Original subtitles

(Vaishali) Meenu?

(sombre music)

(indistinct prayers and chants)

(prayer bell ringing)

Sir, we wanted to file a complaint.

(cop) Malviya sir!

Got these sweets from Saburi.

Baapji prepares them himself every Saturday.

Here, have some.

-I'm good. -Please take it.

-Here, beta, have some. -She doesn't eat sweets.

They're not sweets. They're Baapji's blessings.

Whatever problems you have will get resolved. Here you go.

Have some.

(sombre music)

I have been violated.

Violated?

Assaulted.

Who did it?

(Malviya) Tell me who assaulted you.

Baapji.

(devotees cheering) Long live Baapji!

BEGINNING

(clears throat)

Name?

Meenu Rawat.

Rawat?

Father's name?

(Dharampal) Dharampal Rawat.

Age?

Seventeen.

It is 17, sir.

(exhales)

Start from the beginning. What happened?

(echoes of water dripping)

(Malviya) Go on.

(water dripping intensifies)

(Vaishali) Beta...

(Vaishali) Meenu?

Speak up.

My name is Meenu Rawat.

I'm a student of Mahasherni School at Baapji's Saburi Fort.

And I also stay in the school hostel.

Yesterday, during the assembly, I felt a bit sick and...

Are you entirely sure it was our Baapji?

Yes.

I mean... Since you were unwell,

isn't it possible, that you don't remember correctly?

I remember it well.

Okay, then.

Let's do one thing...

Let us speak to Baapji as well.

Then we'll call you back and file your complaint.

Okay?

Let's go, beta.

Then I'll wait right here.

(dramatic music)

Until you file the report.

(various phones ringing)

Jai Hind, sir.

(cop) Sir, a complaint was filed.

(senior cop) The girl's a minor.

(senior cop 2) She has accused him openly.

It's a very sensitive matter.

Send someone immediately.

(police siren blaring)

(indistinct chatter)

ACP Jasleen Singh Soin.

(exhales)

Where's the victim?

Bathroom?

Was there no other room?

It's so crowded outside...

The victim is a minor. We need to protect her identity.

So, you threw her in the trash?

(cell phone chimes)

(sighs)

My name is Jasleen.

From now on, I am the investigating officer on this case.

You are?

I am Dharampal, Meenu's father.

I need to discuss something important.

We need to record Meenu's statement again.

I can understand

what an ordeal this procedure must be for you.

More so for Meenu, in fact.

But it's necessary to get the statement on video.

Madam, these days, videos get leaked all the time.

What if someone leaks it from here?

Don't worry. It's a police procedure.

It won't get leaked.

Meenu...

will you give your statement again?

(camera beeps on)

(Meenu) My name is Meenu Rawat.

I am a student of Mahasherni School at Baapji's Saburi Fort.

Yesterday, during the morning assembly,

I felt a bit sick.

I felt very dizzy and then fainted.

(Malviya) Wait...

Just a minute.

What happened?

-The camera switched off. -So, turn it on.

Tara...

-Tara! -Don't yell from here.

Get me the battery.

Sorry, ma'am.

I'll also have to change the battery?

(camera beeps on)

Meenu, please once again?

My name is Meenu Rawat.

I am a student of Mahasherni School at Baapji's Saburi Fort.

(wedding procession nears)

Yesterday, during the morning assembly...

(celebration intensifies)

(procession departs)

Sorry...

One last time?

(Meenu) My name is Meenu Rawat. I am a student of Mahasherni School

at Baapji's Saburi Fort.

I felt sick during the morning assembly.

I felt dizzy and fainted.

When I woke up,

-I was in a room in the clinic. -(water dripping)

Who took you there?

-Don't know. -Try to recall.

-She just said she fainted. -(Jasleen) Please.

Let her talk.

Tell me.

Can't remember.

What happened then?

(water dripping)

The door of the room was shut.

(water dripping)

(sombre music rises)

Then out of nowhere Baapji came in.

It felt as if everything's going to be all right.

But then he came closer and...

he stripped off my clothes.

Then...

He put his fingers in my...

He then bent down and...

(dripping grows louder)

After he was done,

he bathed me

and told me, that he has granted me a "gift of strength."

He then gave me a mantra

and said that I'll find strength if I chant it over and over.

(mantra echoes) From body to body,

atom to the universe wide,

let power flow, far and wide...

I had heard the mantra before.

From body to body, atom to the universe wide,

let power flow, far and wide.

Guru is devotion, Guru is grace, May Guru fill the entire space.

(police siren blaring)

(footsteps approaching)

(exhales)

(medic) Lie down.

Straighten your arm.

Take a deep breath.

There, there...

Yes, almost done.

(Sharat) It was me who got Meenu back from the clinic.

Her hair was wet, and she looked a bit worried.

I thought it's because she's unwell.

(medic) Open your mouth.

Open. Yes.

(Dharampal) I don't understand.

Whom should I believe?

And whom should I not?

I can't believe that Baapji could do something like this.

If you were in my place, whom would you trust?

Your daughter?

Or your faith?

(medic) Open wide.

Take a deep breath.

Okay.

First posting?

Yes.

Soin?

You must try the Paneer Kulcha at Timmy's Diner.

Your trip to Orchha will be a success.

Anyway...

there are no signs of physical injury on the victim's body...

like bruises, bites, bleeding...

or even abrasions and contusions.

There's simply no evidence of these.

There's been no penetration either.

What about force or struggle?

Any physical evidence to support that?

No.

As for the biological evidence,

we'll send those samples to the lab.

But, ma'am,

prima facie, I don't think this girl was raped.

Dharampal-ji...

Be rest assured and go home.

Your daughter is 100% pure.

Didn't follow?

Your daughter's honour is intact.

I confirmed it personally.

And anyway...

nothing comes out of getting stuck in court cases and red tape.

(dog whining)

Masti, move aside. Masti.

In 19 years, your mother has never burned a single chapati.

Beta...

I am not saying...

What...

Whatever happened to you...

Whatever is happening...

I'm not saying it's not wrong.

But...

empires don't crumble under the weight of ants.

These police stations, courts, et cetera...

It's not child's play.

-We won't achieve anything-- -Don't worry about me, Papa.

(laughs)

If not you, then whom should we worry about?

People believe Baapji is God.

No one will believe you're telling the truth.

Do you believe I am telling the truth?

Papa?

Do you believe I am telling the truth?

Papa!

Thank you.

Sir, a minute!

We got the copy of the FIR.

The police have filed the FIR

under Sections 354, 376, 506 and POCSO.

POCSO?

-Why hasn't he been arrested yet? -(reporter) Arrest?

That's like belling the cat.

Baapji is far too powerful for a simple arrest.

First, they'll pretend to investigate.

Then they'll attempt to collect evidence.

And if they find something, then they'll think about the arrest.

When do we break the story?

(dramatic music)

(indistinct chatter)

(camera clicking)

(cop) Madam.

(music fades)

Everyone, step out.

(forensics) Madam-ji, we've just started.

Doesn't matter. The victim is here.

In any case, I don't think forensics will find anything here.

Now, leave. Hurry.

Meenu...

Look carefully.

I was lying down there.

But the bed is on the other side.

(tense music)

That day, it was there.

There's a bathroom over there.

Inside, there's a tap that leaks.

That day, where did Baapji come from?

From behind.

But, madam, there are no other doors, except this one.

Hello, Jasleen.

(indistinct prayers)

Welcome to Saburi.

-Get some juice for everyone. -(staff) Yes, ma'am.

ACP Jasleen Singh Soin.

You're like my younger sister.

What can I do for you?

Baapji needs to come to the station for questioning and a medical check-up.

Have something to drink first.

Then we can talk.

You're preventing us from doing our duty.

On the contrary, I am making sure that you can continue with your duty.

I am saving your job.

It's your first case, right?

Listen...

You'll take him to the police station...

and millions of his devotees will mob the streets.

But Baapji cares for this place,

its people,

even the police. He's concerned for everyone, really.

So, to maintain peace

and save your job,

he will neither go to the police station,

nor get any medical tests done.

Here are the summons.

You think a piece of paper can command the sea?

It's a legal document.

(scoffs)

This place where you're standing...

It's called Saburi.

It means "patience".

Which is why we're being very patient with you.

You must try Timmy's Paneer Kulcha.

It'll remind you of Punjab.

(devotees chanting mantras)

(Jasleen) Sir, we have issued him multiple summons

to join the investigation by 15th November.

But he hasn't shown up.

As far as I know, he's unwell.

And that's why he's unable to travel.

Here's his medical certificate.

You're either lying or are such an incompetent officer,

who has no knowledge about the accused in her own case.

Sir, these are delaying tactics.

The FIR has been filed under POCSO, which is a non-bailable offence.

Despite the grave allegations, it doesn't seem to affect him.

More than grave, it's a highly sensitive case.

Which is why, in public interest, and to ensure peace,

I cannot issue an arrest warrant at this moment.

Right?

(indistinct murmurs)

(Jasleen) Do you know Meenu?

Don't be scared. Just answer the question.

She's not a nice girl.

How do you know?

Everyone knows.

-(talking over each other) -(Tara) Hey! Wait a minute.

One...

One at a time.

Just answer whatever madam asks.

That day, Baapji was in seclusion.

So then how can Meenu claim...

Claim what?

Go on.

(cell phone vibrates)

What else do you know about Meenu?

You should ask her friend, Amrita.

She knows everything about Meenu.

(cell phone vibrates)

-Hello. -(Amitabh) ACP Jasleen Singh?

-Who's this? -Amitabh Sinha here.

From Newsline 84.

Need to speak to you regarding Baapji's case.

Can you share the status of the investigation?

-And why have the police not-- -(disconnects call)

How did Amitabh Sinha get to know about the case?

It's the media, madam.

They can sniff blood from afar.

It's just a matter of time now.

For what?

For all hell to break loose.

(spiritual music)

(devotees chanting) Long live... Baapji!

Long live Baapji!

(chanting continues)

(Baapji) Son...

You.

Yes, you. Come here.

Yes... Come on over here.

What's your name?

What do you do?

I clean toilets.

Sometimes, labour work.

Whatever I can get, really.

Where I work...

there....

people call me Kalwa.

Come here to me.

Do you know what "vikaal" means?

Evening.

Dusk.

The way birds, animals, humans

return home in the evening...

you too have found your way back home.

From today, your name will be Vikaal.

(breaks down)

(devotees cheering) Those who stagger, those who fall...

Baapji stands with us all!

Those who stagger, those who fall...

Baapji stands with us all!

Here you go.

From today, Saburi is your home.

And we are all your family.

(Vikaal whimpers)

Just remember one thing, son.

We have no religion.

We have no caste.

If we are only a moment...

(devotees) He is Time itself!

If we are only an atom...

(devotees) He is the entire Universe!

(devotees cheering) Long live Baapji!

(indistinct chatter)

(producer) Okay, guys! Amitabh walking!

Silence on set, please!

Cameras on standby, please.

(producer) And going live in four...

Three...

Two...

One!

(dramatic music)

Good evening. I am Amitabh Sinha.

We have such an explosive report for you today,

which will destroy your faith in our legal system.

(door slams open)

(Tara) Madam.

What happened?

An FIR has been filed against Baapji of Saburi.

The charge? Rape of a 17-year-old girl.

The FIR has been filed under the POCSO Act.

Section 354: Outraging modesty.

Section 376: Rape.

Section 506: Criminal intimidation.

And Section 7 of the POCSO Act.

All these charges are filed against the man who,

from the comfort of his palace,

preaches the virtues of a simple life.

This leads us to the question...

Despite these grave allegations,

why has Baapji not been arrested yet?

Is Baapji above the law?

What about the kids still at Saburi?

Does the police not care about their safety?

Or is the police under some kind of political pressure?

(social media pings)

(news byte 1) Baapji has been accused

of raping a 17-year-old girl...

(news byte 2) A shocking report...

(news byte 3) India's godman...

(news byte 4) Today's sensational news...

Baapji has been accused of rape...

(news byte 5) The godman must be punished!

(devotees cheering)

Long live... Baapji!

Long live... Baapji!

Long live... Baapji!

(Jasleen) On 4th November, where were you between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.?

(Sangeeta) Right here, in the school.

(Jasleen) Was Meenu unwell that day?

(Sangeeta) I didn't see it myself, but I was told that she had fainted

and was taken to the clinic.

Where was Baapji that day?

Where he usually is. In seclusion.

Did you see him in seclusion?

(tense music)

What kind of a girl is Meenu?

She's...

a little different from the other kids.

Did she lie often?

(chuckles) Don't all kids lie, madam?

She just got into a few habits sooner than other kids.

Like?

It's a grave offence to withhold information from the police.

You know what's at stake here, right?

Here.

On the hostel terrace.

(Sangeeta) Drinking at such a young age.

Who knows where she got the money from.

Does she have a boyfriend?

I... I don't know.

If Meenu is truly like a daughter to you...

hiding the facts will only add to her problems.

It's your call.

Madam-ji.

I had heard a rumour.

That she and her English teacher...

Jaideep Modak.

They had a thing going.

A teacher?

I am only sharing what I've heard from the other girls.

Why didn't you take any action in this matter?

Madam, Saburi is a very sacred place.

It's my duty to take care of its reputation.

Who were her friends?

Who's friends with whom how would we know, madam-ji.

What about Amrita?

She was her friend, right?

Yes.

But she's no longer a student at Mahasherni School.

Where does she study now?

I don't know.

Look what Baapji gave me. He was impressed by my poetry.

Jaideep Modak.

You taught English to Meenu?

To the entire class, really.

Is Meenu a special student?

She was.

She has a rebellious streak.

Not the kind to sit quietly. But the kind that asks questions.

So, you were interested in her rebellious streak?

Are you hinting at the rumours about us?

The women that society cannot control

are the ones it condemns the most.

Yes.

Did you meet her on the day of the incident?

Just saw her during the assembly.

Assembly is at 8 a.m.

According to our investigation,

you met Meenu at 7 p.m.

Which means you helped her sneak out of the hostel that day.

Madam.

Madam.

The ME report is here.

I think something strange is happening.

Something that you don't want to see.

-(slow claps) -(Amitabh) Okay.

Here he comes.

TRPs have gone through the fucking roof

since you broke the story, Mr. Sinha.

Yeah. Congratulations are in order.

Yes... But wait, it gets even better.

(Amitabh) Oh, really. How so?

Baapji has invited media to his gathering tomorrow.

To profess his innocence.

-Are you serious? -Yes.

What the fuck happened to his "no media" policy?

Well, this is him now.

But listen. Until all the facts come to light,

I think it would be in everybody's best interest

to just kind of take it easy on this one.

(chuckles)

If you get scared of the breeze,

what will you do when the storm comes?

Hey!

-I am not scared. -(laughs)

You just bloody make sure you don't embarrass yourself.

Yeah, yeah... Now, if you don't mind, kindly...

fuck off.

(growls playfully)

(Baapji) When I look at your faces,

I see fear.

Stop being fearful.

Life begins at the exact juncture

where fear ceases to exist.

(singing) ♪ Joy and sorrow Are like fire and water ♪

♪ Here to rule over Our nights and days ♪

♪ Life is nothing But a gust of wind ♪

♪ But the wind always flows Never stays ♪

♪ The wind always flows Never stays ♪

Today, we have some guests over.

Let's speak to them first.

(overlapping chatter)

Settle down.

Amitabh Sinha-ji...

You must use GPS, right?

Then how did you lose your way?

(devotees laughing)

Excuse me. Thank you, Baapji. For giving me the first turn.

You have the answers to everyone's questions.

I want a few answers as well.

Will you give them?

Of course I will. That's what I'm here for.

(devotees clapping)

A 17-year-old girl has accused you of rape.

(collective gasps)

Guilty or not, we leave it for the court to decide.

But my question is, if you're truly innocent...

then why the silence?

Why are you evading the police?

(devotees jeering)

Calm down, everyone.

Amitabh Sinha-ji, could you please

repeat the last line of your question?

Pardon me, of course.

My question was...

Why are you running away from the police?

Like you're afraid of them?

(scoffs)

Am I running away?

There are so many people here and cameras everywhere you look.

You're here with a camera too.

Is this what running away looks like?

(scoffs)

Isn't that the power you have?

Which, perhaps, you're misusing.

The only powers I have are truth and faith.

You can take everything from me,

but how will you take away my truth and faith?

(devotees clapping)

But if someone took your camera and mic away...

you will cease to exist. (chuckles)

You guys care about nothing but TRPs.

Amitabh Sinha-ji...

News isn't reported these days.

It's sold.

But no matter how filthy the lie may be...

it cannot pollute the winds of truth.

(menacing music)

(devotees clapping)

-Hail to Baapji! -Long live Baapji!

-Hail to Baapji! -Long live Baapji!

-Hail to Baapji! -Long live Baapji!

(indistinct chatter)

(tense music)

(Dharampal) Where were you?

(Meenu) Why? I just went out for a snack.

For a snack?

Why did you have to leave the house?

And if you had to, does it feel like the right time to go out for snacks?

Look at her. I'm talking to her.

Meenu!

-Why don't you say anything? -Is her stomach upset?

Has her liver failed?

Blood pressure, diabetes...

What disease does our daughter have that she can't eat snacks?

What happened to her

has nothing to do with what she chooses to eat, drink or wear.

(indistinct chatter)

(notification pings)

Fuck!

(dramatic music)

(reporters clamouring)

(social media pings)

-(cameras clicking) -(reporters clamouring)

(social media pings)

Who eats snacks after getting raped?

Bullshit, she got raped!

-(mob jeering) -Move back. Out of the way.

(Dharampal) Move back, move!

She's so ugly, that Meenu Rawat.

Who would rape her?

(mob clamouring)

-(mob jeering) -Let us through. Move back

What are you doing? Movie aside.

(Dharampal) Move aside!

(mob clamouring)

Hey, move aside.

(mob clamouring)

(Jasleen) What's this, Meenu? Get inside!

Take her inside, quickly!

Look at this!

Happy now?

-Want more snacks? -What nonsense are you talking?

What kind of people get off on these cheap forwards?

-And you're reading this crap too. -(Jasleen) Listen...

-You think I am having fun? -(Jasleen) Listen...

-Is that what I said? -(Jasleen) Please listen!

We're trying to find out who's behind this leak.

How does it matter?

The worst has happened.

Who will ensure our family's safety now?

We will.

(breathes heavily)

Please sit down.

-(Masti howling) -(street dogs barking)

(Masti barking)

(indistinct clamouring)

(rioter) Bloody whore.

(glass shatters)

(rioters jeering)

Papa!

Papa?!

Stay quiet...

-(glass shatters) -(Meenu shrieks)

(rioter 2) Who do you think you messed with?

Stay quiet...

(collective shrieks)

-No... -Meenu...

Meenu. Come here. Come on.

Come on, come here.

-Get up, get inside. - Come out.

-(Vaishali) Meenu! -What happened?

-Get up... -Oh, God! Just hold on.

Get inside. Take her inside.

(Meenu shrieks in pain)

Hey...

Careful, Meenu...

Papa, Masti!

Papa!

-(fire raging on) -(Masti whimpers)

(melancholic music)

(crying)

-(flames roaring) -Long live Baapji!