GHUBAAR (CLOUD OF DUST)

Logline- A young mechanic strives to buy a second-hand bike, on which he has worked on for months himself. But little does he realize; that there are many forces around, that are ready to stop him from achieving his dream.

Genre- Social Drama

Brief Synopsis: The film is about a dream of a young mechanic, Shaheen- who is working hard to buy a second hand R1-5 bike. He has repaired it himself, after being on it for months at his workshop. He is able to convince his boss to provide him some time to collect twenty-five thousand rupees for it. But his decision is countered by his father, who is a retired Madrasa principal.
Nonetheless, he starts working day and night to gather the money with the help of his friends. But his determination is tested, when he comes face to face with the ills of his surroundings; and the hostile political atmosphere.

Short Summary- The film is about a dream of a young mechanic, Shaheen- who is working hard to buy an R1-5. A bike, he has worked on for months. One day, he finds out that a customer is keen to buy it. He proceeds to convince his boss to give him a chance to buy it for himself. He is given a month’s time; to gather 25 thousand for his second-hand dream.
Boosted in confidence by his girlfriend Falak, who he often secretly meets on the terrace, he sets out on a journey of ups and downs to gather the required amount slowly and slowly. Shaheen sells his cycle, is helped by his best friend Mauji- who uses his day-to-day savings, and by Falak who gives him the meagre amount she can gather after her embroidery work. But the conflict within Shaheen catches up with his outer conflict- of livelihood, and the way of living. His father, Naseemuddin, a retired Principal of a recently demolished Madarsa, often makes snide remarks of the profession his son has chosen. For him, his dignity lies in his regularly worn Sherwani (long coat), and not in the grease licked job of his son. But family, in times of distress and need, always sticks together. Without letting Shaheen know, Naseemuddin secretly puts money into Shaheen’s pouch of savings.
One evening, Mauji and Shaheen count the money- they are very near their aim. They leap in the air to grasp the sense of freedom they would experience riding on the R1-5. The very next day, Naseemuddin falls ill, and Shaheen is chained by medical bills. He breaks down, and for the first-time cries with his head down in his room, avoiding Falak. As the sun rises, and Shaheen is looking at the R1-5 for the last time at his shop, Mauji comes running in. He informs of a carrom tournament with a good prize money due to the local politician’s involvement. Shaheen participates and wins.
The Sun is set, and Shaheen decides to buy a gift for Falak before boasting his victory and getting his R1-5 the next morning. It is an empty street. And in front, is a checkpoint. Shaheen is stopped, searched, abused, mocked, and looted. Shaheen is released the next day. He comes back home hoping to put his remaining collected money to good use, only to find it gone. He shouts at his Father, who very unlike himself, is sitting with his head bowed. In front of him is his Sherwaani, and on top of it- a burning press. Shaheen immediately removes the press. Father and Son embrace, and understand that at the end of the day, whatever their way of life is- they just have to survive. Survive from a despotic State which is ready to destroy everything that they care for.