Distant Thunder (1973)

Gangacharan is the new Brahmin of a village, where he assumes various duties: teaching, organizing religious events, and trying to prevent epidemics. But in 1943, war is raging (as reminded by the planes occasionally heard flying over the countryside), and a major famine is underway. As food shortages reach catastrophic proportions, Gangacharan attempts to preserve his privileged situation while his generous wife Ananga conversely tries to help and support the community.