18th century
The Golden Age of Peshwas printed in gold letters
in the history of Marathi regions.
While art, knowledge,
and culture flourish freely.
When all these talents shone in all the provinces.
This story is from this period.
This is the story of a Marathi dancer.
Of Phullwanti
Phullwanti
The gait of a deer, the edge of sight,
the sword of speech, unusual artists.
A fine artist,
winning praise from art pundits as well,
The one whose dance forms were praised in fourteen countries.
This Menaka, who gained the fame of Urvashi,
used to perform in the whole of Hindustan.
But I never thought
that we will get the responsibility
of carrying this precious invitation to her from Pune.
- Hearty congratulations. - Congratulations.
Okay, the alliance is final now.
- Sweeten your mouth. - Yes yes.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Let's talk about the dowry now.
What happened?
Why are you quiet now?
I had heard that
on a normal occasion
you had brought your wife home from Shaniwar Wada
to your house on a mat of silver coin.
Is this true?
Laughing... means it's true.
Yes.
So, what happened now?
In the name of dowry,
why did you suddenly become quiet?
No, Subedar.
Everything I own, belongs to my daughter.
You can ask anything.
Demand?!
Ask.
Do we lack anything to ask from you?
You wouldn't demand I know.
- Even I am Subedar Mankar. - Yes.
We don't want any dowry.
But I want you to promise me to give me what I ask for.
- I promise? - Wow! Great!
Wow!
Not just silver,
I will give gold anklets.
Great.
This is a wish of my loved ones, not mine...
I repeat, my loved ones have a wish.
On the night of the wedding,
we want Phullwanti
to dance for the village.
(All in agreement)
General sir,
I'd rather shower you with gold and silver.
Finding that woman is nearly impossible.
She's forever moving from one place to another.
But we want that wayfaring dancer
to entertain my villagers.
Why not?
You can't go back on your word, sir.
Even the royal courts of emperors invite her
but she doesn't pay heed.
Why would she heed me?
That's exactly why I took a promise from you.
You're a moneylender for the king.
Finding a woman is no big deal for you.
We want Phullwanti to dance for us, that's it.
Find her no matter where she is.
No! Phullwanti dance should be done or not?
I'm not... him.
This is the first time I'm seeing the emperor wait for someone.
It's no ordinary person.
The whole nation waits for her eagerly.
"The world is lit up"
"by her brilliance"
"Spreading joys and cheers around"
"a nymph has arrived from the heavens"
"The jingling of her anklets fills the air with melody"
"The chime of her bangles sway the winds"
"Ears yearn to hear the words"
"of this enigmatic poetess"
"All hearts and eyes wait to get a glimpse"
"of Phullwanti"
Lo behold!
"On a splendid full moon night"
"my beauty lights up the skies"
" Beaming with resplendence and sparkle"
"I am a heavenly nymph"
"I sway like lightening amidst colours of joy"
"spreading the fragrance of cheer like precious musk"
"I am Phullwanti"
"You sway with a magnificent gait"
"Your moves leaves people mesmerised"
"You sway with a magnificent gait"
"Your moves leaves people mesmerised"
Bravo!
"Be it heaven or earth"
"there's none as pretty as me"
"This beauty is divine grace"
"My style and enigma is unique like no other"
"The stars and winds"
"envy my charming ways"
- "and lightening energy" - Lovely!
"I sway like lightening amidst colours of joy"
"spreading the fragrance of cheer like precious musk"
"I am Phullwanti"
"Oozing with youth and charm like fresh flowers"
"She makes hearts swoon with her grace"
"I am Phullwanti"
"Like a dainty rose and tempting fragrance'
"she captivates hearts with her charm"
"I am Phullwanti"
"You sway with a magnificent gait"
"Your moves leave people mesmerised"
"You sway with a magnificent gait"
"Your moves leave people mesmerised"
"I am Phullwanti"
Excellent!
What a thing! Very nice!
Wow.
Mashallah!
(crowd cheering)
Wow.
Brilliant.
Your reputation doesn't do justice
to your talent.
Hence, today I bestow you with the title
of 'chand -e-mughal saltanat' (moon) with 5 villages as reward.
Great!
Hereafter, you shall dance only
for my court.
Forgive me, your majesty,
I am an artist
not a slave.
- What are you saying? - Phullwanti,
his majesty deemed you a moon
not a slave.
That means he gets to decide
when and where this moon will rise.
Powerful kings and noble men of the world
yearn to get access to this court.
Who cares!
Back in the day, our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
was offered an official's post with rank 5,000.
He saw through the enslaving tactics
and refused it.
Call it a Marathi peculiarity or trait,
rejecting slavery
runs in our blood.
Phullwanti,
an artist is above religion.
Likewise, an artist cannot belong to one court.
An artist bound by restrictions
is but a slave.
Phullwanti!
Bravo.
Spoken like a true artist!
My respect for you has increased.
Now onwards, Phullwanti shall tour the nation
as an esteemed guest of the Mughal empire.
Provide her with royal arrangements.
Yes, your majesty.
Wow.
Phullwanti doesn't dance for royal officers.
Many a merchants beckon my presence
but Phullwanti chooses who she dances for.
Madam,
don't worry about the money.
You'll get any amount you ask for.
Heard that, Champa?
The emperor of Delhi made the same offer
in different words, right?
You may leave.
You heard her.
She even rejected the emperor.
You're nothing in comparison.
You may leave, sir.
I have given my word that I'll get your approval.
I've seen many who make such claims.
Even my assistant shows them the door.
- Mind your tongue! - Really!
Jana!
That's how artists are!
What now?
Nothing.
Let's go back to Pune.
- Baija! - Yes?
The gentleman has come from Pune, land of the Peshwa.
You must cater to them.
Get them seated in the royal tent and serve refreshments.
Gopalnaik Bakhre from Pune,
one who lends money to the Peshwa!
Why bother coming all the way here?
I had no choice.
It's not like I'm a patron of music and dance.
Dance is cheap for some and an art for others.
It's a matter of perspective.
With a clear conscience, you'll see a goddess in a dancer.
Wow!
It's my daughter's wedding.
Her in-laws want nothing else but your performance.
I have close ties with the Peshwa
so they are convinced
you will grace their invitation.
I haven't dance in Pune yet.
If I ever do, it has to be in Shaniwar Wada,
where Mastani danced.
All I want is to feel it
so I can die in peace.
Phule!
Don't say such ominous things.
Do this for me
and I'll dance anywhere you ask
that too for free.
The Peshwa's court has a plethora of unmatched royal dancers.
Who's in need here?
You do what is needed.
Just make this happen
then we'll see
how those dancers beat my talent.
We had no option than to agree to Phullwanti's condition.
I quickly made Shrimant Peshwa aware of this condition.
He happily welcomed her condition.
News of her arrival spread everywhere in Pune.
Village squares and at homes,
she was discussed around everywhere.
Wow, Wamanrao.
On the next Vasant Panchami,
you're all set to see the resplendent moon.
Indeed, she's a looker.
No wonder the emperor in Delhi
bestowed her with a royal title.
Listen, Wamanrao.
Phullwanti will be coming to Pune.
Let us also honour her with some title.
I suggest, Chimanrao.
You want to honour her, right?
- Yes. - Punekars
are always expert in this job.
Then title her with
Jahan-e-Sarasbaugh.
Or Noor-E-Kothrun.
- Phullwanti? - Is she here?
Dear god!
They can't stop praising that show girl!
Oh no,
I've heard she's a great dancer.
She's a divine beauty
and yet she's untouched.
What rubbish!
She adorns expensive clothes and ornaments.
How can she be untouched?
Her moves
make men go weak in the knees.
- Really? - So!
You better keep your oldie in check.
Meaning?
Good sense leaves in old age.
Really? Your husband attends the court
not mine.
For all you know, your marriage will be the first to break!
Forget about my husband age
and worry about your husband's passion.
Oh dear!
- Guess she's here. - Look she has come.
After winning the whole nation,
Phulla will now reign over Pune.
My sweetiepie!
Welcome.
I welcome you to the land of Kasba Ganpati.
Come.
I expected the Peshwa would welcome me.
Here he is.
Where?
Here I am.
Every man in Pune considers himself royalty!
So rumours about Pune are true.
Your highness,
people of Pune better beware.
Why?
The sounds of spiritual chants
will be replaced by her chiming anklets!
Make way, Shastri is here.
Who arrived?
- Long live Shastri! - Have come
Long live Shastri!
Pant,
what's this?
What happened?
Your people
ignore this ravishing beauty
for that ordinary man!
A palanquin is headed that way.
Halt it.
You expect my royal carriage to wait for an ordinary palanquin to pass!
Long live Shastri!
It's indeed an ordinary palanquin
but the person inside is not.
He's a celebrated scholar of the Peshwa's court.
Long live Shastri!
The sacred congregation of Kashi has bestowed him with honour allowing
his palanquin to be led by a torch.
A scholar on many topics from law, politics, logic to philosophy,
author of many renowned books,
a master of scriptures,
that's Venkatdhwari Narsinha Shastri for you.
Long live Shastri!
Who cares about his scholastic prowess!
Long live Shastri!
Proceed with my chariot.
That's not possible.
Why?
You see, Pune values intellect
over beauty.
Add to that the fact,
Shastri won a huge intellectual contest.
What kind of contest?
A debate on ideas and opinions.
Various scholars discuss their understanding of scriptures.
If I lose at such a contest,
I will slit my tongue with a sword.
That's the oath he is under.
Long live Shastri!
Come and See.
Wow! Wow!
My Phulla...
Wow! Wow! Wow!
- Wow! - What a wonderful presentation!
Looks like Pune is rubbing off on her.
Her dance was different today.
Don't jinx it.
It took 10 days to sync with rhythm.
So tell me,
why doesn't Pune value art
as much as intelligence?
I didn't get you.
Is something lacking in the arrangements made for you?
You halted my chariot for a meagre Brahman living off alms.
Hence, this question.
It's ben 10 days
but you haven't forgotten the scholar yet.
It's not him,
but the humiliation I haven't forgotten.
Oh c'mon! He didn't humiliate you.
Shastri is a simple man
who goes about his business quietly.
Tell me,
will he be present in the court during vasant panchami?
Of course, goes without saying.
After his grand victory at the debate,
he will be felicitated in the court.
What comes first? My art or his felicitation?
In Pune, art and intelligence
work hand in hand.
Wow.
Hope you won't ask her to walk hand in hand with him!
That man is not fortunate enough
to get to hold my hand.
A glimpse of my art is all he gets.
I would like to inform you,
I'm afraid Shastri won't see your performance.
I mean
I have never seen him at dance performances.
I thought you should know.
You'll see him this time around.
I've seen many scholars like him
hovering for my attention
no matter where I am.
Wait till he comes
and you'll see.
That remains to be seen, Phulla.
In 10 days
we haven't stepped out even once.
Panta Chitnis,
show us around Pune.
I'll do that
just keep in your hands in check.
C'mon!
Panta,
can you show us
the place where Mastani danced in Shaniwar Wada?
I can't say for sure
but I can put in a word to the Peshwa.
It's getting late.
After my morning prayers tomorrow,
I'll arrange for your city tour.
Awesome.
Stay away from me.
- Panta, - Yes.
don't forget about Mastani's spot.
I'll try my best.
Glory be to Lord Shiva.
It hasn't been opened in years.
Mastani was a curse that cast a dark spell
on the glorious achievements of the senior Peshwa.
An brave warrior that remained undefeated
left the world reminiscing Mastani.
That was the magic of her love.
There's nothing magical about a dancer's love.
I beg your pardon
Mastani wasn't a dancer.
Educated and trained in warfare,
she was the daughter of King Chhatrasaal.
Dance was her passion
not profession.
Panta,
why is she dancing by herself?
We can only see her
but she probably envisions Mastani with her.
- Pants, thank you. - Huh?
You fulfilled my long awaited dream.
- No big deal - Oh no!
I will forever remain grateful.
- It was my duty. - I will never forget you, Panta.
Don't touch me. Stay away.
Okay.
Who is he?
He is Nanasaheb Fadnavis.
Oh my!
So he's the one
the nation admires for his wit!
Yes.
Please come.
See you.
This way, Phullwanti.
Tell me...
Yes?
What else does Pune have to offer?
You mean specialities of Pune?
There's a lot.
To know this city better,
know its language, culture and lifestyle in detail.
To do that, you should stay with a typical Pune family.
Family?
Artists aren't blessed to have families.
No matter how we yearn to settle down.
we carry our home on our backs.
Even so,
since you insist,
can you find me such a family?
One family?
Why not? Forgive me,
it's that man's family who
was the reason your chariot was halted.
That's the only family where
affluence and wisdom dwell in tandem.
Moreover,
it's a rustic home run
by his wife Lakshmi
with great devotion.
"This is the place"
"full of knowledge. "
"My prayers are answered."
"I'm so fortunate."
"Where there's knowledge, there's 'Lakshmi' (goddess of wealth). "
"She bestows one with the immense luxuries."
"May I always envision"
"You in my heart!"
"Bestow me with perfection in my skills."
"Bless me to serve you in this way."
"O Goddess Saraswati!"
"May I always envision"
"You in my heart!"
"Bestow me with perfection in my skills."
"Bless me to serve you in this way."
"O Goddess Saraswati!"
"Life is full of experiences. Extract the best you can."
"May this journey be pleasant on a luminous path!"
(Sanskrit)
"It is like a paradise to me, which is one in a million."
"Your fame abounds in all directions."
"With folded hands, I bow down to You for my success."
"While I add to my virtuous."
"Bless me to serve you in this way."
"O Goddess Saraswati!"
"May I always envision"
"You in my heart!"
"Bestow me with perfection in my skills."
"Bless me to serve you in this way."
"O Goddess Saraswati!"
"I bow down to You."
"Always..."
"While doing all my activities."
And that day rose,
which Phullwanti awaited eagerly.
She was going to perform in Shaniwar Wada.
Long live Shastri!
Shastri,
you won a huge debate on scriptures
and upheld the beacon of religion.
You made this court proud.
Long live Shastri!
Please have a seat.
I am not interested in a dance performance.
I came here to show my respect.
I'll take your leave now.
Allow me.
Shastri,
a celebrated artist is here today
to showcase her talent.
I have no knowledge of these things.
I have no business being here.
It's not like she'll offer prayers
or recite the scriptures on this auspicious day.
"Goddess Sharada"
" Sharada, with a face like the lotus"
"of the sharad season (winter), "
"with two eyes, like the lotuses, "
"forever O bestower of all things"
"bless us with prosperity "
"grace"
"and your proximity."
Wow.
"Such a dainty woman with great looks"
"A beauty with a great body"
"O beloved woman!"
"This is some magic"
"that casts an everlasting spell"
"A dagger with looks to kill"
"She has the fury of lightning"
"She's blessed with the wealth of youth"
"She's a star that steals hearts"
"She's brilliant, one of a kind"
"I am a melodious beauty"
"People can't take their eyes off me"
"I am an empty slate, a ravishing damsel"
"I adorn flowers in my hair, darling"
"Oh king, take a look at me'
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"bewitching"
"oozing with beauty"
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"resplendent like the moon"
"brightening up the skies"
"She's a sweet darling"
"People go crazy over her"
"She's a sweet darling"
"People go crazy over her"
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"bewitching"
"oozing with beauty"
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"resplendent like the moon"
"brightening up the skies"
"Can't trust"
"the heart's beckoning"
"You hold my hand and light up a fire within"
"I somehow"
"controlled myself, O king"
"This is a craze"
"brought about by my anklets"
"I am showered with gold"
"My enigmatic eyes"
"make hearts go bonkers"
"It settles deep within your mind, darling"
"You... Not you"
"Take"
"Take a look at me"
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"bewitching"
"oozing with beauty"
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"resplendent like the moon"
"brightening up the skies"
"Her cheeks are red with cuteness"
"She's lovingly called her Phullwanti"
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"bewitching"
"like a butterfly"
"I am a seductive enchantress"
"resplendent like the moon"
"brightening up the skies"
"The world loses its mind over my beauty"
"People swoon over me"
"Whose name should I reveal?"
"Mesmerised by my style"
"they forget day and night"
"Even the strongest of men can't resist me"
"Even so a guest"
"won't even look at me"
"He got my attention"
"now what trick should I resort to?"
"Let me tell you"
"I don't care a damn"
"and yet I bow down to you"
"I am unmatched"
"and so is my grace"
"My pricey ways are well worth it all, darling"
"O man with a turban!"
"Yes, you!"
"Just take"
"Just take a look at me"
'"She's a seductive enchantress"
"Bewitching"
"like a butterfly"
"She's a seductive enchantress"
"resplendent as the moon"
"brightening up the skies"
I take your leave, your highness.
That was awesome!
That was impressive dance!
To honour your talent,
you can ask for anything you like.
Ornaments,
gold coins, expensive clothes, anything at all.
I want nothing of that.
If there's something else you'd like,
just say it.
You shall have it. That's a Peshwa's word.
Say it.
What do you want?
I want justice.
I want justice to avenge my humiliation in this court,
said Draupadi.
She was mighty angry.
She wouldn't back down unless avenged.
She took a vow.
Dushasan had dragged her by her hair.
Until she'd bathe in his blood,
she wouldn't tie her hair.
Aunty!
What did she say next?
I seek justice, your highness.
It wasn't just me
but my art was insulted too.
Phullwanti, do you realise who you're accusing?
He's an unmatched scholar on scriptures.
We revere him.
He gets all my attention even if I'm busy.
He's an expert at judiciary and religion.
That's Venkatadhwari Narsingh Shastri for you.
Scholar?
In that case, how could he speak ill of me
while I was performing?
Nice performance.
Good dancing.
Take it.
This was the first time you attended a dance performance.
I'm sure it was worth it.
Here.
Yes, Vithoba?
Panta Chitnis is here.
You've been beckoned at the court right away.
I'll be there.
Okay.
Right away?
What's the matter?
In a court filled with people, Shastri called me
an arrhythmic whore.
- What are you doing? - Panta!
Panta! Calm down. Sit.
If you're proved wrong,
you will be punished harshly. Hope you know that.
Shastri is here.
Your highness.
If I'm lying,
you may slit my tongue with his sword.
Ask your religious scholar
whether or not he called me an arrhythmic whore.
That's absolutely unnecessary.
He can never say that.
Madam,
please collect your remuneration
and leave right away.
Your allegations on a revered scholar
is maligning his character.
Nanasaheb!
Strange you're saying that!
He whispered those words in your ears!
Nanasaheb, is that true?
I don't remember him saying that.
If at all he did say that,
why bring it up now?
What do you expect of a dancer entertaining the emperor of Delhi?
She's here to malign the Hindu empire!
This Hindu empire belonged to my revered King.
Women were respected under his rule.
Will you uphold his style of justice?
This court...
Mind your tongue, woman!
The whole nation looks up to
the justice meted out in this court.
What are you waiting for, Nana?
Before she created any more drama,
throw this woman out of here.
Yes, throw her out.
Throw her out.
Yes, throw her out.
I did say the words she's accusing me of, Nanasaheb.
Doesn't matter what you said,
the reputation of this court does.
The truth is more important
than my reputation here.
This woman is telling the truth, your highness.
What?!
I did whisper those words to Nanasaheb.
'I don't like her but she's an artist.'
'Unbaked earthen pot.'
'She's no artist.'
'That arrhythmic whore has no sense of art.'
Why are you accepting the allegation?
I can't believe you'd say such a thing.
I did whisper those words to Nanasaheb.
I could barely understand what was said
given all the noise all around.
Play music softly hereafter.
Forgive me, madam.
I was wrong.
I take your leave, your highness.
Stop!
You can't just leave after admitting your fault.
What you did wasn't a mistake
but a sin!
He was unjust to me.
If he found faults in my skills, he should've said so.
I'd have undergone any test or trial.
But you didn't ask for a test.
You made a decision.
You called me a whore.
No man has dared to touch Phullwanti's body!
An artist hailing from a long line of musical heritage
was called a whore by the scholar!
What does he understand about music.
I seek justice.
You shall get justice, Phullwanti.
Today is the day we worship the goddess of knowledge.
A disciple of art form was humiliated today.
It's a matter of great shame.
This court truly regrets this tragedy.
Tell you what you seek.
What kind of justice do you want?
An appeal.
My anklets and music
are like body and soul.
He insulted me by calling me arrhythmic.
I swear on my broken anklets
and challenge your scholar in public presence.
My skills were insulted in this court.
I call for a test of my talent in this very court.
I shall dance for a period of time.
During that period,
if I make even one mistake,
I shall fall at his feet and beg for forgiveness.
Nanasaheb, you couldn't hear clearly earlier.
Listen up now.
If I make two mistakes while I dance,
Phullwanti will quit dancing.
If I make three mistakes in that duration,
I shall be his slave for life.
What is she saying?
Stop!
Madam,
calm down.
You're seething with rage.
Do you realise what you're asking for?
Deaf people mustn't be part of discussions.
Don't you know that?
- Your highness... - Nanasaheb,
please take your seat.
Let her finish.
Go on.
Nanasaheb,
this isn't a test for me
but for your revered scholar.
All those hard of hearing, listen to me carefully.
If I don't make a single mistake while I dance,
I'll make this scholar wear my anklets
and parade him like an animal all through this city.
What are you saying, woman!
Stop!
Why are you listening to this?
Calm down.
Shastri,
you admitted to your crime.
You deserve punishment.
Do you agree to her conditions?
I do.
I have a request though.
I shall play the instrument while she dances.
- What? - But...
Why invite trouble?
Have you ever played an instrument?
Arguing is easy
playing a musical instrument is not.
Have you even seen such an instrument?
Hold on.
Nanasaheb! What is she saying?
Go on and ruin the court's honour.
I am ready, your highness.
So am I.
I didn't just say arrhythmic whore.
I called you an unbaked earthen pot.
I am ready for the challenge.
Are you?
Take a good look at the anklets.
You'll wear them pretty soon.
I accept your challenge.
(Sanskrit chant)
Very good.
Pandavs and Kauravs gathered on the battlefield.
From the Kauravs' side, the indomitable Bhishma
blew the conch with a roaring sound
declaring the start of the war.
Duryodhan was mighty pleased.
Aunt, why did Krishna narrate the Geeta only to Arjun
and not to Duryodhan?
Because Duryodhan was arrogant.
Arrogance kills reasoning.
A man devoid of reason
can't see sense in anything
even if god explains things!
Understood?
This just doesn't make sense.
Why did you insist on playing the instrument?
Lakshmi, take the kids inside.
Draupadi's story of revenge just got interesting.
Krishna was about to declare the start of the war
and you arrived!
Enjoy the story while I get you water.
Go inside.
Calm down.
Calm down, Shastri.
What calm down!
He's set to face hell's fury.
Shastri,
the Peshwa's wife called her a patron of art
and you called her a whore!
You landed yourself in a soup.
Just think, Shastri,
if she wins this challenge,
you shall bring shame to religious authorities.
No ifs and buts,
that dancer won't skip a beat.
The audacity of that woman!
Felt like slitting her tongue.
Subedar!
She's no ordinary dancer.
She's a disciple of the renowned dance guru Meenakshidevi.
She has the emperor's protection.
The whole nation is a fan of her art.
How do you expect her to lose?
She would've lost for one...
Nana!
She would've lost
but distress beckons calamity.
It's okay.
You defied good sense and called for trouble.
Why did you insist on playing the instrument?
This is not befitting your prowess.
It is not.
You're leaving for Prayag in 4 days.
The biggest religious gathering will be held there.
And this challenge?
Shastri...
Leave that to us.
Panta will try to dissuade her.
Me? How...
If you fail,
do everything within and beyond your means to stop this.
Nana, she's an artist.
You will leave tomorrow.
I won't.
She will dance to my music.
Nobody can change that.
- Shastri, heed Nanasaheb... - If you lose, you shall be
paraded like an animal with anklets in your feet.
So be it.
If that's my fate, nobody can change it.
Please leave.
(Sanskrit chant)
Misfortune blurs the mind.
What are you waiting for?
Let's go.
Let's go. Let's go.
Fastened the anklet?
Forget the anklet,
you're badly injured.
This is nothing
compared to my aching heart.
Baija!
Play the instrument.
Now at this time.
After what happened today,
was beneath the glory of Pune.
How dare they!
Phullwanti,
don't take it heart.
A woman's grief is barely ever understood by men.
So don't bother placating me.
Baija,
play the instrument.
Phulla,
what's happened has happened.
What did you say?
What's done is done.
We'll leave this village right away.
- Phulla. - What is this?
Start playing the instruments.
I don't care if your fingers
and my toes are smeared in blood
but you won't stop playing.
Until I make that man wear my anklets
and parade him like an animal,
I should hear music echoing here.
She had flaming eyes.
Not just that,
those were flames of vengeance.
How could a sorted man like Shastri goof up?
But he did!
He admitted it in the court.
On the occasion of Goddess Saraswati's veneration,
it was beneath his dignified self to insult a woman.
Exactly!
Extreme scenario.
I can't believe
Shastri would blurt out something without reason.
I am sure
there is a reason behind this.
You like Shastri.
Are you being biased towards him?
Acquaintance doesn't matter.
Peshwas do justice based on truth.
But this Peshwa won't be judging this contest.
Everything depends on her dance
and Shastri's musical instrument.
Phulla.
- She fall down. - Phulla. What happened?
What happened?
Meenakshi sister.
Gurumai.
Bless you.
Gurumai.
Phulla was insulted at the Peshwa's court during Vasant Panchami.
A priest called her...
I know.
That scholar didn't just insult Phullwanti
but every woman who reveres dance.
The chimes of our anklets won't let him sleep peacefully.
(Sanskrit chant)
You'd better pray more these days.
Or that woman
will enter your home in no time.
(Sanskrit chant)
There's very little time.
Start preparing.
My turn?
Go on.
Your scholar
will be paraded wearing anklets!
Rubbish!
Tall claims.
Big deal.
That Phullwanti
will be Shastri's maid.
Don't laugh or I'll thrash you.
- My turn. - Play.
Pick one,
woman or anklets?
I'll bash you.
Pick one.
The women with anklets
in the scholar's house!
Where is he?
Where is that famous scholar?
Back off!
Wretched scholar,
come out!
Hello!
May you be blessed with abundance.
Wow!
What a spectacle I witness today!
A Brahmin priest, scholar of scriptures,
will now don a musical instrument
entertaining people from door to door.
Don't you dare!
Calm down, Acharya.
I'll get you milk.
Have I come here for that?
You tell me.
Weren't there enough scholars in Pune to compete with
that you chose to berate a dancer?
It's Friday, Acharya.
My temper has to follow the calendar?
No, I mean you shouldn't refuse milk today.
I'll be back.
Learn from her.
She has better sense of good manners.
How could you stoop so low?
You're an expert in your field.
Likewise that dancer
would be an expert in her field!
Here.
Acharya!
Give it.
Will you utter something
or stand there staring at nothing?
Those words fell out of my mouth.
I can't take them back.
Exactly!
That's exactly my point.
You can't take back your words
so you should think twice before uttering them.
I goofed up.
I need your blessings.
No way.
Don't do like that.
Give him your blessings.
Lakshmi, blessings alone won't help.
She's raging with vengeance.
I must do something.
Be victorious.
May you succeed.
Your arrival in Pune
made me squirmish.
This village isn't for us, girl.
You know what happened to Mastani in Pune.
I was yearning to experience her presence.
That's a blessing for any artist.
But you mustn't have the same fate as her.
Madam, Avanti and Ragini are here.
Let's go.
Hurry up! Come on.
Let's go.
Why did you call them?
I had to.
You'll see.
Let's go.
Why did they come here.
- Get going. - Here.
I called them here.
These are my people.
They've called musicians from far and wide.
Don't take this battle lightly.
Listen to me.
Ragini,
Avanti,
show her everything you have
learnt from your guru.
This test isn't just for Phullwa.
It's for all of us so get started.
Prepare for what, Guru?
I'm sure that scholar can't play the instrument.
Your laughter today
will turn to tears soon.
You're wrong in underestimating the scholar.
Correct.
You're right about that.
This won't be an easy battle.
He's a renowned scholar.
Once he visited my village for a debate.
I have seen my king
bow down to his intellect.
This time too a head will bow.
He will bow down to me.
Let him use all his might to play the instrument.
It'll be great fun defeating him.
He has some confidence to play the instrument.
I'm sure
he has some experience with it.
Lord!
What's happening?
What was that you did?
I haven't heard anything as terrible as that!
At this rate,
all religious institutions will lose face
defeated by a dancer!
When you can't play that instrument,
why did you accept the challenge?
I don't know.
Really?
It's only wise
to do what one knows!
I don't know.
At this rate,
that women will forget her oath
and burst out laughing in the court.
You need a miracle to save you.
He has to use his brains
and bring about a miracle.
Yes.
How much time do we have?
The date isn't declared yet.
I guess we have a month.
That should suffice.
I learned all 4 scriptures within a month.
This can't be tougher than that.
You were competing with yourself then
not with a dancer.
Do you realize that?
Okay, Start preparing.
Take off those rings first.
Nothing should be lacking in our preparation.
The contest has to be fair.
Phullwanti's challenge isn't a personal affair any more.
The whole nation is talking about it.
Why do all cursed nymphs come to Shaniwar Wada!
And a scholar losing out to a dancer
will besmirch the Peshwa rule's reputation.
We have to be fair with the results.
The whole nation looks up to Pune's justice system.
Moreover, Phullwanti has fans aplenty.
If the results are even slightly unfair,
disaster will befall.
The results are not in our hands.
Or Shastri would've won hands down.
That's understood
but what's the solution to this?
Nanasaheb, the only solution I see
is selecting informed judges
and accepting their decision.
Thus, we'll be mere spectators.
Mere spectators
for the contest.
Thus, we can enjoy Phullwanti's dance like other patrons.
Phullwanti's dance or Shastri's defeat?
I feel terrible, Nanasaheb.
But Shastri is done for.
- Great! - Wow.
Wow.
Great dance.
Too good.
Your anklets are on fire.
That enchanting jingling!
Doesn't matter what music piece he plays.
He won't get too far.
I wonder if he can even play something simple.
Intelligent people avoid taking the dirty road.
They pave a separate way.
More than how Shashtri beats his drums,
it's going to be important
as to what he will beat.
Absolutely.
Every intellectual is asked the same question at the time of exam.
But this Pundit's answers
were heard differently
based on the hour of the day.
Great!
Let him beat anything now.
The judge will hear
only the tinkling of my anklets.
The melodies will be sung by the experts, Shashtri will beat the drum.
And Phullwanti will dance.
Because according to the plaintiff,
Even if Phullwanti is giving the performance,
her steps shouldn't go wrong, because of Shashtri's wrong beats.
Nanasaheb.
She will dance throughout the whole time given.
Within that time,
If Shashtri beats his drum wrongly,
or if she makes some mistakes during her performance,
then the judge will decide it, right?
Am I right?
Dabhade sir, you're never wrong.
Nana, I've checked this morning.
Mahashivratri will be the best day.
Now, you fix the time and rules
of this challenge.
Okay.
And Shashtri's horoscopes reveals, he will always win over his enemies.
He cannot lose on this day.
Wait.
1, 2, 3, 4.
There is a competition today.
Is everyone prepared?
There shouldn't be any mistakes.
[Prayer in Sanskrit]
Listen, Phullwanti.
Will you please bring some flour to apply on the drum?
What's wrong?
Uncle.
Aunty's name is not Phullwanti.
- But Lakshmi. - Yes.
Let yours start.
Yes.
[Prayer in Sanskrit]
How can I make this mistake?
Today's competition
Is between the drum and the tinkling bells.
Should you maintain your drumbeat or your mental balance,
will be more important from both the sides.
Glory to Lord Vishnu!
What shall I ask from you?
I don't understand who's getting testified in all this?
Is she going to give her test in front of him?
Or is he going to be tested in front of her?
Or are you testing me in front of all of them, Lord?
If she wins,
I won't be able to tolerate his humiliation.
And if he wins,
a woman will enter in my marital life.
In both ways, I'll be at loss.
Peshwa's rules cannot stop her.
Phullwanti is a fiery storm.
You're right.
Phullwanti's victory is final.
It seems that Pundit is dreaming big.
Let him be.
Soon he will
wake up to reality.
Finally, that day rose.
Both the competitors were talented.
Both had their Guru's blessings.
The loser of this unexpected challenge,
would ruin his life completely.
Still,
Shashtri and Phullwanti,
were ready to defeat each other.
Who will win from art and intellect?
Everyone was thrilled and
excited to see that.
Anklets!
Shastri's.
Phullwanti.
And Peshwa's.
Let's your start.
[Sanskrit Mantra]
Wow, Shashtri!
[Sanskrit Mantra]
"Chanting your name all the time."
"I've offered myself at your service."
"Lord Nataraj, give me enough strength."
"Chanting your name all the time."
"I've offered myself at your service."
"Lord Nataraj, give me enough strength."
- Wow! - "I've staked my existence."
"Redefine my sense, o Lord."
"Glory to Lord Shiva Shambhu!"
Wow!
[Melodies of classical dance.]
"Glory to Lord Shiva Shambhu!"
Amazing, Shashtri!
Long live Shastri!
Wow, Shashtri!
This royal court was always proud of your knowledge.
Today, your artistic skills has made us all the more proud.
Long live Shastri!
- Glory to Lord Ganesha! - Sister-in-law!
Sister-in-law!
Stop your prayer now.
Your husband has won the competition.
Sir has won the competition.
Long live Shastri!
Stop.
I will complete an important task first.
Take me to Chafe Mahal.
Komal! I've been calling you since a long time.
Come on, wrap up everything.
Don't you know,
I've time till tomorrow morning only.
Then I've to go to Shashtri's house.
Come, Baija, come and help me.
You seem to be very happy.
No shame at all.
You've done away with everything.
Decked up like a married woman,
you're not going to that house as his life partner.
But you will just be his slave.
Since I've lost the competition,
I will have to go.
Lost it?
Have you really lost the competition?
You've learnt dance before you learnt to take your first step.
And you said, you missed the step?
Sorry, Gurumai.
I don't know how. But I missed the steps.
- Phulla! - Gurumai. - Stop.
Get back!
Gurumai.
Hello!
I'm here to pick her up.
Right now?
Peshwa had said tomorrow morning.
I'm waiting outside.
Come.
Phulla, wait. Please.
- Phulla. - Please, don't go.
Don't stop me.
Phulla!
Come and sit in your place.
Phulla!
Vamanrao!
See, Shashtri and that lady are in in the same palanquin.
My God! Today,
even the god's statue will break.
Poor God! What will he do?
This is the era of Kali.
It's nothing like that.
This is Shashtri's new hobby.
As they say, once if you've kept aside all the shame,
you lose all your senses.
Shame!
Yuck.
It's okay for him.
After all, he's man.
But she should have some shame.
No. No.
I don't think there's anything suspicious.
Do you think they are going for religious hymns at this time?
Oh yes!
Time for the sermon and hymns is over now.
Now, only party.
Shh...
Stop.
Take it to Shaniwar Wada, not at home.
What's the matter, Shashtri?
I hope Phullwanti Bai isn't turning away from her promise.
Because once I've given the justice, it's final.
Nobody has the right to go against my justice.
Shreemant.
I wish, she should turn away from her promise.
What do you mean?
You please keep out of it.
- Shashtri. - Shreemant.
This is about a woman's opinion.
So, let the decision be taken,
In witness of Mahadev.
Speak up, Shashtri.
She didn't miss her steps during the challenge.
She's an expert in her field.
She's an extraordinary artist.
But she was blinded by her fame and success.
Her ego was turning into her words.
And her steps were acting arrogant.
I tried to break that ego.
But her heart is struck by my qualities.
I feel bad about that.
Whatever I had spoken was to awaken her brilliance.
To awaken the real art
and devotion in her.
An artist and an intellectual
shouldn't be egoistic.
You never know when you will face defeat.
One should be confident.
But not ego.
Even after being at the peak of success, he should say.
It's God's blessings.
You said it correctly.
Shashtri.
You're correct.
But now this Phullwanti Bai
is rightfully your slave.
And this was already decided by her promise and our laws.
So, now, this is your
personal matter.
No, Shreemant.
I did this for her betterment.
Not to get myself served by such a refined artist.
My Lakshmi's house made of mud and cow-dung
will not suit to her lifestyle.
Will you please accept my request?
Go ahead, Shashtri.
It's not right that my words would become stormy and ruin her life completely.
Forget everything and she should live with her art forever.
And she should be awarded the best and sent back.
That's my request.
I'm sorry,
Anyways, I've no right to speak.
Still, I'd dare.
The storm that appeared in my life is not because of his words.
But because of my ego.
Now, the ego has melted.
Storm has settled.
Now, this is my new birth.
Now, I want to spend my life in his service.
He stacked his prestige that he had earned
so far in order to destroy the vice in me.
I have never seen such a great sacrifice
for the welfare of another.
So, not because I've lost it by law.
But for my respect for him,
I want to live in his house as a servant.
I don't mind if he give me
a space in cowshed,
or at the door.
I will happily live as he keeps me.
Now my life is meaningful in the dedication of all this.
From now on, Phullwanti Bai
will come to your house as your slave.
Next day.
As per the rules of the challenge,
she would come to stay in my house from the next day.
Please, don't go.
He has freed you from the challenge, right?
How will we run this group without you?
My drum beats with your tinkling bells, and not with my fingers.
Be happy,
wherever you are.
Phulle!
Are you Phullwanti Bai?
Phullwanti Bai.
Welcome to your house.
You said, if you will lose you will live in my house as a slave.
So, from now onwards, this house belongs to you.
Now, about me.
You very well know..
I did not win..
..neither did you lose.
My Lakshmi lives in my heart.
And goddess Saraswati resides in my luck.
Apart from them,
no woman has a place in my life.
Leaving your tingling bells here.
Because this isn't just your ornament.
But your soul.
Let God sound from that ornament
that has lost its ego
May you triumph!
This is sir's message for you.
Shashtri!
Where has he gone?
Don't know.
None of us know.
He must have promised to emancipate me in his last birth.
Now I know..
Why I was attracted to Shaniwar Wada.
If you would not have had any feelings for me..
..you would not have taken this trouble.
If you had given me an opportunity to serve you..
maybe we would have cleared off each other's debts.
In this life.
But we couldn't come together in this life.
Now, we will meet often.
Every moment.
In every life.
It's only my body that has left behind.
You've taken me along in your heart.
Lakshmi, even after losing you've won.
And she has won, yet lost.
Shall I ask you something?
In all these days, even once,
ever did..
my place in your heart change?
Don't answer.
I know.
You won't lie.
'You've learnt dance before you learnt to take your first step.'
'And you said, you missed the step?'
You would not have missed a beat..
..even if Lord Brahma would have played the tabor.
Only I know..
You deliberately falterd because you are in love with this Shastri.
You deliberately committed a mistake.
Yes, she deliberately lost the challenge.
Yes, she lost deliberately.
For Shashtri's love.
She reached the epitome of love.
Both of them once again proved that..
..true love is in sacrifice.
Their unexpressed love..
..stayed in people's hearts for a long time.