Aparajito (1956)

1. Presents

2. Based on the Novel by

3. Starring

4. Cinematography by

5. Art Direction by

6. Sound by

7. Edited by

8. Production Manager

9. Processing by

10. Sound Recorded on STANCIL-HOFFMAN and RCA Systems

11. Distributed by

12. Music by

13. Produced, Written, and Directed by

14. BENGALI YEAR 1327

15. Your glasses.

16. And sindoor.

17. - Did you see the monkey outside? - Did a monkey get inside?

18. I meant your precious son.

19. No, I didn't.

20. I boiled some milk for him, but he ran off.

21. And the boys in this neighborhood...

22. This is a bustling city. How can I keep an eye on him?

23. Isn't there a school nearby?

24. At least I could stop worrying for two seconds.

25. Are you going out?

26. There's boiled milk. - You said it was for Khoka.

27. - For you too. - Really?

28. In the small bowl in the kitchen.

29. The milk's good.

30. - Would you go to the market? - Of course. What should I get?

31. - I'll tell you, but - - Thinking about the money?

32. No need to pay cash. - He'll give you credit?

33. You think I give Ayurvedic treatments for free?

34. Then get some mustard oil, kerosene, and garam masala.

35. And see if you can get some mung dal -

36. either mung or masoor.

37. Apu's been asking for khichuri

38. ever since he had some the other day.

39. Anything else?

40. That'll do for today.

41. Can you get some good paan masala?

42. - What brand? - I don't know.

43. The woman upstairs gave me some.

44. Find out the brand and I'll get some tomorrow.

45. I ran into a sweets seller I knew.

46. Says he has rheumatism.

47. I'm taking him this medicine. - Really?

48. I could ask him for some Benares cream. It's famous.

49. I know.

50. Shall I get some?

51. Let the medicine work first.

52. All right.

53. Gayatri.

54. Gayatri, listen.

55. Aren't you going to bathe in the Ganges today?

56. If you don't, you won't get salvation.

57. They just got here. Let them settle in first.

58. They'll bathe in the Ganges

59. and pay homage to Vishwanath,

60. all in good time.

61. Shambhu!

62. Water!

63. Apu, wait.

64. Don't you get hungry running around all morning?

65. Did you have something outside?

66. What? - Laddu.

67. Really?

68. And some peda too!

69. - Is Mr. Ray at home? - No.

70. I brought him a calendar.

71. I got home too late last night to give it to him.

72. Shall I put it in his room? - Yes.

73. All right.

74. We bring one out every year.

75. You'll find all the important holy days in it.

76. The holy festivals are marked in red.

77. You can't miss them.

78. That means "We bow before you, Lord Shiva,

79. O peaceful one,

80. O Shambhu,

81. ornamented with the crescent moon

82. and adorned with serpents,

83. you who wield the divine bow

84. and dispel the darkness."

85. "O Lord of the world,

86. those devoted to you are the blessed ones.

87. Those who worship you are the holy ones.

88. Those who sing your praises..."

89. "Look!

90. She weeps with her head on Krishna's breast.

91. Wait till I tell my brother."

92. Then Jatila quietly takes her brother Ayan

93. to her hiding place and says...

94. "Brother, look there.

95. See what your wife Radha is up to.

96. She weeps with her head on Krishna's breast.

97. Wait! Where did they go?"

98. For in the meantime Krishna had told Radha,

99. "Lay flowers at my feet as an offering,

100. and I shall take the form of Kali,

101. Ayan's favorite goddess."

102. Want to try swinging a club?

103. You sure?

104. Then allow me.

105. Come here.

106. - Who's the man upstairs? - Nanda-babu.

107. Tell him your mother has used up all the matches

108. and your father isn't home yet.

109. Say your mother needs two matches - just two.

110. Nanda-babu.

111. - Who's there? - Me.

112. "Me" who?

113. Oh, come in.

114. What do you want? - Matches.

115. - What for? - Mother wants them.

116. Your mother does? Just a minute.

117. That's my medicine. I'm sick, you see.

118. The doctor says to take it every evening.

119. Here.

120. She said just two.

121. Why? Just take the box. I have more.

122. Listen.

123. Tell your mother Nanda-babu says

124. she needn't return them.

125. You have a fine voice, sir.

126. Greetings.

127. It seems you are a singer too.

128. I used to be.

129. - Do you live nearby? - Why do you ask?

130. I wondered where I might drink some tea.

131. It's turned chilly, and my throat is sore.

132. See? I've been carrying my tea leaves around.

133. Certainly. Come with me. I live close by.

134. - You don't mind? - No.

135. My name is Kalicharan Banerjee, originally from Satkhira.

136. God knows if it's all right.

137. I want some too.

138. Later. Take theirs out first.

139. Then come back for the sweets.

140. Don't drop it.

141. Here we are.

142. Your son's very helpful.

143. Here.

144. Excellent tea.

145. Where's your son?

146. He's a good boy. - Khoka?

147. Ah, there you are.

148. Tuesday I'll take you to a feast at the Teota palace.

149. Will you come? - Of course he will.

150. Every year

151. they host a feast for Brahmans there,

152. and they send me an invitation.

153. You wouldn't mind if I took your son?

154. Not at all.

155. I don't mind telling you

156. I've managed to save about 400 rupees

157. by practically starving myself.

158. Another hundred or so

159. and I can get myself a bride

160. from a decent family.

161. One can't be happy without a family of one's own.

162. Wouldn't you agree?

163. Well, I'm off.

164. Hari-babu?

165. You wouldn't know of a girl -

166. I'm afraid I don't.

167. All right. Good-bye.

168. The Pandeys have gone to the Ramlila performance.

169. Perhaps you could take Apu.

170. He's never seen it.

171. What do you say? - Could you take these?

172. What's wrong?

173. What's the matter?

174. You're burning up. When did this start?

175. I went to the market,

176. then to the sweets seller for the cream,

177. then to the ghat for evening prayers.

178. Then, as I was climbing the steps -

179. That's enough. Lie back.

180. Apu's gone out for fireworks.

181. Why do you need him?

182. Shouldn't we call a doctor?

183. - No, don't bother. - I'm not listening to you.

184. No, listen.

185. Look...

186. there are some packets of herbal medicine

187. in that tin box.

188. Give me a dose.

189. Mix it well with ginger or honey.

190. Let me try that for now. It might work.

191. If not, then we'll see tomorrow.

192. Sit with your father. He's not well.

193. Come here.

194. Sit down.

195. Did you get fireworks? What kind?

196. Sparklers, silver stars,

197. and whistlers.

198. Fireworks here aren't as good as back in the village, huh?

199. Were you watching the fireworks from the roof?

200. Who's that? - Shambhu.

201. Who's that?

202. He lives in Kukurgali. He's Hindustani.

203. Your friend who teaches you English?

204. I see.

205. What is "Apu bhalo chhele" in English?

206. Invite him in.

207. He's going to set off firecrackers.

208. - You want to go with him? - Yes.

209. Go on, then.

210. - How are you feeling now? - Much better.

211. Here.

212. You gave me a scare.

213. You must have caught a chill from all your running around.

214. Take things easy now. You're earning enough.

215. Listen.

216. - What? - Come sit for a while.

217. I have to make up a bed for Apu.

218. You'll sleep on the cot tonight.

219. The sweets seller told me about some lodgings.

220. Really?

221. Near the Man Mandir palace.

222. Two rooms facing south on the second floor.

223. Seven rupees.

224. Markets and schools nearby. Khoka won't have a problem.

225. We'll discuss it later. You get better first.

226. What's Khoka doing?

227. Can't you hear him?

228. Look at that! Go away!

229. Benares is a nice place except for the monkeys.

230. I should say!

231. You're going out? - I have to go to the ghat.

232. But you had a bad fever!

233. I'm fine. The medicine worked.

234. But up and down all those steps again...

235. Excuse me.

236. Help me!

237. We heard nothing during the night.

238. We got back late from the performance.

239. Nothing in the morning either.

240. My wife was on her way to the ghat

241. when she heard he'd fallen down unconscious.

242. I hope he wasn't hurt.

243. He must have been. Those are stone steps.

244. For one thing, his chest is congested.

245. This room is damp.

246. Keep the doors and windows closed

247. so he's not exposed to cold.

248. Someone must come with me.

249. I'll prescribe some medicine.

250. I'll go.

251. If you have mustard oil and camphor,

252. heat some and rub it on his chest and back.

253. That will help. - All right.

254. What do you think?

255. If you need anything, let me know.

256. Please don't hesitate.

257. Mr. Ray?

258. Ma'am.

259. My dear, are you preparing paan?

260. Get out! Right now!

261. I'm going! I just wanted some paan.

262. Did you say something?

263. Water...

264. You want water?

265. Ganges...

266. Apu, get up.

267. Go get some water from the river.

268. Take this pot, and hurry back.

269. Wait. Put this on.

270. Khoka...

271. He'll be back any minute.

272. Khoka's back.

273. Come here.

274. This is Apu.

275. Pay your respects to your great-uncle.

276. How old is he?

277. He's ten now.

278. - When was he given the sacred thread? - After we came to Benares.

279. Will you come with me?

280. I can't make up my mind, Uncle.

281. I hadn't thought of leaving here.

282. I didn't even know you were coming.

283. I always come around this time.

284. I had no idea you were so badly off.

285. Yes, you did write that you were coming.

286. - What are these people like? - They're good people.

287. I've heard they're happy with my work.

288. They want to take me with them to Dewanpur.

289. I can't make up my mind.

290. Think it over.

291. I'll be here a few more days.

292. If you come stay with me,

293. the place will get lived in, and you'll have all you need.

294. Think it over.

295. Run along now.

296. Listen.

297. Go to that table and open the drawer.

298. No, the next one.

299. Bring me that leather pouch.

300. Come in.

301. - You called? - You're coming with us, right?

302. - Where? - Didn't they tell you?

303. We're going to Dewanpur next month.

304. I told you I'd take you along if I liked your work.

305. I hope you'll come.

306. You have relatives here?

307. And no one back home? Then come with us.

308. Very well.

309. By the way, Moksada says you've lost your appetite.

310. You don't have a fever?

311. You feel all right? Good.

312. Sukhen, take this.

313. And go tell the other house that I'm back.

314. Mother! A train!

315. I lit the stove. You have enough food?

316. Yes, all we need for today.

317. Then I'll be back tomorrow.

318. Just let me know if you need anything.

319. You didn't tell me your name.

320. Nirupama.

321. I'll be leaving in a week or so.

322. Will you be settled in by then?

323. Apu, come with me tomorrow.

324. You can learn your duties as a priest.

325. Place some tu/si leaves with sandal paste on the deity.

326. And now some flowers.

327. Now take the deity -

328. No, wash them first.

329. What's the matter with you?

330. You've been sulking since this morning.

331. Are you sick? Are you sad?

332. Do you miss Benares

333. or the village?

334. Don't you like it here in Mansapota?

335. Tell me what's wrong. Have they been rude to you?

336. Have you been doing your job properly?

337. These are good people.

338. If we keep them happy, our livelihood is secure.

339. Put up with it for a few years. Then, with any luck -

340. Mother?

341. - What? - I want to go to school.

342. - Go where? - To school.

343. - Where? - Close by. It's a good school.

344. How do you know?

345. I went and saw it.

346. - What about your work? - School is in the afternoon.

347. - Can you do both? - Yes.

348. Doesn't school cost money?

349. Who'll pay for it?

350. Don't you have any money?

351. Keshab-babu?

352. Are the refreshments ready?

353. Only half an hour left.

354. Jagadish-babu!

355. I'll see to it, sir.

356. Baikuntha!

357. Welcome.

358. - Welcome. - Be seated.

359. What are you teaching them? - Bengali, sir.

360. "The Shoots and Stalks of Literature."

361. What does "stalk" mean?

362. Tell us.

363. "Stalk" means... um -

364. It means "a stem."

365. Good.

366. Let's hear you read.

367. "The Land of Bengal

368. Where is the greenest land of all...

369. where on tender grass your feet must fall?

370. Where grain sways on sunny afternoons

371. and the blushing lotus blooms?

372. It is our very own Bengal, the greenest land of all.

373. Where do thrush and robin sing?

374. Where do fork-tailed drongos swing,

375. and where do elegant swans swim?

376. Where do weaverbirds nest again

377. and the swallows cry for rain?

378. In our very own Bengal, the greenest land of all.

379. In what land do they speak a tongue

380. that fills your soul with yearning?

381. Where do you hear the clear tones

382. of a baul whose heart is singing?"

383. Where's the signature? This is the 23rd.

384. How can you remember so much but forget that?

385. Go get it signed.

386. Ah, Apurba.

387. Come in.

388. Is your mother well?

389. The inspector was very pleased with you,

390. and I was as well.

391. I've been keeping an eye on your progress.

392. I've spoken to Abinash-babu about you.

393. He's far ahead of the average student.

394. We have high hopes for you, you know.

395. For our part, we'll provide you

396. with every means to advance in your studies.

397. But if you really want to be a good student,

398. you'll have to work hard.

399. In particular...

400. you'll have to improve your English.

401. Do you like to read? I don't mean textbooks.

402. Books about travel,

403. or the lives of great men,

404. or books about science, written in simple language.

405. If I give you books like that, will you read them?

406. Of course he will.

407. Good. Here in this bookcase...

408. I have lots of books like that.

409. If you don't read books like these,

410. you can't broaden your mind.

411. We may live in a remote corner of Bengal,

412. but that doesn't mean

413. that our outlook

414. should be narrow.

415. This is about the North Pole.

416. Anyone who wants to know about the aurora borealis

417. or how the Eskimos live

418. will find it all in there.

419. This is about Livingstone's travels.

420. It will teach you about Africa.

421. This is The Story of Inventions.

422. You can learn all about inventions in here.

423. These are biographies of famous scientists:

424. Galileo, Archimedes,

425. Newton, Faraday...

426. Come look!

427. These are the sun, the Earth, and the moon.

428. The moon circles the Earth, and when it gets here,

429. the shadow is called an eclipse.

430. Apu, get up. It's time to eat.

431. The food's getting cold.

432. Come in, Apurba.

433. You came in second in the district. Sit down.

434. - That's all right. - No, sit down.

435. You're going to continue your studies, aren't you?

436. If so, you can get a scholarship of ten rupees.

437. I could help make arrangements for you in Calcutta.

438. Have you given it any thought? - Yes, sir.

439. - You'll continue on? - Yes, sir.

440. In Calcutta? Arts or sciences?

441. Good.

442. You have anywhere to stay there?

443. Any relatives?

444. Well, that shouldn't be a problem.

445. Have you spoken to your mother?

446. Not yet.

447. - Think you can convince her? - I'll try.

448. - Why so late? - I was second in the district!

449. - What's that mean? - Only one boy ahead of me.

450. Really?

451. I might even get a scholarship.

452. Money for doing well on my exams.

453. - How much? - Ten rupees a month.

454. Ten rupees?

455. But only if I continue my studies.

456. Is that so?

457. Of course. Think they'd give it to me just like that?

458. I have to go study in Calcutta.

459. You know what this is?

460. - Then you're going? - Why not?

461. Everyone does.

462. That's why the headmaster called me in.

463. He gave me addresses and said it will be fine.

464. And who'll pay for it?

465. Pay for what? College will be half free.

466. I'll get ten rupees a month, and I'll find work.

467. What about me? Am I to be tossed aside?

468. Think they'll take care of me if you stop being their priest?

469. So I can't study? I have to be a priest?

470. Why not? You're a priest's son. You want to be a governor?

471. - Yes! - Quiet!

472. - So everything has to be your way? - Yes!

473. There are snakes out here. The mosquitoes will eat you up.

474. Come back inside. - No.

475. Don't be childish! You can go to Calcutta.

476. How? You won't be able to manage here.

477. Did I say that? Just think it through first.

478. - You slapped me! - I'm sorry. I won't do that again.

479. Come on. I have something to show you.

480. Look.

481. Whose is that?

482. Remember when I worked in Benares?

483. You know how much I saved?

484. Thirty-two rupees.

485. Good thing I did. I'll give you some.

486. It'll get you through a month.

487. - Look what the headmaster gave me. - What is it?

488. It's called a globe. It's the Earth.

489. These lines are countries,

490. and the blue is ocean.

491. You know where Calcutta is?

492. - It's 7:30! - Come look where I've put things.

493. - That's all right. - No, come look.

494. Here's your drinking glass, and your hair oil.

495. Here's your bowl, with some sweets in it.

496. These are spices,

497. and here's some ghee I made.

498. Your shirts and vests are under these books.

499. And your dhoti is with your bedding.

500. And two postcards. Write the minute you arrive.

501. Put these in there.

502. Here are five rupees from the Teli family,

503. and 25 from me.

504. Keep one rupee on you for the train ticket.

505. And stop in at Nirupama's on your way.

506. They've done so much for you.

507. - What about my globe? - You'll have to carry it.

508. Keep the key safe.

509. - I'm off. - Wait.

510. Write me with all the news.

511. Be careful getting around the city.

512. Don't eat strange food or you'll get sick.

513. Come home at the puja festival if you get a few days.

514. Have you ever tripped and hurt yourself?

515. If not, you'll have plenty of opportunity

516. in the future.

517. That's when this amazing balm

518. will come to your aid like a trusty friend.

519. How about you, my friend?

520. Excuse me. Are you Akhil-babu?

521. What is it?

522. - I have a letter. - What letter?

523. From the headmaster of the Arboal school.

524. Let me see.

525. Sit down.

526. Yes, Paresh wrote to me about this.

527. You've come here to study, right?

528. You have any money?

529. Mother gave me 30 rupees,

530. so I have 29 rupees and six annas left

531. after paying train fare.

532. Can I rent a room here?

533. I only have the one room,

534. but we'll make do.

535. - How much is rent? - Well...

536. can you work in the printing shop?

537. At night, after your classes during the day?

538. Good.

539. Go up those stairs and you'll find the room.

540. It's right in front. I'll be right up.

541. "Dear Mother, I've arrived safe and sound.

542. Akhil-babu has arranged for my stay.

543. I'll be working in his printing shop instead of paying rent.

544. I have an electric light in my room."

545. Me, sir?

546. What's going on?

547. Couldn't you find a better place to sleep than CCB's class?

548. Are you crying?

549. Come on. We have two free periods after this.

550. Let's take a walk.

551. Apu, wouldn't you like to go abroad?

552. Sure. Find me a job on a ship.

553. I'm serious.

554. What do you say we go traveling together?

555. Well?

556. Have you no ambition?

557. You'd stay here, like a frog in a well,

558. even if you got the chance to go?

559. Why?

560. Mother would never let me.

561. Why not?

562. She didn't even like me making the three-hour trip to Calcutta.

563. - How'd you manage? - I put up a fight.

564. If I had no ambition, I'd have stayed there.

565. I even had a job there. - A job?

566. Doing what? - I was a priest.

567. Really? Was that your family profession?

568. You wear the sacred thread? No Brahman's pigtail?

569. You realize we missed two periods?

570. That was a big mistake.

571. We should have told Pranab to answer for us at roll call.

572. There'd have been no problem in PNG's class.

573. Have you gotten taller?

574. Then you've lost weight.

575. Did you get my letter?

576. I'm not speaking to you.

577. Why?

578. Your break began the 7th. What's today?

579. I had some work.

580. Admit you didn't want to come see your mother.

581. It's evening. You'll catch cold.

582. Come out of there.

583. What do they feed you there?

584. - All kinds of stuff. - Like what?

585. Lentils, rice, fish, vegetables.

586. - Who cooks? - There's a cook.

587. Is he a good cook?

588. Better than me?

589. Next time you come home, bring me some shell buttons.

590. You hear me?

591. Put that book away.

592. Tell me. - Tell you what?

593. What have you seen in Calcutta?

594. - All kinds of things. - Like what?

595. The Victoria Memorial...

596. Whiteway Laidlaw...

597. Hogg Market, the zoo...

598. Fort William.

599. The temple at Kalighat?

600. Yes, just the other day.

601. That...

602. and Keoratola.

603. What's that?

604. - A burning ghat. - What?

605. A cremation grounds.

606. Are you careful out on the streets?

607. When will you pass your exams and get a job?

608. I'll come stay with you then, all right?

609. Will you let me?

610. Perhaps it's not my fate. Who knows if I'll live that long?

611. - Nonsense. - You think it's funny?

612. What if I get seriously ill?

613. It happens.

614. My health isn't what it used to be.

615. Every evening I feel feverish and dizzy.

616. I have no appetite.

617. I've often thought of telling you, but I never have.

618. You're not about to quit your studies

619. to come stay with me, are you?

620. When you earn money, will you arrange treatment for me?

621. Will you, Apu?

622. Build your bodies, my friends

623. Make them strong

624. Be flexible and limber, my boy

625. Amaze us with your feats

626. Take it nice and slow

627. Build your bodies, my friends

628. Amaze us with your feats, my boy

629. Build your bodies, my friends

630. You want some paan?

631. Did you hear what Nirupama said?

632. Did you?

633. Yes.

634. You'll go, right?

635. - Why? She's asked many times. - I have classes Monday.

636. What's it matter if you're two days late?

637. You wouldn't understand. It does matter.

638. What's to understand? Everyone takes an extra day or two.

639. You were a week late getting here.

640. There are no holidays until New Year.

641. They're so happy to see you.

642. Will you do it?

643. Move.

644. Out of the way.

645. There's never time to pack in the morning.

646. I always have to run for the train.

647. Sunrise is at 6:15.

648. Wake me up in time.

649. Mother, why didn't you wake me up?

650. Now I'm late.

651. - I'm off. - The key.

652. Did you check everything? - There's no time.

653. One for Sealdah Station.

654. Here comes the train!

655. I missed the train.

656. What will you do?

657. I'll go tomorrow.

658. Your studies won't suffer?

659. Would you like something to eat?

660. A little later.

661. Dear Apu, why don't you write regularly?

662. I worry when I don't hear from you.

663. Do you have a break during the Ganesh puja?

664. If so, come home.

665. I haven't seen you in two months,

666. and I long to see you.

667. If you don't have enough money,

668. I'll send you some.

669. "Dear Mother, there is no break

670. during the Ganesh puja, and I have exams soon.

671. If I don't stay in Calcutta, my studies will suffer."

672. Anyone home?

673. I think of stopping by every day, but I never get around to it.

674. Are you well? - Yes. Sit down.

675. Have you heard from Apu?

676. - Yes. - Is he well?

677. Your son is a real gem.

678. You should get him married.

679. With a daughter-in-law, your worries would be over.

680. You're all alone.

681. I think of visiting you every day, but there's never time.

682. It's always one thing or another.

683. Yesterday my son-in-law arrived from Kalna.

684. He and his father work in a shop they have there.

685. You can't imagine the goings-on there!

686. Two sons, and grandchildren too.

687. The mother died,

688. and five months later the father remarried!

689. Auntie?

690. Were you sleeping?

691. Has your fever gone up again? - Oh, my.

692. What will I do with all those?

693. - Why don't you go inside? - In a while. Sit down.

694. I can't stay now.

695. I must go prepare medicine for Umi's cough.

696. I'll come by this evening if I can.

697. And I hope you won't be cross,

698. but we've written to your uncle.

699. Why did you do that?

700. He's an old man.

701. Did you write to Apu?

702. He has time off from school

703. today and tomorrow.

704. Is he coming?

705. Shall I write to him? - No!

706. If he comes...

707. he has to come on his own.

708. He has his studies,

709. and exams are around the corner.

710. It's best he stay there. You mustn't write him.

711. Promise me. Give me your word.

712. I'm going now, but I'll come by again.

713. So will the others.

714. There's a door open. Shall I close it?

715. - I'll do it later. - Very well.

716. I'll leave these on the veranda.

717. Hey!

718. I never expected to find you here. - Why?

719. Weren't you going home for two days?

720. To your village - Mansapota, was it?

721. Nah.

722. I can't study there. I just fall asleep.

723. - Won't your mother be angry? - No, I took care of that.

724. I sent her a money order

725. from a bonus Akhil-babu gave me.

726. I see.

727. Aren't you nervous?

728. A little.

729. I'm not quite ready for the chemistry exam.

730. - Want one? - Nah.

731. Go on.

732. Watch out!

733. There's a letter for you.

734. Put this on the press.

735. From your mother?

736. From Niru-di. Mother is ill.

737. Is it serious?

738. Don't cry, Apu.

739. Parents don't stay with you forever.

740. What happened had to happen.

741. Now you should perform the shraddha...

742. and then stay on here.

743. You'll earn enough as a priest.

744. My boy...

745. Where are you off to?

746. What for?

747. I have exams.

748. And your mother's shraddha?

749. I'll take care of it in Calcutta, at the Kalighat.

750. THE END