Set in a rural, drought-ridden village in North West India, the story follows four women who struggle against deeply rooted patriarchal traditions, physical abuse, and social stagnation.
: A 15-year-old girl who is forced into a miserable arranged marriage with Rani's son.
: An erotic dancer and sex worker who serves as the "voice of liberation" for the group.
: A 32-year-old widow who is trying to arrange a marriage for her arrogant, headstrong son, Gulab.
: Rani's best friend, who is constantly physically abused by her alcoholic husband, Manoj, because he believes she is infertile (though the film implies he is the one who is impotent).