Original subtitles

- Golden Sky! - Down, down!

- Golden Sky! - Down, down!

A protest has been going on in Worli Koliwada for the last 4 days.

Golden Sky's new infrastructure project…

…the Oceanside Mall led to the eviction of fisherfolk from their homes.

The fisherfolk here are full of anger.

They consider it a fight for their rights.

But do they truly have a right to this land?

Only time can tell what the future holds.

Stay tuned for more information.

This Sandhya Yadav with Cameraman Vinod Sharma,

reporting live for Azaad Bharati.

"Cameraman," again?

Can't you say "Video Journalist"? Huh?

Not now, man.

I won't even roll the camera next time.

We've been starving here for four days.

That's Tejas Dandekar, right?

We won't let the mall be built on our land.

Yes, that's him.

- The local leader. - I want to thank you all

that you've tirelessly…

- You can't go in. - Sorry, ma'am.

Dada, let us go. We are the press.

The press isn't allowed. It's chaos here. Please go. Don't bother us, ma'am.

- Sandhya. Hey, Sandhya. - Yes?

- Please leave. - Come here.

Let it be. We've got enough footage.

But an exclusive scoop on Tejas would get us the prime-time slot.

And you will get your bonus too.

You'll get your bonus too.

Give me your wallet.

Give it here, man.

- It's our time! - It's our ocean!

Why are you being so dramatic?

Tea! Hot tea!

Sir.

- Fisherfolk! - Be victorious!

- Fisherfolk! - Be victorious!

Tejas, Tejas Dandekar ji. Sir, we want to interview you.

Sir, it won't take long, please.

Sir, as per the development plan,

your relocation is just temporary.

Don't you think that some difficult but firm steps

need to be taken for development?

This is no temporary scheme, ma'am.

The government gave our land to Golden Sky without informing us.

And that builder bribed the Municipal Corporation

and demolished our houses overnight.

Do you think this is for the sake of development?

But these plots were never in your names.

Do you have the papers for this land?

Ma'am, Koliwada has been here for 500 years.

- No one asked for papers before this. - Why didn't you file a court case?

- Sandhya, police. - Come on. Get moving.

This is no temporary scheme, ma'am.

And we want development too, but not like this.

The government gave our land to Golden Sky without informing us.

And that builder…

This is good.

Only our channel has the Tejas sound bite, right?

Yes, sir.

So I'll confirm with Shyam, and put this on prime time.

- Keep the background a little low. - Okay, sir.

Sir, actually the police came in. Or we would have gotten more footage.

We were still talking to him--

Hey, Shyam.

You saw this, right?

I just spoke to the board.

They have a few concerns.

The Municipal Corporation might create an issue.

This is exclusive footage, Shyam.

But there's no proof.

When did we say that we have proof?

Tejas Dandekar's story needs a platform.

This has to go out tonight.

Okay, okay.

Relax. We will get it on air.

But not on prime time.

I'll handle the board.

You know how they are. Okay? Relax.

- Prateek Shah, not Prateeksha. - Okay.

- Correct it. Wake up. - Okay, sir.

Vinod, no need to thank me, man.

- Relax. - Thank you for what?

It didn't make the prime time. So no bonus.

You're still crying about the bonus?

I'm the one who spent the money.

- He took my money again. - Drama queen.

Have you guys signed J. P. sir's farewell card?

- J. P. sir? - Whose farewell card?

Haven't you heard?

J. P. sir?

Downsizing is just an excuse.

The whole drama was just to get me off that Grand Highway story.

Really?

Yeah, man.

My inside sources say that there's some big scam going on.

Just look…

It's a crime to ask questions now.

What did Vidur sir say?

Vidur has no say in this.

The orders came from HR.

It's all changed since the corporates took over.

What are you worried about?

Good cameramen don't grow on trees.

Neither do good reporters.

I'll miss you, J. P. sir.

Miss you too.

So, what now?

But Vidur and I decided

that threats won't make us back off.

Thank you.

We were idealistic,

but most importantly,

we were also young back then.

Sir, that story actually inspired me

to be a journalist, and…

I read in college,

"Journalism is the first draft of history."

Back then, we used to spend months on a story.

And now…

A new story every minute.

That too "breaking news."

Sir, but the audience has changed too, right?

They want a new story every moment.

And if we don't give them one,

they won't even remember your channel's name.

But what use are these fast-food-like stories?

The truth lies in the depth, right?

So we have to take the time to reach that depth.

That's what Vidur and I did.

But who cares for fanatics like us now?

A salute to all such fanatics of the world!

Salute!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Vinod, tell me something.

Which is older? You or your scooter?

I think your jokes have gotten older nowadays.

Look at her.

But whatever you say, we make the best team.

Drama queen again.

Hey!

You would have forgotten again.

If Bhabhi found out,

you'd be homeless.

Hey, enough. Don't act like you did me a big favor.

- Pick up at 9:00 a.m. Okay? Bye. - Yes, sir.

- Thank you, sir. - Get going.

Hi, Zo-Zo. Hey, no! Where are you going?

MASSIVE PROTEST AGAINST OCEANSIDE MALL

- Hi, Nani. - Hi, baby.

Sahil's wedding done? How was it?

- Zoey. - We missed you so much.

Mehta ji was also asking about you.

He sees you on TV.

Do you remember his son, Sonu?

He's back from London.

Oh, god, Nani! Please don't start.

What's the harm in talking to him? At least meet him once.

First, I have to become a prime-time anchor.

Then buy my own house.

Then we'll think about all this, okay?

Hey, come on! Hurry up, hurry up!

Come on. Hurry up!

Hey, Mahi! What happened? Be quiet, everyone.

Safe travels.

Hi, Rudra.

Safe travels.

Hey! Keep your hands inside.

Rudra, what's the matter?

Do re mi

Re mi fa

So la ti

Mi fa so

Once more.

Mi fa so

Very nice.

- Fa so la - Fa so la

Do re mi…

Hey, Sandhya. Come in.

Where's Vinod? He isn't answering his phone.

He is sleeping. I'll wake him up.

- Sandhya didi. - Hi, champ. What's up?

Practicing for the Annual Day auditions.

Why are you here so early?

Go and change.

A bridge collapse in Visargaon. We have to go.

Give me ten.

VISARGAON VILLAGE COUNCIL BUS STOP

- Is this it? - Are you getting any network?

It says there, Visargaon. Let's go.

Oh, god! My baby!

Breaking news.

17 SCHOOL CHILDREN AMONG DEAD

Over to Visargaon,

where our correspondents Sandhya Yadav and Vinod Sharma join us.

Thank you, Karthik.

As you can see, the bridge behind me

has been completely destroyed.

The death toll in this horrific accident is said to be 17.

Sandhya, they say a school bus fell into the river along with the bridge?

Yes. It is tragic, Karthik.

There were a total of 14 kids on the school bus.

They died within a few minutes of drowning.

What's the reason for the bridge's sudden collapse?

The police is investigating.

They say it was a very old bridge, which had not been repaired for years.

Sandhya, thank you so much for joining us.

We will be in touch again as soon as there is more information.

Thank you, Karthik.

I will tell you why the bridge collapsed.

Pandit ji, don't look into the camera. Talk to her.

- Look at me. Talk to me. Yes. - Okay. Like this?

Our books clearly state that a solar eclipse is a bad omen.

There was a pregnant woman on the bus at the time,

and she died.

And pregnant women are strictly forbidden to go outside during a solar eclipse.

Something bad is bound to happen.

Right.

We got it.

It happened because of the solar eclipse.

Schools should be closed whenever there is a solar eclipse.

The solar eclipse is the cause of all the trouble.

Something weird is going on here.

How can it be

that everyone is talking about the solar eclipse?

I mean, all of them?

It's superstition, man.

Not only Visargaon,

but the entire country lost its beloved children today.

My grief is unfathomable.

This was a natural calamity that struck us.

But as they say,

God may delay, but He will not deny you.

May the souls of our children rest in peace.

Your government stands with you in this hour of grief.

And so, every family that has lost a child

will be given a compensation of one lakh rupees each.

Sahib,

compensation will not solve this problem.

An inquiry should be conducted.

Listen, who can control the planets? Right?

What are you saying, Kaka? Please sit down.

Even our scriptures say

that a solar eclipse is a bad omen.

If it's a bad omen, then how are we alive?

He is right.

And this, the audit report of your government.

It states that this bridge was in dire need of repair.

Look, you seem to be mistaken.

This is a blatant lie.

There are many such bridges which are in a bad state.

You're just trying to distract the people

by mentioning compensation. That's it.

Yes, is Kaka right or not?

Yes!

So, what do you want?

Should the families of the innocent children not be compensated?

You've dragged politics into this too? Aren't you ashamed?

- Son, we're just trying to find the truth. - Yes.

Are you trying to find the truth

or are you playing with the feelings of the villagers?

They are bastards! Thrash them!

Thrash them!

Oh, no. No. Hey! Stop!

Sandhya!

Move aside!

Move, move!

- Sandhya! - What are you doing?

No!

Stop it, bhai! Stop!

Move!

Sandhya!

GOVERNMENT OF MAHARASHTRA DISTRICT HOSPITAL - VISARGAON - SURALGAD

You just barge in anywhere. Why did you have to interfere?

You know, how badly I was hit?

These were the only two people we'd met since morning

who seemed to know something about the bridge.

That's why, man.

- This medicine… - He's here. Let's go.

Kaka, is he okay?

He will be fine.

But what's your name?

- My name is Sandhya and he is Vinod. - Vinod.

We are reporters.

- Namaskar. Thanks for the help. - You were talking about the bridge--

You can go.

No, Kaka, you were saying something about the bridge today.

That's what we wanted to talk to you about.

Ma'am, all you reporters are the same.

You just use people and then vanish.

First, you'll get all the details from me.

And then demand money for airing it on your channel.

- We have no money. - No, no, Kaka. We are not after money.

We don't want money.

Mangesh needs me. I need to head back.

Those who wanted to exploit you have already left, Kaka.

We're still here.

Give us a chance.

We don't want any money from you.

What do you know about sand mining?

Illegal sand mining is going on in this district in full swing.

Illegal.

How is the mining connected to the bridge?

Come.

This bridge is only three years old, but it won't last either.

They are digging out sand from right under the foundation.

Vinod…

Vinod, if the camera is seen, we'll be killed.

Killed?

For sand?

This is "brown gold," ma'am. Don't think of it as something ordinary.

How do you think cities are built?

From concrete, right?

And what do they put in concrete? 70% is sand.

Your wide roads, tall buildings, dams, canals,

what are they made of?

It's all sand.

Yes. Hundreds of villages like Visargaon

are being ravaged daily in the name of progress.

So why Visargaon?

India has such a vast desert.

That is the problem.

The sand in the desert is too smooth.

Hence, it cannot be used.

But sand from the sea and the rivers binds easily.

And after it's mixed with cement,

the concrete that is formed is very strong.

Come with me tomorrow to see for yourself.

Okay.

What a story we have, man.

A bridge collapse and illegal sand mining.

Thank god, Shiva Kaka agreed.

Now our ratings

will touch the sky.

Get some sleep.

Excuse me!

Hello!

Thank you.

- Wildlife channel? - No, no.

I don't own a channel. It's just my hobby.

- Okay. - Come. Come here. One second.

I'll show you something.

Can you see this?

Come, be comfortable.

This is the sandpiper, one of my favorites.

They fly here, directly from Siberia, once a year.

Without fail. Just like me.

Earlier, they used to be five times in number. But--

What's so special about this place?

There's a lot, actually.

But nature has its own mysteries.

Well, I have to go. You enjoy your birds.

- Thank you. - Hello?

Look, they are doing it all in the open.

Hello? Where to?

Turn off the camera. This is illegal.

What, Shiva Kaka? What's the new drama today?

- Hey, get out of here. - Hello, sir. Good morning.

Sir, we are making a documentary about the hardworking laborers of our country.

We want to show that laborers like you

are the real backbone of this country, sir.

- Your name? - Babulal.

Babulal ji! Good morning.

Sir, we just want to interview you for two minutes.

No, no interviews. This is very dangerous.

- Come on, get going. - Sir.

- Sir, it won't take long. Sir, you-- - No shooting, no interview. Get going.

But listen. You will also get paid for the interview.

Just five minutes. Give me your wallet.

Give me your wallet, man.

Only five minutes, sir.

Please come.

Just five minutes. Remember.

Look.

They work so hard.

These kids plunge 40-50 feet down.

The water is so murky that the visibility is zero.

They hold their breath for a couple of minutes and bring up the sand.

Give me a couple of more buckets.

Babulal ji, this seems like very hard and dangerous work.

Where do you find the courage to do all this?

Well, it is dangerous.

Sometimes people don't make it back up.

The thing is, ma'am, we were paid 200 rupees for working in the fields.

Even that's come to an end. Diving pays us 500 rupees.

And some people are even trying to stop this work.

Look, we are not robbing anyone or trying to steal stuff.

So what's wrong with it?

It's our hard work.

We had five boats. Now there are 25.

They say that if this continues,

the sand on the riverbanks will vanish in a few years.

That's not how it works, ma'am.

Every year, rains bring in new sand.

Hurry up.

Okay. Thank you.

Look.

The original course of this river was over there.

But these people dug out so much sand that the river changed its course

and all these fields became barren.

100-200 truckloads of sand are taken away daily.

Nothing grows here anymore.

Why doesn't anyone help these people?

Who will?

The sand mafia has bought everyone.

I tried to stop them.

But they killed my father.

This is the testimony of all the farmers.

Mohan's too.

How many testimonies are in here?

237 in total.

There are many more in reality.

Some are dead and some went missing.

And some ended up mining themselves out of desperation.

And this file

has information of all the illegal sand mining locations in this area.

I mean, the permit is only for 50 trucks,

but they're taking 300 truckloads of sand.

What is this spot?

The one marked here.

This is the largest illegal mine in the district.

- How do we get there? - I'll take you.

But you can't take that camera. That would be risky.

You can just tell us the route.

Why do you want to risk your life, Kaka?

How much life do I have left, son?

There's still a lot to do.

Kaka's son, Prathamesh, was the best swimmer in the village.

Lured in by a bit of money, he too got into mining.

He used to plunge into the river 200-300 times daily and bring out sand.

About…

ten years ago, a dead body was found in this very Sumati river.

It was Kaka's son.

Kaka's only resolution now

is to put an end to this illegal mining in Visargaon forever.

Look.

They are doing it openly behind this wall.

- Let's go a little further. - No, that would be lunacy.

They will bury us alive if we get caught.

But…

Kaka, stay here. We'll be back, okay?

- Dear, don't-- - Sandhya, listen.

Come on. Let's go, Vinod!

Careful.

This is the biggest illegal mine in this state.

Thousands of truckloads of sand travel to other cities every night.

This whole district has been hollowed out by excavations.

And the police does nothing, despite knowing everything.

The sand mafia is the greatest terror here.

They say these goons

have some bigwig protecting them.

And whoever tries to find him,

is either killed or disappears forever.

- Who is there? Get them! - Let's go! Get them!

Get them!

- Get them! - Come on!

Start the auto!

Come on!

- Go, go! - Let's go!

The way you risked your lives last night,

- I felt that… - Oh, no. Nothing happened. We're fine.

Do you think the Collector will tell us anything?

He won't say a thing.

He is a scoundrel.

Yes, and that's what we want to show.

Shiva Kaka, thank you.

We were very fortunate that we met you.

And now our fate is in your hands.

Who all do you have in your family?

Just my nani and my dog, Zoey.

Zoey!

And you?

My wife, Pooja, and my little girl. She's in the fourth grade. Ira.

- Here. - Shall we?

Oh, no. No, Kaka. No. Vinod, tell him.

- No, Kaka. Please. - Come here.

This is my love for Zoey.

- Take it. It's for Zoey. Take it. - Thank you.

- And you. You, hey. Come here. - Come on, let's go.

This is for Ira baby.

- Tell her… - No, Kaka.

…it's a nana's love.

Thank you. Thank you, Kaka.

Okay, let's go. Thank you, Kaka.

Why do you reporters keep harping on the same thing?

It was an old bridge and an accident happened.

What's the status of illegal sand mining in your district at present?

According to some people, the bridge collapsed due to illegal sand mining.

Illegal sand mining? Don't you know that a law has been passed by the government?

The government has enacted a law to stop illegal sand mining.

- Yes, sir. The law is there-- - So, there is no question

of illegal sand mining.

Sir, the Sumati river has changed its course due to illegal sand mining.

Thousands of farmers have lost their fields. What about them?

This is all fate. What can the government do? Tell me.

And the sand mafia?

What mafia? What sand mafia?

You reporters should stop creating fake news.

No sand mafia?

No, no. There is no sand mafia in my district.

- No illegal sand mining? - No sand mafia. Nothing.

And listen, turn this camera off.

- Sir. - Camera off.

Off, please.

- Sir, sand mafia-- - Leave. Please leave.

Take them away. Come on. Get out from here.

- They just make stuff up. - Come on. Come out please.

The bus will arrive in half an hour.

We should also get into the sand mining business.

No one's going to stop us. We'll mint money.

Why did we get stuck in this reporting business?

Aunty, a cup of tea.

Don't pay any attention.

Don't even look at them.

Hello, ma'am.

Hello.

You are reporters, right?

- Yes. - So take a photo of us.

We will be on TV too.

Visargaon will get some fame, right?

Some other time. Sandhya, let's go.

- Come on. - Hey!

Take a photo, sir.

If I come there, there will be trouble.

Hey, put the radio down.

Come on. Just a sec.

Hey, you come here too.

- Please… - Vinod…

- Wait. - Sir, please.

- What have you done? - Vinod.

It just slipped.

- Sir, what sort of a joke is this? - What?

A joke?

Bablu, turn off the radio!

You think this is a joke?

You think I am a joker?

Hey, Bablu.

Tell ma'am…

if somebody comes into your house…

Hey!

…and messes with you…

will you lose your temper?

Yes.

See?

- You will! You will lose your temper. - Sir, please!

- You want breaking news? - Vinod!

- Sir, please. - You want breaking news?

I'll give you breaking news.

Yes, this will work.

- Sir, please! - Which finger do you use to record?

Sir, please!

- You record with this finger, right? - No…

- Right? - No, no. No.

Sir, please!

Vinod!

You see, ma'am?

This was just a trailer.

We will show you the whole movie next time.

And that too horror.

What mafia? What sand mafia?

You reporters should stop creating fake news.

No sand mafia?

No, no. There is no sand mafia in my district.

No illegal sand mining?

No sand mafia. Nothing. No mafia.

- Okay. - Yeah.

Rare footage. Very good.

But what a goon, man.

He broke the camera instead of the live uplink box.

Ignorant fool.

We'll get those assholes thrown in jail.

If this information is solid, authentic,

- let's put it on air at the earliest. - Yeah.

I was thinking it should go on prime time.

That goes without saying.

Okay. Prime time.

- Thank you. - I will go and brief Karthik now.

- Okay. Good. - I think they need some rest.

Take recovery leave for a couple of days. We'll take care of the rest.

Okay.

- All right. - Thank you, sir.

- Thank you, sir. Thank you so much. - No, not at all.

Come on, sit.

This is gold.

Vinod, we are the best team.

Drama queen again?

Come on. I will show you the new toys.

Come on.

Come.

Thank god, you had uploaded the footage.

Yeah, that's why I wasn't mad.

Or I would have thrashed them.

This is nothing to laugh about.

What if something had happened to you guys?

Come on.

Sir, sir! Vidur sir, the copy you had asked for.

- I want the report in 45 minutes. - Sure, sir. I'll have it ready for you.

Karthik, take it easy.

Take your time.

It should hit here.

- Okay? - Just roll the camera, sir.

Good luck.

Team ready? Time to go live.

Seven, six, five…

Roll graphics.

They say, seek and you can find God.

REAL CAUSE OF VISARGAON BRIDGE ACCIDENT

So what is the truth by comparison?

The real reason behind the Visargaon bridge collapse is illegal sand mining.

The Visargaon sand mafia has illegally excavated sand

from under the bridges built over the Sumati.

This weakened the foundation of the Visargaon bridge

and the bridge collapsed…

This is no accident.

This is a heinous crime.

- Hello. - Hello, Shiva Kaka.

Are you watching or not?

I am watching.

I'll pass it to Mangesh.

The Visargaon bridge collapse should be reinvestigated

and illegal mining banned forever.

We demand action against sand mafia and we demand justice.

Congratulations.

A new bike, Papa?

Ira!

Thank you.

You want to take a ride too?

This week's ratings are out.

And Azaad was the number one viewed news channel this whole week.

Our ratings are skyrocketing.

Sir!

Vinod, come on. Come on!

- Sir, take her. - Come on!

Why aren't you coming? Why aren't you coming, huh?

- Come on, come. Sandhya. - Vinod, dance please.

- I'll come in five minutes. - Five minutes or I'll be back.

Hey, bhai, what's up?

- Hi, Rakesh. How are you? - All well.

You guys are on a roll.

As they say, every dog has his day.

For once, make this dog's day too.

You are having a blast with your followers growing in the digital world.

- I know nothing about that. - I say you should switch too.

No, no. I'm happy.

No, let me tell you, your report went viral.

- You did great. - Come on.

- Come on, everyone is dancing. - Let's go.

Yes. No, no, I do understand.

Okay.

Yeah.

Vinod, come on!

Hello, Kaka.

- Remember me? - You--

What, Kaka?

Why did you report it? Why?

Sandhya.

- Mangesh. - Mangesh.

Ma'am…

Kaka.

Oh, god!

Oh, god!

He isn't here.

Where is Vidur sir?

He is in a meeting with Shyam sir.

Come on, then.

Sandhya!

Hey, we can't go into Shyam sir's office.

- A meeting can be arranged… - Excuse me, ma'am.

- Sandhya. - Sir.

- Sorry, sir. - What are you doing here?

Sir, we are coming from Visargaon. The mining has started again.

They killed our source, sir. He was burned to death.

Sandhya.

We have to drop this story. The board has decided.

Sir… Why, sir?

Sir, Shiva Kaka was burned alive because of our story.

Sir, it is our duty. Please, sir.

We do not have the resources.

We don't have the manpower to follow this story.

Plus it's a safety issue, guys. We can't take the risk.

- A safety issue? - No, no, we'll air it.

But put it on the back burner for now. We'll follow up later.

- Work on other stories for now. - Why, sir?

The ratings don't matter anymore?

- Be quiet. - Excuse me?

Sandhya,

go and wait in my office.

- Vinod. - Sir, this is wrong.

- Go. Just go. - Come on.

- Go. - Sandhya. Let's go.

Sorry, sir.

She reminds me of my younger days.

I'll just…

- Shall we discuss it in half an hour? - Okay, sir.

Okay. Come to the office. Hi, good evening.

Sir, this is wrong. Please, don't let this happen. Please.

May I come in?

- Sit down. - Sir, it's really wrong.

Please don't let this happen. You cannot drop this story, sir.

- Sit down, Sandhya. - No, sir.

Keep your cool, Sandhya.

Sir, they killed our source.

Sir, even after knowing all this, will we just do nothing?

What will you gain by arguing with Shyam?

Sir…

Azaad is going to drop this story.

You don't.

Office work during office hours and after that…

do as you wish.

But quietly. Okay?

And remember,

if the story really holds water,

nobody can stop it from coming out into the open.

Not even me.

What is the status of the Oceanside Mall story?

Sir, that… I'll just check and get back to it, sir.

There's a hearing in the sessions court tomorrow. Cover it.

Go, go. Move.

- Go. - Thank you, sir.

Go.

He requested that the demolition be halted until his objections were resolved…

We didn't complete our interview that day.

Remember you asked, "Why don't you file a court case?"

See for yourself today.

Your Honor, the prosecution's submission is this…

I have seen this lady somewhere.

I can't recollect.

Who is the lady in the dock?

Municipal officer, Shobha Deshmukh.

The one handling the Grand Highway project.

She has a lot of power.

So, Mrs. Shobha Deshmukh,

on what basis did you pass the demolition orders?

We had information.

Illegal construction was on the rise in Koliwada.

The land belongs to the government. It's government property.

So you demolished their houses

and gave their land to the private builder, Golden Sky.

So what's wrong with that?

The land is the government's, not the fisherfolk's.

How can you say that?

Order, order!

Calm down! Sit down!

Order, order!

Vinod, take out your camera. Come on, come on.

Calm down! Sit down!

Ma'am, one question? Please, ma'am.

What steps is the Municipal Corporation taking

to stop illegal sand mining?

Move aside.

Ma'am, the government is using

illegally-mined sand in its construction projects--

- Come on. Step back. - Ma'am, one bite!

This black market is worth billions in India alone.

There are hundreds of construction companies in the city.

How will we find out which one is involved in Visargaon?

The trucks from Visargaon,

what if we follow them?

Remember, Kaka said that they are protected by some bigwig.

This sand can take us to that guy.

The office basement?

We can do it at my place.

Who'll waste time going to your home daily?

This is good. Just go down. Come.

- What if we get caught? - Nobody ever comes here.

And J. P. and I used to hang out here. Don't worry.

Sandhya ji,

I've sent the location of the mines you asked for.

The checkpoints are just for show.

The sand trucks are never checked.

Stop, stop!

All the trucks from this district stop at a highway eatery.

They have some deal here too. Look.

Thank you, Kaka.

They gather all the sand brought by the trucks

in the dumping grounds outside the city.

And from there,

the sand is supplied

to the construction sites in various cities.

These dumping grounds are registered in the names of these companies.

But there is no other information

except for the names of companies.

I'll file an RTI application.

We will get to know the names of owners and their office addresses.

Yes.

But those guys will get the notifications too.

The RTI report is here. Let's go.

Mangesh, we checked the RTI-provided addresses.

They are all shell companies.

And we tracked the owner today,

and found that he lives in a tenement.

That's how these shell companies are.

The registered owners are just some low-level employees.

He's not an employee.

He's some mechanic.

Whatever the case may be,

these shell companies are connected to this guy.

We'll get our clue from him.

Come on, he's leaving.

These shell companies and Golden Sky have the same legal team.

- Opened the email? - Yes.

There are hundreds of cases against them.

Tax evasion, land acquisition, bribery, murder.

But despite all this, zero convictions in the last ten years.

The cases are either dropped or the judge rules in their favor.

I've sent the details of the Golden Sky board members.

Okay.

I've met him somewhere.

This is the sandpiper, one of my favorites.

They fly here, directly from Siberia, once a year.

Without fail. Just like me.

It's him!

"R. Velraj."

He is the founder of Golden Sky.

He is a construction tycoon.

Most of his construction projects are in the public sector.

The fisherfolk project, Oceanside Mall. Golden Sky.

The Grand Highway project. This is also Golden Sky.

Grand Highway-- That means Shobha Deshmukh.

She's here, she's here, she's here.

Ma'am!

Ma'am, Golden Sky is involved in illegal sand mining.

And you are still giving them the Grand Highway project?

Turn off the camera.

- Ma'am, Golden Sky's illegal sand mining-- - Turn off the camera.

Come to my office.

Out. Don't let anyone in here.

Ma'am, we are reporters from Azaad Bharati.

We've learned that Golden Sky is involved in illegal sand mining.

And you are still--

Azaad Bharati.

I know you guys very well.

Just concerned with ratings.

Once again, you people will create a ruckus and leave.

And it will be my neck on the chopping block.

Go.

If you bother me again,

I'll ask the guard to throw you out.

Salunkhe, take them out.

- Come on, sir. - Ma'am.

Coffee.

Come in, Kaka.

I'll have to talk to Velraj. I think…

Sir!

Sir.

- How are you, Vinod? - Sir.

Sandhya.

Did you know about this?

Yes, it was my idea. I think they have struck gold.

They aren't doing it during office hours.

And did you ask Golden Sky for a response too?

No, sir, not yet. But we…

- We were going to. - No need.

We are not here to conduct a media trial.

What are you saying, Shyam? How is this a media trial?

They have evidence.

And you should be happy. This is an investigative piece.

Investigative piece? Yeah, sure.

This is clear-cut defamation, damn it.

Didn't I tell you guys not to?

I strictly forbade you people from following this story.

But you defied me. You still did!

Shyam, people need to know the truth. We have to do this story.

Vidur, you are still under the impression that you own this channel.

You might be forgetting

that this is no longer for you to decide.

Follow the chain of command.

And that's an order!

Enough is enough.

Let's leak it to some other channel.

Nobody will take it.

Every channel has lapdogs like Shyam.

Such a waste.

Kiddo, shall we try Rakesh?

He has his own page online and a host of followers.

- Let's do it. - Will he do it?

Come on. Let's go.

Hi, Rakesh.

- Hey, Vinod bhai! How are you? - Great.

- Hello! How are you? - Hello, Sandhya ji.

VISARGAON'S SAND MAFIA'S CONNECTION

TO THE GOLDEN SKY GROUP SAND MAFIA AND SHELL COMPANIES

- Sandhya, Vinod. - Yes, sir?

On the state board school results.

- And Hemant. - Yes?

- Thank you. - Congratulations!

- Sir, look here. Sir, this way. - Sir, this way,

Sir, look this way.

This way, sir.

Hello?

I'm calling it "Heaven."

Luxury living with parks, a swimming pool, a gym and a private cinema.

It's all here.

For the first time in history,

a bird sanctuary with exotic birds from all over the world.

Your daughter will love it.

Mr. Velraj, we know now that you're involved in illegal sand mining.

You are mistaken.

I have all the mining leases.

Sir, we know about your dumping grounds and shell companies.

There is only a difference of perspective between truth and lies.

What about the legal cases that have been filed against you?

Evidence?

There is none.

Social activists consider themselves to be heroes.

And seek villains in the others.

Ask them, how will the country progress without sand and infrastructure?

You don't know how many schools and hospitals Golden Sky has built.

But, Mr. Velraj, your illegal sand mining

is killing innocent kids in places like Visargaon.

Is this how a country progresses?

I was sorry to hear about those kids.

But I am not to be blamed for them.

As easy as it is to protest,

it's equally tough to find a solution.

You don't have an issue with me,

but with the country's progress.

And if it hurts so much,

why don't you go to the court?

Court?

So that your goons can kill us too like Shiva Kaka?

Shiva Kaka?

I don't know anybody by that name.

Don't pretend, Mr. Velraj.

We will not keep quiet.

When I first saw you, I thought you were a sparrow.

You're just a parrot,

trying to be an eagle.

Velraj is suing us for defamation because you two are Azaad's employees!

Happy now?

I kept telling you to put the story on the back burner, to drop it.

But no!

Excuse me? Sandhya? What are you sniggering at?

What's so funny?

Did I crack a joke?

Come on, Shyam.

I have a better joke.

You are fired.

- Shyam! - Yes, you are. Both of you!

Now get the hell out of my office!

Shyam.

Get out! And post this story wherever you want to now!

You are free to post it anywhere.

Shyam, let's think with a cool head.

Had you done your job properly, this mess wouldn't have been there, damn it!

- Sir, we thought-- - Shut up and get out!

Out!

Yes, Pooja?

This is Ira. You know her. I pick her up every day.

- I am here at the same time. - Ma'am, I didn't see her.

What do you mean? I will talk to the Principal and lodge a complaint.

Listen, she might have gone out with a friend.

I have checked everywhere. Vinod!

- What happened? - Vinod, Ira.

He is saying he didn't even see Ira.

How can that be? I've looked for her everywhere.

No, but the exact-- How did you find out?

I was here at 4:00, as always. She is nowhere to be found, Vinod.

- You were not late? - No, Vinod. She is not here.

We'll find her. Where's she? Didn't you see her?

I didn't see her. I've been right here.

What? You are on duty and didn't see her? What were you up to?

- Vinod, listen to me! - You are here to watch the kids, right?

Let's look for her.

- Ira! - Ira!

- Ira! - Ira!

- Ira! - Ira!

Listen. This girl…

Bhaiya…

- Have you seen her? - No, ma'am. I haven't.

Ira…

- Don't. We'll find her. - Where could she be?

We'll find her. We will.

She was in a uniform. Muskaan, if she comes, let me know. Okay? Okay, bye.

- Have you seen this girl? - No.

Please call the police.

- Papa! Mummy! - Ira?

Ira!

Ira, where were you?

Ira, where were you?

Why did you leave the school? Who told you to? Did the teacher tell you?

Don't shout, please.

It's okay. Yes, baby. Iru.

It's okay. Nothing happened, okay?

- Who picked you up from school? - Your friends.

- Which friends? - My friends? Which friends?

- And they sent this for you. - Who did?

Who sent this?

Zoey?

Zoey?

Zoey?

- Zoey? - Zoey!

Vinod…

Zoey!

Zoey!

Zoey!

Zoey.

Zoey.

"Curiosity killed the dog."

Why would such a bigshot kill your dog?

To scare us.

We are preparing reports against him on sand mining.

But we do need some proof, right?

- And how do you know he did it? - We met him today.

Look at this!

Tell me, sir.

We will file an FIR for the dog. But is it okay to accuse anyone like this?

And your daughter is home now, right? So, there's no kidnapping case either.

Sub-inspector sahib,

you are absolutely correct.

But if we could get protection for a few days…

Not possible.

Who all will we give protection to?

The approval process takes two to three months.

And on what basis will we make a case?

That Velraj is roaming free.

If something happens, my wife and kid…

Oh, man. Rules and regulations are there for a reason.

We are government officials.

- We have to follow rules. - When will you give us protection?

- After we are dead? - Ma'am!

This is a police station.

- You better behave here, okay? - What are you talking about?

When will give us protection?

You want protection?

Then stay mum.

Automatic protection.

Hello? Rakesh bhai, where's the video?

Sandhya ji, I'm under so much pressure. I had to delete it.

What do you mean by deleted it?

I mean they came to my house.

- Rakesh bhai, our hard work? - Just your hard work?

- Am I not to think of myself? - How could you remove…

Hello? Hell--

Here.

Sandhya, listen.

Let's drop this story.

It's beyond us.

We are simple people.

We won't be able to handle all this.

- You've given up too? - Yes, I have.

I don't have to prove anything to anyone.

Today they kidnapped Ira. God knows what they'll do next.

And Zoey?

Vinod, we will find a way.

What way? There is no way, Sandhya.

Think about Shiva Kaka.

He is dead.

Sandhya, Shiva Kaka is dead.

And thousands like him will die and the police won't even file an FIR.

It will make no difference to anyone.

It will make a difference to someone.

I have complete faith.

But I can't put Ira and Pooja at risk, Sandhya.

Forgive me. Sorry.

You are a coward.

Stop calling yourself a journalist from today.

Go.

Go, tell Ira

that her father is just a cameraman.

And here.

Hide it yourself now.

This is very wrong, Sandhya ji.

We all worked so hard on this story.

Please don't worry.

Don't worry?

Sandhya ji, you've lost your job too.

How will this story ever come out? What are you talking about?

I am still trying.

I just have to get evidence against Golden Sky.

I will go and meet all those who filed cases.

Please give me some time, Mangesh ji.

Okay.

First floor, corner apartment.

- Yes? - The case you filed against

- Golden Sky-- - No, I don't know anything.

- Yes? - Sapna Paranjape?

A case was filed against the Golden Sky Group--

I don't want to know, ma'am.

I am a cameraman.

It doesn't matter what has to be clicked. I'll do it.

No, no, no.

- Will you marry me? - Yes!

Yes, done.

Vinod ji, get down and shoot another angle. It'll look good.

- Ma'am? - No, I don't want to hear it, ma'am.

- The poha is ready. - I don't want poha.

- It's good. Have some. - How many times do I have eat it? Enough.

- "Poha, poha." - Vinod!

- The case you filed-- - I didn't file it.

Sir, please listen.

The case you filed against Golden Sky--

Are you from Golden Sky?

You killed my child!

- Aunty, I'm a reporter. - You killed my child!

Sir, that-- Against Golden Sky--

- Sandhya didi! - Hi, champ!

How are you?

Good. I got selected for the Annual Day. Papa said he'll get me a gift.

- Yeah? - Who is it, Ira?

- Will you come? - Sandhya?

How long will you keep following this story?

Who knows, Bhabhi?

Sandhya, why are you taking this risk?

You'll find other stories.

No, Bhabhi.

That's what people like Velraj want.

That they scare us and we keep mum out of fear.

If I lose now,

I'll have lost forever, Bhabhi.

The truth about Velraj…

has to reach the people.

I'll be right back. Ira dear, let's go.

What brings you here?

Well…

Vinod, I said a lot of terrible things last time.

So I…

I had been thinking of coming here for a while, but…

Do you know how much Pooja worries about you?

She considers you a younger sister.

And Ira.

"Where is Sandhya didi? Where is she?"

You forgot them too?

No, man.

I just didn't have the courage.

I'm the one at fault.

You are right from where you stand.

Sorry.

It's fine. Don't overthink it.

It's a part of friendship.

Don't do it again.

I was so mad.

You threw away my flask!

It was so expensive.

So, tell me. What's up?

Have you solved the case?

It can be solved.

What? Really?

Remember what that municipal official said?

"Once again, you people will create a ruckus and leave."

"Once again?"

That means this has happened before with Azaad.

J. P. He was working on the Grand Highway story.

Strange world, man.

One can't even retire in peace here.

After working for so many years, I realized nothing is going to change.

I have had my fill.

It's your turn now.

- Water? - No, thanks.

Why did the Municipal Corporation assign the Grand Highway project

to Golden Sky?

The project budget should have been at least 12,000 crore rupees.

You know what Golden Sky bid?

9,000 crore.

Golden Sky gets all its sand for free from its illegal sand mines.

Other contractors simply cannot compete.

Knowing all this, why don't you do something about it?

We tried.

In the Grand Highway case.

I am retired now.

She was under a lot of pressure too.

So what do we do now?

Look, Shobha ji,

we can only try.

This is our only weapon.

Every other person in my department is Velraj's puppet.

But the National Green Tribunal handles the country's environmental issues.

I have some friends there.

If you can prove in your report

that Golden Sky is involved in illegal sand mining,

then we can stop their public contracts.

Especially if there is public pressure.

Thank you, Shobha ji.

Sandhya ji, I've read the Golden Sky mining leases that you sent.

There are lease papers for the mines, but not a single prospecting report.

- What does that mean? - It means that before the lease,

one has to collect and submit the area's detailed information to the government.

Which takes about two years.

And they got the mining leases without submitting any reports?

It's possible.

We can get the full details from the Mining Department.

Stop, stop.

GOVERNMENT OF MAHARASHTRA KHANIJ BHAWAN

- How much, bhai? - Why are you paying?

- Sandhya, wallet? - No, it's okay. I can pay.

We will pay. Give me your wallet, man!

We don't have much time. Let's find Golden Sky's mining leases.

That's where we'll get the evidence.

Vinod!

Mangesh!

- This is the Visargaon file. - Yes, ma'am?

- Got it. - Just a sec.

"Prospecting report, absent."

Now, the other locations…

You'll see. You won't find any reports.

Let's look for all the files.

Sandhya! Hurry!

The environment report of Visargaon.

Visargaon is declared a bird sanctuary. A protected area.

Despite being a protected area, they got a mining lease. Look at that.

Absent in all.

Let's make a combined report for all of them and send it over.

Right.

"They may exceed the limits,

- "but not two consecutive days--" - Slower.

Okay.

- "Exceed the limits, but not on two--" - Okay, wait.

- Yes, Pooja, tell me. - Will you be late today too?

Yes, I'll be late.

Listen, it's Ira's Annual Day tomorrow. Don't forget.

Of course.

Annual Day? Of course I remember. How can I forget that?

Okay.

Do this one.

- You're coming, right? - Where?

- It's Ira's Annual Day tomorrow. - Oh, yes. Yes, yes, of course!

You are her favorite.

- Here it is. - Look at this.

I'm going to give her this.

This is awesome.

Don't worry, I'll teach her.

Drama queen.

Impressive.

Very impressive.

Welcome back.

- Did you give it to any other channel? - It's an exclusive for Azaad.

One should learn from you how to never admit defeat.

Once you dig your heels in, you don't budge. Like Angad's foot.

Okay, I'll brief Karthik. It can be on air tonight.

No, no, tonight is the ATM fraud story.

Let's air it tomorrow on prime time.

Why not today?

This is a big report.

Besides, Karthik will also need time to prepare.

Let's not rush into this. Let's not be hasty.

Okay. Let's go.

Sir…

is that a sandpiper?

Oh, yes.

I am part of a bird-watching club.

Wow.

Such a big story.

The entire report is ready.

But Shyam's still not ready to air it tonight. I mean--

- Sir. Sir-- - Sir.

Both Shyam sir and Velraj are bird-watchers.

Yes, sir. And they belong to the same club.

My forehead is too shiny. Take a look at that.

- Is the everything else okay? Hair? - Karthik.

Yes. That's it. Yes?

A change of plans.

We're changing the main story. This instead of the ATM story.

Has Shyam approved this?

Karthik,

if this story doesn't air now, it never will.

So…

Vidur, I am sorry.

I won't be able to do it.

I have too much to lose.

This is just not worth it.

- Sorry. - Okay.

- Get out of my newsroom. - Excuse me?

- Out of my newsroom. - Sorry?

Get out of my newsroom.

Vidur, look, let's talk about this.

It's only a story.

Out!

Now!

Sandhya, you are on.

Sir, me?

Now! Come!

- Vinod, lock the door. - Yes, sir.

Two minutes to go live.

- Shyam? - One second.

- Shyam! - Yes, yes.

- Vidur threw me out of the studio. - What?

Nobody knows this story better than you, Sandhya.

…five. Go graphics!

Namaskar. This is Sandhya Yadav.

And on today's prime time, we are presenting

a special report on the sand mafia.

Whose illegal mining led to the collapse of the Visargaon bridge.

And many innocent kids lost their lives.

The termite of corruption has completely hollowed out our system.

And we are just sitting idle, doing nothing. For how long?

According to experts, this scam is worth around 10,000 crore rupees.

And the famous builder, R. Velraj of the Golden Sky Group

and many bigwigs of the system are involved in this scam.

The Golden Sky Group is now one

of the biggest construction companies of our country.

They run the biggest construction projects

of both public and private sectors.

But the question arises,

how did R. Velraj come up with so much sand in such a short time?

From illegal sand mining.

We have solid evidence

that the Golden Sky Group obtained mining leases in Visargaon illegally.

Velraj is the kingpin

of not only construction, but of illegal sand mining too.

We have seen the illegal Golden Sky mines in Visargaon with our own eyes.

They are mining so much sand

that the fertile land of Visargaon has become barren today.

The area of Visargaon

has been declared a bird sanctuary by our country's Environment Ministry.

So there should be no question of getting mining permits here.

The sand used to build the luxurious apartments

in which you sit as you watch this report

has been the cause of countless deaths.

There's no limit to human greed.

Through this report, we urge the government

to take the strictest action against the Golden Sky Group and Velraj.

- I want to be like Sandhya didi too. - Of course.

This is Sandhya Yadav, with Video Journalist Vinod Sharma,

reporting live from Azaad Bharati.

Yes, Shyam, tell me.

You are finished. Azaad is finished.

- This is what we call journalism. - You've lost your mind.

This isn't journalism, this is suicide.

It's hara-kiri!

What do you think? That I didn't want this story to come out?

Didn't I know how much this exposure would benefit the channel?

How much we would profit?

But I'm a pragmatic person, unlike you!

You are foolhardy!

You have no clue about the people in this story.

- They are dangerous people. - Really?

Now they are going to come after me, you, and the entire goddamn channel!

We will be shut down overnight.

We were shut down the day

I sold the channel to your company.

And journalism has become a mockery

because of people like you.

Sad.

So I thought, might as well do some good before I exit.

Now you are azaad, and I am free too.

Take care.

Hello.

Guys!

The report is trending!

I got a call from Patna.

About the sand mining story.

The other news channels are airing our report too.

People are demanding a stop to Golden Sky's public construction projects.

- Fisherfolk! - Be victorious!

Fisherfolk!

I don't want excuses!

The Kolis are protesting outside Golden Sky.

The CM office has issued a statement against Velraj and Golden Sky.

- Golden Sky! - Down, down!

- Golden Sky! - Shut it down!

- Yes, Pooja? - Where are you guys?

Come quickly.

I've been saving seats for you guys for so long.

Yes, I am on my way.

Sandhya!

- It's Ira's Annual Day. Let's go. - Right.

Nani, did you see me?

Sandhya darling, I am very proud of you.

- Thank you, Nani. - Let's go.

Now come home. Let's meet Mehta ji's son.

- What, Nani! You! - We'll miss Ira's performance.

Nani, it's raining. I'll call you later.

We will win over every darkness

With the light of hope

Let's do something for tomorrow

And be an example

Be the light

Be an example

Now it's our resolve to be trailblazers

Vinod, thank you, man.

Thanks to you too.

Being with you led to something worthwhile.

Hey, drama queen?

- We make the best team, man. - What!

We are tiny fireflies

Who rebel against the dark

We are the suns of those eyes

That open in hope

Bringing light to the world

Be a luminous idea

Yes, be the light

Be an example

Now it's our resolve

To be trailblazers

Let every heart beat without fear

Let us be a testament to the truth

For those who are helpless and downcast

Let us be the voice of their spirit

Like a thorn in the eye of the oppressor

Let us be that crucial question

Yes, be the light

Let's be an example

Now it's our resolve to be trailblazers

Be the light, be an example

Now it's our resolve to be trailblazers

Now it's our resolve

To be trailblazers

Subtitle translation by: Monika Saraf