Original subtitles

Thanks for the ride.

Hey, Chandan!

Where are you going?

Wait, goddammit!

Giving up already?

See the swarm of applicants?

- I'll take the railways exam. - That's as competitive.

Why the hell did you make me apply?

So, you'd rather be a labourer?

Piss off, man.

We can't keep running away.

Look.

When you wear that uniform,

Your faith and caste no longer matter.

Once we become cops, no one will dare humiliate us.

Go buy the tickets. I'll find us a spot to sit.

Yeah, ok.

Can I sit here?

Move over a bit.

Don't finish it!

Sorry.

You're travelling alone?

So?

No, I just...

I mean...

What do you mean?

Can't a girl travel alone?

I'm messing with you.

You had me there!

Papa had come along.

His pep talk was annoying me. I sent him off.

Here. Scoot over.

Hold on.

I got the tickets.

He's taking the exam too.

Mohammed Shoaib, my friend.

Friend, my ass! Been suffering him since childhood.

Asshole.

And you are?

I'm... Chandan.

Chandan...?

Chandan Kumar.

I'm Sudha Bharti.

Attention, all passengers travelling by the Pravasi Express:

The train shall now depart from Platform 2 instead of 1.

Mom, I'll call you back.

- How do we go? - This way.

Get on.

Let's get in here.

Reaching the exam centre is a battle in itself.

Are we going to an exam or to war?

Welcome to the Police Recruitment Centre.

To apply, press 1.

To know about our exam centres, press 2.

To speak to our officer, press 3.

Please hold. You'll be connected shortly.

Welcome to the Police Recruitment Centre...

Yes?

When can we expect the exam results?

It's been a year. Will recruitment happen at all?

Call back after lunch.

Hello, sir?

A gift from the heavens!

Ma, I'm sick of telling you...

Put ointment on your feet.

They're all cracked.

She insists on working barefoot.

Keeps her 'grounded', apparently!

Your granny's feet were even more cracked.

People said that if she marched into a field

like a soldier,

she'd harvest the entire field!

Her heels were like sickles.

These feet are all I've inherited, son.

Salaam alaikum.

Walaikum salaam.

How are you?

God's been kind.

Take the bags to my bedroom.

Yes, sir.

All good?

Sir, I was wondering...

If you could find out

about the police exam results...

Recruitment happens at state-level.

I have no connections there.

There were 2.5 million applicants this year.

And 3500 vacancies.

714 candidates fighting for each position.

Listen to your father and go to Dubai.

At least over there, no one will ask you:

"Do you slaughter your vegetables too?"

Did you ever consider moving to Dubai?

Yes, I was tempted, once.

Then I thought, instead of running away,

I'd rather change the system from within.

Our ancestors lived here. This is where they rest.

Their blessings surround us.

When the call to prayer echoes near our home,

I feel the presence of our ancestors.

The tomato chutney Mom makes...

Nothing in the world can match its flavour.

Our land, our skies,

our streets, our friends, our language...

All this is home is to me.

How can I leave it all behind?

Allah! Stop it.

You need to see a doctor.

It's just a sprain.

I'm not a cripple.

I'll return to the fields next month.

In this state?

Forget me, worry about yourself!

Sitting idle at home at this age!

Must you always scold him? He starts work today.

Woke up early, just to get you this shirt!

Could've brought it yesterday and saved yourself the trip.

Now go home and sleep!

Acting like you've landed some high-level job!

Right.

At least I'm not a bum, living off my folks.

I want my shirt back clean.

We'll see.

What the hell is that?

Did you rent it?

I bought it. To remind me of my goal.

- You're so lame! - Look who's talking.

Shoaib!

I need to go to the bathroom.

Bring me my crutches.

A good salesman

doesn't just hit targets but prevents company losses too.

Now, by aggressive sales,

I don't mean that you barge into people's kitchens.

Yes, sir.

- Where's your tie? - I forgot it.

At this rate, the company will forget you.

Buck up.

- You're new here? - Yes, sir.

What's your name?

Shoaib Ali.

All the best, Shoaib.

Thank you, sir.

- You're... Mohammed Shoaib? - Yes, sir.

Don't refill my bottle. I'll do it myself.

As they say...

God helps those who help themselves, right?

Right, sir.

By the way,

We need your ID documents.

For our HR records.

I submitted them already.

Not yours. Your parents'.

It's mandatory.

They have IDs, right?

Yes, sir.

I'll get them tomorrow.

Do they ask that of everyone?

You know it's because we're Muslims, right?

His uncle gets him a mechanic's job in Dubai,

and he turns it down.

He'd rather stay here,

and be humiliated everyday.

A hostel or rented room will be expensive.

College isn't that far off.

I can take the bus.

Papa's here. Bye.

Can we meet?

Your dad gave you shit again?

Or was it your boss?

So it was both.

Once you're a cop, give your baton to your dad as a crutch.

He'll walk more and whine less.

I can see it all clearly...

I'll build a concrete house.

I'll sit on the roof in my uniform.

Everyone will salute me.

And I'll twirl my stache, like a king!

Can you even grow a moustache?

Fuck off!

Better than you!

If you say so.

Rent a bike tomorrow?

What for?

Can't get late for the match. There's a 5000 rupees prize.

Buy me biryani?

I won't buy you shit!

Got him!

Get him out!

Go, Shoaib!

What nonsense!

He's not out!

My bat was in the crease!

You're out. Get lost.

I'm talking to the umpire.

Go play with your people. Don't come back here.

What'd you say? Who you staring at? Fuck off!

Acting tough?

Don't touch him, asshole!

How dare you?

I'll smash your face if I see you again!

Better watch it, bastard!

Sir?

The police exam results?

Which year?

Last year's.

Recruitments are on hold.

It's under investigation.

Sit down.

Have a seat.

Get him some water.

Don't lose heart.

Apply for other exams.

It's been a year.

I missed all other exams waiting for this one.

It's a government job.

You have to be patient.

What's your name, son?

Chandan.

Chandan Kumar.

And your last name?

Chandan Kumar, that's it.

You're from the 'Reserved Quota'?

Why worry, then? The state gives you everything.

No, I'm from the General category.

So, what's your caste?

Brahmin, sir.

- What clan? - Bharadwaj.

Sir.

Good.

These 'Quota' rats grab all the jobs.

They get everything on a platter!

And we only get the crumbs.

Isn't it?

Absolutely, sir.

Son.

If a pig wears a lion's skin,

it doesn't become a lion.

A pig remains a pig.

No one's doing us favours! It's our right.

That officer was an ass, but you're no better.

Why do you apply in the General category?

There's no shame in asserting your right!

No one can...

Because I'm scared.

That even if I become a cop, they'll make me sweep floors.

I scored seven wickets in that match!

And who hogged the limelight? That Brahmin boy.

I won us the match.

Forget lifting the trophy, they didn't let me touch it.

You knew you were the man of the match, right?

No matter what we achieve,

we'll always be reduced to a checkbox on a form,

and that's the bloody truth.

If I say my name, people look down on me.

If I hide it, I look down on myself.

If only I had an upper-caste surname!

Then maybe I'd have hesitated to tell you my name that day.

I took the police exam only to escape this shame.

But what would that change, Chandan?

These folks don't fear the uniform.

Being a cop is no big deal to them.

They'll sit at the table, with forks and knives,

and make us sit on the floor.

So, I've decided to carry my own chair everywhere.

I'll finish my graduation.

Might even pursue a PhD later.

That's how we'll get a seat at the table.

You have one month to pay the fees.

Two subjects are optional.

The rest are compulsory.

You have to tick a category.

I did the math.

With the combined cost of cement and bricks,

we're running quite short.

Yet another year under a leaky roof.

Mom!

You get mad if I say it,

but...

Can't you speak to Chandan?

If he works too, we'll have enough in a year.

No, love.

Your brother wants to study.

Let him.

We couldn't give you that chance.

You see, the reading shows 250, which means 'not drinkable'.

But don't worry, we have the best technology:

Puros RO filter with Ultraviolet Radiation,

as well as Ultraviolet Filtration.

All that's fine, but it seems too expensive.

You can pay in instalments.

Why would we do that?

We don't need this.

Ma'am.

Yes?

Ma'am, if I may...

You know how unclean water can cause typhoid,

diarrhoea and various illnesses.

Think of all those medical bills.

We boil our water.

That's great, ma'am.

But boiling water costs 15 to 20 rupees a day.

Right?

And gas prices keep soaring.

In the long run,

our filter will save you money,

and protect your health too.

- Can we get a discount? - Of course!

Go ahead. I'll join you.

Shoaib.

Sorry, sir, I...

I was out of line there.

Well, you did overstep a bit.

But that was quite impressive.

I noticed those medicines too.

You have great sales instinct!

It's what we call entrepreneurial skills.

Thank you, sir.

Join our sales team!

I'm not even a graduate, sir.

And my English is weak too.

English isn't everything.

Sir?

Your appreciation means a lot to me.

The thing is, I'm awaiting my exam results.

- Exam? - Yes, sir.

Which one?

The police entrance exam.

Thought I'd do this job in the meantime.

Excellent. I knew you were talented.

Thank you, sir.

- Is it expensive? - It's a state-run college.

Only since it's your first day. I won't drop you everyday.

Hop on, Your Highness!

Eight hours of college could be eight hours of paid work.

Have you thought this through?

Can I help you?

I have used copies too, if you like.

No, thank you.

My first-year textbooks.

I don't need them anymore. Thought you could use them.

I've slipped in a love letter too.

Just messing with you.

Are you in your second year too?

No, first year.

I'll get you something to eat.

No, we're just going to study.

Fine, you study. I'll get some snacks.

When a company pays salaries, it's an expense.

So, what's the entry for that?

- Credit. - No, it's debit!

Yes, debit, debit! That's what I meant.

When salaries are paid,

it's a cash outflow.

And an outflow of cash means...

Am I still on 'trial-period'?

Make this entry first.

So, I've moved from debit to credit!

Gosh!

Eid Mubarak!

Eid Mubarak.

Look at this filthy cockroach!

See his sneaky, sly face?

Our famous local biryani thief!

If you see him, smack him hard!

Stop it, Shoaib!

He's so mean!

Don't worry, I'll save the best pieces for you.

Yes, feed him! Feeding strays is a noble deed.

Come on, son.

Come, Dad.

Huh?

Give me the pieces your mom kept for me.

It's Eid, don't make me swear.

- Have some more. - I'm good.

- How's work going? - Very well.

Since it's Eid, I won't swear either!

The results are out!

Don't mess around.

I'm serious, look!

I got a message.

- Click on the link. - It's not opening.

- Shall we go to Mangal's? - Yeah!

Did you pass?

- We'll find out! - We'll be back soon.

Check mine first.

Weren't you going to college?

Shut up, asshole!

You passed!

Fuck, you passed!

Chandan, you passed, fucker!

I passed? Holy shit!

Let's check yours.

- Shoaib! - It's Khan.

How's that possible?

Check again.

I checked.

Put me down! What happened?

I passed!

So, then?

You got the job?

Only the physical exam's left. That'll be a breeze!

What about college?

Who cares?

Your brother's going to be a cop!

I'll start training tomorrow.

Aye, aye, sir!

Finally,

we can build a proper house!

Yes.

What about Shoaib?

Chandan made it.

POLICE EXAM GUIDE

I'm in office, Chandan.

Listen.

Are you ok?

I'm fine.

You'll pass next year.

I've hit the age limit.

In that case...

Apply for the junior inspector post?

It requires a bachelor's degree.

What about the Railways?

Did I ask for advice?

I'm busy. I'll call you later.

Hurry up!

Had you consulted us early, we could've helped.

But now... When can I resume work in the field?

Please understand.

Your knee is fully damaged.

You can't walk without crutches anymore.

Allah! All his life?

Is there no cure, doctor?

He'll need an operation. Knee replacement surgery.

But it'll cost a lot.

- How much? - At least 200,000 rupees.

But you can get a medical loan.

Thanks, doctor.

We'll think about it.

Dad, wait.

Let me enquire.

It'll be years of hefty instalments...

Can you earn that much?

Let's go.

Come in.

- Tell me. - Sir...

That sales job you mentioned...

I'd like to join.

What about the police job?

Sales instinct is one thing.

Being a salesperson is another.

And he's not even a graduate.

But he gets the customer's pulse, and that's what matters!

Smooth talk might close a deal or two,

but it won't meet sales targets.

Shoaib, we all appreciate your work.

Including me.

But a company runs on protocols.

Right?

What is it?

You said it was urgent.

What could I do?

You barely answer the phone.

And when you do, you refuse to say anything.

Just let me be for a while.

Listen to me.

How long will you keep sulking?

At least one of us made it.

I'll take care of everything.

Sure. All I needed was your charity.

No matter what I say, you get pissed.

Yeah, I'm pissed.

Is it my fault that I did well and you didn't?

Why are you mad at me?

What do you think? That you're better than me?

I convinced you to take the exam.

You were giving up. Forgot already?

So, you think I'm not good enough?

Not at all.

You had it all laid out for you.

Your folks slave away at construction sites,

bleeding through their heels. Why?

So their blue-eyed boy can chase his dreams!

But instead of earning a few bucks for his family,

he's off to college, to impress a girl!

And what are you?

A peon dreaming of being an officer?

You're not even fit to wash dishes!

So you'll decide my worth?

You're scared of your own name!

And you're so brave, right?

Chickened out of going to Dubai...

Your father is suffering because of your false pride!

Got the balls to hear the truth?

If your father's crippled, you're his broken leg!

I don't need another father.

Don't show me your face again.

Next.

Easy.

Thirty-six.

Expand your chest.

Your numbers are impressive.

Sir, the appointment letter?

It will arrive at the police station. They'll call you.

Allah!

- What's wrong? - He slipped.

Get up.

There.

Hold his head.

I'll get him a warm compress.

Let's go to the hospital tomorrow.

No need. I just got up too quickly.

Don't worry.

Mom, the compress?

Don't go to Dubai.

Follow your heart, son.

Seeing you sad like this...

It breaks my heart.

I told you, sir.

These people can't be trusted.

He's not answering.

All this while, you were vouching for a thief!

Now you see why we need graduates?

Let's call the cops.

Let them thrash him in jail. That's how they learn.

Come here!

Got nothing to say?

He won't speak like this.

Once the cops arrive, he'll spill everything.

- I sold the units, sir. - What?

Have you lost it?

Sir...

I sold four units and got four confirmed orders.

What?

I took the purifiers without permission.

But had I asked, you all would've refused.

This is outrageous!

How can...

You closed eight orders in one day?

Is that right?

Yes, sir.

One of our highest single day sales!

Your method was definitely wrong.

But this is the fire a salesman should have.

Everything is fair in love, war and sales!

- Well done! - Thank you, sir.

And while you train, don't forget your office duties.

- Some more, please? - Sure.

Thank you.

They're really enjoying the food.

Yes, sir.

Can I get you a plate?

- If you don't mind. - Of course not!

Mom starts work at school on Monday.

She'll get 7000 a month.

Dad gets 10,000, and I get 12,000.

Make it 17,000 from me.

How?

I got a job at a cloth mill in Surat. They're paying 19,000.

I can send 17,000 every month.

Cloth mills have heavy machines.

- Can you handle them? - Why not?

I'm still young.

Speak for yourself, old hag!

Should I lift you now?

Hello, Sudha?

Been bunking college?

I...

I've been a bit unwell.

What's wrong?

Nothing serious.

Okay, then.

Come to my sister's wedding. No excuses.

Bye.

I'll get my joining letter soon.

So that's why you've been skipping college?

I don't see the point anymore...

Why did you enrol, then?

Did you join college just for me?

No, Sudha.

It's not like that.

Listen...

At the time, going to college made sense.

But right now,

I need this constable job to support my family.

You're taking the short road.

See the bigger picture!

With a degree, you could become a superintendent.

Your dad didn't go to college either.

- He's still a lineman. - Exactly. He's just a lineman.

He'll remain one until he retires.

Without a promotion, or dignity.

Just for lack of a degree.

I told you, we could study together.

Yes Sudha, I know.

I'm the first in my family to even enter a college.

And it's all thanks to you. But put yourself in my shoes!

You live in a proper two-room government quarter.

While you video-call me from your pretty terrace...

I stare at a hole in my roof.

I know it's not easy.

But those before us fought for our rights.

That's how we got here.

We must take the fight ahead.

This is my fight.

It's just not what you want it to be.

This job will get me both money and respect.

Perhaps you're right, but...

It'll always bother me that you gave up studying.

I really love you, Chandan.

But I can't sacrifice my values.

So you keep your values...

And I'll keep my job.

Everyone's gone for training.

- When do they return? - No idea.

I'll wait here.

Even if it takes until tomorrow.

- Sign here. - Sure.

Please have some.

I'm trying to avoid sugar, but...

Get a copy of your employment letter.

You'll get the loan soon.

Then we'll contact the hospital.

Soon, you'll be sprinting in the field!

Listen.

Don't tell anyone I told you,

or they'll fire me.

An official letter came in.

It said that, this year...

Recruitment has been put on hold indefinitely.

Indefinitely?

What does that mean?

It could take six months,

or even a year.

What happened?

Look, Mr Mishra.

We have nothing against this lady.

But there's no way we'll let our kids

eat food touched by her!

My daughter takes your kids to the toilet.

When they're sick, she feeds them medicine.

Aren't we untouchable, then?

How can you throw away food!

Damn right, we can!

These people were meant to clean toilets.

To eat what she cooks...

Better watch your tongue, or we'll call the cops!

Wait.

Untouchability was abolished by our Constitution.

You can be arrested for this!

Hey, Mishra! To hell with your Constitution!

If she continues to cook here,

our kids won't come here anymore.

It's either her or us.

Is this how you raise your kids?

What an example you're setting!

Did she eat?

She hasn't eaten a thing,

or said a word.

If I were a cop, no one would dare insult Mom.

The joining letter will soon arrive.

Then everything will work out.

Will it, Vaishali?

Every time I try to lift us up,

the world drags me down.

What are you lifting, exactly?

Mom and Dad slog everyday,

while I'm stuck washing kids' butts.

I know how much you've done for us.

I didn't want to. I'm tired!

I wanted to go to college too, but...

In our family,

only you get to choose, Chandan.

Don't go to Surat, Dad.

Why?

I'll go.

But your job letter...

To hell with the letter, and that job!

Why do you say that, love?

You can wait a bit. It's a government job.

I've spent half my life waiting for it!

Enough is enough. Let me do my bit now.

God bless.

God bless.

Take Shabbir's spot for now.

We'll see once your shift is fixed.

As in?

We stay here in turns.

When the night shift leaves, the day shift moves in.

Hey, buddy!

Wake up!

Who finished the water?

There's another bucket full.

As the fabric goes up,

it shouldn't get creased.

Stretch it. Avoid any folds.

Just like that. Good.

Turn off the water, or it'll get cold!

Pay attention.

- May I come in? - Yes.

I wanted to talk to you.

Tell me.

I've taken a medical loan for my father, and...

I need a copy of my employment letter.

Oh yeah, that reminds me!

Get a Clearance Certificate from the police.

For our records.

Can't issue the letter without it.

But sir, I thought...

- Do you have a criminal record? - No, sir.

What's the issue, then?

By the way, the boss is throwing a party tonight.

To watch the cricket final.

Everyone's invited.

- Join us. - Of course. Thank you, sir.

So? How's it working nine hours a day?

Go on, pull my leg!

By the way... Don't try to be a hero!

Why are you sending us your entire salary?

No matter what,

our house must be ready this year.

Hold on. Let me show you something.

Dad! Say something.

Look.

The first bricks of the house bear both your names.

Look.

Lo and behold, the foundation is laid!

When you're back, the pillars will be up.

Son.

I made some halwa.

Mom!

You're going to be promoted. Don't go empty-handed.

Share it with everyone.

They'll love it.

Don't forget the box there!

India and Pakistan:

the greatest rivals of modern cricket.

Absolutely.

50,342 seats in the stadium, all sold out.

This is sensational.

Good evening, sir.

Shoaib? You're late!

It's almost halftime.

I had trouble finding a bus.

Have a seat.

Please sit.

What's this?

My mother sent halwa for dessert.

Wonderful.

We'll have it when India wins.

Come, sit here.

- How are you? - Very well, sir.

What do you think?

No way Pakistan can score 345. We're winning!

We'll thrash them!

And India concludes its innings with a total of 350 runs.

The second innings begins: Pakistan is out to bat.

Four balls to go. Pakistan needs only seven runs.

This match is a real cliffhanger.

India or Pakistan? Impossible to predict who'll win.

Rehan smacks the ball into the air.

Ahmad Mushtaq is well-positioned to catch it...

And he drops it!

Ahmad Mushtaq! Big blunder!

Bloody Mushtaq! He should join their team!

The Pakistani batsmen have just scored two runs.

Pakistan now has three balls

to score five runs.

Mushtaq steps up to bowl.

He bowls the ball and...

And it's over!

Pakistan last wicket falls, India has won!

Ahmad Mushtaq's lethal delivery

has left Rehan Malik stunned.

Pakistan loses by an inch.

What a terrific bowler.

Truly India's shining star, Ahmed Mushtaq!

Long live India!

Come on. Let's eat.

- After you, sir... - Don't be silly!

Here.

Don't be shy. You're part of the team.

Please help yourself.

Try some kebabs. It's an authentic recipe from Lahore!

I'm a pure vegetarian.

But how 'authentic' the recipe is...

Only Shoaib can tell!

It's from his hometown, after all!

- Try some. - His hometown?

Ah, right!

Shoaib won't even need a visa to go to Pakistan!

Right, Shoaib?

Arjun.

Don't be mean.

His team just lost!

Cheers!

Shoaib, we're just kidding. Please eat.

Yeah, eat! How long will you mourn?

Didn't Shoaib's mom send halwa? Or was it not for India's win?

Don't know, but the recipe is 'authentically' Pakistani!

I thought it was home-made.

Exactly my point!

Sir!

I've had enough.

- Shoaib, calm down. - No, sir.

I'm resigning.

What's wrong with him?

Wait, Shoaib. Don't quit your job!

Wait for what, sir?

To be humiliated further?

They're all drunk.

Their jokes went too far...

But I'm the joke here!

No one else is asked to submit their parents' IDs

or to show a clean criminal record.

You know why?

Because they don't see me as human.

All they see is my religion.

Come, tell them all this.

Right now.

But who's listening?

If educated people like you can't speak up,

what chance do I have?

What's wrong, Shoaib?

Nothing, the food's too hot.

You seem quite settled here.

How many of you are here?

What are you doing?

Let go of me!

So, what now?

Dubai?

Companies there take away your passport for two years.

I can't leave my father in this condition.

Mom can't manage alone.

So, join me here.

Save up for your dad's surgery.

You can keep visiting home.

Let's play a round of cricket.

I'm not in the mood.

Stop sulking now. Come on!

You look dead, like that ball.

Give me that.

If you pick up this ball,

and grip it tight...

It finds its purpose.

And if you aim and throw it right,

it can knock out even the greatest batsman!

A ball only comes alive in the air.

On the ground, it just lies dead.

Look, Chandan! Our brand new house.

Dad's watering the cement.

Look at this!

Stairs leading up to the roof.

Let's go inside.

Mom and Aunty Shehnaz are preparing the plaster.

This is the bedroom.

Shehnaz, add some water.

Here.

Happy Birthday, fucker!

Look here.

Nice!

Give us some cake, too. We all pitched in.

Left to Chandan, he'd save it for breakfast!

Come here.

Happy Birthday.

Sorry, I didn't get you a present.

You're his present, Sudha!

I feel terrible, Chandan.

I wasn't fair to you.

Actually...

All my life, I saw my father fail...

I got desperate to see you succeed.

I failed to see how different our struggles are.

Listen...

Never apologize for your values.

Loving each other shouldn't mean

that we lose ourselves.

I won't lie.

What you said that day...

It did hurt.

But I get it now.

To get a seat at the table,

we must get off the floor and find our chair.

Come back soon.

I'll come sit right next to you.

Call once you reach.

Not before?

- Is it fine? - Yes.

- How long will the transfer take? - One hour.

Hello, Mr. Shrivastav.

Yes, Shoaib. Tell me.

I've made the transfer.

60,000 rupees. I'll pay the rest in instalments.

Had you paid 75,000, the instalments would be easier.

- When are you back? - I'll reach tomorrow.

I'm right here, ok?

Wait here.

I'm here.

Did everything go well?

Yeah, all good.

He'll be discharged in three days.

That's great.

Did the supervisor say anything?

No, I handled it.

Apparently there's some disease spreading all over.

Is everything ok there?

Yeah.

It's chaos at the hospital.

The nurses keep asking us to cover our faces.

Why don't you stay back?

How can I? I have a loan to pay off.

I'll be back by Monday.

Share it among yourselves.

He barely eats.

I'm there.

- Take care of yourself. - You too, Mom.

Dad.

You heard the doctors. Stay off the fields for two months.

I was looking for you guys, and you're chilling on the roof!

You sure took a while!

I couldn't find a ride. Had to walk from the station.

It's because of the curfew, to eradicate COVID.

Right.

What's that?

Halwa? What's the occasion?

Chandan snuck some from the boss's buffet.

You're incorrigible!

Wait!

Ghanshyam, back off!

Don't you dare touch my pickle.

Relax. We won't steal it.

Get away!

Hey, Mithilesh! Stop the machines!

Halt everything!

Everyone, listen carefully.

The government has declared a 21-day lockdown.

- Will the mill be shut too? - Yes.

The lockdown starts at midnight.

Where the hell were you?

Where were you? You weren't answering my calls!

I tried calling you too!

The internet says the stores will stay open.

Look at the rush! Stocks will run out.

- I'll look elsewhere. - Okay.

Meet me at home.

And keep your phone on!

Don't you know there's a lockdown?

No one's allowed outside.

I spoke to the doctor.

Some pain after surgery is normal.

The painkillers cost 500 rupees.

I said we can't afford...

Just buy them, Dad. Don't worry about money.

- What do you mean? - Work will resume next month.

They've eased the instalments. I'll manage.

There's no work here. The contractor shooed us away.

Why are you worrying him? Everything's fine, Chandan.

We'll resume work on the house once the lockdown ends.

Until then, don't leave the house.

- Dad, do you hear me? - Yes. I'll stay home.

- Is Shoaib around? - Hold on.

Sir!

Where's the supervisor?

The lockdown's nearly over. When will work resume?

Listen. It's impossible to say right now.

We're doing our best.

To operate with 20% staff,

we need a permit, which hasn't come yet.

- Let me go! - You'll just be tested.

My mother lives alone.

How will she manage?

- It's for your own good. - Don't put me in quarantine!

I beg you!

Please!

The COVID pandemic is forcing millions of migrant workers

to leave the cities and return to their villages.

On one hand, there's hunger and unemployment,

and on the other, the fear of the virus.

These workers have no choice but to pack their few belongings

and walk thousands of kilometres under the scorching sun.

Last week, some officials accused

a Muslim missionary group

of being a 'super-spreader'.

Calling this fake news,

the opposition condemned the allegations

and urged citizens not to spread rumours on social media.

Attention! Please wear masks in public,

and avoid stepping out of home.

Maintain social distance of two metres in public places.

Please wear your masks,

and avoid stepping out.

Why is it shut?

Guard! Open the gate!

Where's everyone?

Everyone's left.

Administration orders. All mills will remain shut.

What?

They shut down the mills.

Why're you still here?

If I leave, I'll be replaced by someone else.

Think it through.

You'll go all the way on foot, in the middle of lockdown?

Want to rot here instead?

It's the second lockdown in six weeks.

How long can we scrape by like this?

If you guys leave, rent will become unaffordable.

Then come with us. What's holding you back?

We also need to send money home.

It's been a month. The supervisor's absconding.

Without work, how will we survive?

Hunger will kill us before COVID does.

You think you can walk 1200 kilometres?

Girdhari and his friends left a week ago.

They've still not reached.

Exactly.

We won't go on foot.

A special train leaves today. We'll take that.

With or without tickets.

Stop!

Where you running off?

Where you going? There's a lockdown.

Why are you outside?

Show your ID.

- Quickly! - Yes, sir.

- Hurry up! - Yes, sir.

Let's go, quick.

Mohammad Shoaib Ali?

Bloody COVID super-spreaders!

Grab him!

What?

What are you staring at?

Want to spit on me?

Spit!

That's all you guys do!

Spreading the virus all the way from Delhi!

Are you with him?

Your name?

Hassan Ali, sir.

You and your filthy kind!

Why did you give a wrong name?

What wrong name?

I am your dad.

Hassan Ali.

"Bring me my crutches!"

Asshole! I'll thrash you so bad,

you'll actually need crutches!

Why did you take the blows on your hands?

Should've taken it on the ass. Natural shock absorbers.

Sure, you'd know.

I can't eat rice and salt anymore.

I even dream of biryani now!

I'm can't do this either.

That truck driver Ghanshyam told us about?

Let's call him tomorrow and leave.

Why didn't you get my bag?

I packed all our stuff into one.

- Where were you? - Round the corner.

- What's this? - Nothing.

Show me!

Come on!

Your dad's underwear. Want to see it?

Let's go.

Move back, or we'll have to use force!

- Should we go through? - Come on.

No more lockdowns! Send us home!

No more lockdowns! Send us home!

Shoaib!

Shoaib, listen!

If anyone asks, say you're my brother.

Ok?

Let's go.

Wait!

The truck's full.

We're packed. Ask the driver.

Sir! They're saying it's full.

Come back next week.

We can't go back. We'll sit anywhere.

Stop the truck!

- What's going on? - God knows.

His wife's coughing.

At least drop us a bit ahead. It's the middle of the night!

Let's go!

We'll be home by tomorrow evening.

Ask your mom to make us her best biryani.

I'll dive right into it, I swear!

Think you'll come back?

I've decided to go back to college.

I'll finish my graduation.

Good on you.

What about you?

Once the loan is repaid, I'll go to Dubai.

Imagine if we were graduates. We'd set the world on fire!

We could even take the Civil Services exam.

Become a superintendent straight away.

What's wrong?

Are you ok?

I'm cold.

Wait.

Sir!

My brother's feeling dizzy. Can we sit inside?

Sure, if no one objects.

Are you ok?

Take it off.

- What's wrong with him? - Nothing.

Why is he coughing?

We were on the roof all night. He probably caught a cold.

He's lying!

I swear, it's just a regular cold.

No, no... he's caught the virus!

Of course not! What are you saying?

Stop the truck!

Sir!

How can you just leave us in the middle of nowhere?

What can I do? We can't risk people's lives!

He doesn't have COVID. Believe me!

Maybe you're right, but it's out of my hands.

We paid you. You have to drop us home!

Take your money.

What do I do with this?

Sorry.

If you speak to them, they'll listen!

Our village is 400 kilometres away. How will we go?

Why are you taking off your sweater?

I'm feeling hot.

Come on.

Let it out.

Have some water.

Drink.

Shoaib.

- Water... - Come on.

Let's go.

We'll find something.

What are you city folks doing here? Spreading the virus to our village?

We're really thirsty. Can we have some water?

What's your caste?

We just want water, we'll leave then.

We don't care. Get the hell out of here!

- Get lost! - We're leaving.

- Hey, lady! - What are you doing?

Get back inside!

Ma...

- What are you saying? - Put some ointment, Ma...

Wait.

Stop, please!

Wear your slippers...

Put... ointment, Ma.

We've been walking seven hours in the sun.

Is he sweating?

Not at all.

From what you describe...

It sounds like a heat stroke.

Get him to a hospital at the earliest.

I've been trying, there's nothing around.

What can I do in the meantime?

Sir? Say something!

Shoaib, you have to get him to a hospital.

If the fever gets to his brain, it could be fatal.

Keep giving him water, and get to a hospital somehow.

- Do you understand? - Yes.

And don't let him fall asleep at any cost.

- Okay, doctor. - Make sure he stays awake.

Yes, Shoaib?

Let's keep going.

Come on, Chandan.

What happened?

Open the door, Ma.

Vaishali!

Get up!

Snap out of it! We're far from home.

Wake up!

Sit up.

Wait.

You need to drink water.

I'm not going to make it.

I can't walk anymore.

Leave me here.

Go ahead.

Just keep going.

I'll slap you if you talk such rubbish again!

You can do it. Sit up.

Hold this.

Here, drink.

Come on.

Let's take this off.

There.

We're almost there. We need to reach the highway.

Come on, Chandan. Stand up.

Get up, come on.

I'll take your bag. Come on.

Get up, Chandan.

Get up!

Yeah, that's it. Keep standing.

Come on.

Buck up.

Hop on!

That's my boy! Let's go.

Hold tight. We're almost there.

Pull your legs up.

Get up.

What are you doing?

Listen to me!

You can't sleep!

Don't you dare sleep, I'll thrash you!

Open your eyes.

Here, have some water. Open your mouth!

Here.

There, that's good.

Get up.

Get up, man.

Listen, Chandan!

We've reached home. You were right.

We're at our spot, by the river!

Look, our village!

Your mom's waiting at the door.

Wake up, come on!

Let's go in!

Come on, Chandan. At least listen to your mom!

See what my mom's cooking!

Your favourite biryani!

Mom's making biryani, especially for you!

Look, everyone's helping out.

Vaishali and Mom are grinding the masala.

Fresh, on the stone.

Sizzling onions... A dash of saffron...

Can you smell the cardamom?

The table's laid. Everyone's waiting.

Wake up, you ass!

Oh, man!

Look who's here! Sudha.

Sudha's here.

Sudha's here!

Yeah, look!

You lucky bastard!

Look!

Open your eyes.

Look, we're all having a feast.

Look, your mom, your dad...

Everyone's here!

It's no time to sleep, asshole!

Let's play cricket! Throw me a ball.

Hold the ball, Chandan!

Hold the ball, Chandan!

Wake up, brother!

Please get up.

For God's sake. I'll do whatever you say.

Chandan, get up!

We have so much left to do. How will I go on without you?

Get up.

Get up, asshole!

Get up!

Wake up!

Wake up brother, I beg you.

Come inside, Mom.

- Let's go, Ma... - No!

Before the autopsy, they'll test the body for COVID.

Show the reports at the state border.

If there's any problem, call us, ok?

Keep his papers ready. We'll need them at the morgue.

Aunty...

Sir?

Could you come here a minute?

- Yes? - Are you Chandan Kumar?

We've been trying to call you for months.

There's a letter for you from the Police Recruitment Board.

Sign here, please.

Good day.

APPOINTMENT TO THE POST OF POLICE CONSTABLE