That day at Haldighati,
Maharana Pratap stood on one side,
commanding an army of around eight to nine thousand troops.
On the other side,
stood the Mughal army, numbering forty thousand strong.
But the most majestic horse
belonged to Maharana Pratap.
Tall as an elephant…
slender-necked…
shining blue…
utterly handsome!
Lightning fast.
Faster than a train.
He could leap across vast valleys.
He could swim through deep rivers on stormy nights with ease.
His name was…
Chetak.
Granny!
- Prithviraj Chauhan's horse was also-- - I'm the younger one.
This was supposed to be my bedtime story.
But you always tell horse stories,
- just because he likes them! - Don't fret, dear…
Silly girl!
A tale without a horse always feels incomplete and tasteless!
You've grown hulky as a horse,
but still act like a child!
If you're so fond of horses, go work at the stables tomorrow!
All talk and no action!
Granny…
I don't think I'll ever find my own horse.
In that case, it will find you.
This horse, Malhar…
I think he's Arabian.
How do you know?
Does he neigh in Arabic?
Shut up!
Height, weight, teeth, tail and facial features…
they reveal a horse's breed.
Don't you dare touch the horses!
Just bathe them, clean the stables, and return home without fuss.
Ruining my mood early in the morning.
How do I bathe a horse without touching it?
Namaste, Janaki Devi!
What's his name?
Raja.
Never seen him before!
He's kept inside in the special stables.
Your father looks after him.
He's remarkable!
Stop blabbering and open the gate!
Come on.
My granny says, having turmeric, basil, cinnamon
and pepper in hot water cures a sore throat instantly.
Hey, stable boy!
Stay within your limits!
Hey, "stable boy"!
She insulted you in English!
I heard it.
My condolences, buddy.
Hey! I could've given it back to her in Hindi.
But my father says that a good man should keep away from fights.
So I spared her.
She thinks she's turned white by mingling with their lot!
The zamindar's family has even stopped celebrating Holi and Diwali!
On Holi, she steps out like a Queen bee
wearing spotless white clothes, right through the main market.
And no one dares put color on her!
Forget all this, Govind.
Do you have plans for Holi?
I have big plans!
- Attaboy! - This time, we will…
Hey, stop!
Move, he's gone berserk!
Help!
Hey!
Get out of the way!
Hey!
Stop!
Stop, Malhar!
Hey!
Hey, get a grip!
Attaboy!
Amazing! Well done, Malhar!
Amazing, Malhar!
Well done!
GANDHI'S NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT
First, the protests at Champaran, then Kheda.
Now he says, "Don't cooperate with the English."
Does everyone think they're the hero nowadays?
Janaki, sit straight!
How many times do I have to tell?
How could you not see him riding the horse?
I had dark glasses on,
and he's rather dark-skinned.
Get used to speaking in English!
- May I take your leave, Father? - No. Sit.
Rewarding loyalty and punishing mistakes
are the responsibilities of a zamindar.
Where did your English go now?
- What? - Nothing at all.
I was on the horse to wash him when he suddenly ran.
I didn't ride him on purpose!
Dad!
He can't take it anymore, sire.
Sire, the Ardh Kumbh festival is coming up, and the boys in these parts…
especially those from Bhusar,
are crazy about horses.
Horse riding is in their blood.
He's a kid. He got carried away.
I am the whole and sole ruler of this place.
If anyone dares to ride one of my horses,
I'll have them trampled under its hooves.
If you ever forget this,
touch the flesh on your back.
It will remind you.
Let's go.
Hold him, I'll untie the ropes.
Yeah, go ahead.
- O Popatlal, our feathered seer! - O Popatlal, our feathered seer!
- Grant me your wisdom, without peer! - Grant me your wisdom, without peer!
- Unveil my fate, make it appear! - Unveil my fate, make it appear!
O Popatlal, our feathered seer!
- O Popatlal, our feathered seer! - Don't worry.
It's only till you find a new Indian toy to play with.
Oh, hey, Meethu baba!
What's the prediction for me?
Tell me.
Pandit.
The possibility of a new friendship.
New friend… you meet.
You see, Janaki?
Didn't I tell you Meethu is extremely accurate?
Come, Janaki. Come.
Let us see my sword collection.
Of course.
Go on, my dear.
Shall we?
Granny!
I've told you countless times…
Stop being so reckless!
Couldn't you have stopped those rascals?
They enjoy torturing people.
In fact, they thrive on it.
Stop coddling him, Ma!
He was lucky today.
One day, he'll get us all killed!
Am I wrong?
They're raising the levies and seizing the villagers' land.
Entire families are being uprooted and forced into slavery overseas.
Someone needs to put an end to the zamindars' oppression!
That's why it's best to stay silent.
Or we'll be next.
Not everyone can be a rebel.
Come on!
Move it!
Hurry up!
Move faster!
Hey!
We'll never make it in time at this pace.
Lieutenant, look sharp! Join them along.
- Yes, sir. - Come on!
Get going!
Faster!
Keep going!
Go.
This is your chance.
- Run away. - Go!
- Come on! - Hey! Move!
Keep going!
- Move! - Go!
- Hurry up! - No…
I can't leave you and Ma like this!
Do it for our sake.
- Run away. - Keep moving!
Your freedom will be our freedom.
Go now!
Go!
Hurry up!
Go!
Stop!
Bandit Vikram Singh is here!
Go!
Come on.
When our home and land are seized,
the ravine becomes our only refuge.
When the plow is ripped from our hands,
we have no choice but to pick up the gun.
If he survives, get him and his family to the magistrate tomorrow.
Yes, sire.
Have you guys decided?
Or do you need help?
Sire, we will tell the authorities
that we are willingly going to Trinidad
with our families for work.
What about your salary?
Eight rupees, sire.
- Yes, sire. - Yes, sire.
Good!
The British government wants both, laws against slavery and slaves as well.
We have to send our servants abroad to be their slaves,
and testify before the magistrate
saying that they're going of their own free will.
The British are very cruel, sire.
Seriously.
But the British aren't the main problem…
The real trouble lies among our own people.
Who is it, sire?
That beggar…
who has learned to steal.
He forgets that he owes us his life.
Before sending the next caravan, we need to take care of him.
Sire.
Kesar ma'am has sprained her leg.
She says she cannot accompany you today.
Finding new ways to humiliate me in front of my friends?
Let me see.
Is this how you treat a lady?
You seem to have forgotten that you're my wife.
Thought I should remind you.
Sire, shall we go?
Are you grinding the bhang or massacring it?
Why take out your anger on the poor leaves!
DACOIT VIKRAM SINGH 1000 RUPEES REWARD
He's thinking about becoming a dacoit to get his revenge on Janaki Devi!
- You'll get killed, boy! - Listen up, good folks!
The Ardh Kumbh festival is upon us!
Get ready for the grand horse race!
The winner from across eleven villages
shall win eleven thousand in cash!
What's the point of announcing this here?
Who in this village even owns a horse?
We're not even allowed to ride one.
My father says these hobbies are for the high and mighty.
Rubbish! I love riding horses too.
I just don't have a horse!
You sure displayed your equestrian skills yesterday!
Must you salt my wounds?
My body is still bruised.
Not as bruised as your ego!
- Right? - Stable boy!
I won't spare that witch.
Happy Holi!
Look out, this wild bunch has arrived!
- Run, make way, or move aside - Get lost!
A splash of green, yellow, or blue
You can douse us in any hue
Dark or fair, wife or village belle
All their tantrums we can quell
Pout, sulk, or raise hell
You can't escape our vibrant spell
Colorful and wild, we're here to stay
Shimmering moths of the flame
Colorful and wild, we're here to stay
We're the misfits none can tame
A country brute with no propriety
What would you know of high society?
You reek of cheap perfume and grease
Always chasing skirts like a sleaze
Your feeble taunts are falling flat
They can't hurt us thick-skinned brats
To charm and sway, to hook and snare
We know too well, O heiress fair!
Many like you have come and gone
Shady slithering misshapen misfits
Simmer in anger or raise hell
We'll smear you with color Come what may!
Colorful and wild, we're here to stay
Shimmering moths of the flame
Colorful and wild, we're here to stay
We're the misfits none can tame
You won't be whipped this time,
you'll be dragged by horses!
Run away, Govind!
Run!
Vikram Singh!
Do you ever miss me?
Only every waking and sleeping moment…
and when I try to forget you.
Take me away with you.
A rebel's only lifelong companion is the bullet.
Somewhere, there's one carrying my name as well.
That is what will rest in my heart.
If you care for me at all,
protect your life at all costs.
It's because I care for you that I'm telling you…
I can't promise
that we'll meet again.
So goodbye, Kesar.
It's nothing, my boy.
Let's go.
Where were you?
At the temple.
Did you go to the temple…
or did your God come to visit you…
in the ravines?
I could kill you right now if I wanted.
But first, I'll kill the one who lives in your heart.
You promised.
You also promised to be my wife.
Try to recall correctly.
I promised to marry you…
not to love you.
Why were you following our chief, kid?
Are you an informant for the police?
Or the British army?
Looks like he works for the zamindars!
Answer now…
or you die!
I just followed the horse, brother!
What? Come again?
I followed that horse.
So you were following Azaad?
Have the British placed a bounty on him as well?
Don't lie,
or we'll slit your throat!
I was fascinated by the horse!
We can't risk it.
Kill him, or else he'll squeal.
I've seen you in the village.
Really?
Then we need to gouge your eyes out!
Jamaal!
Name?
Govind.
Village?
Bhusar.
Do you want to ride Azaad?
Surely, such a magnificent horse isn't meant for plowing!
Go on, then.
Azaad, stay!
Don't even dream of riding Azaad…
or he'll kick you even in your sleep!
If one can't dream big,
then why dream at all?
This time, the witch will definitely have me killed.
I can't go back now.
The God of Death looms large in the ravines.
He might appear out of nowhere at any moment.
Really?
I don't think he'll notice me with all you big shots around.
You have a sharp tongue.
When a bullet whizzes past your ear, you'll be crying for your mother!
My mother died when I was a kid.
Now that you've got me here…
you can't get rid of me so easily!
Drinking straight from the bottle!
Quite a drunkard, eh!
Keeping him with us could be very risky, Chief.
He's a kid.
That's why it's risky, Chief.
He's just smitten by Azaad.
There's no news of him.
Some boys from Biyala village were taken for labor work,
but Govind wasn't among them.
God knows where he is!
Curling your stache With a haughty air
You strut around, so debonair
So debonair
This wax doll, fragile and fair
You treat her without a care
Without a care
Oh, Mama, I am deceased!
Broken, shattered, on my knees
Oh, Mama!
Oh, Mama, I'm a delicate doe
Chased by wolves that won't let go
Oh, Mama!
She shot a bullet in my chest
Fragrance filling every breath
She killed us But claims she is dead
She stole into the thieves' cave
And stole whatever she craved
She killed us But claims she is dead
O luscious lass!
Have mercy on us!
O luscious lass!
Have mercy on us!
To pluck a girl from her haven
Make her dance like a craven
To leer and lust is no art
Listen, sweetie, truth be told
If you are a man so bold
Try to win a woman's heart
You count the flying bird's wings
Ruthlessly capture the poor thing
Why so ruthlessly capture the poor thing?
Oh, Mama, I am deceased
Broken, shattered, on my knees
Oh, Mama!
Oh, Mama, I'm a delicate doe
Chased by wolves that won't let go
Oh, Mama!
Wake up, boy! It's time to leave.
Biru…
where's everyone going?
We will travel all day.
Rebels are always on the move, boy.
There's still time…
Go home, live like a prince.
Why ruin your life with rebels and nomads?
There's no way I'm going home.
I already had one reason for not returning.
Now, I have two.
Come.
Hop on.
Chief has ordered that for now, you will ride along with me.
Come on.
I've always dreamt of having my own horse…
even if I have to become a dacoit for it!
It wasn't dacoity,
but kindness that brought Azaad to Chief.
Once upon a time,
while going towards Deccan,
the British army halted at Chief's village for a few days.
At that time, Chief was a farmer.
He was about to distribute grains
when the anguished cries of a mare reached his ears.
Chief followed the sound of the cries
and saw that the mare was crying for her foal.
The foal was born prematurely, making it very weak.
So, the mother was tied separately.
I'm done with this bloody nonsense!
What the hell?
Why are you killing the poor thing?
How dare he interfere? Get him out of here!
One minute, please.
He's just a baby.
What harm has he done?
Please don't kill him.
Give him to me.
- He said, "Give him to me." - I know what he said.
Tell the fool that the pony is useless!
Will die any day.
Sahab says he won't live long.
Brother, I see the will to live in his eyes.
Besides, God will bless you for showing the weak mercy.
Tell him to pay five rupees for it.
Ever since you arrived
My world has come alive
You make my heart sing
Life now feels worth living
You re truly heaven-sent
Like a long lost friend
When I see your pure eyes
I cannot help but smile
Unbound, untamed, You were born free
I'm the heart and you're its beat
We shall roam the world
As two bodies, one soul
Unbound, untamed You were born free
Your company is my solace
United till the very end
Our bond will be the stuff of legends
Somewhere within, Azaad knows
that he owes his life to Chief Vikram.
Azaad can lay down his life for him.
In this life, Azaad belongs only to Chief…
no one else!
Come on, boy.
We'll camp here tonight.
Enjoying it, aren't you?
I give an excellent massage…
If I'm allowed to!
Do you enjoy dry grass?
No, right?
That's why I brought you some freshly picked, green grass.
I can also get some liquor if anyone's interested…
though it's harmful to your health.
Well…
will you eat something?
Or do you run only on booze?
Humans can be tamed with bribes.
Taming a horse takes courage and devotion.
Come on.
No matter what I do, he'll only be loyal to you!
All he does is show me attitude!
I'm not used to chopping wood.
Why?
Does the wood chop itself at your place?
Govind!
Today onward, he's your Azaad.
Him?
Azaad?
This one's a kid!
And what are you?
You're right, Chief.
I'm no Vikram Singh either.
New dacoit, new horse.
That's fantastic!
He'll grow up to be taller and bigger than Azaad.
He'll run the fastest.
You know what people will call him?
Chetak!
Just let me raise him properly!
All the famous horses of Bhusar have passed through my hands.
Why don't you ride your Chetak first!
Of course!
Horses are my best friends.
Let's go, Chetak!
Even the Chief is smiling today.
And the next contender is…
Kunwar Tej Ajatshatru Singh!
What magnificent beasts!
So, Janaki…
tell me more about this Ardh Kumbh horse race.
Torture me with English, early in the morning.
What?
So, during Ardh Kumbh,
eleven villages race for the grand prize
called "gyaarah gaav ki pagdi."
They go to great lengths in order to compete.
Even hiding their horses till the day of the race.
And who participates from this residency?
Kunwar Ajit Singh.
I will ask him to step down.
I want to take part. Oh, this is so exciting!
Only the natives take part, James.
So, they won't let me?
No, no, James! You are a resident, son.
It will be their honor.
Oh, splendid! Splendid!
- I will give away the prize then. - Why?
I'm just getting into it for the love of these beautiful beasts.
Oh! Splendid! Splendid!
Rai Bahadur!
Keep a check on him.
I'll handle his father.
Yes, Lord Cummings?
We're still running short on men.
I need you to arrange 400 more for South Africa.
That will be impossible, Lord Cummings.
Because we have already emptied out all the villages in my district.
Did I hear the word "impossible", Rai Bahadur?
Well, if it's possible for a zamindar
to dream for his daughter to get married to an Englishman,
it is possible for him to do whatever the Crown requires.
That will be done, Lord Cummings.
You have my word.
Are you good at horse-riding?
My passion for riding is what has led me to become a dacoit, just like you!
We're rebels, not dacoits.
What's the difference?
Dacoits loot out of greed.
Those who fight against injustice are rebels.
I see. I won't spare her.
The one who turned me into a rebel.
Don't hate a girl so intensely.
You never know when the heart
might change its course.
It's safer to fall off a horse…
than to fall in love.
Love?
With that witch?
She's not even pretty.
Spare me, sir.
I am newly recruited.
Don't get on my case.
Come on.
Fight me.
We have guns.
What's the use of wrestling!
Son, you need strength…
to fire a gun off your shoulders.
Sure!
I'm ready.
Don't hurt yourself!
Come on.
Your wish.
- Come on. - Good, Biru.
Biru…
What happened?
Get up, boy!
- Come on. - Get up, boy!
I wasn't ready.
Are you ready now? Come!
- Watch me now. - Come on, fight!
Get lost!
And he bites the dust again!
Come on.
Biru, fight him!
Slam him once again.
Come on, fight!
- Got him. - Take him down!
Come on!
He got Biru!
Well done, boy!
- He's good. - Right.
What's wrong, Biru?
Biru…
How did Chief go from being a farmer to becoming a dacoit?
Learn how to fight well.
Don't worry about Chief's story.
Tell me, or I'll thrash you again!
I guess I have no choice then.
The woman imprisoned in the palace today, Kesar,
once upon a time she was Chief's beloved.
And Chief meant everything to Kesar.
His heart has turned to stone now,
but there was a time when Chief was deeply in love.
But the poor are rarely destined for love.
Only thorns line their path.
Do you know who I am?
Want to know me?
Your daughter brought disgrace upon the village.
She rejected my son, and was cavorting with that ruffian!
Tej could have taken her by force,
but he wants to make her his bride.
Now, before Tej kills that guy, convince your daughter.
But, sire, my daughter…
I'm not asking.
Chief lost everything.
Now, he gathers those who are lost
and makes them rebels.
Chief!
They are vacating the village of Koena.
Everyone is testifying before the Magistrate,
asserting that they are willingly going to Africa.
Slaves have no power over their destiny.
They have to do as they are told.
The British are born mercenaries…
and this father-son duo…
they're born pimps.
We must stop them.
Don't get carried away!
This time, they'll be armed--
What? Are you scared?
All I'm saying is that we must tread with caution.
We definitely must stop them.
Why else would we raise weapons?
Chief, I will always stand with you.
You'll see!
Biru told me about you.
I told Biru to train you…
not regale you with stories.
Stories are the greatest teacher!
I was thinking…
I too need to get even with that witch.
Shall we get our revenge together?
You're rather obsessed with her.
Is it revenge you really seek, or something else?
The same thing again?
Don't mess with my head!
We fight not for revenge,
but for justice.
Fighting over personal grudges is rivalry.
Fighting for others is rebellion!
Chief!
The caravan is on its way, Chief.
Leave with your platoon!
Yes, Chief. Let's go.
Attack!
I never imagined that Biru would betray us!
I won't spare that traitor!
Chief!
You're bleeding quite a lot.
Years of fury have finally spilled out.
We'll find a nearby village.
- Let's go on Azaad… - No.
He can't save me this time.
Nor can he endure…
this pain alone.
Win him over.
Take over his reins.
You'll have to prove your worth to him.
I hope I taught you something.
The rest, life will teach you.
Chief!
Azaad!
Let him go!
Go away!
Walking side by side
We whisper to the winds and sky
Facing every storm, we fight
Standing tall against every tide
Unbound, untamed You were born free
I'm the heart and you're its beat
We shall roam the world
As two bodies, one soul
Next month, on the day of the full moon,
the horse race should be held.
Victory to Tej Ajatshatru Singh!
Azaad!
He fought valiantly…
but he was cruelly betrayed.
Look!
I'm no longer a stable boy.
I'm an unstable boy.
I'm a rebel now!
No wonder you've been missing all these days!
But what are you doing here?
I wanted to meet…
Who?
You!
Me?
Why?
You got me whipped for accidentally riding your horse.
I have a better horse now.
Just wanted to let you know.
I'm no snitch…
nor do I enjoy hurting people.
I felt awful about what happened.
Couldn't sleep for nights.
Couldn't sleep?
Why?
Who knows!
But I didn't snitch on you, and I never will.
Love, anger, or whatever it may be, I face everything on my own.
So you didn't tell anyone about the Holi incident?
No!
So I became a rebel for nothing?
But I'll get my revenge on you next Holi!
I'll smear you with muck!
Chief, danger!
What are you muttering?
What is it?
No, I…
I fell… for a bit.
Are you running a fever?
I think I will be soon.
Janaki, you haven't slept yet?
No, brother!
Just reading something.
You'll end up wearing glasses. Go to sleep.
Yes, brother!
I miss Chief as much as you do.
But he always said…
"Life must go on. You can't give up."
We will live together.
I know you don't like me yet…
but we can still become friends.
I hated Janaki before…
but she's grown on me.
I'm sure I'll grow on you too!
Hey! Don't get too emotional now!
Look at how calmly he walked in!
Do you have any idea how worried I was searching for you?
Where were you, brat?
Where did you go?
Look at his insolence, Ma!
I was terrified, thinking that something might have…
My child!
Thank God you're back safe and sound!
I haven't returned alone.
I brought a friend along.
He's no less than 16 hands tall.
A pure-bred Marwari horse.
His well-defined build says it all.
What a beautiful color!
Where did you get him?
He's Vikram Singh's horse…
Azaad.
Vik--
We can't keep him, son.
A dead dacoit's horse must be handed over to the government.
Chief Vikram Singh wasn't a dacoit.
He was a rebel!
Also, Azaad wasn't a stolen horse.
Vikram Singh raised him since he was a foal.
Back when he was a farmer, just like you.
He entrusted Azaad to me.
Things of such beauty are only meant for the rich.
To see something precious in the hands of a poor man
is like a thorn in their flesh!
They won't spare you. They'll snatch him away!
But he has no one now.
Who will take care of him?
You take care of yourself first!
Go ahead, turn him into a coward.
Teach him to never fight for what's right!
When they punish us for keeping a dacoit's horse…
you won't be able to bear it!
He can't stay here.
If he's seen with us, it will lead to disaster.
He stinks!
I'll bathe him tomorrow.
Brother!
He's hungry and thirsty. His stomach must be bloated.
Hey, that's kerosene!
So he's also a drunkard!
You came home, and brought trouble along!
Now…
Look at that!
The dacoit's horse has claimed the throne!
Let me make something clear.
This is my house, and he's not welcome here!
Baba, I wanted to keep Chief's horse at home…
but my family made a big fuss.
I told them, "You may not love animals…
but Baba does."
He will let us stay without saying a word.
Wow!
This is great for the two of us!
What happened?
Calm down, boy!
Oh!
So, there's no "us."
It's you and I,
and you want the room to yourself!
No worries.
For you, if I have to sleep on the grass under the open sky,
I will.
Dad…
give me some hay.
He's your horse, feed him yourself!
There's so much here.
What's the big deal if Azaad eats a little?
This isn't mine, it belongs to the zamindar.
I won't steal for you!
Let me borrow it then.
And how are you ever going to repay it?
I'll pay you back when I grow up.
How much more will you grow?
If you're going to act all high and mighty,
I can find other ways!
What do you mean?
You think you're a dacoit just because you've taken a dacoit's horse?
Are you going to rob?
Not a dacoit.
A rebel.
Don't waste my time.
Now that you've got him, learn to look after him too!
What's there to learn?
I've raised horses!
- Ladies and gentlemen! - Ladies and gentlemen!
Ladies and gentlemen!
The Ardh Kumbh festival is almost here!
A kilo of jaggery.
Two kilos of chickpeas.
I'll take care of the grass.
Cracked wheat and salt.
Here.
Put it on the zamindar's account.
Why so?
It's for his horse.
Braj comes to take his stuff.
My father's the one who sent me.
Why should I believe you?
He has never sent you before.
How can I be sure?
Fine, don't give it.
I'll tell the zamindar that the shopkeeper refused.
The horse may not get fodder,
but you'll surely get the whip!
Hey!
Hold on, brother.
I wasn't refusing.
One needs to verify things.
I'll give it.
This is in the account of Rai Bahadur Ajatshatru Singh.
That's my father's account.
Are you trying to steal?
No, I was taking this to the mansion.
I wasn't born yesterday!
First you steal, and then you lie.
That's not how rebels are!
I rebelled pointlessly.
I thought you complained about the Holi incident.
I asked my father for some hay.
I asked politely, but he refused, so what else could I do?
I'm so sorry for you.
You're no snitch, right?
Will you keep quiet this time as well?
If you'll race horses with me, then I'll keep quiet.
If not, then I won't.
Why don't you take part in the Ardh Kumbh race instead?
You think any respectable man will agree to race against me?
Both the poor and women are treated unjustly.
We're not so different, after all!
I'd race you.
I may be from Bhusar,
but I've always had a rebellious streak.
Where will we race?
Near the lake outside the village.
I have a reputation here to protect too, you see.
I doubt that's the reason you want to meet alone.
What else can it be?
We'll soon find out.
I'll be there in the evening.
Now get lost!
I know you're grieving,
but unlike the heart, the stomach can't stay empty for long!
If Baba sees me committing this sin, he'll throw us out!
Serving a drunkard is as much of a sin as drinking.
Don't drink so much.
It takes away sadness, joy, and every emotion.
Eat something, boy.
You haven't eaten anything for two days now.
Fine!
If you don't eat, I won't either.
Look, you can't just give up on life like this.
Don't want to eat?
Suit yourself!
I'm only eating because one mustn't disrespect food
I know you don't like me yet.
But to get all this food, I promised to race with Janaki.
Please don't humiliate me in front of her.
Let me ride you.
Don't throw me off.
You can throw your tantrums at me later.
Alright?
That's the most stunning horse I've ever seen!
His name is Azaad.
Where did you find him?
I got him from a friend.
So, you're ready?
Is he all looks, or does he have the goods?
He's a bit weak right now.
He hasn't eaten in two days. He's just been drinking for the past four days.
Excuses already!
Brother, I'm begging you.
Don't embarrass me.
Azaad…
I've tried everything.
But he won't eat a thing.
Grief kills hunger, Janaki.
Janaki ji…
- Janaki madam… - Don't get too bold, or I'll smack you.
Is he drinking water?
He's drinking alcohol.
Soak some chickpeas, drain them…
then add jaggery and alcohol.
He will get some strength.
This is a stiff one!
Well done!
We have to run the race tomorrow now!
Or I'll lose face forever.
Fine!
From now on, we go our separate paths!
I left my home for him!
I've been living in ruins, only for him!
I provide him with everything!
Food, alcohol, all of it!
I've been a friend in grief.
And he won't even let me mount him!
Because you act like a clown.
You fool around, indulge him.
He doesn't need a friend, Govind.
No horse needs a friend.
He needs a master.
Someone he can respect.
Not someone who bows before him.
That reminds me of someone.
Now don't start crying, or I'll end up crying as well.
I'm remembering someone.
Why are you getting emotional?
I don't know…
I'm feeling a bit out of breath.
Are you running a fever?
I think I will be soon.
Janaki, do you also…
Mister!
Go, tame your horse.
And take your Azaad for a ride.
Go!
Listen to me now!
Chief handed your reins to me.
You're my responsibility now!
I won't let you wither and die like a coward!
No booze for you until you eat!
You want a master, right?
Now, watch me be one.
Azaad…
Azaad!
Azaad…
Attaboy! Attaboy!
Stay calm.
Azaad!
Hear…
Azaad!
Wait…
Your horse is one in a million!
Why don't you take part in the Ardh Kumbh race?
Forgot what you said about poor folks and women?
With a horse like Azaad, who will question you?
So I don't matter at all?
I didn't say that.
But you can win many hearts by winning the race.
What will I do with so many hearts?
I only have space for one.
And who is that?
Someone special.
Girls aren't impressed by doddering lovers.
They want someone who can win over everyone.
When you win people's hearts, you'll win her heart as well.
When did I mention a girl?
I was talking about winning Azaad's heart.
You already have.
You can't win it further.
You could race and win for Azaad's sake.
Plus, you could win someone else's heart along the way.
I mean, people's hearts.
Dad says these games are for the powerful.
If you think you lack power, then you will.
Will you at least help me prepare?
No.
I'll just offer advice.
I'll think about it!
You were right, Chief.
Falling in love is dangerous.
Mysterious and strange
Are fate's little games
Mysterious and strange
Our palm lines got entwined
We met defying all signs
Both drawn to love's flame
Mysterious and strange
Are fate's little games
Mysterious and strange
Bathe, you mule!
You reek of alcohol! Come on!
Oh, wow! Another horse!
Not a horse, she's a mare.
Bijli.
At the threshold of youth Standing side by side
Our worlds were far apart Across fences and streets
Yet like two carefree kites In the sky we meet
From foes to friends
We've come a long way
Mysterious and strange
Are fate's little games
- Mysterious and strange - Go on, drink!
- Our palm lines got entwined - Here you go.
We met defying all signs
- Both drawn to love's flame - Finally! He quit!
The girl did the trick!
Good boy!
Mysterious and strange
Are fate's little games
Mysterious and strange
All our grudges faded away
We both gave in to love's sway
He who could not bear my sight
Has now yielded to love's might
As love blossomed
We both came of age
Mysterious and strange
Are fate's little games
Mysterious and strange
Our palm lines got entwined
We met defying all signs
Both drawn to love's flame
Mysterious and strange
Are fate's little games
Mysterious and strange
What a beautiful beast!
Just the thing that I wanted!
I want to buy it!
Janaki…
ask him to name his price.
What is he saying about Azaad?
He wants to buy Azaad.
I don't want to sell him!
He doesn't want to sell it, James.
No, I must have it. Janaki, please!
Look, he's crazy.
Just quote an insane price.
He'll give up.
Say eleven thousand rupees.
You will find a better horse, James.
He's asking for too much money.
- Eleven thousand-- - Let us shake hands over it!
Hey!
He agreed.
No way. I'm not selling!
You can't go back on the deal.
- No, you can't-- - What a leech!
I'll never give Azaad away!
But the price was decided upon, wasn't it, Janaki?
What…
Which village did you say he is from?
Take it easy, Braj.
Is the police after you?
So…
he didn't become a dacoit,
they took him by force.
Is that right?
Right.
So when he came back, why didn't you tell the police?
Okay, never mind. It's a small mistake.
I'll speak to Lord Cummings.
No one will bother you or your family.
- Alright? - Thank you, sire!
Hold on!
What about Vikram Singh's horse?
You know, the dead dacoit's possessions go to the government, not to Govind.
I tried explaining it to him,
but he got angry and left home.
I have no idea where he is now.
Look, Braj…
I'm asking politely. Otherwise, I can show you what I'm capable of.
And believe me…
you wouldn't want to see my cruel side.
Sire, I really don't know…
Sire!
Brother!
The village has called a council meeting.
The issue is no longer limited to you, Braj.
It has become a threat to the entire village.
If the boy doesn't give up the horse,
then Rai Bahadur has ordered us
to repay all our debts by the Ardh Kumbh festival.
The total amount owed is about eleven thousand rupees.
Where do we get so much money from?
Hand him over!
What's so special about that horse anyway?
We have been their slaves for generations.
We've endured all their cruelty.
Should we also raise our children to be cowards?
So, should we shed blood instead?
No.
But we can refuse to tolerate their injustice!
How long must we sacrifice our children's happiness
to cater to the whims of the zamindars and Britishers?
Please keep quiet, Ma!
You're the one who has sowed the seeds of rebellion in him!
Holy cow!
He looks incredible!
Forget the Ardh Kumbh race,
this horse would beat the British crown!
Get off immediately!
I'll take the horse to the zamindar.
They'll get the horse…
but not today!
Why? Why not today?
I want to participate in the Ardh Kumbh race.
Have you lost your mind?
You want to compete against the zamindars!
Why not, Uncle?
There's no restriction.
It's guaranteed suicide!
I am a child of Bhusar!
If I win, I'll give the prize money to the village.
We'll be debt-free.
What if you lose?
Then I'll give up the horse!
I could've escaped if I wanted to.
But I'm not a coward!
Tell the landlords that this is their only chance!
What are you thinking?
Do you have no faith in yourselves?
We will win this.
And Azaad will win us our freedom!
What is this nonsense, Braj?
This novice who worked at the stables
thinks he can defeat his masters!
Look carefully, Uncle.
The horse's a gust of wind!
Not wind, he's just hot air!
At least someone's willing to be brave.
If we don't support him now,
how will things ever change?
Have you lost your mind?
- Do you realize what you're saying? - Give me a minute.
Fine.
Govind and Azaad can take part in the race.
But…
if he doesn't win,
or absconds from the race,
then along with him, the whole village will pay the price
since you got his plea to me.
That boy and the whole village will be sent to Africa.
No, sire!
We made a mistake.
Please find him, and…
Are you ordering me?
- Sir… - You came with a proposal.
I agreed.
Now leave!
- Sir… - Go away!
He won't win against me.
- Don't worry. - Use your brains!
Find the boy.
If he doesn't get to the race, how will he win?
And keep that horse with you.
It'll be part of your sister's wedding dowry.
Uncle, two packets of rice and sugar.
Kid, go tell your brother to give the horse back.
Only then will you be able to eat!
- But, Uncle… - Did you not hear me?
Have you and your entire family gone deaf?
Go away!
There's only one courageous man in all of Bhusar.
If you let his family go hungry,
you will be cursed for generations.
Who are you?
Chief Vikram Singh may be gone, but his people remain.
Give her what she needs, or…
Alright. I will give it.
What happened?
Not hungry?
Eat.
Why do you need to cheat Govind?
You can beat him. So, just do that.
You're lucky to be born into a family of high standing.
But maintaining that status is the responsibility of men, not you.
Eat.
If you're such a man, fight like one.
No!
What do you want?
Are we to surrender to the villagers,
and have the British on our heads?
No.
I don't want us to rob others' rights.
What took you so long?
Uncle refused to give me any rations.
Then someone from Vikram Singh's gang intervened.
He spoke very highly of Govind.
He ensured I got the groceries.
He then asked me where my brother was--
Did you tell him Govind's location?
Animals can sense loyalty,
but your Chief couldn't.
Get lost!
Come on!
Hold it!
- Hold it! - Come on!
- Grip it!
Careful!
Come on.
Careful! Easy!
Grip it!
Hold it.
- Come on! - Hey!
Come on.
- Hold tightly. - Get him!
He won't listen!
I don't care about this little beast.
- I don't care about… - No, James!
Wait!
You were right!
He needs to be tamed.
You won't find another one like him!
Why don't you send him to England?
Your trainer's there who'll surely break him.
Dad!
- Dad… - My fear was pointless.
It's fear that is truly unbearable.
Pain is… still easier to bear.
Azaad!
- Hey! - Azaad! Azaad!
Have you gone crazy?
Azaad!
- What are you looking at? - Azaad!
Catch him.
You cheats! You stole my horse!
You miserable cowards!
Let me go!
Please let me go.
There's a fine line between bravery and foolishness.
If you wish to save him…
wait for the right time.
Govind!
Govind…
Azaad…
Govind, look, there's Azaad!
Azaad!
Very good.
Come on, Azaad!
The contenders for this year's grand prize
are ready to take part in the race.
May Goddess shower Her blessings upon the most deserving winner!
This year's special guest, Mr. James Cumming,
along with the winner of the last two years,
Kunwar Tej Ajatshatru Singh, will be participating in the race.
If Govind doesn't turn up, then be prepared to row oars!
Where is Govind, Braj?
Forget about winning,
he hasn't even shown up yet!
I don't know where he is…
but I know he will show up.
Today's competition
is nothing short of a battle!
Daani… Govind!
Dad, Govind!
- He's here! - Govind's here!
He's here!
The boy is a rebel, Lord Cummings. Have him arrested!
If you want to lord over us, then win this race,
not with force!
First, you came for his horse.
Now, you won't let him participate!
If this happens, then, by God, the whole village will rise in rebellion!
If Govind loses,
then we'll follow your orders
and go wherever you say.
- Yes. - Right, brothers?
That's right!
Let him compete.
I can see hundreds of them in chains tomorrow.
Will this young lad be able to withstand these two champions?
The decision will be taken soon.
Will Bhusar's young gun pull off a miracle,
or will the whole village be packed off to Africa?
Brother!
Glory to Goddess Bhavani!
Azaad.
May Goddess Bhavani shower blessings upon the most deserving winner.
Azaad!
What happened, Azaad?
Azaad!
Azaad, what…
Azaad, stop!
Azaad!
Azaad…
He injured my horse!
Somebody save my horse!
Like a stormy river
Inside a glass
Your passion runs wild
And unsurpassed
Azaad!
Come on, Azaad!
- Come on! - Come on!
Come on!
Azaad!
Come on!
Hey, stop!
Stop!
Come on!
Keep going!
Come on! Very good!
Come on! Come on, Azaad!
Come on!
Hey!
Govind! Govind! Govind!
Now that our debt is cleared, we begin anew as equals.
Glory to Lord Rama!
In the grand narrative of heroic tales, this is a small chapter.
A humble yet courageous rider named Govind
finally found his loyal horse
whose name was…