NIGHT OF THE PROPHET

Written by
Los Silva

Draft 07/06/15

Los Silva
917-519-7902
Silvaeyez@gmail.com
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ii.

FADE IN:
INT. NEW YORK CITY - TOWN HALL - NIGHT
PASTOR SUNNY SHAH, 55, Indian faith-healer in a white suit
and million-dollar smile, holds a microphone. A SPOTLIGHT
tracks with him.
SUNNY SHAH
Without pills, needles, or doctors,
you can be healed. Tonight. By
helping us build God's kingdom, by
sowing those seeds, God well help
me to heal you. Say it with me now!
STUDIO AUDIENCE
God will help me to heal you.
Reveal rows of FOLLOWERS in auditorium seats. 2 CAMERA
OPERATORS cover Shah on opposite sides of the stage.
SUNNY SHAH
Throughout history God has called
upon human vessels to help heal his
flock. I am one of those vessels,
and our sacred ministry is that
flock!
APPLAUSE.
INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - CONTROL ROOM - INTERCUT
Shahs sermon plays live on numerous MONITORS. CONTROL
OPERATORS switch the feed between Camera A and B.
SUNNY SHAH
So for those you here, and for the
millions of people watching at
home, that are ready to accept the
love of the Lord into your hearts,
I welcome you to a new life.
INT. NEW YORK CITY - TOWN HALL - INTERCUT
Shah has the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.
SUNNY SHAH
And to the non-believers. The
doubting Thomass. The cynics.
(MORE)

2.
SUNNY SHAH (CONT'D)
The skeptics who lack the
conviction and faith to serve in
the Lords name, I've got something
to say to you.
He pulls the audience towards him with his pointer finger.
Camera Operator # 1 ZOOMS IN -- Sunny stares into the lens.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
You cannot stop what has been
ordained. For the healing power of
Christ himself flows through these
hands. And I'm going to continue to
serve the Lord, until the day, my
heart, stops, beating!
Audience stands in APPLAUSE -- HALLELUJAH plays.
Shah raises his hands high in the hair, flashes his celebrity
smile and bows, like the conductor of an orchestra.
TITLE: NIGHT OF THE PROPHET
BEGIN OPENING CREDITS -- MONTAGE
EXT. NEW YORK CITY - CHURCH - NIGHT
Hallelujah continues. LIGHTNING STRIKES and THUNDER ROARS.
A PRIEST, 35, from Latin America, exits towards the street.
INT. BACKSTAGE TOWN HALL - NIGHT
Sunny Shah, flanked by BODYGUARDS, marches down a long
corridor towards an emergency exit.
The stone-faced entourage stops at a set of double doors. The
Head Bodyguard checks his watch, opens door and exits alone.
END OPENING CREDITS
EXT. NEW YORK CITY - ALLEY WAY - NIGHT
It rains. A white stretch limousine idols. Behind the limo, a
black SUV with tinted windows sits parked.
Head Bodyguard taps on the limos window. It rolls down.

3.

Password?

HEAD BODYGUARD

LIMO DRIVER
Hey, how are you? Im fine thanks.
Head Bodyguard stares blankly.
LIMO DRIVER (CONTD)
Jesus you guys are like friggin
robots.
(beat)
Ghandi was a pussy.
Head Bodyguard walks back to the door and knocks in a coded
PATTERN.
The door opens. Shah is led to the limo covered by an
umbrella. Head Bodyguard opens the limo door and Shah enters.
The other guards proceed to the SUV. As they open the doors
BULLETS BLAST through the windows -- GLASS SHATTERS.
The guards drop like flies -- Heady Bodyguard empties his
clip into the backseat of the car.

Go!

BODYGUARD 1
(to Limo)

INT. LIMOUSINE - INTERCUT

The driver stares into the side mirror.
Holy shit!

LIMO DRIVER

SUNNY SHAH
Get us out of here!
Limo tires spin and burn rubber
EXT. ALLEY WAY - INTERCUT
Head Bodyguard reloads his clip -- a bullet strikes him in
the head.
The Priest stands over him with a smoking gun in hand. He
pulls a REMOTE CONTROL from his pocket and presses a button.

4.
ANGLE ON LIMO TIRES
Four small incendiary devices on the rims of the tires, they
EXPLODE.
The limo bottoms out and comes to a screeching halt.
INT. LIMO - CONTINUOUS
LIMO DRIVER
What the fuck?!
SUNNY SHAH
Whats wrong?!
LIMO DRIVER
The tires. They just blew out man!
He looks in the side mirror.
HIS POV - SIDE MIRROR
Priest walks towards the limo.
Fuck this!

LIMO DRIVER (CONTD)

He opens the driver-side door and bursts out the Limo.

SUNNY SHAH
Where are you going?!
EXT. ALLEY WAY - NIGHT
Limo Driver sprints towards the exit of the alley.
LIMO DRIVER
Dont shoot! Im just the driver!
Priest raises his gun calmly, closes one eye as he takes aim,
shoots the Limo Driver in the back.
INT. LIMOUSINE - MOMENTS LATER
Shah locks the doors -- he scans the limo, knows hes
trapped. He climbs to the front of the Limo and opens a small
compartment in the floor.

5.
ON COMPARTMENT
Shah discovers it empty.
He pulls out his cellphone out and dials.
EXT. LIMOUSINE - CONTINUOUS
Priest SMASHES the window closest to Shah with a sharp tool -glass SHATTERS.
CUT TO:
INT. YELLOW CAB - LATER
The Priest drives. Sunny Shah sits handcuffed in the backseat
with a bruise on his face.
In Sunnys lap rests an envelope with Pastor Sunny Shah
written in black marker. He opens it, pulls out PHOTOGRAPHS.
ON PHOTOGRAPHS
Surveillance shots of Sunnys WIFE, 38, and his TWO
DAUGHTERS, 7 and 9.
SUNNY SHAH
Are they safe?
PRIEST
For now yes.
ON TAXI MEDALLION
On the barrier glass, a driver license photo of a Muslim Cab
Driver, clearly not the priest.
SUNNY SHAH
Where are you taking me?
Home.

PRIEST

SUNNY SHAH
Its a long way to California.
Sunny stares out the window, they get off the FREEWAY.

6.
ANGLE ON SIGN
Now entering New Jersey.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
Are you a real priest?
PRIEST
Are you a real healer?
He stares at Shah via rearview mirror.
EXT. YELLOW CAB - CONTINUOUS
The cab drives through Edison, NJs Little India; STRIP
MALLS, INDIAN RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, HOTELS, and TAXI STANDS.
EXT. NEW JERSEY - CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX - NIGHT
The cab pulls into a parking spot. New Jersey plates visible.
SUNNY SHAH (V.O.)
If its not money you want, then
what?
INT. YELLOW CAB - SAME
Pries kills the engine. He tosses out a cigarette, exhales a
cloud of smoke
PRIEST
Tell me Pastor, do you consider
yourself a shepherd?
SUNNY SHAH
In the biblical sense? Yes.
YOUNG PRIEST
Good. Its time you met the sheep.
EXT. CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Priest unlocks Shahs Handcuffs.
SUNNY SHAH
Where are we?
PRIEST
Dont you know?

7.

No.

SUNNY SHAH

Priest puts the handcuffs in his pocket, unscrews silencer,

holsters his gun.
PRIEST
My name is father Amaro. I work for
your ministry. Were friends. So
remember to smile.
SUNNY SHAH
This is some sort of sick game?
Yes.

PRIEST

SUNNY SHAH
Ill play along. Just dont harm my
family.
Good.

PRIEST

Priest ushers Shah towards a set of stairs.

EXT. FRONT DOOR OF APARTMENT - NIGHT
Priest signals Shah to knock on the door. Shah knocks, unsure
who or what is behind the door.
NOOR, 12, Indian, opens the door.
NOOR
Pastor Sunny! Is it really you?
Noor touches Shah, makes sure hes not dreaming.
NOOR (CONTD)
Mom! Dad! Pastor Sunnys here, come
quick.
He hugs Shah.
PRIEST
(to Shah)
I think he likes you.
Noors dad, PRAKASH, 40, arrives to the doorway.

8.
PRAKASH
Who is it Noor? Pastor Sunny!?
Youre here!? Please come in! You
too father come inside please.
Prakash and Noor stare in disbelief as Shah crosses the
threshold. Priest closes the door behind him.
INT. APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
A cramped 1 bedroom apartment. TV in the living room is on.
PRAKASH
We were just watching your sermon
on television. I cant believe
youre here. Aruna! Come quick we
have guests.
(back to Sunny)
Forgive me where are my manners?
Im just so surprised. Please have
a seat. Welcome to our humble home.
My name is Prakash Juthani, and
this is my eldest son Noor.
Hello.

NOOR

SUNNY SHAH
(shakes his hand)
Pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Priest has gone quiet, Sunny takes the lead.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
This is father Amaro, a friend of
the ministry.
PRAKASH
Hello father.
PRIEST
Hello my son.
Everyone is quiet.
PRAKASH
Noor go check on your mother
please.
Noor stares at Sunny for a few lingering moments, Sunny might
as well be Michael Jackson.

9.
PRAKASH (CONTD)
You must have heard our prayers
Pastor.
PRIEST
Yes we did. We were driving along
and a force compelled us to stop
here and knock on your door.
PRAKASH
God brought you here. It is a
miracle.
SUNNY SHAH
I hope were not intruding.
PRAKASH
Not at all. In fact we are dire
need of your hands.
Prakashs wife Aruna enters the living room.
ARUNA
God is great!
She drops to her knees and prays.
ARUNA (CONTD)
Thank you Jesus, thank you! God
bless you Pastor Sunny.
Aruna wipes her tears and approaches Sunny. Shah grasps both
her hands.
SUNNY SHAH
God bless you. All of you. In Jesus
name we pray.
ARUNA
In Jesus name we pray.

PRAKASH
In Jesus name we pray.

Aruna takes a seat next to Prakash, they embraces lovingly.

They stare at Sunny, hearts and eyes beaming with delight.
INT. APARTMENT - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
ANSHU, 10, chubby, sleeps in a makeshift hospital bed. He is
paralyzed, blind, and mute. Beads of sweat dance across his
brow as he inhales SHALLOW BREATHS.

10.
PRAKASH (O.S.)
The doctors told us he only had 1
month to live. That was 6 months
ago.
The family along with Sunny and Priest huddle near the bed.
SUNNY SHAH
Whats his name?
Anshu.

PRAKASH

SUNNY SHAH
Can he hear me?
ARUNA
Its the only sense hes got left.
We play your songs and sermons for
him everyday. He loves them.
NOOR
Can you heal my brother Pastor
Sunny?
SUNNY SHAH
God does the healing. I just lay
hands.
Shah looks to the Priest, then Prakash.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
Whats wrong with him? His illness?
PRAKASH
He has two brain tumors. Both
inoperable. The doctors wanted us
to let him die. But we said no, God
will heal him. Pastor Sunny will
save our son.
May I?
Please.

SUNNY SHAH
PRAKASH

Shah places his hand on Anshus forehead. Aruna and Prakash

hold hands.
Hes warm.

SUNNY SHAH

11.
ARUNA
Hes had a fever lately. It comes
and goes.
PRIEST
Let us pray.
They all bow their heads and close their eyes. Sunny waits
for the Priest to begin. After a few moments of silence,
Sunny begins:
SUNNY SHAH
Lord, we ask for your divine
strength and power in order to heal
this boy. May your grace and light
fill his body, and lift his soul.
Amen.
Amen.

ALL

Shah places both hands on Anshus head.

SUNNY SHAH
Substance. Substance. Substance.
Substance. The substance of the
holy ghost. I rebuke this illness
in the name of Jesus. I rebuke this
illness in the name of Jesus. I
rebuke this illness in the name of
Jesus. Lord cast out these wicked
tumors from this sacred childs
mind and free his body from the
shackles of evil which plague his
spirit. Glory! Glory! Glory is
yours! In Jesus name we pray.
INT. APARTMENT - KITCHEN - LATER
Prakash sets two cups of tea on the table. Shah sits across
from Priest.
Thank you.

PRIEST

PRAKASH
It is I who should be grateful.
Thank you both.
(looks up)
Thank you God.
He sits. The three men alone, all with cups of tea.

12.
PRIEST
How long have you been a Christian
Prakash?
PRAKASH
We were devout Hindus all our
lives. When we came to this
country, we converted to
Christianity. And when Anshu was
diagnosed, we became members of Sun
Ministries.
PRIEST
Had your son not become ill, do you
think you would have become
followers of the Pastor?
PRAKASH
As challenging as these months have
been, we are blessed to have found
Christ, and the teachings of Pastor
Sunny. I dont know where wed be
without the ministry.
Priest looks to Shah, he stares back.
SUNNY SHAH
Well, we should be going. Father I
think its time we return. Dont
you?
PRIEST
Perhaps another healing is in
order. After all Anshus illness is
quite serious.
SUNNY SHAH
One healing is plenty.
(to Prakash)
Hold vigil tonight and he will be
better in the morning. Keep the
faith.
He puts his hand on Prakashs shoulder, stands.
PRIEST
You havent finished your tea
Pastor.
SUNNY SHAH
We really should be going? Long
drive ahead of us.
He locks eyes with the Priest.

13.

ARUNA (O.S.)
Prakash come quick!
PRAKASH
(stands)
Excuse me.
He exits.
SUNNY SHAH
Ive had enough of this game.
PRIEST
The boy needs you.
SUNNY SHAH
Ive done all I can.
PRIEST
Youve done nothing.
PRAKASH
What is it youre trying to prove!?
Prakash bolts back into the kitchen.
PRAKASH (CONTD)
Pastor please come!
INT. ANSHUS BEDROOM - NIGHT
Aruna hovers over Anshu, fear smeared across her face.
ARUNA
His fever, its worse than before.
Prakash touches Anshus forehead.
PRAKASH
Please help him Pastor Sunny.
Priest hovers in the background, calm and quiet.
Sunny studies Anshu.
SUNNY SHAH
Listen to me. This boy needs a
doctor. He will not survive the
night, hes too far gone. Im
sorry.

14.
PRAKASH
The doctors do nothing. You said so
yourself.
ARUNA
He needs your hands!
SUNNY SHAH
I cant save him if the lord
doesnt want him to be saved!
PRAKASH
What are you saying? God wants him
to live.
Im sorry.
Please!

SUNNY SHAH
PRAKASH

Sunny stares into their desperate faces. Looks to the Priest.

SUNNY SHAH
On your knees. All of you!
Aruna and Prakash kneel in prayer.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
You too Father.
Priest follows suit.
Sunny scans the room for an exit, a weapon, anything to end
his plight.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
(rolls up his sleeves)
Lord. It is I, your humble servant.
Grant me the power to heal this boy
once for all. Help me to rid his
feeble body of the evil witch has
consumed him.
He places hands on Anshus heart and head.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
In the name of Christ I cast you
out! In the name of Christ I cast
you out! In the name of Christ I
cast you out! Fire! Fire! Fire! I
cast you out devil! Be gone with
you! Free this boy of the plague
you have inflicted upon him.
(MORE)

15.
SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
Free him of your wickedness, from
the shackles of your dark bondage.
Let this son of God go! Release him
of this sickness. Release him
forever! Let him go. Let him go.
Let him go!
Shah opens his eyes, looks at his trembling hands. He backs
away in shock.
PRAKASH
What is it?
Prakash moves to Anshu, hes stopped breathing
PRAKASH (CONTD)
(shakes Anshu)
Anshu? Anshu!?
(at Shah)
What have you done?
SUNNY SHAH
(whisper)
Call an ambulance.
Aruna breaks down at the sight of her lifeless baby boy.
PRAKASH
My son. My son. My son is dead!
Aruna cradles Anshu in her arms. Prakash sinks to his knees,
breaks down.
SUNNY SHAH
(to Priest)
Get me out of here.
PRIEST
As you wish.
PRAKASH
Pastor please help him!
Im sorry.

SUNNY SHAH

Shah spots Noor crying in the corner, he exits.

INT. APARTMENT - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Priest pulls out his handgun and screws on a silencer.

16.
SUNNY SHAH
What are you doing!?
PRIEST
Unlike you, I can end their pain.
SUNNY SHAH
By killing them!? Lets just go.
Please. You proved your point.
PRIEST
And what point is that?
SUNNY SHAH
Im begging you! Dont hurt them.
PRIEST
Theyre witnesses.
SUNNY SHAH
Witnesses to what? We havent done
anything wrong. Im not going to
say anything remember. I swear it.
Priest stares into Shah for a beat.
OK.

PRIEST

He places the gun inside his coat pocket. Walks away from
Shah towards the front door.
EXT. YELLOW CAB - NIGHT
Shah looks around, to escape, for anyone who can help.
SUNNY SHAH
I want to speak to my wife and
children.
PRIEST
Get in the cab.
SUNNY SHAH
No! I wont go on with this
charade.
PRIEST
Were not finished.
SUNNY SHAH
Let me go. I wont press charges.

17.
PRIEST
Get in the cab, now.
Shah spots a CAR driving by. He runs towards it, waves his
hands in the air and tries to flag it down.
SUNNY SHAH
Help! Help me please!
The Priest calmly pulls out a TASER and shoots Shah in the
back, he drops behind a parked car and writhes in pain.
The car stops and the window rolls down.
DRIVER
Everything OK father?
SUNNY SHAH
Just a little to much wine, thats
all.
The Driver sizes up the priest.
DRIVER
You have a good night father.
PRIEST
You as well my son.
Priest blesses him with his hands. Car drives off.
CUT TO:
INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Sunny Shah sits tied to a chair with a red ball-gag in his
mouth, full of anger and drenched in sweat.
Priest sets up a CAMERA on a tripod in front of Shah. Pulls
up a chair and sits.
Priest pulls out a STRAIGHT RAZOR from his pocket.
Shahs eyes flare, he struggles, MURMURS.
Priest walks around Shah and cuts the zip ties around his
ankles, undoes the handcuffs. He sits back down.
PRIEST
(signals to ball gag)
You can take it off now.
Shah does. After a beat:

18.
SUNNY SHAH
Who are you?
PRIEST
I'm your confessor.
SUNNY SHAH
I have nothing to confess.
PRIEST
A child died because of you
tonight.
SUNNY SHAH
That boy was doomed from the start.
PRIEST
Doomed because you offered his
parents false hope. Only to rob
them of what they love most.
SUNNY SHAH
Who are you to judge me? Your no
man of God. What are you, really?
An assassin? A psychotic who gets
off playing demented games with
innocent people for your amusement?
PRIEST
Who I am is not important. What Im
doing is.
He stands, crosses to the camera.
PRIEST (CONTD)
Tonight you will find salvation
through truth. Liberate yourself
from this lie. Bare your soul. If
you do this, I will let you walk
out of this room, and your family
will not be harmed.
SUNNY SHAH
You want me to commit public
suicide, is that it?
PRIEST
(smiles)
I couldn't have said it better
myself.
SUNNY SHAH
And if I dont confess? Youll kill
me? Is that how it works?

19.
PRIEST
No. Youll live to mourn your dead
family.
SUNNY SHAH
Dont you threaten them!
(beat)
I want to speak to my wife. Prove
me to theyre OK.
Priest hands Shah his cellphone.
PRIEST
If you scream, or indicate me in
anyway, Ill be forced to react.
Understood?
Yes.

SUNNY SHAH

Shah takes the phone and calls his wife.

SUNNY SHAH (CONTD)
Hello. Its me darling. Im fine.
Are the girls alright? Listen, Im
not going to be able to talk for a
while, I just wanted to say hello.
I love you too. Good night.
He hangs up. Priest takes the phone.
Satisfied?

PRIEST

SUNNY SHAH
What guarantee do I have that you
won't kill me once I've said what
you what you want me to say?
PRIEST
You have my word.
SUNNY SHAH
That's not good enough.
PRIEST
If you confess I will let you walk
out of this room. Your family will
not be harmed.
SUNNY SHAH
What are going to do with it?

20.
PRIEST
Your confession? I'm going to
reveal it to the world.
SUNNY SHAH
I'll be ruined.
PRIEST
Precisely. You will never heal
again, or preach for that matter.
If you tell anyone of my
involvement then I will consider
the terms broken and I will find
you, no matter where you go. This
is a stipulation of our contract.
He CLAPS his hands and rubs them together.
PRIEST (CONTD)
So? What's it going to be?
SUNNY SHAH
Let's get this over with.
PRIEST
Good, then we can begin. It has to
appear as if youre alone in the
room. You will look and speak
directly into the camera, and only
there. It has to look one hundred
percent genuine or we have to start
all over. Do you understand?
SUNNY SHAH
What exactly is it you want me to
say?
PRIEST
Theres no script. Youll need to
improvise, make it your own. There
are some points I want you to
address.
Such as?

SUNNY SHAH

PRIEST
That you are a fraud and a con-man.
Use those words exactly. Apologize
for profiting from the sick and the
weak. Confess your guilt to your
viewers, stating that guilt is the
main motivation behind your
confession.
(MORE)

21.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
And I want you to denounce all
faith healing, including your
colleagues and contemporaries. The
more sincere you are the better it
will be. Should we rehearse?
SUNNY SHAH
That wont be necessary.
PRIEST
I love your confidence.
Priest hands Shah the CAMERAS REMOTE.
PRIES
You've lied for years staring at
the lens. All you have to do now is
tell the truth. Begin when you're
ready.
Shah stares at the camcorder directly in front of him. He
presses the record button on the remote controller.
SUNNY SHAH
My name is Pastor Sunny Shah. This
is my confession. I am not, nor
have I ever been a faith healer. I
only pretended to be for monetary
gain. I'm sorry for lying and I...
Stop.

PRIEST

He turns of the camcorder.

PRIEST (CONTD)
What was that?
It was-

SUNNY SHAH

PRIEST
It was shit is what it was. Flat
unemotional shit. I won't accept
this.
SUNNY SHAH
What exactly do you want to hear?
PRIEST
The truth in your voice. I want to
see it in your face. You're a
performer, an entertainer who's
mesmerized crowds of thousands.
(MORE)

22.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
The camera is your friend. But if
you do not respect the camera then
it will reveal the falsity of your
convictions. And that makes me very
angry.
He lights a cigarette.
PRIEST (CONTD)
This is your chance for redemption.
Don't fuck it up. Try again.
Priest puts cigarette in an ashtray.
Shah gathers his emotional truth. Stares into the lens.
Presses record on the remote control.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - LATER
The cigarette in the ashtray is all ash, down to the filter.
Shah stares into the lens, he presses stop on the remote.
Priest delivers a SLOW CLAP.
PRIEST
And the award for best performance
by a faith healer goes to Sunny
Shah. You have exceeded my
expectations, a marvelous display.
Shah rises from off the chair.
PRIEST (CONTD)
Where are you going?
SUNNY SHAH
I'm leaving.
PRIEST
Were not finished.
SUNNY SHAH
You gave me your word.
PRIEST
I said you could leave, but I
didn't say how. Take off your
clothes.
SUNNY SHAH
No. I'm done here!

23.
PRIEST
(raises his gun)
Don't play tough Shamire. It
doesnt suit you.
SUNNY SHAH
I've been humiliated enough.
PRIEST
No, you haven't. Now take them off,
before I change my mind.
Shah takes off his clothes. Priest watches him strip.
PRIEST (CONTD)
Public shame as a form of
punishment is making a big comeback
in this country. A women caught
stealing twenty dollars worth of
makeup, was ordered to wear a large
sign over her that read, "I am a
thief". The judge sentenced her to
walk up and down the side of a
highway near the store, eight hours
day for a month. As if it were her
job.
Shah finishes and stands naked as the day he was born.
PRIEST (CONTD)
Now you can leave.
Shahs not convinced, looks to Priests gun.
PRIEST (CONTD)
Off you go, your walk of shame
awaits you.
Shah opens the door and gives the priest a final solemn look.
PRIEST (CONTD)
Remember...Shh.
Priest holds a finger to his lips.
EXT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
It has stopped raining. Shah exits and closes the door. He
looks around his surroundings, nothing but the hum of
fluorescent lighting.
He walks towards a staircase, hands covering his penis.

24.
He reaches the railing -- a FLYING DART pierces his neck. He
pulls it out, drops it.
His legs weaken and he sinks to his knees on the wet
concrete. He loses his motor functions, lays flat on his
back, his BREATHING becomes shallow, body becomes paralyzed.
Priest stands in the motel room doorway with a TRANQUILIZER
GUN in hand. He tosses the weapon on the bed. Waits for any
sudden movement or peering eyes. Walks to Shah barefoot.
Priest checks Shahs pulse, his diaphragm expands and
contracts slowly.
Priest raises Shah's limp body so that he sits upright,
springs him over his shoulder. He carries Shah into the motel
room and closes the door behind him with his foot.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - LATER
Shah lays on the bed with open eyes.
Priest wears latex gloves, fixes an OXYGEN MASK over Shah's
mouth. He turns the knob to a small oxygen tank. Aims a small
flashlight into each of Shah's pupils.
Priest walks into the bathroom. From o.s. WATER fills the
bathtub.
Priest returns wearing only his boxer shorts. He removes the
oxygen mask from Shah. Carries him off the bed, supporting
his head and neck, like a groom crossing the threshold with
his new bride, into the bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
Priest adjusts Shah's body so that it sits upright inside the
bathtub. He takes a seat on the toilet.
PRIEST
I know, I know. I gave you my word.
Technically I did not lie. You
walked out of the room free and
unharmed. I just recaptured you.
The dart that pierced your neck
contained a special blend of
paralytic drugs. In a few minutes
the oxygen in your lungs will run
out, and youll be dead.
He lights a cigarette.

25.
PRIEST (CONTD)
I wish you could see the big
picture, to fully grasp the
complexity of what I'm doing. You
see it was never enough for you
just to confess, you had to make a
final act, something to give impact
to your words. This is that act. By
the time I leave here, I think you
will understand.
He drops the cigarette into the toilet and flushes it. Grabs
his straight razor off the sink and exposes the sharp blade.
Waves the razor in front of Shah's face, taunting him.
PRIEST (CONTD)
This is going to hurt.
He places the straight razor on the rim of the bathtub.
Steps into the tub behind Shah, lifts the limp body so that
Shahs back rests against his chest.
The Priest places the straight razor into Shah's left hand.
Using Shah's own hand, he makes a vertical slice in Shah's
right wrist towards the forearm, (making it look as if Shah
did it himself).
Blood spurts into the tub's water, turning it a brownish red.
The Priest repeats the process using Shah's right hand,
inflicts an identical wound to Shah's left wrist and forearm.
Blood spills onto the tile floor.
The Priest releases the straight razor from Shah's left hand,
it drops in the puddle of blood on the tile floor. He takes
off his bloody latex gloves with his teeth, holds them in his
mouth.
The Priest slides from behind Shah and exits the bathtub.
Drops latex gloves into a back trash bag.
He sits back on the toilet and marvels at his creation, like
a painter stepping back from a canvas.
Adios.

PRIEST (CONTD)

He gives Shah a little slap on the face. Grabs his clothes

and the black trash bag, exits the bathroom.

26.
ON SHAHS BIG TOE
It wiggles ever so slightly.
EXT. MOTEL PARKING LOT - DAWN
HALLELUJAH begins. Priest drops the trash bag into trunk of a
different CAR. He shuts the trunk, looks to Yellow Cab parked
a few spaces down. Gets into his car and drives out the lot.
EXT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
COPS run yellow POLICE TAPE across the entryway.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - SAME
A latex-gloved hand ejects the MEMORY CARD from the camera,
drops it into a PLASTIC EVIDENCE BAG.
BATHROOM - SAME
A FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHER takes Shahs picture, bulb FLASHES.
TWO DETECTIVES investigate the crime scene.
The bathtub's water has turned a brownish red. On the tile
floor coagulated blood has gelled, yellow serum and plasma.
INT. JUTHANI'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
HALLELUJAH fades out. Prakash stares at the TV.
SUNNY SHAH (O.S.)
I do not, nor have I ever had the
ability to heal anyone. I've sinned
greatly, and I've offended my God.
ON TV - SUNNY SHAHS VIDEO CONFESSION
SUNNY SHAH (CONT'D)
I can no longer bare this guilt on
my conscious. For I am nothing more
than a fraud and a con-man. All
those like me are equally false, if
not worse. I know that I can never
fully redeem myself for my crimes,
nor do I ask for your forgiveness.
(MORE)

27.
SUNNY SHAH (CONT'D)
I'm sorry for deceiving you, for
bringing shame to my family, for
deceiving myself. I hope that God
will somehow forgive me.
The image switches back to a MALE NEWS ANCHOR.
MALE NEWS ANCHOR (O.S.)
Chilling words from "India's
Million Dollar Man". Up next, why
some people are demanding for
reparations from Pastor Shah's
family...
Prakash turns off the TV. He stares off, unsure of what has
happened, knowing only that whatever is cannot be undone.
INT. MINIVAN - DAY
Prakash comes to a red light. He stares at a SAINT CARD of
Sunny Shah on his dashboard. He takes it off the dash, rips
it apart in pieces, rolls down the window and tosses it out.
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD - CONTINUOUS
The wind carries the pieces down the side of the road. The
minivan continues down the road.
FADE OUT.