Padaharella Vayasu 1978

Malli is a 16-year-old girl, a recent high school graduate with outstanding scores, living in a small, close-knit village. She is attractive and intelligent, harboring a quiet dream of becoming a teacher. When a new veterinarian arrives at the village hospital, his charm and apparent wealth draw attention from many, including Malli. She becomes deeply drawn to him, and he seems to return her interest. She even sacrifices her opportunity to enroll in a teaching college to spend more time with him.

But the doctor reveals his true colors when he tries to force himself on her. Malli resists, and the doctor dumps her, insulting her as an ignorant villager before leaving the village.

Malli’s mother, Gangamma, dies soon after learning of her daughter’s affair and the difficulty of finding a proper match for Malli. With no close family left, Malli leans on her distant cousin, Gopala Krishna, a village simpleton who is often taken advantage of by others. He secretly loves Malli and grows jealous of the veterinarian.

Another central figure is the village rowdy Simhachalam, who also fixates on Malli. With little hope elsewhere, Malli receives support from Gopala Krishna, and he begins to transform into a steadier, more dependable person, while Malli’s feelings for him gradually shift.

Malli asks Gopala Krishna to arrange their marriage. He travels to town to make the arrangements, while Simhachalam’s possessive interest becomes more dangerous. Simhachalam attempts to rape Malli, but Gopala Krishna arrives in time and kills him to protect her. He is sentenced to jail for the murder, and Malli waits for him.

In the end, Gopala Krishna is released from prison and the couple marries, choosing to build a life together despite the village’s judgments and the hardships they have endured.