[3] The film begins with a wealthy couple, Chalapathi and Shantamma, who lead a happy family life with their two sons, Ramu and Shankar.

However, Chalapathi, being a spendthrift obsessed with vanity, squanders their wealth and eventually absconds, leaving the family in dire straits.

Witnessing her struggles, the elder son, Ramu, resolves to ensure his brother, Shankar, receives a good education.

Years pass, and Ramu works tirelessly to support the family, enabling Shankar to complete his schooling successfully.

In the city, Shankar falls into bad company and becomes infatuated with a dancer, Chanchala, leading to his moral decline.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Shantamma encounters her long-lost husband, Chalapathi, now a broken wanderer in prison.