Banjara, a farm worker is framed by Dharamdas, in collusion with the local police and jailed. Escaping from jail Banjara swears vengeance and turns bandit (dacoit) and establishes a band of loyal followers. Durga, Banjara's daughter elects to stay in the village with her mother and two young siblings, eking out a living through street performances, rather than receive money from her father.
Arrival of Rajoo, the long lost son of a demented woman, changes the equation - when he challenges Dharamdas' goons and the police who are in cahoots with Dharamdas, saving Durga from a fate worse than death.
Will Rajoo be able to protect Durga and her family? What happens when he fails? What turns the demure village girl into a tigress (sherni)? This story is well told, with some superb acting by Sridevi, Shatrugan Sinha, Praan and others.
The storyline is tight, with rarely a dull spot in the film.
