Murad Ahmed, portrayed by Ranveer Singh, is a final-year college student residing in the challenging environment of the Dharavi slums in Mumbai. His life takes a tumultuous turn when his father, Aftab Shakir Ahmed, an abusive man, brings home a much younger second wife. This new family dynamic causes unrest, particularly with Murad's mother, Razia Ahmed, who feels her status has been reduced to that of a mere maid.
Though influenced by his friend Moeen Arif into a world of carjacking, Murad fundamentally rejects a life of crime. His heart is set on his love for rap music, which serves as an outlet for his frustrations and aspirations. His possessive girlfriend, Safeena Firdausi, who is training to become a surgeon, meets him clandestinely. She becomes increasingly erratic, struggling with her inability to cope with Murad's relationships, leading to tensions with her parents, Nasir and Hamida.
Determined to forge his own path, Murad takes up a part-time job as a chauffeur after his father sustains an injury. During this time, he begins to write lyrics that reflect the socioeconomic disparities he witnesses daily. Fate intervenes when he encounters local rapper MC Sher at a college event. Drawn into the underground rap scene, Murad begins performing at various events, even uploading his work on YouTube.
The initial steps are daunting; however, under Sher's mentorship, Murad learns to own his narrative. He grapples with self-doubt but ultimately performs "Apna time Aayega" in front of a live audience for the first time. After facing initial setbacks, including a humiliating experience during a rap battle, Sher encourages him to channel his anger and frustrations into his music.
As Murad’s journey progresses, his burgeoning fame catches the attention of Shweta "Sky" Mehta, a musician studying at Berklee College. Sky proposes a collaboration after viewing his online video, leading to an intimate moment that complicates Murad's relationship with Safeena. Fueled by jealousy, Safeena confronts Sky, resulting in violence and revealing deep cracks in her character.
Tensions escalate further when Murad’s friendship with Moeen deteriorates due to illegal activities, leading to a confrontation that puts Moeen behind bars while key decisions about Murad's future loom. Despite the struggles, Murad manages to secure a spot in a contest to earn an opportunity to open for the renowned rapper Nas, which includes a substantial cash prize.
As fate would have it, Murad advances to the finals, bolstered by the support of enthusiastic fans who appreciate his work. He eventually confronts his father and uncle Ateeq, standing up for his passion. In a triumphant moment, he reconciles with Safeena and, ultimately, wins the rap contest, propelling him into the limelight and establishing him as one of India’s leading rappers.
The film culminates with a proud moment where his family, friends, and Safeena witness his electrifying opening performance, a defining moment that embodies his hard work and determination. In a final act of loyalty, Murad uses his prize money to bail out Moeen, illustrating the bonds of friendship he still cherishes amidst his newfound fame.
