ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi

They lead a life of luxury in New York. Their father, Isaac John, arranges a trip to India as a vacation before Johns starts his Melbourne MBA. After they arrive in India, Isaac blocks their credit cards, leaving them financially stranded. They must figure out how to survive with no funds.

The brothers check into a luxurious hotel in India, only to discover their credit cards are useless. Realizing they cannot pay, they are suddenly forced to confront a life far from their privileged routine. This marks the start of their abrupt immersion into a world where money no longer buys access.

Desperate to avoid charges, they attempt to slip out of the hotel apartment to escape payment. A security guard intercepts them and takes them to the manager. The manager confiscates their mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and wrist watches, severing their last links to the outside world.

Isaac arranges very poor accommodation for them, providing water from a nearby dug well and access to a public toilet. The glamorous past clashes with the squalor, forcing them to confront a harsher daily reality. They must adapt to a tightly controlled routine to survive.

They enroll in a local university's MBA program arranged by Isaac. In college, they befriend Madhumitha, a student and social worker who becomes central to their new circle. Johns starts spending time with Madhumitha during social work and protests, drawing closer to her.

Seenamol, Madhumitha's journalist friend, publishes a fabricated article about their poor upbringing and surviving on ₹83 per day. The piece goes viral, making Johns and Korah overnight public figures. Public attention adds pressure to the sociopolitical issues they confront.

Akhilesh, son of the late minister, positions himself against them as the government claims ₹28 per day is enough for survival. Johns and Korah's sudden popularity fuels their frustration with the system. The tensions between celebrity activists and political interests begin to mount.

They join a major protest as part of their bid to become Youth Icon of the Year, with a ₹100,000 prize at stake. The protest ends in a police baton charge, which paradoxically boosts their visibility and votes. Akhilesh watches the growing support with concern as the election nears.

Naxalite representatives approach them, offering a handgun to secure support in the future. Recognizing that they may have crossed a line, Johns and Korah go AWOL and seek refuge at Madhumitha's house. The situation spirals beyond their control as violence and ambition collide.

Madhumitha lends them money to return to the United States, but Akhilesh tracks them down and confiscates their passports. Johns resists and fights off Akhilesh, but ultimately surrenders to law enforcement. A formal announcement later confirms their non-Indian citizenship, triggering their deportation.

Back in America, they repay Madhumitha's loan and reaffirm Johns' interest in her. Madhumitha hints that she has other plans beyond a romance with them. The experience leaves them with a changed view on life and politics.

During a family prayer at their house, an anonymous person arrives and shouts for revenge for one of Johns' earlier pranks. Realizing the danger remains, Johns and Korah make an escape through the back door. The closing moment leaves their fate uncertain as the threat lingers.