Lakhindar captures exotic birds from the Bengal forests, but his refusal to see them caged leads him to constantly set his catches free. This lack of income drives his household into deep poverty, causing his wife to grow increasingly resentful of his compassionate choices. In her frustration, she begins an affair with the middleman who takes the birds to the market.

A middle-aged dentist sees his life falling apart: suffering from psychosomatic illnesses, abandoned by his wife, and disliked by his son, he finds refuge in memories of his idyllic childhood.

Two railway signal men, Nemai and Balaram, share a passion for wrestling and spend their days wrestling after working hours. However, things change when Balaram marries Uttara.

Sasanka grows depressed as his house and his career as a theater actor both crumble around him. When his cold-hearted, widowed sister-in-law Saraju arrives with her adorable young son Kanu, Sasanka's mood eventually changes. Kanu and Sasanka become fast friends as the youngster benefits from his uncle's wisdom and acting ability.

The protagonist's job is driving across the country screening family planning films in villages, often meeting with unpleasant responses from his target audience. His faith in life is sustained by his love for his dream girl — a beautiful actress he saw crying away in a film five years ago and has haunted him ever since. Writer-director Buddhadev Dasgupta won the National Film Award for Best Direction.