The White Tiger

In 2010, Balram Halwai reaches out to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao via email, sharing the hardships of his life. He articulates a strong belief that the Indian underclass is trapped in servitude, drawing parallels to chickens in a coop, and admires the Chinese for their resistance to British colonial rule.

Growing up in Laxmangarh, Balram earns a scholarship to a prestigious school in Delhi due to his academic brilliance. He identifies as a 'white tiger,' suggesting he is a rare individual destined for greatness, inspired by the idea that anyone can aspire to lead, like the Great Socialist.

Balram's father, a rickshaw puller, struggles to pay off the debts to the village landlord, known as the Stork. The Stork's oppressive demands exemplify the hardships faced by many families in Balram's village, instilling fear through his son, Mukesh 'The Mongoose.'

Under pressure from his grandmother, Balram leaves school and takes a job at a tea stall with his brother Kishan. He feels the weight of his family's economic challenges, and this decision cements the belief that he may be trapped in his circumstances for life.

Tragedy strikes when Balram's father dies from tuberculosis after a long, fruitless journey to a hospital. This death deepens the family's misery and drives home the harsh realities of their impoverished existence.

Balram aspires to become a chauffeur for Ashok, the Stork's son who has returned from the United States. Despite being denied driving lessons by his grandmother, he remains determined to change his fate, finally convincing her to support his ambition.

Balram relocates to Dhanbad, a coal mining hub, to pursue his new career as a chauffeur. His determination leads him to the Stork mansion, where he hopes to prove his worth and escape his oppressive past.

Balram is welcomed into the Stork family as their second driver, where he is subjected to menial tasks and degrading treatment. Despite this, he remains hopeful of a better future while grappling with the complex dynamics of class and caste.

Balram discovers the Stork family's prejudiced attitudes towards different communities, evidenced during a visit to a mosque while following the primary driver. This revelation highlights the systemic inequalities that plague society.

On Pinky's birthday, a terrible accident occurs, leading to the death of a child. Balram's quick thinking allows him to escape the scene, yet the Stork family pressures him into signing a false confession for the incident.

Tensions rise when Ashok learns of Balram's actions to help Pinky at the airport. This marks a turning point for Balram, as he realizes that mere compliance does not provide the security he desperately craves.

In a bid for financial independence, Balram starts generating fake invoices and secretly runs an unregistered taxi service. His entrepreneurial spirit clashes with the harsh realities of life as a servant, pushing him further into moral ambiguity.

With mounting pressure from the Stork family and Ashok's plans to replace him, Balram faces a critical decision. The Great Socialist's demand for a massive bribe leaves Balram reeling, leading to his breaking point.

In a moment of desperation, Balram confronts and murders Ashok with a broken whiskey bottle. Seizing the opportunity, he absconds with stolen money, embracing a new identity as he flees his past.

Arriving in Bangalore, Balram utilizes the stolen funds to create his own successful taxi company. He embraces his newfound freedom while reflecting on the consequences of his actions and supporting his family back home.