The film opens with Dastan, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, a young prince adopted by King Sharaman. Dastan, once a street urchin in Nasaf, captured the attention of the king when he bravely defended an unjustly persecuted boy named Bis (Reece Ritchie), demonstrating remarkable agility by vaulting over the rooftops to escape the royal guard. During his capture, King Sharaman, recognizing the orphan's courage, decided to adopt him.
Fast forward 15 years, Dastan takes a leading role in an assault on the city of Alamut, which has been accused of weapons trafficking by the cunning advisor Nizam (played by Ben Kingsley). Despite Sharaman’s orders to capture the rival city of Kosh without harming Alamut, Nizam coerces Dastan’s brother Tus (Richard Coyle) into attacking the innocent city. The Persian forces swiftly overpower Alamut, and amidst the chaos, Dastan captures its fierce princess, Tamina (portrayed by Gemma Arterton). In a desperate bid to prevent her own fate, Tamina agrees to marry Tus, advocating for the people of Alamut’s mercy.
Upon learning of the siege, King Sharaman confronts his sons about their actions. During a banquet, Dastan finds himself framed for Sharaman’s murder after Nizam poisons a ceremonial robe meant as a gift. With the rightful heir now an outlaw, Dastan becomes a fugitive, seeking to clear his name as his brothers, including Garsiv (Toby Kebbell), hunt him down. Tamina, revealing her true allegiance, aids Dastan as they narrowly escape death.
Amidst peril, Dastan discovers the dagger of time, an ancient artifact that allows him to rewind a minute, retaining memories from the past events. However, after using up the sand within, he learns from Tamina that the dagger holds ancient powers linked to a world-ending sandstorm, contingent upon locating the Sandglass, a crystal containing the sands. Nizam’s treacherous motives are unveiled: he desires to use the dagger’s powers to rewrite history, ensuring his ascension to the throne.
In a twist of fate, during their flight, they encounter Sheik Amar (Alfred Molina), a merchant who captures Dastan for the king’s reward but ultimately turns ally. The narrative unfolds with increasing tension, leading to a final confrontation in the catacombs of Alamut. Nizam's intention to unleash the dying sands sets the stage for an epic showdown. Amidst the climactic battle, Tamina sacrifices herself to secure Dastan’s chance to wield the dagger and avert catastrophe.
In a masterstroke of fate and timing, Dastan rewinds the events leading to the kingdom's turmoil, exposing Nizam’s treachery before he meets his end at the hands of Tus. In a gesture of reconciliation, Dastan and Tamina's union is proposed, symbolizing a newfound hope for their kingdoms. As they discuss their future, Dastan alludes to the dagger's enduring legacy, hinting at adventures yet to come.
