You were stunning in that scene today.
I was imagining you without your clothes.
Others were watching you too.
Everyone looks at you.
I hate it, Labanga.
You are only mine.
Only mine.
Only mine...
(indistinct mumbling)
Labanga...
Please don't leave me, Labanga.
Labanga...
Come to me...
Come to me. You're mine, Labanga.
Come to me...
Oh, Labanga...
Labanga...
Ah!
Here you go.
Tie it up there.
- Here? - Yes!
Wait! Wait! Wait!
We can't find Labanga anywhere.
- What? - What do you mean?
Look for her at that drunk Gopinath's place.
We've looked for her everywhere.
Gopinath Sil's Kumortoli farmhouse is empty.
- Empty? - They've gone somewhere else.
What are you saying?
She's nowhere to be found?
No one has any information?
No.
I think
this is Gopinath's revenge against our master.
Revenge?
For what?
Don't you remember?
We threw him out of the theatre a few days back.
Hmmph!
If you want to run your theatre group in Calcutta
you shouldn't anger the rich men.
I can't think right now.
Madam!
Please don't leave.
Don't go.
Please don't go.
Everything is going to be okay.
Please don't leave.
Sudho, don't cry like a baby.
Don't take it off.
Please stop it.
Daughter-in-law...
What's wrong?
Nothing, Mother.
I'm going to my father's place.
Why all of a sudden?
I feel like going back to my own room.
For a woman, her husband's house is her own.
Maybe, it is.
All I know is women never have a house of their own.
My son is not home right now.
It's such a long journey.
Who's going to drop you off?
Sudho?
Put my suitcase in the carriage.
No need, my dear.
Have you forgotten to wear the vermillion?
I'll leave now, Mother.
Don't say you're leaving, my dear.
Say you'll come back soon.
Hmm.
Stop here, please.
MANORAMA
SUPERSTAR LABANGA IN MANORAMA
No point looking at it now.
This play is not going to be staged.
Why?
Rich man's whims and fancies!
Our actress Labanga has run away with Gopinath Sil.
Huh!
Excuse me!
- Yes? - I wanted to ask something.
- Tell me? - Who are you?
I'm the master of the Gandharva theatre group.
Oh!
- You're Sambhu? - Yes.
- Hello. - Hello.
Can't you cast another actress?
It's impossible to get another actress prepared in such a short time.
Oh!
Impossible task?
Acting is a very tough job, right?
Yes.
It's a discipline.
One must be under strict regimentation to learn the art of acting.
Will they be able to do it?
If they try, maybe they'll be able to do it.
Do you love me, Gopi?
I do.
I've been thinking it was wrong to have left the master in so much trouble.
You have too much pride!
A lowlife theatre director...
will dare speak against Gopinath Sil and still run business as usual...
That can't happen, Queen Labanga!
I work in the theatre too, Gopi.
Well, you were wasting your time.
Only prostitutes land up in theatre.
If that's what you think of me...
then why did you bring me here?
Brought you here?
Say that I rescued you.
You'll only perform for me.
Why should anyone else get a glimpse of this beauty?
I don't want to share.
Come in.
What do you think?
Huh?
What a strange place!
Give it another thought.
Women from good families...
don't act in theatres.
Why is it so, Master?
Why are actors and actresses looked down upon?
There's a rule in our society.
The husband's good karma is also his wife's good karma.
Whenever you'll try to break the shackles of family
you'll immediately be termed a whore.
My dear, aren't you scared of what people might think?
All my life, I've begged my husband for his time.
He had never accepted me.
He has run away with another woman.
What can be more shameful for a woman, Master?
Keep this fire burning in your heart.
You have to spread this fire in the heart of each audience member.
Won't you be able to do it?
Huh?
I can do it, Master!
I can!
(humming)
Your beauty excites me and drives me insane.
I want to hide in the your dark tresses, in a bid to abstain.
Did you write it?
What?
Have you written it?
Of course.
Who else can write like this?
Do you like it?
Hmm.
Come here.
That's when...
Dinabandhu wrote in the fifth edition of "Shodhobar Ekadashi"
"exit after kicking Atal".
- Understood? - Yes, Master.
You can't just mug up the lines.
You must bring life to the character.
Can an actor add his own dialogues in the play?
There's no problem if it helps the character.
Did the folks from the Gandharva Theatre get in touch with you?
No, they didn't.
That master of yours...
Did he ever try to take advantage of you?
What?
What are you implying, Gopi?
Do you know where he got me out of?
He taught me how to act, recite, perform.
He's the best when it comes to mentoring new actors.
My goodness!
If you loved your master so much
then why did you abandon him for me?
I was very greedy, you know.
I wanted to have a family.
I had earned a lot of money by singing and dancing.
But I felt respected and honoured at the Gandharva Theatre.
Now, I'm with you to build a family together.
All my desires have been fulfilled since I've moved here.
In the first half, Manorama is like a servant at her husband's place.
Understood?
She conservatively covers her head.
She doesn't talk too much.
Her husband, Priyotosh, spends most of his time in brothels.
In a time like this...
Priyotosh decides to send his wife off to her father's place.
On the way, she is abducted by a gang of robbers.
You know what abduction means?
Hmmm.
Okay.
After a few days
he goes back to the brothel to listen to music.
That's where a strange coincidence occurs.
(singing)
When will you take me home, Gopi?
What are you talking about?
This is your home too, Labanga.
This is a farmhouse.
I know the difference between a home and a farmhouse.
Really? You do?
You had promised to marry me.
Okay, let's discuss this later.
Goodbye, Labanga.
(singing)
Today...
you might restrict women as much as you want.
But in 100 years, they'll break all the barriers.
They won't tolerate your oppression...
It's not working... Not working at all.
You can't deliver your dialogues like this.
If you don't relax your tongue, how will you say your lines?
I'm trying, Master.
It's not working.
Try to understand one thing clearly.
This is the language Bankim, Michael, Dinabandhu
Dwijendralal, Girish and others are writing in.
There's a lot of depth in the language.
Hmmm.
If you can't master the language, how will it work?
Let me try once more...
You can't do it!
And why are you sitting awkwardly like this?
You can't perform like this.
Make this very clear in your head.
When you're acting on stage you cant feel shy, scared or inhibited.
Try once again.
- Biley, give her the cue. - Yes, yes...
Manorama, you can't go anywhere!
How strange!
How are they staging the play "Manorama" without you?
SAMBHU CHARAN MITRA'S MANORAMA
Let me see.
Have they mentioned the new heroine's name?
Oh, let it be.
Who other than you can bring in the audience?
Maybe, they're desperately looking for you, to take you back..
You'll not go back, Labanga. It's a matter of my honour.
Where will I go without you?
I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
Really?
Huh?
Oh no!
What's the matter? What are you doing here?
Because of an urgent issue I had to interrupt your entertainment.
Why is he repeating himself?
What is the issue?
It's a private issue.
Really?
Private...
Hmmph.
What do you think?
Huh!
Tell me.
- We've lost the case. - Oh!
When you had borrowed the money
you had mortgaged the Kumortoli farmhouse.
Now, the bank is going to take possession of the house.
The Grand Jury has sent a notice to evacute it.
What does that mean?
What about the heavy fee the lawyers have been charging?
What are they doing?
Lawyer?
It's their job to fleece money.
We didn't have any merit in this case from the very beginning.
We've just wasted money running from one court to the other.
And wasting money is a sign of good health for the men in this family.
I know that too well.
Huh!
But sir, things are going beyond our control now.
Hmmm?
What?
Things are getting out of control.
If you're not careful now you'll be ruined.
Hmm.
- You may leave now. - I'm warning you.
- Please leave. - Nonsense!
"Manorama"...
They say Calcutta is a strange city.
"City of Palaces", cars and lies.
A hooker has a big house and an honest man lives in a shanty.
Huh!
I don't want you to recite Hutum's poems in my house, drinking my wine, Sudhabindu.
Ah!
Sudhabindu, stop it.
Let's discuss what's important.
There's never been such a beautiful woman in our Rambagan before.
Hmm?
Yes!
A curvy lady with a thin waist.
Name?
Peyara.
Aha!
She has a beautiful singing voice, Gopi.
Then, my friend...
why are we delaying?
Hmmm.
Let's go and check out this Peyara.
That's a great idea!
Doesn't matter if it's stew or steak...
The same food gets boring if you eat it everyday.
Sometimes... to change the taste...
one must eat some fruits.
Definitely!
But let's see if Gopinath likes it or not?
Please wait here.
I'll get ready.
We'll wait for you.
You're a rascal!
Oh yes!
Did I surprise you?
Are... are you shocked?
Hope I could give you a worthy answer.
Don't be so stiff. Relax.
Put in a little more emotion. You can do it!
Are you shocked?
Could I give a worthy answer?
My home...
Don't be so stiff. Say your line properly.
Did I shock you?
Could I give you a worthy answer?
Did I shock you?
Could I give you a worthy answer?
My home... I've forgotten the line, Master.
It'll come to you. Just try to remember.
You can do it.
I can't do it.
- Of course, you can. - I can't remember anything...
I'm not Labanga.
Acting is not everyone's cup of tea?
I have really bad luck.
I can't do it.
How long are you going to blame your bad luck?
Don't you ever feel like turning the wheels of fortune in a different direction?
You know I've tried, Master.
But I can't even remember the lines.
And with all these people sitting in front of me...
I'll forget everything.
Why are you feeling scared?
- Try to remember... - No! I can't do it.
Please forgive me.
Wait, Giribala!
Where are you going?
I can't, Master...
Just trust yourself. You can do it, Giribala!
Please find someone else. I can't do it.
Wait.
Go back on the stage.
Right now!
(humming)
You're not going anywhere.
I've heard everything.
I'll not let you go to that dirty neighbourhood all decked up.
Why are you trying to act like my wife?
Because you promised to make me your wife
when you made me leave Gandharva Theatre.
- Because of you... - Shut up! Shut up!
Just because I've brought you to my farmhouse
don't act like my wife.
You've ruined my life.
Where will you go without me?
Listen, you b***h.
I have two more whores like you, okay?
I'm thinking of getting two more.
Otherwise, people will stop respecting me.
I face such tyranny because I belong to a poor family.
But you can see...
these expensive clothes and jewellery
can turn a village simpleton like me
into a babe...
A beautiful belle!
Belle...
Belle... belle... belle...
But you can see...
these expensive clothes and jewellery
can turn a village simpleton like me
into a beautiful belle.
There it is! That's the fire!
Bravo, Giribala! Bravo!
No, no. Not Giribala.
A different name. Not Giribala.
Something new.
Who is this Adhorabala, Banku?
Latest import.
She's not from the red light area.
- Hmmm? - Hmmm.
- She's from a good family. - Really?
She's yet to be spoilt by the stench?
Yes...
So, Gopinath?
Would you like to see her?
Of course, I'll have to, brother.
A high society girl... How can I let go?
Unknown girl from a good family...
I've heard she is a goddess incarnate.
Really?
Hmmm.
Wow!
Banku?
Hmm?
This master seems to know a lot of hot women.
Right!
Looks like it'll be good for us to end the feud with him.
True!
No point being mad at the beehive when you are a bee.
Well said!
- Banku? - Yes.
We should get front row seats.
Okay.
A high society woman!
That's a great proposal.
Give me some money for the tickets.
Oh, yes.
I'll pay you tomorrow.
- Tomorrow then. - Tomorrow...
GANDHARVA THEATRE MANORAMA
SAMBHU CHARAN MITRA'S MANORAMA
STARRING DEBUTANT ADHORABALA
GANDHARVA THEATRE
- Bring it carefully. - Yes, yes.
- Put it here. - Of course.
- Don't fall down. - I won't.
He shouts in anger.
- What? - Put it here.
- Oh, yes. - Let us work in peace.
- Do your work. - Look up!
Let him be.
- Continue reading. - Let me hold it.
- Why the ruckus? - Check the lights.
Once that's done, move it here.
What are you doing there? Check the lights here.
Biley?
Biley!
What happened?
Seems like you have lost your way.
When is the new play being staged?
Day after tomorrow.
Haven't you seen the posters?
- Put that in the right place. - Okay.
Manorama is a very difficult role.
Hold on to the ladder.
Can the new actress pull it off?
Of course, she will.
The audience is going to be full of praise for Adhora's acting.
Master himself has trained her.
- Once you're done... - One more thing...
- Go over your dialogues. - Where is Master?
Why?
- What do you need? - Is that okay?
Just wanted to meet him once.
No, no.
He is very busy.
What are you still doing there?
Move all that away.
- Biley? - Do it yourself.
Let me see him once...
When an elephant is stuck in muddy waters even a bat kicks him.
But I'm not so low that I'll kick you.
Go...
Master is in the green room.
Sir! Sir!
Hmm?
Giribala!
Hey, Giribala!
Can't you hear me?
Daughter-in-law is not here, Gopi.
What do you mean?
She's left for her father's house three weeks back.
She is at her father's house?
How dare she leave the house without my permission?
How will she take your permission if you're never around?
Then what are you here for?
Why couldn't you stop her?
My wife...
Roaming around the streets for three weeks...
How dare she, that b***h?
I know women are not supposed to have the audacity.
That's why I've tolerated all the pain your father inflicted on me.
Huh!
Men of this family prefer whores more than their own wife...
- I know that very well... - Hey, shut up!
Watch your mouth!
Great!
Aren't you the perfect son!
Fine, I'll keep quiet for the rest of my life.
But keep one thing in mind.
The way you have hidden women behind curtains for so long...
Thanks to Ram Mohan Roy and Vidyasagar...
the curtains are slowly parting, Gopi.
Now, women will stop tolerating this tyranny.
What I couldn't do...
my daughter-in-law did it.
It's okay. Get lost. Go away!
Please indulge in Renaissance!
That dirt poor, bald teacher, Vidyasagar...
he'll teach you all...
Hey, Giribala!
You might try to stop women today but soon...
You've always neglected your wife and spent nights with whores...
- Now your Manorama... - May I come in?
Please come in.
You've always neglected your wife and spent nights with whores...
your oppression will not be tolerated anymore.
Your oppression... all my life...
Are you Adhorabala?
Are you playing Manorama?
Hmm.
Have you ever acted before?
I have.
Have you?
Where have you acted? On which stage?
Right here.
What's going on?
What are you doing here?
Adhora?
Hmmm?
Go for the rehearsal.
Yes, Master.
What do you want?
I've made a mistake, Master.
Please take me back in the group.
I promise I'll work very hard and perform Manorama's role.
Adhora will play Manorama.
She's worked extremely hard to get into the character.
I can't just throw her out.
You had trained me too, Master.
How can you let someone else take my place?
I telling you I've made a mistake.
Only Adhora wil play Manorama.
Then can I play some other role?
I'll play whatever role you give me, Master.
Hmm.
There is one role you can play.
But...
- Which one is it? - It's a very small part.
You've taught me that it doesn't matter if the role is big or small.
All roles are important.
Wow!
Great to know you remember.
There's a role of a maid servant...
Ratan hasn't been very good at it.
Then let me play that role, Master.
She can't even catch the light properly.
I know she can't but...
She is the first to be here for the rehearsals.
She is the last one to leave after cleaning up.
How can I chuck her out?
I'm the star of Gandharva Theatre, Master!
Not a star... not a star.
Women like you are like comets.
You disappear as suddenly as you appear.
My theatre doesn't need a star.
It only requires disciplined actors and actresses.
Anyway...
Here are two tickets for the show.
Keep it.
Please come to watch the play with your gentleman friend.
That's an order. Not a request.
I'm sure you've heard...
Your bank accounts have been seized by the court.
To pay back the money that was borrowed rest of the property will be auctioned off.
"Rest of the property will be auctioned..."
This kind of a doom is upon us and you're informing me now?
No, sir.
I've tried to tell you many times.
See, I've noted everything down.
I met you on 11th Falgun of the Bengali calendar.
And you told me you didn't want to discuss it.
You wanted to attend a bird fight.
Twentyseventh Falgun, you were drunk at Shonagachi.
Fifth Chaitra, another bird fight.
Twelth Chaitra, party at the farmhouse.
- Twentyseventh Chaitra... - Please stop it!
Is this what you keep track of? What are you trying to say?
I have to make a note of everthing.
One must keep a track of one's life.
You're in this position because you didn't.
It's not your fault.
It's been in your family for generations.
Your forefathers left you this inheritance and you just wasted it away.
No, I get it, Manager.
I'll fix everything. Please arrange for some money.
Where will it come from? The treasury is empty.
I'm worried if I'll get my salary before I leave.
- Maybe I won't. - Only concrened about your salary.
Leave! I'll send your money home.
Banku and Sudhabindu will take care of it.
- See what you can you do... - Just get out of here.
- My friends are still there. - They've caused your ruin.
My friends will look into it. Who needs you?
Huh! Hmmm...
(singing)
We've heard some rumours, brother.
Huh?
What?
Your property is being seized by the court.
I was very disheartened to hear it.
Let it be.
That's why we're here to sympathise with you.
Who needs sympathy?
They've seized it today. I'll get it back tomorrow.
- It's my property, not the court's. - You're right.
- You see... - Right...
I just... need... some money...
- You know... to borrow... - Bravo!
- What did you say? - Bravo!
He's saying "Bravo"!
Let's go to the theatre, Banku!
Go, get the tickets.
Tickets?
Where will I get tickets from?
Hmm?
We don't have any money. How will we buy tickets?
You know, Gopinath.
Now, that you don't have any money
maybe you should stop splurging on things like theatre.
- What say, Sudhabindu? - Bravo! Bravo!
How many drinks have you had that you look so happy?
Gopinath, if Rome doesn't burn, how will Nero play the violin?
Hmm?
Bloody hell!
Get out!
Out!
Get the hell out of my house!
- Get lost! - Let's go.
Leave!
"Bravo!"
Who is it?
Why have you come here?
This is not my farmhouse. Get out! Leave!
Hmmph!
Don't be scared, Gopi. I'm done playing house with you.
I heard your property is getting auctioned off.
Hmm?
Do you want to watch a play?
"Manorama"?
I've got two tickets for it.
(singing)
Looks like she acts quite well but why doesn't she show her face?
I'm sure she is beautiful.
Really?
(singing)
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
But madam, I couldn't see your face during the dance.
How will you spend the night if you're so coy?
- How? - How?
Remove your veil. Reveal your beautiful face.
Show us your face...
What's this? Is it you, Manorama?
All your life you've neglected your wife for other women.
Ultimately, you had to bow before this village girl.
Hey!
You know, if one is skilled in the 64 arts
a village girl like me can make a man like you dance to my tunes.
What do you feel now that you see me here?
- Hey, Giribala! - Your wife has proven everyone wrong...
Hey, hey, Giribala!
Come off the stage. What are you doing there?
Come down. Come down, now!
- What happened? Can't hear me? - I'm sorry, sir.
My name is Adhorabala.
Are you kidding me? I'll show you.
- Hey! Hey! - What's going on?
Don't touch me. I'm Gopinath Sil. Do you know me?
Yes, yes! Gopinath Sil whose house is getting auctioned.
Shut up!
Queen Victoria is my penpal.
Giribala, tell everyone about us.
Why do you keep calling me that?
You're making a mistake. I don't know any Giribala.
What is he talking about?
- He's lost his mind. - Pretty sure about that.
You whore!
You're disowning your husband in public!
Oh God! What is he saying?
Actresses can't have husbands or families.
This theatre means everything to me. It's my home and family.
How dare you chat back to me, b***h?
I'll drag you down by your hair...
Let me go. Let me go!
Calm down everyone. Please calm down!
Listen, I'm not a woman you own.
I'm an actress.
You're disrupting the peace and discipline of this theatre.
Escort him out.
- Giribala! - Throw him out.
Come with us!
Get out! Out you go!
- Don't touch me! Giribala... - Hey, get him out of here.
(indistinct chatter)
We're extremely sorry to announce that we'll have to end today's performance.
Good night.