The Forty-Year-Old Version

Radha is introduced as a playwright and teacher who is close to her 40th birthday. She carries the weight of her unfulfilled potential, particularly the promise associated with her winning a 30 under 30 award nearly a decade prior.

Radha's agent and friend, Archie, presents her latest play, Harlem Ave, to producer J. Whitman. The meeting turns confrontational when Whitman suggests that her writing should delve more into Black suffering, leading Radha to throttle him in anger.

After feeling lost in her career, Radha hears rap music outside her apartment, reminding her of her former passion. She decides to pursue rap again, choosing the name RadhaMUSprime as a fresh start.

Radha tracks down D, a music producer, who initially appears distant and unenthusiastic about working with her. However, when they collaborate on a track, D becomes impressed and invites her to showcase her work.

Before her performance at the showcase, Radha gets high and suffers a mental lapse, forgetting her lyrics. This embarrassing incident occurs in front of her students, highlighting her vulnerability as both an artist and a teacher.

Archie exploits the recent death of Radha's mother to persuade Whitman into producing Harlem Ave. However, Whitman’s condition for the production is for Radha to include a white character, a compromise that troubles her.

As the play moves into workshop stages, Radha feels increasingly uncomfortable with the artistic compromises she must make. The pressure to appeal to white audiences begins to weigh heavily on her.

Despite the setback during her performance, D remains supportive, encouraging Radha to persevere in her rap career. Their bond deepens when they share a night out at an all-woman rap battle in the Bronx.

After a night of connection, Radha retreats from D, insisting that she needs to focus on her play. This moment signifies her struggle to balance her newfound passion for rap with her existing commitments.

While cleaning out her late mother's apartment with her brother, Radha reflects on her mother's journey as a struggling artist. This gives her a new perspective as her brother views their mother as a talented Renaissance woman rather than a failure.

On the night of her play's opening, Radha takes an unexpected stance during the curtain call. She openly criticizes her own work, rapping about the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision, a powerful declaration of independence.

In a dramatic turn of events, Radha fires Archie as he is quitting. This marks a decisive moment in reclaiming her autonomy and shedding the influence of those who have pressured her to compromise her art.

After her bold declaration, Radha rushes to D's apartment, seeking solace and reconnection. Their relationship reignites as they find common ground in their struggles as artists.

The film concludes with Radha and D walking together, symbolizing a new path forward. D beatboxes while Radha raps, showcasing her artistic rebirth as the visual tone shifts from monochrome to vibrant color.