The film unfolds in the village of Lalganj, where a lively song is interrupted by a harrowing incident: three Dalit girls are trapped in a school bus and subjected to a brutal assault by a group of men. Enter Ayan Ranjan (Ayushmann Khurrana), a recent graduate of St. Stephens College, who takes on the role of District Collector in Lalganj. Welcomed by local officers like Bhramadatt Singh (Manoj Pahwa) and Kisan Jatav (Kumud Mishra), Ayan is quickly faced with the stark reality of caste discrimination.
His first day is marked by uncomfortable encounters, such as being denied water from a local shop due to caste barriers and experiencing a patronizing welcome during his party, where he is served with a fresh plate, making it clear that there are rules even in dining. The situation escalates dramatically when, the very next day, the bodies of the assaulted girls are discovered hanging from a tree, while the third victim, Pooja, remains missing.
As forensic expert Dr. Malti Ram (Ronjini Chakraborty) conducts a postmortem, she uncovers disturbing evidence that the girls had been sexually assaulted. Yet, under pressure from Bhramadatt, she is forced to alter her report to cover up the real crime, framing it as an honor killing instead. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Nishaad (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), a revolutionary, retaliates against Jatav and his men, igniting a chain of events that compels Ayan to take a stand for justice.
Realizing the depth of the injustice, Ayan is spurred into action, especially when Gaura (Sayani Gupta), a relative of the victims, provides critical context about the girls' recent demands for a meager salary increase from their employer, a local builder named Anshul Naharia. Determined to dig deeper, Ayan seeks Anshul's testimony despite pushback from Bhramadatt, who wishes to close the case quickly.
During the interrogation, Anshul chillingly declares, > "Their status is what we give them," provoking Ayan to confront the systemic oppression in the political landscape. In response, Ayan makes a bold move by placing a reminder of Article 15 of the Indian Constitution in the police station, emphasizing that any form of caste discrimination is abhorrent and illegal.
Ayan's perseverance pays off when he arranges for a DNA test that ultimately links Anshul to the sexual assaults. However, as he pieces together the evidence of Pooja's fate, he faces obstruction at every turn. The prevailing caste dynamics dissuade others from aiding his investigation, intensifying the challenge he faces. In a desperate plea, he reaches out to Nishaad, seeking support from the disenfranchised Dalit villagers.
With mounting pressure, Ayan escalates the case by involving the CBI, leading to the arrival of investigator Panikar (Nassar). As the investigation unfolds, it emerges that Bhramadatt is not only complicit in the cover-up but also directly involved in the heinous acts committed against the girls.
Through the convictions of old acquaintances like Satyendra (Aakash Dabhade), Ayan gathers enough evidence to arrest Bhramadatt. As the film reaches its climax, the narrative weaves a tapestry of betrayal, systemic injustice, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The climax sees Ayan uncovering Pooja, hidden away and on the verge of despair, leading to the conviction of her tormenters.
Through sheer determination and integrity, Ayan Ranjan emerges as a portrait of hope as he orchestrates a quest for justice amidst a corrupt system. Bhramadatt's ultimate conviction lasts 11 years, symbolizing a small yet significant win against the oppressive forces surrounding them.
