Toilet: A Love Story 2017

Women Defecate in Open

In the early hours of the day, a group of women from Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, goes to a field away from their village to defecate in the open. This daily routine symbolizes the lack of sanitation and the deeply ingrained cultural practices of the village.

Keshav's Unusual Marriage

Keshav is compelled to marry a black buffalo as per the superstitious beliefs of his father, Pandit Vimalnath Sharma, who thinks this will improve Keshav's fortunes. This event highlights the traditional views and rituals followed in the village, showcasing Keshav's predicament and the challenges he faces.

Keshav Meets Jaya

Keshav encounters Jaya, an educated college girl, and quickly falls in love with her. Despite their different backgrounds, Keshav is determined to win her heart and convince her to marry him.

Horoscope Compatibility

Keshav's father insists on a specific astrological condition for Keshav's marriage, claiming that he can only marry someone with two thumbs on their left hand. To appease his father's demands, Keshav devises a plan to give Jaya an artificial thumb, allowing their marriage to proceed.

Jaya's Frustrations Begin

On her first morning at Keshav's home, Jaya attempts to go to the field to defecate but returns upset and frustrated. This incident marks the beginning of her struggle against the poor sanitation situation in their household.

Temporary Solutions

Keshav tries to address Jaya's discomfort by taking her to a neighbour's portable toilet and then to a train stop with a temporary lavatory. However, these quick fixes prove ineffective in resolving Jaya's needs, leading to further complications in their relationship.

Jaya Leaves for Parents' Home

After an incident where Jaya gets locked in a train toilet, she becomes frustrated with Keshav's inability to provide a proper solution and moves back to her parents' house. This marks a significant turning point in their relationship, emphasizing the need for change.

Initiating Toilet Construction

Determined to address the sanitation issues, Keshav, with Jaya's assistance, approaches the regulatory authorities to construct a toilet in his front yard. This initiative represents a shift in the community's outlook towards sanitation and individual rights.

Resistance from Family

Despite the construction of the toilet, Keshav's father and the village sarpanch attempt to demolish it while Keshav sleeps. His timely wake up allows him to prevent the complete destruction, showcasing his determination to uphold his newfound beliefs.

Jaya Files for Divorce

Jaya files for divorce in the local court, citing the absence of a toilet at home as her primary reason. This case garners media attention and prompts local politicians to focus on improving sanitation facilities.

Government Action

In response to Jaya's divorce case, government officials and local politicians engage to expedite the construction of toilets in Keshav's village. This unexpected activism highlights the importance of sanitation as a pressing issue in rural areas.

Keshav's Father's Epiphany

After Keshav's mother injures herself while trying to go out to defecate, his father realizes the necessity of having a toilet at home. This moment signifies a crucial change in his mindset and paves the way for accepting modern sanitation practices.

Court Hearing Day

On the day of the divorce hearing, the judge receives high-level instructions from the Chief Minister's office to halt the divorce, as a plan for constructing toilets is now in motion. This moment marks a significant turning point for Keshav and Jaya.

Reconciliation

After the court proceedings, Keshav's father sincerely apologizes to Jaya for his earlier stubbornness regarding the toilet. This gesture signifies a reconciliatory moment and a newfound respect for Keshav and Jaya's relationship.