In a remote village in Odisha, poverty and illiteracy have fostered dependence on superstition. The villagers have mortgaged their land to the landlord Janrdhan, who forces many of them to become contract laborers and leave the village to earn a livelihood. The story revolves around two villagers, Haria and Bhamar, and Bhamar's daughter, Phoola, who become entangled in Janrdhan's greed and oppression.

A man from lower social background qualifies and gets an administration job and to match his higher social occupation, he leaves his family, friends, and fiance. But gradually he understands his mistake and returns for his people. Finally he finds his wrong decision for the mining in his village has lead to the destruction and down fall of his people and everyone lives the village and him behind alone.