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Basmati Blues (2017)
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[steam hissing] [rumbling] [woman vocalizing] Somewhere There's another sun S Somewhere There's another moon a' Somewhere In this cloud of dust a' When you stare Into the stars r Wondering Where on earth you are I Remember don't give up a' Rise a' And breathe a' Again a' Close your eyes And take a step a' You will find What happens next a' Will set you on your way a' All you need Is in your heart a' It will guide you In the dark r To the crossroads of the day I' [woman vocalizes] Rise a' And breathe a' Again a' [song plays on radio] A' When you see The road behind you a' Disappear It will remind you a' There's a time For letting go a' [computer beeping] Morning, Dad. Oh, hi, honey. I got a surprise. Oh, I don't like surprises. In honor of launching Rice Nine in India, Mogil is doubling our staff and our research budget. That's a good face. I have so many ideas, Dad. Your mother would be very proud. Well, uh, time to go. I'll see you at the lab. [laughs] Bye. [sighs] We're gonna do it, Mom. -[beeps] -[percolating] -[siren in distance] -[horn honks] '[beeping] '[Clinks] [siren continues] [horn honks] [musical clinking] [dings] It's got to be the start Of something epic r Kicking off A picture perfect day a' Positively first rate Copacetic a' A-OK A' Stylin' in my lab coat Like it's Prada r Not a lot of time For pumps and pearls a' Doing what a science hero's Gotta do r To try and save the world r She has some doubts If she can rise I' To the occasion of success a' But all signs point to a' Yes, yes, yes I I know there's no guarantee 4' For worldwide happiness a' But all signs point to yes a' It seems naive But I really do believe a' There's hope for change 4' To say it's all A waste of time a' So maybe I'm deluded Or deranged r Can one girl make the world A better place r The evidence suggests I' That all signs point to a' Yes, yes, yes I I know there's no guarantee 4' And time will be the test a' But all signs point to yes a' I'm thinking that science Is a new art a' And I'm feeling like I'm off to a great start a' I'm working on a masterpiece a' I got vision and precision And expertise r And all signs point to I' Yes, yes, yes I Can anyone do any good a' It's anybody's guess a' But all signs point to a' All signs point to a' YES. [Linda] Dad, look at this. The ribosome is resistant to the MD mosaic virus. [older woman] Rice Nine. Resistance to drought, flood, pestilence and blight. Nine percent more protein. As many nutrients in a single cup as a steak dinner, and salad and baked potato. With or without sour cream? With sour cream. As promised, the father-daughter team behind Rice Nine. One cup of Rice Nine has as much calcium as a 30-gram dollop of sour cream. Would you guys like to take a look in the microscope? -[reporter] Oh, yes. - Dr. Linda Watt. And don't let her youth fool you. [wind blowing] Movie time, gentlemen. [mm] a' It's Mogil movie time a' It's Mogil movie time a' [Gurgon] India. Five hundred million farmers, 1.1 billion rice eaters, all of them potential customers. [beeps] Bilari, the birthplace of Basmati rice. How did you figure that out? It's not a fact, it's an article of faith with our marketing department. Who say that launching Rice Nine in the hallowed cradle of Basmati rice will be an auspicious event. We need the Indians to trust us. And at the moment, they don't. [beeps] Berg, you said Jeffries would be perfect as Mogil's friendly face in India. Turns out his face was a little too friendly. He got caught with a governor's wife. - I-- - Shut up, Berg. We could lose India because of that. And we cannot lose India. No, we cannot. We need someone who can make them forget Jeffries. We need someone they can believe in. With the power to melt hardened hearts. Someone with delicacy. [woman] Hearts and minds. Trust. That someone works inside Mogil. Let's think outside the box. [all murmuring] [Gurgon] Hmm. Too passive. A long shot. Talk to me. Talk to me. [Gurgon] Fire that fellow. And breathe a' Again a' [Gurgon] Young Dr. Watt. - Dr. Watt, a question. Isn't it true you created this just so Meg can patent and own it? No, we created it to help farmers all over the world. Rice Nine produces 22% more rice per acre. And the patents pay for the lab. -[man 2] But she's a scientist. -[beeps] A seed that could feed the world. And I'm... proud. [Gurgon] Doctors Watt. Mr. Gurgon. What a surprise. [Gurgon] Well, well. The creators of Rice Nine. I've got some good news for you. We're sending you to India tomorrow. - Me? - What? I don't even like leaving my own neighborhood. [laughs] I mean, who does? Jeffries screwed the pooch. And we don't have a sales rep who can help us. I don't even have a passport. It's just three weeks. In and out. This is too important. I'm not a public relations person. She's practically running the lab now. - That's where you want her. - Absolutely, of course. Yes. But there won't be a lab if we lose India. [jet engine] [crowd chatters] -[horns honking] -[whistle blowing] [Linda] Train station. [driver shouts] This street. -[whistle blows] -[Linda] No, I got it. Or not. Cw! [man chanting] [scoffs] I'm sorry. Please take it. No, you take it. What? You have to try this tea. It's from the Northeast. It's delicious. [steam hisses] [Rajit] India's destiny's at stake. It's a tragedy to let such a mind go to waste. And you know, my professor said I was best in class. A blend of natural brilliance and dedication. I'm paraphrasing, but only slightly. I was studying at a great college. First in my family. Now my talents go to waste because I can't afford my tuition. Here, auntie, let me help you. You know, yesterday I was working towards my country's future, and by dinner time I'll be in the fifth century. How are the crickets? You know, the ones in the lab that eat at night and the ones in the apartment -that eat during the day. -[Watt] They're good. But they, um... they won't touch the manicotti. No. No. [laughs] The frozen manicotti is actually for you. I know that it says two minutes on high, but... blech! It's actually two minutes, 44 seconds works the best. How are you doing? - Should I be worried? - No, it's not so bad. It's actually kind of like Penn Station. -[goat bleats] -[chuckles] I hate to say it, but I think I have to go. - I love you. Ooh! -[bleats] [train whistle blows] Don't worry yourself, Ma. I've thoroughly prepared myself to ferry this old man around while he takes less note of me than a stray dog. You're as important as you make yourself. - Uh... -[Linda grunts] Um... Pardon me, you're Dr. Watt's assistant? Oh, you mean the old guy? Tweedy coat, glasses. Um... I'm him. Or I'm me. - Oh... - I'm Dr. Linda Watt. -[stammers] - It's okay. Your father must be so proud of you. This is my son, William J. Patel. I will be your government rep, and don't you worry. We will turn this Mogil mess right around, Dr. Watt. Linda. You can call me Linda. Linda. - Please. - Oh, great. - Oh, 1-- - I'll get- [driver] Please, let me. Just, um... It's okay. [Linda] Thank you. Of course. Believe we're riding in mama's limo. He is. He's in the Agriculture Ministry. Who's his new American girlfriend? [girl] Ah. Does my brother have a crush? [Rajit's father] Come on, get on with it! [trills] - Hiiii! -[man 1] What's the rush? If we're late your mother's abandonment issues will make her cook a lot of food. And if we don't eat all of it, then her irrational fears will cause a persecution complex. What? Psychology programs on the radio. Don't ask. Come on, Freud, Jung, get on with it! Ahh! [grunts] Chromosome! Oh, you're awake. Am I? Where am I? Um, your home. We're here. [William] Have a seat. [soft chatter] So, tomorrow I will show you the wonder of Bilari. Uh, no, I can't. I've never done anything like this before, so I really need to focus on getting ready. There's just the one wonder, really. Thank you, but I have over 100 specimen slides to prepare. Your plan is to show slides to farmers? Mm-hmm. Linda, these are simple men... Honey, we're glad you've come to drag these savages -out of the Stone Age. - Oh, but I don't think-- Farmers are the feet on which the nation stand. I know. I know that. I'm with you. [chatter resumes] [rooster crows] When tomorrow comes a' Face the dawning a' When tomorrow comes a' Embrace the dawning 4' I wander through These doubts a' For some sign or reason a' And wonder if the road a' Will know the way a' -. Where's the future r - Good morning, Rajit. I thought would be dawning a' Wake up, Rajit. And when's the moment Night is followed by day a Tomorrow has begun 4' What now is to be done a' When tomorrow comes a' -: Today a' -: When tomorrow comes a' Tomorrow comes Face the dawning a' The million miles uncharted a' And uncertain I' The future used to be So far away a' -. Now's the moment it seems I -[father] Good morning! Though alone With just these dreams a' To believe in a' I'll find The strength within a' And let the future begin r To believe in a' Break on through the night Take in the light a' For a season Break into the day a' And make your way Through believing a' Break on through the night Take in the light a' For a season r Well, tomorrow has begun a' What now's to be done a' When tomorrow comes a' Today I When tomorrow comes a' a' Tomorrow comes r Face the dawning a' When tomorrow comes a' a' Tomorrow comes r Face the dawning a' [indistinct] [cell phone rings] Dad! YES. The lab is equipped. There's rice, and air circulation and people who hang things on the walls. It's perfect. Ish. [glass shatters] [gasps] [Linda] That was nothing. Just a little deviation from the norm. Sorry. [sighs] I can't believe I'm back to this. I-- [grunts loudly] It's a stem borer egg. You know they'll kill half the crop. I was studying a stinkweed called hyzarium geranus that would have killed these. Ah. I told everyone you went away on a vacation. Yeah, you just plant them between the rice rows and you don't need any expensive pesti-- They thought I was on vacation. You know how they are. "Your son is very smart. He found a way to get out of working." [grunts] Sorry. Not smart enough to figure out how to pay for college. They mock you out of insecurity. I want to know how this makes you feel. Trapped. Suffocated. Ooh. Wait. I might have enough money to buy stinkweed plants. People will line up to buy them. Wait, wait. Come back! This is my ticket back to college. Come back! We were making real progress. [beeps, powers off] Not possible. I had this thing charging all night. Never say impossible. The power was out all night. You know what, take me home. I will order the slides from the house phone. And you can charge your phone in the car. [hums] [shouts] [chuckles] Don't leave me here. I'll get the part, drive you home. You can order new slides. No problem. [man sings to self] Patel, make sure this new rep stays sober. [laughs] You don't have to worry about Linda, sir. Linda? Don't even think about trying anything with her. No, sir, of course not. Look, the Indian farmers really need this. - Yes, sir. - Hope you're your father's son. The farmers loved him. You'll take her to 35 cities in 20 days. She lectures and inspires, you handle the contracts. Yes, sir. I won't let you down, Director Kapoor. Thank you. No. Thank your mother. [chirping] [cawing] [lows] [chuckles] Hello. [Rajit] Hi. Do you speak English? English? Yes, lady memsahib. I'm speaking English many. Please, thank you. Are you going into town? Yes, lunching. Monkey masala today. Monkey masala? Very bad monkey. Monkeys many hungry. Very chewing. Cooking long times. [laughs] Oh. Oh, is that for rice? No. It's for killing monkeys. Come, watching. - I haven't seen any monkeys. - Shh. It's good weapon. Uh, this how we making hello. Hello. [laughs] A traditional greeting. [laughs] We don't do this where I'm from. But we should. It's fun. [laughs] - Hello. -[Rajit chuckles] Hello. Hello. [Rajit] This is a monkey bridge. [Linda] Listen, it's impossible to catch jet lag. But the man back there said you can. - Hi. - Linda. What a surprise. Hi. I met these guys. This is Rajit and this is Buddy. Yeah. Um... I want you to meet a village elder from the shrine. Shri Barshlam. - Linda. -[mutters] Greet him. Oh. Oh! [goat bleats] [speaks foreign language] [aHlaugh] Oh... [laughter] Um... He says you must learn to ride a horse. Oh. [chuckles] - Thank you. -[mutters] [William] Let's get out of here. [laughing] -[grunts] - Crazy. What? Amused? - Yeah. - Mm, little bit. - Kind of. -[laughs] You may think this is very funny, but as a rice farmer she is the most important person in your life. [Buddy] Oh, look at this. Suddenly, Prince William knows all about farming. Hey, Buddy's goat is the most important thing in his life. One day, know what, our love won't be forbidden. [aHlaugh] What does she know about farming, huh? She thought a hoe was for killing monkeys. And her fingertip, did you notice? It had no callus. It was soft as ghee. It was pretty soft. - Hmm. - Hmm. - Monkey masala? - If you're buying. - Yeah, I can buy you some. - Thank you, sir. [William] I always wanted to see a Broadway show. The Empire State Building. Maybe go to a Yankee game. I know I only ran into you because your phone died. - And your car died. - Mm. But I'm glad it did. Yeah, I'm glad too. You rescued me. I can't save you from everything. Shri insists you go riding, so... Oh. Well, I used to love to ride. - Yeah? - Yeah. I mean, you could come too. But first... After we get the farmers on board. -[Linda] Right. - You know what? You should meet their kids. One... Two... Oh, I'm sorry. Are we interrupting? No, no. Please come in. Oh, um... It's an emergency at the Ministry. I'm sorry, I have to go. I'll see you later. Girls... [claps] Go practice. I'm Sita. And you're Linda. The beautiful American who's replacing the drunk, adultering salesman. Wow, word really gets around. We call it the Rice Paddy Radio. You're new here, so you're coming to my family's house -for dinner tonight. - Cool. -[girl] Yeah, you now. - Oh. Oh, no, no, no. [music plays] Hands in position. One, two... This is it. One. Two. [Rajit's father] Our son is a scientist too. [mother] Rajit always did experiments. He was always top of his class. He researches agricultural sustainability. Impressive. I can't wait to meet him. He's considered an expert on stinkweed. [Linda] Wow. [mother] Such a diligent student. [father] Raj. That's him?! That's the monkey hunter. Traditional family greeting. '[9l'unts] -[clattering] Real mature, Rajit. That was pretty funny. [chuckles] Well, you know, we met once before. On the train? I was on the roof. You gave me the last tea. From the Northeast. [laughter] How did you end up coming here? - Do you eat cows? - Are you married? - No. Who has time for that? -[laughter] Not that it-- That it's always-- She's taking time to think and become more of her own person. [boy] Rajit is single though. [girl] Yeah, Sima ran up to Delhi to be a cosmetologist. Yeah, and that was a win-win. That marriage was arranged by the gods! But you young people with your commitment anxiety... [mocking] ...and your narcissism. - So, Rajit, you're a student? - Yes. Well, he's working on his degree in Agricultural Science. -[boy] Not anymore. - I'm taking a sabbatical. - You know how it is. -[chuckles] Absolutely. Reboot. Come back with fresh eyes. YES. [Linda] a Oh, hard times a' Come again no more a' Oh, hard times Come again no more a' That's a very sad story. -[Sita] Mm. - But true. You can keep the guitar. -[Linda] Oh, I couldn't. - Yeah. Some hippie left it many years ago. It's just lost that... patchouli smell. [Rajit] The British stole the silverware, that's why we eat with our hands. [Linda laughs] So, how does a scientist get into seed sales? I don't know. - They sang me a song. - Oh, yeah? Yeah. I think you're really gonna like it here, doctor. Hey. Welcome to my office. -[Linda] It's very roomy. - Mm-hm. You must be very important. Oh, very- [Rajit] And then the stem-borers. They're like the piranhas of the paddies. Yes, they can eat twice their weight in six hours. I have nightmares about those guys. But you know there is a ferbacia that can kill it. Hedysarum geranus. That is my sixth favorite weed. - Wow, that is so weird. - Yeah. I never met anybody who likes weeds. What an unexpected night. [horn honks] -[Rajit chuckles] - That's Aman. My ride. - Of course. - Mm-hm. It was nice... re-meeting you. [laughs] You should stop by my lab. I'll show you my rice. - Okay- - Okay-. [family shouts] Bye, Linda! [laughs] Bye. [bird squawks] Ta-da! Ooh! Luckily, I have no end to my self-esteem. Don't move! Turns out I do have an end to my self-esteem. [sighs] I have negative air pressure to keep the foreign pollens out. But those were pretty. Exora cocinea? Of course. Exora cocinea. - I'm a gentleman, you know. -[laughs] You should join me tonight. Farmers are gonna be here in an hour. No slides! I wish I had some experience teaching. I'm supposed to win back their hearts and minds. What does that even mean? Hmm. Wouldn't it be more poetic if it was in a circle? You know, the endless cycle of life kind of thing? - Would you care to join me? - T-shirts! Um... you know what? I'll come back. Bye. Oh, thanks for the flowers. You're welcome. - Rajit. - Billy. Scoring off those bananas. Nice outfit. [Rajit chuckles] Have a good day. I brought you local bananas. Put these on. This is a sterile lab. And get the musa acuminata out of here. It's a sub-species, first of all, and they're really sweet. Please put this on or go outside. Oh, my God, are you serious? You know your rice is going to have to grow outside. It's called Mother Nature, there's flowers. People walk around barefoot, it's beautiful. - You don't know what I'm doing. - I know. That's why I'm here. You invited me, remember? Wow. So this is what an American rice paddy looks like. How come the life cycles are in a line, not a circle? - I like when it's in a circle. - Because this one's not. [chuckles] I'm sorry. I'm just-- I'm exasperated. Don't worry, India does that to all newcomers. Uh-uh. I'm pretty sure it's just you. - Oh, yeah? - Mm-hm. Okay, well, then consider these apology bananas. They can be a sub-species of apology banana. Outside. [father outside] Rajit! Rajit, work! Okay, but I'm gonna come back to further my education. - Okay. - Okay, and I'll leave these-- - Don't leave them here! - I know, I know. Have a good day. That's a really cute hat. We match. [chuckles] Raj. - Okay, bye. [father] You're in avoidance mode. [men murmuring] So Rice Nine, it's different because-- Did you really hit our town elder? Uh, it was a misunderstanding. [men chatter in foreign language] It was just a tap. What makes it different-- Drought resistant, pest resistant, vitamins, nine percent more protein. We even know the jingle. Oh. a' Rice Number Nine r It's made by design... 4' Yeah, I brought my microscope-- But your slides were ruined. So we heard. On Rice Paddy Radio. - So nothing to show now. -[murmuring] Yeah. I don't know why I'm here. I should... be in the lab with my dad. [speaks foreign language] Uh, Rajit's father told us your vulnerability would evoke our paternal instincts. Jeffries never even spoke with us. And you went to a farmer's house and had a meal. And you give us these nice hats and slippers. [all chuckle] Hey, you know what is cool under a microscope? A human hair. Cw! I'll show you. Tfaliuhglis] I'm intrigued. [Rajit] What we're talking about is natural management. That means planting more of my stinkweed, -and planting further apart. - Ah. Plant less plants. That does sound natural. - For a lazy man. -[laughs] What else? Should we get more sleep? Mogil's got it all figured out with Rice Nine. Even the stem beetles. Rice Nine is armored with a protective sheath. What is this Rice Nine? You really should have come to Dr. Linda's class this morning. This is her rice? Don't you talk to your girlfriend? Hey, she's not my girlfriend, okay? That's beside the point. I, a farmer from your own village am here. I'm trying to help you. Rice Number Nine It's made by design a' You're ahead of your time 4' With Rice Number Nine a' [farmer] Learn something. The farmers like Rice Nine, Dad. They just needed to know there was someone behind it -they could trust. - Dr. Linda, hi. - Dr. Linda, hello. -[laughs] Hi. Sounds like you made some friends today. [sighs] Now to win over the rest of the country. [groans] Our little rice is all grown up. [chuckles] This harvest we're exchanging our old, crappy rice for shiny, new, high-yield Rice Nine. Hm. [farmer] They're having an event. "Rice Exchange Day". Right here, in the hallowed cradle of Basmati rice. Hallowed cradle? What are you talking about? - It's catchy. -[all laugh] Listen, if you think some big agro-business is gonna look out for your best interests, you're crazy. Move your cloud of doom out of my sunlight. I can't see my cards. [men laugh] [chatter in foreign language] And I was not on vacation! [all laughing] Oh, hey, guys. Great news. I survived my presentation. You guys should stop by and check it out before I take this show on the road. [lows] So, any questions about rice, just let me know. Did you know we've been farming for over 5,000 years? [laughs] It just feels that way. -[animal grunts] - That came out wrong. I'm just here to help. - Which is a great opportunity. - Sure. Did you know in today's India we're worth more than just, I don't know, tech support for some screaming, sobbing American who's erased their hard drives? - Mogil sent me here-- - Oh, the benevolent Mogil. You ever heard the phrase a wolf in sheep's clothing? Yeah. It's a lot like a person who pretends to be helpful and really they're just screwing with somebody. You thought we ate monkeys. Because you lied to me. If you weren't so self-involved you would have remembered me from the train and you wouldn't have fallen for it. Maybe you're not as memorable as you think. Because so many men are falling at your feet that you can't even remember who they are. How can you be so vain? Wow, you're mad at me because I don't remember you and I'm the one who's vain? Well... You thought we ate monkeys! [grunts] [grunts] [thunder rumbles] Aman, could you stop the car? [Linda] I feel like walking. [Aman] Walking? [Linda] I just want to look at the stars. [Aman] Sure, sure. I know enough about biology r To know that love Is not some mystery 4' It's chemicals I It's only chemicals 4' Maybe you're funny And maybe you're smart r Maybe your whole exceeds The sum of your parts a' Maybe your eyes They're gonna break my heart a' But don't you even think I'm ever gonna start r Getting physical r You may be kissable a' You see that oxytocin Is released in a dream r Seratonin's Mixed with dopamine a' Combined together With adrenaline r Your body starts singing Like a violin I' It's not magical r Or mystical a' Love, don't knock at my door a' Don't come here no more a' Love isn't what I'm looking for now a' Forget the sun It's in the love poetry a' That stuff has never meant A damn to me I' It's trivial 4' Though understandable 4' Remember they're sowing poison In the food that we grow a' It's terrifying What the data shows r Destroy our planet And we'll reap what we sow I And nobody in power Seems to want to know a' It's cataclysmical I' But she's very beautiful x Love, don't knock at my door a' Don't come here no more a' Love isn't what I'm looking for now a' Love, don't knock At my door r Don't come here no more a' Love isn't what I'm looking for now a' She'd look wonderful beside me At an embassy ball r A lovely set of antlers On my library wall a' I'll teach her how to talk With a superior drawl r To London, Manhattan To hell with them all a' I feel masterful a' A' So powerful a' It's wonderful 4' And she's very beautiful a' Love, come knock at my door a' You've missed me before I Don't want to be alone No more now I Don't knock at my door a' Don't come here No more I' Love isn't what I'm looking for now a' -a' Love r -4' Love a' Don't knock at my door a' Don't come here no more a' Love isn't what I'm looking for now a' [farmer] Rajit, why is it when you tell me not to sign the Mogil contract I want to sign it more? -[all laughing] -[Rajit] You're not listening. Look, with stinkweed my rice harvest is gonna outweigh anything you've ever grown. You do know we've grown rice for 5,000 years -around here, young man. - Ha-ha-ha! We're talking about a contest here, all right? At harvest time, take equal sections of Linda's paddy field and Rajit's field and weigh them against each other. Biggest harvest wins. Look, you're gonna forget about Rice Exchange Day, or Rice Nine or whatever, and you're gonna line up to buy my stinkweed. Just keep your gossipy mouths shut, okay? Oh, you're gonna keep it a secret from your girlfriend? She's not his girlfriend. Okay, look, I'm gonna tell her, all right? It's just, uh, scientific protocol. - Oh. - Scientific-- [laughs] - Just shut up about it, okay? -[farmer] Yeah, yeah, right. And if William pressures you to sign... Tell him the stars aren't lucky until after Diwali. Maybe he really did learn something on vacation. Hmm, no point signing the Mogil contracts until we see how this turns out. Ooh. An epic battle for our affections. Let's spread the word. [laughs] [Pop song plays] [Raiit] It's me again. Did anybody sign anything yet? [man] Dr. Watt is making sense. And she speaks from the heart. [Rajit] Please, I'm telling you my stinkweed's gonna work. Just give me until the harvest, and I'll prove it. Don't sign those contracts. [Linda] It's nothing to worry about, right? There's always the anomaly. Just one bad day. Congratulations, Rajit. Rice Paddy Radio says nobody's signing. [Evelyn] 12 cities and bupkis. Not a single contract signed. This is bad. Are you hearing anything on Rice Paddy Radio? Rice Paddy what? [pop song continues] It's Linda's office, they have her on the line. Dr. Linda Watt. I was just thinking about you. Sorry, it's William J. Patel. But I had to get through. [Gurgon] Lapel. It's Patel. You're even handsomer than I'd imagined. What's up? Actually, it's about that wonder rice of yours, the rice that produces no seed. - La pel . - Pa tel. Rice is a seed. About that contract of yours... I had to read the fine print three times before I could understand the implications. Implications? Once you take their rice, they're trapped... by yours. And you have the farmers lining up for it, thanks to Linda's passion. - Now Lapel... - My name is Patel. I know it's your instinct to shout those implications from the top of the tallest pagoda. Linda has no idea, does she? - Scotch, is it? - Excuse me? Royal Salute, is that your drink? - Uh... -[knocking] [Gurgon] Berg, he takes it on the rocks. Nice, isn't it? As it happens, you called at a most-- They're on the line, MG. Auspicious moment. Are you with us, Geneva? -[men speak French] - Are you with us, London? -[men greet] - Berlin. -[men speak German] - Alan Wood. Good morning. [Gurgon] Hello, Uncle Gene. Are you with us, Lapel? Well, I'm listening but I'm not with anybody, just... Don't be coy. You called. A rupee for your thoughts. Well, to be honest, I'm not so sure the farmers will be able to pay for the seed year after year. Well, if they don't have cash, there are other ways to pay. Land, for example. I mean, why should farmers have to worry about owning land. Hmm. Rice Number Nine a' It's made by design 4' You're ahead of your time 4' With Rice Number Nine a' Mogil a' We are the hand that feeds a' Think about the greater good 4' A broader point of view a' We're all for The greater good a' The many need the few I' Heed the higher call 4' [thunder rumbles] And lead the charge For one and all r Start working for The greater good a' So, who would own the farmers' land? One big local landowner. Understand? With a big cowboy hat and it's from profit. Simple as that. All he thinks about Is the greater good a' He's the greatest guy a' Business is so often Misunderstood r Makes you want to cry a' So easy, buy low, sell high a' The profits pay The little guy a' While working for The greater good a' Take out your steno pads, ladies. When it comes To job creation a' Conglomerates can't be beat 4' You gotta loosen up Child labor laws a And get the kiddies Off the street I' Oh, Evelyn! What's that look, Lapel? It's an old expression Full of ancient wisdom r The greater good a' It's the premise and promise Of the trickle-down system a' The greater good a' Greater good a' Rising tides Will lift us all a' The greater good a' From the rice field To the mall x a' In the long haul It's all for the greater a' Obi-wan Kenobi gave up To Darth Vader a' In the long haul it's all For the greater good I We can make this world A better place r Greater good a' We can feed The entire human race a' And we can rest With easy conscience r Knowing everything We've done a' Is for the best It's how the West was won 4' This is a hat... for a hero. [GI-Irgon] Well? Now I see the implications. [William] Now you see It's all for the greater good Time to take your vow a' You will give your all For the greater good 4' I'd even eat a cow I' Humanity is great 4' At least the ones Who pull their weight a' It ain't even but it's fair x The lion takes The lion's share a' To motivate The working class r You're gonna have to Kick some ass I' While working for The greater r You're the innovator a' Working for the greater good 4' [fireworks] It's no accident we've been thrown together like this, son. It's destiny. You're bound, bound for glory. "[93395] -[Gurgon] Don't let me down. And there'll be a place for you... in New York City. [buzzing] Why isn't anyone signing these? Rumesh? Contracts must after until after Diwali. The stars are bad. Only two farmers have signed and it's almost Rice Exchange Day. How am I gonna face my father? - This is the best rice... - Okay, okay. Wait, listen. Shh. Don't even think about the contracts. That's my job. I know farmers. Everything, including contracts, is "in the stars". Well, those stars better shift fast. After the holiday, they'll sign. - Diwali? - Mm-hm. Diwali's kind of like Christmas, so nobody will sign on Diwali. But they will, after. You've impressed them so much. Chief, could you get us a couple of Cokes, please? There are some in the fridge. Oh, yes. I'm on it. So... we're going dancing tonight. What? It's in the stars. One, please. Hm. From the Northeast. Oh. Thank you. [Sita] You don't look ready to go dancing. Show me another dress. My other dress is a lab coat. -[grunts] What are you do-- -[smacks] What are you doing? [giggles] Artie's dress will fit. It's decided. I'll have Rajit drive you. Our favorite Time of the year a' Diwali A' Staying up all night To hang up all my lights a' 'Cause my baby Is coming home a' [dance music playing] [Linda laughs] Hey, girl! [bell rings] Come in. How was your vacation? Very relaxing. [Sita] Dance! [groans] [laughs] Hey! - What is going on? - Don't worry. Let's try this. Right, screw in the light bulb. Pet a goat. Light bulb. Pet goat. [Linda] I'm going to get something to drink. [William] Okay. I'll be right here. [Linda] Sorry. Hey. Nice to see a familiar face. Yeah. You know, you've got some really good moves. You must have been Indian in a past life. You have some moves too. Yeah, I must have been white in a past life. [laughs] It's really great getting out. I've been so stressed. Why? You can tell me. My father's practically a psychologist. Nobody's signing the contracts. I don't know why. It's-- I've been losing sleep over it. I'm... sure it's nothing personal. I know. I know. It's just me thinking about it all the time. It's, um, it's Diwali. You know, the stars. They're lousy for contracts. I heard. It's okay. I-I just... -drive myself crazy sometimes. -[chuckles] But you know, tonight is about fun. So... To fun! [laughs] I'll let you go. How 'bout just one dance? [slow music plays] Hey! [claps] Are you looking for Linda? - Yeah. - She's upstairs. Oh. Thanks. Don't think I've been Here before r Someone leaves me Wanting more a' Is this just My heart's cruel game a' Have I found love Or is it all in my mind r Her face When I close my eyes a' Her name on a grain of rice a' Could it be My heart's to blame 4' Have I found love Or is it all in my mind r -. All in my mind a' - All in my mind a' That glow, that light 4' If I could make the formula I I would a' The stars that shine On both of us a A trick of light Or can I trust a' Lose it if I turn away a' I found love a' Or is it all in my mind 4' All in my mind All in my mind I All in my mind 4' That glow, that light 4' If I could make a formula r I would a' Love's just a game I' Played by others a' I've known in by others a' I've seen in by others r who've fallen in Love's just a game a' Played by others I've known in by others a' I've seen in by others r who've fallen Fallen a' Fallen, fallen, fallen a' All in my mind All in my mind I That glow, that light 4' If I could make a formula r I would a' Linda... about Diwali. I've gotta confess something. Show me your hand stamp. Out of here. What's this all about? This is how all my nights out end. - I'll find you tomorrow. -[bouncer] Move it, move it! - There you are. - They just threw Rajit out. That's terrible. [birds calling] Up, up, up! I think I finally caught Linda's eye. Any girl can see you're the world's most lovable boy. Your father would have wanted you to have this. He'd be so proud. It's in Ma's jewelry box. The song Dad wrote for her. The song you should sing for Linda. [laughs] Ah! I'm gonna tell her about the secret rice weighing contest. I'm gonna beg her forgiveness, and I'll sing her this song. Skip the begging and just sing the song. Trust me. [chuckles] [man] It is possible that Linda's rice will win. - Win what? - Oh! Why do those bags say "Rajit" and "Linda"? [clears throat] Did you harvest my Rice Nine paddy? [all mutter] [Linda] Is that hedysarum geranus? That is stinkweed. [song in foreign language plays] [cell phone rings] - HeHo? -[Watt] Linda? Hello. Dad, hi. I'm flying out there for the big day. - No, Dad-- - Yes? You don't have to come out here. I know, but Gurgon said... or did something. [song in foreign language plays] I want to be there. I'm so proud of you. I SEE. Well, that's... that's great, Dad. - Um... bye. - Good-bye? [grunts] [grunts angrily] Oh! [groans] -[Linda] Stinkweed! - Linda... Diwali. Lousy stars? Violence is not the answer. It depends on the question. - These are for you. -[grunts] I was going to tell you, but then I got afraid, and then... it became too late! All those sleepless nights because you're a lying jerk! [groans] [man 1] Dr. Linda, hi! [William] Linda. Linda! Look. I told you they'd all sign after Diwali. [man 2] Dr. Linda, you won! [William] Farmers are signing all over the country. 93 contracts in our office alone. Good stuff, Dr. Linda. You weighed in great. Yes. Rice Nine is the best. Sorry, Raj. Cheer up. You'll find another way back to college. Linda! I've got champagne. Come on up. Let's toast. Linda! Linda. [Rajit] You're a really fast runner. Did you like the flowers? I did. How did you grow the stinkweed? Hey, how about we talk about something not serious -for 30 seconds, okay? Please. -[laughs] It's funny, I know India is this huge country but to me it's just... the train. [laughs] The farm towns. Yeah, there's still lots to see, you know. There's Khelar... uh, Bernasi. My God, Punjab is just beautiful. - The Taj Mahal. - Taj Mahal? No, I hate the Taj Mahal. Do not go there. How can you hate the Taj Mahal? - How can I-- -[laughs] Do you know Shah Jahan cut off the hands of the 20,000 craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal so they would never create anything beautiful ever again. I will never set foot in there. You're cute when you're righteously indignant. I know. [Linda] Since we were talking about sightseeing... [Rajit] Mm-hm? [Linda] Am I allowed in the temple? [Rajit] We've got so many gods we can't keep track of who's allowed. Come on, I'll show you. There's so much music here. People are dancing, singing. And then the farmers, they'll take a small portion of their seed, and they'll put it in a bowl like this -as an offering. - Do they circle around it? Yes, exactly. It's an ancient tradition. It's like the growth cycle, and the bowl is like the world offering up its... - I don't know. -[chuckles] I hope they don't stop doing the ceremony. It would be a shame. - Oh, here. - What's this? Oh, a promotional rice seed packet. Wow, that's what I always wanted. Look at the back. - Monkey seeds. - Mm-hm. [laughs] 1 knew Mug was up to something. [laughs] What is that head wiggle that Indians do? Hm? Does it mean yes, no, maybe? Exactly. Come on, try it. No. - Yeah. - No. Wow, that's horrible. [laughs] Okay, okay, let me help you. Okay. Move just your head, like this. Mm-hm. Yeah, that's it. I can't believe I thought you were some corporate stooge out to destroy the lives of these farmers. Corporate stooge? Well, you're not. Thank you. Did you clear me of cannibalism too? You make everything sound horrible for no good reason. You have a good reason to make everything sound horrible? - Linda... - What? If I had a hundred arms I You're going to sing now? Come with me. Please. If I had a hundred arms I If I had a hundred arms To hold you a' I would never let you go a' Away from me 4' If I had a million years r If I had a million years To love you r I would cry a sea of tears 4' Tears of joy a' But all I am I'm just a man r Who has loved you From the start a' Two strong arms x One big foolish heart a' If I had a thousand eyes a' If I had a thousand eyes To see you a' I would gaze upon your face a' For all eternity 4' But all I am I'm just a man r Who has loved you from afar a' Two strong arms x One big foolish heart a' I would give the universe 4' I'd make all the flowers bloom On cue r I would make a diamond ring 4' Of every shining star a' But I am only human After all a' a' I am just a fool About to fall a' And all I have to give a' Is one big 4' Foolish heart a' Wait. What did you mean when you said we should stop the ceremony? No, I said it would be a shame. You know, ritual is metaphor. There's no reason to stop just because the rice is sterile. Sterile? Rice Nine doesn't produce seed. Rice can't be seedless. Rice is a seed. Not anymore. You don't plant the rice that you harvest. You eat that and then you plant Rice Nine seed. Which we're expected to buy from Mug -every time we plant? - Naturally. And grow 22 percent more rice. With less water. No-- What? That's impossible. Who invented this, Frankenstein? Maybe you'd like to rephrase that. Oh, I'm sorry. Dr. Frankenstein. Farmers buy seed. I know why your poster had a flat line. You killed the circle of life. [gasps] I am going to love visiting the Taj Mahal! Fine. Go! Those hands are on your head! Oh! my gods. [cartoon voices] Oh, no! [narrator] Rice Nine is armored with a protective sheath Yeah, armored. Not only more protein and vitamins, but resistant to pests as well. On Rice Exchange Day, you'll load your old seed onto the Mogil train and we'll supply you with the seed of the future. - Here you go, partner. - It's a win-win exchange. Rice Nine. Join our family. Mogil We are the hand that feeds a' William, listen. We've got to warn people, okay? These contracts, we'll lose our farms. We'll be trapped buying seeds we can't afford. I know, it sounds crazy but it's true. What about Linda? Linda, she would... never take part in something like this. That's not possible, I mean... That's why we like her, right? YES. Yes, I suppose it is. - Chief? - Good idea, call the police. [grunts] I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry about all of this. - It's nothing personal. - Hope you got a big, fat bribe. Hmm, decent. Not life-changing. - Not life-changing! - Steady, steady, steady. You'll be out of here in two days' time. So, why don't you think of this -as a vacation. - What?! [muffled grunts] Sir. Monkey seeds? I've always wondered where monkeys came from. And now, I have to go and solve a crime you will be committing. [muffled] What? [muffled shouts] [group murmuring] My apologies from all of Bilari. But, I'm happy to announce that we have already captured the criminal. A young farmer named Rajit. Rain? YES. No, that's not possible. He's... He's upset. I think he likes being upset-- What is this? No, don't touch! This is a crime scene. Chief. Obey r Obey r With countless lies To rectify 4' We best be on our way a' Obey r Your blood and your name I' Obey the laws of the heart I' Hey! Hey! Obey the laws of the heart I' [William] Mr. Gurgon, trains are coming from all over India filled with the farmers' rice. - It's incredible. Perfect. [William] They all want Rice Nine. [Gurgon] Let's enjoy the ride. Obey r Obey r a' With a thousand lines To memorize I' We best be on our way a' Obey r Take that rice to the train. Cheers. Obey the laws of the heart I' Obey the laws of the heart I' Hey. [crowd chattering] Dad, don't wait up for me. There's something that I have to do. William said I could speak with Rajit. He's with the head of Mogil. I don't want to get you in trouble. - Wow, look at you. -[grunts] I'll speak first. [grunts] I just can't figure out why you would want to gouge me out of your life. -[grunts] - Shh. You seem to hate me. [muffled] No, Linda, I don't-- Look, I'm sorry, okay? I've been horrible. I've been terrible to you, but when I'm with you, I feel-- I... I... If I had a hundred arms To hold... 4' - Ugh! '[9runts] You lied and then I came back. You're so sweet to me, and then you're mean to me. -[grunts loudly] - You destroyed my greenhouse. - What? Greenhouse? - Don't even. And you stabbed my monkey seeds. You stabbed my heart through my seeds. No. William must have stabbed those seeds -to make you feel that way. - Enough. - William stab-- - Enough lying. I don't even know why I came here. Linda. Ask the farmers if they know they have to buy seed every year. Good-bye, Raj. [speaks foreign language] Obey r [band plays] I know that it's probably a stupid question to ask, but... the farmers know that they have to buy seed from us every year, right? Of course. Can you imagine the surprise if they didn't understand the implications? Mm-hm. [Linda] Right. How 'bout when we're finished here, we take a little side trip. I've always wanted to see the Taj Mahal. [laughs] Ah, that sounds great. Mr. Gurgon, everything's ready for you. Honored guests... and you are each, every one of you, an honored guest. In an auspicious... [shouts] Ow! Ah! -[bleats] - Hey! Hey, goat. Goat. Hi, goat. Goat. - Hey, goat. -[bleats] Goat, get the key. [bleats] The brilliant Dr. Linda Watt. [applause] Thank you. Um... Thank you, Mr. Gurgon and thank you, Mogil for sending me to this amazing country. I miss Rajit. This would have made him so angry. You've taught me your songs and dances, shared your mouth-searing food. [aHlaugh] Your tea... Um... Uh... You know, my first day here... I had the best tea I've ever tasted. What a weird guy. He doesn't like the Taj Mahal. [laughs] [Gurgon] Hmm. And, anyway... You all know that you have to buy the seed every year. Right? [aHlaugh] -[chuckles] -[Linda] Okay. Okay, so he was crazy. We plant our own seed. Why would we buy it? [aHlaugh] But... but you can't plant the harvested rice. -[feedback] - I'm serious. Turn the mic back on, please. - What's she saying? - Uh... But rice is a seed. Exactly. [sighs] [man] We've put up our farmers' security. This is impossible! - Mr. Gurgon... - You sold it to them. And you thought you weren't a salesman. You rock, Doc. [Gurgon] We would not ask you to do anything that hasn't been done by every successful farmer in America. Rice Nine is the way to a bright future. - No. No, it's not. - How 'bout three cheers. For the successful farmer. -[Linda indistinct] - Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! [Gurgon] And so it goes. Together, we march forward. I trust all is in order? Our wish is that you fly unchained from the past, to soar to what heights you may on wings of gold. Or the precious metal of your choice. [Plays] [Gurgon indistinct] [Linda] Come with us. Please, please. [elder] Linda! The horse for you. Lapel, get that choo-choo train going. [Gurgon] Our destinies are now entwined. - Join us. -[Gurgon continues] Hey, hey, stop, stop. No further. [man] Go, go, go, go! We have to stop the train. Bring crowd control. [grunting] Master Rajit... I have nothing to do with anything. [Gurgon in distance] [Gurgon] It's all right, folks. They're just here to protect you and your future. But they're not local boys. [crowd murmuring] A' Tomorrow comes r [policeman shouts] I want to thank you all for participating in this program. [feed back] Liar. Eric. I think I'm going to have to let you go. [Watt] Let go of me! Ow! Shall we take the train? -[cell phone rings] - Hello? [Gurgon] Lapel, is my choo-choo ready to go? Lapel? [Rajit grunts] Lapel? Nice outfit. Lapel! It's ready when you are, Mr. Gurgon. Clickety-clack. Get this engine shut down. - Now. - Yes, sir. [crowd murmuring] Give my regards to Broadway. Get this carcass on the road. Mr. Patel told us the departure was cancelled. Who the devil is Patel? This rice is ready to roll. This train is bound for glory. [both sing] J' This train Is bound for glory Don't carry nothing but The righteous and the holy a' What? [Evelyn] Press the green button. [Gurgon] And the red button? - Press the green button. - Green, yes. [hissing] - Ah, there we go. - There we go. [whistle blows] [horse neighs] [crowd cheers] [Linda grunts] I think that's Dr. Watt. She's doing better than we are. A lot. [whistle blows] - Dr. Watt, I presume. - Stop the train! The train of progress cannot and will not be stopped. Oh, yeah. This train Is bound for glory a' This train a' This train Is bound for glory a' This train a' This train Is bound for glory a' [whistle blows] [engine revs] [GI-Irgon] Huh? Hey. In case you didn't know it, I have five-year ironclad contracts and they can't get out of them. [Gurgon] Faster. -[engine slows] - No! No, no, no. [grunts] You might want to check with William about those contracts. Lapel. Where are those contracts? -[laughs] - We're processing them now. Eric, I fired you. Lapel! And the name's Patel. William Patel. Oh. You're Patel. [both laugh] Come on, train of progress. [Linda grunts] Get off the tracks! Yeah, at that speed it can stop for me, okay? Get down! The train is coming fast! -[pants] - Poor brainwashed puppet. I'm on your side. I unhinged the rice cars. William destroyed the contracts. - Come on! Come on. - Yeah, right. [grunts] Ow! Idiot! Ugh! - Ow! - Get off! - No. You are strong. - Get off! [gasps] What? Oh. [both scream] [both sigh] [Linda] Ah... Huh... Well... you swept me off my feet. Now what? [cheering] [laughs] [cheers] [song in foreign language plays] [cheering] You know, he used my love song. Dad, Rajit's been doing research on a rye zone that repels weevils. Cool. I hate weevils. [aHlaugh] Our methods combine perfectly. I'm going to miss you in the rice paddies, my son. Really? [laughs] Look at all the places We have gone r There was a time We used to live as one a' Look at all the things That we have learned a' The way we rise So we fall and burn a' Why do we say That we went off the path r See, I'm where I am 'Cause of where I was at a' Let's keep ahead 4' And our voices will be heard I' And our voices will be heard I' Modern day and past Can live as one a' We share the light, the heat From our own sun r Even if we're lost In a crowd I' A village it takes And we will be found r Sometimes we hold back The things we want to say I And I've never lived Just to fight another day a' Let's keep ahead 4' And our voices will be heard I' Together all Our voices will be heard a' Sometimes our hears break And sometimes our souls ache a' But know that We're never alone a' Our voices will be heard a' Sometimes our dreams take Longer than we'll wait a' Till one day We find our way home I So keep on ahead a' Our voices in time Will be heard I Our voices will be heard a' Together all Our voices will be heard a' Together all a' In time we find our way home a' But first We make ourselves known r There's weight to each grain 4' No matter how small It may seem a' And in time We find our way home I But first We make ourselves known r There is weight To each grain r No matter how small It may seem a' a' Oh, in time We make our way home a' In these streets We sing you a song 4' May the light in our hearts Give us strength r To guide us along s' And we'll see the change The seed is in our palm 4' Together, our voices a' Together, our voices a' Will be heard a' You make everything sound horrible for no reason. -[cow moos loudly] - That's because you just make-- Quiet! [laughs] How is there a cow there? How is there a cow there? - There's a cow there. - How is there a cow there? [Gurgon] a' Think about the greater good 4' 3 A broader point of view r We're all for The greater good a' I' The many need the few r [Evelyn] Heed the higher call And leave the charge For one and all r [both] J' Start working for The greater good [William] J' Now I see It's all for the greater good [Gurgon and Evelyn] Time to take your vow You will give it all For the greater good I A' EVE" eat a COW I' [Gurgon] a' Humanity is great a' [William] At least the ones Who pull their weight [Gui-gun] a It ain't even, but it's fair r [William] J' The lion Takes the lion's share To motivate The working class r [Evelyn] You're gonna have to Kick some ass I [all] J' While working For the greater... A' You're the innovator r a' Working for the greater... a' a' Good r [Raiitl a' If I had a hundred arms a' If I had a hundred arms To hold you a' S' I would never let you go a' a' Away from me a' [Rajit and Linda] I would give The universe to you I would make all the flowers Bloom on cue I would make a diamond ring of every shining star a' But I am only human After all a' a' I am just a fool About to fall a' And all I have to give a' Is one big foolish heart I' [song in foreign language] a' Obey Your blood and your name r Obey the law of your heart a' Obey the law of your heart a' Obey the law of your heart a' |
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