Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran

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1

Last week China conducted

one more nuclear test.

This was the 43rd nuclear test

conducted by the Chinese.

It is believed that

this atom bomb is powerful

enough to destroy

any major cities in India.

Our neighboring country

has conducted yet another test.

Now it is our turn

to give a befitting reply.

You tell me when and how.

I'll personally submit a report

to the Prime Minister.

Sir, we need to be very

careful with our words.

In my opinion, let's not

send our badminton team this year

to any tournament China is participating.

Sir. Let's ban Chinese food.

Lets refuse to export

Alphonso mangoes to China this year.

Are momos originally from China?

I am fond of them.

We should also conduct a nuclear test.

Huh?

Who are you?

Ashwat Raina, sir.

Which department are you from?

That's fine.

You can't just dish out

your opinions here.

Instead, you listen to us, mister.

Here we are, discussing

and criticizing their moves

and you've come up with

something completely irrelevant.

This is the time for action,

not criticisms.

What do you mean?

Should we also carry out an explosion?

If we have an atom bomb,

there will be peace in the country.

Your research is weak, Mr. Raina.

We possess an atom bomb since 1974.

That was a peaceful nuclear explosion.

There is a car in the garage.

How do we find out

whether we can still drive it?

You dont have to worry about the car.

Let him speak, Tripathi

while we wait for our tea.

Go on, son.

We're having a hush-hush conversation.

Why?

When will India be respected

by the rest of the world?

Take the USA for instance.

They have tested more than

a thousand atom bombs.

On land, under the water and in the sky.

Today, they are a superpower.

Following in their footsteps is China.

So far, they've conducted 43 tests

and are supplying

atom bombs to Pakistan.

An existential crisis looms

on the horizon

while we sit and criticize in fear.

Don't chant peace and cower in fear.

Take action and profess peace.

-There, our tea has arrived.

-Snacks as well.

Sir, I have the entire plan ready

on this floppy disk.

We can't let the Americans know

about this test.

Else they might attack us.

Their satellites

are always watching us...

Why dont you give me the floppy disk?

I'll handle this.

Give it to me.

Give it to me.

Listen.

-What did you say your name was?

-Ashwat.

Yes.

Avoid giving speeches

when you talk about these things.

These things need to be dealt sensitively.

Why dont you prepare a report on this?

-It will be ready by tomorrow.

-Hmm.

And yes, it has to be brief.

The Prime Minister doesn't

have the time to read lengthy reports.

Keep it short and simple

and Ill fix up your

next meeting with him.

You carry on.

Ashwat, come here.

This boy tires me out!

What's going on?

You seem to be very happy today.

Are you all right?

Come on,

I am not serious all the time. Yes, you are!

Always!

I deserve a medal,

just like your father.

For being so happy in spite of

having such a serious husband.

I think I will finally

be able to do something

for our country, just like dad.

You know, I might have a meeting with

the Prime Minister.

You know, he wanted me

to join the army like he did.

Ashwat, you don't need to don a uniform

to become a hero. Your attitude is enough.

And I am sure the Prime Minister will

definitely be impressed with you.

Now will you tell me

what this meeting is about?

I will.

After the meeting.

Come on, Ashwat! Do you want

the Prime Minister to wait?

I had to make it brief,

there is so much information.

-It had to be...

-Fine. Give me the file.

Sir, may I go with you?

Where?

Dont worry. I will handle this.

Sit over there.

You have no idea how useful

this nuclear plan is for our country.

Mr. Yadav has come up

with a brilliant idea.

Once we conduct this test,

our Chinese neighbors will know.

Don't chant peace and cower in fear.

Take action and profess peace.

That's great, sir.

Last morning,

American satellites got wind

of India's nuclear test.

After a strict warning

from President Clinton

the nuclear project

has been halted.

America has warned India

of military action at their nuclear sites

if they dont stop immediately.

Pakistan has also raised

strong objections in this matter.

Let me make it clear, we were

conducting routine checks in Pokhran

and not preparing for any tests.

This is a case of misunderstanding.

We will soon find out

who is behind this hullabaloo.

I have nothing to do with

the execution of this mission.

Mr. Yadav, you didnt even

let me meet the Prime Minister.

Arent you glad I didnt?

Your plan was terribly flawed.

You were so sure of it at the time.

Look what happened!

You embarrassed our country

in front of the whole world.

Did anyone even pay

attention to my plan?

You cannot summarize

so much information

on such a huge project,

in two pages.

The mission was completed without me.

Now that it has failed,

I am being held responsible.

Since you knew all this,

why didnt you give us the full details?

Sir, I gave you the floppy disk.

It's still lying around.

Had you seen it...

You are suspended

with immediate effect.

I havent even woken up

Why is it dawn already?

Before I could even begin

It's all over

My coveted dream

Is now lost forever

Ashwat should've appealed against

his suspension order.

I gave you Mr. Sharma's number, Sushma.

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