Souten

Souten

Year: 1983

Runtime: 160 mins

Language: Hindi

RomanceDrama

Shyam, a youth, travels to Mauritius and meets Rukmini, a rich daughter. Defying family, they marry, but Rukmini opts for sterilization, leaving Shyam yearning for children. Their bond weakens as Rukmini suspects Shyam of an affair with librarian Radha, while her stepmother and uncle, eyeing her inheritance, fuel mistrust, threatening marriage.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Souten (1983)

Trace every key event in Souten (1983) 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

Shyam's confession begins in court

Shyam stands in court and begins telling his story. He is ambitious and meets Rukmini, the daughter of a millionaire, and falls in love with her. They marry with the support of Rukmini's father, Pran, but Renu and Sampatlal doubt his intentions and try to undermine them.

Present day Court
2

Shyam and Rukmini marry with Pran's support

Shyam and Rukmini seal their marriage with Pran's blessing. The couple starts their life together, but Shyam's intense focus on work soon draws interference from Renu and Sampatlal. The new alliance unsettles Rukmini's household and sets the stage for future conflict.

3

Work obsession strains the marriage

Shyam's relentless pursuit of his career becomes fertile ground for conflict. Renu and Sampatlal exploit his absence to undermine the couple's trust. The marriage grows distant as both partners drift apart.

4

Renu engineers a pregnancy-avoidance plan

Renu engineers a plan to prevent pregnancy for five years by convincing Rukmini to undergo an operation, claiming it will preserve her figure. Shyam remains unaware of the manipulation at first. The decision sets the stage for long-term infertility that strains their marriage.

5

Radha enters, offering new hope

Radha, the daughter of Shyam's employee Gopal, enters their world and brings a new sense of hope to Shyam. Her presence hints at a possible rekindling of happiness. The family dynamic begins to shift as Radha becomes a central figure.

Gopal's home / workplace
6

Sampatlal accuses Shyam of an affair with Radha

Sampatlal convinces Rukmini that Shyam is secretly involved with Radha. The rumor deepens Rukmini's doubts and drives a wedge between Shyam and Rukmini. The trust in their marriage deteriorates further amid suspicion.

7

Public humiliation of Radha and Gopal

Ruku invites Radha and Mr. Gopal and publicly insults Radha, accusing her of having an affair with Shyam. The confrontation reverberates through the family and hardens existing antagonisms. The incident marks a turning point in the relationships involved.

8

Pran dies, leaving property to Rukmini and Shyam

Pran dies, leaving all his wealth to Rukmini and Shyam and leaving nothing for Renu and Sampatlal. The testament strengthens the couple's financial and social standing. This sudden change heightens the rivalry with Renu and Sampatlal.

9

Shyam and Ruku separate

Shyam and Ruku separate without a formal divorce, effectively ending their marriage as it stood. The separation creates space for rival schemes to proceed unblocked. Yet some latent affection still lingers between them.

10

Radha's arranged marriage to Gunwant Lal

Sampatlal engineers Radha's marriage to Gunwant Lal to help unite Rukmini and Shyam. Radha agrees to the plan, hoping it will resolve the tangle of relationships. The orchestrated match intensifies the complex web of loyalties.

11

Radha bears Gunwant Lal's child; suspicion arises

Radha bears Gunwant Lal's child, and Gunwant Lal suspects the child might be Shyam's. The rumor creeps through the family, further complicating the imagined paternity and advancing the plot's tension. The revelation hints at deeper entanglements.

12

Gunwant Lal's hidden family revealed

It is revealed that Gunwant Lal has another wife and three children. This polygamous reality compounds the deception at the heart of the relationships. The sinister web tightens as truth surfaces.

13

Tragedy strikes: death and widowhood

Gunwant Lal tries to kill Gopal, but ends up dying; Gopal dies by suicide, leaving a letter to Radha declaring her a widow. Radha's world collapses as the chain of betrayals deepens. Shyam steps in to support Radha during this crisis.

14

Radha's sacrifice and Shyam's care

Shyam takes care of Radha and her daughter after these losses. The two form a fragile bond as they navigate the aftermath of the conspiracies. Radha's plight underscores the fragility of the lives entangled in Sampatlal's schemes.

15

Radha poisons herself; cremation

Radha confronts Rukmini, declaring she is not married to Shyam and praising him as a god before consuming poison. Shyam tries to save her, but she dies at his feet. At the cremation, Rukmini cares for her child while Shyam performs the last rites.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 16:00

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Souten Summary

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Souten Summary

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