Original subtitles

Let us join our hands once again,

Let our voices rise in prayer,

Let us learn what faith truly means,

Grant us the wisdom to be just and fair.

May humble words adorn our lips,

And a pure, sincere note, our ears.

May every flower bloom in hope,

May every vine in fullness grow.

Light one flame against the dark,

Which awakens the minds and casts out all vice.

Let birds soar free across the sky.

We stand at your door, calling out

Let us run again with boundless feet...

Reaching out to the sacred core....

Grant new strength to my prayer

Give me a school I can call my own.

Hand in hand, walk with us.

Guide us along every new path we take.

Grant new strength to my prayer

Give me a school I can call my own.

Let us climb the temple steps anew.

Shield us like a mother.

And cast your gentle shadow.

Let us play without woe or worry

Let our moments be filled with joy...

Lost in our own carefree world.

Grant us a new dawn of hope

Krantijyoti, may light a new torch

Let us run again with boundless feet...

Reaching out to the sacred core....

Grant new strength to my prayer.

Give me a school I can call my own.

Balu...

For our school...

They will have to come back.

Grant new strength to my prayer.

Give me a school I can call my own.

Sir...

You haven't had anything since morning.

Did Balu call you? -No Sir.

Now tell me. What is the matter?

Today was the last day of our school.

I don't understand.

The government is shutting down our school.

Shut down?

How can they just shut it down?

I'll tell you all about it.

I had given a list of names to Balu.

Yes, I have it.

They must come here.

I'll take care of it.

They should come,

and visit our school.

But Sir...

Why just visit the school?

Let's have a grand send off.

"I am what I am thanks to the school."

"I am grateful to this school... etc."

Farewell.

Yes!

Baban, listen...

I don't think you get it.

What is it, Sir?

Never mind.

Sir?

No Sir…

Please…

They will come. Don’t do this.

Believe me, Sir.

You can’t do this.

Baban, I am just going for a walk.

Rakesh, listen to me.

Don’t be silly.

Sir didn’t call me.

Baban called Suman.

That’s okay, but…

Sir should’ve called me directly.

Why did he send the message through Baban?

Right?

No, Rakesh.

Baban took the lead.

He said he’d call everyone.

Yes Sir.

Just a minute. Shut up.

Yes Sir, I will.

Sure.

Yes Sir.

You absolutely must come.

No…

Sir is not asking for a donation.

He’s calling you for the school.

You're not free?

You can’t make it?

Then hang up.

Bye.

They’ve forgotten their own parents.

They’ll never show up for the school.

Which school did you go to? -I didn't go to school.

Never went to school?

Princey!

Yes Papi!

What did you learn in school today?

Vowels!

What’s ‘vowels’?

'A'

'O'

'U'

What?

I'm paying through the nose.

And they’re teaching you how to holler?

Your English Medium, Princey!

Forget it.

Let’s go swimming.

What if Dolly finds out?

Call her ‘Aai’!

Like your vowels.

She won’t find out. Let’s go.

One look at my pants and she’ll know.

Then we’ll take off our pants and go swimming.

We’re going swimming today…

Today, we’re going swimming…

We’re going swimming today…

Today, we’re going swimming…

Without any pants...!

We’re going swimming today…

Today, we’re going swimming…

Stop, Ajji…

No one can give us a tough fight.

Shamraj Shirts’ collar…

Always tight.

Cut it, Sir.

Deep Sir, superb shot.

Thank you, Ajji.

Shanu!

Vertical. And walking shots.

Is there some peon in your school in Alibaug?

Bablu Mama?

Balu Mama.

He's calling constantly.

I think you should talk to him.

He said it is important.

Sir... One selfie?

Yes.

Did Bhavika call?

She said, "Come over tonight."

Thank you.

Are we going?

Are we a group?

Give me my phone.

Reading my messages!

Hello

Baban this side...

What's up?

For our school that is about to be demolished

and for our dear mentor, Shirke Sir…

We must come together.

Sir wants to have a...

Farewell ceremony.

Like a ‘get together party’!

All of you better be there.

One who doesn't show up, is an idiot.

If you can, come before the day of the farewell.

We’ll have fun.

Okay. Bye.

Anju…

Ganesh Bhau is here.

When is this going to end?

I have a flight in 4 days.

You come with me to Geneva. There’s nothing here.

I am never coming to your Geneva.

You don’t have to do all this.

I’m not that old yet.

Madam…

Where should I put the basin?

I’ll tell you.

At the main door.

You see...

People can wash their face before entering.

What's up with you?

I'm not getting up. My knees are aching.

Anjali!

Balu Mama!

Our school has undergone

a structural audit.

Okay. -Sir... Sorry.

Sorry Sir, I’m late.

What is in the report?

Our school is a dangerous structure.

Dangerous?

How can a school be dangerous?

How can the school pose any danger?

Baban, hang on.

Since this building is quite old...

it could be dangerous for the students.

There could be an accident.

There are no cars in the school. How could there be an accident?

Baban, please hang on.

It's a building from the British era.

All the 'British era buildings' in our town

have become dangerous.

That's what the report states.

Sir, these British...

They were so cunning.

This was always their plan.

Now that their bridges and buildings are collapsing...

We’re supposed to forget all about independence.

And call them back to India.

Simon come back.

Which group did you read this on?

I'm a voracious reader.

Go, get us some tea.

Don't act smart with me.

He's telling us something. Why are you interrupting him?

Good morning, Sir.

Good morning.

It's alright.

Anju!

Anju!

This is the tree that you planted.

Come.

‘Bright’ students, please note.

Our batch is the best batch of our school.

Didn’t you see that?

Anjali Rane.

She has come all the way from Switzerland. For our school!

She was already in Alibaug.

The resident ghost of the school will possess you.

Mind you!

She was already here.

But... Dada...

She is here for the school, isn't she?

She is here.

Every student whose life was enriched by Shirke Sir...

They will all be here.

They will? -Of course.

Deep is coming too?

Let him come. He is a big celebrity now.

No, Dada...

That is another matter altogether.

This is a matter of the heart. -Oh God!

He has a heart problem?

I have a problem.

What?

Hello...

Has anyone informed Deep?

If anyone of you has contacted him, cancel it.

Anjali is already here.

No... Contact... Deep... Please!

The matter is solved.

This time the friendship won't go sour.

Baban!

Here...

Baban...

You had already added me to the group.

Thank you!

All of you used travel so much to come to school every day.

On your cycles...

S.T buses...

Even walking.

Do you remember...

Vishal Bhoir?

Suman Tai's...

He used to walk five kilometres every day.

He who wants to learn...

Over comes all obstacles to get an education.

Sir, there are hardly any devoted teachers like you anymore.

The teachers teach for their salary. And education is sold like a commodity.

Earlier, education was a facility.

There's education only if there are enough facilities.

But I am glad.

You have come all the way...

and took time off your busy schedule. All for our school.

Sir, actually...

I'm headed back to Switzerland in a couple of days.

That is why I came to see you today.

I would have stayed back but...

I have a lot to do…

No… You’re right.

You too

have your priorities.

Let’s click a photo in front of the school.

Sure.

Come.

Hey mad girl.

I can't believe Balu Mama had to tell me you're here.

Sorry... Everything was so last minute.

Anju, I got crushed in Deep and your mess.

Sir must be waiting for us.

Come on.

Aai...

Aai...

Hello…

Who are you?

WHO are you?

Boy.

I’ll slap you.

Answer me.

I’ve already answered you.

Where is Aai?

She’s out back.

This will bring my birds back.

Definitely.

Aai…

Hi, Anju.

He’s saying ‘Hi’ to you.

Aai, who’s that man in the kitchen?

He’s a boy.

I understand genders.

Who the hell is he?

My personal assistant.

Oh, you’ve no clue.

He has come here in his own Mercedes.

What a cutie...

Where have you been all these years?

Deep...

Did your parents sell their house here in Alibaug?

Yes, there's no one here to maintain it. And I'm too busy.

That's sad.

Baban, Anju and you… when you were kids…

You used to spend all your time together.

Now you’re not even in touch with each other.

Kaki…

We’re too busy in our own lives.

Now we’re all here.

Together.

That’s true.

What fun!

Cute.

You just went away so suddenly.

No contact whatsoever.

Me?

Have you forgotten everything that happened before that?

That's all in the past.

Right!

It's all in the past.

Start afresh now.

Aai, I've some work calls. I'll be inside.

Bye, Deep.

Bye?

He is staying here.

He likes it.

Staying in different places.

Don't worry about her.

He'll make it right.

You were going to take it back inside, right? -Yes.

Sir, that is our class photo.

I got it framed in Dubai.

Lovely!

Sir what are you having for lunch?

I’ll cook.

No…

I’ve already had so much. I won’t have lunch.

Then I’ll make something for tomorrow.

Don’t worry about it.

I cook for myself.

Really?

My wife…

before she passed away…

Taught me everything.

The chapatis are not quite there yet.

They turn out in all kinds of shapes!

How’s your daughter doing?

Very well.

She is already eighteen years old.

Eighteen?

Yes!

You were just kids… and now your children are grown up!

She is studying engineering and learning classical music as well.

Where?

In Dubai?

Yes.

The Maharashtra Mandal is very active.

Sir, we want to invite you as well.

As a guest.

Let’s do it this Maharashtra Day.

He’ll come.

Sir, you’ll love it.

We have ‘Shobha yatras’, Dhol-tasha bands,

Fine, but what should I say in my speech?

I…

I’m the principal of a Marathi school…

Which has shut down.

It was razed to the ground in front of my eyes.

And I couldn’t do anything about it.

Sir, what’s the exact problem with our school?

Tomorrow…

All of us are going to meet…

I’ll tell all of you together.

Haseena…

We’ve enrolled her in our school.

You think she can manage?

Savitribai suffered humiliation for girls like her.

She will have to manage.

We are here for her.

We will take good care of her.

Narvekar Bai, she’s an orphan.

We have no idea where she is from.

We are bringing her up like a gift from Allah.

Sir…

How should we put down her name? Salma…?

I have a wonderful name for her.

She will be known far and wide.

Salma...

Haseena...

Antuley...

Candy thief!

Oh God!

Jai Hind Madam!

Sir…

Namaste.

It’s alright.

How are you, my dear?

How are you, sir?

I haven’t been too well.

But now that all of you are here…

I am already much better.

Sir...

Jagtap is here.

What's going on, Sir?

Namaste, Jagtap Saheb.

You’re here today?

You didn’t tell me.

‘Didn’t tell you’?

I don’t need your permission to come to my own place.

Just kidding.

Just a moment.

Hey… Stand up.

Come here.

Building of construction…

And no suffering of boys, girls and ‘childrens’.

Yes, sir.

He said yes.

Sorry, let me introduce you.

This is Shirke Sir.

And he is the architect of our international school.

Mr...

Hiroshima Nagasaki.

Hiroshi Nikisawa.

Yeah…

What is with all of them?

They are ex-students of the school.

They have come together for their school.

Great.

So, when are you vacating it?

After ‘Ghat-Sthapana’.

Guruji, we’ll be laying the foundation on the day of ‘Ghat-Sthapana’.

Can you push it further?

You can’t change the day of ‘Ghat-Sthapana’.

The notice which we’ve received,

has the date after ‘Ghat-Sthapana’.

What you’re doing now is 'trespassing'.

Don’t stress about it. And don’t be angry at all.

The Chief Minister is going to attend the function.

It is already planned.

Start sending out the invitations.

Well…

Your little get-together…

Get done with it in the morning.

The decorations will already be up.

You won’t have to spend on that.

Refreshments will be on me!

We’ll have some soft drinks as well!

Listen to me now.

We’ll figure it out ourselves.

That one is for you.

They won’t let you enter the premises without the invitation.

Unfortunately, Sir is here.

Or else…

Where did you find this bouncer?

Salma Haseena Antuley.

Deputy Director Intelligence-

High Commission Of India.

Hello…

That’s great…

Let me introduce you to everyone.

Forget it.

As it is I won’t remember any of them.

Never mind

But...

Take a good look at them.

Soon you'll know exactly who they are.

O really?

Okay then.

Cut those trees…

We’re going to build a vertical garden.

“Namaste Sir”

Namaste. Please, sit down.

Baban Chandan Mhatre.

Present, Sir.

Baban…

You took this upon yourself?

I know, the student count in the Marathi schools has gone down.

The Ex-Students’ count has also gone down?

I gave you a list of 15 names.

There are only 8 of you here today.

No sir…

Shanu…

Get up…

He is not a student.

Deep’s boy.

Huh?

Like an assistant.

Coffee… umbrella…

I see…

So that makes only 7.

Balu Mama and I tried a lot.

Didn’t we?

Then there was Covid.

The population count of the whole world has gone down.

Everything just went for a toss.

Not just our students.

Even the government didn’t reveal the real numbers…

Everyone was feeling so lonely…

Wearing those masks…

People were unrecognisable…

Enough…

So,

Today’s topic is…

Krantijyoti Vidyalaya Marathi Medium.

May I come in, sir?

You were supposed to leave…

I extended my leave.

I’ll go after our farewell.

Come, sit.

She stayed back for Sir.

Only time will tell who made her stay back.

99 years ago,

Nissim Sassoon, a Bene Israeli man, leased this land from the British.

And built this first Marathi school in the region.

After the independence of Isreal… in the sixties…

The Sassoon family migrated to Israel.

They handed over the school to my father.

He was the headmaster of the school.

Now…

99 years later…

The lease is coming to an end.

And this building is dangerous.

That’s what the government says.

Sorry sir.

So…

They want to demolish our Marathi school and

build an ‘International School’.

Wow!

Hang on Baban.

Why build an international school, sir?

Because education is the biggest business in our country now.

Educational institutes

No longer work for society anymore.

They just fill their own coffers.

This is a prime location.

As it is the student count has gone down.

They are making the most of the situation.

Sir, why has the student count gone down?

Because people no longer

want to send their children to Marathi schools.

Facilities have become more important than education.

A staggering school building makes for great education.

That’s what they think.

That’s in fashion now.

In the last 5 years.

More than 1000 schools have been shut down.

The number of students in Marathi schools has gone down drastically.

Once the student count diminishes...

the school is shut down.

That’s been happening everywhere.

If this continues

very soon, more than 15,000 schools in Maharashtra will be shut down.

Fifteen thousand!

New teachers are no longer appointed.

There are many schools where there only 2 or 3 teachers for 10 standards.

How will the quality improve?

But sir, if Marathi schools shut down, that’ll be the end of the language too.

Marathi is a heritage language.

Marathi schools are not heritage.

Sir, how will they?

Look at us here.

Baban.

Baban’s son goes to an English medium school.

Really?

No, sir…

It’s not final.

He is only in kindergarten now.

But that’s an English school, right?

Why did you have to tell Sir about it?

We’re bringing this upon ourselves.

Sir, Rakesh is right.

Baban should not send his son to an English medium school.

Just a minute.

But what is the problem?

I don’t think he is at fault here.

We have to move with the times for the new generation.

Are you serious?

Both my daughters go to a Marathi medium school.

They are moving with the times.

Try to understand my point.

All I’m saying is that

If we teach our children, our language;

It is going to be easier for them.

Or else everything will be…

Messed up.

Rakesh, it all sounds good.

But on a global platform you cannot do without English.

We’re not against English.

Even in Marathi schools

English can be taught very well.

That’s not really useful.

We become a laughingstock in the outside world.

Not at all.

I work in Geneva.

And no one laughs at me.

I don’t face any issues.

In fact, they come to me to type official documents.

Because my grammar is very good.

Which Sir has taught us.

That is really commendable.

But when we started college.

Remember the first few days.

Wasn’t it a difficult time?

Don’t say, ‘Not at all’, just because Sir is here.

Sir…

Sorry Sir.

I agree with him.

When I went to college in Mumbai, right after school…

Everything was taught in English.

I had a tough time for the first couple of months.

I couldn’t understand anything.

Everyone around me spoke such good English.

I was ashamed of myself.

I was furious at my parents for not sending me to an English medium school.

But you did just fine after that.

You caught up.

Yes, I did. But it took a lot of time.

Anjali, not everyone can do it just because you could.

I too managed very well.

Let’s take a quiz.

Suraj... Hear me out.

Dr. Kishor Pethe.

Right now…

We are talking about our school.

Exactly.

They are building a modern school in place of this old school.

It'll have a football ground and a swimming pool!

The children will get new infrastructure... What's your problem?

Look.

They want to shut down this functioning Marathi school.

Why?

You mean new schools should be built for the rich.

The poor don't have a right to education?

They shouldn't go to school.

Let me talk to him.

Dr. Manish...

Dr. Kishor

It's the same name.

I thought you must have changed it to Sunny!

To move with the times.

I've come here for Sir.

Are you doing him a favour by coming here?

I think I better leave. -Let's see him off.

Salma, mind your tongue.

Behave yourself in front of Sir.

Quiet!

They are about to demolish our school.

We're here to discuss about that.

Stop bickering.

Do you really understand the matter?

How many of you think that...

We should have a farewell ceremony for the school?

No Sir...

Don't be disappointed.

We'll organize a memorable event.

We'll light up the whole school.

Great...

That's great.

Your monitor for this ceremony will be...

Kuldeep Nagavkar

Wow!

Deep...

Did he just leave?

Let him go.

Kuldeep...

Tell me...

Are you really having an affair with that actress? Mitali?

What about that other one...? -Take care, Mama.

Why is he the monitor?

Just because he's a star?

We're seniors.

I could've been the monitor.

So could you... You're the President of Dubai...

Of the Maharashtra Mandal.

‘Bright’ students move aside. -Not so loud Baban...

Akka...

Come home with me.

You've been here for a couple of days already.

Come, meet Aai.

How many times have I told you?

I don't want to meet Aai.

Ask me to do anything else.

I hope she's doing fine.

You come to Dubai with Prince. -Dubai?

I've bought camels for him.

Camels?

Where are they?

Toy camels.

Toy camels.

I thought real camels.

Where would we keep them?

When did we do this?

You were in Xth standard

And both of us were in second year.

It has been 22 years!

Wow, that long?

Who thought of hiding it here?

Not me. You used to come here.

My candy!

Didi!

Hey... it's all dusty.

Aren't we used to 'dirty' stuff?

Why is this clip here?

This is the first gift Vishu ever gave me.

A hair clip!?

Look at this.

Who is that? She's so pretty.

Narvekar Bai.

Who?

Didi...

Don't you remember Narvekar Bai?

Narvekar Bai.

I don't remember things from school like you do.

Narvekar Bai.

Suman...!

You're stuck in a loop.

Things that even my mother couldn't explain to me...

This teacher made it so easy to understand.

When I had my first period...

She was so gentle with me.

What to do... What not to do...

She explained it all.

I was so scared, I asked her...

"What's wrong with me?"

She told me it's nothing to be scared of.

"You're growing up", she said.

When Vishu and I started seeing each other in Xth standard;

She said to me,

"You've grown up too soon!"

Should I read the letter?

Yeah!

Let us know when you're done reading it.

We'll come back.

Never mind.

It's not that interesting.

What's wrong with her?

Let me read it.

'Anjali:'

'I'm going to be a doctor.'

'I'll plant a lot of trees.'

'And one day I'll have my own jungle.'

‘And Deep…’

‘And Deep and I will live a happy married life in that jungle.’

None of this came true.

You didn’t even become a doctor.

I have a Ph.D.

No way…

That’s a fake doctor.

Real doctors give injections.

Akka, what the hell is she saying?

Didi, you're impossible.

Let’s read Suman’s.

‘I will have my own grand restaurant.’

‘She did it.’

‘I’ll live happily ever after with Vishu.’

She has done that as well.

Why aren’t you happy for me?

We had decided that all of us will achieve everything that we wrote down.

Let’s see what she wrote.

‘Salma:’

‘I will be a big shot.’

‘I will teach everyone a lesson.’

Didi, what kind of an ambition is that?

She is doing exactly that.

She sits in Delhi and rejects visas!

Last time we spoke you were in Afghanistan, right?

Afghanistan?

Jai Hind, Sir.

Let’s click a photo.

Over there.

Rakesh

Do you have any change?

You still owe me for years of candy and gum.

Fine, I will pay you back. Right now, I only have credit cards.

Let me check if I have any change.

Just two stalls?

And they’re already shut.

Is it the rains?

The school has shut down. So, they took their business elsewhere.

The students are going to suffer.

But so will they.

I don’t know what’s going to happen to me either.

Don’t you worry.

I’ll take you to Dubai, Mashallah.

Mad.

Will I see Dawood in Dubai?

What?

I want to smack his face.

He has brought such shame to Kokan.

Rakesh…

Popat!

Yes?

Postman!

You’re still bullying each other over your fathers?

Popat…

That old woman used to sit here.

She used to sell berries.

Not just berries.

‘Chanya-manya’ berries.

Just the thought of it makes your mouth water, doesn’t it?

She is no more.

Oh dear.

What did we call that fellow who sold ‘kulfi’?

Mogambo!

Mogambo!

He’s also no more.

Remember that tailor? Gogavle.

Of course.

Once he put the zip on the back of my pants.

Open the zip to take a dump.

And pull the pants down to pee.

He is dead as well.

How come everyone is dead?

They were already old when you were kids.

They were already on their way out.

Thank God he hasn’t checked out.

You’re actually taking him to Dubai with you?

Are you mad?

Patties!

This is Patties’s stall.

Where is Patties these days?

Don’t say it.

Just don’t.

Popat, let’s go.

Where?

Baban... 'Pinky!'...

Anju…

Why did you give me this girls’ cycle?

Everyone knows me around here.

It matches your shirt.

Just shut up.

Anju…

I have been here twice without you guys.

With whom?

All alone.

I stood here…

And went back.

That day I decided.

I’ll come back with you two.

Wow.

I brought you here for the first time.

We had a night-out over here after our IXth standard exams.

But do you remember the highlight?

We left early in the morning, leaving this wuss right here.

Remember?

I was running a temperature for 2 days.

We thought you were possessed.

“Hey stop…”

“Don’t leave me behind…”

“There are ghosts here!”

What a wuss!

Shut up.

Don’t say that.

Ghosts appear when you take their name.

We’ve done some crazy stuff.

Impossible!

As they say…

When the horoscopes match… you’re destined to be married.

When hearts match… you’re destined to fall in love…

When the crazies match up… that’s friendship!

Remember?

You’re still stuck in school.

He hasn’t changed a bit.

Shut up.

You’ve left me all alone here.

Back in school…

We were practically joined at the hip.

He doesn’t even bother to call me anymore.

And you…

Why don’t you like my photos on Insta?

You only post photos of fish.

So what?

Baban…

What did you want us to do?

Should we have married you?

Why not?

Why not?

We would have been happy together.

What?

That atom bomb that I live with…

It keeps going off…

A ticking time bomb I tell you.

I’m not kidding.

I swear.

Look!

What is it?

Nothing…

Wow, this place is so good.

You wrote this, Anju.

This is the root cause of the whole mess.

I told you a hundred times.

Don’t mix friendship and romance.

Let’s end it right now.

Let there be no more grouses between us.

Let’s go back to the golden days of just friendship.

You know…

Pure friendship.

Forget it.

We were just kids back then.

You’ve taken it too seriously.

Hey…

Come here.

Hurry up.

Look what I found.

Baban’s very first love.

Sing that song you wrote.

No…

Come on, do it.

Just one glance and I fell in love…

Like a boat finds its shore after a night at sea…

The sweetest thing in the world is a chocolate…

You’re unique like Kate Winslet in Titanic!

Your beloved, Babu…!

He’s alive!

I would’ve killed him had he died as well.

Just one punch.

Idiots…

Why are you packing me off?

What do you want?

One bite and I’m transported back to school.

I don’t make them anymore.

I have taught my grandson.

Same!

It tastes the same!

Amazing!

You fools…

You’ve come so far to eat this?

He has come all the way from Dubai just to meet you.

Postman!

You live in Dubai?

I never thought you would go outside of our village.

My wife is my lucky charm.

You married Suman, didn’t you?

Yes.

Do you remember that trip?

Karnala Sanctuary?

I remember.

You had put up a live counter of your patties.

That girl gave you a live slap!

Because you proposed to her in front of the whole school.

She said yes to me eventually.

We did so much to get you together.

Ask him how many free patties he had just waiting for Suman.

You went through hell for them, didn’t you?

Yes, I did!

I am here to repay that debt.

What?

He thinks he’s a big shot now?

It is only the capital.

I can never repay the interest.

They say Shirke Sir brought up students of substance.

That is so true.

Let’s go on a trip again.

I will put up a live counter for free.

Free!?

Now what have you come up with?

Please Sir, all of us are here; let’s go together.

Sir…

Sir…

Please.

We’ll be able to discuss in detail when we’re all in one place.

Sir…

Please… let’s go on this trip.

Fine.

Best!

Let’s go to Khokri.

Popat…

Sir, Khokri?

That’s all we went to, back in school.

Harihareshwar, Khokri, Karnala Sanctuary…

This time let’s go to…

Dubai.

Goa, Sir.

Let’s go to Goa.

We never took fat fees from your parents.

Nor extra money for activities.

We did what the school and your parents could afford.

Sir, other schools took their students to such lovely places.

Hampi, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal!

That’s what he says, Sir.

But…

Did you lose out on anything by not going to those places?

When you know your region very well.

You can show it off to the whole world.

There are so many people who go abroad.

But they are clueless about the map of Maharashtra.

Not you boys.

You know it by heart…

The map of Raigad district.

Yes, Sir.

Does Deep know about this trip?

Deep?

Why?

He is your monitor.

Now let me continue in peace.

I walk ten thousand steps every day.

Why is Deep our monitor?

Why?

Are we supposed to ask him every little thing?

Out of my way.

Listen to me.

I have an idea.

Forget about Deep.

Wait till you see Babu.

Prince...

Name any 5 animals.

I just taught you yesterday.

Animals?

Missus…

He won’t get it.

How would he?

He is exactly like his father.

Princey…

Yes, Papi…

Princey.

Tell me the names of 5 fish in Marathi.

Bangda, Mandeli, Rawas, Bombil, Jhinga!

Now tell me the names of 5 rivers in Marathi.

Rewa, Warda, Krishna, Koyna, Bhadra, Godavari…

You know this from the song, ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha…’, don’t you?

My Princey is so smart!

If he…

studies in his mother tongue…

he will…

learn much faster.

Don’t burden him.

Don’t burden yourself.

And stay out of this.

He will go to the English medium school, that’s all.

I’m going on a picnic tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I’m going on a picnic!

I’m going on a picnic tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I’m going on a picnic!

Sir...

Sir, Good morning.

Sorry, I missed the alarm.

I was ready on time.

The monitor himself is late.

Why the hell is he the monitor?

Only Baban is yet to come.

I’m going on a picnic.

I’m going on a...!

Give me my phone.

I have to click this photo.

Dungarpur?

Rahimatpur

One 'pur' after another!

Careful now!

Tell him to drive carefully.

What's wrong, Mama?

Sir, she’s here.

I have a solid surprise for you.

This is going to be a lot of fun.

Who is it?

Come...

Come on in.

Hello kiddos.

Don’t you recognise me?

Who taught you about ‘procreation’ for the very first time?

Oh my!

Narvekar Bai!

Narvekar Bai!

She took a voluntary retirement 5 years ago.

Since her husband was unwell.

She has come to meet all of you today.

Babbu!

How are you?

Do you remember Titanic?

He’s blushing.

You’re whispering in the wrong ear.

Please sit.

Narvekar Bai!

Ganpati Bappa…

Morya!

Babbu…

Narvekar Bai has changed so much.

Hasn’t she changed a bit too much?

You’ve chosen the perfect day to wear the school uniform.

Why didn’t you wear normal pants?

That’s his fault.

Kate Winslet is looking at you.

Sir, this is so boring.

So...

Do you want me to dance for you?

Sir...

There's no picnic unless we dance to our favourite song from school.

‘In heaven flows the Ganga’

Yes Sir!

In heaven flows the Ganga

A golden ‘ghaat’ built on the banks of the Ganga

In heaven flows the Ganga

A golden ‘ghaat’ built on the banks of the Ganga

A ‘ghaat’ that has a hundred steps.

Joy bursts forth, filling our hearts.

A divine wish-fulfilling tree was planted on the river bank

A tree that has a hundred branches....

Joy bursts forth, filling our hearts.

Twinkling stars grow on the branch of that tree

Flowers that have a hundred petals...

Joy bursts forth, filling our hearts.

A gust of wind scattered the flowers on the water

A hundred ripples it created...

Joy bursts forth, filling our hearts.

The Ganga was flooded and the water rose so high

A hundred steps went underwater

Joy bursts forth, filling our hearts.

Stand properly...

Where's Sir?

Sir...!

What were you singing?

Divine wish-fulfilling tree!

What was that?

A divine wish-fulfilling tree; Planted on the riverbank

The tree with a hundred branches. Joy bursts forth, filling our hearts.

That divine wish-fulfilling tree!

Is Dinkar Shirke.

You students are the hundred branches of that tree.

You have accomplished so much after studying in our school.

That school is on the verge of being destroyed.

You have no qualms about it.

No... that's not true.

We're also sad about it.

We mean it.

Right?

Yes, you're sad. That's it?

This man, Dinkar Shirke.

The school and the students are his whole world.

He studied in this school.

He became a teacher in this school.

He also became a headmaster in this school.

Sir used to call the school a factory.

We used to call him an artisan.

He is the one who could always recognise

the strength and capacity of every student.

He nurtured their passions and let them bloom

to create good human beings.

Look at yourselves.

You reached commendable positions in your life.

Now delete this teacher and this school from your past.

Tell me.

Would you have been able to achieve all that you have?

I am not going to remind you of

every single thing that he has done for you.

But now it is time

to give your Guru his ‘Guru-Dakshina’

You will have to act.

He who toiled all his life to nurture your character.

For that Guru...

And the school in which all of you grew up.

For that school.

You will have to act.

You'll come back to school...

You'll understand the situation... And do something to save the school...

That is all he expected of you.

But you are too busy having fun.

But your teacher....

'I won't be able to educate new generations of students...'

His heart is sinking even at the mere thought.

It is up to you.

All yours now.

Our Marathi school will be finished.

Or will our Marathi school stand tall once again.

Let us take an oath.

Come what may...

No matter what...

We will protect our school.

Come on everybody.

Do you remember? -Yes!

One-Two-Three-Four

Krantijyoti Students are smart for sure!

That's a nutmeg tree.

It has been ages since I saw this tree.

Do you do this full time?

Full time farmer.

I became a lawyer.

And I met Sir.

I said, “Sir…”

“I want to cultivate my farm.”

He kept staring at me.

And the he said,

“Don’t just grow your farm…

Cultivate a farm that will inspire others.”

What is your name?

Durga Rakesh Gharat.

Shall we begin?

Raigad

Mahad

Rajgad

Junnar

Torna

Velhe

Pratapgad

Mahabaleshwar

Sindhudurg

Malvan

Panhala

Kolhapur

Suvarndurg?

Dapoli

Purandar?

Saswad

Lohgad?

Lonavla

Rajdurg

Ahilyanagar

Very good!

Here's a gift for you.

All hail Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahraj!

Your parents have taught you so well.

It's commendable.

Sir these are the bare basics.

In the times of Twinkle Little Star

Listening to this…

Is a sign of great hope.

Yes, Sir.

Wow Rakesh.

Vahini, it’s done then.

All of you must come to Dubai for the next Shiv Jayanti.

Yes, we have a grand procession.

So…

Now…

Coming to the topic of the day.

Krantijyoti Vidyalaya Marathi Medium.

Go… Off you go to play.

It started with a notice that I received.

What is the student count of the school?

Send us the details.

Which

obviously

was quite low.

I sent them the details.

Suddenly,

The PWD team

came to the school.

They conducted a structural audit.

Then they sent another notice to our school.

Stating that the building of our school is dangerous.

I tried the best I could.

Ultimately,

I got a decisive notice from the education department.

Shut the school down.

You did everything by yourself.

Why didn’t you tell us?

Did you tell me?

Your son goes to an English medium school?

You should’ve told me.

Sir…

I couldn’t go against my wife’s wishes.

Sir, I have an idea.

Let’s submit a letter to the Chief Minister.

We can get in touch with him.

Vishal

We don’t anyone to do us any favours.

We must win this fight on principles and legally.

Yes, Sir.

Now, the tender of our school

and this entire matter itself, dig for information about it.

If I go there…

they won’t give me any information.

But, Sir…

Even if we go there…

why would they give us any information?

They will recognize me.

I am the known face here, that’s why.

Let’s make two teams.

One team will go to the PWD.

The other to the Education officer.

Let’s see what we can find.

Namaste

I'm Vishal Bhoir.

Namaste

This is Mr. Babanrao Mhatre.

This is Mrs. Anjali Mhatre.

They are from Switzerland.

Namaste

Namaste

Accent?

Yeah baby!

They have a thriving business over there.

What business? -What?

What not?

Chocolates

We make Swiss chocolates.

We have our own schools. -Schools?

Schools as well.

Schools as well... Of big universities...

He is very funny.

They want to start their own school in Alibaug.

International school.

Right decision.

Running an English medium school

is extremely profitable.

For everyone.

I like that!

How do we go about it?

Let me tell you.

No thanks, no tea for us.

It's very easy.

Figure out a place.

We'll give the permission.

The school starts.

That's it.

Before that

we'll figure out the give and take.

The rest will be a lot easier.

The protector is the predator here.

Our great education department.

Madam,

we want to conduct the structural audit of a building.

What?

What do you want to do?

Structural audit.

To check the structure of a building.

Madam

Could you please call a responsible person?

Just a minute.

What do you mean?

He means

why should we bother you?

Call some subordinate.

Sure.

You know...

I saw your film.

Jumma

Jumma?!

It is a nice film.

We call it

Jhimma.

Oh yes!

He is

Assistant Engineer, Walke.

He will help you.

Namaste.

Walke, which MPSC batch are you from?

2022

So, you must be posted here quite recently.

I'm UPSC 2010

Hello Madam.

Hello

Why didn't you say so?

I need something from you.

Sure, Madam.

Good.

I had sent an application under the Right to Information Act.

We'll soon get the information.

But before that

we need to save the school from being demolished.

If the school is brought down

there's nothing we can do.

Not to worry, Sir.

The school will stand tall.

Let's keep our hopes high as well.

There was nothing European about that accent.

He handed him a lollipop calling it Swiss Chocolate.

He called me 'swissheart'.

Did you see this?

9th standard classroom directly after 8th standard.

We used to have divisions in each standard. A,B,C...

The school was something else when we were students.

One-Two-Three-Four

Krantijyoti Students are smart for sure!

Do you remember?

We used to clean the whole village on Gadge Baba Jayanti.

You think they still do that?

No way.

Parents will stand in protest if their children are made to pick garbage.

'What about hygiene?'

We used to do so much.

Washed classrooms

Swept the grounds.

It was so much fun.

We had so much fun.

I did not have fun.

You did.

If it weren't for Anjali and Suman,

I'd have had no good memories of school.

I used to be scared to come to school.

What if someone makes of fun of me again?

Will they write my name on the blackboard?

It was not my fault, Rakesh that my parents left me on the street.

Everyone was just a kid, Salma.

So was I.

They

created a diffident, scared Salma

who was extremely self-conscious.

But I focussed on my studies.

I showed these bullies

what I am capable of today.

If it weren't for Sir

I would've given up long ago.

Salma...

We were too young

to realise the damage

that we were doing.

Thank you.

Yes, Baban?

Drive inside.

Why are you dropping Sir outside the gate?

Where is he watching is from?

He has put up CCTV cameras.

Up here...

That's how he knows.

Go on now.

Yes.

This is so scary.

Sir...

Let me know when you've had your dinner.

Bye!

Sir, what is this all about?

One day when I had gone walking in the morning.

I slipped and fell.

Oh!

Balu informed Baban.

Baban put up cameras all around the house.

Sir this is Baban's demonic love for you.

I get it.

But I feel like I am in jail.

Someone is constantly watching over me.

Thankfully...

I don't have any other 'business'.

He would have ripped me apart.

Kuldeep

I had picked this book for you.

Thank you, Sir.

What are you reading these days?

I don't read so much these days.

Why?

Too much mobile, Sir.

Don't do that.

You used to devour books.

There are some books that I read thanks to you.

Keep reading.

When you get into new habits don't forget the good old habits.

Yes, Sir.

You told me, the very first day...

"I was furious at my parents."

"They didn't send me to an English medium school."

Be grateful they sent you to a Marathi school.

There are very few actors who speak good Marathi.

We have at least one, thanks to your parents.

I watch your podcast.

You've read so much in your childhood.

That is how you're doing so well now.

Drive carefully.

Here comes the surmai!

Baban has brought it especially for you.

Check it, it is so fresh.

Baban!

Take this.

Kaki!

Come on make the surmai. Let's party.

Where's Deepu?

He's having a bath.

Bath? I'll go soap his back.

Come, clean the fish. -Just a minute.

Why didn't you tell me about your party?

Look

I too have feelings.

Kaki

If it is going to be so delicious...

the fish happily will jump into the net.

This is amazing.

Sit next to him.

Anju

Come, sit.

Hey...

Serve him first.

Is he my husband?

He could've been.

Alas...

The prawns are also delicious.

That's a papad.

That's also delicious.

Thankfully Baban is well settled.

He did everything at the right time.

Settled?

Uprooted actually.

Okay

You married at the right age. You have a child.

You know all about it?

Of course.

We're in touch with each other online.

Kaki posts some solid stories.

We even spoke on video call on Halvin festival.

Halloween festival.

Yeah, pumpkin Diwali. I know all about it.

Kaki, give me some curry.

You have the surmai.

She is also

unmarried.

She doesn't even have a boyfriend there.

How would you know?

Mothers know everything.

Do they when to shut up?

You have the surmai.

I stayed with her for 8 years in Geneva.

I got so bored. I left her there.

And I came back home.

Yes.

Same old whiny face every day.

No affairs... nothing interesting.

Such a boring life.

You have the surmai. -Yes, he will.

He will go back home swimming now.

What a joke!

Where are you going?

You know...

She could have married either one of you.

I mean it.

But Baban is already married.

Deep

It is all in your hands now.

Did you swallow a bone?

Babs...

What Kaki said... It is worth thinking about.

Not at all.

Why?

Spending your whole life with one person...

It's not for you.

I am not saying we should get married.

Just be together.

What?

I am all alone.

She doesn't either. Both of us are single.

Why don't we try it out?

Like you try on some new clothes?

Put them on today and discard them when you get bored.

This is not your film, Deep.

This is real life of real people.

You're upset with Kaki but taunting me.

No

I am mad at you.

You went to Mumbai after Xth standard.

I kept writing letters to you for two years after that.

So did I.

They were all about you.

Or your plays.

After XIIth standard I came to Mumbai with Baban to see you.

We were sitting outside your college the whole day.

Finally, you turned up at night.

I was rehearsing my play.

We waited for you the whole day .

On an empty stomach.

You introduced us to your girlfriend.

And just went away with her.

I have never felt more useless in my life than that day.

I had told you.

Let's not go to Mumbai.

Our Deepu is no longer ours.

Baban

Only when you step out of the pond you find out what the world is all about.

People change...

for the better

Better?

Deep, I needed closure.

I saw you after ages and violins began to play in my mind.

I was never stuck on you, all these years, but...

the memories came rushing back.

But it's okay.

I have my closure now.

Let's talk it out.

Let's not talk about it.

In fact, do one thing if you can.

Sir has made you the monitor.

Don't let him down.

There is more to the world apart from you.

You used to say, "We have the power to change peoples' lives."

See if you can do that now.

Good night.

Yes, Walke.

What information do you have for me?

I have been transferred to Gadchiroli.

Jagtap knows that I provided you with all that information.

Walke, none of us... -What's done is done.

Madam, may I?

I know I am way too junior...

Stay away from all of them.

You're a government servant as well.

They can go to no end.

See you ma'am.

Nadda.

This time it's a personal favour.

I want to know everything about this one guy.

Sir.

They should've taken out an official tender for the school.

Which they haven't.

They've just given it away to Jagtap.

The whole process is illegal.

We already knew it.

But now.

Thanks to the Right To Information Act

it is officially proven.

Sir.

I’ll look for a good lawyer.

I know a good lawyer.

Who is it?

You.

Me?

Sir…

I don’t practice anymore.

A swimmer can never forget how to swim, Rakesh.

This matter is close to you.

Who better than you to argue this case?

I’ve decided.

He is the lawyer for Krantijyoti Vidyalaya.

That's perfect, Sir.

I told you I'll call you back.

Sorry Sir… an important call.

You don’t even have your phone to your ear.

Whom were you talking to?

The wind?

Baban, these are smart glasses.

Yeah. Look smart on you.

Baban, that’s not what he means.

Well, Sir…

Sir we can click photos, shoot videos, make calls, listen to music with these glasses.

Yeah right!

That only happens in Tom Cruise films.

I wanted to buy one as well.

Your sister didn’t let me.

Let me show you our video.

This is incredible.

Technology has become limitless.

Salma...

Come

Vishu give her the 'pedha'. -I don't want it. Sir...

Jagtap knows we're looking for evidence.

He got Walke transferred.

Whatever we plan to do...

We must do it immediately.

No problem.

Let's hammer the last nail really hard!

Just like a school bell!

He knows.

Don't worry about your work.

What about the advance?

We've got cash.

Wow.

You're really fast!

Fine.

Which place have you chosen?

Krantijyoti Vidyalaya?

Krantijyoti Vidyalaya?

That Marathi medium school?

Yes. That one.

No.

That one won't do.

How?

Why?

We've already given that school to Mr. Mahadev Jagtap.

What the hell.

We'll pay you more than him.

Just tell us how much.

Millions and billions... -Mr. Mhatre...

You're right. But then...

You can't match Mr. Jagtap's amount.

He has the whole government in his pocket.

I must protect my job.

I cannot go against him.

Got it?

Yes.

Just a minute.

What do you mean? What did you get?

You must testify that Mr. Jagtap is pressurizing you. Or else...

We'll share this video with the media.

This is wrong. Don't even think about double crossing us.

Or else your job and your reputation.

You'll be stripped of both.

Today...

Anjali Didi Rane

is going to be felicitated in your presence.

She caught that officer on camera.

So, we are going to facilitate...

I mean felicitate Anjali Rane.

Applause!

Hats off Anjali.

I saw the colour drain off that officer's face.

He looked like a ghost.

That reminds me.

Don't go walking the school grounds alone.

There is a 'ghost' behind the school.

Remember?

No way.

That's all hogwash.

But Sir himself said so. There's a ghost that lives behind the school.

Why are we even talking about it?

They appear when you talk about them.

Nobody will talk about ghosts.

Deep and ghosts have a long-standing romance.

Shanu...

Give the snacks to everyone.

What?

We've bagged the evidence today.

So, the Honourable Baban Mhatre

is throwing a party!

Made in Chaul but world famous

Samarth kulfi.

Wow!

We serve kulfi at our restaurant in Dubai.

But this is unbeatable.

Camel kulfi must taste so weird.

Even thinking of it makes me want to throw up.

Dubai doesn't have just camel milk.

How is your restaurant doing?

Very well. We have a branch in Bangkok too.

Bangkok?

People go to Bangkok to enjoy food?

Not everyone is like you.

This kulfi is so good!

Solid.

Superb

Amazing

I'm going to the library, you coming?

I never went there in the day.

You expect me to go there at night?

Fine, I'll go by myself.

Baban!

Stop.

I saw someone over there.

Must be a rat.

I swear I saw something. -Wuss.

I told you, don't go by yourself.

All these books carry Sir's scent.

I used to only look at pictures or photos.

I used to fall asleep the moment I picked up a book.

Babbu was interested in 'those' kinds of books.

'My wild neighbour'.

Not in front of my sister, Kuldeep!

She knows everything.

Don't you, Akka?

Look she's smiling. She seems relaxed.

Will you talk to her?

Right now.

Now? -Yes. Please.

Dark, deep, blue clouds gather full...

Stretching coolness, the agile-footed hosts of the wind set forth.

Borkar!

Akka...

Well...

Please visit home.

Talk to your mother.

All of you know why we had to elope, don't you?

The taunts she hurled at Vishal!

Postman's son.

Doesn't own a house.

He's poor.

We are earning good money today.

That is why she wants to talk to us.

How can I forget that I was just hacked off my home and family.

Vishal became my home.

My delivery

Bringing up our daughter. He has done everything.

My mother was never a part of any of it.

She thinks he is no good.

I'll never step foot in her house.

You can't change her mind.

Hey

Look...

Look behind the bushes.

Vishu!

I take back everything I just said about him.

Mad

Baban Dada...

It's ready.

Let's go.

Everybody

follow me.

What now?

My dear friends, look right here.

Hello... pay attention.

Presenting

Baban!

What are you up to?

All ‘bright’ students are requested not to interrupt.

He called you bright.

Presenting

Krantijyoti Vidyalaya's

Gatherrr

Gatherrr

Gatherrr

See for yourself... Applause!

Not now. Wait for the cue...

Lights off!

Dance, O Peacock, in the mango grove,

Dance, O Peacock, in the mango grove,

The wind is wresting the clouds,

The clouds are like fluffy black cotton balls

It’s your turn now— lightning claps in rhythm

Spread your plumes and dance!

Dance, O Peacock, in the mango grove,

Hey

What is it?

I've danced on this stage for 10 years.

Now our school will be no more.

This stage will be gone.

It is a bit overwhelming.

How did I forget that this stage gave me my identity.

I'm sorry I wasn't that helpful but...

This can't be destroyed.

What am I left with...?

I'm sorry.

Who said this stage will be brought down?

This stage will say right here.

And our school will stay right here.

Sure? -Sure.

I'm sorry.

Who is he?

And what this school means to him.

It has dawned upon him today.

Ghost!

Don't go there. Please don't go there.

I told you.

Who is there?

Don't you want to live in Alibaug?

Who is it?

Balu Mama?

You?

I've been hiding for years.

I thought it is time to tell the truth.

Truth?

The ghost of our school.

Balu Mama.

This ghost used to get me lunch when we were in school.

I have been living here for 40 years.

This is just a school for you.

For me...

This is my home.

This is my whole world.

Save the school.

Please!

Papi!

What is this for?

Give it to me.

What is this for?

Draw a...

Draw a means.... -I know that

What is after that?

Super... moon...

Supermoon means...

You mean that trip that Pinky Tai took after her wedding?

No!

The trip that Pinky Tai took after her wedding

that's honeymoon.

That's out of your league, my dear.

Didn't your teacher teach you about this?

She told us to study this.

Fine. Then I will teach you.

Super moon means full moon.

'of sacred night' means, full moon in the month of Shravan.

That sounds simple enough.

I will draw that.

How long have you been washing that car?

You'll wear it off.

Go get the mutton.

We're going to have mutton today!

We're going to have...

Well, Mrs. Mhatre

We must go to his school and tell them.

Making simple things more difficult; that's not studying.

Making complex things simpler. That's what learning is all about.

Get the mutton liver.

It is all about living right.

Balu Mama?

Jagtap?

Jagtap!

This is sheer hooliganism!

I own this place.

I can do as I please.

Your kids should have thought of this before acting too smart.

Go on. Bring it down.

Shantaram.

Back down.

Don’t you want to live in Alibaug anymore?

You better do as I say.

Back off…

Baban!

Don’t stop.

Just throw him out if he stops you.

Jagtap

Stop this at once.

Or else

there will be legal action against you.

Really?

I have a stay order from the court.

An Education Officer

has given a statement against you in the court.

So now…

there will be a legal enquiry in this matter.

Till then better stay away from our school.

Have some nuts.

Sir… come here.

Sir, why are you hell bent on

Saving this old, dilapidated school?

Because it’s still running…

and still shaping the children’s future.

But that is exactly what my school is going to do.

Moreover…

It is going to be a much better school than this one.

Jagtap, what is your definition of ‘better’?

Definition? The school will provide everything!

Get it?

A 3D planetarium.

All your Neptune and sun and moon and planets…

can be seen so clearly. Absolutely live!

And you will charge exorbitant fees.

Obviously, these things need money.

There’s a big difference between a printing press and a factory.

You're about to build a printing press.

What we have here

is a factory.

Manufacturing and building

Do you even understand the difference between the two?

A new lecture?

Don't lecture me.

Your students will listen to your lectures. Not me.

I'm going for now.

But next time...

Your school...

will be razed to the ground.

Out of my way!

What do you mean you didn't find anything?

What do you mean 'clean'?

Nadda, I asked you to do this one thing.

Better do it right.

I'm waiting. Call me back.

Deep Sir!

Deep Sir!

Open your handle.

Our reel has gone viral.

Our reel has gone viral.

What have you done?

Deep, what is all this?

What's going on?

Sir...

I had posted a reel about our school.

This is my little school in Alibaug

a 90-year-old structure of stone and mud.

Krantijyoti Vidyalaya

Marathi Medium

The place where the Marathi language

became our playground companion.

Where we first learnt the alphabet.

Where life taught us

its earliest lessons.

It’s filled with memories…

but now it’s on the verge of disappearing.

My Marathi school…

is counting its final days.

My little school

has no AC… no swimming pool.

But it does have a mud playground where knees get scraped.

And a beautiful garden that teaches you to get your hands dirty.

We don't have a Santa Claus for fancy dress competitions…

But the one who teaches us to sweep our own village,

dressed in nothing but rags...

and a heart full of principles.

We have our Gadge Baba.

There’s so much more to say…

First, we have to deal with the storm that’s knocking at our door.

The storm

that wants to wipe out the Marathi language.

A storm!

Well said!

Thank you, Sir!

Who is that prowling at the door?

Prowling at the door; who is it?

Who is that prowling at the door?

Who is that prowling at the door?

When deep in slumber

When deep in slumber

Who is that knocking at the door?

I'll be right there.

Did you call them? -Yes.

Cute.

Go. They're waiting for you.

I'm at the Krantijyoti Vidyalaya in Nagaon.

Where the students have started a movement to save their Marathi school.

This is the entrance gate that was knocked down in front of the students.

They have still kept the broken structure as is.

They have a question for the authorities.

What are they doing to stop this brutal end of Marathi schools?

With cameraperson Arvind Warge,

This is Deepak Palsule for ABP Majha.

From Nagaon, Alibaug.

There comes the night hag.

World language? -Necessary

National language? -Compulsory

Mother tongue? -Mother tongue...?

Light the pyre

Light the pyre

Torch the pyre of the mother tongue

Balbharati

Kumar Bharati

Run around in circles

Is too big a burden, my dear?

Nothing fits, nothing makes sense,

As if babul branches growing on mango trees.

There comes the night hag.

We have with us today, the students of Krantijyoti Vidyalaya.

Let's have a word with them.

Sir...

Could you tell us your name please?

Baban Mhatre

What is your exact appeal

and your expectations from the government?

Yes...

Sorry... Excuse me.

We’re here to report news about a Marathi school…

So, wouldn't it be more appropriate to speak in Marathi?

Right, Anju.

Anju is absolutely right.

We want to make our point in our own language.

Mr. Cameraman...

Over here.

Can you see all of us?

Please show all the students.

Salma Haseena Antuley

She is not here right now.

But she’s a big IPS officer.

As for her…

Anjali Rane

She stays in Switzerland.

She works in a huge office.

The cheetahs in India.

She is the one who got the cheetahs certified.

Not me, my office.

Rakesh Gharat Dada.

Today…

He is the biggest exporter of ‘paayri’ mangoes in Maharashtra.

Alphonso!

Even the foreigners say, “Wow Alphonso!”

Suman Bhoir. She is my big sister.

This is Vishal Bhoir, my brother-in-law.

Both of them

have big hotels in Dubai and Bangkok.

In fact, Vishal

gives Marathi language lessons in Dubai.

Soon even the Arabs will start saying…

“Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha Habibi”

Here’s the superstar Deep Nagavkar.

Superstar Deep Nagavkar, I’m sure you know him.

He is my friend.

He made one reel which became so ‘polu’par…

‘Popular.’

Right… Popular.

All of them…

Are students of a Marathi medium school.

They say...

It's no use studying in a Marathi medium school.

To all of them...

Zoom in and show them all these faces.

This is Baban Mhatre.

Sorry I'm interrupting you.

He is Baban Mhatre.

He scored only 36% marks in Xth standard.

He is Kuldeep.

This Kuldeep is a wuss. He is scared of ghosts.

Put that away.

I am praising you.

Point it at me.

Even if Baban Mhatre scored only 36% marks in the Xth standard exam

He has proven it to the world that he has nothing to do with 'percentage'.

He builds such good roads and bridges that

officers cannot stuff their pockets.

And that is he why is not given enough work.

But Baban we are proud of you.

Madam, this way.

What is your name?

Sheetal Chaudhari

Sheetal... she is Marathi!

Where are you from?

Jalgaon

Jalgaon?

You're from the land of Bahinabai?

Do you speak Khandeshi?

Yes of course, I speak Ahirani

Go on...

My mother Saraswati teaches me her tongue

In the mind of her daughters, how many secrets has she sown.

Round of applause for Sheetal Tai!

Nothing beats

speaking in your mother tongue.

Don't you agree?

Dada, come here.

We shouldn't be embarrassed to speak our mother tongue.

We must be proud of it.

Wow, Baban!

What are we stuck at?

Tiny little nuances of pronunciation.

I can also pronounce it very well.

But you see

Water is supposed to be drunk.

Pronounce it any other way... you can drink it none the same.

What I speak...

that is my language.

Agri

My mother tongue.

I am never ashamed of it.

Because

Shirke Sir never said to me that I was not speaking proper Marathi.

He never tried to correct me either.

In fact, Sir would say,

"Baban

"You must cherish your mother tongue."

"Go ahead and talk in your mother tongue..."

"But make sure you also teach the next generation."

All our dialects

And our Marathi.

Will continue to live and breathe only through Marathi medium schools.

The land that crowned Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj...

Here lies the Chavdar Lake

Whose water Babasaheb drank to give equal rights to the socially weak.

We stand on the soil of Raigad and proclaim

We won't let our Marathi language die.

We won't let them destroy our Marathi school.

One-Two-Three-Four

Krantijyoti students are smart for sure!

One-Two-Three-Four

Krantijyoti students are smart for sure!

Our school is safe now.

Unfortunately, if it does come crashing down

It is immortal in the form of our students.

What do you mean it is personal?

I know it is unethical.

This is a personal matter for me as well, Nadda.

Just send it. Don't worry.

Didi...

What are you doing here? Everyone is looking for you.

Come with me.

Where? -Just come along.

What is the matter?

Hello, Bouncer!

What brings you here?

I need to talk to you, Saheb.

It's too loud here.

Stop.

Who is she?

Namaste, Vahini.

Does he have diabetes?

Yes

It is going to shoot up now.

Hypertension?

That’s going to drop drastically.

What’s this medical checkup?

Vahini, please let us talk to him in private.

Come, let’s go.

Stop now.

Stop right there.

I know.

I know you have a gun.

Two years ago.

In Pattaya, Thailand.

Jagtap...

Now watch me shoot.

There, you fell in love with a girl.

You eloped with her.

That was a big scandal.

Police, goons… utter chaos.

She even gave birth to your child.

You must pay her 1 million rupees every month.

If you don’t, her lawyer…

can sue you.

And then…

Forget about Pattaya…

And Alibaug as well.

Utter lies…

What proof do you have?

Her name is Anne.

This is her photo.

Should I call Mrs. Jagtap #2?

And now

2000 schools of the Zilla Parishad

Shut down!

This is the

current situation.

Come in Sir.

Education Minister.

Education Minister.

Namaste Sir. I'm Vishwajeet Deshmukh.

Namaste

Remember me?

No, you don't.

Get some chairs.

Sir, shall we talk in front of everyone?

Sure.

Media may record our discussion.

You can set up.

Ready, Sir.

Sir, we may be able to save this one school.

What about the rest of the Marathi schools in the state?

Don’t shut them down either.

We don’t want to do that either.

Easier said than done, Sir.

We are trying our level best to keep

every Marathi school in the state functioning.

Many schools get a subsidy from the government.

Many NGOS

give them grants.

But where are the students, Sir?

In that case, we need to come together

and find a solution.

Many Gram Panchayats are passing resolutions.

Enrol your children in the Zilla Parishad Marathi schools

and you will be exempt from property and water tax.

A barely educated Sarpanch from a little village in Buldhana

Anusuya Khadke has achieved this.

I’m sure the government can definitely do it as well.

Right.

I’ll wait but I’ll take a state transport bus.

You do advertise that, don’t you?

Likewise…

No matter what, I’ll send my children to a Marathi school.

Why don’t you advertise that?

Governments are meant to find solutions.

Not to cross examine us.

I’m not cross examining you.

I’m merely stating the facts.

Let me tell you my story.

My wife said she wants to send our daughter to an English medium school.

“Why?”, I asked her.

She said, “Our drivers,

Our staff… they send their children to Marathi schools.

How can education be a matter of status, Sir?

I held my ground and sent her to a Marathi school.

Now looking at her progress,

She proudly tells everyone, “Our daughter goes to a Marathi school.

Syed, Sakpal.

Yes, Sir?

Which school do your children go to?

Silvanus International School.

Not the name. Which medium?

English.

Yours?

They are education officers of our state.

We cannot force them, can we?

The root cause is

we are ashamed of our Marathi language.

We must the first people on earth.

Who are ashamed of their own mother.

We don’t want to preserve our Marathi language.

Nor do we want to teach our coming generations.

When we go to a vegetable vendor,

We start speaking in Hindi.

When someone hands us a glass of cold water

we ask for room temperature water in English!

Why can’t we use Marathi words?

I…

do not want to disrespect any other language.

I am not interested in polarising at all.

At least in Maharashtra, one must speak Marathi.

When you go to Germany.

You must speak German.

French in France.

Forget about other countries.

Go to south India.

They stick to their own languages.

They celebrate them with great pride.

They make us speak their tongue.

If we really want heritage status for Marathi

To begin with

our Marathi schools

must become stronger.

Our SSC and HSC boards

must be fortified.

No, but we

are in awe of how great the other boards are.

Why should any other board decide

what we study here in Maharashtra?

India is a federal state.

Every region

has the right to nurture their own language and culture.

The constitution has given it to us. -I agree, Sir.

I do not oppose English medium schools

Under the guise of international schools

we're building five-star hotels.

I stand against that.

I stand against selling education in the market.

These posh schools springing up in Maharashtra

does not cultivate respect about my Marathi language.

That is the main point.

Our outdoor games

our festivals

our writers

our poets

Why are they not taught in those schools?

Sant Eknath, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram

Sane Guruji, Balkavi, Indira Sant

Daya Pawar

Kusumagraj, Grace

Namdev Dhasal

Da.Ma. Mirajdar

Acharya Atre, Pu.La. Deshpande, Annabhau Sathe

Young students have no clue who they are.

This is the misfortune of entire Maharashtra.

English is just another language.

It is a skill to speak that language.

We taught our students that skill.

Some picked it up.

Others couldn't.

That is absolutely alright.

Not everyone is good at pottery.

Not everyone is good at carpentry.

That is all that there is to it.

The only important thing is to widen the scope of the children.

When they are young let them learn in their mother tongue.

Let them better their understanding.

Let them enjoy studying.

Then we can develop all their other skills.

Someone who can't speak their own language properly.

How will they learn any other language?

150 years ago, in our own country...

the poor could not go to school.

Mahatma Phule and many other like him toiled their whole lives

brought the poor and the under privileged to schools.

They gave them the right to education.

Now don't make education unaffordable for them

and snatch education itself away from them.

Easy on the pockets

but a treasure trove of knowledge.

Our Marathi schools

Don't shut them down.

The biggest fear is that

that which flows in the waters every river in Maharashtra;

that which blossoms in every crop of the land;

that which comes down with every drop of rain

that which echoes in the valleys of Sahyadri;

that which dances at our doorstep in the form of Vasudev;

that which colours the skies of Maharashtra;

the Marathi language...

will soon

disappear from the face of the earth.

Now you know why I asked you to record what he says?

They say, a goldsmith should pierce the ears.

This is the medicine that we need.

Thank you so much, Sir.

Every word of yours pierced the heart.

A small detail for you.

Shirke Sir teaches English in Krantijyoti Vidyalaya.

That too in English!

I take this opportunity to appeal to every resident of Maharashtra

if you want to preserve and cherish your mother tongue

you must have the will power

and send your children

only to Marathi medium schools.

This government will always stand by you.

Sir...

one final and important task.

Let us make a trust for the school.

So that the government can rest assured

and the school can function smoothly.

Now you tell me

Who will be a part of the trust?

I am ready.

I'm...

I mean it.

You will have to manage the school.

Yes, we will.

We've come so far; let us take it ahead.

Our school will not be just the number one Marathi school

but the number one school in all of Maharashtra for the maximum number of students.

Sir, it is decided.

I'm ready as well.

Yes, Sir.

We'll go door to door.

We'll tell every single person.

We'll bring back the glory of our Marathi school and our Marathi language.

Fine then.

The government of Maharashtra hands over Krantijyoti Vidyalaya to this trust.

Sakpal, issue an official order.

Sir, may I leave? I hope you're satisfied.

Balu

This trophy was won by the school in a debate competition.

That was the only year we won that competition.

In 1993,

first prize

Vishwajeet Deshmukh.

The bench in front of the blackboard.

You attended this school only for one year.

My father had a government job.

Tranfers all the time...

I can't believe that you recognised me.

I hadn't recognised you.

The way you handled the dialogue with the media...

You put forth the government's point of view.

That's when I remembered.

This is the 'smart' Vishwajeet Deshmukh.

That's a part of the game, Sir.

You became the Education Minister. But I had no clue.

That's the story of students who sit in the middle row

Sir we couldn't do much actively.

This is just a little gift from us to our school.

Sometimes

just standing in support

is also extremely important.

Anju...

Thank you.

Thanks for everything.

The fight has just begun.

There's no looking back now.

Guys...

I've made group of the 3 of us.

3 Idiots

What a unique name!

You like it?

Click a selfie.

That'll be our group DP

We're in front of another Marathi school which is about to be shut down.

But

Students like that of Krantijyoti are here to fight.

Let's get to work.

One-two-three-four!