Trivial Pursuit 155

'X'

'X' is a village in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is located right across Mumbai, about 12 miles north of Alibaug on the north coast.

'X' is a landing place of some importance. The coastal town is hidden in a grove of cocoa-palms at the head of a short broad bay with a shallow sandy beach. 

The western coast of India is notorious for smuggling of narcotics and arms. 

Western India saw huge illicit exports of opium in the 19th century and 'X' was one such transit point. 

The British had a clear understanding of the importance of the place. 'X', it is believed, was a transit point of opium trade within the British Empire. Records show that between 1874 and 1882, X's legal exports alone made the English richer by £46,788 - a whopping Rs 28,10,08,728 (approx) in today's currency. 

'X' has always been infamous as a port for nefarious activities. However , the illegal trade here is still unaccounted for.

Hindi cinema's love affair with 'X' continues unabated as many films [like 'Saagar' (1985), 'Insaaf' (1987) etc.] have been shot here.  

However, 'X' has been popularised by an iconic Hindi film 'Y'. 

In one of the scenes from 'Y', one of the main characters from the film, 'Z', tells the reason why he wants 'X' : "This place is so close to Mumbai, yet it is beyond the reach of law's long arm. It's ideally suited for my shady business." 

This is an advantage 'X' probably enjoys even now. 

In the film 'Y', this Opel car with the hand-written number plate, belongs to 'Z'.

In the film 'Y', the place 'X' catapults the character 'Z' to power and prosperity. In 25 years, he sets up illegal businesses in Shimoga, Daman, Porbander, Jaisalmer, Dhanbad and Kohima, and bases himself in Mauritius. 

Identify 'X', 'Y' and 'Z'.