The screen adaptation of the novel "Abai" by Mukhtar Auezov recreates the story of prominent Kazakh poet and philosopher Abay Kunanbayev. The famous Kazakh poet became friends with the Russian exile, scientist Nifont Dolgopolov. Under the influence of their growing friendship, Abai formed some of his academic ideas and principles.

The first years of Soviet power. The rich Aktanbai decides to steal his flocks abroad. However, only the shepherd Malbagar knows the secret paths in the mountains. Therefore, Aktanbai, giving the orphan girl Nurzhamal to Malbagar as a wife, demands to indicate the way through the mountains for this. On the way to the border, Malbagar, heeding the requests of Nurzhamal, who did not want to be his wife, helps the girl escape from the camp of Aktanbai. Years pass. Nurzhamal, after graduating from medical school, returns to his native village...

After several days of the offensive, the Red Army detachment settles down to rest. At a halt, the warrior Kuregen tells his comrades-in-arms the story of the feat of the legendary Kazakh batyr Tolagai, who sacrificed his life for the people's good a thousand years ago.