Samsaram Oka Chadarangam Story

The film begins with Appala Narsayya, a simple clerk who lives with his kind-hearted wife Godavari and their four children: Prakash, a frugal junior officer; Raghava, a mechanic; Sarojini, a proud stenographer; and Kalidasu, a failure who repeatedly flunks his exams. Their loyal maid Chilakamma, considered part of the family, also resides with them. Prakash marries generous Uma, who wins everyone’s affection, though Prakash resents the financial strain of the joint family. A marriage broker arranges a proposal for Sarojini with Jaganatham’s son Eeswar Rao, but Sarojini arrogantly rejects it. To repair relations, Appala Narsayya apologizes, and Jaganatham suggests Raghava marry his daughter Vasantha. The wedding takes place, but Sarojini later shocks everyone by choosing to marry Peter Samuel, a Catholic, against tradition. Despite Prakash’s objections, Uma persuades him to allow the marriage. Afterward, tensions mount as Sarojini insults her father-in-law and eventually leaves Peter, while Raghava’s marriage suffers as Vasantha tutors Kalidasu. Sarojini vows to stay away from Peter until he humbles himself, while Prakash reduces his household contributions after Uma departs for childbirth. This sparks a bitter quarrel, leading Appala Narsayya to disown Prakash and literally divide the house. He takes voluntary retirement, working odd jobs to pay Sarojini’s dowry debt, though Raghava offers to help. Uma later returns with her newborn and begins strategizing to heal the fractured family.

Uma first confronts Edmund Samuel, Peter’s father, and with the support of Chilakamma and Godavari, stages a ruse with divorce papers that makes Sarojini realize her mistakes. Edmund pretends to invite her to Peter’s second wedding, forcing her to repent and reconcile. Uma then helps Raghava by reminding him of Vasantha’s needs, prompting a honeymoon where she contracts smallpox and learns the true meaning of marital devotion. Meanwhile, Kalidasu finally passes his exams but is heartbroken when Meena mocks him and returns to Bombay. Uma’s efforts gradually reduce tensions, but Appala Narsayya stubbornly clings to his pride, even declaring his wife “dead” when she defies him to help Uma. One night, drunk and broken, he pours out his grief. Eventually, Uma brokers peace between Prakash and his father, showing Prakash the value of a joint family. Though Appala Narsayya invites Prakash back, Uma stops them, declaring that shattered bonds cannot be forced and that her goal was harmony, not cohabitation. The families agree to live separately but stay cordial, visiting on weekends. The film ends happily, with Prakash and Uma living apart yet maintaining close ties with Appala Narsayya’s household, symbolizing a modern compromise between tradition and individuality.