Original subtitles

[Soft background music plays]

[Motorbike engine revving steadily]

[Distant sound of bike approaching]

[Bike engine comes to a halt]

ID card?

Where from?

Bandipora.

Where to?

Bagtore.

Bag...

[Rummaging through bag]

What work do you have there?

It's home.

[Rummaging through bag]

He is a local.

Where are you from?

Kochi.

You will freeze in the winters.

Earlier, there was no checkpost here.

Some big construction work is taking place...

It's a temporary post.

[soft music]

[Bike engine revving]

[Phone notification bell rings]

[music ends]

[Voice over of mother]

She's 21. (In Malayalam)

Maths graduate, cooks well.

[Phone notification bell rings]

TANGY MAN: I want to meet you...

but I would like you to know,

that I am not the 'gay types'.

GOD'S OWN COUNTRY: Then why do you want to meet?

[Sound of horses trotting by & bells jingling]

[Phone notification bell rings]

TANGY MAN: There is something special...

... something different about you.

Can express better when we meet.

GOD'S OWN COUNTRY: Where will we meet?

You live in Pakistan,

... and I am in India.

[Phone notification bell rings]

TANGY MAN: Dubai?

[Sound of car approaching]

They are tourists, sir.

ID?

There it is.

Register the vehicle number.

Okay sir.

[Sound of car door opening]

ID cards?

How many times does one need to show it?

That's my ID card, sir.

Where from?

Mother...

Faheem...

My darling, is everything fine?

All good... What about you?

It's been a year since I last saw you.

How's college?

All good.

I have something for you.

For me! .... What?

Why did you?

What's inside this?

Wow... Earrings.

These must be very expensive.

No, no... Not at all.

Very beautiful, mother.

Nice?

Very beautiful.

How do they say it...

Thank you!

[Faheem chuckles]

Any accompanying ladies?

One lady and two gents... Total three people in the vehicle.

Tourists?

Yes.... your #GoGurez campaign,

motivated us from Kolkata to come for a trek.

Sorry ma'am, there has been terrorist infiltration two days ago.

And work on a sensitive project is taking place.

Okay... Okay...

Welcome to Kashmir.

Thank you...

I would recommend a trek to Dassan top.

It’s a day's trek from Dawar.

Beautiful view from there.

You will feel happy... and younger.

That's Dawar.

And do you see that tower up there?

In the centre...

Yes.

Our neighbour...

Pakistan.

This close?

Emotionally too...

...but for a wall in-between.

Roam around and enjoy the cold.

Thank you.

[Wind howling]

[cackling of burning wood]

Thank you.

[scrubbing]

[Mug fills with water]

[water splashing sounds]

[Sound of river flowing ]

[Distant Lullaby]

[Lullaby being sung softly]

It's cold these days...

Yes.

The weather has changed drastically.

I don't know what is happening.

I'm hungry,

could eat a dozen kebabs.

So, what have you decided?

About what?

About finishing college.

Tsk...

I am not going back.

You should not take decisions in anger.

I know what happened was wrong...

Faheem, I don't want to talk about it!

And what about your dream of becoming an Engineer?

It has changed...

Changed? To what?

Faheem, whatever you have thought for yourself,

you do that.

I think differently.

Let's keep it like that.

Now let's go and eat kebabs. I'm hungry!

Begin...

[Fire cackling]

In life, while finding and building oneself,

if there is no one to look forward to,

then what's that life worth!

If there are no eyes in which you can glow...

Yeah mother. It's cold..

I am keeping warm, don't worry.

No one's throwing stones at us... Everyone's friendly...

I have good company here.

Yes, it's beautiful here.

I will bring you here someday.

I really miss your beef fry.

Anyway, I will call you later, okay?

Bye.

Thousands of stories reside in you, which you narrate to yourself.

Thousands of poems reside in you,

which without hesitation you hum to yourself,

I just stand at the edge

I listen attentively to your story.

knitting my stories with the unknit wool.

If I could not do this much...

...then what’s the worth of that life.

Amazing... amazing

Did you understand anything?

I will translate them in English for you.

Here’s your drink.

Cheers!

Cheers!

Cheers!

You have been here over one and half years?

Yes...

I was first posted in Shopian...

I was nineteen.

I was told that there would be frequent stone pelting.

Handle it.

My mother was very anxious...

What did she say?

She swore and she said...

The fool was born with the wrong side out first

No wonder he gets everything wrong.

[All laughing]

My stubbornness got me here.

This is my second posting, here.

But I must admit...

this is truly a paradise.

Hey Karun...

there is nothing much to worry about in Gurez.

It’s peaceful.

The locals are supportive.

Of course...

once in a while...

Leave it!

Why are we even discussing this now...

Let’s discuss something pleasant.

Where is your wife?

Is that a pleasant talk?

He is married.

Why would you ask him about his wife?

Ask me.

My friend...

I prayed at the temple for marriage...

... I got married.

But I made a mistake...

I forgot to pray for the honeymoon!

[All laugh]

The third day I was on my honeymoon...

... Alone!

... Here!

Now my wife takes care of my mother, back home,

... and here I am!

Buddy...

... I didn’t even get to see her properly.

Now I am getting to know her, through video calls...

[Sound of sheep bleating]

[Sound of cows walking & bell jingling]

[Sound of cows mooing ]

[Distant Azaan ]

[switching off the oven]

[Soft humming]

Today again you made the same dal and curry!

Rajesh cooked...

How many rotis?

Give me 6 or 7.

Buddy...

How can we get some Kashmiri Wazwan?

I have never tried it.

Your wife is going to cook!

We are not allowed..

Let me call uncle Ajaz.

Who is he?

The gostaba from his hotel...

tastes awesome...

But you need to go and get it.

Sure.

Super...

Listen... this is to celebrate you completing the first month here.

Slowly you will get used to.

This!

Dal and curry cooked by Rajesh.

At least someone feeds us.

True!

[Sound of river flowing]

[Background music playing]

[Car honking]

[Market ambience]

Assalamwailaikum... Walaikumassalam...

Ajaz uncle?

Assalamwailaikum... Walaikumassalam...

You seem new here?

Yes.

Faheem, bring the checkpoint's order.

Your name?

Karun Nambiar.

Madrasi?

No... I am from Kochi.

Kochi is in Kerala...

...he is a Malayali.

Hi!

The best 'wazwan' in Kashmir... You will love it.

Thank you.

Smells great.

Do return this container.

We do not use plastic containers.

Sure.

Sir...

How much?

Let it be, son. You are new here.

No... Please tell me.

Let it be.

No sir, I insist... please.

Seven hundred and fifty.

Here it is, sir.

[Soft music]

May God be with you.

May God be with you.

[Distant dog barking]

Mother...

The chicken tastes very good.

Yes mother.. It's very good.

Is it?

Enjoy eating.

Father...

This Sunday there is a trek promoting Gurez,

I plan to go for it.

Sure...

Why do you need to go for the trek.

They want to show that the situation is fine here.

Zaid ...

... what's your problem?

You have to defend your favourite son...

...for everything.

My son I would have died,

during your sister's birth,

if they had not rescued me

and airlifted us to the hospital.

I would've died that day.

So what do you expect of me?

To grovel?

And to please them?

No one seems to care about my feelings!

They are doing all this to live here forever.

[Tense music]

Zaid ...

... ever since you shifted to the city for studies

you seem angry.

You will never understand.

What is it to you?

You are busy sending them food parcels.

Zaid!

Is this how you speak to your father?

What would you know,

about the sacrifices he made?

Sacrifices!?

He is still alive!

Lord protect us.

Stop it!

Can't we just eat in peace!

Eat your food.

[Distant Lullaby]

I worry for Zaid.

Ever since the CRPF guy slapped him,

in Bandipora,

he has been angry.

But do not worry he will be fine.

We are all angry.

I was and I wanted to leave this place.

But after your grandpa died.

someone had to takeover.

Sometimes I too feel exhausted,

and I feel angry... But...

I don’t want to continue with this hate.

Is that wrong?

This is where your grandpa got killed.

You must go away my son.

[Shina song]

[Crackling fire]

[Rhythmic clapping]

I can sacrifice my life for you

... my homeland Gurez.

Amidst these high mountains lies....

... my homeland Gurez.

Amidst these high mountains lies...

... my homeland Gurez.

I can sacrifice my life for you

I can sacrifice my life for you

I can sacrifice my life for you

I can sacrifice my life for you

... my homeland Gurez.

Amidst these high mountains lies....

... my homeland Gurez.

... my homeland Gurez.

Today I had a bad dream

Today I had a bad dream

Today I had a bad dream

Today I had a bad dream

That my homeland is in trouble.

That my homeland is in trouble.

That my homeland is in trouble.

That my homeland is in trouble.

My village has been wiped off.

... my homeland Gurez.

Amidst these high mountains lies....

... my homeland Gurez.

[Sound of pounding]

[Sound of pounding]

[Pounding in the other room]

It's fine.

Dad,

I want to start a restaurant in Kolkata.

people there love food.

But you are going there to study.

Yes after finishing college,

I think it would be nice.

[From another room] Ajaz Uncle...

Assalamwailaikum...

Walaikumassalam...

Are you doing good?

Salt tea?

[Soft music]

ummm...

No... some other day.

See you.

[Sound of bike engine starting]

Bye.

[Receding bike sound ]

Look at this buddies...

Can anyone make out if she is a man or woman?

[Music from social media reel playing]

Next holiday I will definitely go to Mumbai...

...to see her.

You need a lot of money to enter the club.

My friend is a bouncer there,

he will get me an entry.

[Singing]

But what is so special about her?

I don't understand these people.

Why?

She is an artist.

Forget all that, she is a human.

Is that so difficult to understand?

You guys watch...

Yes Malti...

Yes I was in the blanket you sent...

Doesn't feel cold in it.

[ Reel music ]

This is the Kishanganga....

This is us....

And we are having a Party!!

[Distant Azaan]

[Mooing]

ID?

[turning off engine]

Assalamwailaikum...

Walaikumassalam...

Are you doing good?

All okay?

All okay.

It's pleasant today...

Hmm... Yes...

You liked my photos...

Must have happened by mistake...

Where are you going?

Dawar... to our hotel.

Ok... nice.

Would you like to come for salt tea?

[Bike starts]

It's all perfect for you boss...

An apple a day,

keeps the doctor away!

(Song)

[Leaves rustle]

♪ "In this moist green spring" ♪

♪ "in the red blossom of the chinar trees"♪

♪ "is a call, "♪

♪ "and a plea."♪

♪ "In the gradual fluctuation"♪

♪ "of the pulse."♪

♪ "is a call..."♪

♪ ".... an appeal."♪

♪ "Why are you testing me..."♪

♪ "... come and claim it."♪

♪ "My heart is restless..."♪

♪ "... put an end to it."♪

♪ "With a little kindness..."♪

♪ "... approach what you need to do."♪

♪ "My heart is restless..."♪

♪ "... put an end to it."♪

[Sound of the river flowing]

♪ "The gentle fragrance"♪

♪ "... in the downpour from the clouds"♪

♪ "is a call..."♪

♪ "... an appeal."♪

♪ "In the melody of the stream,"♪

♪ "and it's every beat..."♪

♪ "is a call..."♪

♪ "... an appeal."♪

♪ "This time listen to..."♪

♪ "the anxious heart..."♪

♪ "My heart is restless..."♪

♪ "... put an end to it."♪

♪ "With a little kindness..."♪

♪ "... approach what you need to do."♪

♪ "My heart is restless..."♪

♪ "... put an end to it."♪

Thank you.

Did you make it?

[Blowing]

It's nice

Something different...

... addictive.

[Soft music]

In just a sip?

Sometimes one sip is enough.

Tell me something...

Yes...

When did you realize?

I don't know... There was no one date...

Just one day recognized a certain feeling...

When I was in class eight.

I had a cousin named Umar

He was four years older to me...

... and then suddenly one day...

...he migrated to Australia.

[Song restarts ]

[Men cheering]

♪ "The same attraction,"♪

♪ "is felt by both.."♪

♪ "But why do we still have to..."♪

♪ "... care about the world?"♪

♪ "Why are we so helpless?"♪

♪ "The veil of shame.."♪ "

♪ "is age old..."♪ "

♪ "Now look at me,"♪

♪ "without that veil."♪

♪ "Why are we apart?"♪

♪ "In the lonely silence of the evening,"♪ "

♪ "and in it’s sparse muted couplets,"♪ "

♪ "is a call,"♪

♪ "and a plea.."♪

♪ "In the gradual fluctuation"♪

♪ "of the pulse."♪

♪ "is a call,"♪

♪ "and a plea.."♪

♪ "Why are you testing me..."♪

.♪ "... come and claim it."♪

♪ "My heart is restless..."♪

♪ "... put an end to it."♪

♪ "With a little kindness..."♪

♪ "... approach what you need to do."♪

♪ "My heart is restless..."♪

♪ "... put an end to it."♪

[Song fades out]

[Fire crackling]

[Distant dog barking]

[Distant gunfire]

[Tense Music]

It’s from the borders...

Terrorists have entered from Bagtore.

They might be coming towards Dawar.

Yes...

Check all vehicles passing through the checkpost.

Yes.

The police has asked us to

be alert about any movement towards the site.

Yes sir.

[off-screen] Listen... There was a call from the company.

Infiltrators from across the border.

Most of them have been caught by the army,

but a couple could have escaped with ammunition.

If anyone looks suspicious or new...

then double check.

[Bike engine turned off]

Turn around...

step aside.

Raise your hands.

What's the need of so much checking? We are locals.

Are you trying to teach us our job?

[off-screen] How dare you...

What is it Raheel?

Step back...

Step back...

You go, I will deal with this.

He has to apologise.

Vishal go from here.

Why should he apologise?

This is our home.

Should I show you why?

Vishal...leave... let me handle!

Get into the car...

Get into the car...

Form a queue...

Raheel get in.

Don't get into trouble.

Bag...

I am sorry....

It's nothing new...

We are always the suspect.

[Bike starts]

Bike receding]

I'm going.

When you go upstairs,

stay away from mother.

[Devotional song] I sing and sway

for your compassion.

Come oh beloved,

come oh beloved.

Oh infinite one,

I am sleepless.

Come oh beloved,

come oh beloved.

Your light was bestowed

upon you by The Lord.

And to you he revealed

through symbols.

Your light was bestowed

upon you by The Lord.

And to you he revealed

through symbols.

[River flowing sound]

Mother...

look how dirty they've made this river.

When we were young...

... this river meant blood.

The river in Gurez was a path...

... for the militants to cross

[Soft music]

Here the river is named Kishanganga...

... there it is named Neelam.

What does the river care...

Kishanganga or Neelam.

It keeps flowing...

... keeps flowing...

It gives love on both sides...

... of the border.

[Music swell]

Faheem.

Yes.

Keep this food.

What is it?

Kebabs for your friends.

Thank you mother.

Carefully.

Show me the photos...

... of your friends.

Let me see who they are.

She's very pretty,

is she Bengali?

Yes, Bengali.

Mother?

Yes.

Maybe he doesn't like a Bengali...

Maybe he likes a Keralite.

It makes no difference to me,

whether she is Bengali or Keralite.

What if she belongs to a different religion?

What is religion?

God is one.

You should be our minister!

We will all be happy!

Become a Minister !!!!

They are waiting for me only.

You go now.

Bye.

[Music]

Assalamwailaikum...

Walaikumassalam...

Everything ok?

Yes...

Good bye.

[Messaging on phone] Are you ok?

My messages are not getting delivered to you.

Ma... Why do you need to do this today?

Winter will be here in no time,

it's easier to keep it ready.

It will be like hell for six months…

Better to keep it all ready...

... lift it up, son.

Lift it...

[Phone notification rings]

Faheem...

Hmm...

Your phone is constantly ringing...

ting ting ting...

[Faheem's voice] I was at the trek with the tourists.

My phone ran out of charge.

Just reached Bagtore...

Were you missing me?

[Soft music]

[Phone notification rings]

[Karun's voice] Yes ...

... I was missing you...

By the way ...

... you were looking good.

[Faheem's voice] Where did you see me?

Have they dried?

I think some have dried, some still not.

Pick up only the dried ones.

Okay.

[Chuckle]

[Karun's voice] I was day-dreaming.

[Mother's voice] At least you help me at home.

Zaid too used to help.

God knows what happened to him.

[Faheem's voice] Will we get to meet anywhere else...

besides the checkpoint and Sikander?

[Karun's voice] When I have my vacations,

come with me to Kochi.

[Faheem's voice] Sure....

By the way ...

... I love your eyes.

[Karun's voice] And me.... your name... Faheem.

It sounds like Afeem (opium).

What are you doing?

[Faheem's voice] Drying vegetables... for winter.

Do you cook?

[Karun's voice ] No...

My mother is searching for someone...

who would cook for me.

[Faheem's voice] I cook... very tasty... good food.

[Prayer] We believe that paradise is...

[Indistinct murmurs of customers]

[Crackling sound of fire]

[Distant school prayer]

We believe that paradise is...

very beautiful.

Hope we never have to

leave Madina.

We believe that paradise is...

very beautiful.

We believe that paradise is...

very beautiful.

Hope we never have to

leave Madina.

This sight...

... the world has not yet seen.

This sight...

is present in Madina.

This sight...

... the world has not yet seen.

[Prayer continues] This sight...

... the world has not yet seen.

This sight...

is in Madina.

[Sound of rock hitting]

[Sound of rock hitting]

[Dramatic music mixed with school prayer]

[Boys shout]

[Footsteps slowing down]

[Music ends]

Shhhh.... this is our secret.

Ok!

Are you out of your mind?

Roaming around like this....

this is not your city Kochi.

But here things are supposed to be ok.

The situation was fine...

but ever since the firing and frisking resumed,

it's tense here.

[Phone rings]

Everyone will get to know...

Hello Dhanraj... Shhj...

No... my bike...

... broke down.

No... you don't come.

I will call you later.

Thank god that you ran this way...

Thank you...

Bismillah. ( In the name of God)

Did you hear...

... about of the security boy being attacked.

No.

Eat .

Common eat.

Abba...

... why are you interrogating me?

Why not question him too?

I heard there are fresh infiltration attempts.

Which means trouble for the village.

Do me a favour and stay out of trouble.

Zaid,

do you hear what I am saying?

[Creaky door opens]

[Creaky door shuts]

Are you okay?

Don’t worry,

I don’t have COVID.

COVID be with your enemies.

When your grandma gave me this ring,

do you know what she told me?

She said that this is for truth and love.

Ma, when you were young,

did you ever think that this would be your life?

What did you dream of?

Hah!

Mad boy...

Nobody cared to find out about my dreams.

I was just married off.

[Distant Azaan]

[Romantic music]

Lets go.

Everyone is at the friday prayers...

You need to leave now.

Thank you my love...

Love?... So fast?

[Birds chirping]

[Music ends]

[Bike engine turns off]

Hey hero!!!

Where were you?

Are you aware of the time?

We were anxious.

You were to call back.

Yes but... mobile ran out of charge.

If the supervisor had come to know,

then we all would be "charged".

He did not get to know na!

First you act irresponsibly...

and then misbehaving.

We were worried about you.

Anything could have happened to you...

you are aware of the place... the situation.

Sorry.

[Text notification]

I thought your phone ran out of charge.

Yes... perhaps... some...

[Firewood cackling]

[Humming]

[Zaid coughs]

I worry for you.

You are in love with him?

Tell me if I am wrong?

I am...

...what I am.

[Tense music starts]

I cannot be anything else.

Then go away from here.

But this is also my home.

[Music turns poignant]

[Sniffling]

[Music ends]

[Creaky door]

Tea...

... now chill.

Thanks buddy...

An operation is underway in Dawar.

Okay.

The police force and the army are engaged there.

Two militants are hiding in someone's house.

The mobile network is down,

won't start till operation is over.

Is everything ok at home?

Yes.

They why are you so stressed?

[Distant gunfiring ]

[Sounds of bike approaching]

We are locals.

Do you know whats happening?

A boy from Bagtore is hiding...

in a house with militants.

Something like this is happening here after long.

Where is the house?

In the market...

... close to Sikander hotel.

[Bike starts]

[Ominous music builds up]

[Distant gunfire]

[Distant police voice on megaphone asking the local boy to come out)

(Mother asking son Raheel to step out)

[Distant Azaan]

Karun...

We experienced an encounter.

It was really exciting...

How can you talk like this....

someone died... shame.

What do you mean?

It was horrible....

all day we were locked in the hotel.

tense about if we could leave today.

What have you heard? Who got killed?

Two militants...

and a young local boy.

And two civilians were also injured.

and one more policeman.

It's really sad.

Where are you off to brother?

Karun, listen....

don't be foolish.

It is volatile there.

Listen to me...

wait for two more days.

Buddy I will have to report you to the supervisor.

[Knocking

Assalamwailaikum...

Walaikumassalam...

Faheem?

I am a friend of his.

Karun.

None of them could return last night,

from the encounter site.

Faheem was also there.

Ajaz uncle and Zaid?

They are at Raheel's funeral,

he was just 19.

Just a kid.

I will get some Kehwa tea.

No need.

The pheran looks good on you...

keep it.

You have five minutes...

do not return after this.

[Soft music]

You and I can never...

Faheem.....

Since childhood...

So many deaths...

... so many bodies...

Mother.

[Creaky door opens]