Script of Ashim Ahluwalia S Miss Lovely
Script of Ashim Ahluwalia S Miss Lovely
Script of Ashim Ahluwalia S Miss Lovely
A script by
Ashim Ahluwalia and Uttam Sirur
Draft
December 2008
TEENAGE GIRL
W-who's there?
FILM NARRATOR
Blood is the ultimate symbol. It's
the one that everyone understands.
There is power to blood! It has an
emotional impact unlike any substance
on earth!
From her demonic gaze, she zaps lightning towards the camera.
TITLES fly toward the screen as cheap music surges - A DUGGAL
BROTHERS PRODUCTION.
SONU
Your Bits. Two jumbos.
OLD PROJECTIONIST
About time.
CUT TO
POONAM
baaad boy!
PROJECTIONIST
(riveted)
Ooof.. look at the cups on that one.
CUT TO:
SONU
Uh, yes sir. Definitely.
GOLA'S RUNNER
Sorry I'm late. Every day is Diwali
with these cops. But wait till you
see these bits, sir...
GOLA'S RUNNER
What Indian bits?
She feels him staring and turns. Their eyes meet for a
moment, then she looks away.
TITLES CONTINUE
CUT TO
The AUNTY makes dirty gestures as she cracks opens the door
for him.
VOICE (O.S.)
Purana Purush - take one!
JOLLY
(fuming - to the
bleeding woman)
You stripped in Madras and there
were over fifty men hanging around.
Now what?
The BLEEDING WOMAN removes her mouth gag, wiping off the
fake blood.
JOLLY (CONT'D)
(agitated)
See that's why I said no husbands on
set. NO HUSBANDS!
(pointing to her
HUSBAND)
FANIL
You're a bad influence, get out!
(MORE)
7.
FANIL (CONT'D)
Aye, shut up woman, no chattering.
Behave yourself. Listen to the
director.
CUT TO
VICKY
(turning around)
Your daughter's always been this
frigid?
NADIA'S MOTHER
Uh, No no. It's just, Nadia has always
been the boy of the family, no?
VICKY
(loudly, huge grin)
Heyyy, look who's here. The one good
man in this filthy business.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Come, come. Our beautiful new find -
Nadia. My brother, Sonu.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Whatever I do, all this you see,
it's all for him.
(pinches Sonu's cheeks)
Eh? Bastard it's all for you.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(to NADIA)
Baby, make him a double...
NADIA'S MOTHER
(trying to capitalize
on the mood)
How about me, too? Don't I get a
drink?
VICKY
Ice, mummyji. We need Ice.
SONU
(serious)
I need to talk to you.
VICKY
(leaning over Nadia
lecherously)
Baby, ten minutes.
SONU
I shouldn't have gone to Ajmer.
It's not our business. We gave Gola
our word, we should have kept it.
VICKY
(grinning)
I work my ass off to put us in a
good spot and you can't do anything
but find fault with me? Whose side
are you on, anyway?
SONU
(grumbling)
I don't want to take sides. He's
always been good to us.
VICKY
Then you go work for him. I'm moving
on.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(smacking his lips)
Cheer up. From today, we're solo.
Here - Just a taste.
SONU
We should give Poonam her money.
VICKY
(snaps harshly)
What fuckin' money? She owes me
money.
POONAM
Vicky!!
VICKY (O.S.)
Listen. Sonu just got in. He sold
the reels. We got the money.
POONAM
You got the money?? I want half.
Vicky, I need the money. I got debts,
I owe the world, Vicky.
VICKY (O.S.)
Poonam, love...c'mon.
POONAM
(hysterical)
Promise I get half. I'm really tight,
Vicky.
10.
VICKY (O.S.)
Don't be ridiculous, honey. You're
the star. Of course, I'll give you
something, pumpkin...
VICKY (CONT'D)
(curtly)
Gola called Poonam an hour ago.
(pause)
He wants a meeting.
SONU
I-I, I told you. I mean, Vicky, he
was bound to find out. T-they were
bound to know it was an inside job,
it was stupi...
VICKY
What the fuck did you do in Ajmer?
Hang a sign around your neck? Ha?
(hurls his glass
against the wall)
I told you: it's a simple deal. Don't
attract attention. Act normal.
VICKY (CONT'D)
But how can you? You're NOT normal.
11.
Vicky suddenly grabs Sonu's hair with one hand and raps his
head with the other.
VICKY
If you had some sense in this empty
head we wouldn't be begging today.
It's just pathetic.
SONU
Ow! What the...
POONAM
Go ahead, just hit each other, why
don't you? Aye, enough! VICKY STOP
IT!
VICKY
(yells)
I should slap your face! I was
depending on this money.
SONU
(weakly)
I'm sorry.
VICKY
We're living like rats, working for
Gola. I'm sick of getting nowhere!
SONU
I'm sorry, Vicky. I'm sorry.
VICKY
(starts shouting again)
I put food on your fucking table.
What do you do? You do nothing.
Nothing.
POONAM
Uh, Vicky, it'll be alright, won't
it?
Vicky doesn't respond. He slams the door shut and walks away.
OLD ROUGHNECK
(snapping at someone)
Hey, get them what their drinking!
ISHARA
Here already, eh? Now that's what I
call service!
ISHARA
(slapping Vicky on
the back)
We've worked together ten years, eh
Vicky? Since "Birth of A Baby", no?
VICKY
Without you, sir, I'd be nothing.
Just a little smut peddler, with no
distribution, nothing...
GOLA
And yet you show me no respect.
VICKY
No, sir, never, I-I...
13.
ISHARA's big hand is placed over Vicky's face and he's shoved
backwards violently.
ISHARA
You've been pimping bits in Ajmer
that you haven't shown us, eh?
VICKY
No, No, Gola saab, please don't
misunderstand.
(offering the suitcase)
Of-of course we were gonna pay.
Here. It's all here...
ISHARA
Cutting us off, HA? We should cut
your throat, pig!
VICKY (O.S.)
Gola saab, please... I didn't mean
it. I'm slipping. I'm so broke. I
owe so much.. I'm over my head..
HEAVYWEIGHT
GET DOWN, dog. Kiss Golasaab's feet.
Say "I'm a thief!" SAY IT!
VICKY
(defeated, buries his
head in his hands)
I'm sorry, Golasaab. I'm a thief.
I'm a thief. I'm sorry.
14.
POONAM
(sympathetic)
You okay?
SONU
I've had enough. I can't do this
anymore.
POONAM
Oh C'mon Sonu, brothers fight, don't
be...
POONAM (CONT'D)
You're still upset about her, aren't
you? I know the feeling, Sonu. So
she went and married someone else...
I've been through that.
(pause)
Not everybody is comfortable with
what we do, you understand?
SONU
I don't care. I'm leaving. Now.
Today. I don't want anything from
him. I don't need him, ok?
(pause)
I'll find something.
GOLA
You produce. I distribute. That's
the rule.
Vicky takes it and dabs the blood off his swollen face.
Just then, the LITTLE BALD MAN whose been watching them
appears at the table. Everyone stands up instantly as GOLA
respectfully grips his hand. ISHARA rushes for a chair.
PK
(interrupting)
Excuse me. I don't mean to disturb
you. May I?
15.
GOLA
No, No, No please PK saab. Our
pleasure. Thank you so much for
those Turkish reels.
PK
(cocking an eyebrow)
The girls are getting very bold there.
Very bold.
GOLA
(slightly awkward)
Uh, a small matter, PK saab. This
Vicky Duggal forgot the rules...
PK
(gently)
Vicky Duggal, eh? You're broke?
Need to steal? How very sad.
PK (CONT'D)
Are you fed up, Vicky? Is that it?
PK (CONT'D)
I don't mean disrespect, Mr. Gola.
But I see little point in disturbing
an arrangement that works. You guys
have something going here. All you
need is one thing.
GOLA
What's that?
PK
Me.
GOLA
And why do we need you?
16.
PK
(grinning widely now)
I can make everyone happy. We can
all be friends again.
SHANU
MAQSOOD, come in your suit. BALA,
suit. SONIA, frock. VICTOR FERNANDES,
you're a cop. They'll provide the
costume. 8 o'clock sharp. I'll see
you there.
SHANU
C'mon kiddo, stop sulking. What the
fuck is wrong with you?
SONU
I can't do this anymore. I mean,
Vicky, I-I can't work with Vicky.
SHANU
(cackling)
Chin up! Your delivery is on the
way. C'mon, Sonu, think positive!
Ok - What else do you need?
SONU
(desperate)
I really need to talk to you.
They walk into a seedy office. SHANU goes and sits at his
desk.
SHANU
(all professional)
Ok. Talk to me.
SONU
I need a job.
17.
SHANU
(irritated)
So get a job.
SHANU (CONT'D)
What you gonna do, Sonu? Work in a
fucking bank? Be an engineer? How
many times do we have to go through
this?
SONU
I don't know. What I want is...
Well, I'm not sure but it's not this.
Maybe a film. Something different.
SHANU
(rudely)
Save it. Your brother runs things,
the money comes. Not many people
have it this easy, ok? You should
have seen what my mother had to work
with, seven screaming kids and...
HOUSEWIFE
Sir, please, five minutes. Sir..
SHANU
Don't want to rush you off, kiddo,
but I've got a lot of people waiting
and...
SHANU (CONT'D)
(to Housewife)
Tell me something?
SHANU (CONT'D)
(pointing to her
breasts)
Are those real? No cotton-wool?
SHANU (CONT'D)
(sleazy wink)
That's the approach. Keep an open
mind, ok?
HOUSEWIFE
Sir, please see.. Sexy dance...
SONU
What's that building?? Those girls?
SHANU
(Doesn't turn around)
Ram Kishen's office. Some
mythological TV series...
SONU
(energized)
I know that girl. I've seen her!
Sonu cranes for a better view, but she disappears into the
crowd of strugglers. Shanu watches him scampering desperately
from grill to grill.
SHANU
(amused)
Well, there's something. Haven't had
a woman for a while, huh?
SALESGIRL #1
Who's Sonu? Suraj sent us.
SALESGIRL #2
..He smelled like a sewer, but he
gave me five hundred advance...
SALESGIRL #3
What an old snake...
SALESGIRL #1
(flirty)
You're Vicky's little brother?
(pause)
Something wrong? I'm not going to
bite you.
Sonu jerks his head away from her, disgusted. The other
girls laugh like hyenas.
VICKY (O.S.)
Let's just say "Beauty Parlour" will
be a thousand thrills crammed into 2
hours. Sex-starved girls forced to
use their bodies in a "Beauty Parlour"
of sin!
VICKY (O.S.)
We'll go beyond anything we've done
before! We'll re-use that monkey
footage from Vampire Hookers! It'll
be wild. WILD!
GOLA
He's a goddamn liar. I'm not getting
shortchanged again.
PK
I told you already, Mr. Gola. My
clients here will finance Vicky.
Then there's no risk of him skinning
you.
20.
VICKY
(Gesturing to the
INDONESIANS)
Thank you gentlemen, thank you.
PK
(curt)
Let's keep it crisp, Vicky. Your
films are boring. We want to help.
My clients don't care about the story.
They need to see pretty faces,
bouncing breasts, juicy behinds and
at least one full-frontal shot.
Clear?
VICKY
Sir, clear. Totally clear. Just
wait and...
Vicky cracks open the door. It's Sonu with the salesgirls.
They push past him and hustle toward Vicky.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(loudly, huge grin)
Heyyy! Top of the evening, Ladies.
(to Indonesians)
I want you to meet three talented
girls here.
PK
(amused, slaps Gola
on the back)
Everybody's friends here, Golasaab.
You can even distribute "Beauty
Parlour" in your small towns for
free! My gift.
GOLA
(wary)
For free? Why would you do that?
PK
Because we don't need your money.
We need your goodwill!
VICKY
(fired up)
Time for Screen tests, ok?
INDONESIAN BUSINESSMAN
Yaaas!
PK
Mr. Gola, nobody's out to screw you.
I can guarantee that!
VICKY
Uh, Everyone, my brother Sonu.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Don't just stand there, Sonu, get
Gola saab a refill. PK sir.. What
you drinking? Get him a double.
Here, get me one too.
PK
Get the Peanuts!
GOLA
(radiant)
The first time in India! A thought
provoking film about adult love!
And this is just the beginning...
ROWDY GUEST
Fantastic! Great effort!
POONAM
(slurring)
He-ey, Golasaab, no speeches!
POONAM (CONT'D)
C'mon boys and girls, drinks are
served!
GOLA
(laughing)
Jaggu. Heena. You look beautiful.
Hey, look at him. Bagga, you son of
a bitch, get over here.
NADIA
(enthralled)
All these beautiful people, so many
pretty girls around...
VICKY
You're the pretty one. I'm dizzy
enough just looking at you.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(grinning slyly)
See this one, isn't she something?
Nadia say hello to Gola saab, he's a
very rich man, he wants to make
special movies with you...
23.
NADIA'S MOTHER
You like her sir? She has potential?
You think she's pretty?
GOLA
(scanning Nadia lustily)
Why, yes, she's a fine young lady.
NADIA'S MOTHER
Oh she's open to anything. I tell
her to do something and she does it.
VICKY
(interjects)
Oh really? A sign of good parenting,
eh?
PK
(toothy grin)
I said I could make you all happy,
didn't I? Didn't I say we'd all be
friends?
JOLLY
(low voice)
Sonu, who are all these people?
Look at the dames, everything showing
but their goddamn appetites.
AFRICA
Who's paying for all this? It just
doesn't add up...
SONU
(gruffly)
How the hell am I to know? I never
asked to be mixed up in this. Vicky's
there - talk to him!
POONAM (O.S.)
(slurring)
I've made over 50 pictures. Seen
Voodoo Lust? Lady James Bond? I
may be a 'lil loose round the edges,
but I'm not finished yet.
INSPECTOR MANE
(rudely)
Hey you. Where's the bar?
SHANU tries to signal. The cops push past him and make their
way up the grand staircase.
YOUNG COP
(pointing to a passing
woman)
Oh my god, sir, look at that one. I
wonder how we go about getting some...
INSPECTOR MANE
Well, that's what Vicky and his little
brother are here for, isn't it, buddy
boy?
VICKY
Sonu, keep an eye on these nice girls
here...
The TWO ACTRESSES ignore Sonu and make a beeline for the
drinks.
VICKY (CONT'D)
...I need to take care of Inspector
Mane and his lads.
VICKY (CONT'D)
What the fuck's wrong now? Why the
long face?
25.
SONU
(voice falters)
W-why are we doing this? This party..
(pause)
What are you trying to prove? This
is a different league, Vicky. We're
cutting our own throats...
VICKY
You think I'm crazy, is that it?
I'm stupid? Well, it wouldn't be
any goddamn wonder if I was. I've
been knocking myself out for people
like you since I could walk.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Just listen to me, will you? Remember
when the studio shut down? Our old
man was jobless? After that he tried
this and that. It came to nothing.
It was wretched. Not honest or
hardworking. Wretched. He was just
a cornered rat. And then he started
acting like one.
(pause)
You want that?
VICKY (CONT'D)
This is the first crack we've had at
the big dough, Sonu. We're about to
hit the fucking jackpot. I don't
understand you.
(pause)
Aren't you happy for us?
VICKY (CONT'D)
, don't piss around. Get my brother
a double.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(to Sonu)
Don't worry so fuckin' much. Look
at the backing we got. Just look at
tonight, eh? We're in good hands,
Sonu. C'mon...
26.
VICKY (CONT'D)
C'mon. It's only you and me, Sonu.
It's just us.
(pause)
All this is for us.
SHANU
Hey, Poonam, guess what? Sonu has a
love interest. She's a professional
goddess.
Sonu grabs the bottle out of his hands and takes a slug.
POONAM
Sonu - stop with the nice girls! I
told you, didn't I? Decent people
don't like you and me.
AFRICA
Hey Sonu. I'm leaving. This party's
not for us.
POONAM
Come on, are we celebrating or what?
Hey you, volume up up UP. Everybody,
let's do the BEAUTY PARLOUR dance!
PK
(to Vicky)
God, she's depressing. You need to *
lose her.
VICKY
What?
PK
Audiences want young blood, not some
drunken hag with tits down to her
knees.
VICKY
(startled)
Uh, Poonam? She's not that old. I
mean she's..
PK
She's bad business, Vicky.
POONAM backs into her by mistake. She turns around and flies
into a rage.
POONAM
Ow. Fuck! Bloody bitch, who do you
think you are?
NADIA
Ow! Stop it! Damn you.
She turns and pushes POONAM, who launches into her shouting
incomprehensibly.
POONAM
Aaargh! Evil witch!
28.
SONU
Poonam...
VICKY
Hey, hold it. Hold it!
NADIA
I would've whacked you harder, okay,
it's just that I was taught to respect
old ladies.
POONAM
Fucking uneducated whore, you were
taught NOTHING!
NADIA
Say what you like, Grandma.
VICKY
(stroking her head)
C'mon, honey, everybody's friends
here, right? These are our friends.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(loudly)
Come on, let's have a drink.
ISHARA
(steps in and shouts)
COME ON, LET'S HAVE A DRINK,
EVERYBODY.
VICKY (O.S.)
(to the CREATURE)
C'mon, you're the mad doctor of blood
island, for god's sake! What is
this, an art film? Grunt like a beast,
animalistic!
CREATURE
Aaarghh! Eaaah!
VICKY (O.S.)
Better. Hey, there, girls - loose
some clothing.
JOLLY
Look like the queen okay, because
you are. Now we know that YOU are
the sexy body killer! The evil queen
who stays forever young by bathing
in the blood of young girls.
POONAM
Like this?
JOLLY
Yeah, fine, C'mon lets go.
POONAM
Ugh, it smells off..
POONAM (CONT'D)
Aa! AAAAAARGH!!! It's real. How
dare you! How dare you do this.
I'll call the cops!
POONAM (CONT'D)
(outraged)
You fuckin' criminals! You bastards
should be behind bars.
VICKY
Poonam, calm the fuck down. Get back
in there!
POONAM
I'm gonna report you.
(announcing loudly)
Vicky Duggal is a criminal. I know
everything. You're trying to kill
me!
VICKY
Listen, bitch, you got no mind left.
You're paranoid. Hey - You do that
again, I'll take your head off!
She slams against him again and again, screaming. Then Vicky
snaps. He pulls her hair violently. Sonu comes running,
tries to pry them apart. But Vicky's lost it - he doesn't
let go.
POONAM
You're hurting me! CRIMINAL. RAPIST!
VICKY
Trying to bring me down, ha? Ruin
me?
SONU
(screams pushing him
off)
ENOUGH!
POONAM
You dirty, fuckin' bastard! Just
try and hit me again!
VICKY
(screaming)
Poonam - your NEVER coming back. No
more films. NEVER. I'm warning
you.
She's gone.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(mumbles)
Drunken bitch, get out of here.
(shouts)
You can NEVER bring me down.
All three are rushing behind each other through the heavy
undergrowth.
VICKY
SONU, I'm warning you! You leave
and..
SONU
(snaps back)
Don't threaten me.
VICKY
Watch your mouth!
SONU
(screams)
FUCK YOU!
VICKY
Fuck me? Why am I taking this from
you?
VICKY
(to JOLLY & CAMERAMAN)
Got something?
JOLLY
(unhinged)
Uh, chest. Legs. Up till the time
she got out of the tub.
VICKY
(regaining his
composure)
That's the spirit. We'll use the
shot.
PK
(leaning toward Nadia)
I hear we have a new queen?
NADIA
(makes a little face)
Do I really have to bathe in ...that?
VICKY
(walking up to them)
No, your majesty, we do it differently
this time around.
The tiara has specks of blood on it. Vicky wipes them off
carefully.
VICKY
(whispering)
Come here.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(gently)
There's just one problem. That queen's
costume is ruined.
NADIA
So what do I wear?
NADIA (CONT'D)
Do I get to wear the crown at least?
VICKY
You're the queen, you have to wear
the crown.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Okay, EVERYBODY OUT! Only the
CAMERAMAN stays. And you, JOLLY.
NADIA
(apprehensive)
You'll stay, no?
VICKY
Sure. We'll stay.
The camera whirs. PK & the TURKISH CLIENT sit on the floor,
watching Nadia undress, looking ghostly under the battery-
operated light.
POONAM
Are you sad?
POONAM (CONT'D)
(drawling)
Well, come on then, let's enjoy life!
POONAM (CONT'D)
Come on, come on. We paid good money
to get in.
She pulls him out of his chair, almost falling over herself,
and they dance awkwardly together. POONAM mouths the words
to the ROMANTIC SONG as she clutches onto Sonu. She's trying
not to tear up.
POONAM (CONT'D)
I feel sick. I need water.
Sonu deposits POONAM in her seat. She sighs and leans back,
eyes closed. Sonu looks for a waiter.
SONU
Excuse me. I mean...
SONU (CONT'D)
Weren't you at that audition? Ram
Kishan Productions...
PINKY
(smiling shyly)
You work in films?
He's paralyzed.
SONU
Uh, I could say that, yes.
35.
With his dressy shirt and waxed hair, Sonu does come off as
someone rather important. Her eyes flash, excited. She
fingers her bag awkwardly.
PINKY
You're a director?
PINKY (CONT'D)
(whispering)
Look, I wouldn't normally do this
but I've just moved to Bombay and
you look like an honest person. Uh,
please can I show you?
SONU
Yes, yes. We should show these around.
Um, I can help, maybe the next time
I see you.
(pause)
Uh, when might that be?
PINKY
Well, I stay with my uncle and...
SONU
You have a contact number?
PINKY
No. No I can't. He really doesn't
know, y'know?
(lowers her voice)
If he knew I had these taken... Oh
God, he'd just flip his lid.
SONU
Yes, yes, but I'm sure he'll be fine
once you're a star. Once people become
famous...
PINKY
I-I have to go.
He lays her out on the sofa, takes off her shoes, leans over
her to see if she's okay.
SONU
Poonam. I'm going. Your key's here.
She suddenly reaches out and grabs him, crooking an arm round
his neck. He stumbles forward onto her.
POONAM
V-vicky. Please. Please.
She tries to kiss him, but is too drunk. He pushes her head
back gently onto the sofa.
VICKY
(slurring)
This is the last place I had the
pleasure of running into you - Big
man!
Before Vicky can say any more, Sonu slips out of the front
door.
37.
VICKY
It's over. Your money. I'm taking
my things.
POONAM
No, p-please.
She grabs onto his leg, still giddy from the drink. He lights
a cigarette, unmoved. She pushes herself up, trying to clutch
onto him.
POONAM (CONT'D)
No, Vicky, please. Don't go.
VICKY
Your breath stinks.
She clings to his hand, not wanting to let him go. He shakes
her off roughly.
Vicky goes into the living room and starts stuffing his things
into plastic bags. He makes a racket.
VICKY
(loudly)
As I've said before, it's time you
settle down. Lead a decent life.
VICKY (O.S.)
Goodbye, Poonam.
SHANU
Now just stick to the story, ok?
Think, feel, breath like a movie
director. Then you could go places
with a girl like that.
SHANU (CONT'D)
(under his breath)
Quite something, this little maiden.
Not like the sluts I'm always latching
onto.
PINKY
You didn't forget me?
PINKY (CONT'D)
That little guy told me all about
you.
(pause)
I hear you're really connected.
SONU
No, no.
PINKY
You're so humble about being
this...this big director? Working
with Anil Kapoor and all - that's...
wow. I could never have guessed
when we met... You look so...
SONU
Well, I'm not really working with
him any more.
39.
PINKY
(looks devastated)
No? WHY?
PINKY (CONT'D)
(giggles)
You're staring at me...
SONU
(caught off-guard)
Well, uh... I'm busy with my new
film, so I'm just concentrating on
the heroine.
SONU (CONT'D)
Ever since I first saw you, I was
wondering what your name was?
PINKY
Well, my friends call me Pinky, what
do your friends call you?
SONU
I'm Sonu.
PINKY
So, what's your new movie?
SONU
(thinks)
Well, it's... it's called...
(looks at her)
Uh, Miss Lovely.
PINKY
Miss Lovely? Mmmmm. Sounds romantic.
(sensing his hesitation)
Don't want to talk about it?
SONU
Um, no, it's just... You free Friday?
We can go to Searock, maybe talk
more?
PINKY
Hmm. Let's see. It wasn't easy
getting away today. Maybe Sunday?
She pulls a pen from her bag, then grabs his left palm. She
scribbles her number, letting her hand linger on his.
40.
PINKY (CONT'D)
If he ever picks up, don't answer,
ok?
PINKY (CONT'D)
(softly)
You know... I think I like you.
SONU
(teasing)
Think?
PINKY
(laughing)
Mmmmm... And I think I have to go.
JOLLY
It's your wedding night. Your first
time. Your husband's impotent, you're
frustrated. You're having sex dreams.
JOLLY (CONT'D)
You don't notice the Zombie come in,
okay?
THAI ASSOCIATE
(mutters to PK)
I like this. It has the smell of
reality about it.
PK
I have faith in people like you,
Vicky. Start thinking up the next
one, let's line up something a little
more...
41.
PK (CONT'D)
Maybe some girl students who are
looking for something different, a
little more, y'know?
VICKY
More? What more do you need?
JOLLY
I want you to put on this look, like
you're almost going out of your mind,
see? No, No..
RANI
Ow!
JOLLY
That's it! Roll. That's the
expression.
RANI
Ow!
JOLLY
Okay, okay, good.
FANIL
(interrupting roughly)
Oye Rani, enough nonsense. Take it
off. Slowly! That's better. Take
off that chaddi. Okay now you get on
top.
Suddenly, the bedroom door cracks open and Vicky sticks his
head out. Sonu bolts up.
42.
VICKY
(annoyed)
Where the hell were you? Call for
five more chais.
SONU
Bhaiyya, I need to borrow some money.
VICKY
Not now.
At the other end of the room, Nadia and a HOOD pour drinks
for TWO GIRLS who shift awkwardly on a sofa.
NADIA (O.S.)
(murmuring)
Now, ladies, both of you are adults.
Don't be shocked or interfere, it'll
just ruin the whole spirit of the
evening. Understand? What we want
is for you to kick up your heels,
enjoy it...
SONU
(interrupting Nadia)
Can't you tell him I need to talk to
him urgently?
HOOD
(snaps back)
How many times should I say it, eh?
He said not to be disturbed.
Sonu sits back down, averting his eyes. But not before he
gets a glimpse of a thick sheaf of CASH which Nadia casually
tosses into a box.
Sonu slips his arm around her seat, fingers now softly tracing
her bare shoulder. Pinky bites her lip.
PINKY
(cheeky)
So when are you going to make me
famous, eh?
SONU
Well, uh, the producers loved the
photos. They'll probably want a
screen-test any day now.
PINKY
Aw, Sonu. I don't believe you! Why
would they...
SONU
(lying confidently)
Of course they would! We need our
actress to be a newcomer. Something
new!
PINKY
(she squeals)
Oho!
44.
SONU
Honestly, I can imagine you as Miss
Lovely already. It'll be wild!
PINKY
Oh but, I hardly have any
experience...
(looks at watch)
Oh my God, it's almost ten!
SONU
C'mon, I'll drop you.
PINKY
No, that's ok.
SONU
No, no. Where do you live? I'll
drop you. TAXI!
PINKY
You can't.
PINKY (CONT'D)
The neighbors are too nosy.
PINKY (CONT'D)
Thanks. I had fun. See you at the
screen-test?
Sonu walks through the smoggy haze, head slung low. The
pavements are empty now. Under a flickering sign, he checks
his pockets - he's run out of money. He stands and stares
through a frosted window at rows and mounds of food.
NADIA
Hey grumpy, wanna ride?
45.
NADIA
(excited)
Sexy, eh? It's PK's wife's old car.
I look better in it, so he gave it
to me.
SONU
Wow.
NADIA
(ignoring him)
It feels good, eh, Sonu ? Streets
are finally empty. Nice, Thank God.
SONU
(dying to speak)
Uh, listen, would you like to invest
in a new project? I'm starting
something.
NADIA
(mocking)
A project? Mmm. Got a good role for
Nadia?
SONU
Uh, sure, but it's going to be a
proper picture. A family movie.
NADIA
(chuckles)
When did the Duggal Brothers start
making family movies?
SONU (CONT'D)
(solemn)
I'm serious, Nadia. I'm planning.
Would you like to invest? A small
amount?
NADIA
ME?? Ha! I look rich or what? I
owe money left and right.
46.
NADIA (CONT'D)
Get Vicky to do it, no?
ISHARA
(excited)
Whoa, look at that! You can just
feel the heat. A real crotch-hopper,
eh Golasaab?
GOLA
Downright filthy, Vicky. No one
dared to go this far before. I'm
proud of you...
VICKY
(cutting Gola off)
My pleasure, sir. But this time we
aren't giving it away. No more
discount samples.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Oh c'mon, Golasaab, I'm in the
business. Sooner or later I got to
talk price. Say five petis per
reel...
GOLA
(motioning to ISHARA)
Don't bother. We have a deal. Get
PK on the phone. I'm not in the
mood to haggle with this hawker.
VICKY
(coughing)
Go ahead. Call PK. He'll be the first
to agree.
VICKY (CONT'D)
He's buying up all your suppliers,
Golasaab. He's pushing you out.
ISHARA
(ear to receiver)
Sir, no one is picking up.
VICKY
You're looking for a confirmation?
(pointing to phone)
Call any supplier. Try and buy some
bits for next season.
Vicky shakes his head and makes a clicking noise with his
tongue.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Without our humble adult reelers,
nobody will watch your films,
Golasaab.
(sighs)
At any rate, there's not much you
can do about it. PK's too connected,
too cashed up.
GOLA
I've never ever crooked you, Vicky.
And this is what I get in return?
VICKY
I didn't crook you. I outsmarted
you. PK crooked you.
SHANU
(shouting at Flunky)
Call Crossbelt Mani. Is this what
he asked for?
SONU
(following behind)
Uh, how much would the real thing
cost?
SHANU
The real thing? Well, he's not
available. He's dead.
SONU
No, no a real actor. A proper actor.
Not this. How much?
SHANU
You want me to get the girls or not?
I don't have all day.
SONU
Um, actually, we don't need any girls.
I lied.
(pause)
I've been thinking. Uh, I want to
make a film, Shanu. It sounds stupid
but...
49.
SHANU shakes his head and walks away, cursing under his
breath.
SONU (CONT'D)
(desperately following)
Just listen to me, will you? There's
money to be made filming a romantic
comedy... other's do it...Why can't
I?
SHANU
Roman..tic... Comedy! Ha, ha.
SHANU (CONT'D)
For a man who thinks he's a director,
see - a man who thinks he's a star.
(points to Amitabh
duplicate)
Go - Amitji is waiting...
SHANU (CONT'D)
Whoa. Where the hell did you get
this? You pulling something crooked,
Sonu?
SHANU (CONT'D)
Alright, EVERYBODY OUT! Private
business. Pappu, out!
SHANU (CONT'D)
Come on, let's have drinks, eh? No
questions. Here's to big-budgets!
SONU
(murmuring)
Then, uh, you'll help?
SHANU
Of course, I've always been nice to
you, kiddo, haven't I? You need a
scriptwriter, no? Someone decent?
Sonu nods.
50.
SHANU (CONT'D)
Best not to talk about this too much,
ok? It's a little early to spread
it around.
(taps his address
book)
I'll make some calls.
SONU
(falters)
Are you sure? You really think.. I
mean...
SHANU
Don't worry, Sonu, that guy who wrote
"Love Story 85", Nagaich? I know
him. And KK Adarsh? Him too. Real
professionals. They never cut
corners.
(pause)
I'll need another thirty k right
away just to, y'know, get things
moving. Pay advances, things like
that.
SHANU (CONT'D)
No backing out now, right, partner?
Let's shake on it.
VICKY
You got to watch out, baby. There
are more scoundrels per square inch
in this business...
VICKY (CONT'D)
Where the fuck were you? You're
lazing and loafing around, letting
everything go to hell!
SONU
I was at the lab, ok? They had a
censor raid last week...
51.
VICKY
Stop making excuses, dammit, we're
not doing anything out-an-out illegal!
SONU
Then you talk to them. They don't
want to release the stuff. What the
hell can I do? I tried my best.
I'm sick and tired of being ashamed..
VICKY
(lashing out)
ASHAMED? Who the hell is ashamed?
Who would have brought people
salvation if it wasn't for us?
SONU
Get your hands off me.
VICKY
(pushing Sonu)
The ricksha-wallas, the factory
workers, the front-benchers? Who
would have brought hope into their
pathetic little lives if it wasn't
for us?
SONU
Don't touch me, ok? Don't touch me.
VICKY
What we do here is for the benefit
of mankind, understand?
SONU
That's a lie and you know it...
VICKY
(screams)
Shut up, Sonu!
VICKY
I'm sorry. I lost my head. I'm
sorry, it's just...
VICKY (CONT'D)
It's just a bad week, ok. Look, I
said I'm sorry.
(pause)
C'mon, PK's investors are backing us
all the way. It means we belong to a
family, an organization. It means
nobody can fuck with us. Not Gola,
not anyone. Understand?
VICKY (CONT'D)
C'mon Sonu. Tonight, we go to Hungry
Eyes. Eat aunty's momos, like the
old days? Ease the tension. Ok?
VICKY (CONT'D)
Then tomorrow you go sort this lab
thing out. They just need a little
handout. That's all.
She returns with a BANK MANAGER who motions for him to follow
through a SERVICE DOOR.
The BANK MANAGER invites Sonu over to his desk. Sonu eyes
his name plate and designation. It reads: Mr. M. Rathod
MR. RATHOD
Your name, sir?
53.
SONU
Uh, Sonu. Duggal.
MR. RATHOD
(all businesslike)
Mr. Sonu, We're disappointed in
you, sir. Very, very disappointed.
Please sit.
The Bank Manager studies the cheque for what seems like a
lifetime. We see that Rs. 8000 has been crudely changed to
Rs. 80000 by adding an extra zero.
SONU
I-Is there a problem?
MR. RATHOD
Such a clumsy undertaking, Mr. Sonu.
So poorly done. Why don't you just
steal from Mr. V. Duggal's P&L?
SONU
(defensive)
Steal? How dare you say...
MR. RATHOD
(sinister)
Don't make this painful, sir. You
want us to start spot checking
accounts, making phone calls?
SONU
Now, wait a minute. I.. I
MR. RATHOD
Please don't get emotional, sir.
(pause)
I'm on your side.
SONU
(jittery)
Ok, so what do you want?
MR. RATHOD
Give me a moment.
SONU
It should be Eighty...You took
Twenty?? H-how could you?
MR. RATHOD
25% during business hours. Here's
my card.
Sonu grabs his card, then nervously shoves the money into
his bag.
A few doors down from the bank, Pinky's waiting in the BEATEN
SPORT CAR, looking gorgeous. She's munching an apple.
PINKY
Let's go na Sonu. I'm starving.
PINKY kicks her head back, the sunlight hitting her face.
She laughs as the sea breeze tosses her hair. Sonu watches
her, dreamily, drinking in every delicious detail of her.
SONU
We'll shoot the opening here. Uh,
you like it?
55.
PINKY
It's beautiful, Sonu.
(pause)
Thanks again for the advance. It's
so much, wow...
She reaches for his hand and doesn't let go. The wind blows
hard, their clothes flutter wildly.
PINKY
Sonu, I don't even know the scenario
of Miss Lovely. I mean, when...
SONU
Shhh.
(puts his finger on
her lips)
It's still too early, Pinky. This
is your first film, I don't want us
to curse it.
She nods innocently, then leans into him, snuggling her head
against his chest. His clings to her, touching his lips to
her hair. Her beauty is irresistible.
SONU (CONT'D)
(softly)
The Producers are convinced and I'm
convinced. That's all that matters.
PINKY
And your brother? Did he think I
had potential?
SONU
(icy)
How do you know about my brother?
PINKY
Your little friend told me...
SONU
(uncomfortable)
No, but my brother is, he's more,
uh, he makes horror films.
56.
PINKY
You didn't like Jaani Dushman? I
loved Mumtaz in Nagin?
(pause)
You don't want me to meet him?
SONU
No no, it's just, my taste. It's
different. We're separate.
SONU (CONT'D)
Ok. I'll introduce you to him, ok?
She pretends to sulk for a bit, then she makes a cheeky face.
PINKY
(Teasing)
You're kind of touchy? You don't
look that type.
SONU
Well, uh, maybe.
PINKY
(staring at him)
You're a lot older than you look,
aren't you?
SONU
Yeah, kind of.
PINKY
(smiling now)
Why? It's cute. You don't like it?
She smoothes the hair back from his head. He pulls away.
SONU
(resentful)
Being a man and looking like a kid?
Having people laugh every time you
act like a man. Ha?
PINKY
I'm not laughing at you, Sonu.
SONU
Oh yeah, maybe you would? Suppose
things had been different? If I met
you at a party and tried to kiss you
like any man, you would have laughed
your head off.
57.
SONU (CONT'D)
And don't tell me you wouldn't,
because I know you would.
And then Sonu's kissing her like he's been waiting all his
life to do just that.
VICKY
(laughing)
Remember that girl from Lucknow? PK
thought she popped it.
DODGY GUEST
(hysterical)
Vicky gave her so many pills, she
slept for two days!
ROUGH LADY
(across the table)
Hey Guruji! Saturday night, no wives,
only girlfriends, eh?
GOLA, ISHARA and two THUGS push their way in. They make
their way to Vicky's table as the bossanova tune builds.
58.
VICKY
(angrily)
Hey, what's the matter with you?
Everybody's friends here, right?
HOOD
(barking)
Finish your dinner!
VICKY
(tense, stepping
forward)
Take it easy. I told you - talk to
PK. I've got nothing...
ISHARA
(furious, shoving
Vicky)
Talk? YOU talk to fuckin' PK. Give
us what you owe us, you goddamn thief!
VICKY
Well that's the way it looks to you.
(he pauses)
Now I'll tell you how it looks to
us.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Isn't your daughter getting married
in December? Good family, I hear.
(pause)
We must come and pay our regards.
ISHARA
Hey shut the hell up...
VICKY
We're insiders here, old man. The
groom's family know about your thing
for minors?
59.
GOLA
(livid)
Shut up!
VICKY
(strict)
Don't embarrass me in front of my
guests.
(introducing people
around the table)
You know them, no?
VICKY (CONT'D)
You see, Golasaab? It wouldn't be
smart to ruin my party, would it?
GOLA
(under his breath)
You can't run, Vicky. We'll come
for you.
Nadia's had too much to drink. She folds her hands, tilts
her head, irritated.
NADIA
(interrupting)
Thank you and goodbye.
GOLA
You should be smart enough not to
get involved, bitch!
NADIA
You've ever done anything for me?
I'm playing with big boys now, ok...
NADIA (CONT'D)
...not with your little wee-wee that
can't even say hello...
NADIA (CONT'D)
Oops!
60.
PINKY
Did you wait long? I'm sorry.
PINKY (CONT'D)
Let's go in?
The camera tracks with them as the enter the smoky bar.
Sonu nervously eyes Nadia's table, past the cabaret dancer
who shimmies in and out of view.
PINKY (O.S.)
Quite a place, this!
SLEAZY GENT
Do my eyes fail me? Who the hell is
that?
NADIA
(bitchy laugh)
Oh my God, Sonu brought a little
friend...
SLEAZY GENT 2
Nice girl that, but she ought to be
careful around here.
NADIA
(at SLEAZY GENT 2)
Everybody ought to go careful around
here.
61.
SONU
Uh, my brother's not here yet. Can
I get you something?
VICKY
(to Sonu)
Aren't you going to introduce me to
your new friend?
SONU
Uh, I was, Bhaiya, I want you to
meet.. This is Pinky. My broth-
Vicky ignores him and offers PINKY his hand - she shakes it
uncomfortably. He lets it linger.
VICKY
Pinky? Is that what you call yourself?
Vicky's gaze wanders sleazily over her body, his eyes flaming.
She looks away, uncomfortable. Sonu breaks the silence.
SONU
(clumsily)
I mean, I want to, I would like to...
VICKY
(cuts him off)
We just had a nasty little incident
here. But I suppose you've got better
things to do, eh?
PINKY is devastated.
62.
PINKY
I want to leave. This place is sick!
SONU
(feebly)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I tried to
tell you. This is no good for a
decent woman.
SONU (CONT'D)
Please, Pinky. Don't go. I don't
want this to end like...
SONU
It's only 9, Let's go to the Trinity
Club. We'll get out of here... Please.
PINKY
I can't.
SONU
I'll see you tomorrow?
PINKY
...I can't make it tomorrow either.
SONU
What do you mean?
PINKY
I can't see you for a while.
SONU
(pleading)
Please, Pinky. Why?
Pinky is silent.
SONU (CONT'D)
Why?
PINKY
We shouldn't meet, Sonu. It's not
good for me. Or for you.
63.
SONU
(pleading)
But you're the best thing that ever
happened to me.
PINKY
(cold)
Stop lying to me.
SONU
I...
PINKY
You're not the owner of your company
are you? Not even a partner.
PINKY (CONT'D)
It takes guts to act, Sonu, and I
think you ought to have more guts -
the guts to do something! You can't
go your whole life being scared of
him...
She sees his anguished look, then feels bad and touches his
cheek briefly. Before Sonu can respond, Pinky's half way
into a waiting TAXI.
PINKY (CONT'D)
(through window)
Sonu, look, it's okay. I had a good
time with you. It's alright.
(she pats his hand)
I need to get home now.
SONU
Please, Pinky. Don't go.
64.
DRIVER (O.S.)
Saab, that was definitely her.
GIRL
Uh, anybody home? Hello...
JOLLY (O.S.)
C'mon Ajay, bite her neck, bite her
neck!
VICKY
(upbeat)
ok, everybody's in the mood? Super!
God, it smells like breasts in here!
SONU
Uh, Pinky. That girl...The other
night. You know her? I mean...
SONU (CONT'D)
She's from Ajmer. I saw her on the
train. We've been spending time...
VICKY
(wicked smile)
Pinky. What kind of name is Pinky?
Do I really need to know about this?
Tell me, do I look interested?
(pause)
I known the nicey-nice babes out for
kicks, ok? Women are all fuckin'
liars.
SONU
(simmering)
Don't talk about her like that.
VICKY
She could be a spotter, then what?
Some woman detective from the censor
board, snooping around, wanting to
bust us for bits. Then what?
SONU
That's insane. No way in...
VICKY
You got to watch yourself when a
prize fox makes a play...
SONU
It's impossible!
VICKY
C'mon, don't get emotional, kiddo.
You wanna bang her, bang her. I'm
just looking out for you. Ok?
SONU
(cold)
You're jealous.
VICKY
(sitting down)
My, my. Getting a little cocky, are
we?
VICKY (CONT'D)
So talk to Fanil, ok? Get a couple
of girls, don't pay more than ten
each. They need valid passports.
Sonu slams open the sagging metal door and emerges on the
terrace outside his shabby flat, the sun flaring in his eyes.
PINKY
Sonu.. Y-you live here?
SONU
I-I'm sorry, Pinky, for everything.
I didn't mean to...
She puts her hands over her face, sits down on a stool and
starts sobbing miserably.
SONU (CONT'D)
Aw, now, wait a minute. Wait just a
minute, Pinky.
67.
PINKY
(sobbing)
H-he saw me with you, Sonu...
SONU
(stunned)
Y-your uncle? What happened?
(pause)
Pinky, what happened? Did he hit
you Pinky?
SONU (CONT'D)
(anger rising)
How dare he? You stay here. For
however long you need to. I can -
PINKY
(wiping her tears)
I was really counting on this film,
Sonu.
(pause)
The truth is I have no money of my
own, I'm completely broke...
Her voice trails off into silence. He reaches for her, tries
to hold her.
SONU
Look, Pinky, I was going to tell
you. This film... Miss Lovely...
Pinky, I'm gonna make this film.
I'm closing in on something...
PINKY
(pulling away from
him - sobbing again)
Sonu! Please. Not any more. I j-
just can't stand it if you lie to me
any-
SONU
I'm not lying. I know it sounds
crazy, Pinky. I want to show
you...please...close your eyes.
SONU (CONT'D)
Close your eyes, Pinky.
68.
SONU (CONT'D)
Okay. Look.
He zips open the SPORTS BAG. It's packed tight with CASH -
packs and packs of paper-banded BILLS.
PINKY
(covering her mouth)
My god!
PINKY (CONT'D)
(stunned)
No. Where did you.. I can't take
this from you, Sonu. No. I've never
taken money from any -
SONU
(charged up)
It doesn't matter. I - nothing
matters but you. Right from the
first time I saw you.
SONU (CONT'D)
I paid Ravi Nagaich an advance to
write the script. He wrote "Love
Story 85" and -
PINKY
(hesitating)
No! No, we shouldn't. It's hard
enough to think straight...
SONU
(whispering)
You're going to be a star. I promise
you -
PINKY
(softly)
Oh Sonu, I love you so much.
It's almost too much, to have her at last, after all these
years of hunger and hopelessness.
69.
PK
Your kid bro's quite a secret
operator, eh?
VICKY
(cockily)
Innocence is hard to beat...
VICKY (CONT'D)
...but this one is way out of his
league.
PK
Making designs on your brother's
girl, eh? How terrible.
VICKY
(smirking)
I don't know if I can restrain myself.
NADIA
(bitchy)
Try.
110 EXT. SUPER 9 DISCO CLUB - NEW YEAR'S EVE - NIGHT 110
Sonu & PINKY are hot and sweaty as they collapse into a booth,
laughing. They are all over each other, in love.
Sonu says something to her, she can't hear. He puts his mouth
close to her ear.
SONU
(motioning)
I'll get drinks.
She's fighting her way through the crowd on the dance floor.
He's shoving his way down a flight of stairs. She's running
down a corridor. He chases after her.
VICKY
SONICA!
PINKY stops and turns. She realizes it's no use running and
waits for him with a hunted expression.
PINKY
(aggressive)
PINKY.
VICKY
Sorry, baby, I only know Sonica. The
Bar Dancer from Night Queen.
71.
PINKY
(uncomfortable)
What do you want?
VICKY
Stop playing games with my brother.
He's not normal, understand... He
doesn't know what he's doing.
PINKY
I-I didn't know he was your brother,
Vicky. If I had...
VICKY
(mocking her)
He thinks you're a sweet little girl.
Nice one, Sonica, the virgin from a
small town.
Pinky is silent.
VICKY (CONT'D)
You want to ruin him? Do your
vanishing act again?
PINKY
(interrupting)
Vicky, you were married. With kids.
VICKY
What about your old man? Wasn't he
married?
PINKY
His wife was dead. He was lonely.
VICKY
Bullshit! You thought he had a lot
of money. And he conned you. I have
a lot of money now. Interested?
PINKY
Fuck you, Vicky.
(pause)
It's not just a fling with Sonu.
With him I can be who I was a long
time ago...
VICKY
Oh my bleeding heart! Then tell him
who you really are. Tell him, Sonica.
72.
PINKY
(choking back the
tears)
I'm just doing what I should have
before I got married, ok?
VICKY
Even if you take everything Sonu has
to offer, you'll never regain your
lost innocence, understand?
PINKY
I really care about him, Vicky.
You'll never understand -
VICKY
(losing his cool)
Yeah? Then lay it out for Sonu, no?
Tell him about all your lovers, those
old perverts.
PINKY
No...
She begins to kiss him back. They hold each other tight.
The chemistry between them is intense.
Then PINKY pushes him away with a sob. She stumbles backward.
Vicky reaches for her again, she pushes his hand away.
PINKY (CONT'D)
No! Don't.
Sonu pushes through the harsh blur of neon, smoke and sweaty
bodies desperately looking for PINKY. But he can't find her
anywhere.
73.
Then he makes his way back to the booth where they were seated
earlier, distressed. Another COUPLE have occupied the booth
and are necking shamelessly.
JOLLY
(muttering to CAMERAMAN)
We'll make Nadia the school girl.
(pointing to the STUD)
He can be the policeman.
VICKY
Eh?
JOLLY
Nadia still hasn't turned up. We've
been calling...
VICKY
What the fuck do you want me to do?
Use your fucking brains. Call Shanu,
call Fanil, get a hooker, get
somebody.
JOLLY
(interjecting, annoyed)
Sonu should be handling this.
SONU
YOU fucking handle it.
74.
JOLLY
(jerking his finger
at SONU)
Hey, what's wrong with him, huh?
You got a problem?
SONU
(snaps)
Nothing wrong with me. What's fuckin'
wrong with you?
JOLLY
HEY, watch you mouth, Sonu... Lazy
moron... Don't try and -
SONU
(standing up)
Come on, asshole! You don't have
the guts. Come on!
VICKY
All right, Enough! Keep your mouth
shut! Big fuckin' man!
SONU
(squabbling back)
You tellin' me that in front of this
asshole? Who the hell does he...
VICKY
(shouts)
SHUT UP! I'll give you a slap in
the mouth, Sonu!
AFRICA
PK's been going crazy all morning.
You promised him reels today? I
can't walk down the street without
ducking his guys...
VICKY
(stressed, to JOLLY)
Call him. Tell him I'm sick. I'm
down with the flu.
JOLLY
(panicky)
Vicky, you know he won't buy it.
He'll think you went sour on the
schoolgirl reels -
75.
SONU
(getting up)
I'm going home.
VICKY
Sonu, C'mon, I need your help. This
is no good. That bitch Nadia's going
to ruin everything. Go to her mother,
straighten her out, ok?
Sonu pauses for a moment. He's never seen Vicky this worried
before.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Please. Do it for me, Sonu. Please.
Vicky jerks open the hotel room door and steps back in. He
is met with a strange silence.
VICKY
(shuffling)
Hey, C'mon, lighten up. It'll be
fine. C'mon, who wants a little game?
NADIA'S MOTHER
I haven't seen Nadia for three months.
That bitch hasn't sent money home,
either. Can you imagine? After all
I've done for her.. It's pathetic,
doing nothing for her sick old
mother...
JOLLY
(high strung)
See, it's them again. W-we can't
keep avoiding them, Vicky. He wants
that neg.
(pause)
We haven't shot shit, Vicky....
VICKY
(troubled)
Calm down. I'll ask PK for an
extension. We're organizing more
girls tomorrow -
JOLLY
Uh, 'cause I-I was just wondering,
without Nadia... I mean, we - we
got to have a little more money.
The boys wanted to know...
VICKY
(curt)
It's too late for that. You're all
in it with me. If I get it, you get
it, understand?
77.
VICKY
Just a fucking waste of time today.
How the hell can all the bitches be
busy? Call Kimi..
JOLLY
She's contracted with GOLA.
VICKY
Fuck!
SONU
(blurts out)
That girl, Pinky. She's not taking
my calls. Since New Year's.
(he stares at Vicky
fiercely)
Did something happen between you and
her?
VICKY
(worn-out)
Please. Not right now. Not today,
ok?
Sonu is seething - the blood rushes into his face, his pulse
is racing. He repeats the question again more forcefully.
78.
SONU
I want to know. Did something happen
between you and her?
VICKY
(shrugging irritably)
I told you, forget about her. You
got screwed, she's split, and that's
that.
SONU
That's a lie!
SONU (CONT'D)
I want to know...I've got to know...
VICKY
(shouting)
Get off me, idiot! Ok, you want to
see how far I can go. Try it. Come
on!
(slaps him again)
Be a man and have it out. C'mon,
just try it...
Jolly is trying to pry them apart - but Sonu won't let go.
He's frozen in that position, hands clutching Vicky's collar.
Africa and the Cameraman are horrified - they rush in to
help.
JOLLY
(shouting)
Break it up! Stop it - Sonu! Leave
him.
SONU
(trembling)
Damn you!
VICKY
You don't have the guts for my kind
of life, that's all. Coward. You
can't even go out and hook the girl
you like!
SONU
The hell I can't! That's why she
left, she couldn't stand the sight
of you.
(MORE)
79.
SONU (CONT'D)
She had all she can take, just like
I've had all I can take. I'm sick
of you. Sick of looking at you,
sick of listening to you, sick of...
SHANU
Sonu, have you fucking seen this?
It's all over the papers!
SHANU (CONT'D)
It's horrible. Her head was separated
from her body.
Sonu is in shock.
COP
(looming)
Like to show filth, eh?
POONAM
No.
(pause)
I did it for love.
POONAM
No, uh, I haven't seen them for over
a -
POONAM
(panicking)
I-I- Wait a minute. Killed! That's
insane! I don't know what you're
talking about. Look, what the hell
do you people want?
POLICE INSPECTOR
(cocking eyebrow)
What do we want?
(pause)
Well... What you offering? Let's
just say we'll take whatever you
have.
VICKY
(leaning forward)
I've spoken to Africa. We'll stay
there for a while until things cool
off. There's just too much loose
talk around.
(to WAITRESS)
Hey, you! One more shot, One beer.
And his pastry.
WAITRESS
(interjecting)
Sir, can I recommend our buffet dinner
for Rupees 125...
VICKY
(snaps at her)
Maybe you didn't hear me sister.
Ok, get the manager to bring me the
shot and the beer.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Go. Shoo.
WAITRESS
B-but, I-I'm sorry sir, I was just -
83.
VICKY
(rudely)
And I'm trying to get a drink. Do I
get it or not?
SONU
Y-you shouldn't be drinking at a
time like this.
VICKY
Look, stop worrying. This will blow
over in a fortnight. Mane's on the
job.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Wait for him, ok? When he shows up,
give him this. They want a handout,
Some bucks to tone things down, that's
all.
(pause)
Nadia was a small-time tart, nobody
cares, ok?
VICKY (CONT'D)
Relax, this case is open and shut.
The kids are singing Happy Birthday. Sonu watches until his
brother has disappeared from view.
The BLACK CAR stops close behind and three figures get out.
Vicky tries not to panic, but he's drenched in sweat,
illuminated by occasional passing headlights.
CLEANING LADY
Sit outside. Lobby is 24 hours.
VOICE
You promised us schoolgirls, Vicky.
PK
Where is our delivery?
(long pause)
Your making me look bad in front of
my clients, Vicky.
VICKY
(pleading)
Uh, yes b-but... Nadia... PK saab,
don't do this. Not now, please. I
beg you. Don't do this to a friend -
85.
PK
Vicky, this is no way for pals to
talk to each other. I've always
been your pal, haven't I? Always
friendly, easy to get along with,
tossing the cash around. No?
VICKY
I-I can't operate. I don't have the
film and I don't have the cash.
Please. Let's work something out -
PK
Look, you're my kind of guy. I like
you, see? You're in a jam, and you
come to me, no? And I'm always there?
PK (CONT'D)
You said, let's work something
out...so, okay. I'm fair.
(pause)
Let's work something out.
BELL BOY
(loudly)
Sorry to wake you up. How are you
fellow?
Sonu watches, stunned, as she slides into the lift with the
entourage. He hadn't been expecting to see her, and her
appearance there makes no sense.
PINKY turns and sees him. She looks into his eyes with a
blank stare. The entourage begins to gaze at Sonu accusingly.
86.
VICKY (O.S.)
It's bad, Sonu. Nothing else can
happen now because the worst has
already happened. You understand?
Outside the car windows, the late june sun is slowly roasting
the city.
SONU
I-I don't know, Vicky. A Blue film.
That's fucking crazy - A triple X,
specially now! I mean, to get...
VICKY
(frantic)
Just listen to me, will you? PK's
given us one last chance. One last
goddamn chance, ok? No crew, no film.
We shoot on U-matic. Just you and
me.
Sonu drops his head on the window and doesn't speak for a
while.
SONU
I-I don't feel too well.
VICKY
We need to keep moving, Sonu. If we
don't take this chance, we don't
have any chance at all.
Sonu looks pale. He shuts his eyes and rests his head on
the seat. A car roars by.
87.
VICKY (CONT'D)
I know it sounds wild... but I just
want to tell you, Sonu. Everything's
going to be all right. We always
make out pretty well in the end -
SONU
But it's not bits, Vicky. A blue
film is out and out illegal. We've
never done it. We don't...even
know...
VICKY
If there's a chance of us being
caught, I wouldn't take it Sonu.
Trust me!
VICKY
(chatting)
Tomorrow at the party, the three of
us get together...
The YOUNG COUPLE and the old CAMERAMAN are squeezed into the
back, the brothers get in front.
VICKY
(introducing the couple)
Meet Sonu, my brother. Say hello to
my new friends.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Ok, Sonu. Get things warmed up. The
school uniform's in the trunk.
Jolly's on the way. Set up. Shoot.
You got to be out by nine.
SONU
Ok. But... I'm...Y-you want me to
direct? I don't even know the story.
88.
VICKY
Boy fucks girl. That's it.
(to the couple)
Hey, don't start yet.
VICKY
C'mon, there's nothing to be afraid
of. How else do we get things back
on track? We'll make this happen
together, Sonu.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Let's move. You're attracting
attention.
CAMERAMAN
(panting)
Times have changed, eh?
144 INT. SHIP BREAKING YARD - TIN SHED - FRONT ROOM - EVENING 144
Vicky unlocks the musty, cramped shed and lets them all in.
At the edge of the door, he hands Sonu the key.
VICKY
I'll come back in an hour, alright?
(MORE)
89.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Mane's finally agreed to take the
handout. We can be up and running
in a month, Sonu! Then no more
worries, not being half out of our
minds all the time, wondering how
the hell to make ends meet -
SONU
Uh, h-hold it Vicky. Stay for a
bit, no? At least until Jolly shows
up?
VICKY
But I don't want Mane to think I
never showed up. We need him to -
(pause)
Ok, then you go. I'll stay here.
SONU
W-well, I - I don't know, but I
suppose -
VICKY
(irritated)
It's simpler I handle the cops.
145 INT. SHIP BREAKING YARD - TIN SHED - BACK ROOM - EVENING 145
HAGGARD GIRL
What is this, yaar, you should at
least have organized a mattress.
CAMERAMAN
Now, wait a minute, Sonu. I got to
look after this equipment. You go.
HAGGARD GIRL
And get us some drinks.
COP
Seal those boxes. Is the electricity
disconnected?
MANE
You put sunglasses on and come right
out in the open, you've got guts.
VICKY
What the hell good is it going to do
you to have me slapped in jail?
MANE
Vicky, you know it's not just about
letting some boobs through. A girls
dead. The big boys are giving orders
now.
VICKY
(offering cash from
the briefcase)
Look, a little -
MANE
(cutting him off)
It's worse than you think.
(MORE)
91.
MANE (CONT'D)
A bank clerk reported in. Your
brother's been dipping into your
account.
VICKY
What?
MANE
There's talk of him making a film
with your cash -
VICKY
(dismissing him)
Naah, c'mon, there's a rumor for
every inch of film in this business -
MANE
Wake up, Vicky. You're broke. Your
account's empty. See, he even
registered the title. Miss Lovely.
VICKY
(broken, mumbling)
G-give me a month, Mane saab -
MANE
God Vicky, please. I'm not interested
in theatrics. Only in the money you
owe us.
VICKY
(panicking)
T-two weeks. Two weeks, I promise...
MANE
(shakes head firmly)
Oh, I can't do that, Vicky! You
can't pay, I'm out.
Mane turns to leave, then feels bad for Vicky kneeling near
the toilet bowl.
92.
MANE (CONT'D)
Look. As a friend. They're sure to
haul you in before the weekend.
Make some holiday plans, ok?
148 INT. SHIP BREAKING YARD - TIN SHED - FRONT ROOM - EVENING 148
SONU
(confounded)
What's going on ? Jolly isn't here
yet?
CAMERAMAN
Nice, real nice. Magnetic recording.
Video tape. It's the future, eh
Sonu?
SONU
Where the hell are they?
CAMERAMAN
Uh, it's too dark. G-get the sungun.
The tin-shed looks ghostly just perched there with the rusted
ships looming in the background.
93.
150 INT. SHIP BREAKING YARD - TIN SHED - BACK ROOM - EVENING 150
SONU
Sshh!
Sonu swallows hard, the banging stops. The actors and the
cameraman hold their breath, bathed in sweat.
151 INT. SHIP BREAKING YARD - TIN SHED - FRONT ROOM - EVENING 151
COP
You there! Stop bastard!
The HUNK runs out of the back, half clothed. Sonu clambers
out the living room window, onto a roof. He doesn't stop.
The cops chase Sonu through the swamplands and past the
decaying ferries. The HAGGARD GIRL is running, screaming,
plodding through filth and water. The cops chase them,
hollering.
Sonu stumbles and staggers. Soon they are all over him,
slapping him, pulling his clothes and hair. Shaking him
like a dog shakes a rat. Sonu screams in terror.
CONSTABLE
Shut up, whore!
SUBINSPECTOR SHARMA
We got you cold, Duggal.
SUBINSPECTOR GAWLE
(walking over)
Tell the truth kiddo, we'll make it
easy on you...
SONU
No-No! Please. I-I need one more
phone call. Just get my brother here -
he'll -
SUBINSPECTOR SHARMA
(laughs out loud)
I told you. We want him here just
as much as you do.
SUBINSPECTOR GAWLE
Ok Duggal - tell us why you killed
the girl -
SONU
N-no! You got it wrong! I told you -
95.
SUBINSPECTOR GAWLE
(threatening)
You're gonna talk or not, Duggal?
SUBINSPECTOR KHEDKAR
(poking Sonu with a
cane)
You have no respect for our wives
and daughters, eh? No respect for
Indian culture?
Sonu closes his eyes and clenches his jaw as they slap him
again. The camera holds.
SUBINSPECTOR KHEDKAR
(barks)
Confess, pig!
CUT TO
HOUSEWIFE
(screaming at kids)
Stop it! I'll whack you, Bunty.
HOUSEWIFE (CONT'D)
Hello? Yes, this is Vicky Duggal's
wife.
PRISONER
(whispering)
P-please sir - one chance?
SONU
Shut up! SHUT UP!
PRISONER
(overwrought)
..Pushpa, wipe your tears! Wipe
your tears - I can't see you cry!
SONU
God, I can't stand it. I CAN'T STAND
IT. SHUT UP!
GUARD
Son of a bitch! Bastard, you're
gonna fuckin' do that again...?
98.
SONU
Damn you...
DR. DAS
I said enough! You'll kill him.
Unfasten him now.
GUARD
We SHOULD fuckin' kill him!
The guards are panting, mopping the sweat from their faces.
DR. DAS
(grim)
How much longer you going to go on
like this?
SONU
(faint)
No! I told you. T-there was no
connection...
DR. DAS
Well, I don't want them to hang you,
that's all. They're pushing for a
capital case - the death penalty.
That's not good.
(pause)
Now if it was just a blue film, that's
different. But with the girl's
killing...both together, God -
They switch off the lights. Sonu lays in the darkness for a
moment, listening to the rain. Then he turns his back to
camera and remains there in total stillness.
PINKY
(whispering)
Mmm. Sonu, is that you?
PINKY (CONT'D)
Oh Sonu, I missed you so much.
SONU
(mystified)
Shhh! What are you doing here -
PINKY
(hushed tones)
I had to see you. I never want to
leave you again.
PINKY (CONT'D)
Sonu, we are going to be happy, aren't
we?
SONU
(whispering)
It's all right. I'm happy right
now.
Sonu reaches for her, holds her tight. Sonu runs his hands
through her hair, but her hair is all bloody. Blood leaks
onto the floor. She feels dead against his shoulder. He
pulls away horrified. Pinky is now Nadia - lifeless, her
neck slit, covered in blood. Sonu is horrified. He drops
the dead body. When he looks again, Nadia has been replaced
by the HAGGARD GIRL. She speaks in Pinky's voice.
HAGGARD GIRL
Don't leave me, Sonu.
DR. DAS
God, Sonu, you look like hell.
WARDEN
Ok, you ready? We got good news.
101.
DR. DAS
The best in the world. Well, here,
read it yourself.
DAS hands Sonu a paper. The story is tucked into one of the
back pages. There's a picture of Nadia sitting in GOLA's
lap - a party picture from the old days. The headline reads:
DISTRIBUTOR HELD IN SEX ACTRESS MURDER
SONU
(weakly)
B-but I don't want to go. I want to
stay here for as long as I live.
SONU
(fighting)
I'm coming back! A man has to be
someplace. I belong here, you can't
throw me out! YOU CAN'T!
SONU (CONT'D)
NO! I'm not...
GUARD
What the hell? You got your junk -
now hit the street!
SONU
Uh, Duggal Cine Combine?
AFRICA
Sonu fuckin' Duggal. Holy Christ!
SONU
A-Africa?
AFRICA
Call me Amos, ok? My real name. It
sounds more... professional. My
card. I'm casting now. Straight
stuff, y'know, family entertainment.
(pause)
You... ok?
AMOS
I haven't seen the old crew. Not
since the riots, anyway. And who
shoots films anymore? It's all TV
now.
(pause)
Hey, but you know who I did see?
That girl you were going with...
what's her -
SONU
(softly)
P-pinky?
AMOS
Yeah, Yeah. She's shooting at Bobby -
the same studio I work at. She looks
good, man!
103.
AMOS (CONT'D)
(sympathetic)
Had a pretty rough time of it, haven't
you, Sonu?
POONAM
My God...
POONAM
(chattering away)
So it was Swamiji who gave me respect
and honor. He changed my life in a
split second. He taught me to hate
immorality and filth -
Poonam doesn't like the way he's behaving. She begins feeling
uncomfortable.
POONAM (CONT'D)
Uh, you don't want to see Vicky?
SONU
(muttering)
It's all right. It doesn't matter.
POONAM
Look, I'm sure he would want to see
you. I have his new address.
(pause)
But do me a favour, please?
SONU
What?
POONAM
Promise me you'll never come back
here again.
104.
VICKY
I don't believe it. Sonu, it's good
to -
SONU
Y-you just deserted me, Vicky.
VICKY
(bitter)
Sonu, you stole from me. You never
gave a damn about what I had to go
through. How hard -
SONU
I-it was hard here! You tell me it
was hard here!
VICKY
Ssh now. Sonu. I've stopped thinking
about it. It's over, Sonu. I shut
down that goddamn film combine. The
thought of it makes me sick.
Everything is video now. No
investment, pure profit.
(pause)
I know that girl made you do it,
Sonu. Oh but she paid back -
SONU
(in disbelief)
W-what girl? Pinky?
VICKY
My lord. You still stuck on her?
SONU
No, No. I-I just wanted to know -
105.
VICKY
Where the hell is it? I hoped you
had gotten her out of your system.
Well, she's certainly got you out of
hers…
(pause)
She married Joshi, y'know… the music
composer..
SONU
(perplexed)
Married...
VICKY
(chuckles softly)
Oh yes, yes. She saw the right guy
and latched right on.
(pause)
But she paid back, alright, gave me
a start in the business.
SONU
Business...?
VICKY
Well, Sonu. I was telling you this
all along. All the caresses and the
whisperings and the promises -
VICKY (CONT'D)
I know you think I'm still giving
you bull on that babe, so take a
peek at this...
VICKY (CONT'D)
She's just what I said, huh? I wasn't
lying, was I?
PINKY
You think I'm pretty?
106.
SONU
(inaudible)
No.
VICKY
Always been an actress. Aah, look
at that… A leopard doesn't change
it's spots.
The phone rings. Vicky sits down at his desk to answer it.
The tape continues and Sonu watches, dumbfounded as Pinky
lays docile under Vicky's hungrily groping hands.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(everyday phone
conversation)
...No. I already gave Sajid the
money. Yeah..
On the monitor, Pinky looks at Sonu, the way Rani had many
years before. Vicky pulls her sweaty body under his. She
moans.
VICKY (CONT'D)
(ending call)
Man, Sonu, getting cash out of -
POONAM
(hesitating)
Yes, this is she...
The song is a upbeat pop number with just the right tinge of
sadness.
SONU strides onto the studio floor, pushing past extras and
crew members.
Her eyes look past Sonu. From her empty gaze, it's clear
that he might as well have been invisible to her.
108.
SONU (V.O.)
It was like a beautiful dream. At
last, two love hungry souls united.
(pause)
And there's nothing to be done about
it now, of course, but you can't
stop thinking. You can stop
wondering... I mean, how did she
get there? Where did she come from?
(pause)
I never even knew her name.
(pause)
But she was all I had, you see. All
I'd got for all I'd done.
SONU (CONT'D)
Miss Lovely. I know there's a story
there. If only I could work it out
properly.
--------------
END