A Billion Colour Story (2016) Movie Script

As far back as anyone can remember,
the sky has always been blue.
And the grass, always green.
Wood has always been brown.
The sun has always been yellow.
Sometimes white...
and often gold.
Beauty is all shades of pastel.
Mysteries are grey.
The heart has always been pink.
Rain and pain, blue again.
Love has always been red.
But then... so has violence and hatred.
When my teacher asked me
what the colors of our flag stood for...
I told her what my father taught me.
Saffron stands for renunciation
and the absence of material greed.
White stands for purity
and the path of truth.
Green stands for the earth
and its vegetation.
And the blue wheel stands
for the law of dharma.
This teacher didn't like me much,
ever since I corrected her English
once in class.
Kunal...
your handwriting has really detoriated.
Ma'am, it's "deteriorated",
not "detoriated".
Is that so?
You're teaching me? Huh?
I guess, she didn't like my answer
about the Indian tricolor.
Stupid. Always giving big answers.
See, Hari,
saffron is Hindu, green is Muslim
white is Christian
and all other religions.
By the way, what the hell
is renuncikation?
"Renunciation".
It means giving up material joys.
Yeah! But, you are not supposed
to know more than a teacher,
especially Momota teacher.
My name is Hari Aziz.
Everyone finds my name peculiar.
Hari, what?
Aziz?
Hari Aziz?
-Hari Aziz.
-Hari?
-Aziz.
-Aziz!
My dad Imran is Muslim
and my mum Parvati is Hindu.
They fell in love
while in film school in Australia.
God knows why they came back to India.
They're so boho, they don't belong here.
Hey! Don't ignore us, kiddo.
-Hello?
-Hey, don't be such a snob, Hari.
Come on. Talk to your poor folks
for a change.
Guys...
why did you come back here to have me?
I mean, we could've been in Australia,
surfing and fishing.
What?
So what?
You think everyone in Australia
is always only surfing and fishing?
I mean, I guess.
Here's some news for you, buddy,
You know, they work pretty hard, too.
-Really?
-Yes.
Really?
You're such a Westerner, man!
-Say Chhabbis.
-Chubbies.
Chubbies?
I said Chubbies.
It's all you.
Chhabbis! Why me?
Because the effort clearly shows.
It does, by the way.
Just say it once again.
-Chhabbis!
-And you say it.
-Chubbies!
-What's the difference?
Why can't you guys say Chhabbees?
I once tried to see
what color gets created
when you mix green and saffron.
I'm that person, I think.
No, but seriously,
why did you come back to India?
Dude, look around you.
It's the craziest carnival in the world.
It's warm, noisy and full of color.
One endless festival.
Everything's an excuse to celebrate.
Everyone is dancing
and singing all the time.
Sweets in every color.
Ice-gola in every color.
Humans in every color.
So many languages.
So many accents.
Now that,
I can't argue with. We do.
Open your textbooks to chapter two.
We will vomit chapter one.
We see moon?
Moon, sometimes round,
sometime oval.
How? How?
So, it's palothras of questions!
-But, sir...
-Yes?
Isn't it a "plethora" of questions?
Look...
Palothra of questions.
You are making the grammatic wrong!
Your notebook is always
completely incomplete, Gautam.
Sorry, ma'am.
What sorry?
Sorry doesn't make a dead man alive.
I asked you to calculate
the area of a triangle.
What you have did?
And for this palothra of questions,
I have a palothra of answers.
Mosques, temples,
churches and monasteries.
Hey, nowhere else has Holi.
And everyone's a rock star here.
No other country has Diwali.
Everywhere is a playground.
So, that's my parents.
They're neither Hindu nor Muslim.
They're just India-lovers.
I think the word is, Indophiles?
Hi, Grandpa!
Hi, Grandma!
Happy Diwali!
Hi, Amma!
-Happy Diwali!
-Happy Diwali!
Happy Diwali!
Come.
I think, my parents have a slightly
dreamy impression of India.
It may be colorful. But if you ask me,
it's a bit too much about color.
Hari, come.
Now, this is my mom's mom.
Darling, remove this.
I have something new for you to wear.
But, this is new too, Grandma.
Dear, come on,
wear my gift tonight, please?
Okay.
Now, you're looking nice.
Go and enjoy.
That color was looking too Muslim.
It's the same
with my dad's family, too.
He was fine till last year!
He's become dark now.
Let me see.
Parvati has sent some pastries.
Brother, keep it in the refrigerator.
He couldn't escape the South Indian genes!
I also have wolf genes.
I can hear everything.
I can hear an ant cough.
That one coughed.
-What's up?
-What's up with you?
Dad, is gay a purple color?
You mean, is purple a gay color?
Yeah, but, is it?
Because my friends keep teasing me
about the purple stripe
on my running shoes.
And they're calling me 377.
377?
Well, that's a new one.
Are we gonna sit here?
Or are we gonna...
Yeah, okay.
By the way, I know what 377 means.
Really?
Dad...
why does the law have
a problem against gay people?
Can't they just leave them in peace?
Don't stress about it.
It's going to go back and forth.
I don't think our old fogies can
really handle this kind of thing.
Dad, what if I grow up
and turn out to be gay?
How will you handle it?
Listen, dude.
You can be gay.
You can be lesbian, whatever suits you.
There are two oldies in this world
who are never going to judge you,
and that's Amma and me.
Okay.
Cannonball?
Okay, come.
Smack my mack
I've thought of everything, Parv.
Getting a bank loan can take months.
There is no option, honey.
Either we leave the film halfway or we...
we sell the house and complete the film.
I can ask my dad.
No, baby, I don't know.
I mean, you know I won't.
How much will we get if we sell the car?
Let's keep the car.
It's not much we're going to get
for it anyway.
Hey, what are you guys talking about?
-Hari, what are you doing?
-I want to sit there.
You should be in bed.
Are we selling the house?
Yes.
We had these two financiers
who were financing our film
and... one of them pulled out.
And all our schedules
are locked in as well. So...
And we can't leave anything unfinished.
Can we?
What's the big deal?
We can just sell the house
and then buy it back
from the money from selling tickets.
That's a great idea.
I've got an idea.
Why don't we just save money
from me not going to school?
Nice try, buddy.
You know, I have a better idea.
Why don't we cut down
on one song-and-dance sequence?
Yeah? Then we can easily pay
for his school fees.
How's that for an idea?
Come on.
You need to get to school tomorrow.
And you should get to bed.
Come on. Up.
-Come on.
-Good night.
Good night.
Amma, where will we stay?
I don't know, darling.
-Maybe somewhere close to your school?
-And will we take all the furniture too?
I'm not sure, honey.
Come on, go to sleep, Hari.
How long will it take
to move this stuff out?
In a day or two, Ma'am.
No worries.
Whose name should I mention
in the contract?
-My husband's name.
-All right.
He must be on his way.
-Hey, guys.
-Hey.
You were calling me?
So, Hari, do you like the house?
I mean, yeah, it's fine.
It's okay.
Well, if he's saying okay,
then basically it's fine, right?
Okay, please prepare the lease documents.
It's just the three of us.
It will be in my name. Imran Aziz.
Uh... Imran Aziz?
Sir, are you a Muslim?
Yes.
I'm sorry,
but Muslims aren't allowed here.
What? What do you mean?
What do you mean?
It's the housing society's rule.
They don't allow Muslims.
What kind of rule?
You're making all the rules.
Sir, I haven't made the rules.
It's the housing society.
I'm just a real estate broker.
It's my job to help you get a place.
-All right, we can't help it.
-Come.
Let's go.
Sorry, Ma'am.
-I'm sorry.
-Thank you so much.
At another place,
we made it to the committee meeting.
But, that's all.
What's your name, son?
Hari.
Hari Aziz?
Yes.
So we were talking about goats.
Yes, we do occasionally
eat non-veg,
but no, we don't bring goats
into the house.
We are religion agnostic.
So, are you atheist?
It's different from being atheist.
Agnostic means believing
that the existence of God
cannot be established.
Whereas,
-atheists are people who totally--
-Parv, let it be.
I know, you have a problem
with me being a Muslim.
I won't bother you anymore.
Let's go, Hari. Let's go, Parv.
Thank you. Have a great day.
I think, I forgot something.
Parv, just give me a moment.
Hari?
My grandfather was a freedom fighter.
Today, I feel ashamed
that he fought for people like you.
People with skewed thinking.
You guys disgust me.
Suffer.
Keep fighting these
petty Hindu-Muslim battles
in your small petty minds.
We finally got a house
in an area full of Muslims.
My Dad calls it a ghetto.
Our building is pink and purple.
-Hello.
-Hi.
Wow! Check that out.
-Hi!
-Hi.
-Are you new here?
-Yes.
-The terrace flat?
-Yes.
Hi, Shahid Ansari.
Imran Aziz and this is Hari.
Hi, I'm Sophia.
And this is Judy.
-Oh, he is really handsome.
-Hi, Judy!
Yes, he's a temporary guest.
Don't do that.
Hari, come over to our place
to play, anytime.
Do you like biryani?
-I love it.
-Oh! Then you must come every day.
Okay, see you.
-May Allah be with you.
-Allah with you too.
-See you.
-Bye.
Bye, Judy.
"Bye, Judy", huh?
-That uncle's nice, no?
-Yes.
Anybody who calls you for biryani
is always a winner, right?
-Absolute winner?
-Yes, totally.
Come.
-Hi, Amma.
-Hey.
Come.
-Hey.
-Hey.
What happened?
I was watching this movie
and I can't stop thinking about it.
Which one?
Muzaffarnagar Baaqi Hai.
See, I told you it would affect you.
It's heartbreaking, but...
it's only one side of the story.
There's no one to help those
poor people out there, Imran.
There was no one to protect those
innocent civilians in Bombay in 2006.
Uh, Dad...
what happened in 2006?
Nothing.
So, we couldn't get to celebrate
your birthday properly in 2006
and this year we're going
to get you whatever you want.
What do you want?
They treat me like a kid sometimes.
But, I have Google.
And I've had ever since I knew sense.
An American billionaire of
Indian origin loses all of his money
in a stock market crash.
He's about to leap off Brooklyn Bridge
into the East River.
A gypsy tarot reader
has a premonition about this
and reaches just in time to save him.
They fall in love as she heals him
from his depression.
So, that's the movie we're shooting.
Because my father's producer pulled out,
instead of shooting in New York,
he was shooting green screen.
For those of you who don't know,
this green screen
has no religious connection.
You shoot people against
a green background,
and then you replace the green
with anything you want to.
What's the hurry?
It's a damn cute story.
Everyone from 2 to 200 can watch it.
It's gonna be a big hit, this movie.
Cut it.
-Please come.
-That's my wife, Parvati.
Hi, Shahid, hello.
And you must be Rehana.
-Yeah!
-Hi, Rehana.
Nice meeting you.
You guys are such young parents
of this lovely little girl here.
-Thank you so much.
-Hi, Sophia.
-Thanks a lot.
-You met Sophia before, right?
-Yeah.
-You have!
-Look at the way he's blushing.
-He's a little shy or what?
No, no, he is just pretending.
Are you shy?
Come in, please.
Sophia, take him to your room.
Yeah.
-Please, come.
-I hear you're a fantastic cook, Rehana?
-After you.
-We'll check it out.
It's okay.
Thanks.
You wanna go sit there?
It's very cozy.
Yeah, sure.
So do you like school?
-No, you?
-I hate it.
I mean, what's the
point of going to school
when there's everything
on the internet anyway?
I agree, but I have some good friends.
Me too. But...
that's not the point of going to school.
True.
Okay, listen, Parvati.
Don't let the chairman know
you're a Hindu.
Because, he is so anti-Hindu,
he will ask you to leave.
What are you saying?
Just tell him you are Mrs. Aziz.
What's happening to this country?
I mean look at this,
it's going to the dogs.
-If you ask me, it's going to the cows.
-That's correct.
Wow, it's delicious.
Rehana, you really cook delicious food.
Thank you.
The biryani is delectable.
-Outstanding!
-Please have some more.
Imran bhai...
You speak Urdu fluently!
I thought, since you studied in Australia
you'd be speaking only English.
No, it's not like that, Shahid.
I studied here
in a local government college.
I speak both Hindi and Urdu.
As far as English is concerned,
I learned it from her in Australia.
Mention not.
Also, I learn a few things
from Hari every day.
Same here. We learn few things
from Sophia too, every day.
Shahid bhai...
-Judy?
-Judy.
God bless him. Delicious.
Do you have a girlfriend?
No.
How come?
I mean, you're quite nice looking.
Uh... thank you.
Do you want to be my boyfriend?
-Hari, baby, come.
-Thank you so much.
-Thank you so much.
-I hope you enjoyed.
We really had a great time.
I nearly ate my fingers.
-Thank you so much.
-We'll make the plan once again!
She makes very good koftas.
Yeah, please.
You call us every day,
we'll come every day.
-See you.
-Bye, guys.
-My pleasure.
-Hey, Hari.
I'll wait for your answer.
Did you read about Dadri?
This is not the India that I love.
It's a strange new country.
Do you remember Helaka?
-Your Sri Lankan friend, right?
-Yeah.
Do you remember the time when some
racists in Australia threw an egg at him?
He had to get those egg shells
removed from his eyes?
He Facebooked me yesterday.
He's settled in Melbourne.
He's got two kids.
And he's married to a white woman.
Nice.
So no more incidents after that, right?
There are laws against
racism in Australia.
And here?
None.
Absolutely none that
would punish the murderers.
Some arrests have been made, Parv.
Really?
Did the Godhra victims get justice?
We're going to miss the beginning.
You know, in college,
your mother used to be the
last one to enter the classroom.
And nobody had the guts
to say anything to her.
I can scold her.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
-You think so?
-Yeah.
All right, do it then.
Hi, Sir. How are you?
Hi, Uncle.
Hey kiddo, how are you?
I'm fine, Uncle.
Everyone here calls me Salim bhai.
Salim bhai.
Idiot! Come here.
Yes, Salim bhai.
I must've warned you so many times
to keep the left gate closed!
Sorry, Salim bhai.
So...
-what are we doing after the film?
-Irfan!
So your name is, Imran.
Do not park your car
in front of the lobby.
Take it back.
Come on.
What's up?
Did you see the way he was staring?
Yup.
I mean...
what are we going to do, baby?
Let's go make our movie
and screw the rest.
Slow down.
I'm sorry, Hari.
"Is there no such place as heaven?
No, Jonathan, there is no such place.
Heaven is not a place
and it is not a time.
Heaven is being perfect."
Can you read that again?
Mm-hmm.
"Heaven is not a place
and it is not a time.
Heaven is being perfect."
Did you get that, baby?
You know sometimes
when I'm playing football,
I feel as if the ball
is attached to my feet.
No one can take it from me.
And then I score the most perfect goal.
And at that time, I feel I'm in heaven.
Does that make sense?
Totally.
Amma, when is dad coming back?
He's gonna be home any moment now.
But you, mister, should be going to sleep.
Hari, you're gonna be 12.
I mean, you should be reading
yourself to sleep. Come on.
Tch. Amma, you know, when I read,
I think a lot and then I can't sleep.
I'm worried about dad.
About what?
I've been reading that this country
isn't safe for Muslims anymore.
Hari, Darling...
don't believe everything
you read in the newspapers.
I mean, you know, sometimes
they write stuff to create a sensation.
It's not all true.
Besides, baby, maybe you
should be reading books like this.
Okay?
Come on, go to sleep.
And one more thing...
Dad's not a Muslim, darling.
He doesn't even believe in religion.
I know that.
But strangers don't know that.
Baby, don't worry.
Nothing is gonna happen.
Amma, are you a Hindu?
No, darling,
I don't believe in religion either.
Amma, why did you name me Hari?
Isn't it a proper Hindu name?
A God's name?
Hey, I named you Hari.
After Hari Seldon, the great hero
of Foundation by...
Isaac Asimov.
Isaac Asimov.
How was your day?
It was good.
How was your day?
Can daddy sit down?
What happened?
I'll tell you later.
So, he was saying...
you know when he plays
amazing football
and scores a perfect goal.
He says, "Those moments, I feel like
I am in heaven."
You know what?
Once Swami Vivekananda said...
What?
"That you can get closer
to heaven through football,
than through the study of the Gita."
Really?
Come for a walk?
Okay.
I'll be back.
So, I'm asking you again.
Will you be my boyfriend?
Yeah.
Okay.
Wanna sit there?
Yeah.
When I grow up...
I want to be a writer.
I already am one, but...
I want to be a famous author.
And... I've written something for you.
I perfumed it.
It's for you. Keep it.
It's nice.
Just nice?
It's...
I like it.
Just "I like it"?
Fine, I love it.
I love you.
You don't have to say it.
It's okay if you just feel it.
Yeah.
So, what do you want to be
when you grow up?
I don't really know.
I love football.
So, maybe I'll play football for a living.
But...
I really want to play for FCB.
FCB?
Hey, Hari, bye. We're going.
Bye.
Give me my ball back.
So, Messi or Neymar?
Messi, of course.
If not a footballer,
what would you want to be?
Um... a beatboxer.
Beatboxer? What's that?
You don't know what a beatboxer does?
Never heard of it.
Beatboxing is releasing
music and percussion,
with your mouth.
With your mouth?
Yeah.
Can you show me?
Okay, but you can't look.
Not just my heart
My life belongs to you, my beloved
Not just my heart
My life belongs to you, my beloved
To die content in your arms
To die content in your arms
Is the only privilege I seek
Not just my heart
My life belongs to you, my beloved
I weep, it agonizes me
And nothing seem to be of any help
I weep, it agonizes me
There is no solace
A night of separation
A night of separation
Is greater than the separation
Of hundred nights together
Not just my heart
My life belongs to you, my beloved
Not just my heart
My life belongs to you, my beloved
It's done.
Vishal!
Okay, Rehana, look at me.
-Yeah.
-Smile.
Come on, yeah,
don't be so shy, it's only me.
Yeah.
-You know what, we don't want this.
-What?
Just hold on. One second.
Hari is the champ.
-You know what, Divya's pretty good too.
-Yeah.
Checkmate.
Not again, man!
Who taught you to play like that?
Sophia.
Uh-ha!
Sophia.
I need more competition.
Shahid uncle!
Like, really?
Okay, I'm going.
Hey, what's happening?
Whoa! Photoshoot?
Nice.
Lovely smile you've got.
Are you religious, Rehana?
I just follow customs and
it's like, I don't over think religion.
I'm used to it now.
Okay, tell me something.
So, the hijab, is it something
Shahid believes in?
Shahid? No, no.
He is easy about most of the things.
In fact, he never forces me to do
anything which I don't want to.
-It's nice.
-You've seen Sophia, right?
Yeah.
She is right now at school,
practicing for a fashion show.
Do you think she is
ever gonna wear a hijab?
-No way.
-I'm booking her for my daughter-in-law.
-Deal?
-Yeah, sure, take her.
But then,
you guys are pretty liberal, right?
Then why the hijab?
Seriously, it's more of a habit
from a conservative family.
Ours was an arranged marriage.
-Right.
-Yes.
So, even though his parents
are no more, the habit stayed.
-Can I tell you guys something?
-Tell me.
We go on these dates.
Movie dates, dinner dates.
-So, I take my hijab off.
-No way!
So, while coming back, I put it on.
Wow, that's so cool.
That's so kinky!
I think, that's romantic.
I think, it's very cute.
You know what? Just take it off now.
Get rid of this.
-What, sorry?
-Yeah, just take this off.
Yes, open your hair.
-Are you sure?
-It's only us.
-Come on.
-This thing is hurting.
Okay.
That's beautiful.
Wow! Look at her hair, right?
Shahid bhai!
-Yeah, look into the camera.
-Yeah.
Wow.
-Do you like that?
-Oh, I like this one.
-Which one?
-The previous one.
I'll get it.
Is Imran Aziz home?
Yes.
You have to come downstairs.
-Who?
-Bhai.
-Bhai?
-Salim bhai.
He is the Chairman.
-Why?
-He wants to discuss an urgent matter.
Are you sure it's urgent?
Didn't you hear me?
You've been summoned downstairs.
Parv, just set the table,
I'll be back soon.
Wait, I'm coming too.
Have a seat.
Yes.
So, Imran bhai.
How's everything?
Everything is fine.
Last week, I met Yusuf.
He was asking about you.
He is financing your movie, right?
I've done a lot for him.
He owes me.
Send your boy outside.
Let him stay here.
Is there something wrong?
Wrong?
Look, Imran bhai...
we want to talk to you about your wife.
Imran, good Muslim women
keep themselves fully covered.
This is a decent neighborhood.
Understand?
Hari.
Just go and call Shahid uncle.
-No, I'm staying here.
-Go.
-No, but...
-I'm telling you.
Go.
Actually, if it were
a decent neighborhood...
you wouldn't have ogled at my wife
when she was in shorts.
Hey, watch your mouth!
You're a bloody hypocrite!
You're against women's freedom!
At least, we don't display our women
for the world to see.
Damn you...
Let him go!
Dad! Dad!
Move! Get off of me!
You all are bloody goons!
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Your thinking is a stigma to humanity.
I'll have you thrown out!
Let's see how you deal with it then!
Tell me something new!
People like you have caused rifts
in this nation.
Because of Muslim chairman like you
and Hindu chairmen again just like you.
-Are you okay?
-Yes, Dad.
Salim bhai, Shahid was drinking with him.
Do I need to take permission
from your father?
I know you inside out.
So, drop the innocent act!
Get out of the way!
Shahid, let's go.
I won't spare you.
I told you upfront,
there will be lots of
inconveniences in marrying a Muslim.
Even if he's as nice as Imran.
Kannagi!
I don't mean to insult anybody, but...
Look at Hari.
Poor thing.
Always looks a little lost.
He has moved out of his own house,
now another in just two months.
How do you know he will
not feel out of place in school?
Out of place?
Amma, I was out of place
in Convent School.
I mean, it's all part of growing up.
Besides, do you know he feels
out of place here, sometimes?
You make him feel apologetic
about his Muslim side of the family.
I never meant it like that.
Yeah, just like you never
meant it all those years,
when I was growing up
you told me I'm dark.
Do you know how conscious
you made me feel?
She is right.
You know...
Hari is my favorite.
I keep worrying about him.
Sometimes, you know,
I don't sleep at night.
Even your father.
Look at those dark circles.
Amma, where are the dark circles?
Can you stop being so melodramatic?
You know what, if you really
care about Hari so much,
just tell him that everything
is fine with the world.
Can you do that?
I had spent two days hating India.
And then I read that there are nine civil
wars happening in the world right now.
I can't feel sorry for myself
when four million people from Syria
have been driven out
from their own country.
Hey, come in.
What's up?
Dad, can I ask you a question?
Are we gonna be like
moving to Pakistan or something?
What?
Don't be silly.
India belongs to us
and we belong to India.
You've gotten much better, by the way.
Dad, can you promise me something?
What?
Wherever you go,
can you take someone with you?
Hari.
Nothing's going
to happen to me, okay?
And you know what?
There are no babysitters for grown-ups.
I'll be your babysitter.
-Promise?
-Promise.
What are those things called?
That cloud-like...
-Those are...
-Hey, guys.
-Hey.
-Hey.
-You're back early?
-Yeah.
-Met Yusuf?
-Yup.
What? He pulled out?
He promised, Imran!
The chairman?
Everything, Imran!
Everything around us is changing.
I'm telling you.
It's a poisonous wind blowing.
Hindus are cornering Muslims
and Muslims are reacting any way they can.
It's too universal, Parv.
Doesn't apply to us, you know that.
Imran, this is revenge.
For you marrying a Hindu woman.
Don't you see that?
No, I don't see that.
You know, it's a personal thing.
I held his collar
in front of his henchmen
and now he's reacting
the only way his small mind knows.
I mean...
it's not a communal riot,
for heaven's sake!
Imran, you're too...
Never mind.
Guys, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for...
I'm sorry for making us homeless
for this stupid film that we are making.
But, Dad, it's a cute movie.
Yeah, but a cute movie
never changed anyone's life.
It's changing our lives.
-True.
-It's shelved, anyway.
You know, sometimes,
I just wish that we could travel
back in time and change things right back.
You had an idea?
Yes. You're my hero.
Thank you, buddy.
Come, Parv, you've got some writing to do.
Come.
Let's go.
Guys...
I've got some good news and some bad news.
Bad news first.
We're shelving our movie.
I can totally understand, brother.
I can't even imagine
what you're going through.
But, you must try and buy back your house,
or another house with whatever
money you have left with you.
What's the good news?
We're making another movie.
Yes, we are making another movie.
This one...
It's about India.
It's about tolerance and unity.
It's not going to be a smash hit.
In fact, I think it's going
to be difficult even to release it.
-Interested?
-Yes.
Yeah, of course.
I also have some good news and bad news.
Bad news first.
Vishal and I have been
asked to vacate our apartment.
What?
Live-in couples are barred
from staying in Saraswati Complex.
-It's crazy.
-Too much.
Unless we show our marriage certificate
before the end of this month.
So, what's the good news?
Anything you guys make...
I'm in.
How come all of a sudden your building
has decided about this new rule?
Yeah, man.
Last Sunday, we...
both were watching this film.
Shut up. Shut up!
Someone is at the door. Shut up.
-What do you want?
-You are beating your wife!
What the hell are you talking about?
Leave!
Hold on! We're not asking,
we are telling you.
-You were beating your wife.
-What? Get lost.
-We will inform the police.
-Don't enter!
How dare you enter my house!
Where the hell are you going?
Bloody cheap actors!
Take another step, I'll kill you.
Sister.
Please don't be afraid.
He won't beat you again.
It's okay.
Give me your phone.
I'll be back.
I won't spare you.
Get lost.
-Do whatever you want.
-I won't spare you either.
We'll get him arrested today!
Too many wife beaters!
-Give me the phone.
-I'm coming with you.
The secretary has sent this for you.
What the hell!
Let's go.
Cheapskate.
Sir, we want to file a complaint.
Our neighbor regularly beats his wife.
Today, while we were home, we heard noises
so we went to check on him.
We saw he was beating his wife,
we have photos...
Okay. Tell me.
Sir. We have a complaint...
Is your name Vishal?
Yes, but how do you know my name?
Why are you here?
You're here to lodge a complaint
against your the secretary, right?
Yes, I mean...
-He was...
-Wait.
Come here.
Come here.
-Sir...
-What is this?
You guys come to Mumbai and fool around.
Live a debauched life.
You turn your house
into a pub and party day and night.
You live with women without marriage.
And when the housing society objects,
you threaten them?
Huh?
-Get out.
-Sir, a minute.
-Sir, please...
-Sir, we have evidence.
Give me the phone.
Just have a look.
Okay, show me the proof.
-He is beating his wife...
-Can I see it for myself?
We're here to file a complaint...
-Look.
-Look at her condition.
That's his wife.
The marks are visible.
It's not just today.
It happens every day.
Okay, what if you have done this?
Tell me.
-Sir, you're strange.
-While you were beating her,
your wife was taking her pictures!
Wife or girlfriend?
-We're asking...
-Is she your girlfriend or wife?
She's my girlfriend.
Where are you people from?
Chandigarh.
Damn.
North Indians.
We know...
how North Indians treat their women!
-What the hell...
-Don't speak English!
You can't speak English here!
-Sir...
-Was I not clear?
Get lost!
-Get lost.
-A complaint...
I'll put you behind bars!
Get lost.
-Sir...
-Do you want to be behind bars?
Good.
Bro, it's not just
a Hindu versus Muslim thing anymore.
It's everyone versus everyone now.
I mean, Punjabi versus Gujarati!
Bengali versus Marathi!
Married versus unmarried!
Young versus old!
English speaking versus vernacular thing!
Khaki versus civilian!
It's going crazy.
No, man.
I just feel that we are having
a couple of bad months, that's all.
And this media, it's going crazy
with its reporting.
The truth is,
that this country is still as
tolerant and united as ever before.
Trust me.
What?
I know what you guys are thinking.
Either he's very nave
or he's a saint.
Look, guys.
Just because we had some wrong incidents,
just because of some fools who think that
Hinduism is all about hating Muslims
and Islam is all about hating Hindus...
you can't lose belief.
A lousy, violent husband, a corrupt cop,
some fat moral police,
fundamentalist politicians
with agendas don't define India.
This country has survived far worse.
I grew up in a lower middle
class chawl kind of place
where we never ever locked our homes.
There were people from every religion.
And everyone was busy surviving.
Or helping others survive.
We had no time to worry about religion.
Our neighbor's kids
would eat at our place
and we used to eat at theirs.
Christians, Muslims, Parsis...
Yes, there are poor Parsis as well.
You know, when the riots broke
out in 1992 after Babri Masjid,
the whole chawl stayed up
to protect six Muslim families inside.
That is India.
That is India and nothing,
nothing is going to touch it.
Do you still feel India is the same?
Yes.
Totally.
I just wish there were
more people like you, Imran bhai.
Hats off to you.
There are.
I mean, most of the Indians are like me.
Like you guys.
They're not the people
who lynch people and start riots.
Okay, tell me the story of your new film.
I'm more excited about this.
-Yeah.
-Okay.
So, it's set in the years
between 1942 and 1947.
and it's a relationship between
a Muslim woman and a Hindu man
and you know, how their relationship
prevents the partition from happening.
and it keeps India whole.
Wow, you guys are changing
history altogether.
-Do you like it?
-It's amazing.
-Are we playing?
-Yes!
Obviously, you are.
Thank you, brother.
What a thought!
Exactly, people really
need to see such stories.
Brother, make it really soon,
I'm sure once it gets released,
it will bring positive
change in the country.
-Inshaallah!
-Inshaallah!
Do you have the money
to make something this big?
No, but I do have a plan.
And what is that?
It's an ancient Buddhist idea.
It's called beg.
My dad believes that everyone is good.
And that love can change the world.
I don't know, I'm too young
to know, I guess.
Or maybe I'm going to learn fast.
But I told him upfront.
Thank you.
No. Shahid, it's okay.
Let this be my role in your movie.
It's my little contribution.
Let's begin.
I'll destroy his entire family!
I'll bring him down to the streets!
I'll strip him down naked!
Do you really want to wear that?
Hmm?
Do you really want to wear that?
I don't want to.
But are you okay with it?
I think, we're better Muslims than many.
Don't you think so?
Yes.
Shall we?
Yup.
-So, how do you like it?
-Yes, tell me.
I love this concept.
-It's great, thank you.
-Did you write this?
I did.
But, it was... it's our concept.
So, he thought of it
-and we conceptualized it together.
-Very nice.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
-Husband and wife, huh?
-Yeah.
It's very good.
-Thank you.
-I love this concept.
Thank you so much.
Will you have some whiskey?
No, thank you.
-You, ma'am?
-No, I'm good, thank you.
-Take some wine?
-No, nothing at all, thanks.
Would you...
Shall I continue?
Should I give...
Do one thing. Send me a PDF file.
I'll read it.
I will let you know.
-We'll make the film, have some whiskey.
-Not today, thank you.
It's time for whisky.
Have it.
Sir, would you like us to just email...
I love this concept. Send me a script.
-I'll let you know by tomorrow.
-Okay.
Take some wine, beer.
No, I just...
I won't mind some water
in a little while, but...
I'm good. Thank you.
Why are you having water?
Take some beer.
Actually, we were just hoping
if you would hear our story.
No.
I love this concept.
Please send me.
We'll do that.
As soon as possible.
Yeah!
I'll read it and let you know.
We'll send you an email at the earliest.
Take some whiskey.
It's time for whiskey.
I'm drinking alone
and you're just sitting.
I would love to, but...
No, thank you.
Okay, we won't take much of your time.
-I think we should leave.
-Yes.
-Come on.
-Please, guys.
We'll send you an email
as soon as possible.
-Yeah.
-Thank you!
-Thank you so much for your time.
-Nice to meet you.
Sir, the film opens up
with a series of reverse shots
where the last shot is this train
pulling back into Lahore railway station.
Brilliant.
Brilliant, what an opening!
What an opening!
-Train.
-Yes.
-Lahore.
-Yes, sir.
Brilliant.
By the way,
who are you trying
to cast in the lead role?
Sir, can I tell you the whole story,
just once, please?
Keep it short.
Sir, I was informed
that you could spare two hours.
Who told you?
I spoke to your secretary, sir.
My secretary?
Hold on.
Sandy.
You told him he had two hours?
Two hours.
Are you mad?
That's a lot of time.
I'll talk to you later.
Idiot.
Go ahead.
Sir...
Sir, then...
so, we start hearing an Azaan
which is playing loudly
from a mosque nearby.
And, simultaneously,
the temple bells start ringing.
And, as this all happening,
these people just reverse, moving back...
All right.
One more thing.
-Do you have some actors on board?
-Sir, Vishal Kapoor and Divya Sharma.
What are you talking?
-Vishal and Divya!
-Yes, sir.
What a talent!
-Thank you, sir.
-I'm a huge fan!
Right from the first film.
Superb.
I will tell them.
They will be really happy.
-You must.
-They'll be happy.
But, they are too new for this film.
Sir, it's not like that.
No. I'm not allergic to newcomers.
Look, your script has
a lots of details.
There's depth...
There are nuances.
These kids... No, man.
Sir, they are great actors.
They can do it.
They are great actors
and that's precisely is the problem.
They perform great only on screen.
Otherwise, their performance
at the box office is very ungrateful.
Mr. Chopra...
If a person like you doesn't give
direction
to the right kind of cinema
in this country,
how will the country progress, Sir?
My dear, better cinema can
help a country progress.
But, what about our company?
-Sir, you should like the concept.
-I like the concept.
That's why you're still here.
Else I just send them away.
Out!
Okay, forget everything and tell me
how your movie ends!
Sir, I told you. It starts
and ends with the same scene.
There is a train and it's going back...
A train, again?
Is it Lahore again?
It's the concept, sir.
We go back and we undo everything.
Brilliant.
We go back and we change
all that has occurred.
-Brilliant!
-We change everything and...
The beginning and the end is the same.
-Right?
-I mean...
So, it starts with a train in Lahore
-and ends with a train in Lahore.
-Yes.
-So, that's the whole...
-I love it.
That's the whole cycle we go in
and we finish...
-A cycle?
-A complete circle!
I thought you meant a bicycle.
No.
I love it.
Sir, I thought I'd narrate
the script to you along with the actors.
-Which actors?
-Vishal and Divya.
-Who? Okay, the ones we talked about.
-Yes.
You mean the great actors.
It's okay.
But, you are brilliant.
You're going to shake.
You're going to shake this film industry.
Literally shake.
We will shake along with it.
Brilliant.
I don't know where you people
get these amazing ideas...
I don't know.
Let's not wait.
Let's start shooting the portions
that we can finance.
At least, let the process begin.
Are you sure, brother?
I mean, you can make this film
if you rope in big actors...
so, I think you should go for it.
Listen.
You guys are the stars
and there's no discussion about it,
that's final, okay?
Okay, tell us about your new place?
Have you settled in?
What's there to settle?
We're just three people and...
It's a small house,
it provides our basic needs.
It's perfect.
Shahid, please.
-Let this privilege be mine.
-Shahid!
It's okay, brother, next time.
We moved into this little flat.
Most of our stuff is still
at my grandparents' home.
Some of it came here,
because we needed home to feel like home.
But, all of this is just temporary.
Until we make the movie and then
maybe make some money.
And you know, the best part about
living in a small apartment?
I get to sleep with my parents.
Cut it.
Action.
Okay, cut it, cut it.
Nice, man. Very good.
Slow down.
Okay. Hi.
Uncle, tea?
Okay, guys, action!
Come this way!
This way!
Where are you running?
Get them!
There he is.
Cut it!
Take it easy, go slow.
Cut it, cut it.
Very nice! Cut it!
Action.
Come. Let's go.
They must be hiding somewhere here.
-They were right here.
-Look there.
Okay, cut it.
They took favors from editors,
studios, recordists and singers
to put a trailer together.
And showed it to Anand Shastri,
a great film-maker and writer
from the '80s and '90s.
It's beautiful.
I love the script
and I love the treatment.
It's the most touching
and the most beautiful thing
I've seen in the last ten years.
Thank you.
Did you put in the money yourself?
Yup.
Do you earn enough?
Scraping the bottom now.
I think we've even exhausted
all the favors that we could take.
Look, I hate to burst your bubble.
But, the current situation is not right,
for a film like this
to be in the mainstream.
Yeah.
There are communal elements
even in the Censor Board.
They won't care if your message is pure
and non-controversial.
Or that it's a work of pure fiction.
Remember the article I wrote
about religion and intolerance,
-just after I returned my award last week?
-Yeah.
I got 4,000 hate messages
on my Twitter feed after that.
I thought it's all
blown up by the media, Sir!
Most of it is.
Some of it isn't.
But I still don't feel that there is
that kind of intolerance
in the country, somehow.
You wouldn't.
You have the faith and belief of a Sufi.
Yet, there is a wave of intolerance
in the country.
But there's nothing controversial
or communal about our film, is there?
My dear children!
Say India-Pakistan,
Hindu-Muslim and people will find
something to get offended about.
So what do we do?
Don't worry, I'll get you the finance.
Things will calm down
in about a year or so.
You make the film.
We'll figure out what to do with it.
I just don't know what to say.
You're saying a lot by making this film.
I'm going to help you make this happen.
Sure.
Don't worry, children.
Thank you.
Thank you.
All the best.
-See you.
-Bye.
It's been a while.
We don't go out to the cafe anymore.
My parents are out of money.
Shahid Uncle has already
done a lot for us.
They don't even take me
to the tea stall where they meet.
Because they don't want me
to feel sad about being poor.
Seriously that!
A vulgar and totally unfunny
video has gone viral.
-Really?
-Yeah.
But I've not seen it.
I mean, also, we've gone totally
off social media, so...
What? Why?
It's just full of bad news
and bitter arguments and that's it.
-Very true.
-It's way too toxic.
So both of us, we've deleted
our Facebook and Twitter accounts
and I don't think we're gonna get back
to it anytime soon.
At least not
until the movie is over.
I'm being home-schooled now.
My school doubled its fees,
after some celebs started
sending their kids there.
All this, my mum says,
is just for a little while
until our finance comes in.
Dad has just started assisting
in a TV show.
Mum's writing articles,
when she's not struggling with me. LOL.
Cut!
Sir, can I suggest something?
First, get me some water.
Guru, water please.
-Sir, how about...
-Is the water cold?
-Is it cold?
-No, sir.
Sir, whatever we are shooting,
it's only wide shots...
Can we go closer in some takes?
Some shallow focus to enhance
the character and their emotions.
What's happening here?
What are we doing?
What are we doing?
Sir, we are shooting.
-Are we shooting an interview?
-No, Sir.
Talking about shallow focus
and close-ups!
You've studied in Australia.
Keep these imported ideas
for the world.
Don't teach me direction.
Prepare the next shot.
Get the next shot, please.
Yes, Parv?
Yes?
How's everything going? I mean,
how are the people you're working with?
Are they treating you well?
Yeah, baby, yes.
They're treating me really nicely.
Nice bunch of people, actually.
Well, okay.
So, that's good to hear.
How's our baby?
He's busy. He's playing half the time.
I think he's in his room,
right now, he's writing.
-I think it'll take me another 3-4 hours.
-Imran!
-Yeah.
-Where the hell are you?
-Yes.
-Imran!
-Parvati, I have to go.
-Come here, you asshole.
Yeah, I'm coming. I'll call you back.
I'll call you back.
Yeah?
Are you a big filmmaker?
Are you Spielberg?
-No, Sir.
-You can't become Spielberg.
He completes his projects!
What have you completed?
Have you worked at all?
I haven't seen
this kind of set up.
I knew it!
I've directed 1,400 episodes.
Understand?
Also, I've bagged two awards,
back to back.
Now, you will compare yourself
with me?
What's your name?
What is your name?
Imran Aziz.
Will you teach me the Ramayana?
It's not for you people.
Home schooling?
So he studies at home?
It means no school at all.
You're a hopeless father!
You stopped paying his school fees
because you want to make a film!
Both, his schooling and your film
are shelved now!
Complete one task at a time.
Amma, can I get something new, please?
Not now, baby.
Later?
Okay.
By the way, I really got a very
generous offer of finance.
From one Syed Siddiqui.
You know who he is?
Yeah. He's the one who runs those
free hospitals in rural areas, right?
-Yes.
-That's great news.
But I've asked him to hold on.
Because if your film
is financed by a Muslim...
they will make it out
as if it's a Muslim propaganda.
So, let's wait for a while.
You need equal contribution from everyone.
Things are very,
very sensitive at this moment.
That bad?
That bad.
Let's wait for a bit.
At least a week.
And I'm sure things will fall in place.
Believe me.
I'm sure, Sir.
Thank you for all that
you've been doing for us.
I'm just being a facilitator.
You were telling me
about these Twitter hate messages
-that you were receiving last time?
-Ah, those hate messages!
They've became death threats now.
They are threatening to kill me.
-You've taken this to the police?
-Oh, no.
I haven't. No point.
You know, they're all hand in glove.
There's no point in wasting
my time and their time.
I'll take it as it comes.
I think, in this country you are
not allowed to speak anything against...
religion.
It's like, sacrosanct.
It was three times bigger
than this set.
They had about 300-400 people.
-Sir, there's a problem.
-I had to handle...
-What happened?
-Sir, the actress has lost her earrings
-and the stylist has no replacement.
-So?
What should I do?
Tell me!
Sir, the continuity will break.
What?
-Sir, continuity break.
-Continuity?
Continuity?
You know what?
Why don't you direct it?
-Sir, I have to take this call.
-Put it in your pocket.
-Sir.
-Inside!
Hello. Anand Sir? Just give me a second,
there is a slight network issue.
Hello?
Yeah.
Yes, Sir.
What?
Really?
That's fantastic news, Sir.
Thank you so much.
So, when should I come, Sir?
Now?
Okay, Sir. Sir, I'm on my way.
I'm on my way, Sir.
All right.
Thank you, Sir.
Thank you for all that you've done for me.
Wish you all the best
for everything in life.
Thank you.
Sorry.
Sathe, hurry up, will you?
We don't have all day.
Where's Hari?
With Sophia.
He said that...
this country is going to calm down
in a year or so.
I just don't know anymore.
I just don't know anymore.
Maybe a little longer, brother.
But, remember you're the one...
who has the greatest belief among us.
Just hang in there, Imran.
We're all with you.
I have to get realistic, guys.
For Hari's sake. I mean,
he can't see me like this.
I can't be idealistic anymore.
I have to accept that
this is not the country I used to love.
There's no poetry left anymore.
Dad's now got a job with a channel.
So, we can soon go back to a normal life.
The bad news is,
I'm back at school.
But, Dad's changed.
He's still the same with me and Amma.
He's just different with himself.
I miss the old Dad.
So, what do you want
for your birthday, buddy?
Um...
I want a bank account.
I haven't got my first paycheck yet,
you know.
I know, but, you don't need one.
You can just make an account
with zero bank balance.
Have you heard of Jan Dhan Yojana?
What the hell? How do you know
all these grown-up things?
Because, my parents... are still kids.
Your dad's all grown up now, Hari.
Bank account in the name of Hari Aziz.
-Right?
-Yes.
What else?
Maybe a cycle?
But, of course,
after you've got your first paycheck.
And? Maybe some new studs?
Sure.
-Ready?
-Yeah.
You have to say, standby.
Then, camera rolling.
Black and white, okay?
Come on, hurry up, we have to do this
before my mom gets home.
I'm getting the focus right.
Hurry up.
Hari, stop hurrying me!
Okay, come on, let's do this fast.
So...
Stand by!
Camera rolling!
And action!
My name is Hari Aziz.
I'm Hindu and Muslim.
My parents and I celebrate Christmas,
so we're Christian too.
As well as all other religions.
My father, he loves this country
and sometimes,
I think, a little bit too much.
But, today,
he feels India has lost all its poetry.
There's no one to fund a beautiful film
he's making about love
and trust and how wonderful
this country really is.
If you can, please check the working
trailer by clicking the link below.
More than anything,
I want my father to get back his belief.
If you like the trailer, and still
believe that India has its poetry intact,
would you please contribute
and help us finish the movie?
You can donate in any amount you want.
One, 11, 101 or 1001 rupees.
This is my bank account.
Please don't disappoint me, folks.
India will get a bit of its poetry back,
you will get a beautiful film
and I will get my father back.
Cut it!
-That was good?
-Yeah, it was good.
Thanks for doing this.
-You know I don't have internet, right?
-Yeah.
When will the video be uploaded?
-Tomorrow or day after.
-Day after.
Yeah.
-Hey, where's the little man?
-He is downstairs playing football.
He had to show off
his new jersey and studs.
I'm glad he's happy.
Hello?
-Hello, Imran Aziz?
-Yes.
We've arrested four suspects
in the Anand Shastri case.
You have to come to
the police station to identify the man.
Okay.
How long will it take you to come?
I'll come right away.
Give me 20 minutes.
-20 minutes.
-Yes.
Sir, he'll come in 20 minutes.
Where?
I've to get to the police station.
They've made some arrests.
-I need to go identify the murderers.
-Okay, but...
I'll be back soon,
don't worry, I have to go.
Be careful!
I'll just be back, okay?
Smack my mack
Shall we leave?
Hmm.
Let's leave.
We will visit you, darling.
Once your papa is fine.
When he's able to walk.
Hi, Vishal, don't worry about it.
I'm glad you got the show.
But, you deserve better.
This country doesn't
deserve people like you.
You guys must come visit us.
Anyway, once you leave,
what's left for us really?
How's Sophia?
She's angry. Doesn't talk much.
She skips school sometimes.
But, she'll be okay.
It will take some time.
She'll be okay.
You take care of yourself.
Take care.
Isn't Imran Aziz at home?
Yes?
Hi, I'm Imran Aziz.
-Hi, Sir.
-Can I help you?
Sir, this is regarding your son,
Hari Aziz's bank account.
And... I'm from the bank.
Yeah, actually I completely
forgot to close the account.
We're just about to leave.
Sir, there are nearly 130 million
in his account.
Yeah.
Have you seen the video
he uploaded on YouTube?
It went viral.
And money came in
from all over the country.
But what video?
I have that video.
Would you like to sit down?
Sit, sit, sit.
I'll leave you guys alone.
I'm waiting outside.
My name is Hari Aziz.
I'm Hindu and Muslim.
My parents and I celebrate Christmas,
so we're Christian too.
As well as all other religions.
My father, he loves this country
and sometimes,
I think, a little bit too much.
But, today,
he feels India has lost all its poetry.
There's no one to fund a beautiful film
he's making about love
and trust and how wonderful
this country really is.
If you can, please check the working
trailer by clicking the link down below.
More than anything,
I want my father to get his belief back.
If you like the trailer and still believe
that India has its poetry intact,
would you please contribute
and help us finish the movie?
You can donate in any amount you want.
One, 11, 101 or 1001 rupees.
This is my bank account.
Please don't disappoint me, folks.
India will get a bit of its poetry back,
you will get a beautiful film
and I will get my father back.
Nobody knows whether
my death was communal.
Because, they can't decide
what religion I am.
But, India's poetry...
its poetry is still alive.
A billion people can't be wrong.