[Dramatic music]
♫ Behind the skies... ♪
♫ Beneath the earth... ♫
♪ Sits a mysterious puppeteer... ♫
Nagdarwadi, Maharashtra, India
♪ Three hundred thirty million... ♪
♪ gods and goddesses... ♪
♫ are all hidden within the rocks... ♫
♫ We will find... ♪
♫ we will count... ♪
♪ the lives and treasures in the earth... ♪
September 1999
"WATER"
♫ Behind the skies... ♪
♫ Beneath the earth... ♫
♪ Sits a mysterious puppeteer... ♫
Hey Indrey!
Indrey !
Oh my God! Indrey!
Hey Indrey...what happened to you?
Indrey open your eyes
Open your eyes Indrey!
Somebody please come and help, Dada, please help!
Indra fainted!
Water...sprinkle water on her face...
[Pensive music]
Take her, slowly..
You must have heard about this story thousand times right?
While digging a well, or...
while demolishing the old, and building a new house
somebody discovered a pot of gold under the ground?
For the people in Marathwada...
what is the most precious treasure?
Water! -Yes, water.
How do you store this treasure under the ground?
How do you use it?
We are all here today to tell you this,
Till today,
we have implemented this scheme successfully in 22 villages
About 10-12 villages have stopped depending on water tankers
They have enough water the whole year round
Now all of you in the village must come together
and store water under the land
Are you all ready?
Yes! Good.
Hey Balaji!
You are bringing water to everybody...
What about your own village?
In Nagdarwadi, women are still suffering because of water shortage
Indra died the other day while lugging water
You know, don't you?
You must do something for them
Why are you so quiet?
What did that woman say to you?
Sir, I'll tell you
Actually she was saying...
"You are helping the whole world to save water."
"But your own village has no water."
Then let's get his village under the Indo-German project
We need one more village to complete the project
No sir...
My village will not qualify for this
Oh...We'll see about that
But we may not get another chance
It's impossible.
Even if God himself tries to unite the villagers, he will fail
Then find the right man.
[Dramatic music]
His elder brother Balaji lives in Pune
His current project is in our neighbourhood
And...Hanumant himself is fond of social work.
Okay...
He has also done a two year diploma in it.
Uh one year...
Doesn't make a difference. Having done it is what matters
His elder brother Balaji is very intelligent
Highly educated
Nobody else is as educated as him in the entire village
And most importantly,
our Babu has no vices.
I mean...Hanumant...
We call him Babu...
He and our Suvarna will make a beautiful couple
Dada, say something...
If you have any questions for the groom, please go ahead.
Since my son-in-law has brought the groom
we have no doubts at all.
[Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha]
Get Suvarna... -Yes...
Balaji is highly respected in the village..
Only their house in educated in the entire village
That's wonderful.
[Pleasant music]
Let it be.
Offer them tea...
Please have...
[Pleasant music]
Suvarna...
Sit.
Tell them your name
Suvarna...
Bapurao Nagargoje
She has passed 12th grade...
and studying further. -Hmm...
How about farm work?
That's what she is studying
Diploma in agriculture.
Hmm...
Do you want to ask anything Babu?
No!
Savita!
Okay then...
What does the young man say?
Tell us, Babu...
Hey, are you feeling shy?
Speak your mind
I like her.
If the girl agrees, we can fix it today itself.
But Balaji Dada isn't here...
He has asked us to go ahead if both families agree to the alliance.
Mama?
Mama? What do you say?
Of course...Why not?
Here...Crack the betel-nut.
Hey Babu!
He's blushing!
But...
But... What about the dowry?
Nothing at all. We don't believe in all that.
Didn't I tell you?
They are educated people
You just bring the bride along.
We split the wedding expenses between us.
Okay!
So? What date should we set for the wedding?
Sometime in May looks fine. -Uh huh?
Have some more...
So Babu? What's the plan?
I'll look for a job. -Hmm...
And what about...
your diploma in social work?
I'll look for something in the same field.
But then...why don't you do something for the village?
Find work here... huh?
Don't talk about this village Dada...
There won't be any progress here
These people have no sense
And you think you are the wise one?
The other day...
he beat up Bajya! -Huh? -Yes!
You know,the political leader's cronie?
From Ramnewadi...
Why?
I had got the village road work sanctioned from the government authorities
That Bajya moved all the raw material near his village
When I questioned him he became aggressive
I was talking patiently, but when he pushed me, I lost my control.
Even I gave him 2 slaps.....
Who was with you?
Nobody. I was alone.
He had his teo followers with him...
I told them, If you come a step ahead, I will break your head
They ran !
[Balaji chuckles]
To bring sanity to this village we need somebody crazy like Babu
Hmm.
Don't talk about this village, dada.
The other day nobody joined me to confront Bajya
I just don't want to live here any more!
Hey, Babu...
Hey Babu!
Come here...It's important.
Balaji Dada! When did you come from Pune?
I returned long back,
How are you? -I'm fine.
When did you come from Nanded? -Just now.
Please come out. I need to talk. It's urgent
But you should have clarified sooner...
...that the boy belongs to Nagdarwadi.
There was a confusion.
Since I stay in Nanded, they presumed your family is from there too.
That's good, they atleast got ready to meet..
There are older boys in the village who have remained unmarried.
Forget it! We'll look for another girl for Babu
There's another girl.
Not very educated...but quite nice.
I want to marry only her
or I'll rather stay unmarried!
Are you in Love with her?
Hey Babu...
Come with me.
Come.
Listen... What parents would want their daughter
to trudge 3 kilometers everyday to fetch water for the rest of her life?
They don't want to send their daughter to Nagdarwadi.
You come with me to Nanded.
You will get work there. -Exactly!
I'll ask them to wait till then.
Will they wait?
Of course they will!
The girl has liked the boy.
Suvarna never said 'No'.
It's her father who objected.
What do you mean?
He means," Don't worry...You will be marry the girl of your dreams
Rambhau!
Let's go to Malakoli and have a Paan. -Yes, let's go.
So?
You are going to Nanded?
Will have to.
Come on.
Babu...
Do you know...
Every year...
around this time of the year in Marathwada...
thousands of people migrate.
Towards the cities.
To work as menial labour.
To slog.
But a few that stay back...
never leave the village...
Instead, they unite the people...
and help them fight the drought
They teach them to toil and prosper.
I hardly remember anybody who left.
But those few who stayed back are known, not just to me
but to the whole world.
Let's go.
[Dramatic music]
[Sombre music]
That is why I'm saying
Nagdarwadi project doesn't fit into our norms
Don't worry about that.
If the motive is right, rules can be tweaked
Just get your people ready
You did have somebody in mind to take the responsibility?
Sir...Please wait, the sun is too harsh...
we can continue tomorrow.
Open the umbrella. -Yes, sir.
Today we won't stop until we finalize the project in your village, come on.
Dear old woman...
why don't you wear something in your feet?
doesn't your feet burn?
And why are you wandering in the scorching sun?
Came to give you water, Grandma...
Wish you would come everyday, son...
...and bring me water...
[Dramatic music]
[Soulful music]
Tell them your name...
Suvarna Bapurao Nagargoje.
Education?
I have passed 12th grade. I am now doing a diploma in agriculture
You can manage all the household chores?
Don't worry about that.
Back home, we have 40 acres of plantations.
Also, tractor and vehicles... She knows everything
[Dramatic music]
What were you saying? -I will tell you tomorrow.
Okay Bye ! -Bye
I want too...
I want to talk to you
You rejected me because there is no water in Nagdarwadi...
But I want to marry you, nobody else.
But then I'll have to leave the village.
Else we won't get married
But the watershed development project is just about to start.
If I leave, nobody else will take the responsibility.
But the village needs wa-
[Cheerful music]
[Pleasant music]
If your organization includes Nagdarwadi in the project
we have no reason to worry
We will do our work
But can Babu bring the villagers together?
I think some villagers won't listen
See, Deshmukh Sir
when somebody takes initiative a few people are bound to resist.
doesn't mean we stop..
You are right, but this isn't a one day affair
It will last for 4 to 5 years
The villagers have to be kept united throughout
Sir... We have to bring water in Nagdarwadi at any cost
A few troublemakers cannot deter me. -Good!
I wanted to hear this from you
The best way to unite people in the village is to first bring the women together.
Start a prayer group for women...
If possible, start a Self Help Group...
Excuse me... Surajtai!
Ask me if you don't understand.
This is Surajtai.
She can help you. -Namaste!
Once the women come together the entire village stays united.
Got it?
[Womenfolk singing]
Now isn't this wonderful!
Finding all of you right here!
Saved my time
Look who found his way here!
Because this is the path to walk, Akka!
With all of you.
We will bring water to our village
At every doorstep
Enough to last round the year
Non-drinker that you are Babu...
have you got yourself drunk early morning?
[Chuckles]
I need everybody's support.
I'm going to visit all the houses today
Evening would have been better
The men are not home right now
That's exactly why I'm here Akka
We women don't understand this all?
Ok...
You think they understand any better?
These men here?
Tell me Akka...
Would you call a person wise if he digs a well when he is thirsty?
No...
Yes.
Then what would you call a person who does not
dig a well even when he is dying of thirst?
What do you have in mind? Please tell us, Babu...
First and foremost we start a women's self help group.
And what's the need for it?
And is that going to bring water?
Parvati Aunty, what I mean is, we must--
Babu.
Here. My contribution. Twenty rupees.
Hadn't Namdeo Dada refused?
What does he care?
Once he has money for the daily booze, he is fine
He doesn't even know...
Don't tell him either
What's the money for?
See?
Pushpatai has kick-started our self help group.
So take the money. -No, no! Keep it with you.
You ladies decide who'll keep it.
And then we will open a bank account in the name of the self help group.
Will somebody tell us what's going on?
Let me explain!
May I? -Of course!
Saves my effort... Go ahead.
Akka!...I'll be back in a while.
Go on, go on...Tell them.
[Pleasant music]
Hey wait!
Brother, get in! Make it quick!
Tell aunty, I'll see her soon.
[Car engine sounds]
So, Baburao?
Where to?
Drop me at the hamlet
What business at the hamlet?
We have to bring water to the village, Tanya
In Nagdarwadi?
I'm going to buy a Mercedes too...
and give it on rent,
[Chuckles]
What are you blabbering Babu...
You just see.
One day your village will take water from mine
And how do you plan to get the water?
We have started watershed development
What's that?
It's just the beginning Tanya
hey you !
First I will involve the village women in prayer groups and self help groups...
Once they come together, so will the men
Once the whole village is united we start the main work
Hmm...
And when will this happen?
Much before your Mercedes arrives
Stop here,
Why are you wasting time Babu?
Find a nice girl and marry her
That's the main reason why I'm doing all this!
What do you mean?
You'll know.
very soon,
you understand it first.
[Pleasant music]
Put it, -yes
But Babu, I don't understand...
why are you poking your nose in village affairs?
It's best to mind one's own business
Whoa! He played the joker!
Oh! No, no no no!
Why are you taking it back?
I played it by mistake!
[Incoherent chatter]
I would have won but Babu butted in
Play now.
[Muttering]
[Chatter continues]
This evening all women are gathering
at the temple to sing Bhajans -Okay.
You have a very sweet voice they say...
So they say...
Then you must join -What time?
After dinner. No hurry. Around 9.
Okay. -Good.
Listen Babu...
Yeah? -Don't mind what he said...
I will talk to him, okay?
[Incoherent chatter]
[Cow mooing]
[Indistinct chatter]
[Vehicle honks]
Greetings, Saheb!
Babnya,
what's going on in the village?
Nothing sir...
You no-good losers,
hunting pigs and boozing all the time...
Is that what I pay you for? Huh?
No sir, I swear by my mother I don't drink.
Damn you!...This Kendre...
Who is he? And what is he up to?
Hanumant Kendre? -Uh-huh?
Don't worry about that mad person sir...
Bringing a few women together hardly makes anybody a leader sir
They are working, and our men are smoking the day away...
That is what bothers me!
Don't worry sir, we are keeping watch
Don't just keep a watch, do something
Take action. Get it?
Yes sir...
Sir you know how difficult it is...
to get work done from these people...
Hello sir,
How are things? - all great sir
Hey Babnya! -Yes sir...
Ask Tatya to call me
Tatya? Of course! -Move aside, make way!
Popat, keep an eye
Yes. I'll put them on it
Out of 80 women, only 72 have paid
I have to pay yet -Me too. -Very well.
Who else is yet to pay?
Satyabhama...Janabai...
And where is our chairperson? Her payment is due too!
Here she comes. -Good...there she is
She has to sneak out while her husband is not watching
So the delay, isn't it?
He was not asleep yet -Oh?
Almost got caught -Really?
Snuck out from the back door.
Okay, listen up!
In the last 3 months...
we have collected Rs.6080
[Gasping and chattering]
From the next month onwards,
should we start issuing the advance?
Why not! Yes, yes!
What should be the interest?
Umm...How about for every 100 rupees
20 rupees per year...
Should be fine... Yes...
O Lord, let the light dawn in our lives...
[Singing continues]
[Pelting sounds]
[Commotion continues]
Who is throwing stones?
Who's there? Catch them !
Wait, wait..
Don't stop! Keep going!
[Singing resumes]
Tatya's goons. They're gone.
Let's go in. They won't come back
Come on in. They won't.
[Singing continues]
♪ O Lord, let the light dawn in our lives... ♫
♫ Faith resides deep in our hearts ♪
[Singing continues]
You witch!
I'm Namdeo, your God. Why don't you sing my praises!
This Hanumant here seems to have cast his spell on you...huh?
Come home, I'll show you
Get up, Get up Shobhe, move out of my way!
Get up... get up now!
-Namdeo, let go of her!
[Continues ranting]
Leave her, leave her
But he,
She won't come from tomorrow
Shit!
Babu!
Why didn't you say something?
And why didn't any of you?
What if your husbands drag you away too?
What will you do then?
I'll bash him with my sandal!
[Chuckles]
Come on, let's continue...
O Lord, let the light dawn in our lives...
[Birds chirping]
[Car engine sounds]
Things have started to change in the village
I'm confident I'll bring water to our doorstep
Not just ours, but to every home
in the village. Only then will I marry you
Will you wait for me until then?
Today is the meeting. Babu has asked everybody to be there
Hear that? -Yes.
There is a meeting at the temple in the evening
Tatya...
You may hold a grudge against me, but this is about water
Balaji Dada is arriving today.
He'll be telling us how to bring water to the village
[Coughs]
We need your Cooperation
[Dramatic music]
In this hillock
We are going to dig a pit...
one foot wide...and one and a half feet deep
Like this.
[Gasps]
Now,
what happens in the pit?
Rain water will collect... right here...
[Gasps]
Like this.
And once it collects in the pit, it will naturally seep into
the earth, and remain there -Hmm...
What do we do then?
We dig a well.
Once we dig a well, it will be full of water
[Gasps]
But to dig such a small pit...
why would it take four or five years?
My dear Parvati aunty,
We are not digging one pit
We will dig pits across 400 hectares of land!
My God!
If the work will go on for 4 to 5 years...
and if you're talking about
honorary labour.
How do we feed our families? -Yes.
Only 20% will be honorary labour
You will be paid for rest of the work
We get paid?
[Incoherent chatter]
So we work on our own land and get paid for it?
There you are!
Hah! How is that possible?
Utter nonsense!
That is how the watershed development project works
Work for 4 years, and you will have
wealth in your homes and water in the village
[Gasps]
But till then, the whole village must live in unity
[Gasps]
Hey Balaji...
I can't vouch for the village...
but all of us present here...
will definitely stand by Babu.
Yes! -Yes!
Just as you said it...
we have struck water.
Look, water!
[Excited chatter]
[Cheerful music]
Dada!
You explained everything so well!
It's all locked right here in my head
I'm just waiting for the work to begin
Hm...
[Sighs]
I have seen a lot of people who flaunt their half baked knowledge
Babu, you are gloating without anything to show for it!
What do you mean?
Is this what you call a village meeting?
This?
We have just started...
Gradually people will come to know
Babu, it's been 3 months.
What have you accomplished?
Started a prayer group
And a self help group for women
That's all?
Luckily enough, I didn't bring along Tagat sir and Mr. Deshmukh today
I would have fallen on face seeing this,
I'm coming back this Saturday. With both of them
If the crowd is as pathetic,
be ready to give up on the project...
and the girl too
[Dramatic music]
Offer haldi-kumkum to the deity
Apply haldi-kumkum to the bank pass book
[Priest chanting Sanskrit verses]
Now offer flowers to the deity
Sadabhau, Babu...Come...
Yes, yes...
[Sanskrit chants]
[Bell rings]
Please don't look behind
Don't turn behind!
How long will it take... to bring water to the village?
Babu, come here !
Yes, I'm coming
It's difficult to say...
So how long do I have to wait for you?
Hey Babu! Come here
Yes, yes you carry on. I'll be right there
Until the water comes...
Just make sure you bring it before we grow old
Babu!
Yes...
Here...What took you so long?
[Priest continues chanting]
You seem to be brimming with joy!
[Ha,Ha,Ha]
[Upbeat music]
[Door knocks]
[Pots falling with a loud sound]
[Babies crying]
move fast, move fast,
move quickly, we won't get water
[People murmuring]
[Incoherent chatter]
It's locked.
Who has the key?
I've been asking everybody since morning
Maruti ! why didn't you get a spoon and a dish ?
Look at him! -If he takes so much,
what will the rest of us do?
I suggest...
each of us may take four pots.
What say?
Yes! -Yes!
Fill only two first. Yes!
If there is water left, take two more
So that everybody gets it -This makes sense...
Last time some of us got enough and some didn't!
Who's got the key? The key!
[Incoherent chatter]
I have the key. -What?
See...
Hiding the key like that!
Come on, unlock the tap, quick!
[Commotion continues]
Be patient... Move back!
what happened?
[Indistinct chatter]
Hold it, hold it...
hey aunty !
Keep quite everybody !
Pay attention.
So...
This water tanker... has been bought by me.
And so , if anybody doesn't want the water
they are free to leave I won't stop them
Once they leave, I will unlock the tap
[Incoherent chatter]
Ok, let it be...
Whatever I have been doing over the last four months...
like gathering the womenfolk, singing Bhajans with them...
collecting money from them...
anybody who doesn't likes this
They are free to refuse the water I have brought.
I won't take it to heart.
Hey! Don't you dare look at me!
All those who have been criticizing me talking behind my back...
those who have turned their backs on me...
even ridiculed me...
They are all present here
Did I suddenly get into their good books?
Not at all.
Because they are not here for me
They are here for the water
But how long will this water last?
Huh?
Once this is used up you will have to trudge across to Ramnewadi!
If you can struggle so much for a day's supply of water...
why can't you attend the village meeting that
will help us get water for the whole year?
I'm not angry that you didn't attend
Just disappointed.
Last four months, I've been trying my best to convince you all
But time is running out
If we fail to attend the meeting in full strength tomorrow,
the watershed development project will shift to the neighboring village.
I cannot stop it by myself
The whole village must come together
But if they're convinced that the villagers are strongly united
Nothing can stop Nagdarwadi from getting abundant and sustainable water supply!
[Incoherent chatter]
But if attendance is as poor as the last time
you will have to be happy with this tanker full of water
[Villagers applauding]
While the watershed program is on,
you will not use the axe!
You will not chop a single tree. Even if you own it
Also, no grazing.
Since we are banning so many activities, I suggest we also ban booze!
[Chuckles]
And now we must start tree plantation
After all, trees hold the soil and soil holds the water
Please note, this project will make the entire village water sufficient
If the village is water sufficient, you will be too.
After all, you are a farming community
You know everything about grooming land and growing crops...
There's nothing I can teach you there
Tell me, what is the most important prerequisite for growing crop?
Water!
Correct!
Drink quickly!
Stop it now!
Lying around like logs!
The meeting is almost over! -Let's go!
Babnya! -Huh?
You go with them -Yes.
Let leave anybody -Yes.
It must be a ruckus! -Yes,yes...
Those people must not dare to come to our village again!
I think we can start from next week
Yes, the paperwork is ready.
We can start from tomorrow as well
That's wonderful.
Hey! Hey!
Namdeo! What is it?
You shut your mouth!
What's the matter?
You have brought these strangers to the village and are trying to spoil our lives
Both brothers together. -Listen...
What water are you talking about?
You think we're idiots?
What water?
That's just a carrot you are dangling before us to snatch our land.
Namdeo! That's not true.
Deshmukh...
You are a smooth talker, aren't you?
You must leave.
Where are you running away?
I'm warning you, don't you dare step into the village again!
[Chaos ensues]
Calm down Babu!
We won't give them a reason to spoil the situation further. Come...
You listen to me! Keep quiet!
[Ruckus continues]
[Commotion ensues]
Sorry sir... -What for?
Don't be silly!
What happened was for the good. Where's the bouquet?
You've done well.
The womenf have stepped out of their homes today
I'm not worried about Nagdarwadi anymore. Good!
[Pleasant music]
[Upbeat music]
[Foot steps]
[Pleasant music]
What's this?
Take it...It's for you.
Deshmukh Saheb has given it
Because we have won half the battle
But it's rightfully yours
But what do I tell my Family?
Tell them you were felicitated in college
Me? And for what?
For transforming a village...
Village?
Not sure about the whole village...
but...
Keep it... It's yours.
[Soft music]
♫ The mind sings a sweet song.. ♫
♫ and dreams of only one thing ♪
♫ Like the earth longs for the sky ♪
♪ Let us, you and I ♫
♫ make a life together...♪
♫ We shall walk together ♪
♫ The mind sings a sweet song.. ♫
♫ and dreams of only one thing ♪
♫ Like the earth longs for the sky ♪
♪ Let us, you and I ♫
♫ make a life together...♪
♫ We shall walk together ♪
Or you will spend
Done, Sada Bhau?
Yes.
Until we don't tally Ravi's account it is not a big deal
[Pleasant music]
Sada Bhau, Sada Bhau You take the bike and go ahead
where are you going? -I have some work
Stop!
[Pleasant music]
Work has started
Been a week now
Is that dude talking to you?
keep quite !
[Gasps]
What's that?
Who is he?
My phone number
It has good range. Wireless.
Not started yet but should in a week.
The whole village is at work now
Stop it right here. -Here?
This is where I have to get down
yes get down
take this,
Paid for both of them too.
And drive carefully!
[Pleasant music]
[Upbeat music]
Count it properly. It's for both of you
Who's next?
Pushpatai! Come. -Yes.
She cut the order!
No, it's her turn.
Babu! Look!
Learnt to sign... -Wonderful!
Pushpatai!
This is great!
Look at this!
Madam Chairperson has learnt to sign
You must all take it up seriously too
[Teaching continues]
Hey girl...
If it doesn't connect...give up
Why are you clinging to the phone?
Hey Shankar Dada... -Yes?
Yesterday we got a rocky patch...
Today again we get the same?
That's good really Sakha Dada...
You earn more.
The day has passed and we are not even halfway through.
The rock is very hard.
Okay, okay.
Will put you on to softer ground tomorrow
Shankar!
Can I work his side tomorrow?
Are you okay with that Sakha? -Of course!
You're not home yet?
I was in college.
Exams are on
Hmm...
Our test is coming up too
What test?
Rain.
The first test is whether it will rain or not
And if it does, will it seep in enough?
That's the other.
Don't worry... Everything will be fine
You are taking such an effort...
God is with you
Only God?
The villagers too
Who else?
Who else do you need?
I can do without God and the villagers...
But...
Hey!...What's taking you so long?
Should I hang up? -Why?
Ran out of coins?
No...no...
Then keep talking...
Why do you avoid calling me by my name?
Well...
How can I call an unfamiliar girl by her name...
But then is it okay to chat with an unfamiliar girl on phone?
It isn't okay at all...
to talk on phone...
We must meet and talk.
Will you meet tomorrow?
Where?
Wherever you say...
Come home then...
I will truly come,
I will say, "Your daughter invited me!"
Mother will give you a 'special' welcome
Is that so?
Tell her to make it extra sweet
Let's wind up.
Hey Babu!
Come on, everybody's leaving
Shall we go?
He's constantly on the phone...
What took you so long Babu?
The kid almost fell asleep
Something came up. -Okay...
Ganesh, get up. Your uncle is here.
Come on, wake up. Your uncle is here.
[Motorbike revving]
[3rd April, 2000]
[Dramatic music]
[Tense music]
[Foot steps]
[Tense music]
Come let's go !
Is that Bhikya?
What's wrong with him? -No idea...
where's babu?
Babu! Babu, Babu
Babu! Hey Babu... Come with me, quick!
What is it Bhikya? -Just come with me.
Come on...
(Phone ringing.)
[Incoherent chatter]
They filled up all the pits!
[Solemn music]
[Sombre music]
Sir...
The goons filled up the pits they say...
Which clause will that be?
Destruction of public property. Section 34.
Sign here.
Since you don't know who did it...
the complaint is filed against unidentified people
[Sombre music]
Suvarna!
I've been waiting for you for so long
What delayed you?
Hurry up, come... -What? -Suvarna
Suvarna...
Is he calling you?
Don't know. -Please wait!
He's the same one we met the other day!
May be... -What may be?
He's the one.
He seems to be stalking you!
Should I go and talk !
Wait, no! -Oh, let me!
Why are you behaving like this?
[Sombre music]
[Foot steps]
[Ominous music]
[Rising tempo]
[Commotion intensifies]
What do we do with him?
The pits are ready, let's bury them in
How will that help?
Others like them will come
We need to know who made him do that
The person who gave him money, did not disclose his name
But he must remember his face for sure
It must be somebody from the village.
Who hired you?
Look at each and every face carefully
Come on.
Move!
Take a good look.
Which one is it?
Think hard. Look carefully.
Who was it?
No...None...
You get back to work
I'm taking him to every house
Everybody get moving.
Let's go...
Him... It was him.
[Dramatic music]
Have you gone mad?
Look properly!
Yes, it was him!
Me?
I did nothing.
You couldn't find a bride all these years because the village was dry
Just when things are changing you want to -
Stop, stop! Something doesn't add up
Hey!
How can you blurt out somebody's name like that!
I mean...He didn't hire me, but...
he was with the man who did
When?...With whom?
The other day at the market in Loha
Didn't you take a ride with him?
In Loha market?
Parshu Anna, whom did you go with?
Try to remember.
Loha market...
Yes!
I had some work
So I took a ride in his vehicle.
The politician's man...Popatrao.
The Gram Panchayat elections are 2 years away
Think about the Zila Parishad elections... -That's not an issue.
Popat!
Come out.
We need to talk
Why not here?
I don't want a scene here. Come out.
What do you mean?
What are you going to do?
Just because you bashed up Bajya you think you're the boss around here?
You haven't seen my power
Sure. Now step out...and see mine
Damn you...
[Commotion]
See...This, is my strength.
I've earned it.
Not by latching on to a politician
Remember him?
Babu.... I'm sorry...forgive me...
Ask them for forgiveness. You have done wrong to them
They work hard the whole day and you destroy everything they've done!
You should be ashamed!
Please forgive me!
I will never come in your way again. I promise.
That is possible if we let you go alive
What are you waiting for? Hit him..
[Crowd shouting]
Stop, stop!
I am letting you go now...
If anybody tries to stop work ever again
we will catch him
Yes....yes.
Let's go.
Come on everybody...
Shouldn't have let him go.
Would have bashed him up good.
What's this Babu...
We had him in our hands...
Should have beaten him up.
What good would that have done?
Now he might seek revenge
Sadabhau, we have made a police complaint
We even have witnesses
But you set him free too.
Exactly.I have left them
Look...
[Chattering]
[Birds chirping]
[Car engine sounds]
♪ A flame glows ♫
♫ in the heart... ♪
♪ my soul yearns for you ♫
♫ Your name resonates ♪
♪ deep in my heart ♫
♫ You are my path, my future ♪
How long have you been waiting?
Just as long as you did the other day.
You called me by my name the other day....
Today you are being formal again
I'll get used to it gradually
How's the work going?
Great.
There are some trouble makers... but the villagers are united.
That's why I said we'll take the road!
Did you get hurt?
Lots of people on the road. anybody can see us
And what if we're seen here like this?
Why would anybody turn up here?
I won't fall again...
You're still holding my hand...
[Chuckles]
♫ The pollen moves away ♪
♫ from the flower ♫
♪ clinging lovingly to the bee ♫
♫ Soulmates that they are ♫
♫ Just like you and I ♫
♫ are meant to be together ♫
Come on, let's have lunch.
Parshya started late
That's why he is still working
You have been working since morning..
Come on now. Have food
O Bhika Da, enough now...
Take rest.
Eat a little.
There's too much work, Stop nagging me.
Babu, look!
Why are they here?
Hanumantrao.
We are sorry.
We did it for money.
We have families to feed
Please forgive us
We have done you a favour by not handing you over to the police!
Do you expect us to feed you now?
Hanmantrao, they told us
You are doing illegal work
That you want to snatch people's land
They told us many more things
Hanumantrao...we want work
To make up for the damage done...
we'll put in 4 days of labour without pay
But please give us work.
Look at them!
They have the guts to ask us
Get lost!
[Yelling in the background]
What is she saying?
See it has come !
Hey, What happened?...Huh?
It's here... It's here...
Water has come !
[Faint rumbling]
[Thunderstorm]
Water!
The rains are here!
Parvati Mavshe, look...
I can't believe it!
[Thundering]
♫ The clouds hang heavy and low ♪
♫ lifting our hearts sky high with joy ♫
♪ the cracks in the dark earth ♪
♫ fill with silver droplets ♫
♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫
[Pleasant music]
♫ It's like the ocean of joy is in our hands ♫
♫ and has filled our hearts to the brim ♫
♪ the cracks in the dark earth ♪
♫ fill with silver droplets ♫
♫ that dance like the shimmering moonlight ♫
[1st March, 2001]
[Telephone rings]
Yes speaking...
Namaskar! Yes, yes! Tell me.
Is it?
Of course...
Yes, yes.
That's fine.
Listen...
It was the boy's father.
What did he say? -They want to set
a date in this month
But what about the engagement?
For the engagement itself
Really?
We'll have to make preparations
Where is she? -Tell her right away
Suvarna!
Wonder where she is...
[Phone rings]
Hello?
[Crying]
What's the matter?
[Pleasant music]
Mother!
Father!
We don't want to do anything against your will
I wouldn't be here if that was the case
But please think about us
Her wedding has been fixed
What's the use now? -Hasn't happened though
I understand your concern
But why did you reject me?
Because there was no water in the village
I'm bringing water to the village
Give me a little time
I request you
Okay... -But...
I'll give you time
The engagement is on the 24th of this month
Bring water before that
Barely a month?
Or I will send the invite
Do grace the wedding
[Sombre music]
[Bike engine sounds]
Babu!
Hey, Babu!
What happened Sada bhau?
He won't speak.
Tell me honestly...
The water in the well has dried up...
Doesn't that mean our project has failed?
What?
Will our project stop?
It's a 4-5 year long project!
How can it stop midway?
But if the objective is not achieved...
...it means it has failed, isn't it?
Why would they even pay us now?
What are you saying?
How did it fail?
All these years our wells would run dry by September-October...
This year the water lasted four months more
That's because of the work we did!
Other villages have started relying on water tankers since November.
How can you say this Parvati Aunty
I'm not the only one.
Everybody has been saying it. Ask Sada...
Sada bhau?
People talk nonsense.
Don't you pay attention to them.
Then who will?
Babu... Don't we all know who spreads these rumors?
We can't shut everybody's mouth
Look, if this is untrue, it'll be nice
But Babu, people's confidence in you is shaken
They fear you might suddenly announce that the work has been stopped.
They have already started looking for other work
Sada bhau, you should have told me this before!
You are already handling so much...
So I didn't.
Babu, do one thing.
Explain this to people.
They won't understand otherwise
Let's go...
[Pleasant music]
Here... See this.
Okay.
Sir, take a look.
Right here...
This is the present well -Okay.
It has dried up now -Hmm...
But here...at the lower end...
there is still moisture in the land
If we dig here, there will be water
Yes... it's very likely.
Then please help us with it, sir.
What do you mean?
We will need funds...
Babu Rao.
...this project is about conserving ground water
Not about drawing water from the land
I'm sorry, but...
you are not eligible to get a single rupee from Indo-German.
But !
We have to dig the well Sada bhau. -But money?
We'll find a way.
Babu...
Look!
[Tense music]
Hey, Babu!
Come have lunch.
No, it's okay. -Come.
Come. -Carry on.
Babu...
Eat some roti
I've got an extra one.
Keep it.
You can have it in the evening
Who is there to cook for you after all?
[Chuckles]
Maruti Rao - What?
Your shovel is broken
Buy a new one
Say it now, Maruti
What? -'What?
What you said to me!
You know Babu, I told him exactly that
He said-- -Shut up Parvati aunty
Babu, don't listen to her.
She lets her tongue loose
And you get tongue tied at the wrong time!
Babu, I ask him to buy a new spade
you know what he says?
he says work will stop soon.
Why waste money on a new one.
[Pensive music]
You're right.
What will you do?
After work stops?
See? Didn't I tell you?
Does that mean...
work will really stop?
Tell me, what do you plan to do after work stops?
What can we do?
Maybe...
go away like Bhika did in search of work.
Or maybe do something so that work continues?
It's like this.
The well runs dry, so work stops.
But if the well has water, work goes on right?
It goes on for the next 2-3 years.
Babu, are you even making sense to yourself?
Exactly.
How will a dried up well have water?
By digging another well.
Another well?
How can that be?
I have found a spot, near the canal.
We will definitely find water there
We have no money to dig the well...
But if we do honorary work for a month...
we can source water for the whole year
No funding?
How will it be possible then?
It's true there is no funding
But we have Passion,
We have the will
But Babu, is that going to get food on our plates?
Does having will, fill stomachs?
I agree. How can we do without money?
Exactly!
Work without pay for a whole month?
It's 1 month's labour against a 5 mile uphill walk everyday the whole year!
I can't force anybody
Whoever feels like it may join
But Babu, what if in spite of everything there is no water?
Think about it.
and we will strike water Parvati aunty
Trust me.
What do we do?
I'm confused. -Let's give it a try
I'm with Babu.
So am I
But to work without pay for a whole month.
Why 1 month?
We are ready even for 2 months
But knowing very well that it's going to be a waste?
All the wells have gone dry!
How can there be water here?
What if there is?
But I think...
Babu must have thought this through!
Yes! Of course! -Yes!
Let's give it a month! -Yes!
We will benefit if the well fills up
True !
Well? It's more like digging our own grave!
You do one thing !
You dig a grave...
...and we will dig a well
[Crowd laughing]
One month is not possible, Sada bhau
15 or 20 days was still okay
Even that's a lot
It's not an easy task
15 days is fine
That is totally fine! No problem, 15 it is!
Let's do it!
[Villagers voice agreement]
[Upbeat music]
[Sound of explosives]
[6th March, 2001]
Okay...
Put it away.
Come on, lift the stones!
[Busy chatter]
Hey Akke!
Where are the women?
Be quick! Here you go!
Hey Kamley!
Help me with this!
[Incoherent chatter]
Move fast!
The tanker has come,
The water tanker has come, go fill up
Speed up! Speed up!
Move quickly !
Hold this,
[Incoherent chatter]
Babu! Hey Babu!
Yes? -We'll be back right back.
The water tanker is here. Need to fill water
Come quickly, come quickly
[Tense music]
[General commotion]
Tell him to calm down!
Everyone will get water!
Turn the tap on!
Everybody gets it, don't worry!
Welcome, Baburao!
So?
I got water before you, didn't I?
Hey, kiddo!
Turn the tap on.
We haven't kept it locked, have we? Start it.
[Laughter]
That's more like it!
[Laughter]
What now?
Nobody will come back to work now
O Tatya! Couldn't you do any better?
What good will this trickle do?
Like a dog peeing..
What can I do if the tap is damaged huh?
Nobody is in a hurry!
Take your time, everybody will get their turn!
Water for one and all!
We'll get more if there's need
Hey! - Hey, Shobhe!
What happened?
Shobhe! -Hold her! Help me.
Sit here...
Come here. Sit down.
Poor thing...are you okay?
What happened Shobhe?
Are you feeling okay?
Here's some water.
Sprinkle water on her face.
Sip a little water.
Hey Shobha! Hey Shobha!
What happened dear? -I don't know what did.
What happened to you?
Maruti,
Hold her... -Yes.
How will this go on?
If it goes on this way,
what can we do?
[Sombre music]
Hey!
Tatya has brought the tanker!
Fill up your water
Don't complaint later, that you didn't get water
water has come !
Hey! Tatya has got the tanker! -Come on, let's go.
It'll be a long line. Come on!
Run quickly!
This is not right Babu...
We used the tanker to unite the village. And now this!
How long do we tolerate this?
Not any more.
What?
We don't need that We'll talk with our mouth
Let's go.
What?
[Incoherent chatter]
Get in! Hey!
Don't cause chaos...
Be quiet...
Listen everybody...
This is for you all!
You there! Calm down.
We've got!
[Commotion continues]
Listen up! Quiet please!
Parvati aunty, hold it!
Turn it off...
Anna, O Anna...
Listen...
Hey Aunty.
Calm down everybody!
Wait a minute.
Over the last week Tatya has been bringing
the water tanker everyday for us
He has spared us the effort of bringing water from Ramnewadi
In his own way...he has been
supporting the watershed project...
That is why...
I present Tatya with this token of respect
on behalf of all of you.
Give him a big hand!
Tatya please accept this
A big hand...
Clap!
You've done a great job Tatya.
Welfare of the village is...
...uh...welfare of the individual...
Hear, hear!
We wanted a grand felicitation but
There is so much work to finish... -I know, I know.
There's one more request to Tatya
On everybody's behalf...
Henceforth the water tanker may arrive in the evening
please Tatya...
And all of you, please do not come to fetch water before 7 o'clock
So that Tatya, well-digging is not disrupted
You all agree, right?
Agreed? -Yes, everyone!
Yes, yes, okay
Tatya...you have been very kind...
Hey, turn the tap on!
Parvati aunty, get started.
Suvarna!
What are you doing here?
I had asked you to hang out the laundry
Go...
Who were you calling? -Huh?
Nobody at all.
You are going to get married in such a nice house
and why do you want to,
be behind him, all the time
He won't leave his village because of you
What's so special about him?
Exactly what is needed
What?
There may be many who would leave their home and village for their wife.
Have you heard of anybody who is ready to transform the whole village for her?
[Dramatic music]
Behind the skies...
Beneath the earth...
Sits a mysterious puppeteer...
"Fragile Steps."
"The flow of water."
"This journey won't stop."
Hey... enough!
There's only little water
Why worry? There will be water in the well, don't worry
I had said right then...
There won't be water here
Wonder what kind of wet soil Babu found here...
It's a cattle track after all...
Who knows if it was water or cattle piss!
[Chuckles]
[Gasps]
[Suspenseful music]
[Tense music continues]
Use the power
[Tempo rises]
Water must come till tomorrow
Babu...
Try talking to people
Let's try one more week. What do you think?
I had guessed yesterday
Nobody is ready to work a day longer for free
[20th March,2001]
[Tense music]
Listen Babu.
Have you gone nuts?
Stop now...
Eat something.
Please stop now...
This rock won't give any water
Have you gone crazy, Babu?
We won't hit water here
If God is not willing what can you do?
Come. Let's have food and go home
Why are you sitting here?
Let's go up there.
Have lunch
Don't behave like a child
Hey Babu!
Babu!
Where are you going? Please eat...
It's been late today
Babu...
Babu, join us for lunch
Hey, Babu!
How did the exam go?
It went well.
What was the subject?
I told you yesterday.
You forgot?
Yes.
I forgot.
But did I tell you yesterday?
You don't even remember that?
What is it?
Nothing.
What is it?
Huh?
Please tell me.
What happened?
I have lost Suvarna
I promised you I'd bring water but I couldn't
All my efforts are wasted
We did not hit water Suvarna
I have failed.
You mean work has stopped?
It will, today
So it's still on?
Today is the last day
But it's not over yet!
The sun is still high
Why are you here and not on site?
What use would that be?
What use would this be?
You do believe the well will fill up, don't you?
I had thought so... But...
Nothing doing. Go back to work.
How do I tell you?
I can't watch all the effort getting ruined like this
Nothing will be ruined!
If you give up like this, what do I do?
Huh?
Come on.
I'll come with you
We will keep digging till we find water
Are you insane?
Would someone that falls for you ever be sane?
[Pleasant music]
Let's go.
Let me also see my in-laws house
[Intense music]
But one good thing happened today
What?
Didn't you notice?
No... What?
Forget it.
Tell me!
This!
What?
You stopped being formal with me
[Cheerful music]
There he is!
Hey Babu! Come here!
Babu!
What's with him? -Hey Babu!
Babu!
Where are you going?
Hey Parshya!
Stop now.
We won't find water here
And even if we do, nobody's giving you their girl
Hey Babu!
Babu...
What is he doing?
hey brother, see him
good thing you brought him along.
Hey Babu!
What are you doing?
Hey, Babu!
Are you out of your mind?
Come on out now!
Brother
The sun has not set yet
Everybody has stopped working
They think there's no water here
Babu has gone crazy, right?
Since they think I'm crazy anyway...
let me do my madness
How does one put sense into his head...
Babu!
[Tense music]
Let's go!
Babu! Look at that!
look at this,
Stop digging there! Dig here! Dig here!
Come here!...Right here.
[Up beat music]
[Pleasant music]
The water is here!
[Crowd rejoices]
♫ Come on, lift up...♪
♫ the crowbar of your soul ♪
♫ and keep on digging... ♪
♫ deep beneath the rock ♫ ♫ as your heart and mine ♫
♪ go beating hard today ♪
♪ Lonely as the path may seem ♪
♪ The Almighty Goddess walks with you ♫
♪ Don't you stop now ♫
♪ go on, prove yourself ♪
♫ Let the water flow and echo all around ♫
♫ Come on...♪
♫ Come on, lift up...♪
♫ the crowbar of your soul ♪
♫ and keep on digging... ♪
♫ deep beneath the rock ♫ ♫ as your heart and mine ♫
♪ go beating hard today ♪
[End credit music]