The lower-class, yet educated, Atulya "Bhoothnath" Chakraborty arrives in colonial Calcutta looking for work. Along with his brother-in-law, he lives in the haveli of the Choudhury Zamindar family. Bhoothnath meets Subinay, a dedicated member of the religious sect Brahmo Samaj, and is employed at the factory Mohini Sindoor. Subinay's daughter Jaba hears their conversation and is amused by Bhoothnath, whom she considers an unsophisticated, rural dweller. Bhoothnath becomes fascinated with the goings-on in the haveli and every night, he observes the Choudhury brothers' decadent lifestyle. One night, Bansi, another servant of the haveli, takes Bhoothnath to meet the younger Zamindar's wife, Chhoti Bahu, who implores him to bring her sindoor.