Mehta Boys, The (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Good morning, Flora.

Good morning, Mr. Mehta.

And happy birthday.

It's not my birthday today.

You know what,

one day I'm gonna be right,

and you'll be so impressed

that I remembered.

You think you're charming,

don't you?

I do.

You're not.

Okay.

Did you bring the sketches?

Yeah.

-May I see them?

-No.

Come with me, please.

-Zara--

-Amay, come with me.

This is your chance.

Aren't you afraid that people might

think we are dating?

No.

-Why not?

-The door is open.

-Maybe they'll think you left it open--

-Shush!

Sen is desperate for this contract.

This is your chance.

Nobody is giving him

what he's looking for.

Because nobody knows

what he's looking for.

Exactly.

Your ideas are as good

as anybody else's in there.

I know that.

Then why don't you show your work?

Why do you think I won't?

Because you won't even let me see it!

Let alone them!

Zara

I know you think

it's not good enough.

You are afraid,

that you're not good enough.

And you're gonna get found out.

Zara, please.

Let me tell you one thing, Amay.

Everyone in that room is

as afraid as you are.

They just disguise it with their

grey beards and Swiss watches.

Amay, you're young

and you're good.

You scare the hell out of them.

With your talent.

Go show them your work.

Are you done?

Yes.

I think we should date.

No, thanks.

I'm very charming.

No, you're not.

You're early, Amay.

Meeting doesn't start

for another fifteen minutes.

In that case,

my father would say

I was just on time.

Quite right.

Have you brought something

to present?

-Amay

-Sir?

Did you bring something to present?

No, sir. This is--

This is for something else.

Shame. Nonetheless,

I'd love to hear your thoughts, Amay.

Sure.

It's good, Makhija.

Very good.

But this time,

very good is not going to be enough.

What am I seeing

that we haven't seen before?

There is some

competence mixed with a little bit

of ingenuity and plagiary.

Put off this thing please, somebody.

Jehangir Lord isn't interested

in making a world-class institute.

He wants an international showpiece

representing

"A Modern Emerging India!"

Given the situation we are in,

this is one of the most important,

if not the most important project

this company has ever made.

I need something considerably

better than "very good"!

I'm sorry for interrupting, sir.

Unfortunately, you have not

interrupted anything very important.

Amay.

If you need anything, I'm here.

Sir.

-Bhai, come out!

-Let's play Holi.

Bhai!

When I was staring at you

from outside, for a moment

I thought it was Mom standing there.

Did she go peacefully?

Dad said that she laid her head

on his lap,

and went to sleep.

Just as she always wanted.

I am sorry.

Where is he?

Amay.

Sit.

Have a cup of tea.

You don't have to go in right now.

Come on, drink your tea.

Grateful that you came.

Thank you, Son.

Amay.

Amay.

Okay.

Grateful that you came.

-Take care.

-Shiv Uncle.

Son, grateful that you came.

Sister

Grateful that you came.

Chandu brother,

grateful that you came.

Please take care.

Good of you to come.

Good of you to come.

Good of you to come.

Mom

Do take off your shoes and go in.

He's not in his room.

I know.

Where is he?

He's grieving.

Yes, he is!

Okay.

He's going to say no.

He is going to say no.

He's definitely going to say no.

-You're right.

-You're not helping.

These are affirmations.

They are meant to be good for you.

Remember,

when we were kids

I pushed you off this slide,

and you broke your arm?

I do.

Keep affirming

and watch what happens next.

What do you want from me?

Come with me.

We will talk to him.

That's a terrible idea.

He won't listen to me.

You're his daughter.

-Ya. I'm a woman.

-Mom was a woman.

And she was the only one

he ever listened to.

Maybe if we--

Anu, I'm your worst chance.

If I say it's sweet, he'll say,

"No, it's salty."

If I told him to take a deep breath,

he would rather faint, fall,

and happily die,

but he wouldn't take that deep breath.

So, how do I go and convince him?

Don't convince him.

You just said--

You don't go.

What?

Send Mom.

-Hold this.

-Where are you going?

To talk to him.

Talk to him at dinner.

Mom wouldn't wait until dinner.

See you in a minute.

Get off the pitch!

What are you doing?

I have to talk to you.

Not now.

Bowl the ball.

Don't you dare bowl that ball!

Go bowl

right arm over the wicket,

three ba*ls to go.

Give me that ball.

Now!

I have to talk to you.

Right now!

About forcing me

and taking me with you to America?

I know everything.

We'll talk at dinner.

Auntie, ball?

Widen your stance!

-How did it go?

-We'll talk at dinner.

-I told--

-Shut up!

But, Zara, that's how it is.

You need to stop

pushing me for this.

I don't understand

I am not kidding, Zara.

You need to understand.

Your mother and I made a deal.

Well, she made the deal

and then forced me to agree.

If you made this offer,

then no matter

which one of us is still alive,

we had to accept,

no questions asked.

Unconditional.

It was an easy deal for me to make.

Could anyone have imagined,

that she would be the first to go?

Really? That's what you think?

Dahi batata puri for dinner?

Interesting.

I know you love it.

They're delicious.

Dad,

I know you don't want to go.

But we have a nice house.

And you'll be with your grandchildren.

Anu. Anu

You don't have to convince me.

I gave your mother my word.

End of discussion.

Thank you, Dad.

When you were a kid,

I used to bribe you

with those little Poppins sweets.

Dad, please.

They worked on you

till you were nine.

But then I had

to buy you more serious gifts.

I'm seventy-one now.

Surely you could do better than

dahi batata puri

before giving me some bad news.

So when I feel it is the time

for me I am going to do it.

-And you need to trust me on that.

-Amay.

You can't be pointing fingers on me

-all the time

-Amay, dinner is on the table.

-In a minute.

-Amay

In a minute, I said.

This is important.

No, what I'm trying to say to you

And this is very important

that I say it to you.

Listen, Zara.

With all due respect,

this is not about your reputation,

this is about my reputation. So--

She said dinner is on the table.

Come on.

Amay, there won't be a next time.

You and I both know you're

never coming back to this house.

You are still here

for another three weeks, right?

Let me know

if you're gonna kiss me goodbye

because I'm leaving.

Okay.

Amay.

Amay

You may never see him again.

Are you okay with that?

Maybe not.

But I got to go.

Meet him.

You'll regret it if you don't.

Please.

For Mom.

Fine.

Do it for me.

I'm leaving.

Alright.

Have a safe flight.

I'm not sure if I'll see you

before you leave for America.

There's a lot of work, and

No, no

Work is important.

Work is important.

Okay.

Cool.

So Yeah.

Alright, then.

Give me a call once you reach Florida.

I'm sure Anu will.

Amay?

Yeah?

They do play cricket in America, right?

Baseball

I think.

This is everything.

-Zara?

-This is everything

that has been presented to Jehangir Lord

in the past 23 years.

-The budget

-Thank you.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

Anu is leaving for America today

with Dad.

I promised my team members

we would be going for our Saturday Lunch.

-I can cancel if you want.

-No.

Please, don't.

Sure?

Sure.

Don't stay too late.

Yeah.

Ramnik bhai! Ramnik bhai, here!

-Yes, Sister

-Start loading the bags.

Dad, the taxi's here!

Dad.

Hmm?

What's going on?

I need ten minutes.

Just ten minutes.

What are you typing?

Almost done.

Just a couple more things.

What things?

The taxi's here.

Ya, so? He'll wait.

Wait.

Are you writing a will?

Yes.

Dad, this is not the time.

Yes, it is.

You can do this when we get home.

This is "home"!

Okay.

Okay.

My home.

I won't remember everything.

I have to type it right now, please.

The packers will make a list.

You can type it out in America.

-Is that right?

-Yeah.

How?

Are we taking my typewriter

to America?

-Dad--

-No, no.

What else are we taking?

Wait.

My Sunil Gavaskar signed bat?

Let's do one thing,

let's take these photo frames.

Are we taking these photo frames?

Tell me.

This gramophone?

To which

your mother

and I used to dance right here.

I have an idea.

Let's take this sofa.

The one your mother died on!

Will all of this fit in the taxi?

I'm sorry.

-Dad, ready to go?

-What's your address in America?

101, Bounder Street--

Don't tell me. Tell your mother.

101, Bounder Street, Alexander Bay,

Tampa, Florida 240119.

Let's go.

Turn that off, Ramnik--

No, let it play.

It's perfectly okay.

Anu, tell me.

Reached the airport?

-I said I would manage.

-Dad, please.

Isn't that Amay?

-Amay.

-Yes.

Amay!

-Amay.

-Run, run, run!

Amay.

You didn't see me waving?

I was parking.

So? You could still wave back!

Do you want to argue

about the parking,

or do you want

to tell me what the hell happened?

I told you on the phone.

You got the ticket on points?

No I was going to dip into

my Swiss bank account

and buy him a first-class ticket

Of course, I got it on points, Amay!

Sorry.

-You know what that f*ck said?

-What?

"When we are overbooked,

we must give priority

to our revenue passengers."

So, what now?

His flight is on Monday now.

Monday?

Yeah.

I told you just book me

into a guest house.

I won't say it again.

You are not staying

at a guest house!

No, definitely not a guest house.

Thank you.

There are some decent hotels nearby.

He is not staying at a hotel!

What

What is wrong with the two of you?

Hotel Livi-on.

Is it so difficult?

Is it so g*dd*mn difficult?

Two days?

Two days?!

If I didn't have to get back

to my kids,

I would have spent

the next two days

giving you two babies

Yes, babies,

the worst two days of your life.

No.

Oh, why am I breaking my head

with the two of you?

-I'm going.

-Yeah?

Yes.

Do whatever the hell you want.

You want to stay in a hotel,

go to a hotel.

You want to sleep here

on the footpath, sleep here.

I don't care.

I'm going!

-Ana!

-Anu.

Mom is watching the both of you.

Anu.

Anu I'm sorry.

I'm sorry Don't go like this.

Sorry.

Don't.

What if the plane crashes

into a mountain

and you're blown

to a thousand little bits?

What if it dives into the cold,

dark ocean

and the sharks devour you,

limb by limb?

I hate you.

That's understandable.

Sharks

You'll take him home?

Don't worry.

It's only two days.

I'll manage.

You get back to your kids.

Not like this. No.

No.

Call me when you reach.

Behave yourselves

both of you.

Bye.

Don't you worry.

So, Hotel Livi-on?

Get in the car.

I'll get your bags.

No

I can handle it.

Thank you.

Thank you, Brother.

Come on.

Come on.

Ana.

How many times do I tell you,

I can manage this?

I've got this.

Let's go.

It's normal.

Which floor?

Top floor.

I got it for the view.

Let's go.

There's one more floor, by the stairs.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on

Come on

Come on

Come on

Let's go.

You left your lights on.

Yeah, I like to have it on

when I get home.

This is the bedroom.

And the bathroom.

I've kept a fresh towel

for you in here.

Where the hell is it?

Come on.

You want me to order something

for you to eat?

No nothing.

-I'll get you a fresh pillowcase.

-Don't make a fuss.

It's not a fuss, it's a pillowcase.

I know it's not much.

Mumbai is very expensive.

It's a nice flat.

I'll make your bed.

Amay! Amay!

Let's do this

I can sleep on the sofa.

You sleep on your bed.

No, I'll sleep on the sofa.

I have to go to work early anyway.

-On a Sunday?

-Yes?

You work on Sundays?

I have an important

presentation, so--

You look so tired.

You won't be productive.

I'll be fine.

Do you want to do a good job,

or do you want your work

to be just "fine"?

I have to work.

What do you want me to do?

Your work will be terrible.

It'll be even worse

if we stay up all night arguing.

It's bad enough

I'm sleeping on the sofa--

I said I will sleep on the sofa.

I said it's fine

Fine?

Again with the "fine."

If it's fine, why would

you keep saying "fine, fine"?

I am not saying anything

No

-You said fine right

-I

You said it four times,

fine, fine, fine.

All I'm saying is

I will sleep on the sofa.

And I would be very happy

if you slept on the bed, okay?

Okay.

I can make my own bed.

One is for the sofa.

Good morning.

So, holiday today?

They said, "Water is up to here."

on the TV.

It never rains like this in April.

I'm going to make some noodles.

Do you want some?

-No.

-No?

No.

Look at the garbage

They have gone crazy.

Dad.

Dad

Dad!

Oh, sh*t!

What do you think you are doing?

I thought I'll make us

a nice dinner tonight.

Uncle, ball please, ball!

How was your nap?

Don't start please.

I told you.

I told you, didn't I?

Yes. You did.

You were right.

Okay?

What happened?

One second.

What happened?

You will be sliced in two halves.

The bags.

Hand me the bags.

Hurry up.

-Give me your hand.

-No.

I will manage.

You don't worry.

One, two

Three!

-What happened?

-I think the power is coming back.

Give me your damn hand.

Pull

Still no power.

-Still no power.

-Come on.

Still no power.

Lights are not back.

Lights are not back.

What's this playing?

Do you like it?

It's very nice.

It's hot.

Eat.

Enough.

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

"Observe the stars,

millions of them,

twinkling in the night sky,

all with a message of unity

the very nature of God."

That's nice.

-Who said that?

-Sai Baba.

One of your mother's

favorite quotes.

She would repeat it to me every

time we were under the stars.

It's been ages since

I've been to Mumbai.

It's all changed.

All glass and steel, glass and steel.

Every city looks the same.

India doesn't look like India anymore.

Did you finish your work?

No. It's just

My laptop ran out of battery.

Oh.

Have some.

They are nice and hot.

So all your work

is on the laptop?

Yeah. Mostly.

You can't work without a computer?

I always thought

architects used drawings

and sculptures.

I've done the drawings.

I just need to render it digitally

to create 3D-printed models.

But now you can't do anything

because you don't have a computer.

You're right.

But that is so stupid.

Architects designed the Taj Mahal

with pencil and paper.

Whatever you're working

on can surely be done the same way.

It can't be that complicated.

Can't be that complicated?

Everything is simple if you just

do it the old-fashioned way, right?

No, that's not what I meant.

Of course, you did.

And it is that complicated.

I have a presentation on Monday,

not in 1658.

But your solution is for me

to scratch it out with a pen and paper.

Why?

Because "It can't be that complicated."

All a real man needs is a pen

and a piece of paper, right?

Look, Amay

I'm not arguing with you.

We are just having a drink together.

This is what do you call it--

an academic discussion.

Is this what it is?

"An academic discussion"?

You're trivializing my work.

That's what you always do.

Because you don't understand it

and you don't care to.

When you started your typing school,

you taught people how to type.

You were so successful.

Did your father ever say,

whatever happened

to writing with a pen on paper?

That's exactly what he would say.

But people were working

with typewriters by then.

Until computers took over

and typewriters became obsolete.

And that's what happens.

And you think--

Obsolete?

What do you mean?

Obsolete means redundant--

I know what "obsolete" means.

Aren't typewriters obsolete?

You were talking about me.

What?

You were talking about me.

You mentioned my business.

My father.

Then my typing school.

And then you said

'"Obsolete."

-Dad, please, take it easy.

-No.

You're going to teach me how

to drink now?

I'm not teaching you anything.

Then don't tell me to take it easy!

And I was a damn

good typing teacher!

I never said you weren't.

Didn't you hear me say

you were successful?

And I was a damn good umpire also.

The food

Get it yourself!

Oh, holy father.

Good God!

-Hey

-Hi. Why do you sound

Did I just wake you?

What time is it there?

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I just landed.

Dad's asleep?

Yes, he is.

Oh, damn. I wanted to wish him

a happy birthday.

Anyway, did he have a nice day?

Did you go out to dinner

or something?

I hope you weren't fighting.

No. We--

We watched old movies together.

And then he cooked,

and we had a lovely

candlelight dinner.

It looked romantic.

You're kidding me.

No, I'm serious.

It was quite beautiful.

Oh I'm

I'm so happy.

Oh, thank you, Amay.

I was so worried.

It's his first birthday without Mom.

I'm glad he had a nice day.

He needed that.

So, all set for tomorrow's flight?

-Coffee for Mrs. Patel.

-All set.

Thanks.

Okay, good. Alright, you sleep.

I'll call and wish him tomorrow.

Amay

Thank you for making the effort.

I love you.

Love you.

What are you doing?

Packing.

I can see that, but why?

Because I have a flight.

In 16 hours.

Best to be prepared.

Hey

Don't sit on the bed.

-Why?

-I just made it.

It's my bed!

Dad

I was thinking

before we head to the airport,

we could go out for dinner.

Shall we?

Dad.

What do you say?

Shall we?

Will you bring your fiance?

My what?

Your fiance.

I'd like to meet her before I go.

I don't have a fiance.

-No?

-No.

-No?

-No.

Then who the hell is this Zeena?

Her name is Zara.

Will you bring her?

She's not my fiance.

Why would your mother lie?

Wishful thinking.

She is just a friend.

Girlfriend.

I'd like to meet her

before I leave.

I'll ask.

Amay.

Pick someplace nice.

It's my party. I'll pay.

-Amay.

-Sir.

Would you like a drink?

I'm fine, sir. Thank you.

Sorry to hear about your mother.

Was it sudden?

Yes, it was.

It's always difficult

for the family,

but perhaps it was better for her.

I lost my mother seven years ago.

She had cancer.

It was long and torturous.

I'm sorry, sir.

Your father?

How is he holding up?

I'm not sure, sir. To be honest

I mean, he's not someone who

Our relationship is slightly tricky, sir.

Come with me.

What do you think?

It's fine work, sir.

Is it?

I don't know what

you want me to say.

I want you to say

what's on your mind.

Sir, I think Mr. Makhija

and Mr. Patil are very experienced.

-And they know what--

-They know what?

You know, it's funny!

When I was young, I had the vision,

but not the confidence.

And now that I'm full of confidence,

I'm afraid I've lost my vision.

Look at this table.

It's all supposed

to be modern and new,

but the same old, stale,

done-to-death designs

that I've seen thousands of times.

This company needs to win this bid.

I hired you for your brains

and your ba*ls,

not your experience.

If you have something

to offer to this company

then do so.

Otherwise,

I have no time to mollycoddle you.

Do you understand?

Yes, sir.

Amay.

Just two months after

my third daughter was born,

my father renamed

this company as "Sen and Son."

Son of a b*tch wanted

to make sure,

it would be his name

on the letterhead

after he is gone.

Fathers and sons always tricky.

Sir.

-I have a request.

-No, no. I told you it was my party.

I don't want any argument over this.

No. That's fine.

Just don't mention

anything about marriage.

I'm requesting you.

She's here?

-She's here.

-Good Lord!

She is beautiful.

Try not to sound so surprised.

Hello.

-So good to finally meet you. I'm Zara.

-Hey, Zara

And what may I call you?

Uncle? Or

Shiv.

Okay.

-Please, sit.

-After you.

Excuse me.

Yes, ma'am.

Hi, Mukesh.

Could you please leave

this at the reception?

Sure. Here's the menu.

-Sir, may I keep your bag as well?

-No.

Fine.

I'm so sorry for the loss

of your wife.

I can't imagine

how hard it must be for you.

Neither can I.

Let's get my future daughter-in-law

a drink, shall we?

Is he squirming?

I love to make him squirm.

I know what's happening here.

I'm going to the toilet.

I'm never coming back.

Please order your wife a drink.

Hey, man!

Listen.

That's my dad at the table.

He has no idea of the prices here.

He hasn't been to a restaurant

in years, especially in Mumbai.

-Okay.

-Do me a favor?

Make just half of the bill,

and I'll pay the other half.

You understand?

Sir, I understand.

Don't worry.

Be careful though,

because he--

I'll take care of it, sir.

You enjoy your dinner.

I'll take care of it.

Thanks.

Sir.

You're a good son.

Smile.

Show me.

One more.

One more, please.

-Sure, ma'am.

-Amay, smile.

May I?

Sure, ma'am.

Thank you.

-Can you stand over there?

-Okay.

You too.

Come on.

Yes. Get closer. Closer.

Yeah, hold her.

You have such a cute smile.

Nice.

See.

-Do you like it?

-Lovely.

Take a look.

Nice?

Sweet.

Bless you both.

-Thank you.

-Keep her close.

-Keep everything close.

-Thank you.

See you.

-See you.

-Bye.

Thank you.

She liked you!

You must've broken quite

a few hearts in your time.

Oh, stop it!

What?

Okay, tell me,

when did you know that

she was the one.

I remember exactly when.

It was during the wedding shopping.

Shivani's mother was ill

so my mother decided to babysit,

and I was ordered

to go shopping with Shivani.

The shop was a sea of red.

Red everywhere.

The shopkeeper kept showing

us sari after sari.

He must've opened thousands of saris.

And

I was so confused.

As it is I am an awkward person.

I was feeling very awkward there.

That's when I spotted a

simple and plain sari.

It was folded.

But I felt it had something

In my head,

I imagined how it would have looked open.

And the moment

I imagined it open

I saw it draped over Shivani.

Like it was meant for her.

And she for me.

And after that moment,

I cannot imagine

my life without her.

My awkwardness just disappeared.

I just knew

You know, I just knew.

So, Shivani was doing her own thing.

She was driving the salesman nuts.

Maybe she sensed something too,

so she came and stood behind me.

She pointed to the sari.

The salesman said,

"Madam, that's out of your budget."

So I said to myself,

"Come on, mister,

don't talk to me about money

at a time like this."

Was I right?

She was standing behind me,

but I was quite sure that the both of us

we doing this together

That was the moment

when I knew she was the one.

That's beautiful.

Sir.

-No. I told you

-Dad, let's have one more drink.

I told you it was my party.

But we have plenty of time.

No, I don't like to be late

and rush around at the last minute.

Let me tell you this was perfect.

Dad.

All I wanted was a meal

with the two of you.

I did tell you

-Dad.

-it was my party.

I'm very sorry, Zara.

-Dad!

-Are you okay?

What did you do now?

Gosh.

Zara, come here.

-Shall we?

-Okay.

May I load the bags?

We have to go back

to the restaurant.

Sir, please.

We have already checked twice.

The guests are getting

inconvenienced.

-Let's sort this--

-Listen, I am a guest

and I am getting inconvenienced too,

okay?

Sir, normally when

something gets stolen,

then we've to inform the authorities.

A minute ago, you said it was

missing, now he's saying it's stolen.

Sir. Please talk softly, sir.

-The guests are getting disturbed.

-Yes.

I'm sorry.

Am I disturbing you?

That attach belongs to my father.

All he ever had was in that case.

My mother's wedding sari,

his passport, his visa.

He was leaving for America tonight.

Forever.

His last memory before he left.

And you guys have ruined it.

Sir, calm down.

We understand, sir.

Anyone can take things

from here and just leave, right?

Anything, right?

Okay. Okay.

-Sir, what are you doing?

-Sir, what are you

-Sir, we'll have to call the police.

-Sir, what are you doing?

Sir, please.

-Sir, please stop.

-Wait!

Sir!

Sir, if we get to know anything about

your bag we will personally call you.

Please, don't create a scene.

Please, calm down.

Just so you know,

Zara is staying here tonight.

I know.

Why else would

she bring an overnighter?

You are most welcome, Zara.

I'll fix you a nice

blanket and pillowcase

for the sofa.

You're most welcome.

Thank you.

Thank you

Thank you, Zara.

-Welcome.

-Thank you.

Zara.

I'll go and get you a sheet, Zara.

You were right.

About what?

It does have a great view.

You will fall.

Be careful.

You're standing too close.

I know what I am doing.

This is a purlin.

It can never give way.

Why did you come up here?

I called Anu. I thought--

Guys, you can't

apply for the passport

till you get an FIR registered

with the police.

Get dressed.

-You spoke to the office?

-Yes.

Gomaji is coming

with his team to fix it.

Amay, can you get off the edge?

You'll land on your butt!

I know what I'm doing!

I am an architect!

Okay.

Stop mucking around

with that tarp now.

Like one tarp

is going to save the Titanic.

So why did you come up here?

I was saying, I called

Anu for the passport details.

-Listen

-Zara, do you want more?

No, thank you.

Gomaji will be here by 01:30 p.m.

What do you want me to do?

I'll file a complaint before heading

to the office.

What do you mean?

When the workers get here

Nothing.

Supervise?

Nothing!

Okay, fine.

So only tea and fritters.

Dad just leave them alone.

Fine.

Have some fritters.

They are hot.

-You also have it.

-No, I am good.

Gomaji?

I have a question.

This part

If someone stood on it

-it would collapse, no?

-No.

-No?

-Never.

Even if I jumped on it

it wouldn't collapse?

Uncle, I'm sure your son

would have told you.

He is an architect.

But I'm asking you.

Why don't you see it for yourself?

I did stand there this morning.

Then why are you asking me?

I just want to know.

Why don't you tell me?

Look.

This area where I am standing,

that's a purlin.

A beam.

It can never collapse.

This is a technical fact.

It took a long time even

for me to understand.

It took me a long time

to understand.

Come sit, and eat your fritters.

You know, we crashed a bed once.

We crashed a bed once.

-Bed?

-Listen to this.

Amay was terrible at Maths.

Like father like son.

So, he used to take tuitions

with this Mukadam sir.

They used to sit in the hall.

I was heading out to work.

Shivani said,

"Go talk to him."

What will I talk about?

But who could argue with her?

So I said, "Hello, sir."

He said, "Hello, hello!"

"How are you?"

"Very good. Very good."

"Amay, how is it going?"

"Good, Dad."

I looked at Shivani,

she was like"Be tough."

I was like why to be tough?

The teacher says very fine,

he says very fine,

what else should I say?

How do I take

this conversation forward?

So I started looking around

and noticed his workbook.

The handwriting was worth looking at.

I am not joking.

If you held it this close,

you wouldn't need a beer to feel tipsy.

So

So, I

So I thought, this is my chance.

I started shouting,

"Amay! What is this nonsense?

Is this your handwriting?

Is this the respect

you have for Mukadam sir?"

Mukadam sir said,

"It's alright, it's alright."

I said, "No, sir. Very wrong.

This is very bad."

I grabbed Amay by the neck.

"Amay, it is very shameful

that you do this.

Your handwriting

there is no respect."

Mukadam sir said,

"No, sir, stop

that is my handwriting."

Mukadam's handwriting--

I didn't even look toward Shivani.

She must have fainted right there.

I ran out of the house.

I got into my car and went to my office.

When I returned home in the evening,

Amay gave me a hero's welcome.

"Dad, you rock. You rock."

Amay and I were dancing on the bed,

cuddling and kissing each other

and Shivani started getting irritated.

We started jumping even more.

Jump, jump

One, two, three jump!

-And then the bed crashed. Crash!

-Wham!

I met Mukadam, eight to nine months ago.

I said, "How are you, sir?"

He was like, "I'm very good, very fine."

He was like,

"How is Amay? How is he doing?"

I told him that he shifted to Mumbai.

He said,

"What? Mumbai? Never even told me!"

I said, "Never told you?

He never even told me!"

Mani.

Okay, madam.

How many days, ma'am?

Max to max ten days.

That way we only say,

it happens before that only.

We say for buffer.

Since you have paid for express service.

For police verification,

they will come home, right?

May, may not come.

Up to them.

Sometimes for old man,

they just call the neighbor

on the phone only.

-You put neighbor's number, no?

-Yeah.

And the delivery

will also happen--

The same address.

It is 701, Jeroo Mansion,

K.B. Marg, Lower Parel--

That's not my home.

That is not my home.

That's okay.

He's your son, right?

You are staying with him.

-You have put the society letter, no?

-Yes, ma'am.

So, what's the problem?

Madam, I just want a duplicate copy

of the old passport

with my address.

Uncle, it doesn't work like that.

That passport is gone now.

Once the passport goes to Counter 2A,

it becomes null and void.

And it is permissible

to give your son's address.

Might be. It may be permissible, but--

Ma'am, what he is trying to say is--

I think she knows

what I'm trying to say.

Madam, I've lived in that house

for seventy-one years, okay?

-I understand that, Uncle.

-So, I would prefer--

I understand that.

But for that, you will have

to go to your native place.

-So, what I'm asking is, is it possible--

-Ma'am, what he is saying is--

Amay, she understands

what I am trying to say.

I'm handling it.

Okay, both of you

calm down and listen.

There is a way.

On medical grounds,

for special cases--

Ma'am, you think

I should make some calls?

-I can sort this out.

-Amay, I'll say this one last time.

This is about my passport

and my address.

And I will handle it myself.

-I am just trying to help.

-No, you're not.

Where is your native place?

Navsari.

Madam, can I have my file, please?

Thank you very much, madam.

Please, take your hand

off the handbrake.

I said take your hand off the handbrake.

What is wrong with you?

Lower your hands.

Lower your hands!

You want to fight?

You want to fight?

Okay. Step out of the car.

Get out of the car!

Step out of the car.

I said step out of the car!

-You wanna fight?!

-Dad!

-Dad, is this the time to

-Get out of the car!

You picked the time!

So, let's do it. Come on.

-Let's do this once and for all!

-Dad, please calm down.

Didn't you always want

to settle it like this?

-Dad, please!

-Didn't you?

-You

-Tell me, didn't you?

Raise your hands

or I'll swing one already.

You almost k*lled us.

Why do you always grab

the handbrake like that?

Because you drive like an idiot!

This is my car!

I've been driving it for ten years,

without you sitting by my side

with your hand on the handbrake.

And I am still alive!

I am still f*cking alive!

You call this car a car?

You call that house a house?

You came to Mumbai for this?

Amay

you broke her heart.

You broke her heart.

Dad

Dad.

Dad!

Dad.

Here.

My passport

Shivani!

Shivani!

Shivani!

Shivani!

Shiv Shivani!

Shivani! Shivani!

Shivani!

He's fine. He's fine.

Still in the emergency room?

Yeah.

Only stitches?

Yeah. Just come. Sit.

God!

No. He'll be fine.

Why did he go down,

in the first place?

He never came home.

What do you mean?

I thought you two went

to the passport office.

We did.

And then we had a small accident.

Are you okay?

No, no, I am fine.

Nothing serious.

The car just spun,

and he got upset with me.

He started yelling at me.

Next thing I know, he just took off.

Hitched a ride in a minivan and left.

And you let him?

What else was I supposed to do?

Do I really have to tell you?

Run after him?

Yes.

He's not a baby, Zara.

Amay, he's in the emergency room.

And you're blaming me for this.

Wow.

You know I just can't believe this.

I really can't.

At the restaurant,

when I paid half of the bill,

I was told I should treat

him like an adult.

That's what you said, right?

That's what you said.

Yeah.

And now, when he throws a tantrum

in the middle of the road and storms off,

you expect me

to treat him like a child.

Decide. Is he an adult

or is he a child?

-Amay, look at what's happened.

-No, tell me, I want to understand this.

-What do you want to know?

-Make up your mind.

Is he an adult or is he a child?

He's your father.

You're the child, Amay.

Zara.

Zara Za

And please don't come running

after me.

I'll respect you even less.

Go be with your father.

Dad.

Are you okay?

You?

What happened, Dad?

I saw

I saw her.

Right there on the street.

I even called out to her.

Who?

Your mother.

I

I called out her name.

Shivani.

She then turned and faced me.

No, Dad. This

She's the one who took my passport.

She doesn't want me to go.

Dad, please, this is

That was her in the restaurant.

I used to buy her venis.

They found your bag.

She wants us to

-Dad, they found the bag

-She wants us to

-and your passport as well.

-She wants us to

What?

-It was the waiter Mukesh.

-What?

That waiter Mukesh.

He confessed to the police.

Just got this message from them.

They have your bag,

they have your passport.

You've lost your mind.

Not Mukesh

No.

Your mother

She's gone, Dad.

She's gone.

She's not there.

She's gone.

No.

I want to go home.

Okay, let me get

the discharge papers--

My home.

Dad?

Dad?

Dad?

We need to leave for the airport

in around forty minutes.

Woke up early.

Got anxious so called a cab

and left for the airport.

Please don't worry,

I will let you know once I am home.

This new version.

This shiny beacon will be

the most eye-catching jewel

this city will own forever.

By day, this it will be a place

of learning,

by night,

it will sparkle with pride

for all the world to see.

And I am convinced that that's the point

that Jehangir Lord was trying to make.

Zara?

What do you have

to say about the numbers?

Well, sir

We can safely say,

as far as the numbers are concerned,

we are going in the right direction.

In fact, Mr. Makhija always keeps

the budget in mind while designing.

But I'll go through everything

with a fine toothcomb again.

But I don't think we

will have a problem there.

Does anyone have something to say?

Does anyone have anything to say?

No?

Well, then!

This is it then.

Thank you.

Not so fast, Amay.

What do you think?

Sir, I think Mr. Makhija is

a fine architect.

Okay.

And the designs?

It's interesting.

Amay.

-Sir.

-I have no idea why I pay you.

I will take your leave, sir.

Well played.

Listen, I was thinking,

I too should bat today.

Guys, listen!

Sir is going to bat today.

Omkar, you bowl!

And sir, you pad up.

-Come on. Back to your positions.

-Come on, everybody. Come on.

Come on, come on.

Omkar, come on!

What are you doing?

Sorry?

What do you think you're doing?

Bowl like a man!

I said "bowl like a man!"

-Sir, are you okay?

-So sorry, sir.

-Sir, sorry.

-Sir, are you alright?

Never apologize.

You did good.

You bowled like a man.

Cheers!

I said cheers.

What?

"You call this car a car?

You call this house a house?"

Dad, please.

"You came to Mumbai for this?

You broke her heart, Amay."

What is this?

All glass and steel,

glass and steel,

glass and steel.

Every city looks the same.

India doesn't look like India anymore.

Every city looks the same.

Please, you only see because

I don't think I can do this anymore.

-Hello.

-Zara.

I'm busy.

I'll speak to you later.

Can you please, please listen to me?

Is it about Shiv?

No, it's not about Dad, it's not about us.

It's about work.

Zara, I need your help.

I think it comes off as

a college thesis.

This concept has no depth,

no substance.

Only conceit.

Looks like the design

of a cheap film set.

And if you want my personal opinion,

then I would like to tell you

that this insults me.

This is like, prostituting "Exotic" India

to the West.

Now, I could forgive this insult,

write it off as a young man

all too eager to impress us,

if I hadn't mentored him since

his first day at this firm.

That is what hurts the most.

How can I let this go?

This boy does not believe

in his designs.

He is a hypocrite.

Sir, if I may--

This is not you, Amay.

I would not call

your designs groundbreaking,

but at least they used to be modern

and forward-thinking.

Your "style," if it even exists

It used to prioritize functionality.

It used to be focused on

form over ornamentation.

Then why this radical and romantic

approach, out of the blue?

We both know the answer.

This is nothing but a last-ditch

effort to save your job.

And yes,

I don't even have the time

to make a laundry list

of your architectural issues.

The air conditioning,

maintenance,

economy of space

I mean

Have you even read the brief, Amay?

The richest man in India wants to make

a statement to the rest of the world.

He wants this university

to be a showpiece

of a "Modern emerging India."

And your genius plan says

that we go 500 years back in time?

"Modern emerging India!"

That was the brief, my dear boy!

You should've stuck that post-it

on your dishonest drawings,

instead of this arrogant one!

While we're hurling paper

at one another

In the last 18 years,

we sent 14 designs to Jehangir Lord

and not even one got approved

in the last 18 years!

We stuck to the brief

every single time, sir.

In front of my co-workers,

and my boss,

you called me a hypocrite,

a liar.

In fact, you called me a pimp.

And maybe you're right about it. But

in Jehangir Lord's conference room,

it doesn't matter

what kind of a person I am.

All they care about is their university,

so rather than attacking me personally,

you should have attacked

the actual design instead.

That would have been better, no?

I don't know if you remember, sir.

On my first day in the office,

you had taken a workshop.

You taught us about the Jal Mahal.

Form and function, you said.

I still remember

how you passionately taught us about

the water channels that run under

its surface and why.

Then the Hawa Mahal's jali windows,

these ornamental motifs

which you suddenly

find old-fashioned.

They constrict the southwest

winds that flow through them

and bring down the temperature.

These jalis soften

and diffuse the harsh light.

You taught me that.

And I'm forever indebted

for all that you have taught me.

If you would've paid a little

more attention to my designs

you would have seen everything

that you taught me is in there.

Natural air-conditioning,

utilizing wind and water,

will not only reduce the electricity bill

but also soften the carbon footprint.

Which I think is a very

modern concept. No?

And just to be clear to everyone,

I did read the brief.

I read the brief.

Not just once but over and over again.

And the brief clearly stated,

"Modern emerging India!"

Who in this room

can see "India" in this?

This glass and steel design

may not be groundbreaking,

but it looks pretty snazzy to me.

But you will find

this kind of building

at every street corner

in London or New York.

Do you guys really believe

that Jehangir Lord wants

this as his showpiece?

Or that his international affiliates

will be impressed by this?

For 200 years,

we fought for our freedom

and we have been independent

for the last 75 years,

but I wonder when

our thoughts will be free!

But before all this,

long before all of this,

we were known throughout the world for

our groundbreaking architecture.

We?

Think twice before

you say "we," Amay.

Those were the greatest

of Indian architects.

Indian architects, sir.

Like You. Me. Mr. Sen. "We."

We might not be great like them,

maybe we're just ordinary.

But can't we even attempt

to think the way they did?

You are wrong, sir.

This

This is me.

This is my legacy.

This is our legacy, sir.

It took me ten years

to get it through my stubborn head.

Mr. Sen, there's one cold hard fact

that we are ignoring here.

Jehangir Lord will never

approve these designs.

Don't get me wrong,

I am not attacking your designs,

I say this from my decades

of experience.

These elaborate designs of yours

will get crushed under

the weight of its cost.

He's right.

Square inch to square inch.

They are higher,

not by an unsubstantial margin either.

So, yes, Mr. Makhija, you are right.

And I clearly told Amay so,

when I compared the costs

of your model and Amay's designs.

Your model is primarily

a western design concept.

Glass and steel

like we were discussing.

That makes sense,

because of the climatic conditions there

they have to keep the cold out.

And our need is to retain the cold.

Sir, I took it upon myself to contact

Mr. Shridhar from the cooling plant,

and Mr. Bala from maintenance

for a second opinion.

And according to them

this cost difference will be covered

in seven to ten years.

The work on long-term projections

is still pending.

But those numbers are looking

a little bit more encouraging.

But, I will work

on a detailed report

of those projections

and attach it to Amay's design.

However, in my professional opinion,

if they love it,

which I am sure they will

Cost shouldn't be an issue.

What are you doing here?

Mom sent this for you.

Oh!

She asked me to say sorry.

I said it's okay.

You bowled well.

That's it.

Ya, Uncle,

I can actually bowl much faster.

Yes, yes, I got it. I got it.

Thank your mother.

I always thought all you ever wanted

to do was fight.

I realize now

that all you were doing was preparing me.

I'm sorry.

No.

Never apologize to me.

You understand?

Never.

I just did.

I accept your apology!

Come on.

Come on.

-Dad, pick me up. Pick me up!

-Okay, come.

Hey, wait, wait.

Uncle, uncle

Thank you.