Shankar Dada Zindabad

Shankar Dada rules his turf as a local gangster, with ATM as his trusted aide. The two operate in the city with a mix of fear and loyalty shaping their daily routines. This setup establishes the power dynamic that drives much of the plot.

Shankar is captivated by Jahnavi's voice when she hosts an FM program. He becomes determined to meet her in person after listening for a while. This budding attraction sets the romantic pursuit at the center of the story.

A contest celebrating Gandhi's teachings is announced with the prize of meeting Jahnavi. Shankar, determined to win, forcibly enlists a handful of professors to craft a credible persona and help him secure victory. The plan hinges on appearing educated and Gandhi-inspired enough to catch her attention.

With the professors' coaching, Shankar's performance convinces the judges and he wins the contest. The fake professors shape his persona and mentor him through the questions and answers. This victory opens the path to meeting Jahnavi.

Shankar meets Jahnavi following his victory and is surprised by her warmth. She invites him to the 'Second Innings' House, a place where Gandhigiri lessons are preached. The invitation marks the shift from pursuit to involvement with Gandhi's ideas.

Jahnavi brings Shankar to the Second Innings House, where a group of old men lecture on Gandhi and nonviolence. The old men become Shankar's mentors, providing moral context for his evolving outlook. Shankar starts to see Gandhi's influence as a tool for societal change.

With few other options, Shankar visits a library to study Gandhi's principles. He immerses himself in Gandhi's writings and lessons, hoping to transform his approach to power. The research marks a turning point as nonviolence begins to guide his actions.

During his study, Shankar experiences a hallucinatory encounter with Gandhi (Bapu), who speaks about nonviolence and social responsibility. The vision steers him toward a nonviolent approach to his rivals and his community. This internal guidance becomes the backbone of his public messages.

Shankar begins to replace Dadagiri with Gandhigiri as he faces pressure from Rajalingam. He engages in nonviolent protests and uses the old men's wisdom to guide his actions. The shift marks a moral pivot that threatens his criminal reputation while earning public sympathy.

Rajalingam schemes to forcefully buy out the Second Innings House and separate Jahnavi from Shankar's influence. He orchestrates a foreign trip for Shankar, Jahnavi, and the old men to vacate the building, unaware of his true plan. The move sets the stage for a direct confrontation built on Gandhigiri, not dhandha.

Shankar returns from the trip furious and demands the building be returned. He publicly embraces Gandhigiri to resist the move and protect those at Second Innings House. During the tension, Shankar reveals to Jahnavi that he was never a professor—only a local dada.

Jahnavi confronts the truth about Shankar's past and feels betrayed by the deception. She is hurt and leaves him, causing a rift in their relationship. Their separation becomes a test of the Gandhi-inspired ideals they had been sharing.

As Rajalingam's plan progresses, the bridegroom's father initially cancels the marriage. But the groom himself remains a fan of Shankar after hearing him on the FM program, insisting on the union. Shankar steps in to mediate, showing his reconciled Gandhian stance and pushing for a solution.

With the tension resolved, Shankar and Jahnavi reunite and acknowledge their feelings. They recognize that Gandhigiri and honesty have strengthened their bond. The ending closes on a note of hope as they move forward together.