Balika Bodhu (1967)

Set against pristine backdrop of a village during the British rule in India, this touching tale speaks of the custom of child marriages that were prevalent at the time.

According to the wishes of his family members, Amal an innocent young man, agrees to marry Rajni, a beautiful young girl. Their wedding takes place in accordance with traditional ritual and cultural practices. After the wedding, the young couple are given privacy to get to know each other and build a foundation of love and friendship for their future together.

Then, Rajni is instructed to return to her parents' home until Amal can complete his education and become equipped to take on the responsibility of family life. Desperately missing his best friend Rajni, Amal continues his studies in school, and at home with Masterji, an elderly teacher. His life is enlivened occasionally when Rajni is permitted to visit.

Rajni's next visit is scheduled for Durga Pooja, but she does not come, instead she comes at Vijay Dashami, to stay at Amal's home for a couple nights, before going on a Tirth Yatra (pilgrimage) with her family, where they are scheduled to visit all the holy places in India.

However, before Rajni's departure their little world is shattered when the gentle Masterji is arrested by the British police for being a 'freedom-fighter', harboring and training fugitives, and making explosives. How will this incident affect the lives of Amal, Rajni and their family members?