The Passport

Short Synopsis

The Passport” is a musical about Kalki, an Indian punk-rock musician. In her world, it becomes evident that, unlike Kalki, her parents are deeply rooted in Tamil tradition and culture. Fearing social stigma associated with their daughter’s character and the constant pressure from the elders of their community, Kalki’s parents attempt to arrange a marriage for Kalki. However, resistant to this, Kalki decides to challenge her parents in every step of the way. During the groom's visit, she greets him and his family with a corpse mask painted on her face, intensifying the rift between her, her parents, and their community. Submerging herself in Kuala Lumpur's underground punk scene with her band “Pray to the Thunder”, Kalki defies societal norms with her music, leading to a controversial TV interview that propels her into the nations limelight. The aftermath sees her band disbanded by the government and her community turning against her. However, an unexpected opportunity arrives from all the havoc. “Pray to the Thunder” is invited to join an American punk band on their European tour. The catch: Kalki must adhere to conditions challenging her principles and obtain her parents' permission to join the tour, due to her age (apparently, being 21 means you’re ready for marriage but not travelling across the planet). Initially resistant, her parents shocked the community by not only supporting their daughter but also joining her on the European tour. The clash of traditional values with the punk ethos creates comedic moments, highlighting the adaptability of cultural boundaries. Amidst the chaos, Kalki's parents become unlikely allies, not only to “Pray to the Thunder” but also to the world of Punk. During the tour, Kalki discovers that the Western world aligns more with her taste and ideology. However, her disillusionment peaks when she undergoes a Virginity Test at Heathrow Airport, revealing the harsh realities of Western discrimination. The band's unspoken solidarity carries them through a final, defiant performance that transcends punk’s rebellious spirit, asserting resilience against injustice.  But returning to Malaysia, Kalki's disillusionment persists, leading her to part ways with “Pray to the Thunder”. Despite her own attempts to reintegrate herself into the traditional life, Kalki’s silent suffering prompts her parents to take action. In a surprising turn, they orchestrate an effort to reintroduce Kalki to punk, aiming to revive her spirit in the hopes that it would bring their daughter’s old cheerful self back.