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FADE IN: 1. INT / COURT ROOM / DAY The court room fades in. We see montages of court room with different court aesthetics. The titles appear along with it. CUT TO: 2. INT / SATHYADEV’S HOUSE / HOUSE / DAY The house of renowned lawyer A. Sathyadev. The camera moves on a wall of the room where many photo frames have arranged attractively which eventually shows us his journey and achievements so far. Same time we hear V.O. by Adv. Sathyadev. Sathyadev (V.O.) I’m Sathyadev…10 yrs I’m practicing law. I’m one of the the top lawyers of the city. But this was not an easy journey…I had no family background in this field. Actually I was the only guy from my village who became lawyer. Nobody had faith in me that I’ll do something in my field. But I worked hard. I worked hard for days n nights…for 1717- 18 hrs a day. And today I’ve become one of the TOP and influential lawyers of the state. Many different n critical cases I have made it to my side. That’s why people call me “Hopeless case’s only hope.” But having said that I can’t forget that one case…..which stunned my whole life….I never saw such an astonishing case…. It was a regular date…. CUT TO: 3. INT / SATHYADEV’S HOUSE / ROOM / DAY - Morning Adv. Sathyadev (30s, energetic) at a dining table, fixing his lawyers band at the neck. He is in his typical lawyer look of coat n white shirt. His seven yrs daughter is on her chair, enjoying en joying her breakfast. He calls his wife, Uma.
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Sathyadev Uma...where are you?? (to daughter) …Come on make it fast child…don’t make me late today… Uma, typical housewife, comes in a hurry with Sathyadev’s bag, bag, briefs n files. She gives daughter her school bag and kisses her. CUT TO: 4. EXT / SCHOOL GATE / DAY Sathyadev’s car stops outside the city city primary school. His daughter gets out of the car and waves her hand saying “Bye…bye”. Sathyadev …wait in the school till mom comes to receive you in the evening…ok? Bye. He waves his hand and starts the car. CUT TO: 5. INT / SATHYADEV’S OFFICE / DAY Sathyadev’s office, very polished, impressive, everything is well arr anged. anged. Loads of law books are everywhere. In between all this we see a young man, RAJESH (27) associate advocate of Sathyadev. He has lot to learn because most of the time he does mistakes n gives misleading advices to the clients. Thanks to Sathyadev who takes care of everything. He is busy looking something in his law books. Suddenly a phone rings on the table. He takes it.
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Sathyadev Uma...where are you?? (to daughter) …Come on make it fast child…don’t make me late today… Uma, typical housewife, comes in a hurry with Sathyadev’s bag, bag, briefs n files. She gives daughter her school bag and kisses her. CUT TO: 4. EXT / SCHOOL GATE / DAY Sathyadev’s car stops outside the city city primary school. His daughter gets out of the car and waves her hand saying “Bye…bye”. Sathyadev …wait in the school till mom comes to receive you in the evening…ok? Bye. He waves his hand and starts the car. CUT TO: 5. INT / SATHYADEV’S OFFICE / DAY Sathyadev’s office, very polished, impressive, everything is well arr anged. anged. Loads of law books are everywhere. In between all this we see a young man, RAJESH (27) associate advocate of Sathyadev. He has lot to learn because most of the time he does mistakes n gives misleading advices to the clients. Thanks to Sathyadev who takes care of everything. He is busy looking something in his law books. Suddenly a phone rings on the table. He takes it.
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Rajesh Hello!! Who? Haan…yes...yes…Pathansaab. Haan…yes...yes…Pathansaab. I’m adv. Rajesh… Rajesh… Sathyadev sir’s associate…yes..!! associate…yes..!! Sir, has not reached yet…appointment? yet…appointment? One second… Rajesh holds the phone and checks a diary on the table. Rajesh (continued) …Haan Pathansaab …evening…6.30…yes …evening…6.30…yes you can come…ok? Thank you! Rajesh puts the phone down. He checks one of the files on the table. And finds some mistakes in it. He takes another phone and calls typist, Priya (young n beautiful) sits in the outside room of the office. Rajesh Priya…come inside!! Rajesh puts the phone down n looks into another file. Same time Priya enters in the room. She is energetic, young but little dull in her work. She in her typical office dressing, comes near to Rajesh. Priya Yes Rajesh sir…would you like to have a tea? Adv. Rajesh takes the particular file and shows her. Rajesh Look here…what is this? Priya takes the file and checks it. Rajesh (continued) …see, how many typing mistakes you have done here….here you actually forgot to add one word….
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Priya Only a word? What’s a big deal..?? Wait a minute...I’ll correct it. Rajesh Hey! How can you say so? Word is everything here…just miss the word NOT from “I’m not stupid”… and don’t do a mistake like the Shetty case ….remember? Priya What? Rajesh Only because of the typing mistakes his whole estate went to his second wife. Priya (laughs) ..no..no nothing like that will happen again… Priya leaves the room. Rajesh moves to some of the books in the shelf. Same time adv. Sathyadev comes into the room, keeps his bag aside n sits on his chair. Sathyadev Good morning Rajesh..!! Rajesh turns back. Rajesh Oh! Good morning sir!! Sathyadev What happened today…nobody’s outside?
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Rajesh I think you came early sir…. Sathyadev Yes! You are right!! I have to study one case…and this case is against Adv. Deshpande…I tell you Rajesh he is very talented lawyer… Rajesh Yes you are right sir!! Sathyadev(continues) …But still after all these years he always asks the witness leading questions and everything gets into hell….anyway show me today’s diary. Rajesh moves to the diary but same time a phone rings on the table. Rajesh takes it. Rajesh Haan Priya…who? Bhaskar Raj…yes..yes..yes.. send him in. Sathyadev Who is it? Rajesh Sir...Bhaskar Raj I told you…I called him… Bhaskar Raj (28, good looking) in his simple look enters in a room and comes near to the table. Bhaskar Namaskara Rajesh sir!! Both Sathyadev and Rajesh look at him.
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Rajesh Haan…Bhaskar come…come! Here’s our Sathyadev sir… Bhaskar (to Sathyadev) Namaskara sir! Sathyadev just nods his head. Rajesh shows one file to Sathyadev. Rajesh (to sir) Sir if you look into this file….we immediately have to take an action… Sathyadev Arre first tell me what’s the case… Rajesh Sir, Ms. Nayana Rao murder case…you must have heard in the news? Sathyadev Yes! Yes! Yes…now I get it. I read about it in the news papers…. Rajesh Yes sir, that’s why I called him…so we can hear his side also… Bhaskar suddenly comes ahead. Bhaskar (to Sathyadev) Sathyadev sir…it seems silly to me but my wife thinks I may be arrested at any minute….
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Sathyadev Arrested for what? Bhaskar Well…for murder. Sathyadev looks into the file. Rajesh (to Sathyadev) As you have probably read the reports in the news…Ms. Nayana Rao was 50 yrs old, unmarried, rather well-off, living with a housekeeper, Saraswati, normally of her age. Mr. Bhaskar was with her earlier in the evening. When the housekeeper returned from her day-off at eleven p.m. She found everything was in disorder and her mistress dead… shot on the back of the head and killed. Sathyadev I see…. Bhaskar That’s right sir…I saw in the news that poor Ms. Nayana Rao found dead, then it said in the news that the police were anxious to interview me since I had visited Ms. Rao in that evening…so naturally I went to the police and told them everything I could… Sathyadev surprisingly looks at him. Sathyadev Mr. Bhaskar, whatever your statement or what you told them did they caution you that the statement might be used against you in court? Bhaskar Yes they said that!
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Sathyadev looks at Rajesh with a sigh. Sathyadev I don’t think anything has left in our hands. Bhaskar No sir but then I directly went to my house. I told everything to Revathi…ahha….Revathi my wife sir! Then she told me police will definitely take action against me….I must go to any lawyer….that’s the time I met Rajesh sir….they told me that Sathyadev sir will definitely help me….. Sathyadev gives a doubtful glance at Rajesh. Rajesh Bhaskar seems a harmless chap sir – caught in a web of circumstantial evidence…there are naturally no previous convictions, he is a man of good character. Sathyadev looks at Bhaskar and addresses him to sit on a back side sofa. Bhaskar sits on it. Sathyadev (to Rajesh) Rajesh how long do you know Bhaskar? Rajesh Actually I met him yesterday after office hours…why sir? Sathyadev Then how can you say he is harmless? In just one meeting? Rajesh you are lawyer…how can you ….
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Suddenly Bhaskar stands up and starts moving here and there. He looks uncomfortable. Sathyadev stops talking and looks at him. Sathyadev Hello!! What happened? I told you to relax… Bhaskar (impatiently) I can’t relax and sit here….I’m not a criminal to do this kind of violent act Sathyadev sir….I have done nothing…why should I be arrested? I mean this is India…you don’t get arrested or convicted for something you haven’t done, right? Sathyadev We try not to make a habit of it. And Bhaskar till now at least our judiciary system is one of the best in the world. So don’t worry at all. Rajesh Yes and you are in the hands of the finest and most experienced lawyer in the city…. Rajesh sits down on a chair nearby the table. Sathyadev takes a paper and starts to note down. Sathyadev Let us get into the details…tell me what you do? Bhaskar No nothing sir....I don’t have any job. Sathyadev How many days have gone since you left the job? Bhaskar Two months sir…
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Sathyadev Two months and before that? Bhaskar Before that I was in a car servicing center as a mechanic. The foreman kept riding me all the time. I took it as long as I could, then I quit. And before that I was in a departmental store…. Sathyadev gives a penetrating glance at Bhaskar. Bhaskar (catches that) …..you must be thinking I’m a bit drifter, sir. It’s true, in a way, but I’m not really like that. Before that I was in Mumbai. That’s where I met REVATHI, my wife… Again Sathyadev glances at him. Bhaskar (continues) ….she was a fashion model...often worked at cultural events…she was an actress too. She’s been a wonderful wife to me. We married there and came back to this city. But I can’t seem to settle down properly since I came back to this city. Off course if I could just put my new innovative car parts across…. Sathyadev Car parts? Bhaskar Yes sir I’m sort of an inventor, nothing big. I really like inventing this innovative car parts…. The trouble is I would need some money for manufacturing and promotion …well that’s really what I was hoping Ms. Nayana Rao might do for me after I met her.
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Sathyadev rises and crosses the table. He then tells Bhaskar to sit near the window. Sathyadev Bhaskar…do one thing…come and sit on this chair. Bhaskar does that so that the sunlight from the window hits and reflects directly in his eyes. Rajesh changes his side and Sathyadev comes next to him. Bhaskar tries to hide his face from the sunrays. Sathyadev Take your hands down Raj……let’s face it. Now tell me exactly how did you meet this Ms. Nayana Rao? Bhaskar It was 2-3 months back….I was crossing a street near the famous market….. INSTANT CUT TO: 6. EXT / MARKET STREET / DAY - Flashback On a busy street we see Bhaskar waiting to cross the road. Ms. Nayana Rao, in modern attire and with her shopping bags in hands; standing near to Bhaskar. Few other people are also standing aside by them. Ms. Rao moves ahead to cross the road suddenly a fast car passes them closely, But thanks to Bhaskar’s presence of mind he quickly pulls Ms. Rao to backward. She is so thrilled that she holds Bhaskar’s hand for a minute. INSTANT CUT TO: 7. INT / SATHYADEV’S OFFICE / DAY Sathyadev and Rajesh listening to Bhaskar.
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Bhaskar …She thought that I saved her life. Sathyadev Is there any possibility? Bhaskar Of what? Sathyadev Is there any possibility that you saved her life etc….? Bhaskar No no sir…these things happen only in cinema….but Sathyadev sir honestly, whatever I’m telling you is the truth and I never dreamed that I’d see her again…. Sathyadev But you did….. Bhaskar Yes. A few weeks later …again quite accidently. I was in a movie theater and she was sited behind me…and there she saw me and insisted to come home…usually I don’t go but she forced me a lot….so I told her that on Saturday I’ll come to her house. Sathyadev Of course this time you had no idea who Ms. Rao was? Bhaskar Absolutely not! All I knew was that she seemed to be very lonely… had no friends and relatives whatsoever.
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Sathyadev Mr. Bhaskar how was her financial situation? Bhaskar (excitedly) Oh great!! She was well-off sir. She used to tell me that. Sathyadev She used to tell you that? Ok! And how is yours? Bhaskar (very dull) As always my pockets are empty? Sathyadev …not good Raj….this is not at all good for you. Bhaskar seems to be worried a little. Rajesh You often used to meet her? Bhaskar Yeah…twice or thrice in a week…. Rajesh You never took along your wife with you? Bhaskar No…I didn’t. Sathyadev Why not? Bhaskar She would not have liked it.
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Sathyadev Who your wife? Bhaskar No sir…Nayana would not… Sathyadev (interpreting) Nayana? Bhaskar I mean Ms. Nayana Rao…actually she told me to call her by her name… Sathyadev In just two months you started calling her by name? Rajesh makes some notes. Rajesh Ok! What happened then? Bhaskar (blushing) Then she started liking me. Sathyadev May be because she was in love with you? Bhaskar No…no…not like that sir…she liked me …she pam pered me like a mother….that’s all. Sathyadev Raj…we don’t know whether the police filed a case against you or
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not but if they did so then the only question will be asked to you again and again that why this young fellow was wasting his precious time on this rather old woman? Bhaskar And the only reason they can find is money. Sathyadev Naturally….tell me one thing Bhaskar…did you tell her that you were married man? Bhaskar Yes I did. Sathyadev Then this Ms. Rao never insisted you to get your wife along with you to her house? Bhaskar No…never. Sathyadev is quite surprised. Sathyadev Ok! Then you never thought of introducing your wife to her? Bhaskar No…I never thought that. Sathyadev Why? Bhaskar Because Ms. Rao was under the impression that Revathi and I didn’t get along well…
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Sathyadev Is that true? Bhaskar No…we love each other. Sathyadev Then how did she get that impression? Did you give it to her? Bhaskar No..no sir! She seemed to want to believe in that way… Sathyadev But you never corrected her impression? Why? Bhaskar I was afraid she would lose interest in me. Sathyadev earlier relaxed in his seat now becomes serious and moves ahead. Sathyadev Because she was rich? You were after her money? Bhaskar Well yes…in a way…I was hoping to get a little money…for my new invention of car parts…. Sathyadev (suddenly, cutting Bhaskar off) …how much money did you get from her? Bhaskar Nothing sir. Not a rupee!
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Sathyadev (warns Bhaskar) Raj, remember….Truth! Here only the truth works. Ok? (to Rajesh) Who was that other woman staying with Ms. Rao? Rajesh checks the file. Rajesh Aahn…she is Saraswati…her homemaid. Sathyadev (to Bhaskar) Haan…Saraswati…you knew it was her day off that day? Bhaskar Yes. I did. Sathyadev So you went there because you knew that she would be ALONE? Bhaskar No. I went there because I thought she’d be LONELY. Sathyadev What you know about this Saraswati? Bhaskar (serious) She was a companion of Ms. Rao. She took care of her but she used to hate me. She was jealous of me. Sathyadev Jealous of you? Why? Bhaskar Because I used to help Ms. Rao in her financial problems.
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Sathyadev surprises. He stands up and comes close to Bhaskar. Sathyadev What type of financial problems? Bhaskar Problem means I used to help her in mutual funds, shares, taxation, filling forms etc. whatever there I helped her. Sathyadev But the night of 14 th January when Ms. Rao called you at her house…. Bhaskar No sir she never called me…actually I had an idea of my invention so I myself went to her. Because it was Saraswati’s day off Nayana was alone in that house. Sathyadev doubtfully looks at Bhaskar. Sathyadev This case is over…. (silence for a second) Ok then… Bhaskar I went around about 8 o’clock in the evening. She had her dinner. Then we talked, we had coffee. Then I left about nine. Then I walked home and got there about 9.30. Rajesh One second! You told me yesterday that Saraswati came back once before her time…
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Bhaskar No…police said that…she forgot something at home…that’s why she came back to take it and that time she heard Ms. Rao speaking with somebody, at least she says like that… (very emotional) ….but Sathyadev sir, Rajesh sir whatever it is…I didn’t do it…no matter how bad things look, I didn’t do it. You must believe me. Sathyadev Can you prove it? Bhaskar Yes…absolutely! Sir, I left Ms. Rao at nine o’ clock. Sathyadev How did you go home? Bhaskar I walked. It was a fine night. Sathyadev Did anyone see you? Bhaskar Off course, Revathi saw me when I got home. It was exactly nine twenty six. My wife will tell you that. Sathyadev Your wife loves you? Bhaskar Very much! And I love her. We are devoted to each other. Sathyadev For your kind information, Mr. Bhaskar, the testimony of devoted wife
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…does not carry much weight in a court. Bhaskar You mean that people will think that Revathi would tell a lie on my account? Sathyadev moves and sits on his chair near the table. Sathyadev It has been known that blood is thicker than evidence, Mr. Bhaskar. Priya arrives in the room with a news paper in her hands. Priya Sir! This newspaper… Priya comes near to Sathyadev. Sathyadev Yeah…put it on the table…. Priya Sir! Please look at this… Priya shows the headline to Sathyadev. Sathyadev just glances through and instantly it holds his interest. He reads it carefully. Then looks at Priya. Sathyadev Thanks Priya… Priya Sir, you want tea, coffee, something… Sathyadev No…I don’t want…ask them.
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Priya moves to Bhaskar. Priya You want tea or...?? Bhaskar No…thank you! Rajesh shows his hand. Rajesh No… Priya moving out but Sathyadev stops her. Sathyadev Priya wait… Priya stops and looks back. Sathyadev (to Rajesh) Rajesh, find out what’s the timing of Pathansaab’s appointment? Rajesh looks in a diary. Rajesh It’s in the evening, 6.30 p.m. Sathyadev (to Priya) Priya how many people are there outside? Priya 4-5 people were there…asking for the dates…and now around
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…seven people are waiting. Sathyadev Tell them to wait for a while…I’ll meet them. And now on don’t give me any calls or send anybody in without my permission, thanks. Priya walks out of the cabin. Sathyadev Mr. Bhaskar? Did you know that Ms. Rao has made her whole property on your name? Bhaskar (open mouthed) Left me? Bhaskar rises up. Bhaskar Are you joking? Sathyadev Congratulations, Bhaskar! Bhaskar comes near to Sathyadev to look at the paper. Sathyadev handovers it. Bhaskar reads it. Then Rajesh takes it and looks into it. Bhaskar (excited) ….whole property on MY NAME? I was worrying about my silly inventions….and now…..I must call Revathi… He reaches for the phone. Suddenly he becomes aware of the way Sathyadev and Rajesh are looking at him…there’s a second’s silence.
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Bhaskar (quite sober now) This inheritance…it doesn’t make things look any better for me, does it? Sathyadev (rises and moves to the window) Haan…yes…So now they will say that you have a motive… and now it makes a very handsome motive. Bhaskar …I guess now they will arrest me…. Sathyadev is looking outside on a street. CUT TO: 8. EXT / SATHYADEV’S OFFICE / DAY From Sathyadev’s POINT OF VIEW: A police car slowly enters in the parking. CUT TO: 9. INT / SATHYADEV’S OFFICE / DAY - Continues Sathyadev turns back from the window and sits on the chair. Bhaskar gets disturbed after hearing police car siren. Sathyadev (continues) Yes …you’re right! Bhaskar (emotional) I knew nothing about that will! I didn’t know Ms. Rao had any
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intention of leaving me her money. And if I didn’t know about it, how could it be a motive? Sathyadev Are you sure? Bhaskar Yes sir! I just read in the newspaper for the first time. Sathyadev Ok!! Did Ms. Rao ever discuss with you about the will? Bhaskar No…never … (Suddenly remembers) Oh yes! I heard once when she was saying to Saraswati that she will never change the will….but these things were common….anyway whatever it is Sathyadev sir…the only thing I want to know…will you support me? Sathyadev (Pause for a second) Yes! Sathyadev starts writing something in his file. Bhaskar (relaxed) Thank you….thank you Sathyadev sir…I’ll somehow manage your fees sir… Rajesh Don’t worry about it….we know how to get it. Bhaskar I can’t understand one thing, why police don’t believe that it could be
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…a robbery? Rajesh May be they have sufficient evidence against you. Suddenly Priya enters in a room. Priya Excuse me sir, inspector Joshi is here… Sathyadev Yes I saw him, send him in. Priya Yes sir! Priya walks out. Bhaskar starts to worry. Bhaskar Sathyadev sir how the hell they got to know this that I am here, in your office? Rajesh They are following you…. Bhaskar It means they have already decided this that I’m a murderer. Same time Inspector Joshi enters in the room with a warrant in his hand. Inspect. (to Sathyadev ) Good morning sir…
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Sathyadev Good morning….what is that? Inspect. Warrant sir…. Sathyadev takes the warrant and looks into it. Inspect. (to Bhaskar) Bhaskar Raj, I arrest you in the case of Ms. Nayana Rao murder as the prime accused. Bhaskar Inspector …I haven’t killed her… Inspect. The case will be filed against you under IPC section 302. Come on. Bhaskar looks at Sathyadev. Sathyadev addresses him to go. Bhaskar walks up to Inspect. Joshi and shows his hands. Inspect. What’s this? Bhaskar I thought I’ll be handcuffed? Inspect. That won’t be necessary. Bhaskar you have many surprises ahead to come. Go and sit in the car. Bhaskar One second sir…
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Bhaskar goes to Sathyadev sir and touches his feet. Sathyadev (surprises) Arre?? Bhaskar (emotional) Please save me sir… Bhaskar walks out of the room. Police looks at Sathyadev sir. Inspect. Sorry to disturb you sir… Sathyadev It’s perfectly all right. You are doing your duty...carry on. Inspect. Thank you sir…. Police exits. Sathyadev walks to his desk. Sathyadev (to Rajesh) Bhaskar looks innocent but the prosecution will blast him with their heaviest artillery. All you will have is his WIFE! Isn’t that an intriguing challenge? He is in a strange situation...maybe he doesn’t know that…now everything depends on his wife, but who will believe her? At the end of the day court will only see what police shows them. But we have to meet her. Sathyadev starts writing something in his diary. Same time office phone rings and Priya from the other side informs Sathyadev sir about Mrs. Revathi Raj.
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Sathyadev (on phone) Haan Priya? (becomes serious) What? Mrs. Raj? Aahan? One sec hold…one sec…. Sathyadev holds the phone and looks into his diary and checks his schedule. Sathyadev (continues on phone) …quickly send her. Ok! And Priya…can you arrange a cu p of coffee for her? Please…yeah…thanks. Sathyadev keeps the phone down and looks at Rajesh. Sathyadev Arre Rajesh! We have to handle Mrs. Raj gently, especially when breaking the news of the arrest. Better have a box of tissues. Revathi (O.S.) I don’t think that will be necessary. They look off. In the entrance stands REVATHI RAJ. She is beautiful, calm and self contained. She wears jeans and modern, suitable attire. She removes her glasses and talks in with a slight Hindi accent. Revathi I never use tissues because I look terrible when I cry…that’s why I never cry. (moves closer to Rajesh) Namaskara! I’m Revathi Raj. You’re adv. Rajesh…right? Rajesh Right! And here is our sir…
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Revathi Adv. Sathyadev…I heard a lot about them. Hopeless case’s only hope etc. etc…Namaskara! Sathyadev Namaskara! Mrs. Raj please come…sit. Revathi sits near Sathyadev. Sathyadev There is a bad news Mrs. Raj… Revathi Bhaskar has been arrested and charged with murder…I just saw him…I knew he would be…..I told him so. Sathyadev is quite surprised…he looks at Rajesh. Sathyadev Please don’t fear…don’t be upset. Revathi I’m not upset or do I look upset? Sathyadev I’m glad you are showing such courage. Revathi Call it what you like. What’s next step? But I have one condition…I want to know everything related to this case…. Sathyadev Ok? Good! Rajesh you start…
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Sathyadev looks into his file. Rajesh starts his questions. Rajesh Yeah, tell me madam, did you know about Bhaskar and Ms. Nayana Rao’s friendly relation? Revathi Yes! Bhaskar told me everything….how they met …how he went home. Rajesh And about their friendship? Revathi Now it seems like that… Rajesh You never went to Mrs. Rao’s house along with Bhaskar? Revathi No…Bhaskar declined that…. Sathyadev surprises by her answer. Sathyadev Bhaskar said no….why? Revathi He thought Ms. Nayana would not like it… Sathyadev Ok…ok!! Continue… Rajesh Ms. Rao was a lonely woman and Bhaskar’s company was pleasant.
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Revathi Bhaskar’s company is always pleasant… Rajesh You never offended their relationship? Revathi Never… Sathyadev Why? Revathi looks at Sathyadev. Revathi Because I believe in Bhaskar. He will never do anything wrong. Sathyadev I really appreciate your love for your husband. Revathi How do you know about my love for my husband? Sathyadev What do you mean I know? Revathi Sir I’m sorry I don’t have that much knowledge of law but being a lawyer how can you believe on such overheard things? Sathyadev stumbles. Revathi …do you have any personal experience of our love?
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Sathyadev You are right Mrs. Raj….but your husband Bhaskar said this all to us and as far as this case goes I must believe him and this is good for him also…. Revathi Bhaskar was saying this all? Surprising!! Rajesh Why? Revathi I thought men are always a dumb one. Sathyadev Mrs. Raj, can you speak clearly… Revathi That’s not important… (to Rajesh) …you were asking me something? Sathyadev No! No! Mrs. Raj I was asking you something… Sathyadev walks to his window and again opens the window and suddenly a bright gleam of sunlight hits her eyes. Still Revathi is controlled and calm. Sathyadev Now…Mrs. Raj did you know that Ms. Rao has left her whole property to your husband? Revathi Yes, I know that. I read in the newspapers.
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Sathyadev Ok…it means before this you and your husband had no idea about this Will? Revathi Is that what he told you? Sathyadev pauses. Sathyadev Yes…why? Do you want to suggest something else? Revathi thinks. Revathi No…I don’t want to suggest anything. Sathyadev Ok! This Ms. Rao was treating your husband like a son…. Revathi laughs. Revathi Really? Do you really believe on this, Sathyadev sir? Sathyadev Yes and this is quite ideal and natural in present situation. Revathi You all men are hypocrites in the country! Sathyadev and Rajesh exchange a look. Revathi (continues) I mean I’m sorry!! Did I shock you?
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Rajesh No…no…ma’m… Sathyadev (to Rajesh) Rajesh…Rajesh…wait… (to Revathi) Mrs. Raj, it’s good for you if you listen to me carefully. This attitude of yours is not helpful for Bhaskar. I assure you it would be most unwise to suggest that Ms. Rao had feelings for your husband other than mother. Revathi Ok! Ok! Sathyadev You realize that your husband’s entire defense rests on his and yours words. And another thing…most important, which I have told to your husband also…that the jury will be quite skeptical by the word of a man accused of murder when supported only by the word of his wife. Revathi becomes serious. Sathyadev (continues) …so…let us then at least make sure that the two are not in conflict. Revathi Ok! Sathyadev stands and walks around to Revathi. Sathyadev On the night of the murder, your husband came home before nine thirty…
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Revathi Nine twenty six! Sathyadev Good! Revathi Isn’t that what he wants me to say? Sathyadev again stumbles. Sathyadev Isn’t it the truth? Revathi (after a pause) Off course!! Sathyadev Police asked you something? Revathi Yesterday evening they came to me…. Revathi is moving her head; tries to avoid the glare from the window. She casually reaches for the window shade and pulls it down a couple of inches…..enough to cut off the sun rays. Revathi (continues) … When I said this to police I don’t think they believed me. May be because of my accent. But I told them everything because I had to tell those things that way…more than anything it was useful for Bhaskar.
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Sathyadev (stands up) What do you mean useful? That is the truth Mrs. Raj, am I right? Revathi walks to the desk. Revathi …now Sathyadev sir this has to clear first….if I tell them that he was at home by nine twenty six…will they release him? Rajesh Yes, absolutely…only if you both telling the truth. Revathi Yes but somehow they didn’t believe me…rather I couldn’t convince them tact fully. I can’t understand one thing….how is it possible that between nine p.m. to nine twenty six…nobody saw him in the midway? Rajesh No…there is no one …we don’t have that option. Revathi It means his word and my words…… Sathyadev Exactly! That is what I’m trying to tell you. Revathi My word…MY word!! Revathi thinks something in her mind. And then walks to Sathyadev. Revathi (excited) Thank you very much adv. Sathyadev, I got everything what…
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…I wanted…thank you once again. Revathi takes her purse and starts walking out. Sathyadev One sec…one sec…Mrs. Raj… Sathyadev walks up to her. She stops and looks back. Sathyadev Information you need to give us not we….tell me one thing do you love your husband? Revathi Bhaskar thinks I do. Sathyadev (angrily) Well, do you? Revathi Am I under OATH? Sathyadev Mrs. Raj oath is for the court… Revathi Ok…as for me …yes I do…but the truth is Bhaskar is not a wise person… Sathyadev Mrs. Raj we are dealing with a crime, the prosecution will try to hang your husband! Revathi He is not my husband!
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Rajesh and Sathyadev stare at each other, then at her. There is a moment of shocked silence. Revathi We went through a form of marriage in Mumbai, but I had a husband living at the time when I met Bhaskar. I wanted to get free from that marriage….then we came here but somehow never told this to Bhaskar that I’m married and my husband is still alive. (pause) …is this information enough for you… Sathyadev Mrs. Raj whatever your gambit may be….just repeat in court what you said to police…. Revathi Don’t worry about that….I shall give him an alibi…I will be very convincing. There will be tears in my eyes when I’ll say…Bhaskar came home at nine twenty six and after that he never went out. Sathyadev You’re very remarkable woman, Mrs. Raj. She walks towards the door but quickly turns and comes near to Sathyadev. Revathi And you are satisfied, I hope! She exits. Sathyadev I’m damned if I’m satisfied! That woman is up to something…the prosecution will break her down in no time….you know, defending this case is rather difficult…quite one sided, with the odds all on the other side. I haven’t got much to go on…in fact I have got NOTHING.
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CUT TO: 10. EXT / POLICE STATION / DAY A grim, high walled building looming against a leaden sky. Sathyadev’s car comes through the open gate. The gate closes behind the car. CUT TO: 11. INT / CELL BLOCK / DAY A guard is leading Bhaskar between rows of cells. CUT TO: 12. INT / PRISON / INTERVIEW ROOM / DAY A small, grey room with a single desk and three chairs. Sathyadev and Rajesh, in their overcoats, are waiting. Bhaskar enters; the guard closes the door and remains outside. Bhaskar Namaskara Sathyadev sir! Thank you for coming here. Sathyadev Let us hope that we will both survive. Bhaskar Why worry? My wife knows what time I came home that night. Sathyadev A disinterested witness may be of more value.
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Bhaskar Oh, yes, off course! Revathi is an interested witness…I don’t understand why she hasn’t come to see me? It’s been a week. Meanwhile Rajesh has opened a briefcase, brings out few files. Sathyadev Rajesh, give me the reports. Bhaskar Have you talked with Revathi? What’s the matter with her? Sathyadev (distracting him) Now, what about this cut on your wrist? You told the police you cut yourself with a knife? Bhaskar (showing the mark) That’s right. I was cutting bread, and the knife slipped. But that was two days after the murder. Revathi was there…she’ll tell them when she gives evidence. Bhaskar sees Sathyadev and Rajesh exchange glances. Bhaskar Are you keeping something from me? Is she ill? Was she shocked by what happened to me? Sathyadev All things considered, she took it very well. Of course that may have been on the surface. Wives are often disturbed at such a time… Bhaskar It must be hard on her. We’ve never been separated before.
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Sathyadev How did you meet your wife? Bhaskar (smile) It was six months back, the very first time I saw her… Sathyadev (with raised eyebrows) Oh? Bhaskar I was at a cultural event in Mumbai, when I saw her… INSTANT CUT TO: 13. INT / CULTURAL EVENT / NIGHT - Flashback We see a fashion show is going on. And Revathi is in her complete Indian attire, wearing designer sari, looking very pretty, beautiful and attractive. Bhaskar is frozen after watching her. He instantly falls for her. They look at each other and share a glance. Bhaskar (V.O.) …as they say, it’s true that love starts in the eyes…. love starts through the eyes and develops with the meetings… CUT TO: 14. INT / RESTAURANT / DAY - Flashback Both Revathi and Bhaskar are sited at the table. Both are happy, talking to each other. CUT TO:
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15. INT / NIGHT CLUB / NIGHT - Flashback Both are very close in each other’s arm. Looking at each other affectionately. Bhaskar holds her palm in his hand. Suddenly he notices Mangalsutra like chain around her neck. Bhaskar Are you married? Revathi Why? Revathi stumbles. Revathi (continues) No, I’m not married. I just wear it when I’m outside, it gives me little protection. Bhaskar Didn’t work too well tonight, did it? Revathi Tonight was bad. But it’s getting better now… INSTANT CUT TO: 16. INT / PRISON ROOM / DAY Bhaskar, Sathyadev and Rajesh as we left them. Bhaskar ….well, I had a month’s salary in my pocket…
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Sathyadev And she already had Mangalsutra… Bhaskar That’s right. We got married, and when I got out of the service, I brought her to this city. It was wonderful….I rented a little room. When Revathi saw it for the first time, she was so happy that she broke down and cried. Sathyadev Naturally she had a solid roof over her head. Bhaskar Oh! No…it wasn’t that at all…it was me. She was lonely…her parents died in an accident…I’m all she has. Rajesh Strange Mr. Bhaskar every time you find these lonely women. Bhaskar You don’t really know Revathi …the way she feels for me…but you’ll see when she gives her evidence. Sathyadev Mr. Bhaskar I must tell you this that I’m not putting her in the witness box. Bhaskar (shocked) What? Why? Sathyadev Well for one thing…she is an outsider…not too familiar with the subtleties of our language…the prosecution will easily trip her up… (pause for second)
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…ok? Bhaskar, we’d better be going…. Bhaskar (pleading) But Revathi must give evidence. Sathyadev Mr. Bhaskar, you must trust me. If for no other reason, then because I am mean, ill- tempered man who hates to lose. Let us wish each other best luck. The guard enters and takes Bhaskar out into the corridor. FADE OUT: INSERT 17. INT / HOUSE / TV A TV reporter informs about a Bhaskar Raj case. Reporter ….much awaited Ms. Nayana Rao murder trial starts today. It’s up to the court to decide whether Bhaskar Raj the prime accused was the real mastermind murderer? Or anybody else is trapping him? There is another suspect Saraswati, her housemaid….so now every eye on the court….let’s see what happens…. .
Intermission
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18. INT / CITY COURT ROOM / DAY The packed court room. Everyone concerned in the trial. Judge, clerks, officials, lawyers, the defendant and those of the public. In the dock, stands Bhaskar, tense and pale. Clerk (to Bhaskar) Bhaskar Raj, you are charged on indictment for that you on the 14th January…murdered Ms. Nayana Rao. What you say? Are you guilty or not guilty? Bhaskar (after a pause) Not guilty. The judge You may proceed for the prosecution, Mr. Deshpande. Adv. Deshpande rising, a keen, dark, relent less figure. Deshpande Thank you, my lord! The facts in this case are simple, and to a point, not in dispute. You will hear how the prisoner made the acquaintance of Ms. Nayana Rao; a woman of fifty; how he was treated by her kindness and even affection. The nature of that affection you will have to decide for yourselves. On the night of January 14th, between nine thirty and ten o’ clock, Ms. Rao was murdered and medical testimony will prove that death was caused by the heavy instrument, with the full loaded GUN, from the backside of her. Though the single bullet was shot, it ended the life of the woman. And it is the case for the prosecution that it was shot by the prisoner, Bhaskar Raj. Bhaskar That’s not true, I didn’t do it.
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The police with him stop him. Deshpande Among the witnesses you will hear police evidence; also Ms. Rao’s house keeper, Saraswatibai…and from medical and laboratory experts and the testimony of the murdered woman’s solicitor, who drew her final will. During this, a shot at the witness’ bench outside, with inspector Joshi, Saraswatibai, laboratory man and the solicitor. Back in the court room. Deshpande I’ll now call chief inspector Joshi, criminal investigation dept. CUT TO: 19. INT / COURT ROOM - Continues Adv. Deshpande is standing, examining Inspector Joshi. The packed court is following the testimony closely. Inspect. …from the body temperature and other factors, we placed the time and death at between nine thirty to ten p.m., approximately one hour before Saraswatibai, the housekeeper, returned home and called us. Deshpande In what position did you find the body of Ms. Rao? Inspect. She was lying on her face, with a severe injury to the back of her head.
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Bhaskar is listening this quietly. Deshpande Was that injury the cause of death? Inspect. Yes, sir. Death was instant and caused by one blow from a heavy pistol. Deshpande Whose pistol was that? Inspect. Ms. Nayana Rao kept it for her security. She had license. Deshpande Ok! Were there any other sign of struggle? Inspect. No. Just the one shot. Deshpande One shot? Would that indicate to you that the murderer had taken Ms. Rao by surprise? Sathyadev rises up sharply. Sathyadev My lord, I must object….my learned friend refers to the assailant as the murderer, But we have not yet determined whether the assailant was a man….or a woman. It could have been the murderess. The judge Adv. Deshpande, it seems that Adv. Sathyadev has joined us on a point of grammer. Please rephrase your question.
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Sathyadev with a little smile at Deshpande, sits down. Deshpande Yes, my lord. (to inspe.) Inspector, is it your opinion that the assailant… (glaring at Sathyadev) …whether he, she or it….took Ms. Rao by surprise? Sathyadev rises quickly again. Sathyadev My lord, I’m taken by surprise that my learned colleague should attempt to solicit from the witness an opinion, and not a fact. Judge Quite so. You’ll have to do better than that, Adv. Deshpande. Deshpande My lord, I withdraw the question entirely. Sathyadev That’s much better. Sathyadev sits. Deshpande Very well, inspector, let us proceed with the facts in the case. After establishing the cause and the time of death, what did you then do? Inspect. A search was made, photographs were taken and the premises were fingerprinted.
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Deshpande Whose fingerprints did you discover? Inspect. I found the fingerprints of Ms. Rao, Saraswatibai and of BHASKAR RAJ. Deshpande (to judge) And BHASKAR RAJ my lord, point to be noted, please. (to inspect.) And no others, inspector? Inspect. No others. Bhaskar keeps his hands on the rails and moves uneasily at his place. Deshpande Now did you say that the room had the appearance that a robbery had been committed? Inspect. Yes, things were strewn and a window had been broken. There was glass on the floor. The glass outside was not consistent with the window having been forced from the outside. Deshpande What you are saying is that someone attempted to make it look as though the window had been forced from the outside, isn’t that so? Sathyadev (rises) Objection, my lord! The reputed lawyer is putting words in the witness’ mouth.
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Judge Don’t you think so, Adv. Deshpande? Deshpande Yes, my lord. (to inspect.) Inspector, did any of the murdered woman’s property was missing? Inspect. According to the housekeeper, nothing was missing. Deshpande In your experience inspector, when burglars…. (a glance at Sathyadev) …or burglaresses …break into a house, do they leave without taking anything? Inspect. No! Deshpande crosses the table on which the exhibits are put out…a shirt, a pistol, a knife, the will and other papers. Adv. Deshpande picks up the shirt and takes it to the inspector. Deshpande Is this the shirt of Bhaskar Raj? Inspect. Yes! Deshpande Where did you find this? Inspect. We found it in the prisoner’s flat, which I handed to our lab
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….to test the blood stains. Deshpande Was the blood of a particular group or type? Inspect. Yes! It is type O! Deshpande And did you subsequently test the blood of the dead woman? Inspect. Yes, sir. Deshpande What type was that? Inspect. The same…O. Deshpande Thank you, inspector. Bhaskar hears the excited murmur from the court room. He glances anxiously at the judge, who is writing a note. Deshpande No further questions. Deshpande sits down. There’s a moment’s pause. Sathyadev rises. Sathyadev (to inspect.) You said that the only fingerprints you found were those of Ms. Rao, Saraswati and Bhaskar Raj. In your experience when a burglar breaks
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…in, does he usually leave fingerprints, or does he wear gloves? Inspect. He wears gloves. Sathyadev So the absence of fingerprints in a case of robbery would hardly surprise you? Inspect. No, sir! Sathyadev Can’t we then surmise that a burglar might have entered what was presumably an empty empty house, might might have suddenly encountered Ms. Rao and struck her….then realizing that she was dead, panicked and fled without taking anything? Inspect. Yes sir. That’s possible. Deshpande (rises) I submit, my lord that it is entirely impossible to guess what went on in the mind of some entirely imaginable burglar….with burglar….with or without gloves. Judge Quite right, adv. Deshpande. (to Sathyadev) Let us not surmise but confine ourselves to facts, adv. Sathyadev. Sathyadev (nods…then to inspect.) Inspector, when you questioned prisoner as to the stains on his shirt, did he not show you a recently healed scar on his wrist and
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tell you he had cut himself with a kitchen knife while slicing bread? Inspect. Yes sir. That is what he said. Sathyadev And were you not told the same by prisoner’s wife? Inspect. Yes, sir but then…. Sathyadev (sharply) A simple yes or no, please. Inspect. Yes. Sathyadev I will ask you to examine this knife. Sathyadev crosses the table, picks up knife with tag on it, and brings it to inspector. Sathyadev Just test the edge of the knife…. (inspect. does so) …carefully! (inspect. Gives it back) You agree that the point and the cutting edge are razor sharp? Inspect. Yes sir.
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Sathyadev Now, inspector. You You have stated that that the bloodstains bloodstains on the prisoner’s prisoner’s shirt were analyzed, as was the blood of Ms. Rao, and they were both found to be the same group, group O? Inspect. That’s right. Sathyadev However, if the prisoner blood were also of the same group then the stains on his shirt might very well have resulted from the house hold accident he described to you? Inspect. Yes, sir. Sathyadev Did you analyze the prisoner’s blood group? Inspect. No, sir! Sathyadev I have here a certificate… (Rajesh gives is it to him) ..stating that Bhaskar Raj is a blood donor at the city hospital and that his blood group is….( he gives it to inspect.) inspect.) Inspect. Group…O! A buzz in the court room. Bhaskar relieved. Sathyadev Thank you, inspector!
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Sathyadev sits. Deshpande rises. Deshpande. You may stand down, inspector. (to judge) I would like to call Saraswatibai. CUT TO: 20. INT / COURT ROOM - Continues Saraswati in the witness stand, carrying her bag. Her tight lipped face cold and expressionless. She glares at Bhaskar. Deshpande Your name is Saraswati Patil, right? Saraswati Yes, that’s correct. Deshpande Where do you live? Saraswati (turning to the judge) Now that Nayana mam, poor soul, is dead. I’ve moved with my niece to the old city. Deshpande You were companion – housekeeper of Ms. Rao? Saraswati I was her companion not housekeeper.
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Deshpande What I meant was that you were on friendly ter ms… …not like a servant. Saraswati Ten years I was with her and looked after her. She trusted me. Deshpande Please tell us about the events of the evening of Jan. 14 th. Saraswati It was Friday and my night out. I was going round to see my niece. I left the house at half past seven. I had promised to bring her a dress pattern. When I got to my niece I found out I had left the pattern behind. I got back at nine twenty five. I went upstairs to my room. (glances at Bhaskar)…as I passed the sitting room, I heard the prisoner in there talking to Ms. Rao. Bhaskar (jumping up) No, it wasn’t me. It wasn’t my voice. The policeman near him restrains him. Deshpande Are you sure it was prisoner’s voice? Saraswati I know his voice well enough. They were always talking and laughing. But it was no business of mine, so I went upstairs and took my cloths. Deshpande Let us be exact about the time.
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Saraswati The cloth pattern was on a shelf in my room, right next to my clock and I saw the time. Twenty five past nine. Deshpande Yes! Go on! Saraswati I went back to my niece. I stayed there until eleven. Then came home. I went into the sitting room to see if the mistress wanted anything, and there she was, DEAD. With everything tossed here and there. Deshpande Did you really think that a robbery had occurred? Sathyadev doodling with his pen, but at this question he leaps to his feet. Sathyadev My lord, I must protest. Judge I will not allow that question to be answered, adv. Deshpande. Deshpande My lord! (to Saraswati) How much do you know about the prisoner? Saraswati I knew that he needed money. Deshpande Do you ever hear him ask Ms. Rao for money?
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Saraswati He was too clever for that. Deshpande Were you aware that Bhaskar was a married man? Saraswati No indeed! Neither was the mistress. Bhaskar Saraswati! Sathyadev (rising) Objection, m’lord. What Ms. Rao knew or did not know is pure conjecture on Saraswati’s part. Deshpande Let me put it this way… (Sathyadev sits) You formed the opinion that Ms. Rao thought Bhaskar a single man? Have you any facts to support that? Saraswati There were several books she ordered, about women who married men younger than them. I knew what she was thinking. Judge That doesn’t make any sense, Saraswatibai. It is possible for any woman to read anything…that doesn’t mean she apply that. Deshpande What you know about Ms. Rao’s will?
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Saraswati She had her old will revoked and a new one drawn up. I heard her calling her solicitor. He was there too, the prisoner. Deshpande You heard Bhaskar and Ms. Rao discussing her new will? Saraswati He was to have all her money. She told him as she had no near relatives or anybody as close as he. Deshpande And when did this take place? Saraswati On January 8th, one week to the day before she was murdered. Deshpande Thank you! Sathyadev rises. Saraswati is about to leave but he stops her. Sathyadev Not yet, Saraswatibai! She gives him an angry look and resumes her place in the box. Sathyadev Saraswatibai, you have given testimony about two wills: in the old will, the will that was revoked, were you not to receive the bulk of Ms. R ao’s estate? Saraswati That’s right!
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Sathyadev Whereas in the new will, except for a small annuity to you, the principal beneficiary is the prisoner, Bhaskar Raj? Saraswati (angry) It will be a wicked injustice if he ever touches a penny of that money. Sathyadev It is entirely understandable that you are antagonistic to the prisoner. Saraswati I’m not antagonistic to him. He’s a scheming rascal. Sathyadev I think you have formed this opinion because his friendship with your mistress cost you the bulk of her estate. Saraswati I never liked him. Sathyadev Ok! Did you know that Ms. Rao had a pistol? Saraswati Yes, I knew. Sathyadev Did you know where she used to keep that? Saraswati No, I did not. Sathyadev Oh! Thank you very much. Now, on the night of January 14th, you say you heard Bhaskar and Ms. Rao talking together. What did you hear
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…them say? Saraswati I didn’t hear what they actually said. Sathyadev You mean you only heard the voices…the murmur of voices? Saraswati They were laughing. Sathyadev What makes you say the man’s voice was Bhaskar Raj? Saraswati I know his voice well enough. Sathyadev The door was closed, was it not? Saraswati Yes. Sathyadev You were no doubt in a hurry to get the pattern, so you probably walked quickly past the closed door…yet you are sure that you heard Bhaskar’s voice? Saraswati I was there long enough to hear what I heard. I know it was him in there with her. Who else could it have been? Sathyadev Exactly! What you mean is you wanted it to be him. That’s the way your mind worked. Now, tell me, did Ms. Rao sometimes watch
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…television in the evening? Saraswati Yes! She was fond of comic shows. Sathyadev Wasn’t it possible that on the evening when you returned home and passed the door, that what you really heard was the television, man’s and woman’s voices and laughter? Saraswati It was not the T.V. Sathyadev Why not? Saraswati Because it was away being repaired that week. Laughter in the court room. The judge, with a smile, is making a note. Sathyadev and Rajesh exchange a worried glance. Deshpande (with a look at Sathyadev) If my learned friend has no further questions…. Sathyadev I have not finished. (to Saraswati) Did you recently apply to the National Health Insurance for a hearing aid? Saraswati A what?
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Sathyadev (in a lover tone) A hearing aid? Laughter in the court room. Saraswati What did you say? Deshpande My lord, I must object at the manner in which this question is being put… Sathyadev (loudly) I repeat the question, my lord….did you apply to the National Health Insurance for a hearing aid? Saraswati Yes, I did. Sathyadev Did you get it? Saraswati Not yet. Sathyadev However, you walked past the door which is four inches of solid oak, you heard voices, and you are willing to swear that you could distinguish the voice of the prisoner, Bhaskar Raj? Saraswati Who?
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Sathyadev No further questions! He sits down. CUT TO: 21. INT / COURT ROOM / DAY MONTAGES accompanied with the following court procedures: #1 Deshpande, “my lord, I want to call police constable….” #2 Deshpande, in his proceedings, with the constable. We see their actions only. #3 Sathyadev making some notes in his brief. #4 Deshpande stands on his place, “The prosecution will now call the solicitor of Ms. Rao’s will.” #5 Sathyadev in questions with the solicitor. We only hear serious background music. FADE OUT: FADE IN: 22. INT / COURT ROOM / DAY The judge looks up from notes he is making. Judge Adv. Deshpande, does that conclude your case? Deshpande (on his feet) No, my lord, now I call my final witness, REHANA SHIEKH.
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As the usher and policeman repeat the summons….an excited murmur springs up. Sathyadev looks up sharply. Bhaskar looks slowly toward the witness’s entrance. Revathi, Bhaskar’s wife, enters the courtroom. There is stunned silence for an instant. She is calm, poised and straight as she walks toward the box. Bhaskar (excitedly whispers as she passes) Revathi? She does not look at him, nor does she react to his voice. She takes her pla ce in the witness box, takes the oath on the holy Quran. Revathi I swear by the almighty god that the evidence that I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. As she completes her oath, Sathyadev is already on his feet. Sathyadev My lord, I have the most serious objection to this witness being summoned by the prosecution as she is the wife of the prisoner, Bhaskar Raj. Deshpande My lord, I call my learned friend’s attention to the fact that I summoned not Mrs. Bhaskar, but Mrs. Sheikh. (to Revathi) Your name in fact is Rehana sheikh? Revathi Yes. Deshpande You have been living as the wife of the prisoner, Bhaskar Raj?
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Revathi Yes! Deshpande Are you actually his wife? Revathi I went through a marriage ceremony with him in Mumbai. But I already had a husband….he is still alive. Bhaskar leaps to his feat. Bhaskar Revathi…! That’s not true. Revathi (never looking at him) This being so, my marriage to Bhaskar was not….. Deshpande Not valid? Revathi Not valid! Sathyadev My lord, there is a proof of marriage between the witness and Bhaskar Raj. There is no proof whatsoever of an alleged previous marriage. Deshpande My lord, the alleged previous marriage is in fact well documented. Deshpande takes the document and shows it to Revathi.
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Deshpande Mrs. Sheikh, is this a certificate of marriage between yourself and Abdul Rehman Sheikh? Revathi Yes, that is the paper of my marriage. The clerk hands it to the judge. He looks at it quickly. Judge (to Deshpande) I think this witness is qualified to give evidence. You may proceed. Deshpande (to Revathi) Mrs. Sheikh, are you willing to give evidence against the man you have been calling your husband? Revathi I am willing. Deshpande On the night that Ms. Rao was murdered, you stated to the police that Bhaskar Raj left the house at seven thirty and returned home at twenty five minutes past nine. Did he, in fact, return at twenty five past nine? Revathi No. He returned at at ten minutes past ten. Bhaskar What are you saying! That’s not true. You know that. The court is in an uproar.
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Judge I must have silence! As your lawyer will tell you, Bhaskar, you will very shortly have an opportunity of speaking in your own defense! Deshpande Ok! Go on Mrs. Sheikh! Revathi He was breathing hard, and then he told me to wash his shirt. They had blood on them. He said, “I’ve killed her!” Bhaskar Revathi! Why are you saying these things? Why are you lying? The spectators are whispering excitedly to each other. The judge calms down t he court. Judge Proceed, adv. Deshpande. Deshpande Mrs. Sheikh, Sheikh, when the prisoner said, “I have killed her”, did you know whom he referred? Revathi Yes. The woman he had been going to see so often. Deshpande Now, then, when questioned questioned by the the police, you told told them that the prisoner came came home at nine twenty five? Revathi Yes. Because Bhaskar told me to say that.
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Deshpande But then why are you changing your story now? Revathi I cannot go on lying to save him! I said to the police what he wanted me to say because I’m grateful to him. He married me and brought me to this city. I have always done what he asked for because I was grateful. Deshpande It was not because he was your husband, and you loved him? Revathi No. I never loved him. Bhaskar is leaning on his hands staring dully straight ahead. Deshpande It was gratitude to the prisoner but now you feel that it was wrong to do so? Revathi It is murder. That woman…she was a harmless one. I cannot come into court and swear that he was with me at the time when it was done. I cannot do it. Deshpande Then this is the truth? That Bhaskar returned that night at ten minutes past ten. That he had blood on his shirt and that he said to you, “I have killed her”? Revathi That is the truth.
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Deshpande Are you sure? Revathi Yes, that is the truth. Deshpande Thank you. Deshpande sits. The whole courtroom is focused on Sathyadev. For a while he sits still. Bhaskar and Rajesh, anxiously waiting for him to rise for the cross examination. Finally, he lifts himself to his feet. Sathyadev Mrs. Bhaskar….or Mrs. Sheikh which do you prefer to be called? Revathi It does not matter. Sathyadev Does it not? In this country we are inclined to take a rather more serious view of marriage. However, it appears that when you first met Bhaskar in Mumbai, you lied to him about your marital status, even your religion, culture? Revathi I wanted to get out of Mumbai… Sathyadev You lied, did you not? Just “Yes” or “No” please. Revathi Yes.
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Sathyadev Thank you. And subsequently, in arranging the marriage you lied to the authorities? Revathi I did not tell the truth to them. Sathyadev What does that mean? You lied to them! Revathi Yes. Sathyadev And then…when police questioned you about this man who believed himself married and loved. You told them…. Revathi I told them what Bhaskar wanted me to say….. Sathyadev You told them he was with you at nine twenty five p.m. and now you say that…that was a lie? Revathi Yes. A lie. Sathyadev And when you said that he accidently cut his wrist? Again you lied. Revathi Yes. Sathyadev Now today you have told us entirely new story. The question is,
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were you lying then, are you lying now. In fact you are a chronic and habitual liar… Deshpande (rises) My lord, is my learned colleague allowed to bully and insult the witness in this fashion? Judge You are right adv. Deshpande. But this is a Murder charge. And within the bounds of reason I would like the defense to have every latitude. Sathyadev My lord may I also remind my learned friend that their witness, by her own admission, has already violated so many oaths that I am surprised the testament did not leap from her hand when she was sworn here today. (to Revathi) I doubt if anything is to be gained by questioning you any further, that will be all! He sits. Adv. Deshpande rises. Deshpande Mrs. Sheikh, I ask you once more…is the evidence you have given the truth, the only truth? Revathi What I told you is the truth, the whole truth! Deshpande Then that, that’s all, my lord. He indicates Revathi to step out and sit. The courtroom is buzzing with excitement. Revathi crosses exit. Bhaskar sits his head bowed. Judge makes some notes.
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Judge Adv. Sathyadev, are you ready for the defense? Sathyadev (rising) My lord, the prosecution has presented their witnesses against the prisoner, Bhaskar Raj. A case of the most overwhelming circumstantial evidence. Among the witnesses you have heard chief inspector Joshi, who has given his testimony in a fair and impartial manner, as he always does in these cases. However you will decide for yourselves whether the crime was committed or not. Then you heard the evidence of Saraswatibai. A worthy and devoted housekeeper, who has suffered two most grievous losses. One, the death of her beloved mistress and second, in being deprived of an inheritance of 5 crore rupees….5 crore, my lord! Which she had fully expected to r eceive. And finally…most damaging of all…the prosecution has produced a surprise witness, Rehana Sheikh. Whom the prisoner married and brought from the rubble of her home land to the safety of this city, giving her his love and protection of his name. I objected to her testimony because a wife cannot give evidence harmful to her husband but it has been proven that her marriage to the prisoner was fraud. Therefore her evidence must be admitted and you must consider it for worth. Such is the prosecution’s case. Now it is the turn of the defense. We could present….we could present on behalf of the prisoner, a variety of witnesses to his character, his lack of criminal and evil association in his past. However, only one witness can shed new light on this tragic riddle…the prisoner himself. Bhaskar Raj! The entire court room is intent on Bhaskar as he raises his head, gets up slowly and proceeds to the witness box. The clerk hands him the book and holds up the oath book. Bhaskar I swear by almighty god that the evidence I shall give will be the truth,
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the whole truth and nothing but the TRUTH! Rajesh hands over a long sheet of paper to Sathyadev. Sathyadev keeps it aside. Sathyadev (to Bhaskar) Your name is Bhaskar Raj? Bhaskar Yes! Sathyadev Bhaskar, did you or did you not, on the night of 14 th January, murder Ms. Nayana Rao? Bhaskar (firmly) I did not. Sathyadev sits, with a gesture to Deshpande that Bhaskar is all his. Deshpande is taken by surprise. There is an excited murmur in the court room. Judge Have you, in fact, concluded your examination of the prisoner, Sathyadev? Sathyadev (half rising) My lord, the prisoner has endured three days of the most profound mental agony and shock. The defense feels that his stamina should be spared for the cross examination by my learned friend for the prosecution. I am confident that no matter how searching this may be, the prisoner will withstand it. Sathyadev sits. Deshpande walks up to Bhaskar.
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Deshpande Mr. Bhaskar, at the time of your meetings with Ms. Rao, were you employed? Bhaskar No sir. Deshpande Did she ever give you any money? Bhaskar No, sir! Deshpande Did you expect to receive any? Bhaskar No, never…. Deshpande Did you know that in her new will, you were the beneficiary to the extent of 5 crore ? Bhaskar No! Deshpande takes the shirt and shows it to Bhaskar. Deshpande Now Mr. Bhaskar when you went to visit Ms. Rao for the last time did you wear this shirt? Bhaskar Yes, I did.
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Deshpande My lord, the defense will be pleased to learn that at the last moment a witness has come forward, and that the prisoner had been seen, wearing this shirt. Reactions from Bhaskar, Sathyadev. Deshpande(continued) …strangely, he had not been seen on the night of the murder, but exactly one week before. On the afternoon of January 8th, were you or were you not in a travel agency inquiring about prices and schedules of foreign flights? Bhaskar (thinking) …I don’t remember anything like that.....I don’t think I went there…. (instantly) Oh…yes…yes! I remember….I went there….yes! But I think that’s not a crime? Deshpande Not at all. Many people go for it….when they can pay for it. But you couldn’t pay for it, could you? Bhaskar No. I was hard up. Deshpande And yet you came into this particular travel agency with a beautiful, young lady….you then admit that you made enquiries about the expensive and luxurious flights. How did you expect to pay for such a thing? Bhaskar I don’t know, it was….
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Deshpande If you don’t know then perhaps I can help you. On the morning of the very same day, you heard Ms. Rao change her will, leaving you the bulk of her money… Bhaskar I didn’t! I knew nothing about the Will! Deshpande And in the afternoon, you started making plans to dispose of the money. Bhaskar No! It was nothing like that. I was crossing this travel agency….and those ads and fancy posters attracted me….and may be same time that lady and I walked together or enquired together but I don’t know her….I didn’t even see her. So I went in…and the man there gave me a funny look…may be because of I looked a bit shabby…and it irritated me so I kept asking for the different tours… Deshpande An act? No, not an act…you knew that in a week you were going to get rs.5 crore! Bhaskar No…it was nothing like that! It was childish…it was fun…I enjoyed it. I wasn’t planning something….. Deshpande It was just a remarkable coincidence that Ms. Rao should be killed only a week later?
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Bhaskar I’ve told you, I didn’t kill her! Deshpande Can you suggest any reason…why Rehana Sheikh should deliberately give evidence she has given if it were not true? Bhaskar (starting to break) No, I don’t know. I don’t know why my wife…I don’t even know why I still call her my wife….she must be lying or out of her mind. (tortured) Oh god! What happened to her! What changed her? Deshpande Very effective, but in this court we deal with facts. And the fact is, Mr. Bhaskar, we have only your word for it which says you came home at five and twenty minutes past nine, and that you did not go out again. Bhaskar Someone must have seen me…in the street… (to judge) or going into the house. Deshpande One would certainly think so but the only person who did see you come home that night says it was at ten minutes past ten. And she says that you had blood on your clothes. Bhaskar I cut my wrist! Deshpande You cut your wrist purposely! Bhaskar No I didn’t do anything. But you make it sound as though I did!
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(hand to head) I can hear it myself! Deshpande You came home at ten past ten! Bhaskar No, I didn’t…you’ve got to believe me! Deshpande You killed Ms. Rao! Bhaskar I didn’t do it! I didn’t kill her! I’ve never killed anybody. He collapses….his head in his hands. CUT TO: 23. INT / SATHYADEV’S OFFICE / EVENING The lights are on. It is after office hours. After a few seconds Sathyadev enters in the office, followed by Rajesh. They are coming back from court. Priya is covering and managing all the office room. Priya Good evening, sir! No answer. Sathyadev pays no attention. He crosses to the chair behind his desk. Rajesh I’m afraid sir. This seems too open and shut. Sathyadev (sits) I watched judge when fraud Sheikh was in the witness box, they didn’t like her.
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Rajesh No, they didn’t like her but they believed her. They liked Bhaskar, but they didn’t believe him. Sathyadev …That travel agency business doesn’t help, either. And do you think she lied? Rajesh I don’t know. I’m not sure. Sathyadev But I am. She lied. The only question in my mind is …..Why? What’s her game? What is she up to? Rajesh Sir, I hope in your final speech tomorrow, you won’t let yourself become too emotionally involved. I want to see you save yourself. This isn’t going to be your last case…. Sathyadev Yes, that’s right. But until it is over, I am still a lawyer and my client’s life is at stake. That’s all that matters…his life. He is entitled to the best I can do. During this the phone has been ringing. Rajesh picks it up. Rajesh Yes? CUT TO:
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24. INT/ ROSY NIGHT CLUB / EVENING We see a woman from the backside, talking on a phone with Rajesh. Woman Is this sir Sathyadev’s office? INTERCUT BETWEEN RAJESH AND WOMAN: Rajesh Yes, it is. Woman Let me talk to adv. Sathyadev. Rajesh Who is this speaking, please? Woman Don’t mind; let me talk to him… Rajesh What you want madam? What’s your business? Woman Its business right! I’ve got something to sell. It’s got to do with that Bhaskar Raj. Rajesh Bhaskar Raj? Sathyadev, Priya look at this. Sathyadev grabs the phone from Rajesh. Sathyadev This is adv. Sathyadev speaking, now what is this all about?
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Woman It’s about that Mumbai lady and it’s for sale. Sathyadev What you have? Woman Listen to me carefully; I’m in the ROSY night club, at the far end of the bar. And I’ll be here for just thirty minutes…if you want some documents on that Mumbai fraud, you get yourself over h ere. Sathyadev What documents? What you know about her? Woman Aahan...not on the phone. You better get on over here….and bring plenty of money! Sathyadev slams down the receiver. Sathyadev .....a stupid one! You get those in every murder trial…drunk and disorderly….giving ME an ultimatum…ROSY night club in thirty minutes…got some documents of Mrs. Sheikh…I’m too tired and sick of….I never became this much pressurized…and that’s why I’m keeping no stone unturned…. Sathyadev starts walking outside the office. Rajesh Sir…sir! Sathyadev Come on, Rajesh!
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CUT TO: 25. EXT / CITY ROAD / EVENING Adv. Sathyadev’s car on a road; leading ahead in high speed. CUT TO: 26. INT / ROSY NIGHT CLUB / NIGHT The place is mirrored bar, crowded with public. It’s shining in the lights. Table and chairs fill the room. Sathyadev comes in briskly, followed by Rajesh. They scan the room for their rendezvous. Some hot, sexy ladies are dancing on the floor. They move in the bar until they see someone who fits the bill. A middle aged woman, flamboyantly dressed. She is overly made up. She senses their presence when they stop and look at her. Woman Are you adv. Sathyadev? Sathyadev Yes. Woman I wonder why you are in a court dress. This is not a court! Sathyadev You called us? Woman (glance at Rajesh) Who is this guy? I don’t want to talk to him.
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Sathyadev He is Rajesh. He is my associate lawyer. Woman Lawyer? Ok! Sathyadev You’re name please? Woman No need for names. Have a drink, boys. (to the barman) …two whiskeys for my gentlemen friends. Sathyadev You realize that you are in duty to come and give us the evidence that you have. Woman Oh! Come off it. Did you bring any money? Sathyadev What do you have? Woman Letters. Letters of that Mumbai wife… Rajesh Letters written by Rehana Sheikh to her husband? Woman To her husband? Oh! Don’t make me laugh! Sathyadev If you will let us see these letters, madam we shall be able to advice
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…you as to how important they are. Woman Well, as I say, I don’t expect you to buy without seeing it but fair’s fair. If these letters get the boy off…well, you need to offer me a good sum. She opens her bags and shows a packet of letters. Sathyadev immediately checks it. Sathyadev If these letters contain information useful to the defense….I can offer you ten thousands. Woman What? Bloody ten thousands, for letters like these? (snaps the letters and walks out) …good night, gentleman! Sathyadev If these should help to prove my client’s innocence, twenty thousands, I think this is not a bad sum for you…. Sathyadev gates his money packet out from his coat and gives it to her. She excitedly takes it. Woman Oh! Thank you very much….sir, thank you! She puts the letters on the bar. Sathyadev and Rajesh each take one and start reading eagerly. The bar man arrives with the two whiskeys. Sathyadev (to woman) How do you know these are from Mrs. Sheikh?
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Woman Oh! She wrote them all. Rajesh I’ve had messages from her. It looks like her handwriting. He reads one letter. Rajesh Sir, look at this. Sathyadev (scanning the letter) Incredible!
Woman Yes! Now what about money?
Rajesh Where did you get these? Why are you against her? Woman I’ll show you something… She pushes back her hair. Her left side neck is slashed. Woman Wanna kiss? Sathyadev and Rajesh take a shocked step back. She laughs harshly. She lets her hair fall back in place.
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Sathyadev Rehana did this to you? Woman No, not her. The guy I was in love with. Then she came along. And started seeing him. One day I went after him and I found them together. I told them what I thought for her and in anger, he cut my neck…. Sathyadev Did you go to the police about it? Woman Who? Me? Not likely. It wasn’t his fault. It was all hers. Getting him away from me. Turning him against me. But I waited my time to pay her back. And this is the TIME! Sathyadev takes out extra five thousands and gives it to her. She snatches eagerly. Woman Oh! Finally, my tears have more value than these letters. Sathyadev and Rajesh, standing close together, read the letter. Sathyadev (to Rajesh) Unbelievable! We’d better have the full name of the man to whom these were addressed. Madam…. He looks around for the woman who has disappeared. Sathyadev Where is she?
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Rajesh Gone, I’d say. She just doesn’t want her other side to be slashed. Can’t blame her! Sathyadev gathers the letters together. Sathyadev Come on, Rajesh, chase her…. Along with Rajesh, Sathyadev run outside. CUT TO: 27. EXT / ROSY NIGHT CLUB / ROAD - Continues Sathyadev and Rajesh come at the road side. They look for the woman. Sathyadev Rajesh, you go this way….we need to find her… Rajesh runs his side. Sathyadev crosses the road and comes in the next lane. There he finds that woman in the crowd. Sathyadev Hello, ma’ m! CUT TO: 28. EXT / SMALL LANE / NIGHT - Continuous Sathyadev comes near to that woman and stops her. The road is empty. Only a street light is flashing. Sathyadev Hello! Ma’m, please wait! Listen! Where are you going?
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Woman Arre? These are my peak hours….lawyer! Off course if you want any other help then I… She comes close to him. Sathyadev I want his name, your lover. Where is he? Woman Sir, I don’t want to trouble him… Sathyadev Absolutely don’t worry about it…. Same time somebody comes from the backside of Sathyadev. In a second, he takes his gun and shoots that woman. Killer runs away. Sathyadev takes her in his arms. She is dead. Sathyadev keeps her aside and runs behind that killer. CUT TO: 29. EXT / LANES - Continuous Sathyadev is running behind that killer; crossing all odds. Finally he catches him. fights with him. But again he pushes Sathyadev back and runs away. Sathyadev follows him. CUT TO: 30. EXT / ROAD - Continuous Sathyadev comes out of the lane on the main road. He looks for that killer. The road is empty, nobody is there. Sathyadev seems tired and depressed. Same time
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Rajesh comes from the backside of him. Rajesh What happened sir? Sathyadev That killer ran away…. Rajesh Killer? Who killer, sir? Sathyadev Killer who…… (suddenly remembers that woman) …oh my god! That woman….. Sathyadev runs backwards. Rajesh follows him. CUT TO: 31. EXT / SMALL LANE / NIGHT Sathyadev comes to the place where that woman was shot. But Sathyadev is stunned because the body is missing. Rajesh comes in a second. Rajesh Sir! What happened? Sathyadev looks for that woman here and there. Everything is confusing. He just sits and starts thinking quietly. CUT TO:
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32. INT / COURT ROOM / DAY The camera pans up to reveal the court room. It is opening of the fourth day of the trial and the crowded court room is awaiting the entrance of the judge. In a second, judge arrives. All rise. Judge moves to his place. Bhaskar Raj standing in the prisoner’s dock. He looks nervous. The judge bows to the court and sits, everyone following. Sathyadev and Rajesh at their places. Judge Since the defense has called but one witness….the prisoner….it has the right to be heard last in summation. Therefore, adv. Deshpande, if you are ready, let us have the final address for the prosecution. Sathyadev rises. Sathyadev My lord, I ask that the case for the defense be reopened and that a witness be recalled. There is a reaction in the court room. Bhaskar looks at Sathyadev with a new hope. Adv. Deshpande is puzzled by this approach. Deshpande I strongly object to the reopening of the case which the prosecution regards as closed. Sathyadev Evidence of the most startling nature has come into my possession only last night…I have anticipated my friend’s objection….there is, first, 1973’s case of the state vs Humayun Patel, 1988’s case of the State vs Suresh Ayyangar in which this issue was raised. And I’m sure your lordship will remember since they appeared for the prosecution. Judge Yes, I did. Now what is this new evidence?
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Sathyadev Letters, my lord. Written by Rehana Sheikh. There is sharp reaction from Bhaskar. Sathyadev has given the letters to clerk, who takes them to the judge. As the judge inspects the letters….. Deshpande My lord, the prosecution continues its objection. If my memory serves me well, your lordship’s similar objection….in State vs Balkrishna Bhat…..was sustained. Judge Your memory serves you ill, adv. Deshpande. My objection was over ruled by Justice Shastri….as yours is now, by me! He hands the packet of letters to the clerk, who carries them back to Sathyadev. Sathyadev Now, I want to call Mrs. Rehana Sheikh! His voice echo’s in the hall. Revathi enters the court. Bhaskar stares at her blankly. Then he looks at Sathyadev, he gives him an encouraging nod. Revathi is now in the witness box. Sathyadev Mrs. Sheikh, I appreciate that you are still under oath. Revathi Yes. Sathyadev Mrs. Sheikh, do you know a man named Yusuf?
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Revathi (puzzled) Who? I don’t know what you mean… Sathyadev It’s a simple question. Do you or do you not know a man called Yusuf? Revathi (quickly) No, I don’t know. Sathyadev It’s fairly a common name. And yet you mean that you have never known a man by the name of Yusuf? Revathi Oh! In Mumbai…perhaps….that was a long time ago. Sathyadev I shall not ask you to go back that far….just a few weeks…. Sathyadev takes a folded long white letter from a pocket. Sathyadev (continues) ….to the 6th of February last. Revathi What have you got there? Sathyadev A letter. I suggest that on the 6 th of February you wrote a certain letter…. Sathyadev opens the folded letter.
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Sathyadev (continues) ….addressed to a man named Yusuf. Revathi I did nothing of the sort. Sathyadev A letter. Which was one of the series written to the same man…. Revathi Lies…..all lies! Sathyadev You seem to have been on….on intimate terms with this man… Bhaskar gets angry. Bhaskar How dare you say things like that? It isn’t true. Judge The prisoner, in his own interest, should remain silent! Sathyadev Did you hear that? Huun? So…keep quite…. Rajesh gestures to Bhaskar to keep calm, and he does so. Sathyadev I’m not concerned with the general trend of this correspondence…. (unfolding the letter) …only one particular letter. (glancing down the letter)….My beloved Yusuf. An extraordinary thing has happened. I believe all our difficulties may be ended…
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Revathi comes out of the box and comes near to Sathyadev. Revathi I will not stand here and listen to pack of lies….this letter is a forgery…I’ve not written them…. Everyone else tries to stop her. Deshpande You first go to the witness box…..and then say…. The policeman takes her into the witness box. Revathi ….it isn’t even my letter paper…. Sathyadev It isn’t? Revathi No. I write my letters on small blue paper….with my initials on it. Sathyadev Really? Like this? He holds up the packet of blue letters. She stares. Sathyadev (holding up the white letter ) This happens to be my light bill…. Excited reactions in the court room. Sathyadev Now, Mrs. Sheikh, you have been kind enough to identify your
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letter paper, now if you like, I can have an expert identify your handwriting. Revathi This is wrong! This is illegal to read somebody’s personal letters. Sathyadev Really? Revathi …this is a kind of stealing….you can’t read my… Sathyadev My? My what? Revathi remains silent. Sathyadev looks at Judge. Sathyadev You’re honor? Judge Mrs. Sheikh, you need to answer this… Revathi Who gave you these letters? Any woman gave it to you? Sathyadev Mrs. Sheikh, I want answer for my question…did you write this letter to Yusuf? Revathi No, no….this is conspiracy against me….
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Sathyadev (angry) Conspiracy you are doing….consistently you are lying in the court…and the proof for that is the letter…. Revathi Why should I write letter? There is no need of it…. Sathyadev No need? Every possible need is there, Mrs. Sheikh. Bhaskar Leave her alone! Revathi Let me out of here….let me go! She rushes from the box but the policeman stops her. Revathi cries, her head buried in her arms. Judge Adv. Sathyadev, will you now read the letter? Sathyadev (reading) My beloved Yusuf. An extraordinary thing has happened. All our difficulties may soon be solved. Bhaskar is suspected of murdering the old lady, Ms. Nayana Rao, I told you about. His only hope of an alibi depends on me…..on ME alone. Suppose I testify that he was not at home with me at the time of the murder….that he came home with blood on his shirt and that he even admitted to me that he had killed her. Strange, isn’t it….he always said he would never let me leave him….but now, if this succeeds, he will be leaving me….because they will take him away, forever….and I shall be free, and yours, my beloved….I count the hours until we are together….your beloved, Rehana.
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During this, SHOTS of the judge, of Deshpande and Bhaskar staring at his sobbing wife. Revathi is pale, her cheeks streaked with tears. Sathyadev I now ask you again, Rehana Sheikh, did you write this letter? Revathi looks from judge to Sathyadev…then to Bhaskar. Bhaskar looks at her with affection. Sathyadev Answer my question….did you write this letter? Bhaskar Tell him you didn’t write it! Revathi (instantly in anger to Bhaskar) Yes! I wrote those letters! I wrote them to my loved one. I always hated you….you bloody…. A hush in the court room. Bhaskar looks down and starts crying. Sathyadev Then, my lord, this is the case for the defense. FADE OUT: FADE IN: 33. INT / COURT ROOM / DAY There is a hush of expectation in the court. Bhaskar Raj, nerves strained to the breaking point, is in the prisoner’s dock. His eyes anxiously scan the judge, as if to guess their verdict. Revathi in the witness box tensely awaiting the verdict. In the court, the spectators are silent, motionless. Sathyadev and Rajesh just seating themselves.
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Judge Bhaskar Raj, you have been found not guilty of the murder of Ms. Nayana Rao on the night of 14th January. You are hereby discharged and free to leave the court. And court announces to file a perjury case against Mrs. Rehana sheikh for lying on the oath and misleading the court in the above case. Bhaskar sits down abruptly, exhausted. His eyes close tightly for a moment. There is a burst of excitement in the court. Some cheers. Revathi is standing, her face completely immobile. The judge rises. The court room rises with him. He bows to the court and then the judge exits, followed by his Alderman and judge’s clerk. Deshpande turns toward Sathyadev and makes a gallant gesture of salute in defeat. Adv. Sathyadev moves to Deshpande, with a casual gesture of acknowledgement. There is an excitement in the spectators and some media people. They are trying to reach Bhaskar, but are pushed toward the exits by the police. Deshpande and his associates move out. The court room, too, is emptying. Bhaskar has come down and is shaking hands with Rajesh. Finally comes to adv. Sathyadev. Bhaskar Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything. You were wonderful. Sathyadev Let’s say we were lucky all around. A policeman comes in. Policeman Mr. Bhaskar, if you’ll be kind enough to come with us and sign the
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…papers, we can release you. Bhaskar Mr. Bhaskar? Policeman (to Revathi) Madam, you better wait here until we manage the disturbed crowd and media outside. Revathi Ok! They walk out. There is the sound of angry crowd outside the court room. Rajesh is smiling, looking at Bhaskar. Rajesh (to Sathyadev) The lucky one! An hour ago he had one foot on the gallows and the other on a banana peel. You must be very proud, sir. Sathyadev Not yet. We’ve disposed of the gallows, but there is still that banana peel….somewhere….under somebody’s foot. By the way, you go along with Bhaskar, help him clear the formalities. CUT TO: 34. EXT / COURT / ENTRANCE - Continuous We see a bit of riot. The crowd and media representatives are in an ugly mood, shouting insults and waving fists. The policemen are trying to control them. We see that the object of the crowd is Revathi.
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CUT TO: 35. INT / COURT ROOM - Continuous Sathyadev is alone in the court room with Revathi. She is calm, quiet. She clears her tears and straightens her face. Sathyadev is collecting his documents.
Revathi I never thought you men could get so emotional….especially in a public place. Sathyadev Should I apologize for my approach? Revathi It’s all right. But finally I cried. I look terrible when I cry. Sathyadev Don’t worry; no body is going to look at you in prison. Revathi Prison? Will I go to prison? Sathyadev Yes! You heard the judge. You will certainly be charged with perjury. Revathi Well….it won’t be for life. Sathyadev If I were retained for the prosecution, it would be. Revathi You hate me, don’t you? Like the people outside. What a wicked
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woman I am, and how brilliantly you exposed me, and saved Bhaskar’s life. The great adv. Sathyadev did it again! (firmly) Well, tell me one thing, did you do it alone? Or you had a help. Sathyadev What do you mean? Revathi I mean nothing….Bhaskar is free, and we did it! Sathyadev We? Revathi That’s right. Remember when I came to see you, and you said that no jury would believe an alibi given by a loving wife, no matter how much she swore that her husband is innocent? That gave me the idea….. Sathyadev What idea? Revathi The idea that I should be a witness, not for my husband, but for the prosecution….that I should swear that Bhaskar was guilty…and that you should expose me as a liar….because only then, would they believe that BHASKAR WAS INNOCENT! He stares at her. She slowly crosses toward him. Revathi So now you know the whole story, adv. Sathyadev…. (in an act of the woman) I’ll give you something you’ll dream about, mister.
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She acts like the murdered woman, who gave the letters, pulls the hair from side of her face. Revathi Wanna kiss me? Sathyadev (shocked) You? That was you? I suspected something….but not that! Revathi speaks gently to Sathyadev, who is plainly stunned. Revathi Thank you for the compliment. It’s been a long time since I was an actress, and I never before played such an important role…… Sathyadev And murder of the woman… you…and all those blue letters? Revathi The murder was a fake one…and It took me hours to write the letters…to invent Yusuf(laughs)…. There never has been anyone but Bhaskar….only Bhaskar…. Sathyadev ….why? Could you not have trusted me? Worked with me truthfully and honorably? We would have won. Revathi I could not take that risk. Have you ever thought that he was innocent? Sathyadev Yes and even you knew he was innocent. I understand.
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Revathi No, sir, you won’t understand at all…I knew HE WAS GUILTY! Sathyadev (shocked) What? No, that can’t be true… Revathi Bhaskar came home a few minutes past ten…he had blood on the shirts….he did tell me he had killed the woman. He cried like a child….only I could save him…he pleaded to me…. Sathyadev And you saved him? A murderer! Revathi Again, you don’t understand, I love him. Suddenly she looks off at the entrance where Bhaskar is standing. He is smiling complacently. He has overheard everything.
Bhaskar (to Sathyadev) I told you she is an actress….and a good one. Bhaskar moves to them. Bhaskar (continues) …I knew she would do something for me….but I never expected this…. Revathi Bhaskar…darling!
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She starts to embrace him. He doesn’t respond her, instead looks over her shoulder at Sathyadev. Bhaskar She fooled you completely, didn’t she? Sathyadev Not she. It’s you, Bhaskar who really fooled me…you have insulted the law, the judiciary, even humanity. Bhaskar Really? You think so? Sathyadev Yes! Bhaskar Sathyadev sir, it’s you who saved me….take it easy sir, we both got out of it safely….let’s stay this way… Sathyadev Bhaskar, most of the time people think that Justice is imbalanced but at the end of the day it reaches to the balance. You are going to pay heavily for this….there are still courts in India…they are not through with you yet. Bhaskar Oh, yes they are…you’ve done a good job. You got me off, and I can’t be tried again…that’s the law, and you know it. Revathi You can’t touch him now…nobody can.
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Sathyadev (passionately) You’ll pay for this somehow….they’ll hang you… Bhaskar No, they won’t. As for paying for it…why not double your fees? What’s say? Now I’m not a cheap…I’m not a bad guy. I want everyone to get something out of it. There’s Saraswati, let’s get her hearing aid….(to Revathi) …Revathi, you’ve done a lot for me, when they try you for perjury, I’ll pay to get you off easy. Revathi I don’t care, Bhaskar….just we’ll be together again…you don’t know what I went through standing in the witness box, having to face you and saying I never loved you… She looks at him with affection. He draws away, looking past her. She turns in the same direction. Priya, Sathyadev’s clerk, standing there. Sathyadev Priya? Priya runs to Bhaskar. They hug each other. Bhaskar Priya! Oh Priya! They’ve been trying to keep me away from you… Revathi (shocked) Bhaskar, who is this girl? What she has to do with you? Priya I’m not this girl….I’m his would be WIFE! And other wise also your marriage is illegal!
