Umbartha (1982)

After the passing of her husband, Mrs. Mahajan takes care of four institutions, and lives a comfortable lifestyle with her two sons - Dr. Mohan and his wife, Maya; and Advocate Subhash Mahajan, his wife, Savitri, and their daughter, Rani. Savitri is unhappy as she wants a career for herself. She finally gets a chance to prove her skills in social services when she gets a job offer as Superintendent of a Women's Reformatory Home in distant Sangamwadi. Although Rani and Subhash as well as the rest of the family oppose her going, she has made up her mind. She arrives there and soon gets actively involved in the day to day activities of the institute, which is home to many women with a criminal background; who have been abused and beaten by their husbands; those who have been sexually assaulted; and even some with mental problems. After several months of her active involvement, Savitri is faced with a crisis when the Managing Committee, led by Chairperson Sheela Samson blames her for the death of two inmates, who set themselves on fire; her inability to get along with local businessmen; her rude comments to the local M.L.A., Bane; her interference in the personal lives of inmates. And to make matters the State Government appoints a one-man Commission to look into the problems of this institution. Savitri now has a choice - to resign and return home - to a family of virtual strangers; or stay and face the onslaught of charges that may be brought out against her.

Directed by
Jabbar Patel

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Vasant Dev		dialogue
Shanta Nisal		novel "Beghar"
Vijay Tendulkar		screenplay

Cast (in credits order)

	Smita Patil	...	Savitri S. Mahajan
	Girish Karnad	...	Advocate Subhash Mahajan
	Shrikant Moghe	...	Dr. Mohan Mahajan
	Ashalata Wabgaonkar	...	Maya M. Mahajan (as Ashalata)
	Kusum Kulkarni	...	Mrs. Mahajan
	Purnima Ganu	...	Rani S. Mahajan

Jabbar Patel’s Umbartha (1981) depicts the disillusionment of a woman who leaves her middle-class home to take up a job as superintendent in a rescue home for women. Smita Patil received several acknowledgements for her powerful performance.