[indistinct screaming]
[indistinct echoes of screams]
Hit her!
Mahesh, stop.
[temple bells chime in the distance]
Why can't I tie this?
I'll tie it.
- I can do it. - Let me tie it.
What happened?
I would've killed Mahesh.
We chant about humanity. Is this humane behavior?
They were flogging Sherwood madam.
If Kanti hadn't arrived on time...
We cannot bring our child into this violent world.
End of discussion.
In such a world...
How brutally they were hitting Sherwood madam.
Our child will take birth
and will be a good human being.
- He will be brave like you. - I am not brave.
Brave... nonsense.
Okay, I have an idea.
We'll name our child Mahesh.
Why Mahesh?
You're thinking about Mahesh so much.
May as well name him Mahesh.
I've thought of a name already.
What?
George.
George?
What will his full name be?
George Singh Aulakh.
What if it's a girl?
It's simple.
Victoria Preet Kaur.
Queen Victoria Preet Kaur.
Queen?
I've thought of two names.
Tell me.
If it's a boy, we'll name him Cobra.
And if it's a girl, we'll name her Vixen.
Why?
- Want to turn Amritsar into a zoo? - It already is.
Your friends are bulls.
With locked horns.
Punnu, shall we tell Kanti and Allahbaksh?
What?
The good news.
No one has the time today.
If Inquilaab doesn't close operations in an hour,
Allahbaksh will be arrested.
And if we close it,
everyone will lose their jobs.
Do you know what I think?
Only you can save Inquilaab.
Me?
Finish tying your turban. I'll be right back.
- What happened, Punnu? - Keep the peas inside.
- What happened? - I'll be right back.
Slow down, Punnu.
Let's go to the Inquilaab press.
Their two hours are up.
Will we arrest Allahbaksh?
We'll show him some of our hospitality and exile him later.
Sir.
Print this quickly.
Headline.
[Khan] Shut it down!
Your two hours are up. Why is the press still running?
Stop the work.
Stop it!
And arrest him.
What's the matter, Khan sir?
What's the matter?
Don't you know what he's been reporting in the papers?
- What did he write? - Are you asking me that?
You don't know?
No.
But what's wrong?
We have orders to arrest the editor-in-chief of Inquilaab.
- Editor-in-chief? - Yes.
Then why arrest him?
I am...
The editor-in-chief.
Bring that newspaper. One that's just printed.
Move.
Read it.
Poonam Aulakh. Editor.
Give Khan sir the newspaper.
This is tomorrow's headlines.
Read it.
Chief Editor of Inquilaab, Ali Allahbaksh, resigns.
The government has a problem with the editor, not the newspaper.
He's been replaced. There should be no problem now.
If we see him here, we'll have to take action.
Goodbye.
[Khan] Let's go.
Scamster!
Scamster? Me?
- What was that? - Stop it.
I saved the press.
Poonam Aulakh. Editor?
Yes.
Rameez...
- Rameez. - Coming.
Please bring my bag.
Bring madam's bag. Bring it here.
Take a piece of paper.
- Yes, sir. - Grab a piece of paper.
What're you doing?
- Take madam's order. - Yes.
- My order? - You're the owner. We are employees.
What would you like to eat?
- I am the owner. - What do you want to eat?
- Ten puff pasties and ten sweets. - Ten puff pasties and ten sweets.
What else, Madam?
- That's it. - That's it?
Water.
Cold or room temperature?
- Chilled. - Chilled.
- Cold water. - Cold water.
[Poonam and Allahbaksh laugh]
[Kantilal] Two days before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre,
on 11th April, Amritsar was absolutely peaceful.
But Lord Hunter,
[Today, 11th December] peace was never a part
of the British administration's plan.
So my question, Lord Hunter,
is that was it the British administration's plan
to spill blood in a peaceful city, again?
Lord Hunter,
my friend Allahbaksh wished for me...
[Allahbaksh] Do you know what I wished for on Ramanavami?
That you find your voice.
His wish was granted.
I no longer wish to speak.
I will speak.
You know and I know,
what happened at Jallianwala Bagh was a conspiracy.
But how will you prove it?
Let me tell you about
the British administration and the ringmaster's plans.
What if he says things that...
that we don't want heard?
If the truth gets out
the Empire could lose India.
Oh, calm down, Billy.
You just let me know when you need my help, yes?
Let me tell you who was behind it.
Kanti's going to make the big reveal.
Lord Hunter, who was the ringmaster
and what was his plan?
That shrewd player, the ring master
was...
I think, Mr. Sahni, it's getting late.
Lord Hunter, I still have more points that I have to make.
- I am not done yet. - I am sure you do, Mr. Sahni.
But, I hereby adjourn this hearing until tomorrow.
[Man whispering] They didn't let Kanti speak.
[Bailiff] All rise!
[That night]
Lay down the cutlery properly for Professor Underhill.
Okay, Kanti?
Your mother had a dream...
to make her son a lawyer.
Not a small village lawyer. But, a big city one.
A British lawyer.
You made me a lawyer, Father.
[knocking]
Professor Underhill.
Kanti.
- Welcome. - Mr. Sahni.
[ominous music]
Micheal O'Dwyer, Lt. Governor of Punjab.
- Namaste - Yes, of course. Namaste.
- Please, come in. - Please come.
I just popped by to drop Sir Underhill to your doorstep.
- I don't mean to impose. - No, no. Please come.
- Please. - That's awfully kind, thank you.
- Should I remove my shoes? - No need, sir. It's fine.
I am sorry about this, Kanti.
No, it's fine.
How many more rooms?
Just... just two rooms.
Two people, two rooms.
It's quite small. It's lovely.
It's lovely.
- Lovely house. - Thank you.
Really nice.
You have a big house?
Yes, I have a lovely house.
Lovely.
Let me guess... You eat with your hands.
Yes? Eat with your hands?
Yes, all Indians eat with their hands.
Well, yes. Not all, but yes.
He does not. He has learnt in England, so...
You know, there's nothing to it.
Let me show you how.
Take a seat.
Please, take a seat.
Right.
This is a fork and this is a knife.
Now, the fork goes in the left hand.
Knife... right there.
Now, what're we having this evening? Shall we imagine we're having chicken?
Do you like chicken?
Chicken. Good?
One big scoop of beautiful chicken.
Now, what you do is
you lift up your hands, and prepare...
- No, elbows off, Mr. Sahni. - Father.
- Once it's cut... - It's alright.
Now, I had to learn the hard way. I got taught the same way too.
Now, let's just try again.
There we go. Now, turn this
because we're gonna stab it.
And stab and saw.
Once it's cut...
- Move this... - Father.
And, into the mouth it goes.
You know, eating with a knife and fork,
is a signature of a civilized society.
[Kantilal scoffs]
Let's see you do it by yourself.
- What? - One more time.
Without me.
Eat?
Fork first.
Stab with the fork.
- Like this? - Yes. Saw like that.
Good. We're cutting it.
Into the mouth, it goes.
You're almost there.
You know, a bit of practice is all you need.
Yes. I will practice. Yes.
You know, your father is a very quick learner.
I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Thank you for escorting me to Mr. Sahni's home, Lt. Governor.
It's my pleasure.
When you finish, knife and fork...
12 o'clock.
Now, I would've loved to have stayed for dinner. Truly.
But it's getting late and I am sure you two
have an awful lot to catch up on. So, I will take my leave.
Magnificent effort.
Well done! Good evening.
Is it this one?
Namaste, again.
Namaste.
[Song] ♪ Wandering birds we are, O beloved ♪
♪ Wandering birds we are, O beloved ♪
♪ We have no home ♪
♪ Wandering birds we are, O beloved ♪ [Saint Kabir]
[Hari] Suit, tie. You look like a Britisher now.
Right, Punnu?
He looks like a foreigner.
London return.
[Song] ♪ To unknown lands, amongst unfamiliar people ♪
You know, eating with a knife and fork
is a signature of a civilized society.
[Song] ♪ Regretting every moment, O saint ♪
You know, if it wasn't for the color of your skin,
I would think you are British.
Thank you, sir.
[Song continues] ♪ We have no home ♪
Listen, you British advocate,
what you call bonds of love,
are actually chains of slavery.
[Song continues] ♪ We have no home ♪
♪ We have no home ♪
- Thank you, Kanti. - Thanks so much for dropping in, sir.
Oh, no. Thank you, Kanti.
Look, I know it's bad form for a guest to walk in empty-handed.
So...
It's the least I could do in exchange for your hospitality.
It's a job offer from Lloyd and Thompson,
the most reputable law firm in London.
They are offering Kanti a job.
The money is good.
House in London.
Something you've always wanted, Kanti.
Congratulations.
Have a good night, Sahni sir.
Sir.
What is this?
A gift, Kanti.
Sir, I applied for this job...
I applied for this job before coming to India.
They rejected me.
- You saw that. - I was there.
Why do they want me now? What's...
What's so different? What's changed?
You have changed.
The Kanti they rejected was an inexperienced Indian student.
But the Kanti to whom they're offering this job
is an Indian lawyer
who's become a thorn in the British Empire's flesh.
- A thorn? - Yes.
A thorn that needs to be removed at all costs.
Kanti, this commission is a whitewash
designed to make the rest of the world think
the British Empire actually cares about its subjects.
But you are threatening to expose the British Empire.
Shatter the whole illusion.
The British Empire
would rather you focus on the bright career in front of you.
So, sir...
this is a bribe.
They want to buy my silence, and they want to do it through you?
I could never... Why would you do this...
to me?
It makes no sense to me, sir.
Kanti, one of my favorite books
is the Bhagavad Gita.
What I am doing is what's expected of me.
My duty as a messenger of the Crown.
And now, I hope you will know your duty.
And that you will act accordingly.
A man is made by the choices he makes.
Goodnight, Kanti.
Your mother must be so happy.
Go on, son.
Go to London... America... Work hard. Make a name for yourself.
What's in it for you here?
[Next day, 12th December]
[uplifting music]
[uplifting music continues]
[inspirational music]
[heroic music]
[heroic music continues]
[heroic music reaches crescendo]
Mr. Sahni, I am sure you've given
adequate consideration to the important point
you were about to make yesterday.
I have, Lord Hunter.
Lord Hunter, my teacher once told me
that a man is defined by the choices that he makes.
And that defines his duty.
His dharma.
But duty towards whom?
His people? His country?
His father?
Or towards his friend?
Lord Hunter, duty demands sacrifice.
But a sacrifice made in the line of duty
doesn't take anything from us. In fact, we can only gain from it.
And this is my sacrifice for my duty.
[indistinct murmurs]
Lord Hunter, I was about to tell you about the British Administration
and the ringmaster's plan when you adjourned.
Who was the ringmaster and what was his plan?
Let me remind you. I spoke of a three-step conspiracy.
Step one - riots. In which they succeeded.
- Long live - Revolution.
Step two, was to assign an officer who'd take strict action.
Full force.
Punish them.
Fist force.
[Two days before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, 11th April]
Telegram from Lt. Governor O'Dwyer.
The governor's approved my decision forbidding processions in the city.
Really?
You're to take full control of the city.
And you're to crush all resistance using full military force.
Might I remind you, gentlemen
that we've brought in 125 British soldiers.
And more reinforcements are on their way.
Peace will not be achieved through the use of fist force.
And may I remind you,
we brought in the bodies of the bank managers last night.
You brought in Ms. Sherwood, A woman barely alive.
You see what the city rebels are capable of doing.
The need is to repair the city. Not rend it to the ground.
The people of Amritsar...
must be given the opportunity to grieve for their dead.
Please, sir. Grant them that time.
You make it sound as though I derive joy from doing this.
I have a duty to put an end to this violence
against the British and the British Empire.
I understand, Commissioner.
But we must serve the Crown and put an end to this violence.
You and I do share the same motivations and objectives.
But since you've placed the charge of the military situation in my hands,
I advise nothing but restraint
based on my overall assessment of the situation.
Fine, what would you suggest I do?
Issue a notice to the people of Amritsar
that they have a time limit tending to their dead and wounded.
Fine.
Issue this notice.
Make sure that it reaches the people of Amritsar in time.
Major, you have given this city time to grieve.
Remember, there is a fine line between grief and anger.
[crying]
[crowd chanting] The Lord holds the ultimate truth.
Block the road.
Hey!
Stop.
You can't go any further.
Calm down.
Kantilal Sahni.
Come here.
You're a lawyer, right?
This is a government notice.
Read it out for everyone.
Read the announcement.
[Announcement]
Civilians be informed
that funerals and cremations
will be allowed till 2 o'clock.
A bugle will play at 2 pm
and after that
if anyone is seen on the streets...
they will be shot.
[murmurs]
Really?
Hear me, brothers.
The British government is so shameless and inhumane,
they won't even give us time to mourn.
Such unfairness needs breaking arms, not folding of hands.
Yes!
Calm down.
Don't escalate this.
Girdhar uncle,
you move aside.
Don't intervene. I will...
Dalbir.
Stay back.
You can see the lives we've lost.
An eye for an eye...
will make the whole world blind.
This is not the time for outrage.
We need an antidote.
I beg of you.
[crowd] What're you saying?
This is wrong.
Listen carefully, everyone.
We will carry out the last rites peacefully.
We have only until 2 o'clock.
Let's finish this first.
Let's go.
Let them through.
Out of their way.
[crowd] The Lord holds the ultimate truth.
Uncle.
Jasmine.
Did you get her favorite flowers?
- Yes. - The ones I told you?
- Yes. - Okay.
Be discreet... she mustn't see.
What happened?
- He's buttoning my shirt. - I'll do it.
Move.
Teju, run straight to Allahbaksh and Kanti
and tell them,
Poonam and Hari have invited them for dinner.
Okay.
Punnu, your favorite, jasmine.
I always wonder...
what makes me happier? Gifting them to you or
seeing you receive them?
Seeing me. Seeing you happy.
Watch...
Both my buddies will come running hearing you've cooked lentils.
- There's a curfew. - So what?
Public gatherings are banned in a curfew,
but we can always invite guests home for dinner.
They've always had grumpy faces. Look!
Allahbaksh and Kanti.
[Today, 11th December]
[Kantilal] Lord Hunter, like I was saying.
Amritsar was peaceful on 11th April because of Major Macdonald.
He peacefully and delicately got Amritsar under control.
The city was peaceful again.
A month ago, Major Macdonald said before this commission...
Amritsar was still tense but the situation was under control.
Would you say the city was returning to peace and normalcy?
Yes, I would.
Is that the reason, why you didn't think it necessary
to use military force in the city?
That is correct.
Major Macdonald did not want to punish the people of Amritsar
because he felt it was not his duty to punish them.
That means the ringmaster's second move failed.
[Kantilal] That's why, two days before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre,
on 11th April, the plan was executed again.
I instructed him to shut that rag down
and throw its editor into jail under the Rowlatt Act. Yet, nothing!
He talks about protecting the empire.
But he requests restraint rather than retribution.
Major Macdonald's ineffectiveness will cost us dear, Governor.
You speak Persian?
No, sir.
A poem by Saadi.
[speaking Persian]
A stream can be stopped in its course by a twig.
Let the stream flow unchecked...
it will drown even an elephant.
We need a stronger twig.
I'll telegram General Beynon
to send a replacement for Major Macdonald.
This time...
get them to send an officer who is not afraid to act.
[Kantilal] And this time,
the ringmaster didn't want to repeat his mistake.
So an officer who could be fully trusted was sent.
[Kantilal] Two days before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre,
on the 11th April, an officer arrived in Amritsar.
An officer who would use Amritsar's people to fulfil his duty.
[Kantilal] Who would do his duty.
An officer, who would execute the game's third move.
And that officer was General Dyer.
There's a big show coming, Briggs.
There is no civilian authority left in Amritsar.
And what are the orders, sir?
Our orders are to fulfil our duty, Briggs.
[Kitchin on the phone] And General Dyer is on his way?
Yes, he's on his way.
It's time Amritsar was taught a lesson.
Very well, thank you.
I have full confidence General Dyer will deliver.
Here he is, sir.
- Commissioner Kitchin? - Yes.
Lt. Colonel Morgan.
I am here to take charge from Major Macdonald.
Colonel Morgan?
You're taking charge of Major MacDonald? I thought...
Well, I had given direct orders to General Beynon...
Commissioner Kitchin, Lahore. This is Deputy Commissioner Irving.
Brigadier General Reginald Dyer.
Morgan.
What're you doing here, old chap?
Major General Beynon sent me here to take charge from Major Macdonald.
I wasn't told you'd be here in Amritsar.
Well, here I am.
And as I am your senior officer here, I must take charge.
Yes, indeed.
If you wish, I shall return to Lahore.
No. I'd like you to stay here.
I'll be going for a survey of the city. Come with me.
You are relieved of your duties here, Major Macdonald.
You may go back to Lahore.
Yes, sir.
Shall we?
Lord Hunter,
this is the same rifle used in Jallianwala Bagh.
[crowd murmurs] Is this the rifle?
But this rifle is incomplete.
Useless.
Without the bullet.
This bullet has the potential to take a life.
But it has to be transformed into something fatal.
[Kantilal] And the first step is to load the bullet into the magazine.
One day before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre,
on the 12th April, General Dyer was like this bullet.
He had the potential.
But he had to be made dangerous and fatal.
Right? Can we get the map?
Step two.
Loading the magazine in the rifle.
What is the situation in the city?
Well, the city may look peaceful,
but we're dealing with a very cunning lot, General.
There is a rumor that 200 armed rebels are waiting
to enter Amritsar to attack the British.
It's not just a rumor.
Lt. Governor O'Dwyer believes
unless we attack all the riots in Amritsar at once,
trouble could spread to other parts of the country.
We could have the horrors of 1857 all over again.
This time Amritsar being the flash point.
Set your mind at rest, Commissioner.
I know this land and its peoples very well indeed.
I know how to deal with them.
I'm here to put an end to this rebellion.
Now, this rifle is all set to fire a bullet.
But since the shooter doesn't want to miss,
he points directly at the target.
[loud voices]
[Lord Hunter] Sit down! Quiet!
So, we're heading into town.
I was thinking we should visit Ms. Sherwood.
Ms. Sherwood?
- Oh yes, the mission school headmistress. - Yes.
The natives assaulted her very badly.
Poor soul. How's she faring?
It's a wonder she is even alive.
That's why I thought we should visit her.
Can't it wait?
I mean, we do have a city to take back from the rebels.
The hospital is right here.
Please.
It will lift her spirits terribly so.
[Kantilal] Just like the gun,
General Dyer was directed towards his target.
Sorry about this. Sorry, but I've just got to do it.
How is she doing, doctor?
Quite honestly it's going to take her a long time to recover from this.
I mean, look what they've done to Marcella.
I beg your pardon, but are you a relative?
Oh, no. Marcella has no one here.
Her students were her family in India.
She treated them with such kindness and...
This is how she gets repaid.
Not a shred of shame attacking a helpless woman like this.
The whole city should be lined up and shot...
Dr. Innis is from the women's hospital. This is General Dyer.
General Dyer.
Dr. Innis was also caught in the riot.
But she was lucky to get away without a scratch.
I'm glad our soldiers at least came to your rescue.
[Dr. Innis scoffs]
Contrary to assurances, our soldiers...
were nowhere to be seen.
I had to turn to some natives for help.
The administration is aware of what has happened in Amritsar, Dr. Innis.
That's why they sent me.
And I give you my word...
everybody associated with this,
and everybody associated with them,
will be dealt with by my men
in the only way that they know how.
In that case,
I would entreat you to act swiftly for the safety of us Britishers.
And for this poor child.
[Kantilal] The bullet was loaded in the gun.
And its target was made clear.
This way, sir.
[Kantilal] General Dyer was shown every location
where crimes were committed against the British.
[Kantilal] Where the British flag was insulted.
[grim music]
Sir, I had Irving compile a report.
Just to the left of the post office it was Shepherd & Sons.
Now looted and burnt to the ground.
This lane is where bank manager, Crompton, was killed.
This alley was close by, where we found George Deakins
bludgeoned to death.
Noble Atkinson...
fled from the post office and
was burnt alive near the horse-carriage.
Burnt alive, you say?
Yes, General. Burnt alive.
Come here.
Come closer. Over here.
Whether it's in the battlefields of France,
or right here in Amritsar,
whenever Britain's enemies raise their heads,
as a soldier of the British Empire, I will fight to defeat that enemy.
To uproot it and wipe its face off the earth.
So, if you want a battle in your city,
I will give you one.
If you do not,
you will obey my orders.
The rules are simple.
You will not conspire against the Empire.
You will not take up arms of any sort.
You will not rebel.
If you do, you will invite the wrath of the British Empire.
And I will make each and every one of you pay with your blood.
And that is the promise of Brigadier General Reginald Dyer.
[Today, 12th December] General Dyer did what Commissioner Kitchin wanted.
Strong action.
Yes, Governor. All of your ideas are working.
Ever since we had General Dyer meet Ms. Sherwood,
he's been like a man on a mission.
Fortunately for us, Dr. Innis was at the hospital.
That's great timing.
Yes, it was great timing.
And... what about Satyapal and Kitchlew's followers.
[police whistles]
Dalbir. Bhullar.
Where are you running off?
Come on to jail.
You can sing in jail. Come on.
Irving needs to keep the pressure on Dyer.
Yes, I'll make sure Irving knows what needs to be done.
- Goodbye. Good work. - Thank you, sir.
Carry on.
[Kitchin singing]
Please be seated.
Today, we pay homage in prayer to our friends who have died.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
But you are with me. [ominous music plays in the background]
Your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
God is our hope and strength.
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will have no fear
though the earth will be moved...
The Lord of hosts is with us,
and God is our refuge.
In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
[ominous music continues in the background]
[organ playing]
[Hymn] ♪ Nearer my God to thee ♪
♪ Nearer to thee ♪
♪ Even though it be a cross ♪
♪ that raiseth me ♪
♪ Still all my song shall be ♪
♪ Nearer my God to thee ♪
♪ Nearer to thee ♪
[Priest] In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- Amen. - Amen.
♪ Nearer my God to thee ♪
♪ Nearer to thee ♪
[Kantilal] General Dyer had been filled with hatred and rage.
The bullet was ready to be fired.
[foreboding music]
What's keeping them?
They must have calmed down now.
- Are they here? - No.
Did Teju inform them?
He did inform both of them to come over for dinner.
Come up, Allahbaksh. How are you?
- Allahbaksh. - Come on.
How about some candy?
Your sister-in-law's cooked everyone's favorite black lentils.
She's very happy!
She's been making me slog all day in the kitchen. Come up.
Come up, Brother. Uncle Bansal, some candy for me too.
Brother Kanti is here.
Mr. Lawyer, come up.
See, I told you. They can't resist.
Son.
Wait a second.
Why do you two have grumpy faces like you did as kids?
[Poonam] Come upstairs.
[Allahbaksh] Tell me.
Will you defend me in court?
I cannot defend this case.
[Hari] True friends are a handful.
I have only you two.
[Poonam] He's trying so hard.
We want to share some news with you. It'll clear all your complaints.
[Poonam] Come on.
[Hari] Kanti. Allahbaksh.
They'll shut us down in two hours.
Don't you get it? What sort of an Indian are you?
Take this suit off.
Stop!
- What are you two doing? - Sister.
[Hari] Kanti, come up.
Come on, buddy.
Are you coming or not?
Brother Allahbaksh!
Go.
- Please... - Punnu, let him go.
- Brother Kanti, please come up. - You come, Kanti.
[Hari] Look... Kanti!
This is what three friends forever means? Don't show your faces again.
- [Poonam] Allahbaksh. - [Hari] Allahbaksh, listen...
[Hari] My feelings mean nothing to you two.
- [Hari] Go! - [Poonam] Brother Kanti.
[Hari] Practice your law.
Relax. They're angry with each other, not you.
I know, Punnu.
I've been seeing this drama since childhood.
I'll bring them back together, you watch.