We, in India have sought to formulate the principles,
which should govern our relations with other countries.
- And have often spoken of them... - Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru has
rejected Chinese Premier Zhou En Lai's proposal for the return of the Dalai Lama.
Following the extensive gun firing in Ladakh, our soldiers have been given orders to take actions..
..against the Chinese intruders.
Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru warning the Chinese Government said,
talks can be possible between Delhi and Peking Government..
..only after the forces are withdrawn.
"Yesterday at 6 am, China's People's Liberation Army carried out two attacks on the Indian border."
"The attacks on the Indian Army battalions at Aksai Chin valley..."
"...and Namka Chu river are being deemed a result of months of diplomatic tension."
Mathur.
Homi, all the members have been waiting for over 30 minutes.
Good.
They should be ready then.
We should focus on that.
Still needs research...
...or else it'll be...
Anyone read today's newspaper?
The Indian posts of Dhola and Khinzemane along the McMahon line...
...in the NEFA have fallen to the Chinese yesterday.
- It is now imperative... - One minute...One minute...Mathur.
We all know, Homi, that Nehru's diplomatic policies have flopped.
China has attacked us.
The war and all that is the Army's headache.
What is your role in this?
What we should've done five years ago.
You're being unreasonable, Homi.
What is all this?
As far as I can tell...
...our best shot.
Gentlemen...
It's the proposal to make India's first 'atom bomb'.
If we want to defeat China...
...and strengthen this country for years to come...
...then all we have to do now is to sign this proposal.
We have everything it takes to make it...
...we just need to muster the courage.
Homi, you make it sound like...
... it's our decision to build a bomb.
We're just a medium.
And we'll need at least five - six years to build this bomb.
- stalling China until then... - You and I know it'll take five years...
...not China.
For now, as a deterrent all we need to do...
...is make an announcement.
Let them know that we're close.
We'll keep debating this amongst ourselves...
...and China will steamroll us. More men will die.
The only way we can have any kind of real impact...
...is in the politics of war.
I dragged you out of beds this morning...
...because I need you to sign.
Wait a minute.
As members of the country's most respected scientific council...
...no doubt, we should contribute to war effort in every way possible.
Yes.
But while staying within the limits of peace policies...
...not by building an atom bomb.
This is no time to be an ideologist, Vikram.
Nor the time to send out threats of building a bomb.
If you believe China will retreat hearing this news...
...then you're wrong.
We'll be fueling this war, not ending it.
What about the wrath of the superpower nations that we will invite?
What about the wrath of the superpower nations?
Who gives a damn?
- The starving people of the country, Homi. - Look Vikram...
...you can't deny this but bombs end wars.
Take Hiroshima for example.
Correct, Mathur.
Absolutely correct.
- We need another Hiroshima to end the war... - No...
Nobody is saying that, Raza.
In history, I can't think of anything more shameful and miserable.
Isn't the ugly example of Hiroshima enough...
...that we're talking about building more bombs.
This ruthlessness is not the solution.
Okay, Vikram, then what is the solution?
- Diplomacy. - Oh, diplomacy my foot...
We need to give diplomacy a chance. We must de-escalate.
Tell that to the families of the 900 soldiers who died yesterday.
I think I'll tell that to the millions of Indian citizens...
...whom you're willing to let die.
I'm not willing to let anyone die.
For God's sake, gentlemen...
...please think before you sign this document.
We'll be starting an arms race.
And the blood will be on our hands.
I'm talking about building a bomb, Vikram.
Not using it.
- Deterrent. - One minute, one minute.
Homi, we should hear Vikram out too.
I am listening.
Anyway, these things take months before they reach the Centre.
I'm flying to Delhi tomorrow to meet bhai.
Ohh...
I forgot.
You must have decided everything on your own.
No.
Then do it yourself.
Why do you need us?
He does, Raza sir.
Homi needs our votes for Pandit Nehru to pass this proposal.
Yes! I need them!
I'm providing the best option that I think is right.
We can end this war.
And we can stop any other country from ever even thinking of attacking us again.
But for that, I need all of you.
Done enough.
Vikram.
Vikram, hear me out for once.
What's the point, Homi?
You've already made an announcement in front of everyone.
And anyway, this wasn't a discussion...
The time for discussion is over, Vikram, now is the time to act.
That's not for you or any other scientist to decide.
Of course, it is. This committee...
This is just an advisory committee whose job is...
Whose job is to advise the correct use of atomic energy.
And currently, what the country needs is an atomic bomb.
The country or you?
Homi, how can you in good conscience do this?
Fine.
You be my conscience.
You may not trust me, but I trust you.
Then please trust me.
Whatever you're doing, isn't right.
The consequences will be very ugly.
I hope you remember this.
You're blind, Vikram.
We are at war.
Do you know what they call a soldier who deserts their battalion?
Fugitive!
Traitor!
So be it, Homi.
But I won't join hands with you to destroy our country.
Consider this my resignation from AEC.
The lunatic brown kid is blowing up the courtyard again.
Hello, bro.
By the sound of it, I knew it was you.
What do you think?
Will it blow up? I mean will it fire up...
Your rocket?
It'll soar to a height of 1000 feet, brother.
And if Robert Goddard has accomplished this miracle 15 years ago...
...then why can't I?
Goddard had the Guggenheim grant.
What do you have?
I have my never-ending passion.
Now stay back, it can also blow up.
Should we give you guys a countdown, mate?
Absolutely.
Ten...nine...eight...seven...six...
It's coming down.
Now?
Now what?
One more attempt.
Heinkel Bombers, it's a Nazi air raid, bhai.
The British won't send their kids to war.
We'll be their first choice.
And we'll die in a war which is not even ours to fight.
We should return home, Vikram.
Let's go back.
All students are requested to return to the dormitory.
Dropping bombs over Britain's largest city in broad daylight.
This lightening war will go down in history as..
..The Blitz.
Can someone get the lights, please?
And somebody shut the windows?
Does anybody know what this is?
Anyone?
Is it a cloud chamber, sir?
Yes, but no.
In 1911, Charles Thomas Reese Wilson...
...invented the first rudimentary cloud chamber.
And finally, in 1927 he captured...
...the first trails of what would change particle physics forever.
And for that, he won that...
It's a big prize...
Noblee...
Loben...
Nobel prize, sir.
Nobel prize.
So...
It's a Wilson Cloud Chamber, sir.
Let's drink to that.
Unfortunately, it's not for us.
Now who can tell me what this is?
Anyone?
Sorry, sir, but this isn't in our syllabus.
Syllabus be damned.
No one?
Does your syllabus have atomic structure?
Yes, sir.
Brilliant.
So...
We used to think that the atom is indivisible.
What changed?
In 1896, Henri Becquerel discovered radioactive radiation.
Yes.
And what did that lead to?
He discovered that the radiation from the Uranium atom...
...hit the photographic plate.
Brilliant.
Okay. So from the discovery of radioactivity...
...it was proven that an atom can change form...
...and emit tremendous amounts of energy.
But aside from Uranium...
...are all elements radioactive?
No, sir.
So where was this radiation coming from?
In space, there are stars...
...there are supernovae, emitting billions of particles...
...charged particles that travel all the way through space...
...until they finally reach us here...
...on earth.
Thanks to Mr. Wilson...
...you're looking at the same mysterious particles in this cloud chamber...
...that we call Cosmic Rays.
How did we detect them, sir?
Sounding balloons.
We attach electrodes to sounding balloons...
...and we send them up into the atmosphere...
...as high as they can go...
...and they measure the intensity of the particles.
Sir, so are we going to split the atom with cosmic rays?
We'll use cosmic rays to understand atomic energy.
We'll try to harness it.
And if we can, then the applications could be endless.
Electricity, dams, communication, transportation, weaponization, potential...
- ...even space travel. All of these... - I think...
I've entered a lecture on science fiction and not scientific theory.
Professor Raza...
I had no clue you attended class, Raza.
Occasionally...
...when professors like you are giving a lecture.
In that case, you're late.
I would be on time if you were teaching theoretical physics.
- I think... - Well then...
...theoretically speaking...
Class dismissed.
- Good luck. - Homi?
Since when did you develop an inclination for drama, Homi?
Anyone can teach the syllabus, Raza, you don't need me for that.
No, I need you. Correct.
I need you to join here as a permanent faculty.
I found out you're staying in India, until the war is over.
Was disrupting my lecture your way of interviewing me?
Maybe you want to tweak it, Raza.
Shock and awe are no way to teach, Homi...
...that is all I was suggesting.
I don't think there's a place for me here then.
You don't like my drama, and I don't like your suggestions.
Our methods may be different, but our goal is the same.
Strengthening this country through our work and research.
And you must give me credit for this state of the art research facility I have built here, on my own.
Difference in methods isn't the only thing, your politics bother me as well.
What do you mean by that?
Isn't your biggest donor the Muslim League?
So?
No wonder you have the state of the art facility.
But if the League's demands are accepted...
...then which country will you be strengthening?
Something to consider.
"The Maghrib and Mashriq are two separate directions like the East and West..."
"...and never the twain shall meet."
"And their dreams of Hindus and Muslims living together..."
"...as one community, one nation, is a big mistake..."
"...which will completely destroy Hindusthan."
"You were listening to Mohammad Ali Jinnah's voice."
Everything here is exactly the way you left it.
Your mother made sure nothing changed.
That's the problem, papa, nothing has changed.
Meaning?
I was too hasty in returning. I should have stayed back.
We don't have the same environment or the professors here that we did in Cambridge.
I was learning from some of the best professors in the world.
I was planning on finishing my research and moving to Chicago...
...and working with Goddard.
I would fulfil my dream of building a rocket.
How would have it mattered if I had stayed back.
Sooner or later this war would've been over.
Then?
Then what?
The battle never ends, Vikram.
Life is a battle...
...sometimes with the enemy outside and sometimes with the enemy within.
You just have to muster the courage to fight.
Find new ways.
CV Raman?
"Your interview for the post of research at IISc Bangalore..."
"...has been confirmed..." "...for 28th September."
"Please report at the Cosmic Ray Unit at 8."
Papa...
Someone must have accidentally sent your research papers over.
Your tickets for Bangalore have been booked.
Thank you, papa.
And yes, please don't tell your mother...
...that it was I who arranged to send her dear boy away again.
Otherwise, I'll also have to pack my bags and move in with you.
Morning, sir.
- Sir. - Yes.
Sarabhai is waiting for you in your office.
- Coming. - Sir.
Take the Nobel prize.
It will fetch more price in the black market.
No, no, sir, I was just...
Relax.
I was just looking at this stone, doing some free-thinking.
This...
When I'd first come here seven years ago...
...there was no electricity.
And so I had to improvise.
And then the Lord said let there be light.
Very, very advanced for its time, sir.
Let's take a walk, shall we?
You're early, Vikram, I was expecting you at 8.
Sir, that crystal...
That was Chrysolite, wasn't it?
Yes.
But, sir, isn't Chrysolite the source of asbestos which can cause cancer?
The Chrysolite case is lead-lined, Vikram.
Even I know some Physics.
Of course, sir.
I really wanted to thank you for the opportunity, sir.
Don't thank me.
I will not be the one deciding your future.
I didn't get you, sir.
Always ask the right questions, Sarabhai.
And the universe will open the right doors.
- Three assemblies...for Stratosphere. - Sorry, sir.
Get out!
Dumb fools!
Come.
Come, come.
So, Homi...
looks like you're having a very good day.
Yeah, I've always admired your observational skills, Raman.
And remember the student we spoke about?
Cambridge graduate, just like yourself.
Couldn't complete his Masters.
Had to leave in the middle of the war.
Ambalal Sarabhai's son.
You probably know him.
Not all rich people know each other.
Well, I thought since you two are the only scientists from the west coast of India...
Ohh, so now you're a separationist.
Or is it your general disdain for the business class?
You're trying to replicate Millikan's balloon experiment, sir?
To study cosmic rays in the upper stratosphere?
Yes.
Right now, I'm still trying.
Look at this. What is this?
You call this a Geiger counter.
Raza was right.
Wherever his money comes from...
...the facilities, the equipment at his institute are far better.
...Have you finished?
You complain too much, Homi.
I think it's your privilege talking.
Privilege?
All I'm asking for is rubber sheets, Raman.
It's not a big demand.
Rubber is easily available.
Thank you.
But where do we source rubber for cosmic ray balloons in wartime?
And Japan is attacking Indian consignments.
Yeah, blame everything on the war.
Don't touch those.
We can't get rubber because of Japan.
What do we do, Raman?
Wait for the war to get over?
Shall I commit Harakiri?
Why don't you use some other material, sir?
What?
Why don't you try using another material?
I heard you.
Why?
The density of rubber is pretty high.
Then which material?
Polyethylene sheets, sir.
Polyethylene sheets have more tensile strength compared to rubber.
Plus, it's a lighter material and fewer joints...
...so lesser stress points.
What was your major again?
Natural Science, sir. But I have a particular interest in Physics.
By the way, since my father's a textile owner...
...I've some knowledge of materials.
I've also been reading books on sounding balloons...
What's the altitude that the balloon should reach?
50 kilometers, sir.
And what will the temperature be there?
Minus 70 degrees Celsius.
And then what?
Polyethylene sheets will turn brittle.
Yeah...the balloon will explode...
...and we'll lose all the data we've collected.
And as you heard, we can't even get rubber.
Where will we get polyethylene?
I'm sorry, sir.
Why are you sorry?
Actually, sir, I...sometimes tend to lose objectivity...
...when it comes to the subject of astrophysics and cosmic rays.
- It's something I... - Sarabhai, right?
Yes, sir. Vikram Sarabhai.
Often the best minds tend to lose objectivity in their pursuit of excellence.
Vikram Sarabhai.
But you tried...
Came up with a solution.
Didn't blame it on Japan.
Don't waste your sorries, Sarabhai.
You may need them later.
Right, sir.
I think that concludes your interview, Vikram.
Come.
Sir, I don't understand.
What did I tell you?
Always ask the right questions.
"Dear, Papa. You will be happy to know..."
"...that I'm completely vested here."
"The education, competition and the course load is just like Cambridge."
"In fact, in some ways even better."
"Time flies when I'm busy. I don't even realise when the day ends."
"In my free time, I like to tinker around in my workshop"
"There's a sense of belonging in this environment."
"And the most unique aspect of IISc..."
"...is Professor Homi Bhabha."
"His story is similar to mine in some ways."
"Due to the World War in 1939..."
"...Professor Bhabha stayed back in India..."
"...and he started India's most advanced cosmic ray unit at IISc."
"Along with being one of the leading scientists in the world..."
"...Professor Bhabha is one of those amazing people..."
"...who exceeds in the field of art, music, literature..."
"...theatre as well. He knows it all."
"For the past six months, we're trying to replicate Millikan's balloon experiment..."
"With the help of rubber balloons..."
"...we're trying to send cosmic ray instruments to an altitude of 30 kilometers."
"The data that we collect will help us progress in the field of cosmic ray research."
"Our balloons have failed nearly 20 times."
"But professor Bhabha says failure only means that we're one step closer."
"With him around, I feel that even I'm getting one step closer to my dream."
"Give my love to mom and Mridula."
"Eagerly awaiting your next letter."
"Yours, Vikram."
Okay, that's pretty good.
Bring it here.
Hold the rope tighter. Hold it tighter.
Okay.
- And now... - Sir...
- We're up, sir. - Yes.
Replace them in the general assembly.
It has the quenchers.
Number three and number four.
Pull the rope.
Sir, the wind velocity seems too high. Should we postpone, sir?
No...it's perfect. Let's go now.
Okay, first I'm going to queue the lorry...
Yes, sir.
...and then on my count, release the ropes.
Okay, sir.
Okay, Mohammad.
Okay, sir. Ready when you are.
One...two...three...
Release!
So you made a workshop here as well?
That I had to.
- But I'm angry with you. - Why?
You write several letters to papa...
...when was the last time you wrote to me?
It's a good thing I didn't or you wouldn't come down to meet me.
Right, I thought I should see for myself...
...whether the stories papa keeps telling all over Ahmedabad...
...are true on any account or not?
What stories?
About IISc, CV Raman...
And who's Bhabha?
That's Homi Bhabha.
He's my Thesis guide.
Come to the lab tomorrow, I'll introduce you.
Not this time.
I have to leave for Bombay early morning.
The Congress is arranging a huge rally at the Gowalia Tank ground.
Yeah...Bapu's rally.
You know, Vikram, I firmly believe...
...the sun will soon set on the British rule.
And it will be a new dawn for India.
You should accompany me.
Sir...
Sarabhai.
Sir...
Sarabhai, you are going to love this.
What is it, sir?
There's a huge party at the IISc grounds tonight.
The entire senior class has been invited.
In honour of the Crenshaws.
British General - Crenshaw? Why him, sir?
Shhh...Vikram. He's the biggest donor of this institute.
This dinner is held every year.
It's mind-numbingly boring but...
We have to go show our allegiance.
Bapu is demanding full independence, the people are rising up and we're...
...inviting these British Generals to dinner!
The money for research, Vikram, comes from these British Generals.
But funding institutes is their responsibility...
...and freedom is our right.
Hence I've decided to take part in Bapu's rally on the 8th of August.
Aah...
It can change the course of our history, sir.
Yeah.
You don't believe in the cause, sir?
I believe do what you can on your own...
...and don't waste your time on what's not under your control.
My father's words but they have served me quite well.
We were always taught to give priority to the nation.
Do what you can for it.
So you can change the country by attending a rally?
It is a sign of solidarity, sir.
There's unity in diversity and diversity in unity.
If there's nothing you can do for the country except encourage it...
...I would've said please go ahead, be my guest.
But you're a brilliant scientist.
And what you can do for your country, no one in that crowd can.
How does it matter whether there's a labourer, a farmer...
...a student or a brilliant scientist in that crowd?
We all do our jobs diligently.
That's what I believe, sir.
But I will attend the party to boost your morale.
In fact, I'll take this card.
For the invite.
Cosmic ray unit.
Thank you, sir.
I'll see you at the party.
What you actually will be funding yourself, that's very important...
Vikram.
I would like both of you to come and look at the...
Good evening, sir.
I'd like you to meet Mr. William Crenshaw, the III.
Hello.
And his father, the famous Mr. Ivan Crenshaw, the III.
- Sir... - Sorry...
- Sir Ivan Crenshaw, the III. - Hello.
Vikram Sarabhai, one of the brightest minds in our institute.
How are you?
Mr. Sarabhai, did you know...
...it was I, who brought the pathetic state of this institute to my father's notice.
Right.
So that we could ensure that the research here started properly.
But of course, don't thank us.
Philanthropy is practically our family motto.
Absolutely.
Of course, the British are well known for their philanthropy.
What do you mean?
You see the work we've been doing in theoretical physics is very-very...
Excuse me, sir.
It's very special because we've set up a whole cosmic ray unit and we have been..
Raman, one second.
- Knock-knock. - Who's there?
Interrupting cow.
- Interrupting... - Moo...
You look like you're having fun.
Well, we don't get many comedians around these parts.
A large scotch, please.
Classic?
Of course.
So you're the famous Homi Bhabha?
Yes, I am. And you are the...
beautiful miss...
- Pipsy. - Pipsy?
Pipsy.
Charmed.
Disappointed, really.
Boring party. My date's a clown.
Well done.
But the man I really wanted to meet...
...turned out to be a cliche.
Pity.
Was she talking about me?
- Yes... - Yes?
Pipsy won't be impressed by your usual tricks.
She's a lawyer.
Remember the port case I was trapped in last year...
...she helped me win it.
But one thing puzzles me.
What is she doing with this clown?
Raman, my friend.
All of your maharajas are practically begging us for amnesty.
Right, papa?
I mean not that I don't blame them in fact.
I mean who'd want to be part of such a poor, overcrowded, illiterate kind of...
- A*****e, are you bloody blind!! - William!
- William, stop it. - You fool.
- Are you okay? - Pipsy, stay out of it.
You will behave yourself. Go sit.
You go.
It's okay.
Please go.
Clearly, we were not successful at civilizing everyone.
Raman, in my most humble opinion...
...the Britishers have given bloody everything to this country now.
The roads, the railways, electricity, education...
...yet some of you seem to ask for this thing called 'freedom'.
I always think what would you do with such freedom anyway?
Starve to death!
Well done.
It's worth a thought, isn't it, sir?
By the way, you were right in the morning.
We shouldn't pay attention to things we can't control.
Like him.
We should just focus on our work.
Raman, you ought to move to England.
Over there your talent will be put to much better use.
Amongst what we would call the real scientists.
We can't keep proving ourselves to the likes of him.
Let him talk nonsense.
We should quietly bow our heads and do our job.
Right, sir?
That's quite enough, William.
Oh darling Pipsy...
What did I say that wasn't right?
Right, papa?
Hi...
- I am sorry. - Yes, you should be.
Because I've news for you, my friend.
Britain is barely winning the war.
I mean...you may have a chance.
But that's only because India and the Commonwealth are footing your bills.
We shouldn't, but we are.
And if it wasn't for all the wealth you looted from us...
...and all the labour you exploited out of us...
...you'd be lying face down in your own empty coffers a long time ago.
And when we kick you out, which we will.
We will...
I assure you, we will.
And you're finally back in your own country...
...I wonder what will happen to the likes of you, Crenshaw?
With no skills or talents or even basic common sense...
...how will you make a living?
You sit here drinking our wine, eating our food...
...living off the hard work of our people.
But once you're back home, it's going to be tough...
...for an inexperienced, insufferable, belligerent fool...
...whose only claim to fame will be pissing away his father's money...
...and being a massive cunt.
How f*****g dare you?
Easily.
I hope this makes up for the initial disappointment.
And cheerio. Pip-pip old chap.
Can I see?
Your entire face has turned red.
That Britisher mangled you.
It's a good thing you publicly humiliated him.
- Are you happy? - What did I do?
Ass!
What?
Don't think I didn't notice you egging me on, Rocket boy.
You should've shown this courage at the party...
...it would've saved you from embarrassment in front of a girl.
Please...
Sir, the felicitation is tomorrow...
I think we need to change the decoration for their welcome.
Yes, sir.
Sarabhai, call me Homi.
Yes, Homi.
'Do or die...'
'We shall either free India or die in the attempt.'
'Every true congressman or woman will join the struggle...'
'...with an inflexible determination...'
'...not to remain alive...'
'...to see the country in bondage and slavery.'
'Let that be your pledge.'
'Take a pledge with God and your own conscience as witness...'
'...that you will no longer rest till freedom is achieved.'
'And will be prepared to lay down your lives...'
'...in the attempt to achieve it.'
Raman, my friend.
Mr. Crenshaw.
Warm welcome to the IISc.
Raman, what the f**k is this?
Is that Bhabha?
- Britishers... - Quit India!