1942, BOMBAY
This is Bombay Police.
Everyone, step outside the building calmly.
Empty-handed.
Anyone who disobeys
will rot in jail for the rest of their lives.
Everyone should step outside mindfully.
All this is for your safety.
Don't come in our way.
Maintain peace.
Twenty-five plus twenty-five?
- Fifty! - Fifty!
Do you understand now?
- Yes. - Yes.
Bravo!
Children, this is our salt.
1930, SURAT
Following Gandhiji's call for a Salt Satyagraha
we made this salt with our own hands.
Sir, but why did Gandhiji say that?
Usha!
For your smart question, you get two pouches of salt.
Children, the British consider us their slaves.
So, Gandhiji became agitated and said, "The British can go to hell!"
He then launched the Salt Movement.
Look, there are children here.
- Long live Mahatma Gandhi! - Please do not hit my teacher!
Long live Mahatma Gandhi!
- Long live Mahatma Gandhi! - Sir!
Don't hit him.
Please do not hit my teacher.
Vande Mataram! (Mother, I bow to thee!)
- Please, Father! - She was beaten by the police.
She has become a terrorist.
Mother.
The British are bad people.
They have beaten my teacher.
- And I… - Come on.
- Come on! - No! No, Father.
Please, Father! Sorry, Father!
- Silence. Your father is a judge! - Father!
You should have at least remembered that.
- Throw her food inside. - Please, Father, open the door!
Father!
These are Siberian cranes.
They fly all the way from Siberia
crossing the Himalayas to come here.
I want to fly as well, Father.
Where will you get your wings from, my dear?
So what if you don't have wings,
you have the whole world now at your fingertips.
- Radio! - Yes.
I got it from London, just for you.
Now all the news and songs from around the world…
will come flying to you.
Wings!
1942, BOMBAY
- We want justice! - We want justice!
Calm down!
Martial Law has been imposed in Bombay.
A British officer's vehicle ran over our little girl.
For how long will the British keep oppressing us?
And for how long will we endure their atrocities?
- Britishers… stop this tyranny! - Stop this tyranny!
- We want justice! - We want justice!
- Britishers… stop this tyranny! - Stop this tyranny!
- We want justice! - Stop this tyranny!
Balbir!
Fear makes people forget their responsibilities.
You did the right thing today.
It is time you shoulder greater responsibilities for your country.
All of you meet me at the Congress office, tomorrow morning.
Jai Hind! (Victory to India!)
Jai Hind!
Prime Minister Winston Churchill spent the day
barnstorming Great Britain.
Wherever Churchill went, he inspired confidence and determination
to fight and win the war.
Thousands lined the streets to get a glimpse of Churchill.
Flashing his famous "V" sign, cigar between his lips.
- We shall fight on the beaches… - Churchill addressed people in factories.
- The speech delivered by Churchill… - In schools and colleges…
continues to resonate throughout the world.
Look at how Churchill inspires us all the way from England.
He keeps us safe from the Japanese and the Germans.
There he goes again, singing praises of Churchill.
Usha, wait!
Here is what I was waiting for!
The government has given me an official car that suits my status.
I was just an ordinary judge, until now.
This will make me Judge "Sahab."
Have a look.
Three people can comfortably sit in the back seat.
What are you waiting for? Get in.
Churchill's devotee can enjoy his car all by himself.
Usha!
Father always forces me to choose.
Now that he…
Now that he sides with the British…
How can I side with him?
You have a point.
But I ended up breaking his heart.
I never knew…
that doing the right thing would hurt so much.
Hey…
I don't have so much courage.
Is it my courage that makes you want to be by my side?
That too is a reason…
why I want to be by your side.
Before I tell you what to do,
you tell me, what can you do to help our freedom struggle?
Balbirji… my father runs a jewelry store,
so I can help you collect funds.
I'm studying literature,
so I can help you with writing anything you need.
I am studying medicine,
so you all will be needing me.
That is true.
Fahad?
I can die for my country, Balbirji.
Me too.
You too want to die with me?
Yes, I want to die to get ahead of you.
- Okay, then die. - Hold your horses, please.
Balbirji, Usha, and Fahad are so competitive…
that if they are ever given a death sentence,
they will fight with the executioner wanting to be hanged first.
This is a good competition you two have going.
You two are true Gandhians.
We cannot take innocent lives,
but we can certainly die for our country.
British tyranny is at its peak now.
No one really knows when the next bullet will be fired and…
when the next life will be lost.
So, shall we get to work?
Even the biggest revolutions start small.
Pick up Congress news bulletins, letterheads, etc.
from the Engineer Printing Press, and deliver them to our store room.
After such big talk about the revolution,
Kamathji has consigned us to do routine jobs.
Can you believe it? We came to be part of a revolution
and now we're stuck with delivering pamphlets instead.
This car is a beauty.
Right?
One, two, three, four.
Are you spying on me?
- No! - No!
We are from the Congress Office.
Firdaus, don't trouble them.
- Come, let us dance. - Come.
- Come, come, come. - You'll enjoy it.
This song has been written by me,
composed by me, sung by me,
and also recorded by me.
Right!
- Follow us! - Follow us!
Turn her around!
Hey… where are you going?
What is all this?
This is…
the postmortem of my music radio station.
We are in the middle of the Second World War,
so the British have banned all private radio stations.
Thus, I had to commit this murder.
Ram Manohar Lohia has been released from jail.
It is Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.
Lohiaji has no match in this generation.
Why so, Fahad?
You ask why?
Just think about it.
When everyone was going to Britain or America to study,
why did he choose to go to Germany to get his doctorate instead?
Because all thinkers are Germans.
At the age of 24,
he formed the Congress Socialist Party from within the Congress.
Why he asks!
He was only two years older than us, Usha.
And despite being born into such a rich family,
he decided to dedicate his youth to the freedom struggle.
That's Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia for you.
Of course.
He is right.
Go ahead and make fun of me.
Like I don't get that.
We are not making fun of you.
But you tend to behave like you are his only devotee in this world.
Nehruji is his hero,
but he, too, is not spared from Lohiaji's criticism.
You are a blind devotee of a person who himself is against blind devotion.
GANDHIJI TO ADDRESS A PRAYER MEET IN BOMBAY NEXT WEEK
Father…
I know we never agree when it comes to the British Empire.
But you crossed a line today.
That is not just a car!
It's an accomplishment of my entire life.
I know it was given to me by the British,
but I have earned it with my own hard work!
For my family!
The British understand dignity.
They are not that bad.
Now that you've raised this issue,
let's just settle this once and for all.
No matter how many excuses you make,
it won't change the truth that the British are nothing but tyrants…
and terrorists!
I hate them!
That senile Gandhi is making everyone lose their minds.
Is responsibility towards your country the only responsibility you have?
Don't you have any responsibility towards your family?
You have always excelled in school.
You can become whatever you want.
Don't ruin your life.
Be honest with me.
- Don't you want freedom? - I don't.
Who will run this country?
We will. Together.
From Khyber to Kanyakumari,
and from Kohima to Kandahar…
who is responsible for uniting us all to form one country?
The British!
You want our country to be run by people,
who don't even know how to walk on the road?
Hear that!
See how little regard you have for your own country?
That's a slave talking!
The British have robbed us of the ability to think.
That's why you think that only they can run our country. Why?
There are millions of us. We Indians will run our country,
and we'll throw out all those who think they are running our country!
You are working with Congress, aren't you?
Your truth is pouring out of you now.
Yes, I have a fire inside me that can't wait to come out, but…
But I feel helpless,
because of your love.
Your love…
is not love…
It's a shackle.
No!
Usha…
swear on my life and say,
you have nothing to do with Congress.
Swear on my life.
Look, all this is making me feel uneasy.
Look into my eyes and swear on my life.
I solemnly swear on your life,
I have nothing to do with Congress.
Not in the future too.
Now I can breathe easy again.
Go.
Get back to your work.
Go.
Usha, if you were granted a wish…
to meet just one person on the planet…
who would you want to meet?
Gandhiji, of course.
That is exactly who we are going to meet.
Come on now, let's see that smile.
Now, you are free to ask questions.
May I, Bapu?
I saw some policemen outside.
They scared me a little.
How does one fight the inner fear, Bapu?
That is a very good question.
But if you come to think of it,
the heart that houses fear also houses courage.
Break the walls of fear that restrict you,
spread the wings of courage, and soar high.
Because the ability to spread your wings signifies bravery, valor.
The ability to spread your wings signifies freedom for India.
Fill your heart with love for your country
in such a way that there is no room left for any other love.
Your country demands your sacrifice.
It demands perseverance…
and renunciation.
Do you have this true resolve?
- We do! - We do!
Gandhiji, there is only one way to harness this resolve.
You should make everyone take the vow of celibacy.
No.
The decision to choose that lifestyle should be your own.
In that case, all those who wish to take the vow of celibacy…
can choose to do so of their own free will.
With God as my witness…
- With God as my witness… - With God as my witness…
I hereby, dedicate my body…
- I hereby, dedicate my body… - I hereby, dedicate my body…
- my soul, - my soul,
- all my senses, - all my senses,
- my mind and my conscience, - my mind and my conscience,
to my country,
- to my country, - to my country,
and take the vow of celibacy.
- And take the vow of celibacy. - And take the vow of celibacy.
- Jai Hind. - Jai Hind!
Kaushik, wait!
Kaushik, please stop!
Stop!
Why didn't you take the vow with me?
What?
Usha, you made a monumental decision that will forever alter our lives…
without consulting me,
and you're now blaming me?
You were supporting me during the easy times.
And now, when we were called upon to make a sacrifice…
you chose to back out?
What… what kind of a sacrifice is this, Usha?
This was a sacrifice we were supposed to make, together.
Yet, I had to do it alone.
Kaushik, there may be tears in your eyes…
but I am the one whose heart is broken.
And what about my heart?
8 AUGUST, 1942 GOWALIA TANK GROUND
Such a historical moment…
only graces the lives of people who are blessed.
The sacrifices we make now will decide the fate of our future generations,
whether they too shall be born in slavery or will breathe the air of freedom.
Looks like Kaushik has not come.
Today, I ask the British to Quit India.
- Quit India! - Quit India!
This shall be our final battle with the British Empire.
And I will give you the mantra for it.
Do or Die!
- Do or Die! - Do or Die!
Do or Die!
- Do or Die! - Do or Die!
Today in Bombay, M. K. Gandhi launched what he called the Quit India Movement.
At tomorrow's public meeting, Congress is expected to announce its action program.
The government is clear that asking Britain to quit India
when a World War is raging is an act of treacherous sabotage by Congress.
Wait and watch,
India will win freedom before this year ends.
9 AUGUST, 1942
That's too far.
I say latest by August or September.
Or by Diwali.
What do you think, Kaushik?
Well…
What happened?
What's wrong?
Tell us what is wrong! What happened?
Someone tell me what happened!
What's wrong?
Will someone tell me what is going on?
- What happened, brother? - Gandhiji, Nehruji,
Patelji, Maulana Azad…
They have all been arrested.
The police are using tear gas on the crowd.
Congress has been banned.
What is he saying?!
Congress has been banned?!
Hey!
The police are taking our flag down.
Let's go and hoist our flag!
- Do or Die! - Do or Die!
Do or Die!
Usha!
Do… or Die!
So you went to the Gowalia Tank Ground?
The British are merciless.
They will kill you.
The so-called Quit India Movement
found no response from the vast loyal population of India.
Ring leaders and troublemakers of Congress
have been arrested all over India.
It must--
I have a bad headache, Father.
I went to the Congress Office to meet Balbirji,
but it has been sealed by the police.
Everyone has gone underground.
This is what I found there.
Read it.
The children of Gandhiji's Monkey Brigade…
were kept locked up without any food or water for 24 hours.
They are just kids, Usha.
The British have ruined our country for good.
All our newspapers are lying.
They control what we see, think, and speak,
and sadly, we are letting them do it.
Fahad is right.
Did the sun rise in the west today?
Usha and Fahad are on the same side, for a change.
Fahad and I share the same dream…
India's freedom.
They have managed to scare all the newspaper editors.
They are watching every news item about the revolt
like Hawks and suppressing it.
Why?
Because news about the revolt empowers people.
Radio has already been spreading lies for them.
The British Government is feeding us opium.
And we are lapping it up.
You think…
we can compete with their lies with such pamphlets?
We need to spread the truth to expose their lies.
Now the question is…
how do we spread the truth?
How?
Communication.
Just think. Why did we fail in 1857?
Because we had no means of communication.
The British were fighting like an organized army, while we…
While we couldn't even pass a simple message to each other.
But now we have a radio on every street corner.
We will start our own radio station.
We will talk to our country, directly.
If Churchill can talk to the world from England…
then why can't we do the same here?
Of course, we can, Usha.
Even those who can't read or write
will be able to listen to the radio and stay updated.
- It's a great idea. - You two will get us killed.
Radio stations are banned.
I don't want to die.
Antara?
Bhaskar?
Let's get back.
All the leaders are under arrest.
So, who will talk to the nation?
Our leaders might be behind bars,
but we have their recorded speeches in the Congress store room.
How will that help?
We will broadcast them through our radio.
And we will make sure that the news of revolt
from the Congress Bulletin reaches every ear in India.
If we manage to pull this off…
we will empower everyone in India to fight against the British Empire.
Yes.
The sole purpose of this radio station will be…
to unite India…
and reignite the Quit India Movement.
The moment you hear the radio you should feel
as if Congress is talking to you directly.
Let's call it…
Congress Radio!
Congress Radio.
Congress Radio!
But how do we set up this "radio station"?
Firdaus Engineer.
Remember him?
Do or Die…
- Do or Die… - Do or Die…
My Radio Station?
We are in the middle of the Second World War, you idiots!
You will be violating the law.
Radio transmitters are banned.
You will be labeled as traitors and will be hanged by the British.
Idiots!
Just tell us if you are ready to sell your Radio Station or not.
What is your name?
Jayanti.
If you are Jayanti, then I am…
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah!
But Jayanti, you have that kind of money for a radio station?
That is my kind of question.
How much?
One kilogram of gold.
You will get it.
Four thousand rupees?
Just 551 rupees in nine days.
We'll never be able to get 4,000 rupees, even if we sell all this.
We have done our best to raise money.
What else can we do?
What a strange world we live in!
We cannot even bring about a revolution without money.
We will have to drop this idea,
this dream of our Radio Station.
Let's go, Fahad.
What do I smell here?
Oh, it is the reek of your disappointment.
Not now, Auntie. I am not in the mood.
Fine, then close your eyes.
I said not now.
She won't listen to me.
Come on, you two… close your eyes.
Go on, do it.
You too.
Do it.
Now visualize what 4,000 rupees look like.
What do you see?
- The Radio. - The Radio.
Now open your eyes.
Here you go.
I'm sure they are worth 4,000 at least.
Do you see your Radio now?
We cannot take these.
Why not?
You know I cannot fight on the streets.
But take this as my contribution towards our freedom struggle.
Do or Die…
This will be my mantra as well, from today.
Engineer is selling his Radio.
So, this is the Radio Station.
This is the mike,
and this is the antenna wire.
You plug in the antenna wire over here.
Okay?
Voila!
Okay, now go and tune the receiver to 42.34 meters.
Julie, if you can hear me… I dedicate this song to you.
Well, even if you cannot… I still dedicate this song to you.
Oh, Julia…
I surrender my heart to you
Oh, Julia…
- It's working! - Oh, Julia…
Scream louder and let the British know where we are?!
Fahad, it's working.
It's working and that's important,
but what time we will broadcast it is also important.
At 8:30 p.m. when everyone is at home.
At 8:30 p.m.?
It gets too dark by then.
What will you tell your father?
We need a signature tune to start the broadcast with.
You know like the one All India Radio plays?
Vande Mataram?
No, we will end with that.
Just like in public programs of Congress.
Then how about Saare Jahaan Se Acchha?
But we don't have that record here.
Try at the Muslim League office.
Muslim League office?
I won't go there. It will cause unnecessary problems.
I used to be a member of the Muslim League.
I resigned.
Why?
Because I want freedom…
not two countries.
Usha, Usha…
This doesn't feel right.
The song feels too abrupt.
We need something.
Something that will set the right atmosphere.
How about if we say, "You're listening to Congress Radio"?
No, it has to be done properly.
Properly?
What else can we say?
This is Congress Radio…
calling on 42.34 meters
from somewhere in India.
Every night at 8:30.
NASIK BOMBAY PRESIDENCY
Don't touch the radio.
MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI 15-9-1940
NORTH KANRA BOMBAY PRESIDENCY
Which station did you tune into?
Tune back, tune back.
We refuse to fire on our own people.
To those soldiers who lack the courage to do this much, I have nothing to say.
- But if you can do this much… - What's this program on the radio?
Looks like a new station.
You may take it from me that the whole country will be electrified.
Let the Government then shower bombs, if they like.
Let everyone in Burhanpur know about this Radio Station.
MAULANA AZAD 22-8-1939
The British refuse to give us our right to independence.
ALL INDIA RADIO NEW DELHI
- We must snatch our right from them. - You're right.
That's Maulana Azad, Congress President.
OFFICE OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
A rebel radio station has been detected
on 42.34 meters.
And we have no way to trace it.
We'll look into it.
AKOLA BERAR PROVINCE
Print in tomorrow's bulletin.
"Tune into Congress Radio every night at 8.30."
Would anyone have heard us?
- Usha? - Greetings, Father.
Why are you so late?
I have joined Prof. Chitnis' classes for International Law.
That's great. Keep it up and one day you will become a judge, just like me.
You should introduce me to Prof. Chitnis.
Sure, Father. Of course.
Bapu gave us a mantra before he went to jail.
"Do or Die."
- Auntie. - We must free our country from slavery.
Auntie, why haven't you had dinner?
I am not hungry.
I will have it later.
Okay.
The people of India demand nothing short of complete freedom.
India is not a land of cowards.
The Congress has been accused of backstabbing the British.
But the truth is that the British are the ones oppressing us.
We must come together by eradicating
the divisions of caste, religion, and language.
Consider this as a call to battle,
where individuals who are willing to risk everything will be rewarded,
and those who prioritize self-protection will end up on the losing side.
We know that you hate the British Empire.
You should listen to this Radio broadcast every day.
All the young freedom fighters need to come together and reignite…
Don't run! Stop! Stay strong!
This is India's final battle for self-determination,
and it will not end.
We cannot wait.
We want freedom right now.
We should not lose our confidence.
We are proud of your sacrifices for the country.
Do or Die.
- Jai Hind, comrades! - Jai Hind!
Lohiaji, the British have managed to crush the Quit India Movement.
All our leaders are behind bars.
We are still here, Alok.
And there are others who have given the Quit India Movement a new lease of life.
Oh, the bulb has blown!
Then fix a new bulb.
We don't have one.
No problem.
Congress Radio.
The name clearly indicates that Congress members run it.
We need to connect them to our underground movement.
I cannot even see your faces.
How about lighting a match?
- Here you go. - Much better.
Look…
this radio can become our most powerful weapon against the British.
Another match?
Well, Lohiaji, that was the last one.
- You are out of matches as well? - Yes.
Then how do you expect to bring about a revolution?
Don't worry.
No matter how many matches are put out,
the fire burning within us will never be extinguished.
Activate all underground units across the country.
We will use Congress Radio to revive the Quit India Movement.
- Jai Hind! - Jai Hind!
The reports on the table are quite clear.
We had quashed the Quit India Movement,
but this Congress Radio is reigniting it.
World War II is raging at our borders.
Do you want an internal conflict in India?
Find Congress Radio.
Sir.
This is Congress Radio…
calling on 42.34 meters…
from somewhere in India.
There are thousands of links in the chains of this government.
Break these links.
Create such power in every village…
After intercepting five broadcasts…
from Congress Radio,
we can tell they are anywhere within… this circle.
Why don't you just circle the whole world?
This is the best our surveillance technology can do, sir.
Not good enough.
- Keep trying. - Sir.
This is Congress Radio…
Congress Underground cells are multiplying all over India.
If it continues any longer, we might be headed for a dangerous scenario.
Enough is enough.
The presence of this government in India is causing us great anguish.
We need to burn it down in such a way
that not even a trace of its ashes remains on our sacred land.
It's in Bombay.
And I think we should keep meeting often
to discuss the new developments in International Law.
- Good evening, Chitnis sir. - Good evening.
Sorry for the trouble, Prof. Chitnis.
No problem, sir.
This way, please.
- See you, sir. - Thank you.
Good night, sir.
Lies.
And more lies.
Tell me…
where do you go every night?
Where do you go?
I work with the Congress Underground.
You swore on my life and yet lied to me.
I didn't mean to, Father.
It doesn't matter to you whether I live or die!
Throw her food inside.
This is where she will spend the rest of her life.
Usha?
Auntie!
Father…
I am leaving.
Remember, when I was a little girl, you had once asked me…
"Where are your wings?"
I do have wings, Father.
But your love keeps me caged.
Your love stands between me and the open sky.
"Now, I have no option…
but to break this cage."
Father…
it is true that I swore on your life and lied.
"But it is not true…
that your life doesn't matter to me.
God knows that if I could give up my life for you…
then I would do so without hesitation."
So, never think…
or say otherwise.
This is the only regret I'm taking along with me.
Take good care of Auntie.
Don't look for me, Father.
If we manage to stay alive…
we shall meet again…
in a free India.
"Your Usha.
Jai Hind!"
What else could I have done, Auntie?
Hari…
we are ordinary people.
We know nothing about courage.
She has left to fight for our country's freedom.
If she survives, she will help us win freedom.
And if she doesn't…
she will be known as a martyr.
That's the shop.
Should we tell them about our Radio Station?
Let's assess the situation first.
Come on in, hurry up.
Looks like everyone has got Congress Underground's message.
Get in.
Lohiaji!
Yes, that is me.
Not his ghost.
I am Usha.
No one knows…
but we run the Congress Radio.
Come again?
My college friends, Fahad and Kaushik, and I…
are running the Congress Radio.
Where are they?
Near the gate.
- This is millet. - Fahad! Kaushik!
- Jai Hind, sir! - Jai Hind!
Sir…
Sir, I am… Fahad Ahmed.
I have heard a lot… read a lot about you.
You are great, sir!
Oh, the Great Manohar Lohia is a cousin of mine.
I am just plain Ram Manohar Lohia, an ordinary man.
Enough with the jokes.
Let me get to the point.
I am proud of the three of you.
Come on now, tell me everything about this Radio Station.
Come on.
Okay.
We operate from a flat in Babulnath.
We have confirmation of Congress Radio's reach from Mangalore to Ajmer.
But this is not enough.
We want this Radio to be heard from Burma to Baluchistan
and from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Kamath is our technical expert.
- Kamath. - Yes.
We'll need a powerful rectifier
to increase the range of the Radio Station.
The sound quality of the broadcast is bad.
To rectify that, instead of a mic, we'll broadcast through a record,
which will be recorded right here.
- Is everybody clear about this? - Yes.
We need to expand our reach from hundreds to thousands to millions of people.
This Radio will now be the voice of the nation.
From tomorrow, all of us from across the country…
will reignite the Quit India movement!
- Do or Die! - Do or Die!
Do or Die.
The Americans have traced it, sir.
Congress Radio is in Bombay.
Nip it before it becomes big.
If pressure mounts, we will have to release Gandhi.
Find it.
Destroy it.
And hang those behind it.
Get me out of here.
I will die.
Keep moving! Come on!
I said keep moving!
Come on!
Please let me go, sir!
Mr. Haldar.
Should we start?
Please let me go, sir.
I don't know anything, sir.
Sir.
What if he died?
That wouldn't have been a problem.
It would only have been a problem if he had died without telling us anything.
Sir!
ACP sir wants to see you.
Inspector John Lyre, Crime Branch.
He single-handedly cut off the head of the Bombay Congress in the past weeks.
Brigadier Corrigan, Chief of Military Intelligence, Delhi.
- Sir. - Congress Radio is in Bombay.
Hunting it down is the Viceroy's top priority.
You'll get all the latest surveillance and communication equipment.
There is no time to waste.
Sir, I will find the Radio.
And the traitors behind it.
This is Congress Radio…
calling on 42.34 meters…
from somewhere in India.
Every night at 8:30.
My dear countrymen,
this is Ram Manohar Lohia.
- Lohia. - Gandhiji had given us the mantra…
A political agitator we've not yet caught.
"Do or Die."
He must be the brain behind Congress Radio.
Thousands of years ago…
Paste "wanted" posters of Lohia across the city.
Someone must have built this Radio, right?
This revolt is now a part of our life.
There can't be more than four or five radio engineers in Bombay
capable of assembling such a device.
Let's get them all.
Congress Radio is in danger.
Excuse me?
The police are trying to find your radio engineer.
Why should I believe you? Who are you?
The police.
- What? - All revolutionaries are not alike.
Otherwise, who will save the lives of revolutionaries like you?
I don't believe you.
I know Congress Radio is operating from the Alankar Building,
but I haven't told anyone about it.
Go and save your engineer's life.
Who's dying outside now?
- Open up. - What?!
The police are coming for you. We need to leave right away!
Let me get the car keys.
He knows we are here.
Gaonkar, search the back.
Tambe, check the front.
Stop!
Stop, I say!
Stop him! Stop the engineer!
Get him off me!
Let go! Let go of him!
Get off me, you filthy Indian!
How dare you touch me?!
Balbir had embraced the path to martyrdom years ago…
as we all have.
We haven't lost him.
We have bequeathed him to martyrdom…
with the promise that we will continue with our freedom struggle.
We couldn't find the rectifier required for the Radio Station at any shop,
but a smuggler has managed to arrange it for us.
That's why I am sending the three of you to meet the smuggler.
Anything can go wrong.
I hope you won't be scared.
- No, Lohiaji. - No, Lohiaji.
We will do it.
His name is Daulat Singh.
Tonight at 10:00, Haji Khan Dargah Bazaar.
Kabir Novelty Shop.
Give him the money, and he will give you the rectifier.
Be on guard.
Be careful.
Jai Hind.
- Jai Hind. - Jai Hind.
WANTED RAM MANOHAR LOHIA
Daulat Singh.
- Wait here. - Be very careful, Usha.
Let's go!
- Stop! - Stop!
Stop them!
Inform Lyre sir!
Move!
Hey, move it!
Out of my way!
Move!
Stop!
Hey, out of my way!
Police. Get off the bike.
Go, go, go!
Hey! Stop!
What are you doing?
Move!
Move it!
Out of my way!
Give way!
Hey!
- Stop! - Stop!
Hold everyone back till Lyre sir gets here.
I will follow her.
Hey!
What's going on, brother?
I asked you to stay back, didn’t I?
Everyone stays back!
Hey! Where do you think you are going? Stop!
Coming!
- What the… - Hey!
Stop.
No one should leave.
The police are here. It's not a joke.
Sir.
No one leaves without a thorough body search!
Search everyone.
I told you to be careful.
You knew the police were there.
But this had to be done.
But how could you…
You think risking your life like this will get us freedom?
Look here, Usha.
My hands are shivering.
Usha, I am talking to you. Answer me.
Tell me truthfully.
Are you doing this for our country…
or for me?
So what we have between us…
is that a lie?
No.
It is true.
But it's a small truth.
The big truth is our country's freedom.
If you cannot walk with me on this path towards freedom, then don't.
But, Kaushik…
please don't be an obstacle on my path.
Fahad.
Listen…
promise me that you will take good care of Usha.
Promise me.
The heart may beat or stop…
but our fight for freedom should not stop.
My dear countrymen,
this is Ram Manohar Lohia.
Mahatma Gandhi's great teachings on nonviolence…
have helped us forge a new weapon against injustice and tyranny.
Peacefully protest at the factories producing foreign goods.
Encourage your brothers to resign from government jobs.
Welcome, brother!
Avoid any business that may land you in court.
Let the crops remain with the farmers.
Let us continue with such activities.
We are not doing anything wrong.
We are doing this for the freedom we all seek.
It is the duty of every patriot…
to do their utmost to help our country get freedom.
The city of Peshawar observed a complete strike
as a protest against the arrest of the Congress Committee and other workers.
Unable to persuade the merchants
to break the discipline of Congress by opening the shops,
the Collector under his control and orders…
Congress is fighting back. This time we will win.
- Country or Coffin! - Country or Coffin!
The oppression and intimidation by the British have reached their pinnacle.
Netaji is fighting from Germany and Congress from here.
India will be free soon!
- Jai Hind! - Jai Hind!
All this must end!
Enough is enough!
We need to free our country from slavery.
Let the revolt continue
and strengthen to the extent that it brings a complete end to British rule.
Our Radio can now be heard all across the country.
Each flag here represents an underground unit.
Now we need to use our Radio to prepare each unit for the revolt.
We will soon be announcing the date for our final battle.
No one can defeat us now.
- Jai Hind! - Jai Hind!
Lt. Dhar, sir. British Indian Army.
Lt. Roy, sir. British Indian Army.
Our informer in the police has told us that they have a new radio detection van.
It can sniff out a radio signal like a dog.
But we do have one thing in our favor.
The van is impossible to hide.
They can only catch us when the radio is playing.
They will use technology and we will use our eyes.
Kamath will help you out with this.
This is Congress Radio…
calling on 42.34 meters…
We'll start from Malabar Hill.
…from somewhere in India.
Every sincere member of Congress should firmly resolve
not to mutely witness our country being enslaved,
and take it upon themselves to join in this struggle.
Make this your pledge.
We are being referred to as hooligans by the British Government.
Never mind, let us become…
permanent non-violent hooligans in the pursuit of freedom.
I appeal to the people of India to resolve their differences
so we can move forward together as one country.
…from somewhere in India.
Every night at 8:30.
My fellow countrymen,
you know that the British Government is at war with India.
All across the country,
they are using forceful tactics such as lathi charge and tear gas.
Moreover, the Congress has been banned.
The signal is getting stronger.
The reason is that Congress has made all efforts
to negotiate with the British Government,
but all avenues for negotiations have now been closed.
Congress has now demanded that the British leave our country.
And this demand echoes not only within the Congress
- but all over India. - Move it! Hurry!
Move it!
Before going to jail, Gandhiji had said that this would be our final battle.
We shall either free India or die in the attempt.
- Drive, Gaonkar! - Sir.
We must maintain our determination and resilience.
Let's see how they escape us now.
Usha!
The van is headed this way.
Turn it off.
Stop the van!
They can see us.
Let's go.
Tonight we are going to Babulnath again.
This is Congress Radio…
calling on 42.34 meters…
- from somewhere in India. - There is no signal here.
They have found a "thod" to dodge us.
They are broadcasting from another building.
Once we successfully trace that signal,
they will once again relocate to another place.
"Thod."
I like this word.
Now we need a "thod" to counter their "thod".
We must devise a method such that when we trace them again,
they cannot escape us.
There is a way, sir.
- Greetings, brother. - Greetings, brother.
Come with us.
Greetings, sister.
I have brought important work for you.
- Make as many as you can. - It will be done.
Size 3 x 1 ft.
You should roll them up, secure them tightly, and then throw them.
Lohiaji,
are we moving away from the truth of Gandhiji's non-violence?
It is not necessary that what is true…
is also right.
All I know is that we are right.
But Gandhiji is the truth.
We cannot afford to rest until we have attained complete freedom.
Resting in our efforts would be a betrayal of those
who bestowed upon us the torch
of our freedom struggle by sacrificing their lives.
It's our duty to keep the flame burning.
Lohiaji…
it's been four days since we last spotted the van.
I think the British have given up.
I cannot say if Great Britain is indeed great,
but they've always been great at deception.
Do not wait for outside guidance.
The revolution of India is the revolution of the poor.
A free India will belong to the laborers and tillers.
Sir.
Strikes are the most potent tool to break open the gateway to freedom.
It is crucial for strikes to persist until freedom is attained.
- Stop the van! - Hindus and Muslims should maintain unity.
Ballard Road, facing East.
Boycott British goods.
Withdraw your money from the government banks.
Boycott all those who serve this oppressive government.
Leave the cities and live in the villages.
Collect money for our struggle.
Keep spinning wheels in your homes,
and strive for financial independence in the villages.
The British government has shown its true colors.
The police are here.
We are now…
They know we have found them.
Hurry.
Kamathji, you need to leave right away. The police recognize you.
- What about the Radio? - It is our responsibility. Please leave.
Tell me.
Sir, we have traced the signal. 79, Ballard Road, Sunshine Building.
Send the force.
This is Bombay Police.
Everyone should step outside the building calmly.
- Help me. - Empty-handed.
Anyone who disobeys…
will rot in jail for the rest of their lives.
Fahad, quickly tie this. I'll go and check outside.
Everyone should step outside mindfully.
We will be searching each and every house.
All this is for your safety only.
Don't come in our way.
Maintain peace.
Fahad, you leave. I will drop this down behind the building.
Why? Are you the only one committed to dying for the country?
Fine, you drop it down. I will go and collect it.
Didn't you hear the gunshot?
I asked you something!
Well, sir…
- my neighbor… - What? Your neighbor died?
He has a limp.
There he is.
Fine. Go carefully.
Fahad, I'll hurry down and collect it.
Stay back. Move back.
Move back, everyone.
We are trapped, Fahad.
How long will this take?
- Tell me. - Sir, we have checked the whole building.
We didn't find anything.
How is this possible?
Move!
Out of my way!
Everyone, go back inside.
Let's go.
Come on, Usha.
Hurry up, Fahad.
How did the police find us?
Triangulation.
They are using two detection vans.
This method is known as triangulation.
Let me explain.
Imagine that this glass is our Radio…
and these cups are the two police vans.
Now I drive these vans on the roads of Bombay to find the Radio.
As soon as these vans come within half a kilometer range of our Radio,
they can detect our signal and the direction it is coming from.
Now I draw two lines from these vans in the direction of the signal.
Where these two lines meet…
is where they will find our Radio.
Now no matter where we are, they will be able to pinpoint…
our Radio's location with an accuracy of two to three buildings…
that too within five minutes.
Broadcasting anything will be too risky now.
Everyone across the country is preparing for the final battle.
We have even finalized the date.
Diwali.
But we haven't disclosed that as yet.
All the underground units across the country will have to strike together,
and this coordination can be done only through the Radio.
Stopping Congress Radio now will ruin all the hard work.
Can we set up another transmitter?
Correct.
What if we set up the other transmitter
ten to fifteen miles away from the first one?
Right.
As soon as the vans find the first transmitter,
we will turn this one off,
and turn on the other transmitter.
And by the time the vans reach that transmitter,
we will be done with our broadcast.
They are right.
These vans are very slow.
Good job.
So, let's shift the current transmitter to a new location,
and start making another transmitter.
Diwali is just ten days away.
We only have ten days.
Do or Die.
- Do or Die. - Do or Die.
It has been five days…
since they have broadcast anything.
What if they have got to know about the second van?
Dhar…
tell me, what would you have done had you been in their place?
There is only one way to beat the triangulation.
Two transmitters.
Got it.
We won't have the time to triangulate two transmitters in one night.
If Lohia has found a "thod" to counter our "thod" against theirs
then I am sure the engineer is somewhere…
setting up another transmitter for them.
Let us catch them all.
At the same time, on the same day, we strike…
together!
Through Congress Radio,
we need to make sure the tiny sparks…
of revolt turn into raging flames.
DIWALI IS IN TWO DAYS.
THIS TIME WE WILL DISTRIBUTE SWEETS. RAMLO
A message from Lohiaji.
Testing.
This is Congress Radio.
Testing. Testing.
We just need to show the people that we are ready.
They will then join us
and erupt together in our fight for freedom.
- Long live… - Revolution!
- Are you all ready? - Yes!
Lohiaji, both the radios are ready.
Good job.
Kamath, Fahad. Get ready to record my speech.
Okay.
Firecrackers!
I plan to burst a lot of crackers this Diwali.
My dear countrymen…
Tonight is the night of revolution.
Tonight, we put Gandhiji's mantra of "Do or Die" into action.
I will start broadcasting from the Sitara Building.
You remain with the Radio here, ready to broadcast if I am caught.
Where the hell is Engineer?
He's gone to meet Julie.
- Julie! - No! No! No! Let him go!
- Wait! - Please!
- You can't go! - Please!
We have only five hours left for the broadcast.
We need to shift the new transmitter before the Engineer squeals on us.
Could you drive a little faster, please?
Keep going.
Sir, I saw this man on the other side of this window.
- Move aside, please. - Kids were bursting firecrackers.
- That is when I saw him. - Are you sure it was him?
Yes, sir, it was him. I swear this is where I saw him.
Do you have any knowledge…
- Usha, Fahad. - Is there any other way out of here?
Let's go.
I don't know that much, but there is a lane ahead…
What is all this, Kamathji?
Lohiaji managed to escape on time.
- He wants to meet you right away. - The Engineer has been caught.
He told them about the new transmitter at Santacruz.
You will be rewarded if you are right.
I will be rewarded? He was right here, sir.
Sir, Lohia is not in there.
Prepare the detection vans.
Today…
Congress Radio dies.
We will certainly get caught if we broadcast today…
because it's impossible to beat the triangulation with just one transmitter.
No.
We have to broadcast at any cost today.
All the units are waiting for my declaration.
Tonight, in my speech, I will give them the green signal.
Bring India to a halt!
Today, we have to show every Indian how we can come together…
and break the backbone of the British Empire.
We will broadcast, Lohiaji.
Not "we".
Just one of you.
Both of you don't need to risk your life for this.
There will be other missions to risk your life for the country.
You two decide which one of you is going to broadcast.
And this is not a request.
It's an order.
Jai Hind.
- Jai Hind. - Jai Hind.
- Fahad, stop. - Usha, please don't stop me.
Fahad, I will do the broadcast. I said stop, Fahad!
I was only 18 months old when I contracted polio.
I have never been able to walk on my two feet since then, Usha.
I have always felt incomplete.
Life has finally given me an opportunity to feel complete.
Don't snatch this from me.
You are not the only one fighting for fulfillment, Fahad.
I am a girl.
Even stepping out of the house is no less than a battle for me.
I am Gandhian…
and yet I have lied and cheated so many times.
I swore on my father's life and lied to him, Fahad.
We both are incomplete, each in our own way.
So, how do we decide?
Will you do as I say?
I won't lose.
Then swear on India's freedom.
I swear on India's freedom.
You see that cannon?
Let's race to it.
This is cheating, Usha.
Fahad… we had a deal.
You swore to agree. This is cheating, Fahad.
You cheated me with this deal.
You challenged a person with a limp to race you!
You cheated by making me swear to do as you say, Usha!
Usha, listen! Stop! This is betrayal, Usha!
- This is deceit! - What other option did I have?
Either I live with your hatred for me…
or I live with self-hatred.
I choose to live with your hatred for me.
Won't you forgive me?
Usha!
Had I been in your place…
I would have done the same.
Do or Die!
Do or…
Jai Hind, Usha!
Fahad told you?
Yes.
Leave.
No.
I'm not going anywhere.
Police will arrest me either inside or outside.
You are sacrificing yourself for nothing, Kaushik.
Today, both of us…
are ready to give up our lives for what touches our hearts the most.
For some, revolution is their love…
and for some, love is their revolution.
This is Congress Radio…
calling on 42.34 meters…
from somewhere in India.
My dear countrymen, this is Ram Manohar Lohia.
Roy, report.
- Tonight is the night of revolution. - No signal, sir.
Tonight is the night of challenge for India.
Nothing.
Tonight is the night of duty and sacrifice.
Tonight is the night when we fight for our freedom.
Tonight, we put Gandhiji's mantra of "Do or Die" into action.
Tonight, we break the network of roads,
railways, and telegraph lines that strangle us.
Fahad said we only have five to ten minutes…
- Tonight, we destroy… - before the police find us…
Yes.
Tonight, we throw fear out of our hearts.
Tonight, we make this rebellion our final battle for freedom.
Tonight is the decisive night that will determine our fate and theirs.
Dhar.
Tonight, we uproot the British Empire.
Regardless of how long it takes…
We traced the signal to Malabar Hill.
Sir.
- Drive to Malabar Hill. - We won't back out.
We will harness the sorrows and challenges…
our people endure as fuel for our courage.
Like a burning volcano, the flame of freedom
will forever burn brightly in our hearts.
- When we asked the British Empire to… - Tell me.
We found the signal, sir.
Kamla Nehru Park Corner, 45 degrees due Southwest.
Along Ridge Road, sir.
Excellent.
Start triangulating.
Independence, self-respect, and self-governance.
And this demand echoes not only in the Congress but throughout India.
Usha, we should keep the radio broadcasting and leave.
That way, the declaration can happen and we won't be caught.
What if the police come after we leave and stop the broadcast?
- The ruler of India… - So, how will you stop the police?
- They cannot deceive… - I will stop them.
Don't be stupid, Usha! They have guns.
I will take their bullets and die.
But as long as I am alive, I won't let them shut the radio.
- Here. - The British may be underestimating…
- Sitara Building, Gibbs Road. - the intensity of this agitation.
Sitara Building, Gibbs Road.
- Send the force. - Sir.
Gaonkar! Gibbs Road, quickly!
Sir.
We've got them.
You should leave, Kaushik.
There is no alternative or choice other than freedom.
When the whole country stands together,
even the police and the army will not be able to do anything.
I am not going anywhere.
Take over government offices.
There will be anarchy all across the country for some time.
But this anarchy is better than slavery.
This anarchy will start in the cities
because cities will starve as grains, vegetables, and fruits won't reach them.
Disrupt the supply chain to the cities.
Leave the cities and head towards the villages.
Our nation's spirit is still alive in our villages.
Work in the fields and earn your living.
Work to attain self-reliance in the villages.
If this movement remains active in the villages,
it will spread throughout India.
Encourage your brothers to resign from government jobs.
I request all the Indians who are in the army and the police…
who are lawyers and judges…
who are clerks helping the British run their government…
to leave their jobs.
Collect money for our freedom struggle.
- Prepare yourself… - The police are here.
for the long battle ahead.
The fight for freedom is not child's play.
Over there.
Radio's antenna.
Fourth floor.
Nothing can be achieved without unity.
Freedom will be for everyone, not just Hindus or Muslims.
Unity will prevail when we all aim for freedom.
Patriots should reflect on their stance…
- towards selfish individuals. - Lohiaji, please make the declaration.
Those individuals who choose not to fight for freedom,
history will remember them.
Their cowardice will be taken into account.
It is important for the people to be ready now.
In order to ensure the success of this revolutionary movement,
various sacrifices will need to be made.
This revolutionary movement embodies our determination to persevere.
This is the time to show that we are true Indians!
- Check there. - This is the time…
when it is better to die once than to die every day.
- Police! - As Gandhiji said,
- Lohiaji, please declare! - until we are ready to give up our lives,
we will not be able to give our country a new lease of life.
We are resolved to fight, to give up our lives, and to never surrender.
- Make the declaration! - The British must quit India now.
My fellow Indians…
- break the shackles and create history. - Open the door!
Halt the trains! Halt the post!
Shut down the telegraph!
Shut down the telephone!
Bring India to a halt!
- Do or Die! - Do or Die!
- Jai Hind! - Jai Hind!
Bring India to a halt!
Open the door!
Long live revolution!
Churchill, quit India!
Long live revolution!
- Jai Hind! - Jai Hind!
Come on.
Get him.
Come on!
Get her!
Get her.
Hey!
You can kill me…
but tonight our national song will play till the end.
Vande Mataram!
- Arrest them. - Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
- Vande Mataram! - Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Long live revolution!
- Country or Coffin! - Country or Coffin!
Long live revolution!
Vande Mataram!
No, Governor.
No! You have allowed things to go too far in the Bengal Presidency.
General.
Keep the army on standby.
Finish them off.
Long live revolution!
Where is Lohia?
Country or Coffin!
- Country or Coffin! - Go, stop them!
Long live revolution!
Testify against Lohia and you will get to live.
Sign it.
Country or Coffin!
Jai Hind!
The dream of India's freedom has been shattered.
It has been crushed.
You just have to give me one name…
Ram Manohar Lohia.
And you will get to live.
Jai…
Hind!
Dear Usha…
I keep agonizing about how your days are passing in jail.
It traumatizes me to think that my child,
who once dreamt of soaring with Siberian cranes,
is now confined in a cage.
But when Lohiaji visited…
his reassuring words brought some comfort.
We do not confront tyrants for victory alone.
We confront them because they are tyrants.
I have never received as much respect…
as I have for being your father.
I am glad that you falsely swore on my life.
Your father who was a slave to the British is now dead.
This reborn father…
is proud that you are his daughter.
You are my shining star!
Four years is a long time.
This question may haunt you endlessly.
"Why did I endure so much pain?"
When you get out of jail,
you may find that nobody recognizes you.
While some people get acclaim, some receive love.
But some remain unsung in the pages of history.
However, always remember one thing, Usha.
The unsung hero is the greatest of all heroes.
Because the unsung hero is pure, selfless,
and entirely without blemish.
When a tiny spark ignites a revolution…
it no longer remains just a spark.
You are no longer just one revolutionary.
You are the revolution!
- Vande Mataram! - Vande…
Your revolt gives us the wings
that will propel us toward India's freedom.
Jai Hind!
Vande Mataram!
Vande…