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Hirkani (2019)
Panth, why did you call me
in such panic? Is it the end of the world already? Hambir Rao, no such thing. So, what is it? Something bizarre happened yesterday. Go on. Well, last evening, when... Move on now... Hurry up... My first notes are a tribute to the queen mother, Jijamata who unwrapped days of gold, for us My next verse is for her son, the great king Shivaji who will rule over the earth, for us The universal being has a thousand heads... a thousand eyes... and a thousand limbs Aum He encircles the earth... and extends beyond it, in the ten directions Hail Lord Shiva! Like God on His mountain... the sun in the dark... and obstacles wilting... before Lord Ganesha Look... Like God on His mountain... the sun in the dark... and obstacles wilting... before Lord Ganesha Look to Ganesha! Hail Lord Shiva! Like Rama over Ravana... Bheema over Jarasandha... and the sage Agastya over the ocean... Like the sage! Hail Lord Shiva! Like the ascetic over desire... the sacred eagle over the snake... and the Kauravas under... Arjuna's fire Struck by Arjuna! Like a hawk over other birds... and a lion over an elephant... is how Shivaji prevails over his foes Look to King Shivaji! In the name of... Lord Shiva! Listen up all ye Maratha men! Listen up now! Listen up all ye Maratha men Pay heed, mothers and daughters Hark, o Moon and Sun... o rippling wind... and great forest and fort Great forest and fort! Catch my drift, seven sacred rivers Catch his drift, seven sacred rivers A marvelous event... Sir! Please move on. Heera... why're you rushing so? We must see the divine being, Ma! The enemy ruler lies prone... the might of Shivaji crushing his chest The enemy ruler surrenders... as Shivaji's force dances atop him Today, the land is lit up by the king's rays Glowing, fiery... our king now takes his place... on the Maratha throne! Centuries of good karma... enrich the earth here and now Our king takes his place today... on the Maratha throne Our king takes his place today... on the Maratha throne The rain had withheld itself Famine burned through the land The rain had withheld itself Famine scorched the land the earth thirsting for a shower... the ground parched Our prayers reached Goddess Bhavani Her downpour of blessings took Shivaji's form The fields grow lush... and life's problems vanish He's the king who will grace... the humblest home for a meal Our king takes his place today... on the Maratha throne Our king takes his place today... on the Maratha throne Praise God! Praise God! You are the hope in each heart You are the light from above You are the hope in each heart You are the light from above Radiant, like the sun... you are clear of darkness Radiant, like the sun... you are clear of darkness A shining leader... say the whispers in heaven A shining leader... say the whispers in heaven This world begged the other... for the gift of you This world begged the other... for the gift of you This world begged the other... for the gift of you Our king is the son of God He is! Our God has taken the form of the king He has! In our souls is our king... and in our eyes His image is in our hearts and minds He is our beloved lord He loves us like his own And at his fort today... he ascends the throne Hail all Gods! With the valour of a lion... and an eagle's sight... he has a deer's speed, this king With royal blood and a saintly soul... he is borne of divinity, this king He'll die for his land... battling boldly, this king He loves his subjects... and protects them, this king Long live the king! He nurtures and conquers... exalting the throne, this king He is noble, spiritual... and ethical, this king Long live the king! Today, the land is lit up by the king's rays Glowing, fiery... our king now takes his place... on the Maratha throne! Our beloved Shivaji! Our king takes his place today... on the Maratha throne To the ruler of exceptional gallantry... from the esteemed warrior caste... the rightful occupant of the throne... the heir apparent... the great king Chhatrapati Shivaji... Hail! All ye passing by... the young and the old... the spirits and the ghosts... the lords of slain foes... witches and demons... may everyone's evil eye... begone! Hail Goddess Jagdambe... for getting my son home safe. Your Goddess kept me safe all right... but I now face new dangers. What kind of talk is that? Hoping to see the great king... she's had a sparkle in her eyes. But you... Let it go, Ma. What does he care? He's the king's man. and is Bahirji Naik's aide. If he wanted... he could've taken me to the king's fort. My dear wife! One day, our mighty king will send... a palanquin. He'll say - Bring Jeevaji Rao's wife to the fort. Let's gift her a saree and blouse. She's taken such good care of our soldier. The sky twirls the ground in a close embrace My heart shimmers and leaps The sky twirls the ground in a close embrace My heart shimmers and leaps Stars blink at me mistily in shiny daylight You make my life magical! We touch, the rhythm of our breaths making us one We're birds weaving a nest for our love My eyes fill up... and in my eyes are dreams My eyes fill up... and in my eyes are dreams Loving you has given me all that I wanted You make my life magical! May you smile always... humming our song You and I share... a harmony strong Our love took form in our son... here, in our haven God heard my prayers... and granted us this boon Our song has filled my soul with gladness You make my life magical! Why're you crying? Shush now! What happened? Why's my baby crying? Your baby... is too fragile! But what happened, Jeeva? Nothing, Mother. I thought: He's going to be the king's soldier... and bear sword wounds... and so... I pinched him to test him. Give him to me! Ma, you hold him. He's just a baby! How could you made him cry so?! Just like his mother... he's a dainty doll. Jeeva! Look! There it is! Hey, what's going on? Mhadba! Tukya, talk to me! Where do I start, Jeeva - We're being tormented by that beast. Beast? A wolf from the forest. It gobbled hens and goats earlier... and now attacks babies! It entered Ganga's house and attacked little Ithu. And when we chased it, it sped off. We are at our wits' end! Which way did this wolf go? That way. Wait! Where are you going?! Somebody, stop him! Stop! I couldn't find it! I'd have ripped it to pieces! Heera? Heera! Heera... Heera, m'lady... are you still cross? My lovely wife... What's up with you? What happened? You took an axe, ran into the forest. If something befell you... who'd have cared for us? Did you think of that? Does a tiger fall before a wolf? Don't be absurd! With the whole village there... why did you run off alone? It's like this - If our king in that fort... said what you just did... that one shouldn't face danger alone... this kingdom would not exist. I am that king's soldier... and it is my duty to protect citizens... from human foes and wolves. I am terrified of that beast. You know, when it tore off with Anshi's baby... I saw it. Just before entering the forest, it stopped and looked back. And I saw its blood-thirsty, evil eyes. Well, imagine... if, instead of another's child, it was our... Why would you say such a thing?! I won't let anything happen to my child! But, if so, you would have fought... that beast, yes? How would I fight? I'd be filled with fear. I'd say - Take me, not my baby. Rubbish! You're MY wife, and... When it's before you... don't be scared. The animal senses, right away... your fear. Look straight into its eyes. That's how you'll know when it will attack. And as it leaps, ram your weapon into its throat. Game over! Women dole out joy from their homes at dawn... Alms for the needy! I've got your alms. I'll get them. Gosh! What happened? What was I thinking! My hands are all dirty! On your hands, even cow-dung is divine. It's you! You duped me again! My disguises earn me the king's praises. But here... they are not valued! But... Do you have a pretty saree inside? Well, do you? Why? Someone getting married? Yes. I am. Go off, then! Fine, I'll go! The queen's called you to the fort. But what do you care... What?! The queen sent me an invite? Yes! The eldest queen has invited us - you, me and our son. Really? Really. She said - You haven't brought your child to me since his birth... Jeevaji Rao. Wow! She called you RAO? Jeevaji Rao. Clean up your face! Don't wail before the queen. Ok? Uphold my honour. Let's go. C'mon... I've probably done some good in my last birth. That's why I am now... a great king's soldier... your father... and your husband. This blast again! When my baby's playing... that cannon ruins it! There, there. There, there, Heera... Shall we leave? We're late. Let's go. This way. Heera. Heera! When we enter, don't stand and stare at the queen. Remember to touch her feet... - and place our child there. - place our child at her feet. Ok? Ok. Gosh! Now look what he's done! He's wet himself. Leave it. How can I leave it? We're going to meet the queen... with our baby in soiled pants?! - But, Heera... - Wait. Here?! Your father... What? ...says to leave it. How can I leave it? Tell him - Dad... the queen's invited me. Hurry now! I will look so handsome... that she'll shower me with love. Heera. Heera! Wait, almost done. Who was that? Who was it? Our great king. What! Have you lost it?! It was the king? But you didn't... You were changing his diaper. That other time you missed seeing our king... you were mad at me! Now get mad at your son! Jeevaji Rao, the queen is calling for you. Right. Let's go! Let's go. Look there. Heera, come in. Quickly! C'mon. God bless you. What's your name? Heera. Wow! Jeevaji Rao... she's a real diamond, just like her name. And is this our young soldier? Let me see. Give him to me. He's adorable. Today, I've seen your face for the first time. What shall I gift you? Let's ask your mother. Well? Who am I to demand anything... Our little soldier... is crying because of the cannon's sound? It's an everyday problem. Everyday! That pest... I mean... the moment the cannon fires, he starts wailing. Really? If you silence this cannon, I'll be grateful. What's that? You want me to stop the cannon firing? I mean... my child can't sleep because of it. Do you know why this cannon fires? The cannon fires to mark the end of day. My mother-in-law said - This is not a cannon. This is a mother calling out a slogan... which is... 'Having won our independence... we must cherish and protect it'. His generation, which will also protect our independence... should get used to this mother's call. What say, young soldier? Am I right? Bangles, come buy bangles! Move your feet faster! Ladies! Don't dawdle, move on. The old guy's yelling! I'm leaving! C'mon. Heera. I want to buy bangles. He's selling, look! But why now? The cannon will fire now. There's time. We'll rush there and back. Once it closes, the door opens tomorrow... I warn you! See? Ignore that old man. Come with me! Let's go. Deserting your posts, I see! The cannon fired! Run! Chandra, you crazy girl... your immense wisdom almost got us stuck here. How was I to know... the cannon would fire and... Heera! What now? Realise something? What? The cannon fired so close to your son... but he didn't react! True! The queen was right. My baby hears the cannon as a mother's call. Yes? No? C'mon! Let's go. Goddess, where is she?! It gets dark suddenly. In the dark, anything can happen! Aunty! Gosh! Ma! Where've you been? I thought you got stuck at the fort. No, Ma, we were... You get home quickly. It's not good for the baby to be out so late. I'm heading to the doctor. Why? To get some medicine for my aching knees. Ma, listen - Take your grandson home. I'll get your medicine from the doctor. But... No Buts! Why walk on aching legs to get medicine for aching legs... when her legs can walk there instead? Exactly! Chandra. Yes? You go home with Ma. Ok. I'll see you soon. Ma, take him. Let's go, Chandra. Be careful. We will. Who is it? Who... Who are you?! I am the seed of the Evil Spirit... close kin of the Dark One... bred from the Devil Himself. Who are you?! Speak up. The king has a soldier called Jeevaji Rao. I am his wife. I will eat your husband's raw flesh and spit it out... before you know it. Hey pig-face! At the fort is the great king... and at home is my husband. Really? But right here... there's just me. Look! Here's my tiger! What're you doing?! My wife is so unsuspecting. Why're you trying to fool her, Naik? Gosh! Naik? Please forgive me, Sir. Bless you. So, child... did you like my disguise? Why this unexpected visit, Naik? We must leave on a scout of Janjira fort. When? Tomorrow. At dawn. Yes, sir. Listen... don't leave now, please. We haven't had our child's naming ceremony yet. Stay for that. You didn't say 'No' to Naik. You can go to our great king tomorrow, and say - After our son is named, my husband will join duty. Till then, handle your kingdom's safety yourself. I said none of this! No?! Tanaji chose Kondhana's fight over his son's wedding. And you... You will return safely. For sure. I will be back before the special full moon. I promise. Take back your promise! Take it back. - But... - I said, take it back! Ok, I take it back. You are a piece of my heart Sleep now, like the birds in... Who is it? It must be your father. He said... he'll be back before the special full moon. It must be him. I know... it's you. Let me see you. Don't tease, now. You coming? I'm going in... and locking the door behind me. You'll be stuck outside... in the cold. Why're you making these sounds? Our child... Goddess... when we're terrified... we turn to you. I will pray and pray! Please keep that wolf away from us. Keep him far outside the village... forever. Heera! Chandra! What's up? There's a message from the royal kitchen... for the milk-women. What's that? Today, all the milk will go to... the king's kitchen. Say what? Tonight is special. There's a big celebration at the fort. And Queen Soyara... is supervising all preparations. This means... my precious cow's milk will go to the king! Let's go! Saguna, listen to me. Don't take this lightly. Ma! What happened? Don't ask! She was cleaning grain when... husk flew into her eye. O Lord! What now? Nothing! It will come out on its own. How? See how red the eye is? Show me. Saw? Don't neglect this, Saguna... or you'll lose your eyesight. C'mon now, Aunty! I speak out of concern and you snap at me! There's a doctor in a village nearby... who has treated eye issues like this. Now I must go out to get this out? Heera. Don't go back to the fort today. Stay with me, instead. My eye will be fine by evening. Ok, Ma. Hey! What's on your mind? Nothing. Nothing, really. One of my eyes is shut... but I can see from the other. Spill it. The milk we take up today.... will go to the king's kitchen. There's the special full moon function at the fort. And when were you going to tell me? No, no! You must definitely go up today. No, Ma. Can't leave you... Your king is your god, yes? And you have a chance to pay homage to him. And you'll pass up on it for a tiny flake of husk? Don't wanna pass up on it, right? Now do as I say. Heera... you go to the fort as usual. And Saguna... you go to the doctor's village... and get the flake out of your eye. I'll send my son with you. And listen... don't travel back in the night. There is an inn next to the Vithal temple. Spend the night there... and leave at dawn. Got it? And I'm here to watch your child. In the evening... I must attend a family ceremony By then, you'll be back, right? Right? Yes. This way, quickly! This way! Here! Careful, now. There's a doctor inside. Here. Slowly and carefully... Sir! What happened? What's all this? Our men were on a Janjira scout. A couple of them fell into enemy hands. But they were able to escape. It was a dangerous mission. Doctor? Yes, coming. It was an important scout. You saw... how badly hurt they were. They've lost a lot of blood. Janjira scout? Hey! Hey, where are you going? My husband, Jeevaji Rao... was in the Janjira scout. So... Ok, go check. My dearest... Where are you? You were to return by the special full moon. Goddess... please protect him. - Run! - That's the drum-roll! You're way behind, c'mon! Sir, excuse me... Shiva! Yes, sir? Did you bolt the door properly? Yes, it's bolted. Escort all those stuck here... to a comfortable inn. Yes, sir. C'mon. Let's go, lady. C'mon, let's go. Sir! Please open the door. What? Chief! Listen... to this one. Sir! Please open the door. And who are you, my child? I'm Heera. Heera, the milk-woman. From Raigadwadi. Aren't you Saguna's daughter-in-law? Yes. Go... Sopanya will drop you... to an inn. No! I want to go down. Now that's just nuts, ok? At sunset, the door closes... and at sunrise, the next day, it opens. It's the law of the kingdom. But... Don't worry. In our great king's domain, we have every comfort. There's a spacious inn at the fort. The night will pass easy, there. And you know... there's a special full moon function at the fort. Most of these villagers... are deliberately stranded here! Sir... how do I make you see? My baby... is alone at home. He needs me to nurse him. My mother-in-law is at a neighbouring village... and my husband is away on duty. Bheema aunty is babysitting, but... has to leave for a family... I beg you... let me through. At sunset tomorrow, the king may stand outside this door... and say - Open this door. But I won't open it. I won't budge from here. Open it a tiny bit. I'll slip out like a shadow. No one will know. Listen, child: The law of the kingdom is final. If, because of your story, I let you go today... tomorrow, it'll be someone else. He'll tell me a story too. How many stories can I heed? But, my son... Enough! Sopanya. Take her to the inn. Go on. Let's go. C'mon, let's go. If I'd asked my mother-in-law... to let me stay on here... you think the old hag would agree? But at home tomorrow, she'll yell at you. Then, I will say forlornly: I was helpless, Ma. The cannon fired and the door closed. And I got stuck there. She can't protest the law of the land! So you'll enjoy the party... and your ma-in-law will watch your brood of kids! Totally! There's saffron milk for everyone. Let's go, then! Sir! Sir, I want to go down. Down? I'm from Raigadwadi. My child is alone at home. If I'm here all night, he'll starve... O Lord! Is that so? But... after sunset, all doors of the fort close. I understand that... but my baby... Goddess Bhavani will protect your baby. Goddess Bhavani can't be everywhere... so she created mothers. And my baby... Sir... there must be another way. It's such a huge fort. There must be an approach... with no door, no lookout tower. But of course! On the west cliff... there is no barricade, no lookout tower, no door! There is no barricade, no lookout tower, no door. The king didn't make a barricade there... because the Goddess put a natural barrier there. A cliff. The cliff is so steep that... when you look below... your head spins. The valley below is the size of a village and a half. Because of the cliff's sheer drop... only the wind can come up... and water go down. The west cliff. Hey! Who's there? Who is it? Who are you? And what're you doing here? Sir... I'm Heera from Raigadwadi. I want to go down. Down? Yes... down. To my village. My home is there. From here, I'll... From here? From here, if you take four more steps... you won't go down... you'll go up! You know how deep the valley is? All I know is... my baby is home alone... and hungry. Will you leave... or shall I get the security head?! If you risk your life... the king holds us responsible. Sir... Go on, leave! Go to the inn. Off you go! 'I want to go down,' she says! Sir... forgive me... but my baby needs me. Is this a celebration, Rao? We didn't get any milk. Just duty! Don't worry. Chief Bajaji is here! Yes, there's a celebration tonight... and thanks to our chief's generosity... we will also get... our share of saffron milk What say, sir? Devotees can't expect what is offered to God. Let them keep their goodies. We'll arrange our own. From where? Sopanya. Go to the fort. At the inn... locate Saguna's daughter-in-law... Heera, the milk-woman. She's there. Bring back the leftovers she has. Go quickly. Go, go! Heera! Excuse me... is the milk-woman Heera here? Dunno. Ladies... is the milk-woman Heera inside? If she was here, she would have answered. Unless her lips are stitched up. Or your ears are. Sir... has the celebration started at the fort? If it had started, you would have heard it. Unless their lips are stitched up. Or your ears are. Smart Alec! O Lord. Shiva! Chief! Heera is not at the inn. Not at the inn? So where did she go? Dunno! Shiva. Go look. Find her. Check everywhere. She asked me - Sir... is there another way down from the fort? I said - None, but... there is the west cliff... Shiva! Sopan! Come with me! What happened? Where? There, near the west cliff. C'mon! O Lord! I thought she wanted to kill herself. That's when I stopped her. Was she Heera, the milk-woman? Yes! Heera. Heera, the milk-woman. Yes. She said - I want to go down from here. My baby is alone. I said - Step back! She left, then. I left too... on my rounds. What happened next, Umaji? Then... I don't remember anything. Sopanya! We must go to the security head. Faces and hearts are alight... as the special moon brightens the land Faces and hearts are alight... as the special moon brightens the land The air sparkles with charms... and feasting and frolic abound The air sparkles with charms... and feasting and frolic abound A night of moonlight... and music... and graceful dancers, festively adorned The twin and bowl drums set the tempo The grand bass and clapper uplift us all Faces and hearts are alight... as the special moon brightens the land The air sparkles with charms... and feasting and frolic abound How can an entire woman vanish! How can anyone climb down the west cliff? She used a guard's turban... to climb down. We found a turban tied to a tree. That's why we're here. But did she want to climb down... or bring someone up? With her help, the enemy may try to get in here. Search every corner. If you don't get her, but spot a stranger... bring him to me! Yes, sir. Listen up... Roll it up. Why do you cry, little one... You call for your mother Why do you cry, little one... You call for your mother How do I stem this flow in my chest... Breathless, bewildered, I grapple in the wild Faces and hearts are alight... as the special moon brightens the land Faces and hearts are alight... as the special moon brightens the land The air sparkles with charms... and feasting and frolic abound The air sparkles with charms... and feasting and frolic abound He's too cute! Looks like his father. Ma... where's the baby? Look... Chandra took him outside. Gangi, take this. Chandra! Chandra! Chandra. Give the baby to me. Catch! Don't cry, little one. Your mother will soon be here. My heart... You are a piece of my heart Sleep now, like the birds in their nests Soot from my body marks you, protecting you Mama is singing to you, hush now Listen to mama's lullaby... We searched the whole fort... but there's no sign of her. We looked everywhere. Did she really go down the west cliff? The west cliff? You nuts, Sopanya?! What if she did? What then? Then there'll be a funeral in Raigadwadi tomorrow. But only if her body is found. Sweet little baby... don't cry. My baby is finally asleep. Little angel. Heaven knows when Heera will return! Goddess Bhavani... protect this child. When it's before you... don't be scared. The animal senses, right away... your fear. Look straight into its eyes. That's how you'll know when it will attack. And as it leaps... Heera! Where were you? What happened to you?! Answer me, girl! Heera! Speak to me... Your Highness... she climbed down from here. Perhaps they've found her corpse. My Heera killed this beast. It's Heera! She's alive! Bahirji and Jeevaji Rao, along with their team... did the Janjira fort scout and are coming back, Sire. That young man will have to be told... about his wife... If you have any news of her... let His Highness know. We sent a search party into the valley's forest. My king! My king! What is it? Sir, sir... What is 'Sir, sir'?! Here's Heera... Heera, the milk-woman! A man of his word Protector of his people Pledged to honour his land A spiritual and noble leader Lady... bow down. Bow down! Young lady... what is your name? Heera... His Highness wants your name. Heera. Hirkani. From Raigadwadi. My husband Jeevaji Rao... is Bahirji Naik's... I know this. The fort door closes at sunset and no-one may leave after that. You know this rule? Even so, you climbed down the west cliff last night. That means you broke the law. Do you know what happens to a law-breaker in our kingdom? Your will and bravery... leave us at a loss for words. I'd like to see for myself, your courage. Show us. Show... what? Show us... how you climbed down this cliff. No! I can't do that, Your Highness. When I look down, my heart pounds in fear. Last night, the person who went down from here... was a mother. Her baby was alone and hungry. That's why I could risk my life.... by descending this cliff. But now... now my baby is with me. Now I can't do it, Your Highness. What is your baby's name? We haven't had his naming ceremony yet. My husband is out on a mission. Once he's back... A brave woman has birthed this baby. There can only be one name for him - Jhunjar Rao. Gosh! Jhunjar Rao! Gift her a saree and blouse... and escort her with full honours to Raigadwadi. Yes, Sire. This way. Indulkar. Raise a lookout tower here, right away. The Hirkani lookout tower. Hey! Why're you doing this? When I return from a mission... you ward the evil eye off me. Now you're back after such a huge mission. You deserve the same. Come here. The king named our child... Jhunjar Rao. Jhunjar Rao! Wonderful! But why... Ma... Now what's all this? For the victor returning home... we bow, don't we? Come in. |
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