Original subtitles

1879

1879 KOLKATA

Where are you?

Nagendra?

What were you doing?

Have been calling you for so long. Now we're late.

Kolkata was then under the British rule.

That's where young Nagendra saw an enchanting game.

Football.

Something an Indian had never even touched before.

Where are you going?

Come back.

Come.

What is that game, Mother?

That's the British's game.

Come back, my son.

Nagendra.

Nagendra...

What's your name, boy?

My name is Nagendra.

Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari.

It's alright.

Hey boy! That's right.

Kick the ball.

Come on.

Kick it.

GOLONDAAJ

(humming)

(indistinct chatter)

Hey!

(indistinct chatter)

Stop the game.

So, you are the leader.

Very well.

Stop it for God's sake. He's only a boy.

Hello, I'm Professor Stark from Presidency College.

I know you, Irishman.

So, planning on instilling your bloody Irish revolutionary ideas in them, are you?

Even better, sir.

I plan to teach them to play football.

So that, one day, even like us...

they can challenge your British might on the field.

Hello, I'm Stuart.

Hello, I'm Nagendra.

This is your football.

Let's play football!

BOYS' CLUB

-Move aside. Move, please. -Who are you?

Do you know who I am?

I'm Narasinghopratap Sen Sharma.

He's Naru.

Can't take these weak Bengalis anymore.

Naren, please take charge. Go on.

(song playing)

Go on.

(song playing)

That's Naren. He studies with my brother.

(song playing)

(all cheering)

(song playing)

- Nagendra! Nagendra! Nagendra! - Nagendra! Nagendra! Nagendra

(all cheering)

- Nagendra! Nagendra! Nagendra! - Nagendra! Nagendra! Nagendra!

(song playing)

(indistinct)

(song playing)

Pass the ball.

Here.

There you go!

Hey!

Give me those mangoes.

Do you know who I am? Do you?

Narosinghoprasad Sen Sharma.

He's Naru.

I beg you, my lord. Please don't play here.

If the British come to know, they'll burn down our houses.

No, no--

Do you want to learn to read and write?

If there's any problem, let me know.

You've come after a long time, your holiness.

Nagendra is here.

Please give Nagendra his vows soon.

Your holiness, pardon my insolence.

I can take up the vows but...

I can't give up meat.

I'm a sportsman.

A "Brahmin" by birth and a "Kshatriya" by behaviour.

I heard you've been translating Sanskrit texts to Bengali.

I see the aura of a great man in you.

Be victorious!

Thank you.

Goodbye, Mother.

Come in, Nagendra.

Your father has been appointed

the 1st Faculty of Dean in the Medicine Dept. of the Medical College.

As a sign of protest your uncle has resigned

from his post as Principal in the Sanskrit College.

Protest runs in our Sarbadhikari blood, Nagendra.

In Rangoon, your father forced the British

to stop the hanging of 50 innocent Indians.

No logic, no reasoning. They do what they wish.

The laws are in their hands too.

If you protest, you'll be thrown off the field.

One is not even allowed to step on to the field.

Indians are whipped if they set foot on the field.

No one is giving Nagendra a field because they're afraid of the British.

Nagendra, you're fighting an impossible battle.

The sporting culture that the British are so proud of...

That's where you're demanding equal rights.

They're are an intelligent race. They know...

the line between oppressor and oppressed blur on the field.

If this defeated country of crores tastes victory even once

then probably the British throne might be shaken.

Onwards and upwards!

But where will he go?

To become an equal, one needs an enemy to face.

There's no football competition in India.

They're planning to start a tournament called Durand Cup next year.

The game belongs to the British and the tournament too.

Do you think they'll let a native club compete?

Give me your blessings...

So that I can snatch that opportunity from them.

Even if he could snatch the opportunity...

they'd have to face the mighty British teams.

This is Major Jackson.

After Lindsey, he's probably the most talented British footballer.

Water!

But as luck would have it, he was posted in the military in India.

Almost as an obligation.

(indistinct chatter)

Filthy country!

- Stuart! - Hello, Major Jackson.

How are you?

- Well played, well played. - Thank you very much.

- Please have a seat. - Thank you.

So tell me.

Stuart informs Major Jackson that the Durand Cup is about to begin.

And East Surrey's participation would increase its honour.

The news pleased Jackson no end.

But Stuart would love...

for one of Nagendra's club, Boys' or Friends', to participate with the British.

The mention of the very name made Jackson burst out in anger.

Participation would be a distant dream.

He wasn't even going to allow the shadow of an Indian on the field.

This is our game.

Always has been. Always will be.

Not even the shadow of a native should make its way to our pitch.

Rest of them ran away, sir.

This one knows how to play the ball.

Just the one I wanted.

So, you like to play?

Let's play.

Bravo, sir! Bravo!

Go for another one.

I recognise you.

You were on our pitch.

Excellent, sir!

Why don't you try the ball?

Put one on his head, Philip.

Indians can't play football.

Football requires strength, precision... Courage.

All of which you lack.

You can't even stand still, can you?

Let's try, shall we?

Stand very still.

That's a bull's eye!

Brilliant!

Very good, sir!

Now you know why Indians will always remain beneath our feet.

The days of bowing down are over, Stuart.

How else can they stop us?

I've established the Boys', Friends' and Presidency Club.

We will establish more clubs.

And Manmatha has started the National Club at Bhowanipore.

This is just the beginning, Stuart.

Well, Nagendra.

Stuart told Nagendra clearly.

That he'll go down in history as the Father of Indian Football.

But it was not enough to establish several clubs

and to play in unkempt grounds rather than a proper field.

To compete in the Durand club

he'd need to set up his club's tent in the Maidan beside the British.

He'd need capable players, requisite number of members...

and the support of society's elite.

So if we are not elite, we don't deserve respect?

Great!

Elite, common, high born, low born... This is the problem, Nagendra.

No one can rise above these differences.

How much can you do?

On one hand the British and their cronies...

on the other hand, a superstitious lot.

But Stuart told us...

that we need one big club instead of several small clubs.

Fine, I'll bring Boys', Friends' and Presidency Club together.

But where are the capable players?

They are there!

Will you take them, Nagendra?

(song playing)

Whose field is this?

Where did you learn?

Do you play alone?

The field belongs to the British, right?

They don't come here too often.

We'll play on this field from tomorrow.

On the British's field?

(indistinct chatter)

Mallick had warned Nagendra that taking this guy on the team

will make him an outcast.

Move forward.

Nagendra never understood what Mallick had meant.

That's the way!

Come on!

Goal!

- Bravo, Moni! - Bravo!

The man who is only looking for talent

how would he understand the politics of caste and religion?

You are Ekalavya.

I'm looking for more players like you.

He is Moni Das.

He is now part of the team.

Who is he?

- Nagendra Prasad-- - Sarbadhikari!

My friend plays too.

Surdas.

The entire country is suffering under the British oppression.

Aren't we going to rise up and fight for what is our right?

Surdas!

You challenge the storms with your boat.

Will you run away out of fear?

Tomorrow at dawn...

See you on the pitch.

Pass the ball, Moni!

Come on.

Go forward!

Bravo! Moni!

Go ahead!

Strike!

Hey!

Great job!

Bravo!

Hmm...

Me...

Moni...

Binod.

Surdas.

Hey, Dukhi! Keep running.

Running away with my letters again.

Why would I run away, you crazy?

You say the same thing everyday.

You have no one in your family. Who will write to you?

You are the crazy one!

Your entire family is crazy!

Bloody Dukhiram! Bloody idiot!

Pass the ball! Come on...

Here!

Here!

Dukhiram, our mailman.

Dukhi!

Guess what Nagendra was saying the other day.

Us, weak Bengalis have to take care of our health first.

Otherwise, it won't be possible to play football.

Everything is possible.

He just needs to get married. Then everything will be fine.

- Who needs to get married? - Nagendra.

Or else we won't survive.

He's working out, wrestling, swimming, horse riding all day.

And he drags me along for everything.

My life is a living hell.

Stop attacking all the time. Concentrate on your defense.

- And this bull is always-- - Who are you calling a bull?

Running after the goal with a ball.

Look for more players.

Otherwise we will get goals like sweets from Bhim Nag's shop.

- You're right. - Hmm.

What happened?

What is it? Hey!

- No! No! No! - Who did you call a bull?

- Please don't beat me, sir. - Please let him go.

- Please let me go. - Have mercy.

How dare you?

What will you do? Arrest me?

Fine me?

If you attack my people I'll hit you again.

Captain Jitendra Banerjee.

He was the kind of unyielding Bengali Nagendra was looking for...

to take charge of the defense.

Pass the ball!

- Here. - Moni.

Greetings, sir!

Play...

My bag...

Please give me my bag.

Dukhiram's mail bag.

Whoever touches it first...

will get one penny as prize.

On your marks!

One...

Two...

Three!

Hey! Hey!

My bag...

That's mine. Why are you here?

I heard him say it.

- Winner takes it. - It's mine.

Okay, fine. Now...

Dukhiram will hit the ball and you'll stop it.

The winner gets another penny.

Bloody silly man!

Jwata!

So, this bloody Indian thinks he can play our game?

Is that so?

Show me.

Show me how you pass the ball.

Come on. It's right there.

- Come on take the ball. - Take it.

Not to worry. I'll make it easy for you.

Well done! Well done, man!

- Philip. - Yes, sir.

Would you show our friend how you tackle?

My pleasure, sir.

That's a good tackle, my man! David, how about a shot?

Yes, sir.

Show him how we shoot the ball.

Well done, man. Well done.

Come on! You wanted to play.

Now play.

You're so pathetic.

Bloody Indians! Stay down!

Dirty filth!

Get the ball! Get it! Run!

You Indians can't play.

(indistinct)

Get up! You can't play football from the ground.

Come on!

Tired already?

- You need to build up your stamina. - Come on.

Oh, what a shame!

Have you had enough?

You still want to play, huh?

Get up!

Come on! Get up!

Get up!

Sleeping on the pitch?

- Naru! - Naru!

- Naru! - Naru!

- Naru! Naru! - Naru!

Naru!

Naru!

- Naru! - Naru!

- Naru, what happened? - Get up.

- Why aren't you talking? - Naru?

- Naru! - Talk to us!

- Naru! - Naru, please get up.

This is our pitch.

This is our game.

This is my land.

This is my country.

I'll defeat you in your own game.

Remember the name.

Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari.

(song playing)

How is Naru, Nagendra?

Bhargav?

I couldn't recognise you in Lord Shiva's disguise.

This is the way of survival for the homeless.

I have to be in disguise to hide from the police.

Or else you'll be in trouble too.

But you are my redeemer.

When I am with you...

I find a lot of courage in my heart, Nagendra.

I start believing that one day there'll be revolution.

There'll be writing and distributing pamphlets...

But history is witness that independence can't be won without bloodshed.

We need an explosion in the heart of these defeated people.

We have to drag them to the field.

Football will be your weapon.

Nagendra, do you understand?

Just one victory on the pitch against the British...

And all hell will break lose.

Only you can start this explosion.

I understand.

But Bhargav...

Police are quite vigilant.

Do you care about that?

The cop who'll arrest Brahmabhargav Upadhyay hasn't been born yet.

Dream big, Nagendra.

And help us dream.

I had asked him to show us a grand dream...

but the way to achieve it was not easy.

The British were the rulers.

But our biggest enemies were the ones amongst us.

The enemies amongst our own people are the biggest problem.

Everyone is avoiding us out of fear.

- And that man especially-- - You'll not be able to work with him.

You know that very well.

He gets mad even at the sound of your name.

He's bogged down with the doctors, professors

and Ray Bahadur titles the Sarbadhikaris have.

He has dreams of earning the title of Ray Bahadur.

I reasoned with him.

If he joined the committee the title is almost his.

Then 'Ray Bahadur' Nabokumar Haldar and Nagendra Prasad can compete as equals.

He agreed the moment he heard this.

I agree too, Mallick.

Great!

Just one request.

Decide on an English name for the club.

Mallick!

Nagendra, please try to understand.

The first Indian club to set up a tent in Maidan beside the Brits.

You're on the verge of creating history.

I know you've tolerated a lot.

Just a little more.

If the name is not in English we won't get permission.

Have such bad days fallen on the Sarbadhikari family?

Running around the fields with livestock?

They're rolling around the field too.

So what's the point of getting dirty like the labourers?

Freedom for the country?

Be as it might be...

But you could have scheduled today's conference in the evening.

The soiree at Madam Hiramoni's...

One needs till afternoon to get over it...

Who knows how you start kicking around that early in the morning.

Who else do you find on the streets then? Cobblers and janitors?

Or is it the New Awakening?

Ram Mohan, Vidyasagar, Vivekananda... God knows who else...

They're taking the country towards utter ruin.

And look at the British.

- They are such-- - Scoundrels.

- They should be the ones playing football. - Let's get to the point.

Nagendra has decided the name of the new club.

Wellington Club!

The first club in Bengal for Bengalis.

The tent will be set up in Maidan.

Right beside the British!

The members of Boys', Friends' and Presidency club

will be part of the Wellington Club.

But according to the rules we need a committee.

All of you are influential members of the society.

So we need your support.

Please go ahead.

Establish your club.

Like other Bengalis name their club something boring like Anushilan Samiti

Or Bratri Sangha.

It's great that you've named it Wellington Club like the British.

I really like it.

Your tent will be next to the British tent.

Should I call you Ray Bahadur already?

He ate up all the grapes by himself.

What now, Nagendra?

I feel this club will be a success.

What do you think?

The days of playing in the shadows are over.

To war!

- To war! - To war!

Nagendra has achieved the impossible!

The Bengali boys will proudly play beside the British at the Maidan.

Can you believe it?

Surjo, our son has changed history.

Just hope everything is finalised without any obstacles.

That's right.

(chanting prayers)

Let's go.

(chanting prayers)

(song playing)

- What's your name? - Cyrus. Cyrus Ittarwalla.

Uncivilised?

(song playing)

He smells very good.

(song playing)

Cyrus!

(song playing)

- Pass the ball. - I'm open.

Come on. Here.

I was talking about him.

Are you studying in college?

You're playing very well.

But don't neglect your studies, Akhilesh.

Akhilesh...

(song playing)

Priest, do you play football?

Hail guru!

Join us.

Can I play with you?

- Go ahead. - Hail guru!

(song playing)

The priest!

Hail guru!

(song playing)

That's a man amongst men!

Instead of studying the Gita all day, play football like Nagendra.

You'll find the elixir you seek.

(song playing)

Wait.

Where does it hurt?

- Take it easy. - Be careful.

- Put him down here. - Sit down.

- Let me check. - Careful.

Wash the foot with some water.

It's okay. I'm alright.

- Let's get back to the game. - I'm fine.

Let's go back to the field.

Let's go.

Did you see that?

What about me?

- It's all yours. - See you later. Rest up.

All of it?

Welcome, Mr. Dhansak.

Learning English from Nagendra.

Hold on to this.

I'll use a little bit everyday. Goodbye.

You know Nagendra...

I've never had any friends.

In my club, everyone is your friend.

Nagendra had achieved the impossible.

The Maidan where Indians were whipped for merely walking...

was where the tent was set up for the first Bengali club in Kolkata.

Wellington Club.

(indistinct)

But it was not just a club.

It was a magic wand for fulfilling dreams.

A club that had so grown strong...

that it could take on the British in the Durand Club.

The way the team was shaping up...

Nagendra was certain that they'll compete in the Durand Cup.

But life has other ideas while we're busy making plans.

Uncivilised!

Taking off his shirt in polite society!

How dare he!

He's a blacksmith.

How dare he, sir!

Just by putting a tent beside ours does he think he can be our equal?

You'll sort this, Nabokumar.

For your own good.

Otherwise, that'll be the end of the Wellington Club.

Yes, sir.

And sir... What about the Ray Bahadur title?

Wellington Club is the pride of our high born society.

Don't think it'll remain that way.

They have included all the low caste people too.

It's up to you if you want to get dirty on the field.

But I won't let the name of my club be ruined.

A blacksmith's son will not play in the Wellington Club.

You might not believe in the caste system but why should we lose our beliefs?

He has a name.

Moni Das.

Right.

He's a Das. A blacksmith.

His place is below us and that's how it should be.

- Throw him out. - Who else will you throw out of the team?

There's a fisherman and mailman too.

Thankfully their surname is not Das.

If we let people stick to their jobs then there won't be any trouble.

But no. You want to include riff-raff to destroy the honour of the club.

Caste on the field?

Religion?

Do you want to give that up too?

Well, that's great!

- Society will be the judge of that. - Of course.

But by hiding Moni's real identity

you've tried to make us go against our religion.

By my club rules, that's a serious crime.

Crime?

Crime?

I want to build a team with the best players.

Is that a crime?

I want to defeat the British in the playing field.

Is it a crime to dream of it?

Mr. Nabokumar...

All of my families wealth is in education.

Don't try to compare it with your superficial opulence.

- What audacity! - My pride!

And my arrogance is in my audacity!

Where there's no respect for laws, morals and integrity...

nothing great can ever come out of it.

A flock of sheep can never breed...

the might of a lion.

What did you say?

I had built this club with my blood.

So today...

I, Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari...

pronounce the Wellington Club...

as permanently dissolved.

What?

How dare that Nabokumar!

How can he have such audacity!

All his life he has just sucked up to the British.

And he sabotaged us the moment he got a chance.

Bad news never travels alone.

Yes, Stuart?

I'm sure you don't have good news.

I'm sorry, Nagendra.

Stuart informed that the British officials have decided...

that only military teams will play the Durand Cup.

No civilian teams will be allowed.

Nagendra!

The dreamy days slip away

The dreamy days slip away

This dark night ends in a faraway land

Tears like a river meet with the dawn

The dreamy days slip away

The dreamy days slip away

Holding on to grains of sand with my fist

Who will sail a boat with a broken mast?

Lost everything in this sea of sadness

But my drowning heart still wants to dream

The dreamy days slip away

Here Nagendra is...

Oh Nagendra!

We received a marriage proposal for you from the Sovabazar Palace.

She's beautiful and talented.

She has a very sweet name too. Krishnokomolini.

I have accepted it.

Don't say no, Nagendra.

This is not just any marriage.

Sovabazar's King Anandakrishna Deb Bahadur

is known as the patron of theatre.

But many forget that he has a club.

He has chosen the person who can bring the club back to life...

as his worthy son-in-law.

I see this as a mighty collaboration.

You can see it?

Can you see the future now?

Or are you daydreaming, Bhargav?

The dreams we see when awake don't let us sleep.

Until one reaches the goal.

This is the beginning of a new era.

You're at the cusp.

So, don't say no.

You have started football in this country.

With the Wellington Club you've demanded entry to the Maidan for Indians.

History is looking at you again.

Sovabazar Club will be your fort.

I can hear the battle drums for the upcoming war.

Can't you?

(vocalizing)

I failed to understand the one who I dreamt of

I have spent days looking for the one who I dreamt of

I have failed to understand her

You invited me at the auspicious moment and saved me from humiliation

You invited me at the auspicious moment and saved me from humiliation

I have understood you easily

But the one who I dreamt of I failed to understand

I have spent days looking for the one who I dreamt of

I failed to understand her

Should you be looking at a girl like that on the street?

Should you be looking at a man like that?

But you’re my husband.

That I am now.

You didn't know that day.

If I don't say it, I won't be at peace, Komol.

Please forgive me.

I got married...

for duty's sake.

I know.

You want to start the club with my father.

You've done the right thing.

People expect great things from you.

(vocalizing)

Your Holiness!

Be courageous!

May you have the patience to overcome obstacles.

May a new way of thinking be born!

May you win the battles of life!

May you find strength again.

What great fortune to have met a wise man like you!

Wise man?

Greetings!

Let you show you out, your holiness.

I'll be right back.

Hail Goddess Durga!

They are finally in deep water.

Since being out of the Wellington Club, football is over for him.

Now the great Nagendra Prasad is enjoying domestic bliss.

He'd better be.

Within a couple a months, the Trades Cup will commence.

A tournament in which even civilian teams may partake.

I'm counting on you, Nabokumar...

to ensure that Nagendra Prasad does not participate.

Does he even have a club?

Don't think anyone from the elite society is going to help him.

Who wants to be an outcast? Oh God!

The last whistle has blown for the Bengali football dream.

The team he had put together has scattered away.

Are you certain?

Swear on Goddess-- I mean swear on Christ!

Nagendra Prasad will never step on the pitch again.

- Very good. - Sir... Sir...

What about the Ray Bahadur title?

- Why do you keep saying Ray Bahadur? - You told the Sahib...

But will Nagendra Prasad just sit back and watch?

It's a great thought, no doubt.

But who will be your soldiers?

With so much infighting...

Someone's son has eaten forbidden meat...

Someone's daughter has laughed loudly...

Someone has crossed a lower caste person's shadow...

People will be demanding to outcast them.

Sucking up to the British to get favours.

It's like our people have lost the will to fight.

Theatre doyen Girish Ghosh suffered enough at their hands.

You know what, Nagendra?

We are just so called kings.

The real rulers are the British.

It's long been my dream to build a club and destroy the pride of the Brits but...

If I call them, my entire team will get back together.

Oh!

In that case...

Then I can speak to the King of Coochbehar.

He'll not say no to me.

And his son, Jishnendra Narayan Bhup...

can be our Sovabazar Club's president.

What say?

That's a great proposal!

With you and Raja Bhupendra Narayan at the helm...

no one can point a finger at the Sovabazar club.

Nagendra, go ahead.

You have my full support.

- Bravo! - Bravo!

Run, Moni. Run!

Hurry! Run!

Go!

Run!

Your pitch.

The Sovabazar Club pitch.

(cheering)

- Let's go! - Yeah!

Hey! This is our field!

This time...you're finished.

(indistinct chatter)

Your names?

Majid.

Moidul.

Our defense.

There's no caste and creed on a football field, Mallick.

The pitch brings people together.

Does not divide them.

Manmatha, welcome.

Congratulations, Nagendra!

The National Club supports you in your revolution.

Continue the fight.

The first person to sign as a member of the Sovabazar Club will be...

Moni Das.

- Excellent! - Bravo!

This is how we strike back!

(song playing)

All we needed now was a Great Wall of defense.

Someone to lead our defense.

(song playing)

- Greetings, sir! - Greetings, sir!

- Hope you're well. - Yes, sir.

Jitendra.

Captain Jitendra Banerjee.

Beg your pardon, Captain.

Sovabazar Club needs you.

A team of Bengalis will challenge the British on the pitch.

Isn't this your dream too?

I can fight my own battles.

I don't need anyone.

You might win one battle.

And then?

This is how our country is now under British rule.

What if we could fight together?

Think about it, Captain.

The team is ready, Mallick.

(song playing)

- You know, Nagendra. - Hmm?

Word is Chittaranjan will be among the best lawyers of our times.

- Wonderful. - So I wanted to introduce him to you.

You'll get along well.

You're both very generous.

You're a revolutionary and your friend is a lawyer.

Are you saying I choose friends with benefits?

Well, Chittaranjan is studying law to fight for outlaws like us.

Let me pass the exam first.

- Nagendra. - Yes?

We often discuss this in college...

If we had a team like yours, we could unite the country.

Without the true spirit of a sportsman it's impossible to build a nation.

You're right.

I might not be able to play football but I'm part of your team.

For any help regarding the law, I'm always there on the bench for you.

Well said.

- Nagendra. - Yes?

When's the meeting for the Trades Cup?

Tomorrow.

Major Jackson vehemently opposed Sovabazar Club's participation.

He wasn't going to lose his honour by playing against an unknown Indian club.

With Stuart's intervention Mr. Paul agreed to meet Nagendra.

You simply cannot allow a native team...

...to participate. It's appalling!

And...

It's alright, Major Jackson.

Mr. Sarbadhikari, welcome. Please have a seat.

Take it away.

Hey, it's Nagendra.

Nagendra?

We are in!

(indistinct cheering)

That bloody Irish fool Stuart!

It was probably the first time the British were afraid.

Competing with Nagendra and his team in the Trades Cup...

meant they had to respect them as equals.

The political repercussions would be dangerous.

...playing toe to toe with the British on our pitches

has the potential to undermine the entire empire.

Absolutely, sir.

This might have serious political implications.

People might simply put it across as an excuse to demand equality

in every other field as well.

We can simply remove Nagendra.

Accidents are a part of the game.

- I wouldn't advise it. - Philip.

I'll ask your advice when I want it.

Make sure it's done.

I finally finished translating Shakespeare's "The Tempest."

Now I'll teach you to read and write.

Apparently if a woman is educated, her husband dies.

I don't believe in superstition.

Unless the women of our country are educated...

we will never be free from superstition.

You will learn to read and write, won't you?

The British will play according to the Sheffield Rule Book.

And we will play by our own rules.

You are on the verge of creating history.

Remember that.

You won't get an opportunity like this again.

So along with regular practise, running and exercise every day is a must.

- Got it? - Yes...

Got it?

- Yes, Nagendra! - Yes, Nagendra!

Let's go.

- Come on. - Let's go.

(indistinct chatter)

That poor goat is stuck.

Come along.

(indistinct chatter)

Want to go to your mother?

Go on.

Nagendra!

Get out of the way!

Move!

- Move out of the way! - Turn around!

- Move! - Move, Nagendra!

Nagendra!

Move!

(vocalizing)

(praying)

He might not make it.

Oh God...

The one I gave my heart to

The one I can't lose

Who will I confide in If I lose my friend?

Please don't take him away Bring him back, O Lord

If you wish to test

If you still wish to hurt

Please let me be The one to suffer, O Lord

Please let me be The one to suffer, O Lord

Mother! He just opened his eyes!

Praise to thee The one who drives evil away

Praise to thee The one who drives evil away

Wake up, my Lord, wake up

Don't even think about playing football.

Wake up, my Lord, wake up

Praise to thee The one who drives evil away

Praise to thee The one who drives evil away

Please pardon me If I have made mistakes

I still keep praying at your feet

You are the one who can Soothe the ache in my heart

You are the one who can Soothe the ache in my heart

Where will I go without you, my Lord?

Where will I go without you, my Lord?

Praise to thee The one who drives evil away

Praise to thee The one who drives evil away

Whether I play or not...

Sovabazar Club will compete in the Trades Cup.

I will not let such a big opportunity slip out of our hands.

It's time to gear up for battle.

Sir, I think you should take them seriously.

Philip...

Remember the Mutiny and the Battle of Plassey before it?

Jackson said whether it was the Sepoy Mutiny or the Battle of Plassey

the British Sun has never set in the battlefield.

And they'll be victorious on the football field too.

He was certain that an injured Nagendra will never play again.

And history will forget Nagendra because...

History is written by the victors not the vanquished.

You have been preparing yourselves for a long time.

Now...

it's time for battle.

Remember this.

Not a single person...

But it's the team that matters.

And on the pitch...

both teams are equal.

Clear?

- Yes, Nagendra. - Yes, Nagendra.

Nagendra.

You must accept death.

Only then can you live life to the fullest.

Embrace a gory death.

You are the descendants of ancient saints.

Yet, you're living like mere worms.

Snap out of it and march forward.

Don't quit, Nagendra.

Remember...

You are the blessed child of God.

What if you get seriously injured again, Nagendra?

Three consecutive years, Father.

We've lost each match in the Trades Cup.

Father...

Rather than living the rest of my life with the humiliation of loss...

I have decided.

I must play.

Father.

Please be willing to sacrifice this disobedient son of yours...

for the sake of the country.

(indistinct chatter)

(song playing)

It's Nagendra! Come on.

Nagendra?

Only one month left for the Trades Cup.

Are you going to play?

Hail guru!

(cheering)

O Lord My dear Lord

O Lord My dear Lord

An unfettered future beckons us

May our days be free Free and full of liberty

A drum beats

A drum beats

A drum beats deep in my heart And I sing along with pleasure

Dance to the rhythm With idols of Radha and Krishna

Let there be love and dalliance Let there be love all day

Let there be love Let's spread the love

Deck up and sway To the tunes of the flute

Ah! What abundance Just wait for the show today

A drum beats deep in my heart And I sing along with pleasure

I think of you day and night The apple of my eye

Oh when can I have you?

Let me look into your eyes The way the sky looks at the moon

O Radha O my Radha

Come on!

- What's wrong, Nagendra? - Oh no!

I want to be by your side I want to be yours forever

Just be yours forever

How can I forget That I'm your Radha?

You are my Krishna

Embrace me in your arms and your heart

O Krishna O my Krishna

O my Krishna

O my Krishna

O my Krishna

A drum beats

A drum beats

A drum beats deep in my heart And I sing along with pleasure

Let there be love and dalliance Let there be love all day

Let there be love Let's spread the love

Dance to the rhythm With idols of Radha and Krishna

O my Lord

O my Lord

So...

they're ready to play the Trades Cup, are they?

We'll see about that.

Today we'll play tug of war.

-Do you know what it is? - I know.

We'll be split into two teams and pull opposite ends of a rope.

Right.

The winning team has to pull the knot beyond this point.

- Hail guru! - Make sure your dhoti doesn't come off.

My dhoti, huh? I'll show you!

- Huddle round, everyone. - Give me some water, please.

Football doesn't just call for strength in your legs.

Strong shoulders and overall strength are equally important.

Football can wait.

Trades Cup can definitely wait, sir.

These boys need to be taught to mind their manners.

I propose a wager...

over a simple game of tug of war.

As it is, I have only half my team with me.

If you win...

he goes free.

If we win...

fifty lashes.

Pull hard!

Pull!

Yes!

(indistinct yelling)

- Get down. - Wait.

(indistinct yelling)

Torturing the weak is cowardly.

If you have the guts, beat me.

(song playing)

(vocalizing)

Born a loser.

Die a loser.

(song playing)

Trades Cup. A battle to be the best.

The 12 teams are like 12 European rulers...

ready for war with their armies.

Among them is an impressive warrior.

A fearless Bengali leading his Sovabazar Club.

Pass him the ball.

Pass the ball.

- You can do it, Nagendra! - Come on! Go for it!

(indistinct)

- Goal! - Goal!

(all cheering)

Pass it here. To me!

- Goal! - Goal!

To war!

Pass here!

(indistinct)

Come on! Come on! Come on!

Come on! Let's do this!

(indistinct)

Come in for a huddle.

(inaudible)

We can do this! Come on!

Pass the ball!

Run!

That side!

Come up, Nagendra!

Cyrus!

- Goal! - Goal!

(all cheering)

- Goal! - Goal!

Bravo, Jwata!

(all cheering)

Under Nagendra's captaincy, Sovabazar Club showed exceptional skills

and made their way to the finals of the Trades Club.

They created history as the first Indian club

to participate in the final of a football tournament.

Their opponent in the final would be the best team, East Surrey Regiment.

Get it done.

Of course, we must. Don't worry.

Come on. Let's see.

Have you heard the joke, sir?

The Times in London is calling Nagendra Prasad

the Lindsey of Sovabazar Club.

I mean, Lindsey, come on! Let's be fair on Lindsey, at least.

This morning I received word from the Viceroy's office.

Sir.

If we win the Trades Cup...

Jackson's aim was winning the Trades Cup trophy.

If he wins, he'd be transferred back to London.

Jackson was determined...

that he will not let Nagendra be an obstacle in his path.

Sir, getting him off the field, is it fair?

All is fair in love and war.

Tomorrow is the final match.

We must win.

We'll bring their Union Jack down.

- They'll go all out tomorrow. - Not just them.

- We'll hit back and break them. - Bravo!

Bravo, Captain.

In you all, I see the country of my dreams.

A country that is not divided by religion and caste.

But is united to fight and build a nation together.

A country that brings people closer.

So tomorrow, it's not going to be East Surrey and Sovabazar Club.

A team of proud and fearless Indians

will play against the oppressive British.

(song playing)

Jackson would want us to lose our cool in the game tomorrow.

That will turn the game in their favour.

We will definitely hit back when needed.

But...

You must stay calm.

They hold the whips.

They sling the guns.

They write the the laws that oppress us too.

I'd rather die...

But I won't accept defeat.

(song playing)

- Hmm... - Hmm...

(song playing)

- Hmm... - Hmm...

To war!

- To war! - To war!

Nagendra.

Bhargav.

- How are you? - I escaped from jail.

Tomorrow our dream comes true.

Yours and mine.

India will witness the beginning of a new age.

We will see the spark of revolution on the pitch tomorrow.

But you must be careful, Bhargav.

Forget about me. You have to be careful.

That's all I came to say.

- Jackson won't let you play-- - Police! Police, Bhargav!

Run! Run! Run!

- Police? - Run for it.

- I'll stall them. - And you, Nagendra?

They'll kill you if they catch you. Leave right now!

Go!

Arrest him.

I couldn't turn the wheel of time.

I couldn't protect Nagendra that day.

The Trades Cup final of 1892.

The entire city had spilled into the field.

The match was divided in two halves of 20 minutes each.

With an interval of 10 minutes in between.

A bell would be sounded two minutes before the time ended.

The battle for power and existence was witnessed by Lord Lansdowne...

and the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, Bhupendra Narayan Bhup.

Everyone wanted to be a part of this historic moment.

My request for the title of Ray Bahadur.

Don't think Major Jackson will be of much help.

I think I'll directly approach... Lord Lansdowne.

(all cheering)

Chittaranjan Das has gone to bail out Nagendra.

All we can do now is pray to God.

But history is waiting for you.

Our country has pinned all her hopes on you.

Sovabazar Club will win the Trades Cup.

That has been Nagendra's dream.

I know you won't disappoint Nagendra.

Jitendra.

You are the captain today.

(vocalizing)

If Nagendra were here, he'd say...

To war!

- To war! - To war!

(all cheering)

Lindsey of Sovabazar! Let him rot in jail.

But sir, what if he gets bail?

Bail or not...

he'll never reach the pitch.

It's been arranged.

Very well.

- Let's go, boys. - Come on, boys! Let's go!

Pass it! Pass it!

Open now.

Pass it that side.

(indistinct)

That side!

To the right! To the right!

(indistinct)

Get it!

(indistinct)

Foul!

Fight back!

Mighty good shot, that one!

How dare you break the law as the police?

- Come again! - Stop it!

Dukhi!

Bravo!

Dukhi, go for it!

- Take it forward, Dukhi. - Pass the ball.

(indistinct)

That's it! Keep going!

- Tackle him. - Come on.

- Foul! - Foul!

How dare you hit him!

You don't know the rules.

- Move back. - What do you think you're doing?

- Hey, hey, don't fight. - Calm down.

Calm down, David. What do you think you're doing?

Move back!

(indistinct)

(indistinct fighting)

- No! No! - This is against the law!

- Impossible! - I'll show you the order!

(indistinct)

Calm down, Nagendra.

(indistinct fighting)

They're getting into the game.

Indeed, Your Excellency.

Go to the goal post.

Go that side!

Get back! Get back!

You must release him! No more excuses!

Here's the bail. Now release him.

(indistinct)

(indistinct)

MUCHIPARA POLICE STATION

Bless us, Mother Goddess!

Let's go, boys. Let's do this.

Jwata!

Nagendra!

- Come on! - Stop him!

MUCHIPARA POLICE STATION

MUCHIPARA POLICE STATION

- Yes! - Yeah!

Hey, catch him!

Naru!

Naru?

- Hey, Naru? - Nagendra...

- Goal! - Yes!

- Bravo! - Well done, sir!

- Bravo! - Good one, sir!

- Yes! - Yes!

Very good!

(vocalizing)

Hail guru!

(vocalizing)

The vast expanse of India extends from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea...

And just a handful British...

How dare they...

oppress my brothers in my own country.

Blow the conch!

Sound the trumpet!

To war!

- To war! - To war!

(vocalizing)

You are the might in our arms

You are the faith in our hearts

You are the one I worship I worship

Bow to you, O Mother

Bow to you, O Mother

Bow to you, O Mother

Bow to you, O Mother

You are knowledge You are faith

You are our heart You are our soul

You are almighty We bow to you, our saviour

You are the destroyer of enemies, O Mother

O Mother!

I bow to you, Mother

Rich with your gushing rivers Bright with your orchards green

Calm with your alluring breeze

Abundant with your crops of harvest O Mother!

I bow to you, Mother

(vocalizing)

The pristine nights rejoice In the glorious moonlight

The lands clad in blossoming trees

Sweet is your laughter Sweet is your speech

You bestow us with boons and bliss O Mother!

I bow to you, Mother

I bow to you, Mother

I bow to you, Mother

I bow to you, Mother I bow to you, Mother

I bow to you, Mother

This is still our pitch.

This is still our game.

You've set this fire ablaze.

Now, it's time for the explosion.

- I bow to you, Mother. - I bow to you, Mother.

Come on!

Boys, into your positions.

Captain.

(indistinct)

Come on! Come on!

- Let's go! - Let's keep going.

(indistinct)

What a good shot!

Stop him!

This is our shot! Move up!

Move up, boys! Move up!

Move!

Pass!

Don't let it go!

Break it up!

Control your men.

Hey!

Come on.

Come on! Come on!

(indistinct)

Stop him!

Bravo, Jitendra!

Come on!

Pass it to Majid!

Attack him! Take the ball!

Damn it!

Pass the ball to Cyrus!

Pass the ball, Cyrus!

(indistinct)

Nagendra!

Moni, ball!

Stop the ball!

Moni!

- Get him! - Moni, run!

- Moni, don't let go of the ball. - Get him!

(indistinct)

Run!

Moni, ball!

Goal!

- Goal! - Goal!

Yes!

(vocalizing)

Keep control!

I want a goal! Come on!

Come on!

Move up! Defense!

Get the ball!

- Moidul, stop him! - ...all the way!

Take that shot, man!

Take the shot!

Don't let them pass.

(vocalizing)

(indistinct)

- I'll finish you. - Get away. Move!

Won't spare you!

Let's go.

Hail guru!

- Come on. - Let's go.

Stop him!

Pass the ball!

Get into your positions!

Think!

Alright! To Steve!

Pass it!

Come.

Watch him!

Stay close.

Majid!

(crowd jeering)

Let it go! Let it go!

Come on now! No fighting!

Okay, okay, okay!

Your man threw his head at my boot.

I deserve the penalty here.

He hit his head!

Go.

Take care of him!

I deserve a penalty shot!

Let's go.

- Come on! - Let's go!

Majid, let me see.

(vocalizing)

Did he hit him?

I will play, Nagendra.

I will play.

- To war! - To war!

Let's do this!

Nagendra Prasad.

Yesterday I arrested you. Today I'll break you.

Good luck.

Jitendra!

Dukhi, here!

Get back!

Tackle!

Shall we play?

Stop!

Nagendra! Nagendra!

Come on!

Come on!

- Take it easy. - Be careful.

- No need to rush. - Raise your leg.

- Let's take a look. - Easy there.

Be careful.

What nonsense!

- He's clearly faking! - What can I do?

The whistle will be blown before Nagendra can return to the field.

- Will they be declared joint winners? - Stop it!

Just two minutes left in the game.

I'd rather die...

But I won't accept defeat today!

To war!

- To war! - To war!

Make them take the field.

So, are you ready to play?

How dare you waste my time, Nagendra Prasad!

You fraud! You liar! You cheat!

I won't leave this field in a draw.

We must win!

- Yes, sir. - Definitely, sir.

- Let's go! - Defense!

Move! Move!

Alright, let's go!

Don't let go of the ball!

Cyrus!

Get the ball!

- On the ball! - Pass the ball that side!

Take the shot, sir!

Jwata!

It's a clear shot!

Go for it!

Bravo!

Jwata!

Damn it!

Well done!

(all cheering)

Pass the ball!

Go back!

Pass the ball here!

Fall back! Back!

(indistinct)

Recover the ball! There's no time!

Move forward!

- Block your man! - Block him!

Pass it to Dukhi!

Intercept! Intercept!

Steven, get him!

(indistinct)

Dukhi!

Watch Nagendra!

Dukhi! Pass!

Cover!

(song playing)

- Goal! - Yes! Goal!