Many men of Indian origin residing in the West travel to India to meet an Indian woman, marry her and bring her to the West. Increasingly a large percentage of these brides are abandoned over dowry disputes. "Runaway Grooms" looks into this disturbing trend that has shattered the lives of at least 10,000 women in India. The social structures, laws and customs in India make it possible for women and their families to be ruthlessly exploited. The film profiles Namita Jain and Sonia Kaur who were deserted by their husbands. In the typical scenario a family looks for a prospective husband for their single daughter. If the groom is a permanent resident or citizen of a Western country, his status is high. The bride's family pays an initial dowry, and a wedding is arranged to take place in India. After the wedding and honeymoon in India, the groom leaves his wife for the West with the bridal money, promising to file papers for her so she can fly to her new home quickly. When the groom is safely abroad, he or his family demands a new dowry that ranges between $5,000 and $50,000. The families who can pay do so. Those who cannot, find their daughters abandoned by their husbands who keep the initial dowry and disappear. Namita s family is one that is fighting back against this extortion. "Runaway Grooms" explores this culture of patriarchy, shame and honor.