Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

The film opens during the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, where Milkha Singh's coach passionately exclaims, 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag!' This phrase echoes Milkha's haunting childhood memories that overshadow his racing career, culminating in a disheartening fourth-place finish.

In 1947, the Partition of India causes chaos and mass religious violence in Punjab, tragically resulting in the deaths of Milkha's parents. This traumatic event shapes Milkha's early life and sets the stage for his future challenges as a survivor.

After the horrific events of the Partition, Milkha relocates to Delhi where he eventually reunites with his sister. This new city provides a backdrop for his early struggles as he navigates life in impoverished refugee camps.

While living in refugee camps in Delhi, Milkha finds companionship among fellow refugees and resorts to petty theft to survive. Amidst this turmoil, he meets Biro, who inspires him to live with integrity and aim for a better future.

Milkha's life takes a turn when he joins the army, where he impresses a Havaldar by winning a race that offers milk and eggs as a reward. This victory leads to his selection for a commission, sparking his journey toward becoming a champion athlete.

On the eve of the Indian team's selection for the Olympics, Milkha faces ridicule and violence from senior competitors who feel threatened by his talent. Despite being injured, he shows remarkable determination and breaks the national record in the race, returning home as a champion.

Returning home as a national champion, Milkha proposes to Biro, only to discover that she has been married off while he was away. This heartbreaking revelation adds to the emotional weight of his journey, shaking his sense of achievement.

During the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Milkha engages in a regrettable one-night stand with his Australian technical coach's granddaughter. This distraction leads to a poor performance in his final race, leaving him consumed by guilt as he reflects on his mistakes.

On his journey back to India, Milkha learns the world record for the 400m race stands at 45.90 seconds. Motivated by this knowledge, he dedicates himself to rigorous training, ultimately achieving an incredible time of 45.80 seconds at the Asian Games in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru persuades Milkha to lead the Indian team for a friendly race in Pakistan. However, he struggles with distractions and past traumas as he returns to his village, recalling the traumatic murder of his parents.

During his visit to the village, Milkha recalls his father's last words, 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag!' This emotional encounter revitalizes his spirit, as he connects with a boy who turns out to be the son of a childhood friend.

As the race begins in Pakistan, Milkha faces initial challenges as the Pakistani favorite leads. However, with resilience and determination, he steadily overtakes his competitors, ultimately clinching victory and earning respect from both nations.

His impressive performance in the race earns him the title of 'The Flying Sikh' from General Ayub Khan, the Pakistani president. This accolade highlights his status as a sports icon and an emblem of unity.

In recognition of Milkha's achievements, Prime Minister Nehru proclaims a day in his honor as a 'National Holiday.' This gesture underscores the significance of his journey and the struggles he overcame to reach greatness.