Hi… I'm Archana.
We spoke on the phone.
-I recognised you from your DP. -Hi.
-Hi, yes. -I'm Meher. Pleasure to meet you.
I wish I could say the same.
Listen, Dia was supposed to be here at ten.
We have been waiting for five hours. She will arrive…
She'll take one hour to get ready.
-Has she not come? -No!
And you guys…
You promised eight hours.
-A full eight-hour endorsement shoot. -Yes. Don't worry.
-Heavy traffic. -She's five hours late!
She must be stuck in traffic. I'll call her…
-You'll sort it, no? -Yes, I'll sort it.
-Okay. -Don't worry. Take care.
Ma'am, you are getting a call.
-Your phone. -Kalaripayattu is worship, not a hobby.
Sir, one minute.
-Put the phone down. -Hold this.
Meher's call.
-Yes, Meher. Tell me. -Dia, hi. What's up?
Where are you?
Kalaripayattu class. Why? What happened?
Enerfuel's ad shoot is scheduled for today.
Actually, the client, the director, his family,
his cook, and his dogs have been waiting for you since morning.
It's 1 p.m. and you are not yet here.
And one-- One second.
What do you mean by Kalaaripayattu classes?
You said you know it. Why are you taking classes?
Kalaripayattu! I do know. I'm just brushing up.
Dia, now you are stressing me out, okay?
Those guys were certain about this only one thing,
that you should be good at Kalaaripayattu.
Kalaripayattu! I am good at it.
I'm just brushing up. Why would they cast me if I was not good at it?
What matters is the deed and not the caste.
Yes, sir.
Okay… ETA?
One hour tops…
Make sure the under eyes are perfectly done. Okay?
I don't want any complaints.
-Hope it's nice. -It will be.
So, we heard a Hollywood director has approached you.
-Yeah. -So… What is it?
It will have to be off the record.
I promise.
We are done talking. It's time to get started.
Yeah. It's called Blind. Romance.
Hi, Mehershad.
Sorry, we won't be casting Dia Mirza in the film.
Change of strategy.
The role is now for a much younger Indian girl.
Best regards.
The story is about a blind king who marries a princess,
me, who is of Indian origin.
Shit.
This is good shit.
And it's the first of a franchise.
-Congratulations! That is so cool! -Thank you.
Where did he go?
-Yes, it can be done. -Hi.
-Good morning. -It will be ten lakhs a day.
Ten lakhs. Thank you! Hi, Meher.
You… Yeah, I know, 20 days.
You are talking about 20 days of shoots.
I am talking about her 20 years of experience and stardom.
-Good morning. -Hi, Treasa.
-Are you closing the deal? -Almost.
-We're meeting today, right? -Yeah…
Yeah. I'm here…
I have to, have to watch Rajat's play. Book two tickets for Tuesday.
But you've a studio meeting on Tuesday, Amal ji.
Make it Thursday. And lunch tomorrow with Farah.
Make another one for yourself. Thanks.
But tomorrow you have lunch plans with Richa ji.
Why don't you jump off from this building.
What is the point of me having you? God!
Soumya sir.
Soumya sir. Sorry.
I have to talk to you later.
Okay. See you.
I'll have a light lunch with both Farah and Richa. Okay?
Now, don't fuck this up. Please.
-Hi, Treasa! -Hello, sexy. How are you?
Looking hot!
Tell Pooja I cannot make it tonight.
Did you meet some other Pooja?
Did I sleep with another Pooja?
What reason can I give her?
I don't know!
I am so bored of her. I don't know what to say.
Don't write that, you idiot!
Use your brain. Fuck!
This office is filled with idiots.
Meher. Why aren't you taking Dia's calls? She's been calling everybody.
Yes. I'll call her.
-Is everything fine? -Yes… Everything… is fine.
-What about you? -Always.
No… I emailed you.
I sent you a reminder that it needs to be here at ten o'clock in the morning.
And it's still not here.
Sorry-- This is not. No! Please fix this and get back to me.
-Hi. -Okay. Thank you.
-Hi. -How can I help you?
I'm here to see Monty.
Okay. Do you have an appointment?
No.
You don't have an appointment?
He knows me. Just tell him Nia is here.
-Please have a seat. -Thank you.
Yes.
-Hello, Monty sir. -Yeah, Nancy.
-Someone called Nia is here to see you. -Nia?
Okay, I'm coming.
Later.
-Hi. -Hi.
Come.
-Hi. -Hi.
-I'll just come back. -Okay.
Come.
Why didn't you call before coming?
I thought I'd surprise you.
What did you say at the reception?
I said I wanted to meet you.
I'm not that stupid, you know.
What a cool place!
Don't get distracted.
What are you doing in Mumbai? Vacation?
In fact, I wanted to talk to you about something.
I'm sure you know a lot of people in the film industry.
So… Can you help me get a job?
Is this a new hobby?
It's not new. I love Bollywood.
-I never heard that before. -No, I'm serious. I love it.
And… You know what, I'll do anything. Like, hair, makeup, styling.
Or… I will become one of those runners
who fetch tea, coffee, cocaine…
Anything.
You don't know what you are talking about.
Bollywood is a shit show.
It's finished.
Ninety-nine percent of people who come here, they fail.
And they cry all their lives.
The remaining one percent succeed by selling the same story and fu--
They make a fool out of everyone. And you people buy it.
It's a jungle out there.
Either you hunt or you get hunted. That's it!
Sounds perfect.
Okay.
Listen, I'm sorry. But this is all I have.
And next time, call before you come.
You can't just show up.
Thank you.
-Come, Sonia. -Yes, sir.
I will…
-I don't care. -What about organizing?
-Sorry. -We don't have time!
-I don't want to work. -What do you mean by no folder?
-Sorry. Hi, everyone. -Hi.
Here is the ass licker.
May I, guys?
Come…
Sir, this is for your vacation.
Wow.
-Wow. -Well done, Sonia.
-Thank you. -Cake… It's a cake.
-I hope no rabbit pops out. -Ta-da!
-Wow. -It's a hat, not a rabbit.
Amazing!
Awesome.
-Looking so good. -And this.
Full Italian get up.
-Full Italian… -Wonderful…
-We do have the budget. -Don Soumya.
Okay… I am not retiring.
Soumya sir, let me take a picture. Come on!
I am going on vacation.
Drink all you want, eat as much as you can. Dance the night away.
Check out Italian girls, and share pictures.
Check out! Why check out? Why not check in?
That's the spirit, Soumya sir.
Well, thank you. Thank you very much, guys.
And… Now… the updates.
All good. We closed the deal for your favourite, Disha's studio film.
-Amazeballs! -Wow, that's great!
What's the price?
You don't need to know that, Amal.
Mister.
-I'll find out. -Monty…
-What about Tishu's film? -It's happening.
It's a small budget film.
I want it to happen for Lillete.
-It'll happen, sir. -And…
Meher.
-Yes. -Dia's Hollywood project?
Actually, that…
That…
What? Is there an issue?
-There is no issue. -Then?
Actually…
There is nothing.
-That role is no more. -What?
-Fuck! -Oops!
-How did this happen? -Meher.
Yes.
After a year of reading
-and Kalaaripayattu classes… -Kalaripayattu.
Kalaripayattu.
After rehearsals and look tests…
Apparently, Dia is too old for the part.
Dia?
-Have they lost their minds? -Is it the role of a student?
The point is… It's a trilogy.
Running into millions of dollars, and Dia would have been busy till 2027.
And you just let it go!
How did I let it go? It was…
Monty…
Take it easy.
Soumyajit ji… Monty ji… Mehershad ji…
But I read in an article that Dia Mirza ji--
Why don't you just shut the fuck up ji?
Actually…
-I have not… informed her yet. -Oh, come on, Meher!
God bless!
-Monty, what happened? -Koshi! Koshila!
I can check and double-check if you want.
But it's not here. I guarantee you that.
I was here when it was sent out yesterday. For sure.
-Yeah, wait. -How can someone quit like this?
-Why don't you call… -Where are you taking the jacket?
the production house or something? They'll have an idea.
Koshi. Koshila, listen.
Nobody quits for something so trivial.
Why do they quit?
I might quit this world instead of the job if I stay here.
Listen to me. I know I get angry, but…
But listen… You should eat almonds.
You'll be energised. Okay?
I'm scared that I might kill someone
if I stay here for one more day.
You fucking piece of shit!
Insolent woman.
You know things just because of me.
-I taught you the work. -You have only hurt me.
Pain in the fucking ass. And you know what! You fu--
Oh, my God! Look, what you have made me!
I am leaving.
You… Insolent woman!
You are not leaving! I am firing you!
You are fired. Fuck off! Don't you dare come here.
Oh, my fucking lord! I don't have…
I don't have an assistant.
What do I do? I don't have an assistant?
Who will be my assistant?
Will someone… Hello. Excuse me.
-Will you be my assistant? Tell me. -No?
-What the fuck! -I mean, I'm just a part-time employee.
I'm actually an actress.
-I told you. You forgot. -Oh! I have no assistant.
-I have this play that's on this Saturday. -Fuck!
I'll do it.
Follow me. Come on. Come…
Hello, this is ART.
You lost it?
-Where are you from? -I'm from Goa, ma'am.
Goa?
Actually, I worked as a volunteer at the film festival for three years.
What did you do there?
Actually, it depends. Like…
Sometimes catering, sometimes ticketing.
I mean, food.
The stars have their preferences.
They have these habits.
So, meals for stars.
So, you know how all this works.
Yeah, exactly.
Low carb, high carb, keto, high protein, all of that.
Any boyfriends?
No.
Look, I follow a simple rule.
You snooze, you lose.
Your days and nights will be mine. Including Sundays.
No personal life. No social commitments.
Are you okay with it?
Sounds great.
When do we start?
Today.
Perfect.
Look, Meher.
When a heroine…
turns 40…
She feels as if
a normal lady has turned 60.
Or a man has turned 80.
So, you need to handle them delicately.
And…
slightly sympathetically.
And this is your bloody job.
Sir, I know, but…
-It's just that… -You want me to help doctor…
-No… -No, I'm very good at it.
Please. Are you serious? I'll handle it.
-Please go and enjoy your vacation. -Okay.
-You take care. -Yes.
-Have fun. -Thank you.
Ciao!
So, what's the plan?
-I don't know. -What do you mean?
You must have some idea.
Fuck! It's Dia.
-It's Dia calling… -Oh, God!
-I'll silence it. -Don't answer…
-Don't put it on silent. -Hey!
What the fuck!
-You disconnected her call. -I was…
You disconnected Dia Mirza's call, you idiot!
-Motherfucker! -Hey, you…
Hey… Are you mad?
-Fucking piece of shit! -Come, I'll show you around.
All the agents here have many actors.
Few superstars, few newcomers, few has-beens…
It's a mixed bag.
Basically, we get acting jobs, endorsements,
and negotiate contracts for them.
We manage their careers and charge a ten-percent commission from their fees.
That's Jignesh, Mehershad Sodawala's assistant.
That's Sonia, Monty's assistant, and she is…
-Sorry, what's your name? -Nia.
-Hi. -Nia. My assistant for now.
This is your desk. Unlimited coffee.
If you want anything, my card is in the second drawer.
You have to sit here, answer the phone calls…
Make reminders and notes.
And if someone asks for me, say, "She is out for a meeting with a client".
And don't fucking ever tell anybody, "She is going to call you back".
-And one last thing. -Excuse me, ma'am.
Be polite, don't be friendly.
Ma'am.
That's the cafeteria and this is our war room.
-Well, the office is on fire today. -Why?
Dia Mirza lost out on a big Hollywood project, because of her age.
-No way! -This way.
And this is the scripts and contracts room.
Getting contracts signed is more difficult than me getting married.
And these are all the scripts that we get for the actors.
Now, everything depends on the script.
Without the scripts, there are neither movies, money, actors,
agents, their assistants, nor you.
Wait. Who is Treasa?
Treasa Matthews. The oldest agent in Bollywood.
I mean, the most experienced agent.
But listen. Do not call her an agent. She hates the word.
She calls herself "Star Maker".
She is so experienced, she contracted the horses for a historical.
And what about Amal? Doesn't she read scripts?
Sweety, Amal reads scripts, SMS, fax, everything.
Basically, she has FOMO on a good script.
This is Mehershad's script. This…
And yes. Everyone here loves stealing each other's scripts.
Dia! Dia…
-Meher, Dia. -What?
Down! Dia!
Down? Where?
Dia Mirza just arrived.
-What is she doing down here? -She is coming upstairs.
-Run! -Huh?
Run!
Hey, Jignesh.
Why do I feel that Mehershad is avoiding me?
Nice shoes, Nancy.
It's 4 p.m. I want to go for lunch…
-Yeah, let's go. Come. -Yeah…
Let's go have some slaps.
I meant, let's have some salad. Come…
I'm getting a call.
What the fuck is going on, Jignesh?
Oh, he is no more. Sorry.
-Rough day. -I'm so sorry.
This is my first day. Sorry.
I remember my first day. I was so young.
And so nervous.
So beautiful, ma'am.
I hope you don't get affected by all this.
And these Hollywood people…
Fucking hypocrites.
Big talks, but they use Bollywood tropes.
The hero can be 55 years old, but they want a young heroine.
Fucking idiots!
And…
Your age isn't your weakness. That's your strength.
Anyway, what will they get by replacing you, ma'am?
You are naturally beautiful.
The heroines these days are all made of plastic.
Thank you.
Big fan, ma'am.
Where is your phone?
Ma'am, just… Sorry…
Thank you, ma'am.
After you.
Hi, Dia.
What are you doing here?
I got a job.
Where?
In your office.
I am Amal's new assistant.
Are you kidding me?
No.
Listen, Nia.
This morning…
I was confused. I will find you a job.
-I have a job. -No… This is not a job.
I'll find you a job. I will find you a job.
I want to be an actress. I'm very clear about that.
You know, I'm attending workshops, rehearsals for my play.
In fact, there is this play of mine.
You look a little distracted. What happened?
No, nothing. Just the usual work stress.
Work stress, Meher?
Dia! What are you doing here?
I know where you eat lunch.
Sorry.
I called you so many times.
You didn't answer.
It's just that, I've been having a rough day. So…
Just that.
Did you talk to LA regarding the dates?
I'm not getting the right vibe from our project.
It just feels like one of those big films, which is going to tank.
And?
And there is a lot of problems with the script too.
The sentiments of a religious group have been hurt.
And that's a really big issue.
The religious group believes their king was not blind.
Now they want to change the script and turn the heroine blind.
And the king will do Kalaaripayattu.
The heroine will only have a guest appearance.
You know, we don't do guest appearances, Dia. So…
-Kalaripayattu. -Yes.
-So, the hero is the lead. -Yeah.
They swapped the gender in the film. Bizarre, right?
So, nothing happened because of me.
They just fucked us over.
But don't worry about it, Dia. We will crack something new over here.
It's a matter of time. What happened? Where are you going, Dia?
To look for a new agent.
What?
Dia, listen… This is not my fault.
Listen, sit. No, I thought we were friends.
The truth is that my age is a problem.
They want a younger actor.
I…
I didn't know how to say it to you.
Dia, I… I didn't want to hurt you.
It's your duty to tell me, Meher.
It's your bloody job.
You should have fought for me.
I worked hard for a year.
Do you know how important this film was for me?
Yeah.
Dia, I tried everything.
Fuck!
Ready for your first task?
It's very important.
Where did Jignesh go?
Hi, Sonia.
Hi.
There's a problem.
Okay.
I think you can help me.
I don't think so.
What is my contract doing here?
Please, Sonia.
Actually, I don't know anything about contracts.
And… I was just thinking
-if I could get your… -Hurry up…
Can I get one of your contracts to read?
You manage Disha, right? So, just…
Give me her contract. I'll just read, learn and give it back.
Why don't you take two slaps with it? Complimentary.
Where is Shyam dada?
Please, Sonia.
Amal sent you, right?
-No, I just want to… -She is such a…
Bitch!
Why were you getting close to Monty sir?
Give me my coffee.
-Close? -Yes.
Either you are stupid, Nia,
or you are quite the genius and I am the idiot here.
I just bumped into Monty sir
Okay! Sit, baby.
Yeah. Get comfortable.
Listen to me carefully.
We work in this industry.
We very well know
why beautiful girls bump into powerful middle-aged men.
Stay away from him.
He is happily married.
And stay away from me too.
I'm lonely and frustrated. Give me a tissue.
-Move! -Okay.
Who dare betray me? Fucker!
Who the fuck ratted me out?
Who wants to spoil my relationship with the client?
Tell me right now because I am going to fuck you up…
Meher… What happened?
-I am fucked. -Huh?
Somebody told Dia that she got rejected from the Hollywood film
because of her fucking age!
I am sure it's Galaxy Talents.
I am sure. Call them. Call the owner.
Meher… You're getting paranoid for no reason.
-Amal, paranoid? -Yes.
This feels like a fucking breakup.
She dumped me at the restaurant.
And I have been with her since her first film.
Amal, I have seen her fucking become a star in front of my fucking eyes.
-He's ten years younger than Dia. -I am telling you right now.
If I find out who did this, I will fucking kill you all.
Fucker!
Come.
Yes, sir.
Sonia, can you do me a favour?
Can you find out which hotel the Hollywood agent is in?
And can you arrange a meeting?
On it.
Nia, can I drop you anywhere?
No, I'll just finish this and…
-Sure? -Yeah.
-Good night. -Good night.
What happened, Nia? First day loaded with work!
Yeah. Amal ma'am has just given me so much work.
Okay.
Come on, Pankaj. Oh! Hello.
-Hi. -Working late?
No, just leaving.
I am heading towards Bandra. Would you like a lift?
-Sure. -Okay. I'm Treasa Matthews, by the way.
Hi. I'm Nia.
-It's okay. -Wait!
Are you the Treasa Matthews?
Pankaj, what are you doing?
-Yeah. -The Star Maker.
Come. Let's go.
Come on, Pankaj.
Come on. Do you like dogs?
-I love them. -Yeah?
Star Maker, huh? I like it.
Nancy! Lift.
We're coming.
Come on.
How are you doing, Rachael?
Very well, Monty.
-How are you? -I am good.
Your shoot permissions in Kashmir are all sorted?
Yes.
We are just talking to the local line producers over there.
Oh, are they good?
-Yes, I believe so. -Good.
Because if you know the right people, then this kind of thing flies! Right?
So true.
I know the Governor of Kashmir, actually.
In fact, I don't know if you know, he is Dia's uncle.
Dia Mirza.
They are quite upset that you kicked Dia out.
I am sorry.
I hope they let you shoot there.
Otherwise, you can cheat some other place for Kashmir. Right?
-But that's not an option. -No?
You know he won't shoot anywhere else.
Besides, it's not like they can stop us.
Well, actually, they can.
If they want to, they can.
Don't scare me.
No, I don't mean to.
But I know how this country functions.
So we thought about it.
We want you back!
I am glad.
The character now requires you to be something else though.
So, I think you will have to get some stuff done.
Right, I have been training really hard.
No, not the action.
We need you to work more on yourself.
-Diction? -No.
-Movement flow? -No.
More your face.
Plastic surgery?
Yeah. But…
We obviously didn't say that.
-We understand that. -Has to come of your own free will.
-Obviously. -I am sorry, I am not touching my face.
Dia, listen to her once.
Let her speak. Don't be impulsive about this, okay?
Monty, if I take this step, there is no turning back.
Babe, listen. It's very simple.
And in no time, you'll look as young as you were in 2005.
It starts with Botox and ends in the coffin.
-So, this is a no? -No, we will…
She is thinking about it.
Right?
I act for my roles.
My talent is in my craft.
This is who I am.
Give us 24 hours.
Dia, we can't let this go!
We can't.
You are overreacting.
People dye hair when it turns grey. What's the big deal?
Monty, I am an actor.
All my friends are actors.
We discuss plastic surgeries as many times as you say hello.
I know, it is…
Normal.
But this is against my belief system.
Okay.
I mean, it's up to you. It's your call.
Have you met my wife?
How old do you think she is?
-Forty? -Fifty, this October.
Botox every year, refill.
Reworked cheekbones,
eyelids last year.
Wow.
It's so natural.
It's hard to figure out.
Is the doctor from Mumbai?
Yeah.
Worli.
I can fix an appointment for you if you want.
See you.
Wow. Congrats, Monty.
You can face your colleague after stealing his client!
Don't you have a heart?
I use both my heart and my brain.
He is your friend, right?
So, you are upset because I did something he couldn't.
Listen, one more thing.
Your new assistant,
she told Dia that she was removed from the film.
Ass-licking for no reason.
Such people can put the agency in danger.
I haven't told Mehershad yet. Sort it out.
What the fuck! Bitch!
Hey! Get up!
Did you talk to Dia Mirza? You spoke to her!
Monty just told me. Who the fuck do you think you are?
-I… -Get the fuck out of my office.
Now!
Collect your things! Out!
-Ma'am… -Fuck!
This office is filled with idiots!
Your wish is my command. Yes.
Just finalise the deal.
Why are you worried about the budget? I will sort it out.
Okay. Yeah. Okay, done. Bye. Thanks.
I got Disha's contract!
Nia.
Nia. Ni--
Shit!
Nia, wait! Wait!
Shit!
Where is Disha's contract?
Disha's contract.
I want my job back.
Fine.
-Yeah. -Done.
Turn back.
Blackmailer.
Dad.
You were right.
Had I listened to you when I was a kid,
we would have had four branches of our Irani restaurant.
But you left me so early, Dad.
I miss you.
Meher.
What're you doing?
I failed so bad that I'm talking to my dead father.
Did you cry every time there was a breakup?
Treasa!
Not you. Please!
You haven't learned a thing from Soumyajit.
Dia doesn't want to talk to me.
Do you know what that means?
I don't know how Monty convinced her--
Monty got her the film.
-That fucker Monty! I hate him. -You think…
-Do you think Monty is right for her? -Of course not!
I know Dia. I have been managing her for so long.
She hates these Monty kinds.
You know everything. Yet you won't do anything to improve things.
Typical average Indian male.
-Hi, Dia. -Not now!
Bless me, Master.
Dia… You said you are good at this.
I am. Just polishing.
That means you lied to me.
Lie! You are a liar. Bloody manipulator.
Okay. I did it only to protect you, Dia.
Wait a second.
Meher! Sir. Are you alright?
Come.
Who does that? Idiot.
When is the surgery?
Tomorrow.
Why did you come here?
Just to say that I am…
sorry about everything.
Please forgive me.
I really don't want to lose you from my life.
Anyway…
I don't have many friends.
Me too.
He is one of the best surgeons in India.
Monty selected him.
Wow!
Maybe Monty is the doctor.
I hate him. He's fucking everywhere. Mr. Behl.
Well, I'm really scared.
Come, let's go.
I act for my roles.
My talent is in my craft.
And this is who I am.
Thank you.
You didn't leave yet.
I knew
that you couldn't do it.
Fuck Hollywood.
I have shortlisted a few interesting profiles.
Sir, we have to change this today. Let's sign this.
-Show it to me. This is very good. -Sir.
Today is the last day for the submission.
How's the night rolling, my lovers?
You look so happy.
You lost such a big contract.
But I got the actress and my friend back.
Three-film contract. Meher!
-Three-film contract. -How do you deal with this man?
How do you deal with your stupidity?
I have something for you. One second.
There is a call from Florence.
-It must be Soumya sir… -Put it--
Soumya sir, you are on speaker. We are all in a meeting.
Say hi, everybody.
-Hi… -Hi, Soumya sir.
Italiano…
Soumya, what are you wearing?
Bermuda shorts or Hawaiian shirt?
Or both maybe.
Sorry. This is not Soumyajit.
I am from the Indian Embassy in Rome.
I'm sorry. This is bad news.
Mr. Soumyajit Dasgupta is no more.
-What? -He is dead.
-Sorry? -His death was due to…
What?
As per reports,
the reason for his death is an aphrodisiac overdose.
Hello?
-Who's this? Is this a prank call or-- -I am really sorry.
-I don't want to do this film anymore. -It's Tigmanshu Dhulia's film.
This Lillete Dubey is rejecting me?
This role is written for you.
You mean it's written based on me?
Ila Arun from where?
Fuck, gunshots…
-Shoot… Gunshots… -What?