Jija!
I told you not to go there.
Jija!
Listen... What a bother!
Back off, Jija.
I'll set you right.
Stop it!
Bloody useless rascals!
You're playing drums leaving that girl to drown!
Leave or I'll break your bones.
Leave.
Dear god!
Stop right there, girl!
Don't step in the muck.
Jija! Let go off that pup!
Jija, what are you doing here?
Superman helps everyone.
And I helped Moti.
Enough with the Superman...
Give me that pup.
Don't do that, mom!
Bapya, come here.
Leave this pup at some safe place.
Okay.
No, mom.
- Let's take it home. - Shut up.
Don't utter another word. Let's go.
Mom, please don't...
- Take that away. - Let's take it home.
- Come. - Please don't, mom.
Don't let it go.
- Stop screaming, Jija. - Let's take it home.
I know what you're up to.
- Don't, mom. - Quiet.
Jija, let's go.
Right away.
Go near the river banks again
and I'll break your legs.
- Kalpe! - Yes?
Why did you beat that child?
Her father served in the national army.
She'll become a social worker some day.
Right!
You know, Usha,
my son died for the nation.
What good came of it?
A parade in his honour,
speeches by ministers
and short-lived felicitation. That's it.
You lost your son forever!
People mourn and move on.
Only the grieving family knows
the pain of losing a loved one.
Quiet.
You keep harping about service to nation
while we haven't got pension in all these years!
What did his patriotism get us?
It left my daughter orphaned!
I was left widowed at a young age.
I curse such patriotism that leaves people dead.
Don't bring up this topic again.
I've had enough.
Where are you going?
- I'm not abandoning you. - Okay.
I'm headed to the village meeting.
- Is it? - Yes.
- Go on. - Big deal.
Stop crying.
Shubhe, what will Moti eat?
Rice and vegetables, like we do.
You're silly!
A pup doesn't eat rice and vegetables.
Then?
It eats porridge.
What rubbish!
Haven't you seen our neighbour's buffalo calf?
It eats mashed grains.
That's what we'll give Moti.
Dogs don't eat mashed grains.
Yes they do.
No, they eat rice and vegetables.
Grains.
You're wrong. Rice and vegetables it is.
No, they eat mashed grains.
Rice and vegetables.
Mashed grains.
Rice and vegetables.
Mashed grains.
Rice and vegetables.
What's up, little girls?
Postman uncle,
- glad you're here. - Why?
Puppies eat mashed grains, right?
No, they eat rice and vegetables.
Mashed grains.
Rice and vegetables.
Mashed grains.
Rice...
Puppies don't eat either of that.
Then?
Puppies have milk and grow up to eat adult food.
Is that so?
I better get going. Got letters to deliver.
See you.
Okay.
Listen, the village chief wants to see you.
Okay.
- Do meet her. - Yes.
Please go now.
Then move out of the way.
- Bye. - Bye.
Come.
Have you no shame!
The village is turned into an open toilet.
What do you want to show visitors?
Your bums
farting and pooping away!
Nothing but filth all around.
What's the use of implementing schemes?
Is it only my responsibility?
Hold on.
Madam, we can't confine ourselves in a chamber
smelling our own poop!
He's right.
I can't do it either.
Well, it's a great way to step out
and do our business in the open fields.
What about ladies? Are we to poop in the open?
We can't be shameless like you men.
No...
No, I've decided.
I won't marry a man who doesn't have a toilet in his house.
Correct.
That's not done.
All right, build toilets in every home.
Build one in each room!
- Say something. - Nice!
Soon you'll agree to dine in the toilet!
Sad times.
- Hey... - Get up.
They have gone mad.
Let's go.
- Get up. - Anna, hold on.
Such useless people!
No discussion.
Listen...
Great progress!
Let's go.
Hopeless!
Granny!
When did you come?
When he was talking about smelling his poop!
Naughty girls!
Will you do me a favour?
Yes, granny.
There's a box on the window sill. Bring that.
Okay.
Both of you share the treat.
This is for you both.
Do you know who sent it?
It's from my son in America.
Granny, you have a son?
Yes and I have two grandsons too.
They're older than you.
Don't they visit?
No, my child. They're busy.
They live far away.
Go or you'll be late for school.
- Okay. - Go on.
What is it?
Granny,
can you give us some milk?
Milk? What for?
- For the pup you found this morning? - Yes.
Come, I'll give you some.
God, help me!
Good we met postman uncle.
Why so?
Or you would've fed Moti with grains!
Poor pup would be pooping all over.
You're silly!
Moti.
Look we got you food.
I'll pour some milk.
Someone's in for a treat.
Moti.
Come, have it.
Look at him lap it up.
What happened?
Something's stinking.
Moti must've farted.
- It wasn't Moti. - Then?
- Wait. - Drink up, Moti.
Stop! That's stinking.
The food is spoilt. You'll fall sick.
Eating rotten food.
Here's your plate.
Oh dear!
Wait.
Here.
Eat it. My mom made that.
If you don't eat it, mom will scold me for bringing the food back.
- Okay? - Yes.
- Jija, lets go. We're late for school. - Okay.
- Bye. - Bye, Moti.
Moti had enough milk for today.
What will we learn today? Letter writing.
The most important part is the content.
Jija! Shubhe!
What are you doing?
They do this every day, sir.
They just don't pay attention in class.
They were eating chocolate in class!
You always pardon them.
I want you to reprimand them.
What now?
Sir will beat us.
The moment he raises his hand
start wailing loudly.
He'll stop in his tracks.
I do that at home as well.
Cry loudly at the count of 3.
Jija, Shubhe, come in.
Finished eating the chocolates?
Yes.
- No, it's over. - Yes.
I see.
You shouldn't be eating during class.
You should study attentively.
Well, you did wrong
so you ought to be punished.
Where is it?
It was right here.
You should be punished.
Here's your punishment.
After the exams, the city school
will hold an elocution competition.
You have to participate in it.
Your topic will be My Father.
Shubhe,
you will participate in 'rangoli' competition.
That's it?
You want stricter punishment?
No!
Get going!
We're safe!
What design will you draw?
I'll make flowers.
- Draw Moti as well. - Yes, and you?
You're silly!
I won't draw.
I will speak about my father.
What will you say when you don't have a father?
Shubhe!
Jije!
What are you doing?
Impress her all you want, she won't let you keep the dog.
My poor child!
Dear god!
God!
Such affection!
What do you want?
What happened, child?
Can't fall asleep?
What's wrong?
Sit here.
What's the matter?
Mom, where's my dad?
It's time to sleep.
I've an early start tomorrow.
You can sleep in all you want.
Let's go to sleep.
Mom, please tell me. Where is my dad?
Why do you ask?
What do you want? I'll get it for you.
No, I want my dad.
There's an elocution competition at school.
The topic is My Father.
How do I do that when I haven't seen my dad?
My child,
your dad has gone far away.
He is in god's house now.
Why doesn't he come back?
Dad has a lot to do there.
Then let me go there...
Silly girl.
Don't say that.
I don't care. I want to see dad tomorrow.
Tell him Jija wants to meet him and he'll come.
Fine.
I'll tell him.
Promise?
Promise.
- Mom. - What?
Don't forget to message dad.
Yes.
What did she say?
Nothing. Let's go.
Don't try too hard or you'll poop!
Ganpatrao, why show off your bony structure?
- I'm not here to show off. - Then?
I'm here to break bones.
Whose? Yours?
Take a look at your built before making tall claims!
Sir, wrestling doesn't require strength
but strategy. Understood?
Really! Is that so?
Seeing is believing.
- Show us your prowess. - Sure.
- Gotya! - Gotya?
Come on, buddy.
With this puny lad?
Bunked school today?
He's sure to pee his loins.
- You... - Enough.
We'll see.
- All of you stand in a line. - Gotya, you're done for.
Let the match begin.
Careful.
Nobody can come between us, Sange.
Gotya!
Trivial incidents are common in big cities, Sangirita.
Trivial incidents!
You got knocked over by a puny lad!
Have you no shame!
Hey!
It wasn't easy for him to beat me.
I was trying to pose for you and slipped.
Or I'd have thrashed that punt guy.
Right! You're a born wrestler after all!
You know nothing about wrestling.
Do you know any move at all?
Sange, I don't like wasting my skills.
I have killer moves!
Is it? Try me.
Sure?
For sure.
All right then.
Get up.
Why? Carry me.
Really?
Get up, Sange.
You're heavier than your father.
You lack strength.
Useless!
Nothing's going on here.
They're kids. They won't understand.
Let me handle this.
Shubhe, why are you here?
What are you doing here?
- Oh dear! - Shoo!
Ganya!
It was you? I thought it was a dog.
I can't live with this shame.
My dad will kill me.
I told you to avoid the fields!
I don't understand.
- You never listen to me. - Softer.
They don't understand anything. Stop crying.
That man understood everything.
He's a whacko with blurred glasses.
Buzz off.
Brush your teeth.
Ganya,
if my family learns of this, we'll be done for.
You and I will die.
- Is it? - Yes.
Who will tell them?
Hey!
Let me.
Shubhe, ice candies?
- No thanks. - No?
Why not?
What are you doing here?
Well...
Well, I was giving her wrestling lessons.
No? Why do you care?
Why do you care? Leave or I'll beat you.
Don't tell anyone about this.
Let them go.
No, we'll just say
you two were wrestling in the fields.
Good...
What are you saying?
We don't exist for you!
Keep mum.
What's in it for us?
Say something.
What do you want?
- They're planning a huge demand. - Shut up.
Get us snacks when we demand.
And a kettle of milk for Moti.
- No. - Yes.
He'll do it.
Just don't tell on us.
- Listen... - Refuse and I'll break your jaw.
- Useless! - They can hear you.
I don't know if this is right or wrong.
But this is how the government works.
We've been pursuing the pension for years but to no avail.
Here's a suggestion. I know someone
who does government tasks.
He will get this done for us.
We'll have to pay him though.
Well, how much will he charge?
5,000 should do I guess.
What?
- Mom... - Where do we get that amount from?
We're barely surviving on daily wages.
- Mom... - I am all alone...
- Let me talk. - When is he coming?
I am of no help to her.
Mom, tell me.
If I were of sound health, I'd have offered a helping hand.
Why can't god kill me?
- My life is useless... - Please....
- When is he coming, mom? - Mother,
- don't start again. - Mom, answer me.
- Just eat up. - When is he coming?
Just shut up!
- Come here, child. - Pestering me...
My life is hell.
- Sister... - Kalpe,
why beat her?
What if something bad happens?
She's a great kid.
I know how it feels to have no children.
See you.
But...
Don't cry, child.
Jija.
Jijudi...
You won't even look at me!
Jije, my child.
I've packed your lunch.
Don't forget to eat it.
My baby!
Your nose will burst
with all that anger!
You're building a house with the sanctions for a toilet!
I got married recently and my house is cramped.
- How do we manage? - Really?
You'd rather send your new wife to poop in the open!
Get lost.
Worthless lot!
My dear Jija!
Come here, child.
What's wrong?
Why are you sad?
Nothing? Wait, I have something for you.
Look what I made for you.
- My favourite sweet! - Yes.
Have it.
Will you do me a favour?
Yes.
Look, I've written a letter to my son.
Drop it in the postbox on your way.
Will do.
- Don't lose it. - We won't.
- Here, don't forget to drop it. - Okay.
Get going, you're late for school.
- Bye. - Bye.
Bye.
Address...
America.
Where do you think America is?
It's very far.
Beyond the sea.
In fact, it's beyond the seven seas.
How will this letter reach there?
By air.
By air?
What if it falls in the sea?
You're silly.
It's covered in plastic lest it gets wet.
I see.
We've reached the post office.
Come.
Wait, let's race.
1, 2, 3.
- I'm first. - No, I won.
Postman uncle!
What is it, girls?
The village chief asked me to post this letter.
Do it then.
All right.
This works, right?
Don't fall in with the letter!
Jija, let's go.
- Coming. - Okay.
Hurry up, it's time for school.
The teacher will scold us.
What is it?
Come with me.
Slow down.
Come on.
You're still here!
I forgot something.
Mom needs a postcard.
- Postcard? - Yes.
Here.
Let's go.
Money?
- Meaning? - You've to pay for it.
Didn't mom give you money?
Lost it?
What is it?
We bought candies with it.
Okay, go.
- Will do? - No problem.
Let's go.
Wait up!
Wait for me.
Wait.
Why are you rushing?
- Look. - What about it?
You are silly!
If letters can reach America,
it can reach my dad too!
Oh yes.
- You want to write to your dad? - Yes.
Let's go.
Dear dad...
Dear dad,
I am Jija.
I study in class 2.
I miss you terribly.
There's an elocution competition in school.
So, I want to meet you.
Take the first bus home tomorrow.
Yours, Jija.
What's his address?
Yes!
- Shubhe! - Yes.
- I'll go post this letter. - Sure.
"Let me dress like a princess"
"I better look dazzling"
"The hands of time keep ticking"
"The watch looks at me eagerly"
"I wait with longing and excitement"
"Dad's taking a leave to visit me today!"
"Let me dress like a princess"
"I better look dazzling"
"The day goes by bit by bit"
"I can barely contain my joy"
"My heart says leave the door ajar"
"and bunk school tomorrow"
"Riding high on a wagon of dreams"
"dad will kiss me with great affection"
"Let me dress like a princess"
"I better look dazzling"
Here it comes!
Passengers, get off.
Mister, what time is the next bus?
At 3 pm.
Let's go.
We'll come back in the afternoon.
Okay.
"Birds of all kinds will gather"
"singing away to exhaustion"
"Let's go frolicking around the place"
"and chase the world with Moti in tow"
"We'll teach dad to play hide and seek"
"My dad will be here soon"
"Let me dress like a princess"
"I better look dazzling"
Hurry!
Passengers, get off.
Hurry up.
He didn't come.
Let's go.
- Mister. - Yes?
When is the next bus?
Child, the next bus will come in the evening.
Let's wait for the next bus.
Okay.
Come.
What's wrong, child? You're here since morning.
Are you expecting someone?
All right, it's late.
Go home before it gets dark.
Dad didn't come.
Did he not get my letter?
Perhaps it fell in the sea.
Let's ask postman uncle.
- Let's do that. - Come.
Where did the girls go?
What do we do now? It's dark.
They come home straight from school.
I checked with her friends.
They said they bunked school.
Did they go to river?
- Mother... - Keep quiet, aunty.
Don't talk non sense. They won't go to the river.
She can't stop ranting.
I'm finally done.
- Tea. - Okay.
Adoption procedure's taking too long. I'm so unfortunate.
I don't deserve to be a mother.
Adoption procedures are complicated.
The authorities will first verify
our whereabouts and income to make sure the child is looked after.
Only then we can adopt a child.
I've applied for a transfer
- to the city, right? - Yes.
I've got the file ready.
Go handle your kitchen chores.
Hey girls!
What brings you here?
- I've something to discuss. - With me?
Take a seat, I'll get you snacks.
Tell me.
When we post a letter to a far away place
can it fall in the sea enroute?
I see.
When we send a letter far away,
it's ferried in an air plane.
How many days does that take?
It takes a long time.
It's a long distance after all.
But you mustn't worry
whether the letter will reach or not.
Once you post the letter,
your job is done.
Then you should go to school
and study well for exams.
Get good grades.
You better head home now.
It's late. Your family must be waiting.
Have this.
All right.
Get going.
I'll drop them home.
Do come again.
Let's go.
His friends went looking
to the neighbouring village.
They're not to be found.
Don't utter a word.
- Let's go. - I'm losing my mind.
Here they are.
My child is home.
Shubhe, where were you?
Where were you since morning?
We went crazy looking for you.
- Your granny went mad. - Sister, she was with me.
They came over. It was late so I dropped them home.
I can't handle things all alone.
I looked for her all over the village.
I've an old woman to care for and earn a living too!
We'll end up starving worrying about her!
This girl is too much.
She was at the river the other day
saving a pup. She could've drowned.
She'll kill me some day.
- Kalpe, don't say that. - She's a handful.
She'll drive me nuts.
We were waiting for you.
I don't know what to do.
Listen, child.
What have I done to suffer like this?
Jija!
This girl is driving me nuts.
Stop now.
Hause, why did you leave me?
Hause!
Who will listen to me rant about Kalpe?
Stop crying, mother...
- Mom. - What?
What happened to her?
Her friend is going to god's abode so she's crying.
- Mother... - I am left all alone.
She's still alive.
She hasn't died yet.
What?
She's alive.
- Is that so? - Yes.
You should've told me.
I wailed for no reason.
Anyway, wipe your tears. Let's go.
Jija, get dressed for school.
God's abode!
What happened to her?
Stop.
You nose is running.
Listen...
Those are fake tears.
She's shedding crocodile tears.
They'll start fighting over the property.
I'm the oldest so I should get the fields near the river.
Soon he'll claim the river on the basis of seniority!
Nothing doing. The land is mine.
Ganya!
- Ganya! - What?
Are you dying too?
- Arrange for wood logs. - What for?
Why wait for the last minute!
No use! The oldie fooled us three times already.
She always survives.
Should I arrange for your funeral instead?
Sit here.
Why have you come here?
Go to school.
- Come. - She came to see her granny's friend.
Sit there.
Yes, I've eaten.
What happened?
She's so clumsy.
Granny, give that letter to my dad.
Tell him it's from Jija.
You're going to god's abode.
She opened her eyes.
Get up.
What's this?
Same thing again!
Granny!
- Granny! - Take a long breath.
- I'll get lemon juice. - What for?
Get chicken curry.
What's happening?
She won't make it this time.
- Sange! - What is it?
Go get chicken curry.
Right away.
Nice.
Feeling better?
Yes.
What do we do now?
We need to scout for people
leaving for god's abode.
Ask your granny when she's planning to go.
Oh yes! I'll ask granny.
- I'm sorry. - Let's check what happened.
- Come. - The kids toppled my cycle.
Lost the balloons.
Uncle, the balloons flew away.
Doesn't matter. They went to god.
Meaning?
I mean they went to god's abode.
God's abode!
Do you have money?
Check in the bag.
- Nothing. - What happened?
I want a balloon.
But money...
No problem. You helped me.
Here.
- Thank you, uncle. - Thank you, uncle.
Mister, come here.
Come quick.
Hurry up.
Come here, mister.
Come.
Tie this letter.
Tie the letter to the balloon.
Hold the letter.
This will reach dad!
Bye.
Jije, take this tea for granny.
- Dear god. - Go.
Granny, tea.
Give.
Nice.
- Kalpe, nice tea. - Enjoy.
Granny, I have a question.
When will you leave for god's abode?
- Jije! - Mom!
She's waiting for me to die!
I can't enjoy the tea any more.
What do you think happened?
I'm sure it collided with a plane.
No, it must've fallen in the sea.
Let's try with another balloon.
Money?
Ganya, dad has chosen a wrestler for me.
Sange, are you taking wrestling lessons?
He's getting me married, idiot.
We have to elope today at any cost.
No, Sange. We will get married
but with your dad's blessings...
What are you laughing for?
What do you want?
- We want a rupee. - Give it.
I've had enough.
I won't give you a dime. Go away.
Ganya,
why crib over a rupee?
What if she tells your mom
- about us... - Mom!
What is it?
- Nothing... - You!
- Here you go. - Why did you call me?
- Get going. - Let's go.
What is it?
Why did you give her money?
My sister wanted to buy something.
Such love for your sister!
Please go.
I'll whack you!
Wait till you get hungry.
1,2,3
Bye.
Now dad will get the letter.
Bye.
Dad will get the letter.
Bye.
Do you think he got the letter?
Yes.
Postman uncle!
What is it?
Is there a letter for me?
For you?
No. See you.
Why hasn't dad replied yet?
- Let's play. - No.
Please come.
Maybe dad wants to come home but god won't let him.
God, please send dad home.
I miss him.
See you.
Jija, where to?
Granny.
Do you get replies for your letters?
Some times.
If the other person doesn't want to reply,
he won't revert come what may.
Dad too doesn't reply.
That means he doesn't want to meet me.
Shubhe's dad loves her dearly.
Why is my dad indifferent?
My dad doesn't love me.
Yes, he doesn't love me.
Kalpe, where's Jija since morning?
Come quick with the offering. It's time.
Coming.
This girl just can't stay home.
Give that.
Where are the mango leaves?
- Get mango leaves. - Oh dear.
Mother, get that.
- Are you done with that? - Yes.
Give that.
It's time to make the offering.
Wonder where Jija is.
Here she is.
Jije, where were you since morning?
Where did you go wandering?
Here, put this garland on your dad's photo.
Hurry up. We have to make an offering.
Go on.
Stop staring and get on with it.
'You're not a good dad. You're bad.'
- Are you mad? - What is she doing?
- What's this? - Has she gone mad?
- What's this? - I'll set you right.
Hope you can see this.
Dear Jija,
your dad!
Your's, dad!
Dad sent me a letter.
Be done quickly.
- It's late. - Shubhe.
- Shubhe! - You're here early, Jije!
Shubhe, come.
What is it?
Come with me.
What are you doing? What's up?
- Just come along. - Hold on.
- Dad replied to my letter. - Really?
- Read it. - Okay.
Dear Jija,
I got your letter.
Sorry about the delayed reply.
I know you miss me terribly.
I miss you just as much.
Child, I am occupied with work
so I can't come home yet.
Nothing to worry though. We'll write to each other.
How are you?
How are your mom and granny?
Hope you're all doing good.
Waiting for your reply.
Your beloved dad.
Jije!
What is it?
What about school?
Coming.
Be quick.
She has no patience.
Let's go.
An old woman named Ganga lived in a village.
She had no relatives as such.
All she had was her beloved
- Yamuna. - What?
- What do I write? - Ganga's cow.
- Ganga didn't own fields. - Ask him to send chocolates.
Yamuna was Ganga's source of income.
She'd get grass from the forest
- to feed Yamuna. - What?
- What do I write to him? - Yamuna produced milk.
Answer his questions.
Ganga would sell the milk for a living.
Mention the chocolates.
Ganga loved Yamuna dearly.
Dear dad, I got your letter.
I am fine. Mom slogs all day long.
She wakes up early and adorns the house.
She waters the holy plant.
She often cries thinking of you.
Granny has a friend named Hausa.
They have tea all day long.
Granny missed you dearly.
She mutters to herself staring at your photo.
Bapya, it's raining. Run!
Hurry up.
Come.
Come quick.
Keep this with you. It's wet.
Shoo!
Uncle, let him stay here.
Uncle, don't hunt Moti out. It will get drenched.
What if it poops and pees near the idol?
It's pouring cats and dogs here.
Poor Moti has no place to stay.
Your's, Jija.
Moti!
Moti, when did you come here?
Who made that house for you?
Wonder who made that kennel!
- Jije! - Yes, granny?
Wash your face and have tea.
- Yes. - Big deal.
- Come quick. - Right away.
- She's busy playing with the pup. - Moti!
Good boy.
Dad's letter!
Dear Jija, your dad.
Jija!
Shubhe, I'm upstairs. Come quick.
What are you doing here?
Look, dad's letter.
My dad is a superman.
What? How so?
Silly girl, I wrote to him yesterday
Moti has no home.
So he made a kennel for Moti.
Overnight?
Yes. My dad is a magician.
Wow! You can get anything at all.
Yes because my dad
is a superman!
Hausa granny hasn't eaten in two days.
Let's take some food for her.
Hause!
Don't cry, my dear.
How can I not cry?
I don't expect anything from my daughters-in-law.
But my sons have made my life hell.
I raised them all alone after my husband died.
And they threw me out of my house!
Don't cry.
I am made to live in the cowshed!
Look...
They threw my bedding and clothes here.
- Don't cry. - What do I ask of them?
I don't need much.
They make me yearn for two square meals.
They want me to die of starvation.
My hands shiver with hunger
so I come to your place to have tea.
Don't cry. I'm here for you.
Dear dad,
Hausa granny needs your help.
Her sons threw her out of their house.
Please help her.
Hey hurry up.
I'm getting late.
Where is Hausabai Jadhav?
What's the matter, sir?
I asked him.
Why did you butt in?
What's the matter?
Now answer me.
Where is Hausabai Jadhav?
Here.
Where are your wives?
- Call them. - Okay.
Right away.
- Come here. - Yes.
- Hurry up. - Yes.
They're here.
Who is she related to you?
Mother...
Who is she? Look closely.
Mother.
- Bloody scoundrels, she's your mother! - Yes.
- Yes, sir. - What's the value of a mother?
- She's worthy of worship, right? - Yes.
Is she supposed to live in a filthy cowshed?
What did Saint Tukaram say?
'Parents are divine'
'You needn't go for pilgrimage'
'Tukaram says your parents'
'are god personified'
A mother is god.
And you...
It's like
you've grown
too big for your boots, bloody rogues.
Carry her.
Let's go.
Come, mom.
- Let's go. - Careful.
- Come. - Careful.
Oh dear!
If they foot rests, whack them hard with the slipper.
Start.
- Did you hear anything? - No.
Hit him harder.
Good.
He's resting again. Hit him.
Sir, spare them.
They're my son after all.
They goofed up. Forgive them.
Yes, sir. We goofed up.
Forgive us, sir.
We won't do this again.
Don't apologise to me.
Fall at her feet and plead with your mother.
That will humble you.
Yes, sir.
Do it.
Mother!
Forgive us.
Forgive us, mother.
Forgive us.
Mother, we're sorry.
We won't do this.
We are sorry, mother.
Forgive us.
Mother...
Do this again and I won't warn you.
I'll drag you straight to the police station.
- Yes, sir. - We won't goof up.
- Get lost. - Yes, sir.
- Let's go. - Let's go.
Let's go.
We're arranging for your visa and passport.
We'll come fetch you in two months.
You will now live with us.
Don't buy too many things.
I'll decide about the house and land.
Your's Prasad.
Dear god! There's loads to do.
I better get started.
- Granny, will you move to America? - Yes.
When will you return?
Well...
Hello, chief.
Hello, welcome.
- Let's sit inside. - No, thanks.
We're in a rush.
There will be a village inspection next week.
Your village is free of open defecation on papers
but if they find even a single case
forget the sanction
you will be sued for cheating the government.
Dear god!
Do what it takes but stop people from pooping in the open.
Okay.
I've to visit the next village. See you.
Bye.
What did I get after serving the village earnestly?
Even when I want to leave for good,
responsibilities keep me shackled.
This is the only thing troubling me.
My only wish is for my village
to be free of open defecation before I leave.
God,
show me a way.
Bapya!
Postman uncle sent medicine.
Have it after meals.
Here's the medicine.
Do you have anything to eat?
Let me check.
You have nothing to eat!
I'll be back.
Give some rice.
That's it.
Bapya, get up.
I got you food.
Get up.
Careful.
Will this do?
Please eat.
Dear dad, you know the village chief.
I have something to say about her.
I am 70 years old.
I hold no value even after all these years of service.
You will poop in the open
and the police will punish me!
Is that how this village prosper?
Chief,
what has progress got to do with toilets?
Without government sanctions,
you'll be left with bare butts!
Senseless man!
She always does that.
No point talking to her.
Has she gone mad?
You may go. The meeting is over.
Over?
Let's go.
Play it.
"Don't get caught with your pants down"
"No more defecating in the open"
"Waves of change will sweep you over"
"Use the loo and be felicitated"
"Don't get caught with your pants down"
"No more defecating in the open"
"Love is in the air"
"It's a known secret now"
So? Open defecation with drum rolls!
Aunty, I made some sweets for you.
- Why did you bother, child? - Have it on your travels.
Don't forget us.
Give me your blessings.
Bless you, child.
Jije, seek her blessings.
My child, don't forget me, okay?
Come. Hold this.
Okay.
Sit here.
You also sit.
Child, you're my wish granting tree.
You fulfilled all my wishes.
Now I can leave in peace.
You won't forget me, right?
- No. - Sure?
I won't forget you.
- Never? - No.
You're a sweet child.
Don't raise your hand on her.
I won't.
She's a very nice kid.
No crying.
No troubling your mother.
Study well and attend school regularly.
- Okay? - Yes.
What do I send for you from there?
- Chocolate. - Really?
400
500
600
900!
Dear god!
Kalpe,
how much do you have?
1200
1200...
But he asked for 5,000
What do we do now?
Can't help it.
I slog all day long as a labourer
yet we live like paupers.
Now I have to grease his palms with my hard earned money!
Kalpe, I'll come with you.
Oh no.
I will speak to the officer.
I will tell him this is all we have.
Mother, it's a long journey.
It'll tire you out.
If anything happens to you
how will I afford treatment?
- Kalpe, how will you go alone? - I am not alone.
Jije will come along.
- She... - We'll go.
Don't worry.
I'll go tomorrow.
I will speak to the officer.
- Kalpe... - I'll manage.
Go to sleep.
It's late.
Kalpe...
- Sir. - Yes.
- Hello. - Yes.
Postman Pawar sent me here.
It's about our pension.
- Postman... - Yes, please sit.
- Come. - Sit.
Sit down, child.
Tell me.
My husband died for the nation.
Yet nobody will help us get the pension.
Consider it done.
I got all the documents as mentioned.
- All? - Yes.
Consider it done.
Well...
All the papers are in there.
Where's the...
What?
Didn't Pawar tell you about the procedure?
You know...
Yes, he did tell me.
Give.
But, sir, I don't have the said amount.
- Fine. - I have some money.
Okay?
I just have 500 bucks.
- I'll give the rest... - How much?
I have 500 bucks.
500...
Are you kidding?
No, I have it.
Madam, here's your file.
Why?
Come back with the money and I'll help.
- No problem. - The amount you mentioned
is way beyond my means.
I work as a labourer.
- It's a hand to mouth existence. - Okay.
Keep 500 for now
and I'll pay you from the pension.
You can't do that, madam.
Rest assured, I'll pay you.
I will pay you from the pension.
Madam, it's not just me.
I have to pay the others too.
I understand.
Just keep this.
- Get the wheels in motion... - Not done.
We've been waiting for the pension since her birth.
That's not done. Keep the file with you.
- Keep the papers... - You take this.
Others are waiting in line.
Keep this 500 bucks.
Don't you get it? 500 means nothing.
Madam, don't do that.
- Keep this. - You're wasting my time.
- Keep this. - People are waiting. I won't take that.
- I assure you, brother... - Don't you understand?
People are waiting.
People come to you for help
but the likes of you are vultures.
- Madam... - Feeding off human lives!
You want to make money off the dead!
My husband died for this nation.
Seeing how wicked you people are
he must be turning in his grave!
Get lost! I don't want the pension.
You want a share from my money!
Get lost!
I won't pay you. Do what you will.
Greedy scoundrel.
Mom got into a fight today.
Mom cried bitterly.
I couldn't hold back my tears.
Mom needs your help.
Please help her.
We won't get the pension after that fight.
Come.
Dear girl!
Granny.
- Sister, we're leaving. - Brother?
- Leaving? - Yes.
Hold on.
Dear child,
we're leaving.
Where to?
To the city.
A neighbouring town.
Why?
My job here is done.
Be a good girl.
Study well in school.
Use this pen.
No troubling your mother.
I will.
No troubling her!
Have this.
I'm sorry I couldn't help with the pension.
Oh c'mon! You both were great help.
Here.
Don't forget us.
No.
See you, granny.
- Give us your blessings. - Bless you.
See you.
- Take care. - Bye.
Bye.
Bye, child.
Bye, Jija.
Bye.
Go safe.
Good you came. Let's take lunch for Bapya.
No.
Why? You don't attend school any more
or play with me.
My brother and Sangeeta eloped leading to fights at home.
People call us names so mom asked me to stay home.
She won't send me to school either.
So, I study at home.
Here, mom sent some gravy.
See you.
Bapya, I got you lunch.
Let me feed you.
Wait.
Who's that in the car?
- Kalpe... - Come, madam.
- Mom.... - The officer...
- Is it? - Come.
- Granny... - Wait.
She's the collector.
Madam, that's Jija.
Hello.
Come here, child.
What's your full name?
Jijau Vinayak Sutar.
I got your letter.
- What letter? - We're sorry about the delay in
releasing your father's pension.
Shinde.
Please accept this amount.
Your pension has been sanctioned.
You have nothing to worry about.
That...
Give this letter to that man.
Why, madam?
Madam, thank you.
What's this, madam?
Fruits of your action.
Meaning?
You've been suspended.
Madam...
Madam, listen to me...
Don't say anything.
Kalpe...
I told you
my child will be a social worker!
Let her be one for sure!
What letter was she talking about?
Who wrote to her?
I did.
You did? What made you do that?
We were taught letter writing in school.
- So I did. - My sweet child.
- My baby. - You're so intelligent.
God is great.
Granny!
What is it?
Where's mom?
She's gone to Bapya's.
I'm headed there too.
Pack some lunch for him.
He won't eat any more.
Mom, where are they taking Bapya?
God's abode.
Hope you're prepared for the exams.
Don't forget about the competition after your exams.
Jija, are you ready with your speech?
Nice.
Start writing.
I forgot to mention this.
The elocution competition is around the corner.
Please tell god and come home soon.
The village chief and postman uncle left the village.
Shubhe doesn't play with me any more.
I am bored.
Bapya too has joined you at god's abode.
Bring him along with you.
Packed everything?
My dear!
Don't cry.
Where are you going?
To my uncle's village.
When will you come back?
We won't come back.
My son ruined our lives.
We can't face anyone in the village.
Mom said we are leaving for good.
Please don't go, Shubhe.
How will I live without you?
Who will I play with?
I will miss you.
Jija!
You will come back for sure.
My beloved house...
Stop crying. It's getting late.
Shubhe, come.
Come.
Shubhe...
Take her blessings.
Don't cry.
Bless you.
Bye.
"Such loneliness!"
"Happiness bids adieu"
"Tears won't stop"
"Smiles robbed away"
"Joys of companionship ebbed"
"Winds have changed their course'
"Please come back, dad"
"Childhood games are a distant memory"
"Little dolls weep silently"
"I can't help wishing"
"my dear ones will come back soon"
"You promise to see me soon, dad"
"How long will you make me wait?"
"Please come back, dad"
Jije.
Why are you sad?
Mom,
don't people come back from god's abode?
No, my child.
What exactly is god's abode?
God's abode...
It's a huge village like ours.
God calls his favourite people there
forever.
They can never come back from there.
But we mustn't be sad without them around.
So what if they're not present?
We have memories to live by.
We must cherish them and move on.
This pencil you hold
will get used someday. You won't quit writing, will you?
You'll get another pencil.
It's the same with people.
The village chief left the village.
She was replaced by another chief.
The postman too was replaced.
Your school starts soon.
You'll find another friend like Shubhe.
That's how life is.
Bapya too left.
You, Bapya and Moti
had great fun under that tree.
Right?
Cherish those memories.
Why be sad?
Draw strength from it.
My child, people who love us
are always around us.
We just don't see them.
We must learn to see them.
Okay?
Don't sit here sullen. Draw something.
Or go play with Moti. He's squealing away.
C'mon.
My sweet child.
Very sweet.
Come.
- Shiva. - Present.
10th April.
1965
Sir,
- you have mail. - While taking attendance in class
I got a letter from my daughter, Goda.
- It's from home. - Yes.
- How are you? - Good.
- You? - Me too.
See you.
Dear dad,
you've been gone for a year.
You haven't visited me even once.
I am so mad at you.
Anyway, I am coming with mom to see you.
We'll reach the station on the 2nd.
Be there.
Your's Goda.
My daughter's letter filled me with joy.
She was to arrive in 2 days.
I couldn't wait to meet and hug her.
- The next day I got another letter. - Sir.
- Letter for you. - Letter?
Please come.
- Sign here. - Yes.
- Here. - Thanks.
Goda!
My home and my life were barren.
Dad asked me to get married again.
I couldn't stay there any more.
I had no place to go.
I waited for death.
Then out of nowhere Jija came into my life.
Jija thought her dad was mean.
I hadn't met Goda for a whole year.
Is that how Goda felt about me?
No! I must tell JIja.
No father is mean.
Your dad!
I did everything for Jija like I'd do for Goda.
But god had different plans.
I wanted to be Jija's dad
but she
became my daughter instead.
My body won't survive for long.
Hence, I'm writing this for you.
Your's, Bapya.
We tend to think without our parents
we're all alone.
But in reality
that's not how it is.
We're always surrounded by
people who love us dearly.
We just don't seem to notice.
I too never took note of Bapya.
Did you partake the elocution contest?
Hello, I am Jijau Vinayak Sutar.
Today I'll tell you about my dad.
When I came into this world
I was welcomed by mom. Dad wasn't around.
I started school
and realised everyone had both parents.
I asked my mom and granny.
Mom, where is my dad?
People would say he's in god's abode.
I couldn't help wonder.
If he's with god, why doesn't he come back?
Nobody would answer.
Shubhe's dad loved her dearly.
He'd get her goodies and pamper her.
He'd taker her for outings.
That would make me feel
my dad didn't care to be
present for me
and understand me.
It broke my heart.
I cried.
Then I was showered with love
and goodies by the village chief.
Then postman uncle arrived
who'd take me on his cycle.
Shubhe was around
to play and frolick with me.
Then out of nowhere
Bapya arrived who
understood my feelings.
He was my Superman.
Yes, the real Superman.
Do you know what Superman means?
Not everyone can see him.
Nobody gets to meet him.
Nobody can talk to him.
Whenever you're in trouble,
whenever you're in need,
he appears
helps and disappears.
Nobody can see him.
Nobody can meet him.
He doesn't talk to me!
He doesn't exist for the world.
But I know he's here.
He'll always be.
I love my father a lot.
And I know he loves me
just as much.
My dad is a Superman.
Thank you.