ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi

ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi

Year: 2019

Runtime: 145 mins

Language: Telugu

Director: Sanjeev Reddy

Comedy

Aravind, known as Avi, and his cousin Bala Shanmugam, or Basha, are non-resident Indians enjoying a lavish lifestyle. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Avi's father decides to impart a lesson about responsibility. The film follows their journey as they confront the consequences of their carefree choices and learn the value of accountability.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2019)

Trace every key event in ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

From New York luxury to a vacation in India

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.

Before departure to India New York
2

Arrival in India and the shock of cashlessness

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.

Upon arrival in India India
3

Escape attempt ends with device confiscation

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.

Hotel apartment, India
4

Severe poverty and new lodging

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.

India
5

MBA enrollment and new friendship

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.

City, India
6

Viral article about their upbringing

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.

College / media
7

Akhilesh vs the new public figures

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.

India
8

Protest and Youth Icon of the Year competition

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.

City, India
9

Naxalite approach and turning point

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's house, India
10

Passport seizure and deportation looming

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.

India
11

Return to America and unresolved romance

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.

United States
12

Final twist and escape during family prayer

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.

End of the movie Their house

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 00:47

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ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi Summary

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ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi

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