The CAMERA tracks down a silent, derelict hallway, stopping outside a door lettered: DUGGAL BROS CINE COMBINE. A HAND pushes it open.
78 INT. DUGGAL BROTHERS OFFICE - HALL - NIGHT 78 The CAMERA continues tracking inside the darkened,
reel-stacked hall. A SHADOWY FIGURE slips in through the front door.
At the far corner, in a frosted-glass cabin, a light is on.
Muffled MOANING can be heard inside.
79 INT. DUGGAL BROTHERS OFFICE - VICKY'S CABIN - NIGHT 79 GOLA, ISHARA and VICKY stare at the dull screen of a
STEENBECK. A film squeaks through the tired machine. We see images of RANI in ecstasy, a MONSTER on top of her.
ISHARA (excited)
Whoa, look at that! You can just feel the heat. A real crotch-hopper, eh Golasaab?
GOLA
Downright filthy, Vicky. No one dared to go this far before. I'm proud of you...
VICKY
(cutting Gola off)
My pleasure, sir. But this time we aren't giving it away. No more discount samples.
Abruptly, he CLICKS the steenbeck lever off - Rani's image freezes. GOLA and ISHARA tense up.
VICKY (CONT'D) Oh c'mon, Golasaab, I'm in the
business. Sooner or later I got to talk price. Say five petis per reel...
ISHARA shoots up and grabs Vicky by the throat, mid-sentence.
He slams him against a filing cabinet violently.
GOLA
(motioning to ISHARA)
Don't bother. We have a deal. Get PK on the phone. I'm not in the mood to haggle with this hawker.
ISHARA snatches up the receiver. Vicky massages his face, resentful, wincing as he speaks.
VICKY (coughing)
Go ahead. Call PK. He'll be the first to agree.
GOLA's mouth shuts, tightening with distaste.
VICKY (CONT'D)
He's buying up all your suppliers, Golasaab. He's pushing you out.
GOLA is visibly shaken.
ISHARA (ear to receiver)
Sir, no one is picking up.
VICKY
You're looking for a confirmation?
(pointing to phone)
Call any supplier. Try and buy some bits for next season.
Vicky shakes his head and makes a clicking noise with his tongue.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Without our humble adult reelers, nobody will watch your films, Golasaab.
(sighs)
At any rate, there's not much you can do about it. PK's too connected, too cashed up.
GOLA glares, clenching his jaw.
GOLA
I've never ever crooked you, Vicky.
And this is what I get in return?
VICKY
I didn't crook you. I outsmarted you. PK crooked you.
Vicky can't resist - he has a grin on his face a foot wide.
But Gola and Ishara just stare in cold fury, a hard glaze spreading over them.
80 INT. DUGGAL BROTHERS OFFICE - HALL - NIGHT 80 In the dark office hall, a flashlight travels over rusted
film reels, cardboard boxes, drawers. A hand locates a key.
It's Sonu, who stands in the darkness, teetering in nervous indecision over an open SAFE. He snatches a huge WAD of CASH.
From Vicky's cabin, a muffled argument can be heard. Sonu casts a fearful glance behind him.
He mops his face, looking pale. He's about to stuff the entire wad of cash down his shirt when he suddenly looks guilty. He removes a pinch of bills from the wad, puts them back in the safe, then makes off with the rest.
81 INT. DELUXE CASTING AGENCY - DAY 81
The room is teeming with LOOK-ALIKES. AMITABH BACHCHAN duplicates cluster together, while the BRUCE LEEs share
cigarettes in a corner. SHANU barges in with Sonu, everybody stands up.
A Bruce Lee rushes up and does a fierce "Nanchaku"
impersonation.
SHANU
(shouting at Flunky)
Call Crossbelt Mani. Is this what he asked for?
Shanu walks away irritated as the Flunky takes over.
SONU
(following behind)
Uh, how much would the real thing cost?
SHANU
The real thing? Well, he's not available. He's dead.
SONU
No, no a real actor. A proper actor.
Not this. How much?
SHANU
You want me to get the girls or not?
I don't have all day.
SONU
Um, actually, we don't need any girls.
I lied.
(pause)
I've been thinking. Uh, I want to make a film, Shanu. It sounds stupid but...
SHANU shakes his head and walks away, cursing under his breath.
SONU (CONT'D) (desperately following)
Just listen to me, will you? There's money to be made filming a romantic comedy... other's do it...Why can't I?
Shanu halts. Then he doubles up with unstoppable laughter.
SHANU
Roman..tic... Comedy! Ha, ha.
Sonu's solemn expression makes him laugh even harder, tears roll down his cheeks.
SHANU (CONT'D)
For a man who thinks he's a director, see - a man who thinks he's a star.
(points to Amitabh duplicate)
Go - Amitji is waiting...
Sonu angrily slams a package down on his desk. It's a WAD OF CASH almost ten inches thick.
SHANU (CONT'D)
Whoa. Where the hell did you get this? You pulling something crooked, Sonu?
The LOOK-ALIKES are staring. Shanu screams at them harshly.
SHANU (CONT'D)
Alright, EVERYBODY OUT! Private business. Pappu, out!
Everybody clears out. SHANU jerks open a drawer, puts the cash away. Then he pulls out two glasses and a whisky bottle.
SHANU (CONT'D)
Come on, let's have drinks, eh? No questions. Here's to big-budgets!
SONU (murmuring)
Then, uh, you'll help?
SHANU
Of course, I've always been nice to you, kiddo, haven't I? You need a scriptwriter, no? Someone decent?
Sonu nods.
SHANU (CONT'D)
Best not to talk about this too much, ok? It's a little early to spread it around.
(taps his address book)
I'll make some calls.
SONU (falters)
Are you sure? You really think.. I mean...
SHANU
Don't worry, Sonu, that guy who wrote
"Love Story 85", Nagaich? I know him. And KK Adarsh? Him too. Real professionals. They never cut
corners.
(pause)
I'll need another thirty k right away just to, y'know, get things moving. Pay advances, things like that.
Sonu hesitates. Shanu extends his hand, his sharp eyes studying him.
SHANU (CONT'D)
No backing out now, right, partner?
Let's shake on it.
82 INT. DUGGAL BROTHERS OFFICE - HALL - MORNING 82 Sonu enters the hall cautiously. He hangs back, scared as
hell to face his brother who's busy chatting up an ACTRESS in his cabin.
VICKY
You got to watch out, baby. There are more scoundrels per square inch in this business...
Vicky spots Sonu and excuses himself, walking out of the cabin aggressively.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Where the fuck were you? You're lazing and loafing around, letting everything go to hell!
SONU
I was at the lab, ok? They had a censor raid last week...
VICKY
Stop making excuses, dammit, we're not doing anything out-an-out illegal!
SONU
Then you talk to them. They don't want to release the stuff. What the hell can I do? I tried my best.
I'm sick and tired of being ashamed..
VICKY (lashing out)
ASHAMED? Who the hell is ashamed?
Who would have brought people salvation if it wasn't for us?
SONU
Get your hands off me.
VICKY (pushing Sonu)
The ricksha-wallas, the factory workers, the front-benchers? Who would have brought hope into their pathetic little lives if it wasn't for us?
They are screaming at each other now, Vicky gesticulating wildly. Sonu can feel the blood rising...All his emotions are coming at once - guilt, anger, fear.
SONU
Don't touch me, ok? Don't touch me.
VICKY
What we do here is for the benefit of mankind, understand?
SONU
That's a lie and you know it...
VICKY (screams) Shut up, Sonu!
Vicky on the verge of whacking him. But instead he kicks a table, knocking over a typewriter. Sonu storms out.
The ACTRESS watches from inside the cabin in stunned silence.
83 EXT. DUGGAL BROTHERS OFFICE - BALCONY - MORNING 83 Sonu stares vacantly into empty space, eyes welling with
tears. After a few moments, Vicky comes out onto the dirty balcony. He lights a cigarette roughly, then simmers in angry silence.
VICKY
I'm sorry. I lost my head. I'm sorry, it's just...
Sonu's lips move, but words don't come out.
VICKY (CONT'D)
It's just a bad week, ok. Look, I said I'm sorry.
(pause)
C'mon, PK's investors are backing us all the way. It means we belong to a family, an organization. It means nobody can fuck with us. Not Gola, not anyone. Understand?
The old joviality returns to Vicky's voice, a little strained but more or less there. He lights a cigarette and gives it to Sonu.
VICKY (CONT'D)
C'mon Sonu. Tonight, we go to Hungry Eyes. Eat aunty's momos, like the old days? Ease the tension. Ok?
Sonu nods his head sadly in agreement.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Then tomorrow you go sort this lab thing out. They just need a little handout. That's all.
Vicky rests his hand on Sonu's shoulder and they stand in silence for a while.
84 INT. SAVITRI CO-OP BANK TELLER WINDOW - DAY 84 Sonu is at the teller window. The BANK TELLER is an elderly lady who studies the CHEQUE like a hawk. She functions at a snail's pace making Sonu restless
ELDERLY LADY TELLER Could you please wait one moment, sir.
The BANK TELLER disappears. Sonu waits around impatiently.
She returns with a BANK MANAGER who motions for him to follow through a SERVICE DOOR.
85 INT. SAVITRI CO-OP BANK ACCOUNTS DESK - DAY 85 The BANK MANAGER invites Sonu over to his desk. Sonu eyes
his name plate and designation. It reads: Mr. M. Rathod MR. RATHOD
Your name, sir?
SONU Uh, Sonu. Duggal.
MR. RATHOD (all businesslike)
Mr. Sonu, We're disappointed in you, sir. Very, very disappointed.
Please sit.
Sonu is startled, he looks around. The bank is bustling -nobody pays them any attention. He sits.
The Bank Manager studies the cheque for what seems like a lifetime. We see that Rs. 8000 has been crudely changed to Rs. 80000 by adding an extra zero.
SONU
I-Is there a problem?
MR. RATHOD
Such a clumsy undertaking, Mr. Sonu.
So poorly done. Why don't you just steal from Mr. V. Duggal's P&L?
It's almost as if he's discussing a bank loan or a set of investments.
MR. RATHOD (CONT'D) (flipping documents)
Ah, I see. Your brother's account.
I see. I think I understand the situation here. Family tensions?
SONU (defensive)
Steal? How dare you say...
MR. RATHOD (sinister)
Don't make this painful, sir. You want us to start spot checking accounts, making phone calls?
The Bank Manager brandishes the forged cheque threateningly.
SONU
Now, wait a minute. I.. I MR. RATHOD
Please don't get emotional, sir.
(pause)
I'm on your side.
The Manager's eyes narrow. He sits there watching Sonu who wipes his sweat, shifting nervously.
SONU (jittery)
Ok, so what do you want?
MR. RATHOD Give me a moment.
He disappears. Sonu waits, fearfully scanning the place, jumping in his seat every time someone approaches.
The Manager returns, coolly placing the cash on the desk.
MR. RATHOD (CONT'D) There's your money, sir. Sixty Thousand.
SONU
It should be Eighty...You took Twenty?? H-how could you?
MR. RATHOD
25% during business hours. Here's my card.
Sonu grabs his card, then nervously shoves the money into his bag.
MR. RATHOD (CONT'D) Let's not be shy with one another.
Anything we can do for you here, just call.
86 EXT. SAVITRI CO-OP BANK - DAY 86
Sonu walks out, high-strung, clutching the cash-filled bag.
A few doors down from the bank, Pinky's waiting in the BEATEN SPORT CAR, looking gorgeous. She's munching an apple.
PINKY
Let's go na Sonu. I'm starving.
87 EXT. ELEPHANTA ISLAND FERRY - DAY 87
A wooden ferry crosses the Bombay harbor.
88 INT. ELEPHANTA ISLAND FERRY - DAY 88
PINKY kicks her head back, the sunlight hitting her face.
She laughs as the sea breeze tosses her hair. Sonu watches her, dreamily, drinking in every delicious detail of her.
Bombay is visible in the distance.
SONU
We'll shoot the opening here. Uh, you like it?
PINKY
It's beautiful, Sonu.
(pause)
Thanks again for the advance. It's so much, wow...
She flicks the money in her purse in disbelief.
She reaches for his hand and doesn't let go. The wind blows hard, their clothes flutter wildly.
89 INT. ELEPHANTA ISLAND FERRY - DECK - EVENING 89 They have found themselves a secluded spot on the deck of
the ferry.
PINKY
Sonu, I don't even know the scenario of Miss Lovely. I mean, when...
SONU Shhh.
(puts his finger on her lips)
It's still too early, Pinky. This is your first film, I don't want us to curse it.
She nods innocently, then leans into him, snuggling her head against his chest. His clings to her, touching his lips to her hair. Her beauty is irresistible.
SONU (CONT'D) (softly)
The Producers are convinced and I'm convinced. That's all that matters.
She touches his arm gently.
PINKY
And your brother? Did he think I had potential?
Sonu's face falls. He slides firmly out of her embrace.
SONU (icy)
How do you know about my brother?
PINKY
Your little friend told me...
SONU (uncomfortable)
No, but my brother is, he's more, uh, he makes horror films.
PINKY
You didn't like Jaani Dushman? I loved Mumtaz in Nagin?
(pause)
You don't want me to meet him?
SONU
No no, it's just, my taste. It's different. We're separate.
Pinky looks hurt and disappointed. There's little finger of hair hanging down the middle of her forehead, she looks at it, then it blows upward. This makes Sonu smile. He relents.
SONU (CONT'D)
Ok. I'll introduce you to him, ok?
She pretends to sulk for a bit, then she makes a cheeky face.
PINKY (Teasing)
You're kind of touchy? You don't look that type.
SONU Well, uh, maybe.
PINKY (staring at him)
You're a lot older than you look, aren't you?
SONU Yeah, kind of.
PINKY (smiling now)
Why? It's cute. You don't like it?
She smoothes the hair back from his head. He pulls away.
SONU (resentful)
Being a man and looking like a kid?
Having people laugh every time you act like a man. Ha?
PINKY
I'm not laughing at you, Sonu.
SONU
Oh yeah, maybe you would? Suppose things had been different? If I met you at a party and tried to kiss you like any man, you would have laughed your head off.
PINKY is silent, watching him with a half-smile.
SONU (CONT'D)
And don't tell me you wouldn't, because I know you would.
PINKY grabs him and presses her mouth against his.
And then Sonu's kissing her like he's been waiting all his life to do just that.
90 INT. TALK OF THE TOWN - CABARET STAGE - NIGHT 90 A wild cabaret number: A showgirl in golden sequins writhes
on the floor as a live band plays frantic PERCUSSION.
91 INT. TALK OF THE TOWN - NADIA'S TABLE - NIGHT 91 Nestled in a private corner, Nadia celebrates her 21st
birthday. Vicky's holding court on a large table. SHADY FILM PEOPLE, HOODS in out-dated suits and their dolled-up GIRLFRIENDS make a racket. This is GOLA's OLD CREW (seen previously at the POOL & LIBERTY CINEMA)
VICKY (laughing)
Remember that girl from Lucknow? PK thought she popped it.
DODGY GUEST (hysterical)
Vicky gave her so many pills, she slept for two days!
A SLEAZY OLD GENT is trying to pick up a STRUGGLING ACTRESS at the far end of the table.
SLEAZY OLD GENT
This is, what's your name, darling?
ROUGH LADY (across the table)
Hey Guruji! Saturday night, no wives, only girlfriends, eh?
The cabaret act announces - "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS NADIA!"
and kicks off a bossanova number. Everyone raise their glasses in salute. Vicky fills Nadia's drink, spilling it everywhere.
92 INT. TALK OF THE TOWN RECEPTION - NIGHT 92 GOLA, ISHARA and two THUGS push their way in. They make
their way to Vicky's table as the bossanova tune builds.
93 INT. TALK OF THE TOWN - NADIA'S TABLE - NIGHT 93 They arrive at Nadia's table. One of the DRUNKEN GUESTS
gets up, a THUG shoves him roughly and he falls back on his chair.
VICKY (angrily)
Hey, what's the matter with you?
Everybody's friends here, right?
GOLA's THUGS starts flinging plates. A GIGGLY GIRL gets up horrified, ISHARA pushes her. She falls.
HOOD (barking)
Finish your dinner!
Vicky's GUESTS are alarmed. Nadia looks around, restless.
VICKY (tense, stepping
forward)
Take it easy. I told you - talk to PK. I've got nothing...
ISHARA (furious, shoving
Vicky)
Talk? YOU talk to fuckin' PK. Give us what you owe us, you goddamn thief!
Vicky moves in on GOLA, staring right into his face.
VICKY
Well that's the way it looks to you.
(he pauses)
Now I'll tell you how it looks to us.
GOLA is taken aback.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Isn't your daughter getting married in December? Good family, I hear.
(pause)
We must come and pay our regards.
ISHARA
Hey shut the hell up...
VICKY
We're insiders here, old man. The groom's family know about your thing for minors?
GOLA (livid)
Shut up!
Vicky gives Gola a wide grin.
VICKY (strict)
Don't embarrass me in front of my guests.
(introducing people around the table) You know them, no?
Vicky's GUESTS begin to smirk. These include some of Gola's former "friends" - including the Diamond Talkies Owner.
VICKY (CONT'D)
You see, Golasaab? It wouldn't be smart to ruin my party, would it?
Vicky flicks an invisible speck of dust from his shirt.
GOLA
(under his breath)
You can't run, Vicky. We'll come for you.
Nadia's had too much to drink. She folds her hands, tilts her head, irritated.
NADIA (interrupting) Thank you and goodbye.
GOLA
You should be smart enough not to get involved, bitch!
NADIA
You've ever done anything for me?
I'm playing with big boys now, ok...
The orchestra ends their tune with a bang. Nadia's voice carries in the silence.
NADIA (CONT'D)
...not with your little wee-wee that can't even say hello...
Nadia puts a hand over her mouth, too late.
NADIA (CONT'D) Oops!
Everyone turns to look. GOLA reddens, turns abruptly and
marches out, flanked by his THUGS. He is followed by a titter that swells into guffaws.
94 EXT. TALK OF THE TOWN - FACADE - NIGHT 94
Sonu waits outside the neon-lit bar in anticipation - he checks his watch. In the background, GOLA and the THUGS storm out.
Across the empty street, a TAXI passes to reveal PINKY, standing under a streetlight. She's stunning, in a shiny dress, with large hoop earrings and kohl eyeliner. She comes over to Sonu, who looks edgy.
PINKY
Did you wait long? I'm sorry.
Pinky interlocks her arm in his, excited.
PINKY (CONT'D) Let's go in?
95 INT. TALK OF THE TOWN RECEPTION - NIGHT 95