Set in a township in the capital of Malaysia, Dancing Bells is about Uma, an 11-year-old schoolgirl, who aspires to be a dancer. Uma lives with her family in a soon-to-be-demolished neighbourhood. The occupants of the town follow a strict routine. Uma's mother, Muniammah, owns a make-shift stall, selling jasmine _ower garlands to support her family. Raja, Uma's father had neglected the family after severe disagreements with Muniammah. He no longer lives with them. It is Muniammah who cares for her children single-handedly. Every now and then, she accepts small contributions from her son, Siva, a 17 yearold school drop out, who works as a car wash attendant. Muniammah fears Siva will end up like his father, Raja. The demanding city life and the loss of a father figure affect the family deeply. Siva secretly hates his father. The estranged Raja regrets his past and attempts to return home. The family is torn between emotions. When a string of mishaps occur, they are forced to confront the many realities that lie ahead. Dancing Bells is a gentle _lm that looks at social and urban issues confronting ethnic Indians - education, unemployment and dysfunctional families as well as racial segregation