Sri Bharatlakshmi Pictures
Pandit Khirode Prasad's 'ALlBABA'
Main Sound-Expert: Charles Creed
Cinematography: Bibhuti Das Gita Ghosh Assistant: Jagdish
Sound Recording: A. Gaffur Assistant: Yasine
Lab: Jagat Roy Chowdhury Purna Chatterjee
Producer: Baijnath ledia Editor: Shyam Das
Music: T. Franco Polo/Nagardas Nayek Choreography: Sadhana Bose
Set Design: Motilal Art Direction: Sudhangshu Chowdhury
Makeup: Kalidas Das
Cast: Marjina: Sadhana Bose
Alibaba: Bibhuti Ganguly Fatima: Suprabha Mukherjee
Kasim: Kamal Biswas Sakina: lndira Roy
Abdullah: Madhu Bose Hussain: B.P. Mehra
Mustafa: Preeti Kr. Majumdar Chief of the Thieves: Kali Ghosh
Director: Madhu Bose
Open, Sesame!
Oh! What a dreadful lot of rubbish
Such a big house, and so much rubbish
l clean it all the time, yet such is the state
The outside and the inside, it's the same everywhere
This rubbish will destroy everything
Dirty house. Such a dirty house
And a dirty owner, lame and wayward
And a mistress with a black heart
Abdullah? Abdullah!
Janaab!
l come at the first call
l love work. And l am always working
As dark as l am, my eyes are as sharp
l work so fast, so astute am l
And a happy-go-lucky mistress, with a very rich master
l come at the first call
Oh! Who is that? Marjina Khanum, the mistress?
The day l become the mistress, l will have you soundly thrashed.
Oh, such peace.
lt was always my wish, to be thrashed by you.
So listen. When you do become the mistress...
l will lease my back to you.
You are being so funny. Why can't l become the mistress?
Listen, slave-girl. Sorry, sorry. Lady of the house.
Without illness or sorrow, and even in good spirits...
l will suddenly die laughing. Will that be nice?
Don't say things like that, Madam.
Again you're joking? Whatever it takes, l'll become the mistress.
- Marjina, Marjina? - Why are you running away?
Where are you, Marjina?
Yes, madam. Go to Ali's wife immediately.
Tell her l need 5 maunds of wood today.
As you wish.
Listen, wood is available in the market.
So why are you mixing with Ali's wife so much?
She's your brother's wife. So what's the harm?
No, this can't go on. l can't tolerate that woman.
l don't like Ali either. He's a wood-cutter!
How can we be related?
But he's your brother.
No, no, no. l'm a nobleman, and he's a wood-cutter.
There can be no relation between us.
Thank God you got your father-in-law's wealth.
So you can afford not to recognise your own brother.
Otherwise, even you would have gone bald, carrying wood.
That's not because of you, wife.
l was fated to be a nobleman.
l would have become one regardless of everything.
But you would have had to be a woodcutter for life.
Come brothers, let us chop wood, or we'll be thrashed soundly
Don't strike softly. The trunk is so thick
Swing the axe wide and hard...
as we cut down the soft branches...
and snap the dry ones in one stroke
You've been summoned because there's a huge feast.
You are family. Our poor house runs because of you.
Well, listen, don't mix too much with Ali's wife.
Do you think l'm like that?
That l'd mingle with someone for no reason?
l know that, l know.
l know very well you aren't like that.
But, why does she keep coming here? Do you know?
l buy wood from Ali's wife.
And l get it cheaper than in the market.
Really? Really?
And proper wood from the trunk, no branches at all.
Really? Really? Yes, and quite a bit for free.
- Really? Really? - And some more free by flattering her.
Really? Really? l can't control my laughter any longer.
Then, while calculating...
l make sure to confuse her and pay less.
Now tell me, have l been wrong in mixing with her?
Wrong? Which fool says it's wrong?
lt's brilliant! lt's perfect!
You have my permission to do things like this always.
But, be careful. Don't invite them by mistake.
How can l forget that?
That's true. You're not the type to forget that.
But, you know what? l'm just warning you.
They'll eat like gluttons. One will finish food meant for five.
There she is. Be careful.
Oh, don't be afraid. You take care of the feast.
- How many will come tonight? - Not too many.
My dear, why have you called on me at such an odd time?
You have to send around five seers of wood today, dear.
What will it come to?
How can l give you rates, my dear?
One should give it for free.
lt is just that times are very hard.
We can barely make ends meet. Hence, we have to charge you.
Why say that dear? We have to buy from the market, anyway.
So we might as well help out a family member like you.
Even if it costs me more, l don't mind.
Giving you a little extra money won't be a waste.
Even if we get a lesser amount, that's fine, too.
Ah, your love for us is so great.
So the rate: 3 maunds and 10 seers come to 1 rupee.
Plus, almost 2 maunds minus 10 seers. That's 75 paisa.
Then another two maunds. But l won't bargain with you.
So, it comes to a rupee and six paisa.
- Take the money when you bring the wood. - Alright.
- Also, send some mangrove timber. - Alright.
- Also, a few baskets of wood shavings. - Alright.
Also, will you pay for the delivery or should l?
That's alright. You pay it. You're family, after all.
Go, send it quickly. Marjina, check the wood before weighing it.
And pay her instantly. l'll be on my way, dear.
Listen, l feel like quarreling with you.
Why?
No, let it be. l'm only a slave-girl.
A slave-girl shouldn't express her opinions of her masters.
Are you talking about the price of the wood?
- You are very foolish. - No, this isn't foolishness.
- Then you got everything? - Had l been foolish...
l wouldn't have been able to run my poor family.
They are family, after all. What can l do even if l get it?
- You tell me. - You say, you have got it?
Then l salute you.
Father, why are you going to fetch wood at such an odd hour?
What can l do son? The way your mother is doing business...
it's become impossible to stay at home.
lt seems like l'll have to move to the forest for good.
Here she comes.
So, Fatima Bibi, how was business today?
Five maunds of wood for today.
And two maunds for free besides half a maund of wood shavings.
Should one say that, dear?
Of course not. Such things happen in business.
That's enough. Don't joke around. Take this money.
Go to the market.
What's the matter? Where are you going with the axe now?
lt seems to be stuck to the shoulder for good.
Don't bother about that.
Great! You've earned a lot of money today, Fatima Bibi.
The seven-eight maunds of wood come to only a rupee and six paisa?
Not even that! l still have to deduct my share from that!
Of course, dear! l forgot!
Give her these six paisas.
l'm giving you these six paisas as commission, sir.
Such an ideal son you are. Can't you sell the wood yourself?
l can't say anything to my master. But l can't tolerate cheating, either.
But they haven't cheated us dear. She is family.
Even if she asks for extra, can that be called cheating?
Then why doesn't she say it?
She's from an affluent family. lf she's awkward about asking...
then why can't she be underhanded?
lt's enough that she pays. What would we do if she didn't?
l understand everything. Yet, l remain silent.
lf you have to go, then go. l'll go to the market.
Marjina, do you feel sad seeing our condition?
Yes, perhaps a little.
- Marjina... - What?
Why did you stop?
Umm...you...you...
- Are you embarrassed? - No. Why be embarrassed?
Do you... lo... love...?
Are you asking if l love you at all?
Yes, Marjina.
Perhaps a little bit.
That's what l was asking, Marjina.
- Umm, Marjina... - What?
Umm... you... you...
No. Do you want something to drink?
l get it. Run away. Abdullah is coming.
Abdullah? Umm, Marjina...
lt cannot be, Hussain. l'm a slave-girl.
Oh God, give Marjina some freedom.
- Marjina, Marjina... - Run away, run away.
Then, Marjina...
- Again, Marjina? Run away. - Oh, Allah!
Oh mistress, you've been summoned.
Slave-girl, l have dreamed of your becoming a queen...
and l've become a king
Very well, then, let me cut off your tail
lf a slave-monkey becomes king, what will people say!
Let the tail be. Quickly become the queen
Or else it shall be too late
- Really? - Really!
Really? l've already bought a coffin to be used as your throne
And l've also dug a grave to serve as your Treasury
- l have become king. - l have become queen
And we dance and revel in that thought
Close, Sesame!
Let's go towards Siraj today!
Amazing! They come from inside the mountain.
Who are these people?
He said 'Close, Sesame' and the mountain closed shut.
So, what if l say 'Open, Sesame'?
There are so many rich men in this city of Siraj.
- There are ministers, courtiers. - Rubbish! There are emperors.
But there is none like our Kasim Saheb here.
- Jolly! Magnanimous! - Shut up! Our Kasim Saheb...
- Abdullah! - Master?
- Bring in the Siraji wine. - Yes! Yes! Bring it in.
Excellent! Marvelous!
Fantastic!
The eyes are seductive, words as sweet as nectar
Now oh my heart, stand fast by me
lt is indeed a tough job, to whirl and twirl and please
Bring in the wine, oh Saki.
- And give us a taste of it. - Yes, yes, a taste.
Oh lord! Why did l send him to the forest at high noon?
Fatima! Fatima!
Here you are! You're back. Why are you so late?
And l was crying out of grief for you.
Dear, where did you go today to fetch wood?
Did you bring the whole forest with you?
- Uff! Not so loud. - Why not? l'll scream.
l was wailing all this while. Now l'll quarrel with you.
Dear, from what tree did you get this wood?
- Softly! Softly! - Why? Why softly?
l'll scream. We gather wood from the forest for our livelihood.
We don't covet other people's property. So, why be afraid?
Dear, have you brought sandalwood then?
Hush! Not wood! Gold coins! Gold coins!
- Gold coins! - Hush!
Not so loud! You'll be beaten! And killed!
l should be quieter? Gold coins!
What are you saying? Us and gold coins?
You amaze me. We barely make ends meet.
Where do we get gold coins from?
Have you become a robber? What a catastrophe!
- Shut up, you idiot! - l cannot shut up!
How can l shut up if you're about to die?
Shut up, you idiot! Listen to me at least!
Your wailing will get me beheaded!
That even l can tell! Still l cannot shut up.
You were so honest! And now you have robbed!
No, no, God has given it to me.
l found the gold coins while chopping wood in the forest.
- What! - Hush!
- Oh, what are you saying? - Oh, why can't you whisper?
Oh, what are you saying? Gold coins? What?
ln the forest? What are you saying? Oh lord!
Exclaim all you want in my ear.
Don't scream! You'll get us killed.
Forgive me! Let me scream!
Such a day will never come again! Oh Mother!
Where are you mother!
Catastrophe! l'll go mad from your screams!
Open the door! Open the door!
- That's my Hussain. - Wait! Let me hide the bags!
That's my Hussain. Oh, Hussain!
What nonsense! Let it be Hussain.
Can't Hussain wait awhile?
What if someone else is with him?
Wait! Let me hide the bags.
Open the door! Open the door!
What is it, mother? What happened, father?
- Get a spade, quickly. - Why father? So late at night?
- Softly, speak softly! - Ali, Ali, what has happened?
- What has happened, father? - Softly, speak softly!
- Why father? - Get a spade quickly.
- Where do l get a spade? - Just go and find one.
Fati, come. Let me show you what l've found.
Oh! lt is a such a great day! Why are you sitting here?
Abdullah, don't irritate me.
What! There are tears in your eyes! What is it, Marjina?
lt seems there's a storm raging inside you.
That's no lie. Something seems to be bothering me.
Do you know what will cure it?
Sing! Sing, Marjina! lt will leave you with the song!
Nonsense! How can one sing in the storm?
The storm rages outside. lt rattles the windows of a room.
You're a slave-girl. Your fate is restricted, too.
l'm a slave. My life, too, is wracked with sorrow.
Howl all you want! lt'll sound sweet to me, regardless.
- What shall l sing? - Umm...
- A love song! - Rubbish, a slave-girl and love.
ln my heart...
l've hidden the image of my lover
A slave's fate is always sad. What if my lover finds out?
He will untie my chains, and tie me elsewhere
ln my heart, l've hidden the image of my lover
Here! Do you know where Sakina Bibi is?
- Why? - l need her.
Tell me quickly.
We've been ordered to always ask the reason first.
Can you lend me a measuring bowl?
Why do you need it so late at night?
- l need it for something. - You have to tell us why.
Umm, l will measure paddy.
Where did you get paddy this time of year?
We just got it.
Be that as it may, you have to tell us how.
- My husband got it, dear. - Abdullah!
- Abdullah! - Oh! Yes, Master!
He went to gather wood. Where did he get paddy?
There was a paddy tree in the forest.
- Paddy tree? - Yes, dear.
He struck the trunk and there was a shower of ripe paddy.
Does the paddy tree have a trunk?
Of course! There are so many thing in the forest, who knows.
lf you search, why only paddy, you'll find a tree of money.
Oh Lord! l'm getting so confused! What am l saying?
There's nothing in the forest except for darkness.
Give me the measuring can, or l'll leave.
l'll give it to you. But don't tell anyone what you told me.
Or else, there will be danger.
Danger? What is the danger, Marjina?
Nothing. Fatima Bibi was just asking for a measuring bowl.
But, how do l give it to her now?
Measuring can? Go, Kasim Saheb is asking for you.
You want it, sister? Wait. l'll get it for you.
l'll leave. No, l'll take the bowl with me.
No, l'll leave. No, l'll take it with me.
Fatima, why are you so restless?
Really? Well, l keep behaving like this these days.
Here, take it. But do return it by tonight.
lt's rather important. l hope you understand.
l'll return it as soon as possible.
He has bound me with love
He has smiled and sat near me
He has succeeded at becoming close to me
He has enthralled me, using my own feelings...
And he has bound my life to his
Using my own feelings...
He is devoted to me. He has made me as devoted to him.
He has smiled and sat near me...
He has bound me with love
- Marjina. - Who? Hussain Saheb?
Where are you going with a spade so late at night?
Spade? Oh, spade.
l'm not going to chop wood.
Then who are you going to chop, Hussain Saheb?
Me? Will you be happy if l died?
- What is this, Marjina? - No, Hussain Saheb, take my life.
Then, then, l'll die too, Marjina.
Why will you die, Hussain Saheb?
Marjina, you, l, you...
- Oh! - What happened?
- There's something there. - That's something, indeed.
Abdullah, Hussain Saheb took you for a wild animal.
Well, birds of a feather... So, Hussain Saheb....
Abdullah, brother mine, l thought you were an animal.
- But, l didn't say it. - Well, that's good then.
But beware, Hussain Saheb.
l hope you realise the dangers in confessing what's in the heart.
Then, then, l'll be on my way, Marjina.
And Hussain Saheb, be careful.
Don't hit anyone with the spade thinking they're animals.
Abdullah, why do you sneak about in the bushes at night?
Looking for you. Do you know what Kasim and Sakina just did?
What? Where? What are you saying?
Kasim Saheb was busy with his friends.
Suddenly, Sakina Bibi rushed in and fainted, wailing his name.
- What! She fainted? - Well, almost.
Then she showed him a gold coin and started crying.
Gold coin? What gold coin?
That's so bizarre. Then what happened?
Nothing! l witnessed it and ran here to tell you.
Come, come! Let's go and see what finally happened.
What are you saying! Ali has so much wealth?
Oh God! l will die!
That stupid Ali! He has so much wealth?
Now you suffer. You hate him.
You don't talk to him because he's poor. You don't call him brother.
You don't invite him to your banquets. He is so wealthy.
You count money by pieces. He measures his wealth.
Where is the measuring can?
Oh Lord! l will surely die now!
Abdullah! Abdullah!
Yes, my Lord, my Master!
- Bring a cup of Siraji wine. - As you wish.
- No, bring ten cups! - Yes, Master.
- No, bring bottles of it! - Yes, bottles.
- No, brings jars of it! - Yes, jars.
Oh, calm down. Check which emperor's coin that is.
Very expensive! Very precious! This is worth five other gold coins!
Oh Lord! l will surely die now!
- Oh Lord! Abdullah! - What are you doing?
Abdullah!
There's no point in behaving like a lunatic. Find a solution.
Find out everything.
You see everything, but you don't understand
You don't listen to anything l tell you
lf fate throws hurdles, try and overcome them
God chooses to reward those He wishes to...
yet you get perturbed for no reason at all
- The girl is mine! - Never!
- Hey, l won her! - l won her!
Never! l will slap you!
Beware!
l won the bet! This Hasan has cheated!
l cheated? That's a lie, master!
- He knows. - Beware!
This is God's treasury. We are its keepers.
There's no place for cheats here.
lf you cheat, l will quarter you and hang your body up.
Beware!
Here, drink some. Don't be angry.
The greater the wealth, the more the trouble
What is this headache, for no reason at all?
Thousands increase to lakhs. Lakhs go on to crores
As the money increases, my heart shrinks instead
How will my days pass?
- Darling, Alibaba? - What, darling Fatima?
Please buy me five more slave-girls.
But you already have slave-girls.
They're all dancers. l want someone who works.
- What work? - For when l tire of chopping wood.
Still chopping wood, Fatima?
God no longer needs me to cut wood.
Oh, l forgot. l'm the mistress now.
- Darling, Ali? - What, darling Fati?
Buy me a palanquin and eight bearers.
Why?
There are no good ponds nearby.
My body aches from carrying water from so far.
l will go and fetch water in a palanquin.
Do you still have to fetch water, Fatima Bibi?
Of course, l don't have to do that now.
But, what will we eat from now on?
Only, pulao, kalia, quarma, kebabs, kofta...
and grapes, raisins, almonds and pistachios.
Or, if they're too costly, we'll have sacks full of puffed rice.
Get out. You're insane.
Does a King's wife ever eat puffed rice?
That's right. l forgot.
- Dearest Fati? - What, dearest Ali?
Something's not sitting too well with me.
Then let me be frank. l've been meaning to tell you...
but l keep forgetting. l can't stand this anymore.
l'm feeling choked. l can't sit, nor stand, nor sleep.
- l can neither laugh nor cry - l can neither sleep nor stay awake.
- Dearest Ali? - What, dearest Fati?
What should we do?
Doing anything won't be easy.
lt'll be a disaster if people come to know.
We'll have to be careful for some time.
When it has to happen, it'll happen.
Let's sit together now and cry.
No, no, no, not now.
Neighbors will wake up if we cry now.
lt'll be dangerous and fatal for us.
l don't care! l don't fear the neighbors!
Oh Lord! What has happened! Why can't l sleep?
- Why don't l feel hunger? - Stop! Quietly! Quietly!
- Oh Lord! What's wrong with me! - She'll spoil everything. Quietly!
How did l grow up so quickly? l want to be a child again!
Yes, yes, l understand! There's a reason.
You should call the doctor. Get a doctor for Hussain Saheb.
He's gone mad. He was wandering the streets at night...
and whipping whoever he could find.
l somehow managed to drag him inside through the back door.
Marjina, did you hear what we were saying?
Well, l did hear a fair bit.
Let it be. With you we aren't afraid of any harm.
Alibaba! Alibaba!
There's Master. lt's a disaster!
- Why be afraid? - There's reason to be afraid.
He'll insult me.
He'll insult you in front of me? l'll kill him.
No, no killing. Stop talking.
She saved my honor. l won't let her be insulted.
He won't insult her.
But what if he does?
Open the door! Or l'll break it down!
Oh! Please give me a place to hide.
lf not here, he'll go home and then beat me up.
- Mother! Get my dagger. - Stop it. Let me figure this out.
Yes, please. Marjina will be my daughter-in-law.
Our wealth will suit us only if she's well. Figure something out.
Yes, l will. Now, open the door.
Ali, were all of you standing and sleeping like donkeys?
l screamed and knocked so many times. None of you answered.
Why are you here at so late an hour, brother?
l'll explain. What? Marjina? Why are you here?
Master, l came to buy wood.
So late at night? You take me for a fool?
Then why are you here brother?
What good fortune of mine brings you to my house?
Well! l'll deal with you.
Come back home and you'll get six hundred lashes.
Don't be angry, brother. She's a woman, and a young one at that.
- So, what's the matter, Ali? - Which matter, brother?
Where did you get money? From where did you steal it?
- Money? - Yes.
- What money? - You don't understand?
Should l help you understand? Do you understand now?
Where did you get it from?
You have so much, you have to measure it.
Brother, l didn't steal it. God gave it to me.
Ah! God didn't find anyone else.
There were quazis, ministers, courtiers, emperors. Even me.
And instead God gave antique gold coins to Ali Saheb.
Tell me! Or else l'll call the sheriff.
Call him, it doesn't matter. l don't fear the sheriff.
But you're my brother. lf you wish to know, l'll tell you.
Where l got this from, it's so much wealth that...
you won't be able to spend it even in a thousand years.
Really! Ali! My brother!
My dearest brother! Of my own blood! ls this true?
Completely true. There's not even a grain of untruth.
- l'll tell you right now. - Yes, brother, please! Quickly!
- But you have to take an oath before that. - What oath?
You have to swear you won't torture Marjina.
Am l such a person?
Of course. l know you very well.
You are so wealthy. And l'm your own brother.
l've spent so many days hungry. You didn't even care.
l've heard you detest calling me a brother.
- Who said this? Who? - Who in the city doesn't know this?
Let it be. l'm not sad about such things.
But l do know you're heartless.
What if you torture Marjina in spite of taking an oath?
No, no, l'm very fond of Marjina.
No, l don't trust you. Well, do something then.
- What? - Sell Marjina to me.
l paid a lot of money for her.
l'll give everything l have.
l don't know how much you have.
My wealth is more than ten times the wealth you have.
Very well. l'm giving Marjina to you.
Why did you do this Ali Saheb?
You became a pauper again, for my sake?
No, no, please return me.
l'll go back to chopping wood then.
Come. Let us go. l'll pay you for Marjina.
And l'll tell you about the gold coins.
Then, Marjina, you belong to us now?
l can't say that just yet.
How long was l there? How much was spent on me?
- Let me calculate that first. - Marjina?
- What? - l'm so happy today.
Then come, let me serve you some sherbet.
- Marjina? - Some Shiraji wine then?
l swear to Allah! l have gone blind with delight!
Oh, so now you've become a holy man?
l won't let the masters go for useless work anymore
l'll send him to the forest to get jewels to wear
A garden of coins in the forest
Coins overflow from trees like paddy
l'll weigh and store the gold at home
No one can object
Open, Sesame! Open, Sesame!
Uff, what a word these people have chosen.
Whoever's chosen it, he must be crafty.
l've been learning it for so long, but it's still so confusing!
l should have written down 'Open, Sesame!' somewhere.
Open Sesame, open Sesame, open Sesame, open Sesame, open Sesame.
No, if l've remembered it thus far, l won't forget.
The word, it sounds like the sesame seeds.
Of course l'll remember it. lt won't be difficult.
Open, Sesame, open, Sesame, open, Sesame.
Open, Sesame. Close, Sesame. Open, Sesame. Close, Sesame.
Oh! How much further?
Oh, there's the mountain.
There's the tree.
What a terrible place.
ls this a trap Ali has set to kill me?
Well, come what may.
Open, Sesame!
Oh Allah!
All this is mine!
All these gold coins! And then the world!
Everything! Servants, emperors...
l'll now do and say whatever l wish!
What fun!
Should l take this or that?
Gold coins or diamonds?
Diamonds or sapphires? Or rubies? Or emeralds perhaps?
l'll take everything!
l won't leave even a farthing behind.
l'll even take the dust from this place.
l will dance!
Why is my heart restless?
My eyes are watery, my limbs are shaky, my head is aching
Why is my heart restless?
Bibi Saheb, come inside.
Don't be afraid. Master will be back soon.
When will he come, Marjina?
A whole day and night have passed.
When will he come, Marjina?
He is coming from afar, with a heavy load, so he's a bit late.
What have l done, Marjina?
He used to love me a lot.
- Oh, what do l do now? - Abdullah!
- Where do l go? - Abdullah!
Calm down, Bibi Saheb. Everything will be fine.
Oh Lord! What have l done? Why did l let him go?
Why didn't l tell him he is my wealth?
Abdullah! Go to Ali Saheb's house.
See if he's home. lf he is, bring him here immediately.
As you command.
Marjina, don't leave me alone.
Can't you stay awhile, even if you're not my servant anymore?
l've tormented you so much.
No, you were like a mother to me.
Please stay with me awhile, dearest.
Here l am.
Don't go anywhere, dear.
My master isn't like that. He won't scold me for staying here.
l was a master like that. Now l'm paying for it.
Oh Lord, how did this happen, Marjina?
Oh Lord! lt's a catastrophe!
What seeds does it sound like? Something to eat.
Seeds, seeds. Open, seeds!
Why? Why doesn't it open?
What else? Oh Lord! What does one eat when hungry?
They work, they serve, they steal, they cheat!
Nonsense, rubbish!
Oh, what have l done! lt's a catastrophe!
Yes, yes, it's the name of a food.
Yes, open, open, open, ladyfingers!
Open, mustard! Open, spices! Open, for God's sake!
Oh, what have l done? lt's a catastrophe!
Open, cows! Open, pulses! Open, grains! Open, corn!
Oh, what have l done? lt's a catastrophe!
Oh, what will l do now?
Open, mango! Open, berries! Open, lychee! Open, jackfruit!
Oh Lord! Someone tell me how to get this door to open!
Oh Ali! Dearest brother Ali! l'll give everything over to you.
lf you feed me l'll eat. Otherwise, l'll starve, my brother!
You know the word! Please open this door!
Open, fruits! Open, nuts!
Open, for God's sake! Open, for the world!
Who is it? Ali, my brother?
No, it's your maker!
Oh Ali, oh dear brother Ali!
Stop! Calm down!
Oh, but l cannot stop!
My dearest Kasim hasn't returned yet.
l'll go right now. l have to get the three donkeys from home. Marjina!
- No, let Marjina be here! - Fine, let her be. Abdullah!
- No, let Abdullah stay, too. Fine, then l'll go.
Be careful. Don't make a fuss. Or else there'll be trouble.
What will happen to me, Ali?
You'll have servants, wealth, good times, everything.
Don't cry. My brother isn't a fool. He'll be back.
He'll come back and make you a queen.
Then go quickly.
And if you don't find him...
l'll find him. Don't shout. Don't create a ruckus.
l spend my days in vivid hope
Will my lover ever come back?
The end of my happiness flows through my tears
The verses and songs that profess love...
ends in a distressed heart
This fiery pain rises slowly
So he comes to make love
He loves me, so he comes to make love
He loves that l love him so
His happy smile, his loving glance...
ln it l have seen the moon wandering in the sky of my heart
l cry seeing him smile, yet he smiles anyway
- Marjina. - Why are you calling Marjina?
- What are you thinking? - Guess and tell me.
Should l tell you? You're thinking...
if you find a handsome man like Abdullah...
you should marry him.
You're close, but not close enough.
- l was wondering... - Yes?
when Abdullah dies, who will bury him?
- Why, can't you do it? - No.
My hands are sore.
What? So, things are finally looking up, are they?
Or, has someone twisted your arm?
Can't someone hold my hand?
Should l be a slave-girl forever? Won't l get married?
Now, now, stop this. Why were you looking for me?
Someone has died in Fatima Bibi's house.
Shut up, you rascal.
- She's crying. - Shut up, you rascal.
You're snapping like a snake. What's it to you?
Whatever it is, something's happened in that house.
Fatima Bibi is lamenting and crying out Hussain's name.
And Ali Saheb is trying to stop her.
Shut up! That's a lie. Ali Saheb isn't home.
l saw it myself. Why should l believe you instead?
What are you saying, Abdullah!
- Why did you sit down suddenly? - Something fell from my hand.
- Then sit and listen. - l don't want to listen.
What? The best is yet to come. You have to listen.
Three donkeys carrying three loads of wood...
will Ali Saheb handle them, or will he manage Fatima?
Or will he lament, crying Hussain's name?
Abdullah, go away.
Let me finish. Then l'll leave.
- Then Hussain came... - Really?
There, that makes you jump.
Yes, of course. Then Hussain showed up.
Abdullah, your story is very sweet.
Then, Hussain came...
Abdullah, tomorrow l'll do all your work.
Then, Hussain came...
He doesn't have to come. l understand everything.
- Then, Hussain came... - Stop! Stop!
- Then, Hussain died. - Again?
- Not Hussain, Kasim. - What are you saying?
Since he hasn't returned in almost twenty four hours...
- then he has surely died. - Then, what will Sakina Bibi do?
What else?
She'll do what the wives of all courtiers and ministers do.
For the first few days she'll cry.
Then she'll think about what to do next.
Then she'll wipe her eyes with one hand and...
count her wealth with the other.
Do you really think Kasim's death will affect Sakina Bibi's life?
- Marjina? - Go away! Sakina Bibi is on the way.
Such a cheat! Took away everything!
Even the body isn't here! We're so careful, and still someone entered?
They robbed robbers! We have to find the thieves!
By hook or by crook! Or else...
- We swear on our life, oh chief! - Yes, we swear on our life!
We must set out at dawn! To catch and to kill!
But beware! The thief shouldn't know, nor should the emperor!
Forty clever men, and forty earthen pots...
they must be ready at dawn!
- Remember, we swear on our lives! - We swear on our life, oh chief!
Listen to me, sew up the four parts of the dead body...
and tell people Kasim Saheb is ill.
Then call the doctor and get medicines.
Finally say he's dead and bury him.
You're right.
Then Marjina, go.
There's a well-known cobbler in the market called Baba Mustafa.
Go and get him tonight.
But be discreet about it.
You're intelligent enough. What more can l tell you?
Let me go and check up on Sakina Bibi.
Hussain Saheb, tell your parents and sell me off immediately.
Why do you say that, Marjina?
l've tolerated enough. l won't take it anymore
l won't ask to be bound in the tricks of your crafty eyes
l have endured enough hurt. l have borne enough pain
l will now run for my life. l won't stay here anymore
- What is all this, Marjina? - Sell me off immediately.
So cruel! Everyone is crying for Sakina Bibi.
- And you shed no tears! - Who says that, Marjina?
The world will drown in my tears.
But Marjina doesn't understand my pain.
Then the world is unfortunate indeed!
Even animals cry for their own.
Such a shame.
No, l have to be sold off right now.
Then tell me what l should do, Marjina.
Go sit over there and cry.
When l see that, l'll be satisfied.
Fine then, l'm going.
l'll kick him, hit him with a broom.
How dare he? Another marriage!
Marjina, where's Ali?
They see people and run for cover.
Just point them out to me.
Everyone's eyes are swollen from crying!
None can tell you anything!
Look, even Hussain Saheb is crying.
Hussain is crying?
Just crying? He can't stop crying.
His throat is sore from grieving for his aunt.
What should l do Marjina? Tell me.
Then he'll marry again. l feel like crying, Marjina.
Who is that? Didi, is that you?
Oh, dear sister!
Oh dearest aunt!
Don't cry sister. Don't cry Hussain.
l'll find a solution. Come with me.
l understand that. But what is the matter?
Why, this maddening breeze, that unsettles the flowers and buds?
Come and see, if you wish.
The waves of desire floods its own banks.
But really. There won't be any celebration?
What, there won't be music and revelry?
You're right, slave!
Why hide the truth? Tell me everything.
Hush! Don't blabber so loud.
Baba Mustafa.
Baba Mustafa.
Baba Mustafa.
So late at night, who are you, my lady?
l want to sit in your shop for a while.
But why, my lady?
ln this shoe-shop of mine? But why, my lady?
What lady? Here sit.
Baba Mustafa?
What, my lady?
May l lounge about in your room for a while?
What are you doing, my lady?
Then what should l do, Baba Mustafa?
What's the matter with you, my lady?
My body is burning.
Have you had too much to drink?
Has your lover died, then?
Or has your lover been captivated by someone else?
Baba Mustafa, are you a seer? You are right.
Baba, l'll lounge about your shop and weep.
What are you doing?
Everyone will find out. My business will suffer.
From where did you emerge, my lady?
Then find a way. Give me a cure.
Then you've come to the right place, my lady.
Only l can give you a cure for that affliction.
But, l am feeling shy about giving you that cure.
But why, Baba Mustapha?
Your face is dreamy, and your eyes are glistening.
How can l give you that cure, my lady?
What cure, Baba Mustapha?
A few strokes and lashes and all your pain will vanish.
Baba Mustapha, you are a seer.
Can you repair a torn soul?
Forgive me my lady. l can't do so much.
But l can repair torn bodies with ease.
- Really? Can you? - Try me once.
Then take this as advance. Come with me.
What are you thinking? Get up.
Princess, l am a poor man.
But l'll cover your eyes on the way.
l'll be killed, princess.
Don't be afraid. l won't lead you to death.
Do l look like a killer to you?
ls that even possible?
Do my eyes speak of naughty deeds?
ls that even possible?
Can these hands bear weapons, Baba Mustafa?
Allah, is that even possible?
But has someone really lost hands or limbs, my lady?
l have been torn to pieces. My soul has bid me goodbye.
Come Baba, bring your instruments. Come quickly.
Fine.
lt would have been fine if you didn't cover my eyes.
l am your lowest slave.
What would l have said, my lady?
Baba Mustapha?
l'm a renowned person.
l understand, my lady. Fine, cover my eyes. lt's fine.
Baba Mustapha?
You're a good man. l feel like marrying you.
Allah, l should be so lucky.
Why are you raising my hopes to the skies, my lady?
Then l will keep you in the skies.
l won't throw you to the ground. Come.
Leave me, oh Love! Leave me! l don't know the ways of the world.
You can't force me to sing
Your song is too much trouble
l have cried for you so much
My eyes are red, yet you do not come
Such is your behavior, you unfaithful man
What are you looking at, Baba Mustafa?
Come.
Yes, my lady. Let's go.
Give some alms to the poor beggar?
Alms? As if l owe him money.
Go away! Don't bother!
l don't get to eat, sir.
Oh! He doesn't get to eat. Then go to Alibaba's house.
He's become wealthy overnight.
He'll feed you pulao, kebabs to your heart's content.
But no. He's come to die here.
Go away! Really, Ali is so lucky.
From a woodcutter, he has become a courtier.
And you don't know the other news.
What other news?
- There's more news. - Do you have all the world's news?
Oh, it's so hot!
Damn the heat. Tell me the other news.
Ali's brother Kasim? Apparently, he's gone missing.
Absolutely missing.
Missing? Really? Then?
- Kasim's beautiful slave-girl... - Yes, yes...
- that cobbler from the other side... - Cobbler?
that Baba Mustafa...
Oh, yes.
she tied his eyes and took him to Kasim's house.
- Then? - Then, nothing.
Did l follow her that l'd know everything!?
lt's a new shoe. How did it split into four pieces?
My sons did it.
Baba, you're famous for seamlessly sewing torn things.
This kind of stitching will cost you a little more.
l know. lf you do what l want, you'll be well rewarded.
More than yesterday.
- My lord! - Don't be afraid.
Here's an advance.
Where did you go with the beautiful girl last night?
l don't know the address.
- Beware! Do you see this? - Salam alaikum, Baba Mustafa.
So Baba Mustafa, quickly. l'm very busy.
Twelve gold coins or this. Which do you prefer?
By God, l don't know anything.
She blindfolded me.
Fine, l'll blindfold you, too. Come.
So, Baba Mustafa, how much further?
God knows, sir.
Should l uncover your eyes once? Take a look?
No, sir. That will confuse me further.
Halt! lt seems l have reached the place.
Yes, take me a little to this side.
Oh, this isn't walking. lt's like trotting on a horse.
Wait for a moment.
See if there's a house nearby.
Salam, Baba Mustafa. My heartfelt gratitude to you.
That's true.
Ever since l became wealthy, l haven't seen the dawn.
A foreign merchant is on his way to Tehran with jars of oil.
He requests shelter for the night.
Why are you asking? Go and bring him here with respect.
And ask Abdullah to store his things with care.
Marjina, go and arrange for the merchant's dinner.
l'm coming right away.
What is the order, Marjina Bibi?
There will be a large banquet tonight.
The food should be such that not even an emperor gets.
- How many are coming? - Not coming. They're already here.
And that will also be a test of your culinary talents.
- Anything new? - Of course new.
lt should be astonishing food. Like none seen before.
Well, arrange everything. l'll come and tell you.
Astonishing food.
Be careful. Watch out.
Be careful. lt's worth a lot of money.
l hope you're storing these in an empty shed.
l'll set out early at dawn tomorrow.
Yes, all the arrangements have been made, sir.
l'm a poor merchant. Please be careful.
l'll give you more.
Of course, sir.
Hey, be careful. Very expensive. Heavy rewards!
Be careful! Watch out!
l'll take care of your things.
You go and rest.
Still, l'll go and check once.
To make sure everything has been put away properly.
One never knows what happens when.
l won't be able to rest until l see for myself.
Fine, let's go.
The Master is in danger! Be very careful!
- What are you saying, Marjina? - Listen...
be careful. We have to be watchful of everything.
Why did he go to the warehouse?
He's a businessman. He can't rest...
without checking his things.
Really? Let's go and see what this expensive cargo is.
Let's go.
Everyone.
Be careful. We have to do everything by tonight.
Come out when you hear the whistle.
- Robbers! Robbers! - Of course. For sure.
Be careful. lt will happen tonight.
You stand guard here.
Let me go and arrange the merchant's banquet.
May Allah keep you safe.
l'm overwhelmed by your hospitality.
This is your house, oh honored guest.
l have some humble arrangements for you.
Why did you take so much trouble, Ali Saheb?
But, everything will have to be wasted.
l don't eat salt. l can't eat this food.
What? You don't eat salt?
- Hey! - Don't bother, Ali Saheb.
Even the emperor's palace doesn't have such arrangements.
But permit me to just eat some fruit tonight.
Well then, fine. As you wish.
As l said, this is your house.
My dancers await your orders.
Very well, give them the word, Ali Saheb.
That's enough!
How much more oil do you need, my lady?
Fill it up.
You have to fill the jars completely.
lt has to be astonishing food, after all.
Fill them up!
What are you looking at? Fill them up!
lt seems even this music and dance doesn't please the merchant.
Very well, you have yet to see my Marjina dance.
Hey, go and fetch Marjina and Abdullah immediately.
Quickly! Quickly!
Marjina! Abdullah!
What has happened? What is the matter?
Be quiet! Be still! lt's robbers!
What are you saying! What are you saying!
What are you saying! What are you saying!
- lt's robbers! - Do not fret! Do not regret!
What has happened? What is the matter?
Be quiet! Be still! lt's still robbers!
What did you do, Marjina? Such evil in my house!
No, Ali Saheb, Marjina is not your enemy. lt is l.
Oh chief, do forgive me.
Chief?
Ali Saheb, l am chief of the thieves!
Hussain? Marjina?
So, here you are!
So, you finally become a queen, Marjina!
But l'll always have one regret.
l couldn't lease my back to you as promised.
Anyway, Hussain Saheb will keep that promise now.
No, Abdullah will never change!
The heart overflows with promises of love
We imbibe this joy, just as the curlew drinks the moonbeams
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