The serial portrayed the challenges faced by individuals and social classes when they try being thoughtful in their actions ( Manthana literally transliterates as Churning).
There are three prime strong characters that of a Mother and her two daughters (one being her own and other step but groomed without any distinction) who are shown in different sets of society and the way they face challenges.
The Mother is self-respecting, tough character who takes responsibility being a second wife, now a widow but still a very practicing fundamentally religious woman (void of superstitions).
The fundamentals, failures and the practice of institutions from an individual to a family to a country are repeatedly questioned and answered too with a wonderful blend of matriarch and patriarchal systems rivaling each other.
Apart from the family related and the prime ones, other characters are the Indian government officers and those which revolve around the vested interests of Shivashankar Reddy - a fundamental capitalist.