Umbartha

Sulabha Mahajan is determined to step beyond domestic confines and take responsibility as a citizen. She dreams of making a constructive impact on the lives of abused and traumatized women in her society. Her ambitions set the stage for a life-changing opportunity when a job offer arrives.

Her lawyer husband Subhash and her conservative mother-in-law resist her move and fail to understand why she wants to relocate. They challenge the idea that she can influence the reform of women from a distant town. The tension plants the conflict that frames her professional path.

Her sister-in-law steps in to help with caring for Sulabha's young daughter Rani, easing the personal sacrifice involved. This support keeps Sulabha's dream alive despite the objections at home. The arrangement highlights the personal costs and the social network around her.

After weighing the risks, Sulabha decides to pursue the role as Superintendent of the Women's Reformatory Home in Sangamwadi. She makes the choice to step into a challenging environment to implement discipline and rehabilitation. The decision marks the start of her professional journey in a new town.

Upon arrival, Sulabha faces a managing committee that is selfish and careless and undermines her reform efforts. She begins to confront frauds within the Home and strives to establish discipline. The institutional resistance tests her resolve from the outset.

Sulabha starts classes to educate willing inmates, offering them new skills and perspectives. She takes practical steps to empower the women, moving beyond mere containment. This marks a shift from punishment to rehabilitation.

In a bold move to give a fresh start to a resident, Sulabha arranges the marriage of one inmate. The act illustrates her commitment to social reform and personal transformation for the women under her care. It also stirs debate about the limits of intervention.

Sulabha uncovers that a local MLA, Bane, regularly uses the inmates to satisfy his sexual needs. The discovery exposes corruption at the highest local level and threatens the integrity of the reform effort. It heightens the danger and adds political pressure.

Two inmates attempt to run away but are forcibly brought back. They later commit suicide by burning themselves, marking a grave turning point for Sulabha's leadership. The tragedy prompts intense scrutiny and fuels the conflict with the committee.

Sulabha faces questioning by the committee and newspapers for alleged mismanagement. An administrative enquiry is launched to scrutinize her conduct. Confronted with the pressure and public backlash, she decides to resign and return home.

Back at home, Sulabha is warmly welcomed by her sister-in-law but not by her daughter or mother-in-law. The homecoming reveals the personal costs of her professional pursuit. The reception underscores the clash between professional goals and family dynamics.

Sulabha learns that her husband Subhash has been involved with another woman in her absence. This betrayal shatters her trust and reframes her personal priorities. It becomes a catalyst for her renewed decision to pursue her dreams.

The revelation rekindles Sulabha's determination to rejoin the reform effort. She sets off again to follow her dream, preparing to confront the same challenges with renewed resolve. The story closes on a note of resilience and commitment to social change.