Pavitra Prema Story

The film opens with Manikyam, a stout-hearted humanitarian devoted to the goddess Gaajulamma, whose lifelong dream is to build a grand temple in her honor. With the support of his loyal friends—Rani, Simhadri, and Kathari—he battles the tyranny of the corrupt corporator Ghanta Ratthaiah, protecting the people from exploitation. Years later, Manikyam becomes a respected tycoon, revered by the city, and fulfills his ambition of constructing the magnificent temple.

During his rise, he aids the compassionate Dr. Shakuntala Devi, who manages a charitable hospital, winning her trust and friendship. Manikyam also dotes on his sister Swapna and plans her marriage with her beloved, Ravi. But tragedy strikes when Ratthaiah’s men brutally attack Manikyam, leaving him grievously injured—only for Shakuntala to save his life. Grateful, he vows to repay her with anything she asks.

At this point, Shakuntala unveils a harrowing past: years ago, while at Nagarjuna Sagar, she was molested by a man whose only identifier was the name “Kaali” tattooed on his hand. That incident destroyed her life, canceled her marriage, and brought shame upon her family. Now, she wants vengeance. Horrified, Manikyam realizes the devastating truth—he himself was Kaali. In his reckless youth, drunk and deluded, he had assaulted her. Haunted by guilt, he had burned away his own mother’s name in shame and built the temple using the bangles Shakuntala dropped that night—his twisted symbol of penance and eternal devotion.

Determined to protect her from further disgrace, Manikyam conceals the truth while fulfilling his duties. At Swapna’s wedding, when guests humiliate Shakuntala, he publicly defends her honor. Finally, consumed by remorse, he summons her to the temple and confesses his crime, declaring his lifelong repentance and love, before collapsing from another violent assault staged by Ratthaiah and his political allies.

Moved by his honesty, Shakuntala saves him once more and reveals the child born of their tragic past, entrusting the baby to him. Ratthaiah tries to exploit this scandal for political gain, but Shakuntala, now understanding Manikyam’s reformed soul, stands by him. In the climax, Manikyam defeats Ratthaiah and his cohorts. The film closes with the community urging him to marry Shakuntala, and despite their painful history, they unite in the temple he built—ending on a note of atonement, acceptance, and redemption.