,

chasing,

cornering the beast–
that's a hunter's job.

Similarly

when a man harms
the human society,

when a man kills another,

proving his guilt
and cornering him,

that's a detective's job.

What will I call your friend?

I call him Himangshu.

That's because he's you friend. Don't
have to call him Maharaj, right?

What you think best…

no imperial highnesses though!

Hey Ajit...

Put this in your bag.
Will forget it.

How much longer?

Or is the train late?

From now on write
historical novels, Ajit.

You do that well. -
- What do you mean?

Know how much my
detective novels sell?

From the day Himanghshu's
invitation arrived...

till today...

I've been waiting
for you to ask.

A whole train journey is over.
Just the two of us.

Never once brought it
up even by mistake.

Brought what up?

Going to a royal palace
on an invitation.

Why did a Bengali royal family
name their kingdom Balbantapur?

Oh that.

Thought of that in
the very beginning.

You did?

Then thought some ancestor
must've come from the west.

Even in that case...

whoever it was who came down...

must have been very powerful,

because it was after him
the kingdom was named.

Now...

someone so important,

how did his name get lost?-
- Lost?

Look...

every dynasty has an...

unwritten rule
to it's nomenclature.

Like...

it should match the
name of the founder...

or the end letter.

In this case...

it could be...

Balbanta...

Ananta...

Diganta... Sumanta...

Proshanta...-
- Yes, Proshanta.

Jashabanta.-
- Jashabanta.

But...

see... Himangshu
and Balbanta.

Nor the name matches.
Nor the end.

Well then, ask your friend.

Namaskar.

Namaskar.-
- Namaskar.

Carriage reached you?
No problems?

Wow!-
- Yes.

Truly Balabanta's heir.

So...

did you actually come to
Bengal from the west?

No. Never heard
anything like that.

Then why that costume?

Oh.

Had to shave my head
for father's funeral.

So wore a turban.

Then saw its not going
with the suspenders.

So the sherwani came in.

Oh, so you had
only shaved your head?

Not your moustache?

Good question. Actually the
moustache was commissioned.

The painter was asked to do it.

Can I see your family tree once?

Just academic interest.

Of course.

Please.

Namaskar.

Did you hear that?

A tiger? God!

How far is the jungle?

Good you reminded me.

Have to ask for a map.

Now you've got a plot
for a story hopefully.

You're my lucky guests. Heard
a tiger's roar after a long time.

Really tigers in your jungle?

There were. Mostly
stuffed in our house.

I've been hunting since
I was 17 or so.

I'm 32 now.

Haven't seen a tiger even once.

Not man eaters, right?

Tigers usually aren't maneaters.

Only if other meat runs out...
the way poachers are

killing deer and pigs,

one never knows.

Wait.

May roar again.

Good thought.
Tell him what to call you.

Maharaj?

Your Highness? Your Majesty?

Himangshu or Bablu.
Bablu's my pet name.

But I will call you Mr. Ajit.

Namaskar.

The humming...

was it yours?

Didn't think you'd hear.

You sure know by now,
my better half.

Can call me by my name but
Aloka would prefer Her Highness.

Will you be quiet?

Heard the tiger?

Really? No.

Did not notice.

Not interested in
shikaar perhaps?

Were you in Calcutta recently?

Recently?

Say in the last 2 weeks.

Why, no.

Strange!

The song you were humming.
A film song.

Released last week.

Saw it before coming.

Can't be showing that
cinema here so quickly?

No cinema halls in Balbantapur.

The Raja doesn't believe
in cinema or theatre.

To him the hunt is the
supreme entertainment.

But I've heard this
song in the cinema.

Please sit.
You must excuse me.

Will you come in once?
Please excuse us.

What is wrong?-
- Why did you bring them?

Quiet. What 'why'?

Fine, you did. But could
have let me know.

It is for you that I
called them here.

Thought of me?-
- Yes.

After it happened,
you haven't eaten

nor slept.

You're always upset.
I don't like that.

Open my broach.

Sometimes this palace
seems strange to me.

A human being disappears.

And no one bothered…

It's a false allegation Aloka.

You know nets have
been cast in the river.

Jungle's been
searched inch by inch.

All the dogs have been sent
to various directions.

Oh.

This too is just a
hunt for you then?

Can't do anything if
you won't believe.

Not even a
police case was filed.

Who said so?

The Minister himself
made a diary.

Balbantapur police are an
extension of the palace.

Everyone knows that.

Truth is, all the townspeople...

are your subjects.

Could've sent word
to the Scotland Yard.

But Bomkesh...

I respect him far too much.

Bomkesh?

You mean Bomkesh Bakshi?

The truth seeker?

Yes.

Was he among the two men?-
- Yes.

With the glasses.

Oh.

Though I found the
other man sharper.

He is Ajit Bandyopadhyay,

Bomkesh's friend. Novelist.

Before he
finishes investigating,

Want to speak to
Mr. Bomkesh by myself.

Don't send them back
without him talking to me.

Won't be good.

Everyone knows
they've come to hunt.

You're the only one I've told.

Keep it to yourself please.

Like the room?

Yes.

Only an ashtray is missing.

Don't smoke for some days.
Open the windows. Will feel fresh.

Cold at night?-
- A little.

Haven't they given you blankets?-
- Yes.

Would have brought more if
we knew you liked them.

What kind of a Bengali
doesn't love sandesh?

Despite studying in
England he's a true Bengali.

See, Hemen Ray-
- No, he is Hemen Majumdar.

Hemen Ray is a famous writer
of detective novels.

Our previous generation.

Can Ajit be taken around
the palace?

Writers too are
humans after all.

A lot many story ideas are leaping
in his head seeing the palace.

Thinking of writing about us?

No. Bomkesh is just...-
- Please do!

Good thought.

Come, I'll escort
you around the palace.

Wanted a word with you
in private, Bomkesh.

Sure. You
want to talk now?

No.

We can speak later.

Come Mr. Ajit.

Our dynasty's founding goddess.

Where's the pain?

Neck or waist?

No, nothing serious.

Sat in the train
for a long time.

May be because of the jerking...

or due to wrong
sleeping posture.

From the town, you see.

Not used to hard work.

Do herbs really work?

Don't take them if...

you don't believe.

Insults Ayurveda.

No.. err.. I did not
mean it like that.

In Calcutta we take
tablets for aches.

In that context will
Ayurveda work?

Fine.

I shall myself come tomorrow
morning to check if...

you're relieved.

What! Err.. please...-

No, skills have
to be tested once.

No. That won't be
necessary Mr. Kaligati.

He isn't disbelieving.

Okay.

In that case a small wager.

If he is better in
the morning...

your...

bottle...

your medicine bottle
shall be taken by me.

Anything you need
during the stay, I'm there.

Alright then.

Don't have bottles. Just
a strip of tablets.

I'll give it to you.

Keshto, where
can I find a book here?

What sir?

Book. A story book.
English... Bengali.

Is there a bookshelf
anywhere here?

No but.. err.. they are
in the library.

Oh.

Where's the library then?

Open? Can I go once? Here.

No. Don't go
there now.

As in?

Ever since the librarian
vanished, it is locked.

No one goes there anymore.

Librarian?

Who's he?

Late Mrs. Bhubaneshwari
memorial library.

This is our family library.

Collections from
four generations here.

Can one see?

No.

It is a little unfortunate.

One fine morning...

our librarian, Harinath...

suddenly disappeared.

Disappeared... as in?

Disappeared as in disappeared.

We looked for him everywhere.

Completely untraceable.

Where all did you look?

The village he came from.

And turned Balbantpur
inside out.

But an entire human being...

he cannot just vanish!

How can one say?
His shoes are there...

his clothes are there...

witchcraft at night may be.

But will people from the city,
like you believe all that?

Heard the tiger last night?

Yes.

That night too a tiger
was heard.

That means...

the tiger could
have eaten him up?

Tigers haven't come
this way for ages.

Never seen them.

Been here for 3 generations.

In that case would'nt
we have found the body?

Sir.

My duty's over. This is Kinkar.
He'll be here all night.

Namaskar.

Keshto.-
- Yes.

Come here fast.

Who's she? From the palace?

Sir...

what is she doing here?

Do you know her?

She is Leela.

Our herbalist's daughter.

But...

she has not been here for ages.

The queen gave
her a leave long back.

Mr. Harinath.

Namaskar Maharaj.-
- Sit.

Library book. What's
it doing here?

Reading it. Any problem?

No Maharaj.

A pleasure.

But if the book hasn't
been issued properly,

will send the register to you
tomorrow. Please sign it.

Initially I thought

he made up the
Sanskrit to impress Aloka.

That's why I'd compare.

But no, he was genuine.

And cent percent
honest about his work.

He would not discriminate
at all in that case.

Nothing would matter
to Harinath.

And of all people...

Sad.

Really sad.

Tell Leela, had to
break her trunk lock.

Otherwise her sari…-
- I understand.

Let me hear.

I feel

I believe

if there is anyone behind
Harinath's disappearence...

it is the palace.

They think I don't understand.

Detective brought in to prove
to me the ruler's innocent.

Not that stupid.

I won't believe that Harinath

suddenly, all by himself,

disappeared!

I think you're really
making a mistake.

Maharaj couldn't have done this.

The entire palace is telling
me the same thing.

Discussed it there too?

Look at me.

If I remind you of Leela
at all, do something.

Goodnight.

So...

Scared by this?

No.

That's a jackal.

They still call in Calcutta.
Hence...

can't tease us for being urban.

Remain a townie.

Not a jackal. A sign.

A sign?

May hear a tiger tonight.

Will you still say that...

you have not seen this cinema?

Krishnakanta's Will. Rohini.

Was meant to do the part.

Rehearsed for 3 months.

Then 7 days before the shoot…-

You didn't...-

I did.

I did get married.

The England returned
prince of Balbantapur

married me

and swept me off on his horse.

Brought me here.

Why the hurry?

From what I
heard after marriage...

your friend had a couple
of romances in England.

Oh.

That scared, his father,
my late father-in-law.

What if...

a Memsahib comes to
Balbantapur as its Queen.

Hence, get up girl, marry.

End of actress.
Beginning of queen.

Promotions like these
don't usually happen.

When I came here after marriage

the Minister gave me a box one day.

My late father in law

had left his daughter-in
law some doll's jewellery.

So she could play with them!

Real ones.

Real emeralds, rubies,
diamonds. What not!

10 girls from our family standard
could have married with that.

Nicely.

Sent the jewelry to your mother? -
- No.

After my marriage I haven't
touched anything here till today.

But the jewellery my mother
had been able to give me

in my marriage; I went back
and gave it all to her one day.

Don't do this. It's a tradition to
marry a daughter with gold.

You've kept the tradition.

If I return it...

not your fault.

But why would you return it?

I have your blessings.

You have two more
daughters to marry off.

They have nothing.

What's wrong?

Unhappy?

Been scolded?

Is that the truth?

Never has he...

misbehaved with me.

But please don't conclude...

that we are friends.

Is that a school or college
where you'll make friends?

I knew it. She would
never understand that

a married woman too
could need a friend.

I'm sorry.

But I...

really made a friend.

Didn't think I would...

in this exile.

But I did find him.

But he went away.

With all these people around...

why should the Rani suspect you?

She thinks...

I'm jealous.

I envy Harinath.

And there's no truth in this?

No.

Then why check if the
poems he read were correct?

She likes music and dance,

likes acting.

It is not possible for me to
give her such recreations.

Could be so...

that Harinath's company
is more precious to her.

Then you agree that they
were more compatible?

No!

That compatibility can last
only a few evenings.

Then the royal treasure would
eventually separate them, right?

Anyone would think that.
Why blame Aloka?

But Aloka knows the truth.

What truth?
I can't understand.

If I tell you,
you'll understand...

this is not supposed
to be told to anyone.

Aloka is frigid.

She has a...

sexual aversion disorder.

Been one and a half
years we're married...

but the marriage has not
yet been consummated.

Sent to find you a girl.

Please.

Will hear from them
in a few days.

Then will speak to the minister.-
- You shall do no such thing!

As Balbantapur's Rani

I too have a responsibility
towards the throne.

If needed we'll adopt.

And I'll carry the brunt of
your greatness all my life?

Right?

I know she gets incorrigible
from time to time.

One cannot tolerate her!

But...

at the end of the day...

I can't imagine a life
without her.

Who all know about your...

father's will?

Father had actually
made a wish list.

Witnesses were the
Minister and...

Kaligati.

Reading the wish list the
solicitor drew up a deed.

Let me ask an
unrelated question.

Yes.

How old are your dogs?

Which dogs?-
- Ones in your kennel.

Oh.

Some...

four to six years.

Why?

Nothing. Just like that.

Please do me a favour,
my friend.

Please prove to Aloka
that I'm not guilty.

Please.

Going hunting tomorrow?

Depends on you.

On me?

You've been loitering
the palace.

You're the one who has
been chatting up the Rani.

Oh.

Been broadcast, has it?

Everything's news in the
palace, Ajit.

Is that so?-
- Yes.

Because all the retainers here

have worked for generations.

They never
question their salary.

They feel fortunate to get it.

They can never think of questioning
how much they're getting paid.

Thus,

there's no reason to
believe that they have money.

Therefore...

for a few coins…

go onto the verandah for a bit.

Gone?

Kinkar...-
- Sir.

Listen.

I don't believe you Kinkar.

My friend told me...

he wasn't with the Rani.-
- Swear by the goddess.

Here.

Now tell me...

how close was he sitting?

If you were the Rani, Sir…
he was here.

The women in the Rani's chamber,

how many are your friends?

Some Sir.

Can you tell me what
happened there...

from 6, yesterday evening?

I can.

Oh.

Girlfriend works there?

Name's Kuntala, sir.

The game...

can be played in two ways.

Game?

Yes, the one you've begun.

No, seriously.

See.

What if we both take

two seperate routes
to the same truth...

then I'll prepare
a set of questions,

and you another
set of questions.

Till then we are absolutely
independent.

As in our
fact-finding sources...

how we got to know things,
our seperate methods.

And then?

See...

The joint game begins when

we put each of our set of
questions down together.

Let's see.

You'll know some of
my answers; and

vice versa, I'll know
some of yours.

Those will get cancelled out.

Those that remain, amongst them

some will be common.

And some independent.

And these questions, Mr. Ajit;

shall make the game.
Now tell me.

Are you game?

Call it a game,

let's make it like one?

How?

Why dark?

Deepens the mystery.

Okay.

I'll give you one light.

No, wait.

Thinking planchettes are you?

Who?

Harinath.

So you're sure he is dead?

No.

I'm not sure...

nor ruling out the idea.

Who all are confirmed
to be dead?

Himangshu's father.

Right!

Why would he make
such a strange will?

Why did Late Arunangshu
make such a strange will?

Easy.

Because he came to know
about his son's doings.

What is the problem between
Himangshu and Aloka?

Where lies the problem between
the king and the queen?

In Harinath's disappearence.

I had thought of something else.

Aloka wanted to
become an actress.

But was forcefully married off.

Hence angry.

That was my next question.

Why does she sing film songs?

Because she was supposed
to play that role.

Then...

question is why didn't Himangshu's
dogs react to the jackal's cry?

And if Leela's on holiday

what was she doing...

in the evening today?

And holiday meaning where to?

Leaving the palace means
going to her father's home.

To her father.

But...

didn't see anyone else at
Kaligati's this evening.

In fact he himself
drew out the water.

So the entire thing
boils down to...

the royal palace.

The royal palace
or the royal family?

Which is only two people.

The Raja?

Or the Rani?

See.

Don't know if we'll see a
tiger. But its tracks, yes.

You may never see
them this close.

Mount.

May be nearby.

Quick!

Fire!

One minute!

Say if there's a real hurry.
I'll run. I'll run and get there.

Then your horse will reach.
I'll remain who knows where.

May I come in?

What's up?

Why the summons?

Please sit.

I'm without husband.

You're without your friend.

Thought we two could talk.

Want some?-
- No, thank you.

The herbal medicine worked?

Yes, I never noticed.
No pain.

How did you know?

Herbalist came last night.

Wanted sleeping pills.

You take sleeping
pills regularly?

Is there an option?

I stroll the palace from one
room to another all day.

Keep counting the
silver utensils.

No hardwork, no excitement.

How about a picnic tomorrow?

Picnic!

Thought we'd work indoors.

That will keep happening.

Can I ask a question?

If I ask about Harinath

will you be upset?

Even if I do get upset...

But I have a request.

Please tell the truth.

You have been brought here...

to prove a certain
person innocent.

But I will not buy that.

If you've already drawn the
conclusions in your heart...

who is guilty...

what is his crime...

and his punishment...

fine then.

Let's go for the picnic
tomorrow.

We'll not think about this.

And you would not
get upset as well.

You and Mr Bomkesh are friends.

Don't need to be taught what

a true friendship is.

Put yourself into my shoes now.

Then judge.

Let's play a different
game today.

A very easy game.

We'll all write down the
names of 3 people we know.

People we know?
Filmstars?

No.-
- Writers?

Writers like Ajit, yes;
since he's known to us.

You have to know these people.

That means those present here?

No.

Say...

Balbanta, after whom
Balbantapur is named.

That reminds me, haven't seen
your family tree yet, Himangshu.

So we write three names.
Then what?

After that...

All the answers will be
collected in this box.

So write your name
behind respective chits.

Why? Why these games?
What is the point?

Let's play a round? We'll
change the game if you wish to.

Why? I quite like it.

Haven't brought a pen.-
- I knew it.

No pens at picnics.
So I brought some.

Sorry Himangshu.

Brought this from the
palace. Here Ajit,

you're the writer.
Distribute pens.

Thank you.

Thank you.-
- Welcome.

Here.

Thank you.

Minister, if you could
collect the chits...-

Sure.

With pleasure.

One thing. There is a time
limit to write the names down.

15 seconds.

God! So little time?-
- Oh.

Need a timekeeper then.

First round I will.

Ajit can in the next one.-
- I will.

If at all there's a next round.

Okay! Is everyone ready?

Let's begin?

One.

Two.

Three. Start!

Now what?

Bull's eye.

How many fingers?

Don't know.

Would be 2 even if you
hadn't shaken them Kaligati.

Blindfolded?

Yes.

Everyone can do with open eyes.

Oh.

Not bull's eye then.
But sound barrier.

Who's the referee now?

If no one objects...

Yes, sure.-
- Okay!

One.

Two.

Three.

And...

Bravo!

Splendid!

Everyone's here. Tell Aloka I brought
you here to find out the truth.

Not to establish that I am
not guilty.

What is all this!

Don't have to.

I trust you.

Now let him go.

If you're not okay, we can
go back in tonight's train.

Wouldn't have come if I'd known.

Made a promise wouldn't
smoke till I solved this case.

Took one out, put it on
my lips and put it back.

For whom? A savage?

The game's ours Bomkesh.
Getting to the truth is the aim.

Does it matter
what outsiders think?

Put a gun to your neck,
wouldn't talk to him.

Take your anger out on me.
But at the end of the day

remember we're truth seekers.

Till the truth comes out
you keep your vow.

Let's go back.

Ajit!

Look! It is sinking!

Ajit, what is the
name of this place?

Ask the coachman
how to get here.

Need a map.
A map of Balbantapur.

The map of Balu Bandhpur.

Balu Bandhpur...-
- That later became...

Balu Bandh...-
- Balabantapur...

Balbant.-
- Correct!

Balbandh means what?
Bonds of sand?

Which is momemtary.

Something that does not last.

A bond of sand
that does not stay.

A guard around the sand.-
- Why but?

To protect some sort of sand...

Or... to protect
others from that sand.

Which is? Ajit!

Quicksand!

Sorry. We were...

I should be saying
sorry for this morning.

Misbehaved in public. No
point apologizing in private.

If you want I could apologize
to you in public.

I recruited Harinath.

Our library is 150 years old.

No one was there
to care of the books.

He transformed the library.
This place was his life!

Never saw anyone so
crazy about books.

Was proud of my voice,

once I heard his voice, realized

my voice had a zing in it.

But his voice had truth.

I fixed Leela.

Believed in her completely.

I knew

I wouldn't have been relieved if

I gave the responsibility
to anyone else.

Do you regret that now?

No.

Anyway.

Let's talk later.

One day, all of a sudden

Harinath came to me.

Harinath.

So late in the night?

I needed to

take some advice
from you in private.

Should I come in the morning?-
- No.

Sit.

Listen.

Go out for a bit.

This morning...

a strange incident happened.

I don't know who to tell.

This morning while going through
the ayurved cupboard I saw,

2 important volumes are missing.

Turned the library topsy turvy,

checked the register…

if someone has issued them.

Why? Doesn't the
cupboard have a lock?

No.

Books haven't
been stolen before.

Oh.

After that?

After that...

I thought the herbalist
could have taken them.

Because...

no one else needs those books.

Went to him.

Want to prove me a thief?

That's why you're here?-
- No, why take it like that...

Actually, it is your subject,
so thought…

I am sorry.
Forgive me.

Suddenly smelt something
strange.

As in the same...

naphthalene kept on
the library shelves.

The same naphthalene.

I understood...

he was lying.

Told him not to tell anyone.

Not even Leela.

Did Harinath and Leela have…-
- It is only obvious Sir.

A young woman and man…-

He's not saying it is
unobvious, only wants to know.

Harinath agreed, went home.

Few days after that
Maharaj decided to...

go for a hunt in
Nayanpur jungle.

The Maharaja's friend
rules Nayanpur state.

It was decided that...

Kaligati would
go along with him.

In case a doctor was needed.

Leela went too.

So as to take care...

of the Maharaj's food.

Initially Leela had objected.

Ran to Harinath's house.

He was with the Rani
at that time.

What happened all of a sudden?

Heard Maharaj is going hunting.

Wont you go along?

Leela is going.

Ghee and fire –

put together...

melting is inevitable.

You can say...

I could not be the fire.

If someone else can...

I might get hurt...

but that is foolishness.

But...

I am sorry to have hurt you.

Forgive me if possible.

If you think I am your friend...

where does the question
of forgiveness arise from?

No tension about taking Leela?

I saw that Aloka was...

completely indifferent.

Besides...

to tell you the truth...

I too am a human being.

Only hunting down
animals can't...

satisfy the basic instincts.

Where did that come from?-
- Getting dusty downstairs.

Hung it here.

Oh.

Reminds you of anything?

You've read the epics.

Yes.

What could be the
previous visual to this?

Ravana revealing his true self?

Before that?

Sita scolding Lakshman?

Reason?

Ram's cry.

Ram's cry?-
- Yes, Ram...

You!

Come inside.

Namaskar.

If Mohammed does not
go to the mountain...

the mountain has to
come to Mohammed.

You did not come.

So I came down to see you.

Please take something.

How's the pain?

Good.

We haven't met since.-
- Didn't we?

At the picnic? You gave
me the medicine strip.

Completely forgot.
Yes of course.

Why blame the memory?

Dig too far into the past
and present memory fails.

Is that what you've
come here to tell us?

No.

To give you news.

There's a dry riverbed to
the west of Balbantapur.

Next to that stands
a ruined cottage.

That actually served as a
rest house to the rulers once.

Instead of putting up tents they
spent the night there on hunts.

And...

sometimes girls used to wait
for their lovers there.

Harinath's disappearance has a
link to this history of Balbantapur.

Unless you know one,
other won't be solved.

You mean...-
- Let me finish.

I want to say that I have only
one identity. A truth seeker.

Doesn't work with a lazy brain.

Need knowledge.

Need wisdom.

To keep the mind alive, practice
and analysis is required.

Speak clearly.

Harinath is probably residing

in that house without
anyone's knowledge.

Doesn't seem logical
to you, isn't it?

Why? Want to say
he's hiding there?

Not my language.
Language of truth.

In the past few days the house
has been seen to be lit up.

Thought I'd go there tonight at
1pm looking for the truth.

If you both want to...-
- Of course we do.

Then please reach there on time.

But beware about one thing.

The cottage has no
windows or doors.

Just some holes.

And you must be knowing...

A tiger has been
wandering the area.

Didn't want to tell the Raja.

Because...

I don't approve of
useless animal slaughter.

Don't mistake that house for
safe in case you're in danger.

The tiger may easily enter.

You can hide at the riverbed.

That's beyond the jungle.

The tiger does not usually
come out.

But don't worry.

I'll get there before you.

This is just a warning.

Another thing...

let this remain
between the 3 of us.

That's my wish.

I'll take your leave now.
See you at 1 tonight.

Namaskar.

True.

Hadn't thought of this.

Whole kingdom was searched.
That house was left out, is it?

Seemed convincing to me.

Then we must check if

it is you alone who
are convinced?

Or is there someone
else who is convinced too.

Someone else as in?

Go wash your hands.

What's the point
sitting like this?

See!

Forgot to ask about this!
Why this strange game?

Practical reason.

Need handwriting samples.

And?

And?

See.

3 names in 15 seconds, the names
have to be on the top of the mind.

Now let's compare these.

Wait. Okay choose one.

I?-
- Yes, you. Take.

Thank you.

Aloka.

Harinath. Kaligati.

Ajit?

I have not written Aloka's name.

Let's see.

Ajit.

Bomkesh. Thank you.

Kaligati. Harinath.

Both have Kaligati common.

May be one reason.

Both of you have met
him the last evening.

Aloka as Leela.
You as a patient.

Let's read a neutral one.-
- Whose?

Say Chandrashekhar.

Chandra... here it is.

Chandrashekhar.

Himangshu. Harinath. Kaligati.

See, Himangshu's name first.

Loyalty towards Himangshu,
affection for Harinath.

Which is why...

he does not like
Kaligati all that much.

May not be neutral after all.

But all 3 chits have Harinath
and Kaligati in common.

Read what Himangshu writes.

Himangshu.

Ajit. Aloka. Kaligati.

Great! Both the King and the
Queen have written my name.

Don't forget you're a guest.
There's a guest etiquette.

Yes but... you
too are his guest.

I don't know Ajit. Himangshu
may not be able to resolve that,

who has he hired? A
friend or a truth seeker?

I think that's
troubling him constantly.

Which means Kaligati
is common here too.

4 people think Kaligati
and 3 Harinath.

See the next one.-
- Yes, fifth one.

Kaligati himself.

Nice.

Brilliant!

Balbanta.

Arunangshu.

And the Lion Rider.

No one within touch.

Yes. So what?

Nothing. I'm thinking...

is Himangshu already asleep?

Kinkar.
Do something for me.

See whether the Maharaj
has gone to bed…

Ajit brought the compass? Give.

Where's the torch? Light it.

Thought it is a tiger!
This is the tiger's aunt!

But cats are domestic. How
did they get to this ruin?

Himangshu!

Father!

Ajit.

Show the light.

Let's start with
Mr Chandrashekhar.

Mr Chandrashekhar,
even if not directly...

from the beginning did
Harinath not give you any hint?

No...

he would say a lot of things.

Never gave it much importance.

Because you disbelieved him?

Not really.

I thought he is a book worm,
sitting with books all day. So...

he must have been
imagining things.

That the ayurved book
might be with the herbalist

has one meaning,

but the smell in his house is

that of the library
cupboards, that's another.

I thought this was too much.

Oh.

So you thought Harinath
was over imagining things.

Thought he was
overly suspicious.

What is it called...
obsession?

Why else would he go searching
at another person's house?

In all that excitement
Himangshu didn't realize

the tracks were manmade.

No difference between
front and back paws.

Courtesy Corbett Sahib.

Correct.

Ajit.

Go back to that Ramayana
story of yours.

Let begin with why
Sita scolded Lakshman.

Hearing ram's cry.-
- Ram's cry?

Hearing Marich imitate Ram.

Marich's voice. Imitation comes
down from the age of Ramayana.

In Bengali we call it 'Harbola'.

Wait.

So the tigar calls weren't real?

Kaligati was a great actor.

Things in his trunk are with
Chandrashekhar. Check them.

It has wigs, costumes,
old medals, everything.

Imitated the tiger?-
- And the jackel.

Your dogs aren't at fault.
Never caught a scent.

So did not get excited.

Called to hear this discussion?

What happened to
the actual search?

Found a trace

Whose? Harinath's?

No.

Proof.

When she came back from the
hunt who gave Leela leave?

Himangshu or you?

I.

Why?

And not after they came back.

After four months.-
- Why?

The reason...

is very clear in to
all now hopefully.

But why are you changing
the subject?

Not doing so. The two
incidents are linked.

Leela's leave wasn't hidden
from Harinath.

Wanted to see her.
Asked after her for 3 months.

Then followed Kaligati to discover
he'd hidden her in that old house.

Why kept her hidden?

Hid Leela from people
to prove to Himngshu

that he loved the Raja
and wouldn't let

his dignity be hurt.

Will you leave this and tell me
what happened to Harinath?

A man leaves without his
clothes and shoes. But where?

Now I shall put the
incidents in front of you all.

Leela, correct me if I'm wrong.

Harinath went out barefoot

wearing a dhoti and shawl.
Went straight to the temple.

I have a special requiremnt.

For now I need the
Goddesses' vermilion and garlands.

I'll tell you the rest of the
requirements tomorrow morning.

Talking to the priest my
doubts were cleared.

Harinath had decided to
marry Leela that very night.

Tell the rest of it Ajit.

This is one place where Kaligati
went wrong. He thought...

he'd spend his life
as the grandfather of

the childless Raja's
illegitimate son.

But that Harinath would marry
Leela despite her pregnancy

he never imagined
such greatness.

Where are you
taking my daughter?

Without asking me?

Father!-
- Leela is an adult.

We've married in the
Gandharva tradition.

Oh.

So much happened. Never
bothered to tell the old man?

Actually...

there is a small ceremony
at the temple tomorrow.

If you will please
be present there...

and bless us?

Done me a great favour son.

But...

I am a Brahmin.
Truth is my religion.

Do you know...

Leela is pregnant?

I know.-
- Oh.

Agreeable to that too?

The goddess will bless you.

Do one thing.

Go back for now.

When is the ceremony tomorrow?

Ceremony, as in...

exchanging garlands in
front of the goddess.

And the Mantras.

Then let me bring Leela bathed
in new clothes tomorrow?

Hope you don't mind?

Why would I mind?
You're her father.

Do one thing. Return
to the palace.

Come.

So his daughter
was taken care of.

Why should he object?

Because he had different plans.

Because he knew once
Harinath and Leela were married

the child would be
accepted as theirs.

And Harinath might not
agree to adoption.

And he has already
convinced Himangshu

adopting Lella's baby would
secure his bloodline and throne.

Now Kaligata was all ready
to be king's grandpa!

Cross the dry river
and go that way.

Don't want people to know you
came to my daughter this late.

Go.

Probably he wasn't born evil,

Was a born actor.

He witnessed Himangshu's
father's will and was tempted.

Slowly he became like a
quicksand from within,

a trap to ensnare people.

A twisted complex snare.

Leela!

Father!-
- No!

No!

Aloka?

Aloka.

Aloka!

Aloka.

Hold him.

Please go outside.

After 7 days we
returned from Balbantapur.

The official report from
the Forests Department said

that no tiger had been
seen there in 10 years.

Library had a new signboard.
Harinath Memorial Library.

Himangshu and Aloka adopted
Leela's son in a celebrated way.

Himangshu called him Balbanta.

Bomkesh's request. An
old legend became reality.

Went to see Aloka before I left.

She was still weak.

Aloka.

Another disappearance?

Why? I'll come down
when I have time.

Don't lie.

Aren't you a truth seeker?

Then you'll get in
touch in Calcutta.

Some requests
always remain requests.

Never to become promises.

Aloka knew that.
Only told me...

Leave.

Have a safe journey.

Namaskar.