: Padma’s father (portrayed by Girish Karnad ), a village accountant, represents the rigid feudal structure of the time. He fiercely opposes Manju due to the poet's revolutionary activities and attempts to marry Padma off to a man who shares his traditional, pro-establishment views.
: Their union is aided by Chennaiah , a humble bangle seller, who acts as a crucial ally for the lovers. His involvement with the nationalists eventually leads to a tragic turning point when Manju is wounded while trying to save him. Legacy of the Storyline
: An innocent village girl, Padma's character embodies the "Mallige" (jasmine) flower—symbolizing purity and fragrance. Her love for Manju is unwavering, even as she faces significant societal and familial hurdles.
The romantic storyline is complicated by deep-seated familial and political conflicts:
The film's romantic arc is famously concluded not just with a physical reunion, but through the preservation of art. After Manju is presumed lost, a heartbroken Padma keeps his memory alive by publishing his works. The story ultimately reaches a happy resolution during a book release function where the two are reunited.