Ashwini Bhave Saman Dha Bis

Int. Swati and Rao's Flat – Morning – Present Day

On the table lies the bottle of gin.

Under a mass of blankets, hiding from the sun pouring in, Swati, still in her dress from the night before, sleeps sprawled out on the couch.

She doesn't notice the sound of someone Unlocking the front door.

A figure walks past, but Swati doesn't move.

A moment later a pair of hands places a cup of coffee in front of Swati's face.

She finally stirs awake.

It takes her a moment to gather herself and all at once her massive hangover hits her.

shit.

SWATI

She sits up and spots her mother, Chitra ANGRE, 50's, with a stern look on her face.

Chitra picks up the bottle of gin and heads to the kitchen.

Int. Kitchen, Swati and Rao's Flat – Continuous

Chitra pours the gin and a few other bottles down the drain.

Swati, cradling her coffee enters.

Chitra

How many times do I have to do this?

uit.

Chitra (Cont'd)

Rao called, he says you've stopped your medication.

SWATI

Is it too much to ask to have some privacy?

Bewildered, like only an Indian mother can be, Chitra gives Swati a look.

What privacy?

Back at it, she tosses the bottles in the trash and starts to empty the liquor cupboard.

Chitra (Cont'd)

How can you conduct your life this way?

Swati

Aai, haven't we had enough drama?

Chitra

This is not a life.

SWATI

What life?

Chitra

Arrey bakwas, this tamasha, always, pretending you want nothing, like you don't even exist.

SWATI

Is it such a crime?

Chitra doesn't even bother to acknowledge Swati's comment.

SWATI (Cont'd)

Fine, I want to live a quiet life.

Ok?

Chitra

Then why is it you make so much noise?

Swati pauses and gives her mother a hard look.

SWATI

Aai, my life is my own to conduct.

Chitra laughs.

Chitra

Whatever gave you that idea?

Chitra (Cont'd)

Beta, we've all had to live so many lives just to get back here.

And you're worried about my mental health?

Chitra, furious, stares her daughter up and down.

A beat.

Chitra

Not even you can stand in front of your Karma.

Swati

Which is why we have to do the pooja.

Sheee.

Chitra

Chitra (Cont'd)

Don't speak non-sense. This is all done. I do not understand why you have to go back to that cursed place.

SWATI

To stop the nightmares.

Chitra

That is why the doctor gave medication, na?

A beat, Chitra can tell by the look on Swati's face that she won't budge on this.

Chitra (Cont'd)

Achha, fine, I will see you in Alibaba.

Chitra starts to collect her things.

Chitra (Cont'd)

Guruji's coming for the pooja.

That annoys Swati.

SWATI

I told you not to...

Swati, you must let him, Guruji can help with the darkness.

Swati What Bloody Darkness?

Chitra stares at her daughter as if she can see her aura.

The one all around you since we...

She becomes emotional as she spots the scar.

Swati

Aai, I am fine, you found me.

Rao, wearing his police uniform enters. He gives Swati a look.

A heavy, deeply uncomfortable silence makes Swati feel wildly uneasy.

SWATI (Cont'd)

Achha, Aai... listen, I'm sorry.

I've had a rough night and...

Chitra

Your whole life you've been rough like a ship in a storm at sea.

Swati's exasperation returns.

Swati

Why can't you ever just say something normal?!

Upset, she exits and a moment later Chitra and Rao hear the entrance door slam shut.

A thick tension hangs in the air. Neither Chitra nor Rao say anything.

Ext. Mumbai Lane – Continuous

Swati's face crumples as she desperately digs the flask from her bag.

Her shaking hands try to open the flask, but cannot. She pauses and decides not to drink.

She opens her phone, and lingers over Aai (mom), before pressing the button.

Int. Angre House – Continuous

Chitra sits cross-legged opposite Guruji, frail, (same actor as Hari Mama), her spiritual mentor of many years.

The ocean is visible through the window of the beautiful home at the edge of the coast.

Her phone's on silent when Swati's name flashes on the screen. Neither Chitra nor Guruji notice the call.

Between them, in a copper samai (traditional bowl), a large flame leaps restlessly.

Around the samai is a circle of salt, and beside it, a photograph of Swati, nine-years-old, in a wooden frame.

Chitra

We appeal to you, o mighty leader of the universe, to protect the lost soul of a child who has not received salvation.

Guruji reaches out and holds both of Chitra's hands.

Guruji

We appeal to you together, o mighty leader. May the indomitable power of this mother's love help you guide this young soul to salvation.

Guruji manoeuvres their clasped hands so that they hover above the strong flame.

Guruji (Cont'd)

Release her, mighty one, from this cycle of life and death.

Chitra releases one hand from Guruji's grasp and with it, she scoops a handful of salt from the circle traced around the samai.

Chitra

It is done, it is done, it is done.

She tosses the salt into the fire.

Chitra and Guruji then bow down so their foreheads touch the ground. Over and over they Mutter their gratitude.

Chitra & Guruji

O mighty one.

The flame continues to leap with vigour. Chitra's eyes are full of tears as she picks up the photo frame.

She takes the photo out of the frame. She kisses the photograph and clasps it to her heart.

Guruji

It's time.

Chitra nods, trying to gather herself. She takes one last look at the photograph, then places it in the flame.

They watch it burn slowly. Once it's burnt, the flame's suddenly extinguished, though the windows are shut and the air still.

Chitra and Guruji lock eyes. Something isn't right.

Thwack, the frame topples over face first.

The room's shaking.

The glass is cracked. Guruji watches intently.

Guruji (Cont'd)

Don't touch it, Chitra.

Chitra cries out, dropping the frame as if it's suddenly burning hot.

She stares down at her shaking fingers. They're branded with raw, fresh, unmistakable burn marks.

Int. Savitree'S House - Later - 1757

Singing overlaps.

Back to:

Savitree ANGRE, 50's, (same actor as Chitra) weathered by time, but still beautiful, with a glaring pair of expressive eyes, Sings softly until a shadow darkens the door.

Savitri looks up to find a stern-looking Hari Mama.

She starts to straighten up her house.

Dada, your debts finally chased you back here.

He laughs.

Aren't you going to thank me? I've brought your daughter back with a crown on her head.

Savitri's stoic.

Savitri

She's hardly a queen.

Hari Maama

Like her mother once before her, she's the great Queen of song of Maharashtra.

Savitri

Call her whatever you like. She has not been my daughter since she ran away with you and your troupe of pimps and whores.

He disregards the insult.

Hari Mama

Her father Tulaji never thought of you...

Savitri fixes her brother with a hard stare. He stops mid-sentence.

A beat.

A beat.

Savitree

We do not speak of him.

Hari Mama

They say he fought bravely.

Savitree

And they butchered him for it.

Savitree (Cont'd)

It was his Karma.

Hari Mama

Is it true that an Englishman has come here?

She knew he was up to something.

So you are in need of money.

Maybe I wouldn't be if you would just come back to singing... think of it, the two greatest queens of song on one stage. Mother and daughter.

Get out.

Savitri

Hari Maama

They're going to boil me in hot oil if I don't...

Savitree

You gambling swine. Get out.

Please...

She shoves him out.

Hari Mama

Int. Cottage – Continuous

She's overwhelmed by thick agarbatti smoke and a strange stench.

Menaka needs a moment to collect herself.

In the fog, a hoarse voice Chants Sanskrit verses.

A moment later Savitri, beautiful as ever, emerges Chanting.

Her breath grows raspy and thin, and she wheezes, but she never stops.

The air in the room seems to grow still.

Savitri freezes, turns slowly and finally notices Menaka.

They lock eyes. Savitri's flat, unrevealing gaze stares past Menaka.

Menaka can't move and finds herself unable to speak. She takes a deep breath.

Savitri's hard, almost waxy skin suddenly splits into an exhilarated grin.

Menaka Devi, arrey, arrey... arrey, the great Menaka Devi! You? Here in my humble home?

Aai, it's me...

Oblivious to the horror and confusion on Menaka's face, Savitri grasps Menaka's feet.

Savitri

They say you fly in the air when you dance on these winged feet.

Savitri becomes deadly serious.

Savitri (Cont'd)

Is it true you can fly? You know, I'm sure. You must, people, whisper, they never talk, whisper only, and they think. But it's not true, can it be?

Savitri strokes Menaka's toes.

Menaka is beginning to find this unbearable. She helps Savitri to stand up.

The sudden warmth has drained from Savitri's face.

Savitri (Cont'd)

They whisper a Samandha's up and down the coast... each village, mothers crying, fathers crying, dead sons, brothers, husbands. Dead souls clasping at the living.

Silence falls over the two like thick, heavy fog.

Pain rises through Menaka like a jagged knife. She turns around, tear-stricken, clamping a hand to her mouth.

Savitri (Cont'd)

Will you not have tea? I will make you some tea. You just wait, Menaka Devi.

Menaka goes numb and begins to run, the destination now clear in her mind.

E.X.T. Forest, Koolabah - Continuous

Menaka runs, her bare feet Slapping the ground.

She barely registers the twigs and brambles pricking her skin.

Hearing a rustle, she snaps round, her heart Thumping.

She feels watched. Her eyes swivel around the forest, finding nothing but trees that seem to close in on her.

Deep in the woods, hidden in the brush, Robert, crouched low, watches her.

Silence.

Menaka suddenly feels strangely exposed. She feels the need, inexplicably, to cover herself and adjusts her sari.

Robert, still hidden, studies every inch of her.

Casting furtive glances around her, she probes deeper into the forest, stopping only when she reaches a temple.

She stands in awe of the place.

Robert, hidden behind the trees, watches her.

She's in front of the temple, (the same one from Rao's newspaper clippings from when Swati was abducted as a nine-year-old) no more than a small deserted stone structure covered in all sorts of vegetation.

She's suddenly overcome by the sound of the Ocean and falls to the ground breathless, passing out.

Back to:

E.X.T. ANGRE House, Aleebag – Afternoon – Present Day

Swati's eyes are fixed on the opulent doorway.

She gets out of the car.

Int. ANGRE House, Aleebag – Continuous

From behind a sheer curtain, a pair of eyes watch.

Deegambar, 60's, rotund known as DAGDU Kaka, (same actor as P.K) the prime caretaker of the property, rushes forward to meet Swati.

He's delighted to see her after so many months.

Dagdu Kaka

Madam, I was worried you'd forgotten all about us.

She can smell something delicious.

DAGDU Kaka (Cont'd)

Fresh fish curry for you madam.

Bangda or paplet? SWATI

DAGDU Kaka Bangda, of course.

Swati smiles and starts to walk away into the house past the walls which are adorned with Maratha art and a variety of paintings, all centred around the same portrait of Tulaji Angre from Swati's house that hangs above-Tulaji's knife.

A long, decorative, deadly sharp warrior's blade.

Still hidden, the eyes follow Swati.

Swati walks past the art without a thought, but stops when she senses a presence. She turns, but no one's there.

Slightly bewildered, she starts to walk again.

From inside the house, she spies Chitra in the garden, digging.

Swati pauses, considers going outside, but turns away.

Once Swati walks away, Chitra looks up.

Swati turns a corner and Hears someone praying.

She glances through a slightly open door and sees Guruji meditating.

His possessed eyes are wide open, and through a crack in the doorway his gaze fixes on Swati.

They stare at each other. She sees something forbidding in his eyes that frightens her.

Ext. Garden, Angre House – Continuous

Chitra sits cross-legged on the grass, her back ramrod straight.

11

She's gardening with some tools. With strong hands, she plucks weeds out of the mud.

She looks up and standing where Swati was, is Robert.

Chitra pulls a weed.

When she looks back Robert's gone.

Int. Swati's Bedroom, Angre House, Alibag – Moments Later 11

Swati ambles aimlessly around her room, tracing the furniture with her fingertips.

She wanders over to the window and gazes outside.

The lush view soothes her, but she fidgets with her scar.

She pulls the flask from her bag and takes a healthy swig, winces and swallows.

She spots something slightly out of place on the armoire.

She walks over and finds the empty cracked frame.

Upset, she moves around the room and realises all the frames are empty.

Losing steam, she notices her reflection in a mirror.

She stares at herself --she's frightened of what she sees.

Her moment's interrupted by the sound of a loudly Jangling temple bell, followed by the sight of Chitra and Guruji sashaying through the doorway.

Guruji Ommnnn Narayanan.

Guruji launches into a litany of Chants, which he recites at breakneck speed while repeatedly touching Swati's head and feet with a bowl of rock salt.

Swati's visibly uncomfortable.

SWATI

Please stop it, no.

It's for your Nazzhar.

Guruji puts a finger to her lips. Swati pushes his hand away.

Chitra (Cont'd)

Let him clear the darkness.

Guruji finishes the ritual as smoke fills the air...

I/E. Temple, Kulaba - Later - 1757

Back to:

Still passed out, Menaka lies at the foot of the temple.

She slowly stirs awake and stands.

Cautiously, Menaka descends the decaying steps leading inside, but she stops and fixes an unwavering stare at the empty altar.

The spell breaks, she's startled by the sound of a voice. She freezes.

It's Savitri. They stare at each other. Now with recognition in her eyes, Savitri approaches her daughter.

Savitree

Why did you come here?

Menaka fixes her with a look and sobs.

Menaka Devi

This temple is the only place that recognises me.

Savitri touches her daughter's face.

A beat.

Savitree

I meant back to this village.

Menaka Devi

I didn't, Hari Mama brought me here.

Savitree

Why come to my house?

Menakah DEVI

Our house, you're still my mother.

You stopped being my daughter when you got yourself crowned the queen of Maharashtra, goddess of song.

(More)

A beat.

Savitri (Cont'd)

They call you Menaka Devi now. I hear about your majesty up and down the coast. My daughter is no more than a samandha.

A samandha?

Savitree

Since the firangs took the fort and butchered your father Tulaji.

Savitri doesn't flinch.

A beat.

Silence.

Savitree (Cont'd)

A darkness has come.

Menakah DEVI

What darkness?

Savitree

One we cannot stop.

Savitree (Cont'd)

The foreigners have brought the age of Kali Yuga (end of days).

Menaka starts to cry.

Savitree (Cont'd)

Let me take you back to your camp.

Savitri leads the way up the stone stairs. Menaka begins to follow her, but is compelled by something to stop and turn.

She looks back at the small, sparsely illuminated room and feels a curious sensation of unease come over her.

Uncertainly, she pulls herself away, and vanishes up the steps behind Savitri.

Drawn inside by a force she enters.

Int. Temple, Kulaba – Continuous

The place is eerily abandoned, but she's drawn deeper inside.

Menaka comes to a small pit (the same as from Rao's newspaper clippings from when Swati was abducted as a nine-year-old) and stares at it for an intense moment.

She leans down and starts to pray with her eyes shut.

She Whispers her prayers.

Int. Temple, Koolabah – Continuous

She Whispers her prayers.

A drop of blood falls on her head.

Cut to:

14

She opens her eyes and finds Robert standing over her with an earthen jar full of blood, pouring it all over her.

She's drowning in it.

Int. Temple, Koolabah – Continuous

She's shaken back to her senses by her mother.

She touches her face, there's nothing there.

E.X.T. Beach - Later - 1757

Savitri and Menaka walk along the shore.

Back to:

Back to:

The Waves lap over their feet as they stroll in silence.

Menakah DEVI

Nothing here has changed at all.

Savitree

Did you expect it would?

Menaka notices her tracks in the sand.

Menakah DEVI

Do you think you could ever forgive me?

15

16 The real question is if you could ever forgive yourself.

Menaka looks at her mother.

Savitree (Cont'd)

You need to leave this place before...

Menaka Devi

Before what?

Savitri takes her daughter's hands.

Savitri

Menaka pauses and watches her mother start to walk away.

She becomes nervous when she thinks she spots Robert with a large knife in the distance approaching her mother from behind the trees adjacent to the beach.

Savitri walks away, unaware.

Menaka sees Robert. He looks like he's going to attack Savitri.

She starts to run after her mother, Shouting.

Aai? Aai?

Menaka Devi

Savitri turns, horrified.

Menaka grabs her mother.

It's a manic moment of tugging, Shouting, Cries.

Behind them Menaka sees Robert about to pounce.

Menaka pulls her mother and they fall into the ocean.

Before anyone knows it, Shiva Runs over, grabs Menaka and holds her tightly.

Shiva has a grip on Menaka. She tries to resist, but relents.

Robert's gone.

Int. Angre House, Swati's Bedroom – Evening – Present Day 17

Black kohl (eyelerin) spreads as Chitra's fingers line Swati's eyes.

Finished, Chitra wipes her hands and turns to a gorgeous sari.

Swati stands and Chitra starts expertly draping the sari on her daughter.

First winding her up in the fabric, over the shoulder, pleats, tucked in and a few last adjustments --she's ready.

Swati looks beautiful and for the first time in a long time the ladies both appear pleased.

A beat.

A beat.

Chitra

Why's Rao not here?

SWATI

He missed the boat.

Chitra

What did you do?

SWATI

Why do you assume that it was me?

Chitra

He wouldn't just miss the pooja.

SWATI

He said it was an emergency.

Call him. Chitra

Swati

He knew how important this is to me.

SWATI (Cont'd)

And he chose not to be here.

Call him. Chitra

Chitra exits.

Alone Swati switches on her phone and finds Rao's messages. She rolls her eyes when she reads - S.O.S call me.

She considers it for a moment, she calls, waits, it rings.

No answer, she cuts the call.

Arabic text.

Annoyed she exits and leaves her phone on the bed.

Ext. Angre House, Alibag – Moments Later

18

All dressed in traditional wear; Swati and Chitra get into a car.

A moment later the vehicle pulls away.

Ext. Forest - Later

19

A Guide, dressed traditionally, leads Chitra and Swati through the forest lined with torches planted in the ground.

They continue down a trail and come upon what they were looking for. In a clearing they find the abandoned temple where they see Guruji, ready and waiting for them.

He guides them towards the entrance.

Guruji and Swati enter, but before they can Chitra tugs her daughter's arm.

Chitra

Is this really necessary?

Swati approaches her with tenderness.

Swati

Aai, it's the only way to end this. It's where we must have the pooja.

Shaken, Chitra holds her hand, but enters.

Ext. Temple, Kulaba - Later

Inside, dozens of copper samais trace a careful circle around a pair of prayer mats placed opposite each other.

Guruji sits on a mat.

They all follow suit.

Swati's overcome by anxiety and her hands start to shake.

In the centre of the room is the same pit from the photo in Rao's investigation. She sees that it's covered by a cloth.

Guruji, what is all this?

No response.

Chitra spots her daughter starting to become very uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Guruji Prays and lights a small fire. Smoke starts to fill the temple.

Guruji pulls the cloth off the pit, revealing Tulaji's knife.

Swati looks curiously at the blade.

They all shut their eyes, sitting cross-legged. Chitra Rings a bell. Guruji quietly Chants.

O mighty one, Lord we have come here to release the soul.

Swati's losing her mind.

Aai?

Swati

The chanting stops. Everyone's frozen.

Guruji leans forward and takes Tulaji's knife.

He holds it as if it's now anointed with a special power.

He lifts it over his head, Mumbles a prayer.

Suddenly, he's overcome and possessed by Tulaji's soul.

He jumps to his feet, his body now nimble, with a fierce look in his eyes. He's a warrior and Shouting in a different voice.

Swati and Chitra watch transfixed.

He stabs the air with the knife, fighting imaginary enemies that only he can see.

He finally finds Swati and rushes over to her.

He's about to attack, but stops and holds her tightly.

He studies her face.

A beat.

He brings the knife to her eye level.

She's rigid with fear.

A beat.

He offers the knife to Swati.

She stares at it.

Guruji

(Tulaji's voice)

My soul blows with the wind.

He mimics the Sound of the Wind.

Guruji (Cont'd)

The air in your lungs.

He Breathes on her.

Guruji (Cont'd)

The fury in your soul.

He shakes her violently.

Guruji (Cont'd)

The blade of your father begs for revenge.

He offers her Tulaji's knife.

An intense silence.

The moment she touches the blade, her head is spinning... she passes out, falls and starts Convulsing.

Ext. Mumbai - Day - Present Day

Cut to:

Rao gets out of a rikshaw and begins to roam through the city, constantly checking if he's being followed.

He makes his way into a side lane, where the footpath narrows into a slum.

He twists and turns through the informal system of chawls --he's obviously lost.

He finds an empty corner, grabs his phone and sees a missed call from Swati.

He Calls.

Int. Swati's Bedroom, ANGRE House – Continuous

22

Swati's phone, on the bed, rings, but Swati's still rigid and passed out.

Chitra puts a cold compress on her daughter's forehead but doesn't notice the phone Buzzing.

Guru i subscript j prays at her feet.

Ext. Mumbai - Continuous

Back to:

Suddenly, Rao's Hit hard on the shoulder. His phone goes flying.

Before he knows it, someone has ripped his rucksack off.

He sprints after them, Running through the twisted lanes.

He's closing in, but a few turns later he's lost them.

Huffing and Puffing, he finds himself trying to catch his breath.

He looks up and finds that he's in front of a garment shop and spots the door closing.

Thinking he's got them, he enters.

Int. Garment Factory - Day

24

Rao walks into a garment factory full of machines and racks of clothes.

Rao's bewildered and starts to look around.

With each turn he hopes to catch the culprit, but no luck.

He comes to a stairwell, thinks for a moment and heads up.

He's careful not to make much noise as he ascends the stairs.

At the last step, he springs around the corner, there's no one.

He sees more shelves, turns and Smack.

He Drops – he's out cold.

Feet Rushing.

I/E. Stage – Later – Full Moon Night – 1757 Back to:

25

A crush of men jostle for position to get inside the tent.

The crowd of faces are all flush with booze and excitement in their hungry eyes as they soak up the glamour of the Tamasha.

Shiva holds the line at bay, with his big body blocking the entrance, waiting for the sign that it's time to open.

P.K and Hari stand by the small makeshift ticket counter.

Hari throws Shiva a look and he moves just enough out of the way for the men to start shoving past.

Audience Member 1, relaxed, arrives and greets P.K respectfully, but intentionally ignores Hari Mama.

Meanwhile, Hari spots his sister Savitri discreetly in the queue as she slips into the tent.

As a distraction, so that no one notices her, Hari leaps into action.

He grabs Audience Member 1 hard by the shoulder.

Hari Maama

You filthy shit of a motherless pig. You'd forget your balls if they weren't hanging off your dick.

The man turns and trades a look with Hari that could go either way, until they embrace warmly.

Suddenly Robert, dressed in his British Army officer's uniform, with a beard, enters.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

Ola senhor, seja bem-vindo ao programa.

Shiva snorts with laughter despite himself.

Not Portuguese, Lord Robert Shropshire, very aggressively British.

Hari's overjoyed.

Hari Mama

The Englishman.

Robert

I'm afraid so.

Hari grins, admiring Robert's appearance.

Robert (Cont'd)

I've come to see the sights, appreciate the local delicacies and do a spot of hunting of my own.

He hands Hari some cash.

Robert (Cont'd)

Don't you worry, I've come armed and with plenty of ammunition.

Hari turns to the door.

Hari Mama

Shiva, beta...

Shiva looks askance at Hari, wondering where this sudden burst of kindness has come from.

Hari beckons him over.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

Our most special guest.

He throws his arm around Shiva and nods towards Robert.

Hari leans in close to Shiva.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

Royal service.

He slips Shiva some coins, who pockets them and shepherds Robert to the front row.

Robert notices Rambha on stage, she's gorgeous. Ever the coquette, she Sings.

Robert, sipping deeply from his flask, watches as her voluptuous body moves to the rhythm of the Tablas and Tambourines.

He turns to Hari, who grins from ear to ear.

E.X.T. Backstage - Continuous

Rani watches from the wings.

Menaka keeps glancing down at the lyrics in her notebook. She's struggling to hold it together.

RANI

Tai, tai... you must come. Who is that?

Menaka ignores her, until Rani shakes Menaka's shoulders.

RANI (Cont'd)

He's sitting with Shiva.

That gets Menaka's attention. She has a peek.

Front row. RANI (Cont'd)

Menaka leans forward for a better look.

The moment she sees Robert, the Ocean, she's terrified of him.

Meanwhile, she catches sight of her mother, Savitri, looking at her. They trade a long look.

She hides.

Ext. Stage - Continuous

Rambha, catches sight of Menaka hiding in the wings. Always competitive, she Taps her feet with increased vigour, exaggerating her movements so that they appear almost lewd.

She owns the stage.

Whistles erupt in the audience.

Robert finishes packing a pipe, lights it, smokes and passes it to Shiva who resists, but when he catches sight of Hari scowling at him, he smokes.

Rambha finishes her act with a flourish.

Hoots and Cheers.

Menaka watches Robert, who doesn't clap.

Pratibha Kaku (O.C.)

Menaka, ready?

E.X.T. Stage – Moments Later

Menaka walks on stage to Cheers.

Savitri is transfixed by her daughter.

Robert watches Menaka intensely.

Lust Leaps in Robert the moment he sees her. She has his full attention.

Shiva recognises the hungry look in Robert's eyes.

However, a ripple of confusion spreads through the audience as cushions are hurriedly set up downstage.

Menaka walks towards them and takes a seat.

Sitting in the back, Hari's confused.

On stage, Menaka looks at the musicians, who are beginning to launch into the first Strains of the song.

She holds up a hand.

Looks out and notices Robert. She quickly turns away.

Hari sits up and is about to charge the stage, but P.K pushes him back into his seat and keeps her firm hand on his shoulder.

He sits like a petulant child who's been punished, but knows better than to cross P.K.

Menaka looks out into the sea of darkened faces, her heart Thumping.

Quiet anticipation builds as the audiences' Mumbling becomes a deafening Silence.

The crowd, the musicians, Hari and P.K all hold their breath.

Menaka looks past everyone and locks eyes with her mother.

Robert follows Menaka's gaze and spots Savitri.

Silence.

Overcome by the calm, Menaka hears the Ocean.

She Breathes deeply and gives herself up to her understanding of the divine and Sings the first lines of the same song.

Montage:

Menaka with Tulaji and Savitri --happier times.

Cut to:

29

The Kulaba coastline where it tapers off into nothing, bathed in the golden light of dusk.

Long-lashed, expressive green eyes creasing into a smile.

Birds in v-shaped formations streaking the salt-brushed sky.

The Sound of their cries.

The glinting gunmetal of the sea.

The Vijaydurgha Fort.

Menaka Devi

(singing)

Oh how these waves crash in my heart, oh how this ocean trembles.

E.X.T. Stage - Continuous Cut Back to:

30

Menaka's fixated on Savitri and Hits a beautiful high note.

Robert's entranced.

Shiva, just beside him, watches the love of his life, and their eyes meet for a brief moment.

She Holds it.

Robert's motionless, he can feel her soul moving through her.

When she looks back, Shiva is gone, being pulled away by an annoyed Hari.

However, the audience is beginning to show signs of restlessness.

Someone Shouts something lewd.

The crowd Erupts into Laughter.

Menaka stops singing and sees Savitri quietly exit.

Menaka stands to follow her, but is met by a livid Hari, marching through the crowd towards her.

Savitri is gone.

Audience Member 1

We haven't paid to see your heart!

The crowd laughs.

Laughter.

Audience Member 2

What's on top of it is just fine.

A Scuffle ensues.

Hari marches onto the stage and Grabs Menaka by the arm.

A collective Gasp as he Yanks her upright and Drags her backstage, where he Throws her onto the ground.

Hari Mama

You good for nothing where.

He Spits on her.

An alarmed Savitri tries to intervene and holds her daughter.

Savitree

Leave her...

Hari's having none of it.

Savitree (Cont'd)

She's my daughter.

Hari Mama

And she's my property.

He shoves his sister out of the way and stands over Menaka, a mountain of bulk.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

If they want to be sad they can fuck their useless wives.

He tries to pull her up, but she resists.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

Go out there and perform what they came to see.

He heaves her to her feet. Rips her blouse, revealing more of her cleavage. Aghast, Savitri watches helpless.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

Go! Queen of Maharashtra.

Hari grabs Menaka's face and brings his own painfully close. She can smell his foul breath, heavy with the stench of toddy.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

I got you out of this village and you sing where I say, don't forget I made you. That was our deal.

Menaka Devi

Which you broke by coming back here.

Savitri's shocked. Hari squeezes Menaka's face harder.

Hari Maama

I can have anything I want done to you.

He releases her from his grasp and turns away, marching out onto the stage.

She watches him on stage.

Hari Mama (Cont'd)

I took good care of her. So raise your glasses and drink! For the "ras" she will provide now is going to be intoxicating, my brothers!

Raucous Cheers and Laughter follow.

Savitri rushes over, kneels beside Menaka and gently wipes up the glob of saliva from where it landed.

Savitri quickly retouches her makeup as best she can.

They stare at each other, intently sharing a profound bond of mother-daughter love, no words are exchanged.

Ext. Stage - Continuous

Menaka sighs and digs deep for courage.

Robert watches.

She squares her shoulders and walks back out onto the stage.

The Music starts at once, but she pauses.

Finally, she begins to perform her sexiest dance.

Savitri, helpless, watches from the wings.

Her Singing and dancing are flawless, her smile large, hips gyrating and unabashed, but her eyes remain bright with fury.

Robert doesn't avert his gaze.

Menaka feels disconnected from her body as she begins to spin, faster and faster.

The performance is a blur.

To lascivious Hoots and Applause, Menaka takes a bow.

Barely able to walk now, she hobbles backstage--

Ext. Backstage – Moments Later

--and vomits violently onto the dirt.

Savitri rushes over and covers her with a blanket.

Menaka's delirious. Everything is out of focus, slow and fast all at once. It's all a mess --time is fluid.

Savitree

Menaka, baala.

Menaka's eyes roll into the back of her head and she begins to have a seizure.

Black.

Ext. Balcony, Angre House – Evening

Back to:

Swati, wrapped up in a blanket and Chitra sit in silence, staring at the sea, off of which reflects the full moon.

The sound of Waves Crashing holds the rhythm of the moment.

I've never understood how anyone can find this sound relaxing.

Chitra listens.

Smash.

They jump in fright.

Ext. Garden, Angre House – Continuous

A stack of plates has fallen and Cracked as Dagdu Kaka and a series of staff set the table for dinner.

Ext. Balcony, Angre House – Continuous

35

Swati reaches for her mother and places Tulaji's knife in her mother's open hand.

SWATI

I can't keep this.

Chitra looks at the sharp blade and tucks it into one of the folds of her sari.

Chitra

I will keep it for you, beta.

The Waves fill the quiet.

Guruji enters clasping a crystal.

Swati looks aghast.

Chitra (Cont'd)

Swati, baala. Let him.

Swati

Aai, not this crystal bullshit, not after today.

Chitra flings a look her way that is so forbidding and full of rage that Swati backs away, startled.

Let him. It eases the souls of those who have been wronged by the universe in other lives.

Guruji, eyes burning with a deep personal fire, approaches.

He holds the crystal and feels something powerful.

Suddenly, the Doorbell Rings.

Int. Angre House, Alibaug – Moments Later

Swati, Chitra and Guruji all make their way downstairs, curiosity writ large on their faces.

Dagdu Kaka, looking equally puzzled, is heading towards the door.

Chitra

Dagdu, wait. Let me open it.

She opens the large door, Swati at her heels.

On the doorstep stands Deepak, dressed as a District Commissioner of Police (D.C.P) flanked by two armed Officers.

Swati leans forward, appearing in the window of space between the two panels of the door that Chitra has commandeered.

She locks eyes with Deepak. His eyes seem to convey a mixed bag of emotions.

Evening.

Chitra (Cont'd)

Deepak

I'm sorry to bother you at this hour, but when was the last time you heard from your husband?

Swati

Excuse me. I don't follow...

Deepak

We haven't been able to contact him.

Swati

What's happened?

He takes a file from under his arm and hands it to them.

Deepak

I know that this is hard to hear.

No one moves.

Deepak (Cont'd)

We believe he has been implicated in a shooting.

She reaches for her phone and sees a missed call from Rao. She's obviously deeply distressed.

Deepak (Cont'd)

We have C.C.T.V footage of him at Chor Bazaar last night, discharging his weapon.

They're shocked. Swati almost faints.

SWATI

Did Rao send you?

Deepak

Would you come with us?

Swati winces and Chitra focuses on her daughter.

A beat.

Please.

Deepak (Cont'd)

SWATI

Has Rao sent you?!

Now?

Chitra

Deepak stands there silent.

But...

SWATI

The officers surround the family.

Yes, now.

No one moves.

Deepak

Swati notices the unusual crimson-coloured button on his lapel and it all comes back to her.

Montage:

Menaka hanging.

Robert in the club.

Rao showing her the drawing.

Young Swati in the pit.

Blood pouring all over her head.

Robert's knife against her throat.

The Blood Sun.

Back to:

Int. ANGRE House, Alibaug – Continuous – Present Day

The Crimson Sun pin triggers Swati and in a fit, she runs down the hall.

Chitra and Guruji are quickly grabbed by the officers as Deepak sprints after her.

Deepak lunges for her, grabs her leg, but she kicks him and gets away.

Swati dashes up the stairs and into her room.

Int. ANGRE House, Swati's Bedroom – Continuous

She quickly Locks the door and rushes to the window.

She spots other uniformed men that have the house surrounded.

Deepak tries the Lock, but it doesn't budge.

He starts Banging on the door.

Desperate, she looks around, she's trapped.

She hurries over to one of the frames and Smashes the glass...

Banging on the door. Deepak starts to Break a hole in the door.

The hole's big enough for him to slip his hand through and unlock the door.

Deepak enters.

She brings the jagged edge of the glass to her throat.

He rushes towards her and tackles her.

He holds her down and stops her from killing herself.

She tries to stab him.

He Bangs her hand on the floor and the shard of glass comes out of her grip.

She squirms to get free, but he pins her down.

Everything goes black.

Montage:

Cut to:

40

Robert, bald, mad with intense rage, carefully, like a tiger, stalks through the forest watching a stumbling drunk Hari Mama.

He crouches into an attack position.

Hari Mama passes out in his tent.

Suddenly Robert pounces on Hari Mama-Slashing him to death.

At the edge of the ocean Robert spies an unaware Shiva.

He tackles Shiva.

A nasty struggle, Robert Slits his throat.

Robert stabs Rambha Devi, Rani and others.

It's a mad fit of murder and bloodlust. He kills everyone.

Savitri Chants with her eyes shut. She opens her eyes and finds Robert right in front of her, like she expected him.

Robert grabs Savitri, and Cuts her throat.

Black.

Screams, Shouting, Dying, Slashing, Crying, Musket Fire, Bayonets, and Booming Cannons-all crescendo into a last Gasp of Breath.

Ext. Campsite, Kulaba – Early Morning – 1757

The first rays of the sun fall on Menaka's back.

She stirs, fusses, and stretches languorously.

She feels an arm lying heavily across her waist, and recognises the familiar scent of Shiva.

She smiles softly, but quickly realises that there's something on her cheek.

She touches it, looks at her hand, and sees red.

Sitting up confused, she finds blood all over her, and as she turns, finds it all over Shiva as well, as his throat has been cut.

She cannot breathe.

She Grabs Shiva's lifeless body, trying to shake him awake, but to no avail.

Breathless, Menaka starts to Scream and Cry.

She casts around for help and suddenly realises the whole campsite is gone.

In its place are the dead bodies of the Stree Party. (The dead bodies look like the sketch.)

The tent she was sleeping in is gone.

She's all alone with nothing, along the edge of the coast.

She springs up, runs all over the campsite, but the clearing is empty, as if no one had ever been there at all.

Menaka Runs away from the barren campsite and trips, falling over corpses.

She's on-top of a body and doesn't move for a moment, until she springs up and runs.

Ext. Lane, Kulaba - Later

Breathless, she heads to Savitri's cottage, only to find her mother face down in a pool of blood.

Bewilderment and anguish besiege her as an all-consuming terror crushes her.

She can barely think, she can barely even see or hear.

Ext. Vijaydhurgha Fort – Continuous – 1757

The winter solstice Cold Moon hangs high in the sky.

Robert carries Menaka and walks...

Back to:

Int. Chamber, Vijaydurg Fort – Continuous – Present Day 44

Hanging from a hook, Rao slips in and out of consciousness.

In a blur he sees someone approaching him wearing an 18th century British Army Officer's uniform.

Robert

Allow me to convey The Order's admiration for your discretion.

Twisting, Rao tries to get out of the way of the overpowering light, but cannot. Robert walks right up to Rao.

Robert (Cont'd)

Lord Robert Shropshire.

You're alive.

Evidently. Robert

But how?

Rao

Robert

But why? That is the real question.

Robert motions to his Blood Paintings that line the walls of the chamber.

Robert (Cont'd)

A man is what he leaves behind, wouldn't you agree?

Rao looks and spots Aneesha, now dressed in ceremonial robes standing beside Robert.

She hands Robert the rucksack. Robert's pleased when he looks inside the bag.

My one and only true masterpiece.

Robert smiles at Aneesha.

A beat.

A beat.

A beat.

Rao

Where is she?

Robert

You're born to protect her in every life. That is your tragedy.

Robert (Cont'd)

Predisposition is not a fact for men like you and I, it is a matter of circumstance. The rules of time do not apply to us.

Robert (Cont'd)

History on the other hand is riddled with countless such feckless men.

Robert (Cont'd)

The walls of history are made with the fodder of weak men who found their new station as part of the Empire greater than the sum total of their pathetic souls. Godless men, in a holy land, crushed by the temptations of unlimited power. These men, like unrepentant sinners saw Time as a sequential series of events. For them history must be compressed into a single narrative, but that is a curse told by the Devil, who hides Time's true nature from mankind.

I, on the other hand was touched by the divine and shown that Time moves in every direction simultaneously. I cannot avert my gaze from the ocean of blood that must be spilt for deliverance. There is no salvation without sacrifice.

The genocide.

A dangerous word, Shiva.

Rao's confused. Robert laughs.

A beat.

A beat.

Robert (Cont'd)

That's correct, you don't even know your real name.

Robert (Cont'd)

We have met many times, old friend.

Robert stands and comes out of the light.

Robert (Cont'd)

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 the King James bible.

Robert walks right up to Rao and grabs his face.

Robert points to a window with the full moon.

Robert (Cont'd)

The time to honour our covenant is nearly upon us, the Cold Moon is among us.

Suddenly, from behind, a knife is placed up against Rao's throat and held there.

Unexpectedly, Swati, dressed like the painting of Menaka is led into the chamber by Guruji, Vishal and Deepak, all dressed in ceremonial robes.

Chitra has her hands tied and gagged.

They hang Swati on the hook by her wrists.

Int. Chamber, Vijaydurguh Fort – Night – 1757

Moon light shines into the open windows.

Menaka Devi hangs from a hook in the exact same position as Swati.

The night's Cold Moon shines through the open window.

She Coughs for air.

She turns to Robert who's furiously painting, we recognise many of the canvases from the Blood Paintings.

On the wall is a massive painting of the Order of Crimson's Sun.

Robert doesn't even bother to look back.

She watches his masterful hands easily glide across the canvas on the wall.

He's painting with his fingers that are all covered in blood paint.

She's mesmerised by his skill.

Without turning.

The artist, the Muses' desperate slave, begs for inspiration, offering...

He spreads the paint.

Robert (Cont'd)

A promise, a prayer, a sacrifice.

He looks at her, studying her intense expression.

Robert (Cont'd)

The artist...

He paints.

Is merely an instrument in the

Lord's hands.

He turns to face her. They're right next to each other.

Robert (Cont'd)

Of course, you don't understand.

Menaka Devi

(Marathi)

You came to kill everyone, my father, my mother, my people, all of them.

Robert

You and I will know each other for a very long time.

Menakah DEVI

I have nothing left.

They lock in on each other.

She takes a deep Breath and Sings a beautiful prayer.

Robert

The song of bitter trespasses.

Back to:

Int. Chamber, Vijaydurguh Fort – Continuous – Present Day 46

Her Singing throughout. Swati sings the same song as Menaka, harmonising across time.

Under Moonlight.

Rao and Swati, are hanging.

Flames flicker from countless candles and torches.

The elaborate setup is anchored by a large burning circle, the Order of Crimson Sun.

They're surrounded by Guruji, Aneesha, Vishal, Deepak and other hooded figures meditating.

Not far from them sits Chitra, tied and gagged.

The hooded figures are so busy Chanting that they don't notice Chitra trying to get Tulaji's knife out of the fold in her sari.

Robert approaches Rao with his sharp knife.

Rao is gagged, but the fear in his eyes is palpable.

Swati's frantic, her eyes meet Rao's as Robert unsheathes his large knife.

The moment slows down... the Ocean and Breathing.

Without a thought, Robert Slits Rao's throat.

Blood pours from the wound.

He finally looks at Swati.

Int. Vijaydurguh Fort - Continuous - 1757 Cut to:

Menaka has a violent reaction. She writhes in pain.

Robert

It's happening again.

He grabs her.

Robert (Cont'd)

Across the great divide, you can hear me.

Back to:

Int. Chamber, Vijaydurguh Fort – Continuous – Present Day 48

Robert stands in front Swati.

Aneesha hands Robert the canvas of The Queen of Maharashtra. He looks at its beauty.

Sweating, Chitra, frantically tries to jimmy Tulaji's knife lose.

She's got it, but it falls.

Swati watches Robert walk over to the wall and perfectly places the painting, along the torn edge, it fits with the missing half still on the wall.

Chitra bends down and picks up the knife with her mouth.

She stretches as best as she can to reach the tape binding her, with the blade in her mouth.

She's nearly there --Tear, she's got it.

Robert steps back and in the candle light Swati can see that it's a painting of them both (Menaka Devi and Robert).

Int. Chamber, Vijaydurguh Fort – Continuous – 1757

Standing exactly like the painting, Menaka Devi and Robert stare at each other intensely.

They hold that look... Breathe.

Robert

A storm for centuries is coming.

He leans and kisses her, she resists.

Suddenly, he Stabs her in the stomach.

She doubles over in pain as blood pours from the wound onto his hands.

He twists the blade.

Robert (Cont'd)

We will meet again, and again, and again.

He stabs her over and over.

Robert (Cont'd)

I am sorry my love.

He covers his face in her blood.

She bleeds to death from her stomach.

Back to:

Int. Chamber, Vijaydurguh Fort – Continuous – Present Day 50

Robert smiles sardonically.

The Chanting by the hooded figures gets more intense.

Robert bring his knife to Swati's throat, holds it there and presses it.

Swati shuts her eyes.

The moment crashes unexpectedly when Chitra cuts Swati's ropes and she suddenly falls to the floor.

Shocked, Robert cannot believe his eyes. He quickly turns to Chitra who hits him. His knife drops.

He spins around and smacks her hard.

She and Tulaji's knife go crashing to the floor.

Writhing on the floor, Swati tries to catch her breath. She spots Robert and attempts to squirm away through Rao's blood.

The robed figures, deep in their Chant, do not stir. They will not enter the white circle drawn on the floor.

It seems like it is all part of the ceremony.

Robert pounces on Swati.

It's a nasty fight of tugging and biting.

She bites him so hard he has to loosen his grip.

She jumps up and rushes towards Tulaji's knife. She's almost there, but he grabs her leg at the last moment and pulls her.

She falls hard to the floor. She's dazed.

He gets on top of her.

He grabs her neck and starts to choke her.

Desperate she reaches for Tulaji's knife. Her fingers touch it, but she cannot seem to grab it.

He chokes her... she cannot breathe.

Her body goes limp as she's losing consciousness.

Her eyes shut.

Cut to:

51 Int. Chamber, Vijaydurguh Fort - Continuous - 1757 51

Menaka's bloodied and lifeless body hangs on the hook.

Nothing stirs, until she opens her green eyes.

Int. Vijaydurguh Fort - Continuous - Present Day 52

Swati suddenly regains consciousness and opens her eyes.

Robert's knife is about to stab her, but she moves at the last moment and the blade only grazes her shoulder.

Robert sees some of her blood from the cut on her shoulder, and tastes it, obviously pleased.

Meanwhile she tries to get away.

But incensed like a wild animal after tasting his prey's blood he tackles her.

She instinctively kicks him in the groin, he falls over.

She lunges for the Tulaji's knife, grabs it, but before she can turn Robert tackles her again.

They fall to the floor.

They roll around and around struggling for the edge in the fight, she has the knife. She's on top of him. Some of her blood drops on him. He tastes it --its ready, but...

Everything slows down...

She takes a breath and his face becomes placid as he realises that he's finally going to die.

She Stabs him.

He shudders from the pain.

She stabs him again and again, there's blood everywhere.

The blood flies off the knife and splatters the paintings that flicker in the candlelight.

The fires in the chamber burn brighter.

Exhausted, covered in blood, she stops stabbing him.

Robert's Whispering something.

She leans in.

He dies.

Robert

Alas, the curse is broken.

Music Crescendos...

Everything stops for a moment, except the Ocean.

Swati gathers her wits about her and rushes to her mother.

She helps her up and they notice that the hooded figures have stopped chanting.

It's time to run for it.

The hooded figures start to spring towards them. They chase Swati and Chitra.

Led by Swati, she and her mother Sprint through the dark corridors with the others hot on their tails.

They finally come to the top of the fort.

They freeze, trapped by the high wall, with a straight drop to the ocean below and the fast approaching enemy behind them.

Swati knows they have no choice and stands up on the high turret.

Swati takes her mother's hand.

Their would-be assailants emerge from the fort.

Swati and Chitra hold onto each other.

They jump together.

Black:

E.X.T. Ocean - Dawn - Present Day

The moon waxing brightly in the early morning sky.

The purple sky splits the darkness.

Clouds blanket the heavens.

Uninterrupted Waves.

The Arabian sea spreads out in every direction.

Deep Breaths.

The sun rises against the sky-morning has come.

Swati is alive.

The curse is broken.

Cut to:

End Credit:

Robert Clive, from Shropshire, England, won control of India in the 18th Century for Britain, ushering in nearly two centuries of colonialism that witnessed India's wealth, crops, jewels and dignity stolen on an industrial scale, the partition of the country and a genocide that cost tens of millions of Indian lives.

To this day no British Monarch or U.K government has ever officially apologised to India for colonialism.

Image summary: A black and white historical engraving titled A View of the Attack made on the Fort of Geriah by Admiral Watson, 13 February 1756. The scene depicts a large fleet of sailing warships anchored in a harbor, positioned before a fortified coastal city with walls, buildings, and palm trees situated on a hill.

View of the Attack made on the Fort of Vijaydurgha by Admiral Watson, 13 February 1756 by Pierre-Charles Canot

Image summary: A black-and-white engraving of a man standing in a coastal landscape. He wears a pointed hat, patterned loose trousers, and a fur cloak draped over one shoulder, while holding a long spear in his right hand. The background features a palm tree to the left and sailing ships on the horizon to the right.

A View of the Attach made on the Fort of Geriah by Admiral Watson, 13 February 1736.

The only known sketch of Tulaji Angre by Unknown.