Krishna has been in New York, making documentaries. But, following the death of her grandmother, the all knowing Dadaji, Krishna returns to her village in a part of India so feudal, almost medieval in its ways, that, in spite of here essential urbanity and modernity, she must make concessions to tradition. A strange bequest awaits Krishna upon her return. From beyond the grave, Dadaji directs Krishna to enact here dharma, which, it transpires, is to document on film the last days of Damayanti, a strong minded lawyer who, upon the death of her husband, will commit sati.