Lal Patthar

Lal Patthar

Year: 1971

Runtime: 153 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Sushil Majumdar

Drama

Raja Kumar Bahadur, aka Gyan Shankar Rai, has long abstained from alcohol, women and vice. He falls for a young woman, Saudamani, learns her background, essentially buys her freedom and brings her to his mansion, where he starts drinking, courts her as “Madhuri”, but does not marry her. Later he meets the beautiful Sumita, half his age, repays her parents’ debts and marries her.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lal Patthar yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Lal Patthar (1971)

Trace every key event in Lal Patthar (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Picnic at Fatehpur Sikri

A family goes to Fatehpur Sikri for a picnic. They meet an ominous old man who says the fort's stones are steeped in blood-stained stories and urges them to seek Lal Patthar, the red stone.

Present day Fatehpur Sikri, India
2

The Rai Nagar legend is introduced

The old man recounts the Rai Nagar saga: Raja Raghav Shankar Rai, a bandit, sexually assaults a peasant woman named Sonmai and makes her his wife. Sonmai curses the family with madness, linking the ancient curse to the present.

Historical era Rai Nagar fort (historical)
3

Gyan Shankar Rai’s lineage and childhood incident

In the modern frame, Gyan Shankar Rai is the sole male heir, with his grandfather Raja Ram Shankar Rai mentally unstable. As a child, Gyan stops his drunk father from assaulting a palace maid, shaping his sense of duty.

Childhood Palace
4

Education in Allahabad

Gyan is sent to Allahabad to study history and psychology, returning later with his servant Chhotu. He learns about governance, but remains wary of Sonmai’s curse and the need to marry to secure the throne.

After studies Allahabad
5

Tiger hunt and Saudamani’s discovery

In the jungle, Gyan hunts a man-eating tiger and fends off bandits who carry a palanquin. He discovers Saudamani, the widow of Gokul, hidden inside the palanquin and brings her back to his house.

During his quest to avoid marriage Jungle near Rai Nagar
6

Saudamani becomes Madhuri inside the palace

Gyan sends Saudamani to the palace; Gokul’s mother initially rejects her as unchaste, but the guards’ guns force acceptance. Saudamani is taken in as Madhuri, and Gyan begins educating her, though her manners clash with his world.

Shortly after Saudamani’s arrival Palace
7

Ten years later: Sumita enters the scene

Ten years pass and Gyan, weary of palace life, runs away and meets a younger Sumita at a singing function. Sumita’s father Harishchandra Chakraborty is deep in debt and arranges a marriage to Gyan for money; Sumita’s mother Madhu opposes but is overruled, while Sumita had a close friendship with Shekhar who taught her music.

Ten years later Singing function, India
8

Madhuri’s jealousy and Sumita’s arrival

Madhuri resents Gyan’s marriage to Sumita and becomes jealous of Sumita’s ties with Shekhar. She begins insinuating that Sumita and Shekhar might reunite, planting seeds of distrust in Gyan.

After Sumita’s arrival Palace
9

Madhuri engineers a secret meeting

Madhuri arranges for Shekhar to visit Sumita in her room, claiming it is a directive from Gyan. Gyan is away at the time and remains unaware of Madhuri’s plotting.

While Gyan is away Palace
10

Gyan’s confrontation and misgivings

Gyan returns to find Shekhar with Sumita in her room and misreads their relationship as a conspiracy against him. He confronts them, while Madhuri’s manipulation deepens the rift.

Following the room incident Palace
11

Agra and the grave of Salim Chisti

Gyan writes to Shekhar to come to Agra and takes Sumita to the grave of Maulana Salim Chisti, seeking a deeper connection and testing their bond. The visit stirs unresolved tensions regarding their future.

Later Agra, Maulana Salim Chisti’s tomb
12

The full moon ambush at Fatehpur Sikri

On a full moon night, Gyan lures Shekhar to Fatehpur Sikri fort and stages a ghostly act. He replaces blanks with real bullets, killing Sumita and Shekhar, and Gyan’s mind shatters from the carnage.

Full moon night Fatehpur Sikri fort
13

The aftermath: Gyan’s haunting and the truth about Madhuri

Gyan wanders the fort, waiting for Sumita’s ghost on every full moon, his sanity in ruins. It is revealed that Madhuri is alive and has been secretly playing Sumita to comfort him.

Present Fatehpur Sikri fort

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:16

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Lal Patthar

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lal Patthar in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Lal Patthar is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lal Patthar Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lal Patthar, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Lal Patthar Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lal Patthar

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Lal Patthar. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lal Patthar

More About Lal Patthar

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lal Patthar: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Lal Patthar

Similar Movies to Lal Patthar

Discover movies like Lal Patthar that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.