In 1943, amidst the turmoil of the Second World War, India finds itself in a fierce struggle for independence from British rule. Subash Chandra Bose, the founder of the Indian National Army (INA), grows increasingly disillusioned with Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa or non-violence, opting instead to confront tyranny head-on. With the Imperial Japanese Army gaining ground in the Indo-China region, the INA forms an alliance with the Japanese, aspiring to leverage their strength to push towards Delhi.
While Indian soldiers entrenched in the British Indian Army engage in fierce confrontations against both the INA and its Japanese allies, Jemadar Nawab Malik (Shahid Kapoor) finds himself caught in a perilous situation while serving alongside his comrades near the Indo-Burma border. As they attempt to escape via a barge, he is shot and taken prisoner. Back in India, the captivating Julia (Kangana Ranaut), an esteemed star of Indian cinema, dazzles audiences with her performances, conveying bravery through art. Her devoted confidant, Zulfi (Saharsh Shukla), serves as both her butler and make-up artist, assisting her in navigating her stardom.
The films in which Julia shines are produced by Rustom "Rusi" Billimoria (Saif Ali Khan](/actor/saif-ali-khan)), a former action star whose career was abruptly ended due to a tragic accident that cost him his hand. Serving as Julia's mentor and the head of a production house, Billimoria maintains a cordial relationship with Major General David Harding (Richard McCabe), the local British commander. At a gathering hosted by Billimoria, Harding stumbles upon a stunning royal sword adorned with jewels, belonging to a Maharajah (Surendra Pal). Taken aback by Harding's arrogance, the Maharajah decides to send the sword to the Indo-Burma border, where it might be utilized to equip the INA's artillery and aid in driving the British out of India.
An opportunity arises when Harding suggests dispatching Julia and her troupe to boost the morale of his troops stationed at the front. Despite their initial resistance, as Billimoria fears for Julia's safety in conflict zones, Harding employs intimidation by threatening to halt film stock shipments due to ongoing troubles with Germany. As their relationship strains under the pressure of his wife's demands for a divorce and family complications, Julia embarks on her journey.
Once on the train, Malik, assumed to have escaped from captivity, is assigned to protect Julia — much to her displeasure. When a Japanese aerial attack strikes while they cross a river, chaos ensues, resulting in significant casualties. Believing Julia has perished, Japanese soldiers close in on her, but her unexpected rescuer Malik captures one of them, Hiromichi (Satoru Kawaguchi), taking him prisoner to aid their escape back to the Indian border. As they progress through the treacherous, rain-soaked jungle, tension mounts between Malik and Hiromichi as they narrowly avoid deadly traps, while Julia's innate compassion softens Malik’s hardened resolve. Amidst the strife, an undeniable romance blossoms between Malik and Julia, even as they both understand the painful truth that their time together is ephemeral; Julia is expected to reunite with Billimoria.
Upon returning to India, Harding renews his proposal for Julia to perform at the front lines, this time with enhanced protection. Julia's feelings for Malik surface, leading her to advocate for his recognition and to insist he partakes in a show. Billimoria, suspicious of her behavior, uncovers the truth after witnessing a fervent moment shared between Julia and Malik during an air raid. Fueled by a thirst for revenge, Billimoria infiltrates Julia's show as a stage hand, revealing his knowledge of her infidelity and becoming intent on a confrontation with Malik.
Meanwhile, Zulfi, unnoticed as a spy for the INA, receives orders to bring the sword back to his allies. He cleverly conceals his true allegiance while acting as a member of Julia's troupe, even as he faces racism from Major Williams (Alex Avery). Zulfi's explosive remarks targeting the British during a performance have dire consequences, leading to his tragic death at the hands of Williams, further igniting the flames of Julia's resistance and grief.
Compelled to assist Malik and the INA, Julia’s resolve solidifies, leading her to extract Malik from captivity to finish Zulfi's mission of delivering the sword. As they strive for their goal, Malik and Julia are cornered on a treacherous bridge by British forces. In a desperate bid for survival and unity, Malik encourages Julia to cross, drawing enemy fire upon himself and suffering fatal wounds, all for her safety.
As the conflict reaches its climax, Billimoria, seeking redemption, pledges to complete Julia’s last wish: to ensure the sword reaches the INA. In an explosive confrontation, Billimoria unleashes his fury upon the British troops, claiming the sword, culminating in a powerful assertion of independence as the INA raises the Indian flag in 1944.
