ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi

Johns Isaac and his cousin Korah Murikken live in opulence in New York, driving expensive cars and enjoying pubs and clubs. They pull pranks on the public, relishing their privileged status. Their carefree lifestyle sets up the stark contrast for the upheaval to come.

Isaac sends them to India as a vacation before Johns begins MBA studies in Melbourne. He blocks their credit cards upon arrival, leaving them stranded and powerless. The act forces them into a new reality far from their wealth.

A security guard detains them and takes them to the manager, who confiscates their mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and wristwatches. With their devices gone, their wealth illusion collapses and they realize their status has vanished. They sense the immediate need to adapt to a drastically different life.

Isaac provides very poor accommodation with water from a dug well and a public toilet. They try to make money through underhand methods but are duped, worsening their financial predicament. The contrast between their past luxury and present hardship becomes clear.

With no money left, they enroll in a local university arranged by Isaac. They receive a monthly stipend of ₹5000 for their combined expenses, on the condition that they attend classes regularly. This marks the start of their new, grounded life in India.

They befriend Madhumitha, a student and social worker at the college, and Johns begins participating in her social work and protests. Through these activities, he gains a deeper understanding of local issues and grows closer to Madhumitha.

Seenamol, a journalist and Madhumitha’s friend, publishes a fabricated article about Johns and Korah’s upbringing and their survival on ₹83 per day. The piece goes viral, turning them into overnight public figures. They are suddenly thrust into the limelight and public scrutiny.

Akhilesh, son of the late minister, confronts their narrative by arguing that ₹28 per day is sufficient for survival. This political clash heightens tensions and pits them against established interests. Despite the heat, their public appeal continues to grow.

Seeking to capitalize on their fame, they enter the Youth Icon of the Year contest with a ₹100,000 prize. A protest during the campaign ends in a police baton charge, which boosts their popularity and votes. Akhilesh watches their momentum with growing concern.

Naxalite representatives approach them, offering a handgun to secure their support in the future. Realizing the danger, Johns and Korah go AWOL and seek refuge at Madhumita’s home. The situation underscores how quickly their notoriety spirals into risky territory.

Madhumita loans them money to return to the United States, but Akhilesh tracks them down and confiscates their passports. Johns resists and fights Akhilesh but ultimately surrenders to law enforcement. This marks the effective end of their stay in India.

The ministry holds a press conference declaring that Johns and Korah are not Indian citizens and therefore cannot be involved in sociopolitical matters, leading to their deportation. They return to America and settle their debt with Madhumita’s loan as part of the aftermath.

Back in America, they repay Madhumita’s loan and Johns expresses romantic interest in Madhumita. However, Madhumita appears to have other plans, hinting at a twist beyond their relationship. The dynamic introduces new uncertainty as they rebuild their lives.

During a family prayer, an anonymous person arrives demanding revenge for one of Johns’ earlier pranks. Johns and Korah escape through the back door, leaving the audience with a sense of looming danger and unresolved tension. The finale emphasizes the cost of their past actions.