sonchiriya draft 3 - film companion

RSVPSONCHIRIYA

Draft 3.1

November 2017

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPON BLACK

Bzzzzzz.

The morbid buzzing of flies.

FADE IN:

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

A dead snake. Flies hover over it.

RACK FOCUS to - A single file of 35-40 men walking silently towards us.

As they come closer, we notice - their police uniform. Their gruffness.

The man leading the file - BALAK RAM - stops as he spots the snake. He raises his arm, shouting -

BALAK RAMDadda!

Everyone is alerted to a stop. And then - MAN SINGH, the oldest and clearly the leader, emerges out from behind.

As Man Singh stands looking at the dead snake - the others too huddle around. And they all seem equally bothered by it.

VAKIL SINGH curses. Looks around.

VAKIL SINGHKoi doosra raasta leno padego.

LAKHNA, 30, looks at Man Singh. To his surprise -

Man Singh picks up the snake with the nozzle of his rifle and sets it aside. And then folds his hands at it in respect.

MAN SINGHMaayi ko naam leyi ke badho aage.

Lakhna seems skeptical. The gang too hesitates. But they’re forced to follow when Man Singh starts walking anyway.

EXT. RIVER BANK - DAY

KHALIFA, wearing numbered glasses, keeps a watch from a vantage position as -

The rest of the gang bathes and washes clothes. A grim silence all around.

As Lakhna cleans himself, he notices something in the waters.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPIt’s the REFLECTION of a little girl. And then it’s gone.

Lakhna, startled, looks around. No one there.

BY THE ROCKS:

Man Singh watches a confused Lakhna looking around.

Lakhna finds no one. He turns around to walk away -

But just as he does and moves away from Man Singh’s line of vision, Man Singh notices - right behind Lakhna in the waters-

A LITTLE GIRL, about 5.

It’s Man Singh’s turn to be startled. And then the girl raises her finger and points it at Man Singh.

Man Singh sits stunned - just looking at the girl.

His attention is broken only when - Lakhna comes and squats down next to him and lights up a beedi.

LAKHNAMaro saanp ko sraap lagey hai, Dadda.

Man Singh looks back at the waters. The girl’s gone.

MAN SINGHRaasta badalne par sraap na badalto.

He smiles wryly at Lakhna.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Ek baar lag gavo toh chukaano bhi padego.

Man Singh notices - Something seems to be troubling Lakhna.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Darr lag raho hai? Kaa se? Marne se?

LAKHNAEk janam nikal gayo in beehadan mein Dadda. Ab marne se kayin darr?

MAN SINGHFer?

LAKHNAPehle ainth ko kaam lagto thho... baaghi hono. Ab saram si aavat hai.

Man Singh can’t hold his gaze. He turns his face away.

2.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPJust then - Khalifa, the one on the watch, SHOUTS out -

KHALIFABAAGHI SAAVDHAAN!

He’s pointing at - A boat in the waters, coming towards them.

EXT. RIVER WATERS - DAY

The boat. 10 MEN with faces hidden by blankets and gamchas.

One of them - BENI RAM - ties his gamchha to the rifle. And then he waves it towards the bank - ‘we come in peace’.


RAT-A-TAT-TAT-RAT-A-TAT-TAT...

Two machine guns being fired for testing by Beni Ram’s men.

Dhani Ram signals his men to stop while Bein Ram gives a smug smile to Man Singh.

As the rest of the gang ‘touches and feels’ the guns - Man Singh, Lakhna and Vakil have a chat with the two visitors.

BENI RAM‘62 ki ladaayi mein cheeniyon ne je hee istemaal kari thhi. Hindi Chini bhai bhai, gaand pe goli dhain dhain.

VAKIL SINGHKain ki hai?

BENI RAMPaintees ki ek. Saath ki do.

Vakil Singh, checking the gun, throws a glance at Man Singh.

MAN SINGHJe bakhat toh naa le paayenge.

VAKIL SINGHJehi bakhat toh jarurat hai, Dadda. Gujjar haath dho ke pado hai peechhe.

Dhani Ram and Beni Ram steal a quick glance.

DHANI RAMEk raasta hai, Man Singh.

Man Singh looks at him.

3.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPDHANI RAM (CONT’D)

Tain ne toh pato hee hai. Jab se oo raand Phuliya ne apno gang banaayo hai... saale Mallah kuttan ke jaise soongh rahe Beni Ram ne.

BENI RAMDekho nahi, kaise munh chhupa ke aaye hain... thhoo hai saali jindagi pe!

MAN SINGHJe toh kukaram karne ke pehle sochno thho, Beni Ram.

Beni Ram looks at him sharply.

BENI RAMTain ne sochi thi Man Singh? Abhi do hafte pehle jo kukaram karo vaa ke pehle.

Man Singh glares at him. Tension rises. Dhani Ram steps in.

DHANI RAMUpdesh bamhanan pe jache hain Man Singh, hum Thakuran pe nahi.

Man Singh turns his attention to Dhani Ram.

DHANI RAM (CONT’D)Dekh, Phuliya ne aaj kal hamre gaon Naroda ke bagal mein dera daalo hai, jaa ne maaran ke layi. Vaa se peechho chhuda de, bandookein tori.

Lakhna looks at Man Singh. The offer hangs in the air.

SOUND OVERLAY - A sad folk tune being hummed. About a baaghi walking the ravines day and night, lost, all by himself...

EXT. RAVINES, CAMP - NIGHT

The O.S. SONG continues over the image of -

Man Singh - sleeping by himself. Restless. Probably experiencing a feverish dream.

Someone approaches him. A shadow. It moves closer to him.

Man Singh sits up in cold sweat - and swiftly picks up his gun - ready to shoot.

Only to see - Lakhna standing there.

LAKHNADadda... Lachchu aayo hai.

4.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPMan Singh looks dazed - still disoriented from the dream.

The song continues in the bg over the stillness of the night.

A 30-something man LACHCHU approaches respectfully and touches Man Singh’s feet as Man Singh washes his face.

MAN SINGHMoora moori theek?

LACHCHUHau... hau, Dadda.

Silence. Lachchu hesitates - unsure whether to say it or not.

LACHCHU (CONT’D)Ek... ek khabar rahi Dadda.

Man Singh wipes his face with his shirt as -

LACHCHU (CONT’D)Bramhpuri mein sunaaran ke yehaan byaah haigo. Sune 80 tola de rahe moori ne. Nagdi alag.

Man Singh looks at him.

MAN SINGHKhabar pakki?

LACHCHUHau Dadda.

Man Singh notices - something’s troubling Lachchu.

MAN SINGHSab theek hai na? Kaa bhayo?

Lachchu looks at Man Singh - lost. The haunting song floats in the silence. About it being a tough, lonely life...

Man Singh walks up to Lachchu. Puts his hand over his head.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Ae Lachchu? Kachhu baat rahi?

BY THE FIRE:

The gang sits around the fire. NATTHI is the one SINGING the song as SHEETLA - the youngest of the lot at 17 - makes tea.

Natthi stops when Man Singh comes down with Lachchu.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Vakil. Lachchu ke paanch sau de de.

Vakil looks at Man Singh - surprised.

5.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPMAN SINGH (CONT’D)

Are dekh kaa raho hai? Chal de. Bapu ke ilaaj ke layi hai.

As Vakil fishes out the money - a concerned Lakhna walks up to Lachchu to have a chat with him.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Aur suno saare... kal Biramhpuri ke sunaaran ke yehaan loot kari jaagi.

Everyone seems surprised, including Lakhna. Man Singh smiles.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Sune itto bharo hai ki aage peechhe ko sab chuk jaavego. Kyun Lachchu?

Lachchu notices Lakhna’s eyes on him. He nods.

LAKHNAJe bakhat, Dadda? Dabish badhi hai. Police gaaon gaaon dhoondh rahi humne.

Natthi, Khalifa and a few others murmur their support.

VAKIL SINGHOo ki khaatir hee toh loot karni hai, hathyaar lene hai. Yaa tu kahe toh haath upar kar devein... ki aa bhai daroga, le chal sasural...

LAKHNAMain je na keh raho Vakil Singh. Par STF chaaron taraf -

MAN SINGH(cuts him)

Police police ko dharam nibhavegi. Baaghi baaghi ko.

Lakhna looks at him.

LAKHNABaaghi ko dharam kaa haigo, Dadda?

Beat. Uncomfortable silence. Man Singh sighs, and says kindly-

MAN SINGHKoi na aano chaahe toh manaahi na hai. Seedhe Pachrola mil jaave, Maayi ke darsan ke layi.

VAKIL SINGHDekhein toh sahi, loot pe naa aane waale maayi ne apno munh kaise dikhaavenge?

6.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPA few murmur in his support.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Lagaao jaikaara saare... Baaghi Man Singh ki...

GANG(chorus)

JAI!

Natthi and Khalifa look at Lakhna - who is stoic.

EXT. / INT. WEDDING VENUE - DAY

CLOSE ON an image of Indira Gandhi. Going round and round. Over a happy, energetic SONG being sung in the bg.

The image’s on a ‘phirki’ and A FRISKY KID runs holding it in the courtyard of a decked up wedding venue.

The kid runs past the women singing and playing dholak... Past the men sit sipping tea and smoking beedis...

THE BRIDE’S ROOM:

A BRIDE decked in OTT jewellery. Dowry items like jewellery sets, gold coins, 2-in-1 etc displayed in front of her.

A PHOTOGRAPHER takes a photo as the MOTHER keeps a close watch. The kid tries to sneak in when the mother hits him.

BRIDE’S MOTHERKuttey bhaag yehaan se...

The kid runs away, taking the stairs. He reaches up to -

THE TERRACE:

Runs straight up to the parapet. Looks out.

The modest town lies in front of him. And somewhere in the far distance - a file of men in police uniform.

EXT. VILLAGE, WATER TANK - DAY

The men - our gang - silently march past the water tank where-

TWO OLD MEN IN CATARACT GLASSES sit listening to a radio news on the situation of ‘Emergency’ in the country.

The gang marches past them.

Up ahead - Vakil Singh ruffles Sheetla’s hair.

7.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPVAKIL SINGH

Jo ho gavo so ho gavo. Ab aage ki soch lalla.

The baby-faced Sheetla nods at him - Grave. Nervous.

EXT. VILLAGE, LANE - DAY

A lane, at the end of which lies - the wedding venue.

In the lane - A parked yellow bus. Plastered on it - slogans. Discipline, progress, marching forward under Mrs G.

As the gang reaches there, Man Singh comes up to Lakhna.

MAN SINGH Lakhna! Tain aath aadmi le ke pani tanki chalo jaa... sadak par najar rakhne ke layi.


LAKHNAApne Lakhna par se bharoso uth gavo kaa Dadda?

Man Singh smiles.

MAN SINGHKal nadi naare tain ne kachu dikho thho?

Lakhna - surprised.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Jo tohe dikh raho, oo hee mohe dikh raho. Ab bhi poochhego ki bharoso hai ki nahi?

He presses Lakhna's shoulder. Nods at him.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Pato hai jarurat padne par tain jaa bhi hogo aa jaavego.

And then in one swift motion, Man Singh swings around, takes out his loudhailer and walks towards the venue, announcing -

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Brahmpuri waalan, je Baaghi Man Singh ko gang haigo. Jee uthaane ki koi darkaar na hai. Hamein saanti se apno kaam karan devein.

People all around react to the announcement. Some rush away, some huddle back.

8.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPThe gang moves forward, their guns now off the shoulders - looking around - at the houses, people, terraces.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Auratan apne moora moori ke le ke bheetar chali jaavein. Aadmi jahaan hain wahi baithe revein. Jo khalifa banego... gaand pe goli khaavego.

They move towards the wedding venue.

TWO RIFLE-TOTING MEN at the gates. One of them tries to fire. Vakil Singh fires first. The man goes down.

The other one drops his gun and raises his hands. BHOORA hits him on the head. He passes out.


As Man Singh enters the courtyard -

The men freeze. The women scream and huddle in a corner.

MAN SINGH Byaah ko kamro kaun so hai, jiji?

One of the women points tentatively in a direction.


Lakhna and his men keep a watch. No disturbance in sight. The old men continue to listen to the emergency news.

Lakhna - his eyes alert - does a little hand trick and a ‘lemonchoos’ appears in his hand. He flicks it in his mouth.


BRIDAL ROOM: The gang stands looking at all the jewellery on display as the bride cries her lungs out.

MAN SINGHMoori ne jo peheno hai vaa ne koi haath na lagavego. Ae Vakila, jaa ke haath mein apni taraf se najar de. 101 rupiya.

As Vakil Singh gives the bemused bride the money, the gang starts packing up the jewellery and other dowry items.

IN THE COURTYARD: BRIDE'S FATHER folds his hands at Man Singh as he emerges out. Man Singh folds his hands back at him.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Nagdi deyi do toh chale, maharaj.

9.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPThe man passes out. Man Singh grabs him just in time.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Kursi do koi.

Someone from the family brings a chair for Man Singh.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Mohe na lalla, jaa ne de kursi.

He helps the man sit down.

Man Singh looks around. All quiet. All going as per the plan.

EXT. WEDDING VENUE, TERRACE - DAY

The frisky kid. Watching it all from above. He notices -

Something on the terrace across the lane. Some movement.

Curious, he moves closer to that side. And calls out -

FRISKY KIDKaun haigo?

Beat. A face emerges. It's a mean looking cop in a buzz cut, holding a semi-automatic rifle - VIRENDER SINGH GUJJAR.

Gujjar puts a finger over his lips. Shhh... Something about those cold eyes that makes the kid back away.

Gujjar turns - Hiding next to him on the terrace - a dozen constables. He nods at the one with the wireless headset.

EXT. VILLAGE TERRACE - DAY

Another terrace. The one on the other side of the house. A dozen or so cops there as well.

EXT. VILLAGE, LANE - DAY

The parked yellow bus with motivational slogans. Sitting on the floor of it - a dozen or so cops. One of them has got his headphones on. The wireless crackles.


Lakhna and his men near the water tank. Something's bothering Lakhna. He looks around. His eyes go to - the bus.

He starts walking towards it, sucking at his lemonchoos.

But before he could get there - the door flings open and cops jump out - holding guns.

10.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPLakhna gives out a WARNING SHOUT -

LAKHNABAIRI BEIMAAN, BAAGHI SAAVDHAAN!

And fires - Bang. Bang. Two cops go down.

The other cops take cover behind the bus. And fire back.

Lakhna jumps and evades the bullets as - His men take positions and start shooting back.

EXT. WEDDING VENUE - DAY

Just as the gang emerges into the courtyard with gunny bags, they are surprised to hear - gunshots in the distance.

VAKIL SINGHDadda... nikalno padego.

Man Singh looks at the gates.

AT THE GATES:

Bhoora and a few men run out of the house to check.

Only to run into - fierce shooting from the cops in the lane.

The men retaliate just as hard. Pushing the cops back.

But then - shooting starts from the terraces above.

Fuck. They are totally exposed in the lane. 3-4 men go down. Bhoora and the rest rush back into the courtyard.

Vakil Singh rushes threateningly to the bride's father.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Maadarchod, mukhbiri karego hum se?

BRIDE’S FATHER(begging)

Moora ki kasam maharaj, hamein kachhu na pato. Hum se toh bas je kahi Daroga ne ki aas pados mein do chaar aadmi bithaavenge, ki koi oonch neech na ho jaave.

Vakil Singh is not buying it. The other gang members too slap and kick the men, threatening to shoot.

Man Singh fires in the air to stop the fracas.

MAN SINGHDimaag kitt chhod aaye? Jaa ne pato hoto toh auratan mooran ne bitha ke rakhte ghar pe?

11.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPThe gang looks at him.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Gharwaalan ko ek aadmi naa marego aaj. Kaa samjhe? AREY SAMJHE KE NAHI SAMJHE?

The gang backs off. Man Singh turns to the family -

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Bheetar jaao saare... JAAO!

As they scurry into the rooms, a voice booms on a loudhailer -

VIRENDER GUJJAR (O.S.)Man Singh, tor khel ho gavo khatam. Apne logan se keh bandookein patke aur gali mein murga ban jaavein.

Vakil Singh screams and fires back in the direction of the terrace from where the sound is coming.

Man Singh is calm though as he instructs his men.

MAN SINGHBandookan utaaro, morcha sambhaalo. Vakil Singh, kiwaad par chah rifle, do SLR. Gali mein se koi andar na aavego. Baaki chalo upar chhat par.

The men run as instructed. Man Singh notices - Sheetla - who stands stunned in a corner.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Ae Sheetla, kaa bhayo? Arey baaghi hai tu. Baaghian ke jaiso ladte ladte marego toh pooro Chambal jaikaara dego. Baaghi Sheetla Prasad ki... Jai! Kaa samjho?

He takes Sheetla's hand and they rush upstairs.


As they reach upstairs, they realize that -

The cops are using wooden planks between terrace parapets to cross over to this side.

Man Singh and gang start firing.

A few cops on the planks get hit and fall off the terrace. The rest of the cops retaliate.

A few of Man Singh’s men go down. The rest take cover behind whatever they can find.

12.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPVirender sprays bullets all around with a calm intensity.

EXT. WEDDING VENUE / LANE - DAY

Vakil Singh and men are trying hard to stop the cops from advancing in the lanes.

VAKIL SINGH(screams)

Patli daal khaane waalo... tohe kacheheri lagey bahinchod.

But there are too many of them. And the firing from the terraces is not helping their cause either.

Vakil’s men get pushed back into the house. A couple who get adventurous get shot.

The cops start to advance - slowly but surely.

THE OTHER END OF THE LANE:

Lakhna notices it. Looks around. Then shouts at Natthi -

LAKHNANatthi, dekh aage na badhne paaye!

He turns around and disappears on the other side - away from the fighting - before Natthi can understand what he is up to.


A few cops manage to jump on to this terrace and take positions. Now Man Singh has to engage with firing from various angles.

Men scream. Bullets and abuses fly.

Balak Ram notices - a plank from which more cops are threatening to come. He moves towards it to throw it away.

But - he gets hit.

Man Singh rushes up to him. Tries to pull him away. In the process - he has exposed himself. Bullets fly around Man Singh. But he keeps pulling Balak Ram away - towards safety. Almost there. And just then -

Bang. A bullet pierces into Man Singh’s stomach.

Man Singh still manages to pull Balak Ram back behind cover. And then leans on the wall himself. Struggling. Hurting.

Bhoora rushes up to him.

13.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPBHOORA

Dadda? Theek ho?

MAN SINGHArey sarkaari goli se bhi koi marey hai kabahu? In ke toh bas vaadan se marey hain log.

He turns around and fires a few times. Then takes a breather.

Fuck, it really hurts. Man Singh lets out a grunting laugh to shake it off and fire again.

EXT. VILLAGE LANES / VILLAGE HOUSE - DAY

An empty village lane. Lakhna runs in it like a madman.

He comes to a stop in front of - A house. The door - Locked.

Lakhna moves back. Gains momentum. And -

CRASH! He breaks down the door. Only to find himself in the courtyard, staring at -

A gun. It’s A MAN standing guard to his house.

From the grills of a window behind - his wife watches in panic, urging him to calm down. Somewhere, a kid cries.

Lakhna freezes. Looks the man in the eye - cautious.

LAKHNADekh. Bas chhat pe jaano hai.

MAN WITH THE GUNPolicewaalo hai ke baaghi?

Lakhna pulls his gun up.

LAKHNADobara mat poochhiyo. Baaghiyan ki rifle jaldi booro maan jaavat hai.

Beat. The man looks at Lakhna.

MAN WITH THE GUNSune sandook bhar sono de raho sunaar.

(beat)Mor moori ko jab byaah bhayo, ek kanthi ke layi jameen tak girvi rakhwa li je sunaaran ne.

The man spits on the ground. And slowly brings his gun down.

Lakhna nods. And rushes up the staircase.

14.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPEXT. VILLAGE TERRACES / LANE - DAY

Lakhna runs across the conjoint terraces. Till he reaches the point where he can overlook the lane in which - The cops are moving towards the wedding venue.

Lakhna starts shooting from that vantage point.

2-3 cops go down before the rest can understand what's going on. Some turn around and start firing at him.

This gives Vakil a chance to get out of the gates and fire.

Natthi and Khalifa also move in closer - firing.

The cops feel the heat. Lakhna brings another one or two down before realizing - the gun has gone empty. Lakhna jumps down -

Taking a cop tumbling along. Before he can recover, Lakhna hits him with the butt of the rifle. And grabs his gun.

Even as some of the cops fire at him, Lakhna runs towards the house - crisscrossing, dodging their bullets, firing back.

Vakil Singh and Natthi move closer from both sides, trapping the remaining cops.


Birds of prey circle overhead as -

More cops have crossed and taken position on this terrace.

Man Singh stops firing to reload his gun. Notices all around - bodies. Many of the gang are dead. Some are badly injured.

Bhoora looks at Man Singh. Realizes - His wound looks real bad and the bleeding has increased. But Man Singh seems to be possessed as he shakes his head to remain focussed.

Man Singh reloads and turns around to shoot. But just when he is about to fire, he stops. For he has seen something.

Sitting on the parapet - that little girl from his dreams. Bullets flying around her as she stares right at Man Singh.

A stunned Man Singh just remains where he is - forgetting to fire, forgetting to duck back. He is open target.

And Virender Gujjar notices it. Bang-bang-bang goes his SLR.

The bullets rip into Man Singh and he falls back hard.

Bhoora shouts. Runs out. But Gujjar’s shots push him back.

Gujjar jumps on to the plank. And starts walking towards this terrace - Taking men down with his precise shots.

15.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPGujjar jumps over. Walks up to Man Singh.

Points his gun at him. And - click! It’s empty.

Man Singh lets out a sad smile.

Gujjar grabs Man Singh, lifts him up. Looks him in the eye.

MAN SINGHBhool chook maaf, Daroga.

THE COURTYARD: Lakhna enters the house running in, shouting -

LAKHNADadda, raasta saaf ho gavo...

Which is when - Gujjar pushes Man Singh off the terrace.

And everything goes SLO. And a SONG kicks in - A dreamy, moody version of the ‘baaghi’ song you heard earlier.

Thud! The body lands on the hard floor and a pool of blood starts to form around it.

Lakhna just stands there - Staring at it with disbelief.

His eyes go up to - Gujjar. Gujjar brings his gun up. But then he stops himself - probably remembering it’s not loaded.

Just then - Vakil Singh comes rushing in. He notices -

Man Singh’s dead body. Lakhna standing there. And Gujjar with his gun in his hands - but not firing at Lakhna.

Natthi and Khalifa enter. Natthi pulls Lakhna back - just in time before the other cops start firing.

Natthi screams at Lakhna - but we hear NOTHING. Lakhna tries to pull himself out of Natthi's grip but Natthi won't let go.

Khalifa fires at the cops to push them back, SCREAMING at the terraces, signalling the men to come down.

A few gang members from the terrace come running down.

As they run through the courtyard, cops fire from above. Some go down. Some manage to make it out into the lane.

EXT. WEDDING VENUE / LANE - DAY

The SONG continues as a dazed Lakhna runs down the lane.

Dead bodies all around. Walls splattered with blood and flesh. Pools of dirty red on the ground.

As they run, they notice - some of their gang members lying injured. They pull them up and help them run along.

16.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPThe cops emerge out of the house - firing at them.

Some of the men turn around to fire to keep them at bay.

Lakhna notices - the bus.

He peeps in - the keys are there. Lakhna shouts at them.

They jump in as Lakhna takes the steering.

And drives away - Leaving behind the firing cops.

FROM THE TERRACE:

Gujjar watches as the bus make its way out of the village.

EXT. RAVINES, STF OUTPOST - DAY

A tent of the Special Task Force in the middle of nowhere.

Virender Gujjar sits outside on a chair, smoking a cigarette.

His cold eyes on - a tractor standing there.

An O.S. conversation over wireless receiver RUNS OVER -

SP’S VOICE (V.O.)Bahot achche, Virender Singh. Over.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (V.O.)Shaabashi mein samay hai, Janaab... Aadha gang abhi bacha hai. Over.

SP’S VOICE (V.O.)Koi arrest wagairah? Over.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (V.O.)Nahi, janaab. 18 ke 18 mrit. Over.

Gujjar gets up. Walks towards the tractor.

The CONSTABLES turn to take a look as he -

Jumps on to the carrier. On it - the 18 ‘dead’ bodies.

We notice - a movement. One of them is still alive.

SP’S VOICE (O.S.)Singh... tum ise apna niji maamla toh nahi bana rahe? Over.

Gujjar takes out his gun, puts it in the mouth of the dacoit.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (V.O.)Kattayi nahi. Janaab ka farmaan hai chambal saaf karne ka... wahi nibha raha hoon. Over and out.

17.

Mohini- Film

Companion

8th April, 2019

RSVPBANG. He fires.

EXT. GUJJAR VILLAGE - DAY

A sleepy village. A community well in the middle of it.

On it, an engraving - 'Samast Gujjar bhaiyon ko samarpit - Balkhandiya Gujjar'.

Virender Gujjar slowly rides the tractor into the village.

A pole has been stuck on it. And strung over it - Man Singh's body. The other bodies lie in a heap on the carrier.

A couple of villagers notice. They get up and move closer.

One of them recognizes Man Singh. Fury rises on his face. He spits at his body. Then runs up to look at -

Virender Gujjar who just continues to drive ahead stoically.

The man touches Gujjar’s feet, and lets out an angry scream.

More men come out of the houses. Similar reactions of rage.

And then women emerge with thaalis, which they beat with ladles - like celebrating a good news.

The sound rises in intensity. So does the crowd frenzy.

An OLD LADY takes Virender Gujjar's 'balaiyyan'.

Now we realize - almost all the men have similar spiky hair, like they all went bald a few weeks ago.

A young man picks up a stone. Hurls it at Man Singh's body.

Other men too get encouraged. They all start throwing stones at the body - hitting it all over.

RIDING BEHIND IN THE POLICE JEEP:

Constables KOK SINGH and BADLU SINGH. The young Badlu hisses -

BADLU SINGHMar toh gavo. Ab kaa giddhan ke jaise nochenge bhi je Gujjar jaa ne?

The older Kok Singh is calm though as he recites -

KOK SINGHSaanp khaavego choohe ke, Saanp ke khaavego giddh,Je hee niyam duniya ko, Keh gaye saadhu siddh.

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RSVPBADLU SINGH

Kakku, insaan haigo je bhi. Thakur haigo.

KOK SINGHGujjaran ko gaon, Gujjaran ko daroga. Itt kachhu bolego bhateej, toh naukri se bhi jaavego aur jaan se bhi. Fer mat kahiyo ki ‘kakku, tain ne roko nahi’.

People come in front of the jeep. Badlu honks.

The caravan rides on.

BY A WINDOW SOMEWHERE: Silhouette of a GIRL. She watches the caravan go by.

EXT. THE EDGE OF RAVINES - DAY

The yellow bus with the slogans stands alone on the horizon.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

The tired gang - the 15-16 men left - run in the ravines. The injured ones are being supported by the others.

They reach - a particularly steep incline.

As they try to climb it - A couple of them slip. The others help pull them up, along with the injured.

Once up - They slump down on the ground - exhausted. And just sit there - stunned.

A couple of them break down. Bhoora slaps his forehead.

BHOORARe Dadda... Marey saanp ne das liyo dadda ke...

VAKIL SINGHLachchu haigo oo saanp. Aur oo zinda hai.

Lakhna lights up a beedi.

LAKHNALachchu ke ghar basayo hai Dadda ne. Oo na kar sakey je dhoka.

BHOORALachchu tor bhai laagat hai na rishtey mein?

Lakhna looks at him sharply - but doesn't say anything.

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RSVPVAKIL SINGH

Loot ke bakhat tain kahaan tho Lakhna?

Lakhna still refuses to answer. Puffs at his beedi quietly.

BHOORAJawaab de, Lakhna.

LAKHNAAisi baat ko jawaab rifle se diyo jaato hai, Bhoora. Kahe toh doon?

Bhoora and Lakhna stare at each other. The tension builds. The others too look at Lakhna questioningly.

Bhoora points at Natthi and Khalifa.

BHOORAIn mein se koi na dikha upar.

Natthi stops twirling his moustache and jumps up with his rifle. Khalifa rushes to stop him.

NATTHIHamein Dadda ne aap bhejo thho paani tanki par. Samjho, moorichod? Aur itt jo khade hain na, ee layi khade hain ki Lakhna ne bachaayo hai.

Bhoora too points his gun at Natthi. Khalifa pushes him away.

Some rush to help Bhoora. Natthi and Khalifa are pushed back.

Angry shouts. The guns swing around threateningly. Something might just happen here.

Lakhna throws away his beedi. Rushes to the middle of the stand off - pushing both sides back.

LAKHNADimaag fir gavo tain sab ko? Ek doosran ko maaroge ab...

(points at the injured)Haalat dekho jaa ki.

The men back off - reluctant.

Lakhna inspects the bullet wound in Balak Ram’s stomach.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Jaldi haspatal na le gaye toh jeher faiyl jaago.

Natthi hacks at a bush with his gun in frustration.

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RSVPNATTHI

Lakhna ne kahi thi Dadda se. Je bakhat loot ko na hai...

VAKIL SINGHToh aur kaa karte Dadda? Aur koi raasta thho?

LAKHNASurrender.

Everyone's surprised at that. Vakil turns to stare at Lakhna.

VAKIL SINGHKayin?

LAKHNADholpur ke kaptaan ne chhutta nyota do hai ki surrender karne waale baaghian ke sang insaaf kiyo jaago. Je hum border paar Rajasthan nikal jaavein -

A furious Vakil Singh grabs Lakhna by the collar.

VAKIL SINGHInsaaf karegi police? Jinda phenk diyo Dadda ke chhat par se. Vaa insaaf karegi?

Lakhna pushes him back.

LAKHNAVaa STF thhi. Je Rajasthan Police haigi. Farak samajh, Vakil Singh.

VAKIL SINGHKaanoon kacheheri naa sikha mohe, Lakhna. Seedhe je kyun na kehto ki tor gaand fat rahi.

Lakhna looks him in the eye.

LAKHNAItto so vi paschataap na hai tohe, humne jo karo vaa ke baad?

Vakil Singh can't hold Lakhna's glaze.

VAKIL SINGHArey hai paschataap. Par oo ko matlab je toh na hai ki baaghi apno dharam chhod de.

LAKHNADadda se poochho. Toh se vi poochto hoon. Baaghi ko dharam kaa haigo, Vakil Singh?

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RSVPAs Vakil speaks, his voice becomes increasingly passionate.

VAKIL SINGHBeehadan mein jeeno, aur jehin beehadan mein jaan de deno. Jaat biradari ki raksha karno. Peeth dikha ke bhaagno nahi, chhati pe goli khaano. Je dharam haigo baaghi ko. Aur je hee dharam nibhaayo Dadda Man Singh ne aaj.

(shouts out aloud)Bhenchod nibhaayo ke nahi nibhaayo?

BHOORA(shouts out)

Sardaar Man Singh ki...

GANG(chorus)

JAI!

Then Bhoora takes up Vakil Singh's arm and raises it -

BHOORASardaar Vakil Singh ki...

In the same breath, the gang goes for...

GANGJAI!

BANG. BANG. BANG. Guns fire in the air in salute.

Natthi and Khalifa look at Lakhna - who is stoic.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Late evening. A long, eerie shadow of a dead tree on the hard sand of the ravines.

Two shadows cross it - one of them, carrying a rifle.

Surprisingly - it’s a woman - INDUMATI, about 30. And along with her- a 12-year old girl, SONCHIRIYA. And they both seem in a tearing hurry.

The girl looks like she’s in serious pain but Indu is dragging her along, urging her to move faster.

And just then - Indu hears a few voices. She stops. Looks around in panic. Then moves ahead cautiously - the gun trained.

They reach a thick growth of bushes. Only to notice - across it - a file of men walking past.

Close. Dangerously close.

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RSVPIndu quickly pulls Sonchiriya down. Sonchiriya clings to her like a scared deer as the two sit there breathless - watching the feet marching past.

Soon - the feet disappear. Indu sighs in relief.

And just then - someone parts the bushes with his rifle.

Indu looks up to see - Lakhna staring at them.

Indu stands up in a flash - and brings her gun up.

LAKHNABandook neeche kar, moori.

A nervous Indu looks at him.

INDUHamein kachhu karo toh goli maar doongi.

From behind - Vakil Singh and the rest appear.

VAKIL SINGHJe thakuran ko gang hai. Auratan ki hum ijjat karat hain, samjhi? Bandook neeche kar.

Indu keeps the gun up, trying hard to appear in control.

LAKHNAAur je beehad koi auratan ke aane ki jagah hai?

Before Indu can reply, Sonchiriya cries out in pain.

INDUJaa ke sang galat kaam bhayo. Haalat kharaab hai bechaari ki. Haspatal jaano hai...

LAKHNAToh ghar ke marad kitt mar gave?

Indu looks at him. And takes her time before -

INDUKoi na bache. Sab ke maar do haraamjaadan ne.... Jameen ko chakkar raho. Main paani bharne gayi rahi so bach gayi... Ab bhi dhoondh rahe hain hum ne. Jaa ke layi toh beehad bhaag aaye.

Vakil Singh and Lakhna look at each other.

VAKIL SINGHKaun biradari ho?

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RSVPINDU

Thakur.

Vakil Singh points to the girl.

VAKIL SINGHAur je?

INDUJe? Je behen hai meri.

Her gun comes down as she looks at Vakil with pleading eyes.

INDU (CONT’D)Hum logan ne aspatal pahuncha do bhai. Vaa ke haath lag gaye toh chhodenge naa humne...

Vakil Singh looks at her. Lakhna notices - Sonchiriya’s fingers digging into Indu's shoulders. She's in obvious pain.

BHOORAJe ek museebat aur na paal sakey ee bakhat.

NATTHIHum ne bhi aspatal jaano hai. Dono sang chal legi toh kaa ho jaago?

VAKIL SINGHBhoora theek keh ro hai.

LAKHNADekh le... Thakuran ki moori hai.

Vakil Singh notices- The gang seems to have taken note of it.

Lakhna walks on, casually lifting the rifle on his shoulders.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Baaghi ko dharam jaat biradari ki raksha karno hove hai na?

EXT. RAVINES - NIGHT

The gang walks in the ravines. The women are with them.

Sonchiriya walks, supported by Indu. She loses her footing and stumbles. Sonchiriya clutches Lakhna’s arm for support.

Their eyes meet. Lakhna turns and walks away, awkward.

Bhoora watches him go.

Far in the distance - a few lights of a small town appear.

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RSVPEXT. SMALL TOWN, OUTSKIRTS - NIGHT

Late night. Not much sign of life. A stray dog barks O.S.

The gang - broken up into smaller groups of 4-5 each - walks at a safe distance from one another.

INT. BHADORIYA’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Dark. From somewhere O.S. - sound of a door being knocked.

Finally, a figure stirs on the floor. Soon, a light comes up.

We're in the kitchen and it's a 16-17 year old boy GOPAL.


The main door. Gopal opens it. Only to find himself looking at - Lakhna.

Lakhna pushes him aside and enters, gun in his hands.

Throws a quick look around the room - all clear. The kitchen - only the unmade bed of Gopal.

GOPALDadda ki khabar mili... sune 15-20 maare gave...

Lakhna ignores him. Enters the bedroom. Switches on the bulb.

The young DOCTOR BHADORIYA sleeps there. On the table next to the bed - an almost empty bottle of rum.

Lakhna walks past Bhadoriya and lifts a ragged carpet off the floor to reveal - a trapdoor.

Lakhna lifts the door to see a tunnel path. He shuts it and turns to Gopal.

LAKHNAUtha jaa ne.

GOPALMoh se toh na uth raho.

Lakhna gives him a glare. Gopal shakes his head. And then moves forward to -

SLAP Bhadoriya. Who stirs a little. And goes back to sleep.

Gopal looks at Lakhna - See?

Lakhna grabs Bhadoriya's hand. And drags him off the bed.

THUD! Bhadoriya falls on the ground - jolting out of sleep.

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RSVPDisoriented - he looks around.

BHADORIYAKaun... kaun hai bhonsadi waalo?

As Lakhna drags him to the bathroom, he mumbles incoherently-

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Kitt... kitt le ja ro hai? Arey ae?

BATHROOM:

A bucket of water. Lakhna grabs Bhadoriya's head and dunks it in the water. Keeps it there.

Bhadoriya starts to struggle. But Lakhna still keeps him down there. Muffled sounds from inside.

Even Gopal starts to panic. Lakhna finally lets go of Bhadoriya - letting him pull his head out with a loud gasp.

Bhadoriya sits there, looking at Lakhna, regaining his breath. And his composure.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Dabish zor par hai. Sune daaktaran pe bhi najar rakh rahi police.

Lakhna ignores him and walks out. Bhadoriya rushes after him.

OUTSIDE:

As Lakhna walks towards the main door - Bhadoriya catches up.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Tor jehaan rehno theek na hai...

Lakhna opens the main door. Makes a bird call with his hands.

Bhadoriya pulls at his shoulder.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Tu je bakhat toh jaa Lakhna. Kal main aa jaaungo beehadan mein.

Lakhna turns around and grabs him by his neck. Pins him to the wall - next to the 'Garv se kaho tum Rajput ho' stickers.

From that position - Bhadoriya watches nervously as about 7-8 gang members walk in, helping the injured and the women. The rest take positions in the lane outside.

LAKHNAHaathi aur baaghi kachhu na bhoolat hain, daagdar. Aaj jo ehsaan karego, do janam yaad ravego.

Bhadoriya finally nods. Lakhna lets go of him.

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RSVPBhadoriya bangs the door shut. Then looks at the injured who have been put on the floor of his modest drawing room.

BHADORIYAGopal, peti le ke aa!

As Gopal brings the kit - Bhadoriya checks the injured.

The men first. Then the girl.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Je kaun hai?

VAKIL SINGHApne thakuran ki moori hai. Galat kaam bhayo bechaari ke sang.

Indu steals a glance at Lakhna as Bhadoriya instructs the men-

BHADORIYAMoori ne andar le jaao...

He scribble a few things on a piece of paper.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Gopal... Clinic jaa bhaj ke... je dawai aur aujaar laane hain.

As Gopal takes the paper and is about to rush out - Vakil Singh looks at Bhoora - who shuts the door back.

VAKIL SINGHBaahar koi na jaa raho.

Bhadoriya looks at Vakil Singh in the eye.

BHADORIYAJo ek daagdar pe bharoso na hai, toh ek Thakur pe kar le Vakil.

Vakil finally gives in. Nods at Bhoora - who opens the door.

KITCHEN:

A knife in a hot water container over the LPG gas.

Bhoora brings the container from the kitchen to Bhadoriya who-

Pulls out the knife. Works on the bullet wound of Balak Ram.

EXT. OUTSIDE BHADORIYA’S CLINIC - NIGHT

A hand-painted poster of ‘Sholay’ on the wall outside.

Gopal reaches the clinic. As he tries to open the shutter -

A jeep screeches to a halt behind. A cop gets down.

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RSVPGopal turns. The cop looks at him. Then points at the poster.

COP IN JEEPKaisi hai je saneema? Tain ne toh dekh rakhi hogi...

GOPALJabarjast. Daaku saaley haath kaat devat hain police waale ke. Aur fer Jai Veeru mil ke badlo levat hain...

COP IN JEEPAchcha? Toh chal main Jai, tain Veeru. Aa ja badlo lete hain dakuan se.

Gopal lets out a shy, self-conscious smile. Kinda cute!


Lakhna stands at the door watching Bhadoriya check on Sonchiriya with Indu's help.

As Indu lifts Sonchiriya's skirt, Lakhna turns his face away.

Bhadoriya winces in disgust and covers his nose as a foul smell emanates in the room.

BHADORIYATch tch tch... jinaawar saale!

INDUBach toh jaavegi na?

Bhadoriya looks unsure.

BHADORIYAGehra ghaav hai. Aant se bhi khoon beh raho hai. Jaa ki toh surgery karni padegi. Shaayad bachchadaani bhi nikaalni padey.

Indu looks in despair as Bhadoriya administers an injection.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Abhi toh injection de ro hoon, thodo dard kam ho jaagveo. Par jaa ne badey haspatal le jaano padego. Gwalior ya Dholpur. Aur time khoti mati karey... operation 48 ghante ke andar hee karwa le. Varna mushkil hai moori ko bachno.

He remembers something and checks his watch. Mutters -

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RSVPBHADORIYA (CONT’D)

Gopal kitt reh gavo?

Just as he is turning away, he notices something. He stops.

Indu realizes what he is looking at - a tattoo on Sonchiriya's arm. She quickly tries to cover it but he shrugs her hand away.

And as he looks at it again - his eyes widen in anger.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)VAKIL SINGH!

Lakhna tries to understand what's going on. He looks at Indu - who slumps in a corner.

As Vakil Singh appears -

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Jaa moori ke mor ghar mein laane ki sochi kaise Vakil Singh?

VAKIL SINGHKaa bhayo daagdar?

A fuming Bhadoriya is about to grab Sonchiriya's arm. But stops himself.

He looks around and finds a towel. Then uses that to hold Sonchiriya's arm and turn it around for Vakil Singh to see.

Now we see the tattoo on her arm - 'Sonchiriya Jhirsa'.

BHADORIYAJe bhayo. Jhirsa hai je moori.

Vakil Singh - stunned. He looks at Lakhna - who’s equally surprised.

Bhadoriya grabs Vakil Singh's collar.

BHADORIYA (CONT’D)Arey laano hee thho toh clinic le aate, Gopal check up kar leto... par ghar mein? Ek achhoot ne?

Vakil Singh pushes Bhadoriya away angrily - Who rushes to the bathroom to wash his hands and legs.

Vakil Singh turns to glare at - Indu.

INDUMaayi kasam main tor jaat ki hoon bhai. Ghardori gaon se. Je bechaari-

Vakil slaps her. Indu struggles in his grip.

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RSVPLakhna rushes to her defence.

LAKHNAVakil chhod kaa kar ro hai... aurat jaat haigi.

Vakil Singh pushes him back.

VAKIL SINGHTain ne kahi thhi na jaa ne sang laane ki?

BHOORAImaan dol gavo hogo Lakhan Singh ko. Khus phus kar rahe thhe dono chalte chalte.

LAKHNABHOORA!

BHOORAKayin pato aur kayin jhooth kaho hai jaa ne... ho sakey police ki mukhbir ho?

And then, as if on cue - O.S. sound of gunshots from outside.

It takes everyone by surprise. Someone barges from the doors.

GANGMEMBERPOLICE AA GAYI!

Panic rises in the room. Anger. SHOUTS.

Bhadoriya walks out of the bathroom, having heard the sound.

Vakil Singh puts his gun on Bhadoriya's chest.

VAKIL SINGHKaa kahi thhi maine? Koi baahar na jaavego. Kahi thhi ki nahi?

BHADORIYA(trying to calm him)

Dekh... dhokho karno hoto toh moora ne kyun bhejto? Aape na jaato?

Vakil Singh slams Bhadoriya hard against the wall. Bhadoriya slumps down on the ground.

LAKHNA(shouts)

Vakil, ee bakhat nikalne ki soch.

Just then - out of nowhere - RAT-A-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT.

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RSVPThe incessant firing of a machine gun. Window panes break. Glass flies. Bullets ricochet and lodge into furniture and ceiling. Women scream.

A couple of men get hit. Others crash to the ground flat on their stomachs to evade the assault.

Vakil Singh lies on the ground - anger on his face. His eyes go to - the two women. He waits for the rain of bullets to pause. And just as it does -

Vakil grabs Indu by the hair and pulls her up at the window.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Vakila kaa kar ro hai?

VAKIL SINGH(shouts)

DAROGA! Aurat bachche hain ghar mein. Goli chalaawego toh jaa ki bhi jaan jaavegi.

OUTSIDE IN THE LANE:

THE COPS pause their firing - unsure what to do.

They look at Virender Gujjar. Waiting for his orders.

In response - Virender Gujjar picks up his loudhailer.

VIRENDER GUJJARThakur, aaj tain bhi marego, aur tor family bhi.

And then Gujjar resumes firing his machine gun - RAT-A-TAT-TAT-TAT.

Indu screams. Lakhna pulls her back just in time.

Badlu and Kok Singh look at their boss with disbelief as Gujjar continues to fire with nonchalance.

A couple of gang members go down. Vakil Singh and the rest duck back in the house to evade the sharp volley of bullets.


The scared women - still screaming.

Bhadoriya sits on the ground, holding his head in shock.

Crouching - Lakhna rushes inside to the back of the house,. Bhadoriya notices him and goes after.

IN THE BEDROOM:

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RSVPThe screaming bullets fly around as Lakhna pushes the carpet aside. Underneath - on the floor - the iron trapdoor.

He lifts it. It reveals a hole and a crude underground path.

BHADORIYADeewar paar gali mein nikalego. Jaldi karo saare.

VAKIL SINGH (O.S.)Koi faaydo na hai.

They look at him. He’s peeping out of the window. They rush to it to see what he’s looking at.

IN THE BACK LANE: SIX COPS stand a few meters away from the house, with their guns aimed at a spot on the ground. Probably the place where the underground path comes out.

Bhadoriya cries out in frustration -

BHADORIYAMADARCHOD GOPAL!

Vakil brings his gun up to shoot at the cops. But -

Lakhna stops him. There seems to be something on his mind.

LAKHNASab ne le ke nikal, Vakila.

Vakil Singh looks at him - confused. But Lakhna’s gone.

OUTSIDE IN THE FRONT LANE:

The police guns continue to blaze. The noise - deafening. A few gang members try to hold them at bay with counter fire.

INSIDE THE HOUSE:

ANGLE ON the LPG cylinder being dragged on the floor. As Lakhna drags it from the kitchen to the room -

Bhadoriya watches in confusion. But Vakil seems to have got the plan. He shouts out -

VAKIL SINGHEE TARAF SE CHALO SAARE.

The men respond. Vakil jumps into the hole, and the rest follow him one by one.

Bhadoriya is still confused as he sees Lakhna put the cylinder next to the back wall of the bedroom.

Lakhna rushes as far back as he can and takes aim.

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RSVPLAKHNA

Ek deewar udhaar rahi, daagdar!

Bhadoriya’s eyes go wide in horror as he realises. A SCREAM -

BHADORIYALAKHNA!

And suddenly, it all goes SILENT. And SLOW.

IN THE BACK LANE - The cops. Their guns pointed at the ground.

IN THE TUNNEL - Vakil Singh. Waiting with his gun held tight.

IN THE FRONT LANE - Gujjar stops his machine gun momentarily. Sensing something amiss.

IN THE DRAWING ROOM - Indu realises. She covers Sonchiriya protectively and cowers in a corner.

Lakhna - his finger on the trigger. He presses it.

EXT. LANE BEHIND BHADORIYA’S HOUSE - NIGHT

BOOM. The back wall explodes.

Debris. Flames.

Four of the six cops go flying.

And before the other two can recover - Vakil Singh emerges out of the tunnel. And shoots them down.


A cloud of dust. It settles to make way for -

A big hole in the wall and on the ceiling of the bedroom - parts of which have caved in. And a fire is breaking out.

Lakhna - covered in soot and dust, disoriented. He - or we - can hear nothing except a loud constant RINGING in the ears.

The women cough. Bhadoriya lets out a cry.

EXT. FRONT LANE OUTSIDE BHADORIYA’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Gujjar notices something amiss. And then it dawns on him.

And as he SHOUTS, the sound comes back to our ears -

VIRENDER GUJJARPARLI TARAF!

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RSVPINT. BHADORIYA’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Lakhna rushes towards the big hole in the wall when someone catches hold of his hand.

It’s Indu.

INDUHamahu le chal. Police ab chhodegi na hamein...

LAKHNADekh. Police ke sach sach bataaye de. Ghar pahoncha degi.

INDUGhar hee toh naa jaano.

Lakhna looks at her. At Sonchiriya. The two - scared. Lost.

Lakhna seems unsure as to what to do.

Just then, Indu screams. Lakhna turns to look.

Gujjar enters and brings his gun up to shoot at Lakhna.

Indu pushes Bhadoriya at him - who crashes into Gujjar and the gun goes tumbling out of his hands.

Lakhna looks at Indu. Then at a fuming Gujjar - who is reaching to grab his gun back.

Lakhna pounces on him. The two struggle. Gujjar punches Lakhna in the gut a couple of times but Lakhna manages to grab his head and crash it against the wall.

Gujjar goes down with the impact.

Lakhna looks at Indu. And grabs her hand -

LAKHNAChal jaldi!

Lakhna rushes out with Indu and Sonchiriya.

EXT. BACK LANE / OPEN FIELD / ROAD - NIGHT

The back lane. Beyond which lies - an open field.

Vakil Singh leads the gang through the darkness of the field.

Up ahead - a road emerges. Distant horns.

VAKIL SINGHSADAK TARAF!

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RSVPAnd then a pair of headlights appears in the distance. It's a pick up truck, coming towards them.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)ROK JAA NE!

Khalifa fires - shattering the windshield.

The driver brakes and the truck screeches to a stop. The engine stutters and dies.

As the gang runs towards it - the driver and the cleaner jump out and disappear in the darkness of the night.

Khalifa jumps in and grabs the steering. He tries to start the engine again.

The gang jumps on to the truck, grabbing at whatever they can - jumping in behind, climbing at the sides. And start to fire back to keep the cops at bay.

Vakil Singh climbs up and offers a hand to Sheetla.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Sheetla! Chadh ja lalla! Shaabash!

As Lakhna tries to help Indu and Sonchiriya climb up -

Bhoora brings his gun up at them.

BHOORAJe dono naa aa rahi.

LAKHNA(shouts)

Vakil Singh, je galat hai!

Vakil Singh - stoic. Bhoora keeps his gun there.

The cops - getting closer. The damn truck still won’t start.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Tor wajah se ab Daroga samajh ro hai ki je hamre sang hain. Donuan ke jehin goli maar dego.

BHOORAJe itto hee daya bhaav aa raho toh reh ja jaa ke sang aur basa le girhasthi.

An angry Lakhna brings his gun up at Bhoora.

The two guns trained at each other - even as the cop bullets continue to miss them by not much.

And just then the truck sputters to a start. Khalifa puts it in motion. The last of the gangmembers jump in.

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RSVPIndu - desperate now - runs behind the truck PLEADING to Vakil Singh - who just continues to stare at her.

INDUMaayi kasam bhai... Ghardori ki thakur hoon main... bhaiyya jhooth na bol rahi...

Something comes upon Vakil. He puts a hand on Bhoora's gun.

Bhoora looks at him - surprised. Then pulls the gun down.

Lakhna pushes the women up. And jumps in himself.

He notices - Natthi trying to help Balak Ram climb up.

Lakhna gives out his hand. Balak Ram tries to grab it. But -

A bullet hits him. Balak Ram tumbles down on the road.

Natthi tries to go for him - but the cops are close.

LAKHNACHAL NATTHI...

The truck has gathered speed. Lakhna helps Natthi climb up-

Just in time before the truck drives away.

They look at the receding figure of the cops. And that of Balak Ram - lying on the road as the cops reach up to him.

Virender Gujjar lets out an angry scream and swings the butt of his rifle.

It cracks open Balak Ram’s head.

EXT. MOVING TRUCK / ROAD - DAY

The sun has come out on the horizon as the truck rattles on.

The dozen or so left sit huddled at the back. Glum. Lost.

Lakhna's eyes go to Sonchiriya - Who lies with her head in Indu's lap, clutching her abdomen.

On Sonchiriya’s skirt - a patch of red. On her face - pain.

A couple of men sitting close to Sonchiriya sniff the air. Something foul. They look at Sonchiriya and move a little away in disgust.

The little girl turns her face away in shame.

Lakhna notices this. He comes close to Sonchiriya. Does his hand trick - and out comes a lemonchoos.

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RSVPA flicker of a smile appears on her face as she takes it. Indu smiles too.

Vakil Singh watches them keenly. And then announces -

VAKIL SINGHMaayi roothi hai. Darsan ke layi jaano padego.

The men look at him.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Parsad le ke wahin se nikal jaavenge beehadan mein.

Natthi gets up. Bangs on the driver's cabin to grab Khalifa's attention. And shouts -

NATTHIKhalifa! Pachrola jaano hai.

Indu looks worried as she whispers to Lakhna.

INDUPachrola? Mor gaon door na hai wahaan se...

Lakhna signals her to calm down. Notices - Bhoora's angry eyes on them.

BHOORALe ke toh aago hai. Ab jaa ko karno kaa hai vaa bhi soch le.

Lakhna looks away - Troubled.

EXT. DUSTY ROAD - DAY

In the distance - in the middle of nowhere - a temple. And beyond it - ravines.

The men walk in a file. Natthi and Khalifa help Sonchiriya.

VAKIL SINGHAas paas ke gaon mein koi ahir yadav hogo. Ek bakri le aa... maayi ke bali deni hai.

Indu seems worried as Lakhna and Natthi help Sonchiriya out.

INDUDaagdar ne kahi jyaada bakhat na hai jaa ke paas. Badey haspatal le ke jaano hai.

Lakhna notices - Vakil Singh observing them from a distance.

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RSVPLAKHNA

Mandir mein kachhu khaa pee leyo. Moori ne aaraam bhi mil jaago.

EXT. TEMPLE - DAY

The MIDDLE AGED PUJARI stands at the temple watching the men -

Who enter and ring the bell one by one, laying down their arms on the floor in front of the goddess.

The Pujari does teeka and aarti of the guns as the gang offers prayers.

As the Pujari limps towards Vakil Singh, we realize he has a defective leg. He clearly feigns ignorance as he says -

PUJARIDadda nahi dikh rahe...

VAKIL SINGHMaayi ke nikat baithe ho baamhan dev. Toh se kaa chhupo hai?

Pujari immediately changes tone to one of grief and concern.

PUJARIMaayi sab theek karegi maharaj. Bas chaandi ko ghanto chadhaano padego darbaar mein.

AT THE HAND PUMP:

Lakhna works the hand pump, as Natthi and Khalifa wash up.

NATTHIOo sach hai ka? Ki sarkaar surrender karne waalan ki sab saratein maan rahi?

Lakhna nods.

NATTHI (CONT’D)Toh chal karte hain surrender. Saalo narak lagne lago hai jeevan.

KHALIFABaaki ko gang jaane dego hamein?

Natthi twirls his moustache in his trademark manner.

NATTHIJo rokego woh chutadan pe goli khaavego.

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RSVPKHALIFA

Agar surrender karno hai toh pyaar puchkaar ke kaam leno padego. Sab ki buddhi firi hai ee bakhat. Bhagoda karaar kar denge. Kyun Lakhna?

LAKHNAPehle moori ne Dholpur haspatal pahunchano hai. Vaa ke baad shanti se Vakil Singh se baat karenge. Aadmi buro na hai, maan jaavego.

UNDER THE TREE:

The men sit in the shade - eating from a bucket of assorted food items. A few pooris, pieces of jaggery, some laddus.

Sonchiriya lies on the ground, her head in Indu's lap. Indu tries feeding her but she refuses to eat.

The Pujari, lighting up a beedi, says with conviction -

PUJARIKha le moori, prasad hai maayi ko. Teri hee haalat mein thhi Phuliya, par ek baar jo prasad khaayo, turat uth khadi hui aur baaghin naayi dahaad ke boli - ‘Thakur Beni Ram, ab ya toh tain nahi yaa main nahi’.

Just then - the bleating of a goat.

They look in the direction. It's Bhoora - carrying a small goat over his shoulders.

And then Indu's eyes go to - a little behind him.

Walking towards them - SIX MEN and a BOY of 15, all with rifles.

Indu panics. Pulls Sonchiriya up, urging -

INDUChal moori, uth... jaldi kar...

Sonchiriya finally notices the men. She SCREAMS and hides herself behind Lakhna.

Indu PLEADS as the men come closer. CHAIN SINGH who seems like the leader looks at his brother RATAN SINGH.

CHAIN SINGHLe chal jaa ne.

As Ratan Singh comes and grabs Indu, Lakhna pushes him back.

Ratan Singh looks a little confused.

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RSVPRATAN SINGH

Tain logan ne hee toh khabar bhijwaayi gaon mein...

Lakhna looks at Vakil. And at Bhoora. It strikes him when -

BHOORATain sahi thho Vakil. Jaa ki toh doosri hee Ramayan hai.

A hand comes to rest on Lakhna’s shoulder. It's Chain Singh.

CHAIN SINGHKachhu laagat hai tori?

(pointing at Ratan Singh)Mor bhai ki joru laagat hai. Aur bhateej ki amma.

Lakhna is taken aback. He looks at Indu - only to see tears of confirmation well up in her eyes.

Chain Singh pushes Lakhna aside. And moves towards Indu.

Indu takes Sonchiriya's hand and tries to run away. Chain Singh grabs her by her hair. She yelps.

Chain Singh takes out his shoe and offers it to Ratan Singh.

CHAIN SINGH (CONT’D)Joru jameen jor ki, warna kisi aur ki. Lagaa joota saali mein...

The men wait. Ratan Singh tentatively takes the shoe.

LALLA, the 15-year old boy, can feel the eyes of the men around. He looks at his father - expectant, almost urging.

But Ratan Singh just can’t do it. He drops the shoe.

Chain Singh glares at him with disgust. He has had enough.

CHAIN SINGH (CONT’D)Le chalo donuan ne.

He grabs Indu. Someone grabs Sonchiriya. The women scream.

Lakhna looks at Vakil Singh - who is stoic.

The men start dragging Indu and Sonchiriya away.

INDUDekh, jaa ne chhod de... moori ki koi galti na hai... Vo galat kaam kar ro thho jaa ke sang.

CHAIN SINGHArey toh kaa ho gavo? Ek toh achhoot ne ang lagaayo.

(MORE)

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RSVPArey dus bees de hee deto haath mein kaam ke baad. Haraamjaadi ko parivaar paalo hai hum ne, paalo hai ke nahi?

Angrily, he moves towards Sonchiriya - who is being dragged on the ground - and kicks her. She convulses in pain.

Lakhna looks at Khalifa. Khalifa shakes his head - don’t!

Indu somehow manages to free herself, and shields Sonchiriya before Chain Singh can go for her again.

CHAIN SINGH (CONT’D)Hatt ja... mor baap maaro hai ee jhirsa raand ne.

Indu looks at him. And LASHES OUT -

INDUJaa ne nahi, maine maaro hai oo ke.

Everyone is stunned - the Thakur men. Lakhna. The gang.

Most of all - Ratan Singh and Lalla.

RATAN SINGHMor baap thho vo... tor Lalla ko Daddu thho.

INDUPaapi thho vo... dikh na rahi jaa ki haalat... arey baarah baras ki hai moori, baarah -

And just then - Lalla, the boy, steps forward and slaps Indu.

Indu - stunned. In Lalla’s eyes- Angry tears. Intense hatred.

Indu continues to look at him with disbelief. This time when Chain Singh grabs her, the fight has gone out of Indu.

Lakhna watches the two being dragged away. It’s troubling him, we know. And Khalifa knows it too.

He holds Lakhna’s arm - ostensibly for support, but actually to refrain him from doing something crazy.

And then - Sonchiriya turns to look back at Lakhna.

Their eyes meet. A moment passes.

That's it. Something in Lakhna snaps.

Khalifa senses. Tightens his grip on Lakhna’s arm, whispering-

KHALIFALakhna nahi...

CHAIN SINGH (CONT'D)

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RSVPBut Lakhna shrugs his hand away.

A sound - Click. Cluck. The Thakur men turn to look -

Lakhna - his gun unlocked and trained at them.

LAKHNAKehin na jaa rahi dono.

The men - taken by surprise. Khalifa shuts his eyes in disappointment.

As the Thakur men raise their guns at Lakhna - Chain Singh turns to Vakil.

CHAIN SINGHBaghi bhai ho tain. Jaat bhai bhi. Par je baat parivaar ki hai.

Lakhna looks at Vakil.

LAKHNABaat insaaf ki hai. Tain mukhiya hai hamro, Vakil. Mukhiya waalo insaaf kar!

VAKIL SINGHDekh Lakhna, moori ke sang jo bhayo, vaa ko badlo milgo oo ne. Ab beta apne baap ko, aur pota apne dada ko badlo levego.

LAKHNAJe toh bas badlo bhayo, Vakil. Insaaf kitt bhayo?

VAKIL SINGHBeehadan ko toh jehi insaaf hai, Lakhna. Khoon ko badlo khoon. Jaane de jaa ne.

Lakhna doesn't budge. Anger rises on Vakil Singh's face. He lifts up his gun. Points it at Lakhna.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Je tor mukhiya ko insaaf bhi hai, aur hukam bhi.

Chain Singh smirks. And signals his group to get going.

Natthi and Khalifa look at each other. A moment of decision. And then - the two pick up their guns. Point them at the men.

KHALIFAToh fir tain hamro mukhiya na raho, Vakil Singh.

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RSVPVakil Singh is taken aback. While - Bhoora and the rest pick up their guns and train them on Lakhna, Khalifa and Natthi.

Twenty or so guns. Trained on each other. It's the mother of all stand offs.

Nobody moves. The Pujari - shitting holy bricks now.

Silence. Except for - the bleating of the lamb that wanders between the stand off.

The men. Their eyes - watchful. Their fingers - on the trigger. Their breath - slow and guarded.

VAKIL SINGHGang se bhajne waale ke layi beehad chhoto pad jaavat hai Lakhna...

LAKHNAGang se toh fir bhi bhaj lungo, Vakil. Apne aap se kaise bhajungo?

Lakhna's eyes go to - The young Sheetla holding his gun nervously - Beads of sweat on his forehead.

One escapes and drops on the ground with a plop.

The Pujari slowly starts to back off from there. One cautious step at a time - The defect in the leg not helping his cause.

And as luck would have it - His foot lands on a little round stone. He loses balance.

The Pujari gives a little YELP and falls with a thud.

All the guns suddenly move towards the sound.

Just the opening Lakhna was looking for. He grabs Sheetla and presses the gun against his back.

VAKIL SINGHLAKHNA!

LAKHNABhai jinda chaahe toh jaa se keh ki auratan ke chhod devein.

VAKIL SINGHJe tu theek na kar ro Lakhna.

LAKHNAKEH JAA SE!

Sheetla squeals like a kid. Vakil shouts at Chain Singh -

VAKIL SINGHKARO JO KEH RO HAI.

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RSVPChain Singh is reluctant, but he can see they’re outnumbered.

He signals his men to let go. Lalla fumes but Ratan Singh pulls him back.

They let the women go. Indu drags Sonchiriya behind Lakhna as Lakhna throws Sheetla at Khalifa and Natthi.

They start to retreat - Inching towards the bushes beyond which are the ravines.

Chain Singh's men try to get closer but Vakil Singh SHOUTS at them to keep away, pushing back those who try to get closer.

Pushing. Shoving. Shouting. Confusion.

Lalla's eyes - on his retreating mother. Clutching on to Lakhna's arm.

He fumes. He can't hold it any more. Ratan Singh senses it - tries to stop him. But he pushes Ratan Singh away.

And fires at Lakhna.

He misses. But in response - Natthi brings his gun out to fire one shot. BANG.

In response to which - the men on the other side duck, while trying to fire a few shots themselves.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.

Vakil Singh SCREAMS at them to stop.

Both sides crouched behind bushes and whatever cover they can find.

And then they realize - only one person is still standing.

It’s Sheetla. And he has got a bullet wound in his stomach.

Vakil Singh is stunned.

And so is Lakhna. He grabs Sheetla just as he is to fall - only to see the red blotch grow on Sheetla’s chest.

As he sits looking at it, Khalifa SCREAMS -

KHALIFABHAAG LAKHNA...

They turn around and run - disappearing behind the bushes, just as a fresh round of bullets start from the other side.

Lakhna lifts Sonchiriya and carries her over his shoulder.

Khalifa and Natthi turn around to fire intermittently as they run further and further into the ravines.

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RSVPBACK WITH SHEETLA:

Sheetla gasps for breath. Vakil reaches up to him.

VAKIL SINGHSheetla... kachhu na hogo lalla... tero bhai hai na... aankh khol...

Sheetla struggles. But doesn't make it.

Vakil shakes him hard. The realization hits. He lets out a SCREAM of pain and anger.

Bhoora puts a hand over his shoulder. Then runs in the direction of the ravines, along with a few men.

The Thakur men try to follow Bhoora in the ravines. But - a raging Vakil gets up and swings his gun around.

They stop in their steps.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Kaun chalaayo pehli goli? KAUN?

No one says anything.

Vakil puts his gun on Lalla's chest. Looks at Ratan Singh.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Keh nahi toh mor lalla ke badle tor lalla le loongo main.

Lalla chokes as Vakil Singh pushes him to the ground.

Ratan Singh panics. Falls at Vakil's feet.

RATAN SINGHMor galti hai maharaj. Moh se chali goli. Jo maarno hai toh mohe maaro.

Lalla looks at his father. And watches as -

Vakil jumps on to Ratan Singh. And beats the shit out of him.

Punches. Kicks. Rifle butts. He’s brutal.

Ratan Singh doesn't fight back, just cries and begs.

Vakil pushes Ratan Singh down. Rubs his face in the sand.

Lalla - unable to watch this humiliation - shuts his eyes.

Vakil picks up his gun, ready to fire. But -

As he looks at Ratan Singh’s pathetic state - crying, grovelling - he can't bring himself to shoot.

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RSVPVAKIL SINGH

Marad na hai tu. Aurat hai, aurat.

Chain Singh comes forward.

CHAIN SINGHVakil... tor mor dushman ek hai. Ab yaa toh ek doosre ke maar sakey hain, yaa sang vaa ne dhoondh sakey hain. Jo tu kahe.

Vakil Singh stares at him. Then spits at Ratan Singh.

VAKIL SINGHJe na rahego sang.

CHAIN SINGHBaapu ke kehne pe sang rakh rakho tho. Ab baapu na raho, toh je kyun ravego?

(to Lalla)Chal Lalla...

Lalla looks at his uncle. But doesn't budge.

Chain Singh is a little surprised, but gets the message.

CHAIN SINGH (CONT’D)Maro jehin baap bete.

Vakil Singh picks up Sheetla's body in his arms -

And they head into the ravines.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Bhoora & his men. Running. Looking around.

They come across a fork. They almost head one way. When -

Bhoora notices - red drops on the sand. And then - the trail.

He shouts at the men.

BHOORAEe taraf.

A LITTLE AHEAD:

Bhoora and his men reach a point where the trail seems to have disappeared. They look around.

BHOORA (CONT’D)Dhoondho. Jehin kahin hai.

BEHIND A NEARBY BUSH:

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RSVPLakhna & company - ducked behind it.

A tense Indu plucks out a thorn from her bleeding foot.

Lakhna holds a bleeding Sonchiriya in his arms. She looks in a bad state - almost delirious - mumbling something incoherent.

Lakhna puts a hand over her mouth.

While - Natthi and Khalifa hold on tightly to their guns.

ON THE OTHER SIDE:

One of Bhoora’s men senses something. He moves towards the bush. Closer. Closer.

And just then - they hear - VOICES - only a little far away.

BHOORA (CONT’D)Oo taraf!

They run off in that direction.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Lakhna and company run through the snake-like paths. Tired, breathless.

Until they reach - A high mound.

They make a dash up it. Skidding, falling, but not giving up.

Khalifa stops to give Indu a hand.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Bhoora and men - their guns trained. They approach the VOICES-

Only to run into - Vakil, Chain Singh & the rest.

Both sides look angry and disappointed. Someone curses.

A POV: Someone's watching them from somewhere high up.

FROM OVER THE MOUND:

It's Lakhna & company. Tired. Breathless. On their faces - the gravity of what they’ve done.

Lakhna sits down. Snaps -

LAKHNATain logan ne kaa jarurat thhi poore gang se dusmani lene ki?

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RSVPNATTHI

(smiles)Dusmani ke dar se dosti thodi chhod dete?

Lakhna looks at him and shakes his head - ‘you idiot’.

NATTHI (CONT’D)Arey kachhu na bigado. Moori ke Dholpur haspatal pahuncha ke wahin kaptaan ke aage surrender kar denge. Theek?

There’s no reply from Lakhna.

NATTHI (CONT’D)Theek, Lakhna?

Lakhna gets up and walks away. Natthi looks at Khalifa with worry but Khalifa calms him down.

KHALIFADholpur kaptaan ke daftar mein mor bhaanjo ghanti duty hai. Baat karwa dego hamaare surrender ki. Ab chal.

EXT. TEMPLE - DAY

Ratan Singh sits dazed - His hair and clothes covered in dust, blood trickling from his cut lip.

Someone puts a bucket of water next to him. It's Lalla.

LALLAHaath munh dho le. Fer chalno hai.

Ratan Singh looks at him.

LALLA (CONT’D)Jisne Daddu ke maaro hai... aur ab dakuan ke sang munh kaala kar ri hai... oo raand ke dhoondhno hai.

Ratan Singh - stunned at the coldness of his son's voice.

EXT. TEMPLE - DAY

Tong! The loud temple bell wakes up the Pujari.

He looks. Realises it’s Gujjar and his team of cops.

VIRENDER GUJJARGhanto bado tej hai, Bramhan dev. Ek quintal ko laagat hai.

Trying to appear calm, Pujari wobbles his way to them.

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RSVPPUJARI

Maayi ki dhoom hai, Daroga babu.

VIRENDER GUJJARSuno Man Singh ne chadhaayo hai.

Pujari looks at him. Lets out a sheepish laugh.

PUJARIJe toh darbar haigo saahab. Koi bhi aa ja sakat hai.

Virender Gujjar looks at him. Smiles.

VIRENDER GUJJARAane waale kis ore gaye je bhi bata do brahm dev.

PUJARIMain kachhu samjho nahi, saahab.

Virender Gujjar takes something out from his pocket. It's a few empty shells.

VIRENDER GUJJARAapke aangan mein mili hai maharaj. Je ghanto itto vi tej na hai ki goli ki aawaaj na sunaayi de.

Pujari is caught off guard. Tries to back off.

But Gujjar grabs him by his mouth - and stuffs the empty shells in it.

Gugggg... comes the sound from Pujari's throat - Much to the horror of the constables. Badlu throws Kok Singh a look.

KOK SINGHSaahab...

But Gujjar won't let go. Pujari’s face has gone red.

KOK SINGH (CONT’D)Saahab, mar jaavego pandat...

Still no response from Gujjar. Looks like Pujari is choking.

Kok Singh puts a tentative hand over Gujjar's shoulder - Who turns around - and slaps him hard.

As Pujari uses this opportunity to cough out the shells - Virender Gujjar stares at a stunned Kok Singh.

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RSVPVIRENDER GUJJAR

Jab hum se neechi jaat waalo hum se oonchi jaat waale ke maare, hamre man mein je dar aave hai ki fir toh je saale kal hamein bhi maar sakey hain, toh roko saale ne. Hai na?

Kok Singh looks down. Badlu fumes silently.

The Pujari - on all fours. Gujjar squats down next to him.

GUJJARKachhu yaad aayo bramh dev?

PUJARIAapas mein behes hui saahab... Goli chal gayi... Fir beehadan ki taraf bhag liye saare.

(points in a direction)Oo taraf. Mohe aur kachhu na pato. Mangalvar ke din jhooth na bolungo.

Gujjar stares at him. And just then, a voice -

LALLA (O.S.)Jhooth bol raho hai, Pandat.

Gujjar turns. It’s Lalla and Ratan Singh.

LALLA (CONT’D)Jaa ne pato hai ki Vakil Singh baaghi ko bhai maro hai. Pakadno hai toh ghaat pe milego.

Gujjar looks at Lalla - Who stares back with defiance.

And finally - Gujjar breaks into a smile.

And MUSIC kicks in -


It’s a SONG about loss - loss of a loved one, of meaning, of a sense of direction. And it plays as we see -

A body burns. Vakil Singh squats a few feet away from it. Sitting further away - Bhoora, Chain Singh & the rest.

Vakil Singh’s lost eyes stare at the pyre. At the smoke rising from it. At the mirage it is creating.

And we INTERCUT this with IMAGES that come to him. Images we’ve seen earlier, but now we see them from Vakil’s POV.

1. TEMPLE -

A dying Sheetla in Lakhna’s arms.

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RSVP2. WEDDING VENUE -

Vakil Singh comes rushing in to notice -

A dying Man Singh in Lakhna’s arms. Just like Sheetla.

Up on the terrace - Gujjar with the gun in his hands - but not firing at Lakhna.

3. AT THE CAMP -

Man Singh with Lachchu and the gang.

As Vakil fishes out the money, he notices - Lakhna and a shifty Lachchu having a chat away from the rest.

Abruptly, the IMAGES stop as Vakil Singh gets up.

There’s a resolution on his face as he speaks to the PANDIT -

VAKIL SINGHJo main terah din mein laut ke naa aayo toh mor mantar bhi padh dijo, pandat.

And then he turns around and walks away - his face not giving away anything.

Bhoora & the men quickly throw the beedis and follow.

Behind - the fire continues to burn for a long time. And the song CONTINUES to play.

And this time when we REVERSE ANGLE -


It’s Virender Gujjar and men approaching the fire, followed by Ratan Singh and Lalla at a distance.

Ratan Singh puts a hand over his son’s head. The boy quickens his pace and walks ahead. Ratan Singh - left behind.

They reach Sheetla’s pyre - the last bits burn.

The Pandit answers Gujjar’s questions - pointing towards -

The river bank. Beyond it - The river.


The fiery sun begins its descend on Chambal.

A boat bobs in the water - a few figures on it.

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RSVPOn the boat - Lakhna sits looking at the horizon. Khalifa & Natthi too - lost in their own thoughts.

Sonchiriya lies with her head in Indu's lap.

The oar hits the water at regular intervals.

INTERVAL

FADE IN:


The boat gently makes its way across the waters.

With Sonchiriya still in her lap, Indu hums a lullaby. It’s about ‘Sonchiriya’ - a bird that is going to fly off to distant lands, escaping all her pursuers.

Her voice- soothing, sad. Her eyes - tired. Unknown to her-

Sonchiriya's outstretched arm is in the waters.

UNDERWATER:

Sonchiriya's fingers. On them - dried blood - slowly getting washed away, mixing in the water like a faint red colour.

And ‘something’ is looking at the fingers under the water. Something with a leathery skin.

It begins to move towards the arm.

ON THE BOAT:

Indu - oblivious. So is Lakhna - lost in his thoughts as he scans the horizons.

UNDERWATER:

The thing in the waters has gathered pace. It rapidly advances towards the arm... the fingers... getting closer...

And just when it is almost there -

ON THE BOAT:

Indu senses something amiss, almost like a maternal instinct. She notices - Sonchiriya's arm in the water.

UNDERWATER:

The leathery thing is almost upon the arm now and just then -

The arm gets pulled out of waters.

THUD - The boat rocks with a little hit.

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RSVPIndu yelps as Lakhna springs to attention. Khalifa and Natthi pick up their guns in a natural response.

MALLAH, the boatman who had stopped rowing, scans the waters. Ripples. Hint of something moving under.

He notices - Sonchiriya's dripping arm.

MALLAH BOATMANMagar khench le jaato... naseeb waali hai moori.

Indu looks at him - and lets out a sad, ironic smile.

The boat steadies. The boatman goes back to rowing.

Sonchiriya gently opens her eyes to look at Indu - Who smiles reassuringly. And protectively covers her with her saree.

She notices - Lakhna's looking at her.

LAKHNAKaun laagat hai je tori?

Indu looks at Sonchiriya. Caresses her forehead. Sonchiriya's eyes droop again.

INDUMor biyaah ke aane ke baad paida hui je. Jaa ki maa kachra saaf karti thhi mohalle ko. Do baras ki rahi hogi jab maa ne haijo khaa gavo. Mor aankh ke neeche pali hai moori. Jaa ko naam bhi maine hee rakho -

LAKHNASonchiriya. Jaa ke sab dhoondh rahe, par jo kahu ke haath na aani.

Indu smiles at him.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Oo Thakur ke... tain ne hee maaro?

Indu goes quiet. Lakhna looks at her - apologetic.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Hum kaun panch parmeswar bhaye jo tor charittar par faisla karenge.

INDUTain bhale log ho. Tain sab.

Beat. And then to her surprise - The men burst out laughing.

NATTHIBhoole mati, jijji. Daaku hain hum.

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RSVPINDU

Toh kaa daaku bhale na ho sakat?

LAKHNALo! Bhalaayi se bachne ke layi toh daaku baney thhe.

INDUAb bhale ho toh ho. Sharmaavat kaahe ho?

Lakhna goes silent. Looks away.

Indu observes him.

INDU (CONT’D)Dakuan ke sar pe toh inaam rave hai. Par tor sar pe toh kachhu aur hee dikh ro hai...koi karjo?

Lakhna looks at her - surprised. Then lets out a sad smile.

LAKHNAAiso waiso karjo na hai. Sraap haigo ee sar pe.

INDUKaiso sraap?

LAKHNAEk paanch baras ki moori ko sraap.

We slowly TRACK INTO Lakhna’s empty eyes.

EXT. GUJJAR VILLAGE - NIGHT

ON that 5-year old girl from Lakhna’s visions.

It’s late evening as she stands watching the other kids play with 'phooljharis'. She tries to grab one from her OLDER BROTHER - who threatens her with an unlit 'lari'.

The girl squeals and backs off - scared of the damned thing.

Laughing, the boy deposits the 'lari' back in the pocket of his shorts.

All around - A festive atmosphere. On the boundary wall of the community well - diwali diyas. And an engraving - 'Samast Gujjar bhaiyon ko samarpit - Balkhandiya Gujjar'. We realize - we've been here before.

EXT. RAVINES OUTSIDE GUJJAR VILLAGE - NIGHT

Our gang - complete with Man Singh - rests at a hiding place.

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RSVPLakhna passes a ‘chillum’ to Vakil. As Vakil takes a long drag, Lakhna looks at the newspaper in his hand. A report -

‘Muthbhed mein saat dacait khatam. Police team ko puraskar’. The accompanying pictures - Proud cops posing with gruesome photos of slain dacoits.

LAKHNAJinda baaghi khaak ko, Maro sava laakh ko.

Vakil Singh peeps in too.

VAKIL SINGHJe saale akhbaar waale baaghian ki photu badi buri utaarat hain.

LAKHNAJe waalo toh Natthi jaiso lag ro hai, nahi? Dekh kitto badsurat hai.

As the others laugh - Natthi gives the trademark twirl to his moustache in protest.

NATTHIArey jaa... moochh tak toh upar naa hai jaa ki. Main marungo toh daayi moochh asmaan ke daayi chutad mein aur baayi baaye mein.

VAKIL SINGHAur tori naak vaa ke chhed mein. Soonghto rahiyo upar baitho.

The men laugh. Natthi jumps on Vakil in jest.

The two tumble down as the others egg them on, laughing. Sheetla too jumps in the fray, taking his brother’s side.

Man Singh shakes his head - amused.

MAN SINGHJe hai Man Singh ko khoonkhar gang. Ae Lakhna, rok jaa ne varna Chambal darno chhod dego...

Lakhna SHOUTS out at the top of his voice, army-like -

LAKHNABAIRI BEIMAAN, BAAGHI SAAVDHAAN!

They all stand up and salute in mock-jest, freezing in attention.

Just then - Man Singh senses something. A presence behind them. Swifly picks up his gun and turns in one motion -

Only to see - a breathless Khalifa come running towards them.

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RSVPKHALIFA

Dadda... Balkhandiya...


The gang - all serious now - reaches the village well. Only to find it desolate. Not a soul in sight. Eerie.

Man Singh looks at the lit diyas all around. And then his eyes go to -

A phooljhari still burning on the ground. Abandoned chappals strewn about. All signs that -

MAN SINGHKhabar lag gayi gaon mein.

Man Singh takes out his loudhailer.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Je Baaghi Man Singh ko gang haigo. Jee uthaane ki koi darkaar na hai. Hamein pato hai ki Balkhandiya Gujjar jehin chhupo hai.

He waits. No response. Man Singh notices - eyes peeping out of the slit of a window somewhere.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Aaj shubh din hai. Hamein koi loot maar na karni. Hamro matlab sirf Balkhandiya se hai jaa ne hamaare teen saathian ke maaro hai.

And then - he spots - a shadowy SNIPER. Up on the roof of a large two storey house.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)(shouts)

COVER LO SAARE!

The gang ducks just as the Sniper fires. One man goes down before the rest manage to find cover.

Vakil Singh fumes and fires back at the terrace but there is no trace of the Sniper any more. Instead - a VOICE comes from another terrace somewhere.

GUJJAR MAN - 1Balkhandiya hamaaro bhai haigo. Biradari ke layi bahut kachhu kiyo hai vaa ne.

They look in the direction. No one visible.

And then - another voice. From another rooftop.

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RSVPGUJJAR MAN - 2

Tor bhalo jaa mein hee hai Man Singh ki chup chaap waapas chalo jaa.

Vakil Singh and Bhoora fire indiscriminately at the house. The bullets rattle off a window.

MAN SINGHRUKO! Hamein sirf Balkhandiya se matbal hai.

The gang stops firing.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Vakil, dus aadmi sang jehin ruk. Baaki aath dus aath dus bant jaao aur ek ek ghar ki talaashi lo.

And then Man Singh ducks and runs towards the large two storey house where he first saw the sniper.

Lakhna, Natthi, Khalifa and a few others rush after him.

EXT. / INT. SARPANCH HOUSE, GUJJAR VILLAGE - NIGHT

The two storey structure. Possibly the Sarpanch’s house.

The main door. Locked from inside.

At Man Singh’s nod, Lakhna and Natthi together start to bang themselves against the main door locked from inside.

THUD. THUD. THUD.

COURTYARD INSIDE THE HOUSE:

The rhythmic thud-thud-thud can be heard inside as we see a long corridor lit with diyas.

And kids - who we earler saw outside at the well - huddled in a corner.

A SHADOWY FIGURE rasps at them in a low growl -

SHADOWY FIGURETain log upar kamre mein jaao! Aur baahar nahi aano hai ekdum.

As the scared kids run up the stairs -

The Shadowy Figure starts to blow the diyas off with his hand, slowly sending the place into darkness.

OUTSIDE:

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RSVPLakhna and Natthi - still at the door. It’s creaking now. And finally - it gives away.

They barge in with their guns pointed. Only to encounter -

An eerie darkness.

Man Singh and the rest follow, switching on their torches - the moving lights only adding to the eerie atmosphere.

They reach THE COURTYARD:

It’s unnaturally quiet - Except for the sound of their own breath. They split in different directions of the courtyard.

ON Lakhna. He holds his torch along with his gun nozzle as he walks down the corridor.

And just then - something shadowy flits down the corridor.

Lakhna immediately brings his gun up. But it's gone.

He looks about - confused. Did it enter that room? Or maybe it was never there.

Lakhna slowly enters the room, the torch light moving slowly all over the room.

No one there. As Lakhna turns - BOO - A SINISTER FACE. Lakhna does a double take and almost shoots but checks himself just in time as he realises -

It’s just a Dussehra mask hanging on the wall.

Lakhna sighs. And just then - somewhere - a LOUD GUNSHOT.

IN ANOTHER ROOM:

The gang comes rushing towards the room, their guns trained.

To see - Natthi standing there with his gun pointed at -

A dead cat, its eyes bulging out. In the middle of its stomach - a big hole. Its white fur - drenched in red.

The gang just stares at the bizarre sight.

And just then - from somewhere - BANG! BANG! BANG!

Bullets pierce into two junior members. The rest, taken completely by surprise, duck back into the room.

They stay under the cover for a bit - tense, glancing at each other. And at the bodies of the two dead gang members lying at the door.

The eyes of one of them seem to be staring back at them.

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RSVPThis is not going right!

Man Singh peeps out - to see a fleeting image of a figure disappearing down the corridor.

Man Singh runs after it.

Lakhna quickly follows to back him up.

They reach - the stairs. The man they were chasing is nowhere to be seen.

They’re about to head further down the corridor when Man Singh stops. And turns to look at the staircase going up.


It’s almost dark outside. Vakil Singh and Bhoora - at guard outside, their tense eyes on the large house.

BHOORAJehin chali hai goli. Kaa karno hai? Andar jaano hai?

Vakil thinks. And then shakes his head -

VAKIL SINGHDadda ne kaho jehin rukno hai toh jehin rukno hai.

Somewhere - a window opens just a slit. Vakil quickly turns and points his gun there. The window shuts back again.

INT. SARPANCH HOUSE, GUJJAR VILLAGE - NIGHT

TOP FLOOR CORRIDOR:

Man Singh and Lakhna reach upstairs. No one there.

You can hear their tense breathing as they head in the direction of a room.

They can see some light coming from inside. Their hands clasping their guns tightly - they slowly push the door open with their guns. It opens with an eerie creak.

They enter in and whip their guns - ready to shoot. But - the room’s empty, except for a few flickering diyas. As they turn around and exit, we spot something on the wall -

A portrait of Virender Gujjar.

OUTSIDE IN THE CORRIDOR:

Lakhna and Man Singh emerge out and head towards the next room. As they get closer, Lakhna spots -

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RSVPShadows on the wall. And this time, he’s sure.

He pulls Man Singh back sharply. And signals to him - ‘there’s someone in there’.

IN THE ROOM:

The flickering diyas. And in their light we see that the shadows are indeed there -

Of the dozen or so kids huddled up there.

The kids notice the movement outside. The little 5-year old girl starts to sob. Her older brother - the one with the ‘lari’ in the pocket of his shorts - puts a hand over her mouth to stifle the sound.

OUTSIDE:

Man Singh and Lakhna. Their guns - trained. The finger - on the trigger. Their feet - inching towards the door.

INSIDE:

The kids - scared. They huddle tighter, moving to the corner.

In the corner - An alcove. A diya in it.

The Kid in the shorts is the one next to it. Unknown to him - The lari is hovering dangerously close to the flame of the diya, getting closer and closer.

Lakhna. Man Singh. Tense.

Just as they take a deep breath and swing into the room.

That lari - it touches the flame and catches fire.

PHUT! PHUT! PHUT! The sound of the lari bursting echoes deafeningly in the interiors of the room.

And in a completely reflex response, Lakhna and Man Singh open fire.

BANG. BANG. BANG. BANG. BANG. BANG.

All we see are flashes of light emanating from their guns sporadically lighting up the darkness of the room.


Vakil Singh and Bhoora turn in the direction of the house, confused.

The gunshots stop. The village falls into an eerie silence. You can hear a pin drop.

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RSVPUntil - a voice comes from somewhere in the house.

GUJJAR MAN (O.S.)BACHUAN KE MAAR DIYO RE!

Vakil Singh and the rest run into the house, fearing the worst.

VAKIL SINGH(shouts out)

DADDA! DADDA SAB THEEK?

INT. SARPANCH HOUSE, GUJJAR VILLAGE - NIGHT

Vakil Singh and the rest enter the house and run to the staircase.

Up the stairs.

Down the corridor.

Into the room.

When they reach there - they see Lakhna and Man Singh and behind them, Khalifa, Natthi - standing like statues, the guns still in their hands in the same position.

Vakil Singh’s eyes go to - the walls. Splattered with blood.

And then he looks at the floor - ten dead kids lie there.

Only the little girl stands staring at them - her white frock and her face covered in gruesome red blood.

They remain there - stunned. Unable to process what happened.

VAKIL SINGHDadda. Nikalno padego.

Man Singh can’t move. Nor can Lakhna. Khalifa grabs hold of Man Singh and Natthi pulls Lakhna.

They rush out.


Wails can be heard from different directions.

The gang runs out into the courtyard of the house to the gate.

The remaining gang stands outside the gate. Panic stricken. Prepared to fire.

Men, women, they are all emerging out. And in their hands - rifles, sickles, laathis. Whatever they could find.

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RSVPThey start running like zombies towards the gang. They don’t care if they’re shot at this point.

Vakil Singh - tense. Unsure what to do.

The villagers stop to look at the gang. The gang draw their guns - but we know they’re nervous.

A momentary standoff. And then - an angry scream emerges from a woman. And with it - the villagers charge at the gang.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Man Singh scream at the gang to not retaliate - but it is lost in the sound of the gunfire.

The gang fires in panic.

As the carnage begins, we notice someone at the window of the first floor room at the Sarpanch’s house.

The little girl. She’s screaming.

We go CLOSER and CLOSER to her. Her screams become louder and louder.

Until - it is deafening. All encompassing.

EXT. POLICE JEEP / MALLAH VILLAGE - DAY

Lay off the SOUND of the scream - ON Virender Gujjar's face, as he rides in the police jeep.

His face - Hard. Not giving away anything.

It’s getting dark. The entourage comes to a stop in a poor basti in the village.

As the constables jump out, Gujjar remains seated in the jeep. Sitting behind him are - Ratan Singh and Lalla.

The constables rush towards the hut - screaming and abusing.

And drag - MALLAH MEN out of the huts.

The WOMEN scream and beg. The constables threaten them with their guns - pushing them back. The KIDS cry.

The men are kicked about and beaten up by rifle butts, as the constables ask them more or less the same question -

KOK SINGHBol bhainchod... Man Singh ko gang dikho tohe?

INSIDE THE JEEP: Virender Gujjar turns to Ratan Singh.

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RSVPVIRENDER GUJJAR

Ek rahe Ramchandar ji, ek rahi Sita maiyya. Itto prem donuan mein ke poochho mati. Fer Sita maiyya ke raavan jabran utha le gavo. Ramchandar ji dhoondh toh nikaale maayi ke, par kabahu kabool na kar paaye. Aur tain kar lego? Hain? Tor joru toh aape bhaagi hai dakuan sang.

Ratan Singh - lost for words. But Lalla’s not.

LALLAKabool karne ke layi nahi, sajaa dene ke layi dhoondhat hain.

Gujjar makes a mock-impressed face as he looks at Lalla.

VIRENDER GUJJARBaap baitho andhere mein. Mooro powerhouse.

FROM OUTSIDE: Kok Singh takes a breather from the beatings to look at Gujjar and shake his head - no luck.

Virender Gujjar turns around and speaks into the LOUDHAILER -

VIRENDER GUJJAR (CONT’D)Je farmaan poori Mallah biradari ke layi haigo. Hamein pato hai ki tain log hamre manaa karne ke baawjood dakuan ke nadi paar le jaavat ho...

EXT. MOVING JEEP / MALLAH VILLAGE - DAY

We hear the rest of it as the jeeps ride away from the village with the Mallah men as hostage -

While the women and children run after the police caravan.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (V.O.)Kahu bhi Mallah ke agar Man Singh ke gang ki, yaa gang se judey kahu bhi baaghi ki khabar lagi, vo seedhe thaane aa kar rapat dego. Je na karne par jaa ko harjaano poori biradari ke chukaano padego.


It’s almost dark. The river bank. Cicadas buzzing.

Vakil Singh and men reach there to notice - the boats moored. No boatmen in sight.

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RSVPBHOORA

Ye Mallah kitt mar gaye?

A couple of huts in the distance. Chain Singh heads towards them with his men.

Vakil Singh lights up a beedi as Bhoora asks -

BHOORA (CONT’D)Kis taraf gavo hogo?

VAKIL SINGHDholpur. Surrender karne ke layi.

Bhoora nods.

BHOORADo raaste hain Dholpur jaane ke. Ek Naroda se.

Vakil shakes his head.

VAKIL SINGHLakhna jaane hai ki Naroda mein Mallah gang ko dero hai ee bakhat. Utt jaavego toh Phuliya jinda na chhodegi.

BHOORAMatbal -

VAKIL SINGHVo doosra raasta lego. Lachchu ke gaon se.

Bhoora looks at him as Vakil Singh calmly says -

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Lachchu ki madad se Lakhna ne Dholpur ke kaptaan se saudo kiyo thho - Man Singh ki jaan ke badle surrender. Ab Lachchu ke sang hee jaavego Dholpur surrender ke layi.

Bhoora nods. And just then - They hear a gunshot.

Vakil stays there smoking his beedi as Bhoora and the rest run in the direction of the sound - where the huts are.

Chain Singh emerges out, the men behind carrying two oars.

CHAIN SINGHArey kachhu na bhayo. Bas daraane ke layi chalaayi...

(pointing at the oars)Saali le jaane nahi de rahi thhi.

Behind - a SCARED WOMAN appears at the door - crying.

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RSVPCHAIN SINGH (CONT’D)

Saare Mallah ne toh police utha le gayi. Khud hee jaano padego. Waise jaano kitt hai?

BHOORAKasloi.

As they walk away - the woman CRIES out from behind -

WOMAN IN MALLAH VILLAGEHUM SAB KO BADLO LEGI PHULIYA!


The river waters. A FOLK SONG floats in the air - the legend of a little girl called Phuliya and her quest for revenge.

The Mallah boatman sings the ditty while rowing the boat.

As Lakhna sits listening to it - something strikes him.

LAKHNANaroda ki taraf le le Mallah.

Khalifa and Natthi look at him - surprised.

NATTHIPar Lachchu toh Kasloi -

LAKHNAKachhu na karego Lachchu. Aur na karego koi aur. Sab ne pato hai, je bakhat hamaaro saath deno Gujjar se seedho bair leno hai.

KHALIFAToh fir Naroda mein kaun dharo hai? Beni Ram? Oo kyun madad karego?


LAKHNAKahi na. Ab jo karno hai, aape karno hai.

Natthi is about to say something but Khalifa presses his hand - subtly indicating the boatman who’s observing them keenly.

They move closer to Lakhna and talk in WHISPERS -

KHALIFAJe bakhat Naroda ke paas Mallah gang ghaat lagaaye baitho hai.

LAKHNAToh?

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RSVPKhalifa gets a little annoyed at this.

KHALIFAJinda chhodegi Phuliya hamein? Vaa ke mann mein saare thakuran ke layi bair bharo hai...

LAKHNAPhuliya ko bair thakuran se nahi, Beni Ram se hai.

(calls out to boatman)Kyun Mallah, sahi kahi na? Tain ne to pato haigo. Jaat behen hai tori.

The Mallah - caught eavesdropping - is taken aback. And so are Natthi and Khalifa.

EXT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE - NIGHT

A large house near the fields. Guarded like a fortress.

FOUR MEN with rifles sit outside it. In the courtyard - TWO MORE MEN. And on the terrace - ANOTHER FOUR.

One of them notices something. Flashes his torchlight. To see-

A few figures coming down the lane. On them - guns.

GUARD ONEKHABARDAAR! KAUN HAIGO?

Lakhna & company stop in their steps.

LAKHNAKeh Lakhna Baaghi aayo hai.

EXT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, COURTYARD - NIGHT

A Petromax lamp burns. Beni Ram looks at Lakhna, Khalifa and Natthi - who sit in front of him on a chaarpaayi.

BENI RAMKahi thhi Man Singh se, bandookein le le. Kahi thhi ki nahi?

Lakhna nods.

Beni Ram throws a look at the other chaarpaayi - Indu, with Sonchiriya lying on her lap.

BENI RAM (CONT’D)Aur je kaun hain?

LAKHNAPakar hai. Je hi moori ko byaah thho.

(MORE)

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RSVP(points at Indu)

Aur je, vaa ki bhabhi.

BENI RAMAur baaki bacho gang?

LAKHNAJe bakhat saath rehno theek na hai... vaa ki khaatir teen-chaar teen-chaar kar ke faiyl gave saare.

BENI RAMAur Vakil Singh ne tohe pakar le jaan di?

Beni Ram's suspicious eyes search Lakhna’s face.

Khalifa comes to his rescue -

KHALIFAAb toh se kaa chhupo hai, Beni Ram? Humne Vakil Singh se alag hone ko faislo kiyo hai.

BENI RAMMatlab pakar le ke bhag liye?

The three look at him. Beni Ram smirks.

BENI RAM (CONT’D)Aurangjeb maro nahi ki Mughaliya sultanat teen terah...

He picks up the lamp and walks up to the other chaarpaayi.

In the light of the lamp - his eyes scan Indu's body as he continues to talk to Lakhna.

BENI RAM (CONT’D)Man Singh ki jaan li hai jaa ke parivaar ne. Mukhbiri ki kaa sajaa doge jaa ne?

He looks at Lakhna - who’s quiet.

INT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, KITCHEN - NIGHT

BENI RAM'S WIFE - a sad looking woman - takes the roti off the tava and adds it to the stack. A guard picks it -


- and serves Lakhna & company who sit on the ground, eating.

BENI RAMDholpur?

LAKHNA (CONT'D)

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RSVPLAKHNA

Haan. Aaj hee nikalno padego.

BENI RAMMotor toh Dhani Ram Morena le kar gavo hai, MLA saahab se milane ke layi. Kal shaam tak hee aavego.

Khalifa and Lakhna look at each other. Natthi meanwhile is just relishing the mutton.

NATTHIMutton jordaar bano hai.

Natthi and Khalifa look at him. What the fuck?

LAKHNAGaon mein koi doosri motor...? Moori ko haspataal jaano jaroori hai. Oonch neech ho gayi toh firauti na milegi.

KHALIFAKachhu kar, Beni Ram. Firauti milegi, gang fir se banego, toh tor kaam bhi toh aavego.

BENI RAM(snorts)

Tees thhe toh kaam na aaye, ab teen mein kaa aavoge?

Silence. Only the chomp-chomp sound of Natthi eating like a hungry beast. Lakhna and Khalifa glare at him. He feels their gaze and looks at them innocently - What?

Beni Ram’s eyes travel to - Indu, seated a little away.

She notices him looking. She slowly bends over to try and feed Sonchiriya. It briefly exposes Indu’s cleavage.

And that seems to be making Beni Ram change his mind.

BENI RAM (CONT’D)Raat bahot ho gayi. Raasto bhi kharaab hai... Ek kaam karo. Aaj raat jehin ruk jaavo. Tadke gaon se koi doosri motor karwa doongo.

Lakhna looks at him, evaluating. But before he can confirm - Beni Ram walks away, giving instructions.

BENI RAM (CONT’D)Re Radiya, khatiya bichhawan lagaa chhat par. Aur sun, auratan ki khaat kothri mein laga de.

Indu looks at Lakhna. He's looking at her too.

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RSVPINT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, ROOM - NIGHT

A naked light bulb hangs. Lakhna sits with his face turned away as -

Indu finishes clothing Sonchiriya. She has been given a bath.

She’s still in pain. Her face - pale. Her lips - chapped.

Beni Ram's wife appears at the door, a brass lota in her hand.

BENI RAM’S WIFEKachhu bhi naa khaayo moori ne.

As she puts the lota down, Indu notices on her face - bruise marks. A swollen lip.

BENI RAM’S WIFE (CONT’D)Haldi doodh hai. Aaraam milego.

At the door, she turns to look at Indu.

BENI RAM’S WIFE (CONT’D)Kundi laga lijo, jiji.

She pauses - wanting to say more. But then - leaves abruptly.

Indu tries to make Sonchiriya sit up and drink the milk -

But she resists. Breaks into a cry.

SONCHIRIYASab dukh ro hai maalkin...

Lakhna signals Indu to let her be.

LAKHNAAchcha mat pee. Lemonchoos toh legi, ki nahi?

Sonchiriya looks at him. And everything moves SLO as we see Lakhna from her semi-delirious POV.

Lakhna does his little sleight of hand - leaving behind a motion trail - and opens his palm in a flourish. But this time - there’s nothing there.

Sonchiriya watches as Lakhna makes a show of looking for it in his pockets. Nothing.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Arey, kitt gayi?

And then - Lakhna plucks something out of the air. And presents it to Sonchiriya.

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RSVPThere it is - a lemonchoos. Sonchiriya tries to get it but it slips between Lakhna’s fingers and disappears.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Fer gaayab ho gayi susri...

But in her delirious x-ray vision - she can see the candy - in his shirt pocket. Or can she? She points at it.

Lakhna, surprised, digs into his pocket. Indeed, it’s there.

This time, he lets Sonchiriya grab it. And despite herself - she manages to laugh.

Lakhna puts something on the table and starts to walk out.

INDUKahi thhi na. Daaku bhale bhi hovat hain.

Lakhna turns. Their eyes meet.

INDU (CONT’D)Jo tor sang bhayo kahu ke saath bhi ho sakto thho. Phenk de jo karjo apne sar par le ke ghoom raho hai.

They look at each other for a long moment.

OUTSIDE THE ROOM:

From across the courtyard - Beni Ram’s eyes follow Lakhna as -

He walks out and shuts the door from outside. And walks away -

Past the big room in which eight bodyguards are sleeping on mattresses laid on the floor.

EXT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, VERANDAH - NIGHT

The main gate. A GIANT OF A MAN sleeps on a cot next to it.

We CRANE UP from there to reach -

EXT. TERRACE - NIGHT

The terrace. Two rifle-carrying guards walk around in vigil, keeping an eye on the approaches to the house.

On three cots lie - Lakhna, Khalifa and Natthi.

Natthi twirls his moustache - thinking. And then WHISPERS -

NATTHIKaa laagat hai? Surrender ke baad jail mein mutton denge?

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RSVPKHALIFA

Kaahe na denge? Jaroor denge.

Natthi turns to look at him - excited.

NATTHISachchi?

KHALIFAMutton, murgo, kheer. Har shanivaar jailor apni moori bhi bhejego.

Natthi’s smile vanishes as he realizes Khalifa’s playing him.

NATTHIKaahe mazaaq kar raho hai?

KHALIFAToh shuru kisne kiyo thho? Mutton khaayenge bhonsadi!

NATTHIArey mori amma! Toh kaise kategi chaudah saal ki jail?

LAKHNABeehadan se buri bhi koi jail ho sakat hai?

KHALIFASahi baat. Roz tees tees meel chalno, na sone ko pato na baithne ko. Sookhi roti mili toh theek varna khaali pet left right.

The mood goes sombre. Quiet.

LAKHNAAur jail khatam hone ke baad ke karego?

Khalifa stares at the dark skies.

KHALIFAKheti karungo. Oont pe baith ke. Jaise mero baap karto thho. Aur ek aurat hogi. Par amma ke jaisi nahi... oo bahut khachdi rahi.

(chuckles)Je moti moti gaali bakti thhi baapu ke.

Something’s troubling Lakhna as he looks at Khalifa talking. And Khalifa senses it.

KHALIFA (CONT’D)Kaa bhayo Lakhna?

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RSVPLakhna’s about to say something. But just then -

GUARD ONEJAAGTE RAVO!

Lakhna shushes them. They shut their eyes. But then -

Natthi lets out a LOUD BELCH.

The two turn to glare at him before shutting their eyes back.

INT. BENI RAM’S ROOM - NIGHT

Dark. Late at night. Beni Ram and his wife sleep on the bed.

And then - Beni Ram opens his eyes.

Quietly he gets up. And walks out.

As the door shuts - his wife opens her eyes. Looks like she was expecting this to happen.


Beni Ram quietly makes his way across the courtyard.

And stops outside Indu's room.

He throws a look at the terrace. And takes off the latch.

INT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, ROOM - NIGHT

The door creaks as Beni Ram enters and shuts it behind him.

Dark. Till - Beni Ram's hand finds the light switch.

In the light - he sees Sonchiriya lying on her chaarpaayi. But - the other chaarpaayi is vacant.

Beni Ram turns around. There she is - Indu. Right behind him.

In her hand - the lota. She swings it with all her might.

Beni Ram passes out.

ANGLE ON the strings of the cot. Indu frantically works on them with the knife.

Beni Ram stirs. Indu looks at him. And hurries her action.

She manages to cut a few pieces of rope.

Next - she tears a piece of cloth from the bedsheet. And stuffs it in Beni Ram's mouth.

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RSVPShe moves to his hands.


All quiet. The guards move about.

Lakhna, Khalifa and Natthi - their eyes shut.

INT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, ROOM - NIGHT

Indu ties Beni Ram’s legs - just as his eyes pop open.

He screams - but only a muffled sound comes out.

He tries to move. But - he can’t.


Indu walks up to the big room where the guards are sleeping.

She tries to quietly shut the door. But the old door creaks.

One guard stirs. Indu freezes. Her heart - in her mouth.

But - The guard turns and goes back to sleep.

Indu sighs. Gently shuts the door. Latches it from outside.

Then - She tip toes to the door that leads to the terrace.

And knocks the brass knob of the latch on the wood. Once. Twice. Thrice.


Lakhna opens his eyes in a flash.

Notices - GUARD ONE seems curious about that noise.

Lakhna sits up, takes out his beedi bundle. And calls out -

LAKHNABeedi pivego?

The guard’s surprised to see him up. But it diverts his mind.

He comes and sits down. Rests his gun. As Lakhna lights his beedi, the guard goes into a bit of a fanboy mode.

GUARD ONEToh kaiso hai baaghi ko jeevan Lakhna bhaiyya?

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RSVPLAKHNA

Theek hai. Bas mutton na milto.

Lakhna waves at GUARD TWO - who starts walking towards them.

GUARD ONEAgar gang mein bharti hono hove... matbal aise hee poochh raho hoon...

LAKHNAKachhu badi baat na hai. Bas ek mantar hai, jo yaad kar le.

As Guard One one looks at Lakhna expectantly, Lakhna waits for Guard Two to reach them. And then -

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Bairi beimaan, Baaghi saavdhaan!

And then, all of a sudden - Lakhna grabs Guard One’s rifle and hits him on the head with it.

As Guard One collapses - Guard Two reacts sharply, and goes for his gun but -

Natthi and Khalifa get up in a flash and grab him from behind.

Natthi grabs his mouth, while Khalifa slices his neck with a knife.

He crashes to the ground as blood gushes out of his neck.

EXT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, COURTYARD / ROOM - NIGHT

The men rush down the stairs and reach the courtyard where -

Indu awaits - her eyes on the door of the guards’ room.

They rush to Indu's room - where Beni Ram lies struggling.

Lakhna cuts the strings around the legs with the knife.

Natthi drags him out as Khalifa picks up Sonchiriya.

EXT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, VERANDAH - NIGHT

They tip toe into the verandah.

Beni Ram’s desperate eyes go to the guard on the cot. He tries to scream. Only a muffled sound comes out.

Natthi grabs his throat to stop him for attempting even that.

Slowly - they reach up to the main gate.

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RSVPAs Indu tries to open the gate - the rusty ‘kundi’ creaks.

Damn. The Giant opens his eyes.

It takes him a moment. And then he reaches for his gun.

But Lakhna jumps on him. The two struggle.

The man SHOUTS. Natthi lets go of Beni Ram and jumps on the Giant to grab his mouth.

Beni Ram senses an opportunity and tries to rush back into the house.

Indu chases after him. Grabs his leg.

Beni Ram falls down. He tries to get up again. But his tied hands slow him down. He flails his legs wildly at Indu.

A kick lands on her stomach and it hurts Indu real bad. The knife drops from her hand.

Beni Ram tries to run again. But Indu recovers and grabs him again.

Meanwhile - the Giant is proving difficult for both Lakhna and Natthi collectively to handle.

Khalifa puts Sonchiriya down. And rushes in to help.

But before that - the Giant kicks at Natthi and manages to free himself.

He rushes towards the house - SHOUTING OUT LOUD.

GIANT GUARDRe Radiya... Thakur ko le jaa rahe...

The three run after him. Lakhna manages to grab his mouth again -

But the Giant drags him along. Right into the -

INT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, COURTYARD - NIGHT

The Courtyard. The Giant’s headed for the door to the room in which the guards are sleeping.

But Natthi and Khalifa rush to block his way.

INT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, GUARDS’ ROOM - DAY

The guards - sleeping. One of them stirs.

An O.S. muffled sound from outside. He looks at the door.

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RSVPINT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, COURTYARD

The Giant looks - spots another door. He pushes Lakhna away.

THE STORE ROOM. The Giant manages to enter and shut the door -

Just as the door of the guards’ sleeping room starts getting banged from inside. Damn, they’re up!

COUTYARD. Indu - who has Beni pinned down to the ground - looks at the door worried.

Just then - Indu’s eyes go to -

Beni Ram’s wife standing in the courtyard. The woman just stands there watching them with cold eyes.

What Indu doesn’t realize is - Beni Ram’s slowly trying to grab the fallen knife with his tied hands.

INT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, STORE ROOM - NIGHT

The guard looks frantically in a sack of grain. Fishes out -

A machine gun. The same one Beni Ram had tried to sell to the gang.

He grits his teeth in new found confidence -

GIANT GUARDTor aisi ki taisi saalon...

And turns around to head towards the door.

But just then - a gun shot is heard outside.

The guard stands there stunned. And then his eyes go to -

His stomach. A red patch over it.

The gun still in his hands, he looks again at the door. We CRASH DOLLY INTO -

A hole on the door for the latch. From where an eye is peeping in.


It’s Lakhna. He looks up. Something strikes him.

Thud! Thud! He starts to kick at the door from outside.

Meanwhile - the guard’s door is also getting kicked at from inside. It’s gonna give away any time now.

Khalifa and Natthi look at Lakhna with disbelief.

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RSVPKHALIFA

Lakhna kay kar raho hai? Chal.

LAKHNATain log jaao. Main jaa ne rokto hoon.

Khalifa doesn’t quite understand. Until Lakhna SCREAMS -

LAKHNA (CONT’D)JAAO!

Khalifa, Natthi and Indu rush out dragging Beni Ram along.

Indu remembers something. She comes back. Quickly slips into - a sturdy pair of boots.

Behind - Lakhna continues to kick at the door with all he’s got.

INT. BENI RAM’S HOUSE, GUARDS’ ROOM - NIGHT

The guards - crowding around the door, with two of them banging at it together.

The door creaks. The old wood seems to be giving away. Just a few times more now.

Once. Twice. And the third time -

The door gives away.

Only for the guards to see -


Lakhna standing in front, the machine gun in his hands.

He loads it - his eyes on them. And then says -

LAKHNANeech ki naukri, jee ko janjaal.

EXT. VILLAGE / FIELDS - NIGHT

Natthi, Khalifa and Indu drag Beni Ram through the fields when they hear -

Rat-a-tat-tat. A machine gun goes off behind in the house.

They turn to look - with shock and fear on their faces.

Khalifa screams and runs back towards the house.

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RSVPKHALIFA

LAKHNA!

But then - a figure emerges from the house. Lakhna.

Joy and relief come up on their faces as Lakhna walks towards them, smiling.

Natthi twirls his moustache, enjoying the moment of victory.

Lakhna gets closer. But then - his expression changes. He SCREAMS-

LAKHNANATTHI!

Natthi reacts. But it’s too late. Beni Ram swings the knife in his tied hands and it pierces into Natthi’s scalp.

Natthi goes down like a fallen tree.

Fuck. Lakhna runs towards him as Beni Ram turns around and runs.

Lakhna reaches up to Natthi. Tries to shake him up.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Natthi! Natthi uth!

But he’s gone.

Lakhna looks up. There’s Beni Ram - running in the fields.

There’s rage in Lakhna’s eyes as he goes after him. He catches up in no time.

And just lets it all out on him. Lakhna beats him merciless and then finally grabs hold of his throat - strangling him.

Khalifa comes and grabs Lakhna from behind.

KHALIFALakhna, nahi! Nahi!

Despite himself - Lakhna lets go of Beni Ram. He turns to look at Natthi.

He lies in peace - his proud moustache twirled upwards.

EXT. LACHCHI’S VILLAGE - NIGHT

A stray dog follows Vakil Singh and gang closely, barking incessantly as they walk through the village.

An irritated Chain Singh turns and points his gun straight at the head of the dog.

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RSVPThe dog looks at it. And strangely, it gets the hint. It scoots off whimpering.

Bhoora points to a kachcha hut in the distance.

BHOORAVo raho Lachchu ko makaan.

They notice - Outside the house - a few men.

CHAIN SINGHItti raat gaye itte aadmi?

BHOORAMatbal abahu nikale nahi Dholpur ke layi.

Vakil Singh quietly cocks his gun and with soft feet, starts walking towards the hut. The rest follow him.

They get closer to the hut. The men have their backs to them.

Vakil Singh brings his gun up as he moves in further. He can hear their VOICES now.

He’s almost there. He tries to look at the faces of the men.

He spots Lachchu - squatting on the ground.

Vakil Singh trains his gun at him.

VAKIL SINGHLachchu!

Lachchu turns. Vakil’s surprised to see - Lachchu's crying.

The men too turn now. Vakil and gang point their gun at them. But - they’re regular villagers.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Lakhna kitt hai?

Lachchu just continues to look at him with tears in his eyes.

Vakil Singh hears - SOUNDS coming from the hut.

He MOVES towards the hut. And PEEPS in to see -

Women wailing. An old lady beating her chest. And -

The DEAD BODY of an old man - Lachchu's father. The body looks badly beaten up and tortured.

Vakil Singh stands there staring at the dead body and listening to the women wailing.

But then Vakil walks up to Lachhi. Squats down next to him.

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RSVPVAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)

Shhh... chupp... ekdum chup! Kaahe rovat hai? Hain? Kaa bhayo? Arey umar ko maro hai tor baapu. Ab vidhi vidhaan se kiriya karam hogo. Pandat aavego, Garud Puran padhego... ‘Shareeram dehte yadi’ falaana dhimkaa...

Beat. Vakil Singh turns to Lachchu.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Man Singh ke toh kachhu naseeb na huo.

Lachchu looks at him. In his eyes - tears. Fear.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Lakhna kitt hai?

LACHCHUMohe na pato, Vakil.

Vakil looks at Bhoora - Who kicks Lachchu hard.

As the villagers run away - Bhoora continues to kick him. Next he uses the rifle butt. But Lachchu takes it all.

Bhoora finally presses the gun against Lachchu's head.

Lachchu looks him in the eye with defiance.

LACHCHU (CONT’D)Goli maarego? Toh maar de. Maayi ko sraap lagne se toh achcho hee hai.

Vakil stares at him. Then storms into the hut. Women scream.

Soon Vakil emerges with Lachchu's TEN YEAR OLD BOY.

VAKIL SINGHBol Lachchu... warna baapu sang aaj pooro parivaar aag mein jaavego.

Lachchu - silent. But we can see he’s scared now.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Tain ne mukhbiri ki thhi ki nahi?

Vakil presses the gun on the kid's stomach. The kid SCREAMS.

Lachchu breaks down. And amidst sobs says -

LACHCHUKarne waalo thho.

VAKIL SINGHFer?

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RSVPLachchu doesn't respond. Vakil loads the gun. SHOUTS -

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)FER?

LACHCHU(shouts out)

Arey fer na kar sako dhokho oo Man Singh se jaa ne itto kuchh karo mere layi. Sab sach sach bata diyo.

Vakil looks at Lachchu with surprise.

And we slowly TRACK INTO Lachchu's face - Real tight. And the haunting FOLK SONG that we heard earlier creeps in.

INSERT FLASHBACK:

EXT. RAVINES, CAMP - NIGHT

We PULL BACK from Lachchu’s face as -

He sits in front of Man Singh.

LACHCHUBramhpuri mein sunaaran ke yehaan byaah haigo. Sune 80 tola de rahe moori ne. Nagdi alag.

Man Singh - washing his face - looks at him.

MAN SINGHKhabar pakki?

LACHCHUH...Hau... Hau Dadda.

Man Singh notices something's troubling Lachchu.

MAN SINGHSab theek hai na? Kaa bhayo?

Lachchu looks at Man Singh - Lost. Blank.

Man Singh walks up to Lachchu. Touches his shoulder.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Ae Lachchu? Kachu baat rahi?

And Lachchu breaks down. Grabs Man Singh's legs.

LACHCHUBaapu ki haalat kharaab hai Dadda. Police utha ke le gayi vaa ne. Aur bahut maar rahi hai. Moh se kaho hai oo ke tabhi chhodegi jab tohe je khabar dungo.

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RSVPHe looks at Man Singh with pleading eyes.

LACHCHU (CONT’D)Tain mat aana Dadda... Jaal bichhayo hai oo Gujjar ne.

A moment passes. And Man Singh seems to have made a decision.

MAN SINGHAur tor baapu? Police chhodegi vaa ne? Mar na jaavego havaalat mein?

From the height - Man Singh looks at the gang sitting around the fire. Their faces - sad. The air around them - heavy.

MAN SINGH (CONT’D)Gujjar ko karjo hai gang pe, chukaano toh padego. Ek mauko haq hai vaa ko.

Lachchu looks at him with shock as the realisation sinks. He grabs Man Singh’s feet.

LACHCHUNa Dadda... mor upar je muhkbiri ko paap na chadaavo...

MAN SINGHTain ne koi paap na karo Lachchu. Ulte ehsaan karo hai hum pe.

LACHCHUSab khatam ho jaavego Dadda..

On Man Singh’s face - a strange sort of a calm.

MAN SINGHBaaghi ko kaam hai apno dharam nibhaano. Baaki sab maayi ke haath mein. Jis jis ke maayi upar bula legi, samjho oo ko karjo utar gavo.

FLASHBACK ENDS.

EXT. LACHCHI’S VILLAGE - NIGHT

A shell-shocked Vakil Singh barely manages to mutter -

VAKIL SINGHMatbal... Dadda ne pato thho...?

LACHCHUMoh se kasam le li ki chup chaap baapu ke ghar le aaungo, kahu se kachhu na kahungo... Aur dekho, baapu bhi mar gavo.

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RSVPVakil Singh stands stunned. Even Bhoora and the rest of the men are speechless.

Nobody moves. No sound - except the insects of the night.

And then - Vakil Singh snorts. It's a strange sound, which turns into a sad laugh.

VAKIL SINGHArey baap re... itti beimaani?

He looks at Bhoora - slapping his forehead, laughing weirdly.

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Re Bhoora... dekhe Man Singh ke kartab? Apno karjo toh utaar liyo, hamein jehin chhod gavo beehadan mein...

(shouts at the skies)Arey wah re Dadda beimaan!

And then the laugh turns into sobs as he slumps down on his knees - devastated.

An irritated Chain Singh shakes his head and signals his men to get going. They leave as -

Vakil Singh continues to sob.

EXT. RIVER BANK - MORNING

Sunrise.

Lakhna sits by the river bank. Indu, Sonchiriya and Khalifa are nearby.

Across the river - a camel walks, carrying logs of wood on its back.

Lakhna watches the camel. As if in a dream. The camel stops. Looks back at Lakhna.

The camera moves close to Lakhna. Closer. Closer still.

Across the river, the camel is not alone anymore. Balak Ram, Natthi, Man Singh stand too. And the little girl from the Gujjar village, perched on Man Singh’s shoulder.

She raises her hand and points but not at him. At someone beside him.

Lakhna turns to look where the Gujjar girl is pointing at.

At Sonchiriya. Who is wide awake and looking at him. They keep looking at each other until -

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RSVPA sound. Khalifa cocks his gun and turns in one motion. Only to see -

Its the Mallah boatman.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Early morning. A fire dying out. The constables lie around it, resting.

Badlu stares at the stars - no sleep in his eyes.

BADLUJe toh saali vardi ke moh ne rok liyo, Kakku. Varna aiso ho sakat tho ki koi mor kakku pe haath uthaave aur main dekhto rahoon?

(beat; chokes)Oo bhi ek Gujjar...

Kok Singh looks at him. Sits up.

KOK SINGHArey inki aisi ki taisi bhateej. Jee chhota na karey...

He lights up a couple of beedis and offers one to Badlu.

KOK SINGH (CONT’D)Sab se badi vardi hove hai je chamdi. Aur tor mor chamdi thakuran ki chamdi hai. Koi jitte marji star lagva le vardi pe, chamdi pe koi star na lagtey. Jaise aaye, waise gaye. Aur je baat je daroga bhi jaanat hai.

They look with disdain at - Virender Gujjar.

Who sits away from the constables - absentmindedly stoking the little fire that burns in front of him. Lost.

A rather sad, lonely figure.

As Lalla comes and sits down next to the fire - Gujjar looks at him gravely.

VIRENDER GUJJARTohe kaa laagat hai? Sajaa de ke, badlo le ke, kaiso lagto hai?

Lalla doesn’t answer.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (CONT’D)Arey kachchu na rakho badle mein. Bheetar hee bheetar jalaa dego sab.

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RSVPLalla looks at him. Gujjar notices - tears in Lalla’s eyes.

LALLASab hansenge gaon mein. Baapu par toh pehle se hee hansat rahe, ab Amma par bhi...

Gujjar melts. Puts an awkward hand over Lalla’s head.

And then - the wireless set lying next to him crackles.

VOICE ON THE WIRELESS (V.O.)Gaon Naroda jila Morena se golibari ki khabar... aas paas ke saare thaane chaukas rahe... dakuan ki halchal ho sakti hai.

The hardness returns to Virender Gujjar's face. He shouts -

VIRENDER GUJJARChalo saare! Bahot aaram ho gaya!

He marches ahead by himself. The constables scamper behind.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

An eerie looking part of the ravines with high slopes.

The mysterious Mallah Boatman leads the way as Lakhna and others follow a little behind, with Beni Ram as hostage.

On Lakhna’s shoulders - Sonchiriya. He checks on her.

She looks really weak - her eyes drifting in and out of consciousness, the whimpers from her dry lips barely audible.

LAKHNAAe moori... Sove mati...Aankh khol.

She struggles. A worried Lakhna calls out to the boatman -

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Re Mallah, aur kitti door hai?

The Boatman just continues to walk ahead without answering.

He takes a turn. By the time the others reach there -

There’s no one there. The man has just disappeared.

They look around - confused. And just then, out of nowhere -

SEVERAL DACOITS come sliding down from the high slopes above.

Before Lakhna or Khalifa can react, the Mallah dacoits kick their rifles out of their hands.

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RSVPSonchiriya falls down from Lakhna's shoulder. Indu screams.

The men kick Khalifa to ground.

The butt of a rifle lands on Lakhna's head. He too falls.

The tied Beni Ram and Indu get thrown by the side as -

The kicks and the rifle butts continue to land on Lakhna and Khalifa from all around.

The men stop only when -

A figure appears on the slope above, towering over the rest.

It’s a young woman in her 20s with a red bandana over her forehead - PHULIYA.

Phuliya watches as the dust settles down. The seniormost dacoit VISHNU MALLAH walks up to Lakhna.

VISHNU MALLAHNaam bol.

But Lakhna's eyes are on Phuliya.

He somehow manages to come up on his knees and shout at her -

LAKHNAMain Lakhan Singh. Aur je Khalifa. Man Singh ke gang se.

Phuliya slides down the slopes. Walks up to Lakhna.

PHULIYAHum ne toh suni tain teen thhe?

Lakhna looks back in her fiery eyes.

LAKHNATeesro tor bhent laane mein bhent chadh gavo.

Phuliya comes close to him. Dangerously close. And whispers -

PHULIYATor Man Singh jinda thho toh kachhu na karo Phuliya ke layi. Ab tu kaa bhent dego mohe, Thakur?

Lakhna points to Beni Ram - on the ground, covered in dust.

Phuliya looks unsure of who that is.

Lakhna manages to get up on his feet and walk up to Beni Ram.

Pulls the cloth out of Beni Ram's mouth. And hoists him up.

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RSVPSlowly - recognition dawns on her face. And her eyes widen.

As Phuliya starts walking towards Beni Ram - Lakhna lets go of him and steps away from the two.

Beni Ram looks at Phuliya approaching him. Her eyes - manic. Almost animal-like.

He BOLTS. As others of her gang try to go after him -

Phuliya SCREAMS. They freeze.

Phuliya glares at them before going after Beni Ram herself.

Beni Ram takes a turn in the ravines and disappear from our sights. But Phuliya’s on his trail.

And soon - we can hear SCREAMS. Of both Phuliya and Beni Ram. Like a wild animal has descended upon its prey.

When we finally go AROUND THE BEND:

Beni Ram lies on the ground - dead. Covered in blood. And hunched over him is Phuliya with the rifle in her hands.

She’s still bludgeoning him brutally. Until -

Vishnu Mallah appears there and puts a hand over her head.

Phuliya breaks down. Vishnu signals to his gang to get going.

LAKHNAKaa Vishnu Mallah, badle mein kachhu na milego Phuliya se?

Vishnu ignores him - as he tries to help Phuliya up.

VISHNU MALLAHChal Phuliya, chal uth...

Lakhna blocks their way.

LAKHNAJaa moori ke badey aspatal le jaano hai. Rifle-dhaari lagey hain jaa ke peechhe... aur hamaare peechhe STF. Bas Dholpur pahuncha de, Phuliya.

Vishnu tries to push Lakhna away.

VISHNU MALLAHTu pehlo aadmi hai kisi Thakur gang ko, jaa ki jaan baksh rahi hai Phuliya. Je bahot na hai?

Lakhna pushes him back and brings his gun up.

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RSVPLAKHNA

Insaaf dhoondhat rahi toh insaaf karno bhi seekh, Phuliya!

More guns come up from the Mallah gang. But Lakhna doesn’t back off.

Indu looks around in desperation. Then shouts out -

INDUMoori ki haalat dekh Phuliya. Tere jaiso hee julam uthaayo hai jaa ne.

Phuliya - still emotional - stops.

INDU (CONT’D)Jhirsa hai bechari. Aur je Thakur paar le ke jaa raho hai jaa ne.

Phuliya turns to look at Sonchiriya. At her condition.

PHULIYAKisne kiyo jaa ke saath julam?

Indu's face hardens. And so does her voice -

INDUJisne bhi kiyo, ab jinda na hai.

Phuliya looks at Indu. Realizes. In Phuliya's eyes - respect.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Virender Gujjar leading his men. From somewhere behind -

A CONSTABLE WITH WIRELESS SET comes running in.

CONSTABLE WITH WIRELESSNaroda se khabar aayi hai saab. Teen daaku thhe. Wo taskar Beni Ram ki pakar ho gayi bataa rahe hain.

Gujjar looks skeptical.

VIRENDER GUJJARYe Man Singh ka gang nahi ho sakta. Beni Ram toh supplier hai unka.

Ratan Singh shouts out from behind -

RATAN SINGHOo teen dakuan sang do auratan bhi rahi kaa saab?

Gujjar turns to look at him and then back at the Constable.

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RSVPCONSTABLE AT OUTPOST

Jee saahab, rahi.

RATAN SINGHJe Man Singh ko hee gang hai saab. Lakhna naam hai oo ko.

ANGLE ON an enlarged map of Chambal spread out on the sand. Gujjar refers to it while talking on the wireless.

VIRENDER GUJJARAb itna bada kaand kar ke ye zaroor border paar karne ki koshish karengey. Dholpur ke beehad paas hee hain. Over...

SP’S VOICE (O.S.)Kya karna chahte ho? Over...

Virender Gujjar looks at the map.

VIRENDER GUJJARJanaab Naroda se Dholpur ke beech ka raasta gherna hoga. Aas paas ke jitne thaane hain, saare sipaahi yehaan ghoomane honge...

(beat)Janaab ka aadesh ho toh... Over.

ANGLE ON the constables marching in a hurry.

Gujjar notices Ratan Singh. Stops him with his rifle.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (CONT’D)Ratan Singh, apne moora ne le ke ghar jaa. Jaa ki jagah school mein hai, beehadan mein nahi.

Ratan Singh looks distraught. Gujjar walks up to Lalla.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (CONT’D)Jaa Lalla, tor Amma ghar pahonch jaavegi. Aur haan, koi toh pe hanse na, toh Thanedaar Gujjar ko naam le lijo. Hansi aapey ruk jaavegi.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Lakhna and Khalifa carry Sonchiriya on a make shift stretcher made of sticks and blanket. The Mallah gang walks alongside. Somewhere behind in the file - Indu and Phuliya.

PHULIYAAspatal jaane ke baad kaa karegi? Chhodego tor marad tohe?

Indu looks at her gravely. She doesn't have an answer.

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RSVPPHULIYA (CONT’D)

Mor gang mein bharti ho jaa.

Indu - surprised. Then bursts out laughing.

PHULIYA (CONT’D)Hans kyun rahi hai? Paapiyan ne maarno toh seekh hee liyo, toh baaghi toh tain ban hee gayi.

Indu smiles.

INDUPar je toh Mallah ko gang hai. Main bhayi Thakur.

It's Phuliya's turn to laugh at this.

PHULIYAAbahu baat samajh na aayi tohe? Je bramhan thakur baniya shudra mardan tayin hove hain. Auratan ki toh alag hee jaat hove hai. Je sab se parey... je sab se neechey.

And then she turn around and shouts at her gang -

PHULIYA (CONT’D)Aage se ghaati shuru ho rahi. Do aadmi agaadi jaao.

TWO MEN run ahead as ordered.

EXT. RAVINES NEAR FORT - DAY

A narrow pass amidst high ravines. The two Front Runners of Phuliya’s gang walk ahead looking around.

Cautious - but convinced they’re safe.

Except - they aren’t. From SOMEWHERE HIGH UP in the ravines -

A rifle peeps out. And A MAN takes aim.

Until - a hand comes to stop him. It’s a SUB INSPECTOR who whispers his orders to the police party of 7-8 constables.

SUB INSPECTORRuko abhi. Forward party lag ri hai. Gang peechhe hogo.

UP AHEAD: An abandoned structure. Probably ruins of a fortress of some small time Raja.

The two Mallah dacoits reach underneath, then turn around and make a bird call, a signal to the rest of the gang to follow.

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RSVPThe cops above watch - as the Mallah gang along with Lakhna and company slowly enter the FRAME.

The Sub Inspector fiddles excitedly with the wireless as the gang moves closer to them.

DOWN BELOW: Sonchiriya - on the stretcher.

HER POV - Semi-delirious. Drifting in and out of consciousness. The flares of the sun. The high ravines. The ominous eagle in the sky. And then - a man. With a gun.

She senses something wrong. Kicks at Lakhna. Lakhna looks at her.

SONCHIRIYA(unclear)

Oo... oo oopar... oopar...

Lakhna thinks she’s in pain.

LAKHNABas thodi der aur moori. Himmat rakh.

He continues to carry the stretcher - much to Sonchiriya’s despair.

UP ABOVE:

The Sub Inspector talks into the wireless -

SUB INSPECTORSikarwar ke kile ke paas. Dholpur se do ek kilometer hogo. Over.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Virender Gujjar carefully listens to the wireless while impatiently signalling to Kok Singh to spread the map out.

As Kok Singh struggles with it - Gujjar roughly pushes him aside. Reads the location on the map.

Ah, not too far! Gujjar makes up his mind.

VIRENDER GUJJARJaanwaron ko kile ki taraf haanko. Aur hamare pahunchne tak wahin gher ke rakho. Aas paas ki saari police party ko bhi wahin bhej raha hoon.

BACK TO: The SUB INSPECTOR commands the group.

SUB INSPECTORChaar chaar mein bant jaao. Pehle jehaan se firing hogi.

(MORE)

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RSVPFer jab tori taraf jaane lagey, tab tain firing karna. Dhyaan rahe, kiley ki taraf haankno hai... Niklo...

EXT. RAVINES NEAR FORT - DAY

Sonchiriya - panicking. Struggling to convey to Lakhna what she saw. It only makes her breathless.

INDUSaans chadh ri hai moori ki.

A worried Lakhna hands someone the stretcher. And goes close to Sonchiriya to check on her.

PHULIYAWaqt barbaad na karo. Jehaan se jyaada door na hai Dholpur.

Sonchiriya finally manages to grab hold of Lakhna’s shirt and pulls his ear next to her mouth. And WHISPERS something.

Lakhna - alarmed at what he hears. Looks up. And catches a glimpse of a rifle.

LAKHNA(screams)

POLICE! UPAR!

And just then - BANG. A Mallah dacoit goes down.

Phuliya picks up her gun and SHOUTS OUT -

PHULIYANIKLO JEHAAN SE...

They fire back, while trying to get away from there.

And then few more shots get fired - this time from the other direction.

The men look about - Confused. They’re trapped from both sides. And the cops have an advantage of height too.

Before they can understand, few more shots follow - this time from both sides.

Two more of Phuliya's men go down.

Phuliya realises that Sonchiriya is directly in the line of fire.

PHULIYA (CONT’D)Mori ko ghero!

SUB INSPECTOR (CONT'D)

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RSVPThe Mallah gang, along with Lakhna and Khalifa, forms a protective semi-circle around Sonchiriya and Indu.

Vishnu Mallah looks around. Spots - the ruins.

VISHNU MALLAHKILEY TARAF BADHO!

They fire back at the cops as they move in that direction.

UP ABOVE:

The Sub Inspector smiles. He can see his plan working.

SUB INSPECTORBahot badhiya... haanko... haanko saalon ko...

The cops continue to fire at the retreating figures from both sides - pushing them into the ruins.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Vakil Singh and company. Running.

Tired. Exhausted. Looks like they’ve been running for a while.

They take a turn and comes face to face with -

A POLICE PARTY. Less than 100 meters away.

Vakil & men immediately duck back.

The cops too take cover. Several rifles are loaded at once.

VAKIL SINGHKHABARDAAR! KAUN HAI WAHAAN?

Silence for a bit. And then the lead cop SHOUTS back -

COP IN RAVINESTain log kaun ho?

VAKIL SINGHMadhya Pradesh Police. Aur kaun?

COP IN RAVINESVaa toh hum bhi hain. Thaano batao chup chaap.

Vakil looks at Bhoora. Bhoora SHOUTS OUT -

BHOORAAe! Tameej se. Dipti Kaptaan hain Sheopuri ke. Samjho?

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RSVPMurmured whispers in cops. They look a little nervous now.

VAKIL SINGHKaun afsar hai? Kaun thaano? Daaku toh naa ho?

The cop seems taken aback by the authority in the voice.

COP IN RAVINESNahi nahi, saahab. Main Govind Bhadoriya, Thana incharge, Kichni.

Vakil Singh nods at Bhoora. And together - they step out with with full authority and walk towards the cops.

VAKIL SINGHJe Kichni ke under toh na aave hai? Hain? Toh jehaan kaa kar rahe ho?

BHOORAMain keh raho hoon saahab, je maadarchod daaku hain...

The cops melt under this show of authority. Salutes follow.

COP IN RAVINESNahi, nahi saahab... wireless pe headquarter ko message aayo thho. Kaho Sikarwar ke kile pe Mallah gang aur Man Singh gang ke sang ghero hai. Sab ne wahin aane ko order hai. Wahi khatir...

Vakil stops in his steps as his face registers the info.

The cop looks at him. And then his eyes go to - Bhoora's rough uniform. And then - to his canvas shoes.

The cop opens his mouth to scream. But before that -

Vakil Singh fires. And so does Bhoora and the rest.

EXT. RAVINES / RUINS - DAY

The cops in their positions- Keeping an eye on the TWO EXITS, Firing intermittently at the dacoits who emerge to shoot.

Phuliya tries to pump her men up -

PHULIYAAath dus hee hain... abahu khatam ho jaavenge...

Khalifa fires. Then goes running to Lakhna.

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RSVPKHALIFA

Nikalne ke donu raaste rok rakhe hain. Par aage na badh rahe saale.

LAKHNAHaraamjaade! Intejaar kar rahe apne saathian ke aane ko.

He gets up and fires a round of his machine gun. Realizes - the ammo has run out. Damn.

Lakhna looks back at - A scared Indu clutching on to Sonchiriya in her lap.

And just then - someone from Phuliya's gang gets hit.

Lakhna rushes to his place and grabs his rifle.

Takes aim. And waits. Waits. A cop emerges out to shoot.

Lakhna fires. Bang - a bullet pierces through the cop’s head.

MEANWHILE: Phuliya the daredevil. Emerges out of her cover to provoke the cops. SHOUTS OUT -

PHULIYAChhupe baithe hain namarad saaley! Phenk je bandook, lehengo banwa le. Kamariya ko naap bata bhijwaa doongi...

One of them takes the bait. Emerges out to fire.

The cop misses. Phuliya doesn’t duck. Fires back a few.

And one of the bullets manages to hit the cop.

A LITTLE AWAY: Vishnu Mallah takes another cop down.

Phuliya eggs on her men -

PHULIYA (CONT’D)Shabash! Bas chaar paanch reh gave.

The men - buoyed - scream and fire.

Indu comes rushing to Lakhna.

INDUMoori ki saans toot rahi hai...

Lakhna looks worried. But tries to give her assurance -

LAKHNAFikar na kar. Jyada bakhat na lagego jaa ne saaf -

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RSVPThe rest of his words drown out in the deafening BOOM-BOOM-BOOM of a machine gun that sprays bullets very close to them.

Lakhna takes Indu's hand and jumps to the ground - only just about managing to avoid the spray.

But - two members of Phuliya gang go down.

And then a few moments of silence. The stunned gang tries to peep out but then - BOOM-BOOM-BOOM again, from another direction.

They have to throw themselves back again. And this time - the booming gun continues to wreak havoc, moving all over. So much so that Indu and a few of the gang shut their ears and cower into a ball in whatever corners they can find.

Lakhna only somehow manages to peep out.

An LMG mounted on to a jeep. And behind it - Gujjar.

Lakhna notices - the dozen or so cops with him. Damn.

Gujjar’s eyes meet Lakhna's as he brings up his LOUDHAILER -

VIRENDER GUJJARKaa re Phuliya... tu kaahe fans gayi jaa ke sang?

Phuliya SCREAMS back at him and fires.

PHULIYAJaa re daroga tor aisi ki taisi...

Another spray of bullets in return from Gujjar.

Another member from Phuliya's gang goes down - before the rest of them manage to duck back in desperation.

The other cops have been buoyed up. Now the tempo of firing is amped up by them.

As Lakhna sits there ducking, he notices -

A tense Khalifa looking at him.

Even Phuliya looks worried now. They’re getting decimated.

RAVINES:

Virender Gujjar jumps off the jeep. Someone replaces him.

He gathers his troops around -

VIRENDER GUJJARKiley ki taraf badhna hai. Jaise hi koi dikhe toh fire karna.

(MORE)

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RSVPHaan, andar ek aurat bachchi hain, unko kuchh nahi hona chahiye.

ANOTHER PART OF RAVINES:

We see two figures crawling their way to a bush and hiding behind it. It’s Ratan Singh & Lalla. Their eyes - searching for Indu.

RUINS:

Indu holding Sonchiriya’s hand. She SHOUTS OUT -

INDUKachhu kar, Lakhna. Moori na bachegi...

Lakhna looks at her. On his face - Frustration. Defeat.

Indu realizes. She cups her mouth in fear.

Sonchiriya’s fingers find Indu’s. Her little hand clutches on to Indu’s, seeking support. Indu holds her hand tight.

Their eyes meet. And all around - everything goes SLO. And QUIET. And then to comfort Sonchiriya, Indu begins to sing a LULLABY. It’s a moment just between them -

Even as bullets continue to fly all around. And men continue to die. And blood continues to flow. And Lakhna and Phuliya scream in frustration. But all we hear is the lullaby. Until -

Indu’s voice falters. And she breaks down. And the violent SOUNDS return to us. Along with a voice - Virender Gujjar’s voice coming off the loudhailer -

VIRENDER GUJJAR (O.S.)Lakhan Singh... sooli pe taang ke ghumaaungo tohe gaon mein, jaise Man Singh ke ghumaayo thho...

Lakhna just continues to stare at the ground.

And then, ANOTHER VOICE on a loudhailer -

VAKIL SINGH (O.S.)BAIRI BEIMAAN, BAAGHI SAAVDHAAN.

It's followed by a barrage of bullets.

Lakhna and Khalifa look at each other. And then the two emerge out to see -

RAVINES: There he is - Vakil Singh, emerging from behind, firing at the cops guarding the second exit.

The cops - taken totally by surprise. They go down in lots. Some try to take cover and fire back.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (CONT'D)

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RSVPBut Vakil Singh continues to advance fearlessly.

Lakhna & Khalifa - surprised. But seize this opportunity to fire at the cops who now have their backs to them.

A few more cops go down from this dual assault.

Vakil Singh & men move ahead and take over the second exit.

And then Vakil picks up the loudhailer -

VAKIL SINGH (CONT’D)Re Gujjar, Man Singh hansto hansto khud chadho thho sooli par, tain ne nahi taango. Toh lagao jaikaara saare - Baaghi Man Singh ki...

His men, along with Lakhna and Khalifa, go -

CHORUSJAI!

FROM ACROSS: Lakhna and Vakil look at each other - even as bullets fly all around.

GUARDING THE OTHER EXIT: Virender Gujjar - Taken aback. Turns his attention to Vakil Singh.

But the cops now have to fight the battle on two fronts.

Phuliya too increases the pressure.

A couple more cops go down. They now seem on the defensive.

RUINS: Phuliya comes running to Lakhna.

PHULIYARaasto khul gavo. Tain niklo moori ne le ke.

LAKHNATain log bhi chalo.

PHULIYAAbahu morcha na chhod sakat. Niklo tain.

Lakhna looks at Phuliya. Nods.

They rush to Indu and Sonchiriya.

As Lakhna picks the girl up - Phuliya and Indu's eyes meet.

INDUTu yaad rahegi Phuliya.

PHULIYAMor nyota bhi yaad rahe.

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RSVPIndu smiles.

Phuliya gives cover fire as they run across - from the ruins to the side of the ravines where Vakil Singh is.

Virender Gujjar notices it. Turns his firing towards them.

But - Vakil fires in response to push him and his men back.

Lakhna, Khalifa and Indu just about manage to make it across.

RAVINES:

They duck back and hide, waiting for the firing to recede.

Vakil and Lakhna - a little distance away from the rest.

Vakil Singh lights up two beedis. Passes one to Lakhna.

VAKIL SINGHDadda ke pato thho... Ki Gujjar ghaat lagaa ke baitho hai Birhampuri mein.

Lakhna looks at him with shock. It takes a few moments for him to fully grasp it.

LAKHNAMatbal... ungli pakad ke le gaye Dadda jamraj ke bhainse ke aage.

VAKIL SINGHAage? Chutadan mein seeng ghused diyo bhainse ko.

Beat. And then - the two burst out laughing.

LAKHNABahinchod!

They sit there laughing - while the battle rages on outside.

Vakil Singh’s eyes go to Sonchiriya in Indu’s arms.

VAKIL SINGHMukti dhoondhat rahe Dadda... Je beehadan mein sabahu toh dhoondhat rahe apni apni mukti... apni apni Sonchiriya... hamre paas toh aapey aayi hai Lakhna. Dekh vaa ne kachhu ho naa jaave.


LAKHNAAb Mukhiya ko hukum toh maanno hee padego, Vakil.

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RSVPAnd then - in complete tandem - the two get up and open fire -

LAKHNA AND VAKIL SINGH(together)

BAIRI BEIMAAN, BAAGHI SAAVDHAAN!

Giving Khalifa and Indu the chance to get out and run.

Lakhna follows - while continuing to fire back at the cops.

ON THE OTHER SIDE:

Virender Gujjar notices Lakhna slipping away.

He tries to advance. But - Vakil Singh blocks his path.

A fierce gunfight ensues. Men go down on both sides.

SOMEWHERE IN THE RAVINES:

Ratan Singh and Lalla sneak out from behind and chase after a receding Indu.

Ratan Singh grabs his son. Looks him in the eye.

RATAN SINGHSun lalla. Maa hai tori. Oo ke ghar le ke jaano hai. Bas. Samjho?

A long moment passes before Lalla nods.

The two give chase - ducking to stay from everyone’s eyes.

BACK WITH GUJJAR:

A furious Gujjar fires from his machine gun like a man possessed. Spraying bullets all around.

One of them gets Bhoora.

Vakil Singh SCREAMS in anger and fires back. But -

Gujjar advances - taking cover every now and then, before gaining further ground.

EXT. RAVINES - DAY

Lakhna, Indu and Khalifa on the run.

Khalifa looks back to see if they are being followed.

KHALIFAChal daud, Lakhna. Koi na dikh raho...

Unknown to them - A little behind - Ratan Singh & Lalla, chasing them discretely.

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RSVPEXT. RAVINES / RUINS - DAY

Vakil Singh - still holding bay. Not letting Gujjar pass.

Gujjar takes cover. Looks around.

Spots - Kok singh.

Gujjar signals to him to quietly approach from behind.

Kok Singh nods.

Gujjar gets out and engages in firing with Vakil - just distracting him enough to not notice -

Kok Singh sneaking out from his cover, go behind the bushes -

And emerge behind Vakil. Just as Vakil realizes and is about to turn -

Bang. Kok Singh fires.

Vakil Singh- shot in the back - goes down.

Virender Gujjar seizes the opportunity to come ahead.

Vakil Singh - on his knees. He looks at Gujjar.

As Gujjar brings his gun up - Vakil smiles.

VAKIL SINGHChala daroga. Hisaab kitaab barabar hove.

Gujjar fires - spraying Vakil's body ruthlessly with bullets.

And then he turns to Kok Singh -

VIRENDER GUJJARSniper Rifle!

Kok Singh throws the one he is carrying at Gujjar, who catches it in one smooth motion.

VIRENDER GUJJAR (CONT’D)Chaar aadmi mere saath aao.

Virender Gujjar runs in the direction Lakhna had vanished.

Kok Singh, Badlu and three more constables scamper to follow.

Behind- the firing rages on between the Mallahs and the cops.

EXT. RAVINES / OUTSKIRTS - DAY

Feet on the run. A loud wheezing sound of someone's breath.

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RSVPIndu looks at Sonchiriya - who's struggling with her breath.

Up ahead in the distance - signs of civilization. The ravines seem to be making way for the outskirts of the town.

Khalifa looks back to check - just the empty ravines. No one chasing them. They seem to be clear.

Khalifa chuckles in delight. Ruffles Sonchiriya’s hair -

KHALIFAAa gaye moori. Bas je raho tor Dholpur.

And just then - out of nowhere - BANG.

A bullet pierces into Khalifa's back. He falls with a thud.

Lakhna turns to look. SCREAMS OUT -

LAKHNAKHALIFA!

He hands over Sonchiriya to Indu and rushes to Khalifa.

Khalifa WARNS him to not come there -

KHALIFALAKHNA... SNIPER...

But Lakhna ignores him. Reaches up to him.

LAKHNATain theek hai?

KHALIFASniper hai Lakhna... moorichod dikho na mohe...

Lakhna looks around frantically. Sees no one. Then notices - a cement embankment a few meters away.

He starts pulling Khalifa towards it. Khalifa PROTESTS -

KHALIFA (CONT’D)LAKHNA JAA!

TELESCOPIC POV of a sniper rifle: Lakhna pulling Khalifa away. The aim finally settles on Lakhna.

And then - BANG.

Indu screams with horror.

Lakhna. In his stomach - a bullet wound. As he touches it - his fingers go all red from the blood gushing out.

Lakhna looks up in the direction from which the bullet came.

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RSVPHe finally spots in the distance - a tree. And behind it - Virender Gujjar, getting ready to take another shot.

This time when Gujjar comes out to take aim - Lakhna fires a few in his direction - pushing him back a bit.

Lakhna uses the opportunity to pull Khalifa in the direction of the embankment.

Lakhna. Hurting. Struggling. Another bullet whizzes past them. And then another.

But the two somehow manage to make it and take cover.

Khalifa now takes up firing.

KHALIFA (CONT’D)Tu nikal. Main jaa ne rokto hoon.

Lakhna looks at him - worried.

Khalifa snorts out a laugh -

KHALIFA (CONT’D)Mohe pato thho hum kabahu surrender tak na pahunch paavenge, Lakhna. Maine tor aankh mein padh liyo thho. Vo toh bas Natthi ko man rakhne ke layi...

Lakhna - surprised. Khalifa smiles.

Lakhna puts a hand over Khalifa's head. The two look at each other for a long moment.

And then Lakhna turns around and runs.

Khalifa takes position and fires - stopping the march of Gujjar and the four constables who have joined him.

Lakhna takes Sonchiriya from Indu’s arms. Indu looks at his wound.

INDUTain theek hai?

Despite the pain - Lakhna smiles at her. Cocky. Reassuring.

LAKHNAAur kaa!

And he runs. She follows.

AT THE EMBANKMENT:

Khalifa - Hurting. Bleeding. But keeping them at bay.

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RSVPA couple of constables try to move forward. Khalifa brings one of them down, forcing the other back temporarily.

But unknown to him, two figures quietly slip away from there and rush in Indu’s direction - Ratan Singh & Lalla.

EXT. OUTSKIRTS / DHOLPUR ROADS - DAY

Lakhna runs - Tired. Hurting.

The wound- bleeding profusely. Getting worse with every step.

Damn - the pain. Lakhna presses the wound tight.

He feels his head spin. His step falters.

Indu notices. She holds his hand - steadying him.

Lakhna looks at her. She gives him a faint smile.

A moment.

And just then - a bullet whizzes past them.

Lakhna turns to fire back. But notices - Indu has put her hand over his gun.

She shakes her head, like pleading - don't shoot.

Lakhna looks at the 'man' firing at them - it's Lalla.

Another bullet misses them by not much. Lakhna takes Indu's hand. And they run.

EXT. DHOLPUR LANES - DAY

A ‘Sholay’ poster on the wall. Lakhna and Indu run past it.

Ratan Singh and Lalla giving chase - firing intermittently.

They are in the main part of the town now and people run helter skelter hearing the gunshots.

A vehicle appears every now and then - honking and zipping past them.

A cart of clay pots. As they run past it, a bullet blows one of the pots off. Scarily close.

Lakhna's eyes droop. But he holds on to the girl.

From somewhere - sound of a JINGLE on a loudspeaker.

He turns back to see - a government jeep. Nasbandi Abhiyaan banners on it - Nasbandi karwao, Dalda ka dabba paao.

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RSVPLakhna pushes Indu away. And then he stands in the middle of the road and points his gun straight at the oncoming DRIVER.

The jeep continues to come at him - honking madly, blaring that annoying song.

Lakhna - his droopy eyes looking straight at the driver. The driver - not dropping speed.

The jeep hurtles closer and closer to Lakhna. But -

At the last moment - the driver loses nerves, brakes hard.

The jeep comes to a screeching stop just in front of Lakhna.

Lakhna pulls the man out of the jeep. He puts Sonchiriya in. Indu jumps in. They drive away.

Ratan Singh looks around. Spots a narrow alley. He takes Lalla’s hand and they run in that direction.

EXT. DHOLPUR LANES / MOVING JEEP / NARROW ALLEY - DAY

The jingle plays as Lakhna drives like a man possessed, not taking his foot off the accelerator for anything - swerving hard every now and then to avoid a collision.

SOMEWHERE IN A NARROW ALLEY: Ratan Singh leads his son through a maze-like network of alleys.

Indu looks at Lakhna. He's trying hard to keep his eyes open.

A hand painted sign on a wall- 'Dholpur Hospital - 500 meter'

Indu points and SHOUTS out -

INDUEe taraf.

Lakhna swerves hard in the direction.

It's an empty lane. The jeep races ahead.

The hospital becomes visible in the distance.

Indu's face lights up.

INDU (CONT’D)Vo raho.

She looks at Lakhna. He looks back. Smiles - despite the pain.

And just then - from a little alley - two figures emerge running - right in front of their jeep.

Indu SCREAMS. Lakhna realizes -

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RSVPSwerves the steering hard to avoid running them over.

Too hard. The jeep loses control and CRASHES into a wall.

Indu is thrown out of it - on to the road.

PAIIIIIN - the horn goes off.

Indu somehow gets up. Orients herself. Looks - Lakhna’s head is slumped on the steering.

Indu looks worried. She looks at the hospital in the distance. And then back at Lakhna.

And then - Lakhna looks up. The head’s bleeding but he looks alright.

Lakhna looks at Sonchiriya - slumped unconscious on the seat.

He picks her up. And just as he gets out -

Click. Cluck.

Lakhna looks up as Lalla trains his gun at Sonchiriya.

He’s about to fire when - Indu steps in front.

LALLAHATT!

Indu doesn't budge.

LALLA (CONT’D)Maine kaho hatt jaa!

Indu remains where she is, protectively covering Sonchiriya.

A fuming Lalla looks straight into Indu's eyes.

And then - BANG - he fires.

But just in time - Someone pulls his gun up and the shot misses Indu by a whisker.

It's Ratan Singh.

RATAN SINGHTor Amma hai je!

A stunned Indu stares at Lalla with disbelief.

INDUAe Lalla, itto jeher kahaan se aa gavo re tor bheetar?

Lalla tries to fire again. Ratan Singh tries hard to stop him. As the two jostle, Indu pleads -

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RSVPINDU (CONT’D)

Dekh, galti jaa ki nahi, mor galti hai. Jaa ne haspatal pahunchane de, fer apni amma ko jo karno hai kar lijo.

Lalla pushes Ratan Singh away - who stumbles and lands on the ground hard.

As Lalla brings his gun up again- Indu grabs at it. They struggle.

INDU (CONT’D)Jaane de jaa ne Lalla... tohe meri kasam...

Lalla roughly pushes her away. And SCREAMS -

LALLAJaa ki khaatir mor daddu maro hai... mor daddu...

Lakhna SCREAMS back at him -

LAKHNANeech thho tor daddu.

Lalla fumes, points his gun towards Lakhna - who lets out an angry laugh.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Aur toh aur wo tor daddu hee naa thho.

Indu looks at Lakhna sharply and SCREAMS -

INDULAKHNA!

Lalla stops. Looks at Indu.

And then at Ratan Singh -

LALLAJe kaa keh raho hai?

Who seems taken aback but tries to put up a brave face.

RATAN SINGHJaane kaa ulto seedho padhaayo hai ee aurat ne. Kachhu sune mati.

Lalla - unconvinced. Turns to Lakhna - threatening to fire.

LALLABol. Bol kaa keh raho hai.

Lakhna looks him in the eye. And fumes -

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RSVPLAKHNA

Sunno hai tohe? Sun sakego? Hai samajh tor bheetar samjhan ki?

Indu tries to grab Lakhna’s mouth, begging and pleading -

INDULakhna, nahi! Kachhu mat bol, Lakhna! Tohe maayi ki kasam... Haath jodat hoon tor aagey...

Lakhna grabs Indu’s arm and looks her in the eye.

LAKHNAJo tor sang bhayo, kahu ke saath bhi ho sakto thho. Phenk de jo karjo le ke ghoom rahi hai pandrah saal se...

Tears appear in Indu’s eyes. On her face - a sea of emotions. She folds both her hands in front of Lakhna - begging him to shut up.

But Lakhna won’t. He turns to Lalla -

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Tor daddu tor daddu na thho... tor baap thho.

Lalla doesn't get it. He looks about - confused.

A desperate Ratan Singh comes running in -

But Lalla pushes him away. And points the gun at Lakhna.

He wants to hear it.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Terah ki thhi tor maa jab byaah ke aayi... tain se bhi chhoti. Chaar baras baad bhi jab moora moori na bhaye toh thakur saab bete ke daagdar ke naa le ke gaye... thakuran ki shaan jo toot jaati. Aape ilaaj kar diyo bahu ko.

Realisation slowly dawns on Lalla's face.

LAKHNA (CONT’D)Sasur bhi wohi, marad bhi wohi. Daddu bhi wohi, aur baap bhi wohi.

Lalla looks at Indu - who slumps down on the road, sobbing.

Lalla turns to Ratan Singh.

In Ratan Singh’s eyes - tears of anger and shame. He can't hold his son's gaze.

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RSVPLakhna puts a hand over Indu’s head. She looks up. Lakhna helps her get up.

And with Sonchiriya in his arms, Lakhna starts to move towards the hospital with unsteady legs.

Indu turns to look at Lalla.

But he just stands where he was - stunned. He's not even looking at them any more.

Neither is Ratan Singh.

They walk ahead. Lakhna’s hurting but that won’t stop him.

And as the two walk towards the hospital one step at a time -

The ‘Sonchiriya’ LULLABY seeps in - about the bird that is going to fly off to distant lands, escaping all her pursuers.

Soothing. Evoking a lost innocence.

And it all goes into a dreamy SLO MO - almost like it's Lakhna's blurry, semi-conscious POV.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY

The SONG continues as -

Lakhna and Indu enter the hospital carrying Sonchiriya.

Indu spots a wardboy. She calls out.

The wardboy comes rushing. Checks on Sonchiriya.

Then shouts out something himself.

Another wardboy appears with a stretcher.

They put Sonchiriya on it. And wheel her down the corridor.

From somewhere, a doctor emerges. Runs along the stretcher.

Indu looks at Lakhna - worried about his condition.

Lakhna waves her off, signaling her to go with Sonchiriya.

Indu runs. Catches up with the stretcher.

She joins her fingers with Sonchiriya’s little fingers.

Lakhna watches them go - away and further away.

But just before they were to disappear from his eyes, Sonchiriya looks in the direction of Lakhna.

Their eyes meet. And Lakhna runs.

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RSVPAs he catches up to the stretcher, Sonchiriya opens up her clenched fist.

There it is - a lemonchoos.

Lakhna smiles. And goes to pick it up.

But Sonchiriya does a little something with her fingers and the lemonchoos disappears.

Lakhna looks at her - surprised. And inspite of her pain - she lets out a laugh.

Lakhna watches her being wheeled away. And a smile comes up on his lips. A big smile.

ANGLE ON A TAP: Lakhna turns it on. And puts his head under the water. The water drips off his hair and face. And Lakhna remains there - still smiling.

OUTSIDE: Feet come running down the lane.

Virender Gujjar - followed by Kok Singh and Badlu.

They reach outside the hospital. Stop and look around.

Lakhna turns to look. Gujjar has his back to Lakhna.

Instinctively - Lakhna’s hand reaches out for his SLR. He trains it on Gujjar. It’s a clear aim.

Lakhna’s finger goes to the trigger. But then -

He stops. Somehow, it doesn’t feel right any more.

Lakhna smiles. Throws the gun away. Just as -

Gujjar turns and spots Lakhna.

BANG. BANG. BANG. Gujjar’s gun goes off in a hurry.

Lakhna slumps to the floor - dead.

Gujjar walks up to him. Looks at his face.

The smile’s still there on Lakhna’s lips.

And with this we segue into IMAGES as the SONG continues -

EXT. IMAGES - DAY

Vakil Singh. The sun shines on his face as two constables carry his body to the back of a truck. Where there lies - amongst other dead bodies - the body of Khalifa.

Phuliya - sitting next to Vishnu Mallah's dead body, looking at the ravines stretched out in front of her.

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RSVPThat little Gujjar girl. She stares at us blankly for a long time. And then finally - lets out a smile.

Lalla - Lying with his head on Ratan Singh's lap. As Ratan Singh gently caresses his head, we finally see Lalla for who he is - just a lost kid.

A much younger Indu humming the song we’re hearing. She’s trying to put a three year old Sonchiriya to sleep. It looks like the girl is going to doze off - but then she naughtily opens her eyes.

Sonchiriya, now, opens her eyes on the hospital bed. As her eyes find Indu, she smiles at her.

The SONG ENDS as Indu stops humming and smiles back at Sonchiriya.

EXT. ROAD TO RAVINES - DAY

Middle of nowhere. A jeep trudges on the dusty path.

Kok Singh drives as Virender Gujjar sits next to him.

Badlu sits behind.

Badlu looks around - No one in sight anywhere.

Badlu picks up his rifle and loads it in one smooth motion.

Gujjar feels something. And as he turns his head -

The rifle comes to point at his temple.

And just as the TRIGGER presses, we -

SLAM FADE TO BLACK

ON BLACK -

KOK SINGH (V.O.)Saanp khaavego choohe ke, Saanp ke khaavego giddh,Je hee niyam duniya ko, Keh gaye saadhu siddh.

ROLL IN END CREDITS

THE END

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sonchiriya draft 3 - film companion

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