The Darjeeling Limited

An American businessman rushes through the hectic streets of India, eager to catch the departing train, The Darjeeling Limited. This frantic search highlights the busy atmosphere and cultural backdrop of the bustling Indian environment.

As the businessman arrives at the train station, he witnesses the moment The Darjeeling Limited pulls away. One of the three brothers, Peter Whitman, boards just in time, signaling the beginning of their long-overdue reunion.

The Whitman brothers, who have not spoken in over a year since their father's tragic accident, reunite on the train. Francis, Jack, and Peter struggle with their individual issues, shaped by grief and long-standing conflicts.

Francis reveals his injuries from a motorcycle accident to his brothers, which he admits stemmed from a suicide attempt. This moment is pivotal, unveiling the emotional turmoil and instability within their family dynamic.

Motivated by a desire to heal their fractured relationships, Francis leads his brothers on a spiritual quest throughout India. However, their journey is burdened with forced smiles and underlying tensions from past grievances.

A feud erupts when Francis criticizes Peter for holding onto their father's possessions. This disagreement exposes deeper resentments among the brothers, indicating how the past continues to haunt them.

Jack finds himself romantically drawn to Rita, a stewardess, amidst the chaos of his thoughts about an ex-girlfriend. This new connection complicates the already strained relationship among the brothers.

The brothers make a planned stop at a beautiful temple after exploring a local market. Here, Jack impulsively purchases a tear-gas gun, and Peter acquires a small cobra, foreshadowing the chaos that follows.

Inside the temple, tensions erupt when Jack unknowingly reveals Peter's upcoming fatherhood to an unprepared Francis. The chaos culminates with the escape of the cobra and a physical altercation in their cramped compartment.

A heartbreaking turn of events occurs when Peter attempts to save a drowning boy during a rafting incident but tragically fails. This moment profoundly impacts the brothers, bringing their grief to the forefront.

The Whitman brothers attend the funeral of the drowned boy, leading them to reflect on their father's funeral from the previous year. This shared experience deepens their bond while highlighting their unresolved feelings of loss.

Realizing they need to confront their family issues, the brothers decide to abandon their pilgrimage. During this time, Peter discovers that he is expecting a son, adding complexity to his emotional state.

The journey culminates at a convent where the brothers face their mother, Patricia. This confrontation addresses the absence she has had in their lives and especially during their father's funeral.

Despite lingering distrust, the brothers promise to support one another moving forward. This promise marks a significant moment in their relationship as they start to heal and grow closer.

As they rush to catch their train home, the Whitman brothers choose to drop their father's belongings, symbolizing their willingness to let go of past grievances. This act represents their commitment to embracing a fresh start together.