Sau Din Saas Ke Full Story Explained (1980)
Imagine a mother-in-law so cruel she treats her daughter-in-law like a servant. That is the world of 'Sau Din Saas Ke' (1980). This Hindi family drama stars Reena Roy as Durga, a fearless young woman who refuses to be a slave. Directed by Vijay Sadanah, the film also features legends like Ashok Kumar, Raj Babbar, and Asha Parekh. The legendary Lalita Pawar plays the terrifying Bhawani Devi. The movie is a remake of the Marathi hit 'Sasurvashin'. It is a story about love, control, and a daughter-in-law who fights back. Released in 1980, it became famous for its strong social message. You will cheer for Durga as she challenges old, unfair traditions. This is not just a film; it is a battle for respect inside a family home.
A Mother-in-Law's Iron Fist
Bhawani Devi rules her home like a queen. She is a widow and controls everything. Her elder daughter-in-law, Sheela, lives in fear. Sheela works all day like a maid. Bhawani Devi never shows her any love. She just wants to prove her power.
Full Plot
The film begins in a large, wealthy home ruled by Bhawani Devi. She is a widow and controls her family with an iron hand. Her elder son is married to Sheela, a gentle and obedient woman. Bhawani Devi treats Sheela like a servant. Sheela cannot go out, cannot meet her parents, and must work from morning to night. She lives in constant fear. Bhawani Devi's younger son, Prakash, is different. He is kind and modern. He hates how his mother treats Sheela. He falls in love with a strong-willed woman named Durga. Durga is independent and believes in equality. She agrees to marry Prakash but on one condition: she will never be treated like a slave.
After their marriage, Prakash wants to live separately to protect Durga from his mother. But Durga refuses. She insists on going to her mother-in-law's house. She wants to prove that daughters-in-law are not born to be slaves. Prakash is worried but supports her decision. When Durga enters Bhawani Devi's home, the conflict begins immediately. Bhawani Devi is shocked by Durga's boldness. She tries to break Durga's spirit with harsh words and impossible tasks. But Durga does not cry or complain. She fights back with intelligence, patience, and kindness. She also becomes a friend and supporter to the suffering Sheela.
As the days pass, Durga learns about Bhawani Devi's own painful past. Bhawani Devi was also a young bride who was tortured by her own mother-in-law. She never received love or kindness. So she learned to be cruel. This understanding gives Durga a new perspective. She does not hate Bhawani Devi; she feels pity. Meanwhile, the cruelty becomes too much for Sheela. She reaches her breaking point and tries to harm herself. Durga saves her and gives her the strength to fight. This incident shocks the entire family, including Bhawani Devi.
Durga's consistent love and courage slowly melt Bhawani Devi's heart. Bhawani Devi realizes the pain she has caused. She breaks down and asks for forgiveness from Sheela and Durga. She embraces them both with genuine love. The family is finally united in happiness. Bhawani Devi becomes a loving mother-in-law. Sheela is free and joyful. Prakash is proud of his wife's courage. The film ends with a powerful message: love and respect can change even the most stubborn heart. The title 'Sau Din Saas Ke' (Hundred Days of Mother-in-Law) is fulfilled with a happy ending.
Act Breakdown
The Cruel House
We meet Bhawani Devi and see how she controls her home. Sheela is shown suffering as a servant. Prakash falls in love with Durga. The stage is set for a big conflict.
Durga Enters the Battle
Durga marries Prakash and insists on living with his mother. Bhawani Devi is angry and tries to break Durga. Durga fights back with intelligence. The war between them begins.
Secrets and Suffering
Durga learns about Bhawani Devi's painful past. Sheela reaches her breaking point and tries to harm herself. Durga saves her. Bhawani Devi is shaken by the incident.
A Heart Changes
Bhawani Devi realizes her mistakes. She asks for forgiveness from Sheela and Durga. She embraces them with love. The family is finally united and happy.
Characters
Bhawani Devi
Played by Lalita Pawar
Bhawani Devi is the cruel mother-in-law who rules her home with fear. She tortures her elder daughter-in-law Sheela to prove her control. She is bitter because of her own painful past as a young bride. In the end, she realizes her mistakes and becomes a loving mother.
Durga
Played by Reena Roy
Durga is the fearless and modern daughter-in-law. She refuses to be treated like a slave and fights for respect. She marries Prakash and moves into his mother's house to prove a point. Her love and courage eventually change Bhawani Devi's heart.
Prakash
Played by Raj Babbar
Prakash is Bhawani Devi's younger son. He is kind, loving, and modern. He falls in love with Durga and supports her fight against his mother. He wants to protect Durga but learns to trust her strength.
Sheela
Played by Asha Parekh
Sheela is the elder daughter-in-law who suffers silently for years. She is gentle, obedient, and completely broken by Bhawani Devi's cruelty. She tries to harm herself but is saved by Durga. In the end, she finally finds freedom and happiness.
Colonel Gupta
Played by Ashok Kumar
Colonel Gupta is a wise and kind family friend. He supports Durga and Prakash. He helps Bhawani Devi see the error of her ways. He plays a small but important role in the family's healing.
Totaram
Played by Deven Verma
Totaram is a comic character who provides light moments in the film. He is a friend of the family and adds humor to the otherwise tense story. His antics give the audience some relief from the drama.
Scene Highlights
Durga's Arrival at the House
Durga enters Bhawani Devi's home with confidence. She does not bow down in fear. Bhawani Devi is shocked by her boldness. This scene sets up the entire conflict. The tension between the two women is electric.
Sheela's Suicide Attempt
Sheela can no longer bear the torture. She tries to end her life. Durga finds her in time and saves her. This is the most emotional scene in the film. It shakes everyone, including Bhawani Devi.
Bhawani Devi's Confession
Bhawani Devi breaks down and reveals her own painful past. She was also tortured by her mother-in-law. This explains her cruelty. The scene is powerful and changes the audience's view of her.
The Final Hug
Bhawani Devi asks for forgiveness and hugs Sheela and Durga. Tears flow freely. The family is finally united. It is a beautiful and satisfying ending.
Cast & Context
This film brought together two generations of Bollywood talent. Lalita Pawar was already famous for playing evil mother-in-laws. Reena Roy was a rising star known for strong roles. Asha Parekh was a top actress of the 1960s and 70s. Raj Babbar was a popular leading man. Ashok Kumar, the legendary veteran, added gravitas. The pairing of Reena Roy and Raj Babbar was fresh and appealing. Audiences were excited to see these actors together in a family drama with a social message.
Themes
Respect for Women
The film strongly argues that daughters-in-law are not slaves. Durga fights for her own dignity and also helps Sheela. The movie shows that women deserve love, freedom, and respect in their own homes.
Breaking the Cycle of Cruelty
Bhawani Devi was cruel because she was treated cruelly as a young bride. The film shows that this cycle can be broken. Durga's kindness helps Bhawani Devi change. Love is stronger than hate.
Power of a Strong Woman
Durga is the hero of the story. She does not use anger or violence. She uses patience, intelligence, and love to win her battle. The film shows that a strong woman can change a family without losing her values.
Family Unity
The film ends with a united and happy family. It shows that families can heal if members are willing to change. Love and understanding can bring everyone together.
Music & Soundtrack
ComposerUsha Khanna
The music was composed by Usha Khanna. The song 'Sau Sau Saal Jiyo Hamari Saasu Ji' became quite popular. It is a playful song that contrasts with the film's serious theme. The songs add emotional depth to the family drama.
Similar Films
Both films feature Lalita Pawar as a strict mother figure and deal with family conflicts.
This is the original Marathi film that 'Sau Din Saas Ke' is a remake of, with the same core story.
This is the Tamil remake of the same story, starring Suhasini in the lead role.
Both films focus on the struggles of a daughter-in-law in a traditional joint family.
Ending Explained
In the final scenes, Bhawani Devi has a complete change of heart. After Sheela's suicide attempt, Bhawani Devi is shaken. She realizes that her cruelty almost destroyed her family. Durga's consistent love and courage finally reach her. Bhawani Devi breaks down and cries. She asks for forgiveness from Sheela and Durga. She hugs them both with genuine love and affection. The family is finally united. Sheela is free from fear and happy. Prakash is proud of his wife. Bhawani Devi becomes a loving mother-in-law. The film ends with a message: love and respect can change even the hardest heart. The title 'Sau Din Saas Ke' refers to the hundred days of torture, but the ending shows that even a cruel mother-in-law can learn to love.
Sau Din Saas Ke is a must-watch for fans of classic family dramas. It has a strong social message that still feels relevant today. Reena Roy's performance as Durga is powerful and inspiring. Lalita Pawar is unforgettable as the cruel mother-in-law. The film's emotional moments will touch your heart. Some parts feel a bit dated and the comedy tracks can be distracting. But the core story is solid and satisfying. If you enjoy films about women fighting for respect, you will love this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
The film is about a cruel mother-in-law named Bhawani Devi who tortures her elder daughter-in-law. Her younger son marries a strong woman named Durga. Durga fights for respect and eventually changes Bhawani Devi's heart.
The legendary actress Lalita Pawar played the role of Bhawani Devi, the cruel mother-in-law. She was famous for playing such roles in many films.
Yes, it is a remake of the Marathi film 'Sasurvashin' (1978). It was later remade in Tamil as 'Marumagale Vazhga' (1986).
The film was directed by Vijay Sadanah. It was produced by Chander Sadanah.
The film's main message is that daughters-in-law deserve respect and love, not slavery. It also shows that even a cruel person can change with love and understanding.