Varthamanam (2021) - full transcript

'News'

Faiza,

Nothing, I was saying that...,

It was during the last
monsoon season,

I came here for the
very first time.

Then, the river had
completely overflowed.

Moreover, you could see
fish literally this huge,

wriggling awfully on the banks.

Is this Yamuna?

Which Yamuna?

Yes mam, it's The Yamuna.



Oh, the river's name, huh?

It's Yamuna.
You didn't know that?

Mister,

You'd better drive, and
not neck into our talk.

What?

Don't interfere, that's it.

You can't survive here without
knowing the (Hindi) language.

These people will dance
on your head.

Brother,

We're here for an admission
in this college.

Oh, That side?

Alright.

I'll see to this.

Faiza, stay inside. Better keep
yourself away from the sun.



- I'll speak to him.
- Tell me

I want to go to the
Admission Department.

- Sure, you may go inside.
- Here is the letter.

Alright, please sign here.

Sign here.

Be careful.

- Make it fast.
- Yeah, you have to fill this first.

Oh, classrooms here
look like tent houses.

- This is correct, I believe?
- Fill this one, OK?

Hi,

May I help you?

Hi.

Hi.

I've come for admission.

Where do I go?

Give us your mobile number.

Please write it over here.

98954

Faiza Sufiya.

S-U-F-I-Y-A.

I've been pondering over something
since I read your proposal.

Why Abdur Rahiman Sahib?

Sir,

The very first book I got to
read in my life is

the autobiography of Abdur Rahman Sahib,
written by my own grandfather.

Of course, no other book could
be a better choice for

the granddaughter of Palliath Alikoya
Mussaliar to start off with.

Even now, I suggest Alikoya Mussaliar's
books as a credible source

for knowing more about
Abdur Rahman Sahib.

How is Mussaliar's health now?

Even though he faces some health
challenges due to aging,

he still can do his
chores independently.

He still reads and writes actively.

Let me ask you, where exactly are
you focusing in this subject?

Sir, during the Indian freedom
struggle, on the basis of religion,

there was an active demand
for a separate state of Pakistan.

Even people of Malabar were
emotionally supporting that movement.

During then, it was Abdur Rahman
Sahib who convinced the public

for an undivided India where both
Muslims and Hindus live peacefully.

That is where I'm
going to focus.

Later, he had to suffer a lot of torture
from religious extremists for the same.

- Am I right?
- True.

Then, they used to have a slogan.

Do you know it, Faiza?

"Will use our sharp knives
to claim our Pakistan."

- ..Pakistan".
- Yes.

Moreover,

When Khilafat Movement of
Malabar was turning violent,

It was Sahib who kept
down these Muslims.

There's a famous speech made
by him standing on a bullock-cart,

addressing those weapon-baring Muslims.

His words were truly a
realization for the people

who had turned blind because
of their insane ideologies.

All of them put down their
weapons as the speech concluded.

Despite all this, I wonder

how many in this new generation
know about Abdur Rahman Sahib?

That's very true.

Now a days, secularism is
diminishing in our country.

In this scenario,

I wish if the new generation people could
know more about Abdur Rahman Sahib.

That is why I decided to choose
his life as my research subject.

Very good.

A research on the very first
book you've read, isn't it?

Very Interesting.

In fact, I'm not your guide
but your own grandpa.

I'll be just a facilitator.

Well,

Since 'Religious Identity' is also
a part of the subject,

You will have to use new
research methodologies.

Ok, sir

There's a book called
'Muslims Against Partition'.

- Written by Shamsul Islam.
- Shamsul Islam.

- Exactly.
- You may refer that.

In fact, you are going to do an
intense research for your project.

- You should never let the fire subside.
- Sure, sir.

Moreover, research is a difficult task.

You will be all alone
most of the times.

You shouldn't even think
of a part time job.

Huh... sir,

But, you wouldn't need to
work since you have a JRF.

Yes, that's also why I'm here.

Moreover I know that
if I stay home,

my marriage is going to
be an international issue.

They will not think of it
once I'm out of station.

So you've formed a
super plan, huh?

Nothing like that.

I was just kidding.

Another thing is, hostel allotments
are going to get late.

Anyways, I've made an
interim arrangement.

OK.

Hello Amal,

- No one here is your kin.
- No one here is your kin.

- VC is a weakling.
- VC is a weakling.

- Campus is full of thieves.
- Campus is full of thieves.

- VC is a weakling.
- VC is a weakling.

- Campus is full of thieves.
- Campus is full of thieves.

- VC, you have distanced yourself.
- VC, you have distanced yourself.

- Nobody here is your kin.
- Nobody here is your kin.

- Rohan is the light of our campus.
- Rohan is the light of our campus.

Amal, hey,

- Now, VC, its your turn.
- Now, VC, its your turn.

- Pothuval sir sent her here.
- What?

Pothuval sir sent her here.
Meet her.

- Where is she?
- She's here.

Hi, just a minute, I'll introduce
someone to you.

Thulsa, you remember Pothuval sir
talking about a girl?

Just talk to her for a
minute and be back.

- Students' Unity Zindabad.
- Zindabad...

- Go back, Vice Chancellor!
- Go back, Vice Chancellor!

- VC should Resign.
- VC should Resign.

- Hi, I'm Thulsa.
- Hi, I'm Faiza.

Did you know Pothuval sir
from back home?

No, I've only heard about him.

He's an extraordinary genius.

He's one of the living authorities of
Indian Political History, you know?

- This is ready.
- Thank you.

- It's yours.
- Thank you.

That is why I wanted to come to this
university to do research, you know?

Who's that student leader?

- Oh, that's Amal.
- Amal?

He's the University Union Chairman.

And he is also my best friend.

We want justice.

- Justice for...
- Rohan.

- Zindabad Zindabad...
- Zindabad Zindabad...

- Students' unity Zindabad.
- Students' unity Zindabad.

Students' unity Zindabad.

- Students' unity Zindabad.
- Students' unity Zindabad.

- We want Justice.
- We want Justice.

Justice for Rohan.

- We want to meet VC.
- He's not inside.

- We want to talk to VC.
- He's gone out for a meeting.

Stop, Stop, Stop, one second.
Stop!

I'm telling you he's not here.

He's not here.
He's gone for a meeting.

- Who else shall we speak to?
- PVC called him for a meeting.

He's not here.

Sir,

Rohan's issue.

Sir, this is not the first
issue of this kind.

The University has been showing a
bad face to backward Dalit students.

This is part of a clear
political agenda.

There is a deliberate attempt
to wipe off students

of a particular community
from the campus.

Sir, you yourself know how difficult it
would be, when a student like Rohan

is deprived of his stipend.

Isn't it cruel to behave like this to him
after knowing his financial condition?

You are deliberately taking
away the security

that has been offered to
him by the constitution.

See, this is not an issue that can
be decided at our own discretion.

It's beyond our control.

Better you may approach
higher authorities.

Sir, if you're not empowered
to take a decision to solve

issues of a poor student
of this University,

Then, what is the use of
holding on to this chair?

Listen,

I know very clearly what
to do, and what not to do.

You needn't teach me,
you may go now.

We really don't want to stir up the
campus into an agitated mood.

But you're forcing us to do it.

Same way, don't think that this issue
will be confined to this University alone.

The entire country is going
to take it over.

And we'll make it happen.

Come, there's no use
of talking to him.

Get going.

Try and put me also in
some sports quota.

Sushil bro,

We have shown the power of
our leadership once again.

The Students Union strike has absolutely
no effect on the grip of PVC.

You see.

- They can't do anything.
- True.

Our national leaders right,

they know exactly how
to tackle this issue.

These issues in the name
of Dalits, minorities...

Everything will be dusted off.

This campus needs to be disciplined.

These South Indians right,

they are the biggest
problem here.

Specially, those people from Kerala.

First of all, they easily pass
all of their examinations.

Secondly, they...

So, we're also anti-nationalists
who cleared the entrance exam?

No,

I was not talking about
you. Sorry guys.

- You guys are exception.
- Oh, isn't it? - But it is true.

They are using our campus for
conducting anti national activities

for getting support from the youth.

They are even recruiting
candidates from this campus.

It is our responsibility to
identify and rip them apart.

- Yes, mom.
- Faizu,

- Hearty greetings, mom.
- Bless you, my girl.

What's up honey?
Did you take bath?

Yes, I took bath and,
I'm done with the prayers too.

Did you eat anything?

Nope, just going to have food.

Mom, let me switch to a video call?
Don't you want to see my room?

Oops! No need of a video call.

I'm all dirt and sweat.

C'mon mom, that's OK.

You're beautiful, as always.

Wait, wait, wait,

Let me wear the shawl properly.

Mom, see,

this is my five star hostel room.

Good.

Just a moment.

This is my room mate, Thulsa.

- Hi Mom,
- Hi.

How are you?
[Speaks Malayalam]

I'm good, dear.

Thulsa is not from here,
but Utharakhand.

But, she has a lot of
Malayali friends here.

Thus knows Malayalam very well.

- Where is grandpa?
- He's here.

I'll just give the phone to him.

Just a second.

Dad, it's Faizu on call.

Yes, Faiza,

Hearty greetings, Grandpa.

Bless you, my girl.

How's you knee pain?

I'm alright.

- How's your stay and food?
- All good.

I met the Professor.

He asked about you.

I'll call you sometime, when the
Professor is there with me.

Grandpa, I'll introduce
my room mate to you.

- Thulsa, she's Thulsa Chakma.
- Alright.

Hi grandpa, how are you?

Hi Thulsa, I'm fine.
How are you?

- I'm fine.
- Where are you from?

I'm from Utharakhand.

Bachavar.

Wow! The heaven on earth.

And which part of Utharakhand?

Bachavar, it's a small village.

It's very near to Mussorie.

Oh, Mussorie?

I've been to Mussorie once.

Great.

People there are very good.

- It's true.
- And the place is amazing.

OK, then...,

- Grandpa,
- Yes, honey,

You may hang up.

OK Mom, Grandpa,
I'll call later.

- OK Then,
- Peace be upto you.

And unto you peace.

''VC is a weakling.''

''VC is a weakling.''

''Camous is full of thieves.''

Thulsa,

There...

What's happening there?

Song!

We often have Hartal at night.

Our campus is much
active at night.

- Harthal?
- Yes.

You're really blessed to
have such a grandpa.

I've not seen my dad.

So, he is my everything;

my dad, grandpa, best friend...

Nice.

My mom's wish was to
see me as a doctor.

But my grandfather could
sense my area of interest.

And he supported me for...

Oh, I'm so sorry, I was
speaking in Malayalam.

From Medicine to History?

A drastic shift, dear!

My mom didn't like me going
too far for my studies.

So, she didn't let me go alone
any where for my PG.

But later,

She let me come
here only because of

my Grandfather's
strong recommendation.

I had always dreamt of
studying in this campus.

And my brother, Vilas.

He's my biggest supporter.

And you know,

It's my brother who wishes to see my
name written as 'Dr.Thulsa Chakma',

even more than I do.

And I will fulfill his dream.

Faiza, do you know?

I'm the first research student
from my community.

So you're going to be the first
Doctor from your community?

Yeah, like Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

Wow!

So, you're going to make
history, Thulsa?

Yes.
Finally.

- 'VC is powerless.'
- 'VC is powerless.'

'The system is full of thieves.'

- VC, you're the darkness.'
- VC, you're the darkness.'

'Rohan is the light
of our campus.'

Thank you, Very good,
very good, very good.

Thank You, Thank you.

I want to salute you all
for coming here today,

to fight for 'Justice for Rohan'.

But, I've a few things
more to tell you.

I want it to be more
or less informal.

This struggle is not just
for 'Justice for Rohan'.

Whatever happening with Rohan can't
just be seen as a one time incident.

It's visible in every university,

every educational institution in India.

This is all coz of Caste Discrimination.

The authorities had now
criminalized dissent.

And against this,
we need to fight.

So, from now,

our movement is going to
go forward ever stronger.

And remember one thing,

If we stay united,

we can show everyone, what
is right, and what is wrong.

If we all fight together,

Victory is ours.

So guys, what I want to say is,

If you still have faith,

If you still have belief

in democracy, in this University, in me,
and most importantly in yourself.

Please stay with me,

and shout out loud
with zeal and zest;

- 'Stop Caste Discrimination.'
- 'Stop Caste Discrimination.'

- 'Let casteism die.'
- 'Let casteism die.'

- 'Zindabad, Zindabad, '
- 'Zindabad, Zindabad, '

- Student's Unity Zindabad.
- Student's Unity Zindabad.

Dear Amal,

I'm very tired of
chanting slogans.

- Buy me something to eat.
- OK, move.

Who is this new follower?
Hi, Faiza,

- Hi,
- I'm Haibi Chamman.

I'm a poor Christian
guy from Trissur.

Didn't you tell her everything?

Dude, it's fine, I can
explain it to her.

Normally, new comers ought
to sponsor dinner for a week.

It's been a custom of our
University for years.

It goes unsaid that the Customs
are to be followed at any cost.

Yes, we know, we know.

- Do you really know Malayalam,
Thulsa? - Of Course!

She is considered as the
'Mother of Malayalam' here.

In fact, she had tried
to teach me Hindi.

But to our surprise,

she started speaking good
Malayalam in just three months.

Now, many people are approaching
her for learning Malayalam.

Yeah,

What Haibi taught me initially
was to swear in Malayalam.

To swear?

- To swear?
- Yes, minimally.

What cuss words?

Patti, Chetta, Nari...
[Cuss words in Malayalam]

These stunning words are
my contribution.

But not the ones coming up.

- OK, get going you dumbass.
- Stop it.

But, you only taught me these.

Didn't you go home yet?

Sit, Thulsa.

I'll order the
food, and be back.

Hi bro,

What's Rohan's issue all about?

Oh, you haven't met
Rohan, Have you?

He'll be here in some time.

He's one of the Dalit
activists in our group.

He's from a very poor
family in Andhra.

Haven't you heard of Ambedkar
Student's Movement?

Yes.

One of the strongest voices of the
movement in our University.

So, he's always been in the black
list of High Caste Fascist.

Did you meet Sushil?

No, who's he?

You should meet him.

He's leading BVS here.

He posted some content
on Facebook,

speaking ill of Ambedkar
Student's Union.

Rohan questioned him about it.

But his response was kinda bad.

Naturally, Rohan reacted.

It almost ended up
in a fist fight.

The real issue here
is something else.

After the incident,

a fake criminal case was
filed against Rohan by them.

Sighting this as a reason,

the University withheld his stipend.

It's been three months since then.

Rohan is devastated.

His hapless family,

the humiliation he faces here,

University's attitude...

Yeah,

They are suppressing our
voices in our own land.

If this is what we get
from the University,

where else are we going
to get justice from?

Hey, C'mon, join us.

- Hi Vyshnav,
- How are you?

Come, sit.

- He's Rohan.
- Sit, chap.

He's Vyshnav.

He's from Rajasthan.

The one and only rebellious son of

a super rich gold merchant
of Rajput Dynasty.

Hey, brother, Vyshnav
will pay you.

Rohan,

Vyshnav gave it for you.

How long is this possible?

Don't feel that you're alone.

Don't even think about it.

OK?

Come.

I am Faiza's...

Local Guardian.

- What?
- Oh god,

How do I make him understand
that I'm her local guardian.

Hey, hello...

It's nothing.

I'm Faiza's

'Local Father'.

Local Daddy.

Local Daddy?

- Yes, Local Daddy.
- Local Daddy?

Are you still laughing?

Let her come. Then you will
understand who am I to her.

You're not a cop, are you?

Haris, what happened?

Finally, you're here.

I told him that I'm
your local guardian.

He doesn't understand it.

He neither knows Hindi nor
English, he must be Bengali.

- Man, understand one thing,
- Please come here.

- What's it?
- Just come.

Haris, don't make it an issue.

I have to study here for
another 2-3 years.

Alright, I am leaving it
just because you asked.

I'm dangerous otherwise.

By the way, Faiza, what's
wrong with you?

You look terrible in just
two days of stay here.

Don't you like the food here?

Nothing like that. I don't have
any problem here.

Can't believe that.

Anyways, let's go out.

There's a famous hotel here.

You'll get to eat yummy
Mutton chaps and Porotta.

I'm not dressed up
for an outing, Haris.

I came down just because you called,
thinking there's something urgent.

What's there to dress
up so much?

Just wear the scarf...

You just have to wear the scarf
properly, and you're ready.

Come, hurry up.

Come, Faizu.

Come Faizu, get inside.

First of all, I'd like to say that

We shouldn't approach this issue

as a one time incident happened
in the purview of this campus.

And you all must be knowing

and feeling that enthusiasm,

that the new leadership has
brought in to National politics.

The leadership has conveyed
its willingness

to take part and take
responsibility of this strike.

Even by making its presence
in this campus.

And it has requested that

in this fight for 'Justice for Rohan',

All of you;

that is all the secular forces
should stay united

and fight for this cause.

And our promise to you is,

We are there with
you in this fight,

and will be too.

We will win for sure.

Jaihind.

In fact, it is unbelievable that

a person like Rohan
is being harassed

in a campus like this.

This is the university in India,
famous for total freedom.

If heinous things like this
happen in such a campus...

Those good old days
saw its end long back.

The Fascists are overpowering
the campuses using power.

To be frank,

It's now we understand the heights of
freedom we had enjoyed in our times.

The critiques then are now
aware of the truth.

Anyways, I appreciate the
decisions taken at our meeting.

A strategy where all the student
organizations hold hands together...

Not just in our college,

this should spread across
the country.

There you are!

Oh Faizi, you were here?

Adharsh,

From whatever I've heard
about her, she's a genius.

Just that she sips
coffee with us.

I'm afraid whether you would
lure her to your group.

But, I'm not afraid of it.

She was our magazine editor
at Devagiri college.

Yeah, I know.

Now listen, the thing is,

Regarding Rohan's issue,

nothing favorable to us
has happened till now.

As far as I know,

their next step is his dismissal.

We should be taking a very strong
initiative against this immediately.

Very much.

Our party's senior leadership has already
decided to take over this strike.

Yes, that's what even
I had in mind.

I've a suggestion too.

For the movement to be strong,

the followers should also be strong.

So, let's eat something,
and then...

You may continue your
serious discussion.

I'm hungry.

See, what we need right now is

form a coordinated group of all the anti
fascists associations in our campus.

To begin with.

That's a great idea.

What I feel is like...

It's better to exclude organizations
running along religious line from this.

Moreover, subjects like religion and
faith are strictly personal matters.

It is dangerous if we mix
them along with this.

This movement should strictly
be seen from a secular perspective.

That's what I think.

That's true.

So, I gave it to him for review.

And he said he will send it.

- Asslamu Alaikum (Greetings among Muslims)
- Wa Alaikum Assalam

I'm Hana Fathima.

We work for 'Campus Fronts'.

Faiza, are you busy
to talk for a while?

That is...

You guys carry on.
I'm going to my room.

- OK.
- Bye.

I'm Jamal, Jamal Hussain.

From Thikkodi, Kozhikode.

She's Hana from Thiruvananthapuram.

He's Jafry and she's Mushra.

Both of them from UP.

Faiza, how's your hostel?

- Are you comfortable?
- Yes.

If not, you can share
any one of our rooms.

No, it's fine. I'm comfortable
with Thulsa. Thank you.

That's fine.

Though less in numbers,
we're very active here.

Despite this, we have Quran
class on every Friday.

There's a forum for discussing
social issues.

But not politics.

You should come for the class.
We're here to invite you.

We have Saifudin Ali Naqvi's
class next week.

Faiza would've heard of him.

It's highly intellectual.

Moreover, you can meet our people
when you come to the class.

This would be a protection for
you in a non-native place like this.

Something like safeguarding
our identity, am I right?

Nope... that is...
next week..

I'm sorry, I don't think I can make
it next week. Anyways, I'll update.

Don't worry.
You're not alone.

We can go together.

- OK, See you.

- Alright.
- Catch you later.

Yup.
OK.

Let's go.

Rohan,

Your phone is ringing.

Rohan,

Pick the call.

It's my dad.

To speak about stipend.

What could I tell him?

C'mon, just talk to him.

Why getting tensed?

Hello,

Yes, dad.

It will take a week more.

He will give it to you
by next week.

OK.

OK, dad, I have a little
to study.

I will call you back.

OK.

He says that he's received
a bank notice today.

My house has been
under mortgage.

That's why...

Dad is not working now.

If I fail to give money,

we'll lose our roof.

The partition of Indian
mind was first achieved

through the writing of history
known as ' Historiography'.

They wrote a history of India

by dividing our Indian
history into three parts.

Hindu India, Muslim India,

and British India.

This categorization was
historically crucial

for the construction of
religious Identity of India.

They reduced the people into
their immediate identity.

That of Hindus or Muslims,

in an attempt to rule Indians.

These historians had no idea about

Indian history or reality.

James Stuart Mill, who
gave us grand theories

pitting Indians against
fellow Indians

hadn't visited India ever.

They had only looked
at colonial sources

to make these theories
about hundreds of years

in the lives of millions of people.

They looked at everything

from a religious perspective.

Another important thing is,

one second,

Muhammed of Ghazni,

the Muslim king has
attacked temples

for the wealth accumulated
in the temple those days.

Only for the wealth
accumulated in the temple.

They made this economical
interest invisible,

and projected only the
religious identity of the king

which was unknown here.

Thank you all, thank you.

Thank you.

Done for today.

Hi, how are you?

Ah, good, good.
You noted everything.

You try to write it.

Refer good books.

Study well, have a good day.

Thank you.

- Sir,
- Yes Adharsh,

We'll conveniently talk later.

OK, done.

Faiza,

- Sir, it was interesting.
- Thank you, Faiza.

As if I confronted with some
bare truths from the history.

It is truth for some people,
and untruth for others.

Greetings Sir,

Sir, but I have a doubt.

Have the kings had any agenda
of promoting their religion?

No, nothing of that sort.

They were more fond of
wealth and power.

Muslim kings hardly addressed the
poor Muslims of their kingdom.

They socialized more
with wealthy Hindus.

The same was the case
with Hindu kings.

Wow, amazing.

Now I've a clearer picture of it.

In fact, we have a wrong
understanding of our own History.

The truths have been manipulated
by people with vested interests.

True.

Sir,

Sorry, I was a little busy.

It's all right.

How far along is United Student's
Movement relating to Rohan's issue?

We feel more confident after
all the anti fascist forces

have united for this cause.
- Good.

And we've decided to stay
together in future also.

Very good. And the
time demands it, right?

Yes.

- Have you enrolled Faiza
in your gang? - Long back...

We were short of an NSO
activist. Now, it's done.

So, now you've affiliates
from all the parties?

Yes, now it's like a United
Student's Movement.

Very good.

What is your plan
for the evening?

- Nothing.
- Nothing in particular.

If so, let's huddle at my
house this evening.

It's been 30 years since we
started tolerating each other.

- Your wedding anniversary?
- Yes.

And you're telling this
in the eleventh hour?

You know me, Amal, I'm least
interested in celebrations.

Varsha arranged everything.

OK Sir, I'll definitely come.

- See you there.
- Sure.

We were waiting for you.

- Where were you?
- I was here only.

- You like the food?
- Yes, very good.

- Hi.
- Mam, it's you?

- Come.
- Please sit.

It's OK. It's OK.
Sit down.

Comfortable?

Thank you.

Faiza,

How are you? Did you visit
places in Delhi?

Yes, she has a rocking local
guardian here.

So, we covered almost all the
Malayali restaurants in Delhi.

Who's that?

Mam, they are just kidding.

Not many places...

There's ample time for it.

Faiza, Mam is working in SBI Bank
as Deputy General Manager.

Mam, how is banking
sector going on?

Very strong.

Indian economy is very strong
after demonetization.

Since you say, our economy
is very strong,

can you waive off my
educational loan of 5 lakhs?

- Isn't it just a petty amount?
- Zip your mouth.

Around 10 farmers are committing
suicide everyday in our country.

Even their loans are
not being waivered.

Then why talk about
educational loan?

Waiving off loans can't be considered
as a good economic policy.

Yes, that's true.

But our banks can waive off

billions and trillions of money

availed by big shot
corporate companies.

That is a very brilliant
economic policy.

Our country is in peril.

Reserve Bank governors are
scooting off their positions.

Is this the strong economic
condition you're talking about?

See Amal, study the matter
first, and then talk.

Yes, the government can't
afford to pay back my loan.

It's OK, we understand.

- Mam, you explain on the basis of
your studies. - Can you just stop it?

Hi sir, when did you come here?

Faiza, don't get scared
hearing all these.

They fight whenever they meet.

You eat.

Thank you
Thank you so much.

Hope you all enjoyed the song.

All of us have gathered here is
to recollect the memories of

a happy love story, dating
back to 30 years.

As this is a night, all wet
in lovely memories,

Let's listen to a Malayalam
song next.

Another specialty of
the song is...

It is composed by...

our dearest..

Professor, Shri. Satish Pothuval.

"Love."

"Oh, my love..."

"You are an ever-flowing
river of love."

"You are a chilling rain
in the desert."

"You are the light of my life,
like the sun rays in the morning."

"You are the rhythm of
my nights."

"You are the colorful dreams
of my heart."

"And that's the essence of
happiness in my life."

"You are an ever-flowing
river of love."

"You are a chilling rain
in the desert."

"The sun rays climb up the steps."

"And the streets of my mind
is all crowded."

"The light just fades away."

"The birds fly away."

"Was it a shadow or broken dreams?"

"The light just fades away."

"The birds fly away."

"Was it a shadow or broken dreams?"

"Sailing through the depths of life,"

"You shower me with the
fragrance of happiness."

It's just a matter of 5
minutes more, know?

They have been saying
it from the morning...

- I'll be right back.
- How beautifully are they making it!

- Will it get late?
- Yes.

Simply standing and staring at
it will not help. This is an art.

Get me some paint, dude.

- How is it?
- It's really good.

You can almost see the
fire in his eyes know?

Yeah.

It's better to apply
a dark shade there.

These are allowed here only.

It seems they have started
removing the statues out there.

And for which they're
suffering now.

The entire country collapsed.

Yeah.

They should think along his line
if at all they're to have a hope.

OK, no comments.

Well,

You've been a staunch advocate of
Nehru's Economic Policies.

Then why this silence?

You people never bothered
Nehru when he is alive.

And now you hail him.

It's true.
It's true.

If his economic policy
wasn't there,

our country would've
had a tough time.

I can't completely agree
to it. But, in a way...

I don't mind you continuing
with your theories and stretch.

But one thing, Leader,

Unni's hotel will close shortly.

[Indistinct Chattering]

Shucks!

Hey, Haibi,

Yup.

Can you just move
your ass a bit?

Ass?

Shucks! I could've worn
something inside.

Shove off, you dumbass.

Dang! An idiot who doesn't
value artists.

Cool, OK.

That's nice.

Faiza, you know, this
place is not like ours.

We have total freedom
in this campus.

But, a mistake that everyone
makes is their friends.

Faiza, don't get offended.

None of your friends
align to our beliefs.

They believe in Materialism.

I'm sorry.

I've my own stance
on these topics.

They were not formed overnight.

For the very same reason,

I'm not afraid that I might
lose it somewhere.

Regarding my friends,

Whether or not they are believers,

it is not going to affect my
friendship with them.

They are good people.

Friendship is as simple
as that, isn't it?

OK Then. Have a good day.

Yeah.

Hello Thulsa, how are you?

- Hi bro, how are you?
- I'm good.

- What about you?
- I'm good too.

- And how's mom?
- She's fine.

Well, where are you now?

I'm here at hostel.

Good. Good. How's your
studies going on?

- Good going.
- Great.

Had food?

Yes.

- Where is Faiza?
- She is here.

With me in the hostel.

Say my Hello to Faiza.

Faiza, brother is saying
a 'Hi' to you.

Hi,

She's saying 'Hi' to you.

A mere 'Hi' will not do.
Let me speak to her.

Faiza, he wants to talk to you.

One minute, bro.

Hi bro,

How are you?

She's asking how you are.

Good. Good.

What else?

We... Your wedding...
[Tries to speak Hindi]

We're coming.
We're all coming.

She says that they will be
joining us for your marriage.

Sure.

- OK. Take care. Bye.
- Bye.

OK Bhaiyya.
Bye.

OK, Bye Thulsa, Take care.

Everything good at home?

All good.

Mom asks me always.

Have you heard this song before?

This song was composed within days
of Mahathma Gandhi's demise.

Muhammed Rafi was just 24
when he sang this song.

Jawaharlal Nehru broke into
tears hearing this song.

Sir, we're going to
Jamiamilia, right?

Yes.
Yes.

Jamiamillia University
can be traced back

from the history of our
Freedom Struggle.

During the Indian Independence
movement,

the British lured some
Muslim Scholars.

They also provided educational
institutions for the Muslims

to impart colonial education.

They asked these scholars to issue
Fatwa in favour of British Rule.

A few people like Syed Ahmmed
Khan got slipped into their trap.

Sir, But we know Syed Ahmmed
Khan as Renaissance leader.

Yes, that's true.

But he was against
Indian Freedom Struggle.

He believed that only if he
held hands with the British,

he could help the community.

But, majority of the Muslim
scholars were against it.

They issued Fatwa
against British rule.

Jamiamillia University was an
institution started by them

with the support of Congress.

Britishers had tried to demolish
this institution several times.

Then, leaders including Gandhiji
strived hard to retain the institution

They even sought contribution
from the public for the same.

Jamiamillia University has a big role

in imparting secularism
in young minds.

This is where Abdur Rahman
came for pursuing his studies.

This is the room Abdur Rahman
occupied in this hostel.

Faiza,

Yes, sir.

You may present the next seminar.

Oh sir, me?

It's a part of your research.

Isn't it too soon...?

You've been researching on the subject
since you started learning alphabets.

So, won't this time
enough for you?

- Sir, don't make fun of me.
- No, no, no, no. I'm serious.

It's Thulsa's brother's
marriage next week.

- So, can I do the seminar...
- Yup, you can do it after you're back.

- OK, Sir.
- OK.

Come.

OK guys, tickets confirmed.

Good, What time?

10.30 PM.

OK.

Huh, don't we have to buy a
gift for Thulsa's brother?

Ops, Need it all?

Yes, of course.

- Why not?
- Really?

Come, let's go out,
and buy something.

Let's go and buy it right
now. We have time.

- Let's go?
- Yep.

You may go.
I want to take rest.

It's fasting from tomorrow.

What? What fasting?

If you're lazy to come,
just tell that.

That's not it.

I'll get hungry quickly.

And I know that you don't
have a single penny with you.

My comedy would be a flop.
But, look there.

A real comedian is coming to us.

Why aren't you picking my calls?

How long have I
been calling you?

I forgot my phone at the hostel.

What happened?
Why are you here?

I thought of taking you out.

We are going out now.
So, I can't come with you.

We? Who all?

We all.

This isn't your place.

This is Delhi, a very
dangerous place.

Someone well informed
has to accompany you.

You needn't go alone with them.

I'll also join you.

Haris, we're a lot of people
all together.

How come you come along with us?

That's OK. I'll come.
Don't go alone.

Faiza, why worrying?
Let him come with us.

Isn't it, Haris?

You just come.

Amal, we're having food
before or after shopping?

- The first option would be fine.
- Cool.

So, let's eat first.

You come along with me.

What the heck?
You walk.

Come, let's go.

Come.

What is it, Haris?
I'm heavy?

What a question?

I can sit in the back
seat if you want.

No, he isn't heavy.

As if I've kept some
sponge on my lap.

Aren't you eating at all?

By the way, I've something
to tell you all.

Our lovely Haris will decide

from where to eat,
and what to eat.

No one should interfere in it.

I will not allow it also.

What you say, Haris?

Delhi isn't familiar
to us as you do.

I know Delhi. Moreover you
don't go out that much.

I'll take you.

We go out very often.

This may be Your first outing.

But Faiza wouldn't be
accompanying you, right?

We never go out without Faiza.

As if you're ignorant.

Ops, don't sleep on me.

Sit properly.

It can be this way also.

Food has come.

Excuse me,

The Steam Cake is crumbled.

I want a perfect one.

This Steam Cake... is crumbled.
[Tries to speak Hindi]

Which means... Er...

- Just tell him.
- This is broken.

He doesn't want broken ones.

One new...

Steam Cake.

Pass it.

The thing is,

I don't eat crumbled Steam Cake.

That's my habit since childhood.

- Faiza knows about it.
- Yes, yes.

At his place,

the Steam Cake from the maker
is directly pushed into the mouth.

You'd better zip your Big Mouth.

- You understand one thing,
- Anyways, we eat it after crushing it.

So what?

How do we eat rice?
By mixing it, right?

But the supplier doesn't
mix it for us.

That's true.

That's....

Don't you ever talk to me.

Gobble the food and leave.

Whatever, I'll only eat
unbroken Steam Cake.

Pass it, Pass it, what the heck,
Haibi? Pass it man.

Pass it.

Give it to Rohan.

Give it to me.

But, isn't it crumbled?

That's OK. Once in a while,
I eat crumbled ones also.

May be their Steam Cake
maker is not good.

It's not good to blame
them every time.

What the crap is he doing?

"Oh, my friends."

"Oh, my friends."

"To fly along the sweet
blowing wind."

"With colorful dreams
inside the eyes."

"We travel through the same
path of life."

"The dusk is coming in."

"It's the wave of darkness
everywhere."

"Come to me, as the light
of moon."

"I search for you over the trees,
over the skies."

"You are the rhythm
of my heart."

"Life looks so alive."

"My ways are more easy
with you."

"We will stay like this, always."

"We will be friends forever."

"We listen to the rhythm
of winds..."

"Blowing in the fresh morning."

"Let's live every moment
of happiness."

"Everyday, every moment."

"The breezy wind comes chuckling
and giggling."

"To spread colours into our lives,
like the colorful threads."

"Oh, the lovely rainbow, you
journey through our minds."

"Filling droplets of love
and joy inside us."

"This is a moment of jubilation."

"And, the waves of life
moves in track."

"You all make my life, today."

"To fly along the sweet
blowing wind."

"With colorful dreams
inside the eyes."

"We travel through the same
path of life."

"I search for you over the trees,
over the skies."

"You are the rhythm
of my heart."

"Life looks so alive."

"My ways are more easy
with you."

"We will stay like this, always."

"We will be friends forever."

"Life looks so alive."

"My ways are more easy
with you."

"We will stay like this, always."

"We will be friends forever."

"We listen to the rhythm
of winds..."

"Blowing in the fresh morning."

"Let's live every moment
of happiness."

"Everyday, every moment."

- I can't do this.
- Hey, listen,

I'll go home, and take
bath in the morning.

- Amal, are you cold?
- Yes, a bit.

Look at Sindh, wow!

What a beautiful place?

What are you doing there?

You also come.

Do you know what I'm
thinking right now?

Our Thulsa, right?

How painstakingly she comes to the
University from such a remote place?

We at least got a tractor
to reach Thulsa's house.

We had to walk nearly 3 hours
to reach Rohan's house.

Enough, buddy.
Let's go.

Where are you going?

- You'll fall down.
- What happened?

Got scared?

How crazy are they?

- Have your tea.
- Thank you.

Did you have tea?

Yes, I did.

You'll be feeling cold.

No, no.

Sitting near this is warm.

Have it.

- Thank you.
- OK, OK.

OK, How many times?

How many more Rotis needed?

That's what they do to get
rid of the cold here.

Thulsa always speaks about you.

She doesn't even think of
us when you're around.

Faiza, take care of Thulsa.

She doesn't give a second
thought to anything.

In my opinion, she
is very brave.

Yes, yes, she...

Your support is what makes
her brave.

You rightly said it.

She is very naughty with us.

What's happening here?

Whom are you talking about?

Wow! Faiza,

You learnt to make Roti
in such a short while?

It's amazing.

See,

Excuse me, pencil please?

Thank you.

- Yes, Faiza.
- Sir, sorry, sir.

Did I trouble you calling
at late night?

No way, tell me.

Just one doubt;

Can we use videos for seminars?

Why not? You can.

Yes? Great, great.

Thank you, sir.
Thank you so much. OK.

Are you tensed?

Yes, a little.

This is my first time presenting a
seminar in such a big university.

Seminars are very common here.

You needn't get tensed.

OK, sir. Thank you, sir.
I'll see you tomorrow.

- OK, good night.
- Good night, sir.

- Grandpa,
- Yes, kiddo,

I'm preparing for the seminar.

- Let me just read out the points?
- Yes.

The biggest advantage of the first
war of Independence, 1857 was

the establishment of Hindu-Muslim unity.

The British was threatened by it.

Lord Curzon was their trump
card to breakdown this unity.

His policy was to
'Divide and Rule'.

One second.

The Bengal Split and Pakistan formation
were the fruits of that policy.

Lord Curzon died in the year 1825.

The repercussions of his policies are
evident in Indian politics even now.

It divides us again and again
in the name of religion.

We have to understand that all
these are for gaining power.

Abdur Rahman Sahib, known
as the Heroic Son of Kerala

is one of the leaders of renaissance
who stood against it.

He was tortured both by the extremists
belonging to his own community,

and the British rulers, for
the very same reason.

Pampering their memories at
heart will definitely provide us

the strength to face the
challenges of today.

But deliberate attempts are being
made to obliterate them.

Even new historical narratives
are being constructed

for this purpose.

Resistance is crucial for the
survival of our country.

The stories of those people who
sacrificed their entire lives

in the names of clans and
tribes to which they are born

are extremely saddening.

Some people are conspiring
against freedom,

democracy and secularism.

Won by heroic sons of our
land like Abdur Rahman Sahib.

To safeguard the freedom
and unity of our land,

we must resist and defeat
these forces of darkness.

Thank you.

A political speech in the name
of seminar? Ridiculous!

We should never be a mute
witness to this absurdity.

What Deepthi said is true.

People from our place
are the haughtiest.

These are the recruits
of Pothuval.

Everyone has a stand.

There is no need of
complaining anyone.

We shouldn't allow such
anti-nationalists here.

We ourselves will do
whatever is necessary.

True.

The system is not going
to change for better.

Even if we go and complaint,
what is the use?

Hey, Faiza Madam, greetings.

I got to hear your seminar.

It was fun.

Open your ears, and listen.

This is Hindustan.

Evil or Virtue,

We'll do it, understood?

If you don't agree to it,
just leave the country.

Understand?

Such a ridiculous seminar
and research of yours.

Faiza,

Politics here is different from
that of our native place.

Here, we should be very careful
while making statements.

We're here with a warning just
coz you're a Malayali too.

They are Dare Devils.

But, I didn't say anything
that isn't there.

Are you sure, you didn't?

Dang. What did you say?

She's saying that she
only said the truth.

What truth?

Whose truth?

Who told you that
they are truths?

You'd better respect our
country and its culture,

or else we won't sit quiet.

- Bro,
- Understand?

- Bro, she's a kid. Leave her.
- What kid?

Go Faiza, quick.

You may study if you want to.

And don't dig grave
for yourself.

Faiza,

Faiza, C'mon, be bold.

Faiza, Amal is calling.

Faiza,

- Hello, Amal.
- Why didn't you come to the square?

Thulsa here.

Where's Faiza?

Er... Amal, she's here.

But she's totally upset.

The PVS gang?

- Yeah.
- OK.

You ask her not to get upset.

Tell her I'm coming
to meet her in a bit.

OK.

This University has a good culture.

It doesn't mean that
we'll always stick to it.

- You'd better not provoke us.
- What did I do for it?

Why the hell did you intimidate
students in the name of politics?

[Indistinct chattering]

He initiated the problems.

Haibi, take him away.

[Indistinct chattering]

Hey, act with decorum.

Do you remember any such issue
happening in the campus before?

They initiated the problems.
You'd better counsel them.

We didn't do anything.
He initiated the issue.

That's OK.
Sit, Hari.

What the heck?

See him.

Faiza,

You made a mess out
of it, didn't you?

Honey, couldn't you
tell me, at least?

I would've dealt it wisely.

Or else you could've told them.

I know it only when
they told me.

- Haris, we can't blame Faiza.
- That's fine.

She's new to this place.

Didn't I warn you
about your friends?

Honey, your family
is all tensed up.

I somehow have managed
to calm them down.

Faiza, leave it.
We'll handle the rest.

You needn't bother it at all.

You don't have to handle it.

I know what you're saying,
and what you're going to say.

I'm not your puppet.

Well, Haris,

I heard how you
calmed my family.

Don't make me swear.
See you later.

OK, C'mon, let me say...

She's in a bad mood.

Hello, sir.

How's your health?
Are you fine?

I'm alright.

Just that I'm upset about
my grand daughter.

Oops, take it easy, sir.

That's just a small quarrel
between the students.

We're here to support her.

You don't have to get tensed.

I'm positive about it.

I know she'll not neck
into unwanted things.

Yes, true.

Please hang on, I'll give
the phone to Faiza.

He's tensed.

Yes, mom.

Mom, don't get tensed
for what others say.

Still, when you hear
many things...

I hope you're calm now.

- Call later.
- OK.

OK.

OK mom, Peace be upon you.

- And unto you peace.
- Is it a serious issue?

Thulsa, Thulsa, Get up.

Your brother is calling you.

Pick it.

Hello,

Yes, I was sleeping.
What happened?

Yes, I was sleeping.

What?

How?

When did the accident happen?

What is his condition now?

Brother, my brother.

Brother,

Thulsa,

My brother...

Hello, hello,

Thulsa's friend,

Thulsa,

My dear brother,

In another event of Sawaj violence,

one more person has been murdered

in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand.

A group of local goons beat

a young man Vilas Chakma to death
accusing him of killing cattles.

Vilas Chakma reportedly
used to skin dead animals

and sell it to leather
companies for his living.

We're waiting for more
details on the news.

Yeah, we'll be there right now.

Brother,

My dear brother...

Vilas is accused of stealing cows.

He, who was beaten up
from Utharakhand,

was caught many times
for stealing cows.

When he got caught this time,

he was slaughtering a cow.

When the villagers saw
him do this,

they attacked him.

Hello,

'Vilas is still alive'

'He lives in me',

'He lives in all of us',

'He's still alive',

'He lives in me',

'He lives in you',

'He lives in me',

'He lives in you',

'He's still alive',

'He lives in us',

'He lives in you',

'Vilas is still alive',

'He lives in me',

'He lives in you',

'He is still alive',

'Vilas is still alive',

'He lives in me',

'He lives in you',

'Vilas is still alive'.

Friends,

These people have been suppressing
Dalit voices in this University for years.

They were even pushing
him to commit suicide.

Now they have started murdering
Dalit people in rural India.

And why?

For what reason, brothers?

In the name of job,

that they do for their living?

In the name of job,

that he had been
doing for years?

This is their master plan
to split us.

The dirty plan to split
our country.

And we cannot afford
to be quiet, brothers.

This is not happening
anywhere else.

But here and now.

Vilas bro, who has given up
his life for these fascists...

He's not just Thulsa's brother.

Vilas is a symbol for every
Dalit in this country,

for every minority community
in this country.

Brothers, these authorities are
not going to find the culprits.

They will protect them,

praise them, worship them.

So, let's not ask
for whom the bell tolls.

This is an attack on
mankind, friends.

As John Donne said,

The bell is tolling for us.

We're the last of us.

Who all among us will remain?

All of you were able to come
here on such short notice.

We're all that's left.

Uncorrupted and Sane.

So, unite and fight, we shall.

Unite and fight, we must.

So, say along with me, brothers.

'Shout out loud'.

'Stop Caste Discrimination'.

'Stop, stop'.

- 'Stop Fascism.'
- 'Stop Fascism.'

Now, my brother Adharsh
will talk to you.

Friends,

Like what Amal said,

The attack on minorities and Dalits

are going on in all directions.

They try to suppress our voices.

And when they fail to,
they finish them off.

How pathetic!

Even Hitler or Musollini would be
taken aback by our condition.

Hey, what's happening
in our country?

Now they are onto us.

Yesterday it was Rohan,

Now, it's Thulsa.

Next, you, me.

Are we slaves?

We're not slaves.

We need to fight for our freedom
to live freely in our country.

In Our country.

We aren't giving up to
these fascists, are we?

Are we?

I need a 'No'.

We need to sustain and retain
what we achieved

through the pain and struggle
of our fore fathers.

We are not scared of
their bullying.

- Am I right?
- Yes.

- Am I right?
- Yes.

- Jaihind.
- Jaihind.

'Vilas is still alive'.

'He lives in me',

'He lives in you',

'He lives in all of us',

'He's still alive',

'Vilas is still alive'.

'He lives in you',

I invite Faiza to talk to
you for five minutes.

Come on.

Do it,

Faiza,

I...

I don't know what to say...

particularly.

I mean,

Amal, you...

Whatever Amal said...

In Hindi or English.

English.

I mean, whatever Amal said,
and Adharsh said

We know all that.

I mean, we know all of that.

But do we really know
what happened?

And he was doing his job.

And some people,

they just decided that

he shouldn't live anymore.

They just decided he
shouldn't live anymore.

I, I, It doesn't make sense to me.

Doesn't... I'm sorry.
I...

Does it make sense to you?

Does it?

So, if they think

that we don't know what
they are doing to us.

They are wrong.

If they think

that we're blind to what
they are doing to us.

They are wrong.

We're not blind.

And we will not let them win.

We are not blind.

We are not blind.

Everyone, not let them win.

We will not let them win.

- We are not blind.
- We are not blind.

- We will not let them win.
- We will not let them win.

Say it along, 'Vilas is still alive',

'He lives in me',

'He lives in you',

'He lives in all of us,

'He's still alive'.

Let's disperse, all.

Vilas is Thulsa's brother.

Thulsa is my room mate, so,

Is it a fake case?

- I'm sorry, what?
- Is it a fake case?

Aren't you ashamed to
ask such a question?

No, it's murder.

Vilas death is real.
But that can be fake case by you.

You should be ashamed yourself.
We've nothing to say to you.

We're not going to give you bytes so
that you can make money out of it.

Get lost now.

This is going out of our hands.

We've to do something about it.

This girl is becoming so
famous these days.

No it's murder.

If we don't react, everything's
going to get messed up.

Sushil bro,

See her adamance.

You understand why she's here?

Yes, ask now.

Hey Amal, They are knocked
down by Faiza's speech.

All of them have gone mad.

No wonder.

How many did you say, 50,000?

Bro, it's 52k likes since
such a short time.

And this is the biggest publicity we can
ever get for our Fascist movement.

That's true enough.

Now itself, almost all the
main channels had called

asking for an interview
with Faiza.

But her family is bit
concerned and tensed.

We should consider that as well.

True.

Thulsa,

I rang you up several times,
but didn't connect.

You do one thing.

You take rest.

Sleep.

You'll feel fresh, then.

We can talk afterwards.

Faiza,

I've to return today itself.

What are you saying, Thulsa?

I'm leaving campus for
a while, Faiza.

What are you saying?

Mom has not come
out of the shock.

She just sits still.

Somebody has to feed her.

Sister-in-law,

Even she is worried about
what's going to be next?

In this situation, how...

how can I continue here?

So, what about your research?

I'll try to continue somehow.

Thulsa,

Aren't you a person who has a
positive attitude to everything?

Let's bring your mom here.

And consult a doctor here.

What you say?

Everything will be OK.
We're...

We're here to support you.

You're not alone.

You understand that, right?

Can't we do anything about it?

Other than being passive like this?

I feel that you should make
your Anti-Fascist campaign

a bit more aggressive.

I mean,

you should lift it up to different
realms possible.

That's true, Sir.

Sir, what you say about using the
possibilities of theater for this movement?

Excellent.

It's a Bollywood mood over here.

If Pothuval sir give it a try,

even our drama can
be staged here.

But, I wonder if we can recreate
the street play impact here.

To be frank,

if we alter the play a bit,
we can stage it here itself.

Exactly.

Great, if we could do it here.

But, it's not going to happen
in the proper way.

No, there's an idea.

Listen,

How about our central
character, a chieftain?

Nope, that's a common pattern.

Yes, true...

but a chieftain himself
is our problem now.

What if he has a horn?

Horn? Where?

Let me see it?

Look,

Amazing.

Nice.

See,

Nice, know?

A strange being with
a horn, and a hoof.

Faiza, could you give a try
writing the scenes of it?

No way. How come me?

You have a little experience in
writing, don't you?

Dare to write it.

But, you need the dialogues
in Hindi, right?

That's OK. We'll translate
it afterwards.

Write, dear.

Yeah, I'll try.

- That's it.
- Perfect.

C'mon.

Positions!

This is My country.

So, your culture, your customs,
your beliefs are My choice.

I decide on what you should
know, and what you shouldn't,

what you eat, and
what you wear...

I'm your master, and
this is my stern order.

Can you duck down a bit,
and do it?

I mean, can you
bend down a little?

We just have to stand
still, right?

Yup, just thought
of not blocking them.

It's you! They come
later only.

You have to keep the side,
and bend a little.

Faiza, congrats.

Both the concept and the
dialogues are amazing.

I suggest if we could add
more of visual elements,

and reduce the dialogues
where ever possible.

That's just my suggestion.
Director's decision shall be the final.

Sir, I have already taken
a few references.

Very good.
One second.

Hello, yes...

What?

What is it, sir?

Gauri Lankesh, the editor
of Kannada Tabloid,

Gauri Lankesh Patrike,
who is also known for

her criticism on religious politicism

is shot dead by three
men in Bangalore.

The unknown assailants
fired four bullets

at point blank range.

As she is saying out
loud some bare truths,

two strange figures having
horns and hoofs appear

on both sides of Gauri Lankesh.

Full of zeal and zest,

those strange figures vociferously
approach Gauri Lankesh.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning, sit.

They have lodged a complaint
to VC,

saying that this drama
is Anti-National.

Since this program is hosted by us,

the VC forwarded it to
me asking for a report on it.

This is clearly an attempt by
the Fascists to halt the play.

We should somehow overcome it.

Sir, how long have we
been working for it?

Yeah.

We'll never abandon the play.
Don't worry.

OK.

Then, there is an idea.

You ask us for a copy
of the script.

And we submit it.

You can file your
report based on it.

You mean a diluted script.

That's enough.

But,

don't underestimate them.

If you're there with us,

we can face anything.

Am I right, Faiza?

Sir, the entire college supports us.

So, we're not worried like that.

- Let's see.
- Yeah.

- Thank you, sir.
- Carry on.

Sir, didn't you see it?

This play is anti-national.

And it is against an establishment
even you are a part of.

Moreover, the play was scripted
by Pothuval sir himself.

And VC has asked report from
the very same person.

Pothuval...

he's the mastermind
behind all these.

The script they have given
to the VC is fake.

OK, OK, I'll discuss this with VC.

We can find out a solution.

Sir,

This drama is officially banned
inside the campus.

Still, if they want to stage it,

they would do it on the roads.

Even then, the public
would watch it.

Sir, I can assure you one thing.

If they stage the drama here,
the campus will burn.

That's for sure.

C'mon.

Good morning.

- Namaste Pothuval sir.
- Namaste.

- How are you?
- Namaste.

He is party's District Chief
in Delhi.

- Namaste Pothuval.
- Namaste.

Sir, did we ever trouble you?

Why are You troubling
us so much?

What did I do?

He's talking about the drama.

What's wrong with the drama?
What's the issue?

This is an anti-national drama, sir.

We won't allow this
in the campus.

Who are you to decide that?

You're not a student
in the campus.

You're an outsider, right?

Then how can you
detect this to me?

Pothuval sir,

Sir, don't you belong
to a good family?

Then, why are you with
such naive students?

So, that's the thing.

Since I'm from a good family,

I should keep my eyes shut at
the crimes committed by nobles.

Am I right?

Talking about nobility and royalty,

I'm the son of a great leader,

who faced intimidation from nobles
for unveiling the crimes they did.

Better make your leader
know of it.

Such a show-off.

You're a professor.

And that is why we were
giving you respect till now.

But we understood that
it is of no use.

Listen, no matter you go any
extent against our country,

we will be there
to watch over it.

Hereafter, we will not talk, but
show it through our actions.

Who did you say he is?

District Chief.

Just make him understand that

not even a National Chief, superior
to him can move Pothuval.

Otherwise, I can say it myself.

Listen,

Not your Party office
is paying me salary.

Here comes big-wig nationalists.

When hundreds of leaders were
dying for India's Independence,

You were licking the boots of British. Is
it the nationalism you're talking about?

Is worshiping the murderer of our
Father of Nation called Nationalism?

Stop your blabbering.

Get lost.

He's speaking too much.

We'll strike back later.

As an Anti-National content has been
noted in the above mentioned drama,

its performance presentation has been
forbidden and banned in the university.

Everyone at campus now, knows
that our drama has been banned.

So, making it happen
is our prestige issue.

I don't think we can make it.

We will do it for sure.

I don't think we can do
the rehearsals here.

Yeah.

We'll have to find another
place for it.

I can arrange it.

- OK.
- Are you sure?

Yes, don't worry about it.

So, that means,

we're continuing with
the drama, right?

- Yes.
- Let's face it all.

- Definitely.
- Will see.

One second, relax, relax.

Amal, where are you right now?

I called you many times.

I'm in between the
rehearsals, Sir.

Here, the network is not proper.

Is there any problem?

Yes, Amal, there are some
problems.

What they are trying is not to
confront you on political terms,

but to kill your confidence by
mentally torturing you.

What happened now?

Faisa is their target.

For them, she's a prey who doesn't
deserve any kind of consideration.

They are moving things
to get Faisa arrested.

Arrest?
What are you saying?

She must do something if at
all they have to arrest her.

These days, even innocents
can get arrested.

She's alleged to have chanted
anti-national slogans.

This is a fabricated case..

But, they must not get hold
of Faisa at the moment.

We must hide her somewhere.

Faisa must be protected
at any cost.

I have sent Adharsh to you.

OK! OK, Sir.

- OK.
- Bye.

Amal, stick to the by roads.

Get in.

- Faiza, cover your face.
- OK.

Let's go.

A case has been filed against a
student from University campus

accusing her of treason.

The Delhi police registered
the case against Faiza Sufiya,

a Malayali who is doing research
at University campus

accusing her of treason.

What's going on?

- Come inside.
- Yeah.

- Come.
- Namaste.

- Sit.
- Come, please sit.

I'll get you something to drink.

I could accommodate
her in my house.

But, you know Padmakumar, right?

Yes.

His camera is always watching us.

Yeah, I know.

Pothuval sir told me everything.

You seem to be too tired.

Take a shower, and you
will feel fresh.

See, I've kept the towel
and soap here.

Tell me if you need anything else.

Don't worry dear,

Your family will accept this
in the course of time.

How do you know Gazal Raza?

We met at a function.

Bincy, you come here.
Let them take rest.

OK then, good night.

- OK.
- Good night.

Faiza, you freshen up.

I'll be there outside.

Amal,

What happened?

I want to make a call home.

What's the big deal?

Take it.

Thanks.

I'm outside.

Nadira, you have a call.

Hello.

Mom.

Faizu, my daughter...

What all things I'm hearing
about you?

Don't you know me?

This is a fake case.

Police had come here too.

Faizu, what is it that we can do?

Mom, don't worry.

There are a lot of people
here taking care of me.

The professor has arranged
an advocate too.

Everything will settle in two days.

I'll meet you thereafter.

If Allah wills.

We haven't hurt anyone.

So, god will save us.

I'll call you later, mom.

OK.

- Thanks.
- How are things at home?

Sit.

Everyone OK?

It's worse.

Police had visited my house.

I was expecting it.

Until today,

that was a home of
a freedom fighter.

But now,

that is a house of a traitor.

Grandpa,

Faiza, what crap are you saying?

You yourself know that
this is a fabricated case.

The video of you shoving off the
Public TV reporter got viral.

They were humiliated by it.

This case is just a revenge for it.

We have with us, the original
footage that exactly prove

what our protest and slogans were.

We can easily prove it in the court.

For now, you shouldn't
get caught.

That's all.

But, how long...?
Like this?

Faiza,

It's just a matter of 2-3 days.

Venugopal, the advocate
picked up by Pothuval sir

is one of the senior
lawyers in Delhi.

Moreover, he's an activist too.

He's handled numerous
cases of this kind.

He'll be able to help us out.

All these years...

The protection I received
from my family,

was my strength.

But now...

I feel weakened.

Buddy,

Hope you know that
you're not alone.

Faiza, good morning.

Good morning.

Amal,

Amal,

Good morning.

Good morning.

Have your tea.

Thank you.

Faiza,

It's the lead news in
media today.

Faiza's issue.

That too with her photo.

We need to do something
immediately.

Otherwise...

things will go out of our hands.

Oh, god.

Sir, we're going to
a nearby place.

Take off your Burka.

Remove it.

Can't you hear me?

OK, go.

Faiza,

I don't think it's safe to
travel anymore tonight.

Listen, what about we
stay here tonight?

Get down.

Come.

What's wrong?

Can I get some drinking water?

Uncle,

Do you have some drinking water?

Yes. I have.

- Will you drink tea?
- That's cool.

Tea is ready.

Have it if you wish to.

OK, thank you.

Our campus is stirred up
over Faiza's issue.

They completely support us.

What about our drama?

That's not our priority for now.

That's not it, Amal.

We must stage the drama
at any cost.

Otherwise...

it would be like an
absolute surrender.

After fighting so much...

There is no word 'Surrender'
in our dictionary.

It's equivalent to giving away
the entire University to them.

Pothuval sir had called 2-3 times.

He has moved for an
anticipatory bail.

I'll have to go and
meet him tomorrow.

I'll come back soon.

Mom... mom,

What's wrong?

What's wrong?

Mom...

Amal, would they hurt my
mom and grandpa?

This is a criminal case
registered under

Sections 124 A, 141, 142 and 146.

It's a bit difficult to get
anticipatory bail for such cases.

We have with us, the original
footage of Slogans.

Can't we present
it in the court?

Yes, we can.

Sir,

Faiza is highly secular,
moreover...

Her enemies are those extremists
belonging to her own community.

But, what the court
needs is Proof.

Sir, Faiza is a person who
unfailingly posts her opinion

about various social issues
on Facebook.

You can very well understand
it from her FB posts.

We can present all these at the
court at the time of hearing.

But, can't say how far it is helpful
for getting the anticipatory bail.

Anyways, let me talk
to Venugopal sir.

I'll do my best.

Thank you, sir.
Thank you.

So, let's leave?

OK.

Thank you.

Sir, he talks as if he
lacks confidence.

We can't blame him, Amal.

This case is more serious
than we think it is.

Get the documents signed from
Faiza, and bring it here now itself.

I'll do it now itself, sir.

I've an important meeting now.

- Adharsh, you join me.
- Sure.

- I'll be back.
- Thanks dear.

Rohan, l'm leaving.

We've just 4 days left
for our drama.

There's no problem at all.

We'll make it happen.

On the very same day as decided.

We'll manage to get
the bail before that.

And listen,

You must take care of the pending
works regarding costumes.

- OK?
- Fine.

And you should continue
with the rehearsals.

Please fix all the problems
as needed.

I must finish some work
immediately. Be back soon.

Sure.

Faiza,

- Where had you gone?
- To a nearby place, why?

Police took away our dad
and the girl with them.

What are you saying?
When...?

Some time back.

- Where is the police station?
- It's nearby, please inquire.

Sir, just a minute.

Hello Sir, I'm Amal.

- Didn't you bring any girl
here, today morning? - No.

From under the Lohapool bridge.

She carried a backpack,
name is Faiza.

No, no, no such person
was brought here.

I inquired at the other police station,
they told that she would be here.

No brother, don't waste time.

No one was brought here.

OK, Thank you, sir.

- Hello,
- Amal,

I'm waiting here at
the hotel, Queens.

Faiza's grandpa will be
here in a while.

Amal, you come here with the
documents signed by Faiza.

We'll meet him first, and then
move to advocate's office.

Sir, there's a problem. I...

I shall explain it there.

What's it?
What's the matter?

Sir, Faiza...

When I got back, she wasn't
there at the place I left her.

Amal, what are you saying?

A lady over there said that, she
was taken away by the police.

Please come.

Where's my Faiza?

She'll be here in some time.

Till then, you can take
rest here in a room.

Which group do you belong to?

Tell the truth, who sent you here?

Which group do you belong to?

You'd better confess everything.

We'll soon present you
in the court.

You'll get bail too.

Then you can meet your family.

Otherwise you'll never get
back to them.

I hope you understood.

Don't act up.

What's your intention?

It was my dream since childhood

of pursuing my studies
and research here.

That's only why I'm here.

And I wanted to be on
Abdur Rahman Sahib.

Abdur Rahman Sahib, who's that?

No idea.

The country doesn't even
know his name.

And you've come here to do
research on His life?

You can pursue this
in your village.

What is this all about?

How long since you know him?

He, who protects the nexalites
and terrorists of the place

helped you go into hiding.
Am I right?

Come on.

Sir.

How many years since
you know her?

I've told you several times
that I don't know her.

I'm telling you again
I don't know her.

You're lying.

Sir, sir, please don't thrash him.

- We know everything.
- Please leave him. - Shove off.

Make him also understand.

Why are you smacking her?

Coz you people are liars.

Don't act innocent.

You yourself chose
your destiny, isn't it?

We'll make your life difficult.

What's the matter?

Sir, I'm Rajeev Menon from
Venugopal Associates.

He's Mr.Mussaliar.

He's from Kerala, and
he has a complaint,

Show me.

Sir,

Your police illegally arrested
my grand daughter.

I want to meet her.

Sir, he came all the way from
Kerala only to meet her.

Sorry, sir.

We haven't arrested
any such person.

Our records say it all.

Go ask her friends.

Who knows, she might have
ran away with her lover.

Girls these days are like that.

Sir, sir... please,

Sir, this took place within
your police station area.

And you're duty bound
to conduct an inquiry into this

and accept my complaint.

Don't waste my time.
Get out.

Sir, I'm not here for taking
any favour from you.

This place is about
Law and Order.

That is why I'm telling you.

Please understand your responsibility
and do your duty.

Don't you have to
teach me my duty.

Who the hell are you?

Show me your identity card.
C'mon, take out your ID card.

Show him the ID card.

Sir, he's a freedom fighter.

Hey sir, please sir,

- Get out, will you?
- Sir, what are you doing?

Son of a dog, I'll put
you behind bars.

- You'll never see the world outside.
- Playing with Delhi police, huh?

He's such an old man.

Take him out, will you?

If you dare mess up with police...

Read the news once in a while.

I'll call you back.

Please don't disturb
him, he's so tired.

You can ask questions, but
don't disturb him, please.

What do you have to
say about Faiza?

- See, see, the fact is,
- When did you speak to her last time?

See, the police arrested her.

The police arrested her...

Now, but, they're denying that
they have not arrested her.

No one is missing here.

She has been arrested.

But, he's denying that
she has been arrested.

See, he's a freedom fighter.
He has the right to see her.

He's asking that where is she?

That's the treatment a
man like him is getting.

What happens to regular people
who're walking to a station?

And we have taken...
We've proof.

We have the original
video with us.

You... you've to search
and find her.

Hello, sir.

Hello.

Have you arrested the girl?

We'll not move from here,

until and unless we
know the truth.

If at all you've arrested the girl,

you should've presented her
at the court immediately.

What is this? Are you taking
the law into your hands?

If not..., you'll have
to arrest us also.

Please, please, please.

See, see, see, see,

Ms.Faizal Sufiya is in our custody.

We will produce her in the court.

Faiza,

We're going to produce you
in the court tomorrow.

Don't think you can
talk crap there.

Remember that you're
coming back here itself.

We've been very friendly
with you so far.

Let her take bath
and freshen up.

We need to take her
to the court.

Get up, Faiza, hello...

The charges against the
accused, Faiza Sufiya is

anti-national activities, and today she
has been brought to the court...

They will delay it to
the maximum.

Faiza Sufiya is being brought
to the court today...

Will she get bail or not?

Everyone is anxiously waiting
to know about it.

Grandpa,

Faizu,

Hearing is over.

The verdict will come
at 4.00 pm.

Let's wait.

Hope for the best.

Amal, no problem there, right?

We're almost set.

OK.

Oh, it's tight for me.

- Let's go?
- Yes, quick.

The University has banned
the drama.

Police will not let it happen,

We should make sure that
they have all our support.

Will the audience be quiet?

Anyways, we will plan everything.

What you say?

Gandhi.

Nehru.

Tagore?

Oh, Vivekanandji,

Ambedkar.

By the by, who's this?

Who is this?

What?

Oh, Kalburgi.

Good.

Kalburgi.

Well, all the celebrities
come here.

Now, note your name, sign,

and remove your fancy dress.

And take your positions there.

Just open it.

Ashok Sir,

We are lucky people.

Being able to spend a night with such great
people is definitely a matter of luck.

Dear ones,

I apologize for not being
able to stage the drama.

Weak people always fear others.

They even engage in bullying.

Being the victims of Fascism,
our drama crew and actors,

are behind the bars now.

Only a few of us escaped
their notice.

I'm Vilas Chakma.

Your college mate Thulsa
Chakma's brother.

I'm a black.

I skin dead animals for my living.

I eat them to suppress my hunger.

I bury the stinking dead
bodies of animals.

I facilitate public hygiene.

Whipping scars, made by the
nobles just bulge out of my back.

Hey, stop.

Police has come, C'mon.

Stop, you stop there.

Stop there, I say.

My death will hunt you down
inside your palaces.

My death will consistently boil over
under your feet.

My name is Vilas Chakma.

They are the people
who killed me.

Move.

Catch him.

Catch him, catch...

Catch him.

Catch him.

Adharsh,

I'm Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Their bullets can't pierce
into my chest.

My life is my message.

You're the Crown of
Thorns of religion.

You're the devil tooth
of Varna system.

You spit on the freedom we earned
through a lot of sacrifice, and ordeal.

Switch off the lights.
Stop your drama.

Leave me.

They're strange beings
with horns and hoofs,

who savagely suppress freedom.

- Catch him.
- Leave me.

Leave me.

Catch him.

They are the ones who
slaughter freedom.

Democracy will never forgive you.

You should not forgive them.

You'll surely get the
answer for it.

Leave me, I'll not do anything.

[Indistinct chattering]

I'm Gauri.

You can kill me.

But, you can't defeat me.

I will expose the disgusting
truths to the world

through my writings.

I will continue doing it.

But, everyone of you sitting
in front of me...

Your silence make me scared.

Your muteness makes me scared.

Not only me...

They will come in search
of every one of you;

to your kitchens,

to your privacy,

They will come, and
destabilize you.

Will you let that happen?

Tell me,

Will you let that happen?

Tell me.